bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Effects on Carotid Intima-Media Thickness
Authors: Paternoster Lavinia , Martinez-Gonzalez Nahara A. , Charleton Rebecca , Chung Mabel , Lewis Steff , Sudlow Cathie L.M.
Published: December 2009

Background—

Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is highly heritable and associated with stroke and myocardial infarction, making it a promising quantitative intermediate phenotype for genetic studies of vascular disease. There have been many CIMT candidate gene association studies, but no systematic review to identify consistent, reliable findings.

Methods and Results—

We comprehensively sought all published studies of association between CIMT and any genetic polymorphism. We obtained additional unpublished data and performed meta-analyses for the 5 most commonly studied genes (studied in at least 2 studies in a total of >5000 subjects). We used a 3-step meta-analysis method: meta-analysis of variance; genetic model selection; and random effects meta-analysis of the mean CIMT difference between genotypes. We performed subgroup analyses to investigate effects of ethnicity, vascular risk status, and study size. We accounted for potential reporting bias by assessing qualitatively the possible effects of including unavailable data. Polymorphisms in 3 of the 5 genes (apolipoprotein E, angiotensin I converting enzyme, and 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) had an apparent association with CIMT, but for all these, we found evidence of small study bias. Apolipoprotein E ε2/ε3/ε4 was the only polymorphism with a persistent, statistically significant but modest association when we restricted analysis to larger studies (>1000 subjects).

Conclusions—

Of the most extensively studied polymorphisms, apolipoprotein E ε2/ε3/ε4 is the only one so far with a convincing association with CIMT. Larger studies than have generally been performed so far may be needed to confirm the associations identified in future genome-wide association studies, and to investigate modification of effect according to characteristics such as ethnicity and vascular risk status.
Growth-Differentiation Factor-15 for Long-Term Risk Prediction in Patients Stabilized After an Episode of Non–ST-Segment–Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Eggers Kai M. , Kempf Tibor , Lagerqvist Bo , Lindahl Bertil , Olofsson Sylvia , Jantzen Franziska , Peter Timo , Allhoff Tim , Siegbahn Agneta , Venge Per , Wollert Kai C. , Wallentin Lars
Published: December 2009

Background—

Growth-differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) has emerged as a prognostic biomarker in patients with non–ST-segment–elevation acute coronary syndrome. This study assessed the time course and the long-term prognostic relevance of GDF-15 levels measured repetitively in patients with non–ST-segment–elevation acute coronary syndrome during 6 months after the acute event.

Methods and Results—

GDF-15 and other biomarkers were measured at randomization, after 6 weeks, and after 3 and 6 months in 950 patients with non–ST-segment–elevation acute coronary syndrome included in the FRagmin and Fast Revascularization during InStability in Coronary artery disease II study. Study end points were death, recurrent myocardial infarction, and their composite during 5-year follow-up. Median GDF-15 levels decreased slightly from 1357 ng/L at randomization to 1302 ng/L at 6 months (
P
<0.001). GDF-15 was consistently related to cardiovascular risk factors and biochemical markers of hemodynamic stress, renal dysfunction, and inflammation. Moreover, GDF-15 was independently related to the 5-year risk of the composite end point when measured at both 3 months (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.8 [1.0 to 3.0]) and 6 months (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.3 [1.3 to 4.1]). Serial measurements of GDF-15 at randomization and 6 months helped to identify patient cohorts at different levels of risk, with patients with persistently elevated GDF-15 levels >1800 ng/L having the highest rate of the composite end point.

Conclusions—

GDF-15 is independently related to adverse events in non–ST-segment–elevation acute coronary syndrome both in the acute setting and for at least 6 months after clinical stabilization. Therefore, continued research on GDF-15 should be focused on the usefulness of GDF-15 for support of clinical management in acute and chronic ischemic heart disease.
Investigation of Variants Identified in Caucasian Genome-Wide Association Studies for Plasma High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Triglycerides Levels in Mexican Dyslipidemic Study Samples
Authors: Weissglas-Volkov Daphna , Aguilar-Salinas Carlos A. , Sinsheimer Janet S. , Riba Laura , Huertas-Vazquez Adriana , Ordoñez-Sánchez Maria L. , Rodriguez-Guillen Rosario , Cantor Rita M. , Tusie-Luna Teresa , Pajukanta Päivi
Published: December 2009

Background—Although epidemiological studies have demonstrated an increased predisposition to low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high triglyceride levels in the Mexican population, Mexicans have not been included in any of the previously reported genome-wide association studies for lipids.

Methods and Results—We investigated 6 single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with triglycerides, 7 with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and 1 with both triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in recent Caucasian genome-wide association studies in Mexican familial combined hyperlipidemia families and hypertriglyceridemia case-control study samples. These variants were within or near the genesABCA1,ANGPTL3,APOA5,APOB,CETP,GALNT2,GCKR,LCAT,LIPC,LPL (2),MMAB-MVK,TRIB1, andXKR6-AMAC1L2. We performed a combined analysis of the family-based and case-control studies (n=2298) using theZmethod to combine statistics. Ten of the single-nucleotide polymorphisms were nominally significant and 5 were significant after Bonferroni correction (P=2.20�10−3to 2.6�10−11) for the number of tests performed (APOA5, CETP, GCKR, and GALNT2). Interestingly, our strongest signal was obtained for triglycerides with the minor allele of rs964184 (P=2.6�10−11) in the APOA1/C3/A4/A5 gene cluster region that is significantly more common in Mexicans (27%) than in whites (12%).

