bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using a Qualitative Approach to Develop an Evaluation Data Set for Community-Based Health Promotion Programs Addressing Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities
Authors: Edberg Mark C. , Corey Kristen , Cohen Marcia
Published: June 2011

Racial and ethnic disparities in health have increasingly become a central focus of health promotion efforts. At the community level, however, collecting data and evaluating these programs has been a challenge because of the diversity of populations, community contexts, and health issues as well as a range of capacities for conducting evaluation. This article outlines a qualitative research process used to develop a Web-based standard program performance data reporting system for programs funded by the U.S. Office of Minority Health (OMH), but generally applicable to community-based health promotion programs addressing health disparities. The “core-and-module” data set, known as the Uniform Data Set (UDS), is a Web-based system and is used as the programwide reporting system for OMH. The process for developing the UDS can be used by any agency, locality, or organization to develop a tailored data collection system allowing comparison across projects via an activity-based typology around which data reporting is structured. The UDS model enables the collection of grounded data reflecting community-level steps necessary to address disparities as well as a reporting structure that can guide data collection based on broader frameworks now emerging that specify criteria for measuring progress toward the elimination of health disparities.
Exploring a Public Health Perspective on Pedestrian Planning
Authors: Evenson Kelly R. , Satinsky Sara B. , Rodríguez Daniel A. , Aytur Semra A.
Published: June 2011

A pedestrian plan is a public document that explains a community’s vision and goals for future pedestrian activity. This study explored whether involvement by public health professionals in the development of pedestrian plans was associated with certain characteristics of the plan (vision, goals, identified programs, and evaluation). This study identified, collected, and analyzed content of all pedestrian plans in North Carolina through 2008. Among the 46 plans, 39% reported involvement by public health professionals in their development. Overall, 72% of pedestrian plans included a vision statement; health was mentioned four times and quality of life was mentioned five times. Slightly more than half (52%) of the plans included goals to improve public health. Plans that involved public health professionals more often included the type of physical activity, safety, or education program. Only 22% of all pedestrian plans included a proposal to evaluate their implementation. Plans that included public health professionals were less likely to include an evaluation proposal (11%) compared with those that did not involve public health professionals (21%). Public health professionals are encouraged to seek involvement in the pedestrian planning process, particularly in the areas of health program development, implementation, and evaluation.
Methodological Tips for Overcoming Formative Evaluation Challenges
Authors: Schoster Britta , Altpeter Mary , Meier Andrea , Callahan Leigh F.
Published: June 2011

Formative evaluation is an effective first step in guiding program improvement by identifying participant preferences and yielding information pertinent to making program decisions. As program evaluators working with service providers are increasingly encouraged to adopt evidence-based health promotion programs, a discrete set of real-world recommendations may help extend the use of this methodology to respond to community-specific contexts and improve health impact. This article describes the authors’ step-by-step process of conducting a formative evaluation of the Arthritis Foundation Walk With Ease (WWE) program. Data collection targets (leaders, coordinators, and participants in the original program and leaders and participants in the revised piloted program) as well as methods (written surveys, focus groups, structured telephone interviews, and expert reviews) were triangulated. The authors describe the challenges they faced and conclude with practical methodological recommendations about managing time and resources, communications with respondents, and accountability systems for organizing triangulated data.
The Difficult Balance Between Entertainment and Education
Authors: Renes Reint Jan , Mutsaers Karen , van Woerkum Cees
Published: June 2011

The development, content and potential health promoting effect of the Dutch documentary series, Voor dik & dun (“For thick and thin”) were investigated. This series was based on the entertainment–education (EE) strategy and designed to prevent overweight. Qualitative data were collected from three perspectives: those involved in the program development (in-depth interviews), health communication scientists (in-depth interviews), and viewers (focus groups). In addition, viewing figures and website statistics were collected. Results show that finding a proper balance between entertainment and education is difficult for those involved. Voor dik & dun was not very successful in creating this balance and did not reach its priority audience. Findings suggest that, to achieve the desired health-promoting effects, EE programs should focus first extensively on narrative engagement by means of entertainment and later on, when the viewer is engaged, try to educate by means of positive identification with transitional role models.
Integrative Literature Review: Four Emerging Perspectives of Employee Engagement: An Integrative Literature Review
Authors: Shuck Brad
Published: June 2011

