bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asbestos surface provides a niche for oxidative modification
Authors: Nagai Hirotaka , Ishihara Toshikazu , Lee Wen‐Hua , Ohara Hiroki , Okazaki Yasumasa , Okawa Katsuya , Toyokuni Shinya
Published: September 2011

Asbestos is a potent carcinogen associated with increased risks of malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer in humans. Although the mechanism of carcinogenesis remains elusive, the physicochemical characteristics of asbestos play a role in the progression of asbestos‐induced diseases. Among these characteristics, a high capacity to adsorb and accommodate biomolecules on its abundant surface area has been linked to cellular and genetic toxicity. Several previous studies identified asbestos‐interacting proteins. Here, with the use of matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry, we systematically identified proteins from various lysates that adsorbed to the surface of commercially used asbestos and classified them into the following groups: chromatin/nucleotide/RNA‐binding proteins, ribosomal proteins, cytoprotective proteins, cytoskeleton‐associated proteins, histones and hemoglobin. The surfaces of crocidolite and amosite, two iron‐rich types of asbestos, caused more protein scissions and oxidative modifications than that of chrysotile by in situ‐generated 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal. In contrast, we confirmed the intense hemolytic activity of chrysotile and found that hemoglobin attached to chrysotile, but not silica, can work as a catalyst to induce oxidative DNA damage. This process generates 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine and thus corroborates the involvement of iron in the carcinogenicity of chrysotile. This evidence demonstrates that all three types of asbestos adsorb DNA and specific proteins, providing a niche for oxidative modification via catalytic iron. Therefore, considering the affinity of asbestos for histones/DNA and the internalization of asbestos into mesothelial cells, our results suggest a novel hypothetical mechanism causing genetic alterations during asbestos‐induced carcinogenesis. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 2118–2125)
Rab5A is associated with axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients
Authors: Yang Po‐Sheng , Yin Pen‐Hui , Tseng Ling‐Ming , Yang Chin‐Hua , Hsu Chih‐Yi , Lee Ming‐Yuan , Horng Cheng‐Fang , Chi Chin‐Wen
Published: September 2011

The expression of Rab proteins has been associated with cancer. However, few data are available on Rab5A expression in human breast cancer or its impact on disease progression. First, we examined the functional role of Rab5A in breast cancer cells. The expression of Rab5A in MDA‐MB‐231 cells can be stimulated by epidermal growth factor in a dose‐dependent manner. The epidermal growth factor‐induced increase of Rab5A expression correlated well with enhanced migration in wound healing migration assays in these cells. Furthermore, we evaluated the expression of Rab5A in breast cancer specimens using immunohistochemical staining, then analyzed the relationship between the expression of Rab5A and clinicopathological parameters. The increased expression of Rab5A protein in 123 breast cancer samples was associated with higher histological grade (P = 0.004), more lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.027), more axillary lymph node (LN) metastasis (P = 0.008), and a higher number of axillary LN metastases (P = 0.043). Among 218 axillary LNs of more than 10 breast cancer patients with node metastases, 167 metastatic LNs were found to have increased Rab5A expression. Rab5A is associated with axillary LN metastasis in breast cancer patients. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 2172–2178)
Who participates in the gastric cancer screening and on‐time rescreening in the National Cancer Screening Program? A population‐based study in Korea
Authors: Hahm Myung‐Il , Choi Kui Son , Lee Hoo‐Yeon , Jun Jae Kwan , Oh Dongkwan , Park Eun‐Cheol
Published: September 2011

Gastric cancer (GC) screening is a major challenge in countries where the disease is highly prevalent. This study was conducted to identify the factors associated with participation in GC screening and on‐time rescreening among the average‐risk population in Korea. The study population was derived from the National Cancer Screening Program database. The population for this study was 22 913 618 individuals aged ≥40 years who had been invited to participate in a GC screening program from 2005 to 2006. We determined whether these individuals had attended the GC screening program and which method – an upper gastrointestinal series (UGIS) or endoscopy–they underwent. We followed the participants to determine whether they had a second GC screening after 2 years. The overall participation rate in the GC screening was 20.5%. More people underwent UGIS than endoscopy. Individuals who had been screened by endoscopy rather than UGIS were more likely to be younger, male, or those who were National Health Insurance (NHI) beneficiaries with a higher premium rate. Of those who underwent baseline screening, 59.4% participated in a rescreening program 2 years later. NHI beneficiaries with a higher premium rate were significantly more likely to be rescreened than medical aid recipients. The results from this study showed that the UGIS were more commonly used in organized GC screenings in Korea, and those who underwent UGIS were more likely to return for subsequent screening compared to those who underwent an endoscopy. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 2241–2247)
Retracted: Modulation of p53 /Akt / phosphatase and tensin homolog expression by esculetin potentiates the anticancer activity of cisplatin and prevents its nephrotoxicity
Authors: Tikoo Kulbhushan , Shinde Abhijit Babaji , Gupta Chanchal , Jena Gopabandhu
Published: September 2011

This article has been retracted at the request of Editor‐in‐Chief and Authors, and is available online only.

