bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CX3CL1 reduces neurotoxicity and microglial activation in a rat model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Pabon Mibel M , Bachstetter Adam D , Hudson Charles E , Gemma Carmelina , Bickford Paula C
Published: February 2011

Background

Parkinson's disease is characterized by a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The cause of the neurodegeneration is unknown. Neuroinflammation has been clearly shown in Parkinson's disease and may be involved in the progressive nature of the disease. Microglia are capable of producing neuronal damage through the production of bioactive molecules such as cytokines, as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS), and nitric oxide (NO). The inflammatory response in the brain is tightly regulated at multiple levels. One form of immune regulation occurs via neurons. Fractalkine (CX3CL1), produced by neurons, suppresses the activation of microglia. CX3CL1 is constitutively expressed. It is not known if addition of exogenous CX3CL1 beyond otherwise physiologically normal levels could decrease microglia activation and thereby minimize the secondary neurodegeration following a neurotoxic insult.

Methods

The intrastriatal 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) rat model of Parkinson disease, was used to test the hypothesis that exogenous CX3CL1 could be neuroprotective. Treatment with recombinant CX3CL1 was delivered to the striatum by an osmotic minipump for 28 days beginning 7 days after the initial insult. Unbiased stereological methods were used to quantify the lesion size in the striatum, the amount of neuronal loss in the substantia nigra, and the amount of microglia activation.

Results

As hypothesized, CX3CL1 was able to suppress this microglia activation. The reduced microglia activation was found to be neuroprotective as the CX3CL1 treated rats had a smaller lesion volume in the striatum and importantly significantly fewer neurons were lost in the CX3CL1 treated rats.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrated that CX3CL1 plays a neuroprotective role in 6-OHDA-induced dopaminergic lesion and it might be an effective therapeutic target for many neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson disease and Alzheimer disease, where inflammation plays an important role.
Cellular immune responses in patients with hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance induced by antiviral therapy
Authors: Liang Minfeng , Ma Shiwu , Hu Xiaoxiong , Zhou Bin , Zhang Junchang , Chen Jinjun , Wang Zhanhui , Sun Jian , Zhu Xiaolin , Abbott William , Hou Jinlin
Published: February 2011

Background

The mechanisms by which chronic hepatitis B is completely resolved through antiviral therapy are unknown, and the contribution of acquired T cell immunity to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance has not been investigated. Therefore, we measured the T-cell responses to core and envelope antigens in patients with HBsAg seroclearance.

Methods

Fourteen subjects with HBsAg seroclearance following antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis B, 7 HBeAg-positive immunotolerant HBV carriers and 9 HBeAg-negative inactive HBsAg carriers were recruited. HBV-specific T-cell responses to recombinant HBV core (rHBcAg) and envelope (rHBsAg) proteins and pools of core and envelope peptides were measured using an ELISPOT assay detecting interferon-gamma and intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) assays detecting interferon-gamma or interleukin 2.

Results

Interferon-gamma ELISPOT assays showed a low frequency of weak responses to the rHBsAg and S peptide pool in the HBsAg seroclearance group, and the response frequency to the rHBcAg and the C peptide pool was higher than to the rHBsAg (P< 0.001) and S peptide pool (P= 0.001) respectively. A higher response frequency to C than S peptide pools was confirmed in the interferon-gamma ICS assays for both CD4+ (P= 0.033) and CD8+ (P= 0.040) T cells in the HBsAg seroclearance group. The responses to C and S antigens in the inactive carriers were similar.

Conclusions

There was a low frequency of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell immune responses to envelope antigens in Chinese subjects with HBsAg seroclearance following antiviral therapy. It is unlikely that these immune responses are responsible for HBsAg seroclearance in these subjects.
Murine model for congenital CMV infection and hearing impairment
Authors: Juanjuan Chen , Yan Feng , LI Chen , Haizhi Liu , Ling Wang , Xinrong Wang , Juan Xiao , Tao Liu , Zongzhi Yin , Suhua Chen
Published: February 2011

Background

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the leading cause of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), and SNHL is the most frequent sequela of congenital CMV infection. But the pathogenic mechanism remains unknown, and there is no ideal CMV intrauterine infection animal model to study the mechanisms by which SNHL develops.

Methods

We established the congenital murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection model by directly injecting the virus into the placenta on day 12.5 of gestation. Then, we observed the development and the MCMV congenital infection rate of the fetuses on the day they were born. Furthermore, we detected the auditory functions, the conditions of the MCMV infection, and the histological change of the inner ears of 28-day-old and 70-day-old offspring.

