bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tufa-forming biofilms of German karstwater streams: microorganisms, exopolymers, hydrochemistry and calcification
Authors: Arp Gernot , Bissett Andrew , Brinkmann Nicole , Cousin Sylvie , De Beer Dirk , Friedl Thomas , Mohr Kathrin I. , Neu Thomas R. , Reimer Andreas , Shiraishi Fumito , Stackebrandt Erko , Zippel Barbara
Published: June 2010

To understand mechanisms of tufa biofilm calcification, selected karstwater stream stromatolites in Germany have been investigated with regard to their hydrochemistry, biofilm community, exopolymers, physicochemical microgradients, calcification pattern and lamination. In stream waters, CO
2
degassing drives the increase in calcite saturation to maximum values of approximately 10-fold, independent from the initial Ca
2+
/alkalinity ratio. For the cyanobacteria of tufa biofilms, a culture-independent molecular approach showed that microscopy of resin-embedded biofilm thin sections underestimated the actual diversity of cyanobacteria, i.e. the six cyanobacteria morphotypes were opposed to nine different lineages of the 16S rDNA phylogeny. The same morphotype may even represent two genetically distant cyanobacteria and the closest relatives of tufa biofilm cyanobacteria may be from quite different habitats. Diatom diversity was even higher in the biofilm at the studied exemplar site than that of the cyanobacteria, i.e. 13 diatom species opposed to 9 cyanobacterial lineages. The non-phototrophic prokaryotic biofilm community is clearly different from the soil-derived community of the stream waters, and largely composed of flavobacteria, firmicutes, proteobacteria and actinobacteria. The exopolymeric biofilm matrix can be divided into three structural domains by fluorescence lectin-binding analysis. Seasonal and spatial variability of these structural EPS domains is low in the investigated streams. As indicated by microsensor data, biofilm photosynthesis is the driving mechanism in tufa stromatolite formation. However, photosynthesis-induced biofilm calcification accounts for only 10–20% of the total Ca
2+
loss in the streams, and occurs in parallel to inorganic precipitation driven by CO
2
-degassing within the water column and on biofilm-free surfaces. Annual stromatolite laminae reflect seasonal changes in temperature and light supply. The stable carbon isotope composition of the laminae is not affected by photosynthesis-induced microgradients, but mirrors that of the bulk water body only reflecting climate fluctuations. Tufa stromatolites with their cyanobacterial–photosynthesis-related calcification fabrics form an analogue to porostromate cyanobacterial stromatolites in fossil settings high in CaCO
3
mineral supersaturation but comparatively low in dissolved inorganic carbon. Here, the sum-effect of heterotrophic exopolymer-degradation and secondary Ca
2+
-release rather decreases calcite saturation, contrary to settings high in dissolved inorganic carbon such as soda lakes.
Insulin enhances the effect of nitric oxide at inhibiting neointimal hyperplasia in a rat model of type 1 diabetes
Authors: Varu Vinit N. , Ahanchi Sadie S. , Hogg Melissa E. , Bhikhapurwala Hussein A. , Chen Amy , Popowich Daniel A. , Vavra Ashley K. , Martinez Janet , Jiang Qun , Saavedra Joseph E. , Hrabie Joseph A. , Keefer Larry K. , Kibbe Melina R.
Published: June 2010

Diabetes confers greater restenosis from neointimal hyperplasia following vascular interventions. While localized administration of nitric oxide (NO) is known to inhibit neointimal hyperplasia, the effect of NO in type 1 diabetes is unknown. Thus the aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of NO following arterial injury, with and without exogenous insulin administration. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from lean Zucker (LZ) rats were exposed to the NO donor, DETA/NO, following treatment with different glucose and/or insulin concentrations. DETA/NO inhibited VSMC proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner to a greater extent in VSMC exposed to normal-glucose vs. high-glucose environments, and even more effectively in normal-glucose/high-insulin and high-glucose/high-insulin environments. G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and cell death were not responsible for the enhanced efficacy of NO in these environments. Next, type 1 diabetes was induced in LZ rats with streptozotocin. The rat carotid artery injury model was performed. Type 1 diabetic rats experienced no significant reduction in neointimal hyperplasia following arterial injury and treatment with the NO donor PROLI/NO. However, daily administration of insulin to type 1 diabetic rats restored the efficacy of NO at inhibiting neointimal hyperplasia (60% reduction, P < 0.05). In conclusion, these data demonstrate that NO is ineffective at inhibiting neointimal hyperplasia in an uncontrolled rat model of type 1 diabetes; however, insulin administration restores the efficacy of NO at inhibiting neointimal hyperplasia. Thus insulin may play a role in regulating the downstream beneficial effects of NO in the vasculature.
Some Fixed Point Properties of Self-Maps Constructed by Switched Sets of Primary Self-Maps on Normed Linear Spaces
Authors: De la Sen M
Published: June 2010

This paper is devoted to the investigation of the existence of fixed points in a normed linear space "Equation missing" endowed with a norm "Equation missing" for self-maps "Equation missing" from "Equation missing" to "Equation missing" which are constructed from a given class of so-called primary self- maps being also from "Equation missing" to "Equation missing". The construction of the self-maps of interest is performed via a so-called switching rule which is a piecewise-constant map from a set "Equation missing" to some finite subset of the positive integers or a sequence map which domain in some discrete subset of "Equation missing".
Roles of Titin in the Structure and Elasticity of the Sarcomere
Authors: Tskhovrebova Larissa , Trinick John
Published: June 2010

