bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urinary monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 and alpha 1 acid glycoprotein as biomarkers of renal disease activity in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Watson L , Midgley A , Pilkington C , Tullus K , Marks SD , Holt RCL , Jones CA , Beresford MW
Published: December 2011

A higher proportion of patients with juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) will have renal involvement compared with adult-onset disease, some progressing to renal failure in adulthood. Histological examination is the gold standard for diagnosing lupus nephritis (LN), but its invasive nature limits routine use. Using cross-sectional cohort analysis, we aimed to determine whether urinary concentrations of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1), alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) and interferon-inducible protein 10 (IP10) are biomarkers of active LN. Sixty JSLE patients recruited to the UK JSLE Cohort Study were categorized according to the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) activity index. Patients with active renal JSLE ( n = 8; renal BILAG score A, B) had significantly higher urinary MCP1 concentrations than patients with inactive renal disease ( n = 52; renal BILAG score C, D, E; 582 pg/mg creatinine [Cr], 207 pg/mg Cr; p = 0.018) or healthy controls ( n = 23; 117 pg/mg Cr; p = 0.005). Urinary AGP concentration was significantly elevated in patients with active renal disease compared with inactive renal disease (1517 ng/mg Cr, 485 ng/mg Cr; p = 0.027) or healthy controls (313 ng/mg Cr; p = 0.013). Urinary IP10 concentration was not significantly different between groups, but did strongly correlate with uMCP and uAGP levels (rho = 0.38, p = 0.009; rho = 0.33, p = 0.021). Urinary MCP1 and AGP are biomarkers of LN, providing insight into its pathophysiology. Longitudinal studies are warranted.
Human embryonic stem cell research in Ireland: Ethical and legal issues
Authors: Gough Fionnuala
Published: December 2011

The paper examines the ethical and legal background to the current debate in the Republic of Ireland on the use of human embryos and embryonic stem cells (hESC) for research. How should public policy be formed to balance the potential health benefits of such research against the moral values of 21st century Irish society? The legislature has failed to address the constitutional ambiguities that have contributed to the current uncertainty as to the legal position of hESC research in Ireland. In view of the challenges posed by hESC research, it is argued that an appropriate regulatory framework should be adopted in Ireland, which will bring a degree of certainty as to what is and is not permitted. In adopting such a framework, it is suggested that hESC research should be permitted on donated supernumerary embryos up to day-14 post fertilisation.
Conscientious objection, health care and Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights
Authors: Campbell Mark
Published: December 2011

Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights provides protection for freedom of thought, conscience and religion. From one perspective, it may be said that Article 9 guarantees a right to conscientious objection in health care, whereas from another perspective, a Strasbourg case, such as Pichon and Sajous v France, effectively means that Article 9 provides little or no protection in that context. In this article it is argued that the matter is more complex than either of these two positions would suggest. Moreover, given the nature of the subject matter, national authorities should be afforded a significant margin of appreciation in the way that they protect and regulate conscientious objection. By way of illustration, there is a discussion of the ways in which Article 9 might affect conscientious objection in health care under English law. The final part of the article considers the conceptual limitations of Article 9 in thinking about conscientious objection in health care; in particular, the claim that the extent to which Article 9 of the Convention provides protection for a conscientious objection in the health care context is a different question from whether conscientious objection by doctors and other health care practitioners is justified in principle.
Detection by hemi-nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and genetic characterization of wild type strains of Canine distemper virus in suspected infected dogs
Authors: Di Francesco Cristina E. , Di Francesco Daniela , Di Martino Barbara , Speranza Roberto , Santori Domenico , Boari Andrea , Marsilio Fulvio
Published: December 2011

A new highly sensitive and specific hemi-nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay was applied to detect nucleoprotein ( NP) gene of Canine distemper virus (CDV) in samples collected from dogs showing respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological signs. Thirty-eight out of 86 samples were positive suggesting that despite the vaccination, canine distemper may still represent a high risk to the canine population. The 968 base pair (bp) fragments from the hemagglutinin ( H) gene of 10 viral strains detected in positive samples were amplified and analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) using AluI and PsiI enzymes in order to differentiate among vaccine and wild-type CDV strains and to characterize the field viral strains. The products of the both enzymatic digestions allowed identification all viruses as wild strains of CDV. In addition, the RFLP analysis with AluI provided additional information about the identity level among the strains analyzed on the basis of the positions of the cleavage site in the nucleotide sequences of the H gene. The method could be a more useful and simpler method for molecular studies of CDV strains.
Atypical meningeal granular cell tumor in a dog
Authors: Mishra Sasmita , Kent Marc , Haley Allison , Platt Simon , Sakamoto Kaori
Published: December 2011

