bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Labor Policies on the Health of Young Children in the Context of Economic Globalization
Authors: Heymann Jody , Earle Alison , McNeill Kristen
Published: January 2013

Globalization has transformed the workplace at the same time that increasing numbers of children live in families in which all adults work for pay outside the home. Extensive research evidence demonstrates the importance of parental involvement in the early years of a child's life. Yet, parents caring for young children may face challenges in fulfilling both work and family responsibilities under current labor force conditions. In this article, we review the evidence on the importance of parental care for meeting young children's routine care needs, preventive health care needs, and curative medical treatment requirements. We examine the evidence regarding the impact of four policies in particular on young children's health and development: parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, early childhood care and education, and leave for children's health needs. Last, we examine the availability of these policies worldwide and discuss the potential economic implications.
Disruption of claudin-18 diminishes ovariectomy-induced bone loss in mice
Authors: Kim Ha-Young , Alarcon Catrina , Pourteymour Sheila , Wergedal Jon E. , Mohan Subburaman
Published: January 2013

Claudin-18 (Cldn-18), a member of the tight junction family of proteins, is a negative regulator of RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption (BR) in vivo. Since estrogen deficiency decreases bone mass in part by a RANKL-mediated increase in BR, we evaluated whether estrogen regulates Cldn-18 expression in bone. We found that Cldn-18 expression was reduced in the bones of estrogen deficient mice, whereas it was increased by estrogen treatment in osteoblasts and osteoclasts in vitro. We next evaluated the role of Cldn-18 in mediating estrogen-induced bone loss. Cldn-18 knockout (KO) and littermate wild-type (WT) mice were ovariectomized (OVX) or sham operated at 6 wk of age, and the skeletal phenotype was evaluated at 14 wk of age. PIXImus revealed that total body, femur, and lumbar BMD were reduced 8–13% ( P < 0.05) after 8 wk of OVX compared with sham in WT mice. As expected, total body, femur, and lumbar BMD were reduced 14–21% ( P < 0.05) in Cldn-18 KO sham mice compared with sham WT mice. However, ovariectomy failed to induce significant changes in BMD of total body, femur, or vertebra in the Cldn-18 KO mice. μCT analysis of the distal femur revealed that trabecular (Tb) bone volume was decreased 50% in the OVX WT mice compared with sham that was caused by a 26% decrease in Tb number and a 30% increase in Tb separation (all P < 0.05). By contrast, none of the Tb parameters were significantly different in OVX Cldn-18 KO mice compared with sham KO mice. Histomorphometric analyses at the Tb site revealed that neither osteoclast surface nor osteoclast perimeter was increased significantly as a consequence of OVX in either genotype at the time point examined. Based on our findings, we conclude that the estrogen effects on osteoclasts may in part be mediated via regulation of Cldn-18 signaling.
Pathophysiology of Human Visceral Obesity: An Update
Authors: Tchernof André , Després Jean-Pierre
Published: January 2013

Excess intra-abdominal adipose tissue accumulation, often termed visceral obesity, is part of a phenotype including dysfunctional subcutaneous adipose tissue expansion and ectopic triglyceride storage closely related to clustering cardiometabolic risk factors. Hypertriglyceridemia; increased free fatty acid availability; adipose tissue release of proinflammatory cytokines; liver insulin resistance and inflammation; increased liver VLDL synthesis and secretion; reduced clearance of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins; presence of small, dense LDL particles; and reduced HDL cholesterol levels are among the many metabolic alterations closely related to this condition. Age, gender, genetics, and ethnicity are broad etiological factors contributing to variation in visceral adipose tissue accumulation. Specific mechanisms responsible for proportionally increased visceral fat storage when facing positive energy balance and weight gain may involve sex hormones, local cortisol production in abdominal adipose tissues, endocannabinoids, growth hormone, and dietary fructose. Physiological characteristics of abdominal adipose tissues such as adipocyte size and number, lipolytic responsiveness, lipid storage capacity, and inflammatory cytokine production are significant correlates and even possible determinants of the increased cardiometabolic risk associated with visceral obesity. Thiazolidinediones, estrogen replacement in postmenopausal women, and testosterone replacement in androgen-deficient men have been shown to favorably modulate body fat distribution and cardiometabolic risk to various degrees. However, some of these therapies must now be considered in the context of their serious side effects. Lifestyle interventions leading to weight loss generally induce preferential mobilization of visceral fat. In clinical practice, measuring waist circumference in addition to the body mass index could be helpful for the identification and management of a subgroup of overweight or obese patients at high cardiometabolic risk.
Anthropomorphic Factors Influencing Spanish Conservation Policies of Vertebrates
Authors: Martín-Forés Irene , Martín-López Berta , Montes Carlos
Published: January 2013

National and international reports developed for the International Year of Biodiversity concluded that we have failed to meet the 2010 biodiversity target. There is an urgent need to analyze current policies for biodiversity conservation. We examined the anthropomorphic factors underlying the threatened species listings (both red lists and legal lists) and funding allocation for the conservation of vertebrates in Spain at different organizational levels, from the global to subnational level. Our results reveal a strong effect of anthropomorphic factors on conservation policies, mainly legal listings and species priority setting at national scale. Specifically, we found that those vertebrates that are phylogenetically close to humans or physically similar to human neonates tend to receive more conservation attention. Based on results, we suggest recommendations to improve conservation policies in Spain.
Synthesis and Improvement of Activity of Cobalt Organic Salts as Drier
Authors: Shiraz Nader Zabarjad , Letafat Bahram , Sharifzadeh Elaheh Sadat , Rabii Anahita
Published: January 2013

