bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interferon Reduces the Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Hepatitis C Virus-Related Chronic Hepatitis/Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Masuzaki Ryota , Yoshida Haruhiko , Omata Masao
Published: July 2010

The efficacy of interferon therapy against hepatitis C virus (HCV) has much improved, showing a sustained virologic response rate of 40–50% even in the genotype 1b with a high viral load. Several cohort studies conducted in Japan in the 1990s unanimously concluded that the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development was reduced in patients who achieved a sustained virologic response or persistent normalization of alanine aminotransferase as compared to untreated patients. Recently, a large-scale randomized controlled trial, called the HALT-C study, showed no significant difference in the incidence of HCC between patients on maintenance interferon therapy and those without. The reason for the discrepant results in Japanese and USA studies needs further clarification, together with analysis of the difference in incidence rates of HCC among cirrhotic patients. There has also been progress in the treatment of HCC, and together with advances in diagnostics facilitating HCC detection at an early stage, tumor nodules can often be completely removed either by medical ablation or surgical resection. Nevertheless, recurrence of HCC after apparently curative treatment is extraordinarily frequent, since the remaining liver is still at a high risk of HCC. The prevention of the recurrence of HCC, or tertiary prevention, is currently one of the most challenging tasks in hepatology.
Molecular Signature of Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Suriawinata Arief , Thung Swan N.
Published: July 2010

The advances in imaging techniques and establishment of screening and surveillance protocols for high-risk populations for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have led to the detection of small hepatic nodules in patients with chronic liver diseases, but in general the prognosis for HCC remains poor. Early detection of HCC or detection of small/early HCC followed by appropriate treatment is the key to significantly alter the prognosis and significantly decrease tumor-related deaths. Recent advances in gene profiling have led to a better understanding in early hepatocarcinogenesis and have suggested several possible molecular signatures which are able to separate early HCCs from their precursors, the dysplastic nodules. The continued search for new and more accurate molecular signatures must be translated into the clinical setting, where they can advance screening and surveillance of high-risk patients in the detection of early HCC.
Newly Developed Novel Ultrasound Technique, Defect Reperfusion Ultrasound Imaging, Using Sonazoid in the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Kudo Masatoshi , Hatanaka Kinuyo , Maekawa Kiyoshi
Published: July 2010

The aim of this study is to clarify the usefulness of defect reperfusion ultrasound (US) imaging using Sonazoid in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A total of 33 HCC nodules and 34 local recurring nodules after radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which could not be identified by B-mode US but were depicted by dynamic CT, were studied by defect reperfusion US imaging with Sonazoid. In addition, Kupffer phase Sonazoid-enhanced US in combination with defect reperfusion US imaging were used for screening HCC in 262 consecutive cirrhotic patients. As a result, 33 US undetectable HCC nodules and 34 local recurring HCC nodules were successfully confirmed by Sonazoid-enhanced US with defect reperfusion imaging. Subsequently, RFA was successfully performed in all of 67 HCC nodules with a Sonazoid-enhanced US guidance. A total of 7 small HCCs were depicted and confirmed as HCCs by Kupffer phase surveillance and defect reperfusion US imaging. In conclusion, defect reperfusion US imaging is extremely useful in the depiction and confirmation of US undetectable HCCs as well as in the surveillance of HCC in cirrhotic patients.
Advances of Imaging for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Choi Byung Ihn
Published: July 2010

A variety of imaging modalities, including ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, and angiography, are currently used in evaluating patients with chronic liver disease and suspected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Further technological advancement will undoubtedly have a major impact on liver tumor imaging. Increased speed of data acquisition and consequently shorter scan times in CT and MRI show further improvement in resolution by further reducing motion artifacts. Development of new contrast materials for liver tumor imaging in US and MRI improve tumor detection and characterization by increasing the contrast resolution. Currently available advanced US techniques in the evaluation of HCC are various harmonic imaging techniques with contrast agents, volume imaging, and recently, US elastography, that has been developing and might play a role in characterizing liver nodules in the future. The latest advance in CT is the multidetector (MD) CT scanner where a 256- or 320-detector CT was introduced. Recent studies describe the high sensitivity of double arterial phase imaging in hepatic tumor detection and the usefulness of CT angiography by using MD CT in a detailed assessment of hepatic arterial anatomy using a three-dimensional dataset. In addition, perfusion CT imaging is also being developed and can be used for the characterization and treatment monitoring of HCC. Dual-energy CT with new technology is also continuously progressing. Advances in MR technology, including hardware and pulse sequence implementation, allow acquisition times to be reduced to the time frame of one breathhold, providing multiphasic dynamic MRI. Functional MRI including diffusion-weighted MRI, MR elastography, and new MR contrast agent with dual function have been investigated for the clinical utility of detection and characterization of HCCs. Functional MRI has a potential to be a promising technique for assessing HCC.
Usefulness of the Post-Vascular Phase of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography with Sonazoid in the Evaluation of Gross Types of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Hatanaka Kinuyo , Chung Hobyung , Kudo Masatoshi , Haji Seiji , Minami Yasunori , Maekawa Kiyoshi , Hayaishi Sousuke , Nagai Tomoyuki , Takita Masahiro , Kudo Kanae , Ueda Taisuke , Tatsumi Chie , Kitai Satoshi , Ishikawa Emi , Yada Norihisa , Inoue Tatsuo , Hagiwara Satoru , Ueshima Kazuomi
Published: July 2010