The concept of employee engagement has garnered attention in both practitioner and academic communities and several approaches for understanding engagement have developed. Whereas many authors have taken their own approach to understanding employee engagement, others have offered reinterpretations of the concept wrapped in well-researched and documented organizational variables. Fortunately, distinct streams of literature have emerged but are widely disparate, surfacing intermittently in the fields of psychology, sociology, management, human resource development (HRD), human resource management, and health care. This lack of continuity is a significant hurdle for HRD professionals being called on to develop innovative solutions to the absence of engagement inside organizations. The purpose of this integrative literature review was to synthesize the current state of scholarly research on employee engagement. As a result, four major approaches emerged, defining the existing state of employee engagement in the academic community. Each approach is explored and interpretations offered. Implications and questions for HRD bring this article to a close.
Two-Step Autologous Grafting Using HYAFF Scaffolds in Treating Difficult Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Results of A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial With Long-Term Follow-up
Authors: Uccioli Luigi , Giurato Laura , Ruotolo Valeria , Ciavarella Adolfo , Grimaldi Michele S. , Piaggesi Alberto , Teobaldi Ilaria , Ricci Lucia , Scionti Luciano , Vermigli Cristiana , Seguro Roberto , Mancini Lorena , Ghirlanda Giovanni
Published: June 2011

This study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of an autologous tissue-engineered graft—a 2-step HYAFF autograft—in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers compared with standard care. In all, 180 patients with dorsal or plantar diabetic foot ulcers (unhealed for ≥1 month) were randomized to receive Hyalograft-3D autograft first and then Laserskin autograft after 2 weeks (n = 90; treatment group) or nonadherent paraffin gauze (n = 90; control group). Efficacy and adverse events were assessed weekly for 12 weeks, at 20 weeks, and at 18 months. The primary efficacy outcome was complete ulcer healing at 12 weeks. Wound debridement, adequate pressure relief, and infection control were provided to both groups. At 12 weeks, complete ulcer healing was similar in both groups (24% of treated vs 21% controls). A 50% reduction in ulcer area was achieved significantly faster in the treatment group (mean 40 vs 50 days; P = .018). Weekly percentage ulcer reduction was consistently higher in the treatment group. At 20 weeks, ulcer healing was achieved in 50% of the treated group as compared with 43% of controls. Dorsal ulcers had a 2.17-fold better chance of wound healing per unit time following autograft treatment ( P = .047). In a subgroup with hard-to-heal ulcers, there was a 3.65-fold better chance of wound healing following autograft treatment of dorsal ulcers ( P = .035). Adverse events were similar in both groups. The study results demonstrated the potential of this bioengineered substitutes to manage hard-to-heal dorsal foot ulcers.
Puncture Wounds in the Diabetic Foot: Importance of X-Ray in Diagnosis
Authors: Naraynsingh Vijay , Maharaj Ravi , Dan Dilip , Hariharan Seetharaman
Published: June 2011

It is well recognised that septic sequelae of puncture wounds are worse in diabetics. Since much of the spreading foot sepsis from puncture wounds is deep to the deep fascia, and because the sole of the foot has thick skin and subcutaneous fibrous septae, crepitus is not as easily appreciated as it is at other sites. Also the rubor of the inflammatory response is minimal in subfascial sepsis and it is therefore easy to underestimate the extent of deep gangrene. The absence of pain due to neuropathy also masks the inflammatory reaction and makes a foreign body or severe osteomyelitis less obvious clinically. These cases demonstrate the value of routine and early radiographs in the assessment of puncture wounds in diabetic feet.
Of Course We’re Exclusive
Authors: Oswalt Sara B. , Wyatt Tammy J.
Published: June 2011

Monogamy is often emphasized to the Hispanic youth, but only a few studies consider attitudes toward monogamy. This study fills that gap by examining Hispanic college students’ ( n = 347) attitudes using the Monogamy Attitudes and the Emotional (MAS) and Sexual Monogamy Views Scales (ESMVS; Schmookler & Bursik, 2007). MANOVA results indicate the differences based on biological sex and self-reported cheating. College health professionals can use these results to better develop and implement effective sexual education programs for Hispanic college students.
Clinical Outcomes and Hospitalizations among Children Perinatally Infected with HIV-1 in Baja California, Mexico
Authors: Viani Rolando M. , Araneta Maria Rosario G. , Lopez Graciano , Chacón-Cruz Enrique , Spector Stephen A.
Published: June 2011

This study characterizes temporal trends in HIV disease progression among perinatally infected children at a clinic in Baja California, Mexico. A total of 73 children were followed, 52% were categorized under US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classification group C with a mean age of 2.3 years (SD ± 3.16) at HIV diagnosis. For the years 1998 to 2001, 2002 to 2003, 2004 to 2005, and 2006 to 2007, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) use increased to 60%, 75%, 83%, and 94% ( P < .001) as did mean CD4 percentage of 23.4%, 23.2%, 26.9%, and 29.0%, respectively ( P = .009), while HIV plasma RNA log10 decreased significantly (4.49, 4.23, 4.00, and 3.79, respectively; P = .019). Overall mortality was 31% (23 of 73), with pneumonia being the most common cause of death (43% of all deaths) followed by tuberculosis (22%). Mortality rates declined from 30.4% to 25%, 8.9%, and 9.3% ( p = 0.035) for the years 1998 to 2001, 2002 to 2003, 2004 to 2005, and 2006 to 2007, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that median survival was 11.2 years; 1-, 2-, and 5-year survival was 87%, 83%, and 67%, respectively. These findings document a high but improving trend in morbidity and mortality of children perinatally infected with HIV in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico.
Modeling of an airborne torpedo attack and implementation on a simulation environment
Authors: Aruk Fatih , Güven Ahmet Faik , Genç Hakkı Murat , Okutan Cesur Cevdet
Published: June 2011

