bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of interleukin‐23 circulating levels increase in resected colorectal cancer before and after chemotherapy: Preliminary data and future perspectives
Authors: Adamo V. , Franchina T. , Minciullo P.L. , Pace E. , Colonese F. , Ricciardi G.R.R. , Saitta S. , Ferraro M. , Spatari G. , Gangemi S.
Published: February 2011

Expression of IL‐23, a heterodimeric cytokine involved in the induction of Th17 cells, is increased in human tumors. Although the endogenous IL‐23 expression has been reported to promote tumor development and growth, the studies using local and systemic administration of IL‐23 have shown that its application at the excessive amount induces antitumor immune responses. IL‐23 is, today, considered the key driver of intestinal inflammation and its role in inflammatory responses is tissue‐specific. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of circulating levels of IL‐23 in patients with resected colorectal cancer (CRC) before and after chemotherapy, respect to healthy controls. Twenty‐five patients were enrolled between June 2007 and January 2009, and followed through 2010. All patients underwent chemotherapy, mostly FOLFOX4. Twenty‐sex and age‐matched healthy donors were recruited as controls. IL‐23 serum concentrations, measured by a quantitative enzyme immunoassay technique, were significantly higher in patients with resected CRC (26.02 ± 28.63 pg/ml versus 7.1 ± 6.4 pg/ml, P < 0.001) and after chemotherapy respect to controls (21.74 ± 23.82 pg/ml versus 7.17 ± 6.43 pg/ml, P < 0.001). An increase was documented also before chemotherapy (26.02 ± 28.63 pg/ml versus 21.74 ± 23.82 pg/ml, P = 0.7) but not statistically significant. This work investigated, for the first time, the role of IL‐23 in CRC resection and chemotherapy, showing no correlation with the severity of disease, tumor removal, and chemotherapeutic treatment. However, other works are needed to better clarify if IL‐23 could be considered a key‐molecule in human CRC and a target for tumor treatment. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 3032–3034, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Activity of different anthracycline formulations in hormone‐refractory prostate cancer cell lines: Role of golgi apparatus
Authors: Fabbri Francesco , Zoli Wainer , Carloni Silvia , Ulivi Paola , Arienti Chiara , Brigliadori Giovanni , Montanari Marco , Tesei Anna , Silvestrini Rosella , Amadori Dino
Published: February 2011

The efficacy of therapy for hormone‐refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) is still unsatisfactory and new agents and therapeutic modalities are needed. The aims of the present work were to examine the in vitro activity and mechanisms of action of doxorubicin (DX), pegylated liposomal DX (PLDX), and non‐pegylated liposomal DX (NPLDX) in DU145 and taxane‐resistant DU145‐R HRPC cell lines. Drug activity and incorporation, apoptosis, and expression of cell death‐related markers were evaluated by SRB test, cytofluorimetric assays, and Western blot, respectively. Among the different DX formulations, NPLDX showed the highest cytotoxic activity in both cell lines, with more than 50% of apoptotic cells at only 1/10 of the plasma peak concentration after 72 h exposure. Anthracyclines, in particular NPLDX, were highly concentrated in the Golgi apparatus. Moreover, a significant increase was observed in the expression of CD95 receptor, GD3 ganglioside and, caspase‐2 and ‐8 active forms in both cell lines followed by caspase‐3 activation and mitochondrial membrane depolarization. The Golgi apparatus, probably acting as a stress sensor, intensified the conventional apoptotic mechanism induced by anthracyclines. Our data support the hypothesis that organelle‐dependent initiation of cell death other than that induced by mitochondria and nucleus is a research area worthy of pursuing and suggest that the Golgi apparatus could be an ideal target for anti‐cancer therapy. Of note, the activity of NLPDX in taxane‐resistant DU145‐R cells warrants further evaluation as second‐line treatment of advanced HRPC after taxane failure. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 3035–3042, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Early changes induced by short‐term low‐dose cadmium exposure in rat ventral and dorsolateral prostates
Authors: Lacorte Lívia M. , Delella Flavia K. , Porto Amorim Elaine M. , Justulin Luis A. , Godinho Antonio F. , Almeida Alaor A. , Felipe Pinheiro Patrícia F. , Amorim Renée L. , Felisbino Sérgio L.
Published: February 2011

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. The etiology of PCa in humans is multifactorial and includes age, ethnicity, environmental factors, and other unknown causes. Epidemiological and experimental evidence has shown that cadmium is associated with PCa both in humans and rodents. This metal can act as an endocrine disruptor during prostate development, and it induces prostate lesions late in life. In this study, we investigated the effects of low‐dose cadmium on rat prostate morphology during puberty. Two‐month‐old male Wistar rats were randomized into two experimental groups: cadmium‐treated and control. The ventral and dorsolateral prostates were dissected, weighed, and immunohistochemically stained with specific antibodies against Ki‐67 and the androgen receptor (AR). The concentration of cadmium was measured in the blood and prostate, and testosterone concentration was measured from the plasma. Our results show that cadmium concentration was increased in both the blood and the prostate of cadmium‐treated rats, but there were no changes in the prostatic weight, epithelial cell height, or testosterone levels. However, AR immunostaining and epithelial cell proliferation (Ki‐67 index) were increased in both prostates with an increase in apoptosis only in the dorsal lobe. Furthermore, atypical hyperplasic proliferative lesions were found in the dorsolateral lobe after cadmium exposure. Cadmium treatment reduced collagen fiber absolute volume in both prostates. Thus, low‐doses of cadmium, even for a short period of time, can interfere with prostate epithelium‐stroma homeostasis, and this disruption might be an important factor in the onset of prostate lesions late in life. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On cubic non‐Cayley vertex‐transitive graphs
Authors: Kutnar, Klavdija , Marušič, Dragan , Zhang Cui
Published: February 2011

