bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non‐invasive estimation of liver fibrosis in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease using the 13C‐caffeine breath test
Authors: Park Gordon J‐H , Wiseman Elke , George Jacob , Katelaris Peter H , Seow Francis , Fung Caroline , Ngu Meng C
Published: May 2011

Background and Aim:  Fibrotic progression in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with impaired hepatic function. The 13C‐caffeine breath test (CBT) is a non‐invasive, quantitative test of liver function. We sought to determine the utility of the CBT in detecting hepatic fibrosis in NAFLD.

Methods:  The CBT was applied to 48 patients with NAFLD. CBT results were compared to clinical, biochemical and histological data. Twenty‐four healthy subjects served as controls.

Results:  Patients with simple steatosis had similar CBT values (2.28 ± 0.71 Δ‰ per 100 mg caffeine) to controls (2.31 ± 0.85, P = 1.0). However, CBT was significantly reduced in patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (1.59 ± 0.65, P = 0.005) and cirrhosis (1.00 ± 0.73, P < 0.001). CBT significantly correlated with Brunt's fibrosis score (r = −0.49, P < 0.001) but not with steatosis (P = 0.23) or inflammation (P = 0.08). CBT also correlated with international normalized ratio (r = −0.61, P < 0.001), albumin (r = 0.37, P = 0.009), aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (r = −0.34, P = 0.018) and platelets (r = 0.31, P = 0.03). On multivariate analysis, age (odds ratio 1.12, 95% confidence interval 1.042–1.203, P = 0.002) and CBT (OR 0.264, 95% CI 0.084–0.822, P = 0.02) were independent predictors of significant fibrosis (F ≥ 2). CBT yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.86 for the diagnosis of cirrhosis.

Conclusions:  The CBT reflects the extent of hepatic fibrosis in NAFLD and represents a non‐invasive predictor of fibrosis severity in this condition.
Conflicting clinical environment about the management of antithrombotic agents during the periendoscopic period in Japan
Authors: Ono Satoshi , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Kanzaki Hiromitsu , Uedo Noriya , Yokoi Chizu , Akiyama Junichi , Sugawara Masaki , Oda Ichiro , Suzuki Shoko , Fujita Yoshiyuki , Tsubata Shunsuke , Hirano Masaaki , Fukuzawa Masakatsu , Kataoka Mikinori , Kamoshida Toshiro , Hirai Shinji , Sumiyoshi Tetsuya , Kondo Hitoshi , Yamamoto Yorimasa , Okada Kazuhisa , Morita Yoshinori , Fujiwara Shoko , Morishita Shinji , Matsumoto Masao , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: May 2011

Background and Aims:  Although there are guidelines for the management of antithrombotic agents during the periendoscopic period, gaps between various guidelines create a confusing situation in daily clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to examine the current management of antithrombotic agents during the periendoscopic period in Japan.

Methods:  This is a prospective cohort study in 12 high‐volume endoscopy centers in Japan. A total of 970 outpatients receiving antithrombotic agents underwent endoscopies (705 esophagogastroduodenoscopies and 265 colonoscopies) with or without invasive procedures. Main outcome measures are adverse events in these patients.

Results:  Need for cessation of antithrombotics before endoscopy was mostly determined by non‐gastroenterologists (51%) who are unfamiliar with the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society (JGES) guideline, although cessation periods after endoscopy for most patients were determined by endoscopists (78%). Consequently, most patients underwent endoscopy without cessation (25%) or after a cessation period of 6–7 days (33%), indicating low permeation of the JGES guideline in Japan. Among 970 patients, two patients experienced major complications that may be related to thromboembolic events or gastrointestinal bleeding (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0–0.7%). One of these patients died due to sudden onset ventricular tachycardia. Invasive procedures, including 40 biopsies and two mucosal resections, were performed in 42 patients without cessation of antithrombotics, and no patients experienced major complications (95% CI: 0–8.4%).

Conclusions:  This study revealed a conflicting clinical environment due to absence of a unified guideline in Japan. Further accumulation of data is mandatory to establish a unified guideline based upon solid evidence.
Biology of hepatic cancer stem cells
Authors: Tong Carol Man , Ma Stephanie , Guan Xin‐Yuan
Published: May 2011

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy of the liver and is the third most frequent cause of cancer death worldwide. Although advances in HCC detection and treatment have increased the likelihood of a cure at early stages of the disease, HCC remains largely incurable because of late presentation and tumor recurrence. Only 25% of HCC patients are deemed suitable for curative treatment, with the overall survival at just a few months for inoperable patients. Additionally, this disease is particularly difficult to treat because of the high recurrence rate, its chemotherapy‐resistant nature and the premalignant nature of surrounding cirrhotic liver disease. In the past few years, compelling evidence has emerged in support of the hierarchic cancer stem cell (CSC)/tumor‐initiating cell (T‐IC) model for solid tumors, including HCC. Understanding the characteristics and function of CSCs in the liver has also shed light on HCC management and treatment, including the implications for prognosis, prediction and treatment resistance. In this review, a detailed summary of the recent progress in liver CSC research with regard to identification, regulation and therapeutic implications will be discussed.
Intrahepatic response markers in chronic hepatitis B patients treated with peginterferon alpha‐2a and adefovir
Authors: Takkenberg Bart , Terpstra Valeska , Zaaijer Hans , Weegink Christine , Dijkgraaf Marcel , Jansen Peter , Beld Marcel , Reesink Hendrik
Published: May 2011

Background and Aim:  We investigated whether intrahepatic markers could predict response in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) patients treated with peg‐interferon and adefovir for 48 weeks.

