bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in the Association Between Age and In-Hospital Mortality After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Singh Mandeep , Peterson Eric D. , Roe Matthew T. , Ou Fang-Shu , Spertus John A. , Rumsfeld John S. , Anderson H. Vernon , Klein Lloyd W. , Ho Kalon K.L. , Holmes David R.
Published: February 2009

Background—

Temporal trends and contemporary data characterizing the impact of patient age on in-hospital outcomes of percutaneous coronary interventions are lacking. We sought to determine the importance of age by assessing the in-hospital mortality of stratified age groups in the National Cardiovascular Data Registry.

Methods and Results—

In-hospital mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention on 1 410 069 patients was age stratified into 4 groups—group 1 (age <40, n=25 679), group 2 (40 to 59, n=496 204), group 3 (60 to 79, n=732 574), and group 4 (≥80, n=155 612)—admitted from January 1, 2001, to December 31, 2006. Overall in-hospital mortality was 1.22%; in-hospital mortality was 0.60%, 0.59%, 1.26%, and 3.16% in groups 1 to 4, respectively,
P
<0.0001. Overall temporal improvement per calendar year in the adjusted in-hospital mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention was noted in most groups; however, this finding was significant only in the 2 older age groups, group 3 (odds ratio, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.92 to 0.96) and group 4 (odds ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.92 to 0.97). The absolute mortality reduction was greatest in the most elderly group, those over the age of 80 years.

Conclusions—

In-hospital mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention has fallen for all age groups over the past 6 years. However, the largest absolute reduction was seen among patients 80 years of age or older.
Gender Influences Cerebral Vascular Responses to Angiotensin II Through Nox2-Derived Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: De Silva T. Michael , Broughton Brad R.S. , Drummond Grant R. , Sobey Christopher G. , Miller Alyson A.
Published: February 2009

Background and Purpose—We tested whether gender influences cerebrovascular responses to angiotensin II (AngII) and the role(s) of Nox2.

Methods and Results—AngII-stimulated superoxide (O2−) production by cerebral arteries from male and female wild-type (WT) and Nox2−/−mice was measured using lucigenin- or L-012–enhanced chemiluminescence. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production was measured using Amplex Red fluorescence. Western Blotting was used to measure expression of Nox2, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), angiotensin receptors (AT1and AT2), and superoxide dismutases (SOD1–3). Immunofluorescence was used to localize Nox2 in middle cerebral arteries (MCA). Vascular responses to AngII were assessed in a perfusion myograph. AngII-stimulated O2−and H2O2production by cerebral arteries from female WT mice was ≈75% to 85% lower than in males (P<0.05). O2−production was ≈60% lower in Nox2−/−versus WT males (P<0.05), whereas Nox2 deletion did not affect O2−production in females. Expression of Nox2, eNOS, AT receptors, and SOD isoforms was similar between genders. Nox2 immunofluorescence was similarly localized in adventitial and endothelial cells of MCA from both genders. AngII elicited smaller contractions of MCA from females vs males (P<0.05). Contractions were reduced in male, but not female, Nox2−/−mice (P<0.05). The SOD mimetic, tempol, potentiated contractions to AngII in male WT mice (P<0.05), whereas the SOD/catalase mimetic, EUK-134, virtually abolished contractions (P<0.05).

Conclusions—AngII-stimulated O2−and H2O2production are greater in cerebral arteries from male versus female mice, and are associated with greater contractions to AngII mediated by H2O2. These gender differences are dependent on the expression of Nox2.
Reproductive History, Oral Contraceptive Use, and the Risk of Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stoke in a Cohort Study of Middle-Aged Swedish Women
Authors: Yang Ling , Kuper Hannah , Sandin Sven , Margolis Karen L. , Chen Zhengming , Adami Hans-Olov , Weiderpass Elisabete
Published: February 2009

Background and Purpose—

Controversy persists as to whether oral contraceptive (OC) use and reproductive history play a role in the etiology of stroke, particularly ischemic stroke. Our aim was to investigate this question in a cohort of middle-aged Swedish women.

Methods—

The Women’s Lifestyle and Health Cohort Study included 49259 Swedish women, aged 30 to 49 years at baseline (1991 to 1992). Participants completed an extensive questionnaire and were traced through linkages to national registries until the end of 2004.

Results—

Among the 45699 women included in these analyses, there were 285 cases of incident stroke during follow-up (193 ischemic stroke, 72 hemorrhagic stroke, and 20 of unknown origin). Neither ischemic nor hemorrhagic stroke risk was related to OC use, duration, or type of OC use, even among women who were smokers or hypertensive. Though not statistically significant, risk of hemorrhagic stroke was elevated in women who started using OCs after the age of 30 (Hazard Ratio [HR] 2.3, 95% CI=0.8 to 6.8) and women recommended by a doctor to stop using OC for medical reasons (2.1, 0.9 to 5.0) compared with never users. Compared with nulliparous women, parous women had a statistically significant lower risk of hemorrhagic stroke (0.5, 0.2 to 0.8), but similar association was not found for ischemic stroke (0.9, 0.5 to 1.4).

