bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of screws in the treatment of scapholunate instability
Authors: Cognet J. M. , Levadoux M. , Martinache X.
Published: June 2011

Seven patients with chronic scapholunate instability (Geissler grade 2–4) were treated by percutaneous placement of screws across the scapholunate joint after arthroscopic debridement of the remnants of the scapholunate ligament. In all seven cases, the screw caused partial destruction of the lunate and/or scaphoid requiring screw removal within 6 months. We no longer perform this procedure.
A lactoferrin-derived peptide (PXL01) for the reduction of adhesion formation in flexor tendon surgery: an experimental study in rabbits
Authors: Wiig M. , Olmarker K. , Håkansson J. , Ekström L. , Nilsson E. , Mahlapuu M.
Published: June 2011

Injuries to flexor tendons can lead to loss of finger function after healing due to adhesion formation. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of the new peptide, PXL01, in the prevention of peritendinous adhesions. The effect of a single intraoperative administration of PXL01 in sodium hyaluronate on mobility of the affected digit after surgery was assessed in a rabbit model by measuring total active motion, metatarsophalangeal–claw distance and resistance to bending the digits. Load-to-failure testing was done in the same specimens to assess tendon healing. The results demonstrated that a single application of PXL01 in sodium hyaluronate significantly improved mobility of the treated digits compared with the digits in which the same surgery was carried out but no treatment was provided. No negative effects on tendon healing were observed in connection with the treatment.
A systematic review of the treatment of acute fractures of the scaphoid
Authors: Symes T. H. , Stothard J.
Published: June 2011

A systematic review of the literature identified eight trials comparing surgery with cast treatment and found no significant difference in pain, tenderness, cost, functional outcome or patient satisfaction. In the group treated surgically, the rate of non-union was three times less, there was a quicker return to function and grip strength and range of movement was also transiently better. There were, however, more complications among those treated surgically. No significant differences were reported in the two trials that compared above and below elbow casts or the trial that compared scaphoid and Colles’ casts.
The molecular pathogenesis of primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Steidl Christian , Gascoyne Randy D.
Published: June 2011

Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) is a recognized non-Hodgkin lymphoma entity with unique pathologic, clinical, and molecular characteristics distinct from those of other diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. Immunohistochemical characterization and molecular studies strongly suggest that PMBCL is of germinal center or postgerminal center origin. Pivotal gene expression profiling work defined major deregulated pathway activities that overlap with Hodgkin lymphoma and prompted a more detailed analysis of candidate genes. In particular, the nuclear factor-κB and the Janus Kinase-Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription signaling pathways are targeted by multiple genomic hits, and constitutive activity of both pathways can be considered molecular hallmark alterations of PMBCL. Moreover, data are emerging giving unique insight into remodeling of the epigenome that affects transcriptional regulation of a multitude of genes. More recently, the tumor microenvironment of PMBCL has shifted into focus based on a number of gene perturbations altering expression of surface molecules that contribute to immune escape. These findings highlight the importance of immune privilege in the pathogenesis of PMBCL and suggest that disrupting crosstalk between the tumor cells and the microenvironment might be a rational new therapeutic target in conjunction with traditional treatment strategies.
Diagnosing tuberculosis with urine lipoarabinomannan: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Minion J. , Leung E. , Talbot E. , Dheda K. , Pai M. , Menzies D.
Published: June 2011

Lipoarabinomannan (LAM) is a potential marker of active tuberculosis (TB). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis regarding use of urinary LAM assays for diagnosing active TB.

We systematically searched for published and unpublished studies that evaluated urinary LAM for active TB diagnosis. Extracted data were pooled using bivariate random effects models and hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curves. Heterogeneity was explored through subgroup analysis and meta-regression. Quality was assessed according to standardised QUADAS (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies) criteria.

In seven studies that assessed test accuracy in microbiologically confirmed cases only, estimates of sensitivity ranged from 13% to 93%, while specificity ranged from 87% to 99%. In five studies that assessed accuracy in clinical and confirmed TB cases, sensitivity ranged from 8% to 80%, while specificity ranged from 88% to 99%. In five studies with results stratified by HIV status, sensitivity was 3–53% higher in HIV-positive than HIV-negative subgroups; sensitivity was highest with advanced immunosuppression.

The LAM urinary assay has several characteristics that make it attractive for diagnosing active TB, but has suboptimal sensitivity for routine clinical use. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential value of the LAM assay in individuals with advanced HIV or for diagnosis of paediatric TB.
Endobronchial ultrasound-guided lymph node biopsy with transbronchial needle forceps: a pilot study
Authors: Herth F.J.F. , Schuler H. , Gompelmann D. , Kahn N. , Gasparini S. , Ernst A. , Schuhmann M. , Eberhardt R.
Published: June 2011

One limitation of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is the size of the available needles, frequently yielding only cells for cytological examination. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of newly developed needle forceps to obtain tissue for the histological diagnosis of enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes.

Patients with enlarged, positron emission tomography (PET)-positive lymph nodes were included. The transbronchial needle forceps (TBNF), a sampling instrument combining the characteristics of a needle (bevelled tip for penetrating through the bronchial wall) with forceps (two serrated jaws for grasping tissue) was used through the working channel of the EBUS-TBNA scope. Efficacy and safety was assessed.

