bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Institutional Work to Maintain Professional Power: Recreating the Model of Medical Professionalism
Authors: Currie Graeme , Lockett Andy , Finn Rachael , Martin Graham , Waring Justin
Published: July 2012

The creation of new roles commonly threatens the power and status of elite professionals through the substitution of their labour. In this paper we examine the institutional work carried out by elite professionals to maintain their professional dominance when threatened. Drawing on 11 case sites from the English National Health Service (NHS) where new nursing or medical roles have been introduced, threatening the power and status of specialist doctors, we observed the following. First, the professional elite respond through institutional work to supplant threat of substitution with the opportunity for them to delegate routine tasks to other actors and maintain existing resource and control arrangements over the delivery of services in a way that enhances elite professionals’ status. Second, other professionals outside the professional elite, but relatively powerful within their own professional group, are co-opted by the professional elite to engage in institutional work to maintain existing arrangements. Our work extends Lawrence and Suddaby’s typology of institutional work in three ways. First, we reveal how different types of institutional work interact, and how different types of institutional work cross categories of creating or maintaining institutions. Second, we show how an actor’s social position or status, both intra-professionally as well as inter-professionally, in the institutional field frame the institutional work they engage in. Third, the institutional work of ‘theorizing’ by professional elites appears particularly significant, specifically the focus of the institutional work to invoke the concept of ‘risk’ associated with any change in service delivery, which maintains the model of medical professionalism.
Juvenile Entry Into Prostitution
Authors: Roe-Sepowitz Dominique E.
Published: July 2012

This study seeks to assess the nature and extent of childhood emotional abuse among adult women in a residential prostitution-exiting program. Regression analyses were conducted to assess the unique role of childhood emotional abuse in the prediction of age of entry into prostitution. Childhood emotional abuse, a history of running away during childhood, and participating in survival-based exchanges of sex were significantly associated with the commercial sexual exploitation of girls younger than age 18, while childhood emotional abuse contributed to predicting a younger age of entry. Results are discussed regarding policy, prevention, and future research.
Sexual Victimization and Completed Suicide Among Danish Female Adults
Authors: Gradus Jaimie L. , Qin Ping , Lincoln Alisa K. , Miller Matthew , Lawler Elizabeth , Sørensen Henrik Toft , Lash Timothy L.
Published: July 2012

Although sexual victimization has been associated with suicidal behaviors, its association with completed suicide has not been examined. We investigated this association among Danish women using longitudinal data and a conservative definition of victimization. This population-based case-control study included 476 suicide cases and 12,010 matched controls. Seven cases (1.5%) and 5 controls (0.04%) experienced sexual victimization that was reported to the police and resulted in a conviction. Sexual victimization was associated with a 14-fold increased rate of suicide, controlling for confounders and matching (95% CI: [3.4, 59]). Completed suicide is an important potential outcome of sexual victimization, warranting further examination.
Aliskiren improves insulin resistance and ameliorates diabetic renal vascular complications in STZ-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Gandhi Sonia , Srinivasan BP , Akarte Atul Sureshrao
Published: July 2012

Aliskiren, a direct renin inhibitor (DRI), has therapeutic effects in patients with hypertension and associated complications, but its potential mechanism in diabetic nephropathy is lacking. The effects of aliskiren in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced renal complication in diabetic rats were investigated. Aliskiren treatment for eight weeks at the dose of 10 mg/kg/day, via osmotic mini-pump, induced improvement in blood glucose levels, systolic blood pressure (BP) and serum creatinine. Improvement of insulin resistance by aliskiren was confirmed by increased glucose translocation in liver and muscle and hence insulin levels. The treated group also showed improvement in glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial injury. Aliskiren treatment also improved albumin levels in plasma, suppressed profibrotic and proinflammatory cytokine synthesis viz TNF-α and TGF-β and angiogenesis by a decrease in VEGF. In addition, the level of total proteins and GFR via cystatin c and beta-2microglobulin along with adiponectin and erythropoietin were also improved. These results suggest that the beneficial organ protective effect of aliskiren is mediated by improvement in insulin resistance as well as a direct anti-fibrotic effect in the target organ in STZ-induced diabetic rats with a slight effect on blood pressure. Aliskiren may be a useful therapeutic agent in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and diabetic nephropathy.
Association of angiotensin-converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion polymorphism with polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis
Authors: Jia Hongxia , Wang Bin , Yu Lili , Jiang Zhaoshun
Published: July 2012

Introduction:

Epidemiological studies investigating the association of angiotensin-converting enzyme ( ACE) gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) produced inconsistent results. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship between I/D polymorphism and PCOS, we conducted the current meta-analysis.

Materials and methods:

PubMed, Web of Science and CNKI were searched for eligible publications up to 1 February 2012. The association was evaluated under different genetic models.

Results:

Six studies with 1451 cases and 773 controls were finally included in our meta-analysis. The results showed that no significant association between I/D polymorphism and PCOS was observed in the overall population. However, in subgroup analyses stratified by ethnicity, significant association was observed in Caucasians (OR = 1.48, 95% CI, 1.00–2.19 for D vs. I; OR = 1.61, 95% CI, 1.14–2.27 for DD vs. II; OR = 1.43, 95% CI, 1.04–1.97 for DD and DI vs. II), but not in Asians.

