bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Mosques of Bayana, Rajasthan, and the Emergence of a Prototype for the Mosques of the Mughals
Authors: Shokoohy Mehrdad , Shokoohy Natalie H.
Published: November 2010

Bayana’s political autonomy during the sultanate history of Delhi is reflected in its architectural monuments, particularly the mosques. The town, built by Muhammad b. Sām’s governor Bahā al-dīn Tughrul, has preserved his late 12th century mosque, which together with its early 14th century extension was praised by Ibn Battūta, but it is the later mosques which show a pattern of continuous independence in architectural style. When in the 14th and 15th centuries, arcuate forms imported from Khurāsān flourished in Delhi, the Bayana architects, although aware of the style, continued to choose the ancient Indian trabeate system, not as a result of lack of innovation, but as a display of their autonomy. Their design developments in the late 15th to 16th centuries led to a new concept for mosque plans, where the prayer hall no longer filled the western side, but jutted out into the courtyard, so that the northern and southern walls of the mosque stood within its courtyard. Akbar, who had his capitals in Agra and Fatehpur Sikri, once two villages in the Bayana territory, also adopted features of the architecture of the region. The new mosque plan first appears to some extent in Shaikh Salīm Chishtī’s Mosque, but the fully-fledged plan becomes a feature of later Mughal mosques of the time of Shāh Jahān and his successors.
Jean Gerson’s Legacy in Tübingen and Strasbourg
Authors: Mazour-Matusevich Yelena
Published: November 2010

The medieval French theologian Jean Gerson’s legacy in Germany involved several centres of learning. Among them Strasbourg and Tübingen deserve particular attention for their role in the circulation of Gerson’s works and ideas. Strasbourg, together with Vienna, belongs to the initial stage of this circulation, while Tübingen to the later one, leaping well into the 16th century. This study concerns itself with the history of the reception of all of Gerson’s ideas via his ’spiritual descendants’, understood here as both those who openly placed him in their spiritual lineage as well as those who relied on his opinions and ideas without necessarily admitting it or even being aware of it. Among those descendants are such influential and crucial figures as Gabriel Biel, Johannes von Staupitz, Johannes Eck and Philipp Melanchton.
The Tagzettel and Diaries of Cardinal Ernst Adalbert von Harrach
Authors: Keller Katrin , Romberg Marion
Published: November 2010

Between 1630 and 1667 Cardinal Ernst Adalbert von Harrach wrote down—in Italian and German—various events of his life and thus documented the political and cultural development of his time. The result was a personal testimonial which is a singular specimen of historical writing in German speaking areas during this period, owing to its size, the diverse range of its contents and the specific circumstances of its origin. Over the last years, an interdisciplinary team at the University of Vienna comprising historians and a philologist have worked on making this comprehensive source accessible to the scientific community. This article, based on the findings of the project team, aims to introduce the author of these documents, to portray their historical context and to draw attention to the potential of this source.
Cities
Authors: Lindfield Michael
Published: November 2010

The article develops the basis for managing cities sustainably by examining two inter-related phenomena associated with urbanization—its role as the driver of the global economy and its impact on the global environment. It focuses at the ‘mezo’ level—the level of sub-national economies and regional-level physical systems (e.g, water basins) and institutional systems (including local and metro government agencies). It describes the key elements of an urban economic system which support (i) its role in inclusive economic growth and (ii) a systemic approach to decreasing its environmental impact. Examples of good practice are provided, mainly from Asia where the pressure of urbanization is greatest in population terms. The article concludes by suggesting ways of strengthening these elements and suggesting new partnerships among donors, banks and local governments and communities to do this.
Good Urban Governance in Southeast Asia
Authors: Sheng Yap Kioe
Published: November 2010

Southeast Asia is experiencing rapid economic growth and urbanization. Today, more than 40 per cent of its population lives in urban areas. Decentralization policies have shifted responsibilities from national to local governments, while privatization policies have shifted the burden of delivering public services from the public to the private sector. Such policies are expected to increase the efficient functioning of urban areas and support further economic growth. Experiences in Southeast Asia show that many local governments lack human and financial resources to perform their new functions adequately, or become committed to supporting the private sector at the expense of the interests of vulnerable groups like the urban poor and of future generations. The article argues that reliance on the market for urban development and public services delivery requires strong local governments adhering to principles of good urban governance, to ensure not only productive but also inclusive and sustainable urban development.
Green Urbanism and its Application to Singapore
Authors: Newman Peter
Published: November 2010