Results

Both the fetal loss rate and the teratism rate of offspring whose placentas were inoculated with MCMV increased, and their body length, head circumference, and weight decreased. The hearing level of offspring both decreased at both 28- and 70-days post birth; the 70-day-old mice developed lower hearing levels than did the 28-day old mice. No significant inflammatory changes in the cochleae of the mice were observed. MCMV DNA signals were mainly detected in the spiral ganglion neurons and the endolymph area, but not in the perilymph area. The number of neurons decreased, and their ultrastructures changed. Moreover, with age, the number of neurons dramatically decreased, and the ultrastructural lesions of neurons became much more severe.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the direct injection of MCMV into the placenta may efficiently cause fetal infection and disturb the intrauterine development of the fetus, and placental inoculation itself has no obvious adverse effects on offspring. The reduction in the number of spiral ganglion neurons and the ultrastructural lesions of the neurons may be the major cause of congenital CMV infection-induced progressive SNHL.
Treatment utilization and barriers to treatment: Results of a survey of dependent methamphetamine users
Authors: Kenny Pauline , Harney Angela , Lee Nicole K , Pennay Amy
Published: February 2011

Background

Australia has one of the highest rates of methamphetamine use in the world; however, treatment access for methamphetamine is comparatively low. This descriptive study aimed to identify patterns of treatment utilization and perceived barriers to accessing treatment among dependent methamphetamine users in the hope that such information will enable services to more appropriately respond to this group.

Methods

One hundred and twenty-six methamphetamine users who had a current or past history of methamphetamine dependence were interviewed about their experiences of, and perceived barriers to, treatment.

Results

Treatment utilization among methamphetamine users was reportedly low. One of the main reasons cited for not accessing treatment was that methamphetamine users did not perceive their drug use to be a problem (despite apparent levels of dependence). Self-detoxification with the use of other licit and illicit drugs was high among this group. Participants identified a lack of confidence in the ability of treatment services to address methamphetamine dependence and the 'opiate-centric' nature of treatment services as significant blocks to treatment entry. Suggestions for improvement by participants included operating specialist services for methamphetamine users, placing an emphasis on responsiveness and routinely involving case management services for this group.

Discussion and Conclusions

To improve service delivery, treatment services should reorient their services to better address the needs of methamphetamine users by making small changes such as specific opening times for methamphetamine users or using a dedicated space for methamphetamine treatment. Alternative options such as online treatments and specialist methamphetamine clinics should be considered for methamphetamine users.
Anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious effects of Evodia rutaecarpa (Wuzhuyu) and its major bioactive components
Authors: Liao Jyh-Fei , Chiou Wen-Fei , Shen Yuh-Chiang , Wang Guei-Jane , Chen Chieh-Fu
Published: February 2011

This article reviews the anti-inflammatory relative and anti-infectious effects of Evodia rutaecarpa and its major bioactive components and the involvement of the nitric oxide synthases, cyclooxygenase, NADPH oxidase, nuclear factor kappa B, hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha, reactive oxygen species, prostaglandins, tumor necrosis factor, LIGHT, amyloid protein and orexigenic neuropeptides. Their potential applications for the treatment of endotoxaemia, obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and their uses as cardiovascular and gastrointestinal protective agents, analgesics, anti-oxidant, anti-atherosclerosis agents, dermatological agents and anti-infectious agents are highlighted. Stimulation of calcitonin gene-related peptide release may partially explain the analgesic, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal protective, anti-obese activities of Evodia rutaecarpa and its major bioactive components.
Metronidazole-induced encephalopathy in a patient with infectious colitis: a case report
Authors: Kim Hoon , Kim Young Woo , Kim Seoung Rim , Park Ik Seong , Jo Kwang Wook
Published: February 2011

Introduction

Encephalopathy is a rare disease caused by adverse effects of antibiotic drugs such as metronidazole. The incidence of metronidazole-induced encephalopathy is unknown, although several previous studies have addressed metronidazole neurotoxicity. Here, we report the case of a patient with reversible cerebellar dysfunction on magnetic resonance imaging, induced by prolonged administration of metronidazole for the treatment of infectious colitis.

Case presentation

A 71-year-old Asian man, admitted to our hospital with hematochezia, underwent Hartmann's operation for the treatment of colorectal cancer three years ago. He was diagnosed with an infectious colitis by colonoscopy. After taking metronidazole, he showed drowsiness and slow response to verbal commands. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed obvious bilateral symmetric hyperintensities within his dentate nucleus, tectal region of the cerebellum, and splenium of corpus callosum in T2-weighted images and fluid attenuated inversion recovery images. Our patient's clinical presentation and magnetic resonance images were thought to be most consistent with metronidazole toxicity. Therefore, we discontinued metronidazole, and his cerebellar syndrome resolved. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging examinations showed complete resolution of previously noted signal changes.

Conclusion

Metronidazole may produce neurologic side effects such as cerebellar syndrome, and encephalopathy in rare cases. We show that metronidazole-induced encephalopathy can be reversed after cessation of the drug. Consequently, careful consideration should be given to patients presenting with complaints of neurologic disorder after the initiation of metronidazole therapy.
Sizing the lung of mechanically ventilated patients
Authors: Mattingley Jennifer S , Holets Steven R , Oeckler Richard A , Stroetz Randolph W , Buck Curtis F , Hubmayr Rolf D
Published: February 2011

Introduction

This small observational study was motivated by our belief that scaling the tidal volume in mechanically ventilated patients to the size of the injured lung is safer and more 'physiologic' than scaling it to predicted body weight, i.e. its size before it was injured. We defined Total Lung Capacity (TLC) as the thoracic gas volume at an airway pressure of 40 cm H2O and tested if TLC could be inferred from the volume of gas that enters the lungs during a brief 'recruitment' maneuver.

