bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Annealing Time on the Performance of OTFT on Glass with ZrO2as Gate Dielectric
Authors: Tang W. M. , Helander M. G. , Greiner M. T. , Lu Z. H. , Ng W. T.
Published: January 2012

Copper phthalocyanine-based organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) with zirconium oxide (ZrO2) as gate dielectric have been fabricated on glass substrates. The gate dielectric is annealed in N2at different durations (5, 15, 40, and 60 min) to investigate the effects of annealing time on the electrical properties of the OTFTs. Experimental results show that the longer the annealing time for the OTFT, the better the performance. Among the devices studied, OTFTs with gate dielectric annealed at 350°C in N2for 60 min exhibit the best device performance. They have a small threshold voltage of −0.58 V, a low subthreshold slope of 0.8 V/decade, and a low off-state current of 0.73 nA. These characteristics demonstrate that the fabricated device is suitable for low-voltage and low-power operations. When compared with the TFT samples annealed for 5 min, the ones annealed for 60 min have 20% higher mobility and nearly two times smaller the subthreshold slope and off-state current. The extended annealing can effectively reduce the defects in the high-k film and produces a better insulator/organic interface. This results in lower amount of carrier scattering and larger CuPc grains for carrier transport.
Mass Functions of Supermassive Black Holes across Cosmic Time
Authors: Kelly Brandon C. , Merloni Andrea
Published: January 2012

The black hole mass function of supermassive black holes describes the evolution of the distribution of black hole mass. It is one of the primary empirical tools available for mapping the growth of supermassive black holes and for constraining theoretical models of their evolution. In this paper, we discuss methods for estimating the black hole mass function, including their advantages and disadvantages. We also review the results of using these methods for estimating the mass function of both active and inactive black holes. In addition, we review current theoretical models for the growth of supermassive black holes that predict the black hole mass function. We conclude with a discussion of directions for future research which will lead to improvement in both empirical and theoretical determinations of the mass function of supermassive black holes.
Phase I Clinical and Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of the Vascular-Disrupting Agent OXi4503 in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Patterson Dan M. , Zweifel Martin , Middleton Mark R. , Price Patricia M. , Folkes Lisa K. , Stratford Michael R.L. , Ross Phil , Halford Sarah , Peters Jane , Balkissoon Jai , Chaplin Dai J. , Padhani Anwar R. , Rustin Gordon J.S.
Published: January 2012

Purpose: Preclinical studies show that OXi4503 (combretastatin A1 diphosphate, CA1P) is more potent than other clinically evaluated vascular-disrupting agents.

Experimental Design: Escalating doses of OXi4503 were given intravenously over 10 minutes on days 1, 8, and 15 every 28 days to patients with advanced solid tumors.

Results: Doses were escalated in single-patient cohorts from 0.06 to 1.92 mg/m2, then expanded cohorts to 15.4 mg/m2 in 43 patients. Common adverse drug reactions were hypertension, tumor pain, anemia, lymphopenia, and easily controllable nausea/vomiting and fatigue. Five patients experienced different drug-related dose-limiting toxicities, atrial fibrillation, increased troponin, blurred vision, diplopia, and tumor lysis. Prophylactic amlodipine failed to prevent adverse events. Pharmacokinetics showed dose-dependent linear increases in peak plasma concentrations and area under the curve value of OXi4503. One partial response was seen in a heavily pretreated patient with ovarian cancer. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI confirmed a dose effect and showed significant antivascular effects in 10 of 13 patients treated at doses of 11 mg/m2 or higher.

Conclusions: The maximum tolerated dose was 8.5 mg/m2 but escalation to 14 mg/m2 was possible with only temporary reversible cerebrovascular toxicity by excluding hypertensive patients. As a tumor response was seen at 14 mg/m2 and maximum tumor perfusion reductions were seen at doses of 11 mg/m2 or higher, the recommended phase II dose is from 11 to 14 mg/m2. Clin Cancer Res; 18(5); 1415–25. ©2012 AACR.
Gene Expression, Molecular Class Changes, and Pathway Analysis after Neoadjuvant Systemic Therapy for Breast Cancer
Authors: Gonzalez-Angulo Ana M. , Iwamoto Takayuki , Liu Shuying , Chen Huiqin , Do Kim-Anh , Hortobagyi Gabriel N. , Mills Gordon B. , Meric-Bernstam Funda , Symmans W. Fraser , Pusztai Lajos
Published: January 2012

Purpose: To examine gene expression differences between pre- and post-neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST) specimens of breast cancers and identify biologic changers that may lead to new therapeutic insights.

Methods: Gene expression data from prechemotherapy fine needle aspiration specimens were compared with resected residual cancers in 21 patients after 4 to 6 months of NST. We removed stroma-associated genes to minimize confounding effects. PAM50 was used to assign molecular class. Paired t test and gene set analysis were used to identify differentially expressed genes and pathways.