Conclusions—It is important to confirm whether known loci have a consistent effect across ethnic groups. We show replication of 5 Caucasian genome-wide association studies lipid associations in Mexicans. The remaining loci will require a comprehensive investigation to exclude or verify their significance in Mexicans. We also demonstrate that rs964184 has a large effect (odds ratio, 1.74) and is more frequent in the Mexican population, and thus it may contribute to the high predisposition to dyslipidemias in Mexicans.
“I Am Not Now Who I Used to Be Then”: Risk Assessment and the Maturation of Long-Term Prison Inmates
Authors: Toch Hans
Published: December 2009

The average long-term prisoner’s risk of reoffending diminishes with age, in part because some prisoners experience significant maturation and undergo substantial and relevant personality change. This process can be supported by prison staff through the sponsorship of activities and programming designed to promote personal development. Prisoner-release decisions that emphasize offense-related information can take greater account of prisoners’ efforts and achievements in confinement.
Advances in Career Theory and Research: A Critical Review and Agenda for Future Exploration
Authors: Sullivan Sherry E. , Baruch Yehuda
Published: December 2009

In this review the authors critically examine the nature of contemporary careers and the direction in which careers research has developed over the past decade. Specifically, career concepts that emerged in the 1990s, including the protean and boundaryless career frameworks, as well as the next generation of career concepts, including integrative frameworks, hybrid careers, and the kaleidoscope career model, are discussed. The authors examine conceptualizations and measures of these models as well as related research. This review aims to improve our understanding of careers in today’s dynamic work environment, provide a comprehensive discussion of current discourse, and offer major directions for future research.
The axillary artery as an alternative site of cannulation for redo port access-assisted minimally invasive mitral valve surgery: early report of 2 cases
Authors: Totaro Pasquale , Zattera Giuseppe , Alloni Alessia , Cattadori Barbara , Degani Antonella , Massimiliano Grande Antonino , Monterosso Cristian , D'Armini Andrea Maria , Vigano Mario
Published: December 2009

The minimally invasive Heartport (HP)-assisted technique has become first choice option for mitral valve surgery in many centres.The pool of patients potentially treated using HP techniques, however, is still limited by the presence of peripheral vessel disease, expecially in the elderly population. Alternative approaches to using the HP technique safely in such a subset of patients, therefore, should be evaluated. Here, we present our preliminary experience using the axillary artery as an alternative site of cannulation for HP-assisted redo mitral valve surgery in patients with concomitant peripheral vessel disease.
Views on Treatment Necessity, Harm, and Benefits in Patients Using Statins
Authors: Lytsy Per , Burell Gunilla , Westerling Ragnar
Published: December 2009

Background. Patients with dyslipidemia and high overall risk of ischemic heart disease are those most likely to benefit from treatment with statins. The objective of this study was to investigate patients’ views of the necessity, harm, and expected benefits of their statin treatment, as well as factors associated with these treatment beliefs. One main objective was to investigate whether cardiovascular risk level and previous coronary heart disease affect the way patients view these different aspects of their medication. Methods. A total of 829 statin users were recruited while visiting a pharmacy to collect their statin medication (response rate, 69.4%). Patients returned a questionnaire assessing their medical history, concurrent risk status, social demographic factors, as well as their views and expectations regarding their statin treatment. Results. Previous ischemic heart disease, or high risk of such disease, was not associated with a more favorable notion on statin treatment. Having an internal health locus of control as well as being satisfied with the physician’s treatment explanation were factors associated with more positive views on expected treatment effect. The views on necessity, harm, and treatment benefit were closely associated with each other. Conclusion. The main findings in this study suggest that cardiovascular risk level and previous coronary heart disease are not associated with the way patients value potential benefits of statin treatment. Patients’ views of the treatment’s necessity, harm, and benefits do not seem to be independent dimensions of patient beliefs but rather represent one overall question: is this good for me?
Observability-based Rules for Designing Consistent EKF SLAM Estimators
Authors: Huang Guoquan P. , Mourikis Anastasios I. , Roumeliotis Stergios I.
Published: December 2009

In this work, we study the inconsistency problem of extended Kalman filter (EKF)-based simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) from the perspective of observability. We analytically prove that when the Jacobians of the process and measurement models are evaluated at the latest state estimates during every time step, the linearized error-state system employed in the EKF has an observable subspace of dimension higher than that of the actual, non-linear, SLAM system. As a result, the covariance estimates of the EKF undergo reduction in directions of the state space where no information is available, which is a primary cause of the inconsistency. Based on these theoretical results, we propose a general framework for improving the consistency of EKF-based SLAM. In this framework, the EKF linearization points are selected in a way that ensures that the resulting linearized system model has an observable subspace of appropriate dimension. We describe two algorithms that are instances of this paradigm. In the first, termed observability constrained (OC)-EKF, the linearization points are selected so as to minimize their expected errors (i.e. the difference between the linearization point and the true state) under the observability constraints. In the second, the filter Jacobians are calculated using the first-ever available estimates for all state variables. This latter approach is termed first-estimates Jacobian (FEJ)-EKF. The proposed algorithms have been tested both in simulation and experimentally, and are shown to significantly outperform the standard EKF both in terms of accuracy and consistency.
Three-dimensional Motion Tracking for Beating Heart Surgery Using a Thin-plate Spline Deformable Model
Authors: Richa Rogério , Poignet Philippe , Chao Liu
Published: December 2009

