bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bio-Repository of DNA in stroke (BRAINS): A study protocol
Authors: Yadav Sunaina , Schanz Renata , Maheshwari Ankita , Khan Muhammad Saleem , Slark Julia , de Silva Ranil , Bentley Paul , Froguel Philippe , Kooner Jaspal , Shrivastav Padma , Prasad Kameshwar , Sharma Pankaj
Published: March 2011

Background

Stroke is one of the commonest causes of mortality in the world and anticipated to be an increasing burden to the developing world. Stroke has a genetic basis and identifying those genes may not only help us define the mechanisms that cause stroke but also identify novel therapeutic targets. However, large scale highly phenotyped DNA repositories are required in order for this to be achieved.

Methods

The proposed Bio-Repository of DNA in Stroke (BRAINS) will recruit all subtypes of stroke as well as controls from two different continents, Europe and Asia. Subjects recruited from the UK will include stroke patients of European ancestry as well as British South Asians. Stroke subjects from South Asia will be recruited from India and Sri Lanka. South Asian cases will also have control subjects recruited.

Discussion

We describe a study protocol to establish a large and highly characterized stroke biobank in those of European and South Asian descent. With different ethnic populations being recruited, BRAINS has the ability to compare and contrast genetic risk factors between those of differing ancestral descent as well as those who migrate into different environments.
Endosialin expression in relation to clinicopathological and biological variables in rectal cancers with a Swedish clinical trial of preoperative radiotherapy
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Yong , Zhang Hong , Adell Gunnar , Sun Xiao-Feng
Published: March 2011

Background

The importance of changes in tumour-associated stroma for tumour initiation and progression has been established. Endosialin is expressed in fibroblasts and pericytes of blood vessels in several types of tumours, and is involved in the progression of colorectal cancer. In order to see whether endosialin was related to radiotherapy (RT) response, and clinicopathological and biological variables, we investigated endosialin expression in rectal cancers from the patients who participated in a Swedish clinical trial of preoperative RT.

Methods

Endosialin was immunohistochemically examined in normal mucosa, including distant (n = 72) and adjacent (n = 112) normal mucosa, and primary tumours (n = 135). Seventy-three of 135 patients received surgery alone and 62 received additional preoperative RT.

Results

Endosialin expression in the stroma increased from normal mucosa to tumour (p < 0.0001) both in RT and non-RT group. In the RT group, endosialin expression in the stroma was positively associated with expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) (p = 0.03), p73 (p = 0.01) and phosphates of regenerating liver (PRL) (p = 0.002). Endosialin expression in the tumour cells of both in the RT group (p = 0.01) and the non-RT group (p = 0.06) was observed more often in tumours with an infiltrative growth pattern than in tumours with an expansive growth pattern. In the RT group, endosialin expression in tumour cells was positively related to PRL expression (p = 0.02), whereas in the non-RT group, endosialin expression in tumour cells was positively related to p73 expression (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Endosialin expression may be involved in the progression of rectal cancers, and was related to Cox-2, p73 and PRL expression. However, a direct relationship between endosialin expression and RT responses in patients was not found.
Assessment of efficacy and impact on work productivity and attendance after a mandatory switch to generic second-generation antihistamines: results of a patient survey in Norway
Authors: Thorn Fredrik , Celius Halvor , Ødegård Tone , Mandla Randeep , Hexeberg Erik
Published: March 2011

Background

In 2006, the Norwegian Medicines Agency mandated a switch from desloratadine, ebastine, or fexofenadine to cetirizine or loratadine in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) or chronic urticaria (CU). In an online survey, patients whose medication was switched assessed the impact on efficacy, fatigue, and work productivity/attendance.

Methods

Allergy patients in Norway completed a 25-item online survey. Patients aged ≥ 18 years with AR or CU who were switched to cetirizine or loratadine from desloratadine, ebastine, or fexofenadine were included. Participants rated post-switch efficacy, fatigue, and effect on work productivity/attendance compared with their pre-switch medication. Patients also reported post-switch change in number of doctor visits required, total treatment cost, and whether they had switched or wanted to switch back to their previous medications.

Results

Of 1920 patients invited, 493 responded and 409 of these were eligible. Previous antihistamines were desloratadine (78.4% of respondents), ebastine (16.0%), and fexofenadine (5.6%). Post-switch, 64.7% received cetirizine and 35.3% loratadine. Compared with previous therapy, cetirizine and loratadine were rated less effective by 46.3% of respondents; 28.7% reported increased fatigue; and 31.6% reported decreased work productivity with the generic agents. At the time of the survey, 26% of respondents had switched back to their previous medication.