Conclusions—

There was no significant association of OC use with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, and the parity was associated with reduced risk of hemorrhagic stroke but not with ischemic stroke.
First Trimester Stroke Prophylaxis in Pregnant Women With a History of Stroke
Authors: Helms Ann K. , Drogan Oksana , Kittner Steven J.
Published: February 2009

Background and Purpose—

Current recommendations for stroke prevention during early pregnancy in women with a prior stroke history are based on limited evidence. In view of the uncertainty involved in balancing the fetal risk of medication against the maternal risk of recurrent stroke, a substantial variation in clinical decision making was anticipated. Thus, a survey was performed to describe the current practices of U.S. neurologists with a particular interest in stroke with regards to treatment of such patients.

Methods—

A survey was sent to 384 actively practicing U.S. members of the American Academy of Neurology Stroke and Vascular Neurology section asking what antithrombotic, if any, they would use during first trimester pregnancy in women with a prior history of stroke, either unrelated or related to a previous pregnancy.

Results—

230 practitioners responded. Some form of antithrombotic therapy was selected by 75% of practitioners for women with a history of prior stroke not related to pregnancy and by 88% of practitioners for women with a history of prior stroke related to pregnancy. Aspirin and low molecular weight heparin were chosen by 51% and 7%, respectively, for stroke unrelated to pregnancy and by 41% and 25%, respectively, for stroke related to pregnancy.

Conclusions—

Most practitioners agree that women with a history of stroke should receive prophylaxis during the first trimester. However, much disagreement exists regarding which drug(s) to use. A national registry would be the most practical method of obtaining maternal and fetal outcome data to guide practice in this setting.
Progestogen-Only Contraceptives and the Risk of Stroke
Authors: Chakhtoura Zeina , Canonico Marianne , Gompel Anne , Thalabard Jean-Christophe , Scarabin Pierre-Yves , Plu-Bureau Geneviève
Published: February 2009

Background and Purpose—

The association between combined oral contraceptives (OC) use and increased risk of stroke has been reported. While progestogen-only contraceptives (POC) are commonly used worldwide, their impact on cardiovascular disease remains unclear.

Methods—

A meta-analysis based on EMBASE and MEDLINE referenced literature corresponding to OCs marketed since 1960 was carried out. Eligible articles assessing the risk of stroke in relation to OC or POC were reviewed, and relevant studies were extracted. All types of POC and routes of administration were taken into account in the meta-analysis.

Results—

Six case-control studies were identified. The combined odd ratio (OR) showed no increase in the risk of stroke among POC users (OR=0.96; 95% confidence interval: 0.70 to 1.31). This result was similar according to the route of administration (either implant or injectable or oral POC).

Conclusion—

Data from observational studies show that POC use is not associated with an increased risk of stroke. However, these results are based on limited data. Further investigations are needed in women with risk factors of stroke.
Gender Differences in the Colorado Stroke Registry
Authors: Smith Don B. , Murphy Paul , Santos Patricia , Phillips Merrilee , Wilde Marsha
Published: February 2009

Background and Purpose—

Gender differences in stroke are matters of increasing interest. The American Stroke Association’s patient management tool, Get with the Guidelines–Stroke (GGS) is widely used to increase adherence to quality indicators in stroke care, but it also provides an opportunity to analyze gender differences in the acute stroke setting.

Methods—

We used a state-wide database, based on GGS, to explore gender differences in stroke in Colorado. We analyze demographics, risk factors, lifestyles, treatments, and responses to treatment.

Results—

Of 126 data elements examined, statistically significant gender differences were noted for 47 (37%). As compared to men, women in Colorado were older and more significantly impacted by acute stroke. Risk factor profiles differed between the 2 genders, with men having a higher incidence of coronary artery disease, dyslipidemia, diabetes, carotid stenosis and tobacco smoking, while women had a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation and hypertension. Lipids were less aggressively treated and antithrombotics were less commonly used in women. Overall, acute stroke treatment of women appeared “less aggressive” than for men.

Conclusions—

GGS may be used not only for quality improvement initiatives in individual hospitals. It can also give an overview of clinical aspects of stroke at a state level, and may shed light on gender differences.
Perception of Risk and Knowledge of Risk Factors in Women at High Risk for Stroke
Authors: Dearborn Jennifer L. , McCullough Louise D.
Published: February 2009

Background and Purpose—

Women face a higher mortality after stroke and have different risk factors than men. Despite educational campaigns, women continue to underestimate their own risk for stroke. We present a theoretical model to understand risk perception in high-risk women.

Methods—

Eight hundred five women, ages 50 to 70 years, were selected from the University of Connecticut Cardiology Center with at least one risk factor for stroke. A 5-part questionnaire addressed stroke knowledge, risk perception, risk factors, access to health care, and demographics. Two hundred fifteen women responded by mail (28% response rate) and deidentified data were entered in SPSS. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate techniques assessed the proposed model.