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the usefulness of post-vascular phase (PVP) images of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CE-US) in the evaluation of the gross types of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that is closely related to the malignant potential of the tumor. Methods: A total of 29 patients with 40 HCCs of <5 cm in diameter, who underwent hepatic resection, were enrolled. The gross type of the tumor was evaluated using real-time scanning during the PVP of CE-US with Sonazoid prior to surgery. The tumors were classified into three types based on the macroscopic classification of the Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan: single nodular (SN) type, single nodular with extranodular growth (SNEG) type, and confluent multinodular (CMN) type. The ability of CE-US to correctly depict the gross type of HCC was evaluated. Results: 26 tumors were macroscopically diagnosed as the SN type, 11 tumors as the SNEG type, and 3 tumors as the CMN type. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of CE-US were 96, 80 and 90%, respectively. Conclusion: The PVP image of CE-US with Sonazoid is a useful tool in the evaluation of the gross type of HCC and is considered essential in deciding treatment strategy.
Depiction of Portal Supply in Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Dysplastic Nodule: Value of Pure Arterial Ultrasound Imaging in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Kudo Masatoshi , Hatanaka Kinuyo , Inoue Tatsuo , Maekawa Kiyoshi
Published: July 2010

Ultrasound (US) contrast agents such as SonoVue and Sonazoid are commercially available worldwide. Innovation of contrast agents and advances of new US technologies have dramatically changed both diagnostic and treatment strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, the breakthrough technique, pure arterial phase (PAP) US imaging, which depicts only intranodular arterial supply by use of maximum intensity projection (MIP) images, was developed from advanced raw data-storing and accumulation technologies. A total of 8 dysplastic nodules (DNs), 16 early HCCs, 5 nodule-in-nodule type early HCCs and 48 overt HCCs were included in this study. All 8 DNs (100%) showed arterial hypovascularity in the PAP followed by preserved portal perfusion at the portal phase and isouptake at the Kupffer phase by Sonazoid-enhanced contrast US. A total of 12 out of 16 early HCCs (75%) showed similar patterns on vascular and Kupffer phase imaging of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. The remaining 4 HCCs showed slightly hypervascular pattern without venous washout and slightly decreased Kupffer uptake. All 5 nodule-in-nodule type early HCCs presented partial arterial enhancement within hypovascular nodule at the PAP followed by isovascular pattern at the portal phase and partial Kupffer defect within isouptake nodules. All 48 overt HCCs showed a hypervascular pattern with Kupffer defect on contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. This technique can clearly identify whether blood supply in the tumor is of arterial or portal origin, and facilitate the noninvasive characterization of nodular lesions associated with liver cirrhosis. In conclusion, this newly developed innovative technique can depict pure portal supply in early HCC and DN, enabling differentiating premalignant lesions and early HCCs from overt HCC even though dynamic CT or MRI does not have such capabilities.
Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Techniques for Guiding and Assessing Response to Locoregional Treatments for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Andreana Lorenzo , Kudo Masatoshi , Hatanaka Kinuyo , Chung Hobyung , Minami Yasunori , Maekawa Kiyoshi , Ruggiero Giuseppe
Published: July 2010

Most hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) are diagnosed in patients with cirrhosis and/or when tumor burden is too advanced for surgical treatment. In many of these cases the only suitable therapy is locoregional, percutaneous and/or intraarterial treatment. Moreover, the best way to guide and assess response to locoregional HCC treatment are two issues under discussion today. First-generation and subsequent second-generation microbubble contrast agents, together with contrast-enhanced ultrasound (US) imaging, have expanded the role of US techniques in HCC treatments. In this review our purpose is to illustrate the advantages, limits and potential of contrast-enhanced US application for locoregional HCC treatment.
Diagnostic and Treatment Algorithm of the Japanese Society of Hepatology: A Consensus-Based Practice Guideline
Authors: Izumi Namiki
Published: July 2010

In Japan, more than 70% of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) develop from hepatitis C virus infections and 15% are derived from hepatitis B infections. Since most have received close observation with e.g. ultrasound or enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan every 3–6 months before development of HCC, the HCC nodule was detected in the early stage in more than 60% of the patients. An algorithm for the HCC surveillance was shown as a Japanese clinical guideline of a scientific-based research group. At the joint symposium with JSH and the International Liver Cancer Association (ILCA), the algorithm of diagnosis and treatment for HCC was discussed using Answerpad. Several important discussions are described in this article.
Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy Using Low-Dose 5-Fluorouracil and Cisplatin for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Ueshima Kazuomi , Kudo Masatoshi , Takita Masahiro , Nagai Tomoyuki , Tatsumi Chie , Ueda Taisuke , Kitai Satoshi , Ishikawa Emi , Yada Norihisa , Inoue Tatsuo , Hagiwara Satoru , Minami Yasunori , Chung Hobyung
Published: July 2010