Green urbanism has been applied to cities but not in Asia. Seven characteristics of green urbanism are outlined and then applied to Singapore. The Renewable City is not yet a concept for Singapore. The Carbon Neutral City is being developed for an island Palau Ubin and by some firms but not to significant sectors or parts of urban Singapore. The Distributed City is being developed around Singapore’s polycentric model but needs specific infrastructure plans similar to ones developed by Singapore for Tianjin Eco-City. The Biophillic City is being developed as a world first through its Skyrise Greenery initiative and urban landscaping. The Eco-Efficient City is also being demonstrated through Singapore closing the loop on their water and solid waste systems. The Place Based City is very evident in all its 22 sub centres. And the Sustainable Transport City is an Asian leader in integrated transport planning though there are signs of this becoming harder to achieve.
The Impact of School-Located Influenza Vaccination Programs on Student Absenteeism
Authors: Hull Harry F. , Ambrose Christopher S.
Published: November 2010

A literature review was conducted to summarize the impact of school-located influenza vaccination (SLIV) programs on school absenteeism. Seven studies were identified: six peer-reviewed articles and one conference presentation. The number of students vaccinated ranged from 185 to 5,315, representing 35–86% of enrolled students. Six studies compared absenteeism for students in SLIV schools and control schools; all found absenteeism decreased in SLIV schools. Three studies compared absenteeism for vaccinated and unvaccinated students in SLIV schools; all found that absenteeism was reduced for vaccinated students. Benefits were also reported to extend beyond the vaccinated children; one study found that absenteeism was significantly reduced among high school students when elementary school students were vaccinated. The available evidence indicates that SLIV programs reduce student absenteeism during the influenza season. Additional research into sustainable funding sources and the comprehensive effects of SLIV programs on students, families, staff, and the community is warranted.
Evaluation and Treatment of Neonatal Thrombus Formation in 17 Patients
Authors: Demirel Gamze , Oguz Serife Suna , Celik Istemi Han , Altug Nahide , Uras Nurdan , Erdeve Omer , Dilmen Ugur
Published: November 2010

Introduction: Thrombosis is a rare but serious event in neonates. Perinatal risk factors associated with the developing hemostatic system increase the risk of thromboembolism. Treatment protocols vary between different centers. In this study, thrombosis and subsequent treatment were evaluated in 17 neonates hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit. This is the largest series reported to date. Method: From January 2007 to December 2009, thrombosis was diagnosed in 17 newborns hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit. Most were treated with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) and enoxaparin as anticoagulant therapy. Results: Eleven courses of r-tPA therapy were administered to 10 patients. Sixteen patients received low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) treatment. None of the patients had hemorrhagic complications due to therapy. Recurrence was observed in 1 patient 1.5 months after the first course of r-tPA and retreatment was performed. A complete decrease in thrombus size was achieved in 9 patients and a partial decrease in 5 patients. One patient died before treatment was initiated; another died at the end of the first day of treatment and thus could not be evaluated. One patient who had a homozygous mutation for factor V Leiden did not respond to treatment and the extremity involved was amputated. Conclusions: Thrombosis in neonates is a multifactorial disorder. Treatment consisting of r-tPA and an anticoagulant was shown to be a safe and effective approach to clot dissolution in neonates.
A Multicenter Pilot Study to Estimate the Prevalence of Bovine and Human Coagulation Antibodies in the General US Population
Authors: Fareed Jawed , Paterson Craig A. , Crean Sheila M.
Published: November 2010

Antibodies to bovine and human coagulation proteins have been reported to develop in some patients receiving perioperative exposure to topical bovine thrombin. To estimate the prevalence of antihuman and antibovine thrombin and factor V antibodies in the general population, this multicenter pilot study in 278 participants was undertaken. Of the participants, 88% had no detectable antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cumulatively 22 (7.9%) of 278 of the participants were positive for at least 1 of the antibovine antibodies and only 11 (4%) of 278 were positive for human thrombin antibodies. No participants had antihuman factor V/Va antibodies. Antibodies were found in 21% of participants with no history of surgery, transfusion, or pregnancy. In participants without a surgical history, thus a low likelihood of bovine thrombin exposure, 7.9% (9 of 114) had antibovine antibodies and 3.5% (4 of 114) had human antithrombin antibodies, suggesting that antibodies may arise from contact with antigenic sources other than bovine-derived thrombin.
Outcome of Long-Term Prophylaxis After Cerebral Hemorrhage in a Patient With Severe Hemophilia B
Authors: Zanon Ezio , Sartori Maria Teresa , Spiezia Luca , Brandolin Barbara , Simioni Paolo , Manara Renzo
Published: November 2010

Reports of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in patients with hemophilia B are relatively rare. We describe the first clinical results of the use of a monoclonal antibody purified factor IX (FIX) concentrate (Mononine) after an ICH and the long-term outcome of prophylaxis with this product to prevent recurrences. A 44-year-old male with severe hemophilia B was referred to our department because of nausea, vomiting, left lower limb hemiplegia, and left arm paresis. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a right frontal intraparenchymal bleed. The patient was treated with replacement therapy with FIX for 40 days. Computed tomography scans performed on day 40 after the event showed complete disappearance of the cerebral hematoma from the parenchymal tissue. Subsequently, the patient received 25.6 IU/kg-1 of FIX twice a week. At the 48-month follow-up visit, no more major or minor bleeding events had occurred. Long-term prophylaxis after ICH is recommended.
The Hemostatic System in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes With and Without Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Verkleij Chantal J. N. , Bruijn Roderick E. de , Meesters Eelco W. , Gerdes Victor E.A. , Meijers Joost C. M. , Marx Pauline F.
Published: November 2010