Organic salts of cobalt were synthesized in the presence of amine, ethanol, and ethyl methyl ketoxime and were used as drier for alkyd resin. Considering the drying time of alkyd resin containing synthesized compound showed that amines, as electron releasing groups (ERG), increased the oxidizing activity of drier and shortened drying time about an hour, whereas ethyl methyl ketoxime delayed the drying of resin 2 hours. Two methods of synthesis, including solution and precipitation processes of synthesis, were compared in terms of convenience, cost, and environmental aspects.
Experience of Wellness Recovery Action Planning in Self‐Help and Mutual Support Groups for People with Lived Experience of Mental Health Difficulties
Authors: Pratt Rebekah , MacGregor Andy , Reid Susan , Given Lisa
Published: January 2013

The main aim of this research was to assess the relevance and impact of wellness recovery action planning (WRAP) as a tool for self‐management and wellness planning by individuals with mental health problems from pre‐existing and newly formed groups, where the possibilities for continued mutual support in the development of WRAPs could be explored. Interviews and focus groups were conducted and pre‐post recovery outcome measures completed (Recovery Assessment Scale and Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well Being Scale). 21 WRAP group participants took part in the research. The WRAP approach, used in groups and delivered by trained facilitators who could also share their lived experience, was very relevant and appeared to have a positive impact on many of the participants. The impact on participants varied from learning more about recovery and developing improved self‐awareness to integrating a WRAP approach into daily life. The apparent positive impact of WRAP delivered in the context of mutual support groups indicates that it should be given serious consideration as a unique and worthwhile option for improving mental health. WRAP groups could make a significant contribution to the range of self‐management options that are available for improving mental health and well‐being.
Advantageous Uses of Mass Spectrometry for the Quantification of Proteins
Authors: Hale John E.
Published: January 2013

Quantitative protein measurements by mass spectrometry have gained wide acceptance in research settings. However, clinical uptake of mass spectrometric protein assays has not followed suit. In part, this is due to the long-standing acceptance by regulatory agencies of immunological assays such as ELISA assays. In most cases, ELISAs provide highly accurate, sensitive, relatively inexpensive, and simple assays for many analytes. The barrier to acceptance of mass spectrometry in these situations will remain high. However, mass spectrometry provides solutions to certain protein measurements that are difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish by immunological methods. Cases where mass spectrometry can provide solutions to difficult assay development include distinguishing between very closely related protein species and monitoring biological and analytical variability due to sample handling and very high multiplexing capacity. This paper will highlight several examples where mass spectrometry has made certain protein measurements possible where immunological techniques have had a great difficulty.
Therapeutic Approach in the Improvement of Endothelial Dysfunction: The Current State of the Art
Authors: Radenković Miroslav , Stojanović Marko , Potpara Tatjana , Prostran Milica
Published: January 2013

The endothelium has a central role in the regulation of blood flow through continuous modulation of vascular tone. This is primarily accomplished by balanced release of endothelial relaxing and contractile factors. The healthy endothelial cells are essential for maintenance of vascular homeostasis involving antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, pro-fibrinolytic, anti-adhesive, or anticoagulant effects. Oppositely, endothelial dysfunction is primarily characterized by impaired regulation of vascular tone as a result of reduced endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase activity, lack of cofactors for NO synthesis, attenuated NO release, or increased NO degradation. So far, the pharmacological approach in improving/reversal of endothelial dysfunction was shown to be beneficial in clinical trials that have investigated actions of different cardiovascular drugs. The aim of this paper was to summarize some of the latest clinical findings related to therapeutic possibilities for improving endothelial dysfunction in different pathological conditions. In the majority of presented clinical investigations, the assessment of improvement or reversal of endothelial dysfunction was performed through the flow-mediated dilatation measurement, and in some of those endothelial progenitor cells’ count was used for the same purpose. Still, given the fast and continuous development of this field, the evidence acquisition included the MEDLINE data base screening and the selection of articles published between 2010 and 2012.
Alveolar Capillary Dysplasia with Misalignment of Pulmonary Veins (ACD/MPV): A Case Series
Authors: Miranda Joana , Rocha Gustavo , Soares Henrique , Vilan Ana , Brandão Otília , Guimarães Hercília
Published: January 2013

Alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins (ACD/MPV) is a rare, fatal, developmental lung disorder, which usually presents as persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) unresponsive to treatment. The authors present their own experience with three cases admitted during the last 15 years.
Role of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathways in Multifactorial Adverse Cardiac Remodeling Associated with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Asrih Mohamed , Mach François , Nencioni Alessio , Dallegri Franco , Quercioli Alessandra , Montecucco Fabrizio
Published: January 2013