50 patients (36 males and 14 females; mean age 51 yrs) with enlarged or PET-positive lymph nodes were included in this pilot study. In 48 (96%) patients penetration of the bronchial wall was possible and in 45 patients tissue for histological diagnosis was obtained. In three patients TBNF provided inadequate material. For patients in whom the material was adequate for a histological examination, a specific diagnosis was established in 43 (86%) out of 50 patients (nonsmall cell lung cancer: n=24; small cell lung cancer: n=7; sarcoidosis: n=4; Hodgkin's lymphoma: n=4; tuberculosis: n=2; and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: n=2).No clinically significant procedure-related complications were encountered.

This study demonstrated that EBUS-TBNF is a safe procedure and provides diagnostic histological specimens of mediastinal lymph nodes.
Preschool asthma after bronchiolitis in infancy
Authors: Koponen P. , Helminen M. , Paassilta M. , Luukkaala T. , Korppi M.
Published: June 2011

Asthma risk is lower after wheezing associated with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) than with non-RSV infection in infancy. RSV is the main wheezing-associated virus in infants aged <6 months. We evaluated the outcome of children hospitalised for bronchiolitis at <6 months of age, with special focus on viral aetiology and early risk factors.

Out of 205 infants hospitalised for bronchiolitis at <6 months of age, 127 (62%) attended a control visit at a mean age of 6.5 yrs and the parents of an additional 39 children were interviewed by telephone. Thus, follow-up data collected by identical structured questionnaires were available from 166 (81%) children. Viral aetiology of bronchiolitis, studied on admission by antigen detection or PCR, was demonstrable in 97% of cases.

Current asthma was present in 21 (12.7%) children: 8.2% in the 110 former RSV patientsversus24% in non-RSV patients (p=0.01). 45 (27%) children had ever had asthma. In adjusted analyses, atopic dermatitis, non-RSV bronchiolitis and maternal asthma were independently significant early-life risk factors for asthma.

The risk of asthma was lower after RSV bronchiolitis than after bronchiolitis caused by other viruses in children hospitalised at <6 months of age.
Unrecognised ventricular dysfunction in COPD
Authors: Macchia A. , Rodriguez Moncalvo J.J. , Kleinert M. , Comignani P.D. , Gimeno G. , Arakaki D. , Laffaye N. , Fuselli J.J. , Massolin H.P. , Gambarte J. , Romero M. , Tognoni G.
Published: June 2011

While both chronic congestive heart failure (CHF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) impose a substantial disease burden and share aetiological and epidemiological associations, they have largely been studied separately. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence and the prognostic implications of the coexistence of left ventricular dysfunction in COPD patients and airway obstruction in CHF patients.

We used a prospective cohort study including stable ≥60-yr-old patients with echocardiographically confirmed CHF (n=201) and stable ≥60-yr-old patients with clinically and spirometry-confirmed COPD (n=218). All CHF patients underwent routine spirometry, and all COPD patients underwent routine echocardiographic assessment and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) measurement. Patients were followed for 2 yrs.

The prevalence of airway obstruction among CHF patients was 37.3% and the prevalence of ventricular dysfunction among COPD patients was 17%. The presence of ventricular dysfunction in patients with COPD tended to increase the risk of mortality during follow-up (hazard ratio 2.34, 95% CI 0.99–5.54; p=0.053). The presence of airway obstruction in patients with CHF did not influence survival.

CHF and COPD frequently coexist, and ventricular dysfunction worsens survival in patients with COPD. Considering the high prevalence and the prognostic implications of ventricular dysfunction, routine assessment with either BNP or echocardiogram should be considered in COPD patients.
Tiotropium improves walking endurance in COPD
Authors: Bédard M-E. , Brouillard C. , Pepin V. , Provencher S. , Milot J. , Lacasse Y. , Leblanc P. , Maltais F.
Published: June 2011

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 3-week treatment with tiotropium on walking capacity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

After familiarisation with study procedures, 36 patients were randomised to receive tiotropium 18 μg once daily or a matching placebo in a double-blind, parallel-group study. Pre- (trough) and 2-h post-dose pulmonary function was measured. An endurance shuttle walk was then completed. The same procedures were repeated after 3 weeks of treatment. Ventilatory parameters were monitored during exercise.

At 3 weeks, tiotropium significantly improved walking endurance time in comparison with placebo, with a mean±sdbetween-group difference of 128±141 s (p=0.017). At 3 weeks, trough values for forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were significantly improved with tiotropium in comparison with placebo. The post-dose response to tiotropium was statistically superior to placebo after the first dose and after 3 weeks of treatment for FEV1, FVC and inspiratory capacity. Ventilation and tidal volume at the end of walking were significantly improved with tiotropium.

