bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Persistent lipid abnormalities in statin‐treated patients with diabetes mellitus in Europe and Canada: results of the Dyslipidaemia International Study
Authors: Leiter L. A. , Lundman P. , da Silva P. M. , Drexel H. , Jünger C. , Gitt A. K. ,   on behalf of the DYSIS investigators
Published: June 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 1343–1351 (2011)AbstractAim  To assess the prevalence of persistent lipid abnormalities in statin‐treated patients with diabetes with and without the metabolic syndrome.Methods  This was a cross‐sectional study of 22 063 statin‐treated outpatients consecutively recruited by clinicians in Canada and 11 European countries. Patient cardiovascular risk factors, risk level, lipid measurements and lipid‐modifying medication regimens were recorded.Results  Of the 20 129 subjects who had documented diabetes and/or metabolic syndrome status, 41% had diabetes (of whom 86.8% also had the metabolic syndrome). Of those with diabetes, 48.1% were not at total cholesterol target compared with 58% of those without diabetes. Amongst those with diabetes, 41.6 and 41.3% of those with and without the metabolic syndrome, respectively, were not at their LDL cholesterol goal relative to 54.2% of those with metabolic syndrome and without diabetes, and 52% of those with neither condition. Twenty per cent of people with diabetes but without the metabolic syndrome were not at the optimal HDL cholesterol level compared with 9% of those with neither condition. Of people with diabetes and the metabolic syndrome, 49.9% were not at optimal triglyceride level relative to 13.5% of people with neither diabetes nor the metabolic syndrome. Simvastatin was the most commonly prescribed statin (> 45%) and the most common statin potency was 20–40 mg/day (simvastatin equivalent). Approximately 14% of patients were taking ezetimibe alone or in combination with a statin.Conclusions Despite evidence supporting the benefits of lipid modification and international guideline recommendations, statin‐treated patients with diabetes had a high prevalence of persistent lipid abnormalities. There is frequently room to optimize therapy through statin dose up‐titration and/or addition of other lipid‐modifying therapies.
The Economic Crisis as a Trigger of Convergence? Short‐time Work in Italy, Germany and Austria
Authors: Sacchi Stefano , Pancaldi Federico , Arisi Claudia 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIn all European countries, emergency policy measures have been introduced in order to counteract the employment consequences of the economic crisis. In the context of variously composed anti‐crisis packages, many European countries have used Short‐Time Work (STW) schemes, that is measures to subsidize a temporary reduction in working time intended to maintain an employment relationship. This article focuses on the issue of whether the economic crisis has spurred any convergence in the use of STW in three social‐insurance countries – Austria, Germany and Italy – or whether policy change has rather occurred in a path‐dependent fashion. In order to do so, the article also adopts a systemic approach, focusing on relationships of complementarity or functional substitution and equivalence among the various schemes comprising income maintenance systems to tackle the risks of partial or total unemployment.
Phenotypes of articular disc cells in the rat temporomandibular joint as demonstrated by immunohistochemistry for nestin and GFAP
Authors: Miyako Hitoshi , Suzuki Akiko , Nozawa‐Inoue Kayoko , Magara Jin , Kawano Yoshiro , Ono Kazuhiro , Maeda Takeyasu 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe articular disc is a dense collagenous tissue containing disc cells that are phenotypically described as chondrocyte‐like cells or fibrochondrocytes. Despite the possible existence of these phenotypes in systemic joints, little is known about the detailed classification of the articular disc cells in the temporomandibular joint. In this immunocytochemical study we examined the localization and distribution patterns of nestin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the articular disc of the rat temporomandibular joint at postnatal day 1, and weeks 1, 2, 4 and 8, based on the status of tooth eruption and occlusion. Nestin and GFAP are intermediate filament proteins whose expression patterns are closely related to cell differentiation and cell migration. Both types of immunopositive cell greatly increased postnatally to a stable level after postnatal week 4, but they showed different distribution patterns and cell morphologies. Nestin‐reactive disc cells, which were characterized by a meagre cytoplasm and thin cytoplasmic processes, were scattered in the articular disc, whereas GFAP‐positive cells, characterized by broader processes, existed exclusively in the deeper area. In mature discs, the major proportion of articular disc cells exhibited GFAP immunoreactivity. Furthermore, a double‐immunostaining demonstrated that the nestin‐negative cells, consisting of GFAP‐positive and ‐negative cells, exhibited immunoreactions for heat shock protein 25. These findings indicate that the articular disc cells comprise at least three types in the rat temporomandibular joint and suggest that their expressions closely relate to mechanical loading forces within the joint, including occlusal force, as observed through postnatal development.
HLA‐B*1502 Strongly Predicts Carbamazepine‐Induced Stevens–Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis in Thai Patients with Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Kulkantrakorn Kongkiat , Tassaneeyakul Wichittra , Tiamkao Somsak , Jantararoungtong Thawinee , Prabmechai Napat , Vannaprasaht Suda , Chumworathayi Pansu , Chen Pei , Sritipsukho Paskorn 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground:  Carbamazepine (CBZ) is one of the standard pharmacological treatments for neuropathic pain. However, its serious adverse drug reactions include Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Recently, HLA‐B*1502 allele was implicated as a genetic marker of CBZ‐induced SJS/TEN in some Asian epilepsy populations.Methods:  This is a case control study to describe the clinical characteristics of SJS/TEN in Thai patients with neuropathic pain who were treated with CBZ, and to determine the association of HLA‐B*1502 in these patients, comparing with those who exposed to CBZ for at least 6 months without any cutaneous reactions.Results:  Thirty‐four SJS/TEN patients and 40 control patients were included in this study. Mean age of SJS/TEN patients was 47 years. SJS/TEN was developed in 10.8 ± 1.4 days after initiation of CBZ. HLA‐B*1502 allele was found in 32 of 34 SJS/TEN patients (94.1%) but it was found only in 7 of 40 control patients (17.5%). The association was very strong with an odds ratio of 75.4. Sensitivity and specificity of this HLA‐B*1502 genotype test were 94.1% and 82.5%, respectively, while the positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 1.43% and 99.98%, respectively. Positive and negative likelihood ratios were 5.37 and 0.07, respectively.Conclusions:  HLA‐B*1502 is a strong genetic marker for CBZ‐induced SJS/TEN in Thai patients with neuropathic pain. The screening for this marker should be performed prior to initiation of CBZ treatment to assess the risk of this serious side effect.
What do ’omic technologies have to offer periodontal clinical practice in the future?
Authors: Grant M. M. 
Published: June 2011

