bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data-driven information retrieval in heterogeneous collections of transcriptomics data links SIM2s to malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Caldas José , Gehlenborg Nils , Kettunen Eeva , Faisal Ali , Rönty Mikko , Nicholson Andrew G. , Knuutila Sakari , Brazma Alvis , Kaski Samuel
Published: November 2011

Motivation: Genome-wide measurement of transcript levels is an ubiquitous tool in biomedical research. As experimental data continues to be deposited in public databases, it is becoming important to develop search engines that enable the retrieval of relevant studies given a query study. While retrieval systems based on meta-data already exist, data-driven approaches that retrieve studies based on similarities in the expression data itself have a greater potential of uncovering novel biological insights.

Results: We propose an information retrieval method based on differential expression. Our method deals with arbitrary experimental designs and performs competitively with alternative approaches, while making the search results interpretable in terms of differential expression patterns. We show that our model yields meaningful connections between biological conditions from different studies. Finally, we validate a previously unknown connection between malignant pleural mesothelioma and SIM2s suggested by our method, via real-time polymerase chain reaction in an independent set of mesothelioma samples.

Availability:  Supplementary data and source code are available from http://www.ebi.ac.uk/fg/research/rex.

Contact:  samuel.kaski@aalto.fi

Supplementary Information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Tissue type is a major modifier of the 5-hydroxymethylcytosine content of human genes
Authors: Nestor Colm E. , Ottaviano Raffaele , Reddington James , Sproul Duncan , Reinhardt Diana , Dunican Donncha , Katz Elad , Dixon J. Michael , Harrison David J. , Meehan Richard R.
Published: November 2011

The discovery of substantial amounts of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), formed by the oxidation of 5-methylcytosine (5mC), in various mouse tissues and human embryonic stem (ES) cells has necessitated a reevaluation of our knowledge of 5mC/5hmC patterns and functions in mammalian cells. Here, we investigate the tissue specificity of both the global levels and locus-specific distribution of 5hmC in several human tissues and cell lines. We find that global 5hmC content of normal human tissues is highly variable, does not correlate with global 5mC content, and decreases rapidly as cells from normal tissue adapt to cell culture. Using tiling microarrays to map 5hmC levels in DNA from normal human tissues, we find that 5hmC patterns are tissue specific; unsupervised hierarchical clustering based solely on 5hmC patterns groups independent biological samples by tissue type. Moreover, in agreement with previous studies, we find 5hmC associated primarily, but not exclusively, with the body of transcribed genes, and that within these genes 5hmC levels are positively correlated with transcription levels. However, using quantitative 5hmC-qPCR, we find that the absolute levels of 5hmC for any given gene are primarily determined by tissue type, gene expression having a secondary influence on 5hmC levels. That is, a gene transcribed at a similar level in several different tissues may have vastly different levels of 5hmC (>20-fold) dependent on tissue type. Our findings highlight tissue type as a major modifier of 5hmC levels in expressed genes and emphasize the importance of using quantitative analyses in the study of 5hmC levels.
Nitric Oxide and ProteinS-Nitrosylation Are Integral to Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Leaf Cell Death in Rice
Authors: Lin Aihong , Wang Yiqin , Tang Jiuyou , Xue Peng , Li Chunlai , Liu Linchuan , Hu Bin , Yang Fuquan , Loake Gary J. , Chu Chengcai
Published: November 2011

Nitric oxide (NO) is a key redox-active, small molecule involved in various aspects of plant growth and development. Here, we report the identification of an NO accumulation mutant, nitric oxide excess1 (noe1), in rice (Oryza sativa), the isolation of the corresponding gene, and the analysis of its role in NO-mediated leaf cell death. Map-based cloning revealed that NOE1 encoded a rice catalase, OsCATC. Furthermore, noe1 resulted in an increase of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the leaves, which consequently promoted NO production via the activation of nitrate reductase. The removal of excess NO reduced cell death in both leaves and suspension cultures derived from noe1 plants, implicating NO as an important endogenous mediator of H2O2-induced leaf cell death. Reduction of intracellular S-nitrosothiol (SNO) levels, generated by overexpression of rice S-nitrosoglutathione reductase gene (GSNOR1), which regulates global levels of protein S-nitrosylation, alleviated leaf cell death in noe1 plants. Thus, S-nitrosylation was also involved in light-dependent leaf cell death in noe1. Utilizing the biotin-switch assay, nanoliquid chromatography, and tandem mass spectrometry, S-nitrosylated proteins were identified in both wild-type and noe1 plants. NO targets identified only in noe1 plants included glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase and thioredoxin, which have been reported to be involved in S-nitrosylation-regulated cell death in animals. Collectively, our data suggest that both NO and SNOs are important mediators in the process of H2O2-induced leaf cell death in rice.
Influence of chemotherapy on nitric oxide synthase, indole‐amine‐2,3‐dioxygenase and CD124 expression in granulocytes and monocytes of non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Sim Sung Hoon , Ahn Yong‐Oon , Yoon Jieun , Kim Tae Min , Lee Se‐Hoon , Kim Dong‐Wan , Heo Dae Seog
Published: November 2011