Results: The ER and HER2 status based on mRNA expression remained stable in all but two cases, and there were no changes in proliferation metrics (Ki67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression). Molecular class changed in 8 cases (33.3%), usually to normal-like class, which was associated with low residual cancer cell cellularity. The expression of 200 to 600 probe sets changed between baseline and post-NST samples. In basal-like cancers, pathways driven by increased expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase, small G proteins, and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II and energy metabolism were enriched, whereas immune cell–derived and the sonic hedgehog pathways were depleted in residual cancer. In non–basal-like breast cancers, notch signaling and energy metabolism (e.g., fatty acid synthesis) were enriched and sonic hedgehog signaling and immune-related pathways were depleted in residual cancer. There was no increase in epithelial–mesenchymal transition or cancer stem cell signatures.

Conclusions: Our data indicate that energy metabolism related processes are upregulated and immune-related signals are depleted in residual cancers. Targeting these biologic processes may represent promising adjuvant treatment strategies for patients with residual cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 18(4); 1109–19. ©2012 AACR.
Mechanisms of Resistance to Crizotinib in Patients with ALK Gene Rearranged Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Doebele Robert C. , Pilling Amanda B. , Aisner Dara L. , Kutateladze Tatiana G. , Le Anh T. , Weickhardt Andrew J. , Kondo Kimi L. , Linderman Derek J. , Heasley Lynn E. , Franklin Wilbur A. , Varella-Garcia Marileila , Camidge D. Ross
Published: January 2012

Purpose: Patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements often manifest dramatic responses to crizotinib, a small-molecule ALK inhibitor. Unfortunately, not every patient responds and acquired drug resistance inevitably develops in those who do respond. This study aimed to define molecular mechanisms of resistance to crizotinib in patients with ALK+ non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Experimental Design: We analyzed tissue obtained from 14 patients with ALK+ NSCLC showing evidence of radiologic progression while on crizotinib to define mechanisms of intrinsic and acquired resistance to crizotinib.

Results: Eleven patients had material evaluable for molecular analysis. Four patients (36%) developed secondary mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain of ALK. A novel mutation in the ALK domain, encoding a G1269A amino acid substitution that confers resistance to crizotinib in vitro, was identified in two of these cases. Two patients, one with a resistance mutation, exhibited new onset ALK copy number gain (CNG). One patient showed outgrowth of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant NSCLC without evidence of a persistent ALK gene rearrangement. Two patients exhibited a KRAS mutation, one of which occurred without evidence of a persisting ALK gene rearrangement. One patient showed the emergence of an ALK gene fusion–negative tumor compared with the baseline sample but with no identifiable alternate driver. Two patients retained ALK positivity with no identifiable resistance mechanism.

Conclusions: Crizotinib resistance in ALK+ NSCLC occurs through somatic kinase domain mutations, ALK gene fusion CNG, and emergence of separate oncogenic drivers. Clin Cancer Res; 18(5); 1472–82. ©2012 AACR.
Immune Outcomes of Paradoxical Sleep Deprivation on Cellular Distribution in Naive and Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Mice
Authors: Zager Adriano , Ruiz Francieli Silva , Tufik Sergio , Andersen Monica Levy
Published: January 2012

Background/Aims: Several lines of evidence indicate that sleep loss imposes significant consequences on the host defense system, including changes in cell number, activity and distribution. However, it is not clear whether cellular alterations after sleep deprivation are caused by redistribution to immune organs or by death of these cells or how the response to a nonspecific immune activator would be affected. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the leukocyte distribution after paradoxical sleep deprivation (PSD) in saline- and lipopolysaccharide-treated mice. Methods: Adult inbred mice were paradoxical sleep deprived (72 h), whereas the controls were kept in their home cages. After PSD, both groups received an injection of either saline or lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 1 or 5 µg/animal, intraperitoneally), 2 h prior to the collection of blood, spleen, lymph nodes and peritoneal wash. Isolated cells were then designated to differential leukocyte count (blood) and flow cytometry analysis of immune cell subsets (immune sites). Results: The data revealed that PSD caused a significant reduction of circulating lymphocytes and a general decrease in all cellular subsets of spleen, mainly T and B cells. However, no alteration in response of PSD was found on other immune sites, such as lymph nodes and peritoneum. Of note, immune cell distribution in response to in vivo LPS stimulation remained unchanged after PSD. Conclusions: Our study provided original evidence concerning the immune outcomes of PSD, indicating that cellular decrease caused by PSD is not restricted to circulation, but also to immune sites. Taken together, our results could help shed light on the physiological mechanisms of leukocyte trafficking.
Prolyl Hydroxylase Domain 2 Protein Is a Strong Prognostic Marker in Human Gastric Cancer
Authors: Kamphues Carsten , Wittschieber Daniel , Klauschen Frederick , Kasajima Atsuko , Dietel Manfred , Schmidt Sven-Christian , Glanemann Matthias , Bahra Marcus , Neuhaus Peter , Weichert Wilko , Stenzinger Albrecht
Published: January 2012