Results—

The cohort was predominantly white (91.5%), higher income (33.1% of the population earned >$75 000), and well-educated (28.6% attended graduate or professional school). Only 2 of the 37 (5.4%) women with atrial fibrillation and 11 of the 71 women with heart disease (15.5%) identified their health condition as a risk factor for stroke. Predictors of risk perception included: other women’s risk (B=0.336,
P
<0.001), worrying about stroke (B=0.734,
P
<0.001), having hypertension (B=0.686,
P
=0.037), and having diabetes (B=0.893,
P
=0.004). Only 63.9% of women with atrial fibrillation (n=23) reported taking warfarin.

Conclusions—

Women were often unable to identify their health condition as a risk factor for stroke. In addition, many women were not undertaking primary prevention behaviors. Risk perception was low, and high-risk women perceived their risk of stroke to be the same as their peers. Educational strategies must advocate for and target high-risk women.
Variation in erythrocyte size between juveniles and adults of Odontophrynus americanus
Authors: Grenat Pablo R. , Bionda Clarisa , Salas Nancy E. , Martino Adolfo L.
Published: February 2009

Differences in erythrocyte size between tadpoles and adults have been found
in numerous anuran species but there are no references about erythrocyte
size of juveniles. We measured the size of red blood cells and nuclei of
juvenile and adult individuals of Odontophrynus americanus. Erythrocyte and
nuclear size of juvenile were significantly smaller than the corresponding
sizes of adults. The erythrocytes of juvenile O. americanus were comparable
in size to the erythrocytes of adult O. cordobae. We discuss about the
possibility of correctly distinguishing juvenile O. americanus (tetraploid)
from adult O. cordobae (cryptic diploid counterpart) specimens using
erythrocytes. We also discuss possible causes of variation.
Phylogeography of the endangered black-breasted leaf turtle (Geoemyda spengleri) and conservation implications for other chelonians
Authors: Gong Shiping , Shi Haitao , Mo Yunming , Auer Markus , Vargas-Ramírez Mario , Hundsdörfer Anna K. , Fritz Uwe
Published: February 2009

Known-locality samples of Geoemyda spengleri from three Chinese provinces
(Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan) and northern Vietnam provide clear evidence for
phylogeographic structure in a southern Chinese chelonian species. Within
southern China two clades of mitochondrial haplotypes from east and west of
the Xi Jiang together form the sister group to haplotypes from northern
Vietnam. Turtles from Hainan Island harbour haplotypes of the same clade as
turtles from Guangxi, 400 km distant. These findings suggest that
phylogeographic differentiation may have once existed in other
co-distributed, highly endangered chelonian species. The possibility of
phylogeographic structure should be considered in any in-situ and ex-situ
conservation program for Chinese chelonians.
Water, stream morphology and landscape: complex habitat determinants for the fire salamander Salamandra salamandra
Authors: Manenti Raoul , Ficetola Gentile Francesco , De Bernardi Fiorenza
Published: February 2009

Understanding the relationship between environmental features and species
distribution is a key step for successful habitat conservation. In
semiaquatic amphibians, the features of both breeding sites and the
surrounding upland habitat can play important roles. We evaluated the
relative role of (1) stream morphology, (2) biotic features of water, and
(3) composition of landscape surrounding wetlands, for the distribution of
the fire salamander, Salamandra salamandra. We determined the presence of
larvae in 132 localities, and we used an information-theoretic approach to
build species distribution models. We then used variance partitioning to
evaluate the relative importance of environmental variables. A model
including both stream and landscape features explained a large proportion of
variation. Larvae were associated to heterogeneous and shallow streams, with
scarce periphyton, rich macrobenthos communities characteristic of
oligotrophic water, and surrounded by woodlands. Variance partitioning
showed that stream morphology was the parameter with the largest independent
effect, but most of variation was explained by the combined effect of
multiple variables, suggesting a strong interplay among biotic and abiotic
features in determining species distribution. The complementation between
multiple elements, such as wetlands and landscape features, can be the key
of a correct understanding of distribution of semi-aquatic amphibians.
Comparative anatomy, homologies and evolution of mandibular, hyoid and hypobranchial muscles of bony fish and tetrapods: a new insight
Authors: Diogo Rui
Published: February 2009

The Osteichthyes, including bony fishes and tetrapods, is a highly speciose group of vertebrates, comprising more than 42000 living species. The anatomy of osteichthyans has been the subject of numerous comparative studies, but these mainly concern osteological structures; much less attention has been paid to muscles. In fact, the most detailed and comprehensive myological comparative analyses that were actually based on a direct observation of representatives of various major osteichthyan groups were provided various decades by authors such as Luther, Kesteven and principally Edgeworth. The present work provides an updated discussion of the homologies and evolution of the osteichthyan mandibular, hyoid and hypobranchial muscles, based on the author's own analyses and on a survey of the literature, both old and recent. The risks of discussing muscle homologies on the basis of a single line of evidence, even when it concerns innervation or development, is emphasized. It is stressed than only by taking into consideration various lines of evidence (e.g. developmental biology, comparative anatomy, functional morphology, paleontology, molecular biology, experimental embryology, innervation and/or phylogeny) it is possible to establish well-grounded hypotheses of muscle homology.
Diets of little owls and long-eared owls in Northwestern China
Authors: Zhao Wei , Shao Mingqin , Song Sen , Liu Naifa
Published: February 2009