In 1983, the second author [D. Marušič, Ars Combinatoria 16B (1983), 297–302] asked for which positive integers n there exists a non‐Cayley vertex‐transitive graph on n vertices. (The term non‐Cayley numbers has later been given to such integers.) Motivated by this problem, Feng [Discrete Math 248 (2002), 265–269] asked to determine the smallest valency ϑ(n) among valencies of non‐Cayley vertex‐transitive graphs of order n. As cycles are clearly Cayley graphs, ϑ(n)⩾3 for any non‐Cayley number n.

In this paper a goal is set to determine those non‐Cayley numbers n for which ϑ(n) = 3, and among the latter to determine those for which the generalized Petersen graphs are the only non‐Cayley vertex‐transitive graphs of order n. It is known that for a prime p every vertex‐transitive graph of order p, p2 or p3 is a Cayley graph, and that, with the exception of the Coxeter graph, every cubic non‐Cayley vertex‐transitive graph of order 2p, 4p or 2p2 is a generalized Petersen graph. In this paper the next natural step is taken by proving that every cubic non‐Cayley vertex‐transitive graph of order 4p2, p>7 a prime, is a generalized Petersen graph. In addition, cubic non‐Cayley vertex‐transitive graphs of order 2pk, where p>7 is a prime and k⩽p, are characterized. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 69: 77–95, 2012
Thomassen's conjecture implies polynomiality of 1‐Hamilton‐connectedness in line graphs
Authors: Kužel Roman , Ryjáček Zdeněk , Vrána Petr
Published: February 2011

A graph G is 1‐Hamilton‐connected if G−x is Hamilton‐connected for every x∈V(G), and G is 2‐edge‐Hamilton‐connected if the graph G+ X has a hamiltonian cycle containing all edges of X for any X⊂E+(G) = {xy| x, y∈V(G)} with 1≤|X|≤2. We prove that Thomassen's conjecture (every 4‐connected line graph is hamiltonian, or, equivalently, every snark has a dominating cycle) is equivalent to the statements that every 4‐connected line graph is 1‐Hamilton‐connected and/or 2‐edge‐Hamilton‐connected. As a corollary, we obtain that Thomassen's conjecture implies polynomiality of both 1‐Hamilton‐connectedness and 2‐edge‐Hamilton‐connectedness in line graphs. Consequently, proving that 1‐Hamilton‐connectedness is NP‐complete in line graphs would disprove Thomassen's conjecture, unless P = NP. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 69: 241–250, 2012
A note on some embedding problems for oriented graphs
Authors: Treglown Andrew
Published: February 2011

We conjecture that every oriented graph G on n vertices with δ+(G), δ−(G)≥5n/12 contains the square of a Hamilton cycle. We also give a conjectural bound on the minimum semidegree which ensures a perfect packing of transitive triangles in an oriented graph. A link between Ramsey numbers and perfect packings of transitive tournaments is also considered. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 69: 330–336, 2012
Ovarian serous surface papillary borderline tumors form sea anemone‐like masses
Authors: Tanaka Yumiko Oishi , Okada Satoshi , Satoh Toyomi , Matsumoto Koji , Oki Akinori , Nishida Masato , Yoshikawa Hiroyuki , Saida Tsukasa , Minami Manabu
Published: February 2011

Purpose

To clarify the imaging characteristics of ovarian serous surface papillary borderline tumor (SSPBT), whose prognosis is far better than that of serous surface papillary adenocarcinoma (SSPC).

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and imaging findings of six cases (age range, 26–58 years; mean, 43 years) with SSPBT encountered at our institute from 1996 to 2008.

Results

Serum levels of CA125 were elevated, and they were clinically suspected to have ovarian cancer. All masses were almost entirely solid and showed hyperintense papillary architecture with hypointense internal branching on T2‐weighted MRI. Five patients had peritoneal implants, and two had lymph node enlargement, and all tumors were accompanied by ascites. In all cases, contralateral ovaries had cystic masses with mural nodules or mixed solid and cystic masses, of which the solid part was similar to the contralateral mass. No evidence of recurrence was noted at a follow‐up of >12 months postoperatively.

Conclusion

SSPBT, which has more favorable prognosis than those of flank ovarian carcinoma, is characterized by a solid mass with papillary architecture and internal branching resembling a sea anemone on MR. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vivo assessment of peripheral nerve regeneration by diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Morisaki Shinsuke , Kawai Yuko , Umeda Masahiro , Nishi Mayumi , Oda Ryo , Fujiwara Hiroyoshi , Yamada Kei , Higuchi Toshihiro , Tanaka Chuzo , Kawata Mitsuhiro , Kubo Toshikazu
Published: February 2011

Purpose

To evaluate the sensitivity of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in assessing peripheral nerve regeneration in vivo. We assessed the changes in the DTI parameters and histological analyses after nerve injury to examine degeneration and regeneration in the rat sciatic nerves.