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery offers important benefits for the patient but it also imposes several challenges for the surgeon. Robotic assistance has been proposed to overcome many of the difficulties inherent to the minimally invasive procedure, but so far no solutions for compensating physiological motion are present in the existing surgical robotic platforms. In beating heart surgery, cardiac and respiratory motions are important sources of disturbance, hindering the surgeon’s gestures and limiting the types of procedures that can be performed in a minimally invasive fashion. In this context, computer vision techniques can be used for retrieving the heart motion for active motion stabilization, which improves the precision and repeatability of the surgical gestures. However, efficient tracking of the heart surface is a challenging problem due to the heart surface characteristics, large deformations and the complex illumination conditions. In this article, we present an efficient method for active cancellation of cardiac motion where we combine an efficient algorithm for 3D tracking of the heart surface based on a thin-plate spline deformable model and an illumination compensation algorithm able to cope with arbitrary illumination changes. The proposed method has two novelties: the thin-plate spline model for representing the heart surface deformations and an efficient parametrization for 3D tracking of the beating heart using stereo images from a calibrated stereo endoscope. The proposed tracking method has been evaluated offline on in vivo images acquired by a DaVinci surgical robotic platform.
Oral Keratinocyte Responses to Nickel-based Dental Casting Alloys In Vitro
Authors: Wylie C.M. , Davenport A.J. , Cooper P.R. , Shelton R.M.
Published: December 2009

Adverse reactions of oral mucosa to nickel-based dental casting alloys are probably due to corrosion metal ion release. We exposed H400 oral keratinocytes to two Ni-based dental alloys (Matchmate and Dsign10) as well as NiCl 2 (1—40 μg/mL Ni2+). Alloy derived Ni2+ media concentrations were determined. Direct culture on both alloys resulted in inhibited growth with a greater effect observed for Dsign10 (higher ion release). Indirect exposure of cells to conditioned media from Dsign10 negatively affected cell numbers (~64% of control by 6 days) and morphology while Matchmate-derived media did not. Exposure to increasing NiCl2 negatively affected cell growth and morphology, and the Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) transcript was significantly up-regulated in cells following direct and indirect exposure to Dsign10. NiCl2 exposure up-regulated all cytokine transcripts at 1 day. At day 6, IL-1β and IL-8 transcripts were suppressed while GM-CSF and IL-11 increased with Ni2+ dose. Accumulation of Ni2+ ions from alloys in oral tissues may affect keratinocyte viability and chronic inflammation.
ROCK1 functions as a suppressor of inflammatory cell migration by regulating PTEN phosphorylation and stability
Authors: Vemula Sasidhar , Shi Jianjian , Hanneman Philip , Wei Lei , Kapur Reuben
Published: December 2009

Rho kinases belong to a family of serine/threonine kinases whose role in recruitment and migration of inflammatory cells is poorly understood. We show that deficiency of ROCK1 results in increased recruitment and migration of macrophages and neutrophils in vitro and in vivo. Enhanced migration resulting from ROCK1 deficiency is observed despite normal expression of ROCK2 and a significant reduction in overall ROCK activity. ROCK1 directly binds PTEN in response to receptor activation and is essential for PTEN phosphorylation and stability. In the absence of ROCK1, PTEN phosphorylation, stability, and its activity are significantly impaired. Consequently, increased activation of downstream targets of PTEN, including PIP3, AKT, GSK-3β, and cyclin D1, is observed. Our results reveal ROCK1 as a physiologic regulator of PTEN whose function is to repress excessive recruitment of macrophages and neutrophils during acute inflammation.
Targeting distinct tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells by inhibiting CSF-1 receptor: combating tumor evasion of antiangiogenic therapy
Authors: Priceman Saul J. , Sung James L. , Shaposhnik Zory , Burton Jeremy B. , Torres-Collado Antoni X. , Moughon Diana L. , Johnson Mai , Lusis Aldons J. , Cohen Donald A. , Iruela-Arispe M. Luisa , Wu Lily
Published: December 2009

Tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells (TIMs) support tumor growth by promoting angiogenesis and suppressing antitumor immune responses. CSF-1 receptor (CSF1R) signaling is important for the recruitment of CD11b+F4/80+ tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and contributes to myeloid cell-mediated angiogenesis. However, the impact of the CSF1R signaling pathway on other TIM subsets, including CD11b+Gr-1+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), is unknown. Tumor-infiltrating MDSCs have also been shown to contribute to tumor angiogenesis and have recently been implicated in tumor resistance to antiangiogenic therapy, yet their precise involvement in these processes is not well understood. Here, we use the selective pharmacologic inhibitor of CSF1R signaling, GW2580, to demonstrate that CSF-1 regulates the tumor recruitment of CD11b+Gr-1loLy6Chi mononuclear MDSCs. Targeting these TIM subsets inhibits tumor angiogenesis associated with reduced expression of proangiogenic and immunosuppressive genes. Combination therapy using GW2580 with an anti–VEGFR-2 antibody synergistically suppresses tumor growth and severely impairs tumor angiogenesis along with reverting at least one TIM-mediated antiangiogenic compensatory mechanism involving MMP-9. These data highlight the importance of CSF1R signaling in the recruitment and function of distinct TIM subsets, including MDSCs, and validate the benefits of targeting CSF1R signaling in combination with antiangiogenic drugs for the treatment of solid cancers.
Lenalidomide plus dexamethasone versus thalidomide plus dexamethasone in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: a comparative analysis of 411 patients
Authors: Gay Francesca , Hayman Suzanne R. , Lacy Martha Q. , Buadi Francis , Gertz Morie A. , Kumar Shaji , Dispenzieri Angela , Mikhael Joseph R. , Bergsagel P. Leif , Dingli David , Reeder Craig B. , Lust John A. , Russell Stephen J. , Roy Vivek , Zeldenrust Steven R. , Witzig Thomas E. , Fonseca Rafael , Kyle Robert A. , Greipp Philip R. , Stewart A. Keith , Rajkumar S. Vincent
Published: December 2009

The objective of this case-control study was to compare the efficacy and toxicity of lenalidomide plus dexamethasone (len/dex) versus thalidomide plus dexamethasone (thal/dex) as initial therapy for newly diagnosed myeloma. We retrospectively studied 411 newly diagnosed patients treated with len/dex (228) or thal/dex (183) at the Mayo Clinic. The differences were similar in a matched-pair analysis that adjusted for age, sex, transplantation status, and dexamethasone dose. The proportions of patients achieving at least a partial response to len/dex and thal/dex were 80.3% versus 61.2%, respectively (P < .001); very good partial response rates were 34.2% and 12.0%, respectively (P < .001). Patients receiving len/dex had longer time to progression (median, 27.4 vs 17.2 months; P = .019), progression-free survival (median, 26.7 vs 17.1 months; P = .036), and overall survival (median not reached vs 57.2 months; P = .018). A similar proportion of patients in the 2 groups experienced at least one grade 3 or 4 adverse event (57.5% vs 54.6%, P = .568). Main grade 3 or 4 toxicities of len/dex were hematologic, mainly neutropenia (14.6% vs 0.6%, P < .001); the most common toxicities in thal/dex were venous thromboembolism (15.3% vs 9.2%, P = .058) and peripheral neuropathy (10.4% vs 0.9%, P < .001). Len/dex appears well-tolerated and more effective than thal/dex. Randomized trials are needed to confirm these results.
Association of HLA-A, B, DRB1 alleles and haplotypes with HIV-1 infection in Chongqing, China
Authors: Huang Xia , Ling Hua , Mao Wei , Ding Xianbin , Zhou Quanhua , Han Mei , Wang Fang , Cheng Lei , Xiong Hongyan
Published: December 2009

Background

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1(HIV-1) epidemic in Chongqing, China, is increasing rapidly with the dominant subtype of CRF07_BC over the past 3 years. Since human leukocyte antigen (HLA) polymorphisms have shown strong association with susceptibility/resistance to HIV-1 infection from individuals with different ethnic backgrounds, a recent investigation on frequencies of HLA class I and class II alleles in a Chinese cohort also indicated that similar correlation existed in HIV infected individuals from several provinces in China, however, such information is unavailable in Chongqing, southwest China.

Methods

In this population-based study, we performed polymerase chain reaction analysis with sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes (PCR-SSOP) for intermediate-low-resolution HLA typing in a cohort of 549 HIV-1 infected individuals, another 2475 healthy subjects from the Han nationality in Chongqing, China, were selected as population control. We compared frequencies of HLA-A, B, DRB1 alleles, haplotypes and genotypes between the two groups, and analyzed their association with HIV-1 susceptibility or resistance.

Results

The genetic profile of HLA (A, B, DRB1) alleles of HIV-1 infected individuals from Chongqing Han of China was obtained. Several alleles of HLA-B such as B*46 (P = 0.001, OR = 1.38, 95%CI = 1.13-1.68), B*1501G(B62) (P = 0.013, OR = 1.42, 95%CI = 1.08-1.88), B*67 (P = 0.022, OR = 2.76, 95%CI = 1.16-6.57), B*37 (P = 0.014, OR = 1.93, 95%CI = 1.14-3.28) and B*52 (P = 0.038, OR = 1.64, 95%CI = 1.03-2.61) were observed to have association with susceptibility to HIV-1 infection in this population. In addition, the haplotype analysis revealed that A*11-B*46, A*24-B*54 and A*01-B*37 for 2-locus, and A*11-B*46-DRB1*09, A*02-B*46-DRB1*08, A*11-B*4001G-DRB1*15, A*02-B*4001G-DRB1*04, A*11-B*46-DRB1*08 and A*02-B*4001G-DRB1*12 for 3-locus had significantly overrepresented in HIV-1 infected individuals, whereas A*11-B*1502G, A*11-B*1502G-DRB1*12 and A*33-B*58-DRB1*13 were underrepresented. However, the low-resolution homozygosity of HLA-A, B, DRB1 loci and HLA-Bw4/Bw6 genotypes did not differ significantly between the two groups.