The contribution of the hemostatic system in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with type 2 diabetes is not completely defined. The aim of this study was to elucidate associations of hemostatic factors with the development of CVD in patients with type 2 diabetes. Patients with type 2 diabetes without CVD (n = 113), with CVD (n = 94), and controls without CVD (n = 100) were enrolled in this study. Several hemostatic markers were measured. A disturbed hemostatic balance in patients with type 2 diabetes was observed as illustrated by hypofibrinolysis and increased levels of von Willebrand factor (vWF) and plasminogen-activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1). Patients with type 2 diabetes with CVD have more thrombin generation compared to patients without CVD. This hemostatic imbalance might contribute to the development of CVD in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Global Fibrinolytic Capacity in Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Peker Erdal , Akbayram Sinan , Geylani Hadi , Dogan Murat , Kirimi Ercan
Published: November 2010

In this study, we studied global fibrinolytic capacity (GFC) in newborn infants with sepsis. Sixty-one newborn infants, admitted to neonatal intensive care unit at Yuzuncu Yil University Hospital were enrolled in this study. White blood cell count, immature (I) / mature (M) neutrophil ratios, prothrombin time, and d-dimer levels were significantly higher in patient group than those of control group ( P < .05). We found GFC to be significantly lower in the patient group compared to the control group ( P < .05). The GFC value was negatively correlated to the Tollner scores but this correlation was not statistically significant ( r = −.267, P = .095). Our findings showed that GFC decreases in severe neonatal sepsis; therefore, we suggest that GFC may be used for prognosis or in the early prediction of severe sepsis rather than the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.
The Effect of the Acute Submaximal Exercise on Thrombin Activatable Fibrinolysis Inhibitor Levels in Young Sedentary Males
Authors: Kahraman Selda , Bediz Cem Ş. , Pişkin Özden , Aksu İlkay , Topçu Ayça , Yüksel Faize , Demirkan Fatih
Published: November 2010

Depending on type, duration, and intensity of the exercise, changes occur in hemostasis. In this study, we evaluated the changes in the parameters of coagulation and fibrinolytic systems that happened after the submaximal aerobic exercises by bicycle ergomater. Twelve healthy male participants whose ages were between 21 and 28 have been included. The venous samples have been drawn before the exercise as well as at the 0th, 15th, and 60th minutes after the submaximal exercise. The values of prothrombin time (PT), active partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), D-dimer, fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) and thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) have been measured. Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 values have shown an insignificant increase after exercise (P = .328), whereas, it has decreased significantly during the resting period (P = .033) Postexercise 15th and 60th minutes TAFI values have decreased significantly comparing to basal and postexercise (0th minute) values (P = .001). Fibrinolytic system activation is observed after acute submaximal aerobic exercise of sedentary healthy participants.
Reliability and Validity of 5 Databases for the Identification of Warfarin-Medication Interactions
Authors: Kornblith Aaron , Heard Kennon
Published: November 2010

Databases are used to screen for warfarin-medication interactions. We measured the reliability and validity of 5 databases. Databases were queried for 30 medications identified as having varying degrees of interactions with warfarin in a recent systematic literature review. Reliability was measured by the percentage agreement between the databases for each interaction and validity was measured by agreement between each database and the systematic literature review. All of the databases and the systematic review agreed on 14 medications (47%). There were 5 medications (17%) where all databases reported an interaction, but no interaction was noted by the systematic review. The databases did not agree on the remaining 11 medications (37%). Four of these interactions were of moderate or greater clinical significance. These commonly used databases frequently do not agree on the occurrence of warfarin-medications interactions, and some interactions identified by the best clinical evidence were not identified in several databases.
Dispersion-Composition Models in Multilevel Research
Authors: Cole Michael S. , Bedeian Arthur G. , Hirschfeld Robert R. , Vogel Bernd
Published: November 2010

Multilevel researchers have predominantly applied either direct consensus or referent-shift consensus composition models when aggregating individual-level data to a higher level of analysis. This prevailing focus neglects both theory and empirical evidence, suggesting that the variance of group members' responses may complement the absolute mean level of group members' judgments. The goals of this article are to demonstrate the application of dispersion-composition models for capturing variability among group members' collective judgments and highlight the statistical challenges (and inherent constraints) of using group means and variances as predictors of study criteria. To this end, the authors present and illustrate a six-step sequential framework for applying dispersion-composition models using data from two independent field samples. The authors contend that the application of dispersion-composition models not only will strengthen a study’s conclusions by eliminating potential rival data interpretations but may also shed new light on past findings, potentially opening new doors to a more complete understanding of multilevel phenomena.
The Effect of Physical Distance Between Patrons and Servers on Tipping
Authors: Jacob Céline , Guéguen Nicolas
Published: November 2010