Objective: According to recent research, prolyl hydroxylase domain 2 protein (PHD2) plays an important role in human carcinogenesis by inducing neovascularization and tumor growth. The aim of this study was to evaluate PHD2 expression patterns in primary gastric adenocarcinoma and to test for a potential predictive value of PHD2 expression in gastric cancer patients. Methods: In a total of 121 patients, PHD2 expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry in paraffin-embedded tissue and correlated with clinicopathological parameters and patient survival. Results: 64 of 121 gastric carcinomas (52.9%) showed PHD2 expression in tumor cell cytoplasm. In univariate analysis, PHD2-negative patients had a significantly shortened survival in comparison with PHD2-postive patients (19.5 vs. 32.7 months, p = 0.02). Independent prognostic significance could be shown in multivariate analysis for PHD2 expression (p = 0.005), age at diagnosis (p = 0.012), lymph node status (p = 0.016) and R status (p = 0.026). Conclusion: Cytoplasmic PHD2 expression has a strong impact on survival in gastric cancer patients. Therefore, PHD2 represents a useful predictive biomarker in the evaluation of high-risk patients. Furthermore, these results underline the importance of PHD2 in gastric carcinogenesis and may identify PHD2 as a putative target for future gastric cancer therapy.
Effector and Regulatory T Cells in Patients with Acute Optic Neuritis
Authors: Tsakiri Anna , Kjærsgaard Erik , Grigoriadis Nikolaos , Svane Inge Marie , Frederiksen Jette L.
Published: January 2012

Objective: Optic neuritis (ON) is an autoimmune acute demyelinating disease of the optic nerve and may occur in patients with confirmed multiple sclerosis (MS) or as a clinically isolated syndrome. T lymphocytes play a central role in the pathogenesis of MS. The phenotype of different T cell subsets is usually characterized by the expression of distinct cell surface receptors such as CD45RA, CD45RO, CCR7, CD27 and CD28. The aim of this study was to characterize the phenotype of distinct subsets of CD4 and CD8 T cells in patients with isolated ON. Methods: CD4 and CD8 T cell subsets were characterized by flow cytometry in fresh peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples using the surface markers CD27, CD25, CD45RA, CD45RO and intracellular FOXP3. The T cell subsets expressed in patients with acute ON (n = 64; symptom onset of ON within the preceding 28 days) were compared to those of a gender- and age-matched healthy control (HC) group (n = 32). Results: Both CD4+ and CD8+ naïve T cells in the ON group were significantly reduced in the CSF. In contrast, most of the intermediate-stage and late effector CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets as well as the CD4+ T regulatory cells were expressed in ON patients, though not at all in the CSF of the HC group. Conclusion: These results add important evidence for inflammatory and regulatory activity in ON and early MS.
Immunolocalization of Sprouty-1 and Sprouty-2 in Developing Rat Lung
Authors: Hashimoto Shuichi , Nakano Hiroshi , Suguta Yuko , Singh Gurmukh , Katyal Sikandar L.
Published: January 2012

Objective: Sprouty, a common antagonist of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and epidermal growth factor signaling, is a key player regulating tracheal branching and eye development in Drosophila. Four Sprouty homologs have been identified in vertebrates and all share a cysteine-rich region. However, the physiological function(s) of the individual Sprouty homologs is unknown. mRNA of Sprouty homologs is expressed during mouse lung development. In the present study, we investigated the immunolocalization of Sprouty proteins in rat lung at different stages of development. Methods: Rabbit antibodies were raised against peptides derived from rat Sprouty-1 and Sprouty-2 and were used in Western blot analysis to determine Sprouty distribution in subcellular fractions (pellets and supernatant centrifuged at 5,000 and 20,000 g) and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) from adult rat lungs or used in immunohistochemistry. Results: Western blot analysis revealed a 30-kDa Sprouty-1 band and a 34-kDa Sprouty-2 band in the supernatant and pellet fractions centrifuged at 20,000 g. BAL contained a band of approximately 16 kDa with Sprouty-1 antibody derived from proteolytic fragmentation of Sprouty-1. In embryonic day (E) 14 and E16 lungs, Sprouty-1 and Sprouty-2 were expressed both in epithelial and peripheral mesenchymal cells. In adult rat lung, bronchiolar and alveolar type II epithelial cells showed staining for both Sprouty-1 and Sprouty-2. Sprouty-1 expression was also seen in alveolar type I epithelial cells. Conclusion: In light of the proximity of the distribution of Sprouty to that of FGF-10 (peripheral mesenchyme) and its receptor FGFR2IIIb (distal tubular epithelium) in lung development, and the finding that FGF-9, which is expressed in mesothelial cells, upregulates FGF-10, it appears that Sprouty expression in epithelial and mesenchymal cells during branching morphogenesis is closely related to signaling by FGF-9 and FGF-10.
Accuracy and Precision of Desktop Spirometers in General Practices
Authors: Schermer Tjard R.J. , Verweij Eddy H.A. , Cretier Riet , Pellegrino Annelies , Crockett Alan J. , Poels Patrick J.P.
Published: January 2012