Conclusion

These results may contribute to the database of HLA profiles in HIV-1 infected Chinese population, consequently, the association of certain HLA alleles with susceptibility or resistance to HIV-1 infection would provide with clues in choosing proper preventive strategies against HIV-1 infection and developing effective HIV-1 vaccines in Chinese population, especially for those in southwest China.
A Role of Periaqueductal Grey NR2B-Containing NMDA Receptor in Mediating Persistent Inflammatory Pain
Authors: Hu Jing , Wang Zhe , Guo Yan-Yan , Zhang Xiao-Nan , Xu Zhao-Hui , Liu Shui-Bing , Guo g-Ju , Yang Qi , Zhang Fu-Xing , Sun Xiao-Li , Zhao Ming-Gao
Published: December 2009

The midbrain periaqueductal grey (PAG) is a structure known for its roles in pain transmission and modulation. Noxious stimuli potentiate the glutamate synaptic transmission and enhance glutamate NMDA receptor expression in the PAG. However, little is known about roles of NMDA receptor subunits in the PAG in processing the persistent inflammatory pain. The present study was undertaken to investigate NR2A- and NR2B-containing NMDA receptors in the PAG and their modulation to the peripheral painful inflammation. Noxious stimuli induced by hind-paw injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) caused up-regulation of NR2B-containing NMDA receptors in the PAG, while NR2A-containing NMDA receptors were not altered. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings revealed that NMDA receptor mediated mEPSCs were increased significantly in the PAG synapse during the chronic phases of inflammatory pain in mice. PAG local infusion of Ro 25-6981, an NR2B antagonist, notably prolonged the paw withdrawal latency to thermal radian heat stimuli bilaterally in rats. Hyperoside (Hyp), one of the flavonoids compound isolated from Rhododendron ponticum L., significantly reversed up-regulation of NR2B-containing NMDA receptors in the PAG and exhibited analgesic activities against persistent inflammatory stimuli in mice. Our findings provide strong evidence that up-regulation of NR2B-containing NMDA receptors in the PAG involves in the modulation to the peripheral persistent inflammatory pain.
Association of measures of fetal and childhood growth with
non-clinical psychotic symptoms in 12-year-olds: the ALSPAC
cohort
Authors: Thomas K. , Harrison G. , Zammit S. , Lewis G. , Horwood J. , Heron J. , Hollis C. , Wolke D. , Thompson A. , Gunnell D.
Published: December 2009

Background

Previous studies have suggested that impaired fetal and childhood growth
are associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia, but the
association of pre-adult growth with non-clinical psychotic symptoms
(psychosis-like symptoms) in children is not known.

Aims

To explore the associations of body size at birth and age 7.5 years with
childhood psychosis-like symptoms.

Method

Prospective cohort of children followed up from birth to age 12: the
ALSPAC cohort.

Results

Data on 6000 singleton infants born after 37 weeks of gestation. A one
standard deviation increase in birth weight was associated with an 18%
reduction in the risk of definite psychosis-like symptoms after adjusting
for age and gestation (Odds ratio (OR) = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.73–0.92,
P = 0.001). This association was partly confounded by
maternal anthropometry, smoking during pregnancy, socioeconomic status
and IQ. A similar association was seen for birth length and
psychosis-like symptoms, which disappeared after controlling for birth
weight. There was little evidence for an association of 7-year height or
adiposity with psychosis-like symptoms.

Conclusions

Measures of impaired fetal, but not childhood, growth are associated with
an increased risk of psychosis-like symptoms in 12-year-olds.
Oxytocin Increases Glucose Uptake in Neonatal Rat Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Florian Maria , Jankowski Marek , Gutkowska Jolanta
Published: December 2009

We have recently shown that an entire oxytocin (OT) system, a peptide and its cognate receptors, is synthesized in the heart. In fetal and newborn hearts, OT exists in its extended three-amino acid form, OT-Gly-Lys-Arg (OT-GKR). OT translocates glucose transporter type 4 to the plasma membrane in human endothelial cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that the cardiac OT/OT-GKR system may be involved in the regulation of myocardial glucose uptake in physiological conditions and during metabolic stress such as hypoxia. Primary cultures of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (CM) and cardiac progenitor cells expressing ATP-binding cassette efflux transporter G2 transporter (stem cell marker) were studied. OT (10 nm) increased basal glucose uptake in CM to 4.0 ± 0.2 fmol/mg protein, with OT-GKR (10 nm) elevating it to 5.3 ± 0.4 fmol/mg protein (P < 0.001) in comparison with 2.2 fmol/mg in control cells. OT had a moderate synergistic effect with 0.1 mm 2,4-dinitrophenol, augmenting basal glucose uptake to 5.5 ± 0.5 fmol/mg. OT-GKR (10 nm) was even more potent in combination with 2,4-dinitrophenol, increasing glucose uptake to 9.0 ± 1.0 fmol/mg. Wortmannin (0.1 μm), an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, significantly suppressed the effect of OT and insulin (10 nm) (P < 0.001), indicating common pathways. Our data suggest that OT and OT-GKR influence glucose uptake in neonatal rat CM and may thus play a role in the maintenance of cardiac function and cell survival during metabolic stress.
Use of Mutant Mouse Lines to Investigate Origin of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone-1 Neurons: Lineage Independent of the Adenohypophysis
Authors: Metz Hillery , Wray Susan
Published: December 2009