Airborne torpedoes are effective weapons that are used against surface and subsurface entities. A carrying platform, which may be a helicopter or plane, drops the weapon with or without a parachute. After a travelling period in the air, the torpedo hits the water and penetrates through it, forming a splash and a cavity. The initial conditions for the movement of the torpedo in the water are produced as a result of velocity at the water entrance and pitch angle and resistance force generated by the water itself. Under the water, the weapon transforms through its internal phases with the aim of a possible target hit. In this work, a certain part of the developed military training simulator is given in order to investigate an airborne torpedo attack scenario. For this purpose, aircraft and torpedo dynamic models, as well as guidance and control laws, are derived; torpedo fall and water entry analyses are also performed. Simulation results are given for each model and/or analysis separately. Modules and libraries for these model simulations are integrated into the component architecture of a commercial computer-generated forces toolkit simulation engine, namely VR-Forces. An original control architecture that is able to manage a wide variety of simulation components with different infrastructures has also been realized.
Technology impacts on safety and decision making over time in marine transportation
Authors: Dhami H , Grabowski M
Published: June 2011

Technology has often been introduced to dampen risk in marine transportation systems and to enhance safety. As technology in these systems becomes more complex, and requirements for its deployment and use become pervasive, understanding the impacts of technology introduction on users’ attitudes toward and behaviour with technology is increasingly important. As a result, this study addresses several questions of interest: what is the impact of new technology on user decision performance, decision processes, and perceptions of technology? How does the influence of technology on decision performance and processes change over time? Finally, how do these influences relate to safety? The paper begins with an overview of technology, safety, and risk in marine transportation. Different theories that explain how people interact with technology, how people come to accept and use technology, and how those interactions might be expected to manifest in safety-critical systems are then explored. The research model derived from these theories is then presented, followed by an empirical evaluation of the model using the automatic identification system (AIS), in one safety-critical system, marine transportation. The results of the evaluation and the implications for safety in marine transportation follow, and the paper concludes with a description of future work.
Customizing systemic therapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Sadowska A. M. , Nowé V. , Janssens A. , Boeykens E. , De Backer W. A. , Germonpré P. R.
Published: June 2011

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Standard chemotherapy has been shown to improve quality of life and has a modest influence on overall survival. This modest improvement in survival is partly due to the choice of chemotherapy regimens that have been based on prognostic factors such as age, performance status and comorbidities of the patient. This underlines the importance of developing a more personalized therapy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Such an approach may reduce the variation in how individual patients respond to medications by tailoring therapies to their genetic profile. In this review we focus on several aspects of customized therapy, looking not only at patient characteristics but also to tumor histology and specific tumor biomarkers.
Experience of first- and subsequent-line systemic therapy in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Eccles B. K. , Geldart T. R. , Laurence V. M. , Bradley K. L. , Lwin M. T.
Published: June 2011

Introduction: The treatment of advanced non-small cell cancer (NSCLC) has changed with multiple new treatment algorithms proposed based on histological and molecular subtyping but low mutation rates will ensure the dominance of cytotoxic chemotherapy. Accordingly, we undertook a detailed review of our practice delivering multiple lines of systemic therapy.

Method: We undertook a retrospective review of consecutive patients presenting with advanced (stage IIIb/IV) NSCLC treated with systemic therapy at two UK hospitals during a 2-year period, January 2007 to December 2008.

Results: A total of 130 patients were identified, treated with predominantly carboplatin/gemcitabine (20 initially radically). Fifty of 110 patients (45%) treated with first-line systemic therapy subsequently received second-line therapy, of which 10 patients received third-line and two patients fourth-line therapy. Sixty three of 110 first-line patients (58%) achieved clinical benefit, 19 out of 50 (38%) in the second-line, 6 out of 10 (60%) in third-line but both patients progressed at fourth-line. Median overall survival for 110 patients was 10 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 8.6–11.4); but 16 months (95% CI 14-17.9) in those receiving multiple lines. Median survival from the first cycle of last-line treatment to death in the multiple therapy lines was 5 months (95% CI 2.6-7.3) and the majority of patients spent more time off treatment.

Conclusion: Overall our outcomes are consistent with published data and show good survival times can be achieved. The future of advanced NSCLC is in selecting the best treatment approach on a histological and genotypic basis.
Denosumab for the treatment of bone metastases in breast cancer: evidence and opinion
Authors: Steger Guenther G. , Bartsch Rupert
Published: June 2011

Introduction: Denosumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody, targets the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB (RANK) ligand, a protein essential for osteoclast differentiation, activity and survival. Loss of osteoclasts from the bone surface reduces bone turnover and bone loss in malignant and benign diseases. In breast cancer, bone metastases are frequently observed; cancer treatment-induced bone loss (CTIBL) may result as a consequence of endocrine treatment or chemotherapy. Furthermore, preclinical studies suggest a direct role of the RANK/RANK-ligand pathway in breast tumorigenesis. This paper reviews preclinical and clinical data on denosumab in breast cancer.