Materials and Methods

For magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 16 rats were randomly divided into two groups: group P (permanently crushed; n = 7) and group T (temporally crushed; n = 9). Serial MRI of the right leg was performed before the operation, and then performed at the timepoints of 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after the crush injury. The changes in fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (λ∥), and radial diffusivity (λ⟂) were quantified. For histological analyses, the number of axons and the myelinated axon areas were quantified.

Results

Decreased FA and increased λ⟂ were observed in the degenerative phase, and increased FA and decreased λ⟂ were observed in the regenerative phase. The changes in FA and λ⟂ were strongly correlated with histological changes, including axonal and myelin regeneration.

Conclusion

DTI parameters, especially λ⟂, can be good indicators for peripheral nerve regeneration and can be applied as noninvasive diagnostic tools for a variety of neurological diseases. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detrending phase drift: A preprocessing step to improve the effectiveness of the UNFOLD technique
Authors: Hu Yanle
Published: February 2011

Purpose

To improve the effectiveness of the UNFOLD technique in removing aliasing artifacts by detrending temporal phase drift in each voxel before the implementation of the UNFOLD technique. This is because linear and quadratic phase trends in temporal signal can shift and broaden aliasing peaks in the spectrum and cause the removal of aliasing artifacts by spectral filtering to be insufficient or even fail when minimal filtering of the spectrum is used.

Materials and Methods

A functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study with a visual stimulus was performed on normal subjects to test the hypothesis. A 2D spiral‐in/out sequence was used to acquire k‐space data. Undersampled k‐space trajectories were used to improve temporal resolution. Aliasing artifacts were removed by the UNFOLD technique. For comparison, two image sets, with and without phase trends removal, were obtained from each set of functional data.

Results

After detrending temporal phase drift, residual aliasing artifacts that were not suppressed by the standard UNFOLD technique could be successfully removed. Better image quality, temporal stability, and activation maps could be achieved by the proposed method.

Conclusion

The proposed method can improve the effectiveness of the UNFOLD technique in removing aliasing artifacts when spectral filtering is kept minimal to preserve temporal resolution. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HYPR TOF: Time‐resolved contrast‐enhanced intracranial mr angiography using time‐of‐flight as the spatial constraint
Authors: Wu Yijing , Kecskemeti Steven R. , Johnson Kevin , Wang Kang , Rowley Howard , Wieben Oliver , Mistretta Charles , Turski Patrick
Published: February 2011

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of using time‐of‐flight (TOF) images as a constraint in the reconstruction of a series of highly undersampled time‐resolved contrast‐enhanced MR images (HYPR TOF), to allow simultaneously high temporal and spatial resolution and increased SNR.

Materials and Methods

Ten healthy volunteers and three patients with aneurysms underwent a HYPR TOF study, which includes a clinical routine TOF scan followed by a first pass time‐resolved contrast‐enhanced exam using an undersampled three‐dimensional (3D) projection trajectory (VIPR). Image quality, waveform fidelity and signal to background variation ratio measurements were compared between HYPR TOF images and VIPR images without HYPR reconstruction.

Results

Volunteer results demonstrated the feasibility of using the clinical routine TOF as the spatial constraint to reconstruct the first pass time‐resolved contrast‐enhanced MRA acquired using highly undersampled 3D projection trajectory (VIPR). All the HYPR TOF images are superior to the corresponding VIPR images with the same temporal reconstruction window on both spatial resolution and SNR.

Conclusion

HYPR TOF improves the spatial resolution and SNR of the rapidly acquired dynamic images without losing the temporal information. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Accuracy of magnetic resonance parkinsonism index for differentiation of progressive supranuclear palsy from probable or possible Parkinson disease
Authors: Morelli Maurizio , Arabia Gennarina , Salsone Maria , Novellino Fabiana , Giofrè Laura , Paletta Rosina , Messina Demetrio , Nicoletti Giuseppe , Condino Francesca , Gallo Olivier , Lanza Pierluigi , Quattrone Aldo
Published: February 2011

Background:

Combined measurements on conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), such as midbrain area/pons area or magnetic resonance parkinsonism index (MRPI) (pons area/midbrain area × middle cerebellar peduncle width/superior cerebellar peduncle width), have been proposed as powerful tools in the differential diagnosis between progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and Parkinson disease (PD). In this study, we evaluated the accuracy of MRPI, compared with midbrain/pons ratio, in distinguishing PSP from probable and possible PD.

Methods:

Forty‐two PSP patients, 170 probable PD patients, 132 possible PD patients, and 38 control subjects underwent MRI and, for each patient, midbrain/pons ratio and MRPI were calculated.