Conclusions:

Our meta-analysis suggested that the ACE I/D polymorphism was associated with increased risk of PCOS in Caucasians, but not in Asians. However, considering that the conclusions were based on a relatively small sample size, larger studies involving various ethnic populations should be warranted in future studies to validate our findings.
Restorative Dimensions in Belgian Youth Justice
Authors: Put Johan , Vanfraechem Inge , Walgrave Lode
Published: July 2012

The revised Belgian Youth Justice Act (YJA) (2006) is featured as a case study due to the important restorative justice dimensions that it has introduced. The legal system in Belgium is dominated by a civil law regime with a deep-seated tradition in youth justice characterized by an almost exclusively ‘treatment’-oriented approach. Whilst the implementation of the revised YJA has encountered some challenges, it has also revealed that it is possible to prioritize restorative processes within a conventional civil law regime. That being said, the fundamental change that the Act aspired to achieve is only made possible by the application of additional measures.
Television Mothers
Authors: Kim Hosu
Published: July 2012

This article considers the emergent figure of the Korean birthmother whose children have been placed into transnational adoption by focusing on the longest-running Korean television search-and-reunion show; such shows have played an important role and served as a critical cultural and technological institution through which Korean adoptees search for and reunite with their Korean birthmothers. Incorporating discourse analysis and autoethnographic writing, based on the author’s experience as a translator for the show, this article unveils the processes through which the figure of the Korean birthmother emerges as a biogenetic, affective, and developmental maternal figure that is central to South Korea’s nationalistic narrative of its long involvement in the transnational adoption. By treating this Korean birthmother that emerges through television technologies and narratives as a virtual mother, I offer an intervention into the naturalizing and nationalizing force of adoption discourse and thereby help to map out a politics of reconciliation for the losses in numerous lives of birthmothers and adoptees.
Taiwanofungus camphoratus (Syn Antrodia camphorata) Extract and Amphotericin B Exert Adjuvant Effects via Mitochondrial Apoptotic Pathway
Authors: Chen Ling-Yi , Sheu Ming-Thau , Liao Chuh-Kai , Tsai Feng-Chou , Kao Woei-Yao , Su Ching-Hua
Published: July 2012

The use of multiple drugs in cancer therapy increases the efficacy of the potential therapeutic effects. In this study, the authors investigated the adjuvant effects of an ethanol extract of solid-state cultivated Taiwanofungus camphoratus (TCEE) and amphotericin B (AmB) in the human cancer cell lines RPMI7951 and MG63. Taiwanofungus camphoratus is a well-known Chinese medicine in Taiwan, and AmB is a widely used antifungal agent. The authors demonstrated that TCEE pretreatment followed by AmB treatment effectively inhibited cell growth. The combination of sublethal doses of TCEE and AmB revealed a significant growth inhibitory effect in both cell lines. The combination of TCEE and AmB but not AmB alone induced phosphatidylserine externalization and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Cell cycle analyses revealed that combination of TCEE and AmB triggered G2/M arrest and significant apoptosis after 48 hours. These effects were greater than those achieved using TCEE or AmB alone. Furthermore, the authors demonstrated that the drugs increased the levels of p21Cip1/Waf1 and pro-apoptotic protein Bax and reduced the level of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. Taken together, the results showed that the combination treatment of TCEE and AmB displays strong adjuvant effects, which are indicated by the inhibition of cell proliferation in 2 human cancer cell lines, RPMI7951 and MG63. These findings suggest possible therapeutic applications and alternative medicines using this drug combination.
Predictors of Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine by Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivors and Relationship to Quality of Life
Authors: Hamilton Ann S. , Miller Melissa F. , Arora Neeraj K. , Bellizzi Keith M. , Rowland Julia H.
Published: July 2012

Hypotheses. This study hypothesized that non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patients who used complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) would have higher health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and a greater perceived sense of control than nonusers. However, since CAM may predict HRQOL, and perceived control may be both associated with CAM use as well as being an independent predictor of HRQOL, the authors also sought to test whether perceived control mediated the relationship between CAM use and HRQOL. Study design. This was a cross-sectional study design. NHL survivors diagnosed between June 1, 1998 and August 31, 2001 were selected from the population-based SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) cancer registry for Los Angeles County and were mailed a survey in 2003 that assessed CAM use and predictors of CAM use. The response rate was 54.8%; 319 provided complete data for analysis. Methods. Categories of CAM were defined according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine guidelines. The authors measured survivors’ cancer-related control using the Perceived Personal Control scale, a 4-question scale that was adapted from previously validated scales. HRQOL was measured using the mental component summary and physical component summary scores from the SF-36 v2.0. Bivariate and multivariable logistic and linear regression models were used to assess factors associated with CAM use and the association of CAM use with psychosocial health outcomes, respectively. Results. Sixty-one percent of respondents reported using at least one CAM modality within the past 4 weeks, and 40% did so after excluding personal prayer and support groups. Younger age and higher education were significantly associated with greater CAM use as were higher perception of cancer-related control ( P = .004) and more positive mental functioning ( P = .016). Perception of control significantly mediated the association between CAM use and mental functioning ( P < .001). Conclusions. CAM use may be related to more positive mental health–related quality of life by increasing patients’ perception of perceived control over their health; however, cause and effect cannot be determined. Physicians should be aware that cancer survivors have a need to take an active role in improving their health.
We Need to Talk about Cosmopolitanism: The Challenge of Studying Openness towards Other People
Authors: Skey Michael
Published: July 2012