Metabolic syndrome has been widely associated with an increased risk for acute cardiovascular events. Emerging evidence supports metabolic syndrome as a condition favoring an adverse cardiac remodeling, which might evolve towards heart dysfunction and failure. This pathological remodeling has been described to result from the cardiac adaptive response to clinical mechanical conditions (such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia), soluble inflammatory molecules (such as cytokines and chemokines), as well as hormones (such as insulin), characterizing the pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome. Moreover, these cardiac processes (resulting in cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis) are also associated with the modulation of intracellular signalling pathways within cardiomyocytes. Amongst the different intracellular kinases, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were shown to be involved in heart damage in metabolic syndrome. However, their role remains controversial. In this paper, we will discuss and update evidence on MAPK-mediated mechanisms underlying cardiac adverse remodeling associated with metabolic syndrome.
Role of Renin-Angiotensin System and Oxidative Stress on Vascular Inflammation in Insulin Resistence Model
Authors: Renna N. F. , Lembo C. , Diez E. , Miatello R. M.
Published: January 2013

(1) This study aims to demonstrate the causal involvement of renin angiotensin system (RAS) and oxidative stress (OS) on vascular inflammation in an experimental model of metabolic syndrome (MS) achieved by fructose administration to spontaneously hypertensive rats (FFHR) during 12 weeks. (2) Chronic treatment with candesartan (C) (10 mg/kg per day for the last 6 weeks) or 4OH-Tempol (T) (10−3 mmol/L in drinking water for the last 6 weeks) reversed the increment in metabolic variables and systolic blood pressure. In addition, chronic C treatment reverted cardiovascular remodeling but not T. (3) Furthermore, chronic treatment with C was able to completely reverse the expression of NF-κB and VCAM-1, but T only reduced the expression. C reduced the expression of proatherogenic cytokines as CINC2, CINC3, VEGF, Leptin, TNF-alpha, and MCP-1 and also significantly reduced MIP-3, beta-NGF, and INF-gamma in vascular tissue in this experimental model. T was not able to substantially modify the expression of these cytokines. (4) The data suggest the involvement of RAS in the expression of inflammatory proteins at different vascular levels, allowing the creation of a microenvironment suitable for the creation, perpetuation, growth, and destabilization of vascular injury.
Subcorneal Pustular Dermatosis in Childhood: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Scalvenzi Massimiliano , Palmisano Franco , Annunziata Maria Carmela , Mezza Ernesto , Cozzolino Immacolata , Costa Claudia
Published: January 2013

Subcorneal pustular dermatosis (SCPD, also known as Sneddon-Wilkinson disease) is a rare, benign, chronic, sterile pustular eruption which usually develops in middle-age or elderly women; it is rarely seen in childhood and adolescence. The primary lesions are pea-sized pustules classically described as half-pustular, half-clear flaccid blisters. Histologically the most important feature is a subcorneal accumulation of neutrophils with the absence of spongiosis or acantholysis, although acantholysis may be reported in older lesions. In this paper we present the case of a 7-year-old boy diagnosed with SCPD based on the characteristic clinical and histological features. Dapsone has been successfully used in the treatment of the disease.
Bimodal Solutions or Twice-Daily Icodextrin to Enhance Ultrafiltration in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Dousdampanis Periklis , Trigka Konstantina , Bargman Joanne M.
Published: January 2013

The efficacy and safety of icodextrin has been well established. In this paper, we will discuss the pharmacokinetics and biocompatibility of icodextrin and its clinical effect on fluid management in peritoneal dialysis patients. Novel strategies for its prescription for peritoneal dialysis patients with inadequate ultrafiltration are reviewed.
Towards a QoE-Driven Resource Control in LTE and LTE-A Networks
Authors: Gómez Gerardo , Lorca Javier , García Raquel , Pérez Quiliano
Published: January 2013

We propose a novel architecture for providing quality of experience (QoE) awareness to mobile operator networks. In particular, we describe a possible architecture for QoE-driven resource control for long-term evolution (LTE) and LTE-advanced networks, including a selection of KPIs to be monitored in different network elements. We also provide a description and numerical results of the QoE evaluation process for different data services as well as potential use cases that would benefit from the rollout of the proposed framework.
Cortical Blindness due to Bilateral Occipital Infarcts in a Renal Failure Patient with Prostate Cancer: A Rare Complication of Hemodialysis
Authors: Doluoglu O. G. , Saricaoglu M. S. , Oztekin C. V. , Karakurt A. , Akdemir A. O. , Koc E.
Published: January 2013

Loss of vision is a rare complication seen in hemodialysis patients. It is thought to develop because of the hypotension that can be observed during dialysis. This paper involves a patient with acute loss of vision during hemodialysis due to bilateral occipital infarcts.
Lacunary Statistical Convergence of Sequences of Real-Valued Functions
Authors: Gökhan A.
Published: January 2013

We introduce the concepts of the lacunary statistical convergence of sequences of real-valued functions. We also give the relation between this convergence and strongly lacunary and pointwise statistical convergence. Furthermore we introduce the concept of a lacunary statistical Cauchy sequence for functional sequences and prove that it is equivalent to lacunary statistical convergence of sequences of real-valued functions.
A Compact UWB Antenna with a Quarter-Wavelength Strip in a Rectangular Slot for 5.5 GHz Band Notch
Authors: Moeikham Pichet , Mahatthanajatuphat Chatree , Akkaraekthalin Prayoot
Published: January 2013