Results:

Midbrain/pons ratio showed low accuracy in distinguishing PSP patients from those with probable PD (92.9% sensitivity; 85.3% specificity; 86.8% diagnostic accuracy) or those with possible PD (88.1% sensitivity, 88.3% specificity, and 88.2% diagnostic accuracy) and control subjects (97.6% sensitivity, 92.1% specificity, and 95% diagnostic accuracy). By contrast, MRPI showed higher accuracy to distinguish PSP from probable PD (100% sensitivity, 99.4% specificity, and 99.5% diagnostic accuracy), from possible PD (100% sensitivity, 99.2% specificity, and 99.4% diagnostic accuracy), and from control subjects (sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of 100%).

Conclusions:

Our study confirms that MRPI is a more accurate measure than midbrain/pons ratio for differentiation of patients with PSP from those with probable and possible PD. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Recent advances in search of oral heparin therapeutics
Authors: Paliwal Rishi , Paliwal Shivani R. , Agrawal Govind P. , Vyas Suresh P.
Published: February 2011

Unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH) are first choices of clinicians among available anticoagulants. Currently, these agents are administered either parenterally or subcutaneously, which reduces patient compliance and acceptability. Oral heparin may serve as an alternative to both parenteral heparin as well as presently available oral anticoagulants such as warfarin. This review focuses mainly upon recent perspectives in the development of heparin as an oral anticoagulant. The possibility of its success with special emphasis to nanotechnological approaches has been elaborated. Important strategies such as the use of penetration enhancers, the development of lipid conjugates of heparin, and the incorporation of heparin in polymeric matrix systems have been discussed. Additionally, introductory information on biological activities, physiochemical aspects, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters of heparin is summarized. A brief comparison of UFH and LMWH is also included for reader's benefit. Informative discussion on clinical trials with the successes and limitations of oral heparin formulations is also presented. Overall, the present review provides complete insight to the research that has been carried out for the development of heparin as oral anticoagulant.  © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev
Transporters that translocate nucleosides and structural similar drugs: structural requirements for substrate recognition
Authors: Cano‐Soldado Pedro , Pastor‐Anglada Marçal
Published: February 2011

Nucleoside transporters (NT) are integral membrane proteins implicated in the salvage of natural nucleobases and nucleosides for nucleic acid synthesis. These proteins also play a crucial role as carriers of nucleoside analogs used in anticancer and antiviral therapies. In fact, differential expression patterns of NT subtypes among tissues and individuals as well as the existence of genetic variants affect nucleoside‐derived drug permeation, and consequently, their pharmacokinetic and cytotoxic properties. Thus, NT expression patterns may be effective predictive markers of therapeutic response. While the structures of NT proteins are yet to be solved, specific residues responsible for interaction with substrates and inhibitors have been identified, providing further insights into their structure‐function relationship. In addition to transporter structural features, several experimental approaches have been used to identify the structural requirements of nucleosides for interaction with Concentrative Nucleoside Transporters and Equilibrative Nucleoside Transporters (SLC28 and SLC29 gene families, respectively). Pharmacophore models proposed for both protein families may prove suitable for optimizing drug design. Additional transporter proteins, including Organic Anion Transporters, Organic Cation Transporters (members of the SLC22 gene family), and Peptide Transporters (SLC15 gene family), have been implicated in the uptake of nucleoside‐derived drugs, particularly those currently used in antiviral therapies. In this review, we focus on the pharmacological profiles of these transporter proteins, summarizing the documented studies covering structure‐function and substrate structural requirement properties that determine drug‐carrier interaction and efficient substrate translocation across the plasma membrane of target cells. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev
Endomorphins: potential roles and therapeutic indications in the development of opioid peptide analgesic drugs
Authors: Liu Wei X. , Wang Rui
Published: February 2011

The application of endomorphins as clinical available analgesic drugs has been impeded by their relatively poor receptor selectivity compared with alkaloid analgesics, rapid degradation in vivo, inefficient to penetrate the blood–brain barrier (BBB), and undesirable or toxic effects, such as acute tolerance and physical dependence, respiratory depression, and inhibition of gastrointestinal motility. Extensive studies have been performed so far striving to conquer these problems. In this article we review and discuss conformational and topographical modifications of the peptide amide bond and amino acid side groups to attain the most appropriate receptor binding affinity and high receptor selectivity; diverse strategies such as insertion of unnatural amino acids, covalent or noncovalent constraints as well as cyclization of linear peptides to enhance the enzymatic stability; designing of peptidomimetic ligands, glycopeptides, andN‐terminal amidinationed analogues (such as incorporating guanidine into endomorphins) to penetrate the BBB. Also, several pertinent examples of bivalent and/or multivalent (such as mixed µ‐agonist/δ‐antagonist profile) compounds are discussed based on the existing literature and current data intending to give an insight into the development of opioid peptides expressing low tendency to produce acute tolerance and physical dependence. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 32, No. 3, 536–580, 2012
Targeted Drug Delivery and Penetration Into Solid Tumors
Authors: Corti Angelo , Pastorino Fabio , Curnis Flavio , Arap Wadih , Ponzoni Mirco , Pasqualini Renata
Published: February 2011