Methods

Lung volume at relaxed end expiration (Vrel) as well as inspiratory capacity (IC), defined as the volume of gas that enters the lung during a 5 second inflation to 40 cm H2O, were measured in 14 patients with respiratory failure. TLC was defined as the sum of IC and Vrel. The dependence of IC and Vrel on body mass index (BMI), respiratory system elastance and plateau airway pressure was assessed.

Results

TLC was reduced to 59 ± 23% of that predicted. Vrel/TLC, which averaged 0.45 ± 0.11, was no different than the 0.47 ± 0.04 predicted during health in the supine posture. The greater than expected variability in observed Vrel/TLC was largely accounted for by BMI. Vrel and IC were correlated (r = 0.76). Taking BMI into account strengthened the correlation (r = 0.92).

Conclusions

We conclude that body mass is a powerful determinant of lung volume and plateau airway pressure. Effective lung size can be easily estimated from a recruitment maneuver derived inspiratory capacity measurement and body mass index.
Quality of Randomized Controlled Trials Reporting in the Treatment of Sarcomas
Authors: Toulmonde Maud , Bellera Carine , Mathoulin-Pelissier Simone , Debled Marc , Bui Binh , Italiano Antoine
Published: February 2011

Purpose

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) represent the best evidence in oncology practice. The aim of this study was to assess the reporting quality of sarcoma RCTs and to identify significant predictors of quality.

Patients and Methods

Two investigators searched MEDLINE for pediatric and adult bone and soft tissue sarcoma RCTs published between January 1988 and December 2008. The quality of each report was assessed by using a 15-point overall reporting quality score based on 15 items from the revised Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement (overall quality score [OQS] range, 0 to 15 points). Concealment of allocation, appropriate blinding, and analysis according to intention-to-treat principle were assessed separately because of their crucial methodologic importance by using a 3-point key methodologic index score (MIS; range, 0 to 3).

Results

We retrieved 72 relevant RCTs that included 16,029 patients. The median OQS was 9.5. Allocation concealment, blinding, and analysis by intent to treat were reported only in 21 (29%), nine (12.5%), and 23 (32%) of the 72 RCTs, respectively. The median MIS was 1 with a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 2. On multivariate analysis, publication after 1996 and high impact factor remained independent and significant predictors of improved OQS. The sole variable associated with improved MIS was the publication of chemotherapy-only trials.

Conclusion

Although the overall quality of sarcoma RCTs reporting has improved over time, reporting of key methodologic issues remains poor. This may lead to biased interpretation of sarcoma trial results.
Use of Bisphosphonates and Reduced Risk of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Rennert Gad , Pinchev Mila , Rennert Hedy S. , Gruber Stephen B.
Published: February 2011

Purpose

Bisphosphonates are commonly used for the treatment of osteoporosis and bone metastases caused by breast cancer and were recently reported to be associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer, possibly acting through the mevalonate pathway, but their association with risk of other cancers is unknown.

Patients and Methods

The Molecular Epidemiology of Colorectal Cancer study is a population-based, case-control study in northern Israel of patients with colorectal cancer and age-, sex-, clinic-, and ethnic group–matched controls. Long-term use of bisphosphonates before diagnosis was assessed in a subset of 933 pairs of postmenopausal female patients and controls, enrolled in Clalit Health Services, using computerized pharmacy records.

Results

The use of bisphosphonates for more than 1 year before diagnosis, but not for less than 1 year, was associated with a significantly reduced relative risk (RR) of colorectal cancer (RR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.35 to 0.71). This association remained statistically significant after adjustment in a model for vegetable consumption, sports activity, family history of colorectal cancer, body mass index, and use of low-dose aspirin, statins, vitamin D, and postmenopausal hormones (RR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.67). Concomitant use of bisphosphonates and statins did not further reduce the risk.

Conclusion

The use of oral bisphosphonates for more than 1 year was associated with a 59% relative reduction in the risk of colorectal cancer, similar to the recently reported association of this drug class with reduction in breast cancer risk.
Cohesin loading and sliding
Authors: Ocampo-Hafalla Maria T. , Uhlmann Frank
Published: February 2011

Cohesin is best known as a crucial component of chromosomal stability. Composed of several essential subunits in budding yeast, cohesin forms a ring-like complex that is thought to embrace sister chromatids, thereby physically linking them until their timely segregation during cell division. The ability of cohesin to bind chromosomes depends on the Scc2–Scc4 complex, which is viewed as a loading factor for cohesin onto DNA. Notably, in addition to its canonical function in sister chromatid cohesion, cohesin has also been implicated in gene regulation and development in organisms ranging from yeast to human. Despite its importance, both as a mediator of sister chromatid cohesion and as a modulator of gene expression, the nature of the association of cohesin with chromosomes that enables it to fulfil both of these roles remains incompletely understood. The mechanism by which cohesin is loaded onto chromosomes, and how cohesin and the related condensin and Smc5–Smc6 complexes promote DNA interactions require further elucidation. In this Commentary, we critically review the evidence for cohesin loading and its subsequent apparent sliding along chromosomes, and discuss the implications gained from cohesin localisation studies for its important functions in chromosome biology.
Endosomal clathrin drives actin accumulation at the immunological synapse
Authors: Calabia-Linares Carmen , Robles-Valero Javier , de la Fuente Hortensia , Perez-Martinez Manuel , Martín-Cofreces Noa , Alfonso-Pérez Manuel , Gutierrez-Vázquez Cristina , Mittelbrunn María , Ibiza Sales , Urbano-Olmos Francisco R. , Aguado-Ballano Covadonga , Sánchez-Sorzano Carlos Oscar , Sanchez-Madrid Francisco , Veiga Esteban
Published: February 2011