We compared diets of little owls (Athene noctua) and long-eared owls (Asio otus) in the Minqin Desert in northwestern China. Based on prey numbers, little owls fed mainly on mammals (51.0%) and beetles (46.9%), whereas long-eared owl fed almost exclusively on mammals (96.4%). Based on biomass, both species fed mainly on mammals. Mus musculus, Cricetulus barabensis and Meriones meridianus were the three most common mammals taken by both species. Seasonal variation was found in the diets of both species. Food niche breadth was 3.4 for little owls vs 2.9 for long-eared owls. Dietary overlap between the two species was 49.6%, but varied from 4.0% in April to 96% in January. Dietary overlap of mammals was 97.9%, indicating that both owls fed on similar rodent assemblages. Mean mass of prey was 25.8 ± 22.7 g for long-eared owls and 15.5 ± 22.7 g for little owls. The mean length of tibias of mammals in pellets also indicted that, on average, long-eared owls (18.1 ± 5.6 mm) took larger prey than little owls (16.2 ± 4.7 mm).
A comparative study of testis follicles in species of Triatoma (Hemiptera, Triatominae)
Authors: Freitas Simone , Santos-Mallet Jacenir , Costa Jane , Souza Ana Lúcia , Serrão José , Gonçalves Teresa
Published: February 2009

In order to determine the existence of differentiation in the lengths of the testis follicles between three species and one subspecies of Triatoma a detailed morphometric analysis was carried out. Captures were performed at different sites where the species were described: Caicó, state of Rio Grande do Norte (T. brasiliensis), Petrolina, state of Pernambuco (T. brasiliensis macromelasoma), Juazeiro, state of Bahia (T. juazeirensis) and Espinosa, state of Minas Gerais (T. melanica). The records of the lengths of the testis follicles were submitted to statistic analysis. Results showed that all Triatoma studied have seven follicles in the testis, following the Triatominae pattern, which present different lengths. The morphometric data indicate the separation of the species in three groups: T. brasiliensis, T. melanica, and T. juazeirensis+T. brasiliensis macromelasoma. The obtained results are in agreement with other previous morphologic, ecologic, genetic, molecular, and phylogeographic studies, corroborating the importance of the morphometry on the testis follicles for taxonomic studies of triatomines.
Interfirm Relations in China
Authors: Keister Lisa A.
Published: February 2009

The networks of interfirm relations that developed in business groups during China's economic transition have been an important part of the country's economic transition. This article examines the process by which interfirm lending and trade ties emerged and evolved in the business groups in the early stages of reform. It studies the effect of business group structure on firm financial performance in the early stages of reform (1988-1990) and later in development (1994-1999). Initially, firms resorted to external resources (e.g., prior connections) to develop alliances. With time, they began to draw on internal resources (e.g., experience) to identify partners. Some business group structures improve member firm performance early in reform, but group membership reduces performance as markets stabilize. The findings underscore the changing significance of interfirm alliances at various stages of economic development. The findings are relevant for both developing countries and countries that developed in previous eras.
The Spread of Nuclear Weapons and International Conflict
Authors: Horowitz Michael
Published: February 2009

This article evaluates whether the length of time states have nuclear weapons influences their behavior and the behavior of opponents in militarized disputes. Using multiple statistical models and illustrative cases, the article shows that, while acquiring nuclear weapons makes states significantly more likely to reciprocate militarized challenges and have their challenges reciprocated, over time, the effect reverses. In contrast to a static understanding of nuclear weapons, this variation in outcomes over time highlights the difficulties presented by nuclear proliferation.
Reconsidering the Reputation—Performance Relationship: A Resource-Based View
Authors: Boyd Brian K. , Bergh Donald D. , Ketchen David J.
Published: February 2009

Reputation is thought to differentiate organizations and help explain variability in their performance. A recent study contributed to knowledge about the reputation—performance relationship by depicting reputation as having two dimensions and linking each dimension to the prominence and performance of U.S. business schools. The authors propose an alternative approach that draws on the resource-based view (RBV) wherein reputation is an intangible asset that is composed of complementary and reinforcing relationships whose synergies create causal ambiguities that have positive performance implications. The authors also test a direct effect of faculty experience on prominence. Their results support the merit of the RBV model, indicating that it offers greater explanatory power. The findings suggest that reputation cannot be bought by additive and independent investments. Instead, enhancing a reputation requires managers to carefully nurture interdependencies and complex relationships. The findings also provide new insights about the determinants of business school reputation.
Fairness as Appropriateness
Authors: Mallard Grégoire , Lamont Michèle , Guetzkow Joshua
Published: February 2009