Conclusions

This is the first survey to assess the impact on patient-reported outcomes of a mandated switch from prescription to generic antihistamines in Norway. The findings suggest that patient response to different antihistamines will vary and that treatment decisions should be individualized for optimal results.
Effect of ion implantation energy for the synthesis of Ge nanocrystals in SiN films with HfO2/SiO2 stack tunnel dielectrics for memory application
Authors: Sahu Bhabani Shankar , Gloux Florence , Slaoui Abdelilah , Carrada Marzia , Muller Dominique , Groenen Jesse , Bonafos Caroline , Lhostis Sandrine
Published: March 2011

Ge nanocrystals (Ge-NCs) embedded in SiN dielectrics with HfO2/SiO2 stack tunnel dielectrics were synthesized by utilizing low-energy (≤5 keV) ion implantation method followed by conventional thermal annealing at 800°C, the key variable being Ge+ ion implantation energy. Two different energies (3 and 5 keV) have been chosen for the evolution of Ge-NCs, which have been found to possess significant changes in structural and chemical properties of the Ge+-implanted dielectric films, and well reflected in the charge storage properties of the Al/SiN/Ge-NC + SiN/HfO2/SiO2/Si metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) memory structures. No Ge-NC was detected with a lower implantation energy of 3 keV at a dose of 1.5 × 1016 cm-2, whereas a well-defined 2D-array of nearly spherical and well-separated Ge-NCs within the SiN matrix was observed for the higher-energy-implanted (5 keV) sample for the same implanted dose. The MIS memory structures implanted with 5 keV exhibits better charge storage and retention characteristics compared to the low-energy-implanted sample, indicating that the charge storage is predominantly in Ge-NCs in the memory capacitor. A significant memory window of 3.95 V has been observed under the low operating voltage of ± 6 V with good retention properties, indicating the feasibility of these stack structures for low operating voltage, non-volatile memory devices.
Effect of annealing treatments on photoluminescence and charge storage mechanism in silicon-rich SiN
x
:H films
Authors: Sahu Bhabani Shankar , Delachat Florian , Slaoui Abdelilah , Carrada Marzia , Ferblantier Gerald , Muller Dominique
Published: March 2011

In this study, a wide range of a-SiN
x
:H films with an excess of silicon (20 to 50%) were prepared with an electron-cyclotron resonance plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition system under the flows of NH3 and SiH4. The silicon-rich a-SiN
x
:H films (SRSN) were sandwiched between a bottom thermal SiO2 and a top Si3N4 layer, and subsequently annealed within the temperature range of 500-1100°C in N2 to study the effect of annealing temperature on light-emitting and charge storage properties. A strong visible photoluminescence (PL) at room temperature has been observed for the as-deposited SRSN films as well as for films annealed up to 1100°C. The possible origins of the PL are briefly discussed. The authors have succeeded in the formation of amorphous Si quantum dots with an average size of about 3 to 3.6 nm by varying excess amount of Si and annealing temperature. Electrical properties have been investigated on Al/Si3N4/SRSN/SiO2/Si structures by capacitance-voltage and conductance-voltage analysis techniques. A significant memory window of 4.45 V was obtained at a low operating voltage of ± 8 V for the sample containing 25% excess silicon and annealed at 1000°C, indicating its utility in low-power memory devices.
Valence band offset of wurtzite InN/SrTiO3 heterojunction measured by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Li Zhiwei , Zhang Biao , Wang Jun , Liu Jianming , Liu Xianglin , Yang Shaoyan , Zhu Qinsheng , Wang Zhanguo
Published: March 2011

The valence band offset (VBO) of wurtzite indium nitride/strontium titanate (InN/SrTiO3) heterojunction has been directly measured by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The VBO is determined to be 1.26 ± 0.23 eV and the conduction band offset is deduced to be 1.30 ± 0.23 eV, indicating the heterojunction has a type-I band alignment. The accurate determination of the valence and conduction band offsets paves a way to the applications of integrating InN with the functional oxide SrTiO3.
Factors associated with late presentation to HIV/AIDS care in South Wollo ZoneEthiopia: a case-control study
Authors: Abaynew Yeshewas , Deribew Amare , Deribe Kebede
Published: March 2011

Background

Access to free antiretroviral therapy in Sub-Saharan Africa has been steadily increasing. The success of large-scale antiretroviral therapy programs depends on early initiation of HIV/AIDs care. The purpose of the study was to examine factors associated with late presentation to HIV/AIDS care.

Methods

A case-control study was conducted in Dessie referral and Borumeda district hospitals from March 1 to 31, 2010, northern Ethiopia. A total of 320 study participants (160 cases and 160 controls) were included in the study. Cases were people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) who had a WHO clinical stage of III or IV or a CD4 lymphocyte count of less than 200/uL at the time of the first presentation to antiretroviral treatment (ART) clinics. Controls were PLHA who had WHO stage I or II or a CD4 lymphocyte count of 200/uL or more irrespective of clinical staging at the time of first presentation to the ART clinics of the hospitals cases and controls were interviewed by trained nurses using a pre-tested and structured questionnaire. In-depth interviews were conducted with ten health workers and eight PLHA.

Results

PLHA who live with their families [OR = 3.29, 95%CI: 1.28-8.45)], lived in a rented house [OR = 2.52, 95%CI: 1.09-5.79], non-pregnant women [OR = 9.3, 95% CI: 1.93-44.82], who perceived ART have many side effects [OR = 6.23, 95%CI:1.63,23.82)], who perceived HIV as stigmatizing disease [OR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.09-8.76], who tested with sickness/symptoms [OR = 2.62, 95% CI: 1.26-5.44], who did not disclose their HIV status for their partner [OR = 2.78, 95% CI: 1.02-7.56], frequent alcohol users [OR = 3.55, 95% CI: 1.63-7.71] and who spent more than 120 months with partner at HIV diagnosis[OR = 5.86, 95% CI: 1.35-25.41] were significantly associated with late presentation to HIV/AIDS care. The qualitative finding revealed low awareness, non-disclosure, perceived ART side effects and HIV stigma were the major barriers for late presentation to HIV/AIDS care.