Background: Spirometry has become an essential tool for general practices to diagnose and monitor chronic airways diseases, but very little is known about the performance of the spirometry equipment that is being used in general practice settings. The use of invalid spirometry equipment may have consequences on disease diagnosis and management of patients. Objectives: To establish the accuracy and precision of desktop spirometers that are routinely used in general practices. Methods: We evaluated a random sample of 50 spirometers from Dutch general practices by testing them on a certified waveform generator using 8 standard American Thoracic Society waveforms to determine accuracy and precision. Details about the brand and type of spirometers, year of purchase, frequency of use, cleaning and calibration were inquired with a study-specific questionnaire. Results: 39 devices (80%) were turbine spirometers, 8 (16%) were pneumotachographs, and 1 (2%) was a volume displacement spirometer. Mean age of the spirometers was 4.3 (SD 3.7) years. Average deviation from the waveform generator reference values (accuracy) was 25 ml (95% confidence interval 12–39 ml) for FEV1 and 27 ml (10–45 ml) for FVC, but some devices showed substantial deviations. FEV1 deviations were larger for pneumotachographs than for turbine spirometers (p < 0.0031), but FVC deviations did not differ between the two types of spirometers. In the subset of turbine spirometers, no association between age and device performance was observed. Conclusions: On average, desktop spirometers in general practices slightly overestimated FEV1 and FVC values, but some devices showed substantial deviations. General practices should pay more attention to the calibration of their spirometer.
Characteristic Genes in Luminal Subtype Breast Tumors with CD44+CD24–/Low Gene Expression Signature
Authors: Tsunoda Y. , Sakamoto M. , Sawada T. , Sasaki A. , Yamamoto G. , Tachikawa T.
Published: January 2012

Objective: Breast cancer cells with CD44+CD24–/low gene expression signature have been suggested to have stem cell-like tumor-initiating properties. The purpose of this study is to clarify the gene expression profiling of cells with CD44+CD24–/low gene expression signature in the luminal subtype. Methods: Laser capture microdissection was used to select the isolation of cancer cells in 35 frozen tissues of breast cancer, and RNA extracted from these cells was examined by real-time RT-PCR to quantify CD44 and CD24 expressions. Human stem cell RT2 Profiler PCR Array was used for gene expression analysis in the groups of CD44+CD24–/low and CD44+CD24+ gene expression signature. Results: Thirty-five tumors were divided into 3 groups. Group A was composed of the CD44+CD24–/low type, in which the ratio of CD44/CD24 was >10.0. Group B was composed of the CD44+CD24+ type, in which the ratio was >0.1 and ≤10.0. In group C, composed of the CD44–/lowCD24+ type, the ratio was <0.1. The number of tumors in groups A, B, and C were 5, 28, and 2, respectively. Regarding the correlation of CD44/CD24 status with tumor characteristics, the tumors of group A were significantly associated with axillary lymph node metastasis compared with those of group B (p = 0.033). There were no significant differences in tumor size, nuclear grade, or HER2 status between the two groups. According to signaling pathways, the number of expression genes for the Notch pathway in group A was significantly greater than in group B (p = 0.028). Overexpressed genes for ALDH1 (p = 0.021) and SOX2 (p = 0.018) were noted in group A compared to group B. Conclusion: This study suggests that the Notch pathway may be an important signaling pathway in luminal subtype with CD44+CD24–/low gene expression signature. In addition, either ALDH1 or SOX2 may be a candidate marker for cancer stem cells in luminal subtype breast cancer.
Contemporary use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors
Authors: Würtz Morten , Grove Erik , Caterina Raffaele , Huber Kurt , Moliterno David , Neumann Franz-Josef , Kristensen Steen
Published: January 2012

Platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPI) are antithrombotic agents preventing the binding of fibrinogen to GP IIb/IIIa receptors. Thus, GPI interfere with interplatelet bridging mediated by fibrinogen. Currently, three generic GPI with different antithrombotic properties are available for intravenous administration: abciximab, eptifibatide, and tirofiban. The development of oral GPI was abandoned, whereas intravenous GPI were introduced in various clinical settings during the 1990s, yielding substantial benefit in the treatment of acute coronary syndromes, particularly during percutaneous coronary interventions. Results of the many randomised trials evidenced the efficacy of this drug class, though these trials were conducted prior to the emergence of modern oral antiplatelet therapy with efficient P2Y12 inhibitors. Subsequent trials failed to consolidate the strongly favourable impression of GPI, and indications for their use have been more restricted in recent years. Nonetheless, GPI may still be beneficial during coronary interventions among high-risk patients including acute ST-elevation and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarctions, particularly in the absence of adequate pretreatment with oral antiplatelet drugs or when direct thrombin inhibitors are not utilised. Intracoronary GPI administration has been suggested as adjunctive therapy during primary percutaneous coronary intervention, and the results of larger ongoing trials are expected to elucidate its clinical potential. The present review outlines the key milestones of GPI development and provides an up-to-date overview of the clinical applicability of these drugs in the era of refined coronary stenting, potent antithrombotic drugs, and novel thrombin inhibiting agents.
Regulatory regions of SERPINC1 gene: Identification of the first mutation associated with antithrombin deficiency
Authors: de la Morena-Barrio María , Antón Ana , Martínez-Martínez Irene , Padilla José , Miñano Antonia , Navarro-Fernández José , Águila Sonia , López María , Fontcuberta Jordi , Vicente Vicente , Corral Javier
Published: January 2012