Epistemological differences fuel continuous and frequently divisive debates in the social sciences and the humanities. Sociologists have yet to consider how such differences affect peer evaluation. The empirical literature has studied distributive fairness, but neglected how epistemological differences affect perception of fairness in decision making. The normative literature suggests that evaluators should overcome their epistemological differences by ‘‘translating’’ their preferred standards into general criteria of evaluation. However, little is known about how procedural fairness actually operates. Drawing on eighty-one interviews with panelists serving on five multidisciplinary fellowship competitions in the social sciences and the humanities, we show that (1) Evaluators generally draw on four epistemological styles to make arguments in favor of and against proposals. These are the constructivist, comprehensive, positivist, and utilitarian styles; and (2) Peer reviewers define a fair decision-making process as one in which panelists engage in ‘‘cognitive contextualization,’’ that is, use epistemological styles most appropriate to the field or discipline of the proposal under review.
Living for Christ in a Hostile World: the Christian Identity and its Present Challenges in 1 Peter
Authors: Fagbemi Stephen Ayodeji A.
Published: February 2009

This paper explores an aspect of the Christian identity in the First Epistle of Peter; how it contributes to or informs the central message of the epistle, and its implications for Christian praxis. How were the recipients of 1 Peter addressed? What was the reason for the identity and in what way(s) was their identity to inform or relate to their daily lifestyle and mission? How might this inform a perspective on the implications of the Christian identity in the world today?
Refugee Realities: Refugee Rights versus State Security in Kenya and Tanzania
Authors: Mogire Edward
Published: February 2009

Refugees, who were traditionally conceived and presented as humanitarian issues, are now increasingly viewed as security threats. The language of threat now dominates refugee discourses and policymaking as well as scholarly analysis. Focusing on Kenya and Tanzania, this paper explores how refugees have been reconstruction as security threats and the impact this reconstruction has had on refugee rights and protection. The paper argues that whereas the perception of refugees as a threat is not without merit and there is therefore need for measures to address this threat, it is possible for this to be done without violating refugee rights. In other words, the protection of state security and refugee security are not and should not be mutually exclusive.
Asian Centres of Learning and Witness before 1000 C.E.: Insights for Today
Authors: Cochrane Steve
Published: February 2009

This article briefly examines six centres of learning and witness representing Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, Zoroastrian and Muslim faiths. It explores the implications of five potential insights arising from these historical models for the Asian contexts of today. These insights are approached from the perspective of the Christian world view, but are equally applicable to other faiths. An attempt has been made to do two main things. First is to highlight historically the importance of pre-modern centres of learning and witness that can perhaps also be called universities, or 'proto-universities'. There has also been the desire to encourage the 'Global South' in their history of education, and suggest implications for the future.
Orthodox Christian Approach to the Bible
Authors: D-Vasilescu Elena Ene
Published: February 2009

The most common understanding of Orthodox Christianity and the attitude of its members to the Bible is that they do not read it (if they do this at all) critically. This brief article attempts to address this issue and to show that the view expressed above is a misunderstanding. In doing so, it will touch on the role of Tradition in interpreting the Bible and will also discuss the method used in such an endeavour.
Decisional Conflict in Patients and Their Physicians: A Dyadic Approach to Shared Decision Making
Authors: LeBlanc Annie , Kenny David A. , O'Connor Annette M. , Légaré France
Published: February 2009

Background. Decisional conflict is defined as personal uncertainty about which course of action to take when choice among competing options involves risk, regret, or challenge to personal life values. It is influenced by inadequate knowledge, unclear values, inadequate support, and the perception that an ineffective decision has been made. Until recently, it has been studied at the individual level, which ignores the interpersonal system between patients and physicians. Objective. To explore the effect of feeling uninformed, unclear values, inadequate support, and the perception that an ineffective decision has been made on one own's outcome (actor effect) and on the other person's outcome (partner effect). Methods. After a clinical encounter, modifiable deficits and personal uncertainty were measured in physicians and patients using the Decisional Conflict Scale. Structural equation modeling was used to measure the parameters of the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model. Results. A total of 112 dyads of physicians and patients were included in the analysis. For both patients and physicians, 2 actor effects, unclear values (P < 0:0001 ) and the perception that an ineffective decision has been made (P < 0:0001 ), were found to be positively correlated with personal uncertainty. One partner effect, feeling uninformed (P=0:03 ), was found to be negatively correlated with personal uncertainty. Conclusions. Personal uncertainty of patients and physicians is influenced not only by their respective deficits but also by the deficits of the other member of the dyad. Our results indicate that the more unclear the expression of their own values and the more they perceive that an ineffective choice had been made, the more both physicians and patients experience personal uncertainty. They also indicate that the less uninformed they feel, the more both physicians and patients experience personal uncertainty.
Do Official Misconduct Data Tell the Same Story as the Individuals Who Live in Prison?
Authors: Daggett Dawn M. , Camp Scott D.
Published: February 2009

This analysis focuses on misconduct rates and inmates’ perceptions of safety at 10 low-security prisons. Performance measures derived from two different data sources, inmate survey data and agency records of inmate misconduct, are compared. The findings demonstrate that the rankings of the prisons with performance measures derived from inmates’ perception of safety correlate with measures obtained from official misconduct rates. These findings provide evidence regarding the validity and reliability of inmate survey and official misconduct data when assessing conditions of confinement.
“Knowing Me, Knowing You,” Is There Nothing We Can Do?
Authors: Turner Yvonne
Published: February 2009