Conclusions

Efforts to increase early initiation of HIV/AIDS care should focus on addressing patient's concerns such as stigma, drug side effects and disclosure.
Acral post-traumatic tumoral calcinosis in pregnancy: a case report
Authors: Hutt Nick , Baghla Davinder PS , Gulati Vivek , Pastides Philip S , Beverly Mike C , Bashir Wassim A
Published: March 2011

Introduction

Tumoral calcinosis is an uncommon disorder characterized by the development of calcified masses within the peri-articular soft tissues of large joints, but rarely occurs within the hand.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 31-year-old pregnant Indian woman with a three-month history of painful swelling within the tip of her right middle finger following a superficial laceration. She was otherwise well and had normal serum calcium and phosphate levels. Plain radiography demonstrated a dense, lobulated cluster of calcified nodules within the soft tissues of the volar pulp space, consistent with a diagnosis of tumoral calcinosis. This diagnosis was confirmed on the basis of the histopathological examination following surgical excision.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, we present the only reported case of acral tumoral calcinosis within the finger, and the first description of its occurrence during pregnancy. We review the etiology, pathogenesis and treatment of tumoral calcinosis.
Experimental design, preprocessing, normalization and differential expression analysis of small RNA sequencing experiments
Authors: McCormick Kevin P , Willmann Matthew R , Meyers Blake C
Published: March 2011

Prior to the advent of new, deep sequencing methods, small RNA (sRNA) discovery was dependent on Sanger sequencing, which was time-consuming and limited knowledge to only the most abundant sRNA. The innovation of large-scale, next-generation sequencing has exponentially increased knowledge of the biology, diversity and abundance of sRNA populations. In this review, we discuss issues involved in the design of sRNA sequencing experiments, including choosing a sequencing platform, inherent biases that affect sRNA measurements and replication. We outline the steps involved in preprocessing sRNA sequencing data and review both the principles behind and the current options for normalization. Finally, we discuss differential expression analysis in the absence and presence of biological replicates. While our focus is on sRNA sequencing experiments, many of the principles discussed are applicable to the sequencing of other RNA populations.
Effects of Collaborative Group Composition and Inquiry Instruction on Reasoning Gains and Achievement in Undergraduate Biology
Authors: Jensen Jamie Lee , Lawson Anton
Published: March 2011

This study compared the effectiveness of collaborative group composition and instructional method on reasoning gains and achievement in college biology. Based on initial student reasoning ability (i.e., low, medium, or high), students were assigned to either homogeneous or heterogeneous collaborative groups within either inquiry or didactic instruction. Achievement and reasoning gains were assessed at the end of the semester. Inquiry instruction, as a whole, led to significantly greater gains in reasoning ability and achievement. Inquiry instruction also led to greater confidence and more positive attitudes toward collaboration. Low-reasoning students made significantly greater reasoning gains within inquiry instruction when grouped with other low reasoners than when grouped with either medium or high reasoners. Results are consistent with equilibration theory, supporting the idea that students benefit from the opportunity for self-regulation without the guidance or direction of a more capable peer.
Combining Peer Discussion with Instructor Explanation Increases Student Learning from In-Class Concept Questions
Authors: Smith M.K. , Wood W.B. , Krauter K. , Knight J.K.
Published: March 2011

Use of in-class concept questions with clickers can transform an instructor-centered “transmissionist” environment to a more learner-centered constructivist classroom. To compare the effectiveness of three different approaches using clickers, pairs of similar questions were used to monitor student understanding in majors’ and nonmajors’ genetics courses. After answering the first question individually, students participated in peer discussion only, listened to an instructor explanation only, or engaged in peer discussion followed by instructor explanation, before answering a second question individually. Our results show that the combination of peer discussion followed by instructor explanation improved average student performance substantially when compared with either alone. When gains in learning were analyzed for three ability groups of students (weak, medium, and strong, based on overall clicker performance), all groups benefited most from the combination approach, suggesting that peer discussion and instructor explanation are synergistic in helping students. However, this analysis also revealed that, for the nonmajors, the gains of weak performers using the combination approach were only slightly better than their gains using instructor explanation alone. In contrast, the strong performers in both courses were not helped by the instructor-only approach, emphasizing the importance of peer discussion, even among top-performing students.
Editorial: How to play tag? DC-SIGN shows the way!
Authors: Lugo-Villarino G , Neyrolles O
Published: March 2011

Hypothetical scenarios on the biological role of newly discovered soluble DC-SIGN are discussed.
Editorial: Control issues in sepsis: what modulates apoptosis?
Authors: Warren H Shaw
Published: March 2011

Vaki et al. propose that there may be factor(s) in the serum of patients with severe sepsis that modulate apoptosis of lymphocytes and monocytes.
Undergraduate psychiatry education: the challenges ahead
Authors: Masson Neil
Published: March 2011

This commentary discusses the key issues facing undergraduate psychiatry teaching and the factors inhibiting psychiatrists' roles as medical educators. Potential solutions to allow psychiatrists to fully embrace their teaching role are presented. A particular focus is on enhancing teaching skills, challenging student perceptions of psychiatry and ensuring that teaching is protected, valued and appropriately rewarded. This requires a concerted approach on individual, organisational and policy levels.
Regional brain activation/deactivation during word generation in schizophrenia: fMRI study
Authors: John John P. , Halahalli Harsha N. , Vasudev Mandapati K. , Jayakumar Peruvumba N. , Jain Sanjeev
Published: March 2011

Background

Examination of the brain regions that show aberrant activations and/or deactivations during semantic word generation could pave the way for a better understanding of the neurobiology of cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia.