The cosmopolitan has re-emerged as a popular figure within the social sciences, primarily as a means of addressing (the potential for) new forms of experience and sociability in an increasingly mobile and interconnected world. Investigations into practical or everyday cosmopolitanism have been useful in grounding some of the more theoretical of these debates but problems remain in terms of both defining and operationalizing the concept. The first section of the paper briefly addresses some key theoretical debates. In the second section, attention is focused on methodological issues, with regard to both data collection and interpretation. In particular, I suggest a move beyond labelling people and practices as cosmopolitan and, instead, emphasize the contradictory and rhetorical aspects of these engagements, drawing on empirical data. In this way, the temporal, conditional and often fragile aspects of such ‘cosmopolitan’ practices can be foregrounded.
Branded Cosmopolitanisms: ‘Global’ Coffee Brands and the Co-creation of ‘Cosmopolitan Cool’
Authors: Bookman Sonia
Published: July 2012

Engaging key issues in a growing sociological literature on the emergence of ordinary cosmopolitanisms in consumer culture, this paper traces a link between brands and cosmopolitanism. Focusing on the case of specialty coffee brands Starbucks and Second Cup, the paper draws on recent theoretical approaches to the brand, and substantial qualitative data from research conducted in Toronto, to outline how the brands frame and invoke a narrow form of cosmopolitanism as part of the brand experience. However, it is not assumed that such cosmopolitanism is straightforwardly taken up or reproduced by consumers. Rather, considering the interactive ways in which consumers engage with the brands, it is argued that a stylized ‘cosmopolitan cool’ is co-generated in the dynamic interplay. While elaborating the connection between cosmopolitanism and the brands, the paper will also consider the paradoxes, limits and tensions of such branded cosmopolitanism.
The Migration and Globalization of Schuhplattler Dance: A Sociological Analysis
Authors: Kolb Alexandra
Published: July 2012

This paper analyses diasporic versions of Schuhplattler (slap dance), a German-Austrian folk dance, as a community activity among German and Austrian émigrés. It offers two case studies: one focusing on the anti-Nazi emigrant youth organization ‘Young Austria’ in the late 1930s, the other on the practice and politics of Schuhplattler dancing by German émigrés to the USA in the late 2000s. Discussions address how the dance has been deployed to serve starkly differing cultural objectives and political ideologies. The paper draws on concepts from nationalism, globalization and multiculturalism to contextualize the dance’s role as a source of national and regional identity.
Hestia criteria can discriminate high- from low-risk patients with pulmonary embolism
Authors: Zondag Wendy , Hiddinga Birgitta I. , Crobach Monique J.T. , Labots Geert , Dolsma Anneke , Durian Marc , Faber Laura M. , Hofstee Herman M.A. , Melissant Christian F. , Ullmann Eric F. , Vingerhoets Lies M.A. , de Vreede Mariëlle J.M. , Huisman Menno V.
Published: July 2012

We investigated whether the clinical criteria used in the Hestia study for selection of pulmonary embolism (PE) patients for outpatient treatment could discriminate PE patients with high and low risk for adverse clinical outcome.

We performed a cohort study with PE patients who were triaged with 11 criteria for outpatient treatment. Patients not eligible for outpatient treatment were treated in hospital. Study outcomes were recurrent venous thromboembolism, major bleeding and all-cause mortality during 3 months.

In total, 530 patients were included, of which 297 were treated at home. In the outpatient group, six patients (2.0%, 95% CI 0.7–4.3%) had recurrent venous thromboembolismversusnine in-patients (3.9%, 95% CI 1.9–7.0%). Three patients (1.0%, 95% CI 0.2–2.9) died during the 3-months follow-up in the outpatient groupversus22 patients (9.6%, 95% CI 6.3–14) in the in-patient group (p<0.05). None of the outpatients died as a result of fatal PEversusfive (2.2%) in-patients (p<0.05). In the outpatient group, 0.7% (95% CI 0.08–2.4) had major bleeding eventsversus4.8% (95% CI 2.4–8.4) of in-patients (p<0.05).

This study showed that the Hestia criteria can discriminate PE patients with low risk from patients with high risk for adverse clinical outcome. The low-risk patients can safely be treated at home.
Dimethylfumarate inhibits CXCL10viahaem oxygenase-1 in airway smooth muscle
Authors: Seidel Petra , Hostettler Katrin E. , Hughes J. Margaret , Tamm Michael , Roth Michael
Published: July 2012

CXCL10 stimulates mast cell infiltration into airway smooth muscle bundles and, thus, activate cytokine secretion and airway smooth muscle cell (ASMC) proliferation. Dimethylfumarate (DMF) reduces cytokine secretion by lymphocytes and ASMC proliferation through haem oxygenase (HO)-1. Therefore, we investigated the potency of DMF to inhibit tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α- and interferon (IFN)-γ-induced CXCL10 secretion by human ASMCs.

Human primary ASMCs were pre-incubated with DMF and/or fluticasone and/or glutathione ethylester before cells were stimulated with IFN-γ and/or TNF-α.