Methods:  Intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), total intrahepatic HBV DNA and the proportion of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) positive hepatocytes in 16 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive and 24 HBeAg negative patients were measured at baseline and at end of treatment.

Results:  Baseline intrahepatic markers were not associated with sustained virological response (SVR) defined as HBV DNA < 2000 IU/mL and persistent normal alanine aminotransferase levels at the end of follow‐up (week 72). At end of treatment, intrahepatic cccDNA and total intrahepatic HBV DNA in HBeAg positive patients were significantly lower in patients with HBeAg seroconversion (P = 0.016 and P = 0.010) with positive predictive values (PPV) for SVR of 80% and 80%, respectively. In HBeAg negative patients, intrahepatic cccDNA and total intrahepatic HBV DNA had declined significantly at end of treatment (P = 0.035 and P = 0.041) and corresponding PPV for SVR was 73% and 82%. In HBeAg positive patients, median proportion of HBcAg positive hepatocytes declined significantly (P = 0.002) at end of treatment. In HBeAg negative patients, the proportion of HBsAg positive hepatocytes had declined significantly at end of treatment (P = 0.0009). Using HBsAg ≤ 7.5% as a limit, PPV for SVR in HBeAg negative patients was 83%.

Conclusions:  At end of treatment in HBeAg positive patients, intrahepatic cccDNA and total intrahepatic HBV DNA were predictive for SVR. In HBeAg negative patients a proportion of < 7.5% HBsAg positive hepatocytes at end of treatment was a strong predictor for SVR.
Reduction of natural killer and natural killer T cells is not protective in cisplatin‐induced acute renal failure in mice
Authors: KIM HYE‐RYOUN , LEE MI‐KYUNG , PARK AE‐JA , PARK EON‐SEOB , KIM DONG‐SEOK , AHN JIHYUN , KIM JAETACK , KIM SU‐HYUN , OH DONG‐JIN
Published: May 2011

Aims:  A recent report showed that fractalkine (CX3CL1), which functions as both a potent chemoattractant and adhesion molecule for monocytes and natural killer (NK) cells was significantly increased in cisplatin‐induced acute renal failure (CisARF) in mice. Therefore, we developed the hypothesis that increased CX3CL1 expression in CisARF initiates NK cell infiltration in the kidney. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of NK cells in CisARF in mice.

Methods:  Time course of pan‐NK positive cells in CisARF was investigated by using immunohistochemistry (IHC) for CD49b. Pan‐NK positive cells were reduced by using anti‐NK1.1 mAb. The model of pan‐NK positive cells reduction was confirmed by flow cytometry of the spleen and IHC of the kidney. The expression of granzyme A and caspase‐1 was examined, and the activity of caspase‐1 was also determined. We performed a study on whether there was significant protection of renal function after reduction of pan‐NK positive cells.

Results:  (i) Infiltration of pan‐NK positive cells was prominent on day 3 after cisplatin administration. (ii) granzyme A expression was significantly increased in CisARF and CisARF+NK1.1 Ab compared to vehicle. (iii) Caspase‐1 expression and activity was significantly increased in CisARF mice compared to vehicle and CisARF+NK1.1 Ab. (iv) Reduction of pan‐NK positive cells was not protective in cisplatin‐induced acute renal failure in mice.

Conclusions:  Although infiltration of pan‐NK cells was significantly increased in CisARF, reduction of infiltration of pan‐NK cells into the kidney was not protective against CisARF in mice.
Contemporary management of atherosclerotic renovascular disease: Before and after ASTRAL
Authors: RITCHIE JAMES , CHRYSOCHOU CONSTANTINA , KALRA PHILIP A
Published: May 2011

Atheromatous renovascular disease is an increasingly common diagnosis in our ageing population. Although there is a wide spread of experience in its treatment, the evidence base is heterogeneous and inconclusive. The Angioplasty and Stenting for Renal Artery Lesions trial has provided some, but not all, answers regarding the place of renal revascularization therapy and has also raised more questions and generated further debate. We present a brief review of the significance of atheromatous renovascular disease, discussion of historical treatments, a short analysis of Angioplasty and Stenting for Renal Artery Lesions, and an exploration of where future research lies.
Vital endowments: Sir Charles Bell and the history of some congenital abnormalities of the upper limb
Authors: Thurston Alan
Published: May 2011

Born in Edinburgh in 1774 Sir Charles Bell, as a young man, studied anatomy and surgery in his hometown. There followed a distinguished career that culminated in his becoming the first professor of Anatomy and Surgery at the College of Surgeons in London. Renowned as a brilliant neuroanatomist he was invited, on the advice of His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of London, to contribute one of eight volumes of a work on the Power Wisdom and Goodness of God as manifested in the Creation – known as the Bridgewater Treatises. ‘The Hand its Mechanism and Vital Endowments as Evincing Design’ was published in 1833 and it is an account of his considering the hand as a machine that has been engineered to exacting standards to interact with the environment in which we live. In it he expressed a deep understanding of the similarity of the structure of the upper limbs of the higher orders of animals.

