bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of long-term treatment with antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 and selenium) on arterial compliance, humoral factors and inflammatory markers in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Shargorodsky Marina , Debby Ortal , Matas Zipora , Zimlichman Reuven 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background
Antioxidant supplementations have the potential to alleviate the atherosclerotic damage caused by excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The present study evaluated the effects of prolonged antioxidant treatment on arterial elasticity, inflammatory and metabolic measures in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods
Study participants were randomly assigned to two groups. Group 1 received oral supplementation with 2 capsules per day of Mid Life Guard, SupHerb, Israel. In each capsule vitamin C (500 mg) vitamin E (200 iu), co-enzyme Q10 (60 mg) and selenium (100 mcg), Group 2 received matching placebo(SupHerb) for 6 months. Patients were evaluated for lipid profile, HbA1C, insulin, C-peptide, hs-CRP, endothelin, aldosterone, plasma renin activity and Homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Arterial elasticity was evaluated using pulse wave contour analysis (HDI CR 2000, Eagan, Minnesota).

Results
Antioxidant-treated patients exhibited significant increases in large arterial elasticity index (LAEI) as well as small arterial elasticity index (SAEI). A significant decline HbA1C and a significant increase in HDL-cholesterol were also observed. In the placebo group, significant changes in LAEI, SAEI or metabolic measures were not observed.