Background: Although hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) using low-dose 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin (low-dose FP) is commonly used for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with vascular invasion in Japan, few reports have investigated the efficacy and safety of this approach. We investigated the efficacy and toxicity of HAIC using low-dose FP for patients with advanced HCC as a phase II trial. Methods: Low-dose FP consisted of a continuous arterial infusion of 5-FU (250–500 mg/day, 5 days/week, for the first 2 weeks) and cisplatin (10 mg/day, 5 days/week, for the first 2 weeks). Then, 5-FU (1,000 mg/body for 5 h) and cisplatin (10 mg/body) were administered once weekly. Results: In these patients treated with low-dose FP, the response rate was 38.5%, the median time to progression was 4.1 months (95% CI 2.1–6.1 months) and the median survival time was 15.9 months (95% CI 9.8–22.0 months). The most frequent adverse events were myelosuppression such as neutropenia or thrombocytopenia. Conclusions: HAIC using low-dose FP is an effective treatment option for locally advanced HCC. However, it is not well tolerated hematologically because of potent pancytopenia and poor hepatic reserve. Therefore, this regimen should be performed carefully with regular monitoring of hematological function.
Positioning of a Molecular-Targeted Agent, Sorafenib, in the Treatment Algorithm for Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Implication of Many Complete Remission Cases in Japan
Authors: Kudo Masatoshi , Ueshima Kazuomi
Published: July 2010

Sorafenib, a molecular-targeted agent that inhibits tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis by inhibiting RAF serine-threonine kinase and VEGF, PDGF, Flt-3, c-Kit receptor tyrosine kinase, was approved in Europe and North America in 2007 and in Japan on May 20, 2009. In the 10 months since its approval, sorafenib has been prescribed for more than 3,700 patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and its efficacy has been confirmed in many cases. According to the consensus statements of the Japan Society of Hepatology in 2010, sorafenib is recommended for advanced HCC with extrahepatic spread or major vascular invasion such as invasion of the 1st branch of the portal vein or the main portal branch of the portal vein in patients with Child-Pugh A liver function. In addition to that, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) or hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) refractory HCC patients with Child-Pugh A liver function are also candidates of sorafenib monotherapy as a second-line treatment option. To date, 15 cases with complete remission (CR) to sorafenib in metastatic advanced HCC patients have been reported in Japan, an event that is rarely reported in other countries. Of the 90 cases treated by ourselves, 2 achieved CR. Factors indicating systemic cancer spread, including multiple liver lesions, lymph node metastases, adrenal metastases, lung metastases and vascular invasion, were completely absent in both cases of CR by 2 and 1 year, respectively. Similarly, three tumor markers (AFP, PIVKA-II, and AFP-L3) completely returned to normal values. Although cases of CR are rare, it seems that there might be racial differences in terms of gene mutations. Clinical trials for other molecular-targeted agents, including sunitinib, brivanib, or linifanib, are ongoing and their outcomes are eagerly awaited. According to a subanalysis of the SHARP study, it is expected that sorafenib in combination with resection, ablation, TACE or HAIC will markedly prolong the overall survival in early-, intermediate- and advanced- stage HCCs.
Positioning and Indication of Sorafenib in the Treatment Algorithm and Real Practice Setting: Western and Eastern Approach – Asian Perspective
Authors: Lee Jung Min , Han Kwang-Hyub
Published: July 2010

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is common in Asia, and there were no effective chemotherapeutic agents for advanced HCC. Sorafenib, an oral multikinase inhibitor, has set a milestone in the management of HCC in that it is the first agent to significantly improve the overall survival in patients with advanced HCC in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III study. Sorafenib is now approved in many Asian countries, and further clinical trials are underway. There is no doubt that sorafenib has a firm position at the core of HCC therapy, and its indications are anticipated to widen in the near future to intermediate HCC or as an adjuvant agent with or without combination modality. However, the clinical outcome with sorafenib is not completely satisfactory in patients with extrahepatic spread or macrovascular invasion. Furthermore, sorafenib is expensive, which puts it beyond the reach of most Asian patients. Therefore, the development and customization of a rational approach based on cost, quality of life, and survival are urgently needed. Finally, a practical consensus guideline is needed based on clinical trials in Asia.
Real Practice of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Japan: Conclusions of the Japan Society of Hepatology 2009 Kobe Congress
Authors: Kudo Masatoshi
Published: July 2010