The similarity of the paddle of a turtle and a human hand with acrosymbrachydactyly is unmistakable. This congenital abnormality, given the eponymous title of Apert's syndrome, is one of a number of congenital abnormalities that have parallels in the animal kingdom. Others who have had similar syndromes named after them include Poland, Marfan, Streeter and a number of others. The life and times of these men and their contributions to medicine will be presented in this paper.
Torsion of intraperitoneal kidney transplant
Authors: Lucewicz Ania , Isaacs Anna , Allen Richard D. M. , Lam Vincent W. T. , Angelides Socrates , Pleass Henry C. C.
Published: May 2011

Background:  Torsion of kidney transplant refers to rotation of the kidney transplant graft around its vascular pedicle resulting in vascular compromise and infarction. It is a rare complication of kidney transplantation associated with a high rate of graft loss. Clinical presentation and diagnostic imaging modalities are non‐specific, and surgical exploration is therefore often delayed.

Methods:  We present a case report and review of the literature. Studies were identified by searching Medline and Embase from January 1954 to December 2010. Data was extracted regarding the clinical presentation, investigation, findings on surgical exploration, and treatment outcomes of patients with torsion of kidney transplant.

Results:  Eight manuscripts with 16 cases of kidney torsion were found. Presenting symptoms were decreased renal function (13 cases), abdominal pain (10 cases), oliguria/anuria (9 cases), nausea and vomiting (4 cases), fever (3 cases), diarrhoea (3 cases), weight gain (2 cases), oedema (3 cases), fatigue (1 case) and impalpable graft (1 case). Investigations were Doppler sonography (11 cases), grey‐scale sonography (7 cases), nuclear scintigraphy (5 cases), computed tomography scan (4 cases), and magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance angiography (1 case). Of the 16 published cases of torsion, seven (44%) grafts were detorted and salvaged, three (19%) grafts were detorted but subsequently lost and six (38%) patients underwent immediate nephrectomy.

Conclusions:  A prompt consideration of the diagnosis of torsion of kidney transplant is required to prevent delay in surgical intervention. We recommend urgent Doppler ultrasound be used as first‐line investigation, followed by prompt surgical exploration. We recommend the use of prophylactic nephropexy to prevent torsion.
Reference values for the Timed Up and Go test in healthy Japanese elderly people: Determination using the methodology of meta‐analysis
Authors: Kamide Naoto , Takahashi Kayoko , Shiba Yoshitaka
Published: May 2011

Aim:  The purpose of this study was to determine the reference value for the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) in healthy Japanese elderly people using the methodology of meta‐analysis, and to determine the value for different measurement protocols.

Methods:  Relevant research articles were identified from electronic databases: MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Igaku‐cyuouzasshi. The search was conducted from January 1991 to June 2010, and the terms “timed up and go” and “elderly” were used in combination in the search. Furthermore, the searches were limited to articles involving Japanese healthy elderly people aged 60 years and older. Weighted means of TUG were calculated by a fixed effect model and a random effect model to estimate reference values. Furthermore, the 95% confidence interval (CI) for the weighted mean of TUG was also estimated.

Results:  Twelve studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria: eight provided data for maximum effort, and five provided data related to usual pace. When weighted means of TUG were estimated by the fixed effect model, there was significant heterogeneity. Therefore, a random effect model was used for re‐estimation. As a result, the weighted mean of TUG with maximum effort was 6.60 s (95% CI = 6.18–7.02 s), and that at usual pace was 8.86 s (95% CI = 7.99–9.72 s).

Conclusion:  The reference values of TUG in Japanese healthy elderly people calculated in this study are certainly shorter than in African‐Americans and Caucasians. The reference values of TUG estimated by our study appear to be specific for healthy, elderly, Japanese people. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2011; 11: 445–441.
SIFs of CCT plate repaired with single‐sided composite patch
Authors: SHEN H. , HOU C.
Published: May 2011

Constant amplitude load fatigue tests are performed to obtain crack propagation data for LF2‐aluminium centre crack tension (CCT) plates un‐repaired and repaired with single‐sided composite patches. Then, the James–Anderson method, an experimental method, is used to obtain the stress intensity factor (SIF) formula for the repaired CCT plates with carbon–fibre composite patches. At last, crack propagation life prediction and finite element (FE) calculation are carried out to validate the experimental SIF formula. It is shown that the present SIF formula can exactly predict the fatigue‐crack propagation life of the patched CCT plates and is close to the FE results, which implies the effectivity of the experimental SIF formula in the present paper.
Desire for perioperative information and parental ethnicity
Authors: Martin Sarah R. , Fortier Michelle A. , Kain Danielle I. , Tan Edwin T. , Huszti Heather , Wahi Aditi
Published: May 2011

Objectives:  To examine the role of ethnicity, language, and socioeconomic variables in parental desire for information regarding children’s surgery.