There is no specific marker to evaluate the immuno‐suppressive status of cancer patients. Several markers, such as CD124, latency‐associated peptide (LAP), arginase I, indole‐amine‐2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), are known to be associated with immune suppression. However, there is little research regarding the change in these parameters after chemotherapy. The present study enrolled 23 chemo‐naïve non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and 19 healthy donors. From the 23 NSCLC patients, 11 post‐chemotherapy samples were collected. Surface and functional markers were analyzed by flow‐cytometry. The mean fluorescence intensities (MFI) of iNOS were higher and the MFI of LAP were lower in NSCLC patient than in healthy donors (P < 0.05). In a comparison of pre‐chemotherapy and post‐chemotherapy groups with NSCLC, the MFI of iNOS on granulocytes and monocytes and IDO on monocytes were significantly lower in the post‐chemotherapy group than in the pre‐chemotherapy group (P < 0.05). In a serial analysis with 10 patients who had paired samples and who showed clinical benefits from chemotherapy, the MFI of iNOS for both cell types, and of IDO and CD124 for monocytes decreased significantly after chemotherapy, compared with those before chemotherapy (iNOS, 4.79 ± 1.75 vs 2.83 ± 0.77, P = 0.005, for granulocytes and 6.15 ± 2.94 vs 2.76 ± 1.05, P = 0.005 for monocytes; IDO, 6.81 ± 3.43 vs 4.64 ± 1.55, P = 0.012 for monocytes; CD124, 2.31 ± 0.39 vs 1.94 ± 0.43, P = 0.008 for monocytes). The changes in arginase I and LAP expression were not significant. The changes in iNOS, IDO and CD124 expression were significant after chemotherapy in NSCLC. Further evaluation of the possibility of immune status monitoring using these parameters is needed. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 155–160)
Coexistent findings of renal glomerular disease with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Authors: Koçak Gülay , Huddam Bülent , Azak Alper , Ortabozkoyun Levent , Duranay Murat
Published: November 2011

Aim and Background  Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is a common autoimmune thyroid disease with a female preponderance. Renal involvement in HT is not uncommon. In the present study, we aimed to define the frequency and characteristics of the glomerular diseases associated with HT and further the understanding of any common pathogenesis between HT and glomerular disease.

Materials and Methods  We reviewed retrospectively 28 patients with HT who were referred to our Department because of unexplained haematuria, proteinuria or renal impairment from 2007 to 2011. Routine laboratory investigations including blood count, serum biochemistry, urinalysis and 24‐h urinary protein excretion were performed on all patients. Renal biopsy was performed in 20 patients with HT, and the specimens were examined by light microscopy and immunofluorescence staining.

Results  We detected four cases of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), four membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN), two minimal‐change disease (MCD), three immunoglobulin A nephritis (IgAN), three chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) and one amyloidosis. In three patients, the renal biopsy findings were nonspecific. Daily urinary protein excretion and glomerular filtration rates were found to be independent of the level of thyroid hormone and thyroid‐specific autoantibodies.

Conclusion  Glomerular pathologies associated with HT are similar to those in the general population, the most common lesions being MGN, FSGS and IgA nephritis.
Vespa velutina Lepeletier, 1836 (Hymenoptera: Vespidae): first records in Iberian Peninsula
Authors: López S. , González M. , Goldarazena A.
Published: November 2011

Vespa velutina Lepeletier, 1836 (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) is reported for the first time from the Iberian Peninsula based on catches made during 2010 in Guipuzcoa and Navarra provinces (northern Spain). Notes about its current geographical distribution, biology, and economic and medical importance are also provided.
Resistance management in Europe: a preliminary proposal for the determination of a minimum number of active substances necessary to manage resistance
Authors: Rotteveel T. , Jorgensen L. N. , Heimbach U.
Published: November 2011

The evolution of resistance to plant protection products (PPPs) is an increasing management challenge that relates to both an increasing number of species and a limited number of active substances. The number of available active substances (a.s.) has decreased considerably over the past two decades, increasing the gravity of the resistance problem. Managing the threat of resistance is based on a reasoned choice of a.s., their sequence and combination. No quantitative information is available on how many different PPPs are needed for a sustainable control system of a given pest. This paper provides a first expert judgement‐based attempt at estimating the number of different a.s. necessary for sustainable control of a pest in which the evolution of resistance is prevented.
A new insect pest, Lasioptera sp. (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), on tomato and cucumber crops in glasshouses in Greece
Authors: Perdikis D. , Lykouressis D. , Paraskevopoulos A. , Harris K. M.
Published: November 2011

Previously unrecorded damage to tomato and cucumber crops grown in glasshouses in Greece is described and attributed to an unidentified species of Lasioptera (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). Larvae develop in stems, and resulting necrosis induces wilting, stem breakages and reduction of fruit production. Methods of cultural and chemical control are suggested, and the need for further research to establish the identity of the pest and its probable origin is emphasized.
Global warming threatens the persistence of Mediterranean brown trout
Authors: Almodóvar Ana , Nicola Graciela G. , Ayllón Daniel , Elvira Benigno
Published: November 2011