This article explores the evolving relationship between curriculum design, teacher perceptions, and the lived experience of students participating in an international programme of study within a U.K. university business school. The article illustrates the challenges inherent in supporting cross-cultural learning within diverse cohorts and explores the use of reflective learning strategies as a means of promoting cross-cultural understanding. It concludes with a discussion about the positioning of university curricula as international spaces within local contexts and questions the degree to which implicit pedagogical norms support inclusivity.
The Reinforcing Effects of Loyalty Program Partnerships and Core Service Usage
Authors: Lemon Katherine N. , Wangenheim Florian v.
Published: February 2009

In this research, the authors develop a dynamic model of cross-buying across loyalty program partnerships and test the model using data from a European airline. They identify a reinforcing mechanism that operates when loyalty program partnerships are operating effectively. The results suggest that customer usage of (and satisfaction with) the core service influences customer cross-buying from loyalty program partners. The cross-buying behavior then reinforces the customer's relationship with the core service, as cross-buying positively influences future purchases of the core service. Furthermore, the authors find that these reinforcing effects are influenced by the type of cross-buying service (partner) being considered. This dynamic reinforcement mechanism has not been shown in prior research. These findings have implications for understanding and management of loyalty programs and brand partnerships; valuating return on investments in improvements in product quality, service quality, and customer satisfaction; and more broadly, the dynamics of customer purchase behavior.
Paradoxical effects of IFN-γ in graft-versus-host disease reflect promotion of lymphohematopoietic graft-versus-host reactions and inhibition of epithelial tissue injury
Authors: Wang Hui , Asavaroengchai Wannee , Yong Yeap Beow , Wang Min-Guang , Wang Shumei , Sykes Megan , Yang Yong-Guang
Published: February 2009

Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) inhibits graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in lethally irradiated mice receiving allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) but promotes lethality in unirradiated and sublethally irradiated recipients. We investigated the role of IFN-γ in GVHD in sublethally irradiated B6D2F1 recipients of B6 allo-HCT. B6D2F1 mice receiving wild-type B6 splenocytes alone died rapidly, whereas those receiving wild-type B6 splenocytes plus marrow survived long-term. Mice in both groups showed rapid elimination of host hematopoietic cells but minimal parenchymal tissue injury. However, mice receiving allo-HCT from IFN-γ–deficient donors died rapidly regardless of whether donor marrow was given, and they exhibited severe parenchymal injury but prolonged survival of host hematopoietic cells. IFN-γ plays a similar role in another model involving delayed B6 donor leukocyte infusion (DLI) to established mixed allogeneic (B6→BALB/c) chimeras. IFN-γ promotes DLI-mediated conversion from mixed to full donor chimerism while attenuating GVHD. Importantly, IFN-γ enhances graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effects in both models. Our data indicate that previously reported IFN-γ–induced early mortality in allo-HCT recipients is due to augmentation of lymphohematopoietic graft-versus-host reaction (LGVHR) and can be avoided by providing an adequate source of donor hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Furthermore, the magnitude of GVL is correlated with the strength of LGVHR, and IFN-γ reduces the potential of this alloreactivity to cause epithelial tissue GVHD.
Identification of tyrosine kinase, HCK, and tumor suppressor, BIN1, as potential mediators of AHI-1 oncogene in primary and transformed CTCL cells
Authors: Kennah Erin , Ringrose Ashley , Zhou Liang L. , Esmailzadeh Sharmin , Qian Hong , Su Ming-wan , Zhou Youwen , Jiang Xiaoyan
Published: February 2009

AHI-1 is an oncogene often targeted by provirus insertional mutagenesis in murine leukemias and lymphomas. Aberrant expression of human AHI-1 occurs in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) cells and in CD4+CD7− Sezary cells from patients with Sezary syndrome. Stable knockdown of AHI-1 using retroviral-mediated RNA interference in CTCL cells inhibits their transforming activity in vitro and in vivo. To identify genes involved in AHI-1–mediated transformation, microarray analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes in AHI-1–suppressed CTCL cells. Fifteen up-regulated and 6 down-regulated genes were identified and confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Seven were further confirmed in a microarray analysis of CD4+CD7− Sezary cells from Sezary syndrome patients. HCK and BIN1 emerged as new candidate cooperative genes, with differential protein expression, which correlates with observed transcript changes. Interestingly, changes in HCK phosphorylation and biologic response to its inhibitor, dasatinib, were observed in AHI-1–suppressed or –overexpressed cells. The tumor suppressor BIN1 physically interacts with MYC in CTCL cells, which also exhibit differential MYC protein expression. In addition, aberrant expression of alternative splicing forms of BIN1 was observed in primary and transformed CTCL cells. These findings indicate that HCK and BIN1 may play critical roles in AHI-1–mediated leukemic transformation of human CTCL cells.
CS1 promotes multiple myeloma cell adhesion, clonogenic growth, and tumorigenicity via c-maf–mediated interactions with bone marrow stromal cells
Authors: Tai Yu-Tzu , Soydan Ender , Song Weihua , Fulciniti Mariateresa , Kim Kihyun , Hong Fangxin , Li Xian-Feng , Burger Peter , Rumizen Matthew J. , Nahar Sabikun , Podar Klaus , Hideshima Teru , Munshi Nikhil C. , Tonon Giovanni , Carrasco Ruben D. , Afar Daniel E. H. , Anderson Kenneth C.
Published: February 2009