Aims

To examine the pattern of functional magnetic resonance imaging blood oxygen level dependent activations and deactivations during semantic word generation in schizophrenia.

Method

Functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed on 24 participants with schizophrenia and 24 matched healthy controls during an overt, paced, ‘semantic category word generation’ condition and a baseline ‘word repetition’ condition that modelled all the lead-in/associated processes involved in the performance of the generation task.

Results

The brain regions activated during word generation in healthy individuals were replicated with minimal redundancies in participants with schizophrenia. The individuals with schizophrenia showed additional activations of temporo-parieto-occipital cortical regions as well as subcortical regions, despite significantly poorer behavioural performance than the healthy participants. Importantly, the extensive deactivations in other brain regions during word generation in healthy individuals could not be replicated in those with schizophrenia.

Conclusions

More widespread activations and deficient deactivations in the poorly performing participants with schizophrenia may reflect an inability to inhibit competing cognitive processes, which in turn could constitute the core information-processing deficit underlying impaired word generation in schizophrenia.
Attitudes towards mental disorders and emotional empathy in mental health and other healthcare professionals
Authors: Gateshill Georgina , Kucharska-Pietura Kate , Wattis John
Published: March 2011

Aims and method

To compare attitudes towards mental disorders in professionals working in mental health and professionals working in different areas of medicine. Levels of emotional empathy in both groups were also investigated. In total, 58 mental healthcare professionals and 60 non-mental healthcare professionals completed our attitudes towards mental disorders questionnaire and Balanced Emotional Empathy Scale.

Results

The results reveal generally positive attitudes towards people with mental disorders in both groups. Non-mental healthcare professionals regarded people with a mental disorder as significantly more dangerous and unpredictable than did mental healthcare professionals. There was no statistically significant difference in emotional empathy between the two groups. Both groups cited illicit drug use as one of the most significant causes of mental disorder.

Clinical implications

Mental healthcare professionals and non-mental healthcare professionals show broadly similar attitudes and a similar degree of empathy towards people with a mental disorder. However, non-mental healthcare professionals regard people with mental health problems as significantly more dangerous and unpredictable. There is scope for further research including examining the effects of educational interventions.
Results of the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study Group D9602 Protocol, Using Vincristine and Dactinomycin With or Without Cyclophosphamide and Radiation Therapy, for Newly Diagnosed Patients With Low-Risk Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma: A Report From the Soft Tissue Sarcoma Committee of the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Beverly Raney R. , Walterhouse David O. , Meza Jane L. , Andrassy Richard J. , Breneman John C. , Crist William M. , Maurer Harold M. , Meyer William H. , Parham David M. , Anderson James R.
Published: March 2011

Purpose

Patients with localized, grossly resected, or gross residual (orbital only) embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) had 5-year failure-free survival (FFS) rates of 83% and overall survival rates of 95% on Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study Group (IRSG) protocols III/IV. IRSG D9602 protocol (1997 to 2004) objectives were to decrease toxicity in similar patients by reducing radiotherapy (RT) doses and eliminating cyclophosphamide for the lowest-risk patients.

Patients and Methods

Subgroup A patients (lowest risk, with ERMS, stage 1 group I/IIA, stage 1 group III orbit, stage 2 group I) received vincristine plus dactinomycin (VA). Subgroup B patients (ERMS, stage 1 group IIB/C, stage I group III nonorbit, stage 2 group II, stage 3 group I/II) received VA plus cyclophosphamide. Patients in group II/III received RT. Compared with IRS-IV, doses were reduced from 41.4 to 36 Gy for stage 1 group IIA patients and from 50 or 59 to 45 Gy for group III orbit patients.

Results

Estimated 5-year FFS rates were 89% (95% CI, 84% to 92%) for subgroup A patients (n = 264) and 85% (95% CI, 74%, 91%) for subgroup B patients (n = 78); median follow-up: 5.1 years. Estimated 5-year FFS rates were 81% (95% CI, 68% to 90%) for patients with stage 1 group IIA tumors (n = 62) and 86% (95% CI, 76% to 92%) for patients with group III orbit tumors (n = 77).

Conclusion

Five-year FFS and OS rates were similar to those observed in comparable IRS-III patients, including patients receiving reduced RT doses, but were lower than in comparable IRS-IV patients receiving VA plus cyclophosphamide. Five-year FFS rates were similar among subgroups A and B patients.
Impact of Comorbidity on Survival Among Men With Localized Prostate Cancer
Authors: Albertsen Peter C. , Moore Dirk F. , Shih Weichung , Lin Yong , Li Hui , Lu-Yao Grace L.
Published: March 2011

Purpose

To provide patients and clinicians more accurate estimates of comorbidity-specific survival stratified by patient age, tumor stage, and tumor grade.

Patients and Methods

We conducted a 10-year competing risk analysis of 19,639 men 66 years of age and older identified by the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program linked to Medicare program files. All men were diagnosed with localized prostate cancer and received no surgery or radiation within 180 days of diagnosis. The analysis was stratified by tumor grade and stage and by age and comorbidity at diagnosis classified using the Charlson comorbidity index. Underlying causes of death were obtained from SEER.