Mutant mouse lines have been used to study the development of specific neuronal populations and brain structures as well as behaviors. In this report, single- and double-mutant mice were used to examine the lineage of GnRH-1 cells. GnRH is essential for vertebrate reproduction, with either GnRH-1 or GnRH-3 controlling release of gonadotropins from the anterior pituitary, depending on the species. It is clear that the neuroendocrine GnRH cells migrate from extracentral nervous system locations into the forebrain. However, the embryonic origin of GnRH-1 and GnRH-3 cells is controversial and has been suggested to be nasal placode, adenohypophyseal (anterior pituitary) placode, or neural crest, again dependent on the species examined. We found that mutant mice with either missing or disrupted anterior pituitaries (Gli2−/−, Gli1−/−Gli2−/−, and Lhx3−/−) exhibit a normal GnRH-1 neuronal population and that these cells are still found associated with the developing vomeronasal organ. These results indicate that in mice, GnRH-1 cells develop independent of the adenohypophyseal placode and are associated early with the formation of the nasal placode.
Unexpected Concatenations
Authors: Ogawa David
Published: December 2009

The convergence of the commodification of art and the discursive authority of the art museum seem to have left little space for politically motivated practices in both art and criticism. This review essay considers two books that offer potential alternatives. One proposes a theoretical framework for the analysis of historical situations in which art and revolution overlapped one another; the other brings together texts by practicing artists, critics, and art historians to explore the space between art-making and art-writing.
Mass Spectrometric Approach Delineating Degradation Mechanism of Synthethic Polymers by Benzoylferrocene
Authors: Kagawa Shuji , Kawasaki Hideya , Arakawa Ryuichi
Published: December 2009

The degradation effects of benzoylferrocene (BF) on poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were investigated using MALDI-MS. It is supposed that the release of free radicals in solution by BF plays a key role in the decomposition of PEG and PMMA. MALDI-MS combined with examination of the degradation by BF could be applied to the analysis of synthetic polymer structures containing the PEG and PMMA chain.
Malarial retinopathy in northern Nigerian children
Authors: Mohammed I , Ibrahim U Y , Mukhtar M , Farouq Z , Obiagwu P N , Yashua A H
Published: December 2009

This is a prospective study involving two centres. Children younger than 16 years old who had severe malaria underwent funduscopy. In one centre, direct ophthalmoscopy was performed by both an ophthalmologist and a non-ophthalmologist physician. At the other, two ophthalmologists performed a funduscopy on each patient using different methods (one using direct and the other indirect ophthalmoscopy). The objective was to determine the frequency of retinopathy and evaluate the effectiveness of direct ophthalmoscopy in detecting retinopathy in constantly dilated eyes. Of 62 children seen at both centres, 37% were found to have malarial retinopathy. Macula whitening was the most common finding. There was substantial agreement between the ophthalmologists using either the direct or indirect ophthalmoscopy techniques (Kappa value 0.604). However, at the centre using only direct ophthalmoscopy, there was poor agreement between the ophthalmologist and the non-ophthalmologist (kappa value –0.244). Direct ophthalmoscopy seemed to be effective in detecting malarial retinopathy, but only when performed by experienced personnel.
Evaluation of visual inspection with acetic acid and Lugol's iodine as cervical cancer screening tools in a low-resource setting
Authors: Qureshi Sabuhi , Das Vinta , Zahra Fatima
Published: December 2009

In view of the failure of cytology screening programmes for cervical cancer in developing countries, the World Health Organization suggested unaided visual inspection of the cervix after an application of acetic acid (VIA) and Lugol's iodine (VILI) as alternative screening methods. Our study evaluates the effectiveness of VIA and VILI compared to Pap smear as screening methods for carcinoma of the cervix in a low-resource setting. Three hundred and twenty-eight women were subjected to a Pap smear test, VIA, VILI and colposcopy. The results were as follows: Pap smear test (20.83%, specificity 98.38%), VIA (55.5%, 71.39%) and VILI (86.84%, 48.93%). Although VIA and VILI are less specific in comparison to the Pap smear test, they are more sensitive in detecting pre-invasive lesions. Hence VIA and VILI can be used as cervical cancer screening tools in low-resource settings.
Labour induction with 25 micrograms versus 50 micrograms intravaginal misoprostol in full term pregnancies
Authors: Nigam Aruna , Madan Monika , Puri Manju , Agarwal Swati , Trivedi Shubha Sagar
Published: December 2009

We undertook this study in order to compare the efficacy of 25 µg versus 50 µg of intravaginal misoprostol for cervical ripening and labour induction at term. The study population consisted of 120 women with term singleton pregnancies in vertex presentation booked for caesarean section. They had a Bishop scoring of <6 and a reactive fetal heart rate tracing. They were randomized into two groups, A and B, to receive 25 µg and 50 µg of vaginal misoprostol, respectively, 4 hourly with a maximum of five doses until the patient had three contractions in 10 minutes. There was no significant difference in the induction delivery interval between the two groups (12.52± 7.05 h in the 25 µg group versus 11.72± 6.74 h in the 50 µg group; P = 0.58). Of the women in the 25 µg group, 83.3% delivered vaginally as did 71.67% of those in the 50 µg group, but the difference was not statistically significant ( P = 0.128). There were significantly more women requiring oxytocin augmentation in the 25 µg group than in the 50 µg group ( P = 0.03). However, there were no significant differences in the rates of caesarean and operative vaginal delivery, meconium stained liquor, fetal distress or in the incidences of hyperstimulation between the two groups. Neonatal outcomes were similar. The intravaginal administrations of 25 µg, as well as 50 µg of misprostol, are equally efficacious in inducing labour. The 25 µg group more often required oxytocin as an adjunct.
The role of dimensions of narrative engagement in narrative persuasion
Authors: de Graaf Anneke , Hoeken Hans , Sanders José , Beentjes Hans
Published: December 2009