This article presents the current consensus on the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) formed at the 45th Annual Meeting of the Japan Society of Hepatology (June 4–5, 2009) and the 3rd International Kobe Liver Symposium (June 6–7, 2009) held in Kobe. Concluded important consensuses, which were well accepted by Japanese HCC specialists, are as follows. (1) Patients with type B or type C liver cirrhosis, who are an ultrahigh-risk group of liver cancer, should be screened every 3–4 months by ultrasonography and measurement of AFP and PIVKA-II. (2) Gd-EOB-MRI is useful for the diagnosis of early HCC. (3) The JIS score is more useful for the staging of liver cancer than the BCLC staging system, which is a global standard. (4) The TNM staging system by the Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan is superior to the TNM stage by the AJCC/UICC. (5) The therapeutic algorithm in the Japanese guidelines for the management of liver cancer is superior to the BCLC treatment algorithm. (6) Early stage. Liver cancers should be treated by radiofrequency ablation if they are ≤2 cm, and by surgical resection if they are Child-Pugh A solitary lesions. (7) Liver transplantation is only indicated for Child-Pugh C patients within Milan Criteria. In conclusion, these consensuses seem to well reflect the real practice pattern of the management of HCC in Japan and provide valuable information for other countries as well.
Characterisation of the Expression of the Renin-Angiotensin System in Primary and Immortalised Human Renal Proximal Tubular Cells
Authors: Shalamanova Liliana , Wilkinson Mark C. , McArdle Frank , Jackson Malcolm J. , Rustom Rana
Published: July 2010

Background/Aims: Angiotensin II (AngII) is pivotal in the pathogenesis of progressive kidney disease. We have recently shown that AngII induced an increase in markers of oxidative stress, adaptive responses and upregulated stress-related gene expression in immortalised human proximal tubular (HK-2) cells. However, these observed effects of AngII were not mediated solely via AngII type 1 receptor (ATR1). Both HK-2 cells and primary human renal proximal tubular cells (RPTEC) are useful tools to investigate the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), but data on the local expression of the RAS in these cells remain limited. We therefore characterised RAS expression in RPTEC and HK-2 cells. Methods: The mRNA and protein expression of RAS in RPTEC and HK-2 cells was examined by RT-PCR, Western blotting and immunoprecipitation. Results: In both cell lines, mRNA for angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and mRNA and protein expression for angiotensinogen, renin, ACE2, ATR1 and ATR4 were detected. Candesartan, a specific ATR1 blocker, effectively blocked the expression of 80% of the stress-related genes that were upregulated in HK-2 cells following exposure to AngII. Con clusion: These data support a role for AngII in mediating oxidative stress via other receptor types stimulated by AngII and confirm that it is possible to investigate ATR4 pathways of potential injury in RPTEC.
Subjective Well-Being Dynamics in Couples from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Aging
Authors: Walker Ruth , Luszcz Mary , Gerstorf Denis , Hoppmann Christiane
Published: July 2010

Background: There is growing evidence for spousal associations in late-life development among key functional domains. Spousal interrelations in subjective well-being (SWB) have primarily been discussed in the context of a model of ‘transmission’, an indicator of well-being. Typically, depression is used to mark this, but few studies have examined if such transmission can be found over the long term in older couples’ SWB. Objective: We aimed to determine whether longitudinal dyadic interrelations exist among older couples in the SWB domain, as indicated by morale. Methods: We applied dynamic models to 11-year longitudinal data of 316 couples from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Aging (median age = 75 years at baseline) to explore whether the levels of SWB for one partner predict change in SWB for the other. Results: Spousal interrelations emerged and were found to be gender-specific with wives predicting subsequent change among husbands, but not the reverse pattern of influence. Husbands whose wives reported higher initial SWB showed a relatively shallower decline over time relative to husbands whose wives reported lower initial SWB levels. These associations were robust after covarying for differences in age, education, health and marital characteristics (number of children and length of marriage). Conclusion: Our study is consistent with, and illustrates empirically that close relationships shape individual developmental outcomes. The findings suggest that wives play an important role in setting the affective tone in older couples. We discuss possible factors underlying such interrelations.
Affect Covariation in Marital Couples Dealing with Stressors Surrounding Prostate Cancer
Authors: Berg Cynthia A. , Wiebe Deborah J. , Butner Jonathan
Published: July 2010

Background: Consistent with a dyadic perspective to coping with chronic illness, couples may experience covariation in their daily affective experiences, particularly as they deal with stressful events surrounding chronic illness, such as prostate cancer. Objective: Our purpose was to examine the daily covariation of negative and positive affect among husbands and wives and whether this covariation was enhanced when couples mentioned the same stressful event and reported frequently collaborating. Methods: Fifty-nine husbands diagnosed as having prostate cancer and their wives participated in a daily diary where they reported on the most stressful event of the day, positive and negative affect, coping strategies and whether their spouse was involved in a collaborative manner. Coders independently made judgments as to whether the stressful event mentioned by husbands and wives was the same. Results: Multivariate hierarchical linear models revealed that on days when wives experienced greater negative affect, husbands did so as well. However, negative affect covariation was only found when spouses mentioned the same daily stressful event. The mean levels of collaborative coping across the 14 days moderated this negative covariation effect for wives, such that negative affect covariation was enhanced when wives reported collaborating more frequently. Positive affect covariation was not found. Conclusion: The results reveal that negative affect covariation may be most likely when spouses experience similar stressors and wives perceive frequently collaborating. Partners within close relationships experience similar negative affect as their spouse, pointing to the shared nature of illness in late life.
Delayed Osteoprogenitor Differentiation in Cleft-Palate Models
Authors: Pungchanchaikul P. , Bloch-Zupan A. , Ferretti P.
Published: July 2010