Materials and methods: Studies were identified through the Medline database. Key search terms included: AMG-162, bisphosphonates, denosumab, RANK-ligand and zoledronic acid. Information available in abstract form only was retrieved from major oncology meetings, such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting, ASCO breast meeting, European Cancer Organization, European Society of Medical Oncology and the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.

Results: Denosumab was consistently well tolerated throughout clinical trials, although the observed incidence of osteonecrosis of the jaw was comparable to that with bisphosphonates. Efficacy as determined by a reduction of skeletal-related events was at least equal to zoledronic acid, and superior in one phase III study conducted in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Clinical trials investigating the role of denosumab for the prevention of CTIBL and breast cancer recurrences are currently ongoing.

Conclusion: In conclusion, denosumab appears to be an effective and safe treatment option in patients with bone metastases from breast cancer with the potential of also preventing CTIBL.
Antiepileptics and bone health
Authors: Meier Christian , Kraenzlin Marius E.
Published: June 2011

In recent years there has been increasing evidence suggesting that epilepsy and its treatment can have adverse effects on bone mineralization and calcium metabolism. Many studies have shown a significant reduction in bone mineral density (BMD) and an increased fracture risk in patients treated with enzyme-inducing antiepileptics (phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin). It is assumed that CYP450-inducing antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) upregulate the enzymes which are responsible for vitamin D metabolism, with the effect of converting 25(OH) vitamin D into inactive metabolites, resulting in reduced calcium absorption with consecutive secondary hyperparathyroidism. Data on bone-specific effects of newer AEDs are limited; nevertheless, alterations of bone metabolism have been reported for oxcarbazepine, gabapentin and, in preclinical studies, for levetiracetam. Prophylactic administration of adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D is recommended for all patients. For patients with long-term AED exposure, BMD measurement is recommended as part of osteoporosis investigation (especially for patients treated with enzyme-inducing AEDs and where there are major risk factors for fractures). Drug therapy (bisphosphonates) is reserved for the treatment of patients who have a high fracture risk; there are no specific intervention studies available in patients with epilepsy.
Residential Mobility, Personality, and Subjective and Physical Well-Being
Authors: Oishi Shigehiro , Krochik Margarita , Roth Dana , Sherman Gary D.
Published: June 2011

Frequent residential moves in childhood may be stressful. Because introverts find making new friends in a new town more difficult than extraverts, the authors predicted that residential moves would be more negatively associated with well-being among introverts than among extraverts. To test this hypothesis, the authors collected salivary cortisol samples from morning to evening for two consecutive days, in addition to self-reports of well-being. In general, the authors found support for this prediction among European American participants but not for African Americans or Asian Americans. Extraversion seems to buffer the stress of residential moves among European Americans, whereas it does not seem to play as important a role to this end among African and Asian Americans.
JAK inhibitors and other novel agents in myeloproliferative neoplasms: are we hitting the target?
Authors: Kucine Nicole , Levine Ross L.
Published: June 2011

The discovery of somatic mutations in the JAK–STAT signaling pathway was a major breakthrough in our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of the myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) polycythemia vera, essential thrombocytosis, and primary myelofibrosis. This finding led to the development of small molecule inhibitors targeting Janus kinase (JAK) 2 and other JAK family members. Currently, there are a number of research and clinical trials ongoing with JAK inhibitors. While the appeal of inhibiting JAK2 is clear, studies to date suggest that JAK2 inhibitor monotherapy might not be sufficient to cause reductions in disease allele burden in MPN patients. There is compelling evidence that JAK inhibitors are improving symptoms and therefore quality of life for patients. It will be important to investigate the efficacy of JAK inhibitors in preclinical and clinical studies to better understand their effects, while at the same time pursuing alternative therapies which might offer benefit to MPN patients alone and in combination with JAK inhibitors.
Surface integrity study of high-speed drilling of Al–Si alloy using HSS drill
Authors: Farid A Akhavan , Sharif S , Idris M H
Published: June 2011

The motivation to replace steel and cast iron with Al–Si alloys for automotive components is part of the attempt to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. In relation to that, the application of high-speed drilling is considered one of the most-used operations in hole making for automotive parts due to its ability to reduce lead time without sacrificing the hole quality. However, this advantage was offset by the creeping problems encountered during high-speed drilling. Although this issue is addressed accordingly, problems like uncontrollable surface integrity and poor hole quality still exist. Surface integrity studies involved the investigation of surface roughness, metallurgical changes and microhardness of the subsurface of the drilled hole. Significant alternations with respect to the loss of mechanical properties have been observed from the microhardness and microstructure analysis of the drilled hole. Results from this study showed that, in general, drilling parameters have significant effects on the surface quality and integrity of the drilled hole during high-speed drilling of Al–Si using an HSS drill.
Machining processes for sapphire wafers: a literature review
Authors: Li Z C , Pei Z J , Funkenbusch P D
Published: June 2011