Delivery and penetration of chemotherapeutic drugs into tumors are limited by a number of factors related to abnormal vasculature and altered stroma composition in neoplastic tissues. Coupling of chemotherapeutic drugs with tumor vasculature‐homing peptides or administration of drugs in combination with biological agents that affect the integrity of the endothelial lining of tumor vasculature is an appealing strategy to improve drug delivery to tumor cells. Promising approaches to achieve this goal are based on the use of Asn‐Gly‐Arg (NGR)‐containing peptides as ligands for drug delivery and of NGR‐TNF, a peptide‐tumor necrosis factor‐α fusion protein that selectively alters drug penetration barriers and that is currently tested in a randomized Phase III trial in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Involvement of MAPK and PI3K signaling pathway in sterigmatocystin‐induced G2 phase arrest in human gastric epithelium cells
Authors: Xing Xin , Wang Juan , Xing Ling Xiao , Li Yue Hong , Yan Xia , Zhang Xiang Hong
Published: February 2011

Scope: Sterigmatocystin (ST), a mycotoxin commonly found in foodstuff and feedstuff, has been shown to be a carcinogenic mycotoxin in animal models. Many studies showed that the high level of ST contamination in grains might be related to the high incidence of gastric carcinoma in rural areas of China. However, up to now, the potential effects of ST on human gastric epithelium cells remain largely unknown. In this study, we explored the effects of ST on cell‐cycle distribution and the regulatory mechanism in immortalized human gastric epithelium cells (GES‐1).

Methods and results: The effects of ST on the cell cycle distribution of GES‐1 cells were determined with flow cytometric (FCM) analysis, Giemsa staining and immunofluorescence staining, while that on the expression of related gene‐Cdc25C, Cdc2, CyclinB1 and the complex of CyclinB1‐Cdc2 were studied with Western blot, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and immunoprecipitation assay respectively. We found that ST induced GES‐1 cells arrested at G2 phase by regulating the expression of Cdc25C, Cdc2, CyclinB1 and the formation of CyclinB1‐Cdc2 complex. Further study suggested JNK, ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways to be involved in the process of G2 arrest induced by ST. The specific inhibitors of JNK and ERK reversed the role of ST, whereas that of PI3K/AKT/mTOR reinforced the effect of ST on cell‐cycle distribution.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that JNK, ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways participated in the G2 arrest induced by ST through the deregulation of CyclinB1, Cdc2 and Cdc25C. It may play some roles in the gastric carcinogenesis in ST exposure populations.
Custom‐fitted 16‐channel bilateral breast coil for bidirectional parallel imaging
Authors: Nnewihe Anderson N. , Grafendorfer Thomas , Daniel Bruce L. , Calderon Paul , Alley Marcus T. , Robb Fraser , Hargreaves Brian A.
Published: February 2011

A 16‐channel receive‐only, closely fitted array coil is described and tested in vivo for bilateral breast imaging at 3 T. The primary purpose of this coil is to provide high signal‐to‐noise ratio and parallel imaging acceleration in two directions for breast MRI. Circular coil elements (7.5‐cm diameter) were placed on a closed “cup‐shaped” platform, and nearest neighbor coils were decoupled through geometric overlap. Comparisons were made between the 16‐channel custom coil and a commercially available 8‐channel coil. SENSitivity Encoding (SENSE) parallel imaging noise amplification (g‐factor) was evaluated in phantom scans. In healthy volunteers, we compared signal‐to‐noise ratio, parallel imaging in one and two directions, Autocalibrating Reconstruction for Cartesian sampling (ARC) g‐factor, and high spatial resolution imaging. When compared with a commercially available 8‐channel coil, the 16‐channel custom coil shows 3.6× higher mean signal‐to‐noise ratio in the breast and higher quality accelerated images. In patients, the 16‐channel custom coil has facilitated high‐quality, high‐resolution images with bidirectional acceleration of R = 6.3. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative cerebral blood flow in dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI using total cerebral flow from phase contrast magnetic resonance angiography
Authors: Bonekamp David , Degaonkar Mahaveer , Barker Peter B.
Published: February 2011

Dynamic susceptibility contrast magnetic resonance imaging during bolus injection of gadolinium contrast agent is commonly used to investigate cerebral hemodynamics. The large majority of clinical applications of dynamic susceptibility contrast magnetic resonance imaging to date have reported relative cerebral blood flow values because of dependence of the result on the accuracy of determining the arterial input function, the robustness of the singular value decomposition algorithm, and others. We propose a calibration approach that directly measures the total (i.e., whole brain) cerebral blood flow in individual subjects using phase contrast magnetic resonance angiography. The method was applied to data from 11 patients with intracranial pathology. The sum of squares variance about the mean (uncorrected: white matter = 105.6, gray matter = 472.2; corrected: white matter = 34.1, gray matter = 99.8) after correction was significantly lower for white matter (P = 0.045) and for gray matter (P = 0.011). However, the mean gray and white matter cerebral blood flow in the contralateral hemisphere were not significantly altered by the correction. The proposed phase contrast magnetic resonance angiography calibration technique appears to be one of the most direct correction schemes available for dynamic susceptibility contrast magnetic resonance imaging cerebral blood flow values and can be performed rapidly, requiring only a few minutes of additional scan time. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Review of the evolution of electrodiagnostic criteria for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradicoloneuropathy
Authors: Bromberg Mark B.
Published: February 2011