Experimental studies showing that servers’ nonverbal behaviors are associated with variation in customers’ tipping have not tested the effect of interpersonal distance between the server and the customer. Five waitresses in three restaurants were asked to stand erect at varying distances from patrons, who were alone at their table, when taking orders. Short interpersonal distance was associated with both a greater frequency in tipping and an increased amount of money given. The results highlight the importance of proxemic behavior and the role of social interaction between customers and restaurant employees.
The Differential Effect of Three Naturalistic Language Interventions on Language Use in Children With Autism
Authors: Ingersoll Brooke
Published: November 2010

Naturalistic interventions show promise for improving language in children with autism. Specific interventions differ in direct elicitation of child language and indirect language stimulation, and thus may produce different language outcomes. This study compared the effects of responsive interaction, milieu teaching, and a combined intervention on the type and communicative function of expressive language in two preschoolers with autism using a randomized alternating treatments design. Milieu teaching led to more overall language, prompted language, and requests than responsive interaction. Responsive interaction led to more comments than milieu teaching. The combined intervention was similar to milieu teaching for prompted language and requests and responsive interaction for child comments. Implications for treatment of language deficits in autism are discussed.
Self- Versus Teacher Management of Behavior for Elementary School Students With Asperger Syndrome: Impact on Classroom Behavior
Authors: Shogren Karrie A. , Lang Russell , Machalicek Wendy , Rispoli Mandy J. , O'Reilly Mark
Published: November 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of a token economy and a self-management intervention in an inclusive kindergarten classroom. Two 5-year-old children with Asperger syndrome who were struggling to follow classroom rules participated in the study. An ABACABAC (A = baseline, B = token economy, C = self-management) design with a maintenance phase was used. Results show improvements in appropriate classroom behavior and academic engagement during the token economy and self-management phases. The improvements were maintained 2, 4, and 8 weeks after the study ended and the classroom teacher continued to use the self-management system with the target students and independently created and implemented a classwide self-management system. Social validity data suggested a strong teacher preference for the self-management intervention because of its ease of implementation and focus on student responsibility. Implications for future research are discussed.
CD34+ progenitor cells mobilized by natalizumab are not a relevant reservoir for JC virus
Authors: Warnke Clemens , Smolianov Vsevolod , Dehmel Thomas , Andrée Marcel , Hengel Hartmut , Zohren Fabian , Arendt Gabriele , Wiendl Heinz , Haas Rainer , Hartung Hans-Peter , Adams Ortwin , Kieseier Bernd C
Published: November 2010

Background: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is associated with natalizumab treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). It has been hypothesized that natalizumab mobilizes JC virus (JCV)-infected haematopoietic progenitor cells mediating viraemia and subsequently this disease.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate peripheral haematopoietic progenitor cells for evidence of JCV DNA in MS patients treated with natalizumab.

Methods: We assessed JCV and cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA in magnetically separated CD34+ haematopoietic progenitor cells, peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasma of 67 natalizumab-treated patients with MS and six PML patients.

Results: Viral DNA was not detectable in CD34+ haematopoietic progenitor or peripheral blood mononuclear cells from any sample. Two plasma samples from patients with MS while undergoing natalizumab treatment were JCV-positive. In one case clinically manifest PML developed 8 months thereafter.

Conclusions: Our findings do not support the hypothesis that natalizumab mobilizes JC virus-infected CD34+ cells from the bone marrow mediating JC viraemia. Notably, JC viraemia was detected in one patient with MS prior to developing clinical PML. This warrants further study.
Primary progressive versus relapsing-onset multiple sclerosis: presence and prognostic value of cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal IgM
Authors: Sola Patrizia , Mandrioli Jessica , Simone Anna M , Ferraro Diana , Bedin Roberta , Annecca Rosanna , Venneri Maria G , Nichelli Paolo F , Merelli Elisa
Published: November 2010

Background: There is increasing evidence on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) oligoclonal IgM (OCIgM) predicting a more aggressive disease course in relapsing–remitting Multiple Sclerosis (MS), while there is a scarcity of data for primary progressive MS (PPMS).

Objective: Our aim was to investigate the presence and possible prognostic value of CSF OCIgM in a group of PPMS and in a group of relapsing-onset MS patients. The possible prognostic role of other clinical and biological factors was also evaluated.

Methods: We calculated the impact of single clinical and biological factors, including CSF OCIgM at onset, on the probability of reaching an Expanded Disability Status Scale of 3 and 4 in 45 PPMS and 104 relapsing-onset MS patients.