Sapphire wafers are widely used as the substrates for fabricating GaN light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The quality of LEDs depends directly on the quality of the sapphire wafers. A series of machining processes is required to turn sapphire barstock into wafers with the desired geometry and surface quality. This paper reviews the literature on various machining processes for sapphire wafers: slicing (including outer diameter cut-off grinding, inner diameter cut-off grinding, loose abrasive multi-wire sawing, fixed abrasive slicing, and fixed abrasive multi-wire sawing), flattening (including lapping and grinding), and surface finishing (including mechanical polishing and chemical mechanical polishing). New machining technologies are also introduced.
Numerical and experimental investigation of preform design for hot forging of an aerofoil blade
Authors: Alimirzaloo V , Biglari F R , Sadeghi M H
Published: June 2011

A numerical and experimental investigation of preform design for hot forging of an aerofoil blade is presented in this paper. The preform design for non-isothermal forging of a gas-turbine compressor blade is studied. Simulation of the forging operation is presented for comparison with experimental results. First, the forging process is simulated using a three-dimensional (3D) finite-element method (FEM). Then, the preform shape is investigated using numerical simulations and experimental tests. Results show that the preform shape has an important role in its positioning within the die cavity during the forging operation. For the blade forging process, a preform with a quadrilateral root section, which causes the preform to be securely constrained in the die cavity, is suggested.
Silicon (100) undercutting modelling and corner compensation structures design in wet anisotropic etching process
Authors: Shayan M , Arezoo B , Vanini A Sadough , Kotamjani A Amani
Published: June 2011

Sharp right-angled corners are indispensable parts of many microstructures, such as microsensors and actuators, which are fabricated using well-known micromachining techniques in the microelectronics industry. The convex corner undercutting phenomenon prevents the production of sharp right-angled corners and leads to deformed round shaped right-angled corners which influence the functionality of the microstructure. This undesired phenomenon will be alleviated by the use of corner compensation structures. Knowing the undercutting rate is the first necessary step in the design process of these compensation structures. In this research, the undercutting rate of right-angled corners is simulated and the design of corner compensation structures based on the obtained undercutting rate is accomplished. In the presented model, the etch rate of basic and major planes such as (100), (110), (111), and (311), as well as the etch depth, are selected as the input variables. In addition, the undercutting rate diagram, dimensions of compensation structures and the required time in order to produce sharp right-angled corners constitute the output results. The results of the presented model and the experimental results are in good agreement.
Return and Volatility Spillovers Among Asian Stock Markets
Authors: Joshi Prashant
Published: June 2011

The study examines the return and volatility spillover among Asian stock markets in India, Hong Kong, Japan, China, Jakarta, and Korea using a six-variable asymmetric generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity–Baba, Engle, Kraft, and Kroner (GARCH-BEKK) model during February 2, 2007, to February 29, 2010. The author finds evidence of bidirectional return, shock, and volatility spillover among most of the stock markets. The magnitude of volatility linkages is low indicating weak integration of Asian stock markets. The study finds that own volatility spillover is higher than cross-market spillover. The overall persistence of stock market volatility is highest for Japan (0.931) and lowest for China (0.824). The implication of weak integration is that investors will benefit from reduction of diversifiable risk.
CD81 is essential for the formation of membrane protrusions and regulates Rac1-activation in adhesion-dependent immune cell migration
Authors: Quast Thomas , Eppler Felix , Semmling Verena , Schild Cora , Homsi Yahya , Levy Shoshana , Lang Thorsten , Kurts Christian , Kolanus Waldemar
Published: June 2011

CD81 (TAPA-1) is a member of the widely expressed and evolutionary conserved tetraspanin family that forms complexes with a variety of other cell surface receptors and facilitates hepatitis C virus entry. Here, we show that CD81 is specifically required for the formation of lamellipodia in migrating dendritic cells (DCs). Mouse CD81−/− DCs, or murine and human CD81 RNA interference knockdown DCs lacked the ability to form actin protrusions, thereby impairing their motility dramatically. Moreover, we observed a selective loss of Rac1 activity in the absence of CD81, the latter of which is exclusively required for integrin-dependent migration on 2-dimensional substrates. Neither integrin affinity for substrate nor the size of basal integrin clusters was affected by CD81 deficiency in adherent DCs. However, the use of total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy revealed an accumulation of integrin clusters above the basal layer in CD81 knockdown cells. Furthermore, β1- or β2-integrins, actin, and Rac are strongly colocalized at the leading edge of DCs, but the very fronts of these cells protrude CD81-containing membranes that project outward from the actin–integrin area. Taken together, these data suggest a thus far unappreciated role for CD81 in the mobilization of preformed integrin clusters into the leading edge of migratory DCs on 2-dimensional surfaces.
Effect of stem cell source on outcomes after unrelated donor transplantation in severe aplastic anemia
Authors: Eapen Mary , Le Rademacher Jennifer , Antin Joseph H. , Champlin Richard E. , Carreras Jeanette , Fay Joseph , Passweg Jakob R. , Tolar Jakub , Horowitz Mary M. , Marsh Judith C. W. , Deeg H. Joachim
Published: June 2011