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradicoloneuropathy (CIDP) is a treatable form of neuropathy. Efforts to devise sets of electrodiagnostic (nerve conduction) criteria to distinguish primary demyelination from primary axonal neuropathies have been elusive, and at least 16 criteria have been proposed. Modifications to criteria frequently represent minor changes based on applying a set to a small number of patients with the clinical diagnosis of CIDP, whereas others are based on physiological changes related to demyelination and other pathophysiological features. The various modifications continue to result in limited sensitivity, likely related to the wide range of nerve conduction abnormalities among CIDP patients. Although some sets are appropriate for formal clinical drug trials, their complexity makes them difficult to apply in the clinic or electromyography laboratory. This study considers the evolution of the criteria, discusses their limitations, and ends with a simplified set of guidelines that can be applied in the clinic or laboratory. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Motor nerve decline does not underlie muscle weakness in type 2 Diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Ijzerman T. Herman , Schaper Nicolaas C. , Melai Tom , Blijham Paul , Meijer Kenneth. , Willems Paul J.B. , Savelberg Hans H.C.M.
Published: February 2011

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) patients may have decreased muscle strength. This decline can have multiple causes, among them diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN). We sought to determine the effect of nerve deterioration on muscle strength in DM2 patients with and without DPN. Methods: Nineteen DM2 patients with DPN (DPN group), 15 DM2 patients without DPN (DC group), and 18 healthy subjects (HC group) were recruited. We determined motor and sensory nerve function of the lower extremity. Isometric dynamometry was performed to determine maximum torque of the ankle joint. Results: The DPN group had significantly diminished nerve function and muscle strength (P < 0.05) compared with both other groups. Only muscle strength was lower in DC subjects compared with HCs. No significant correlations were found between nerve function and muscle strength. Conclusion: These results indicate that reduced ankle joint torque in DM2 patients with and without DPN is independent of the presence of disturbed nerve function. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Reliability of the modified hammersmith functional motor scale in young children with spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Krosschell Kristin J. , Scott Charles B. , Maczulski Jo Anne , Lewelt Aga J. , Reyna Sandra P. , Swoboda Kathryn J. ,   for Project Cure SMA
Published: February 2011

Introduction: The test–retest reliability of the Modified Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale (MHFMS) in children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) ≤30 months of age was assessed. The age at which typically developing children (TD) achieve maximum MHFMS scores was also studied. Methods: Twenty‐two children with SMA type II [mean age (SD) = 20 (5) months, range 9–30 months) were tested twice using the MHFMS. Twenty‐five TD children [mean age (SD) = 18 (7) months, range 9–30 months) were tested once. Results: The average difference between MHFMS scores for SMA children was 0.18 [first assessment: mean (SD) = 12.8 (9.8); second assessment: mean (SD) = 13.0 (8.8)]. Reliability was excellent (ICC1,3 = 0.96, SEM 1.86). TD participants had MHFMS scores ranging from 36 to 40 [mean (SD) = 39.2 (1.2)] and achieved maximum test scores at 12 months of age. Discussion: MHFMS scores in young children with SMA type II showed excellent test–retest stability. This suggests that the MHFMS can be used reliably in this younger population for clinical trials and follow‐up. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Progressive dysphagia in limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B
Authors: Walsh Richard , Hill Fiona , Breslin Niall , Connolly Sean , Brett Francesca M. , Charlton Richard , Barresi Rita , McCabe Dominick J. H.
Published: February 2011

Dysphagia has not been reported in genetically confirmed limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B (LGMD2B).A 40‐year‐old woman reported exercise‐induced calf pain at age 34, followed by progressive lower and upper limb weakness. At age 38, progressive dysphagia for solids, and subsequently liquids, ensued. Endoscopic and videofluoroscopic–radiological findings indicated a myopathic swallowing disorder. Molecular genetic analysis confirmed two dysferlin gene mutations consistent with a compound heterozygote state. Progressive dysphagia should be considered as part of the expanding dysferlinopathy phenotype. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Gaussian process emulators for the stochastic finite element method
Authors: DiazDelaO F. A. , Adhikari S.
Published: February 2011

This paper explores a method to reduce the computational cost of stochastic finite element codes. The method, known as Gaussian process emulation, consists of building a statistical approximation to the output of such codes based on few training runs. The incorporation of emulation is explored for two aspects of the stochastic finite element problem. First, it is applied to approximating realizations of random fields discretized via the Karhunen–Loève expansion. Numerical results of emulating realizations of Gaussian and lognormal homogeneous two‐dimensional random fields are presented. Second, it is coupled with the polynomial chaos expansion and the partitioned Cholesky decomposition in order to compute the response of the typical sparse linear system that arises due to the discretization of the partial differential equations that govern the response of a stochastic finite element problem. The advantages and challenges of adopting the proposed coupling are discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three‐dimensional analysis of functionally graded plates
Authors: Wen P. H. , Sladek J. , Sladek V.
Published: February 2011