Grant MM. What do ’omic technologies have to offer periodontal clinical practice in the future? J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 2–14. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/SBackground and Objective:  Periodontal diseases are the most common chronic inflammatory diseases of humans and a major cause of tooth loss. Inflammatory periodontitis is also a complex multifactorial disease involving many cell types, cell products and interactions. It is associated with a dysregulated inflammatory response, which fails to resolve, and which also fails to re‐establish a beneficial periodontal microbiota. There is a rich history of biomarker research within the field of periodontology, but exemplary improvements in analytical platform technologies offer exciting opportunities for discovery. These include the ’omic technologies, such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics, which provide information on global scales that can match the complexity of the disease. This narrative review focuses on the recent advances made in in vivo human periodontal research by use of ’omic technologies.Material and Methods:  The Medline database was searched to identify articles currently available on ’omic technologies with regard to periodontal research.Results:  One hundred and sixty‐one articles focusing on biomarkers of and ’omic advances in periodontal research were analysed for their contributions to the understanding of periodontal diseases.Conclusion:  The data generated by the use of ’omic technologies have huge potential to inform paradigm shifts in our understanding of periodontal diseases, but data management, analysis and interpretation require a thoughtful and systematic bioinformatics approach, to ensure meaningful conclusions can be made.
Erectile Function Rehabilitation After Radical Prostatectomy: Practice Patterns Among AUA Members
Authors: Tal Raanan , Teloken Patrick , Mulhall John P. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Despite a growing body of evidence supporting erectile function (EF) rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy (RP), there are no guidelines on this subject.

Aim
To explore EF rehabilitation practice patterns of American Urological Association (AUA) urologists.

