bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms on Discomfort in Men Aged between 50 and 80 Years
Authors: Robert Grégoire , Descazeaud Aurélien , Azzouzi Rahmene , Saussine Christian , Haillot Olivier , Dumonceau Olivier , Ballereau Charles , Fourmarier Marc , Devonec Marian , Lukacs Bertrand , Delongchamps Nicolas Barry , Desgrandchamps Francois , de la Taille Alexandre
Published: May 2010

Background/Aims: There are only a few surveys on the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) among the general population. The aim of this survey was to assess the prevalence of LUTS and their impact on discomfort in men. Methods: A questionnaire was mailed to 3,877 men aged 50–80 years, which included questions on their medical history, demographic and sociological status, and also the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) with additional questions on discomfort related to urinary symptoms. Results: The response rate was 81.5%. Prevalence of mild and severe IPSS was 89.2%. Specific bother for each urinary symptom depended on symptom frequency: urgency, frequency, weak stream, nocturia, incomplete emptying, intermittency and straining 1 time out of 5 were responsible for discomfort in respectively 4.9, 6.1, 7.1, 7.5, 8.7 and 9.9%; the same symptoms more than half of the time were responsible for discomfort in respectively 32.8, 38, 45.3, 45.6, 53.2 and 58.7%. Urgency was much more deeply implicated in discomfort than frequency of nocturia. Conclusions: Urinary symptoms in men are very common. Nocturia is the most frequent but has a low impact on discomfort. Urgency has a higher impact on discomfort and should therefore be considered in treatment decision-making.
Testing the predatory behaviour of Podarcis sicula (Reptilia: Lacertidae) towards aposematic and non-aposematic preys
Authors: Bonacci Teresa , Capula Massimo , Brandmayr Tullia Zetto , Brandmayr Pietro , Aloise Gaetano
Published: May 2010

Food preferences and the effects of prey chemical repellents in the dietary behaviour of Podarcis sicula were tested using four species of Carabid beetles as prey models. The goal of the study was to assess (i) the ability of P. sicula to recognize insect preys provided with chemical repellents and aposematic colorations under laboratory conditions, and (ii) the importance of chemical signals used by the prey model as antipredatory strategy. Preys used in this study were Brachinus sclopeta and Anchomenus dorsalis (aposematic species) and Amara anthobia and A. aenea (non-aposematic species). Aposematic species are characterized by warning color pattern and by production of chemical repellents, while non-aposematic ones do not. Amara anthobia and A. aenea were attacked with high frequency by P. sicula, Brachinus sclopeta and Anchomenus dorsalis with low frequency. Non-aposematic species were preyed more often than the aposematic ones. Brachinus sclopeta was preyed after low latency, while Amara anthobia and A. aenea after long latency. Non-aposematic species were captured and eaten without difficulty, while when B. sclopeta or A. dorsalis were captured, lizards always tossed their head and then rub the snout on the soil, probably because of the unpalatability of aposematic preys.
The feeding apparatus of Chelus fimbriatus (Pleurodira; Chelidae) – adaptation perfected?
Authors: Gumpenberger Michaela , Gemel Richard , Lemell Patrick , Snelderwaard Peter , Weisgram Josef , Beisser Christian Josef
Published: May 2010

The feeding apparatus of the fringed turtle Chelus fimbriatus (Schneider, 1783) was studied to elucidate the feeding mechanics of an aquatic feeding specialist that has never been investigated in detail before, regarding gross morphology. The skull and hyoid apparatus as well as associated musculature were examined by computer tomography and dissection; the tongue was examined by scanning electron microscopy. The flat skull, the possibility to enormously depress the mandible combined with a cheek-like development, the large, ossified hyoid apparatus, and a well-distensible esophagus enable the turtle to produce an enormous suction force the prey is inhaled with. The jaw adductors are poorly developed in relation to other turtles and thus help keep the skull shape flat; nevertheless, they are able to generate high velocities and exhibit some new performance lines. The hyoid musculature is as well-developed as the hyoid apparatus itself, promoting the high depression velocity that is necessary for good feeding performance. The tongue is nearly reduced and lacks dorsal morphological differentiations. Taking all the morphological features into account, C. fimbriatus is an extremely well-adapted turtle making this species a very interesting object of investigation.
‘The worst thing about hospice is that they talk about death’: contrasting hospice decisions and experience among immigrant Central and South American Latinos with US-born White, non-Latino cancer caregivers
Authors: Kreling Barbara , Selsky Claire , Perret-Gentil Monique , Huerta Elmer E , Mandelblatt Jeanne S ,   Latin American Cancer Research Coalition
Published: May 2010

Hospice care is promoted as a model for improving end of life care and decreasing burden on caregivers. However, hospice use is low in Latinos and little is known about how Latinos make hospice decisions and experience hospice once enrolled. Qualitative methods were used in this study to conduct in-depth interviews and focus groups with 15 Latino bereaved hospice family caregivers and 15 White non-Latino bereaved hospice family caregivers to describe hospice experiences and evaluate whether cultural factors affected the experience. Differences in decision-making and caregiving experience were identified that were influenced by culture. For example, cultural values of denial, secrecy about prognosis and a collective, family-centered system influenced hospice decisions and experience in Latinos but not non-Latinos. This study identifies a significant dilemma: that is, how to discuss hospice with a patient and family who prefer not to discuss a terminal prognosis. Future research is needed to extend these preliminary results; such results may be useful for designing interventions to improve end of life care and caregiving in Latinos.
A study on interfacial properties of jute-PP composites
Authors: Bera Moumita , Alagirusamy R. , Das Apurba
Published: May 2010