Conclusions
Antioxidant supplementation significantly increased large and small artery elasticity in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors. This beneficial vascular effect was associated with an improvement in glucose and lipid metabolism as well as decrease in blood pressure.
Determinants of breastfeeding initiation among mothers in Kuwait
Authors: Dashti Manal , Scott Jane A , Edwards Christine A , Al-Sughayer Mona 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackgroundExclusive breastfeeding is recommended as the optimal way to feed infants for the first six months of life. While overall breastfeeding rates are high, exclusive breastfeeding is relatively uncommon among Middle Eastern women. The objective of this study was to identify the incidence of breastfeeding amongst women in the six governorates of Kuwait and the factors associated with the initiation of breastfeeding.MethodsA sample of 373 women (aged 17-47 years), recruited shortly after delivery from four hospitals in Kuwait, completed a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify those factors independently associated with the initiation of breastfeeding.ResultsIn total, 92.5% of mothers initiated breastfeeding and at discharge from hospital the majority of mothers were partially breastfeeding (55%), with only 30% of mothers fully breastfeeding. Prelacteal feeding was the norm (81.8%) and less than 1 in 5 infants (18.2%) received colostrum as their first feed. Only 10.5% of infants had been exclusively breastfed since birth, the remainder of the breastfed infants having received either prelacteal or supplementary infant formula feeds at some time during their hospital stay. Of the mothers who attempted to breastfeed, the majority of women (55.4%) delayed their first attempt to breastfeed until 24 hours or more after delivery. Breastfeeding at discharge from hospital was positively associated with paternal support for breastfeeding and negatively associated with delivery by caesarean section and with the infant having spent time in the Special Care Nursery.ConclusionsThe reasons for the high use of prelacteal and supplementary formula feeding warrant investigation. Hospital policies and staff training are needed to promote the early initiation of breastfeeding and to discourage the unnecessary use of infant formula in hospital, in order to support the establishment of exclusive breastfeeding by mothers in Kuwait.
An aggressive chondroblastoma of the knee treated with resection arthrodesis and limb lengthening using the Ilizarov technique
Authors: Tomić Slavko , Lešić Aleksandar , Bumbaširević Marko , Sopta Jelena , Rakočević Zoran , Atkinson Henry D. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
This case report describes the management of a 15 year old male with a biologically aggressive chondroblastoma of the knee. Following CT, bone scan, angiography and an open biopsy, the diagnosis was confirmed histologically and immunohistochemically. The patient underwent a 13 cm en-bloc excision of the knee, and knee arthrodesis with simultaneous bone transport using an Ilizarov ring fixator. Following 136 days of bone transport, the patient achieved radiological and clinical bony union after a total frame time of 372 days. He then commenced 50% partial weight-bear in a protective knee brace and gradually worked up to full weight-bearing by 4 months. The patient developed superficial pin tract infections around the k-wires on 2 occasions; these settled with a cephalosporin antibiotic spray and local dressings. At 13 years follow-up there are no signs of disease recurrence or failure at the fusion site. The patient is able to fully weight bear and stand independently on the operated leg. Knee arthrodesis with simultaneous limb-lengthening is an effective treatment modality following en-bloc resection of an aggressive chondroblastoma. The case is discussed with reference to the literature.
Regulation of early signaling and gene expression in the α-particle and bystander response of IMR-90 human fibroblasts
Authors: Ghandhi Shanaz A , Ming Lihua , Ivanov Vladimir N , Hei Tom K , Amundson Sally A 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackgroundThe existence of a radiation bystander effect, in which non-irradiated cells respond to signals from irradiated cells, is well established. To understand early signaling and gene regulation in bystander cells, we used a bio-informatics approach, measuring global gene expression at 30 minutes and signaling pathways between 30 minutes and 4 hours after exposure to α-particles in IMR-90 fibroblasts.MethodsWe used whole human genome microarrays and real time quantitative PCR to measure and validate gene expression. Microarray analysis was done using BRB-Array Tools; pathway and ontology analyses were done using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis and PANTHER, respectively. We studied signaling in irradiated and bystander cells using immunoblotting and semi-quantitative image analysis.ResultsGene ontology suggested signal transduction and transcriptional regulation responding 30 minutes after treatment affected cell structure, motility and adhesion, and interleukin synthesis. We measured time-dependent expression of genes controlled by the NF-κB pathway; matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 3; chemokine ligands 2, 3 and 5 and interleukins 1β, 6 and 33. There was an increased response of this set of genes 30 minutes after treatment and another wave of induction at 4 hours. We investigated AKT-GSK3β signaling and found both AKT and GSK3β are hyper-phosphorylated 30 minutes after irradiation and this effect is maintained through 4 hours. In bystander cells, a similar response was seen with a delay of 30 minutes. We proposed a network model where the observed decrease in phosphorylation of β-catenin protein after GSK3β dependent inactivation can trigger target gene expression at later times after radiation exposureConclusionsThese results are the first to show that the radiation induced bystander signal induces a widespread gene expression response at 30 minutes after treatment and these changes are accompanied by modification of signaling proteins in the PI3K-AKT-GSK3β pathway.
Book Reviews
Authors: Lev Benjamin 
Published: July 2010