The limitation of the electromagnetic interferences (EMIs) caused by UWB radiating sources into WLAN/WiMAX communication systems operating in the frequency band located around 5.5 GHz requires the adoption of appropriate design features. To this purpose, a notch filter integrated into an UWB antenna, which is able to ensure a better electrical insulation between the two mentioned communication systems with respect to that already presented by the authors Moeikham et al. (2011), is proposed in this paper. The proposed filter, consisting in a rectangular slot including a quarter-wavelength strip integrated on the lower inner edge of the UWB radiating patch, is capable of reducing the energy emission in the frequency range between 5.1 and 5.75 GHz resulting in lower EMIs with sensible electronic equipments working in this frequency band. The antenna structure has no need to be tuned after inserting the rectangle slot with a quarter-wavelength strip. The proposed antenna has potential to minimize the EMIs at a frequency range from 5.1 to 5.75 GHz. The radiation patterns are given nearly omnidirectional in plane and likely bidirectional in plane at all frequencies by the proposed antenna. Therefore, this antenna is suitable to apply for various UWB applications.
Handling Low-Density LiDAR Data: Calculating the Heights of Civil Constructions and the Accuracy Expected
Authors: Martínez Marín Rubén , Lianes Revilla Elena , Ojeda Manrique Juan Carlos , Marchamalo Sacristán Miguel
Published: January 2013

During the last years, in many developed countries, administrations and private companies have devoted considerable amounts of money to obtain mapping data using airborne LiDAR. For many civil activities, we can take advantage of it, since those data are available with no cost. Some important questions arise: Are those data good enough to be used for determining the heights of the civil constructions with the accuracy we need in some civil work? What accuracy can we expect when using low-density LiDAR data (0.5 pts/m2)? In order to answer those questions, we have developed a specific methodology based on establishing a set of control points on the top of several constructions and calculating the elevation of each one using postprocessing GPS. Those results have been taken as correct values and the comparison between those values and the elevations obtained, assigning values to the control points by the interpolation of the LiDAR dataset, has been carried out. This paper shows the results obtained using low-density airborne LiDAR data and the accuracy obtained. Results have shown that LiDAR can be accurate enough (10–25 cm) to determine the height of civil constructions and apply those data in many civil engineering activities.
Effects of Age and Sex on Estimated Diabetes Prevalence Using Different Diagnostic Criteria: The Tromsø OGTT Study
Authors: Hutchinson Moira Strand , Joakimsen Ragnar Martin , Njølstad Inger , Schirmer Henrik , Figenschau Yngve , Svartberg Johan , Jorde Rolf
Published: January 2013

HbA1c6.5% has recently been recommended as an alternative diagnostic criterion for diabetes. The aims of the study were to evaluate the effects of age, sex, and other factors on prevalence of diabetes and to compare risk profiles of subjects with diabetes when defined by HbA1cand glucose criteria. Subjects were recruited among participants in the longitudinal population-based Tromsø Study. HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, and 2-hour plasma glucose were measured in 3,476 subjects. In total, 294 subjects met one or more of the diagnostic criteria for diabetes; 95 met the HbA1ccriterion only, 130 met the glucose criteria only, and 69 met both. Among subjects with diabetes detected by glucose criteria (regardless of HbA1c), isolated raised 2-hour plasma glucose was more common in subjects aged ≥ 60 years as compared to younger subjects and in elderly women as compared to elderly men. Subjects with diabetes detected by glucose criteria only had worse cardiometabolic risk profiles than those detected by HbA1conly. In conclusion, the current HbA1cand glucose criteria defined different subjects with diabetes with only modest overlap. Among a substantial proportion of elderly subjects, and especially elderly women, the 2-hour plasma glucose was the only abnormal value.
A New Subclass of Meromorphic Close-to-Convex Functions
Authors: Soni Amit , Kant Shashi
Published: January 2013

A new subclass MK(t, A, B) of meromorphic close-to-convex functions, defined by means of subordination, is investigated. Some results such as inclusion relationship, coefficient inequality, convolution property, and distortion property for this class are derived. The results obtained here are extension of earlier known work.
Role of Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Lenglet Sébastien , Mach François , Montecucco Fabrizio
Published: January 2013

Plaque rupture is the main cause of acute myocardial infarction and stroke. Atherosclerotic plaques have been described to be vulnerable and more prone to rupture when they are characterized by thin, highly inflamed, and collagen-poor fibrous caps and contain elevated levels of proteases, including metalloproteinases (MMPs). Initiation of collagen breakdown in plaques requires interstitial collagenases, a MMP subfamily consisting of MMP-1, MMP-8, and MMP-13. Previous reports demonstrated that MMP-1 and MMP-13 might be overexpressed in both human and experimental atherosclerosis. Since neutrophils have been only recently reported in atherosclerotic plaques, the role of MMP-8 (formerly known as “neutrophil collagenase”) was only marginally evaluated. In this paper, we will update and comment on evidence of the most relevant regulatory pathways and activities mediated by MMP-8 in atherogenesis.
Molecular Tools for the Detection of Nitrogen Cycling Archaea
Authors: Rusch Antje
Published: January 2013