In this work jute fiber has been treated with Maleic Anhydride grafted PP (MAgPP) and also Vinyl trimethoxy silane (VTMO) at various concentration levels and the tensile, interfacial, and moisture regain properties of the composites are studied in detail. Tensile and flexural tests are carried out to characterize the mechanical properties and fiber pull out test is carried out to characterize the interfacial properties. It has been found that both MAgPP and VTMO treatments improve the tensile properties of the resultant composites. MAgPP treatment yields higher increase in composite tensile properties. Fiber pull out tests also indicate better interfacial strength for MAgPP treated fibers. The influence of fiber volume fraction on tensile and flexural properties is carried out for composites with MAgPP treated jute fibers.
Effects of Racism on Perceptions and Punishment of Intra- and Interracial Crimes
Authors: Saucier Donald A. , Hockett Jericho M. , Zanotti Danielle C. , Heffel Sarah
Published: May 2010

The majority of hate crimes in the United States are driven by racial bias. However, extra-legal factors such as the perpetrators’ motivations, the races of the victims and perpetrators, and the presence or absence of hate symbols or slurs often result in ambiguity in the classification of crimes as hate crimes. This uncertainty evokes consideration of how such crimes are characterized and of how violent intra- and interracial crimes are perceived and responded to. The current study used violent crime vignettes to explore the effects of participants’ levels of racism, perpetrator and victim race, and assault severity on perceptions of crimes as “hate crimes,” victim blame, and sentence recommendations. These results contribute to the understanding of how intra- and interracial crimes are perceived and how individuals’ levels of racism affect these perceptions.
Devic’s syndrome and primary APS: a new immunological overlap
Authors: Squatrito D. , Colagrande S. , Emmi L.
Published: May 2010

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO or Devic’s syndrome) is a rare autoimmune disease, previously considered a multiple sclerosis variant. The most important laboratory and clinical features are optic myelitis and transverse myelitis, associated with neuromyelitis optica-IgG antibody (NMO-IgG) positivity. Subsequent to this immunological test being available, different groups have described the not-so-rare comorbidity of neuromyelitis optica with other systemic autoimmune diseases, systemic lupus erythematosus with secondary anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) in particular. We describe a patient meeting both the classification criteria for primary APS and the new diagnostic criteria for neuromyelitis optica. It’s important to diagnose NMO syndrome as both optic neuritis and transverse myelitis were also considered neurological complications of antiphospholipid syndrome. NMO-IgG is a new and fundamental test to decide if immunosuppressant therapy is warranted for such patients.
Circumventing the Law: Students’ Rights in Schools With Police
Authors: Bracy Nicole L.
Published: May 2010

Over the past several decades, public schools in the United States have been increasingly transformed into high security environments, complete with surveillance technologies, security forces, and harsh punishments. The school resource officer (SRO) program, which assigns uniformed police officers to work in public schools, is one significant component of this new brand of school security. Although the intentions of the SRO program are clear—to help administrators maintain order in schools, deter students from committing criminal acts, and arrest students who do break the law—the potential unintended consequences of this program are largely unknown. This study employs ethnographic methodology in two public high schools with SROs to examine how students’ rights, including Fourth Amendment rights, Fifth Amendment rights, and privacy rights, are negotiated in public schools with full-time police presence. The results of this study suggest that schools administrators and SROs partner in ways that compromise and reduce the legal rights of students.
Design Features for Employment-Supportive Personal Assistance Services in Medicaid Programs
Authors: Langer Ellison Marsha , Glazier Raymond E. , O'Connell Elizabeth , Norton Giulia , Himmelstein Jay
Published: May 2010

To support the employment of persons with disabilities, state Medicaid programs are allowed to offer personal assistance services (PAS) at work as well as at home. These employment-supportive personal assistance services (EPAS) can be used to help persons with disabilities obtain or retain employment. This article explores Medicaid-funded EPAS through examination of programs in seven states and analysis of results from PAS user focus groups and employer interviews. Medicaid policy recommendations include: link EPAS with existing PAS programs in Medicaid state plans or waivers, distinguish EPAS from job- or task-related assistance that is the responsibility of the employer, and specify explicit coverage for personal care services at home, at the work site, and for work-related transportation.
Peer Reviewing Across the Atlantic: Patterns and Trends in L1 and L2 Comments Made in an Asynchronous Online Collaborative Learning Exchange Between Technical Communication Students in Sweden and in the United States
Authors: Anderson Paul , Bergman Becky , Bradley Linda , Gustafsson Magnus , Matzke Aurora
Published: May 2010