3 weeks of tiotropium resulted in a greater walking endurance in patients with COPD. Improvements in FEV1, maximal ventilation and tidal volume may contribute to this enhanced exercise capacity.
Comparative expression profiling of E. coli and S. aureus inoculated primary mammary gland cells sampled from cows with different genetic predispositions for somatic cell score
Authors: Brand Bodo , Hartmann Anja , Repsilber Dirk , Griesbeck-Zilch Bettina , Wellnitz Olga , Kühn Christa , Ponsuksili Siriluck , Meyer Heinrich HD , Schwerin Manfred
Published: June 2011

Background

During the past ten years many quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting mastitis incidence and mastitis related traits like somatic cell score (SCS) were identified in cattle. However, little is known about the molecular architecture of QTL affecting mastitis susceptibility and the underlying physiological mechanisms and genes causing mastitis susceptibility. Here, a genome-wide expression analysis was conducted to analyze molecular mechanisms of mastitis susceptibility that are affected by a specific QTL for SCS on Bos taurus autosome 18 (BTA18). Thereby, some first insights were sought into the genetically determined mechanisms of mammary gland epithelial cells influencing the course of infection.

Methods

Primary bovine mammary gland epithelial cells (pbMEC) were sampled from the udder parenchyma of cows selected for high and low mastitis susceptibility by applying a marker-assisted selection strategy considering QTL and molecular marker information of a confirmed QTL for SCS in the telomeric region of BTA18. The cells were cultured and subsequently inoculated with heat-inactivated mastitis pathogens Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. After 1, 6 and 24 h, the cells were harvested and analyzed using the microarray expression chip technology to identify differences in mRNA expression profiles attributed to genetic predisposition, inoculation and cell culture.

Results

Comparative analysis of co-expression profiles clearly showed a faster and stronger response after pathogen challenge in pbMEC from less susceptible animals that inherited the favorable QTL allele 'Q' than in pbMEC from more susceptible animals that inherited the unfavorable QTL allele 'q'. Furthermore, the results highlighted RELB as a functional and positional candidate gene and related non-canonical Nf-kappaB signaling as a functional mechanism affected by the QTL. However, in both groups, inoculation resulted in up-regulation of genes associated with the Ingenuity pathways 'dendritic cell maturation' and 'acute phase response signaling', whereas cell culture affected biological processes involved in 'cellular development'.

Conclusions

The results indicate that the complex expression profiling of pathogen challenged pbMEC sampled from cows inheriting alternative QTL alleles is suitable to study genetically determined molecular mechanisms of mastitis susceptibility in mammary epithelial cells in vitro and to highlight the most likely functional pathways and candidate genes underlying the QTL effect.
Phosphoproteome analysis during larval development and metamorphosis in the spionid polychaete Pseudopolydora vexillosa
Authors: Chandramouli Kondethimmanahalli H , Mok Flora SY , Wang Hao , Qian Pei-Yuan
Published: June 2011

Background

The metamorphosis of the spionid polychaete Pseudopolydora vexillosa includes spontaneous settlement onto soft-bottom habitats and morphogenesis that can be completed in a very short time. A previous study on the total changes to the proteome during the various developmental stages of P. vexillosa suggested that little or no de novo protein synthesis occurs during metamorphosis. In this study, we used multicolor fluorescence detection of proteins in 2-D gels for differential analysis of proteins and phosphoproteins to reveal the dynamics of post-translational modification proteins in this species. A combination of affinity chromatography, 2D-PAGE, and mass spectrometry was used to identify the phosphoproteins in pre-competent larvae, competent larvae, and newly metamorphosed juveniles.

Results

We reproducibly detected 210, 492, and 172 phosphoproteins in pre-competent larvae, competent larvae, and newly metamorphosed juveniles, respectively. The highest percentage of phosphorylation was observed during the competent larval stage. About 64 stage-specific phosphoprotein spots were detected in the competent stage, and 32 phosphoproteins were found to be significantly differentially expressed in the three stages. We identified 38 phosphoproteins, 10 of which were differentially expressed during metamorphosis. These phosphoproteins belonged to six categories of biological processes: (1) development, (2) cell differentiation and integrity, (3) transcription and translation, (4) metabolism, (5) protein-protein interaction and proteolysis, and (6) receptors and enzymes.

Conclusion

This is the first study to report changes in phosphoprotein expression patterns during the metamorphosis of the marine polychaete P. vexillosa. The higher degree of phosphorylation during the process of attaining competence to settle and metamorphose may be due to fast morphological transitions regulated by various mechanisms. Our data are consistent with previous studies showing a high percentage of phosphorylation during competency in the barnacle Balanus amphitrite and the bryozoan Bugula neritina. The identified phosphoproteins may play an important role during metamorphosis, and further studies on the location and functions of important proteins during metamorphosis are warranted.
A prospective controlled study: minimally invasive stereotactic puncture therapy versus conventional craniotomy in the treatment of acute intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Zhou Houguang , Zhang Yu , Liu Ling , Han Xu , Tao Yinghong , Tang Yuping , Hua Wei , Xue Jianzhong , Dong Qiang
Published: June 2011

Background

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating form of stroke with the high mortality twofold to sixfold higher than that for ischemic stroke. But the treatment of haematomas within the basal ganglia continues to be a matter of debate among neurologists and neurosurgeons. The purpose of this study is to judge the short-term and long-term clinical value of minimally invasive stereotactic puncture therapy (MISPT) on acute ICH.