Results

During the first 10 years after diagnosis, men with moderately and poorly differentiated prostate cancer were more likely to die from causes other than their disease. Depending on patient age, Gleason score, and number of comorbidities present at diagnosis, 5-year overall mortality rates for men with stage T1c disease ranged from 11.7% (95% CI, 10.2% to 13.1%) to 65.7% (95% CI, 55.9% to 70.1%), and prostate cancer–specific mortality rates ranged from 1.1% (95% CI, 0.0% to 2.7%) to 16.3% (95% CI, 13.8% to 19.4%). Ten-year overall mortality rates ranged from 28.8% (95% CI, 25.3% to 32.6%) to 94.3% (95% CI, 87.4% to 100%), and prostate cancer–specific mortality rates ranged from 2.0% (95% CI, 0.0% to 5.3%) to 27.5% (95% CI, 21.5% to 36.5%).

Conclusion

Patients and clinicians should consider using comorbidity-specific data to estimate the threat posed by newly diagnosed localized prostate cancer and the threat posed by competing medical hazards.
Assessment of Quality of Cancer-Related Follow-Up Care From the Cancer Survivor's Perspective
Authors: Arora Neeraj K. , Reeve Bryce B. , Hays Ron D. , Clauser Steven B. , Oakley-Girvan Ingrid
Published: March 2011

Purpose

We assessed cancer survivors' perceptions of the quality of their follow-up care.

Methods

We surveyed a population-based cohort of leukemia, bladder, and colorectal cancer survivors diagnosed 2 to 5 years previously in northern California (N = 623; participation rate, 69.2%; overall response rate, 49.2%). Data were collected between April 2003 and November 2004. Ten scales assessed survivors' perceptions of different aspects of care in the last 12 months, and an eleventh scale measured their overall ratings of care.

Results

On nine of the 11 scales, mean scores ranged from 88 to 97 on a 0 to 100 response format, indicating very positive experiences. The two areas where quality perceptions were lower were discussions about health promotion and the physician's knowledge of the whole patient. In adjusted analyses, those without private health insurance (P = .02) and Hispanic and Asian survivors compared with whites (P < .001) reported worse timeliness of care. Survivors who had multiple comorbidities reported better scores on timeliness of care (P < .01) and physicians' knowledge (P = .05) than survivors without any comorbidity. Length of the patient-physician relationship was the variable most consistently found to be significantly associated with survivors' quality assessments. Physicians' information exchange had the strongest relationship with overall ratings of care, followed by physicians' affective behavior, their knowledge of the survivor, and survivors' perceptions of coordination of care (P < .001 for all).

Conclusion

Delivery of quality follow-up care to cancer survivors may require efforts to improve patient-centered communication and coordination. Special emphasis may need to be placed on health promotion discussions and adoption of a whole-person orientation.
Glioma-Associated Oncogene Family Zinc Finger 1 Expression and Metastasis in Patients With Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated With Radiation Therapy (RTOG 9003)
Authors: Chung Christine H. , Dignam James J. , Elizabeth Hammond M. , Klimowicz Alexander C. , Petrillo Stephanie K. , Magliocco Anthony , Jordan Richard , Trotti Andy , Spencer Sharon , Cooper Jay S. , Le Quynh-Thu , Ang K. Kian
Published: March 2011

Purpose

Glioma-associated oncogene family zinc finger 1 (GLI1) expression was assessed to determine a potential role of hedgehog (Hh) signaling in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Additional proteins known to be modulated by Hh signaling, including beta-catenin (CTNNB1) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), were also assessed to determine the correlation among these distinct signaling pathways.

Patients and Methods

Nuclear GLI1 and CTNNB1 expression levels were determined in tumors from patients enrolled on Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 9003, a radiation fractionation trial. The results were also correlated with previously determined EGFR expression. The expression levels were evaluated in relation to three end points: time to metastasis (TTM), time to disease progression (TDP), and overall survival (OS).

Results

Among 1,068 eligible patients, data on GLI1, CTNNB1, and EGFR were available in 339, 164, and 300 patients, respectively. Although CTNNB1 expression did not differentiate prognosis, GLI1 was associated with poorer outcomes, adjusted for age, TNM stages, and Karnofsky performance score, and the significant influence persisted in a multivariable analysis (quartile 4 [Q4] v Q1 to Q3: TTM hazard ratio [HR], 2.7; 95% CI, 1.5 to 4.9; TDP HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1 to 2.5; OS HR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.4 to 2.7). The significance of GLI1 persisted in a multivariable analysis that included EGFR expression levels.