Several models of narrative persuasion posit that a reader's phenomenological experience of a narrative plays a mediating role in the persuasive effects of the narrative. Because the narrative reading experience is multi-dimensional, this experiment investigates which dimensions of this experience – referred to here as narrative engagement – mediate between reading a story and the persuasive effects of the story. Narrative engagement was manipulated by giving participants a selection task to carry out while reading or by adding language errors to the story. Results showed that the task decreased the engagement dimension Being in Narrative World and the language errors decreased the dimension Attentional Focus. No corresponding effects on attitudes were found. However, comparisons with a control group showed that reading the story rendered attitudes more consistent with the story. Regression analysis indicated that this effect may be explained by readers' emotions regarding the characters.
Nutrient and Organochlorine Pesticide Concentrations in American Alligator Eggs and Their Associations with Clutch Viability
Authors: Rauschenberger R. Heath , Sepúlveda Maria S. , Wiebe Jon J. , Wiebe Janet E. , Honeyfield Dale C. , Gross Timothy S.
Published: December 2009

Since the early 1900s, the lakes of the Ocklawaha basin in central Florida have experienced ecological degradation due to anthropogenic development. One species affected by this degradation is the American alligator Alligator mississippiensis, which has suffered from poor clutch viability and embryo mortality. Although some studies indicate that organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) may be involved, OCPs do not account for all of the variation seen in hatch rates. Indeed, nutrition and non-OCP contaminants have been associated with developmental problems in fish and birds. Our study evaluated embryo mortality in alligators at reference and OCP-contaminated sites as a function of exposure to OCPs, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), along with egg nutrients (Zn, Se, and vitamins A, E, and B1). The four-pronged study consisted of a case-control cohort study, an expanded field study, a topical egg treatment thiamine amelioration experiment, and a topical egg treatment thiamine antagonist experiment. The results from the two field studies suggested that the total thiamine levels in the eggs were positively associated with clutch viability and negatively associated with the lipid content and certain OCPs measured in egg yolks. In addition, PCBs, PAHs, Zn, Se, and vitamins A and E were not found to be associated with the observed clutch viability defects. The thiamine levels in the eggs explained 38% of the variation in clutch survival in the case-control cohort study and 27% in the expanded field study. The topical egg treatment experiments were successful in elevating the thiamine concentrations in the albumin but not the yolk. No significant differences were noted among treatment groups in either egg treatment experiment with respect to clutch survival. In summary, thiamine egg concentrations explain some of the variation in the clutch viability of free-ranging alligators, but the cause–effect relationships are still unclear.
Molecular Markers of Yolk Sac Fry Development in Nine Families of Lake Trout
Authors: Vuori Kristiina A. , Paavilainen Tiia , Nikinmaa Mikko , Czesny Sergiusz , Rinchard Jacques
Published: December 2009

Salmonids in certain areas of North America and northern Europe suffer from reproductive disturbances manifested through the death of yolk sac fry. These disturbances are referred to as early mortality syndrome (EMS) in the Great Lakes region and M74 in the Baltic Sea. Both of these syndromes have been associated with reduced concentrations of thiamine in affected females and their eggs. However, large variations in signs and mortality, both within and between the individual syndromes, have been reported. Yolk sac fry mortality (M74) in Atlantic salmon Salmo salar has been shown to be associated with reduced DNA binding of the hypoxia-inducible transcription factor 1 (HIF-1), reduced production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein, decreased capillary density, and down-regulation of adult-type globin gene transcription (which is responsible for the protein part of adult hemoglobin). One of the main effects of all of these changes is reduced oxygen transport to the tissues of affected fry. In this study, the developmental patterns of HIF-1 DNA binding, VEGF protein expression, and adult-type globin gene transcription were analyzed in nine family groups of Lake Michigan lake trout Salvelinus namaycush. The results indicate that HIF-1 DNA binding and globin gene transcription increase from hatch to the end of yolk sac stage. Interindividual and between-family biological variations were detected, especially in VEGF protein expression and globin gene transcription. Our results demonstrate the possibility of using these molecular markers in investigating the etiology of EMS and making comparisons between the mechanisms of different salmonid yolk sac fry mortalities.
Is Chemotherapy Alone for Early Hodgkin Lymphoma an Emerging Therapeutic Option?
Authors: Canellos George P.
Published: December 2009

The author evaluates the evidence presented in this issue by Straus on the use of chemotherapy only for localized Hodgkin lymphoma.
Leptin-R and its association with PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Uddin Shahab , Bavi Prashant , Siraj Abdul K , Ahmed Maqbool , Al-Rasheed Maha , Hussain Azhar R , Ahmed Mohammed , Amin Tarek , Alzahrani Ali , Al-Dayel Fouad , Abubaker Jehad , Bu Rong , Al-Kuraya Khawla S
Published: December 2009