A 10-year-old, female spayed Chihuahua dog was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at the University of Georgia for evaluation of seizures, abnormal mentation, and cervical pain of 2 months duration. On magnetic resonance imaging, there was generalized thickening of the meninges overlying the left cerebral hemisphere and along the falx cerebri. Despite symptomatic treatment, the dog remained neurologically affected. Consequently, the owners elected euthanasia. On gross examination, the meninges covering the left cerebral hemisphere were severely thickened and firmly adhered to the calvaria. On transverse section, the white matter of the left cerebral hemisphere was swollen, enlarged, and extended across the midline with resultant compression of the right cerebral hemisphere. Cytologic evaluation of an impression smear of the thickened meninges showed numerous large, spindloid to polygonal cells with abundant, amphophilic, vacuolated cytoplasm, present either in clusters or in individual cells. Histopathologic evaluation of the meninges revealed a poorly circumscribed and infiltrative, moderately cellular neoplasm, composed of vacuolated, spindloid to polygonal cells with marked anisocytosis and anisokaryosis, arranged in sheets, and occasionally separated by thick bands of connective tissue. Immunohistochemistry for vimentin revealed diffuse cytoplasmic staining of the neoplastic cells. Although the periodic acid–Schiff reaction was negative, ultrastructural findings showed numerous vesicles that were empty or that contained membranous or electron-dense material. Based on gross, microscopic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural changes, the meningeal neoplasm was diagnosed as an atypical granular cell tumor.
The collection of lymphatic fluid from the bovine udder and its use for the detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in the cow
Authors: Khol Johannes L. , Pinedo Pablo J. , Buergelt Claus D. , Neumann Laura M. , Baumgartner Walter , Rae D. Owen
Published: December 2011

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the feasibility of lymph collection from the bovine udder and to investigate if the lymphatic fluid might be of diagnostic value in cows infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), the etiologic agent of paratuberculosis. Lymph fluid collection was attempted from 58 cows, and the reactions of the cows as well as the level of difficulty of the procedure were recorded in 56 animals. Lymph samples (51 in total) were tested for the presence of MAP by nested polymerase chain reaction. Collection of the lymphatic fluid caused no or mild signs of discomfort in 94.6% of the cows; in 51.8% of cows, lymphatic fluid was attained on the first attempt, while sample collection was unsuccessful in 12.1%. Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis was detected in 43.1% of all lymph samples. The bacterium was present in 66.7% of cows with clinical Johne’s disease, in 42.8% of asymptomatic cows with a positive or suspicious enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) result in blood, and in 38.7% of cows with a negative ELISA result in blood. The present study shows that the procedure was well tolerated by most cows and can easily be performed on farm. The current report of the isolation of MAP from lymph fluid suggests that the present approach could be used for the early detection of Johne’s disease in cattle.
Development and validation of a Myxoma virus real-time polymerase chain reaction assay
Authors: Albini Sarah , Sigrist Brigitte , Güttinger Regula , Schelling Claude , Hoop Richard K. , Vögtlin Andrea
Published: December 2011

To aid in the rapid diagnosis of myxomatosis in rabbits, a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the specific detection of Myxoma virus is described. Primers and probe were designed to amplify a 147-bp fragment within the Serp2 gene. The assay was able to detect 23 copies of a synthesized oligo indicating a reliable sensitivity. In addition, the real-time PCR did not detect the Rabbit fibroma virus used in myxomatosis vaccines. The novel PCR was shown to be able to detect Myxoma virus in fresh and paraffin-embedded rabbit tissues originating from myxomatosis cases from various regions in Switzerland.
Helcococcus ovis isolated from a goat with purulent bronchopneumonia and pulmonary abscesses
Authors: García Alfredo , Risco David , Benítez José Manuel , Martínez Remigio , García Waldo Luis , Cuesta Jesús María , Gómez Luis , Sánchez Sergio
Published: December 2011

The current study describes the recovery of Helcococcus ovis from an adult female Verata breed goat that was euthanized because of respiratory problems and emaciation. At necropsy, the affected animal showed a purulent bronchopneumonia with scattered pulmonary abscesses and fibrous pleural adhesions. A Gram-positive, catalase-negative, coccus-shaped bacterium was isolated from the lung tissue and confirmed as H. ovis by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing.
Localization of Bovine papillomavirus in equine sarcoids and inflammatory skin conditions of horses using laser microdissection and two forms of DNA amplification
Authors: Wobeser Bruce K. , Hill Janet E. , Jackson Marion L. , Kidney Beverly A. , Mayer Monique N. , Townsend Hugh G. G. , Allen Andrew L.
Published: December 2011