Results: CSF OCIgM were found in only 13% of PPMS patients and did not influence the time taken to reach an Expanded Disability Status Scale of 3 and 4. Conversely, they were present in 46% of relapsing-onset MS patients and increased the risk of reaching an Expanded Disability Status Scale of 4. Clinical factors with a negative prognostic value in PPMS were age at onset <30 years and onset with pyramidal symptoms, while onset with sensory symptoms in relapsing-onset MS predicted a more favourable course.

Conclusion: This study confirms that, in relapsing-onset MS patients, the presence of CSF OCIgM at onset predicts a worse disease course. In the cohort of PPMS patients, however, CSF OCIgM were rare, suggesting that heterogeneous pathogenetic mechanisms may be involved in the different MS forms.
Dietary habits, economic status, academic performance and body mass index in school children: A comparative study
Authors: Kukulu Kamile , Sarvan Süreyya , Muslu Leyla , Yirmibeşoğlu Şerife Gözde
Published: November 2010

The changes in dietary habits and way of life of adolescents can lead to some nutrition problems. The purpose of this study was to compare dietary habits of children living in metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas regarding their physical characteristics, socio-economic milieu and educational level. A total of 737 students studying in the 6th, 7th and 8th grades of two different primary schools took part in the study. Data were collected by a questionnaire including dietary habits of participants. Furthermore, the weight and height of students were measured and their body mass index was calculated. During the study, while 4.3 percent of students living in the non-metropolitan area were found obese, this figure was 8.4 percent in the metropolitan area. A big majority of non-metropolitan students have breakfast and lunch at home. Metropolitan students not having lunch at home have their lunch at restaurants or school canteens and generally consume more snacks. The obesity risk of students participating in the study was found to be high. Intervention programs should be organized in order to inform the students about the importance of healthy nutrition and lead them to change their current consumption behavior.
Children and young people’s views of health professionals in England
Authors: Robinson Sally
Published: November 2010

In recent years increased attention has been focused on listening to the views of children and young people. This study analysed 31 research studies, which were published between 2000 and early 2009, into children and young people's views of health professionals in England. The findings from the studies were inductively analysed and grouped into seven themes. Children and young people want health professionals to be familiar, accessible and available; to be informed and competent; to provide accessible information; to be a good communicator; to participate in care; to ensure privacy and confidentiality, and to demonstrate acceptance and empathy. It is noteworthy that over the nine years many studies repeated the same broad messages to health professionals. The findings suggest that although there are examples of good practice, health professionals are sometimes falling short of the standards set by UK health professional bodies.
Parents’ attitudes to smoking and passive smoking and their experience of the tobacco preventive work in child health care
Authors: Carlsson Noomi , Johansson AnnaKarin , Hermansson Göran , Andersson-Gäre Boel
Published: November 2010

The purpose of this study was to describe parents’ attitudes to smoking and their experience of the tobacco preventive work in antenatal care and in Child Health Care (CHC) in Sweden. A population based survey in which 62 percent of 3000 randomly selected parents with 1- and 3-year-old children answered a questionnaire. Fifty-six percent stated that smoking was registered in the health record of the child yet no further discussion regarding passive smoking took place. The parents’ educational level and smoking status was related to the attitudes and experiences of the tobacco preventive work. The results indicated that the dialogue with parents regarding children and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure has to be redesigned and intensified in order to meet the needs of parents with different backgrounds.
Learning juror competence: a generalized Condorcet Jury Theorem
Authors: Romeijn Jan-Willem , Atkinson David
Published: November 2010

This article presents a generalization of the Condorcet Jury Theorem. All results to date assume a fixed value for the competence of jurors, or alternatively, a fixed probability distribution over the possible competences of jurors. In this article, we develop the idea that we can learn the competence of the jurors by the jury vote. We assume a uniform prior probability assignment over the competence parameter, and we adapt this assignment in the light of the jury vote. We then compute the posterior probability, conditional on the jury vote, of the hypothesis voted over. We thereby retain the central results of Condorcet, but we also show that the posterior probability depends on the size of the jury as well as on the absolute margin of the majority.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: Effect on Emotional Distress in Older Adults
Authors: Young Laura A. , Baime Michael J.
Published: November 2010