The putative role of leptin and its receptor (Ob-R) in the pathogenesis of various primary human malignancies has been reported; however, their role in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has not yet been evaluated. We investigated the role of Ob-R in a large tissue microarray cohort of PTC followed by in vitro studies using a panel of PTC cell lines. Ob-R overexpression was seen in 80% PTCs and was significantly associated with poor disease-free survival (P=0.0235). PTCs that overexpressed Ob-R showed a aggressive phenotype characterized by older age, extrathyroid extension, larger tumor size, nodal metastasis, advanced stage, tall cell variant histological subtype, and a poor disease-free survival (P=0.0005, P=0.0006, P=0.0398, P=0.0004, P=0.0111, P=0.0003, and P=0.0235 respectively). However, Ob-R expression was not an independent prognostic marker to predict disease-free survival in multivariate analysis. PTCs with overexpression of Ob-R showed a significant direct association with overexpression of XIAP (P<0.0001) and Bcl-XL (P<0.0001). In vitro analysis showed that leptin stimulated cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis via activation of phosphatidylinisitol 3′ kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway. Inhibition of PI3K activity by its inhibitor LY294002 abrogated leptin-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling. Gene silencing of Ob-R in PTC cells resulted in downregulation of phospho-AKT, Bcl-XL, and XIAP expression suggesting that leptin-mediated pathogenesis of PTC occurs via involvement of these downstream targets. Altogether, these data show that leptin plays an important role in PTC pathogenesis through PI3K/AKT pathway via Ob-R and is a potential prognostic marker associated with an aggressive phenotype and poor disease-free survival.
Nearshore larval retention in a region of strong upwelling and recruitment limitation
Authors: Morgan Steven G. , Fisher Jennifer L. , Miller Seth H. , McAfee Skyli T. , Largier John L.
Published: December 2009

The ability of miniscule larvae to control their fate and replenish populations in dynamic marine environments has been a long‐running topic of debate of central importance for managing resources and understanding the ecology and evolution of life in the sea. Larvae are considered to be highly susceptible to offshore transport in productive upwelling regions, thereby increasing dispersal, limiting onshore recruitment, and reducing the intensity of community interactions. We show that 45 species of nearshore crustaceans were not transported far offshore in a recruitment‐limited region characterized by strong upwelling. To the contrary, 92% of these larvae remained within 6 km from shore in high densities throughout development along two transects sampled four times during the peak upwelling season. Larvae of most species remained nearshore by remaining below a shallow Ekman layer of seaward‐flowing surface waters throughout development. Larvae of other species migrated farther offshore by occurring closer to the surface early in development. Postlarvae evidently returned to nearshore adult habitats either by descending to shoreward‐flowing upwelled waters or rising to the sea surface where they can be transported shoreward by wind relaxation events or internal waves. Thus wind‐driven offshore transport should not limit recruitment, even in strong upwelling regions, and larvae are more likely to recruit closer to natal populations than is widely believed. This study poses a new challenge to determine the true cause and extent of recruitment limitation for a more diverse array of species along upwelling coasts, and thus to further advance our understanding of the connectivity, dynamics, and structure of coastal populations.
Increased belowground biomass and soil CO2 fluxes after a decade of carbon dioxide enrichment in a warm‐temperate forest
Authors: Jackson Robert B. , Cook Charles W. , Pippen Jeffrey S. , Palmer Sheila M.
Published: December 2009

Atmospheric CO2 concentrations have risen 40% since the start of the industrial revolution. Beginning in 1996, the Duke Free‐Air CO2 Enrichment experiment has exposed plots in a loblolly pine forest to an additional 200 μL/L CO2 compared to trees growing in ambient CO2. This paper presents new belowground data and a synthesis of results through 2008, including root biomass and nutrient concentrations, soil respiration rates, soil pore‐space CO2 concentrations, and soil‐solution chemistry to 2 m depth. On average in elevated CO2, fine‐root biomass in the top 15 cm of soil increased by 24%, or 59 g/m2 (26 g/m2 C). Coarse‐root biomass sampled in 2008 was twice as great in elevated CO2 and suggests a storage of ~20 g C·m−2·yr−1. Root C and N concentrations were unchanged, suggesting greater belowground plant demand for N in high CO2. Soil respiration was significantly higher by 23% on average as assessed by instantaneous infrared gas analysis and 24‐h integrated estimates. N fertilization decreased soil respiration and fine‐root biomass by ~10–20% in both ambient and elevated CO2. In recent years, increases in root biomass and soil respiration grew stronger, averaging ~30% at high CO2. Peak changes for root biomass, soil respiration, and other variables typically occurred in midsummer and diminished in winter. Soil CO2 concentrations between 15 and 100 cm depths increased 36–60% in elevated CO2. Differences from 30 cm depth and below were still increasing after 10 years' exposure to elevated CO2, with soil CO2 concentrations >10 000 μL/L higher at 70‐ and 100‐cm depths, potentially influencing soil acidity and rates of weathering. Soil solution Ca2+ and total base cation concentrations were 140% and 176% greater, respectively, in elevated CO2 at 200 cm depth. Similar increases were observed for soil‐solution conductivity and alkalinity at 200 cm in elevated CO2. Overall, the effect of elevated CO2 belowground shows no sign of diminishing after more than a decade of CO2 enrichment.