Current climate change exacerbates the environmental restrictions on temperate species inhabiting low latitude edges of their geographical ranges. We examined how temperature variations due to current and future climate change are likely to affect populations’ persistence of stream‐dwelling brown trout Salmo trutta at the vulnerable southern periphery of its range. Analysis of 33 years of air temperature data (1975–2007) by time‐series models indicated a significant upward trend and a pronounced shift in air temperature around 1986‐1987. This warming is associated with an ongoing population decline of brown trout, most likely caused by a loss of suitable thermal habitat in lower latitudes since the 1980s. Population decrease may not be attributed to physical habitat modification or angler pressure, as carrying capacity remained stable and populations were not overexploited. We developed regional temperature models, which predicted that unsuitable thermal habitat for brown trout increased by 93% when comparing climate conditions between 1975–1986 and 1993–2004. Predictions from climate envelope models showed that current climate change may be rendering unsuitable 12% of suitable thermal habitat each decade, resulting in an overall population decrease in the lower reaches of around 6% per year. Furthermore, brown trout catches markedly decreased 20% per year. Projections of thermal habitat loss under the ecologically friendly B2 SRES scenario showed that brown trout may lose half of their current suitable habitat within the study area by 2040 and become almost extinct by 2100. In parallel to the upstream movement of brown trout thermal habitat, warm water species are increasing their relative abundance in salmonid waters. Empirical evidence was provided of how current climate change threatens some of the most healthy native brown trout populations in Southern Europe and how forthcoming climate change is expected to further decrease the conservation status of the species.
Impact of precipitation dynamics on net ecosystem productivity
Authors: Parton William , Morgan Jack , Smith David , Del Grosso Stephen , Prihodko Lara , LeCain Dan , Kelly Robin , Lutz Susan
Published: November 2011

Net ecosystem productivity (NEP) was measured on shortgrass steppe (SGS) vegetation at the USDA Central Plains Experimental Range in northeastern Colorado from 2001 to 2003. Large year‐to‐year differences were observed in annual NEP, with >95% of the net carbon uptake occurring during May and June. Low precipitation during the 2002 April to June time period greatly reduced annual net carbon uptake. Large precipitation events (>10 mm day−1) promoted carbon uptake, while small precipitation events (<10 mm day−1) enhanced heterotrophic respiration and resulted in a net loss of carbon from the system. Large precipitation event enhanced carbon uptake was attributed to increased soil water content (SWC), which promotes plant photosynthesis. The large precipitation events which occurred from July to October have lower increases in daytime net CO2 uptake (NEPd) due to the presence of low live plant biomass compared to earlier in the growing season. Live aboveground plant biomass (AGB), solar radiation, and SWC were the major variables that controlled NEPd, while AGB, SWC, and relative humidity control nighttime respiration losses (NEPn). Aboveground plant biomass is the most important variable for controlling both NEPd and NEPn dynamics. These results suggest that the major factor controlling growing season NEPn is the amount of carbon fixed via photosynthesis during the day. Heterotrophic soil respiration is greatly enhanced for one to 2 days following rainfall events with daily rainfall events >5 mm having a similar increase in respiration (>3.00 g m Cm−2 day−1). In addition, the size of the heterotrophic respiration pulse is independent of both the amount of time since the last rainfall event and the time of occurrence during the growing season.
Production of heterologous IgG antibody against Heymann nephritis antigen by injections of immune complexes
Authors: Barabas Arpad Z. , Cole Chad D. , Sensen Maria , Lafreniere Rene
Published: November 2011

Heterologous IgG antibody (ab) can be produced against Heymann nephritis (HN) antigen (ag) in rabbits by administering it in Freund’s complete adjuvant. The developing abs reacted at high titre with rat kidney brush border (BB) regions of the renal proximal tubules in an indirect fluorescence ab test. A single IV injection of the heterologous ab into a susceptible strain of rat resulted in the localization of IgG ab to glomerular fixed ags, producing immune complex glomerular nephritis. The injected ab also reacted with the BB region of the renal proximal tubules. The aim of this experiment was to find out whether heterologous IgG ab against the HN ag can also be produced in recipient rabbits by injecting immune complexes (ICs) composed of a rat kidney tubular preparation [rat kidney fraction 3 (rKF3)] and donor rabbit–derived rabbit anti‐rKF3 IgG ab. We found that anti‐rKF3 IgG ab – against the BB region of the renal proximal tubules – could be induced in rabbits injected with ICs, and the resulting ab was able to initiate passive HN in rats. This was the first time a pathogenic IgG ab was produced against HN ag in rabbits without the use of adjuvant. Ab responses in recipient rabbits were achieved by ab information transfer. Recipient rabbits injected with the IC produced the same class of immunoglobulin with the same specificity against the target ag rKF3, as was present in the innoculum, namely rabbit anti‐rKF3 IgG ab.
Evidence for genetic differentiation and variable recombination rates among Dutch populations of the opportunistic human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: KLAASSEN CORNÉ H. W. , GIBBONS JOHN G. , FEDOROVA NATALIE D. , MEIS JACQUES F. , ROKAS ANTONIS
Published: November 2011