In a globally networked learning environment (GNLE), 16 students at a university in Sweden and 17 students at a university in the United States exchanged peer-review comments on drafts of assignments they prepared in English for their technical communication classes. The instructors of both sets of students had assigned the same projects and taught their courses in the same way that they had in the previous year, which contrasts with the common practice of having students in partnering courses work on the same assignment or on linked assignments created specifically for the GNLE. The authors coded the students’ 816 comments according to their focus and orientation in order to investigate the possible differences between the comments made by the L2 students in Sweden and those made by the L1 (English as a second language) students in the United States, the possible impact of peer reviewing online, and the influence of the instructors’ directions on the students’ peer-reviewing behavior.
Identification of Dynamic Vehicular Axle Loads: Theory and Simulations
Authors: Lu Deng  , Cai C.S.
Published: May 2010

This paper presents a new method of identifying dynamic vehicular axle loads by directly using bridge measurements. To demonstrate how the proposed methodology works out, vehicle-bridge coupling equations are first established for numerical simulations. The developed vehicle-bridge coupled system contains only the modal properties of the bridge and the physical parameters of the vehicle. Using the superposition principle and influence surface concept, the dynamic interaction forces (i.e. the dynamic axle loads) can then be identified from the measured bridge responses. A series of simulations are carried out in which the effects of various factors such as bridge inertia force, measurement station, vehicle speed, traveling route, number of vehicles, road surface condition, and noise level have been investigated. The identified results show that the proposed method is able to identify dynamic axle loads with good accuracy, which can serve as a basis for dynamic bridge-weigh-in-motion. This paper also serves as a theoretical base for the companion paper in which the proposed method is applied to identify the dynamic axle loads of a real truck on an existing bridge.
A nation within? Indigenous peoples, representation and sovereignty in Australia
Authors: Robbins Jane
Published: May 2010

Many Indigenous peoples who exist as minorities in a postcolonial nation seek to achieve some level of self-determination or shared sovereignty within the nation. This article explores the concept of sovereignty in an Australian context. Under the former Liberal coalition government the recognition of Indigenous rights was portrayed as a form of separatism that threatened national unity. One of the casualties of government policy was the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC), an elected Indigenous body that had previously administered a significant budget for Indigenous programmes. With the demise of ATSIC, Australia’s Indigenous peoples have been denied a formal mechanism for the expression of their political interests in the name of national unity. The advent of a new Australian Labor Party (ALP) government opens the way for these issues to be reconsidered. Can sovereignty be shared in a way that delivers effective self-determination to Indigenous peoples without creating a threat to national cohesion?
Outlining Art: On Jean-Luc Nancy’s Trop and Le plaisir au dessin
Authors: Michaud Ginette
Published: May 2010

‘Art is always the art of making a world’, affirms Jean-Luc Nancy. Taking into account the philosopher’s recent involvement in two ‘exhibitions’ in which he played an active role, both ‘subject’ and object’ in Trop. Jean-Luc Nancy (Montréal, 2005) and co-commissioner to Le plaisir au dessin (Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, 2007), this article probes into this nuclear formula — art, making, world — at the heart of Nancy’s aesthetic, philosophical and political stand: first, by examining how his thought is grounded in the ‘ cum’, the ‘ avec’, which takes place between art and the world, art as world; second, by assessing how this ‘making’ occurs from within the form of art, through the ‘ forma formans’ or through a methexis remodelling mimêsis at its core; and last, but certainly not least, by showing how this aisthesis is also and foremost political in its very making.
Triple play of H pylori in ITP
Authors: Ahn Yeon S.
Published: May 2010

In this issue of Blood, the meticulous study by Yeh and colleagues offers new insight into the mechanism of “immune” TP associated with H pylori infection.
Prolonged activation of S6K1 does not suppress IRS or PI-3 kinase signaling during muscle cell differentiation
Authors: Hamilton D Lee , Philp Andrew , MacKenzie Matthew G , Baar Keith
Published: May 2010

Background

Myogenesis in C2C12 cells requires the activation of the PI3K/mTOR signaling pathways. Since mTOR signaling can feedback through S6K1 to inhibit the activation of PI3K, the aim of this work was to assess whether feedback from S6K1 played a role in myogenesis and determine whether siRNA mediated knockdown of S6K1 would lead to an increased rate of myotube formation.

Results

S6K1 activity increased in a linear fashion following plating and was more than 3-fold higher after Day 3 of differentiation (subconfluent = 11.09 ± 3.05, Day 3 = 29.34 ± 3.58). IRS-1 levels tended to increase upon serum withdrawal but decreased approximately 2-fold (subconfluent = 0.88 ± 0.10, Day 3 = 0.42 ± 0.06) 3 days following differentiation whereas IRS-2 protein remained stable. IRS-1 associated p85 was significantly reduced upon serum withdrawal (subconfluent = 0.86 ± 0.07, Day 0 = 0.31 ± 0.05), remaining low through day 1. IRS-2 associated p85 decreased following serum withdrawal (subconfluent = 0.96 ± 0.05, Day 1 = 0.56 ± 0.08) and remained suppressed up to Day 3 following differentiation (0.56 ± 0.05). Phospho-tyrosine associated p85 increased significantly from subconfluent to Day 0 and remained elevated throughout differentiation. siRNA directed against S6K1 and S6K2 did not result in changes in IRS-1 levels after either 48 or 96 hrs. Furthermore, neither 48 nor 96 hrs of S6K1 knockdown caused a change in myotube formation.