Archaea are widespread in extreme and temperate environments, and cultured representatives cover a broad spectrum of metabolic capacities, which sets them up for potentially major roles in the biogeochemistry of their ecosystems. The detection, characterization, and quantification of archaeal functions in mixed communities require Archaea-specific primers or probes for the corresponding metabolic genes. Five pairs of degenerate primers were designed to target archaeal genes encoding key enzymes of nitrogen cycling: nitrite reductases NirA and NirB, nitrous oxide reductase (NosZ), nitrogenase reductase (NifH), and nitrate reductases NapA/NarG. Sensitivity towards their archaeal target gene, phylogenetic specificity, and gene specificity were evaluated in silico and in vitro. Owing to their moderate sensitivity/coverage, the novelnirB-targeted primers are suitable for pure culture studies only. ThenirA-targeted primers showed sufficient sensitivity and phylogenetic specificity, but poor gene specificity. The primers designed for amplification of archaealnosZperformed well in all 3 criteria; their discrimination against bacterial homologs appears to be weakened when Archaea are strongly outnumbered by bacteria in a mixed community. The novelnifH-targeted primers showed high sensitivity and gene specificity, but failed to discriminate against bacterial homologs. Despite limitations, 4 of the new primer pairs are suitable tools in several molecular methods applied in archaeal ecology.
Notes on Certain Multivalent Analytic Functions Associated with a Linear Operator
Authors: Liu Jin-Lin
Published: January 2013

The purpose of the present paper is to investigate some properties of multivalent analytic functions.
What Do We Know of Childhood Exposures to Metals (Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury) in Emerging Market Countries?
Authors: Horton Lindsey M. , Mortensen Mary E. , Iossifova Yulia , Wald Marlena M. , Burgess Paula
Published: January 2013

Arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury present potential health risks to children who are exposed through inhalation or ingestion. Emerging Market countries experience rapid industrial development that may coincide with the increased release of these metals into the environment. A literature review was conducted for English language articles from the 21st century on pediatric exposures to arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury in the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) top 10 Emerging Market countries: Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Poland, Russia, South Korea, Taiwan, and Turkey. Seventy-six peer-reviewed, published studies on pediatric exposure to metals met the inclusion criteria. The reported concentrations of metals in blood and urine from these studies were generally higher than US reference values, and many studies identified adverse health effects associated with metals exposure. Evidence of exposure to metals in the pediatric population of these Emerging Market countries demonstrates a need for interventions to reduce exposure and efforts to establish country-specific reference values through surveillance or biomonitoring. The findings from review of these 10 countries also suggest the need for country-specific public health policies and clinician education in Emerging Markets.
Fixed Point Theorems in Fuzzy Metric Spaces
Authors: Beg Ismat , Sedghi Shaban , Shobe Nabi
Published: January 2013

We prove a fixed point theorem for mappings satisfying an implicit relation in a complete fuzzy metric space.
Efficacy of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty in Medically Uncontrolled Glaucoma
Authors: Sayin Nihat , Alkin Zeynep , Ozkaya Abdullah , Demir Abdulvahit , Yazici Ahmet Taylan , Bozkurt Ercument , Demirok Ahmet
Published: January 2013

Purpose. To investigate the efficacy and safety of 360° selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) on medically uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and to evaluate the effects of antiglaucomatous medications on the results of therapy. Materials and Methods. The medical records of 62 eyes of 51 patients with OAG, which did not reach the targeted intraocular pressure (IOP) with maximum antiglaucomatous medical therapy, were retrospectively reviewed. Results. A statistically significant decrease was observed in the mean baseline IOP at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of followup (P<0.01). The success rate was 64.5% in all of the patients. The success rates did not vary significantly by taking 1, 2, 3, or 4 medications with the rates of 63.6%, 71.4%, 64.2%, and 58.3% (P=0.06). The success rate of eyes on medication more or less than 6 months was 62.5% or 66.7%, respectively (P=0.3). There was a positive correlation between mean baseline IOP and mean reduction in IOP from baseline (P<0.001, r=0.8). Conclusion. Application of 360° of SLT provided an effective and safe IOP reduction in medically uncontrolled OAG. Baseline IOP was found to be the most important factor in the efficacy of therapy.
Global DNA Hypomethylation in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells as a Biomarker of Cancer Risk
Authors: Friso Simonetta , Udali Silvia , Guarini Patrizia , Pellegrini Camilla , Pattini Patrizia , Moruzzi Sara , Girelli Domenico , Pizzolo Francesca , Martinelli Nicola , Corrocher Roberto , Olivieri Oliviero , Choi Sang-Woon
Published: January 2013

Background: Global DNA hypomethylation is an early molecular event in carcinogenesis. Whether methylation measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) DNA is a clinically reliable biomarker for early detection or cancer risk assessment is to be established.

Methods: From an original sample-set of 753 male and female adults (ages 64.8 ± 7.3 years), PBMCs DNA methylation was measured in 68 subjects with history of cancer at time of enrollment and 62 who developed cancer during follow-up. Age- and sex-matched controls for prevalent and incident cancer cases (n = 68 and 58, respectively) were also selected. Global DNA methylation was assessed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677C>T genotype and plasma folate concentrations were also determined for the known gene-nutrient interaction affecting DNA methylation.