Antithrombin is the main endogenous anticoagulant. Impaired function or deficiency of this molecule significantly increases the risk of thrombosis. We studied the genetic variability of SERPINC1, the gene encoding antithrombin, to identify mutations affecting regulatory regions with functional effect on its levels. We sequenced 15,375 bp of this gene, including the potential promoter region, in three groups of subjects: five healthy subjects with antithrombin levels in the lowest (75%) and highest (115%) ranges of our population, 14 patients with venous thrombosis and a moderate antithrombin deficiency as the single thrombophilic defect, and two families with type I antithrombin deficiency who had neither mutations affecting exons or flanking regions, nor gross gene deletions. Our study confirmed the low genetic variability of SERPINC1, particularly in the coding region, and its minor influence in the heterogeneity of antithrombin levels. Interestingly, in one family, we identified a g.2143 C>G transversion, located 170 bp upstream from the translation initiation codon. This mutation affected one of the four regions located in the minimal promoter that have potential regulatory activity according to previous DNase footprinting protection assays. Genotype-phenotype analysis in the affected family and reporter analysis in different hepatic cell lines demonstrated that this mutation significantly impaired, although it did not abolish, the downstream transcription. Therefore, this is the first mutation affecting a regulatory region of the SERPINC1 gene associated with antithrombin deficiency. Our results strongly sustain the inclusion of the promoter region of SERPINC1 in the molecular analysis of patients with antithrombin deficiency.
Medicare Services Provided by Cardiologists in the United States: 1999–2008
Authors: Andrus Bruce W. , Welch H. Gilbert
Published: January 2012

Background—

Services provided by cardiologists represent a major portion of Medicare expenditures for specialist physicians. The absolute growth and distribution of these services over the past decade have not been well described.

Methods and Results—

We analyzed fee-for-service Medicare Part B claims for each year from 1999–2008 and selected claims from physicians whose specialty code was cardiology. We then grouped approximately 1000 CPT-9 codes into 45 specific service groups that were then further aggregated into 3 broad service categories: evaluation and management, noninvasive procedures, and invasive procedures. Our main outcome measures were services and allowed charges per 1000 beneficiaries. Sample size ranged from 30.9 million beneficiaries in 1999 to 31.7 million in 2008. During this 10-year period, the number of claims from cardiologists increased 44% (from 2082–2997 per 1000 beneficiaries) while the allowed charges increased 28% after adjusting for inflation (in 2008 dollars, from $181 397–231 728 per 1000 beneficiaries). Evaluation and management services and invasive procedures contributed relatively little to this growth. Instead, most of the growth involved noninvasive procedures—with a 70% increase in claims. Although the most dramatic increases in noninvasive procedures involved emerging imaging technologies (cardiac CT, MRI, and PET scanning), the bulk of the growth occurred in two established technologies: resting echocardiograms and stress tests with nuclear imaging.

Conclusions—

Most of the growth in services provided by cardiologists over the past decade is the result of increased noninvasive imaging.
International human rights regime, neoliberalism, and women’s social rights, 1984–2004
Authors: Yoo Eunhye
Published: January 2012

World polity scholars posit that the diffusion of world culture and norms increasingly influences human rights as well as women’s rights. However, previous research on women’s rights and policies often neglects women’s social rights and focuses mainly on women’s political rights. In part due to neoliberal restructuring, women’s social rights still lag behind women’s political rights. This research focuses on changes in women’s social rights, as measured by the CIRI human rights index, in 140 countries from 1984 to 2004. To interpret these data, I incorporate world institutionalism and neoliberalism into one single theoretical frame. My analysis reveals that the longer a country is exposed to a neoliberal structural adjustment program, the more governments’ practices regarding women’s social rights deteriorate. Among various linkages to the world polity, only the ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) increases nation-states’ likelihood of having improved women’s social rights. These findings suggest that global neoliberal restructuring has a deleterious effect on women’s social rights and challenge the claim that the spread of global culture necessarily leads to improvements in governments’ practices relating to women’s social rights.
The Geography of Inequality
Authors: Logan John R. , Minca Elisabeta , Adar Sinem
Published: January 2012

Persistent school segregation means not only that children of different racial and ethnic backgrounds attend different schools but also that their schools are unequal in performance. This study documents the extent of disparities nationally in school performance between schools attended by whites and Asians compared with those attended by blacks, Hispanics, and Native Americans. It further examines the geography of school inequality in two ways. First, it analyzes the segregation of students between different types of school profiles based on racial composition, poverty, and metropolitan location. Second, it estimates the independent effects of these and other school and school district characteristics on school performance, identifying which aspects of school segregation are the most important sources of disadvantage. A focus on schools at the bottom of the distribution, as in No Schools Left Behind, would not ameliorate wide disparities between groups that are found across the whole spectrum of school performance.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Rituximab in Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Li Jing , Zhi Jianguo , Wenger Michael , Valente Nancy , Dmoszynska Anna , Robak Tadeusz , Mangat Ranvir , Joshi Amita , Visich Jennifer
Published: January 2012