Antigen-specific cognate interaction of T lymphocytes with antigen-presenting cells (APCs) drives major morphological and functional changes in T cells, including actin rearrangements at the immune synapse (IS) formed at the cell–cell contact area. Here we show, using cell lines as well as primary cells, that clathrin, a protein involved in endocytic processes, drives actin accumulation at the IS. Clathrin is recruited towards the IS with parallel kinetics to that of actin. Knockdown of clathrin prevents accumulation of actin and proteins involved in actin polymerization, such as dynamin-2, the Arp2/3 complex and CD2AP at the IS. The clathrin pool involved in actin accumulation at the IS is linked to multivesicular bodies that polarize to the cell–cell contact zone, but not to plasma membrane or Golgi complex. These data underscore the role of clathrin as a platform for the recruitment of proteins that promote actin polymerization at the interface of T cells and APCs.
Inverse dynamics compensation via ‘simulation of feedback control systems'
Authors: Tagawa Y , Tu J-Y , Stoten D P
Published: February 2011

In many applications within the fields of science, engineering, mathematics, and socio-economics, the ‘inverse problem' (i.e. the problem of determining a system's input from its output) is commonplace. The current paper presents a new concept for solving the inverse problem, which the authors call inverse dynamics compensation via ‘simulation of feedback control systems' (IDCS). IDCS is a numerical method that obtains an approximate inverse dynamic solution via a feedback control simulation, using only the forward dynamic model of the linear or non-linear system. Simulations are ideal environments for feedback control, in the sense that they can be completely noise-free and precisely known, so that the IDCS method can be tuned for the best possible performance. It is seen that IDCS can use the advantages of such ideal control simulation performance in the real world of physical implementations.

This paper first introduces the basic idea of IDCS. Then, the effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated via three illustrative examples, in which the systems to be controlled have continuous and discontinuous non-linearities. IDCS performance is also investigated via physical experimentation on a non-linear servohydraulic test rig. Finally, extensions of the basic IDCS formulation are introduced which are potentially useful for the solution of additional practical problems.
Robust stabilization of uncertain stochastic switched non-linear systems under asynchronous switching
Authors: Xiang Z R , Wang R H , Chen Q W
Published: February 2011

The problem of robust stabilization of uncertain, stochastic, switched non-linear systems under asynchronous switching is investigated in the current paper, where asynchronous switching means that switching of the controllers has a lag to the switching of system modes. The parameter uncertainties are allowed to be norm bounded and enter into the state matrix. The purpose of this problem is to design a state feedback controller such that, for all admissible uncertainties, the resulting closed-loop system is exponentially stable in the mean square sense. By using the average dwell-time approach and stochastic analysis techniques, sufficient conditions are first derived to guarantee the existence of the desired controllers and then the controller parameters are characterized in terms of a set of matrix inequalities. A numerical example is exploited to show the usefulness of the results obtained.
Aortoesophageal fistula as a late complication of type B aortic dissection
Authors: Vasquez Julio C , DeLaRosa Jacob , Leon Juan J
Published: February 2011

We present a patient with aortoesophageal fistula that occurred years after an acute type B aortic dissection that was treated medically. This patient developed aneurysmal dilatation of the chronically dissected aorta, which finally eroded into the esophagus. Endovascular management with the placement of a stent graft was performed, but the patient ultimately died of multiorgan failure and possible myocardial infarction.
Endovascular repair of profunda femoral artery false aneurysms using covered stents
Authors: Kouvelos George N , Papas Nektarios K , Arnaoutoglou Eleni M , Papadopoulos George S , Matsagκas Miltiadis I
Published: February 2011

Pseudoaneurysms of the profunda femoral artery (PFA) have been reported following different types of trauma, mostly iatrogenic. We present three cases of PFA false aneurysm formation, two after vascular procedures and one as a result of a gunshot injury, which were successfully treated with the endovascular deployment of covered stents. Treating these patients by endoluminal means is an efficient and feasible minimally invasive approach. If the patient is relatively stable and there are no major compression issues, stenting could be considered as adequate therapy for these situations. Certainly, a larger series are needed in order to testify to the long-term results and ascertain the durability of such a repair.
Mycotic aneurysm of the superior gluteal artery in a patient with bacterial endocarditis: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Fujimura Naoki , Obara Hideaki , Matsumoto Kenji , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: February 2011