Methods

A prospective controlled study was undertaken. The clinical trial was in compliance with the WMA Declaration of Helsinki - Ethical Principles for Medical Research Involving Human Subjects. According to the enrollment criterion, there were 168 acute ICH cases analyzed, of which 90 cases were performed by MISPT (MISPT group, MG) and 78 cases by Conventional craniotomy (CC group, CG), by means of compare of short-term outcome such as Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, postoperative complications (PC) and rebleeding incidence (RI), moreover, long-term outcome of 1 year postoperation judged by Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), Barthel Index (BI), modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and case fatality (CF).

Results

GCS score of MG patients showed obvious amelioration when compared with that of CG (P = 0.039). The PC incidence of in MG decreased obviously compared with that of CG (P = 0.000). The incidences of rebleeding in MG and CG were 10.0% and 15.4% respectively (P = 0.293). There was no obvious difference between CFs of MG and CG. For three parameters representing long-term outcome,the GOS, BI and mRS in MG were ameliorated significantly than that of CG (P = 0.043, P = 0.011 and P = 0.042 respectively).

Conclusion

These data indicated that compared with CC, the advantage of MISPT was not only displayed in short-term outcome such as minute trauma and safety, but also seemed to be feasible and had a trend towards improved long-term outcome such as the GOS,BI and mRS.

Trial Registration

The Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR), the registration number:ACTRN12610000945022.
Adjuvant Radio-chemotherapy for extrahepatic biliary tract cancers
Authors: Bonet Beltrán Marta , Roth Arnaud D , Mentha Gilles , Allal Abdelkarim S
Published: June 2011

Background

Extrahepatic biliary duct cancers (EBDC) are uncommon malignancies characterized by a poor prognosis with high rate of loco-regional recurrence. The purpose of the present study is to assess the feasibility and the potential impact of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) in a series of patients treated in one institution.

Methods

Twenty three patients with non-metastatic bile duct cancer treated surgically with curative intent (4 gallbladder, 7 ampullary and 12 cholangiocarcinoma) received 3D conformal external beam RT to a median total dose of 50.4Gy. Concurrent chemotherapy based on 5-FU was delivered to 21 patients (91%). Surgical margins were negative in 11 patients (48%), narrow in 2 (9%), and microscopically involved in 8 (35%). Eleven patients (55%) had metastatic nodal involvement. The average follow-up time for all patients was 30 months (ranging from 3-98).

Results

Acute gastrointestinal grade 2 toxicity (RTOG scale) was recorded in 2 patients (9%). Nausea or vomiting grade 1 and 2 was observed in 8 (35%) and 2 patients (9%) respectively. Only one patient developed a major late radiation-induced toxicity. The main pattern of recurrence was both loco-regional and distant (liver, peritoneum and/or lung). No difference was observed in loco-regional control according to the tumor location. The 5-year actuarial loco-regional control rate was 48.3% (67% and 30% for patients operated on with negative and positive/narrow/unknown margins respectively, p = 0.04). The 5-year actuarial overall survival was of 35.9% for the entire group (61.4% in case of negative margins and 16.7% in case of positive/narrow/unknown margins, p = 0.07).

Conclusions

Postoperative RT with 50-60 Gy is feasible with acceptable acute and late toxicities. The potential benefit observed in our series may support the use of adjuvant RT in patients with locally advanced disease. Prospective randomized trials are warranted to confirm definitively the role of RT in this tumor location.
Hydroxylation of recombinant human collagen type I alpha 1 in transgenic maize co-expressed with a recombinant human prolyl 4-hydroxylase
Authors: Xu Xing , Gan Qinglei , Clough Richard C , Pappu Kameshwari M , Howard John A , Baez Julio A , Wang Kan
Published: June 2011

Background

Collagens require the hydroxylation of proline (Pro) residues in their triple-helical domain repeating sequence Xaa-Pro-Gly to function properly as a main structural component of the extracellular matrix in animals at physiologically relevant conditions. The regioselective proline hydroxylation is catalyzed by a specific prolyl 4-hydroxylase (P4H) as a posttranslational processing step.

Results

A recombinant human collagen type I α-1 (rCIα1) with high percentage of hydroxylated prolines (Hyp) was produced in transgenic maize seeds when co-expressed with both the α- and β- subunits of a recombinant human P4H (rP4H). Germ-specific expression of rCIα1 using maize globulin-1 gene promoter resulted in an average yield of 12 mg/kg seed for the full-length rCIα1 in seeds without co-expression of rP4H and 4 mg/kg seed for the rCIα1 (rCIα1-OH) in seeds with co-expression of rP4H. High-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) analysis revealed that nearly half of the collagenous repeating triplets in rCIα1 isolated from rP4H co-expressing maize line had the Pro residues changed to Hyp residues. The HRMS analysis determined the Hyp content of maize-derived rCIα1-OH as 18.11%, which is comparable to the Hyp level of yeast-derived rCIα1-OH (17.47%) and the native human CIa1 (14.59%), respectively. The increased Hyp percentage was correlated with a markedly enhanced thermal stability of maize-derived rCIα1-OH when compared to the non-hydroxylated rCIα1.