Results: Cancer subjects had significantly lower PBMCs-DNA methylation than controls [4.39 (95% confidence intervals (CI), 4.25–4.53) vs. 5.13 (95% CI, 5.03–5.21) %mCyt/(mCyt+Cyt); P < 0.0001]. A DNA methylation threshold of 4.74% clearly categorized patients with cancer from controls so that those with DNA methylation less than 4.74% showed an increased prevalence of cancer than those with higher levels (91.5% vs. 19%; P < 0.001). Subjects with cancer at follow-up had, already at enrollment, reduced DNA methylation as compared with controls [4.34 (95% CI, 4.24–4.51) vs. 5.08 (95% CI, 5.05–5.22) %mCyt/(mCyt+Cyt); P < 0.0001]. Moreover, MTHFR677C>T genotype and folate interact for determining DNA methylation, so that MTHFR677TT carriers with low folate had the lowest DNA methylation and concordantly showed a higher prevalence of cancer history (OR, 7.04; 95% CI, 1.52–32.63; P = 0.013).

Conclusions: Genomic PBMCs-DNA methylation may be a useful epigenetic biomarker for early detection and cancer risk estimation.

Impact: This study identifies a threshold for PBMCs-DNA methylation to detect cancer-affected from cancer-free subjects and an at-risk condition for cancer based on genomic DNA methylation and MTHFR677C>T-folate status. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(3); 348–55. ©2012 AACR.
Health Behaviors Predict Higher Interleukin-6 Levels among Patients Newly Diagnosed with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Duffy Sonia A. , Teknos Theodoros , Taylor Jeremy M.G. , Fowler Karen E. , Islam Mozaffarul , Wolf Gregory T. , McLean Scott , Ghanem Tamer A. , Terrell Jeffrey E.
Published: January 2013

Background: Health behaviors have been shown to be associated with recurrence risk and survival rates in patients with cancer and are also associated with interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, but few epidemiologic studies have investigated the relationship of health behaviors and IL-6 among cancer populations. The purpose of the study is to look at the relationship between five health behaviors, viz.: smoking, alcohol problems, body mass index (BMI; a marker of nutritional status), physical activity, and sleep and pretreatment IL-6 levels in persons with head and neck cancer.

Methods: Patients (N = 409) were recruited in otolaryngology clinic waiting rooms and invited to complete written surveys. A medical record audit was also conducted. Descriptive statistics and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine which health behaviors were associated with higher IL-6 levels controlling for demographic and clinical variables among patients with newly diagnosed head and neck cancer.

Results: While smoking, alcohol problems, BMI, physical activity, and sleep were associated with IL-6 levels in bivariate analysis, only smoking (current and former) and decreased sleep were independent predictors of higher IL-6 levels in multivariate regression analysis. Covariates associated with higher IL-6 levels were age and higher tumor stage, whereas comorbidities were marginally significant.

Conclusion: Health behaviors, particularly smoking and sleep disturbances, are associated with higher IL-6 levels among patients with head and neck cancer.

Impact: Treating health behavior problems, especially smoking and sleep disturbances, may be beneficial to decreasing IL-6 levels, which could have a beneficial effect on overall cancer treatment outcomes. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(3); 374–81. ©2012 AACR.
Serum Amyloid A Is Associated with Obesity and Estrogen Receptor–Negative Tumors in Postmenopausal Women with Breast Cancer
Authors: Santana Aline Barros , Gurgel Maria Salete Costa , de Oliveira Montanari Joelma Ferreira , Bonini Flavia Muraro , de Barros-Mazon Silvia
Published: January 2013

Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute-phase protein and also an adipokine, which has been associated with the development and prognosis of breast cancer. In the present study, we investigated the association between obesity and SAA in postmenopausal women with breast cancer and its relationship with clinicopathologic characteristics of tumors. Patients were grouped as nonobese or overweight/obese based on body mass index (BMI) plus waist circumference measurement. Serum SAA concentrations were determined by high-sensitivity micro-latex agglutination tests, detected by nephelometry. Serum SAA concentrations were higher in overweight/obese (P = 0.008) patients and this condition was dependent on obesity (BMI and waist circumference), as further shown by multivariate linear regression analysis done for SAA (P = 0.01). Concentrations of SAA were also higher in patients with estrogen receptor–negative (ER−) tumors than in those with estrogen receptor–positive (ER+; P = 0.033). Our results suggest a possible role for SAA in the development and prognosis of obesity-related breast cancer. A follow-up study of this population to assess overall and disease-free survival is in course and should bring contribution to evaluate the clinical role of SAA in breast cancer in the context of obesity. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(2); 270–4. ©2013 AACR.
From Differences in Means between Cases and Controls to Risk Stratification: A Business Plan for Biomarker Development
Authors: Wentzensen Nicolas , Wacholder Sholom
Published: January 2013

Researchers developing biomarkers for early detection can determine the potential for clinical benefit at early stages of development. We provide the theoretical background showing the quantitative connection between biomarker levels in cases and controls and clinically meaningful risk measures, as well as a spreadsheet for researchers to use in their own research. We provide researchers with tools to decide whether a test is useful, whether it needs technical improvement, whether it may work only in specific populations, or whether any further development is futile. The methods described here apply to any method that aims to estimate risk of disease based on biomarkers, clinical tests, genetics, environment, or behavior.