Objectives: Mindfulness training may help seniors successfully manage the physical and psychological challenges of aging in a manner that reduces distress and promotes vitality. The purpose of this retrospective analysis is to evaluate the impact of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training on mood states in older adults. Methods: The authors identified 141 older adults (>60 years) who completed MBSR training. All participants completed the Profile of Mood States-Short Form (POMS-SF) at baseline and following 8 weeks of MBSR. Using paired t tests, the authors evaluated changes in mood following training in MBSR. In a subset analysis, the authors further examined the impact of MBSR training in individuals with the highest scores on depression and anxiety. Primary reasons cited for MBSR enrollment are also reported. Results: Overall emotional distress and all sub-scale mood measurements improved significantly following MBSR training. MBSR training resulted in >50% reduction in the number of older people reporting clinically significant depression and anxiety. Most enrolled in MBSR training to improve stress management skills. Discussion: MBSR training is a promising, group-based intervention for decreasing psychological distress in older adults. Larger randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm study findings.
A Review of the Effects of Guided Imagery on Cancer Patients with Pain
Authors: King Kelly
Published: November 2010

Over half of the patients diagnosed with cancer suffer from pain. Often, analgesic medications do not completely relieve the pain and alternative measures are sought out for relief. Mind—body techniques such as guided imagery (GI) have been thought to be helpful and used as an adjuvant to pain relief. This article evaluates and summarizes studies performed from 2001 to 2008, which investigated the use of GI for relief of cancer pain. Electronic databases were searched with the keywords cancer pain, visualization, and guided imagery, for any studies utilizing GI with an outcome measure of pain. Five studies included pain as either a primary or a secondary outcome measure. In three of those, pain intensity and pain-related distress decreased in the GI intervention versus control. There is inconsistency in the methodological qualities of these trials and further research is necessary to provide better evidence for the use of GI in cancer pain.
Effective communication is crucial to self-management: the experiences of immigrants to Australia living with diabetes
Authors: Jowsey Tanisha , Gillespie James , Aspin Clive
Published: November 2010

Objectives: Ageing immigrant populations now pose problems for the management of chronic illness in Australia. This article asks questions about the experiences of immigrants in Australia with type II diabetes mellitus (DM). What impact, if any, have health policies had on the lives of immigrants? How do their experiences of living with DM compare with those of people with DM who were born in Australia?

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 participants who had DM (n = 25) or cared for someone with DM (n = 7). Fifteen participants had migrated to Australia and English was not their first language. Participants were asked to describe their experience of managing diabetes.

Results: Immigrants to Australia confront linguistic and cultural barriers that create an extra layer of problems not experienced by Australian-born people. Older people who were born overseas face obstacles to effective engagement with the health system that weaken their ability to take an active part in the management of their conditions.

Conclusions: Chronic disease policy is failing immigrants to Australia. Health professionals and services must recognize the central role that cultural diversity plays in self-management and the impact that this can have on health outcomes for immigrants with chronic illness.
Management of severe hand wounds with integra® dermal regeneration template
Authors: Weigert R. , Choughri H. , Casoli V.
Published: November 2010

We report our experience with the use of Integra® for the management of severe traumatic wounds of the hand. Fifteen patients were treated with follow-up ranging from 10 to 37 months. Wounds were associated with an osseous and/or joint and/or tendon exposure. Following Integra® placement, patients were managed with dressings and subsequent split-thickness skin grafting an average of 26 days later. Integra® was successful in achieving durable, functional and aesthetic definitive coverage in 13 of 15 applications while allowing a satisfying pollicidigital prehension. Regarding our clinical experience, Integra® is an effective technique to deal with severe wounds of the hand with exposed tendon and/or bone and/or joint, even in the absence of paratenon or periosteum. This can potentially lessen the need for local rotational or free flap coverage and should be taken into consideration as a viable alternative in traumatic reconstruction of the hand.
Changing epidemiology and clinical issues arising in an ageing cystic fibrosis population
Authors: Parkins Michael D. , Parkins Vicky M. , Rendall Jackie C. , Elborn Stuart
Published: November 2010

Improvements in the quality and implementation of medical care for individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) have resulted in a dramatic improvement in survival. Many of these strategies have focused on the effective management of pulmonary disease which has delayed its manifestations into later years. With an increasing number of patients surviving to later years the impact of chronic inflammation and nutritional compromise on other organ systems over a lifetime are increasingly manifest. This review highlights the changing epidemiology of the ageing CF population and the complications that may ensue.
Should quinolones come first in Helicobacter pylori therapy?
Authors: Berning Marco , Krasz Susanne , Miehlke Stephan
Published: November 2010

New generations of fluoroquinolones, like levofloxacin and moxifloxacin, exhibit a broad-spectrum activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and have been successfully introduced into the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection. Based on a large body of evidence, current guidelines recommend the use of levofloxacin- or moxifloxacin-containing proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) triple therapies in second-line or rescue treatment of H. pylori infection. The efficacy of standard PPI triple therapies has substantially declined during the last decade, mainly due to increasing resistance against the key antibiotics clarithromycin and metronidazole. Therefore, alternative strategies for first-line therapy of H. pylori infection have been evaluated in a considerable number of clinical trials including sequential regimens, nonbismuth quadruple regimens, and quinolone-containing PPI triple therapy regimens. The aim of this paper is to summarize the current body of evidence of levofloxacin- and moxifloxacin-containing regimens in first-line treatment of H. pylori infection, and to discuss the risks and benefits of these strategies in the light of increasing resistance of H. pylori to quinolones.
Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: beyond fiber and antispasmodic agents
Authors: Sainsbury Anita , Ford Alexander C.
Published: November 2010