Conclusions

This work shows that maize has potential to produce adequately modified exogenous proteins with mammalian-like post-translational modifications that may be require for their use as pharmaceutical and industrial products.
Hepatoprotective effects of methanol extract of Carissa opaca leaves on CCl4-induced damage in rat
Authors: Sahreen Sumaira , Khan Muhammad R , Khan Rahmat A
Published: June 2011

Background

Carissa opaca (Apocynaceae) leaves possess antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective effects, and so may provide a possible therapeutic alternative in hepatic disorders. The effect produced by methanolic extract of Carissa opaca leaves (MCL) was investigated on CCl4-induced liver damages in rat.

Methods

30 rats were divided into five groups of six animals of each, having free access to food and water ad libitum. Group I (control) was given olive oil and DMSO, while group II, III and IV were injected intraperitoneally with CCl4 (0.5 ml/kg) as a 20% (v/v) solution in olive oil twice a week for 8 weeks. Animals of group II received only CCl4. Rats of group III were given MCL intragastrically at a dose of 200 mg/kg bw while that of group IV received silymarin at a dose of 50 mg/kg bw twice a week for 8 weeks. However, animals of group V received MCL only at a dose of 200 mg/kg bw twice a week for 8 weeks. The activities of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT) were determined in serum. Catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GSR) and quinone reductase (QR) activity was measured in liver homogenates. Lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances; TBARS), glutathione (GSH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration was also assessed in liver homogenates. Phytochemicals in MCL were determined through qualitative and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis.

Results

Hepatotoxicity induced with CCl4 was evidenced by significant increase in lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and H2O2 level, serum activities of AST, ALT, ALP, LDH and γ-GT. Level of GSH determined in liver was significantly reduced, as were the activities of antioxidant enzymes; CAT, POD, SOD, GSH-Px, GSR, GST and QR. On cirrhotic animals treated with CCl4, histological studies showed centrilobular necrosis and infiltration of lymphocytes. MCL (200 mg/kg bw) and silymarin (50 mg/kg bw) co-treatment prevented all the changes observed with CCl4-treated rats. The phytochemical analysis of MCL indicated the presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, phlobatannins, terpenoids, coumarins, anthraquinones, and cardiac glycosides. Isoquercetin, hyperoside, vitexin, myricetin and kaempherol was determined in MCL.

Conclusion

These results indicate that MCL has a significant protective effect against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in rat, which may be due to its antioxidant and membrane stabilizing properties.
Circulating angiopoietin-2 and soluble Tie-2 in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rasul Sazan , Reiter Marie Helene , Ilhan Aysegul , Lampichler Katharina , Wagner Ludwig , Kautzky-Willer Alexandra
Published: June 2011

Background

Type 2 diabetes is associated with increased levels of Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and soluble Tie-2 (sTie-2), but its impact on vascular disease is still unknown. This study aimed to further explore the associations of Ang-2 and sTie-2 with metabolic control and diabetic complications.

Methods

In a cross-sectional designed study, levels of Ang-2 and sTie-2 as well as their relationships to cardiometabolic parameters were determined in 80 type 2 diabetic subjects (age 65 ± 7 years, female 47.4%).

Results

After controlling for age and BMI, Ang-2 levels were associated with levels of sTie-2, diastolic blood pressure, plasma insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), creatinine, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (all p < 0.02). Presence of diabetic macrovascular complications, polyneuropathy and insulin therapy were associated with higher Ang-2 levels (p < 0.05). Conversely, sTie-2 levels were associated with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose and insulin, HOMA-IR, triglyceride, and liver function parameters (all p < 0.03). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that Ang-2 remained significantly associated only with levels of GGT (p < 0.04), whereas sTie-2 remained significantly associated with HbA
1c
, insulin levels, and HOMA-IR (p < 0.03). No differences in Ang-2 and sTie-2 levels were observed with regard to gender of participants.

Conclusions

Ang-2 is independently associated with levels of GGT while sTie-2 is independently associated with levels of HbA
1c
, plasma insulin and HOMA-IR in type 2 diabetic subjects. Therefore we suggest that the associations of Ang-2 and sTie-2 with type 2 diabetes are based on different patho-physiological mechanisms.
A progressive increase in cardiovascular risk assessed by coronary angiography in non-diabetic patients at sub-diabetic glucose levels
Authors: Schinner Sven , Füth Reiner , Kempf Kerstin , Martin Stephan , Willenberg Holger S , Schott Matthias , Dinh Wilfried , Scherbaum Werner A , Lankisch Mark
Published: June 2011

Objective

Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) is a risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). While there is a clear correlation of fasting blood glucose (FBG) and 2 h post-challenge blood glucose values (2h-BG) with microvascular complications, the risk for CHD conferred by glucose dysregulation antecedent to DM2 is less clear. Therefore, we investigated associations of FBG and 2h-BG values with the prevalence of CHD assessed by coronary angiography as the most sensitive diagnostic tool.

Research Design and Methods

Coronary angiography was performed in 1394 patients without known DM. Capillary blood glucose was analyzed before and 2 h after an oral glucose tolerance test. Associations between FBG as well as 2h-BG levels and the risk for CHD were assessed by logistic regression analysis.