Outcome after unrelated donor bone marrow (BM) transplantation for severe aplastic anemia (SAA) has improved, with survival rates now approximately 75%. Increasing use of peripheral blood stem and progenitor cells (PBPCs) instead of BM as a graft source prompted us to compare outcomes of PBPC and BM transplantation for SAA. We studied 296 patients receiving either BM (n = 225) or PBPC (n = 71) from unrelated donors matched at human leukocyte antigen-A, -B, -C, -DRB1. Hematopoietic recovery was similar after PBPC and BM transplantation. Grade 2 to 4 acute graft-versus-host disease risks were higher after transplantation of PBPC compared with BM (hazard ratio = 1.68, P = .02; 48% vs 31%). Chronic graft-versus-host disease risks were not significantly different after adjusting for age at transplantation (hazard ratio = 1.39, P = .14). Mortality risks, independent of age, were higher after PBPC compared with BM transplantation (hazard ratio = 1.62, P = .04; 76% vs 61%). These data indicate that BM is the preferred graft source for unrelated donor transplantation in SAA.
Phylogenomic analyses of malaria parasites and evolution of their exported proteins
Authors: Pick Christian , Ebersberger Ingo , Spielmann Tobias , Bruchhaus Iris , Burmester Thorsten
Published: June 2011

Background

Plasmodium falciparum is the most malignant agent of human malaria. It belongs to the taxon Laverania, which includes other ape-infecting Plasmodium species. The origin of the Laverania is still debated. P. falciparum exports pathogenicity-related proteins into the host cell using the Plasmodium export element (PEXEL). Predictions based on the presence of a PEXEL motif suggest that more than 300 proteins are exported by P. falciparum, while there are many fewer exported proteins in non-Laverania.

Results

A whole-genome approach was applied to resolve the phylogeny of eight Plasmodium species and four outgroup taxa. By using 218 orthologous proteins we received unanimous support for a sister group position of Laverania and avian malaria parasites. This observation was corroborated by the analyses of 28 exported proteins with orthologs present in all Plasmodium species. Most interestingly, several deviations from the P. falciparum PEXEL motif were found to be present in the orthologous sequences of non-Laverania.

Conclusion

Our phylogenomic analyses strongly support the hypotheses that the Laverania have been founded by a single Plasmodium species switching from birds to African great apes or vice versa. The deviations from the canonical PEXEL motif in orthologs may explain the comparably low number of exported proteins that have been predicted in non-Laverania.
The influence of both individual and area based socioeconomic status on temporal trends in Caesarean sections in Scotland 1980-2000
Authors: Fairley Lesley , Dundas Ruth , Leyland Alastair H
Published: June 2011

Background

Caesarean section rates have risen over the last 20 years. Elective Caesarean section rates have been shown to be linked to area deprivation in England, women in the most deprived areas were less likely to have an elective section than those in the most affluent areas. We examine whether individual social class, area deprivation or both are related to Caesarean sections in Scotland and investigate changes over time.

Methods

Routine maternity discharge data from live singleton births in Scottish hospitals from three time periods were used; 1980-81 (n = 133,555), 1990-91 (n = 128,933) and 1999-2000 (n = 102,285). Multilevel logistic regression, with 3 levels (births, postcode sector and Health Board) was used to analyse emergency and elective Caesareans separately; analysis was further stratified by previous Caesarean section. The relative index of inequality (RII) was used to assess socioeconomic inequalities.

Results

Between 1980-81 and 1999-2000 the emergency section rate increased from 6.3% to 11.9% and the elective rate from 3.6% to 5.5%. In 1980-81 and 1990-91 emergency Caesareans were more likely among women at the bottom of the social class hierarchy compared to those at the top (RII = 1.14, 95%CI 1.00-1.25 and RII = 1.13, 1.03-1.23 respectively) and also among women in the most deprived areas compared to those in the most affluent (RII = 1.18, 1.05-1.32 and RII = 1.13, 1.02-1.26 respectively). In 1999-2000 the odds of an elective section were lower for women at the bottom of the social class hierarchy than those at the top (RII = 0.87, 0.76-1.00) and also lower in women in the most deprived areas compared to those in the most affluent (RII = 0.85, 0.73-0.99).