Failure of palatal shelf fusion results in cleft palate (CP) and may lead to malformation of palatal bones and undergrowth of the maxilla. It is not known whether defects in bone formation may contribute to this phenotype. We tested the hypothesis that impaired fusion of developing palatal shelves affects palatal bone development using palate organotypic cultures. Using two different approaches, we show that induction of cleft results in increased expression of pre-osteoblast and early osteoblast markers, Twist1, Snai1 and Runx2, and decreased expression of more mature markers of bone differentiation, collagen-1 and osteopontin, indicating delayed osteoblast differentiation in CPs. This, together with the increase in immature osteoblasts and proliferation observed in non-fused palatal shelves, suggests that palatal osteoblast differentiation is at least partly modulated by shelf fusion. Delayed osteoblast differentiation may therefore contribute to defects in gross morphology and function of the maxilla in CP patients.
Organization of the Pontocerebellar Projection to the Paramedian Lobule and Caudal Vermis: A Retrograde Fluorescent Tracer Study in the Rabbit
Authors: Zguczyński Leszek , Bukowska Dorota , Mierzejewska-Krzyżwska Barbara
Published: July 2010

Following paired injections of fluorescent tracers into the unilateral paramedian lobule (PML) and uvula (Uv) as well as the pyramis (Pr) and Uv, the distribution pattern of retrogradely labeled neurons in the pontine nuclei (PN) indicates a high degree of topographic organization in the pontocerebellar projection. This projection originates from neurons clustered in two groups located laterally and medially in relation to the course of the pyramidal tract fibers. The rostral part of the PN supplies the Uv, while its caudal part sends fibers to the PML and Pr. Neurons in defined regions of the individual PN project independently to the lobules under study, although there are also small regions in which neurons connected with the PML and Uv, and with the Pr and Uv, are intermingled. In spite of this, none of these neurons projects by axonal collaterals. The projection is bilateral, with an over two times contralateral dominance, and arises from the dorsolateral, paramedian, lateral, and peduncular PN. The PML and Uv receive profuse connections (45 and 43%, respectively), and the Pr receives moderate connections (12%). The involvement of the individual PN in the projection differs between the target lobules: the dorsolateral nucleus is the primary source of projection (45%), while the participation of the paramedian, lateral, and peduncular nuclei is successively smaller (25, 18, and 12%). This is the first report describing the organization of PML/Uv and Pr/Uv projections from rabbit PN. Comparisons with the same projections in other species are made and possible functions are discussed.
Remote-Controlled Magnetic Pulmonary Vein Isolation Using a New Irrigated-Tip Catheter in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Chun K.R. Julian , Wissner Erik , Koektuerk Buelent , Konstantinidou Melanie , Schmidt Boris , Zerm Thomas , Metzner Andreas , Tilz Roland , Boczor Sigrid , Fuernkranz Alexander , Ouyang Feifan , Kuck Karl-Heinz
Published: July 2010

Background—

Lack of an irrigated-tip magnetic catheter has limited the role of remote-controlled magnetic navigation (Niobe II, Stereotaxis) for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods and Results—

A novel 3.5-mm-tip irrigated magnetic catheter (group 1, Thermocool Navistar RMT, Biosense Webster) was used for 3D left atrial reconstruction (CARTO RMT) and remote-controlled magnetic pulmonary vein isolation. A redesigned catheter was used in group 2. The primary end point was wide area circumferential pulmonary vein isolation confirmed by spiral catheter recording during ablation; secondary end points included procedural data, complications, and AF recurrence. Fifty-six consecutive patients [group 1: 28 patients, 22 males, age 64 (38 to 78) years, left atrium: 47 (34 to 52) mm; paroxysmal AF: n=21, persistent AF: n=7; group 2: 28 patients, 20 males, age 60 (24 to 78) years, left atrium: 40 (35 to 53) mm; paroxysmal AF: n=18, persistent AF: n=10] were included. The primary end point was achieved in a total of 52 of 56 (93%) patients. Median procedure duration was 315 (125 to 550) minutes (group 1: 370 [230 to 550] minutes; group 2: 243 [125 to 450] minutes). Median fluoroscopy exposure to the investigator was reduced by 31%. Tip charring in 17 of 28 (61%) and complications in 3 of 28 (11%) patients in group 1 resulted in a catheter redesign. Sinus rhythm was maintained by 35 of 50 (70%) patients during a median follow-up period of 545 (100 to 683) days.