Equine sarcoids are the most common tumor of horses. Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) has been suggested as the cause of sarcoids. Studies have shown that BPV is present in swabs or biopsies from nonsarcoid-bearing equine skin. Skin biopsies from a variety of different conditions and normal skin from horses with no reported history of sarcoids were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of BPV, which was found in all different types of skin conditions as well as normal skin. Forty-one out of 86 skin biopsies from horses without sarcoids were found to contain BPV DNA. Laser microdissection, followed by DNA amplification through both PCR and isothermal loop-mediated amplification, was performed on these 41 biopsies and on 70 additional BPV-positive sarcoid biopsies to localize the virus. Location of BPV DNA was different between sarcoid and nonsarcoid groups. Nonsarcoid skin biopsies were more likely to have BPV within intact or inflamed epidermis than sarcoids ( P = 0.016 and P = 0.007, respectively). Areas of inflammation within the dermis and epidermis were more likely to contain BPV than in noninflamed areas ( P = 0.008 and P = 0.009, respectively). Bovine papillomavirus was also found in the epidermis of all types of sarcoids examined, more frequently in occult sarcoids than in fibroblastic and nodular types ( P = 0.03 and P = 0.01, respectively). Results suggest that BPV is commonly found in normal and inflamed equine skin, and it is likely an important predisposing factor in the development of sarcoids.
Junctional epidermolysis bullosa in a calf
Authors: Medeiros Gildenor X. , Riet-Correa Franklin , Armién Anibal G. , Dantas Antônio F. M. , de Galiza Glauco J. N. , Simões Sara V. D.
Published: December 2011

A case of epidermolysis bullosa in a calf descendent from a Gir bull and a Gir crossbreed cow is reported. The calf presented with exungulation of all hooves, widespread erosions and crusts on the skin, and ulcers in the oral cavity. Histologically, the skin showed subepidermal separation with clefts occasionally filled with eosinophilic clear fluid, cellular debris, or neutrophils. Ultrastructurally, there was epidermal–dermal separation at the level of the lamina lucida, with the lamina densa attached to the papillary dermis. The hemidesmosomes were poorly defined and small. The clinical, histological, and ultrastructural findings are characteristic of junctional epidermolysis bullosa.
Disseminated T-cell lymphoma in a bonobo (Pan paniscus)
Authors: Gibson-Corley Katherine N. , Haynes Joseph S.
Published: December 2011

Disseminated lymphoma was diagnosed in an 8-year-old male bonobo ( Pan paniscus). The male bonobo presented with a 4–6 week history of dyspnea and facial swelling around the eyes; thoracic radiographs and computed tomography scan indicated a craniodorsal mediastinal soft tissue mass. Upon gross examination, there was a large, cream to white mass expanding the mediastinum and pericardial sac. The mass extended along the thoracic aorta and cranial vena cava, through the thoracic inlet, along and encircling the trachea, and bilaterally into the thyroid glands. Microscopically, neoplastic lymphocytes were present in the thymus, trachea, lungs, kidney, heart, and numerous other tissues. Immunohistochemical staining of neoplastic lymphocytes revealed diffuse immunoreactivity for cluster of differentiation (CD)3 indicating T-cell lymphoma. Routine viral screening was negative via polymerase chain reaction.
Evaluation of Flinders Technology Associates cards for collection and transport of samples for detection of Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Linhares Daniel C. L. , Rovira Albert , Torremorell Montserrat
Published: December 2011

Blood, tissue and oral fluid samples collected from experimentally infected animals and field cases were used to evaluate the safety, diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of Flinders Technology Associates (FTA) cards for Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) diagnostics. The analytical sensitivity of PRRSV RT-PCR from serum and oral fluids in FTA cards was reduced, although the virus could still be detected at concentrations of 101 and 103 TCID/ml, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of PRRSV RT-PCR detection from serum, blood, and tissue samples in cards collected from experimentally infected animals were 100%. Sensitivity for oral fluids was 45% (95% CI: 19.97–73.01) compared to fresh. For field samples, sensitivity was 89% (95% CI: 77.35–95.63) and 100% (95% CI: 80.00–100) for serum and lung samples, respectively. The sensitivity was the same for samples stored in cards at room temperature or at 4ºC, and tested overnight or after 14 days. Cards inoculated with PRRSV-positive samples did not yield replicating virus after cell culture. In conclusion, FTA cards proved to be a safe, simple, and sensitive alternative method to transport serum, blood, and tissue samples for PRRSV RT-PCR diagnostics; however, a significant decrease in RT-PCR sensitivity should be expected from oral fluid samples.
Platelet Function Profile Post-Clopidogrel Therapy in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Undergoing Coronary Stent Implantation
Authors: Saad Abeer Attia , Ismail Eman Abdel Rahman , Darwish Yasser Wagih , Nasr Hesham Ahmed , Hassan Abdel Rahman , Bedeer Ibrahim , Alfons Marian Adel
Published: December 2011