CS1 is highly expressed on tumor cells from the majority of multiple myeloma (MM) patients regardless of cytogenetic abnormalities or response to current treatments. Furthermore, CS1 is detected in MM patient sera and correlates with active disease. However, its contribution to MM pathophysiology is undefined. We here show that CS1 knockdown using lentiviral short-interfering RNA decreased phosphorylation of ERK1/2, AKT, and STAT3, suggesting that CS1 induces central growth and survival signaling pathways in MM cells. Serum deprivation markedly blocked survival at earlier time points in CS1 knockdown compared with control MM cells, associated with earlier activation of caspases, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, and proapoptotic proteins BNIP3 and BIK. CS1 knockdown further delayed development of MM tumor and prolonged survival in mice. Conversely, CS1 overexpression promoted myeloma cell growth and survival by significantly increasing myeloma adhesion to bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and enhancing myeloma colony formation in semisolid culture. Moreover, CS1 increased c-maf–targeted cyclin D2-dependent proliferation, -integrin β7/αE-mediated myeloma adhesion to BMSCs, and -vascular endothelial growth factor-induced bone marrow angiogenesis in vivo. These studies provide direct evidence of the role of CS1 in myeloma pathogenesis, define molecular mechanisms regulating its effects, and further support novel therapies targeting CS1 in MM.
Molecular mimicry of host sialylated glycans allows a bacterial pathogen to engage neutrophil Siglec-9 and dampen the innate immune response
Authors: Carlin Aaron F. , Uchiyama Satoshi , Chang Yung-Chi , Lewis Amanda L. , Nizet Victor , Varki Ajit
Published: February 2009

Human neutrophil Siglec-9 is a lectin that recognizes sialic acids (Sias) via an amino-terminal V-set Ig domain and possesses tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs in its cytoplasmic tail. We hypothesized that Siglec-9 recognizes host Sias as “self,” including in cis interactions with Sias on the neutrophil's own surface, thereby dampening unwanted neutrophil reactivity. Here we show that neutrophils presented with immobilized multimerized Siaα2-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc units engage them in trans via Siglec-9. The sialylated capsular polysaccharide of group B Streptococcus (GBS) also presents terminal Siaα2-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc units, and similarly engages neutrophil Siglec-9, dampening neutrophil responses in a Sia- and Siglec-9–dependent manner. Reduction in the neutrophil oxidative burst, diminished formation of neutrophil extracellular DNA traps, and increased bacterial survival are also facilitated by GBS sialylated capsular polysaccharide interactions with Siglec-9. Thus, GBS can impair neutrophil defense functions by coopting a host inhibitory receptor via sialoglycan molecular mimicry, a novel mechanism of bacterial immune evasion.
The "etiome": identification and clustering of human disease etiological factors
Authors: Liu Yueyi I , Wise Paul H , Butte Atul J
Published: February 2009

Background

Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to human diseases. Most common diseases are influenced by a large number of genetic and environmental factors, most of which individually have only a modest effect on the disease. Though genetic contributions are relatively well characterized for some monogenetic diseases, there has been no effort at curating the extensive list of environmental etiological factors.

Results

From a comprehensive search of the MeSH annotation of MEDLINE articles, we identified 3,342 environmental etiological factors associated with 3,159 diseases. We also identified 1,100 genes associated with 1,034 complex diseases from the NIH Genetic Association Database (GAD), a database of genetic association studies. 863 diseases have both genetic and environmental etiological factors available. Integrating genetic and environmental factors results in the "etiome", which we define as the comprehensive compendium of disease etiology. Clustering of environmental factors may alert clinicians of the risks of added exposures, or synergy in interventions to alter these factors. Clustering of both genetic and environmental etiological factors puts genes in the context of environment in a quantitative manner.

Conclusion

In this paper, we obtained a comprehensive list of associations between disease and environmental factors using MeSH annotation of MEDLINE articles. It serves as a summary of current knowledge between etiological factors and diseases. By combining the environmental etiological factors and genetic factors from GAD, we computed the "etiome" profile for 863 diseases. Comparing diseases across these profiles may have utility for clinical medicine, basic science research, and population-based science.
Comparative genomic analyses of nickel, cobalt and vitamin B12 utilization
Authors: Zhang Yan , Rodionov Dmitry A , Gelfand Mikhail S , Gladyshev Vadim N
Published: February 2009

Background

Nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co) are trace elements required for a variety of biological processes. Ni is directly coordinated by proteins, whereas Co is mainly used as a component of vitamin B12. Although a number of Ni and Co-dependent enzymes have been characterized, systematic evolutionary analyses of utilization of these metals are limited.