Conclusions—

Remote-controlled magnetic AF ablation with real-time verification of pulmonary vein isolation is feasible with a comparable success rate to manual ablation. Safety improved after a redesign of the catheter.
Sumoylation and Regulation of Cardiac Gene Expression
Authors: Wang Jun , Schwartz Robert J.
Published: July 2010

Abstract
:

Sumoylation is a posttranslational modification process in which SUMO proteins are covalently and reversibly conjugated to their targets via enzymatic cascade reactions. Since the discovery of SUMO-1 in 1996, the SUMO pathway has garnered increased attention due to its role in a number of important biological activities such as cell cycle progression, epigenetic modulation, signal transduction, and DNA replication/repair, as well as its potential implication in human pathogenesis such as in cancer development and metastasis, neurodegenerative disorders and craniofacial defects. The role of the SUMO pathway in regulating cardiogenic gene activity, development and/or disorders is just emerging. Our review is based on recent advances that highlight the regulation of cardiac gene activity in cardiac development and disease by the SUMO conjugation pathway.
Inpatient service providers’ perspectives on service user involvement in Norwegian community mental health centres
Authors: Storm Marianne , Hausken Kjell , Knudsen Knud
Published: July 2010

Background: For two decades, mental health services in Norway have focused on service user involvement. Despite this, there is little knowledge about how inpatient mental health services have promoted user involvement.

Aim: To examine service providers’ reports of service user involvement at the individual and departmental levels in Norwegian community mental health centres (CMHCs).

Methods: One hundred and eighty six (186) inpatient service providers in five CMHCs filled out a questionnaire.

Results: Confirmatory factor analysis showed that service provider perceptions and awareness of service user involvement can be measured by three subscales: organizational user involvement; patient collaboration; and assisted patient involvement. Little user involvement was reported at the departmental level. Providers more often reported user involvement at the individual level. Providers in two of the CMHCs reported a somewhat higher degree of departmental-level user involvement. There were no significant differences across gender, age, leader position, profession and job tenure, though evening/night shift workers reported a lesser degree of user involvement.

Conclusion: The results suggest that user involvement at the departmental level needs to be addressed in future efforts to promote user involvement in CMHCs.
Differential evolution-based receding horizon control design for multi-UAVs formation reconfiguration
Authors: Xiang-Yin Zhang , Hai-Bin Duan
Published: July 2010

Formation reconfiguration is one of the most complicated problems on multiple uninhabited aerial vehicles (multi-UAVs) co-ordinated control. Based on the differential evolution (DE) algorithm, a novel type of control method using receding horizon control (RHC) is proposed aiming at driving multi-UAVs to form a new flying formation. The global control problem of multi-UAVs formation reconfiguration is transformed into several online local optimization problems within a series of receding horizons, while the DE algorithm is adopted to optimize the control sequences for each UAV. The working process of the RHC controller is presented in detail. Finally, two simulation experiments are performed, and simulation results show the feasibility and effectiveness of our proposed control approach.
Malignant Lymphoma in African Lions (Panthera Leo)
Authors: Harrison T. M. , McKnight C. A. , Sikarskie J. G. , Kitchell B. E. , Garner M. M. , Raymond J. T. , Fitzgerald S. D. , Valli V. E. , Agnew D. , Kiupel M.
Published: July 2010

Malignant lymphoma has become an increasingly recognized problem in African lions ( Panthera leo). Eleven African lions (9 male and 2 female) with clinical signs and gross and microscopic lesions of malignant lymphoma were evaluated in this study. All animals were older adults, ranging in age from 14 to 19 years. Immunohistochemically, 10 of the 11 lions had T-cell lymphomas (CD3+, CD79a–), and 1 lion was diagnosed with a B-cell lymphoma (CD3–, CD79a+). The spleen appeared to be the primary site of neoplastic growth in all T-cell lymphomas, with involvement of the liver (6/11) and regional lymph nodes (5/11) also commonly observed. The B-cell lymphoma affected the peripheral lymph nodes, liver, and spleen. According to the current veterinary and human World Health Organization classification of hematopoietic neoplasms, T-cell lymphoma subtypes included peripheral T-cell lymphoma (4/11), precursor (acute) T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukemia (2/11), chronic T-cell lymphocytic lymphoma/leukemia (3/11), and T-zone lymphoma (1/11). The single B-cell lymphoma subtype was consistent with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) testing by immunohistochemistry on sections of malignant lymphoma was negative for all 11 lions. One lion was seropositive for FeLV. In contrast to domestic and exotic cats, in which B-cell lymphomas are more common than T-cell lymphomas, African lions in this study had malignant lymphomas that were primarily of T-cell origin. Neither FeLV nor FIV, important causes of malignant lymphoma in domestic cats, seems to be significant in the pathogenesis of malignant lymphoma in African lions.
Considerations on the Flynn Effect
Authors: Weiss Lawrence G.
Published: July 2010