Conclusions

Even though S6K1 activity increases throughout muscle cell differentiation and IRS-1 levels decrease over this period, siRNA suggests that S6K1 is not mediating the decrease in IRS-1. The decrease in IRS-1/2 associated p85 together with the increase in phospho-tyrosine associated p85 suggests that PI3K associates primarily with scaffolds other than IRS-1/2 during muscle cell differentiation.
Health, wellbeing and nutritional status of older people living in UK care homes: an exploratory evaluation of changes in food and drink provision
Authors: Kenkmann Andrea , Price Gill M , Bolton Joanne , Hooper Lee
Published: May 2010

Background

Food and drink are important determinants of physical and social health in care home residents. This study explored whether a pragmatic methodology including routinely collected data was feasible in UK care homes, to describe the health, wellbeing and nutritional status of care home residents and assess effects of changed provision of food and drink at three care homes on residents' falls (primary outcome), anaemia, weight, dehydration, cognitive status, depression, lipids and satisfaction with food and drink provision.

Methods

We measured health, wellbeing and nutritional status of 120 of 213 residents of six care homes in Norfolk, UK. An intervention comprising improved dining atmosphere, greater food choice, extended restaurant hours, and readily available snacks and drinks machines was implemented in three care homes. Three control homes maintained their previous system. Outcomes were assessed in the year before and the year after the changes.

Results

Use of routinely collected data was partially successful, but loss to follow up and levels of missing data were high, limiting power to identify trends in the data.

This was a frail older population (mean age 87, 71% female) with multiple varied health problems. During the first year 60% of residents had one or more falls, 40% a wound care visit, and 40% a urinary tract infection. 45% were on diuretics, 24% antidepressants, and 43% on psychotropic medication.

There was a slight increase in falls from year 1 to year 2 in the intervention homes, and a much bigger increase in control homes, leading to a statistically non-significant 24% relative reduction in residents' rate of falls in intervention homes compared with control homes (adjusted rate ratio 0.76, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.02, p = 0.06).

Conclusions

Care home residents are frail and experience multiple health risks. This intervention to improve food and drink provision was well received by residents, but effects on health indicators (despite the relative reduction in falls rate) were inconclusive, partly due to problems with routine data collection and loss to follow up. Further research with more homes is needed to understand which, if any, components of the intervention may be successful.

Trial registration

Trial registration: ISRCTN86057119.
Correlates of video games playing among adolescents in an Islamic country
Authors: Allahverdipour Hamid , Bazargan Mohsen , Farhadinasab Abdollah , Moeini Babak
Published: May 2010

Background

No study has ever explored the prevalence and correlates of video game playing among children in the Islamic Republic of Iran. This study describes patterns and correlates of excessive video game use in a random sample of middle-school students in Iran. Specifically, we examine the relationship between video game playing and psychological well-being, aggressive behaviors, and adolescents' perceived threat of video-computer game playing.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was performed with a random sample of 444 adolescents recruited from eight middle schools. A self-administered, anonymous questionnaire covered socio-demographics, video gaming behaviors, mental health status, self-reported aggressive behaviors, and perceived side effects of video game playing.

Results

Overall, participants spent an average of 6.3 hours per week playing video games. Moreover, 47% of participants reported that they had played one or more intensely violent games. Non-gamers reported suffering poorer mental health compared to excessive gamers. Both non-gamers and excessive gamers overall reported suffering poorer mental health compared to low or moderate players. Participants who initiated gaming at younger ages were more likely to score poorer in mental health measures. Participants' self-reported aggressive behaviors were associated with length of gaming. Boys, but not girls, who reported playing video games excessively showed more aggressive behaviors. A multiple binary logistic regression shows that when controlling for other variables, older students, those who perceived less serious side effects of video gaming, and those who have personal computers, were more likely to report that they had played video games excessively.

Conclusion

Our data show a curvilinear relationship between video game playing and mental health outcomes, with "moderate" gamers faring best and "excessive" gamers showing mild increases in problematic behaviors. Interestingly, "non-gamers" clearly show the worst outcomes. Therefore, both children and parents of non-game players should be updated about the positive impact of moderate video gaming. Educational interventions should also be designed to educate adolescents and their parents of the possible harmful impact of excessive video game playing on their health and psychosocial functioning.
Prevalence and factors affecting home blood pressure documentation in routine clinical care: a retrospective study
Authors: Kramer Michael H , Breydo Eugene , Shubina Maria , Babcock Kelly , Einbinder Jonathan S , Turchin Alexander
Published: May 2010

Background

Home blood pressure (BP) is closely linked to patient outcomes. However, the prevalence of its documentation has not been examined. The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence and factors affecting documentation of home BP in routine clinical care.

Methods

A retrospective study of 142,973 encounters of 9,840 hypertensive patients with diabetes from 2000 to 2005 was performed. The prevalence of recorded home BP and the factors associated with its documentation were analyzed. We assessed validity of home BP information by comparing the difference between home and office BP to previously published prospective studies.