DMF inhibited CXCL10 secretion and increased HO-1 levels, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibition reduced DMF-dependent HO-1 expression. The DMF effect on CXCL10 secretion was abrogated by pre-treatment with HO-1 small interfering RNA (siRNA). Glutathione supplementation reversed all DMF effects on CXCL10 secretion and p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Importantly, combining DMF with fluticasone further reduced CXCL10 secretion. In addition, DMF inhibited IFN-γ-induced CXCL10 secretion. This effect was compensated by glutathione supplementation or by pre-treatment with HO-1 siRNA. In addition, DMF reduced TNF-α-induced granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) secretion but had no effect on INF-γ-induced G-CSF secretion.

In human primary ASMCs, DMF inhibits CXCL10 secretion by reducing the cellular glutathione level and by activation of p38 MAPK and HO-1. Therefore, DMF may reduce airway inflammation in asthma by a glucocorticoid-independent pathway.
A prospective trial evaluating the role of mesothelin in undiagnosed pleural effusions
Authors: Hooper Clare E. , Morley Anna J. , Virgo Paul , Harvey John E. , Kahan Brennan , Maskell Nick A.
Published: July 2012

Mesothelin has been proposed as a useful tool in the diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). We aimed to examine its diagnostic utility and the impact of renal impairment on results.

We prospectively recruited 230 patients with new undiagnosed pleural effusions, testing serum (n=216) and pleural fluid (n=206) mesothelin (by ELISA) during the initial consultation.

28 (12%) out of 230 patients had MPM. Serum mesothelin gave sensitivity 59.3%, specificity 64.7%, negative predictive value (NPV) 91.2%, positive predictive value (PPV) 20.5%, and pleural fluid sensitivity 72.0%, specificity 87.5%, NPV 95.5%, PPV 46.2% for distinguishing effusions due to MPM. In a matched comparison, diagnostic characteristics of pleural fluid mesothelin were superior to serum (p=0.0001). Serum mesothelin levels in patients without MPM were higher in patients with renal impairment (p=0.007) while pleural fluid levels were unaffected. 19 (54%) out of 35 patients with a benign pleural effusion and an estimated glomerular filtration rate ≤59 mL·min−1had a false-positive serum mesothelin result.

The diagnostic accuracy of pleural fluid mesothelin is superior to that of serum and is unaffected by renal function. In patients with a low pre-test probability of mesothelioma, a negative mesothelin test could be reassuring, because of its high NPV. Routine use of mesothelin testing in undiagnosed pleural effusions at presentation appears to be unhelpful.
The effect of montelukast on respiratory symptoms and lung function in wheezy infants
Authors: Pelkonen Anna S. , Malmström Kristiina , Sarna Seppo , Kajosaari Merja , Klemola Timo , Malmberg L. Pekka , Mäkelä Mika J.
Published: July 2012

Our aim was to investigate the effectiveness of montelukast in recurrently wheezy infants.

We randomised 113, 6–24-month-old children with recurrent wheezing to receive either placebo or montelukast daily for an 8-week period. The primary end-point was symptom-free days. The secondary aims were to evaluate the effect of montelukast on rescue medication, on lung function, airway responsiveness and exhaled nitric oxide fraction (FeNO). Clinical response andFeNOwere determined, the functional residual capacity (FRC) and specific airway conductance (sGaw) were measured using an infant whole-body plethysmograph, the maximal flow at functional residual capacity (V′max,FRC) was recorded using the squeeze technique and airway responsiveness was evaluated by performing a dosimetric methacholine challenge test.

There was no significant difference in changes in weekly symptom-free days between the montelukast and the placebo group (3.1–3.7 daysversus2.7–3.1 days, p = 0.965). No significant differences were detected in the secondary end-points,i.e.use of rescue medication, FRC, sGaw,V′max,FRC,FeNOor airway responsiveness between groups.

Montelukast therapy did not influence the number of symptom-free days, use of rescue medication, lung function, airway responsiveness or airway inflammation in recurrently wheezy, very young children.
MicroRNAs and respiratory diseases
Authors: Rupani Hitasha , Sanchez-Elsner Tilman , Howarth Peter
Published: July 2012

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a family of endogenous, small, noncoding RNA molecules that modulate physiological and pathological processes by post-transcriptional inhibition of gene expression. They were first recognised as regulators of development in worms and fruitflies. In recent years extensive research has explored their pivotal role in the pathogenesis of human diseases. Over 1,000 human miRNAs have been discovered to date; however, the biological function and protein targets for the majority remain to be uncovered. Within the respiratory system, miRNAs are important in normal pulmonary development and maintaining lung homeostasis. Recent studies have also begun to reveal that altered miRNA expression profiles may be associated with pathological processes within the lung and lead to the development of various pulmonary diseases, ranging from inflammatory diseases to lung cancers. Advancing our understanding of the role of miRNAs in the respiratory system will help provide new perspectives on disease mechanisms and reveal intriguing therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers for respiratory disorders.
Club cells inhibit alveolar epithelial wound repairviaTRAIL-dependent apoptosis
Authors: Akram Khondoker M. , Lomas Nicola J. , Spiteri Monica A. , Forsyth Nicholas R.
Published: July 2012

Club cells (Clara cells) participate in bronchiolar wound repair and regeneration. Located in the bronchioles, they become activated during alveolar injury in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and migrate into the affected alveoli, a process called alveolar bronchiolisation. The purpose of this migration and the role of club cells in alveolar wound repair is controversial. This study was undertaken to investigate the role of club cells in alveolar epithelial wound repair and pulmonary fibrosis.