Aim:  To compare anesthetic and surgical information desired between English‐ and Spanish‐speaking White and Hispanic mothers of children undergoing outpatient surgery.

Background:  Parents report wanting to receive detailed information regarding children’s preoperative care; however, variables such as parent ethnicity and language spoken have not been accounted for in understanding desire for information.

Methods/Materials:  One hundred and eighty‐one mothers of children undergoing outpatient surgery, elective surgery, and general anesthesia were recruited and categorized into one of three groups: English‐speaking White (ESW, n = 79), English‐speaking Hispanic (ESH, n = 63), and Spanish‐speaking Hispanic (SSH, n = 39). In addition to providing demographic questionnaire, mothers completed the Parental Desire for Information (PDI) questionnaire, a 14‐item measure of surgery and anesthesia‐related statements.

Results:  Overall, mothers desired receiving information about the majority of the items on the PDI. As compared to ESW mothers, SSH mothers and ESH mothers were overrepresented in the ‘have a right to know’ response option, with significant differences existing in items concerning alternative methods of anesthesia, details of needles used, and location of PACU and OR.

Conclusions:  Anesthesiologists should tailor the provision of preoperative information based on ethnicity and language of mothers involved. Ethnic and language differences shown in this study may exist in other populations as well.
Key two‐component regulatory systems that control biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Mikkelsen Helga , Sivaneson Melissa , Filloux Alain
Published: May 2011

Biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa is a highly regulated process that proceeds through a number of distinct stages. This development is controlled by a wide range of factors, of which two‐component systems (TCSs) play a key role. In this review, we focus on some of the TCSs that regulate the switch from a motile to a sessile bacterial lifestyle, either via the production of extracellular appendages or by the production of exopolysaccharides. Extracellular appendages, such as flagella, type IV pili and Cup fimbriae are often involved in the initial attachment of bacteria to a surface. In P. aeruginosa, many of these surface structures are regulated by TCSs, and some systems regulate more than one type of appendage. Furthermore, the production of exopolysaccharides, such as Pel and Psl, is required for P. aeruginosa biofilm formation. The regulation of Pel and Psl is post‐transcriptionally repressed by RsmA, the activity of which is controlled by a complex regulatory system involving several sensor kinases and accessory components. Furthermore, the Rsm system is a major control system that inversely regulates factors involved in motility and acute infection on one hand, and factors involved in biofilm formation and chronic infection on the other hand. Finally, a series of TCSs has recently been discovered that regulates biofilm development in a stage‐specific manner. Taken together, these complex regulatory networks allow the bacterium to respond appropriately to diverse environmental stimuli, and increased knowledge of their mechanisms and signals could be of great importance in the design of novel antibacterial strategies.
Long‐term fitness consequences for offspring of female oviposition decisions in the rose bitterling (Rhodeus ocellatus)
Authors: Agbali Muna , Smith Carl
Published: May 2011

Agbali, M. and Smith, C. 2012. Long‐term fitness consequences for offspring of female oviposition decisions in the rose bitterling (Rhodeus ocellatus). —Acta Zoologica(Stockholm)93: 367–372.

Female oviposition decisions can have immediate consequences for offspring fitness as well as longer‐term effects, either through irreversible disruption to normal development, inducing alternative adult phenotypes, or through ‘coping’ whereby challenges to development are compensated in the short term, but carry a fitness cost in the adult. We investigated the long‐term impacts of oviposition decisions on offspring fitness parameters in the rose bitterling fish (Rhodeus ocellatus). Bitterling lay their eggs in the gills of living freshwater mussels, which complete development inside the mussel gill chamber. Bitterling embryo mortality in mussels is density dependent, and consequently, there are immediate costs associated with using mussels containing high numbers of eggs and embryos. We raised embryos at high and low densities for the first 4 weeks of development and then at a common low density until sexual maturity. Our results showed no effect of density on offspring survival or growth. However, there was an impact of density on age and size at maturity, with embryos raised at high densities becoming sexually mature earlier and at a smaller size. This effect may arise through embryos coping with low oxygen conditions during development. The results are discussed in the context of development and mating system evolution.
Extension of the growing season due to delayed autumn over mid and high latitudes in North America during 1982–2006
Authors: Zhu Wenquan , Tian Hanqin , Xu Xiaofeng , Pan Yaozhong , Chen Guangsheng , Lin Wenpeng
Published: May 2011

Aim  We intend to characterize and understand the spatial and temporal patterns of vegetation phenology shifts in North America during the period 1982–2006.

Location  North America.

Methods  A piecewise logistic model is used to extract phenological metrics from a time‐series data set of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). An extensive comparison between satellite‐derived phenological metrics and ground‐based phenology observations for 14,179 records of 73 plant species at 802 sites across North America is made to evaluate the information about phenology shifts obtained in this study.