Results

We carried out comparative genomic analyses to examine occurrence and evolutionary dynamics of the use of Ni and Co at the level of (i) transport systems, and (ii) metalloproteomes. Our data show that both metals are widely used in bacteria and archaea. Cbi/NikMNQO is the most common prokaryotic Ni/Co transporter, while Ni-dependent urease and Ni-Fe hydrogenase, and B12-dependent methionine synthase (MetH), ribonucleotide reductase and methylmalonyl-CoA mutase are the most widespread metalloproteins for Ni and Co, respectively. Occurrence of other metalloenzymes showed a mosaic distribution and a new B12-dependent protein family was predicted. Deltaproteobacteria and Methanosarcina generally have larger Ni- and Co-dependent proteomes. On the other hand, utilization of these two metals is limited in eukaryotes, and very few of these organisms utilize both of them. The Ni-utilizing eukaryotes are mostly fungi (except saccharomycotina) and plants, whereas most B12-utilizing organisms are animals. The NiCoT transporter family is the most widespread eukaryotic Ni transporter, and eukaryotic urease and MetH are the most common Ni- and B12-dependent enzymes, respectively. Finally, investigation of environmental and other conditions and identity of organisms that show dependence on Ni or Co revealed that host-associated organisms (particularly obligate intracellular parasites and endosymbionts) have a tendency for loss of Ni/Co utilization.

Conclusion

Our data provide information on the evolutionary dynamics of Ni and Co utilization and highlight widespread use of these metals in the three domains of life, yet only a limited number of user proteins.
Measuring agreement of administrative data with chart data using prevalence unadjusted and adjusted kappa
Authors: Chen Guanmin , Faris Peter , Hemmelgarn Brenda , Walker Robin L , Quan Hude
Published: February 2009

Background

Kappa is commonly used when assessing the agreement of conditions with reference standard, but has been criticized for being highly dependent on the prevalence. To overcome this limitation, a prevalence-adjusted and bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK) has been developed. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the performance of Kappa and PABAK, and assess the agreement between hospital discharge administrative data and chart review data conditions.

Methods

The agreement was compared for random sampling, restricted sampling by conditions, and case-control sampling from the four teaching hospitals in Alberta, Canada from ICD10 administrative data during January 1, 2003 and June 30, 2003. A total of 4,008 hospital discharge records and chart view, linked for personal unique identifier and admission date, for 32 conditions of random sampling were analyzed. The restricted sample for hypertension, myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure, and case-control sample for those three conditions were extracted from random sample. The prevalence, kappa, PABAK, positive agreement, negative agreement for the condition was compared for each of three samples.

Results

The prevalence of each condition was highly dependent on the sampling method, and this variation in prevalence had a significant effect on both kappa and PABAK. PABAK values were obviously high for certain conditions with low kappa values. The gap between these two statistical values for the same condition narrowed as the prevalence of the condition approached 50%.

Conclusion

Kappa values varied more widely than PABAK values across the 32 conditions. PABAK values should usually not be interpreted as measuring the same agreement as kappa in administrative data, particular for the condition with low prevalence. There is no single statistic measuring agreement that captures the desired information for validity of administrative data. Researchers should report kappa, the prevalence, positive agreement, negative agreement, and the relative frequency in each cell (i.e. a, b, c and d) to enable the reader to judge the validity of administrative data from multiple aspects.
Targeting cyclin B1 inhibits proliferation and sensitizes breast cancer cells to taxol
Authors: Androic Ilija , Krämer Andrea , Yan Ruilan , Rödel Franz , Gätje Regine , Kaufmann Manfred , Strebhardt Klaus , Yuan Juping
Published: February 2009

Background

Cyclin B1, the regulatory subunit of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1), is essential for the transition from G2 phase to mitosis. Cyclin B1 is very often found to be overexpressed in primary breast and cervical cancer cells as well as in cancer cell lines. Its expression is correlated with the malignancy of gynecological cancers.

Methods

In order to explore cyclin B1 as a potential target for gynecological cancer therapy, we studied the effect of small interfering RNA (siRNA) on different gynecological cancer cell lines by monitoring their proliferation rate, cell cycle profile, protein expression and activity, apoptosis induction and colony formation. Tumor formation in vivo was examined using mouse xenograft models.

Results

Downregulation of cyclin B1 inhibited proliferation of several breast and cervical cancer cell lines including MCF-7, BT-474, SK-BR-3, MDA-MB-231 and HeLa. After combining cyclin B1 siRNA with taxol, we observed an increased apoptotic rate accompanied by an enhanced antiproliferative effect in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, control HeLa cells were progressively growing, whereas the tumor growth of HeLa cells pre-treated with cyclin B1 siRNA was strongly inhibited in nude mice, indicating that cyclin B1 is indispensable for tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion

Our data support the notion of cyclin B1 being essential for survival and proliferation of gynecological cancer cells. Concordantly, knockdown of cyclin B1 inhibits proliferation in vitro as well as in vivo. Moreover, targeting cyclin B1 sensitizes breast cancer cells to taxol, suggesting that specific cyclin B1 targeting is an attractive strategy for the combination with conventionally used agents in gynecological cancer therapy.