Platelet dysfunction contributes to the increased risk of thromboischemic complications after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), particularly in type 2 diabetes. Little is known about the effects of glycemic control on platelet reactivity. We assessed adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation and flow cytometric expression of P-selectin in 90 patients (56 diabetic and 34 nondiabetic patients) undergoing coronary stent implantation after administration of clopidogrel as a potential predictor of poststent complications and its relation to glycemic control. Posttreatment platelet reactivity was significantly elevated in diabetic compared with nondiabetic participants and was associated with smoking, hypercholesterolemia, overweight, and cardiovascular ischemic events. A linear relationship was found between hemoglobin A1c in diabetic patients and platelet reactivity. Both methods (standard aggregometry and P-selectin expression) used for assessment of platelet function were positively correlated. Low responsiveness to clopidogrel detected by posttreatment platelet reactivity is a risk factor for ischemic events after PCI in diabetic patients.
Effects of Placement Type on the Language Developmental Trajectories of Maltreated Children From Infancy to Early Childhood
Authors: Stacks Ann M. , Beeghly Marjorie , Partridge Ty , Dexter Casey
Published: December 2011

This study describes the developmental trajectories of language skills in infants with substantiated maltreatment histories over a 5-year period and evaluates the effect of three different custodial placements on their language trajectories over time: in-home (remaining in the care of the biological parent/parents), nonkin foster care, and nonparental kinship care. Participants included 963 infants reported to child protective services prior to their first birthday and whose maltreatment was substantiated. Results from covariate-controlled growth modeling revealed no significant placement effects. Across all groups, children’s auditory and expressive communication scores decreased significantly from Wave 1 (intake) in the infants’ first year to Wave 4, when children were about 3.5 years of age, then improved to baseline levels by Wave 5, when children were about 6 years old. Despite these fluctuations, children’s average language scores in each placement group remained below the population mean at each wave of the study.
Governing Technical Information Systems in Local Crisis Management
Authors: Ramsell Elina , Wihlborg Elin
Published: December 2011

There are increased demands to prepare for and coordinate of crisis management in public administrative bodies. Governmental organizations and authorities have responsibility for providing systems and structures of coordination before, during, and after crises. Among these are the technical information systems which create the structuring arena for coordination and integration that is analyzed here. There are several technical information systems to choose from for municipalities, which are responsible for local crisis management in Sweden. One technical information system, known as web-based information system (WIS), was a national initiative, but due to the local autonomy mandated in the Swedish constitution it was complicated to get municipalities to choose the national system and alternative local technical information systems were developed. The study builds on a bottom-up analysis of how municipalities choose technical information systems within crisis management. The main conclusion points out the importance of organizational structure in governance and the demand of flexibility in technology.
Public Works Policy Implications of Sustainable Reverse Logistics Operations
Authors: Miller Chad R. , Sarder M. D.
Published: December 2011

The tremendous growth in returns has enthused private sector interest in reverse logistics (RL) as firms attempt to meet various challenges, but the implications of this trend have garnered limited public sector attention. In today’s highly competitive global economy, the ability to efficiently and effectively handle returns provides a competitive advantage so public works policy that facilitates sustainable RL through lean and green operations can support economic development. This article conducts a review of the RL literature to determine the role played by government. Next, an RL model using data from the electronics industry in the Dallas, Texas, region is utilized to examine how public works management and policy can affect RL operations. Implications for local and state government public works agencies to assist businesses with RL sustainability efforts are developed.
Multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: is there a link?
Authors: Etemadifar Masoud , Abtahi Seyed-Hossein , Akbari Mojtaba , Maghzi Amir-Hadi
Published: December 2011

To date, there are no reports studying the rate of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in relatives of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and vice versa. This study was designed to look into this issue using two population-based databases of MS and ALS in Isfahan province of Iran. We have searched for any first, second or third degree familial kinship between the Isfahan MS Society database and Isfahan ALS population. We compared the rate of ALS among the population of first degree relatives of MS patients, with the crude prevalence of ALS in the general population of Isfahan. On the other hand, a reverse analysis was carried out to compare the prevalence of MS in Isfahan with its rate amongst the first degree relatives of ALS patients. We found 10 families among which five had first degree kinship. The rate of the diseases was significantly higher in both comparisons among the family members ( p < 0.00001) and an odds ratios of more than 67 in both calculations showed a several-fold increase of ALS occurrence in the first degree relatives of MS patients and vice versa. In our study relatives of MS patients were significantly more prone to ALS and vice versa. This could give clues about the common features that the two disease share. Both diseases have an environmental and genetic component and these results mostly point toward genetic similarities.
Robot-assisted gait training in multiple sclerosis patients: a randomized trial
Authors: Schwartz Isabella , Sajin Anna , Moreh Elior , Fisher Iris , Neeb Martin , Forest Adina , Vaknin-Dembinsky Adi , Karusis Dimitrios , Meiner Zeev
Published: December 2011

Background: Preservation of locomotor activity in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is of utmost importance. Robotic-assisted body weight-supported treadmill training is a promising method to improve gait functions in neurologically impaired patients, although its effectiveness in MS patients is still unknown.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) with that of conventional walking treatment (CWT) on gait and generalized functions in a group of stable MS patients.

Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial of 12 sessions of RAGT or CWT in MS patients of EDSS score 5–7. Primary outcome measures were gait parameters and the secondary outcomes were functional and quality of life parameters. All tests were performed at baseline, 3 and 6 months post-treatment by a blinded rater.

Results: Fifteen and 17 patients were randomly allocated to RAGT and CWT, respectively. Both groups were comparable at baseline in all parameters. As compared with baseline, although some gait parameters improved significantly following the treatment at each time point there was no difference between the groups. Both FIM and EDSS scores improved significantly post-treatment with no difference between the groups. At 6 months, most gait and functional parameters had returned to baseline.

Conclusions: Robot-assisted gait training is feasible and safe and may be an effective additional therapeutic option in MS patients with severe walking disabilities.
The emerging relationship between neuromyelitis optica and systemic rheumatologic autoimmune disease
Authors: Wingerchuk Dean M , Weinshenker Brian G
Published: December 2011

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and NMO spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are associated with autoantibodies that target aquaporin-4 and, in many cases, multiple other autoantibodies, including antinuclear antibody and antibodies to extractable nuclear antigens. The clinical syndromes that define NMO and NMOSD, especially longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis and optic neuritis, can also occur in the context of established rheumatologic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren syndrome and other organ-specific autoimmune diseases. These observations raise questions fundamental to both clinical practice and etiologic research. For example, they could suggest that NMO is one manifestation of a genetic tendency toward humoral autoimmunity. Alternatively, they might indicate that NMO is a central nervous system complication of a multisystem rheumatologic disease. We describe the historical background of this controversy, summarize the current evidence that addresses NMO–systemic autoimmunity relationships, and discuss the practical implications for clinical management.
Development of extensive brain lesions following fingolimod (FTY720) treatment in a patient with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Authors: Min Ju-Hong , Kim Byoung Joon , Lee Kwang Ho
Published: December 2011

We report the case of a patient who developed extensive brain lesions during fingolimod (FTY720) treatment in the TRANSFORMS study. His initial diagnosis was multiple sclerosis, but after encephalopathy anti-aquaporin4 antibody (anti-AQP4 Ab) was detected, it was changed to neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. After treatment with fingolimod, he developed bilateral extensive brain lesions. The brain MRI showed lesions predominantly involving the right frontal and parietal lobes, with vasogenic edema and enhancement. He had residual encephalomalacia and no recurrence with steroid treatment over 3 years following withdrawal of fingolimod.
Risky business: Risk information and the moderating effect of message frame and past behaviour on women’s perceptions of the Human Papillomavirus vaccine
Authors: Gainforth Heather L , Latimer Amy E
Published: December 2011

The effect of response cost information, message framing and past behaviour on women’s coping appraisal and motivation to be vaccinated against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) were investigated using a 2 Frame × 2 Response Cost × 2 Pap Status design. Women ( N = 286) read one of four messages about the vaccine. Women who received high-risk information perceived the vaccine as having higher response cost and were less motivated to be vaccinated compared to women who received low-risk information. The deleterious effects of risk information on specific aspects of women’s coping appraisal may be mitigated by appropriately framed messages.
Pessimistic attributions and coping strategies as predictors of depressive symptoms in people with coronary heart disease
Authors: Sanjuán Pilar , Arranz Henar , Castro Almudena
Published: December 2011

This two-wave longitudinal study examines the ability of pessimistic attributional style and coping strategies to predict depressive symptoms in a sample of 99 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). After the cardiac episode, the globality dimension of this style was associated with increased depressive symptoms, and this association was mediated by the low use of effective coping strategies. Stability and globality dimensions of pessimistic attributional style could also predict depressive symptoms eight weeks later. Cardiac intervention programmes should include the treatment of these symptoms and promote effective coping strategies as well as the modification of these stable and global attributions.
Risk-Based Prioritisation of Indoor Air Pollution Monitoring Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Abbassi Rouzbeh , Dadashzadeh Mohammad , Khan Faisal , Hawboldt Kelly
Published: December 2011