The following article from Cancer Science, ‘Modulation of p53/Akt/phosphatase and tensin homolog expression by esculetin potentiates the anticancer activity of cisplatin and prevents its nephrotoxicity’ (doi: 10.1111/j.1349‐7006.2011.02091.x), by Kulbhushan Tikoo, Abhijit Babaji Shinde, Chanchal Gupta and Gopabandhu Jena, published online on 18 October 2011 in Wiley Online Library (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor in Chief, Yusuke Nakamura, and Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd. The retraction has been agreed due to inappropriate image utilization in relation to Figure 2.

Yusuke Nakamura  Editor‐in‐Chief  Cancer Science
Six‐year prognosis of diabetic patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Nodari Savina , Manerba Alessandra , Vaccari Alberto , Milesi Giuseppe , Carubelli Valentina , Lazzarini Valentina , Lombardi Carlo , Ettori Federica , Metra Marco , Dei Cas Alessandra
Published: September 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (4): 376–383

Background  Diabetes is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. The aim of our study was to determine the prognostic factors for mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and coronary artery disease (CAD) who underwent coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention.

Materials and methods  Four hundred and forty‐five consecutive T2DM patients with significant CAD (≥ 75% stenosis) were included in our analysis. All patients underwent standard clinical examination, laboratory tests and transthoracic echocardiography with measurement of the left ventricular ejection fraction. Severity of CAD at the coronary angiography was evaluated using the Gensini score. Clinical follow‐up was completed at 1, 3 and 6 years.

Results  During a mean follow‐up of 73·3 ± 22·1 months, 109 patients died (24·5%). Significant determinants of an increased risk of death at multivariable analysis were age (p < 0·001), serum creatinine (p = 0·001), peripheral vascular disease (p = 0·002), serum glucose (p = 0·004), serum fibrinogen (p = 0·011) and history of heart failure (HF, p = 0·011). When all the variables were entered as categorical variables, with continuous variables split at their median value, only history of HF, estimated glomerular filtration rate, serum glucose, serum fibrinogen (all p < 0·0001) and beta‐blocker therapy at discharge (p = 0·027) were selected.

Conclusions  Our study shows a relatively good prognosis of patients with T2DM. Comorbidities, namely HF and renal impairment, are main determinants of survival.
The penalty for arriving late in emerging salmonid juveniles: differences between species correspond to their interspecific competitive ability
Authors: Skoglund Helge , Einum Sigurd , Forseth Torbjørn , Barlaup Bjørn Torgeir
Published: September 2011

1. Timing of offspring arrival (i.e. hatching, birth or emergence from nests) is commonly shown to have strong effects on their performance through body size and prior residency effects, but less is known about how such effects differ among species. The strength of such effects tends to be related to competitive intensity (e.g. population density). Variation in timing effects among species may therefore be expected to be related to their competitive ability.

2. Here, we test this hypothesis by conducting sympatric and allopatric competition experiments in two ecologically similar salmonid species, Atlantic salmon and brown trout, at the onset of exogenous feeding. We first test the competitive ability of the two species in sympatric conditions in the absence of timing effects. We then test the strength of timing effects by manipulating this for the two species in allopatric conditions, and evaluate whether any difference in response to timing between the two species corresponds to species‐specific competitive abilities.

3. In sympatry, trout outperformed salmon emerging at the same time, despite salmon being 32% larger at the time of emergence. Thus, trout was the stronger competitor.

4. In allopatric treatments, late emerging trout performed significantly poorer in terms of survival and growth than late emerging salmon. Further, dominant trout appeared better able to monopolise resources at higher competitive intensities than dominant salmon. There were also indications that population regulation was stronger in brown trout. Replicates with a high initial density of salmon ended up with twice the final density of low‐density replicates, whereas trout ended up with similar final densities across treatments.

5. The results demonstrate that species‐level differences in interspecific competitive ability corresponded with a higher intraspecific asymmetric competition among timing phenotypes, resulting in a higher penalty of emerging late in the more aggressive, dominant trout. Further, it suggests that intrinsic competitive abilities may affect the intensity of selection on offspring arrival, and thus likely affect evolution of phenological traits such as breeding time.
Moral distress and ethical climate in a Swedish nursing context: perceptions and instrument usability
Authors: Silén Marit , Svantesson Mia , Kjellström Sofia , Sidenvall Birgitta , Christensson Lennart
Published: September 2011

Aims and objectives.  The aim was fivefold: to describe Swedish nurses’ perceptions of moral distress and determine whether there were differences in perceptions depending on demographic characteristics and to describe the usability of the Moral Distress Scale in a Swedish context. Further, the aim was to describe Swedish nurses’ perceptions of ethical climate and the relationship between moral distress and ethical climate.