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract of unknown etiology. The diagnosis of IBS is made clinically, using symptom-based criteria such as the Manning or Rome criteria. Medical therapy for this condition has traditionally been directed towards symptom relief, using fiber or antispasmodic agents. In recent years, emerging data have confirmed the efficacy of antidepressants, psychological therapies, 5-HT3 antagonists, 5-HT4 agonists, and probiotics in the short-term treatment of IBS, although whether these therapies influence the long-term course of the disease is unknown. Increasing knowledge regarding the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying IBS has resulted in a number of novel molecular treatments, which show promise. These include therapies targeting gastrointestinal mucosal chloride channels and guanylate cyclase-C receptors, as well as highly selective agents influencing serotonergic transmission that, at the time of writing, do not appear to have any severe deleterious effects. In this article we provide a summary of current and emerging therapies in this field.
Roots of Adult Attachment
Authors: Zayas Vivian , Mischel Walter , Shoda Yuichi , Aber J. Lawrence
Published: November 2010

It is widely assumed that, within the context of a stable developmental environment, relationship experiences in early life influence later ones. To date, however, there has been no longitudinal empirical evidence for the hypothesis that early maternal caregiving predicts adult attachment dynamics with peers and partners. The present longitudinal study shows that quality of maternal caregiving experienced at 18 months of age predicted the extent to which the same participants more than 20 years later (age M = 22) were uncomfortable relying on partners and peers (avoidance) and experienced relational worries with partners (anxiety). These findings provide new empirical support that early maternal caregiving predicts later adult attachment patterns with peers and partners. Moreover, consistent with attachment theory, they suggest that the influence of maternal caregiving experienced in early life is not limited to this first attachment relationship but operates more generally in other attachment relationships.
Complex Social Consequences of Self-Knowledge
Authors: Tenney Elizabeth R. , Spellman Barbara A.
Published: November 2010

Psychology theories disagree on the most effective self-presentation strategies—some claim possessing positive illusions is best, whereas others claim accuracy is best. The current experiments suggest that the role of perceivers and what perceivers believe has been underappreciated in this debate. Participants acted as recruiters for either a swim team (Experiment 1) or a company (Experiment 2) and evaluated hypothetical applicants who made claims about their own abilities and personalities. Overly positive statements about oneself were beneficial only when perceivers had no reason to believe they were unfounded. In addition, conveying self-knowledge was more beneficial than being modest. The results are consistent with the presumption of calibration hypothesis, which states that confidence is compelling because, barring evidence to the contrary, perceivers assume others have good self-insight. Therefore, to make the best impression, people should be as positive as is plausible to perceivers.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells receive RAF-dependent survival signals in response to CXCL12 that are sensitive to inhibition by sorafenib
Authors: Messmer Davorka , Fecteau Jessie-F. , O'Hayre Morgan , Bharati Ila S. , Handel Tracy M. , Kipps Thomas J.
Published: November 2010

The chemokine CXCL12, via its receptor CXCR4, promotes increased survival of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) B cells that express high levels of ζ-chain–associated protein (ZAP-70), a receptor tyrosine kinase associated with aggressive disease. In this study, we investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms governing this effect. Although significant differences in the expression or turnover of CXCR4 were not observed between ZAP-70+ and ZAP-70− cell samples, CXCL12 induced greater intracellular Ca2+ flux and stronger and more prolonged phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase (MEK) in the ZAP-70+ CLL cells. The CXCL12-induced phosphorylation of ERK and MEK in ZAP-70+ CLL cells was blocked by sorafenib, a small molecule inhibitor of RAF. Furthermore, ZAP-70+ CLL cells were more sensitive than ZAP-70− CLL cells to the cytotoxic effects of sorafenib in vitro at concentrations that can readily be achieved in vivo. The data suggest that ZAP-70+ CLL cells may be more responsive to survival factors, like CXCL12, that are elaborated by the leukemia microenvironment, and this sensitivity could be exploited for the development of new treatments for patients with this disease. Moreover, sorafenib may have clinical activity for patients with CLL, particularly those with ZAP-70+ CLL.
Constitutive reductions in mTOR alter cell size, immune cell development, and antibody production
Authors: Zhang Shuling , Readinger Julie A. , DuBois Wendy , Janka-Junttila Mirkka , Robinson Richard , Pruitt Margaret , Bliskovsky Val , Wu Julie Z. , Sakakibara Kaori , Patel Jyoti , Parent Carole A. , Tessarollo Lino , Schwartzberg Pamela L. , Mock Beverly A.
Published: November 2010