Methods
A 35-question instrument was constructed assessing physician demographics, training, and EF rehabilitation practices after RP, and was e-mailed to AUA members by the AUA Office of Education. Data were acquired by the AUA and analyzed by the investigators.

Main Outcome Measure
Percentage of responders who recommend EF rehabilitation practices following RP, characterization of prevalent rehabilitation practices.

Results
Of the 618 urologists who completed the survey, 71% were in private practice, 28% considered themselves as sexual medicine specialists, although only 4% were fellowship-trained, 43% were urologic oncology specialists (14% fellowship-trained), 86% performed RP, and 86% of responders recommended rehabilitation practices. Being a sexual medicine or a urologic oncology specialist was not predictive of rehabilitation employment. Forty-three percent rehabilitate all patients, 57% only selected patients. Selection for rehabilitation was dependent upon preop EF by 66%, nerve-sparing status by 22%, and age by 5%. Eleven percent started rehab immediately after RP, 97% within 4 months. 24%, 45% and 18% ceased rehab at &lt;12, 12–18, and 18–24 months, respectively. Eighty-nine percent of RP surgeons performed rehabilitation vs. only 66% who do not perform RP (P &lt; 0.0001). Eighty-seven percent prefer phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) as their primary strategy followed (in order) by vacuum erection device (VED), intracavernosal injection (ICI), and urethral suppositories.

Conclusions
Among the respondents, penile rehabilitation is a common practice. Urologic oncologists and RP surgeons are more likely to use rehabilitation practices. The most commonly employed strategy is regular PDE5i use for 12–18 months after RP.
RESERVOIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT AND PETROFACIES OF THE LOWER CRETACEOUS SILICICLASTIC, CARBONATE AND HYBRID ARENITES FROM THE JEQUITINHONHA BASIN, EASTERN BRAZIL
Authors: Jardim C. M. , De Ros L. F. , Ketzer J. M. 
Published: June 2011