Background.  Moral distress has been studied for more than two decades and the Moral Distress Scale is the most widely used instrument for measuring it. Moral distress has mainly been studied in relation to nurses’ characteristics, but increasing attention has been paid to contextual aspects, such as ethical climate, that could be associated with moral distress.

Design.  Descriptive, with a quantitative approach.

Methods.  The study used two questionnaires: the Moral Distress Scale and the Hospital Ethical Climate Survey. The study was carried out at two hospitals in Sweden and included 249 nurses.

Results.  Both level and frequency of moral distress were low, however level of moral distress was high in situations when the patient was not given safe and proper care. Generally, the frequency of moral distress was lower than the level. Of the situations on the Moral Distress Scale, 13 of the 32 were considered irrelevant by 10–50% of the participants. The more positive the ethical climate was perceived to be, the less frequently morally distressing situations were reported.

Conclusions.  Since a positive ethical climate was associated with less frequent occurrences of moral distress, it should be investigated what contributes to a positive ethical climate. To be used in a Swedish context, the Moral Distress Scale needs further revision.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Open dialogues at wards are encouraged regarding what practices contribute to a positive ethical climate.
Primary caregivers’ satisfaction with clinicians’ response to them as informal carers of young people with first‐episode psychosis: a qualitative study
Authors: McCann Terence V , Lubman Dan I , Clark Eileen
Published: September 2011

Aim.  To explore first‐time primary caregivers’ experience of the way mental health nurses and other mental health clinicians respond to them as carers of young people with first‐episode psychosis.

Background.  Caregivers have a key role in supporting family members/relatives with mental illness, but their contribution is undervalued frequently by mental health nurses and other mental health clinicians.

Design.  Qualitative interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Method.  A qualitative interpretative design was undertaken, using semi‐structured, audio‐recorded interviews. Twenty primary caregivers were recruited through Orygen Youth Health, a first‐episode psychosis centre in Melbourne. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to identify themes in the data.

Results.  Two competing themes were identified in the data, highlighting caregivers’ contrasting experience with mental health nurses and other mental health clinicians. First, most clinical staff were approachable and supportive. Second, several carers felt their contribution was undervalued by some clinical staff. This was as a consequence of being excluded from clinical deliberations because of clinical staffs’ concerns and young people’s requests about maintaining confidentiality regarding treatment, as well as carers feeling their role was not taken seriously by clinical staff.

Conclusion.  First‐time primary carers have positive and negative experiences with first‐episode psychosis mental health nurses and other clinicians, and these competing events are interrelated. Experiences are affected directly by the manner they are treated by clinical staff and this may, in turn, affect carers’ commitment to caring, the way they engage with clinical staff on subsequent occasions and towards the first‐episode psychosis service generally.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Greater appreciation is needed of the contribution, experience and difficulties caregivers encounter in their role and in engaging with mental health nurses and other clinicians. Additional training is required for clinical staff in family interventions and to familiarise them with legislation and mental health policies relating to carers.
Approaches for dealing with missing data in health care studies
Authors: Penny Kay I , Atkinson Ian
Published: September 2011

Aim.  The aims of this study were to highlight the problems associated with missing data in healthcare research and to demonstrate the use of several techniques for dealing with missing values, through the use of an illustrative example.

Background.  In healthcare research studies, it is almost impossible to avoid at least some missing values during data collection, which in turn can threaten the validity of the study conclusions. A range of methods for reducing the impact of missing data on the validity of study findings have been developed, depending on the nature and patterns which the missing values may take.

Design.  A discursive study.

Methods.  Several techniques designed to deal with missing data are described and applied to an illustrative example. These methods include complete‐case analysis, available‐case analysis, as well as single and multiple imputation.

Conclusions.  If research data contain missing values that are not randomly distributed, then the study results are likely to be biased unless an effective approach to dealing with the missing values is implemented.

Relevance to clinical practice.  If nursing and healthcare practice is to be informed by research findings, then these findings must be reliable and valid. Researchers should report the details of missing data, and appropriate methods for dealing with missing values should be incorporated into the data analysis.
Acute intermittent hypoxia induces phrenic long‐term facilitation which is modulated by 5‐HT1A receptor in the caudal raphe region of the rat
Authors: PAVLINAC DODIG IVANA , PECOTIC RENATA , VALIC MAJA , DOGAS ZORAN
Published: September 2011