In Book Reviews, we review an extensive and diverse range of books. They cover theory and applications in operations research, statistics, management science, econometrics, mathematics, computers, and information systems. In addition, we include books in other fields that emphasize technical applications. However, we do not review software. To submit a book for review, please send it to me at the above address. Although we cannot review all books because of space limitations, we do list all books that we receive. We commission all book reviews and do not accept unsolicited reviews. To become a reviewer, please send me your name, address, and specific areas of expertise. We encourage readers to suggest books for review or to ask publishers to send copies of such books.The authors or editors of books that we review in this issue are Louis Anthony Cox Jr., Glenn H. Hurlbert, and Prescott C. Ensign.
Observed, unknown distributions of clinical chemical quantities should be considered to be log-normal: a proposal
Authors: Haeckel Rainer , Wosniok Werner 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe distribution of many quantities in laboratory medicine are considered to be Gaussian if they are symmetric, although, theoretically, a Gaussian distribution is not plausible for quantities that can attain only non-negative values. If a distribution is skewed, further specification of the type is required, which may be difficult to provide. Skewed (non-Gaussian) distributions found in clinical chemistry usually show only moderately large positive skewness (e.g., log-normal- and χ2distribution). The degree of skewness depends on the magnitude of the empirical biological variation (CVe), as demonstrated using the log-normal distribution. A Gaussian distribution with a small CVe(e.g., for plasma sodium) is very similar to a log-normal distribution with the same CVe. In contrast, a relatively large CVe(e.g., plasma aspartate aminotransferase) leads to distinct differences between a Gaussian and a log-normal distribution. If the type of an empirical distribution is unknown, it is proposed that a log-normal distribution be assumed in such cases. This avoids distributional assumptions that are not plausible and does not contradict the observation that distributions with small biological variation look very similar to a Gaussian distribution.Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:1393–6.
Automated reticulocyte counting: state of the art and clinical applications in the evaluation of erythropoiesis
Authors: Piva Elisa , Brugnara Carlo , Chiandetti Lino , Plebani Mario 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
The reticulocyte count reflects the erythropoietic activity of the bone marrow and is thus useful in both the diagnosis of anemias and in monitoring bone marrow response to therapy. Starting in the mid-1990s, automated flow-cytometric analysis has replaced traditional microscopic quantitation of reticulocytes. Reticulocyte analysis now includes measurements mRNA content and the maturity of reticulocytes, cell volume, hemoglobin concentration and content. The immature reticulocyte fraction is a reliable early predictor of hematopoietic engraftment following allogeneic stem cell transplantation, while the reticulocyte hemoglobin content provides an indirect measure of the functional iron available for new red blood cell production over the previous 3–4 days. Especially in anemic newborns, reticulocyte analysis is useful to help clinicians follow erythropoietic changes, to monitor response to recombinant human erythropoietin therapy, to gauge transfusion needs, and to evaluate jaundice. Despite improved accuracy and precision, significant problems still persist in maintaining adequate levels of precision and comparability across different laboratories. In the absence of better laboratory standardization, having a single reference range for the parameters provided by flow-cytometric studies of reticulocytes remains problematic.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:1369–80.
Observation of cell shapes in wood cross-sections during water adsorption by confocal laser-scanning microscopy (CLSM)
Authors: Taguchi Ayako , Murata Koji , Nakano Takato 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Deformation behaviors of cell cross-sections from wood blocks were observed during water adsorption by confocal laser-scanning microscopy. In the tangential (T) direction, cells swelled linearly with increasing moisture content, whereas in the radial (R) direction, cell deformation varied from cell to cell, and some cells showed even shrinkage. This confirms that the well-known swelling/shrinking anisotropy for intact wood blocks is T>R.
A single cell model for pretreatment of wood by microwave explosion
Authors: Li Xianjun , Zhou Yongdong , Yan Yonglin , Cai Zhiyong , Feng Fu 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
A theoretical model was developed to better understand the process of microwave explosion treatment of wood cells. The cell expansion and critical conditions concerning pressure and temperature of ray parenchyma cells in Eucalyptus urophylla were simulated during microwave pretreatment. The results indicate that longitudinal and circumferential stresses were generated in the cell walls owing to the internal steam pressure during extensive microwave treatment. The circumferential stress is twice as high as the longitudinal stress. The pressure difference reaches its maximum value of 0.84 MPa when the extension ratio is 1.20 for the longitudinal direction and 1.62 for the circumferential direction. The maximum pressure difference at the theoretical yielding point is the critical pressure difference that can eventually rupture the ray cell. The critical pressure difference decreases with increasing cell radius and decreasing shear modulus in the cell wall. This simulated result provides useful information to modify wood at the level of ray parenchyma cells.
Macro- and micromechanical characterization of wood-adhesive bonds exposed to alternating climate conditions
Authors: Follrich Jürgen , Stöckel Frank , Konnerth Johannes 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThree-part specimens were produced from Norway spruce wood (Picea abiesKarst.) and bonded with the following adhesives: melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF), phenol-resorcinol-formaldehyde (PRF), and a two-component emulsion polymer isocyanate (EPI). The effect of alternating climate conditions on bond strength was studied by tensile tests. The specimens were exposed to a three-step ageing cycle lasting for 7 days [50°C/95% relative humidity (RH), -20°C/65– 70% RH and 75°C/15% RH] which was repeated 24 times. In general, a decrease in internal bond strength of all exposed specimens was observed but it was highest in the case of MUF-bonded joints. Furthermore, a significant decrease of the tensile strength of the wood adherend perpendicular to the grain in the tangential direction was determined after the cyclic climatic changes. The mechanical performance of the different adhesives in the bond line was tested by means of nanoindentation. Reduced values of elastic modulus, hardness, and total indentation were observed after climatic treatment, particularly for the rigid MUF adhesive, whereas the flexible adhesive EPI did not show such changes.
Pore space analysis of beech wood: The vessel network
Authors: Hass Philipp , Wittel Falk K. , McDonald Sam A. , Marone Federica , Stampanoni Marco , Herrmann Hans J. , Niemz Peter 
Published: July 2010