A direct-contact co-culturein vitromodel was used to evaluate the role of club cells (H441 cell line) on alveolar epithelial cell (A549 cell line) and small airway epithelial cell (SAEC) wound repair. Immunohistochemistry was conducted on lung tissue samples from patients with IPF to replicate thein vitrofindingsex vivo.

Our study demonstrated that club cells induce apoptosis in alveolar epithelial cells and SAECs through a tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-dependent mechanism resulting in significant inhibition of wound repair. Furthermore, in IPF lungs, TRAIL-expressing club cells were detected within the affected alveolar epithelia in areas of established fibrosis, together with widespread alveolar epithelial cell apoptosis.

From these findings, we hypothesise that the extensive pro-fibrotic remodelling associated with IPF could be driven by TRAIL-expressing club cells inducing apoptosis in alveolar epithelial cells through a TRAIL-dependent mechanism.
Impact of obstructive sleep apnoea on diastolic function
Authors: Wachter Rolf , Lüthje Lars , Klemmstein Daniela , Lüers Claus , Stahrenberg Raoul , Edelmann Frank , Holzendorf Volker , Hasenfuß Gerd , Andreas Stefan , Pieske Burkert
Published: July 2012

We investigated whether obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) independently affects diastolic function in a primary care cohort of patients with cardiovascular risk factors.

378 study participants with risk factors for diastolic dysfunction were prospectively included and a polygraphy was performed in all patients. Diastolic dysfunction was assessed by comprehensive echocardiography including tissue Doppler. Sleep apnoea was classified according to apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) as none (AHI <5 events·h−1), mild (AHI ≤5 to <15 events·h−1) or moderate-to-severe (AHI ≥15 events·h−1).

Patients with central sleep apnoea (n=14) and patients with previously diagnosed sleep apnoea (n=12) were excluded. In the remaining 352 subjects, 21.6% had an AHI ≥15 events·h−1. The prevalence of diastolic dysfunction increased with the severity of sleep apnoea from 44.8% (none) to 56.8% (mild) to 69.7% (moderate-to-severe sleep apnoea) (p=0.002). The degree of diastolic dysfunction also increased with sleep apnoea severity (p=0.004). In univariate regression analysis, age, desaturation index, AHI, cardiac frequency, angiotensin receptor 1 antagonist therapy, body mass index (BMI) and left ventricular mass were associated with diastolic dysfunction. In multivariate regression analysis, only age, BMI, AHI and cardiac frequency were independently associated with diastolic dysfunction.

Moderate-to-severe OSA is independently associated with diastolic dysfunction in patients with classical risk factors for diastolic dysfunction.
Dynamic respiratory mechanics and exertional dyspnoea in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Laveneziana Pierantonio , Garcia Gilles , Joureau Barbara , Nicolas-Jilwan Fadia , Brahimi Toufik , Laviolette Louis , Sitbon Olivier , Simonneau Gérald , Humbert Marc , Similowski Thomas
Published: July 2012

Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) may exhibit reduced expiratory flows at low lung volumes, which could promote exercise-induced dynamic hyperinflation (DH). This study aimed to examine the impact of a potential exercise-related DH on the intensity of dyspnoea in patients with PAH undergoing symptom-limited incremental cardiopulmonary cycle exercise testing (CPET).

25 young (aged mean±sd38±12 yrs) nonsmoking PAH patients with no evidence of spirometric obstruction and 10 age-matched nonsmoking healthy subjects performed CPET to the limit of tolerance. Ventilatory pattern, operating lung volumes (derived from inspiratory capacity (IC) measurements) and dyspnoea intensity (Borg scale) were assessed throughout CPET.

IC decreased (i.e.DH) progressively throughout CPET in PAH patients (average 0.15 L), whereas it increased in all the healthy subjects (0.45 L). Among PAH patients, 15 (60%) exhibited a decrease in IC throughout exercise (average 0.50 L), whereas in the remaining 10 (40%) patients IC increased (average 0.36 L). Dyspnoea intensity and ventilation were greater in PAH patients than in controls at any stage of CPET, whereas inspiratory reserve volume was lower.

We conclude that DH-induced mechanical constraints and excessive ventilatory demand occurred in these young nonsmoking PAH patients with no spirometric obstruction and was associated with exertional dyspnoea.
Strong convergence of composite general iterative methods for one-parameter nonexpansive semigroup and equilibrium problems
Authors: Xiao Xin , Li Suhong , Li Lihua , Song Heping , Zhang Lingmin
Published: July 2012

In this paper, we introduce both explicit and implicit schemes for finding a common element in the common fixed point set of a one-parameter nonexpansive semigroup {T(s)| 0 ≤ s < ∞} and in the solution set of an equilibrium problems which is a solution of a certain optimization problem related to a strongly positive bounded linear operator. Strong convergence theorems are established in the framework of Hilbert spaces. As an application, we consider the optimization problem of a k-strict pseudocontraction mapping. The results presented improve and extend the corresponding results of many others.