Conclusions

Both individual social class and area deprivation are independently associated with Caesarean sections in Scotland. The tendency for disadvantaged women to be more likely to receive emergency sections disappeared at the same time as the likelihood of advantaged groups receiving elective sections increased.
Diarrheal disease risk in rural Bangladesh decreases as tubewell density increases: a zero-inflated and geographically weighted analysis
Authors: Carrel Margaret , Escamilla Veronica , Messina Jane , Giebultowicz Sophia , Winston Jennifer , Yunus Mohammad , Streatfield PKim , Emch Michael
Published: June 2011

Background

This study investigates the impact of tubewell user density on cholera and shigellosis events in Matlab, Bangladesh between 2002 and 2004. Household-level demographic, health, and water infrastructure data were incorporated into a local geographic information systems (GIS) database. Geographically-weighted regression (GWR) models were constructed to identify spatial variation of relationships across the study area. Zero-inflated negative binomial regression models were run to simultaneously measure the likelihood of increased magnitude of disease events and the likelihood of zero cholera or shigellosis events. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of tubewell density on both the occurrence of diarrheal disease and the magnitude of diarrheal disease incidence.

Results

In Matlab, households with greater tubewell density were more likely to report zero cholera or shigellosis events. Results for both cholera and shigellosis GWR models suggest that tubewell density effects are spatially stationary and the use of non-spatial statistical methods is appropriate.

Conclusions

Increasing the amount of drinking water available to households through increased density of tubewells contributed to lower reports of cholera and shigellosis events in rural Bangladesh. Our findings demonstrate the importance of tubewell installation and access to groundwater in reducing diarrheal disease events in the developing world.
CdSe/TiO2 core-shell nanoparticles produced in AOT reverse micelles: applications in pollutant photodegradation using visible light
Authors: Fontes Garcia Arlindo M , Fernandes Marisa SF , Coutinho Paulo JG
Published: June 2011

CdSe quantum dots with a prominent band-edge photoluminescence were obtained by a soft AOT water-in-oil (w/o) microemulsion templating method with an estimated size of 2.7 nm. The CdSe particles were covered with a TiO2 layer using an intermediate SiO2 coupling reagent by a sol-gel process. The resulting CdSe/TiO2 core/shell nanoparticles showed appreciable photocatalytic activity at λ = 405 nm which can only originate because of electron injection from the conduction band of CdSe to that of TiO2.
The role of particle size of particulate nano-zinc oxide wood preservatives on termite mortality and leach resistance
Authors: Clausen Carol A , Kartal S Nami , Arango Rachel A , Green Frederick
Published: June 2011

Historically most residential wood preservatives were aqueous soluble metal formulations, but recently metals ground to submicron size and dispersed in water to give particulate formulations have gained importance. In this study, the specific role nano-zinc oxide (ZnO) particle size and leach resistance plays in termite mortality resulting from exposure to particulate ZnO-treated wood was investigated. Southern yellow pine (SYP) sapwood impregnated with three concentrations of two particle sizes (30 and 70 nm) of ZnO were compared to wood treated with soluble zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) preservative for leach resistance and termite resistance. Less than four percent leached from the particulate nano-ZnO-treated specimens, while 13 to 25% of the zinc sulphate leached from the soluble treated wood. Nano-ZnO was essentially non-leachable from wood treated with 5% formulation for the 30-nm particle size. In a no-choice laboratory test, eastern subterranean termites (Reticulitermes flavipes) consumed less than 10% of the leached nano-ZnO-treated wood with 93 to 100% mortality in all treatment concentrations. In contrast, termites consumed 10 to 12% of the leached ZnSO4-treated wood, but with lower mortality: 29% in the 1% treatment group and less than 10% (5 and 8%, respectively) in the group of wood blocks treated with 2.5 and 5.0% ZnSO4. We conclude that termites were repelled from consuming wood treated with nano-ZnO, but when consumed it was more toxic to eastern subterranean termites than wood treated with the soluble metal oxide formulation. There were no differences in leaching or termite mortality between the two particle sizes of nano-ZnO.
A metabolic link between mitochondrial ATP synthesis and liver glycogen metabolism: NMR study in rats re-fed with butyrate and/or glucose
Authors: Gallis Jean-Louis , Gin Henri , Roumes Hélène , Beauvieux Marie-Christine
Published: June 2011

Background

Butyrate, end-product of intestinal fermentation, is known to impair oxidative phosphorylation in rat liver and could disturb glycogen synthesis depending on the ATP supplied by mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and cytosolic glycolysis.

Methods

In 48 hr-fasting rats, hepatic changes of glycogen and total ATP contents and unidirectional flux of mitochondrial ATP synthesis were evaluated by ex vivo
31P NMR immediately after perfusion and isolation of liver, from 0 to 10 hours after force-feeding with (butyrate 1.90 mg + glucose 14.0 mg.g-1 body weight) or isocaloric glucose (18.2 mg.g-1 bw); measurements reflected in vivo situation at each time of liver excision. The contribution of energetic metabolism to glycogen metabolism was estimated.