This retrospective analysis characterizes rituximab population pharmacokinetics in combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide and its effect on fludarabine and cyclophosphamide disposition in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. Rituximab concentration data were well described by a 2‐compartment model comprising a time‐varying clearance component related to the target‐mediated clearance pathway and a constant clearance component reflecting catabolic elimination pathway. Marked differences were observed compared to pharmacokinetic parameters for non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) obtained previously: in CLL, time‐varying clearance at time zero (CL2) was faster, volumes of distribution (V1 and V2) were larger, and rate of change (Kdes) from the target‐mediated clearance pathway to catabolic elimination was lower than NHL. Fludarabine and cyclophosphamide disposition showed no apparent change when co‐administered with rituximab. A positive correlation between pharmacokinetic parameters and clinical response was observed, supporting the use of the higher rituximab dose of 500 mg/m2 in CLL patients (vs 375 mg/m2 in NHL) to achieve an effective clinical response.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Sinatra Frank R.
Published: January 2012

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a spectrum of liver disease ranging from simple hepatic steatosis to steatohepatitis, hepatic fibrosis, and cirrhosis. It is highly associated with obesity and insulin resistance, and with the dramatic increase in childhood and adolescent obesity, it has become the most common form of chronic liver disease in these age groups. Genetic and environmental factors both appear to play a role in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. There is currently no established effective therapy, and decreasing the prevalence of this disorder will require a reduction in the current obesity epidemic.
Pediatric Obesity
Authors: Lake Alan M.
Published: January 2012

This article reviews the factors contributing to early childhood obesity and the options for recognition and early intervention. The role for developing preschool wellness programs that incorporate nutrition education and physical activity is presented with a model under development in the state of Maryland.
Assessment of Nutritional Status Using Anthropometric Methods on 1–4 Year Old Children in an Urban Ghetto in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Abidoye R.O. , Ihebuzor N.N.
Published: January 2012

This study assessed the nutritional status using anthropometry of 1–4 year old children in an urban slum in the Mushin Local Government Area of Lagos State, with a view to determining the impact of urbanization on child health. A total of 365 children were enrolled using multistage random sampling techniques. Anthropometric measurements used were weight and height. Height-for-age, weight-for-height, and weight-for-age Z-scores below −2.00 SD of the reference NCHS standard were used to define stunting, wasting and underweight, respectively. The study

revealed a prevalence of underweight of 39.2%, stunting of 34.5% and wasting of 21.9%. The mean of weight-for-age, height-for-age, weight-for-height and mid-upper-arm-circumference were less than the mean of the NCHS reference population. This difference might be due to the socio economic back grounds of the two populations. Using the modified Wellcome Classification of malnutrition, 37.8% of the children were malnourished. Most subjects came from homes with inadequate water supply and poor refuse disposal methods.
Promotion of Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF): The Need to Focus on the Adolescents
Authors: Ojofeitimi E.O. , Owolabi O.O. , Eni-Olorunda J.T. , Adesina O.F. , Esimai O.A.
Published: January 2012

This study was designed to assess the knowledge and attitude towards exclusive breast feeding among 377 female students of School of Health Technology, Ilesha and to compare their responses with 60 primigravidae attending antenatal clinic in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The ages of the subjects ranged from 15 to 34 years. Data were collected using pretested structured questionnaire. Approximately 47% of the total population were grouped under low level of knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding. There was no significant relationship in terms of knowledge between the two groups. There was, however, a significant relationship between the age of subjects and increased level of knowledge about EBF. Seventy percent of the primigravidae were graded as having poor attitudes as compared with 18% of the female students. About 42% of the total population would give water and glucose D water to neonates within 72 hours after delivery. These findings further suggest that planners of the Baby Friendly Initiative need to focus more on adolescents and the primigravidae in the promotion of breastfeeding.
Effect of Supplementation on Haemoglobin and Serum Retinol Levels and Nutritional Status of School Children of Northern India
Authors: Jood Sudesh , Gupta M , Yadav S.K. , Khetarpaul N.
Published: January 2012

Supplementation study was carried out in 66 children of 10–12 years of age for a period of about 4 months. On the basis of blood analysis, 33 children were taken as deficient having low level of both Hb (<10 g/dl) and serum retinol (< 20 µg/dl). Similar number of children (33) were selected as control purposively who had Hb > 10 gldl and serum retinol > 20 µg/dl. Average daily consumption of cereals, pulses, vegetables, fruits, milk and milk products, fats and oils, and sugar and jaggery was below the recommended dietary intake in control as well as deficient subjects, however, control children consumed more when compared to deficient children. Among nutrients the daily mean intake of energy, protein, iron, ß-carotene and vitamin C were found lower than RDA in deficient subjects as compared to control subjects. Feeding of 100g/day of cauliflower leaves powder supplements i.e. biscuits and shakarpara improved the Hb, serum retinol, height, weight and nutritional status in deficient subjects. The increase in Hb, serum retinol, weight and height in supplemented group was 14.61, 33.27, 4.48 and 7.06%, respectively. Initially, 27.27% children had normal nutritional status in deficient group, but after supplementation this value was increased to 42.42%. Higher percentage of children having deficiency signs of vitamin A (6.06%), iron (66.67%), B-complex vitamin (9.09%), and symptoms of protein-energy-malnutrition (72.73%) was observed in deficient subjects as compared to control subjects.
Anthropometric Measurements of Infants and Under Five Children in Riyadh City
Authors: Al-Jassir Mohammed Saleh , El Bashir Bushra
Published: January 2012

The data presented in this paper are part of the ongoing pediatric nutrition surveillance in ten primary health centers from Riyadh City. A total of 21,507 infants and children under five were included. The mean birth weight was 3027g, and 8.6% of the children had low birth weights. The measurements showed that there had been no obvious change in the weights and heights of children during the past 13 years. In our results the children classified as moderate and severely underweight were 4.5% and 0.8% respectively.