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is characterized by periods of upper airway collapse accompanied by repeated episodes of hypoxia. In experimental animals repeated bouts of hypoxia may evoke sustained augmentation of phrenic nerve activity, known as phrenic long‐term facilitation (pLTF). This form of physiological compensation might contribute to stable breathing, minimizing the occurrence of apnoeas and/or hypopnoeas during sleep in patients with OSA. Serotonin (5‐HT) has been shown to modulate respiratory neuronal activity, possibly via projections originating in the raphe nuclei. Our model focuses on the effects of 5‐HT1A receptors blockade by selective antagonist WAY‐100635 into the caudal raphe region on phrenic long‐term facilitation after exposure to acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) episodes. Adult, male, urethane‐anaesthetized, vagotomized, paralyzed and mechanically ventilated Sprague–Dawley rats were exposed to AIH protocol. Experimental group received microinjection of WAY‐100635 into the caudal raphe nucleus, whereas the control group received saline into the same site. Peak phrenic nerve activity and respiratory rhythm parameters were analysed during five hypoxic episodes, as well as at 15, 30 and 60 min after the end of hypoxias. In the control group, 1 h post‐hypoxia pLTF was developed. Microinjections of selective 5‐HT1A receptor antagonist WAY‐100635 into the raphe nuclei prior to the AIH protocol prevented induction of pLTF. These results suggest that 5‐HT1A receptor activation at supraspinal level is important for induction of pLTF, which is suggested to be an important respiratory neuroplasticity model in animal studies that possibly correlates with OSA in humans.
The evolution of a superbug: how Staphylococcus aureus overcomes its unique susceptibility to polyamines
Authors: Anzaldi Laura L. , Skaar Eric P.
Published: September 2011

Polyamines are ubiquitous compounds thought to be synthesized by and required for all life. The manuscript published in this issue by Joshi and colleagues upsets this dogma by identifying several bacterial species that do not make polyamines, and in some cases do not require polyamines for growth. One such species is the significant human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus, which is shown to be uniquely sensitive to polyamines. By unravelling the mechanisms of staphylococcal polyamine toxicity and tolerance, Joshi et al. (2011) provide insights into how the most virulent strains of S. aureus have evolved to be more fit during infection.
Equatorial carbonates: an earth systems approach
Authors: WILSON MOYRA E.J.
Published: September 2011

The hypothesis here is that an earth systems ‘processes to products’ approach can be used to better develop predictive models for the recognition and assessment of under‐evaluated equatorial carbonate systems. Warm temperatures, together with common clastic, fresh water and nutrient influx, as well as basinal settings in the equatorial tropics, all have a major impact on carbonate deposition and diagenesis. Specific features of equatorial carbonate systems resulting from the combination of processes acting in the region include: common occurrence of photoautotrophs and heterotrophs, aragonitic and/or calcitic dominant mineralogies, lack of coated grains or aggregates, common associations with clastics, lack of associations with evaporites, and diversity of platform types, including oligophotic ones. Additional diagenetic characteristics include: common micritization and bioerosion, paucity of marine cements, extensive vadose dissolution and concomitant phreatic cementation. There is also significant replacement of aragonite by calcite in regions of meteoric groundwater flow, common burial compaction and leaching, as well as localized massive dolomitization via sea water or continental derived groundwater flow. Although equatorial carbonates fall into the warm‐water Photozoan Association, many of the features described above are at odds with models derived from their warm‐water, arid‐zone counterparts. Instead, a range of the equatorial carbonate features show some similarities with those formed in cool waters, and there have been difficulties separating carbonates from these two very different climatic regimes. Recommendations for the recognition of Phanerozoic regional equatorial carbonate development are: (i) a diversity of calcitic and/or aragonitic photoautotrophs; plus (ii) common elements of the Heterozoan Association; plus (iii) independent (for example, isotopic) evidence for warm temperatures (>22°C). Additional indicators towards a humid equatorial setting are: (iv) situation in appropriate palaeolatitudes; (v) lack of association with sedimentary evaporites, coated grain or aggregates; and (vi) geochemical evidence for reduced marine salinity and/or nutrient upwelling. The aim is that this work will lead to greater awareness and understanding of equatorial carbonate systems, and contribute to the development of globally predictive models to better understand past and likely future environmental change.
Bayesian conjugate analysis using a generalized inverted Wishart distribution accounts for differential uncertainty among the genetic parameters – an application to the maternal animal model
Authors: Munilla S. , Cantet R.J.C.
Published: September 2011

Consider the estimation of genetic (co)variance components from a maternal animal model (MAM) using a conjugated Bayesian approach. Usually, more uncertainty is expected a priori on the value of the maternal additive variance than on the value of the direct additive variance. However, it is not possible to model such differential uncertainty when assuming an inverted Wishart (IW) distribution for the genetic covariance matrix. Instead, consider the use of a generalized inverted Wishart (GIW) distribution. The GIW is essentially an extension of the IW distribution with a larger set of distinct parameters. In this study, the GIW distribution in its full generality is introduced and theoretical results regarding its use as the prior distribution for the genetic covariance matrix of the MAM are derived. In particular, we prove that the conditional conjugacy property holds so that parameter estimation can be accomplished via the Gibbs sampler. A sampling algorithm is also sketched. Furthermore, we describe how to specify the hyperparameters to account for differential prior opinion on the (co)variance components. A recursive strategy to elicit these parameters is then presented and tested using field records and simulated data. The procedure returned accurate estimates and reduced standard errors when compared with non‐informative prior settings while improving the convergence rates. In general, faster convergence was always observed when a stronger weight was placed on the prior distributions. However, analyses based on the IW distribution have also produced biased estimates when the prior means were set to over‐dispersed values.
Resistance of Winter Rye (Secale cereale L.) to Microdochium nivale Depends on Soluble Carbohydrate Content but not on Abscisic Acid Level
Authors: PŁażek A. , Dubert F. , Pociecha E. , Janowiak F. , Kolasińska I. , Maciejewski M.
Published: September 2011