Conclusion

These data suggest that Hh signaling may play an important role in metastasis and that GLI1 could serve as a marker in HNSCC, but the regulatory mechanisms and oncogenic significance need further investigation. Risk classification based on this analysis needs a validation in independent cohorts.
Interleukin-33, a Target of Parathyroid Hormone and Oncostatin M, Increases Osteoblastic Matrix Mineral Deposition and Inhibits Osteoclast Formation in Vitro
Authors: Saleh Hasnawati , Eeles Damien , Hodge Jason M. , Nicholson Geoffrey C. , Gu Ran , Pompolo Sueli , Gillespie Matthew T. , Quinn Julian M. W.
Published: March 2011

IL-33 is an important inflammatory mediator in allergy, asthma, and joint inflammation, acting via its receptor, ST2L, to elicit Th2 cell cytokine secretion. IL-33 is related to IL-1 and IL-18, which both influence bone metabolism, IL-18 in particular inhibiting osteoclast formation and contributing to PTH bone anabolic actions. We found IL-33 immunostaining in osteoblasts in mouse bone and IL-33 mRNA expression in cultured calvarial osteoblasts, which was elevated by treatment with the bone anabolic factors oncostatin M and PTH. IL-33 treatment strongly inhibited osteoclast formation in bone marrow and spleen cell cultures but had no effect on osteoclast formation in receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand/macrophage colony-stimulating factor-treated bone marrow macrophage (BMM) or RAW264.7 cultures, suggesting a lack of direct action on immature osteoclast progenitors. However, osteoclast formation from BMM was inhibited by IL-33 in the presence of osteoblasts, T cells, or mature macrophages, suggesting these cell types may mediate some actions of IL-33. In bone marrow cultures, IL-33 induced mRNA expression of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, IL-4, IL-13, and IL-10; osteoclast inhibitory actions of IL-33 were rescued only by combined antibody ablation of these factors. In contrast to osteoclasts, IL-33 promoted matrix mineral deposition by long-term ascorbate treated primary osteoblasts and reduced sclerostin mRNA levels in such cultures after 6 and 24 h of treatment; sclerostin mRNA was also suppressed in IL-33-treated calvarial organ cultures. In summary, IL-33 stimulates osteoblastic function in vitro but inhibits osteoclast formation through at least three separate mechanisms. Autocrine and paracrine actions of osteoblast IL-33 may thus influence bone metabolism.
Thyroid Hormone Regulates the Expression of the Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in the Embryonic and Adult Mammalian Brain
Authors: Desouza Lynette A. , Sathanoori Malini , Kapoor Richa , Rajadhyaksha Neha , Gonzalez Luis E. , Kottmann Andreas H. , Tole Shubha , Vaidya Vidita A.
Published: March 2011

Thyroid hormone is important for development and plasticity in the immature and adult mammalian brain. Several thyroid hormone-responsive genes are regulated during specific developmental time windows, with relatively few influenced across the lifespan. We provide novel evidence that thyroid hormone regulates expression of the key developmental morphogen sonic hedgehog (Shh), and its coreceptors patched (Ptc) and smoothened (Smo), in the early embryonic and adult forebrain. Maternal hypo- and hyperthyroidism bidirectionally influenced Shh mRNA in embryonic forebrain signaling centers at stages before fetal thyroid hormone synthesis. Further, Smo and Ptc expression were significantly decreased in the forebrain of embryos derived from hypothyroid dams. Adult-onset thyroid hormone perturbations also regulated expression of the Shh pathway bidirectionally, with a significant induction of Shh, Ptc, and Smo after hyperthyroidism and a decline in Smo expression in the hypothyroid brain. Short-term T3 administration resulted in a significant induction of cortical Shh mRNA expression and also enhanced reporter gene expression in Shh+/LacZ mice. Further, acute T3 treatment of cortical neuronal cultures resulted in a rapid and significant increase in Shh mRNA, suggesting direct effects. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays performed on adult neocortex indicated enhanced histone acetylation at the Shh promoter after acute T3 administration, providing further support that Shh is a thyroid hormone-responsive gene. Our results indicate that maternal and adult-onset perturbations of euthyroid status cause robust and region-specific changes in the Shh pathway in the embryonic and adult forebrain, implicating Shh as a possible mechanistic link for specific neurodevelopmental effects of thyroid hormone.
Public Choice and the Notion of Creative Communities
Authors: Medema Steven G.
Published: March 2011

Public choice is one of the few examples of a “creative community” emerging from within the professional academic structures of economics in the postwar period. This article examines the early development of the public choice movement at the University of Virginia and how this movement both expanded and was solidified following the movement of a critical mass of public choice scholars to Virginia Tech. Drawing on the literature on creative communities, various archival materials from the period, and the scholarly literature on the history of the public choice movement, I attempt to show that while the seeds of this movement were sown at the University of Virginia, it was Virginia Tech that provided an environment in which a creative community could be established and flourish, and that this was a crucial factor in the evolution of the field of public choice.
Cellular Mechanism of Zinc–Hinokitiol Complexes in Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Naito Yuki , Yoshikawa Yutaka , Yasui Hiroyuki
Published: March 2011