2000 AMS Subject Classification: 47H09; 47J05; 47J20; 47J25.
High levels of fluctuating asymmetry in isolated stickleback populations
Authors: Trokovic Nina , Herczeg Gábor , Ghani Nurul Izza Ab , Shikano Takahito , Merilä Juha
Published: July 2012

Background

Fluctuating asymmetry (FA), defined as small random deviations from the ideal bilateral symmetry, has been hypothesized to increase in response to both genetic and environmental stress experienced by a population. We compared levels of FA in 12 bilateral meristic traits (viz.lateral-line system neuromasts and lateral plates), and heterozygosity in 23 microsatellite loci, among four marine (high piscine predation risk) and four pond (zero piscine predation risk) populations of nine-spined sticklebacks (Pungitius pungitius).

Results

Pond sticklebacks had on average three times higher levels of FA than marine fish and this difference was highly significant. Heterozygosity in microsatellite markers was on average two times lower in pond (HE≈ 0.3) than in marine (HE≈ 0.6) populations, and levels of FA and heterozygosity were negatively correlated across populations. However, after controlling for habitat effect on heterozygosity, levels of FA and heterozygosity were uncorrelated.

Conclusions

The fact that levels of FA in traits likely to be important in the context of predator evasion were elevated in ponds compared to marine populations suggests that relaxed selection for homeostasis in ponds lacking predatory fish may be responsible for the observed habitat difference in levels of FA. This inference also aligns with the observation that the levels of genetic variability across the populations did not explain population differences in levels of FA after correcting for habitat effect. Hence, while differences in strength of selection, rather than in the degree of genetic stress could be argued to explain habitat differences in levels of FA, the hypothesis that increased FA in ponds is caused by genetic stress cannot be rejected.
Tailored hybrid hyperbranched polyglycidol-silica nanocomposites with high third-order nonlinearity
Authors: Postnova Irina , Bezverbny Alexander , Golik Sergey , Kulchin Yury , Li Haiqing , Wang Jing , Kim Il , Ha Chang-Sik , Shchipunov Yury
Published: July 2012

One of the most convenient techniques for optical material fabrication is the sol–gel processing. It can be performed at low temperature that enables one to entrap even relatively unstable organic substances into silica matrix at the nanometer scale, thus developing homogeneous hybrid organic–inorganic nanocomposite materials of various functionalities. Here, novel hybrid organic–inorganic nanocomposites with good optical transparency and high third-order nonlinearity were prepared biomimetically through the mineralization of dendritic macromolecules (hyperbranched polyglycidols) using a compatible ethylene glycol-containing silica precursor. The synthesis was performed at neutral pH media in aqueous solutions without addition of organic solvents at ambient conditions owing to the catalysis of processing. Polyglycidols provided also the formation of gold nanoparticles localized in their core. They served as reducing and stabilizing agents. It is shown that trace amounts of nanoparticles could regulate nonlinear properties of a nanocomposite. High nonlinearity manifests itself in a supercontinuum generation at remarkably short lengths ca. 1 mm. The phenomenon consists of filamentous intense white lighting due to the spectral broadening of initial ultrashort (femtosecond) laser pulses propagating through the material. The developed hybrid nanocomposites possessing large nonlinearity, high-speed optical response, stability under intense lighting, low-cost, and easy preparation are promising for a diverse range of applications as active components for all-optical signal processing from chemical sensing to biological cell imaging and lighting control in telecommunication.
Urine VCAM-1 as a marker of renal pathology activity index in lupus nephritis
Authors: Singh Sandeep , Wu Tianfu , Xie Chun , Vanarsa Kamala , Han Jie , Mahajan Tina , Oei Ho Bing , Ahn Chul , Zhou Xin J , Putterman Chaim , Saxena Ramesh , Mohan Chandra
Published: July 2012

Introduction

Although renal pathology is highly predictive of the disease course in lupus nephritis, it cannot be performed serially because of its invasive nature and associated morbidity. The goal of this study is to investigate whether urinary levels of CXC ligand 16 (CXCL16), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) or vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in patients with lupus nephritis are predictive of particular features of renal pathology in renal biopsies obtained on the day of urine procurement.

Methods

CXCL16, MCP-1, and VCAM-1 levels were measured in urine samples from 74 lupus nephritis patients and 13 healthy volunteers. Of the patients enrolled, 24 patients had a concomitant kidney biopsy performed at the time of urine collection. In addition, patients with other renal diatheses were also included as controls.

Results

All three molecules were elevated in the urine of systemic lupus erythematosus patients, although VCAM-1 (area under curve = 0.92) and MCP-1 (area under curve = 0.87) were best at distinguishing the systemic lupus erythematosus samples from the healthy controls, and were also most strongly associated with clinical disease severity and active renal disease. For patients in whom concurrent renal biopsies had also been performed, urine VCAM-1 exhibited the strongest association with the renal pathology activity index and glomerulonephritis class IV, although it correlated negatively with the chronicity index. Interestingly, urinary VCAM-1 was also elevated in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies-associated glomerulonephritis, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and membranous nephropathy but not in minimal-change disease.