The data showed the average growth of all infants, regardless of feeding pattern, was same or faster than the NCHS reference population, up to approximately six months of age after which their growth became slower than that of the NCHS standards.

The prevalence of malnutrition in Saudi Arabia is moderately high, in spite of the high per capita income, and the fact that the government subsidizes locally produced and imported food items. The malnutrition among this age group may be attributed to reproductive or social behavior and genetic factors. The reduction of malnutrition in the last ten years could be largely due to the nutrition and health education programs. There is a need for more comprehensive nutritional health education among the local population.
Effect of Supplementation on Physicochemical, Sensory and Nutritional Characteristics of Bread
Authors: Dhingra Shfali , Jood Sudesh
Published: January 2012

Supplementation of wheat flour with soy flour (full fat and defatted) at 5, 10, 15 and 20% levels was carried out to test the effect on physico-chemical, sensory, nutritional evaluation and shelf life of breads. Adding 10% of soy flour (full fat and defatted) produced breads with good baking and organoleptic characteristics. However, at 15 and 20% levels they were less acceptable. The better breads were further investigated for various nutritional parameters and shelf life. Full fat and defatted soy flour (10%) supplemented bread exhibited 13.66 and 13.81% protein, and 3.02 and 3.05 g/100 g protein total lysine contents as compared to control (wheat) bread (11.47% protein and 2.36 g/100 g protein total lysine). Other nutrients are also increased in supplemented breads as compared to wheat bread. However, for storage, defatted soy supplemented bread exhibited better shelf life than the full fat version.
Breakfast Food Patterns Among Urban and Rural Croatian Schoolchildren
Authors: Barić Irena Colić , Šatalić Zvonimir
Published: January 2012

The aim of this study was to report breakfast food patterns among the rural and urban Croatian schoolchildren in the post-war socioeconomic changes. A quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire was used. Subjects were 7–18 year old schoolchildren (815 from urban and 375 from rural areas). The average energy intake was 27.5 and 23.0% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) in the urban and rural area respectively. Urban subjects tend to choose healthier options when older, while the rural subjects displayed the opposite (significantly correlated age with energy intake (% RDA) and dietary fibre intake (% of ‘age + 5’ rule). The same applied to age versus iron intake (urban positive, rural negative correlation). Breakfasts providing 20–30% RDA for energy and more than 300 mg of calcium were consumed by 20.7 and 32.4% of the urban and rural subjects respectively. Cereal products and milk and dairy products were the major breakfast constituents everywhere. Meat and its products, and eggs seem to be uncommon breakfast foods. The urban subjects had a more adequate energy intake at breakfast, but better food choices were observed among rural subjects.
Factors Associated with Overweight and Obesity among Kuwaiti Kindergarten Female Teachers
Authors: Al-Isa Abdulwahab Naser
Published: January 2012

Levels of overweight and obesity among Kuwaiti women are high, and the objective of this study was to explore factors that may be responsible. A sample of 461 Kuwaiti kindergarten female teachers was studied; weight and height were measured, and the classification of overweight or obese taken as having a Body Mass Index of 25–30 or >30, respectively. This revealed that 41.2 and 19.7% of the teachers were overweight or obese, respectively. Factors found to be significantly associated with overweight and obesity among the teachers included age, marital status, parents living at home, subjects' parental obesity, number of obese relatives, exercise, last dental check-up and dental status.
Nutritional Quality of Meals in Nursing Homes and Meals on Wheels for Elderly Persons in Croatia
Authors: Colić Barić Irena , Šatalić Zvonimir , Keser Irena
Published: January 2012

The aim of the study was to evaluate the adequacy of meals provided for elderly residents and non-residents of nursing homes in Croatia.

Menus of 44 all-day meals provided for residents from 4 nursing homes and 34 meals on wheels provided for non-residents of low socioeconomic status were selected by random sampling. A questionnaire was used to determine socioeconomic status and attitude of residents (n = 89) and non-residents (n = 80) regarding meals offered.

An average energy value of all-day meals and meals on wheels was 96.7 and 39.8% RDA respectively. All-day meals provide adequate amounts of the micronutrients examined (phosphorus, iron, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin C) with exception of calcium. Fat provided 35% and 36% of energy for all-day meals and meals on wheels respectively. The body mass index (BMI) under 18.5 kg/m2 had 1.7% residents and 4.0% non-residents. BMI higher than 24.9 kg/m2 were observed in 50% and 47% of residents and non-residents respectively. Gender differences were observed for meal preferences offered to both residents and non-residents.