A study of the rift to early drift phase, fluvial, deltaic and shallow‐marine Lower Cretaceous (Upper Aptian to Lower Albian) siliciclastic sandstones, hybrid arenites and calcarenites from the Jequitinhonha Basin, eastern Brazilian margin, has shown that the distribution of diagenetic alterations and of related reservoir quality evolution can be constrained within a sequence stratigraphic framework. Description of cores, wireline logs, thin sections and petrophysical (porosity and permeability) analyses were integrated in order to investigate the controls on patterns of diagenesis in these rocks, and hence of reservoir quality distribution. The results of this study will be relevant to the exploration of rift and early drift successions in Atlantic‐type passive margin settings. The study suggests that depositional facies and detrital composition impact the diagenetic evolution and the characterization and prediction of reservoir quality.Reservoir quality assessment was based on the concept of reservoir petrofacies, which is defined in terms of the main attributes affecting reservoir quality including depositional structures, textures, primary composition, diagenetic processes and products, and pore types. This paper demonstrates the practical use of the reservoir petrofacies concept in the evaluation of the controls on porosity and permeability, as well as on seismic and log signatures.
Locus‐specific protocol for nine different innate immune genes (antimicrobial peptides: β‐defensins) across passerine bird species reveals within‐species coding variation and a case of trans‐species polymorphisms
Authors: HELLGREN O. , SHELDON B. C. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractWe present a locus‐specific protocol suitable for the investigation, from extracted DNA, into natural inter‐ and intra‐specific genetic variation in a group of nine innate immune genes, all belonging to the β‐defensin gene family. The products of these genes encode peptides with antimicrobial properties and form part of the innate immune system. The protocol amplifies the exon coding for the peptide that interacts with invading pathogens and is applicable across a wide range of passerine bird species, although with varying success depending on species. In several species tested, we found individuals to be heterozygous at several of the genes, highlighting the existence of coding genetic variation in this part of the immune system. Furthermore, for several of the genes, alleles have been conserved at the amino acid level across taxonomically distant bird species. In one case, we observed the existence of trans‐species polymorphisms, often taken as evidence of balancing selection. The method will make it possible to investigate a part of the immune system for which there exists very little information of the genetic variation in wild vertebrate populations, thus making it possible to start investigating the selective forces under which the genes are evolving and the extent to which the found genetic variation is associated with pathogen susceptibility in wild populations.
Phylogeography and Evolutionary History of Reassortant H9N2 Viruses with Potential Human Health Implications
Authors: Fusaro Alice , Monne Isabella , Salviato Annalisa , Valastro Viviana , Schivo Alessia , Amarin Nadim Mukhles , Gonzalez Carlos , Ismail Mahmoud Moussa , Al-Ankari Abdu-Rahman , Al-Blowi Mohamed Hamad , Khan Owais Ahmed , Maken Ali Ali Safar , Hedayati Afshin , Garcia Garcia Juan , Ziay Ghulam M. , Shoushtari Abdolhamid , Al Qahtani Kassem Nasser , Capua Ilaria , Holmes Edward C. , Cattoli Giovanni 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACT
Avian influenza viruses of the H9N2 subtype have seriously affected the poultry industry of the Far and Middle East since the mid-1990s and are considered one of the most likely candidates to cause a new influenza pandemic in humans. To understand the genesis and epidemiology of these viruses, we investigated the spatial and evolutionary dynamics of complete genome sequences of H9N2 viruses circulating in nine Middle Eastern and Central Asian countries from 1998 to 2010. We identified four distinct and cocirculating groups (A, B, C, and D), each of which has undergone widespread inter- and intrasubtype reassortments, leading to the generation of viruses with unknown biological properties. Our analysis also suggested that eastern Asia served as the major source for H9N2 gene segments in the Middle East and Central Asia and that in this geographic region within-country evolution played a more important role in shaping viral genetic diversity than migration between countries. The genetic variability identified among the H9N2 viruses was associated with specific amino acid substitutions that are believed to result in increased transmissibility in mammals, as well as resistance to antiviral drugs. Our study highlights the need to constantly monitor the evolution of H9N2 viruses in poultry to better understand the potential risk to human health posed by these viruses.
Comparison between the Midi Parasep and Midi Parasep Solvent Free (SF) faecal parasite concentrators
Authors: Saez Agatha C , Manser Monika M , Andrews Nick , Chiodini Peter L 
Published: June 2011

AimTo compare the recovery of parasites in faecal samples using the Midi Parasep with ethyl acetate and Midi Parasep Solvent Free (SF) faecal parasite concentrators.Methods23 preserved and 11 fresh faecal samples were microscopically examined for the presence of parasites using the Midi Parasep concentrator with ethyl acetate centrifuged for 1 and 3 min and the Midi Parasep SF concentrator.ResultsThe Midi Parasep SF faecal parasite system recovered significantly fewer ova and cysts and resulted in a notably larger deposit than the Midi Parasep concentrator with ethyl acetate.ConclusionsParasites present in small numbers that would be detected using the Midi Parasep concentrator with ethyl acetate could be missed using the SF faecal parasite system.
RESPONSE STATISTICS OF LINEAR STRUCTURES WITH UNCERTAIN-BUT-BOUNDED PARAMETERS UNDER GAUSSIAN STOCHASTIC INPUT
Authors: MUSCOLINO GIUSEPPE , SOFI ALBA 
Published: June 2011