Results

Home BP was documented in narrative notes for 2.08% of encounters where any blood pressure was recorded and negligibly in structured data (EMR flowsheets). Systolic and diastolic home BP in narrative notes were lower than office BP readings by 9.6 and 2.5 mm Hg, respectively (p < 0.0001 for both), consistent with prospective data. Probability of home BP documentation increased by 23.0% for each 10 mm Hg of office systolic BP (p < 0.0001), by 6.2% for each $10,000 in median income of zip code (p = 0.0055), and by 17.7% for each decade in the patient's age (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Home BP readings provide a valid representation of the patient's condition, yet are seldom documented despite their potential utility in both patient care and research. Strong association between higher patient income and home BP documentation suggests that the cost of the monitors may be a limiting factor; reimbursement of home BP monitoring expenses should be pursued.
Candidate malaria susceptibility/protective SNPs in hospital and population-based studies: the effect of sub-structuring
Authors: Eid Nahid A , Hussein Aymen A , Elzein Abier M , Mohamed Hiba S , Rockett Kirk A , Kwiatkowski Dominic P , Ibrahim Muntaser E
Published: May 2010

Background

Populations of East Africa including Sudan, exhibit some of the highest indices of genetic diversity in the continent and worldwide. The current study aims to address the possible impact of population structure and population stratification on the outcome of case-control association-analysis of malaria candidate-genes in different Sudanese populations, where the pronounced genetic heterogeneity becomes a source of concern for the potential effect on the studies outcome.

Methods

A total of 72 SNPs were genotyped using the Sequenom® iPLEX Gold assay in 449 DNA samples that included; cases and controls from two village populations, malaria patients and out-patients from the area of Sinnar and additional controls consisting of healthy Nilo-Saharan speaking individuals. The population substructure was estimated using the Structure 2.2 programme.

Results & Discussion

The Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium values were generally within expectation in Hausa and Massalit. However, in the Sinnar area there was a notable excess of homozygosity, which was attributed to the Whalund effect arising from population amalgamation within the sample. The programme STRUCTURE revealed a division of both Hausa and Massalit into two substructures with the partition in Hausa more pronounced than in Massalit; In Sinnar there was no defined substructure. More than 25 of the 72 SNPs assayed were informative in all areas. Some important SNPs were not differentially distributed between malaria cases and controls, including SNPs in CD36 and NOS2. A number of SNPs showed significant p-values for differences in distribution of genotypes between cases and controls including: rs1805015 (in IL4R1) (P = 0.001), rs17047661 (in CR1) (P = 0.02) and rs1800750 (TNF-376)(P = 0.01) in the hospital samples; rs1050828 (G6PD+202) (P = 0.02) and rs1800896 (IL10-1082) (P = 0.04) in Massalit and rs2243250 (IL4-589) (P = 0.04) in Hausa.

Conclusions

The difference in population structure partly accounts for some of these significant associations, and the strength of association proved to be sensitive to all levels of sub-structuring whether in the hospital or population-based study.
HOXB13 promotes androgen independent growth of LNCaP prostate cancer cells by the activation of E2F signaling
Authors: Kim Young-Rang , Oh Kyung-Jin , Park Ra-Young , Xuan Nguyen Thi , Kang Taek-Won , Kwon Dong-Deuk , Choi Chan , Kim Min Soo , Nam Kwang Il , Ahn Kyu Youn , Jung Chaeyong
Published: May 2010

Background

Androgen signaling plays a critical role in the development of prostate cancer and its progression. However, androgen-independent prostate cancer cells emerge after hormone ablation therapy, resulting in significant clinical problems. We have previously demonstrated that the HOXB13 homeodomain protein functions as a prostate cancer cell growth suppressor by inhibiting androgen-mediated signals. However, the role of the HOXB13 in androgen-independent growth of prostate cancer cells remains unexplained.

Results

In this report, we first demonstrated that HOXB13 was highly overexpressed in hormone-refractory tumors compared to tumors without prostate-specific antigen after initial treatment. Functionally, in an androgen-free environment minimal induction of HOXB13 in LNCaP prostate cancer cells, to the level of the normal prostate, markedly promoted cell proliferation while suppression inhibited cell proliferation. The HOXB13-mediated cell growth promotion in the absence of androgen, appears to be mainly accomplished through the activation of RB-E2F signaling by inhibiting the expression of the p21waf tumor suppressor. Indeed, forced expression of HOXB13 dramatically decreased expression of p21waf; this inhibition largely affected HOXB13-mediated promotion of E2F signaling.

Conclusions

Taken together, the results of this study demonstrated the presence of a novel pathway that helps understand androgen-independent survival of prostate cancer cells. These findings suggest that upregulation of HOXB13 is associated with an additive growth advantage of prostate cancer cells in the absence of or low androgen concentrations, by the regulation of p21-mediated E2F signaling.
The effect of whole grain wheat sourdough bread consumption on serum lipids in healthy normoglycemic/normoinsulinemic and hyperglycemic/hyperinsulinemic adults depends on presence of the APOE E3/E3 genotype: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tucker Amy J , MacKay Kathryn A , Robinson Lindsay E , Graham Terry E , Bakovic Marica , Duncan Alison M
Published: May 2010

Background

Epidemiological studies associate consumption of whole grain foods, including breads, with reduced cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk; however, few studies have compared wheat whole grains with wheat refined grains.