Based on the state‐space formalism, a three‐dimensional analysis is presented for orthotropic functionally graded rectangular plates with simply supported edges under static and dynamic loads. The material properties are assumed to be variable through the thickness. The governing equations for the functionally graded material (FGM) are developed on the state‐space approach in the Laplace transform domain. Assuming constant material properties, we derive the analytical solutions that can be used to validate any numerical methods. For FGM plates, the numerical solutions are obtained by the use of radial basis function method. Three examples are presented for the FGMs and laminated composite. The accuracy of the proposed numerical technique has been compared with the exact solutions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parents' beliefs about themselves as parents of a new infant: Instrument development
Authors: Pridham Karen F. , Chang Audrey S.
Published: February 2011

The instrument, What Being the Parent of a New Baby is Like (WPL), was designed to assess parental experiences and self‐images which are likely to influence problem‐solving concerning their infants. Forty‐nine mothers responded to the questionnaire on three separate occasions during the infants' first 3 months. These data were the basis for a preliminary examination of the item characteristics, reliability (internal consistency), and validity. The pattern of responses to the WPL was in the expected direction for a sample of mothers who, on the whole, functioned well as parents. Principal components factor analysis with iteration and varimax orthogonal rotation identified two variables (centrality of the infant and success in parenting) that together accounted for 60.1% of the variance; adequate internal consistency for success and modest internal consistency for centrality were demonstrated. Use of the Neonatal Perception and Degree of Bother Inventories demonstrated divergent validity. Expected parity differences tested the known groups technique of construct validity. The significant relationship between success and a measure of parents' perceptions of their problem‐solving skills demonstrated concurrent validity. Further testing of WPL with added items on larger and more heterogeneous samples is warranted.
Predictors of acute confusional states in hospitalized elderly patients
Authors: Williams Margaret A. , Campbell Emily B. , Raynor William J. , Musholt Mary A. , Mlynarczyk Susan M. , Crane Laraine F.
Published: February 2011

Development of two models for predicting acute confusional states in elderly postsurgical hip‐fracture patients is described. Admission variables were used in the first model to predict confusion in the first five postoperative days; treatment and clinical progress data were added for the second model to predict on a day‐to‐day basis. The main sample was 170 patients from four hospitals (M age = 78.8) with no prior history of mental impairment. Over half (51.5%) evidenced some confusion postoperatively. Three variables were significant in the admission model: age, errors on a mental status test, and level of pre‐injury activity. Age and test errors remained significant in the daily model and urine elimination problems were added, but the strongest predictor was the previous day's confusion score. When that effect was removed, pain, narcotics, and mobility emerged as important predictors. Validity testing suggested that the three admission factors were core predictors of acute confusional states.
Impact of a husband's chronic illness (COPD) on the spouse's life
Authors: Sexton Dorothy L. , Munro Barbara Hazard
Published: February 2011

This study was conducted to determine the impact of a husband's chronic illness on the spouse's life. The sample was 76 married women, 46 whose husbands had a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and 30 whose husbands did not have a chronic illness. On a mailed questionnaire wives of COPD patients reported higher subjective stress (p = .032) and lower life satisfaction (p = .006) than the wives whose husbands did not have a chronic illness. The COPD wives assumed more new roles and responsibilities, relinquished more social activities, rated their health lower, and reported less frequent marital relations. Implications for future research are addressed.
Indirect auscultatory blood pressure measurement at two sites in the arm
Authors: Tachovsky Barbara J.
Published: February 2011

The purpose of this research was to describe and compare indirect auscultatory blood pressure measurement at the forearm site with values obtained at the traditional upper arm site. The forearm site has been suggested as an alternative site for more accurate measurement of blood pressure in obese patients. This study explores differences in data obtained at the two sites on 98 female subjects, aged 18 to 25 years, with nonobese arms and without history of cardiovascular‐renal disease. Data were analyzed using a paired t test (p < .05). Results indicate that statistically significant differences exist between the sites based on the lower systolic values and higher diastolic values obtained at the forearm site. Additional study is recommended to further clarify differences and to include obese subjects.
Obesity in lower and middle socio‐economic status mothers and their children
Authors: Saltzer Eleanor B. , Golden Michael P.
Published: February 2011

To identify potential nursing interventions for obesity in lower socioeconomic status populations, the relationships between maternal and child obesity, socioeconomic status, maternal nutritional knowledge, and locus of control for maternal weight in 144 children and their mothers were studied. Subjects were recruited from two clinic populations; Clinic 1 was of lower socioeconomic status than Clinic 2. As compared with those from Clinic 2, mothers from Clinic 1 were heavier, had less nutritional knowledge, and were more external with respect to locus of weight control. There was a trend for Clinic 1 children to be heavier than those in Clinic 2 but this finding was not statistically significant. The lower socioeconomic status children significantly resembled their mothers' adiposity (possibly foreshadowing adult obesity), however, the middle socioeconomic status children did not resemble their mothers.
A comparison of professional performance examination scores of graduating associate and baccalaureate degree nursing students
Authors: Mcmillan Susan C.
Published: February 2011