Winter rye plants of three Polish inbred lines and cv. Stach differing in Microdochium nivale resistance were studied relating to their frost and pink snow mould tolerance. The plants were prehardened at 12°C for 2 weeks and hardened at 2°C for 3 weeks. Control plants were grown in the greenhouse at 20°C. Frost resistance expressed as LT50 was determined for leaves and crowns of the hardened and control plants. Cold‐hardened were inoculated with mycelium of M. nivale and incubated for 35 days at 2°C in the dark. After this time, their pink snow mould resistance was evaluated and expressed as an average regrowth index (ARI). During 13 days of pathogenesis, changes in the total soluble carbohydrate (TSC) and ketose content were analysed. Moreover, changes in abscisic acid (ABA) and water content (WC) during 9 days of pathogenesis were determined. All analyses were carried out in leaves and crowns of inoculated and non‐inoculated (control) plants. Cold acclimation increased frost resistance of the leaves and crowns; however, the crowns were less frost tolerant than the leaves. In the studied lines, there was a negative correlation between frost tolerance of leaves and pink snow mould resistance of plants. Plants of lines more resistant to M. nivale exhibited higher TSC and ketose concentrations in the leaves and crowns as well as lower ABA levels in comparison with the less resistant plants. The role of ABA in the defence response of rye to pink snow mould is still unclear. It seems that ABA concentration does not determine rye resistance to M. nivale, although a higher level of this hormone could decrease it.
Recovery after chronic stress within spatial reference and working memory domains: correspondence with hippocampal morphology
Authors: Hoffman A. N. , Krigbaum A. , Ortiz J. B. , Mika A. , Hutchinson K. M. , Bimonte‐Nelson H. A. , Conrad C. D.
Published: September 2011

Chronic stress results in reversible spatial learning impairments in the Morris water maze that correspond with hippocampal CA3 dendritic retraction in male rats. Whether chronic stress impacts different types of memory domains, and whether these can similarly recover, is unknown. This study assessed the effects of chronic stress with and without a post‐stress delay to evaluate learning and memory deficits within two memory domains, reference and working memory, in the radial arm water maze (RAWM). Three groups of 5‐month‐old male Sprague–Dawley rats were either not stressed [control (CON)], or restrained (6 h/day for 21 days) and then tested on the RAWM either on the next day [stress immediate (STR‐IMM)] or following a 21‐day delay [stress delay (STR‐DEL)]. Although the groups learned the RAWM task similarly, groups differed in their 24‐h retention trial assessment. Specifically, the STR‐IMM group made more errors within both the spatial reference and working memory domains, and these deficits corresponded with a reduction in apical branch points and length of hippocampal CA3 dendrites. In contrast, the STR‐DEL group showed significantly fewer errors in both the reference and working memory domains than the STR‐IMM group. Moreover, the STR‐DEL group showed better RAWM performance in the reference memory domain than did the CON group, and this corresponded with restored CA3 dendritic complexity, revealing long‐term enhancing actions of chronic stress. These results indicate that chronic stress‐induced spatial working and reference memory impairments, and CA3 dendritic retraction, are reversible, with chronic stress having lasting effects that can benefit spatial reference memory, but with these lasting beneficial effects being independent of CA3 dendritic complexity.
Automatic evaluation of ultrasonography‐estimated bladder weight and bladder wall thickness in community‐dwelling men with presumably normal bladder function
Authors: Bright Elizabeth , Pearcy Richard , Abrams Paul
Published: September 2011

Study Type – Diagnostic (exploratory cohort)

Level of Evidence 2b

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

The diagnostic potential of ultrasound derived measurements of bladder wall thickness and bladder weight in men with LUTS and varying degrees of BOO have been explored. However, there is a paucity of such measurements in the asymptomatic population with which to compare such patients. This study investigates these measurements in community‐dwelling men with presumably normal bladder function.

OBJECTIVE

To identify measurements of ultrasonography (US)‐derived bladder wall thickness (BWT) and bladder weight in community‐dwelling men with presumably normal bladder function.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 100 male volunteers underwent transabdominal US measurements of BWT and bladder weight, using the BVM 9500 bladder scanner (Verathon Medical, Bothell, WA, USA), at a variety of bladder filling volumes.

The data were explored for any correlation between measurements of BWT and US‐estimated bladder weight (UEBW) with subject age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire – Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ M‐LUTS) score, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and IPSS Quality of Life index (IPSS QoL).

RESULTS

Several statistically significant but weak correlations were observed: BWT and weight (r= 0.216, P= 0.032); BWT and BMI (r= 0.246, P= 0.014); UEBW and weight (r= 0.304, P= 0.002); and UEBW and BMI (r= 0.260, P= 0.009).