As the frequency of antifungal drug resistance continues to increase, understanding the genetic structure of fungal populations, where resistant isolates have emerged and spread, is of major importance. Aspergillus fumigatus is an ubiquitously distributed fungus and the primary causative agent of invasive aspergillosis (IA), a potentially lethal infection in immunocompromised individuals. In the last few years, an increasing number of A. fumigatus isolates has evolved resistance to triazoles, the primary drugs for treating IA infections. In most isolates, this multiple‐triazole‐resistance (MTR) phenotype is caused by mutations in the cyp51A gene, which encodes the protein targeted by the triazoles. We investigated the genetic differentiation and reproductive mode of A. fumigatus in the Netherlands, the country where the MTR phenotype probably originated, to determine their role in facilitating the emergence and distribution of resistance genotypes. Using 20 genome‐wide neutral markers, we genotyped 255 Dutch isolates including 25 isolates with the MTR phenotype. In contrast to previous reports, our results show that Dutch A. fumigatus genotypes are genetically differentiated into five distinct populations. Four of the five populations show significant linkage disequilibrium, indicative of an asexual reproductive mode, whereas the fifth population is in linkage equilibrium, indicative of a sexual reproductive mode. Notably, the observed genetic differentiation among Dutch isolates does not correlate with geography, although all isolates with the MTR phenotype nest within a single, predominantly asexual, population. These results suggest that both reproductive mode and genetic differentiation contribute to the structure of Dutch A. fumigatus populations and are probably shaping the evolutionary dynamics of drug resistance in this potentially deadly pathogen.
Accreditation of midwife lactation consultants to perform infant tongue‐tie release
Authors: Amir Lisa H , James Jennifer P , Kelso Georgie , Moorhead Anita M
Published: November 2011

Amir LH, James JP, Kelso G, Moorhead AM. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2011; 17: 541–547

Accreditation of midwife lactation consultants to perform infant tongue‐tie release

Infants with a tongue‐tie or ankyloglossia have a short lingual frenulum, which can lead to problems with breastfeeding: attachment difficulties, nipple pain and damage, poor weight gain and eventually a reduction in milk supply. Trained clinicians can release the frenulum (frenotomy) in infants having difficulty with breastfeeding. Although traditionally performed by medical practitioners, we argue that this simple procedure is within the scope of practice of other clinicians. This paper outlines the process of setting up and maintaining credentialing for midwife lactation consultants (International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs)) to assess infant tongue‐ties and perform frenotomy when appropriate at a tertiary maternity hospital. Since 2005, 11 midwives/IBCLCs have been credentialed to perform frenotomies at The Breastfeeding Education and Support Services at The Royal Women's Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. We believe that nurses/midwives/lactation consultants working in other settings could be trained to perform frenotomies, thus enabling faster resolution of breastfeeding problems.
Self‐efficacy associated with self‐management behaviours and health status of South Koreans with chronic diseases
Authors: Yoo Hyera , Kim Chun Ja , Jang Yeonsoo , You Mi‐Ae
Published: November 2011

Yoo H, Kim CJ, Jang Y, You M‐A. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2011; 17: 599–606

Self‐efficacy associated with self‐management behaviours and health status of South Koreans with chronic diseases

Although prior research in Western societies has revealed an association between self‐efficacy and both self‐management behaviours and better health status, little is known about the applicability of this association in Korean populations. We examined the differences in self‐management behaviours and health status among three groups according to the level of self‐efficacy (high, moderate and low). We used a descriptive and correlational design, and administrated a questionnaire to 322 Korean patients with diabetes mellitus, hypertension or arthritis at three ambulatory clinics in a university medical centre. We performed the Pearson chi‐square test to test for differences in proportions, and the Kruskall–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U‐tests for non‐parametric measures. The level of self‐efficacy was associated with self‐management behaviours (P < 0.05) and with better health status indices (P < 0.001) except fatigue (P < 0.277). The mean age (Mean ± standard deviation, 53.71 ± 12.60), the percentage of high level of education (62.4%) and the level of employment (51.4%) were significantly higher in high self‐efficacy group than in low self‐efficacy group or moderate self‐efficacy group. Further study of the potential factors affecting any relationship between self‐efficacy and fatigue is recommended. Self‐efficacy‐enhancing interventions can be beneficial for Korean chronic patients to improve their self‐management behaviours and health status.
Hemodynamic and oxygenation changes in surgical intensive care unit patients with fever and fever lowering nursing interventions
Authors: Çelik Sevim , Yıldırım İsmail , Arslan İbrahim , Yıldırım Sinan , Erdal Fatih , Yandı Yunus Emre
Published: November 2011

Çelik S, Yıldırım İ, Arslan İ, Yıldırım S, Erdal F, Yandı YE. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2011; 17: 556–561

Hemodynamic and oxygenation changes in surgical intensive care unit patients with fever and fever lowering nursing interventions

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of fever and nursing interventions to lower fever on hemodynamic values and oxygenation in febrile (temperature greater than 38.3°C) surgical intensive care unit patients. This retrospective study was conducted in 53 febrile patients out of 519 patients admitted to the surgical intensive care unit at a university hospital. Data were obtained from the medical records, laboratory files and nursing notes. Statistical analysis of the data was analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance and a paired sample t‐test. The average hourly urine output (F = 5.46; P = 0.002) and systolic blood pressure (F = 2.87; P = 0.03) were significantly lower after fever onset. Heart rate, respiratory rate, positive end‐expiratory pressure settings and FiO2 settings were unchanged after the development of fever. Diastolic blood pressure and oxygen saturation had non‐statistically significant decreases. Nursing interventions for febrile patients consisted of medication administration (69.8%), ice (62.3%) and sponging with tepid water (62.3%). The present results showed that fever was associated with an increase in heart rate, decreased systolic arterial pressure, mean arterial pressure, oxygen saturation and hourly urine output.
Assessment of quality of life and activities of daily living in Turkish patients with heart failure
Authors: Demir Melike , Unsar Serap
Published: November 2011

