bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Staphylococcus aureus Osteomyelitis in Hawaii
Authors: Erdem Guliz , Salazar Raymond , Kimata Chieko , Simasathien Thitiwan , Len Kyra A. , Bergert Lora , Melish Marian
Published: January 2010

Background The clinical and laboratory findings and outcomes of methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis have not been studied in Hawaii. Methods Retrospective inpatient chart reviews of 62 culture-proven osteomyelitis patients between 1996 and 2007 were performed. Results Fifteen patients (24%) had MRSA infection, and 47 patients (76%) had MSSA infection. Length of stay, chronic health problems, total duration of fever, and length of treatment were not significantly different between MRSA- and MSSA-infected patients. The peak erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein values were higher among MRSA infected patients ( P values: .009 and .003, respectively).The systemic complication rate was higher in MRSA-infected patients ( P value: .018). Conclusions Differing from other pediatric staphylococcal infections in Hawaii, the majority of the patients had MSSA infection. Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian ethnicities were affected disproportionately and had MRSA infection more frequently. MRSA-infected patients had frequent surgical procedures and systemic complications.
Elevation of Serum Transaminases With Norovirus Infection
Authors: Tsuge Mitsuru , Goto Shinichiro , Kato Fuminori , Morishima Tsuneo
Published: January 2010

From November to December in 2006, we experienced 4 pediatric cases with an elevation of the serum transaminase levels accompanied by acute gastroenteritis. All examined stool specimens were norovirus positive according to the Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) assay. The clinical courses of these cases were the same as those of common gastroenteritis. Blood examinations showed only a slight elevation of the transaminase levels at the onset of gastroenteritis, while the symptoms were severe. Interestingly, the transaminase levels significantly increased after gastroenteritis disappeared. The average period between the onset of gastroenteritis and the peak of transaminase levels was 13.8 days. In all cases, the patients were treated with the administration of glycyrrhizin, and the transaminase levels returned to normal approximately 4 weeks (average 26.8 days) after the onset of gastroenteritis, thus suggesting that an elevation of the transaminase levels in association with norovirus gastroenteritis may therefore be a self-limited process which may demonstrate a relatively good natural prognosis. Norovirus is one of the important pathogens which cause an elevation in the serum transaminase levels in young children. When an elevation in the transaminase levels in association with gastroenteritis is observed in young children, it is important to continuously follow up such patients even after the gastroenteritis has disappeared and to perform a virus search based on examinations of stool specimens using an RT-PCR assay in order to detect the presence of norovirus infections.
Experience With a Pill-Swallowing Enhancement Aid
Authors: Diamond Shelley , Lavallee Danielle C.
Published: January 2010

Barriers to swallowing tablets and capsules can impact adherence to medication regimens. Few tools are currently available to assist adolescent children who have difficulty swallowing tablets and capsules. A convenience sample of adolescent children, identified through selfreport as having difficulty in swallowing tablets or capsules in the past, were provided Pill Glide, a flavored spray promoted to aid swallowing. To emulate medication administration, a tic tac (candy) was placed in the middle of the tongue, and with a drink of water, the participant was instructed to swallow the tic tac. Success or failure to swallow the tic tac was recorded. A total of 11 adolescent children ranging in age from 9 to 17 years reported past difficulty with swallowing medication. Seven of the 11 participants were successful in swallowing the tic-tac with the use of Pill Glide. This initial assessment of Pill Glide spray demonstrates positive findings for improving the ease of swallowing tablets and capsules for adolescents.
Don’t Children Grow Out of Their Obesity? Weight Transitions in Early Childhood
Authors: Lee Joyce M. , Lim Sungwoo , Zoellner Jamie , Burt Brian A. , Sandretto Anita M. , Sohn Woosung , Ismail Amid I.
Published: January 2010

Background. Expert opinion and cross-sectional analyses posit that obese young children will likely “outgrow” their obesity. However, given the nature of the US childhood obesity epidemic, this assertion may no longer hold true. Objective. To compare the weight transitions between early childhood (3-5 years) and midchildhood (7-10 years) in 2 different longitudinal cohorts: black preschool children from the inner city and from a nationally representative sample. Results. Weight transitions for children who were normal weight at baseline were not markedly different between cohorts. However, overweight and obese low-income black children had a very high probability of becoming or remaining overweight or obese by follow-up (>90% probability) in comparison with the nationally representative cohort (50%-60% probability). Conclusion . Low-income black preschool children do not necessarily “outgrow” their obesity. These findings have implications for optimal timing of obesity interventions and suggest the need for an increasing focus on children during the early preschool years.
The Masticatory Normative Indicator
Authors: Woda A. , Nicolas E. , Mishellany-Dutour A. , Hennequin M. , Mazille M.-N. , Veyrune J.-L. , Peyron M.-A.
Published: January 2010