The giant protein titin is thought to play major roles in the assembly and function of muscle sarcomeres. Structural details, such as widths of Z- and M-lines and periodicities in the thick filaments, correlate with the substructure in the respective regions of the titin molecule. Sarcomere rest length, its operating range of lengths, and passive elastic properties are also directly controlled by the properties of titin. Here we review some recent titin data and discuss its implications for sarcomere architecture and elasticity.
A Hope Intervention Compared to Friendly Visitors as a Technique to Reduce Depression among Older Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Wilson Donna M. , Marin Alexandra , Bhardwaj Param , Lichlyter Bonnie , Thurston Amy , Mohankumar Deepthi
Published: June 2010

Depression is common among older persons. An experimental study was undertaken to test the impact of a four-week hope program on depressed nursing home residents. Residents aged 65 or older, who met the criteria for this pilot study and agreed to participate, were randomly assigned to (a) an intervention group, and provided with weekday hope interventions mainly involving positive messages and pictures or (b) a modified control group, and provided with a friendly weekday greeting. The structured hope intervention was not proven effective for reducing depression or raising hope. Instead, a significant reduction in depression among the control subjects was found, as well as a nonsignificant increase in their level of hope. Although these findings suggest friendly visitors may be a more efficacious nonpharmacological approach for reducing depression, further investigations are needed to confirm this and to explore the impact of other hope interventions.
Search for Anti-EA(D) Antibodies in Subjects with an “Isolated VCA IgG” Pattern
Authors: De Paschale Massimo , Cagnin Debora , Cerulli Teresa , Manco Maria Teresa , Agrappi Carlo , Mirri Paola , Gatti Arianna , Rescaldani Cristina , Clerici Pierangelo
Published: June 2010

The presence of an “isolated viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgG” pattern in serum is not easy to interpret without the aid of further tests, such as specific immunoblotting or a virus genome search, that often give rise to organisational and economic problems. However, one alternative is to use an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect anti-early antigen (EA) antibodies, which can be found in about 85% of subjects with acute Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections. The purpose of this work was to search for anti-EA(D) antibodies in 130 samples with an isolated VCA IgG pattern at ELISA screening and classified as being indicative of past (102 cases) or acute (28 cases) infection on the basis of the immunoblotting results. Thirty-seven samples (28.5%) were positive for anti-EA(D), of which 25 (89.3%) had been classified by immunoblotting as indicating acute and 12 (11.8%) past EBV infection. This difference was statistically significant (P<.01). The results of our search for anti-EA(D) antibodies correctly identified nearly 90% of acute (presence) or past EBV infections (absence). When other tests are not available, the search for anti-EA antibodies may therefore be helpful in diagnosing patients with an isolated VCA IgG pattern at screening tests.
Time‐Dependent Statistical Analysis of Wide‐Area Time‐Synchronized Data
Authors: Messina A. R. , Esquivel P. , Lezama F.
Published: June 2010

Characterization of spatial and temporal changes in the dynamic patterns of a nonstationary process is a problem of great theoretical and practical importance. On‐line monitoring of large‐scale power systems by means of time‐synchronized Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) provides the opportunity to analyze and characterize inter‐system oscillations. Wide‐area measurement sets, however, are often relatively large, and may contain phenomena with differing temporal scales. Extracting from these measurements the relevant dynamics is a difficult problem. As the number of observations of real events continues to increase, statistical techniques are needed to help identify relevant temporal dynamics from noise or random effects in measured data.
In this paper, a statistically based, data‐driven framework that integrates the use of wavelet‐based EOF analysis and a sliding window‐based method is proposed to identify and extract, in near‐real‐time, dynamically independent spatiotemporal patterns from time synchronized data. The method deals with the information in space and time simultaneously, and allows direct tracking and characterization of the nonstationary time‐frequency dynamics of oscillatory processes.
The efficiency and accuracy of the developed procedures for extracting localized information of power system behavior from time‐synchronized phasor measurements of a real event in Mexico is assessed.
Induction of Interleukin-8 from Nasal Epithelial Cells during Bacterial Infection: The Role of IL-8 for Neutrophil Recruitment in Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Yoon Bit-Na , Choi Nan-Geum , Lee Hyun-Sun , Cho Kyu-Sup , Roh Hwan-Jung
Published: June 2010

Objectives. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of IL-8 for neutrophil recruitment in nonallergic CRS patients.Methods. After coculture ofStreptococcus pneumoniae(SP) with the mucosal epithelial cells (MECs) from non-CRS patients, at three different SP/MEC (1/1, 10/1, 100/1) ratios, the expression of IL-8 mRNA and the concentration of IL-8 were measured by RT-PCR and ELISA. The expression of CD11b/CD18 on neutrophils and E-selectin/ICAM-1 on endothelial cells and the adherence between neutrophils and human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) were determined by flow cytometric analysis, ELISA, and RIA, respectively.Results. IL-8 concentration and IL-8 mRNA expression continued to increase from 3 hours after incubation in SP number-dependent manner. The expression of CD11b/CD18 on neutrophils and E-selectin/ICAM-1 on HUVECs, and the adherence between neutrophils and HUVECs were significantly increased in 10 SP/MEC-CM, and the increments were significantly blocked by anti-IL-8 antibody.Conclusion. MEC and IL-8 are major factors for neutrophil recruitment in nonallergic CRS.
Common Fixed Point Theorem for Four Non-Self Mappings in Cone Metric Spaces
Authors: Huang Xianjiu , Zhu Chuanxi , Wen Xi
Published: June 2010