Results  The spatial pattern of vegetation phenology shows a strong dependence on latitude but a substantial variation along the longitudinal gradient. A delayed dormancy onset date (0.551 days year−1, P= 0.013) and an extended growing season length (0.683 days year−1, P= 0.011) are found over the mid and high latitudes in North America during 1982–2006, while no significant trends in greenup onset are observed. The delayed dormancy onset date and extended growing season length are mainly found in the shrubland biome. An extensive validation indicates a strong robustness of the satellite‐derived phenology information.

Main conclusions  It is the delayed dormancy onset date, rather than an advanced greenup onset date, that has contributed to the prolonged length of the growing season over the mid and high latitudes in North America during recent decades. Shrublands contribute the most to the delayed dormancy onset date and the extended growing season length. This shift of vegetation phenology implies that vegetation activity in North America has been altered by climatic change, which may further affect ecosystem structure and function in the continent.
SOCIAL COMPARISON AND SUBJECTIVE WELL‐BEING: DOES THE HEALTH OF OTHERS MATTER?
Authors: Carrieri Vincenzo
Published: May 2011

The importance of social comparison in shaping individual utility has been widely documented by subjective well‐being literature. So far, income and unemployment have been the main dimensions considered in social comparison. This paper aims to investigate whether subjective well‐being is influenced by inter‐personal comparison with respect to health. Thus, we study the effects of the health of others and relative health hypotheses on two measures of subjective well‐being: happiness and subjective health. Using data from the Italian Health Conditions survey, we show that a high incidence of chronic conditions and disability among reference groups negatively affects both happiness and subjective health. Such effects are stronger among people in the same condition. These results, robust to different econometric specifications and estimation techniques, suggest the presence of some sympathy in individual preferences with respect to health and reveal that other people's health status serves as a benchmark to assess one's own health condition.
On Future Directions in Statistical Methodologies – Some Speculations
Authors: ARJAS ELJA
Published: May 2011

Abstract.  We, as statisticians, are living in interesting times. New scientifically significant questions are waiting for our contributions, new data accumulate at a fast rate, and the rapid increase of computing power gives us unprecedented opportunities to meet these challenges. Yet, many members of our community are still turning the old wheel as if nothing dramatic had happened. There are ideas, methods and techniques which are commonly used but outdated and should be replaced by new ones. Can we expect to see, as has been suggested, a consolidation of statistical methodologies towards a new synthesis, or is perhaps an even wider separation and greater divergence the more likely scenario? In this talk these issues are discussed, and some conjectures and suggestions are made.
Congestion Pricing and Learning in Traffic Network Games
Authors: MELO EMERSON
Published: May 2011

A stochastic model describing the learning process and adaptive behavior of finitely many users in a congested traffic network with parallel links is used to prove convergence almost surely toward an efficient equilibrium for a related game. To prove this result, we assume that the social planner charges on every route the marginal cost pricing without knowing what is the efficient equilibrium. The result is a dynamic version of Pigou’s solution, where the implementation is made in a decentralized way and the information about players gathered by the social planner is minimal. Our result and setting may be extended to the general case of negative externalities.
Urban Crime and Labor Mobility
Authors: BANDYOPADHYAY SUBHAYU , PINTO SANTIAGO M. , WHEELER CHRISTOPHER H.
Published: May 2011

Two municipalities within a metropolitan statistical area (MSA) determine the level of local law enforcement. Enforcement reduces and diverts crime. The former confers a spillover benefit; the latter a spillover cost. When labor is mobile, welfare necessarily declines: if enforcement is too high (low) under labor immobility, it is raised (reduced) further under mobility. If municipalities have different enforcement costs, mobility reduces welfare for the high‐cost municipality and for the MSA, but the effect is ambiguous on the low‐cost municipality. Finally, when residents choose between productive and criminal activities, enforcement is more likely to be overprovided.
Factors impacting the combination of topical corticosteroid therapies for psoriasis: perspectives from the international psoriasis council
Authors: van de Kerkhof P.C.M. , Kragballe K. , Segaert S. , Lebwohl M. ,   International Psoriasis Council
Published: May 2011

Corticosteroids are the mainstay of topical therapies for the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis. Selection of vehicle, concentrations of corticosteroid and coadministered medications, and frequency of administration are critical factors that enhance bioavailability of topical corticosteroids. Topical corticosteroids are commonly used as polytherapy and combination therapy with other agents, such as salicylic acid, vitamin D analogues and tazarotene. Combinations are selected for the ability to enhance efficacy while minimizing corticosteroid‐related side‐effects, such as cutaneous atrophy. New, innovative products such as sprays, foams and nail lacquers provide opportunities to tailor treatment for individuals, which promotes patient adherence to medications. This review covers features of topical corticosteroid formulations that affect bioavailability, efficacy and safety when used as monotherapy and in combination with other agents for the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis.
Life satisfaction and inflammatory biomarkers: The 2008 Scottish Health Survey1
Authors: HAMER MARK , CHIDA YOICHI
Published: May 2011