Uncertainty plays a fundamental role in structural engineering since it may affect both external excitations and structural parameters. In this study, the analysis of linear structures with slight variations of the structural parameters subjected to stochastic excitation is addressed. It is realistically assumed that sufficient data are available to model the external excitation as a Gaussian random process, while only fragmentary or incomplete information about the structural parameters are known. Under this assumption, a nonprobabilistic approach is pursued and the fluctuating properties are modeled as uncertain-but-bounded parameters via interval analysis. A method for evaluating the lower and upper bounds of the second-order statistics of the response is presented. The proposed procedure basically consists in combining random vibration theory with first-order interval Taylor series expansion of the mean-value and covariance vectors of the response. After some algebra, the sets of first-order ordinary differential equations ruling the nominal and first-order sensitivity vectors of response statistics are derived. Once such equations are solved, the bounds of the mean-value and covariance vectors of the response can be evaluated by handy formulas. To validate the procedure, numerical results concerning two different structures with uncertain-but-bounded stiffness properties under seismic excitation are presented.
Rationally Designed Treatment for Solid Tumors with MAPK Pathway Activation: A Phase I Study of Paclitaxel and Bortezomib Using an Adaptive Dose-Finding Approach
Authors: Mehnert Janice M. , Tan Antoinette R. , Moss Rebecca , Poplin Elizabeth , Stein Mark N. , Sovak Mika , Levinson Kelly , Lin Hongxia , Kane Michael , Gounder Murugesan , Lin Yong , Shih Weichung Joe , White Eileen , Rubin Eric H. , Karantza Vassiliki 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIn the preclinical setting, phosphorylation and subsequent proteosomal degradation of the proapoptotic protein BIM confers resistance to paclitaxel in solid tumors with RAS/RAF/MAPK pathway activation. Concurrent administration of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib enables paclitaxel-induced BIM accumulation, restoring cancer cell apoptosis in vitro and producing tumor regression in mice in vivo. A phase I study was conducted to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of paclitaxel and bortezomib combinatorial treatment. Sixteen patients with refractory solid tumors commonly exhibiting mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway activation were treated weekly with paclitaxel and bortezomib. Starting doses were 40 mg/m2 for paclitaxel and 0.7 mg/m2 for bortezomib. A modified continual reassessment method adapted for 2-drug escalation was used for MTD determination with 3-patient cohorts treated at each dose level. MTD was reached at 60 mg/m2 paclitaxel and 1.0 mg/m2 bortezomib, the recommended phase II dose. Therapy was overall well tolerated. Most frequently observed toxicities included anemia (in 43.75% of patients, one grade 3 event), fatigue (in 43.75% of patients, one grade 3 event beyond cycle 1), and neuropathy (in 31.25% of patients, one grade 3 event after cycle 1). Of 15 evaluable patients, one non–small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patient with paclitaxel exposure at the adjuvant setting had a partial response and five patients had stable disease (SD); median disease stabilization was 143.5 days; three NSCLC patients had SD lasting 165 days or longer. Thus, rationally designed weekly treatment with paclitaxel and bortezomib in solid tumors with MAPK pathway activation, including previously taxane-treated malignancies, is a tolerable regimen with preliminary signals of antitumor activity worthy of further investigation. Mol Cancer Ther; 10(8); 1509–19. ©2011 AACR.
Response and Resistance to NF-κB Inhibitors in Mouse Models of Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xue Wen , Meylan Etienne , Oliver Trudy G. , Feldser David M. , Winslow Monte M. , Bronson Roderick , Jacks Tyler 
Published: June 2011

AbstractLung adenocarcinoma is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide. We recently showed that genetic inhibition of the NF-κB pathway affects both the initiation and the maintenance of lung cancer, identifying this pathway as a promising therapeutic target. In this investigation, we tested the efficacy of small-molecule NF-κB inhibitors in mouse models of lung cancer. In murine lung adenocarcinoma cell lines with high NF-κB activity, the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib efficiently reduced nuclear p65, repressed NF-κB target genes, and rapidly induced apoptosis. Bortezomib also induced lung tumor regression and prolonged survival in tumor-bearing KrasLSL-G12D/wt;p53flox/flox mice but not in KrasLSL-G12D/wt mice. After repeated treatment, initially sensitive lung tumors became resistant to bortezomib. A second NF-κB inhibitor, Bay-117082, showed similar therapeutic efficacy and acquired resistance in mice. Our results using preclinical mouse models support the NF-κB pathway as a potential therapeutic target for a defined subset of lung adenocarcinoma.Significance: Using small-molecule compounds that inhibit NF-κB activity, we provide evidence that NF-κB inhibition has therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of lung cancer. Our results also illustrate the value of mouse models in validating new drug targets in vivo and indicate that acquired chemoresistance may later influence bortezomib treatment in lung cancer. Cancer Discovery; 1(3); 236–47. © 2011 AACR.Read the Commentary on this article by Van Waes, p. 200This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 189