Mammalian TOR (mTOR) regulates cell growth, proliferation, and migration. Because mTOR knock-outs are embryonic lethal, we generated a viable hypomorphic mouse by neo-insertion that partially disrupts mTOR transcription and creates a potential physiologic model of mTORC1/TORC2 inhibition. Homozygous knock-in mice exhibited reductions in body, organ, and cell size. Although reductions in most organ sizes were proportional to decreased body weight, spleens were disproportionately smaller. Decreases in the total number of T cells, particularly memory cells, and reduced responses to chemokines suggested alterations in T-cell homing/homeostasis. T-cell receptor-stimulated T cells proliferated less, produced lower cytokine levels, and expressed FoxP3. Decreased neutrophil numbers were also observed in the spleen, despite normal development and migration in the bone marrow. However, B-cell effects were most pronounced, with a partial block in B-cell development in the bone marrow, altered splenic populations, and decreases in proliferation, antibody production, and migration to chemokines. Moreover, increased AKTSer473 phosphorylation was observed in activated B cells, reminiscent of cancers treated with rapamycin, and was reduced by a DNA-pk inhibitor. Thus, mTOR is required for the maturation and differentiation of multiple immune cell lineages. These mice provide a novel platform for studying the consequences of constitutively reduced mTORC1/TORC2 activity.
Somatic KRAS mutations associated with a human nonmalignant syndrome of autoimmunity and abnormal leukocyte homeostasis
Authors: Niemela Julie E. , Lu Lianghao , Fleisher Thomas A. , Davis Joie , Caminha Iusta , Natter Marc , Beer Laurel A. , Dowdell Kennichi C. , Pittaluga Stefania , Raffeld Mark , Rao V. Koneti , Oliveira João B.
Published: November 2010

Somatic gain-of-function mutations in members of the RAS subfamily of small guanosine triphosphatases are found in > 30% of all human cancers. We recently described a syndrome of chronic nonmalignant lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and autoimmunity associated with a mutation in NRAS affecting hematopoietic cells, and initially we classified the disease as a variant of the autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome. Here, we demonstrate that somatic mutations in the related KRAS gene can also be associated with a nonmalignant syndrome of autoimmunity and breakdown of leukocyte homeostasis. The activating KRAS mutation impaired cytokine withdrawal–induced T-cell apoptosis through the suppression of the proapoptotic protein BCL-2 interacting mediator of cell death and facilitated proliferation through p27kip1 down-regulation. These defects could be corrected in vitro by mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase 1 or phosphatidyl inositol-3 kinase inhibition. We suggest the use of the term RAS-associated autoimmune leukoproliferative disease to differentiate this disorder from autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome.
Epithelial N-cadherin and nuclear β-catenin are up-regulated during early development of human lung
Authors: Kaarteenaho Riitta , Lappi-Blanco Elisa , Lehtonen Siri
Published: November 2010

Background

The aim of this study was to analyze the cell-specific expression of E- and N-cadherin and β-catenin in developing human lung tissues from 12 to 40 weeks of gestation.

Methods

Fortyseven cases of developing human lung including pseudoglandular, canalicular, saccular and alveolar periods were analyzed by immunohistochemisty for E- and N-cadherin and β-catenin and twentyone cases were also investigated by RT-PCR for E- and N-cadherin and β-catenin. For identifying the lung cells, the sections were also stained with antibodies against thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) and caveolin-1. Normal adult lung tissue was used as a control.

E-cadherin was strongly expressed in epithelium of bronchi and large bronchioles from week 12 onwards and it was also positive in alveoli in pretype II cells and type II cells. N-cadherin was present in most of the epithelial cells of bronchi and the largest bronchioles during the pseudo-glandular and canalicular periods. N-cadherin was not detected in epithelium of developing alveoli. β-catenin was strongly membrane-bound and positively expressed in bronchial epithelium from week 12 to week 40; it showed nuclear positivity in both developing airway epithelium and in the cells underneath the epithelium during pseudo-glandular period and to a lesser degree also in the canalicular period. β-catenin was positive in pretype II cells as well as in type I and type II pneumocytes within alveoli.

RT-PCR analyses revealed detectable amounts of RNAs of E- and N-cadherin and β-catenin in all cases studied. The amounts of RNAs were higher in early stages of gestation.

Conclusions

E-cadherin is widely expressed in bronchial and alveolar epithelial cells. N-cadherin exhibit extensive epithelial positivity in bronchial epithelial cells during early lung development. The presence of β-catenin was observed in several cell types with a distinct location in tissue and cells in various gestational stages, indicating that it possesses several roles during lung development. The expressions of protein and mRNAs of E- and N-cadherin and β-catenin were higher in early gestation compared to of the end. Moreover, the expressions of these factors were higher during the lung development than in the adult human lung.