Positive psychological attributes have been associated with better health outcomes, although the mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study examined associations between life satisfaction and inflammatory biomarkers. Participants were 369 men and 428 women (aged 52.1 ± 16.8 years) recruited from the general population. Participants were required to rate their life satisfaction on a scale ranging from 0 (extremely dissatisfied) to 10 (extremely satisfied). Blood was collected for the measurement of C‐reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen. In comparison with participants that were dissatisfied with life (5.8% of the sample), those that reported high life satisfaction demonstrated a lower CRP concentration (beta coefficient = −.24, 95% CI, −.47, −.02) and lower fibrinogen (β = −.24, 95% CI, −.45, −.04) after adjusting for age, sex, education, smoking, body mass index, and depressive symptoms. Life dissatisfaction was also associated with smoking, lower education, and depressive symptoms. In summary, lower levels of circulating inflammatory markers might be an important psychobiological process through which positive psychological attributes protect against disease risk.
Biological consequences of disturbed sleep: Important mediators of health?1
Authors: OKUN MICHELE L.
Published: May 2011

There is an extensive literature regarding the immunological and endocrinological consequences of illness, stress, and psychopathology. Yet only a modest literature is available regarding the potential unfavorable effects of chronic sleep loss/disruption on immune and endocrine pathways or on various aspects of health. Given that humans spend approximately one‐third of their lives asleep, it seems pertinent to evaluate this necessary yet understudied behavior. The evidence overwhelmingly indicates that “excessive” sleep disruption or poor sleep quality/continuity may subsequently increase risk for adverse health outcomes, as well as mortality. This is thought to occur through dysregulation of biological pathways. While our information addressing the immunological or endocrinological consequences of poor sleep is mounting, the majority of evidence stems from epidemiologic and cross‐sectional studies. The immune and endocrine systems are dynamic and constantly in flux. Thus, the methodologies and study designs used to understand how sleep affects these systems needs to be as dynamic. Experimental manipulations and longitudinal evaluations are needed to effectively understand sleep as a risk factor for health. Thus, this paper is a primer in which to highlight the immunological and endocrinological consequences of disrupted or disturbed sleep as well as describe how these relationships may impact overall health. It is also meant to spark an interest for future evaluations of how the behavior of sleep is relevant to health.
Perceived stress, loneliness, and interaction with fellow students does not affect innate mucosal immunity in first year university students
Authors: WAWRZYNIAK ANDREW J. , WHITEMAN MARTHA C. POLLARD
Published: May 2011

The aim of the present study was to better understand how stress, loneliness, and interactions with peers may affect innate mucosal immunity in new university students. To examine these relationships, 68 new undergraduate students (27 male, 41 female; mean age = 18.89 ± 0.73 years) completed psychosocial measures at four times over a 13‐month period and provided saliva samples to measure salivary secretory immunoglobulin‐A (sIgA) to determine innate immune functioning. The UCLA Loneliness Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Interaction with Students domain from the Affective Quality of University Life Scale were administered at four time points over 1 year at approximately the start of the first two semesters, exam time, and the start of the second academic year. A lower salivary sIgA secretion rate was found at the beginning of students' academic careers; however, none of the three measures were found to be related to sIgA secretion rates at any assessment after controlling for sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, recent illnesses, and current medications. Previous studies have had mixed results in demonstrating a relationship between sIgA and stress and social interactions. In light of this, the present study also did not find this effect in first‐year university students assessed at four time points. These results are discussed in relation to variances in psychosocial assessments; further studies accounting for cross‐cultural differences, additional inventories, and more immune markers are suggested.
Woulda, coulda, shoulda: The evaluation and the impact of the alternative outcome
Authors: Gu Ruolei , Wu Tingting , Jiang Yang , Luo Yue‐Jia
Published: May 2011

The alternative outcome refers to the outcome of the unselected option in decision‐making tasks, which has significant influence on the chosen outcome evaluation. Most paradigms have presented the alternative outcome either after or simultaneous with the chosen outcome, which complicates the observation on the brain activity associated with the alternative outcome. To circumvent this perceived shortcoming, we modified the classic paradigm designed by Yeung and Sanfey (2004) such that the alternative outcome was presented before the chosen outcome in each trial while an electroencephalogram was recorded. The feedback‐related negativity (FRN) elicited by the positive alternative outcome was larger than that elicited by the negative alternative outcome, suggesting that the participants evaluated the positive alternative outcome as negative feedback. Moreover, the FRN and the P3 elicited by the chosen outcome were influenced by the valence of the alternative outcome. The current study reveals that the alternative outcome is treated as important information even though it is economically neutral.
Detection ofN‐acetyl methionine in human and murine brain and neuronal and glial derived cell lines
Authors: Smith Tara , Ghandour M. Said , Wood Paul L.
Published: May 2011