Results

1064 (75%) of patients were diagnosed with CHD. 204 (15%) were diagnosed with so far unknown DM2, 274 (20%) with isolated impaired fasting glucose (IFG), 188 (13%) with isolated impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and 282 (20%) with both, IGT and IFG. We found a continuous increase in the risk for CHD with fasting and post-challenge blood glucose values even in the subdiabetic range. This correlation did however not suggest clear cut-off values. The increase in risk for CHD reached statistical significance at FBG levels of > 120 mg/dl (Odds Ratio of 2.7 [1.3-5.6] and 2h-BG levels > 140 mg/dl (141-160 mg/dl OR 1.8 [1.1-2.9], which was however lost after adjusting for age, sex and BMI.

Conclusions

In our study population we found a continuous increased risk for CHD at fasting and 2h-BG levels in the sub-diabetic glucose range, but no clear cut-off values for cardiovascular risk.
Molecular role of GATA binding protein 4 (GATA-4) in hyperglycemia-induced reduction of cardiac contractility
Authors: Ku Po-Ming , Chen Li-Jen , Liang Jia-ru , Cheng Kai-Chun , Li Yin-Xiao , Cheng Juei-Tang
Published: June 2011

Background

Diabetic cardiomyopathy, a diabetes-specific complication, refers to a disorder that eventually leads to left ventricular hypertrophy in addition to diastolic and systolic dysfunction. In recent studies, hyperglycemia-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cardiomyocytes have been linked to diabetic cardiomyopathy. GATA binding protein 4 (GATA-4) regulates the expression of many cardio-structural genes including cardiac troponin-I (cTnI).

Methods

Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and H9c2 embryonic rat cardiomyocytes treated with a high concentration of glucose (a D-glucose concentration of 30 mM was used and cells were cultured for 24 hr) were used to examine the effect of hyperglycemia on GATA-4 accumulation in the nucleus. cTnI expression was found to be linked to cardiac tonic dysfunction, and we evaluated the expression levels of cTnI and GATA-4 by Western blot analysis.

Results

Cardiac output was lowered in STZ-induced diabetic rats. In addition, higher expressions of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and phosphorylated GATA-4 were identified in these rats by Western blotting. The changes were reversed by treatment with insulin or phlorizin after correction of the blood sugar level. In H9c2 cells, ROS production owing to the high glucose concentration increased the expression of cTnI and GATA-4 phosphorylation. However, hyperglycemia failed to increase the expression of cTnI when GATA-4 was silenced by small interfering RNA (siRNA) in H9c2 cells. Otherwise, activation of ERK is known to be a signal for phosphorylation of serine105 in GATA-4 to increase the DNA binding ability of this transcription factor. Moreover, GSK3β could directly interact with GATA-4 to cause GATA-4 to be exported from the nucleus. GATA-4 nuclear translocation and GSK3β ser9 phosphorylation were both elevated by a high glucose concentration in H9c2 cells. These changes were reversed by tiron (ROS scavenger), PD98059 (MEK/ERK inhibitor), or siRNA of GATA-4. Cell contractility measurement also indicated that the high glucose concentration decreased the contractility of H9c2 cells, and this was reduced by siRNA of GATA-4.

Conclusions

Hyperglycemia can cause systolic dysfunction and a higher expression of cTnI in cardiomyocytes through ROS, enhancing MEK/ERK-induced GATA-4 phosphorylation and accumulation in the cell nucleus.
A proof of the DBRF-MEGN method, an algorithm for deducing minimum equivalent gene networks
Authors: Kyoda Koji , Baba Kotaro , Kitano Hiroaki , Onami Shuichi
Published: June 2011

Background

We previously developed the DBRF-MEGN (d ifference-b ased r egulation f inding-m inimum e quivalent g ene n etwork) method, which deduces the most parsimonious signed directed graphs (SDGs) consistent with expression profiles of single-gene deletion mutants. However, until the present study, we have not presented the details of the method's algorithm or a proof of the algorithm.

Results

We describe in detail the algorithm of the DBRF-MEGN method and prove that the algorithm deduces all of the exact solutions of the most parsimonious SDGs consistent with expression profiles of gene deletion mutants.

Conclusions

The DBRF-MEGN method provides all of the exact solutions of the most parsimonious SDGs consistent with expression profiles of gene deletion mutants.
An Investigation into the Deformation Behaviour of AA6061—5% SiCp Composite During and after Hot Extrusion Process
Authors: Akhgar J M , Mirjalili A , Serajzadeh S
Published: June 2011

In this study, hot extrusion of AA6061—5% SiCp composite was studied to determine the composite thermo-mechanical behaviour during deformation and the mechanical properties of extruded composite. Hot compression tests were first carried out to obtain the flow stress behaviour of the composite at different temperatures and strain rates. Then a mathematical model was used to estimate the required energy as well as to predict temperature and strain distributions during the process. Finally, hot extrusion experiments were performed in order to verify the predictions and, also, tensile and hardness testing were conducted to evaluate mechanical properties of extruded material. Comparison between the results obtained from the model and the experimental data shows a good agreement. The results indicate that the extrusion speed has a considerable effect on the mechanical properties of the produced material.
Mitochondrial disease in pregnancy: a systematic review
Authors: Say R E , Whittaker R G , Turnbull H E , McFarland R , Taylor R W , Turnbull D M
Published: June 2011