There has been an increasing concern on indoor air quality in recent years due to the possible harmful effects to human health. Indoor air pollution as a result of using natural gas for cooking and heating is a common health threat, particularly for women and young children. Therefore, quantification of the type and emission levels of these pollutants is necessary in order to mitigate and monitor the emissions. Computational fluid dynamics (CFDs) can be used to model airflow and dispersion within buildings of complex geometry and layout. In the present paper, a CFD analysis is performed to determine the concentration of indoor air quality for a typical one-floor building in order to determine the optimal locations of monitoring sensors. According to this study, placing the monitoring sensors based on the maximum concentrations of the individual contaminant does not entirely overcome the problems, as the concentrations of different hazardous pollutants cannot be added. Moreover, high concentration with low duration of exposure is not a good candidate for placing the monitoring system. A risk-based methodology is proposed to determine the optimal location for the monitoring systems. Different risk management strategies are also considered as a part of the methodology to reduce the exposure risk of indoor contaminants.
Them and us: Why they are nationalists and we are not. An analysis of journalists’ language in relation to others
Authors: Crawford Ewan
Published: December 2011

Liberal opinion often views nationalism as a distasteful and reactionary concept. But what does it mean to be a nationalist? This article seeks to investigate what selected newspapers in the UK mean when they label a political party or an individual as nationalist. An initial content analysis demonstrates that journalists use the label to cover a variety of movements and individuals with disparate political and cultural goals. Making use of the banal nationalism concept and the idea of strategy in discourse analysis, it is suggested here that these disparate groups are brought together under the banner of nationalist to convey a sense of otherness, in contrast to the natural, timeless world of nation states which the journalists and readers inhabit. Time and space considerations require reporters to use forms of journalism shorthand when reporting on complex situations but it is argued here that the use of the label nationalist does little to enhance understanding of these complex stories. Furthermore, it is argued that, in a UK context, the exclusion by newspapers of those who support the continuation of the current British state from being categorized as nationalist is useful for those who are campaigning against local independence movements.
Discipline matters
Authors: Collins Ellen , Bulger Monica E. , Meyer Eric T.
Published: December 2011

In recent years, many studies have highlighted the changing nature of scholarly research, reflecting the new digital tools and techniques that have been developed. But researcher uptake of these tools is strongly influenced by existing information behaviour, itself affected by a number of factors, particularly discipline. This article outlines findings from a recent study which used six case studies to look at the information behaviours of researchers working in different disciplinary fields or academic departments, or using specific tools. The study suggested that researchers’ uses of, and attitudes towards, digital technologies are affected by existing disciplinary habits and preconceptions. Furthermore, it found that the computational and collaborative complexity of the tools that researchers used was linked to their disciplinary backgrounds.
Supporting Network Enabled Capability by extending the Levels of Conceptual Interoperability Model to an interoperability maturity model
Authors: Tolk Andreas , Bair Lisa Jean , Diallo Saikou Y
Published: December 2011

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Network Enabled Capability (NNEC) addresses technical and cognitive abilities of NATO requiring technical and operational interoperability standards and targets for adaptation. Net-enabled Modeling and Simulation (M&S) can support in all life cycle phases. The paper evaluates the contribution of four example technical activities of NATO conducted by different bodies of the Research and Technology Organization: net-enabled M&S by the Modeling and Simulation Group, semantic interoperability by the Information Systems Technology panel, new command and control concepts by the System Analysis & Studies panel, and human factors for NNEC by the Human Factors & Medicine panel. The results request a framework that included technical and operational aspects as well. The technical challenges can be supported by the Levels of Conceptual Interoperability Model, which is extended to an Interoperability Maturity Model. The operational challenges can be supported by the NNEC Command and Control Maturity Model. Both models are aligned to provide the necessary support to address NATO’s technical and cognitive abilities by M&S services.
Learning Research and Community Decision Making
Authors: Allison Bradford , Schumacher Gary
Published: December 2011

This case presents a situation in which a reformist superintendent attempts to achieve a systemwide, yet simple change in the school time schedule to incorporate well-established neurocognitive sleep research to enhance student learning. The public discussion of the reform proposal brought forth a very negative, single issue group who took over the dialogue process using intimidation. The board of education ended the dialogue and dismissed the superintendent. Governance design and political practices trump established learning research to accommodate small group resistance.
Perceived social support and coping strategies in advanced cancer patients
Authors: Zabalegui Adelaida , Cabrera Esther , Navarro Montserrat , Cebria María Isabel
Published: December 2011

Background:

Cancer patients who perceived themselves as having adequate social support resources fare better and make adaptation easier than patients who perceive their support as inadequate. Besides, the levels of social support can have an important impact on patient's ways of coping when confronting the challenge of advanced cancer.

Objective:

To analyze the relationships among demographic and medical variables, perceived social support, and coping strategies in patients with advanced cancer.

Methods:

A descriptive correlational study was performed in 132 advanced cancer patients under chemotherapy treatment. The participants were asked to provide their demographic data and complete the questionnaires of Personal Resource Questionnaire-85 that measure perceived social support and Ways of Coping Inventory – Cancer version that measure coping strategies. Besides, medical data was obtained from participants’ hospital records. The data was analyzed using SPSS statistical package.