The meals provided adequate amounts of energy and the micronutrients examined. However, a decrease in the energy fraction of fat and decrease in protein content would be advisable.
Gender Differences in Food Consumption Pattern and Nutrient Intake of Indian Pre-school Children (3–4 years) in Haryana State
Authors: Manu  , Khetarpaul N.
Published: January 2012

The consumption of different foodstuffs by Indian pre-school children (3 to 4 years) was recorded by using 24-hour recall method for three consecutive days. Adequacy of foods was ascertained by comparing the mean intake per day with Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA). The daily mean intake of all foodstuffs viz. cereals, pulses, green leafy vegetables, roots and tubers, other vegetables, fruits, fats and oils, milk and milk products and sugar and jaggery was lower than their respective RDAs among preschoolers except roots and tubers which were consumed in adequate amount by boys of the same age group. The intake of protein, fat, calcium, thiamine, folic acid and vitamin B12 was equal or more than their adequate amount as recommended by Indian Council of Medical Research. On the other hand, intake of energy, β-carotene, riboflavin and niacin was marginally adequate as per their respective RDAs. The most limiting nutrients in their daily diets were iron and vitamin C.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Weighing the Risks and Benefits of Seafood Consumption. Symposium presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), St. Louis, Feb. 16–20, 2006. Organized by Dr. Michael Morrissey, Director, Oregon State University Seafood Laboratory, Astoria, OR, USA
Authors: Morrissey Michael T.
Published: January 2012

The health benefits that long chain omega-3 fatty acids contribute in the reduction of coronary heart disease are well established through a number of scientific publications. A number of studies are also examining their potential role in mitigating other diseases and health conditions such as Alzheimer's and mental disorders. Some of the latest research have shown the importance of omega-3 fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid in cognitive development in infants. Extensive scientific research and recommendations to consume fish regularly from professional societies, health organizations, and government agencies consistently support dietary guidance to consume fish regularly. Nevertheless, increasingly consumers are being warned to eliminate or minimize their consumption of certain species. The warnings, which have been issued due to risks associated with chemical contaminates such as mercury, PCB, and dioxin in fish, have received extensive coverage in news articles and stories in popular magazines. There have been a series of mixed messages to the consumer about the benefits or risks in eating seafood. In some cases, the warnings have been issued by government agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration and Environmental Protection Agency's Joint Fish Advisory on methylmercury. In other cases, the warnings have come from advocacy groups and others. Unfortunately, the advice is often miscommunicated and misunderstood by consumers. The emerging news about the benefits and risks of fish consumption will be discussed in the context of their impacts on consumer's health and well-being.
Nutrigenomic Approaches to Study the Effects of N-3 PUFA Diet in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Puskas Laszlo G. , Kitajka Klara
Published: January 2012

Deficiencies in essential, mainly omega-3 and omega-6 (n-3, n-6) long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) result in visual and cognitive impairment and disturbances in mental functions in animals and could be the main reason for the increasing incidence of different mental disorders in humans. Traditional approaches cannot give us a detailed picture on how dietary lipids exert their effects, because they focus on only a few genes or biomarkers. Dietary lipids not only influence the biophysical state of the cell membranes but, via direct and indirect routes, they also act on multiple pathways including signalling and gene and protein activities. Therefore, to understand the molecular basis of the effects and roles of n-3 PUFA in the central nervous system global screening techniques such as DNA- or protein microarrays were used to assess the changes, in a global way, at the transcriptome and at the proteome level. With DNA microarrays we found that cholesterol and fish oil (high in PUFA) diets altered the expression of several genes involved in raft formation and membrane protrusions. By using protein microarrays we detected a decreased concentration of protein kinase C beta, gamma, phospholipase C gamma and other changes in the expression level of proteins involved in the signal transduction pathway in the brain in response to high cholesterol diet. Besides the known cellular effects of lipid nutritions (changing eicosanoid make up, effects on membrane fluidity and raft stability) it is now evident that dietary lipids influence gene and protein activity levels, protein modifications and probably play important role in modulating protein aggregation.
Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in Nigerian Preschool Children
Authors: Senbanjo I.O. , Adejuyigbe E.A.
Published: January 2012

The problem of obesity is taking a worldwide dimension. However, there is paucity of data on obesity in Nigerian children. This study was therefore conducted to determine the prevalence and factors associated with overweight and obesity among Nigerian preschool children. A total of 270 children were recruited from 216 households using multistage cluster sampling technique. The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 13.7% and 5.2% respectively while the prevalence of underweight was 8.5%. Although, there was no statistically significant relationship between exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, duration of breastfeeding and the prevalence of overweight (P = 0.569, 0.669 respectively), the prevalence of overweight decreases with increase in the duration of breastfeeding. Ninety-nine (36.3%) children were given infant formula feeds with 92 (93.9%) children introduced to infant formula feeds before the age of 6 months. The use of infant formula feeds was significantly associated with reduction in the prevalence of overweight (P = 0.041). No linear relationship was detected in the association between overweight and socioeconomic class. The population shows heterogeneity in their nutritional problem by having mixture of obesity and underweight. There is need for trend of obesity to be monitored so that timely intervention will be taken and associated morbidity and mortality from obesity prevented.