Methods

This study investigated effects of 6-week consumption of whole grain wheat sourdough bread in comparison to white bread on fasting serum lipids in normoglycemic/normoinsulinemic (NGI; n = 14) and hyperglycemic/hyperinsulinemic (HGI; n = 14) adults. The influence of single-nucleotide polymorphisms, 3 within the APOE gene (E2, E3, E4) and 2 within the hepatic lipase gene promoter (LIPC -514C>T, LIPC -250G>A) were considered.

Results

At baseline, HGI participants had significantly higher body weight, waist circumference, body fat, and fasted glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), glucagon, triacylglycerols (TAG) and TAG:HDL-cholesterol, compared to NGI participants; however, none of these in addition to none of the other serum lipids, differed between bread treatments, within either participant group. For participants with the APOE E3/E3 genotype, LDL-cholesterol (P = 0.02) increased in the NGI group (n = 7), and TAG (P = 0.03) and TAG:HDL-cholesterol (P = 0.04) increased in the HGI group (n = 10), following consumption of whole grain wheat sourdough compared to white bread.

Conclusions

In summary, 6-week consumption of whole grain wheat sourdough bread did not significantly modulate serum lipids in NGI or HGI adults; however, it significantly increased LDL-cholesterol, TAG and TAG:HDL-cholesterol in participants with the APOE E3/E3 genotype. These data add to limited literature comparing wheat whole grains to wheat refined grains on CVD risk and highlight the need to consider genetic variation in relation to lipoprotein lipid content and CVD risk.
Etoricoxib - preemptive and postoperative analgesia (EPPA) in patients with laparotomy or thoracotomy - design and protocols
Authors: Fleckenstein Johannes , Kramer Sybille , Offenbächer Martin , Schober Gabriel , Plischke Herbert , Siebeck Matthias , Mussack Thomas , Hatz Rudolf , Lehmeyer Lukas , Lang Philip M , Heindl Bernhard , Conzen Peter , Irnich Dominik
Published: May 2010

Background and Objective

Our objective was to report on the design and essentials of the Etoricoxib protocol- Preemptive and Postoperative Analgesia (EPPA) Trial, investigating whether preemptive analgesia with cox-2 inhibitors is more efficacious than placebo in patients who receive either laparotomy or thoracotomy.

Design and Methods

The study is a 2 × 2 factorial armed, double blinded, bicentric, randomised placebo-controlled trial comparing (a) etoricoxib and (b) placebo in a pre- and postoperative setting. The total observation period is 6 months. According to a power analysis, 120 patients scheduled for abdominal or thoracic surgery will randomly be allocated to either the preemptive or the postoperative treatment group. These two groups are each divided into two arms. Preemptive group patients receive etoricoxib prior to surgery and either etoricoxib again or placebo postoperatively. Postoperative group patients receive placebo prior to surgery and either placebo again or etoricoxib after surgery (2 × 2 factorial study design). The Main Outcome Measure is the cumulative use of morphine within the first 48 hours after surgery (measured by patient controlled analgesia PCA). Secondary outcome parameters include a broad range of tests including sensoric perception and genetic polymorphisms.

Discussion

The results of this study will provide information on the analgesic effectiveness of etoricoxib in preemptive analgesia and will give hints on possible preventive effects of persistent pain.

Trial registration

NCT00716833
Localization of BDNF mRNA with the Huntington's disease protein in rat brain
Authors: Ma Bin , Culver Brady P , Baj Gabriele , Tongiorgi Enrico , Chao Moses V , Tanese Naoko
Published: May 2010

Background

Studies have implicated reduced levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the pathogenesis of Huntington's disease. Mutant huntingtin (Htt) protein was previously reported to decrease BDNF gene transcription and axonal transport of BDNF. We recently showed that wild-type Htt is associated with the Argonaute 2 microRNA-processing enzyme involved in gene silencing. In dendrites, Htt co-localizes with components of neuronal granules and mRNAs, indicating that it might play a role in post-transcriptional processing/transport of dendritic mRNAs.

Results

We conducted imaging experiments in cultured cortical neurons to demonstrate the co-localization of endogenous Htt and BDNF mRNA in fixed cells, and co-trafficking of BDNF 3'UTR mRNA with endogenous and fluorescently tagged Htt in live neurons. We used an enhanced technique that combines FISH and immunofluorescent staining to co-localize BDNF mRNA with Htt, Ago2, CPEB and dynein in thick vibratome sections of the rat cortex.

Conclusions

In cultured neurons and sections of the rat cortex, we found BDNF mRNA associated with Htt and components of neuronal RNA granules, which are centers for regulating RNA transport and local translation. Htt may play a role in post-transcriptional transport/targeting of mRNA for BDNF, thus contributing to neurotrophic support and neuron survival.
An information-flow-based model with dissipation, saturation and direction for active pathway inference
Authors: Ren Xianwen , Zhou Xiaobo , Wu Ling-Yun , Zhang Xiang-Sun
Published: May 2010

Background

Biological systems process the genetic information and environmental signals through pathways. How to map the pathways systematically and efficiently from high-throughput genomic and proteomic data is a challenging open problem. Previous methods design different heuristics but do not describe explicitly the behaviours of the information flow.