Demir M, Unsar S. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2011; 17: 607–614

Assessment of quality of life and activities of daily living in Turkish patients with heart failure

Heart failure is an entire clinical syndrome affecting many aspects of life, rather than merely a usual disease. This cross‐sectional study was designed to assess heart failure patients' quality of life and activities of daily living (ADL). Seventy‐five patients who applied to the cardiology department were included in the study. The data were obtained using the left ventricular dysfunction scale (LVD‐36) and ADL scale. A statistically significant relationship was found between LVD‐36 and ADL scores and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, previous hospitalization, daily medication, age and education (P < 0.05). It was found that LVD‐36 and ADL scores increase as the level of education increases and as the NYHA functional class, previous hospitalization, number of drugs taken daily and age decrease. The study found a statistically significantly negative relationship between quality of life and ADL (P < 0.05). In patients with heart failure, age, NYHA functional class, number of drugs taken daily independently affected the ADL scores. Additionally, in these patients, education, NYHA functional class, number of drugs taken daily and previous hospitalizations independently affected the quality of life. As the functional situation deteriorates and becomes severe, individual care, training, social support and consultation services for the patient and their family should be increased.
A highly effective and selective male lure for Bactrocera jarvisi (Tryon) (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Fay Harry A C
Published: November 2011

Bactrocera jarvisi (Tryon) is a moderate pest fruit fly particularly in northern Australia where mango is its main commercial host. It was largely considered non‐responsive to the known male lures. However, male B. jarvisi are attracted to the flowers of Bulbophyllum baileyi, Passiflora ligularis, Passiflora maliformis and Semecarpus australiensis and this paper describes an attempt to determine the attractive compounds in the latter two species through chemical analysis. At about the same time, zingerone was identified as a fruit fly attractant in the flowers of Bulbophyllum patens in Malaysia, and this led the author to speculate that it could be attracting B. jarvisi to the flowers of B. baileyi. Two long‐term traps, each with lures containing 2 g of liquefied zingerone and 1 mL maldison EC were established at Speewah, west of Cairns, in November 2001 and retained until April 2007. Over five complete years, 68 897 flies were captured, of which 99.6% were male B. jarvisi. Annual peaks in activity occurred between mid‐January and early February, when they averaged 1428.5 ± 695.6 (mean ± standard error) male B. jarvisi/trap/week. Very few B. jarvisi were caught between June and September. Among 12 other species of Bactrocera and Dacus attracted to zingerone were the previously non‐lure responsive Bactrocera aglaiae, a new species Bactrocera speewahensis, and the rarely trapped Dacus secamoneae. Four separate trials were conducted over 8‐ to 19‐week periods to compare the numbers and species of Bactrocera and Dacus caught by zingerone, raspberry ketone/cue‐lure or methyl eugenol‐baited traps. Overall, 27 different species of Bactrocera and Dacus were recorded. The zingerone‐baited traps caught 97.7–99.3% male B. jarvisi and no methyl eugenol responsive flies. Significantly more Bactrocera neohumeralis or Bactrocera tryoni were attracted to raspberry ketone/cue‐lure than to zingerone (P < 0.001). Zingerone and structurally related compounds should be tested more widely throughout the region.
Urinary proteome analysis for prostate cancer diagnosis: Cost‐effective application in routine clinical practice in Germany
Authors: Schiffer Eric , Bick Carsten , Grizelj Branko , Pietzker Stephan , Schöfer Wolfgang
Published: November 2011

Objectives:  Capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry urinary proteome analysis for prostate cancer has been shown to be highly accurate in the detection of prostate cancer. The aim of the present study was to report our experience with routine application of this test in clinical practice and its cost‐effectiveness.

Methods:  The urinary proteome analysis for prostate cancer test was carried out in 211 patients in outpatient centers. In 184 of them, data about their follow up and the test results were available for analysis. Prostate cancer was detected in 49 cases.

Results:  The test correctly recognized 42 out of 49 tumor patients, showing a sensitivity of 86% (95% confidence interval 73–94). Of 135 prostate cancer‐negative patients, 79 had a negative urinary proteome analysis for prostate cancer test (specificity 59% [79/135 95% confidence interval 50–66]). Negative and positive predictive values were 92% (95% confidence interval 84–96) and 43% (95% confidence interval 33–53), respectively. A statistically significant (P < 0.0005) improvement in terms of diagnostic accuracy was observed in comparison with serum prostate‐specific antigen and percent‐free prostate‐specific antigen. Whereas the urinary proteome analysis for prostate cancer test results agreed in 65.7% with follow‐up reference results, prostate‐specific antigen achieved 33.3% and percent‐free prostate‐specific antigen achieved 42.7%. Cost‐effectiveness analysis showed that the urinary proteome analysis for prostate cancer strategy outperformed the biopsy approach as well as prostate‐specific antigen tests.