We extend a common fixed point theorem of Radenovic and Rhoades for four non-self-mappings in cone metric spaces.
Metabolic Approach to the Enhancement of Antitumor Effect of Chemotherapy: a Key Role of Acetyl-l-Carnitine
Authors: Pisano Claudio , Vesci Loredana , Milazzo Ferdinando Maria , Guglielmi Mario Berardino , Foderà Rosanna , Barbarino Marcella , D'Incalci Maurizio , Zucchetti Massimo , Petrangolini Giovanna , Tortoreto Monica , Perego Paola , Zuco Valentina , Orlandi Augusto , Passeri Daniela , Carminati Paolo , Cavazza Claudio , Zunino Franco
Published: June 2010

Purpose: Acetyl-l-carnitine (ALC) plays a relevant role in energy metabolism and stress response because of its function in the complex metabolic system regulating the acetyl-CoA levels that provide a source of acetyl groups for metabolic and acetylation-regulated processes. Because acetylation may influence p53 activity/stability and, therefore, the response to platinum compounds, this study was designed to investigate the effect of ALC in combination with platinum compounds.

Experimental Design: The antiproliferative and antitumor activity studies were done in a panel of human tumor cell lines with functional or defective p53. The antimetastatic drug efficacy was investigated in the s.c. growing H460/M tumor subline, which is able to generate lung metastases.

Results: ALC enhanced the sensitivity to cisplatin of tumor cells with functional p53. The sensitization by ALC was reflected in an improved in vivo antitumor efficacy of the combination over cisplatin alone in wild-type p53 lung tumors. ALC did not increase the cisplatin efficacy in the p53-mutant SW620 tumor. ALC exhibited a significant antimetastatic activity, and this effect was better exploited in combination with the histone deacetylase inhibitor, ST3595. The in vivo ALC/cisplatin combination caused the activation of p53, associated with protein acetylation and induction of target genes.

Conclusions: ALC was effective in enhancing the antitumor potential of platinum compounds in wild-type p53 tumors. ALC, alone and in combination with a histone deacetylase inhibitor, exhibited an outstanding antimetastatic activity. Both effects, likely mediated by protein acetylation, may have implications for platinum-based therapy and combinations with histone deacetylase inhibitors. Clin Cancer Res; 16(15); 3944–53. ©2010 AACR.
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, DNA Repair Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Colorectal Cancer in the Singapore Chinese Health Study
Authors: Stern Mariana C. , Butler Lesley M. , Corral Román , Joshi Amit D. , Yuan Jian-Min , Koh Woon-Puay , Yu Mimi C.
Published: June 2010

Animal and in vitrostudies support a role for polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in colon carcinogenesis; however, the epidemiological evidence is inconclusive. Recently, we investigated their role within the Singapore Chinese Health Study, a population-based cohort of Singapore Chinese men and women. We reported that a high intake of marine n–3 PUFAs was associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Oxidation of PUFAs incorporated into cell membranes generates lipid hydroperoxides, which can be mutagenic. In this report, we investigated whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNA repair genes modified the effect of PUFAs on CRC risk using a nested case-control study within the Singapore Chinese Health Study. We genotyped 1,181 controls and 311 cases (180 colon and 131 rectal cancer) for SNPs in the XRCC1 (Arg194Trp, Arg399Gln), OGG1 (Ser326Cys), PARP (Val762Ala, Lys940Arg), and XPD (Asp312Asn, Lys751Gln) genes. We observed that the PARP Val762Ala SNP modified the association between marine n–3 PUFA and rectal cancer risk, with no evidence of interaction among colon cancer (heterogeneity test p = 0.003). Our results suggest a positive association between high intake of marine n–3 PUFA and rectal cancer risk among carriers of at least one PARP codon 762 Ala allele (odds ratio = 1.7, 95% confidence interval = 1.1–2.7).
Chronic Ambulatory Intracardiac Pressures and Future Heart Failure Events
Authors: Stevenson Lynne Warner , Zile Michael , Bennett Tom D. , Kueffer Fred J. , Jessup Mariell L. , Adamson Philip , Abraham William T. , Manda Ven , Bourge Robert C.
Published: June 2010

Background—

Intracardiac pressures in heart failure (HF) have been measured in patients while supine in the hospital but change at home with posture and activity. The optimal level of chronic ambulatory pressure is unknown. This analysis compared chronic intracardiac pressures to later HF events and sought a threshold above which higher pressures conferred worse outcomes.