Results

In this study, we propose new concepts of dissipation, saturation and direction to decipher the information flow behaviours in the pathways and thereby infer the biological pathways from a given source to its target. This model takes into account explicitly the common features of the information transmission and provides a general framework to model the biological pathways. It can incorporate different types of bio-molecular interactions to infer the signal transduction pathways and interpret the expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) associations. The model is formulated as a linear programming problem and thus is solved efficiently. Experiments on the real data of yeast indicate that the reproduced pathways are highly consistent with the current knowledge.

Conclusions

Our model explicitly treats the biological pathways as information flows with dissipation, saturation and direction. The effective applications suggest that the three new concepts may be valid to describe the organization rules of biological pathways. The deduced linear programming should be a promising tool to infer the various biological pathways from the high-throughput data.
Comparing the fermentation performance of Escherichia coli KO11, Saccharomyces cerevisiae 424A(LNH-ST) and Zymomonas mobilis AX101 for cellulosic ethanol production
Authors: Lau Ming W , Gunawan Christa , Balan Venkatesh , Dale Bruce E
Published: May 2010

Background

Fermentations using Escherichia coli KO11, Saccharomyces cerevisiae 424A(LNH-ST), and Zymomonas mobilis AX101 are compared side-by-side on corn steep liquor (CSL) media and the water extract and enzymatic hydrolysate from ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX)-pretreated corn stover.

Results

The three ethanologens are able produce ethanol from a CSL-supplemented co-fermentation at a metabolic yield, final concentration and rate greater than 0.42 g/g consumed sugars, 40 g/L and 0.7 g/L/h (0-48 h), respectively. Xylose-only fermentation of the tested ethanologenic bacteria are five to eight times faster than 424A(LNH-ST) in the CSL fermentation.

All tested strains grow and co-ferment sugars at 15% w/v solids loading equivalent of ammonia fiber explosion (AFEX)-pretreated corn stover water extract. However, both KO11 and 424A(LNH-ST) exhibit higher growth robustness than AX101. In 18% w/w solids loading lignocellulosic hydrolysate from AFEX pretreatment, complete glucose fermentations can be achieved at a rate greater than 0.77 g/L/h. In contrast to results from fermentation in CSL, S. cerevisiae 424A(LNH-ST) consumed xylose at the greatest extent and rate in the hydrolysate compared to the bacteria tested.

Conclusions

Our results confirm that glucose fermentations among the tested strains are effective even at high solids loading (18% by weight). However, xylose consumption in the lignocellulosic hydrolysate is the major bottleneck affecting overall yield, titer or rate of the process. In comparison, Saccharomyces cerevisiae 424A(LNH-ST) is the most relevant strains for industrial production for its ability to ferment both glucose and xylose from undetoxified and unsupplemented hydrolysate from AFEX-pretreated corn stover at high yield.
Elevation of cardiac troponin I during non-exertional heat-related illnesses in the context of a heatwave
Authors: Hausfater Pierre , Doumenc Benoît , Chopin Sébastien , Le Manach Yannick , Santin Aline , Dautheville Sandrine , Patzak Anabela , Hericord Philippe , Mégarbane Bruno , Andronikof Marc , Terbaoui Nabila , Riou Bruno
Published: May 2010

Introduction

The prognostic value of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in patients having a heat-related illness during a heat wave has been poorly documented.

Methods

In a post hoc analysis, we evaluated 514 patients admitted to emergency departments during the August 2003 heat wave in Paris, having a core temperature >38.5°C and who had analysis of cTnI levels. cTnI was considered as normal, moderately elevated (abnormality threshold to 1.5 ng.mL-1), or severely elevated (>1.5 ng.mL-1). Patients were classified according to our previously described risk score (high, intermediate, and low-risk of death).

Results

Mean age was 84 ± 12 years, mean body temperature 40.3 ± 1.2°C. cTnI was moderately elevated in 165 (32%) and severely elevated in 97 (19%) patients. One-year survival was significantly decreased in patients with moderate or severe increase in cTnI (24 and 46% vs 58%, all P < 0.05). Using logistic regression, four independent variables were associated with an elevated cTnI: previous coronary artery disease, Glasgow coma scale <12, serum creatinine >120 μmol.L-1, and heart rate >110 bpm. Using Cox regression, only severely elevated cTnI was an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio 1.93, 95% confidence interval 1.35 to 2.77) when risk score was taken into account. One-year survival was decreased in patients with elevated cTnI only in high risk patients (17 vs 31%, P = 0.04).