Mycotic aneurysm of the superior gluteal artery (SGA) is extremely rare. The review of the literature revealed only five cases of mycotic SGA aneurysms reported to date and none had a concomitant superior mesenteric artery (SMA) aneurysm. We describe a 64-year-old man with mycotic aneurysms of both the SGA and the SMA. The patient was referred to our hospital because of SMA embolism caused by bacterial endocarditis following mitral valve plasty. He was treated conservatively, but monitoring using computerized tomography (CT) scanning showed the development and growth of the SGA and the SMA aneurysms. The SMA aneurysm was resected surgically, and the SGA lesion was treated by means of selective embolization. For the treatment of SGA aneurysms, prompt and precise preoperative evaluation is important. When the anatomical feature and size of the aneurysm is suitable, endovascular treatment may be the first-line treatment, providing an efficacious and safe alternative to traditional surgical repair.
Duplex criteria for determining ≥50% and ≥80% internal carotid artery stenosis following carotid endarterectomy with patch angioplasty
Authors: AbuRahma Ali F
Published: February 2011

The purpose of this study was to determine optimal velocities for detecting ≥50% and ≥80% restenosis prior to considering carotid intervention/carotid artery stenting (CAS) after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) with patching in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Two hundred CEA patients with 195 pairs of imaging (duplex ultrasound versus computed tomography angiography [CTA]/carotid arteriography) were analyzed. Peak systolic velocities (PSVs), end diastolic velocity (EDV) and internal carotid artery/common carotid artery (ICA/CCA) ratios were correlated to angiography. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves determined optimal velocity criteria in detecting ≥50% and ≥80% restenosis. The mean PSVs for ≥50% and ≥80% restenosis were 248 and 404 c/s, respectively ( P < 0.001). A PSV of ≥213 c/s was optimal for ≥50% restenosis with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and overall accuracy (OA) of 99%, 100%, 100%, 98% and 99%, respectively. An ICA PSV of 274 c/s was optimal for ≥80% restenosis with sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and OA of 100%, 91%, 99%, 100% and 99%, respectively. ROC analysis showed that PSVs were significantly better than EDVs and ICA/CCA ratios in detecting ≥50% restenosis. Standard duplex velocity criteria should be revised after CEA using patching. Specific carotid duplex velocities can be used to detect ≥50% and ≥80% restenosis after CEA with patch closure prior to carotid intervention/CAS.
Mid-term results of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery for aortoiliac occlusive disease
Authors: Jongkind Vincent , Diks Jeroen , Yeung Kak Khee , Cuesta Miguel A , Wisselink Willem
Published: February 2011

The aim of this study was to evaluate middle-term clinical results of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) to treat aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD). Between 2002 and 2007, 28 consecutive patients received robot-assisted laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass grafting ( n = 24) or aortoiliac endarterectomy ( n = 4). Patients were followed prospectively. RALS could be completed successfully in 24 patients; conversion to open surgery was necessary in four patients (14%). Median operative time was 350 min. Median aortic clamping time was 70 min. Median hospital stay was five days. One patient died within 30 days. Non-lethal complications occurred in four patients (14%). Clinical symptoms improved in all patients. Primary and secondary limb-based patencies at 36 months were 89% and 91%, respectively. In conclusion, RALS is a feasible and durable technique for patients with AIOD. Although operative times are long, RALS allows rapid postoperative recovery.
Infra-popliteal deep venous thrombi and the risk of symptomatic pulmonary embolism in hospitalized patients
Authors: Alhalbouni Saadi , Hingorani Anil , Shiferson Alexander , Marks Natalie , Ascher Enrico
Published: February 2011

Infra-popliteal veins include the tibial and peroneal veins, as well as the soleal and gastrocnemial veins collectively known as the calf muscle veins (CMVs). Acute infra-popliteal deep venous thrombi (DVTs) are often considered insignificant with regard to the risk of pulmonary embolism (PE). A retrospective review of 4035 consecutive lower extremity venous duplex scans were made in 3146 hospital patients at our Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories (ICAVL)-accredited vascular lab. Seven hundred sixteen (17.7%) duplex scans were positive for acute DVTs, and 112 (2.8%) were associated with PEs. The breakdown of positive duplexes for acute DVTs was as follows: 202 (28.2%) isolated femoral-popliteal DVTs with PE in 23 (11.4%), 304 (42.5%) isolated infra-popliteal DVTs with PE in 24 (7.9%) and 210 (29.3%) multilevel DVTs involving both vein segments (femoral-popliteal and infra-popliteal) with PE in 38 (18.1%). Of the 304 isolated acute infra-popliteal DVTs, 207 (68.1%) were isolated CMV DVTs with evidence of PE in 12 (5.8%). No statistically significant difference ( P = 0.27) in the risk of PE between isolated femoral-popliteal and isolated infra-popliteal DVTs was noted. A significant number of patients (5.8%) with isolated CMV DVTs developed PE. Lower limb venous scans for DVTs should evaluate the infra-popliteal veins. Hospitalized patients with infra-popliteal DVTs should receive anticoagulation.
Endovascular versus open treatment of degenerative aneurysms of the descending thoracic aorta: a single center experience
Authors: Andrassy Joachim , Weidenhagen Rolf , Meimarakis Georgios , Rentsch M , Jauch K-W , Kopp Reinhard
Published: February 2011