Methods and Results—

Median pressures were measured every 24 hours from continuous 8-minute segments for 6 months after implantation of hemodynamic monitors in 261 patients with New York Heart Association class III-IV HF in the Chronicle Offers Management to Patients with Advanced Signs and Symptoms of Heart Failure Study. Baseline and chronic daily medians of estimated pulmonary artery diastolic, right ventricular systolic, and right ventricular end-diastolic pressures were compared with HF event rate. The group median for chronic 24-hour estimated pulmonary artery diastolic pressure was 28 mm Hg (excluding 7 days before and after events). Despite weight-guided management, events occurred in 100 of 261 (38%) patients. Event risk increased progressively with higher chronic 24-hour estimated pulmonary artery diastolic pressure, from 20% at 18 mm Hg to 34% at 25 mm Hg and 56% at 30 mm Hg, with similar relations for right ventricular pressures. Among patients with baseline day median estimated pulmonary artery diastolic pressures of ≥25 mm Hg, event risk was 1.10/6 mo when they remained chronically ≥25 mm Hg, but risk fell to 0.47 when 24-hour pressures declined to <25 mm Hg for more than half of the days.

Conclusions—

Despite current management, many patients with advanced HF live on a plateau of high filling pressures from which later events occur. This risk is progressively higher with higher chronic ambulatory pressures. It is not known whether more targeted intervention could maintain lower chronic ambulatory pressures and better outcomes.
The Influence of Passive Haptic Feedback and Difference Interaction Metaphors on Presence and Task Performance
Authors: Viciana-Abad Raquel , Lecuona Arcadio Reyes , Poyade Matthieu
Published: June 2010

This paper explores the influence of passive haptic feedback on presence and task performance using two important interaction metaphors. We compared direct interaction with the user's hand with interaction using a stylus. Twenty-four participants performed a simple selection task consisting of pressing buttons while playing a memory game, with haptic feedback and interaction metaphor as the independent variables. We measured task performance by computing errors and time between button presses. We measured presence with questionnaires and through a new method based on users' involuntary movements. Our results suggest that passive haptic feedback improves both presence and task performance. However, small but significant differences related to the interaction metaphor were only apparent when haptic feedback was not provided.
The Influence of Intelligent Characters on Users' Navigation Through a Three-Dimensional Virtual Environment
Authors: Souza Anderson , Araújo de , Vidal Luís Alfredo , Carvalho de , Moreira Rosa Maria E , Costa da
Published: June 2010

Future interfaces will increasingly explore three-dimensional (3D) scenes that will have 3D virtual characters interacting with users. Currently, the characters' influence on users' navigation is not well known. The aim of our research is to study the potential of virtual characters in influencing users' decisions in 3D virtual environments. We implemented an art gallery where human-like characters, with some level of intelligence, can move about and communicate, trying to influence the user's path. When the users enter the gallery, they choose the exhibitions they would like to visit. After that, the characters can assume two positions: “helpful,” which reinforces the previous users' choices, and another one that has a “spirit of contradiction,” suggesting navigation options that are different from those indicated by the users. Five groups of users tested the environment. In some cases, the user could customize the character's physical appearance. In others, a standard model was used. In contrast to the expected results, the experiment indicated that the standard character had more influence on the users' choices than the customized character.
A Clinical Trial of Pulpotomy vs. Root Canal Therapy of Mature Molars
Authors: Asgary S. , Eghbal M.J.
Published: June 2010

Root canal therapy (RCT) and tooth extraction are the main treatment options for irreversible pulpitis or its sequelae. Pulpotomy is an alternative treatment; however, more evidence is required. If outcomes of pulpotomy with a calcium-enriched mixture (PCEM) are non-inferior for mature molars with irreversible pulpitis compared with those from one-visit RCT (ORCT), this may be a beneficial treatment option. Four hundred seven individuals met the inclusion criteria and were randomly allocated [PCEM (n = 205), ORCT (n = 202)]. We used NRS questionnaires to record pain intensity. Six-month clinical and radiographic successes were assessed. Individuals in the ORCT arm reported significantly more post-operative pain than those in the PCEM arm (P < 0.001). Clinical success rates in the two arms showed no statistically significant difference; however, the radiographic success rates were significantly greater in the PCEM arm (P < 0.001). This trial suggests PCEM as an alternative for treatment of irreversible pulpitis. If long-term results confirm initial ones, PCEM may revolutionize oral health worldwide.
Fitting Log-Linear Models to Contingency Tables From Surveys With Complex Sampling Designs: An Investigation of the Clogg-Eliason Approach
Authors: Skinner Chris , Vallet Louis-André
Published: June 2010

Clogg and Eliason (1987) proposed a simple method for taking account of survey weights when fitting log-linear models to contingency tables. This article investigates the properties of this method. A rationale is provided for the method when the weights are constant within the cells of the table. For more general cases, however, it is shown that the standard errors produced by the method are invalid, contrary to claims in the literature. The method is compared to the pseudo maximum likelihood method both theoretically and through an empirical study of social mobility relating daughter’s class to father’s class using survey data from France. The method of Clogg and Eliason is found to underestimate standard errors systematically. The article concludes by recommending against the use of this method, despite its simplicity. The limitations of the method may be overcome by using the pseudo maximum likelihood method.
Matching Communication Modalities: The Effects of Modality Congruence and Processing Style on Brand Evaluation and Brand Choice
Authors: Fransen Marieke L. , Fennis Bob M. , Pruyn Ad Th. H.
Published: June 2010