Bladder filling volume appeared to have a greater effect on BWT than on UEBW, although this could not be determined accurately.

There was a substantial difference in measurements of BWT and UEBW in the assessment of inter‐ and intra‐observer reliability testing.

CONCLUSION

Further studies are required to validate automated measurements of BWT and UEBW and to investigate such measurements in the symptomatic and asymptomatic male population.
The impact of social networks and partnership status on treatment choice in men with localized prostate cancer
Authors: Chamie Karim , Kwan Lorna , Connor Sarah E. , Zavala Mary , Labo Jessica , Litwin Mark S.
Published: September 2011

Study Type – Decision analysis (cohort)

Level of Evidence 2b

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Very little is known about prostate cancer decision‐making. Hence, marital status is often assumed a proxy for the amount of social support.

While marital status is often used as a proxy for social support, we found that the quality of support may impact treatment type more than the extent of the social matrix.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether martial status and social support impact treatment choice.

The decision to pursue radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer is often influenced by factors outside the realm of tumour risk, such as a man's support system at home.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of 418 low‐income men who were diagnosed with non‐metastatic prostate cancer and underwent definitive treatment with either radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy.

We performed univariate and multivariate mixed‐effects logistic regression analysis, with the dependent variable being treatment type.

Confidence intervals (CIs) for the predicted probabilities and relative risks were derived using bias‐corrected bootstrapping with 1000 repetitions.

RESULTS

Men with two or more members in their support system were more likely to be older, Hispanic, have less than a high school education, earn more than US $1500 monthly, have high‐risk disease and be in a significant relationship.

In multivariate analysis, partnered men with fewer than two social support members (relative risk, RR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.02–1.63) were more likely to undergo surgery, whereas men who were morbidly obese (RR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.09–0.88), high school graduates (RR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.64–0.99) or had high‐risk disease (RR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.44–0.85) were less likely to undergo surgery than their respective referent groups.

Partnered men with two or more social support members were no more likely to undergo surgery than unpartnered men who lacked any social support.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study cohort, married men with fewer than two members in their social network were more likely to have undergone surgery.

Although marital status is often used as a proxy for social support, we find that the quality of support and partner may impact treatment type more than the extent of the social matrix.
Comparison of intravesical hyaluronic acid instillation and hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of radiation‐induced hemorrhagic cystitis
Authors: Shao Yuan , Lu Guo‐liang , Shen Zhou‐jun
Published: September 2011

Study Type – Therapy (RCT)

Level of Evidence 1b

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is a relatively rare bladder disease with a complex etiology. With the growing number of patients with pelvic radiation therapy, incidence of this disease has risen considerably. Although treatments like hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) had some benefit to improve the symptoms, the optimal treatment of this disease still remains a tough problem.

We reported our experience of intravesical hyaluronic acid (HA) and HBO in treating HC and the results seemed interesting. Intravesical HA is easier to do and well tolerated, and it showed a sustained decrease of bladder bleeding, pelvic pain and frequency of voiding for at least 12 months. We suggest it as an alternative and potential way in treating HC.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of intravesical hyaluronic acid (HA) instillation and hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) in the treatment of radiation‐induced haemorrhagic cystitis (HC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In total 36 patients who underwent radiotherapy for their pelvic malignancies and subsequently suffered from HC were randomly divided into an HA group and an HBO group.

Symptoms of haematuria, frequency of voiding and the visual analogue scale of pelvic pain (range 0–10) were evaluated before and after the treatment with follow‐up of 18 months.

RESULTS

All patients completed this study and no obvious side effects of intravesical HA were recorded.

The improvement rate showed no statistical difference between the two groups at 6, 12 and 18 months after treatment.

Decrease of frequency was significant in both groups 6 months after treatment, but was only significant in the HA group 12 months after therapy.

The improvement in the visual analogue scale remained significant in both groups for 18 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravesical instillation of HA was as effective in treating radiation‐induced HC as HBO.

It is well tolerated and resulted in a sustained decrease of bladder bleeding, pelvic pain and frequency of voiding for at least 12 months.
The Ethics of Tax Evasion
Authors: BAGUS PHILIPP , BLOCK WALTER , EABRASU MARIAN , HOWDEN DAVID , ROSTAN JÉRÉMIE
Published: September 2011

A wide and growing consensus views taxation as fundamentally coercive in nature. Regardless of the magnitude of the tax or the agents perpetrating it, this fundamental coercive element remains. Tax evasion must consequently be treated as an effort to convert this coercive behavior into voluntary transactions. By altering the conditions of payment and receipt of goods and services, taxation veils both consumers' and producers' preferences. Critics of tax evasion have left unanswered the question as to how society will efficiently allocate its scarce resources under coercively falsified preference signals. Accepting that preferences are best signaled voluntarily and via market participants directly, we argue that tax evasion must result in increased economic efficiency, as well as allow for a reinstatement of an individual's right to contract freely.
Classifying Wilders: The Ideological Development of Geert Wilders and His Party for Freedom
Authors: Vossen Koen
Published: September 2011