J. Neurochem.(2011)118, 187–194.

Despite the fact thatN‐acetyl methionine (NAM) supplementation has long been reported as a bioavailable source of methionine in humans, and known to reduce liver toxicity after acetaminophen overdose, its cellular endogenous presence has never been investigated. We demonstrate for the first time that NAM is present in both human and mouse tissues and cells in culture. A wide variety of cultured cells, including a number of brain derived cell types, as well as mouse and human brain tissue all have clearly detectable levels of NAM. Methionine is rapidly acetylated to form NAM in cultured human oligodendroglioma cells with an initial rate of 0.44 ± 0.064 atom percent excess per minute. The presence of measurable quantities of NAM in brain cells in combination with its rapid formation point to a potential physiological role forN‐acetylated methionine in the brain. Aminoacylase 1 is responsible for metabolism of NAM to methionine and acetate. Deficiencies in aminoacylase 1 have been linked to a variety of neurological disorders; however, it is unclear whether and how the brain is affected by this defect. The reported presence of NAM in the human brain may provide an invaluable key to discovering the link between aminoacylase 1 mutations and neurological problems.
A community‐based exercise programme to improve functional ability in people with Alzheimer’s disease: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Vreugdenhil Anthea , Cannell John , Davies Andrew , Razay George
Published: May 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; 26; 12–19
 
A community‐based exercise programme to improve functional ability in people with Alzheimer’s disease: a randomized controlled trial

Rationale:  Dementia is a common neurodegenerative condition in older age associated with functional decline across multiple domains. This decline impacts not only on the person with dementia, but also on their informal carers and health and aged care systems. With the number of people with dementia rapidly increasing and few effective treatments, there is now a critical need for interventions to improve functional ability in those with the condition.

Aims and objective:  This study assesses the effectiveness of a community‐based home exercise programme in improving cognitive and physical function and independence in activities of daily living (ADL) in people with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia.

Methods:  In a 4‐month randomized controlled trial, 40 community‐dwelling patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and their informal carers were randomly allocated to either the treatment (exercise plus usual treatment) or control (usual treatment) group. The exercise programme consisted of daily exercises and walking under the supervision of their carer. Patients were assessed at baseline and 4‐months follow‐up by a blinded assessor on primary outcome measures of cognitive and physical function and ADL using standardized assessment scales.

Results:  Sixteen men and 24 women diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease participated in the study. They had a mean age of 74.1 years (range 51–89) and a mean Mini Mental State Examination score of 22.0 (range 10–28), indicating mild to moderate dementia. At 4‐months follow‐up, patients who exercised, compared with controls, had improved cognition (increased Mini Mental State Examination scores by 2.6 points, p < 0.001), better mobility (2.9 seconds faster on Timed Up and Go, p = 0.004) and increased Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scores by 1.6 (p = 0.007).

Conclusion:  This study suggests that participation in a community‐based exercise programme can improve cognitive and physical function and independence in ADL in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Is mechanical soil aeration a strategy to alleviate soil compaction and decrease phosphorus and suspended sediment losses from irrigated and rain‐fed cattle‐grazed pastures?
Authors: Curran Cournane F. , Mcdowell R. W. , Littlejohn R. P. , Houlbrooke D. J. , Condron L. M.
Published: May 2011

Agriculture is a major source of phosphorus (P) and suspended sediment (SS) losses to aquatic ecosystems promoting eutrophication. Mechanical soil loosening equipments such as topsoil looseners or aerators have been reported to improve the physical quality and infiltration of soils susceptible to livestock damage resulting from treading. We hypothesized that soil aeration would significantly decrease the volume of surface runoff and consequent losses of P and SS compared with non‐aerated soil (control) in cattle‐grazed pasture on a poorly structured silt‐loam soil. Hydrologically isolated plots (2 m long × 1 m wide × 0.15 m deep) were installed in aerated and control plots to collect surface runoff following irrigation or rainfall and analysed for P and SS losses for 1 year. Soil physical properties [% macroporosity, bulk density, saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity (Kunsat at −1kPa)] were measured in the aerated and control treatments and taken before each irrigation event (n = 12). Six months after mechanical aeration was employed, but before cattle grazing commenced, no significant differences in soil physical quality were found between aerated and control treatments, with the exception of a minor increase in Kunsat for the control plots. This lack of treatment difference continued after grazing and was largely attributed to the re‐settling of the poorly structured and dispersive soil. Flow‐weighted mean concentrations and annual loads of dissolved reactive P (DRP) on the mechanically aerated soil (2.24 kg DRP/ha) were approximately double those from the control treatment (1.20 kg DRP/ha). However, no significant differences were observed between treatments for surface runoff volumes and losses of total P and total SS, which may reflect the similar soil physical conditions exhibited between treatments throughout most of the trial. As observed elsewhere, time (days) since grazing or fertilizer application was found to influence P and/or SS losses. We conclude that aeration did not decrease P and SS losses. Any changes in soil physical properties such as macroporosity were short‐lived and therefore unlikely to influence surface runoff and subsequent P and SS losses for this soil type.
Effects of conservation agriculture on runoff, soil loss and crop yield under rainfed conditions in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Araya Tesfay , Cornelis W. M. , Nyssen J. , Govaerts B. , Bauer H. , Gebreegziabher Tewodros , Oicha Tigist , Raes D. , Sayre K. D. , Haile Mitiku , Deckers J.
Published: May 2011