Conclusions:  The non‐invasive urinary proteome analysis for prostate cancer test appears to be a helpful addition to prostate cancer diagnostics for patients with suspicious prostate‐specific antigen and/or digital‐rectal examination.
Population screening for prostate cancer: An overview of available studies and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lumen Nicolaas , Fonteyne Valérie , De Meerleert Gert , Ost Piet , Villeirs Geert , Mottrie Alexandre , De Visschere Pieter , De Troyer Bart , Oosterlinck Willem
Published: November 2011

The objective of the present review was to evaluate the effect of population‐based screening on the incidence of prostate cancer, prostate cancer tumor stage and grade, prostate cancer mortality, and overall mortality. A systematic review was carried out in April 2011, searching the Medline and Web of Science databases. The records were reviewed to identify comparative and randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of screening on prostate cancer. Eight trials were identified containing personalized data on a screened versus a non‐screened cohort. Prostate‐specific antigen and digital rectal examination were the main screening tools. Prostate‐specific antigen threshold and screening interval was not uniform among the different trials. Screening was associated with a significant increase in prostate cancer detection (relative risk 1.55; P = 0.002), and a significant shift towards more localized (relative risk 1.81; P = 0.01) and more low‐grade tumors (relative risk 2.32; P = 0.001). In overall analysis, no significant effect on prostate cancer mortality (relative risk 0.88; P = 0.18) and overall mortality (relative risk 0.90; P = 0.27) in favor of screening was observed. An adjusted analysis excluding papers with short follow up, high prostate‐specific antigen contamination in the non‐screening group and low participation in the screening group was able to show a significant reduction in prostate cancer mortality of 24%. The ideal screening strategy is unclear. Screening is associated with better PC detection and this in a more localized stage and of less aggressive tumors. Excluding the main shortcomings in screening studies (short follow up, high prostate‐specific antigen contamination in non‐screening group and low participation in screening group), screening is able to reduce prostate cancer mortality.
Two Years of Ups and Downs: Barack Obama's Patterns of Integrative Complexity, Motive Imagery, and Values
Authors: Suedfeld Peter , Cross Ryan W. , Brcic Jelena
Published: November 2011

President Obama's weekly radio addresses to the nation during his first two years in office were scored using thematic content analysis (TCA). TCA is a method for deriving quantitative data from qualitative materials through the use of detailed scoring manuals applied to oral or written texts by trained, reliable scorers. We scored the addresses for integrative complexity (IC), motive imagery (MI), and universal values. Obama's mean IC was second highest among recent presidents. His IC fluctuated in response to situational parameters, rising when he was negotiating and maneuvering his policies through Congress, falling when stress was high and a problem seemed amenable to a simple solution. His MI showed Achievement as his predominant motive. Achievement, Security, and Power were highest in his value hierarchy, which remained stable throughout the period; surprisingly, his ranking of Self‐Direction was much lower than a previously published pan‐cultural average. Last, we identified six clusters, time periods when his IC and Power imagery moved in opposite directions. The implications of this pattern for cooperative versus adversarial approaches in problem solving are discussed.
Philosopher‐King or Polarizing Politician? A Personality Profile of Barack Obama
Authors: Winter David G.
Published: November 2011

Although U.S. President Barack Obama received extensive media coverage during the 2008 U.S. presidential campaign and later during the first two years of his presidency, many people still perceive him as elusive, or even contradictory. Using biographical facts and objective at‐a‐distance measures, this article presents a personality profile of Obama. The profile is organized around a fourfold conception of personality. Personality can be understood as the residue of past and present social contexts and is publicly visible as traits or consistencies of style. Internal beliefs, values, and other cognitions, as well as implicit motives, can only be indirectly observed and so are measured through content analysis. The resulting profile is used to explain some outcomes, as well as paradoxes and puzzles of Obama's performance as president. It also suggests predictions about the future course of his presidency.
Information behaviour of Canadian pharmaceutical policy makers
Authors: Greyson Devon L. , Cunningham Colleen , Morgan Steve
Published: November 2011

Objectives:  Understanding the information behaviour of policy makers targeted by knowledge translation efforts is key to improving policy research impact. This study explores the reported information behaviour of pharmaceutical policy decision‐makers in Canada, a country highly associated with evidence‐based practice yet still facing substantial barriers to evidence‐informed health policy.

Methods:  We conducted semi‐structured telephone interviews with a purposive sample of 15 Canadian pharmaceutical policy decision‐makers. Results of the descriptive, qualitative analysis were compared with the General Model of Information Seeking of Professionals (GMISP) proposed by Leckie, Pettigrew and Sylvain in 1996.

Results:  Characteristics of information needs included topic, depth/breadth of questions and time sensitivity. Approaches to information seeking were variously scattershot, systematic and delegated, depending on the characteristics as well as respondent resources. Major source types were human experts, electronic sources and trusted organisations. Affective (emotion‐related) outcomes were common, including frustration and desire for better information systems and sources.