Previous research has shown that prior brand exposure (e.g., through advertising) can positively influence brand consideration, brand attitudes, and brand choice. In the present studies, the authors argue that the effects of prior brand exposure depend on the communication modality (visual vs. aural) in which exposure (i.e., advertising) takes place and the modality in which evaluations and choices are made. It was hypothesized and found that congruence in communication modalities has a positive effect on brand evaluation and brand choice, compared to incongruence in modalities. Perceptual fluency is proposed to be the underlying mechanism explaining these effects. Moreover, the results demonstrated that the effects of modality congruence are moderated by individuals’ processing style in such a way that the impact is stronger under conditions of data-driven as opposed to conceptually driven, processing.These results indicate that consumer responses depend on the interaction between the modality in which consumers are exposed to the brand in advertising and the modality in which consumers encounter the brand in a purchase situation.
Dual task interference in estimating the risk of falls and measuring change: a comparative, psychometric study of four measurements
Authors: Hofheinz Martin , Schusterschitz Claudia
Published: June 2010

Objective: The aim is to examine the validity and reliability of the Timed Up and Go Test with dual task for predicting the risk of falls. Standard values for the TUG with dual task were determined, taking account of age and gender.

Design: Validation study

Setting: Data was recorded for 120 volunteers in an outpatient physiotherapy centre.

Subjects: The sample comprised 120 healthy men and women aged 60 to 87 years living at home. Twenty-three subjects selected at random were tested again, after one day and after one week, in order to ascertain the retest reliability.

Main measures: Berg Balance Scale, times for Timed Up and Go Test with manual dual task (TUGman) and with cognitive dual task (TUGcog).

Results: Strong correlations between the TUGman and the BBS (r = -0.72) and between the TUGcog and the BBS (r = -0.66) indicate high criterion validity. The retest reliability of the TUGman (rT1-T2 = 0.97 and rT1-T3 = 0.98) and TUGcog (rT1-T2 = 0.98 and rT1-T3 = 0.98) is very good. The intra-rater reliability is very high with an ICC = 0.99 for the TUGman and an ICC = 0.94 for the TUGcog. The mean time needed to perform the TUGman is 11.6 s (95% CI 11.2—11.9); the mean time needed to perform the TUGcog is 9.8 s (95% CI 9.5—10.2).

Conclusions: The tests with dual task can be recommended because they possess high criterion validity and very good retest reliability. Faster and simpler performance of the TUG-DT is another factor in its favour.
The Impact of Research Universities on Regional Economies: The Concept of University Products
Authors: Lendel Iryna
Published: June 2010

In what ways do research universities interact with regional economies? The answer to this central question can be found in a framework of the interaction of university products and necessary factors for technology-based economic development. The bundled nature of university products makes it impossible to separately assess the impact of universities on their regional economies. The National Science Foundation’s ranking of top research universities and retrospective data on academic R&D expenditures are used in regression models to measure universities’ long-term effects over the phases of the latest business cycle. The pattern of statistical significance and the signs of the regression coefficients suggest that the presence of research universities has a positive effect on metropolitan economies above cyclical economic changes. The effect differs depending on the scale of university R&D expenditures and suggests that the most prominent research universities have a stronger impact on their regional economies.
The Reconfiguration of Expertise in Oncology: The Practice of Prediction and Articulation of Indeterminacy in Medical Consultations
Authors: Broom Alex , Adams Jon
Published: June 2010

Evidence-based medicine has enhanced the predictive capacity of biomedicine in population terms, but it has also introduced new challenges for patient care and biomedical expertise. In this article we examine the negotiation of prediction and indeterminacy by oncology clinicians, exploring the ways in which they report delivering prognosis and engaging with indeterminacy in conversation with their patients. We examine oncologists’ strategies for delivering “news,” the technological mediation of uncertainty, and reported conversational turns toward a focus on indeterminacy and individual response. Drawing from these accounts, we argue that, although predictive capacity remains central to oncological expertise, notions of individualism, subjectivity, and self-determination are being heavily drawn on by clinicians. Rather than presenting a challenge, such ideas might be becoming increasingly central to oncological expertise. Interviews with cancer nurses illustrate their precarious relationship with evidence, uncovering tensions in their approach to patients and in their attempts to traverse diverse paradigms of care. We argue for an understanding of oncological expertise as evolving within the context of potentially competing contemporary cultural shifts, and against a simplistic notion of indeterminacy as necessarily eroding expertise.
Book Review Essay: A Not-So-Flat World? Dominant and Alternative Accounts of Globalization
Authors: Choudry Aziz
Published: June 2010

Thomas Friedman’s (2007) The World is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century has become seen as an authoritative text on globalization within some academic circles and a bestseller. In critically reviewing the book I put its framework, underlying ideas and assumptions into a dialogue with arguments in three recent scholarly books (Boron, 2005; Mathew, 2005; and McNally, 2002), which provide critical insights into the phenomena and debates associated with capitalist globalization. Further, I argue that The World is Flat reproduces a dominant narrative of American supremacy and anxiety in an era of rapid global change which obscures the historical, political and economic roots of capitalist globalization, ignores or dimisses its social costs, and views much of the world and its peoples through a deeply colonial and orientalist lens.
Quality indicators for multiple sclerosis
Authors: Cheng Eric M , Crandall Carolyn J , Bever Christopher T , Giesser Barbara , Haselkorn Jodie K , Hays Ron D , Shekelle Paul , Vickrey Barbara G
Published: June 2010