This article deals with the ideological development of Geert Wilders, one of the most important politicians of the Netherlands and one of the figureheads of contemporary populism. In this overview his development will be characterised as a transition from a conservative liberalism to an American-inspired neoconservatism and finally to his own unique version of national populism. A closer study of this ideological development is relevant as Wilders's specific version of national populism, with its strong emphasis on the need to protect Western liberal values against Islam, seems to have the potential to become a new ideological master frame for national populist parties and movements in Europe and the United States.
Liquidity, Liquidity Risk and Stock Returns: Evidence from Japan
Authors: Li Bo , Sun Qian , Wang Changyun
Published: September 2011

This paper investigates‐whether liquidity and liquidity risk are priced in Japan. Using modified Amihud illiquidity measures, we find both cross‐sectional and time series evidence that liquidity is priced in the Japanese stock market during the period 1975–2006. The evidence is largely consistent with Amihud's (2002) findings in the US market. We further employ the liquidity‐adjusted CAPM proposed by Acharya and Pedersen (2005) to examine whether liquidity risk is priced in Japan. Consistent with Acharya and Pedersen's findings in the US, we show that liquidity risk is priced in the stock market, in addition to the liquidity level. These findings strengthen the confidence that liquidity is a determinant of stock returns.
Relaxed constraints support vector machine
Authors: Sabzekar Mostafa , Yazdi Hadi Sadoghi , Naghibzadeh Mahmoud
Published: September 2011

This paper presents a new model of support vector machines (SVMs) that handle data with tolerance and uncertainty. The constraints of the SVM are converted to fuzzy inequality. Giving more relaxation to the constraints allows us to consider an importance degree for each training samples in the constraints of the SVM. The new method is called relaxed constraints support vector machines (RSVMs). Also, the fuzzy SVM model is improved with more relaxed constraints. The new model is called fuzzy RSVM. With this method, we are able to consider importance degree for training samples both in the cost function and constraints of the SVM, simultaneously. In addition, we extend our method to solve one‐class classification problems. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated on artificial and real‐life data sets.
α7 Nicotinic receptor activation reduces β‐amyloid‐induced apoptosis by inhibiting caspase‐independent death through phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase signaling
Authors: Yu Wenfeng , Mechawar Naguib , Krantic Slavica , Quirion Rémi
Published: September 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 119, 848–858.

The neurotoxicity of amyloid‐β (Aβ) involves caspase‐dependent and ‐independent programmed cell death. The latter is mediated by the nuclear translocation of the mitochondrial flavoprotein apoptosis inducing factor (AIF). Nicotine has been shown to decrease Aβ neurotoxicity via inhibition of caspase‐dependent apoptosis, but it is unknown if its neuroprotection is mediated through caspase‐independent pathways. In the present study, pre‐treatment with nicotine in rat cortical neuronal culture markedly reduced Aβ1–42 induced neuronal death. This effect was accompanied by a significant reduction of mitochondrial AIF release and its subsequent nuclear translocation as well as significant inhibition of cytochrome c release and caspase 3 activation. Pre‐treatment with selective α7nicotinic acetylcholine receptor(nAChR) antagonist (methyllycaconitine), but not the α4 nAChR antagonist (dihydro‐β‐erythroidine), could prevent the neuroprotective effect of nicotine on AIF release/translocation, suggesting that nicotine inhibits the caspase‐independent death pathway in a α7 nAChR‐dependent fashion. Furthermore, the neuroprotective action of nicotine on AIF release/translocation was suppressed by LY294002, a phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) inhibitor. Pre‐treatment with nicotine significantly restored Akt phosphorylation, an effector of PI3K, in Aβ1–42‐treated neurons. These findings indicate that the α7 nAChR activation and PI3K/Akt transduction signaling contribute to the neuroprotective effects of nicotine against Aβ‐induced cell death by modulating caspase‐independent death pathways.
Ethanol causes the redistribution of L1 cell adhesion molecule in lipid rafts
Authors: Tang Ningfeng , Farah Benjamin , He Min , Fox Stephanie , Malouf Alfred , Littner Yoav , Bearer Cynthia F.
Published: September 2011