Multiple reports could show a reduced risk for thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) compared with open treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate our twelve-year TEVAR experience for thoracic aortic aneurysms and compare these results with open repair. All patients who had received either open or endovascular surgery for a degenerative aortic aneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta in our center were evaluated retrospectively. N = 53 TEVAR patients (1997–2008) were included and their course was compared with an open-surgery group of n = 24 patients (1992–2002). The percentage of symptomatic patients was 43% (TEVAR) and 42% (open surgery). Endovascular treatment resulted in a significantly reduced 30-day (5.7% versus 25% P = 0.02) and one-year mortality (19% versus 42% P = 0.05) in the entire cohort. Symptomatic patients benefited the most from TEVAR (30-day mortality: 9% versus 40%, P = 0.06; one-year mortality: 27% versus 70%, P = 0.049) whereas the survival of our asymptomatic patients was not significantly different (30-day mortality: 3% versus 14%, P = 0.22; one-year mortality: 13% versus 21%, P = 0.65). Lastly, Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a significantly improved survival after TEVAR ( P = 0.05) and in particular for the symptomatic patients ( P = 0.003). In conclusion, endovascular treatment for patients with degenerative thoracic aortic aneurysms has significant advantages over open surgery.
“I Think You Think I Think You're Lying”: The Interactive Epistemology of Trust in Social Networks
Authors: Moldoveanu Mihnea C. , Baum Joel A. C.
Published: February 2011

We investigate the epistemology of trust in social networks. We posit trust as a special epistemic state that depends on actors' beliefs about each others' beliefs as well as about states of the world. It offers new ideas and tools for representing the core elements of trust both within dyads and larger groups and presents an approach that makes trust measurable in a noncircular and predictive, rather than merely postdictive, fashion. After advancing arguments for the importance of interactive belief systems to the successful coordination of behavior, we tune our investigation of trust by focusing on beliefs that are important to mobilization and coordination and show how trust functions to influence social capital arising from network structure. We present empirical evidence corroborating the importance of higher-order beliefs to understanding trust and the interactive analysis of trust to the likelihood of successful coordination.

This paper was accepted by Jesper Sørensen, organizations and social networks.
Effective Matrices, Decision Frames, and Cooperation in Volunteer Dilemmas: A Theoretical Perspective on Academic Peer Review
Authors: Northcraft Gregory B. , Tenbrunsel Ann E.
Published: February 2011

Academic journal reviewing is a form of collective action that creates a public good, and as such, it represents a social dilemma with cooperation being essential to the reviewing process. Cooperation in this social dilemma is a function of the perceived costs and benefits to the potential reviewer. However, those perceived costs and benefits are personally perceived and in turn may be influenced by the frame reviewers bring to the decision to review. Frames may differ in the extent to which they lead reviewing to be viewed as an in-role duty or an extra-role choice, and the extent to which they lead reviewers to focus only on consequences to the self or consequences to others as well. Also critical in this dilemma are the frames of editors who must invite participation by reviewers and the frames of universities who legitimate reviewer behaviors. Some “obvious” solutions to the volunteer dilemma of reviewing may have paradoxical effects on reviewer cooperation if such frames are not considered. The importance of frame analysis for understanding volunteer dilemmas is addressed.
Torn Between Admiration and Distrust: European Strategy Research and the American Challenge
Authors: Lampel Joseph
Published: February 2011

European strategy research is a relatively late entrant into the field of strategic management. This has put the European strategy researchers at a disadvantage vis-à-vis their American counterparts when it comes to competing for scarce publication space in “top” journals. Many European researchers have responded to the challenge by adopting research paradigms that are dominant in American strategy research, but others argue that Europe should maintain its own distinct research tradition. In this paper, I argue that European ambivalence toward market-based competition for scholarly reputation combined with centralized funding of research is responsible for this division of opinion. However, I also argue that institutional differences between Europe and the United States contribute to a diversity in strategy research that should be welcomed rather than suppressed.
European and North American Approaches to Organizations and Strategy Research: An Atlantic Divide? Not.
Authors: Baum Joel A. C.
Published: February 2011

It is customary among contemporary organization theorists to equate North American and European scholarship with objectivist and subjectivist metatheoretical positions (respectively), treat these positions as mutually exclusive alternatives, and debate which is best suited to understanding organizational phenomena. Fueled by this dispute, questions of bias and fears of colonization are readily apparent in academic reviews of three recent “handbooks” of organizations. Caught in the current of these tensions, I was prompted to assess the status of this “Atlantic divide.” To do so, I examined the three recent compendia in terms of the rhetoric academic reviewers employed to characterize them and the geographic locations, preferred journals, and university affiliations of scholars who refer to them. The results are striking. Despite the unanimous typecasting of the volumes as epitomizing either objectivist North American or subjectivist European traditions, the geographic distributions of researchers citing them are indistinguishable. Citations to each compendium are, however, clustered within particular journals and among authors with particular university affiliations—but neither the journals nor universities are neatly North American or European. Current associations of these traditions with North American and European scholarship thus seem driven more by academic rhetoric than authentic continental distinctions. I examine the roots of this rhetorical mapping and explore its implications for the field. I advocate abandonment of the myth of the Atlantic divide and exploitation of perspectives that do not privilege the subjectivist–objectivist dichotomy.
Evaluation of the accuracy of serum human epididymis protein 4 in combination with CA125 for detecting ovarian cancer: a prospective case-control study in a Korean population
Authors: Kim Yong Man , Whang Dong Hee , Park Joonseok , Kim Sung Hoon , Lee Shin Wha , Park Hyun Ah , Ha Mina , Choi Kyung-Hwa
Published: February 2011

Background: This study aimed to determine the serum concentrations of CA125 and human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) in patients with ovarian cancer, and to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of these biomarkers for differentiating between patients with benign gynecological disease and those with ovarian cancer, when used alone and in combination in a Korean population.