The aim of conservation agriculture (CA) is to improve soil quality and crop yield whilst reducing runoff and topsoil erosion. An experiment was carried out in a rainfed field using a permanent raised bed planting system for 3 yr (2005–2007) in Adigudem, northern Ethiopia in order to evaluate the effect of CA on runoff, soil loss and crop yield. CA practices were introduced in fields with Vertisols in a randomized complete block design on permanent 5 × 19 m plots. Three treatments were evaluated: (1) conventional tillage (CT) with a minimum of three tillage operations and removal of crop residues, (2) terwah (TER) that was similar to CT except that contour furrows were included at 1.5 m intervals, and (3) derdero+ (DER+), which consists of permanent raised beds with a furrow and bed system, retention of 30% of standing crop residues and zero tillage on the top of the bed. All ploughing as well as the maintenance of the furrows of the permanent raised beds was done using a local ard plough called maresha. Results from monitoring over 3 yr showed that soil loss and runoff were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in CT followed by TER and DER+. Average soil losses of 5.2, 20.1 and 24.2 t/ha were recorded from DER+, TER and CT, respectively. Runoff was 46.3, 76.3 and 98.1 mm from DER+, TER and CT, respectively. Grain yield was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in DER+ under teff in 2006, probably due to the high sensitivity of teff to weeds. The yield of wheat in 2007 was significantly higher in DER+ followed by TER. The terwah system is recommended as a first measure for wider adoption to reduce runoff and soil loss and to increase crop yield. The long‐term goal is to achieve a derdero+ system, i.e. a permanent raised bed planting system along with the application of crop residues.
Impact of horse grazing and feeding on phosphorus concentrations in soil and drainage water
Authors: Parvage Muhammad Masud , Kirchmann Holger , Kynkäänniemi Pia , Ulén Barbro
Published: May 2011

The number of horses in Sweden has increased, from 77 300 in 1970 to 283 000 in 2003 (ca. 250%). These horses are kept on 300 000 ha, which represents 10% of total agricultural land in Sweden. Maximum recommended livestock density in Sweden is 2.5 units/ha for grazed pasture, but no limits have yet been set for outdoor keeping and feeding areas (paddocks) for horses. This study characterized the potential risk of phosphorus (P) losses from a horse paddock established on a heavy clay soil with a stocking rate of 3.75 livestock units/ha compared with nearby arable land. The horse paddock received 15 kg P/ha/yr and 75 kg N/ha/yr through horse excreta, while annual input of P and N to the adjacent arable land was 13 and 112 kg/ha, respectively. There was no significant difference in water‐soluble P (WSP) in fresh and dried soil samples between the horse paddock (mean values: 0.62 and 0.43 mg/100 g soil; n = 15) and the arable field (mean values: 0.52 and 0.37 mg/100 g soil; n = 5). In contrast, phosphorus extractable in ammonium acetate lactate (extractable P) in the topsoil of the horse paddock (mean: 15 mg/100 g soil) was significantly higher (P = 0.03; n = 15) than in the arable land, whereas total P extracted with nitric acid (total P) showed no statistically significant differences. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in lactate‐extractable iron and aluminium (extractable Fe and Al), organic carbon (C), total nitrogen (N) or phosphorus sorption index between the two parcels of land. However, the degree of P saturation in soil was significantly higher (P = 0.02; n = 15) in the horse paddock. Extractable Al and Fe were highly correlated to extractable P (P < 0.001; n = 69), the correlation being negative for Al. No relationship was found with calcium, but soil C content was found to be correlated with extractable P (P < 0.001; n = 69). Over the past 8 yr, high P concentrations (up to 1.5 mg/L), mainly in dissolved reactive form, have been recorded in drainage water from the grazed catchment. We concluded that horse grazing at high stocking rates (>2.5 livestock units/ha) may pose a risk of high P losses to nearby water bodies.
Bioerosive structures from Miocene marine mobile‐substrate communities in southern Spain, and description of a new sponge boring
Authors: SANTOS ANA , MAYORAL EDUARDO , BROMLEY RICHARD G.
Published: May 2011

Abstract:  Neogene palaeoshore sediments are abundantly represented along the Mediterranean coast of Iberia. An outcrop north of the Sierra Tejeda, named La Resinera, exposes concentrations of pebbles and boulders of marble, comprising an upper Miocene marine beach deposit. The high diversity of bioerosion trace fossils present in these boulders includes structures produced by polychaete annelids, demosponges, echinoids and endolithic bivalves, which indicate a shallow shoreface environment. The ichnotaxa represented are Maeandropolydora sulcans, Caulostrepsis taeniola, Entobia geometrica, Entobia ovula, Circolites kotoncensis, Gastrochaenolites torpedo, Gastrochaenolites lapidicus, Gastrochaenolites ornatus and Gastrochaenolites turbinatus. The borings are Tortonian (late Miocene) in age. Also present, and particularly abundant, are large sponge borings that have a single chamber from which radiating canals emerge. This trace fossil is designated as Entobia resinensis isp. nov.