Results

A net linear flux of glycogen synthesis (~11.10 ± 0.60 μmol glucosyl units.h-1.g-1 liver wet weight) occurred until the 6th hr post-feeding in both groups, whereas butyrate delayed it until the 8th hr. A linear correlation between total ATP and glycogen contents was obtained (r2 = 0.99) only during net glycogen synthesis. Mitochondrial ATP turnover, calculated after specific inhibition of glycolysis, was stable (~0.70 ± 0.25 μmol.min-1.g-1 liver ww) during the first two hr whatever the force-feeding, and increased transiently about two-fold at the 3rd hr in glucose. Butyrate delayed the transient increase (1.80 ± 0.33 μmol.min-1.g-1 liver ww) to the 6th hr post-feeding. Net glycogenolysis always appeared after the 8th hr, whereas flux of mitochondrial ATP synthesis returned to near basal level (0.91 ± 0.19 μmol.min-1.g-1 liver ww).

Conclusion

In liver from 48 hr-starved rats, the energy need for net glycogen synthesis from exogenous glucose corresponds to ~50% of basal mitochondrial ATP turnover. The evidence of a late and transient increase in mitochondrial ATP turnover reflects an energetic need, probably linked to a glycogen cycling. Butyrate, known to reduce oxidative phosphorylation yield and to induce a glucose-sparing effect, delayed the transient increase in mitochondrial ATP turnover and hence energy contribution to glycogen metabolism.
DNA binding activities of the Herves transposase from the mosquito Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Kahlon Amandeep S , Hice Robert H , O'Brochta David A , Atkinson Peter W
Published: June 2011

Background

Determining the mechanisms by which transposable elements move within a genome increases our understanding of how they can shape genome evolution. Class 2 transposable elements transpose via a 'cut-and-paste' mechanism mediated by a transposase that binds to sites at or near the ends of the transposon. Herves is a member of the hAT superfamily of class 2 transposons and was isolated from Anopheles gambiae, a medically important mosquito species that is the major vector of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. Herves is transpositionally active and intact copies of it are found in field populations of A gambiae. In this study we report the binding activities of the Herves transposase to the sequences at the ends of the Herves transposon and compare these to other sequences recognized by hAT transposases isolated from other organisms.

Results

We identified the specific DNA-binding sites of the Herves transposase. Active Herves transposase was purified using an Escherichia coli expression system and bound in a site-specific manner to the subterminal and terminal sequences of the left and right ends of the element, respectively, and also interacted with the right but not the left terminal inverted repeat. We identified a common subterminal DNA-binding motif (CG/AATTCAT) that is critical and sufficient for Herves transposase binding.

Conclusions

The Herves transposase binds specifically to a short motif located at both ends of the transposon but shows differential binding with respect to the left and right terminal inverted repeats. Despite similarities in the overall structures of hAT transposases, the regions to which they bind in their respective transposons differ in sequence ensuring the specificity of these enzymes to their respective transposon. The asymmetry with which the Herves terminal inverted repeats are bound by the transposase may indicate that these differ in their interactions with the enzyme.
Gender-related outcome difference is related to course of sepsis on mixed ICUs: a prospective, observational clinical study
Authors: Nachtigall Irit , Tafelski Sascha , Rothbart Andreas , Kaufner Lutz , Schmidt Maren , Tamarkin Andrey , Kartachov Maxim , Zebedies Daniela , Trefzer Tanja , Wernecke Klaus-Dieter , Spies Claudia
Published: June 2011

Introduction

Introduction

Impact of gender on severe infections is in highly controversial discussion with natural survival advantage of females described in animal studies but contradictory to those described human data. This study aims to describe the impact of gender on outcome in mixed intensive care units (ICUs) with a special focus on sepsis.

Methods

We performed a prospective, observational, clinical trial at Charité University Hospital in Berlin, Germany. Over a period of 180 days, patients were screened, undergoing care in three mainly surgical ICUs. In total, 709 adults were included in the analysis, comprising the main population ([female] n = 309, [male] n = 400) including 327 as the sepsis subgroup ([female] n = 130, [male] n = 197).

Results

Basic characteristics differed between genders in terms of age, lifestyle factors, comorbidities, and SOFA-score (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment). Quality and quantity of antibiotic therapy in means of antibiotic-free days, daily antibiotic use, daily costs of antibiotics, time to antibiotics, and guideline adherence did not differ between genders. ICU mortality was comparable in the main population ([female] 10.7% versus [male] 9.0%; P = 0.523), but differed significantly in sepsis patients with [female] 23.1% versus [male] 13.7% (P = 0.037). This was confirmed in multivariate regression analysis with OR = 1.966 (95% CI, 1.045 to 3.701; P = 0.036) for females compared with males.

Conclusions

No differences in patients' outcome were noted related to gender aspects in mainly surgical ICUs. However, for patients with sepsis, an increase of mortality is related to the female sex.