Conclusion

Urinary VCAM-1 emerges as a reliable indicator of the activity:chronicity ratios that mark the underlying renal pathology in lupus nephritis. Since VCAM-1 is involved in the acute phase of inflammation when leukocytic infiltration is ongoing, longitudinal studies are warranted to establish whether tracking urine VCAM-1 levels may help monitor clinical and pathological disease activity over time.
Characterization of new bone formation in gout: a quantitative site-by-site analysis using plain radiography and computed tomography
Authors: Dalbeth Nicola , Milligan Aaron , Doyle Anthony J , Clark Barnaby , McQueen Fiona M
Published: July 2012

Introduction

Radiographic descriptions of gout have noted the tendency to hypertrophic bone changes. The aim of this study was to characterize the features of new bone formation (NBF) in gout, and to determine the relationship between NBF and other radiographic features of disease, particularly erosion and tophus.

Methods

Paired plain radiographs (XR) and computed tomography (CT) scans of 798 individual hand and wrist joints from 20 patients with gout were analyzed. Following a structured review of a separate set of images, films were scored for the presence of the following features of NBF: spur, osteophyte, periosteal NBF, ankylosis and sclerosis. The relationship between NBF and other radiographic features was analyzed.

Results

The most frequent forms of NBF were bone sclerosis and osteophyte. Spur and periosteal NBF were less common, and ankylosis was rare. On both XR and CT, joints with bone erosion were more likely to have NBF; for CT, if erosion was present, the odds ratios (OR) was 45.1 for spur, 3.3 for osteophyte, 16.6 for periosteal NBF, 26.6 for ankylosis and 32.3 for sclerosis, P for all < 0.01. Similarly, on CT, joints with intraosseous tophus were more likely to have NBF; if tophus was present, the OR was 48.4 for spur, 3.3 for osteophyte, 14.5 for periosteal NBF, 35.1 for ankylosis and 39.1 for sclerosis; P for all < 0.001.

Conclusions

This detailed quantitative analysis has demonstrated that NBF occurs more frequently in joints affected by other features of gout. This work suggests a connection between bone loss, tophus, and formation of new bone during the process of joint remodelling in gout.
Kidney function decline after a non-dialysis-requiring acute kidney injury is associated with higher long-term mortality in critically ill survivors
Authors: Lai Chun-Fu , Wu Vin-Cent , Huang Tao-Min , Yeh Yu-Chang , Wang Kuo-Chuan , Han Yin-Yi , Lin Yu-Feng , Jhuang Ying-Jheng , Chao Chia-Ter , Shiao Chih-Chung , Tsai Pi-Ru , Hu Fu-Chang , Chou Nai-Kuan , Ko Wen-Je , Wu Kwan-Dun ,   the National Taiwan University Hospital Study Group on Acute Renal Failure (NSARF)
Published: July 2012

Introduction

The adverse consequences of a non-dialysis-requiring acute kidney injury (AKI) are unclear. This study aimed to assess the long-term prognoses for critically ill patients experiencing a non-dialysis-requiring AKI.

Methods

This retrospective observational cohort study investigated non-dialysis-requiring AKI survivors in surgical intensive care units between January 2002 and June 2010. All longitudinal post-discharge serum creatinine measurements and information regarding end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and death were collected. We assessed the long-term outcomes of chronic kidney disease (CKD), ESRD and all-cause mortality beyond discharge.

Results

Of the 922 identified critically ill patients with a non-dialysis-requiring AKI, 634 (68.8%) patients who survived to discharge were enrolled. A total of 207 patients died after a median follow-up of 700.5 days. The median intervals between the onset of the AKI and the composite endpoints "stage 3 CKD or death", "stage 4 CKD or death", "stage 5 CKD or death", and "ESRD or death" were 685, 1319, 1743, and 2048 days, respectively. This finding shows a steady long-term decline in kidney function after discharge. Using the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, we found that every 1 mL/min/1.73 m2 decrease from baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of individuals who progressed to stage 3, 4, and 5 CKD increased the risks of long-term mortality by 0.7%, 2.3%, and 4.1%, respectively (all p < 0.05). This result indicates that the mortality risk increased significantly in a graded manner as kidney function declined from the baseline eGFR to advanced stages of CKD during the follow-up period.

Conclusions

In critically ill patients who survive a non-dialysis-requiring AKI, there is a need for continuous monitoring and kidney function protection beyond discharge.
Antipsychotics in dementia: prevalence and quality of antipsychotic drug prescribing in UK mental health services
Authors: Barnes Thomas R. E. , Banerjee Sube , Collins Noel , Treloar Adrian , McIntyre Samantha M. , Paton Carol
Published: July 2012

Background

Up to a quarter of people in the UK with a diagnosis of dementia are prescribed an antipsychotic in any year. The potential risks of such treatment are becoming clearer, but the benefits remain uncertain. Concern about the frequency and quality of such prescribing was expressed in the National Dementia Strategy for England in 2009.

Aims

To provide an estimate of the prevalence of antipsychotic use for dementia in secondary mental health services in the UK and to collect data relevant to quality improvement initiatives for such prescribing practice.

Method

In the context of a UK quality improvement programme, relevant clinical audit data were collected for patients with dementia under the care of specialist older people's mental health services.