J. Neurochem.(2011)119, 859–867.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is estimated to affect 1% of live births. The similarities between children with fetal alcohol syndrome and those with mutations in the gene encoding L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1) implicates L1 as a target of ethanol developmental neurotoxicity. Ethanol specifically inhibits the neurite outgrowth promoting function of L1 at pharmacologic concentrations. Emerging evidence shows that localized disruption of the lipid rafts reduces L1‐mediated neurite outgrowth. We hypothesize that ethanol impairment of the association of L1 with lipid rafts is a mechanism underlying ethanol’s inhibition of L1‐mediated neurite outgrowth. In this study, we examine the effects of ethanol on the association of L1 and lipid rafts. We show that,in vitro, L1 but not N‐cadherin shifts into lipid rafts following treatment with 25 mM ethanol. The ethanol concentrations causing this effect are similar to those inhibiting L1‐mediated neurite outgrowth. Increasing chain length of the alcohol demonstrates the same cutoff as that previously shown for inhibition of L1–L1 binding. In addition, in cerebellar granule neurons in which lipid rafts are disrupted with methyl‐beta‐cyclodextrin, the rate of L1‐mediated neurite outgrowth on L1‐Fc is reduced to background rate and that this background rate is not ethanol sensitive. These data indicate that ethanol may inhibit L1‐mediated neurite outgrowth by retarding L1 trafficking through a lipid raft compartment.
Implementing nutritional guidelines – the effect of systematic training for nurse nutrition practitioners
Authors: Pedersen Preben U. , Tewes Marianne , Bjerrum Merete
Published: September 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; 26; 178–185

Implementing nutritional guidelines – the effect of systematic training for nurse nutrition practitioners

Introduction:  Approximately 40% of patients admitted to hospitals are undernourished. Implementing nutritional guidelines might reduce the incidence of malnutrition, and it requires education and training for the hospital staff.

Aim:  It was hypothesised that a training programme focusing on the staff behaviour would increase the identification of eating difficulties, improve patients’ knowledge about appropriate food choices and increase the number of snacks eaten between meals and thereby to reduce the risk of undernutrition.

Methods:  A pre‐ and post‐test design was used to evaluate the effect of the training programme for nurses. The training was conducted in five modules over 1 year and combined nutritional issues with issues on implementation and theories of planned change. The programme was based on experimental learning theories and the steps of look, think and act. The effect on the patients was measured by a patient questionnaire.

Results:  After implementing the guidelines, more patients discussed their eating difficulties with the staff, received relevant assistance during the meal and were served the type of food they had ordered and could chew. The patients’ knowledge of appropriate food choices from the menu increased, suggesting that the nutritional intake of the patients had improved.

Conclusion:  Our findings suggest that a strategy based on the principles of experimental learning theory and the phases in the look, think and act model facilitated the implementation of nutritional guidelines in a hospital setting.
Life experiences of Taiwanese oral cancer patients during the postoperative period
Authors: Chen Shu‐Ching
Published: September 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; 26; 98–103

Life experiences of Taiwanese oral cancer patients during the postoperative period

The incidence of oral cancer has rapidly increased in Taiwan. Oral cancer and its surgical treatment may also cause physical and psychological problems for patients. During the postoperative period, patients face adjustments in their disease, treatment and lives. However, research on these relevant issues is scant. A qualitative study was conducted with the purpose of exploring the life experiences of surgically treated Taiwanese oral cancer patients during the postoperative period. Thirteen patients with oral cancer were recruited from the otolaryngology head and neck surgery wards of a medical centre in northern Taiwan. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted and tape recorded after informed consent had been obtained. Data were analysed using the content analysis method. Results show that the life experiences of the patients with oral cancer were related to the impact of threatening symptoms, concerns about survival, restriction of interpersonal relationships, self‐restructuring and constructing a support network. The results of this study can provide healthcare professionals with a reference for implementing care plans to address the unique needs of patients with oral cancer.
Plasticizers excreted in urine: indication of autologous blood transfusion in sports
Authors: Monfort Núria , Ventura Rosa , Platen Petra , Hinrichs Timo , Brixius Klara , Schänzer Wilhelm , Thevis Mario , Geyer Hans , Segura Jordi
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: Misuse of autologous blood transfusions in sports remains undetectable. The metabolites of the plasticizer di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) were recently proposed as markers of blood transfusion, based on high urinary concentrations of these compounds observed in patients subjected to blood transfusion. This study evaluates DEHP metabolites in urine for detecting autologous blood transfusion.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: One blood bag was drawn from moderately trained subjects and the red blood cells (RBCs) were reinfused after different storage periods. Group 1 (12 subjects) was reinfused after 14 days, and Group 2 (13 subjects), after 28 days of storage. Urine samples were collected before and after reinfusion for determination of the concentrations of three DEHP metabolites, mono‐(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate, mono‐(2‐ethyl‐5‐hydroxyhexyl)phthalate, and mono‐(2‐ethyl‐5‐oxohexyl)phthalate.

RESULTS: Concentrations of DEHP metabolites on the days before reinfusion were in agreement with those described after common environmental exposure. A few hours after the reinfusion a significant increase was observed for all metabolites in all volunteers. Concentrations 1 day later were still higher (p < 0.05) than before reinfusion. Variations in urine dilution supported normalization by specific gravity. Concentrations of DEHP metabolites tended to be higher after longer storage times of RBCs.

CONCLUSION: Autologous transfusion with RBCs stored in plastic bags provokes an acute increase in the urinary concentrations of DEHP metabolites, allowing the detection of this doping malpractice. The window of detection is approximately 2 days. The method might be applied to urine samples submitted for antidoping testing.