Methods: We consecutively recruited 159 women with an adnexal mass, including 78 women with ovarian cancer. A total of 224 healthy women served as controls. The serum concentrations of HE4 and CA125 were analyzed using immunochemiluminescence assays. The concentrations of the markers were compared among the different subgroups, and the diagnostic accuracy of each marker and the combination of the two markers was assessed by plotting receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. In addition, the Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA) was utilized to categorize patients into low- and high-risk groups for epithelial ovarian cancer.

Results: Serum HE4 and CA125 concentrations were significantly higher in the ovarian cancer patients compared with those seen in patients with benign disease or in the healthy controls (p<0.0001 in both). In patients with an adnexal mass, the area under the ROC curve was higher when the combination of the markers was used compared with use of CA125 only. Using ROMA, patients could be successfully classified into high- and low-risk group, with 87.5% sensitivity at a specificity of 93.8%.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that measuring serum HE4 concentrations along with CA125 concentrations may provide higher accuracy for detecting ovarian cancer.
Quantification of HER2 autoantibodies in the amplification phenomenon of HER2 in breast cancer
Authors: Lauterlein Jens-Jacob L. , Petersen Eva R.B. , Olsen Dorte Aa. , Østergaard Birthe , Brandslund Ivan
Published: February 2011

Background:Gene amplification ofHER2(human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) is a well-known phenomenon in various cancers. However, little is known about the mechanism of the gene amplification phenomenon itself. Autoantibodies to cellular receptors have been described in several cancer types. We hypothesised that autoantibodies against HER2 might have a stimulatory capacity and could be the cause of theHER2gene amplification phenomenon. To investigate this, we developed a test for the detection of autoantibodies against HER2 in serum (S-HER2Ab).

Methods:Blood and tissue samples were collected from 311 women consecutively admitted for surgical treatment of primary breast cancer. Paraffin embedded tissue sections were analysed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). HER2 protein concentrations in tissue were determined in 115 patients. Circulating extracellular domain of HER2 (S-HER2) was measured using the Advia Centaur (Siemens AG, Munich, Germany). Analysis for autoantibodies was developed on an ImmunoCAP 100 (Phadia AB, Uppsala, Sweden) with an automated Fluorescent Enzyme Immuno Assay.

Results:Of 311 women, 55 (17.7%) had HER2Ab and 51 (16.4%) showed amplification of theHER2gene determined by IHC/FISH. Eleven women had detectable S-HER2Ab as well asHER2gene amplification, but no statistically significant correlation was found between the two phenomena. A significantly higher level of S-HER2Ab was found both inHER2gene-amplified and non-amplified breast cancer patients compared to an age-matched healthy control group. No statistically significant difference in presence or concentration of S-HER2Ab was found inHER2gene-amplified vs. non-amplified breast cancer.

Conclusions:S-HER2Ab can be measured accurately with the ImmunoCAP 100. There is an increased prevalence and concentration of S-HER2Ab in breast cancer patients but no correlation withHER2gene amplification. We conclude that autoantibodies against HER2 do not seem to be the cause ofHER2gene amplification.
Habitat use and abundance of the woolly hare Lepus oiostolus in the Lhasa mountains, Tibet
Authors: Lu Xin
Published: February 2011

Habitat use, abundance and population dynamics of the woolly hare (Lepus oiostolus) were investigated in an alpine shrub-covering valley near Lhasa, Tibet. Counts of fecal pellets indicated that habitats outside the valley with heavily degraded shrub vegetation supported a small hare population, compared with habitats inside the valleys where vegetation was undisturbed, agricultural and hunting were lacking, and predators and herbivore competitors rare. Three types of shrub habitats with intermediate cover levels along with alpine meadow inside the valley were equally preferred by the hares, whereas willow-rhododendron, with the densest cover, was avoided. Transect surveys showed that the hare population density in the preferred habitats was 13 ind./km2 in spring and 27 ind./km2 in autumn. Out of seven years observations from 1995 to 2004, massive spring mortality of hares occurred only in 2000, leading to a marked population decline that year.
Impact of Soil Magnetic Properties on Moisture Content Prediction Using TDR
Authors: Mohamed Abdel-Mohsen O. , Marwan Suzan S.
Published: February 2011