Conclusions

cTnI is frequently elevated in patients with non-exertional heat-related illnesses during a heat wave and is an independent risk factor only in high risk patients where severe increase (>1.5 ng.mL-1) indicates severe myocardial damage.
Methylprednisolone Treatment in Patients with Brain Tumors
Authors: Miller J.D. , Sakalas R. , Ward J.D. , Young H.F. , Adams W.E. , Vries J.K. , Becker D.P.
Published: May 2010

A study was made in 10 patients with brain tumors of the effect of methylprednisolone sodium succinate (Solu-Medrol) on clinical neurological status, intracranial pressure, and periventricular elastance. Significant clinical improvement and reduction in periventricular elastance both occurred within 24 hours of starting treatment, whereas intracranial pressure was not significantly reduced until the 2nd day of therapy.
Lumbar Disc Disease in Children
Authors: Garrido Eddy , Humphreys Robin P. , Hendrick Bruce E. , Hoffman Harold J.
Published: May 2010

The clinical experience with lumbar disc disease in 38 patients at a large children's hospital is reviewed. Thirty children underwent surgical treatment; eight patients were not operated upon. The surgical results were excellent, with 93% of the children cured or markedly improved on follow-up. The main differential aspects of lumbar disc disease between children and adults are emphasized.
Subdural Hygroma of the Spinal Meninges
Authors: Black Peter McL. , Zervas Nicholas T. , Caplan Louis R. , Ramirez Lincoln F.
Published: May 2010

A case of a subdural hygroma or chronic subdural hematoma of the thoracolumbar spinal meninges is described. This became symptomatic 9 years after trauma. Terminological ambiguity is discussed, along with the detailed clinical, radiological, and operative presentations of this rare condition.
Endoscopic Biopsy of Intraventricular Tumors with the Use of a Ventriculofiberscope
Authors: Fukushima Takanori
Published: May 2010

The results of endoscopic biopsy in 21 cases of intraventricular tumor are presented. The details of the equipment are given. Of the 21 tumors biopsied, there were 9 in the lateral ventricle, 2 in the thalamus, 6 in the anterior portion of the 3rd ventricle, and 4 in the pineal region. A correct histological diagnosis was made in 11 cases (52.4%). No serious complications were noted. The value of the procedure is discussed.
Large Decompressive Craniotomy in the Treatment of Acute Subdural Hematoma
Authors: Britt Richard H. , Hamilton Richard D.
Published: May 2010

A series of 42 patients who had large decompressive craniotomies for acute subdural hematoma has been reviewed with regard to long term results. Postoperative mortality (within 30 days of surgery) was 36%. Delayed but related deaths accounted for an additional 19% mortality, for a total mortality of 55%. Fourteen patients (33%) were able to return home, but there was a significant morbidity in terms of intellectual impairment, hemiparesis, and dysphasia. Recommended management includes establishment of an adequate airway, intravenous administration of mannitol, and performance of an emergency computerized tomographic (CT) scan before operation. A large decompressive craniotomy is performed, with removal of the blood clot, establishment of hemostasis, patch-grafting of the dura, and removal of the bone flap to allow the edematous, swollen brain to expand away from the brain stem. The mortality and morbidity will probably always remain high because in the majority of the cases significant structural damage to the cortical and brain stem structures occurs at the time of the injury.
Stereotactic Localization (with Computerized Tomographic Scanning), Biopsy, and Radiofrequency Treatment of Deep Brain Lesions
Authors: Gleason Curtis A. , Wise Burton L. , Feinstein Bertram
Published: May 2010

In eight patients stereotactic biopsy of deep brain lesions was performed. Adequate tissue was obtained, and the information helped considerably in planning further therapy. No significant complications occurred in these patients. In three of the cases, the stereotactic coordinates were determined from the computerized tomographic (CT) scan. In one patient, after biopsy, stereotactic radiofrequency (RF) lesions in the tumor resulted in temporary improvement.
Eight-Year Follow-up of Experimental Carotid-Middle Cerebral and Carotid-Basilar Arterial Bypass Grafts and Anastomoses
Authors: Khodadad G.
Published: May 2010

Fifty-one dogs were operated upon, and various microvascular bypass grafts and anastomoses were completed. Seventeen of these dogs were followed for 5 to 8 years. Of these, three had a carotid-middle cerebral arterial bypass graft, five had a carotid-basilar arterial bypass graft, five had a lingual-basilar anastomosis, and four had a sublingualbasilar anastomosis. Postoperative carotid angiograms showed patent grafts and anastomoses in all of the dogs. Except for slight to moderate enlargement of the donor artery in the lingual and sublingual-basilar anastomoses or minor irregularities in the carotid-middle cerebral and carotid-basilar arterial bypass grafts, no significant changes were noted. In five dogs with lingual-basilar anastomoses in which both internal carotid arteries were ligated, the mean blood flow of the lingual artery was increased to 1.1 to 2.4 times normal. This study shows that, when experimental arterial bypass grafts and anastomoses remain patent for a few weeks after the operation, they stay patent for years, and, depending on the need, the blood flow through the anastomosis may increase.
Trans-sphenoidal Removal of a Rathke's Cleft Cyst
Authors: Martinez Lucas J. , Osterholm Jewell L. , Berry Richard G. , Lee Francis K. , Schatz Norman J.
Published: May 2010

Symptomatic Rathke's cleft cysts are uncommon. We present a case with suprasellar extension manifested by hypopituitarism and visual disturbances. The treatment was trans-sphenoidal evacuation and partial removal of the capsule. We suggest that the trans-sphenoidal approach to these lesions is usually adequate and that radical removal of the capsule is not necessary.