AbstractWater transport in wood is vital for the survival of trees. With synchrotron radiation X-ray tomographic microscopy (SRXTM), it has become possible to characterize and quantify the three-dimensional (3D) network formed by vessels that are responsible for longitudinal transport. In the present study, the spatial size dependence of vessels and the organization inside single growth rings in terms of vessel-induced porosity was studied by SRXTM. Network characteristics, such as connectivity, were deduced by digital image analysis from the processed tomographic data and related to known complex network topologies.
Learning-Associated Gamma-Band Phase-Locking of Action–Outcome Selective Neurons in Orbitofrontal Cortex
Authors: van Wingerden Marijn , Vinck Martin , Lankelma Jan V. , Pennartz Cyriel M. A. 
Published: July 2010

Gamma oscillations (30–100 Hz) correlate to a variety of neural functions, including sensory processing, attention, and action selection. However, they have barely been studied in relation to emotional processing and valuation of sensory signals and actions. We conducted multineuron and local field potential recordings in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) of rats performing a task in which they made go or no-go decisions based on two olfactory stimuli predicting appetitive or aversive outcomes.Gamma power was strongest during the late phase of odor sampling, just before go/no-go movement, and increased with behavioral learning. Learning speed was correlated to the slope of the gamma power increment. Spikes of OFC neurons were consistently timed to the gamma rhythm during odor sampling, regardless of the associated outcome. However, only a specific subgroup of cells showed consistent phase timing. These cells showed action–outcome selective activity, not during stimulus sampling but during subsequent movement responses. During sampling, this subgroup displayed a suppression in firing rate but a concurrent increment in the consistency of spike timing relative to gamma oscillations.In addition to gamma rhythm, OFC field potentials were characterized by theta oscillations during odor sampling. Neurons phase-locked to either theta or gamma rhythms but not to both, suggesting that they become associated with separate rhythmic networks involving OFC. Altogether, these results suggest that OFC gamma-band synchronization reflects inhibitory control over a subpopulation of neurons that express information about the emotional valence of actions after a motor decision, which suggests a novel mechanism for response inhibition.
Nelson's syndrome
Authors: Barber T M , Adams E , Ansorge O , Byrne J V , Karavitaki N , Wass J A H 
Published: July 2010