It is generally assumed that soil relative magnetic permeability is one for the prediction of soil moisture content using time domain reflectrometry (TDR) technique. However, the presence of iron and iron-bearing minerals may result in significant losses due to ferromagnetic relaxation processes. As the magnetic permeability is a multiplier in the electromagnetic wave propagation equation, ignoring it can result in significant errors of estimating travel time, propagation velocity, and dielectric permittivity of the soil medium. Attributing the velocity, attenuation, and frequency dependence to electrical properties alone will also result in incorrect estimation of soil moisture content when magnetic properties are different from free space. Therefore, this study is aimed at evaluating the extent of soil magnetic properties variations. The results are discussed in view of their impact on the prediction of soil moisture. The results demonstrated that ignoring soil magnetic effect due to iron and iron-bearing minerals causes significant errors in calculating wave propagation parameters. Calculated errors are 21.88, 3.38, 3.16, and 3.42 % for propagation constant, wave velocity, wavelength, and intrinsic impedance, respectively. This in turn highlights the importance of including the magnetic effect of the soil in the wave propagation calculations applied in the TDR data analysis methodologies. In addition, the calculated apparent dielectric constant is less than the actual one by 7.172 % leading to reduction in the predicted moisture content by about 3.64 % in soils using TDR techniques. However, since soil moisture content is a fundamental property in predicting the pollutant migration in soils, then predicted pollutant migration front will be underestimated.
Uncoupling protein-2 increases nitric oxide production and TNFAIP3 pathway activation in pancreatic islets
Authors: Niño Fong Rodolfo , Fatehi-Hassanabad Zahra , Lee Simon C , Lu Hongfang , Wheeler Michael B , Chan Catherine B
Published: February 2011

Mutations in the uncoupling protein 2 (Ucp2) gene are linked to type-2 diabetes. Here, a potential mechanism by which lack of UCP2 is cytoprotective in pancreatic β-cells was investigated. Nitric oxide (NO) production was elevated in Ucp2−/− islets. Proliferation (cyclin D2, Ccnd2) and anti-apoptosis (Tnfaip3) genes had increased expression in Ucp2−/− islets, whereas the mRNA of pro-apoptosis genes (Jun, Myc) was reduced. TNFAIP3 cellular localization was detected in both α- and β-cells of Ucp2−/− islets but in neither α- nor β-cells of UCP2+/+ islets, where it was detected in pancreatic polypeptide-expressing cells. TNFAIP3 distribution was not markedly altered 14 days after streptozotocin treatment. Basal apoptosis was attenuated in Ucp2−/− β-cells, while the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway was transactivated after islet isolation. Ucp2+/+ and Ucp2−/− islets were treated with cytokines for 24 h. Cytokines did not increase NF-κB transactivation or apoptosis in Ucp2−/− islets and TNFAIP3 was more strongly induced in Ucp2−/− islets. Inhibition of NO production strongly reduced NF-κB activation and apoptosis. These data show that null expression of Ucp2 induces transactivation of NF-κB in isolated islets, possibly due to NO-dependent up-regulation of inhibitor of κB kinase β activity. NF-κB transactivation appears to result in altered expression of genes that enhance a pro-survival phenotype basally and when β-cells are exposed to cytokines. TNFAIP3 is of particular interest because of its ability to regulate NF-κB signaling pathways.
Modifier Genes for Mouse Phosphatidylinositol Transfer Protein α (vibrator) That Bypass Juvenile Lethality
Authors: Concepcion Dorothy , Johannes Frank , Lo Yuan Hung , Yao Jay , Fong Jerry , Hamilton Bruce A
Published: February 2011

Phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins (PITPs) mediate lipid signaling and membrane trafficking in eukaryotic cells. Loss-of-function mutations of the gene encoding PITPα in mice result in a range of dosage-sensitive phenotypes, including neurological dysfunction, neurodegeneration, and premature death. We have previously reported genetic suppression of a strong hypomorphic allele, vibrator, by a wild-derived variant of Nxf1, which increases the level of PITPα made from vibrator alleles and suppresses each of the neurological and survival phenotypes. Here we report discovery and genetic mapping of additional vibrator modifiers, Mvb2 and Mvb3, from a different strain background that suppresses juvenile lethality without suppressing visible phenotypes or gene expression. Genotype-specific survival analysis predicts molecular heterosis at Mvb3. These results indicate a mechanism of suppression that bypasses a quantitative requirement for PITPα function.
Gene Expression Differences Among Primates Are Associated With Changes in a Histone Epigenetic Modification
Authors: Cain Carolyn E , Blekhman Ran , Marioni John C , Gilad Yoav
Published: February 2011

Changes in gene regulation are thought to play an important role in speciation and adaptation, especially in primates. However, we still know relatively little about the mechanisms underlying regulatory evolution. In particular, the extent to which epigenetic modifications underlie gene expression differences between primates is not yet known. Our study focuses on an epigenetic histone modification, H3K4me3, which is thought to promote transcription. To investigate the contribution of H3K4me3 to regulatory differences between species, we collected gene expression data and identified H3K4me3-associated genomic regions in lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) from humans, chimpanzees, and rhesus macaques, using three cell lines from each species. We found strong evidence for conservation of H3K4me3 localization in primates. Moreover, regardless of species, H3K4me3 is consistently enriched near annotated transcription start sites (TSS), and highly expressed genes are more likely than lowly expressed genes to have the histone modification near their TSS. Interestingly, we observed an enrichment of interspecies differences in H3K4me3 at the TSS of genes that are differentially expressed between species. We estimate that as much as 7% of gene expression differences between the LCLs of humans, chimpanzees, and rhesus macaques may be explained, at least in part, by changes in the status of H3K4me3 histone modifications. Our results suggest a modest, yet important role for epigenetic changes in gene expression differences between primates.