Flynn has proposed a grand integrative theory, which he calls “scientific spectacles,” to explain the phenomenon of rising IQ scores across multiple decades known as the Flynn effect (FE). In his theory, he purports that modern society has placed increasing value and emphasis on the application and education of scientific principles—which include abstract fluid reasoning—and this has mirrored larger score increases in the abstract fluid reasoning tasks included as part of most intelligence tests. He highlights huge gains in the Wechsler Similarities subtest over time as one linchpin supporting his theory that fluid reasoning is rising faster than other aspects of intelligence, but further points to large increases in Wechsler performance tasks (i.e., perceptual organization and reasoning) relative to crystallized tasks, and to the many studies of Raven’s Progressive Matrices, which is widely held to be a fairly pure measure of fluid reasoning. As with any new theory of this magnitude, Flynn’s grand proposal has invited numerous criticisms that must now be addressed—and this is as it should be in the spirit of scientific progress. Each of these issues is multilayered and has many legitimate perspectives. The present article attempts to carefully consider each issue and perspective in sequence.
Effect of restraint stress on 2,3,7,8 tetrachloro dibenzo-p-dioxin induced testicular and epididymal toxicity in rats
Authors: Dhanabalan S. , Jubendradass R. , Latha P. , Mathur PP
Published: July 2010

Dioxins like 2,3,7,8 tetrachlorodibenzo-p—dioxin (TCDD) impair male reproductive system by increasing the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Glucocorticoids have been found to suppress male reproductive function and also influence TCDD pathway. As stress is characterized by an increase in the level and activity of glucocorticoids, the present experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of restraint stress on TCDDinduced testicular and epididymal toxicity. Adult male Wistar rats were subjected to either restraint stress (5 hours/day) or TCDD treatment (100 ng/kg b.w./day) or both for 15 days. Restraint stress or TCDD treatment raised the serum level of corticosterone and suppressed the testicular level of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein and serum level of testosterone significantly. In the testis and epididymis, restraint stress or TCDD treatment raised the levels of lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide and suppressed the activities of antioxidant enzymes significantly. In rats subjected to both restraint stress and TCDD treatment, a significant increase in the serum level of corticosterone and a significant decrease in the testicular level of StAR protein and serum level of testosterone were observed as compared to rats treated with TCDD alone. A significant increase in the levels of lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide and a significant decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes were observed in the testis and epididymis of rats subjected to both restraint stress and TCDD treatment as compared to TCDD alone treated rats. Thus, restraint stress potentiates the adverse effects of TCDD on male reproductive organs.
Transformational Process of Health Care Choice of Poor in Kerala
Authors: Rajagopal N.
Published: July 2010

Choice of poor people towards the type of health care services (public or private) has not been much discussed. This is mainly because of the underlying assumption that their choice has always been restricted to public health care services. The inefficiency of the public health care system in India has created a vacuum among the poor people regarding their preference for health care. Their tendency to transform from accessing public to private health care services is discussed in this context.

The study was conducted among the low-income urban households of Kerala. It was noted that there is a strong willingness among these categories to access private health care services. Efficiency of the health care services was pointed out as a major reason for this. However, issues such as the high cost of private health care services remain unresolved. An option to revamp the public health care system cannot materialise especially when the budget allocation for public health service has reduced considerably. In this context, a proposal for an integrated system, which would work on distributive and redistributive mechanisms is suggested.
Factors Affecting Neonatal Mortality in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md. Mosiur , Abidin Sumaiya
Published: July 2010

This study seeks to examine the factors associated with neonatal mortality in Bangladesh based on the Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey 2004 data. It is observed that 54.4 per cent of the younger mothers (< 25 years) experienced neonatal mortality, while about 46 per cent mothers of age 25 years and above experienced neonatal mortality. Male children have a higher neonatal mortality rate as compared to female children. The analysis reveals that mothers’ age at birth is inversely related to neonatal mortality. Children born to mothers aged below 20 years are 1.5 times more expected to die in their neonatal period as compared to children born to mothers between 20–29 years. Children born less than two years after a previous birth are about 2 times more likely to die in their neonatal period as compared to children born after an interval of four years or more of the previous birth. The neonatal mortality is 1.8 times more for the first birth order compare to birth order 2–3. Sylhet division has the highest neonatal mortality rate. Children of illiterate mothers are more than 1.5 times likely to die before completing their first month of birth as compared to children born to mothers with education up to higher secondary or above. Again neonatal mortality is highest among the poorest asset groups, which is almost double as compared to households from the richest asset group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that division, mother’s age at birth, mother’s education, previous birth interval, region, number of antenatal care visits, household asset index, received TT injections and place of delivery likely to affect neonatal deaths.
Tax Evasion and Exchange Equity: A Reference-Dependent Approach
Authors: Rablen Matthew D.
Published: July 2010

The standard portfolio model of tax evasion with a public good produces the perverse conclusion that when taxpayers perceive the public good to be under-/overprovided, an increase in the tax rate increases/decreases evasion. The author treats taxpayers as thinking in terms of gains and losses relative to an endogenous reference level, which reflects perceived exchange equity between the value of taxes paid and the value of public goods supplied. With these alternative behavioral assumptions, the author overturns the aforementioned result in a direction consistent with the empirical evidence. The author also finds a role for relative income in determining individual responses to a change in the marginal rate of tax.
Comparing the material lives of Asian transmigrants through the lens of alcohol consumption
Authors: Ross Douglas E.
Published: July 2010