The Professional Performance Examination has four subtests of professional nursing performance: leadership, collaboration, research, and management of client care. If these four elements characterize the professional rather than the technical nurse, and if this test is representative of these elements, professional and technical nurses should be differentiated. Two alternate forms of each of the four subtests were administered to 86 subjects graduating from 12 associate degree nursing programs and 83 subjects graduating from 11 bachelor degree programs. Results showed no difference in leadership, collaboration, and management subtest scores, but the bachelors degree group scored significantly higher than the associate degree on the research subtest. These results suggested that either the test was not sensitive enough to detect all differences between the two groups, or the associate degree and bachelor degree subjects were not as different as generally supposed.
Life satisfaction, health control orientation, and illness‐related factors in persons with osteoarthritis
Authors: Laborde Joyce M. , Powers Marjorie J.
Published: February 2011

The purpose of this study was to assess life satisfaction in osteoarthritics and to explore relationships between that variable and health perception, health locus of control, and illness‐related factors. The study group consisted of 160 osteoarthritics from four different types of settings. The osteoarthritics rated their present life satisfaction and recent health as relatively good and were externally controlled in terms of their health beliefs. Present life satisfaction was related to better health perception, internal locus of control, and less joint pain.
Issues of conceptualization and measurement of social support in the construction of nursing theory
Authors: Tilden Virginia Peterson
Published: February 2011

Social support has emerged in the last decade as a significant health behavior and, therefore, a promising focus of theory development in nursing. Nursing's concern with health, environment, and person provides an ideal perspective from which to take the lead in research, instrument development, and theory construction in social support. The focus of this article is the present development of the construct to assist nurse scholars toward an adequate conception of social support. Theoretical frameworks underlying definitions are examined, and issues of measurement and clinical assessment are discussed.
Post hoc tests following analysis of variance
Authors: Holm Karyn , Christman Norma J.
Published: February 2011

Review of nursing research literature revealed that post hoc comparisons of mean differences were not consistently reported, although their use was warranted. This paper describes the critical features of post hoc procedures and offers guidelines for selecting one method over another. Particular attention is given to how various procedures control Type 1 error. Selection of post hoc procedures considering the investigator's desire for control of Type 1 and Type 2 error also is presented.
Policy perspectives on newspaper reports of nurse strikes
Authors: Kalisch Philip A. , Kalisch Beatrice J.
Published: February 2011

Content analysis was used to study 1980 U.S. newspaper articles about nurse strikes. Multivariate analysis revealed that the 893 nurse strike articles presented a more negative image of the nurse than newspaper articles on other nursing subjects. There were more negative headlines, criticism of nurses, and negative relationships. Desire for higher salaries was the major strike issue reported by newspapers, conveying that nurses are interested in personal economic gain as opposed to quality patient care. Nurse strike articles were more likely to appear in larger circulaton newspapers and be about strikes in hospitals rather than other health care settings. The most extensive and favorable press coverage occurred in states where organized labor is concentrated. Policy implications of these findings include the difficulty of using the nurse strike as a labor tactic in states with a strong antiunion press.
Perceived job stress, job satisfaction, and psychological symptoms in critical care nursing
Authors: Norbeck Jane S.
Published: February 2011

This study tested the relationships among perceived job stress, job satisfaction, and psychological symptoms of critical care nurses. A self‐administered questionnaire was sent to a sample of 180 critical care nurses from eight hospitals. The results supported the hypotheses that higher levels of perceived job stress are related to lower levels of job satisfaction (r = ‐.24, p = .001) and to higher levels of psychological symptoms (r = .33, p = .000). These effects remained even when years of experience in nursing and shift were controlled. Item analysis, however, showed that four of the five top‐ranking stressors were not related to the outcome measures. A distinction between positive and negative stressors is proposed to explain the pattern of results.
The prevalence of hot flash and associated variables among perimenopausal women
Authors: Feldman Bernadine M. , Voda Ann , Gronseth Evangeline
Published: February 2011

A telephone survey of a random sample of 594 perimenopausal women was done to study the prevalence of hot flashes, use of estrogen, age of menopause onset, and, among those subjects experiencing hot flashes, the frequency of occurrence and number of years of hot flashes. The prevalence of hot flashes was 88%. Surgical menopause women had a prevalence rate of 92% and had the highest estrogen utilization rate. The median age of onset for natural menopause women was 49 years. The frequency of occurrence and number of years of hot flash experience was variable across all groups.
Noise in acute patient care areas
Authors: Hilton B. Ann
Published: February 2011

This study was designed to describe the level of sound in acute patient care areas. A convenience sample of 25 subjects from four intensive care and two general care units within three hospitals in a large metropolitan area was studied. Continuous decibel levels [dB(A)] and equivalent continuous sound pressure levels [LEQ] were measured for 24 continuous hours. Two 3‐hour observations were made to assess the sources of sound, and patients were interviewed to determine their perceptions of sound effects. Continuous high noise levels were found in the larger hospital's open heart recovery room and intensive care units [48.5–68.5 dB(A), 15‐minute LEQ], lower levels in the smaller hospital's intensive care units [32.5–57 dB(A)] and varying levels in the general ward areas [34.25–62.5 dB(A)]. Decibel levels generated from equipment reached 90 dB(A) in some instances. Patients' perceptions ranged from content to highly perturbed. Although some sources of noise were not immediately changeable, others were adaptable, preventable, or reducible.