Nelson's syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that does not infrequently develop following total bilateral adrenalectomy (TBA) for the treatment of Cushing's disease. In this review article, we discuss some controversial aspects of Nelson's syndrome including diagnosis, predictive factors, aetiology, pathology and management based on data from the existing literature and the experience of our own tertiary centre.Definitive diagnostic criteria for Nelson's syndrome are lacking. We argue in favour of a new set of criteria. We propose that Nelson's syndrome should be diagnosed in any patient with prior TBA for the treatment of Cushing's disease and with at least one of the following criteria: i) an expanding pituitary mass lesion compared with pre-TBA images; ii) an elevated 0800 h plasma level of ACTH (>500 ng/l) in addition to progressive elevations of ACTH (a rise of >30%) on at least three consecutive occasions. Regarding predictive factors for the development of Nelson's syndrome post TBA, current evidence favours the presence of residual pituitary tumour on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) post transsphenoidal surgery (TSS); an aggressive subtype of corticotrophinoma (based on MRI growth rapidity and histology of TSS samples); lack of prophylactic neoadjuvant pituitary radiotherapy at the time of TBA and a rapid rise of ACTH levels in year 1 post TBA. Finally, more studies are needed to assess the efficacy of therapeutic strategies in Nelson's syndrome, including the alkylating agent, temozolomide, which holds promise as a novel and effective therapeutic agent in the treatment of associated aggressive corticotroph tumours. It is timely to review these controversies and to suggest guidelines for future audit.
Seasonal Energetics and Condition of Bonefish from Different Subtropical Tidal Creeks in Eleuthera, the Bahamas
Authors: Murchie Karen J. , Cooke Steven J. , Danylchuk Andy J. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Body composition and fish health indices of bonefish Albula vulpes were investigated to elucidate the energy dynamics in poorly studied tropical tidal flat environments. In general, bonefish were composed of 72% water, 21% protein, 4% ash, and 3% lipids, which is consistent with the wet weight values of the majority of freshwater and marine fish studied to date. Significant inverse relationships between the water and lipid contents of whole-body, gonad, and liver tissues revealed that the percentage of water is a good indicator of the relative amount of stored energy in bonefish and may be used as a surrogate for lipid content in future studies. The liver was the main storage site for lipids, containing more than twice the fat in the whole body. While both abiotic (e.g., season and location) and biotic (e.g., sex and size) factors contributed to the predictive power of the general linear models generated for all constituent analyses, there were no significant differences in whole-body or liver lipid content between seasons, which may be explained by there being a consistent food supply year-round. There was, however, a significant relationship between lipid content and body size with respect to season. Lipid content decreased in the winter and increased in the summer with increasing body size, a trend that can be explained by the timing of the reproductive season in bonefish. Seasonal changes in the condition factor and gonadosomatic indices were also linked to the winter spawning season, with decreasing body condition and increasing gonad development in the winter. Observed site-specific differences in the lipid content and liver somatic indices of bonefish may be accounted for by local trophodynamics as well as subtle differences in life history strategies. The energy reserve and fish health index data collected in this study may provide a useful baseline for future comparative work and help elucidate fish energetics in dynamic tropical tidal flat systems.
Economic Burden for Informal Caregivers of Lung and Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Van Houtven Courtney Harold , Ramsey Scott D. , Hornbrook Mark C. , Atienza Audie A. , Ryn Michelle 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background.
Informal care provides many benefits to cancer patients, but can be costly to caregivers. This study quantified the economic burden for informal caregivers of lung cancer (LC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, examining differences by cancer type, phase of disease, stage at diagnosis, patient age, and relationship.

Methods.
A cross-sectional survey of caregivers of LC and CRC patients participating in the Share Thoughts on Care survey was conducted. Economic burden was calculated using the opportunity cost of caregiver time, the value of work hours lost, and out-of-pocket expenditures. Factors associated with economic burden to caregivers were modeled using fixed-effects generalized least squares estimation.

Results.
Informal caregivers (1,629) completed mailed surveys. Of these, 663, 822, and 144 were surveyed during the patient's initial phase (first year after diagnosis, not within 6 months of death), continuing phase (after 1 year, not within 6 months of death), and terminal phase (within 6 months of death) of disease, respectively. The accumulated economic burdens for caregivers were $7,028, $19,701, and $14,234 for those evaluated during the patient's initial phase, continuing phase, and terminal phase of disease, respectively. Economic burden was higher for caregivers of LC patients than CRC patients (p = .044) and for caregivers of patients diagnosed at stage 4 versus stage 1 (p = .001). Spouses faced higher economic burden than other relatives (p = .000) or friends (p = .000).

Conclusions.
Economic burden for informal caregivers of LC and CRC patients is substantial and should be included in estimates of the societal cost of cancer care.