Historians commonly use the twin concepts of transnationalism and diaspora in exploring the lives of overseas Asian migrants, but such analyses are only just emerging among archaeologists. These concepts forefront processes of culture change and identity formation that consider simultaneously socio-economic and cultural influences from home and host countries. They also present an interpretive framework and common axes along which scholars can compare distinct groups of migrants. This study compares patterns of material consumption among Chinese and Japanese migrants at a salmon cannery in British Columbia through the lens of social drinking. Results indicate both groups consumed a range of western-style alcoholic beverages, influenced by local working-class life combined with processes of modernization occurring in the homeland. Nevertheless, both also consumed indigenous Asian beverages, which played a key role in maintaining distinct ethnic identities.
Max Weber and Franz Kafka: A Shared Vision of Modern Law
Authors: Litowitz Douglas
Published: July 2010

Recent scholarship suggests a line of influence from the sociologist Max Weber to the writer Franz Kafka, mediated through the lesser-known figure of Alfred Weber, who was Max’s younger brother and a law professor who served as one of Kafka’s law school examiners. This paper finds textual support for this claim of influence. Indeed, there is an uncanny similarity between Weber’s and Kafka’s writings on law, particularly in their diagnosis of a legitimation crisis at the heart of modern law, and in their suspicion that modern law cannot deliver on its promises.Weber and Kafka succeed at capturing the irrationalities, paradoxes, and disaffections of modern law, but in the final analysis their work suffers from a failure to appreciate law’s progressive and emancipatory potential.
Foucault and the Unfinished Human of Rights
Authors: Golder Ben
Published: July 2010

This article argues that in his late work Foucault does not submit to the ‘‘moral superiority’’ of humanism and introduce a liberal humanist subject. Rather, Foucault’s late investigations of subjectivity constitute a continuation and not a radical departure from his earlier positions on the subject. This helps us in interpreting Foucault’s late supposed ‘‘embrace’’ of, or return to, human rights—which is here re-interpreted as a critical anti-humanist engagement with human rights, conducted in the name of an unfinished humanity.
The rise of biocriminology: Capturing observable bodily economies of ‘criminal man’
Authors: Walby Kevin , Carrier Nicolas
Published: July 2010

Revisiting the contributions of numerous foundational biocriminological works, this article uses the concept ‘bodily economies’ to analyze the emergence and solidification of criminological pathologizations of the bios dependent on the capture and analysis of human corporeal matter. The scholars we discuss (Lombroso, Ellis, Goring, Hooton, and the Gluecks) each causally equate some part of the body with inbuilt criminality. Through an exegesis of their work, we illustrate how the boundaries of the social body are constituted in and through corporeal capturings and classifications of ‘criminal man’. Our analysis investigates the biocriminological method of locating sources of criminality inside the body, which still permeates the new ‘science of criminals’ used as a tool to define and protect the social body. We conclude by discussing the renewed biocriminological interest in preventing criminality through forecasting it in various scientific constructs and visualizations of the inner body.
Seeing like private security: Evolving mentalities of public space protection in South Africa
Authors: Berg Julie
Published: July 2010

This article will illustrate, by means of three empirical research examples conducted in South Africa, that private security operating in public spaces simultaneously retains ‘traditional’ private security mentalities of loss prevention as well as ‘traditional’ state policing mentalities of crime control and coercion. This adoption of either state or corporate mentalities and technologies is fluid, interchangeable and by no means mutually exclusive, befitting the nature of daily security activities as well as the expectations generated from policing that space. In this way, private security is evolving in its application of diverse policing mentalities in its management and interpretation of public ‘space’; in its ability to wield power both symbolically and actually and; in its tendency to adopt a variety of crime control and social ordering techniques.
Questioning suspected offenders: The investigative interviewing process in the People’s Republic of China
Authors: Davies Malcolm , Anqi Shen
Published: July 2010

Criminal confessions following the questioning of suspects by police and prosecuting investigators is a problem in the PRC in that some of these admissions of guilt result from the application of illegal methods of interviewing. The interview process is regulated by legislation and policy documents that in practice are frequently ignored; illegal pressures generate false confessions which have resulted in high profile cases of injustice. This article describes one such case. The article outlines the laws and regulations covering the interview of criminal suspects; explains why the regulations and law are often flouted; and considers proposals to promote the due process approach that exists primarily in documents at the moment.
Stop the clock? Predictors of detention without charge in police custody areas
Authors: Skinns Layla
Published: July 2010

The recent consultation exercise, used to review the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, highlighted that that the detention clock (used to detain suspects without charge) does not allow the police sufficient time to conduct their investigation, especially in complex cases. In this review it was suggested that the detention clock — which normally allows detention without charge for 24, 36 or in exceptional circumstances 72 hours — should be stopped if suspects are unfit due to intoxication or they require a period of rest or to allow legal advisers, health professionals, interpreters and others time to arrive at the police station. Drawing on data collected from two sites — one public, one private — this article quantitatively and qualitatively explores the factors affecting the length of detention in police custody. I argue that there is insufficient evidence to introduce a stop-clock system and that the increase in the length of detention to pre-PACE levels suggests that it may not have struck the intended balance between suspects’ rights and police powers.