Mitochondrial diseases are heterogeneous in clinical presentation and genotype. The incidence of known pathogenic mitochondrial DNA mutations in the general population is 1 in 500. Little is known about the implications of pregnancy for women with mitochondrial disease. We undertook a systematic review of the literature on mitochondrial disease in pregnancy. Ten case reports were identified. The most common complications were threatened preterm labour (5 women) and preeclampsia (4 women). Two women experienced magnesium sulphate toxicity. Pregnancy had a varied effect on mitochondrial disease with some women being asymptomatic; others developing mild symptoms such as exercise intolerance or muscle weakness which resolved postnatally; and others developed more serious, persistent symptoms such as symptomatic Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome, persistent paraesthesia and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Women with mitochondrial disease appear to be at increased risk of complications during pregnancy and labour but further prospective cohort studies are needed.
Structural aspects of translation termination on the ribosome
Authors: Korostelev Andrei A.
Published: June 2011

Translation of genetic information encoded in messenger RNAs into polypeptide sequences is carried out by ribosomes in all organisms. When a full protein is synthesized, a stop codon positioned in the ribosomal A site signals termination of translation and protein release. Translation termination depends on class I release factors. Recently, atomic-resolution crystal structures were determined for bacterial 70S ribosome termination complexes bound with release factors RF1 or RF2. In combination with recent biochemical studies, the structures resolve long-standing questions about translation termination. They bring insights into the mechanisms of recognition of all three stop codons, peptidyl-tRNA hydrolysis, and coordination of stop-codon recognition with peptidyl-tRNA hydrolysis. In this review, the structural aspects of these mechanisms are discussed.
High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I Measurement for Risk Stratification in a Stable High-Risk Population
Authors: Kavsak Peter A , Xu Liqin , Yusuf Salim , McQueen Matthew J
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND

Past investigations regarding the utility of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (cTnI) assays have been focused primarily on the acute coronary syndrome setting. We assessed whether such assays can predict future ischemic cardiovascular events in a stable high-risk population.

METHODS

We quantified serum cTnI using an investigational high-sensitivity assay (hs-cTnI IUO, Beckman Coulter) in 2572 participants from the Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation (HOPE) study. The derived ROC curve cutoff and the 99th percentile for the hs-cTnI assay were assessed by Kaplan–Meier and Cox analyses for the primary outcome [composite of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and cardiovascular death] at 4.5 years of follow-up. We also assessed individual outcomes (MI, stroke, cardiovascular death) and the combined outcome (MI/cardiovascular death) by regression analyses to determine hazard ratios (HRs) and c statistics in models that included established risk factors, C-reactive protein, and N-terminal pro-B–type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP).

RESULTS

Participants with hs-cTnI >6 ng/L (ROC cutoff) were at higher risk for the primary outcome (HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.09–1.76; P = 0.008, adjusted models). For the individual outcomes, participants with hs-cTnI above the 99th percentile (≥10 ng/L) had higher risk for cardiovascular death (HR 2.15, 95% CI 1.32–3.52; P = 0.002) and MI (HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.05–2.10; P = 0.025) but not stroke (HR 1.38, 95% CI 0.76–2.47; P = 0.288, adjusted models). Addition of hs-cTnI to an established risk model with NT-proBNP also yielded a higher c statistic for the combined outcome of MI/cardiovascular death.

CONCLUSIONS

The investigational Beckman Coulter hs-cTnI assay provides prognostic information for future MI and cardiovascular death in a stable high-risk population.
St Joseph's Day in Kerala
Authors: simeti mary taylor
Published: June 2011

Acting on a chance comment by an Indian visitor, the author travels to Southern India to see how the Christian community of Kerala celebrates St. Joseph’s Day, expecting to find something similar to the elaborately decorated altars erected in Sicily to honor this saint. Feeding the poor in St. Joseph’s honor has taken quite a different direction in Kerala, however. The author is taken to visit churches where preparations are underway for a ritual meal that will be served to hundreds of parishioners, ensuring them the saint’s blessing for the year that follows. The meal includes payasam, aviyal, and other traditional dishes that she later learns have been borrowed from Hindu rituals. She also participates in a very simple yet moving ceremony in a private home, in which three of the poor representing the Holy Family are fed and given new clothes.
Set for Transition: Dansk Designs' Fjord Flatware
Authors: froelich sarah
Published: June 2011

While artist-designer Jens Quistgaard sold his flatware designs to Copenhagen’s Museum of Arts and Crafts, Martha and Ted Nierenberg searched for designs that coordinated well with the changing landscape of the American kitchen and the modern home. The eventual collaboration between these transcontinental families led to the launch of the American company and well-known brand, Dansk Designs; it all began with a set of flatware. “Set for Transition: Dansk Designs’ Fjord Flatware” is the story behind the foundation of the company, featuring a thorough description of Fjord flatware’s form and relationship with the mid-century design moment. The combination of teak and stainless steel shaped into precise and biomorphic forms by Quistgaard, transformed ordinary tools into usable sculpture that had never before been seen in the American market. Quistgaard and the Nierenbergs introduced this stainless-steel flatware, later to be followed by the introduction of enameled-steel cookware, lacquered maple trays, cast-iron and bottle-glass candleholders, and more—forever altering the landscape of the American table.
William Waldorf Astor's World's Fair Dinner
Authors: voigt henry
Published: June 2011