Zinc complexes exhibit high insulin-like and antidiabetic activities in animals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). However, molecular mechanisms underlying these activities have not yet been determined. In this study, we investigated activation of the insulin signaling pathway by Zn in 3T3-L1 adipocytes using di(hinokitiolato)zinc complex (hinokitiol: 2-hydroxy-4-isopropylcyclohepta-2,4,6-trienone, [Zn(hnk)2]), which exhibits antidiabetic effect in animals with type 2 DM. Our results show that [Zn(hnk)2] strongly induced Akt/protein kinase B (Akt/PKB) phosphorylation, and optimal phosphorylation was achieved at a concentration of 50 µM. The [Zn(hnk)2]-induced Akt/PKB phosphorylation was almost completely inhibited by wortmannin, whereas [Zn(hnk)2]-induced phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) was partially inhibited by wortmannin. Further, we examined cellular Zn uptake by [Zn(hnk)2] stimulation and evaluated cellular glucose uptake at the same time point. The intracellular Zn concentration incubated with [Zn(hnk)2] was approximately 4.7-fold higher than that in the control cells. Moreover, the glucose uptake of [Zn(hnk)2]-treated adipocytes was 3.7-fold higher than that of the control adipocytes. These results suggest that [Zn(hnk)2] was able to translocate glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) protein to the plasma membrane. Thus, we propose that [Zn(hnk)2] produces the antidiabetic effect by inducing insulin signaling pathways and glucose uptake.
Hydrogen Generation Using a Photoinduced Electron-transport System with a Molecular Catalyst in Vesicles
Authors: Watanabe Kentaro , Takizawa Shin-ya , Murata Shigeru
Published: March 2011

We constructed a novel H2 generation system mimicking natural photosynthesis, in which an electron is transported photochemically from ascorbate entrapped in the inner waterpool of vesicles to MV2+ dissolved in the outer aqueous solution and relayed to a Pt(II) complex embedded in the vesicle membrane that acts as a molecular catalyst.
Alkali Metal Ion Sensing Using Absorbance Changes Based on Aggregation of Silica Nanoparticles Modified Chemically with Crown Ethers
Authors: Nakahara Yoshio , Hayashi Takafumi , Kawa Haruna , Kimura Keiichi
Published: March 2011

Crown-ether-modified silica nanoparticles (Crown–SNPs) were successfully prepared by simple chemical modifications of silica nanoparticles. The organic moiety introduced into silica nanoparticles was characterized by solid-state 13C NMR and elemental analysis. No morphological damage of silica nanoparticles was recognized according to SEM observation. When an alkali metal salt was added to a solution containing Crown–SNPs, the absorbance changes, whose extent was dependent on the kind and the concentration of a metal ion, were observed.
Preparation of Pure LiPF6 Using Fluorine Gas at Room Temperature
Authors: Kim Jae-Ho , Umeda Hayato , Ohe Meguru , Yonezawa Susumu , Takashima Masayuki
Published: March 2011

Pure lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) was successfully prepared at room temperature (23 °C) by introducing fluorine gas into a reactor containing LiF and P at −196 °C. The mass fractions of LiPF6 and LiF in products prepared at 23 °C were 1.00 and 0.00, respectively, by means of XRD-Rietveld analysis. Namely, the prepared LiPF6 was pure enough to be used as an electrolyte salt in lithium ion batteries.
Surface Segregation of Well-defied N-Substituted Hyperbranched Polyamides in Linear Polymer Matrix
Authors: Hirai Tomoyasu , Huan Liu , Ohta Yoshihiro , Yokozawa Tsutomu , Tanaka Keiji
Published: March 2011

Surface segregation of well-defined N-substituted hyperbranched polyamides (HBPA) with various side chain lengths in linear polystyrene matrix was studied. To what extent HBPA was segregated at the surface was dependent on the side chain length, which regulated intermolecular interactions among HBPA molecules via steric hindrance.
Practical Synthesis of Diethyl Phenylsuccinate by Mg-promoted Carboxylation of Ethyl Cinnamate
Authors: Maekawa Hirofumi , Murakami Taro , Miyazaki Takeshi , Nishiguchi Ikuzo
Published: March 2011

Mg-promoted reduction of ethyl cinnamate (1a) in the presence of carbon dioxide gave a mixture of β-carboxylated compound 2a and α,β-dicarboxylated compound 3a. Similar reductive carboxylation of 1a followed by acidic decarboxylation of one of the two geminal carboxyl groups of the generated 3a and esterification afforded selective formation of diethyl phenylsuccinate (2a) in good yield.
Repeated invasive lung function measurements in intubated mice: an approach for longitudinal lung research
Authors: De Vleeschauwer Stéphanie I , Rinaldi Manuela , De Vooght Vanessa , Vanoirbeek Jeroen A , Vanaudenaerde Bart M , Verbeken Erik K , Decramer Marc , Gayan-Ramirez Ghislaine N , Verleden Geert M , Janssens Wim
Published: March 2011

Invasive lung function measurements are useful tools to describe respiratory disease models in mice but only result in one time-point measurements because of tracheostomy. We explored if intubation may overcome the need for tracheostomy thereby allowing invasive lung function monitoring of individual mice over time. Repeated invasive lung function measurements with Scireq© – FlexiVent or Buxco© – Forced Pulmonary Maneuvers® were performed three times in BALB/c mice with intervals of 10 days. Each lung function assessment following intubation was compared with a similar measurement in age-matched tracheostomized mice, the golden standard in lung function measurements. Tracheostomy and intubation gave similar results for resistance, elastance and compliance of the whole respiratory system as assessed by Flexivent. Likewise, Forced Pulmonary Maneuvers used to measure lung volumes such as total lung capacity, functional residual capacity, forced expiratory volume in 0.1 s and forced vital capacity, resulted in identical outcomes for both airway approaches. No interaction was found between the procedures for any of the pulmonary function variables. The observed changes over time were rather related to animal growth than to repetitive intubation. Eighty percent of the animals survived three consecutive intubations, which were hampered by transient breathing difficulties, weight loss and neutrophilic bronchoalveolar lavage immediately postextubation. Repetitive invasive lung function measurements by intubation are feasible and reproducible in healthy mice and results are comparable to the standard method. This may open new perspectives for longitudinal research in animal models of respiratory diseases.
Surgery and endovenous techniques for the treatment of small saphenous varicose veins: a review of the literature
Authors: Tellings S S , Ceulen R P M , Sommer A
Published: March 2011