Significance: Many efforts go into futile biomarker development and premature clinical testing. In many instances, predictions for translational success or failure can be made early, simply based on critical analysis of case–control data. Our article presents well-established theory in a form that can be appreciated by biomarker researchers. Furthermore, we provide an interactive spreadsheet that links biomarker performance with specific disease characteristics to evaluate the promise of biomarker candidates at an early stage. Cancer Discov; 3(2); 148–57. ©2012 AACR.
Prophylaxis Against Venous Thromboembolism in Hospitalized Medically Ill Patients
Authors: Pendergraft Trudy , Liu Xianchen , Edelsberg John , Phatak Hemant , Vera-Llonch Montserrat , Liu Larry Z. , Oster Gerry
Published: January 2013

Background—

Many hospitalized medically ill patients are at risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Risk factors include prior VTE, older age, immobility, obesity, cardiac or respiratory failure, and cancer (at-risk patients). Although guidelines recommend use of VTE prophylaxis for at-risk patients, many may not receive it.

Methods and Results—

Using a database linking admission records from >150 US hospitals to health insurance claims, we identified people ≥40 years of age, hospitalized from 2003 to 2008. We excluded patients who: (1) were treated for VTE or hospitalized in the previous 30 days; (2) were admitted for traumatic injury or surgery; (3) had hypercoagulability at admission; or (4) received therapeutic dosages of low-molecular weight heparin, unfractionated heparin, or fondaparinux at admission. We examined the use of VTE prophylaxis (both pharmacological and nonpharmacological) on day 1 or 2 in hospital among at-risk patients; predictors of receipt of prophylaxis were examined using multivariate logistic regression. The study population consisted of 49 948 patients, of whom 34 374 (69%) were at risk. Only 18% of at-risk patients received VTE prophylaxis on day 1 or 2 in hospital, typically with low-molecular weight heparin (56% of patients receiving prophylaxis), intermittent pneumatic compression (25%), warfarin (16%), or graduated compression stockings (11%). Use of prophylaxis exceeded 25% only in patients admitted from nursing homes and those with prior VTE. Although there were several significant predictors of receipt of VTE prophylaxis, model discrimination was relatively poor (C-statistic=0.61).

Conclusion—

The majority of at-risk hospitalized medically ill patients do not receive VTE prophylaxis.
Prediction of Cardiovascular Events and All-Cause Mortality With Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Vlachopoulos Charalambos V. , Terentes-Printzios Dimitrios G. , Ioakeimidis Nikolaos K. , Aznaouridis Konstantinos A. , Stefanadis Christodoulos I.
Published: January 2013

Background—

Erectile dysfunction (ED) carries an independent risk for cardiovascular (CV) events. We conducted a meta-analysis of all longitudinal studies for determining the ability of ED to predict risk of clinical events and to dissect factors influencing this ability.

Methods and Results—

We conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases through July 2012. Longitudinal studies that reported relative risk (RR) estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were included. Of the 14 studies included (92 757 participants; mean follow-up, 6.1 years; 16 articles), 13 (14 articles) reported results on total CV events (91 831 individuals), 4 on CV mortality (34 761 individuals), 4 on myocardial infarction (35 523 individuals), 6 on cerebrovascular events (27 689 individuals), and 5 on all-cause mortality (17 869 individuals). The pooled RRs for the above-mentioned end points were 1.44 (95% CI, 1.27–1.63), 1.19 (95% CI, 0.97–1.46), 1.62 (95% CI, 1.34–1.96), 1.39 (95% CI, 1.23–1.57), and 1.25 (95% CI, 1.12–1.39), respectively, for men with versus without ED. The RR was higher in intermediate- compared with high- or low-CV-risk populations and with younger age. The RR for studies that diagnosed ED with the use of a questionnaire compared with a single question was higher (RR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.38–1.86 versus RR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.18–1.37, respectively;
P
=0.006).

Conclusions—

ED is associated with increased risk of CV events and all-cause mortality. RR is higher at younger ages, in intermediate-risk groups, and when a questionnaire is used instead of a single question.
Cardiovascular Health in a Southern Mediterranean European Country
Authors: Graciani Auxiliadora , León-Muñoz Luz M. , Guallar-Castillón Pilar , Rodríguez-Artalejo Fernando , Banegas José R.
Published: January 2013

Background—

There are no published data on cardiovascular health from a national representative sample in a European country.

Methods and Results—

Data were taken from a cross-sectional study among 11 408 persons representative of the Spanish population ≥18 years of age during 2008 to 2010. Information was collected at participants’ homes through structured questionnaires, physical examination, and fasting blood samples, which were centrally analyzed. The American Heart Association has defined ideal cardiovascular health as the simultaneous presence of 4 health behaviors (nonsmoking, body mass index <25 kg/m
2
, physical activity at goal, and diet consistent with current recommendations) and 4 health factors (nonsmoking, untreated total cholesterol <200 mg/dL, untreated blood pressure <120/80 mm Hg, and untreated fasting glucose <100 mg/dL) in the absence of clinical cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. Only 0.2% of subjects attained ideal values for all 7 cardiovascular disease health metrics and 3.4% and 15.3% for at least 6 and 5 metrics, respectively. The percentage of subjects who achieved the 4 ideal lifestyles was lower than that for the 4 ideal health factors (0.7% versus 8.1%). Lack of ideal diet was the most frequent health metrics (88.9%). In general, ideal levels of cardiovascular disease health metrics were more frequent in younger subjects, women, and those with higher education.