Determining whether persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) receive appropriate, comprehensive healthcare requires tools for measuring quality. The objective of this study was to develop quality indicators for the care of persons with MS. We used a modified version of the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method in a two-stage process to identify relevant MS care domains and to assess the validity of indicators within high-ranking care domains. Based on a literature review, interviews with persons with MS, and discussions with MS providers, 25 MS symptom domains and 14 general health domains of MS care were identified. A multidisciplinary panel of 15 stakeholders of MS care, including 4 persons with MS, rated these 39 domains in a two-round modified Delphi process. The research team performed an expanded literature review for 26 highly ranked domains to draft 86 MS care indicators. Through another two-round modified Delphi process, a second panel of 18 stakeholders rated these indicators using a nine-point response scale. Indicators with a median rating in the highest tertile were considered valid. Among the most highly rated MS care domains were appropriateness and timeliness of the diagnostic work-up, bladder dysfunction, cognition dysfunction, depression, disease-modifying agent usage, fatigue, integration of care, and spasticity. Of the 86 preliminary indicators, 76 were rated highly enough to meet predetermined thresholds for validity. Following a widely accepted methodology, we developed a comprehensive set of quality indicators for MS care that can be used to assess quality of care and guide the design of interventions to improve care among persons with MS.
Cascade screening for familial hypercholesterolaemia in Scotland
Authors: Finnie Robert M
Published: June 2010

The publication of the UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence familial hypercholesterolaemia guideline led to a combined meeting of lipidologists and geneticists in Scotland. It was agreed to implement a system of cascade screening for familial heterozygous hypercholesterolaemia based on genetic testing to identify family members of known cases who have not previously been diagnosed and treated. The cascade screening system for familial heterozygous hypercholesterolaemia Scotland is described herein.
A retrospective review of the management of asymptomatic retinal emboli identified during diabetic retinopathy screening: a case of inappropriate referral?
Authors: Wilde Craig , Rathore Deepa , Chen Hean-Choon
Published: June 2010

Background

Diabetic retinopathy screening generates many referrals of diabetic patients to ophthalmic clinics for incidental non-retinopathy pathology such as asymptomatic retinal emboli. Evidence exists that these patients have a 10 fold increased relative risk of stroke. With this in mind we evaluated our current management for this group.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted for patients referred by the screening programme to the Eye Clinic, Derbyshire Royal Infirmary in 2008. Data were collected on modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, investigations conducted and treatment decisions.

Results

Nineteen patients were identified with asymptomatic retinal emboli: nine (47%) had known vascular disease; 13 patients (68%) were taking anti-platelet agents and 11 (58%) a statin. The mean blood pressure (BP) was 152/81 mmHg, but 10 patients (53%) had a BP > 140 mmHg and 47% were on antihypertensive medication. Carotid Doppler scans were performed on eight patients (42%), of whom two (25%) had stenosis over 70%. No new medications such as aspirin were started, nor any alteration made to anti-hypertensive medication.

Conclusion

As the eye clinic visit resulted in no change to the patients’ management, we feel that it may be more appropriate to refer these patients to a medical clinic to optimise their stroke risk reduction management. Br J Diabetes Vasc Dis 2010; 10:126—129
Association between circulating endothelial progenitor cells and hs-CRP in patients with diabetes
Authors: Koshikawa Megumi , Izawa Atsushi , Tomita Takeshi , Kumazaki Setsuo , Koyama Jun , Shimodaira Shigetaka , Ikeda Uichi
Published: June 2010

Aim

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a critical role in maintaining endothelial function and might affect the progression of vascular disease. This study investigated the relationship between circulating EPCs and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in patients with diabetes.

Methods

Our study population comprised 190 consecutive patients, with and without diabetes. To obtain EPC numbers, CD34+ and CD133+ cells in peripheral blood were counted by flow cytometry.

Results

Significantly higher hs-CRP levels were observed in patients with diabetes than in those without diabetes. However, the number of EPCs was significantly lower in diabetic patients and in patients with high hs-CRP levels. Patients with diabetes and high hs-CRP levels showed a marked decrease in the number of EPCs compared with non-diabetic patients with low hs-CRP levels.

Conclusion

These results suggest that inflammation leads to decreased circulating EPCs in patients with diabetes, which might be related to the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular disease.
Best Practices in Nutrition for Children With Myelomeningocele
Authors: Wittenbrook Wendy
Published: June 2010

Children born with myelomeningocele (MMC), the most severe form of spina bifida, face multiple challenges throughout their life span. Neurogenic bowel, neurogenic bladder, Arnold-Chiari II malformation, and hydrocephalus are common complications that have implications for elimination, feeding, and learning. Nutrition education and intervention that use the concepts of family-centered care beginning in infancy and continuing throughout childhood, adolescence, and adulthood are important. These can help maximize wellness, fitness, and independence in children with MMC, as constipation, dysphagia, and obesity are common comorbidities seen in individuals with MMC. This article reviews the literature on nutrition assessment and intervention in this unique population to assist nutrition professionals in caring for children with MMC.
The number of cytomegalovirus-specific CD4+ T cells is markedly expanded in patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia and determines the total CD4+ T-cell repertoire
Authors: Pourgheysari Batoul , Bruton Rachel , Parry Helen , Billingham Lucinda , Fegan Chris , Murray Jim , Moss Paul
Published: June 2010