Conclusions:  The GMISP model may be adapted to model information behaviour of Canadian pharmaceutical policy makers. In the absence of a dedicated, independent source for rapid‐response policy research, these policy makers will likely continue to satisfice (make do) with available resources, and barriers to evidence‐informed policy will persist.
Direct comparison of diagnostic performance of transient elastography in patients with chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Cardoso Ana‐Carolina , Carvalho‐Filho Roberto J. , Stern Christiane , Dipumpo Alexandrine , Giuily Nathalie , Ripault Marie‐Pierre , Asselah Tarik , Boyer Nathalie , Lada Olivier , Castelnau Corinne , Martinot‐Peignoux Michelle , Valla Dominique‐Charles , Bedossa Pierre , Marcellin Patrick
Published: November 2011

Background/Aims

Accuracy of transient elastography (TE) in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has not been well established. We aimed to compare the performances of TE for the assessment of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic HBV or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. A secondary analysis was performed to assess whether or not alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels would impact on the accuracy of TE.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study, carried out in a single centre, included treatment‐naïve patients with compensated chronic HBV or HCV infection, consecutively admitted between 2006 and 2008 for a liver biopsy and TE measurement on the same day.

Results

A total of 202 HBV patients and 363 HCV subjects were evaluated. Overall diagnostic accuracy of TE in the HBV group was comparable to that observed in HCV patients [area under the receiver‐operating characteristics (AUROCs) 0.867 ± 0.026 vs. 0.868 ± 0.019 for predicting F ≥ 2, P = 0.975; 0.902 ± 0.029 vs. 0.894 ± 0.020 for F ≥ 3, P = 0.820; and 0.935 ± 0.024 vs. 0.947 ± 0.027 for F4, P = 0.740 respectively]. TE exhibited comparable accuracies, sensitivities, specificities, predictive values and likelihood ratios in HBV and HCV groups. AUROC analysis showed no influence of ALT levels on the performance of TE in HBV individuals. ALT‐specific cut‐off values did not exhibit significantly higher diagnostic performances for predicting fibrosis in HBV patients with elevated ALT.

Conclusions

In HBV patients, TE measurement accurately predicts the absence or presence of significant fibrosis, advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis and shows similar performances as compared to HCV patients. The use of TE cut‐off values adjusted to ALT level did not improve performances for estimating liver fibrosis in HBV patients.
Yellowish discoloration of dialyzer
Authors: Chiew Yeong‐Woei , Peng Sheng‐Jeng , Yang Chwei‐Shiun
Published: November 2011

A 43‐year‐old Chinese man with chronic viral hepatitis and end‐stage renal disease, receiving conventional hemodialysis for 6 years, presented with general malaise and abdominal fullness. After 4.5 hours of hemodialysis, the hollow fibers of the dialyzer turned yellow. Biochemistry studies showed hyperbilirubinemia. The actual serum bilirubin (7.4 mg/dL) could be proved. Abdominal echography survey was negative. Hyperbilirubinemia was secondary to acute exacerbation of chronic viral hepatitis. Anuria and skin hyperpigmentation in uremia lack the tea‐color urine and mask clinical jaundice in the presence of hyperbilirubinemia. Careful observation of dialyzer yellowish discoloration gave us timely discovery of patient's hyperbilirubinemia.
Polymer Precursor‐Based Preparation of Carbon Nanotube–Silicon Carbide Nanocomposites
Authors: Clark Michael D. , Walker Luke S. , Hadjiev Viktor G. , Khabashesku Valery , Corral Erica L. , Krishnamoorti Ramanan
Published: November 2011

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes were dispersed in a silicon carbide matrix to examine nanotube influence on mechanical properties of the resulting composite. The ceramic matrix was generated through high temperature conversion of poly(methylsilyne), a preceramic polymeric precursor. Nanotube alkylation was explored using two functionalization schemes: organic peroxide workup and alkyllithium displacement of fluorinated nanotubes, which promoted extensive mixing within precursor solutions, thereby ensuring nanotube dispersion within the polymer matrix while facilitating interfacial bonding. The former scheme was less effective at displacing inner nanotube shell bound fluorine and resulted in lower alkyl chain grafting density on the outer shell. Polymer nanocomposites were pyrolyzed and consolidated using an optimized spark plasma sintering scheme to generate fully densified ceramics. The pure polymer‐derived ceramic displayed exceptional Young's modulus and Vickers microhardness of 126 ± 12 and 9.6 ± 0.5 GPa, respectively, while maintaining a fracture toughness of 2.8 ± 0.3 MPa·m1/2. Increased sintering time further augmented the fracture toughness to 3.6 ± 0.4 MPa·m1/2, approaching the 4 MPa·m1/2 that characterizes pure silicon carbide, while maintaining both Young's modulus and microhardness. Nanotube addition resulted in some loss of the intrinsic mechanical properties, but enhanced monolith damage tolerance behavior, raising the Vickers indent force needed to induce cracks to an excess of 98.1 N in contrast to the pure polymer‐derived sample, which began crack propagation below 49.0 N.
Sensitized Yb3+ Luminescence of Eu3+/Yb3+‐Codoped Fluorosilicate Glass Ceramics
Authors: Luo Qun , Qiao Xvsheng , Fan Xianping , Fu Hengyi , Huang Jinglu , Zhang Yijun , Fan Bo , Zhang Xianghua
Published: November 2011