There is no established quantitative, objective method to differentiate individuals with good masticatory function from those lacking this attribute. The aim of this study was to specify a normal range of median particle size values for masticated raw carrots collected just before being swallowed. The masticatory normative indicator (MNI) value thus obtained was based on seven studies carried out by different investigators using different methods for measuring particle size in carrot boluses. A simple mathematical transformation of variables and the choice of an interval of ±1.96 times the standard deviation gave 4.0 mm as the upper limit of normal median particle size for carrots in a population of young persons with good oral health. This value identifies boluses that may be considered as resulting from impaired mastication, as illustrated in healthy individuals with experimentally hampered mastication, denture wearers, and individuals presenting with obesity or Down syndrome.
The Effect of Student-Directed Transition Planning With a Computer-Based Reading Support Program on the Self-Determination of Students With Disabilities
Authors: Lee Youngsun , Wehmeyer Michael L. , Palmer Susan B. , Williams-Diehm Kendra , Davies Daniel K. , Stock Steven E.
Published: January 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of student-directed transition planning instruction ( Whose Future Is It Anyway? curriculum) with a computer-based reading support program ( Rocket Reader) on the self-determination, self-efficacy and outcome expectancy, and transition planning knowledge of students with disabilities. This study employed a pre- and postmeasure design with 168 middle school students with disabilities who were assigned to an experimental group ( n = 86) and control group ( n = 82). The results of the study demonstrated that self-determination, self-efficacy, and outcome expectancy for education planning improved through the application of Rocket Reader . Avenues are discussed for promoting middle school students’ self-determination in their transition planning, as are implications for future research.
An Examination of Problem Behaviors and Reading Outcomes in Kindergarten Students
Authors: Hagan-Burke Shanna , Kwok Oi-man , Zou Yuanyuan , Johnson Caitlin , Simmons Deborah , Coyne Michael D.
Published: January 2010

This study examined the influences of problem behaviors on kindergarten reading outcomes and investigated the extent to which explicit, code-based reading instruction moderated those relations among 206 children identified as being at risk of reading difficulty. Children from the classrooms of 57 kindergarten teachers in 12 schools were randomly assigned to an early reading intervention program or school-determined comparison intervention. In both conditions, children received 30 minutes of small-group supplementary reading instruction for 21 weeks. Findings from multilevel modeling revealed many associations between problem behaviors and reading outcomes for children in both conditions. Interaction analyses indicated that explicit, code-based reading intervention moderated the negative impact of externalizing problem behavior on end-of-kindergarten measures of alphabet knowledge, phonemic blending, and word reading. This type of intensive systematic reading instruction also moderated the influence of hyperactivity on children’s alphabet knowledge and phonemic blending. There were no moderator effects for internalizing problem behavior.
Reputation as an Intangible Asset: Reflections on Theory and Methods in Two Empirical Studies of Business School Reputations
Authors: Rindova Violina P. , Williamson Ian O. , Petkova Antoaneta P.
Published: January 2010

In this commentary, two studies of reputation that use different theoretical perspectives and modeling strategies to analyze the same data are compared. The purpose of the commentary is twofold: (a) to articulate the consequences of different modeling strategies for studying organizational reputation empirically and (b) to highlight some core theoretical issues concerning the attributes of reputation as an intangible asset. It is hoped that the commentary will provide some guiding points for future research seeking to develop a better understanding of reputation as an intangible asset.
Managing Employee Withdrawal During Organizational Change
Authors: Fugate Mel , Prussia Gregory E. , Kinicki Angelo J.
Published: January 2010

This article examines antecedents and consequences of employees’ threat appraisal during organizational change. Positive change orientation and change-related fairness are examined as antecedents of threat appraisal and multiple forms of employee withdrawal as outcomes (intentions to quit, voluntary turnover, and absenteeism). Structural equation results show negative relationships between threat appraisals and positive change orientation (change self-efficacy, positive attitudes toward change, and perceived control of changes) and change-related fairness (distributive, procedural, and interactive). Threat appraisals are positively related to absenteeism and intentions to quit, which predict voluntary turnover. Threat appraisals have differential intervening effects on relationships between the antecedents and outcomes.
Regulatory Focus and Opportunism in the Alliance Development Process
Authors: Das T.K. , Kumar Rajesh
Published: January 2010

The authors examine the motivational determinants of interfirm alliance behavior through the sociocognitive principle of regulatory focus, with particular reference to the role of opportunism at the formation, operation, and outcome stages of alliance development. Regulatory focus pertains to whether an organization engages with the external world to achieve positive outcomes (promotion focus) or to avoid negative outcomes (prevention focus). The authors believe that the motivational orientations of the alliancing firms play key roles in shaping tolerance for opportunism, and they argue, broadly, that alliance firms with a promotion regulatory focus will be more tolerant of their partners’ opportunistic behavior than alliance firms with a prevention regulatory focus. Propositions are developed regarding the linkages between the regulatory focus of an alliance firm and its sensitivity to partner opportunism in the different stages of alliance development. The authors discuss further research directions and the managerial implications of their analysis.
Reserve-driven flow control for extracorporeal life support: proof of principle
Authors: Simons AP , Reesink KD , Lancé MD , van der Nagel T. , van der Veen FH , Weerwind PW , Maessen JG
Published: January 2010