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia is associated with immune suppression and an altered T-cell repertoire with expansion of memory cells. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common herpes virus that elicits a strong virus-specific T-cell immune response after infection. We studied the CMV-specific CD4+ T-cell response in 45 patients and 35 control subjects and demonstrated that it was markedly expanded in the patient group, averaging 11% of the CD4+ pool compared with 4.7% in controls. The magnitude of the CMV-specific CD4+ immune response increased with disease stage and was particularly high in patients who received chemotherapy. Within this group, the CMV-specific response comprised over 46% of the CD4+ T-cell repertoire in some patients. Serial analysis revealed that CMV-specific immunity increased during treatment with chemotherapy and remained stable thereafter. CMV-seropositive patients exhibited a markedly altered CD4+ T-cell repertoire with increased numbers of CD45R0+ T cells and a reduction in CD27, CD28, and CCR7 expression. Overall survival was reduced by nearly 4 years in CMV-seropositive patients, although this did not reach statistical significance. CLL patients therefore demonstrate an expansion of the CD4+ CMV-specific immune response, which is likely to contribute to the immunological and clinical features of this disease.
Prognostic impact of monosomal karyotype in young adult and elderly acute myeloid leukemia: the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) experience
Authors: Medeiros Bruno C. , Othus Megan , Fang Min , Roulston Diane , Appelbaum Frederick R.
Published: June 2010

Monosomal karyotype (MK), defined as 2 or more monosomies, or a single monosomy in the presence of structural abnormalities, has recently been reported as identifying a distinct subset of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with an extremely poor prognosis. In an effort to confirm this observation, we analyzed the prognostic impact of MK in 1344 AML patients between the ages of 16 and 88 years treated on Southwest Oncology Group protocols. MK was found in 176 (13%) patients. The proportion of patients with MK increased with age, being present in 4% of patients age 30 or younger, but in 20% of those over age 60. Ninety-eight percent of MK cases were within the unfavorable cytogenetic risk category and comprised 40% of this group. The complete remission rate in patients with unfavorable cytogenetics without MK was 34% versus 18% with MK (P < .01). The 4-year overall survival of patients with unfavorable cytogenetics but without MK was 13% in contrast to a 4-year survival of only 3% with MK (P < .01). Thus, MK defines a sizeable subset of patients with unfavorable cytogenetics who have a particularly poor prognosis.
Interaction between KIR3DS1 and HLA-Bw4 predicts for progression-free survival after autologous stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Gabriel Ian H. , Sergeant Ruhena , Szydlo Richard , Apperley Jane F. , deLavallade Hugues , Alsuliman Abdullah , Khoder Ahmad , Marin David , Kanfer Edward , Cooper Nichola , Davis John , MacDonald Donald , Bua Marco , Foroni Letizia , Giles Chrissy , Milojkovic Dragana , Rahemtulla Amin , Rezvani Katayoun
Published: June 2010

Natural killer (NK) cells exert antimyeloma cytotoxicity. The balance between inhibition and activation of NK-cells played by the inherited repertoire of killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genes therefore may influence prognosis. One hundred eighty-two patients with multiple myeloma (MM) were analyzed for KIR repertoire. Multivariate analysis showed that progression-free survival (PFS) after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) was significantly shorter for patients who are KIR3DS1+ (P = .01). This was most evident for patients in complete or partial remission (good risk; GR) at ASCT. The relative risk (RR) of progression or death for patients with KIR3DS1+ compared with KIR3DS1− was 1.9 (95% CI, 1.3-3.1; P = .002). The most significant difference in PFS was observed in patients with GR KIR3DS1+ in whom HLA-Bw4, the ligand for the corresponding inhibitory receptor KIR3DL1, was missing. Patients with KIR3DS1+KIR3DL1+HLA-Bw4− had a significantly shorter PFS than patients who were KIR3DS1−, translating to a difference in median PFS of 12 months (12.2 vs 24 months; P = .002). Our data show that KIR–human leukocyte antigen immunogenetics represent a novel prognostic tool for patients with myeloma, shown here in the context of ASCT, and that KIR3DS1 positivity may identify patients at greater risk of progression.
Hypoxia inducible factor-1α in human emphysema lung tissue
Authors: Yasuo M. , Mizuno S. , Kraskauskas D. , Bogaard H.J. , Natarajan R. , Cool C.D. , Zamora M. , Voelkel N.F.
Published: June 2010

The pathobiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not completely understood. The aim of this study was to assess the expression of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α in lung tissue from patients with COPD/emphysema.

Lung tissue samples from 26 patients were included in this study. Seven samples were obtained from patients with normal lung function, the remainder of the samples were taken from patients with moderate COPD (n = 6; stage I and II Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease classification) and severe COPD (n = 13; stage III and IV).

We analysed mRNA and protein expression in the lung tissue samples and found that: 1) HIF-1α and histone deacetylase 2 proteins were significantly decreased and were correlated; 2) HIF-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) proteins, and forced expiratory volume in 1 s % predicted were correlated in all patients; 3) the changes in VEGF and HIF-1α protein levels in all patients were not age-related and not related to the pack-yr smoking history; and 4) the reduced HIF-1α protein expression was seen in lung endothelial cells and alveolar septal cells by immunohistochemistry.