In 15% of all patients, varicosis is caused by insufficiency of the small saphenous vein (SSV). In the past it was common to entirely remove the SSV by surgical procedure; however, recently minimally invasive techniques have taken over a significant number of varicose vein treatments. The aim of this paper is a review of the literature of all treatment modalities of the insufficient SSV. The search aimed to identify all papers published describing one or more treatments for SSV insufficiency. International literature databases were searched through for articles eligible for this review. Articles describing one or more treatment techniques for SSV insufficiency were eligible for this review. Also studies describing SSV as well as greater saphenous vein were included as long as they made a clear distinction in their results between the two groups. Studies were excluded if they did not use ultrasound examination to qualify outcome, as this is the golden standard to evaluate venous insufficiency. Seventeen articles were included in this review. Five articles on surgical treatment showed success rates varying from 24% to 100% (follow-up 1.5–60 months). Ten articles on endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) showed success rates varying from 91% to 100% (follow-up 1.5–36 months). Two articles on ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) showed success rates varying from 82% to 100% (follow-up 1.5–11 months). Statistical analysis showed a significant difference ( P < 0.05) in success rate of 47.8% versus 94.9% for surgery and EVLA/UGFS, respectively. Most complications for all treatment techniques were mild and self-limiting. Rates of deep venous thrombosis were not described often and in the articles that mentioned it, varied from 1.8% to 3.5% (surgery) and 2.5–5.7% for EVLA. In the absence of large, comparative randomized clinical trials, minimally invasive techniques appear to have a tendency towards better results than surgery, in the treatment of the insufficient SSV.
Popliteal venous aneurysm: case report
Authors: Celoria G , Brancaccio G , Russo D , Lombardi R
Published: March 2011

Popliteal vein aneurysms are rare but they have clinical relevance because of their propensity to cause thromboembolic complications. The widespread use of duplex scanning in the work-up of venous complaints will make their diagnosis increasingly frequent. Surgical therapy cures the disease with low morbidity. We present a typical case and review pertinent literature on the subject.
RNAcode: Robust discrimination of coding and noncoding regions in comparative sequence data
Authors: Washietl Stefan , Findeiß Sven , Müller Stephan A. , Kalkhof Stefan , von Bergen Martin , Hofacker Ivo L. , Stadler Peter F. , Goldman Nick
Published: March 2011

With the availability of genome-wide transcription data and massive comparative sequencing, the discrimination of coding from noncoding RNAs and the assessment of coding potential in evolutionarily conserved regions arose as a core analysis task. Here we present RNAcode, a program to detect coding regions in multiple sequence alignments that is optimized for emerging applications not covered by current protein gene-finding software. Our algorithm combines information from nucleotide substitution and gap patterns in a unified framework and also deals with real-life issues such as alignment and sequencing errors. It uses an explicit statistical model with no machine learning component and can therefore be applied “out of the box,” without any training, to data from all domains of life. We describe the RNAcode method and apply it in combination with mass spectrometry experiments to predict and confirm seven novel short peptides in Escherichia coli and to analyze the coding potential of RNAs previously annotated as “noncoding.” RNAcode is open source software and available for all major platforms at http://wash.github.com/rnacode.
Florid reactive periostitis of the forearm bones in a child
Authors: Mathew S. E. , Madhuri V. , Alexander M. , Walter N. M. , Gibikote S. V.
Published: March 2011

Florid reactive periostitis is a pronounced periosteal reaction, usually affecting the hands and feet, for which there is no obvious cause. It is rare in children and in long bones. We report an unusual case of florid reactive periostitis in a ten-year-old girl that involved both bones of the forearm. The lesion resolved over a period of one year, leaving a residual exostosis. She developed a physeal bar in the distal ulna in the region of the lesion at one-year follow-up. This was thought to be a complication of the biopsy procedure and was treated by resection and proximal ulnar lengthening.
Patient expectations of total knee replacement and their association with sociodemographic factors and functional status
Authors: Yoo J. H. , Chang C. B. , Kang Y. G. , Kim S. J. , Seong S. C. , Kim T. K.
Published: March 2011

We aimed to document the pre-operative expectations in Korean patients undergoing total knee replacement using an established survey form and to determine whether expectations were influenced by sociodemographic factors or pre-operative functional status. Expectations regarding 17 items in the Knee Replacement Expectation Survey form were investigated in 454 patients scheduled for total knee replacement. The levels and distribution patterns of summated expectation and of five expectation categories (relief from pain, baseline activity, high flexion activity, social activity and psychological well-being) constructed from the 17 items were assessed. Univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression were performed to examine the associations of expectations with the sociodemographic factors and the functional status.

The top three expectations were relief from pain, restoration of walking ability, and psychological well-being. Of the five expectation categories, relief from pain was ranked the highest, followed by psychological well-being, restoration of baseline activity, ability to perform high flexion activities and ability to participate in social activities. An age of < 65 years, being employed, a high Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index function score and a low Short-form 36 social score were found to be significantly associated with higher overall expectations.