Results:

This study has contributed to a better understanding of the theoretical linkages among perceived social support and coping mechanisms in advanced cancer patients. The results showed that there was a significant moderate positive relationship between perceived social support and seeking and using social support, and focusing on the positive. Also, there was a significant positive relationship between perceived social support, income, and health perception.

Discussion:

The findings indicate that in advanced cancer there is a need to monitorize patients with low levels of perceived social support and enhance their social support resources, particularly in men.
Consumption of US television and films in Northeastern Mexico
Authors: Lozano José-Carlos
Published: December 2011

This article explores the consumption patterns of local and foreign film and television content of Mexican audiences living in the Northeast region of the country, a region bordering with the United States. Based on telephone surveys in four of the largest cities in the area (Reynosa, Monterrey, Saltillo and Torreón), the study presents data about television consumption that suggest that cultural proximity factors are stronger in Mexican northerners than their geographical, commercial and historical proximity to the US. The concept of cultural discount seems to apply in this part of Mexico, due to the differences in language, practices and traditions despite the proximity and familiarity with US culture (except in the case of Hollywood films, as in many other countries in the world).
Global media, business and politics
Authors: D’Arma Alessandro
Published: December 2011

This article presents a comparative analysis of News Corporation’s entry strategy and rise to dominance in the British and Italian television markets through its satellite pay-TV operations, BSkyB and Sky Italia respectively. As well documented, News Corporation’s strategy in the UK has been heavily dependent on Rupert Murdoch’s cultivation of political connections. By contrast, in Italy Murdoch has been unable to influence local politics to further his business interests, as evidenced by the several regulatory setbacks suffered by Sky Italia. Thus, in order to explain News Corporation’s success in Italy, this article argues that emphasis must be placed primarily on the managerial and financial resources that the company has been able to mobilize. The analysis aims at broadening our understanding of how News Corporation operates in different national contexts, and should also prove valuable for the broader question concerning the shifting balance of power between transnational and national actors in today’s globalizing media landscape.
A comparison between complete immobilisation and protected active mobilisation in sensory nerve recovery following isolated digital nerve injury
Authors: Henry F. P. , Farkhad R. I. , Butt F. S. , O’Shaughnessy M. , O’Sullivan S. T.
Published: December 2011

Post-operative immobilisation following isolated digital nerve repair remains a controversial issue amongst the microsurgical community. Protocols differ from unit to unit and even, as evidenced in our unit, may differ from consultant to consultant. We undertook a retrospective review of 46 patients who underwent isolated digital nerve repair over a 6-month period. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 18 months. Twenty-four were managed with protected active mobilisation over a 4-week period while 22 were immobilised over the same period. Outcomes such as return to work, cold intolerance, two-point discrimination and temperature differentiation were used as indicators of clinical recovery. Our results showed that there was no significant difference noted in either clinical assessment of recovery or return to work following either post-operative protocol, suggesting that either regime may be adopted, tailored to the patient’s needs and resources of the unit.
Study on Protection Against β-Amyloid Peptide Toxicity With Oral Administration of Medicinal Herbs
Authors: Jeon Songhee , Kang Jae-Hyun , Pak Sok Cheon , Koo Byung-Soo
Published: December 2011

Seonghyangjeongkisan has been used as a therapeutic agent for cerebral disease in Korea, but its effectiveness in Alzheimer’s disease is not well known. In this study, we examined whether Seonghyangjeongkisan could protect against amyloid β–induced cytotoxicity in neuroblastoma cells and the brain. Seonghyangjeongkisan rescued amyloid β–induced cytotoxicity dose dependently and reduced amyloid β–induced apoptosis and reactive oxygen species. Injection of mice with amyloid β impaired performance on the passive avoidance task, but Seonghyangjeongkisan markedly improved memory impairment in mice, with it being more effective than tacrine treatment in mice. Moreover, the activation of stress-related kinases such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase, and p38 was suppressed, and the phosphorylation of τ protein, which is known as a marker of Alzheimer’s disease, was also suppressed by Seonghyangjeongkisan treatment in the hippocampus. These results demonstrate that Seonghyangjeongkisan reduces amyloid β-induced toxicity in the brain, suggesting that it may be a useful complementary therapy against Alzheimer’s disease.
A Narrow Definition of Insanity Opined by Medical Experts in the Oliver Smith Will Case in 1847
Authors: Heinik Jeremia , Shulman Kenneth I.
Published: December 2011