In conclusion, reduced expression of HIF-1α protein in severe COPD is consistent with the concept of a lung structure maintenance programme which is impaired on a molecular level.
Cyanide in bronchoalveolar lavage is not diagnostic forPseudomonas aeruginosain children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Stutz M.D. , Gangell C.L. , Berry L.J. , Garratt L.W. , Sheil B. , Sly P.D.
Published: June 2010

Early detection of the cyanobacteriumPseudomonas aeruginosain the lungs of young children with cystic fibrosis (CF) is considered the key to delaying chronic pulmonary disease. We investigated whether cyanide in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid could be used as an early diagnostic biomarker of infection.

Cyanide was measured in 226 BAL samples (36P. aeruginosainfected) obtained from 96 infants and young children with CF participating in an early surveillance programme involving annual BAL.

Cyanide was detected in 97.2% ofP. aeruginosainfected and 60.5% of uninfected samples. Cyanide concentrations were significantly higher in BALs infected withP. aeruginosa(median (25th–75th percentile) 27.3 (22.1–33.3) μM) than those which were not (17.2 (7.85–23.0) μM, p<0.001). The best sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were obtained with a cut-off concentration of 20.6 μM, and were 83%, 66%, 32% and 96%, respectively. Neutrophil number in BAL was a significant predictor of cyanide concentration (p<0.001).

Cyanide concentration can distinguish betweenP. aeruginosainfected and uninfected BALs as a group, but not individually; therefore, cyanide is a poor diagnostic biomarker ofP. aeruginosainfection. Cyanide levels in BAL are related to the level of neutrophilic inflammation.
Forced vital capacity paired with Framingham Risk Score for prediction of all-cause mortality
Authors: Lee H.M. , Le H. , Lee B.T. , Lopez V.A. , Wong N.D.
Published: June 2010

Forced vital capacity (FVC) measures lung function and predicts coronary heart disease (CHD); whether it provides additive prediction over CHD risk factors has not been established. We examined whether FVC adds to the prediction of all-cause mortality provided by Framingham Risk Score (FRS) alone.

We examined 5,485 (61.1 million projected) nonsmoking adults from the USA who were aged 20–79 yrs. Subjects were from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, were without obstructive lung disease, had FVC measurements and had ≤12 yrs (mean 8.8 yrs) mortality follow-up. We performed Cox regression analysis to examine whether FVC and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (categorised as low ≤85% predicted, borderline 86–94% predicted and normal ≥95% predicted) within FRS groups (10-yr risk of cardiovascular disease low <10%, intermediate 10–20%, high 20%) predict mortality. Receiver operator characteristic analysis examined whether FVC and FEV1added to the prediction provided by FRS.

Low-, intermediate- and high-risk FRS groups had 79.5% (n = 4,361), 10.1% (n = 555) and 10.4% (n = 569) persons, respectively. Only the intermediate FRS group showed a graded increase in mortality (10.7, 18.2 and 42.8% per 1,000 person-yrs from highest to lowest FVC categories, respectively); those with low FVC had an almost three-fold greater risk of mortality (hazard ratio 2.64; p<0.01) than those with normal FVC. FVC provided incremental additive value for predicting mortality in addition to FRS for only this group (area under curve 0.65versus0.58; p<0.05). Similar results were obtained for FEV1.

Evaluation of lung function may be useful to improve risk stratification in persons with intermediate CHD risk where it adds to prediction of mortality over global risk assessment.
Multiple mesodermal lineage differentiation of Apodemus sylvaticus embryonic stem cells in vitro
Authors: Wang Tao , Mao Frank Fuxiang , Lai Wenyu , Li Weiqiang , Yu Weihua , Wang Zifei , Zhang Lirong , Zhang Jinli , Niu Jin , Zhang Xiuming , Lahn Bruce T , Xiang Andy Peng
Published: June 2010

Background

Embryonic stem (ES) cells have attracted significant attention from researchers around the world because of their ability to undergo indefinite self-renewal and produce derivatives from the three cell lineages, which has enormous value in research and clinical applications. Until now, many ES cell lines of different mammals have been established and studied. In addition, recently, AS-ES1 cells derived from Apodemus sylvaticus were established and identified by our laboratory as a new mammalian ES cell line. Hence further research, in the application of AS-ES1 cells, is warranted.

Results

Herein we report the generation of multiple mesodermal AS-ES1 lineages via embryoid body (EB) formation by the hanging drop method and the addition of particular reagents and factors for induction at the stage of EB attachment. The AS-ES1 cells generated separately in vitro included: adipocytes, osteoblasts, chondrocytes and cardiomyocytes. Histochemical staining, immunofluorescent staining and RT-PCR were carried out to confirm the formation of multiple mesodermal lineage cells.

Conclusions

The appropriate reagents and culture milieu used in mesodermal differentiation of mouse ES cells also guide the differentiation of in vitro AS-ES1 cells into distinct mesoderm-derived cells. This study provides a better understanding of the characteristics of AS-ES1 cells, a new species ES cell line and promotes the use of Apodemus ES cells as a complement to mouse ES cells in future studies.