Results

Fifty-four mental health National Health Service (NHS) trusts submitted data on 10 199 patients. Of those patients without comorbid psychotic illness, 1620 (16%) were prescribed an antipsychotic; the common clinical indications for such medication were agitation, psychotic symptoms, aggression and distress. Multivariable regression found younger age, care home or in-patient setting, vascular or Parkinson's disease dementia and greater severity of dementia to be all significantly associated with being prescribed antipsychotic medication. Of the 1001 (62%) patients prescribed treatment for more than 6 months, only three-quarters had a documented review of therapeutic response in the previous 6 months.

Conclusions

The data reveal areas of relatively good current practice, including consideration of alternatives to antipsychotic medication and clear documentation of target symptoms. They also suggest areas for improvement, such as the frequency and quality of review of long-term medication. Strategies to reduce antipsychotic use should take account of the demographic and clinical variables predicting increased likelihood of antipsychotic prescription.
Update in Utility of Secondary Node Dissection for Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Steward David L.
Published: July 2012

Background:

Detection of recurrent/persistent thyroid cancer has improved significantly in the past decade. Disease is detected earlier in recently treated patients and localized in patients long out from initial treatment. This update reviews recent literature regarding the utility of secondary node dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma. Outcomes include disease-free status measured biochemically and clinically.

Results:

The utility of secondary node dissection as measured by clinically detectable disease exceeds 70% for all series and 90% for most. The utility as measured biochemically is more modest, with rates of biochemical cure ranging from 27–81% depending upon strictness of definition and patient selection. In predominately radioiodine scan-negative patients, using the strictest definition of biochemical cure, undetectable stimulated thyroglobulin (Tg) of less than 0.5 ng/ml, a rate of 27% is reported. Biochemical cure rates are reportedly 30–51% for stimulated Tg of less than 2 ng/ml and 56–71% for basal Tg of less than 2 ng/ml, with higher preoperative Tg levels less likely to achieve biochemical cure. Radioiodine-avid disease appears more amenable to cure, with 81% of patients achieving negative stimulated Tg after repeat I131 treatment and radio-assisted surgery. Complication rates of secondary nodal surgery appear similar to initial surgery in experienced hands; however, bilateral reoperative central neck dissection is associated with significantly higher complication rates than unilateral.

Surgical resolution of clinically detectable disease is likely. Biochemical cure rates are more modest, with the greatest likelihood of biochemical cure occurring in patients with radioiodine-avid disease. In radioiodine-negative patients, there may be a higher likelihood of biochemical cure for those with lower preoperative detectable Tg levels.
Les Compagnies D’officiers « Moyens » Entre Déplorations Collectives Et Mobilisations Corporatives Au Début Du Xviiie Siècle
Authors: Meyzie Vincent
Published: July 2012

Les approches actuelles du fonctionnement pratique de la monarchie suggèrent le net affaiblissement de la collaboration sociale entre élites provinciales et Etat royal durant la seconde moitié du règne de Louis XIV. Par l’étude à l’échelle du royaume de la création d’une nouvelle charge dans les élections, l’article démontre le poids à la fois ressenti et réel de la politique vénale intensive dans des compagnies de second rang négligées par l’historiographie et propose une lecture affinée du modèle de l’économie politique de l’office de David Bien. L’expansion officière engendre une conflictualité fréquente et protéiforme au sein des corps qui entraîne l’intervention autoritaire et récurrente du roi. Elle suscite de nombreuses plaintes corporatives, révélatrices des coûts de l’intermédiation financière mais incapables de procurer aux élections des avantages favorables lors des négociations. Maltraitées par un pouvoir monarchique indifférent, elles incarnent l’archétype des compagnies pénalisées par le renforcement concomitant de l’Etat de finance.

Current approaches to the sociopolitical workings of the monarchy suggest that the collaboration between the provincial elites and the royal state weakened during the latter half of the reign of Louis XIV. By studying the burdens associated with élections, this article examines the effects of the extreme venal policy on second-rank companies, a subject largely neglected in historiographical works. Refining David Bien’s model of the political economy of the offices, this article demonstrates that the expansion of offices created recurring, multifaceted conflict within the corps; this, in turn, led to the regular intervention of an authoritarian king. The actions of the monarchy incited numerous collective complaints that underscored the cost of the state’s financial intermediation but were ultimately unable to bring about desired ends during negotiations. The élections embody the typical plight of such companies, mistreated by a royal power indifferent to their demands and hurt by the policies of the fiscal state.
Destiny’s Child: Obama and Election ’08
Authors: Spillers Hortense
Published: July 2012

“Destiny’s Child: Obama and Election ’08” interrogates the election of Barack Obama to the presidency of the United States as a historically ordained event. This essay not only addresses the question of whether we might plausibly read it as the fulfillment of telos but also examines the implications of our having already done so.
Obama’s Rifts
Authors: Pease Donald E.
Published: July 2012

Obama constructs links among signs of history to produce what I would call a punctual presidency, a presidency that is punctual in two senses: Obama works at the level of historical puncta, and he’s just in time. He is a figure who knows how to work with an evental logic of history, and how to transpose the evental logics of history into a means whereby change within the territory of the United States can be linked with transnational democratic possibilities. By impersonating a transnational institution that does not exist anywhere else on this planet, Obama has as one of his aspirations the desire to become the institution of transnational democracy that otherwise has not materialized.