Intense infrared emission of Yb3+ is reported for the Eu3+/Yb3+ co‐doped fluorosilicate glass ceramics. With annealing methods, cubic SrF2: Eu3+, Yb3+ nanocrystals are precipitated homogeneously in the glass ceramics. The incorporation of Eu3+ and Yb3+ in the SrF2 nanocrystal was confirmed by XRD patterns and emission spectra. Deriving from much closer distance between Eu3+ and Yb3+ ions in the nanocrystals, higher efficient energy transfer of Eu3+→Yb3+ (cross relaxation between Eu3+:5D0→7F6 andYb3+:2F5/2→2F7/2 transition or cooperative energy transfer from one Eu3+ ion to a couple of Yb3+ ions) and intense near infrared emission of Yb3+:2F5/2→2F7/2 transition are achieved in the glass ceramics. Both the quantum yield (QY) and the NIR emission intensity of the glass ceramics are enhanced, when compared with the precursor glasses. The maximum ET efficiency of Eu3+→Yb3+ is close to 60%, and the measured maximum QY of 980 nm emissions is 13%. It demonstrates the potential application of Eu3+/Yb3+ co‐doped glass ceramics in improving the efficiency of silicon solar cells.
Characterization and Luminescence Properties of YAG:Ce3+ Phosphors by Molten Salt Synthesis
Authors: Yang Huijuan , Zhu Guisheng , Yuan Le , Zhang Chi , Li Fengsheng , Xu Huarui , Yu Aibing
Published: November 2011

The Y2.9Ce0.1Al5O12 (YAG: Ce3+) phosphors were successfully prepared via molten salt synthesis (MSS) method using the eutectic mixtures of NaNO2–KNO2 or NaCl–KCl as the flux. Using NaCl–KCl as the flux, Y3Al5O12 phase is formed above 1000°C, and the as‐prepared YAG: Ce3+ phosphor with 2 μm average particle size has good emission and excitation spectra. Using NaNO2–KNO2 as the flux, Y3Al5O12 phase can be formed at a temperature as low as 400°C, but the as‐prepared YAG: Ce3+ phosphor with 200 nm average particle size do not have obvious emission and excitation spectra, and after being annealed at 1100°C, the powder also has 200 nm average particle size but has stronger emission and excitation spectra. Compared with the commercial YAG: Ce3+ phosphor, the emission intensity of the phosphor prepared by MSS using NaNO2–KNO2 as the flux followed by calcination is a little low, but the latter has a smaller particle size, which will reduce the amount of phosphors utilized in white light‐emitting diodes.
Melange of Memories. Negotiating Transcultural Identities in Eva Menasse’sVienna
Authors: Hakkarainen Marja‐Leena
Published: November 2011

In this essay it is my aim to explore the reinvention of the Jewish‐Austrian past in Eva Menasse’s novelVienna(2005). Like many other second‐ and third‐generation Jewish writers, she thematizes the silence of her family concerning the Shoah, the re‐emergence of memory work in the 1980s, and the problems of transgenerational dialogue. Instead of providing coherent stories and stable identities, the novel presents a blend of memories of a multi‐ethnic family. In so doing, the narrative not only sheds light on a silenced past but also reveals its transnational links and transcultural mixtures. By challenging the idea of cultural singularity, the novel problematizes the connection between Jewishness and hybridity. Furthermore, the shifting meanings of family and home and the emphasis on storytelling in Menasse’s novel outline a performative approach to the past as a contested area.
Peripheral painful traumatic trigeminal neuropathies
Authors: Benoliel R , Kahn J , Eliav E
Published: November 2011

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 317–332

The aim of this article is to review the clinical, pathophysiological, and therapeutic aspects of traumatically induced trigeminal nerve pain. We introduce a new and, in our view, more accurate terminology: peripheral painful traumatic trigeminal neuropathy (PPTTN) to define this patient group. The proposed pathophysiology of PPTTN is largely based on studies in spinal nerve injury models. However, trigeminal nerve injury studies have shown some subtle differences in response to physical and inflammatory insults, and these are discussed. The treatment of painful neuropathies is difficult and carries a poor prognosis. Based on the available literature on efficacy and side effects, we propose a treatment algorithm for traumatic trigeminal neuropathies.
Reactive oxygen species are not involved in the onset of age‐related memory impairment in Drosophila
Authors: Hirano Y. , Kuriyama Y. , Miyashita T. , Horiuchi J. , Saitoe M.
Published: November 2011

Damage from reactive oxygen species (ROS) is thought to be a cause of organismal aging. Reactive oxygen species have also been proposed to be responsible for several age‐associated phenotypes, including age‐related memory impairment (AMI). However, it has not previously been tested whether increasing ROS affects AMI onset. Here we examined the effects of feeding hydrogen peroxide, and the ROS‐generating agent, paraquat, on olfactory aversive memory in Drosophila at young ages and during AMI onset. Reactive oxygen species feeding greatly reduced fly survival, and increased oxidized proteins and transcripts of an antioxidant enzyme, catalase (Cat) and a stress‐responsive chaperone, heat‐shock protein 22 (Hsp22) in fly heads. However, feeding did not impair memory in young wild‐type flies, nor did it exacerbate the memory deficits in flies at the onset of AMI. Strikingly ROS feeding did disrupt memory at young ages and accelerated AMI onset was observed when expression of genes involved in the defense system to ROS, including antioxidant enzymes and Hsp22, was reduced in the mushroom bodies, neural centers required for olfactory memory. These results implicate that although ROS production increases upon aging, neuronal functions required for memory processes are sufficiently protected by the defense system to ROS even at the age of AMI onset. Thus we propose that ROS production does not affect AMI onset in Drosophila.