Physicians specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of insane people (alienists) emerged in the early 19th century and offered their expertise for the courts to consider in judgments of mental competence. In the Oliver Smith will case (1847), the competency of an attesting witness was contested on the issue of insanity. Four well-known alienists testified at trial. Although the insanity of the witness could have been viewed in broader terms, the experts used a narrow definition of insanity based primarily on the presence of delusions. These opinions were only partially consistent with contemporaneous medical notions of insanity and the broad definition of criminal responsibility. We suggest three explanatory factors for the narrow definition related to available medical knowledge, courtroom restrictions including the case itself, and mid-19th-century relationships between mental medicine and the law.
Using the Biology of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia to Choose Treatment
Authors: Hillmen Peter
Published: December 2011

In recent years, our understanding of the pathophysiology of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has advanced significantly. It is now clear that CLL is a relatively proliferative disorder that requires the help of its microenvironment to be maintained and to progress. The stimulation of the CLL cell occurs in most, if not all, patients through antigen stimulation via the BCR. In addition, there is now a clearer appreciation of the role of the p53 pathway leading to chemoresistance. These insights are allowing a more targeted approach with the use of p53-independent drugs such as mAbs and high-dose steroids to overcome genetically poor-risk CLL. The elucidation of the molecular and intracellular signaling mechanisms of disease is just beginning to facilitate the development of several targeted small molecules that promise to revolutionize the treatment of CLL. The measurement of the level of minimal residual disease (MRD) in CLL is becoming more available, facilitating approaches in which the aim of therapy is the eradication of detectable MRD. This also promises to improve personalization of therapy to the individual. Recently, the addition of rituximab to fludarabine plus cyclophosphamide (FCR) has improved overall survival in CLL for the first time, and it appears that this will only be the first small step on the path to much more effective therapies and, hopefully, less toxic targeted therapies.
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Approach to Patients with Treatment-Naive or Refractory Chronic-Phase Disease
Authors: Smith Catherine C. , Shah Neil P.
Published: December 2011

The 21st century ushered in the dawn of a new era of targeted therapeutics and a dramatic shift in the management of chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CP-CML) patients. Groundbreaking scientific and translational studies have led to the rapid development and approval of several effective BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). In the United States, there are currently 3 approved BCR-ABL TKIs for newly diagnosed CP-CML patients. It is anticipated that clinical outcomes will continue to improve as more TKIs that address unmet medical needs are approved. However, to achieve this goal, it is critical to carefully monitor and optimally manage patients. To this end, the latest seminal clinical trial results of approved and investigational BCR-ABL TKIs and some of the salient unique features of each of these agents are summarized herein.
Educational Session: Managing Chronic Myeloid Leukemia as a Chronic Disease
Authors: Hochhaus Andreas
Published: December 2011

Elucidation of the pathogenesis of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and the introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has transformed this disease from being invariably fatal to being the type of leukemia with the best prognosis. Median survival associated with CML is estimated at > 20 years. Nevertheless, blast crisis occurs at an incidence of 1%-2% per year, and once this has occurred, treatment options are limited and survival is short. Due to the overall therapeutic success, the prevalence of CML is gradually increasing. The optimal management of this disease includes access to modern therapies and standardized surveillance methods for all patients, which will certainly create challenges. Furthermore, all available TKIs show mild but frequent side effects that may require symptomatic therapy. Adherence to therapy is the key prerequisite for efficacy of the drugs and for long-term success. Comprehensive information on the nature of the disease and the need for the continuous treatment using the appropriate dosages and timely information on efficacy data are key factors for optimal compliance. Standardized laboratory methods are required to provide optimal surveillance according to current recommendations. CML occurs in all age groups. Despite a median age of 55-60 years, particular challenges are the management of the disease in children, young women with the wish to get pregnant, and older patients. The main challenges in the long-term management of CML patients are discussed in this review.
Minimal Residual Disease and Discontinuation of Therapy in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Can We Aim at a Cure?
Authors: Melo Junia V. , Ross David M.
Published: December 2011

Patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who have achieved a complete molecular response (CMR) defined by no detectable BCR-ABL mRNA on imatinib (IM) treatment often ask whether it is necessary for treatment to continue. We now know that approximately 40% of patients with a stable CMR for at least 2 years are able to stop IM treatment and remain in molecular remission for at least 2 years. This exciting observation has raised hopes that many patients can be cured of CML without the need for transplantation and its attendant risks. One might argue that for many patients maintenance therapy with IM or an alternative kinase inhibitor is so well tolerated that there is no imperative to stop treatment; however, chronic medical therapy may be associated with impaired quality of life and reduced compliance. Inferences about the biology of CML in patients responding to kinase inhibitors can be drawn from clinical experience, molecular monitoring data, and experimental observations. We summarize this information herein, and propose 3 possible pathways to “cure” of CML by kinase inhibitors: stem-cell depletion, stem-cell exhaustion, and immunological control.