William Waldorf Astor hosted a dinner for fifty politicians and financiers at Delmonico’s in 1889 to discuss how to get the upcoming World’s Fair held in New York City. Although money was no object for the banquet—Astor was soon to be named the richest man in the world—chef Charles Ranhofer was unable to procure canvasback ducks, an expensive game dish often served at such elegant occasions of the Gilded Age. Nevertheless, Ranhofer prepared one of his finest banquets, adjusting the order of service to highlight the Pâté de Foie Gras, Bellevue, a special cold dish that he rarely made. The menus were crafted by Tiffany & Co., each an individual, hand-painted work of art, inscribed with the name of the diner. In the end, the US Congress awarded the Columbian Exposition to Chicago, but the power brokers of the two cities maintained good relationships after the competition.
The Politics of Organic Farming: Populists, Evangelicals, and the Agriculture of the Middle
Authors: sayre laura
Published: June 2011

This article examines the political allegiances of the organic food and farming movement, asking whether the widespread media assumption that organic agriculture is a leftist cause is correct. Despite the enthusiasm with which organic food advocates welcomed the election of President Obama in 2008—and despite the fact that the geographical distribution of certified organic farms in the United States maps closely against states and counties voting Democratic in the 2008 Presidential elections—a wide range of historical and contemporary evidence suggests that political and social conservatives have long formed an important element within the organic movement's ranks. A distinction is drawn between the politics of organic consumers and the politics of organic farmers, although both groups are shown to include vocal supporters from both ends of the political spectrum. Ultimately, organic farming's political shape-shifting is linked to its mobilization of agrarian ideology, which can be seen as both a strength and a weakness for the movement. On the one hand, organic agriculture shows signs of capturing a political authority and authenticity long associated with America's heartland; on the other hand, a hard-line conservative approach to food and farm policy leaves major social and environmental issues associated with agriculture unaddressed.
Elusive Temptations
Authors: hellman mimi
Published: June 2011

This essay discusses the aesthetic, culinary, and social resonances of an eighteenth-century silver tureen in the collections of the J. Paul Getty Museum. Produced in the Paris workshop of Thomas Germain and probably owned by a Portuguese archbishop, the tureen is embellished with crustaceans and vegetables cast in part from nature. By linking the manipulation of silver to the transformative treatment of ingredients in eighteenth-century cuisine, and by reimagining the tureen’s visual effects and conversational potential in the context of a lavish, candle-lit banquet, the essay explores how this artful object would have simultaneously invited and resisted the attention of eighteenth-century diners.
Talking About Cooking: Alexandre Dumas's Causerie culinaire
Authors: weintraub j.
Published: June 2011

In this first complete English translation of one of Alexandre Dumas’s “causeries,” a kind of familiar essay likely originated by Dumas, the author provides one of the earliest examples of gastronomic journalism. Part memoir, part travelogue, part critique, it recounts the origins of Dumas’s love of good food, tells of his early experiences with cooking, narrates a culinary adventure in North Africa (where he learned the local technique for roasting a lamb in its skin, which he later applied to rabbit), and offers advice for ordering a meal at the Restaurant de France in Paris. The second part of the essay describes his quest for a recipe for the “real Neapolitan macaroni” among Italian celebrities then living in Paris (including a failed attempt to acquire one from the composer Rossini), and finishes with purchasing recommendations and a detailed recipe for the dish for a party of twelve.
A Paradox in Overcriminalization
Authors: Yankah Ekow N.
Published: June 2011

Given that one of the central roles of political philosophy and criminal theory is illuminating the borders of justified state punishment, the modern crisis of overcriminalization is a painful defeat. Generations of legal theory, grounded in liberalism, has done little to stem the tide of criminal law and the explosion of criminal punishment.

One notable island of decriminalization has been the retreat of criminal punishment surrounding marijuana consumption. With the combination of medical marijuana regimes, reduction of punishment, and halting steps toward full decriminalization, marijuana stands in stark contrast to the highly visible war on drugs that has driven much contemporary overcriminalization.

This piece argues that opponents of overcriminalization have much to learn from the functional decriminalization of marijuana. Marijuana decriminalization has not been successful because of a swing in public attitudes about marijuana use. Rather, decriminalization is possible because advocates can marshal agreement across philosophical starting points, bringing both liberals and nonliberals into consensus. This groundswell demonstrates that legal theorists concerned about containing state power must look beyond liberal theories. Most importantly, this example reveals that legal theorists interested in turning back the tide of overcriminalization must do more than wait for areas of Rawlsian overlapping consensus; they must reach out to generate consensus with Rawlsian conjecture by viewing law not only from the liberal vantage point but from the nonliberal's perspective as well.