Conclusion—

Cardiovascular health in Spain is poor, particularly lifestyles. This illustrates the low effectiveness of public health efforts addressing cardiovascular prevention and the need to improve preventive healthcare services. Given that coronary mortality in Spain is low compared with other Western countries, the factors responsible for this situation should be investigated.
Dihydropyridine Ca
2+
Channel Blockers Increase Cytosolic [Ca
2+
] by Activating Ca
2+
-sensing Receptors in Pulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Yamamura Aya , Yamamura Hisao , Guo Qiang , Zimnicka Adriana M. , Wan Jun , Ko Eun A. , Smith Kimberly A. , Pohl Nicole M. , Song Shanshan , Zeifman Amy , Makino Ayako , Yuan Jason X.-J.
Published: January 2013

Rationale:

An increase in cytosolic free Ca
2+
concentration ([Ca
2+
]
cyt
) in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMC) is a major trigger for pulmonary vasoconstriction and an important stimulus for PASMC proliferation and pulmonary vascular remodeling. The dihydropyridine Ca
2+
channel blockers, such as nifedipine, have been used for treatment of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH).

Objective:

Our previous study demonstrated that the Ca
2+
-sensing receptor (CaSR) was upregulated and the extracellular Ca
2+
-induced increase in [Ca
2+
]
cyt
was enhanced in PASMC from patients with IPAH and animals with experimental pulmonary hypertension. Here, we report that the dihydropyridines (eg, nifedipine) increase [Ca
2+
]
cyt
by activating CaSR in PASMC from IPAH patients (in which CaSR is upregulated), but not in normal PASMC.

Methods and Results:

The nifedipine-mediated increase in [Ca
2+
]
cyt
in IPAH-PASMC was concentration dependent with a half maximal effective concentration of 0.20 µmol/L. Knockdown of CaSR with siRNA in IPAH-PASMC significantly inhibited the nifedipine-induced increase in [Ca
2+
]
cyt
, whereas overexpression of CaSR in normal PASMC conferred the nifedipine-induced rise in [Ca
2+
]
cyt
. Other dihydropyridines, nicardipine and Bay K8644, had similar augmenting effects on the CaSR-mediated increase in [Ca
2+
]
cyt
in IPAH-PASMC; however, the nondihydropyridine blockers, such as diltiazem and verapamil, had no effect on the CaSR-mediated rise in [Ca
2+
]
cyt
.

Conclusions:

The dihydropyridine derivatives increase [Ca
2+
]
cyt
by potentiating the activity of CaSR in PASMC independently of their blocking (or activating) effect on Ca
2+
channels; therefore, it is possible that the use of dihydropyridine Ca
2+
channel blockers (eg, nifedipine) to treat IPAH patients with upregulated CaSR in PASMC may exacerbate pulmonary hypertension.
Technical Change and The Commons
Authors: Squires Dale , Vestergaard Niels
Published: January 2013

This paper addresses normative exploitation of common renewable resources with changes in technology and technical, allocative, and scale efficiency that exacerbate the commons problem and externality. Their impact depends on the rate and nature of change, investment, and state of property rights. An augmented fundamental equation of renewable resources with a modified marginal stock effect and a new marginal technology effect account for changes in disembodied and embodied technology and technical efficiency. Neglecting these changes generates misleading policy advice and dynamic inefficiency with overaccumulation of physical and natural capital and sizable foregone rents. An empirical application illustrates.
Attaining Divine Perfection through Different Forms of Imitation
Authors: Klostergaard Petersen Anders
Published: January 2013

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between notions of imitation of the gods and divinisation. I argue that a close historical connection exists between the two sets of ideas. Although some notion of imitation may be found in most forms of religion, it is intrinsic to utopian types of religion to lay stress on a narrow relationship between ideas about imitation of the gods and the concept of divinisation. Contrary to archaic forms of religion that place emphasis on the ontological difference conceived to separate man from the gods, utopian types of religion emphasise the need for man to overcome the ontological difference in order to attain a higher level of existence. Based on a number of examples from the early Christ-movement, I argue that with respect to the basic structure of its world-view it may — in line with an observation by Nietzsche — be conceived of as a bombastic form of Platonism, that is to say, that the central cognitive structure of Platonism has in the early Christ-movement been projected onto a spatial axis dividing heaven from earth. Man’s true home is no longer on earth but is the heavenly abode to which man, that is, the righteous man shall return subsequent to his death. In all forms of utopian types of religion, there exists an inherent relationship between concepts of imitation of the gods and notions of divinisation.
Rendering Muḥammad Human Again: The Prophetology of Muḥammad b. ʿAbd al-Wahhāb (1703–1792)
Authors: Riexinger Martin
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Muḥammad b. ʿAbd al-Wahhāb (1703–1792), the founder of the puritan Wahhābī movement in Islam, has written a biography of the prophet that differs markedly from other later works of this genre. He passes over many episodes that are supposed to elevate the status of Muḥammad beyond that of an ordinary human, whereas he includes episodes that show him as human, or even fallible, such as the controversial “Satanic verses.” The purpose of this selection is to demonstrate that apart from events specifically related to revelation, Muḥammad was a human being whose actions can be imitated. However, the scope of Muḥammad’s actions is reduced to the eradication of unbelief and idolatry. This is supposed to suggest that Muḥammad b. ʿAbd al-Wahhāb himself is completing what Muḥammad has begun and to legitimize the warfare of followers against the “idolaters.”