Extracorporeal life support systems lack volume-buffering capacity. Therefore, any decrease in venous intravascular volume available for drainage may result in acutely reduced support flow. We recently developed a method to quantify drainable volume and now conceived a reserve-driven pump control strategy, which is different from existing pressure or flow servo control schemes. Here, we give an outline of the algorithm and present animal experimental data showing proof of principle. With an acute reduction in circulatory volume (10-15%), pump flow immediately dropped from 4.1 to 1.9 l/min. Our pump control algorithm was able to restore bypass flow to 3.2 l/min (about 80% of the original level) and, thereby, reduced the duration of the low-flow condition. This demonstrates that a reserve-driven pump control strategy, based on the continuous monitoring of drainable volume, may maintain extracorporeal circulatory support flow, despite serious changes in filling conditions.
Cerebral Toxoplasmosis in Striped Dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) Stranded Along the Ligurian Sea Coast of Italy
Authors: Di Guardo G. , Proietto U. , Di Francesco C. E. , Marsilio F. , Zaccaroni A. , Scaravelli D. , Mignone W. , Garibaldi F. , Kennedy S. , Forster F. , Iulini B. , Bozzetta E. , Casalone C.
Published: January 2010

This article reports the results of necropsy, parasitologic, microbiologic, histopathologic, immunohistochemical, indirect immunofluorescence, biomolecular, and serologic investigations on 8 striped dolphins ( Stenella coeruleoalba) found stranded from August to December 2007 on the Ligurian Sea coast of Italy. Severe, nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis was found in 4 animals, as characterized by prominent perivascular mononuclear cell cuffing and macrophage accumulations in neuropil. These lesions were associated with mild lymphocytic–plasmacytic infiltration of choroid plexuses in 1 dolphin. Toxoplasma gondii cysts and zoites, confirmed by immunohistochemical labeling, were scattered throughout the brain parenchyma of 2 of the 4 dolphins. No viral inclusions were seen in the brain of any animal. Other findings included severe bronchointerstitial pneumonia and pulmonary atelectasis, consolidation, and emphysema. Parasites were identified in a variety of organs, including lung ( Halocerchus lagenorhynchi). Microbiologic and serologic examinations for Brucella spp were negative on all 8 dolphins. The 4 animals with meningoencephalitis had serum antibodies against T gondii (titers ranging from 1:80 to 1:320) but not against morbillivirus. In contrast, the other 4 dolphins were seropositive for morbillivirus (with titers ranging from 1:10 to 1:40) but seronegative for T gondii. No morbillivirus antigen or nucleic acid was detected in the tissues of any dolphin. It is concluded that the severe lung and brain lesions were the cause of death and that T gondii was the likely etiologic agent of the cerebral lesions. Morbillivirus infection was not considered to have contributed to death of these animals.
Morphologic and Cytokine Profile Characterization of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Infection in Calves With Bovine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency
Authors: Nunes J. S. , Lawhon S. D. , Rossetti C. A. , Khare S. , Figueiredo J. F. , Gull T. , Burghardt R. C. , Bäumler A. J. , Tsolis R. M. , Andrews-Polymenis H. L. , Adams L. G.
Published: January 2010

The role of neutrophils in the pathogenesis of Salmonella enterica Typhimurium–induced ruminant and human enteritis and diarrhea has yet to be characterized with in vivo models. To address this question, the in vivo bovine ligated ileal loop model of nontyphoidal salmonellosis was used in calves with the naturally occurring bovine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (BLAD) mutation whose neutrophils are unable to extravasate and infiltrate the extravascular matrix. Data obtained from 4 BLAD Holstein calves homozygous for BLAD (CD18–), 1 to 5 weeks of age, were compared with 4 controls, age-matched Holstein calves negative for BLAD (CD18+). Morphologic studies revealed that infection of CD18– calves with S Typhimurium resulted in no significant tissue infiltration by neutrophils, less tissue damage, reduced luminal fluid accumulation, and increased bacterial invasion, when compared with CD18+ calves. Ultrastructurally, lesions in enterocytes induced by S Typhimurium infection in CD18– calves—including attachment and disruption of the brush border, apical membrane ruffling formation, and cellular degeneration—were similar to the ones reported in the literature for CD18– calves. Study of cytokine gene expression by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that early stages of acute infection (4-8 hours postinfection) were associated with increased interleukin 8 gene expression in the absence of tissue influx of neutrophils in CD18– calves, whereas later stages of infection (12 hours postinfection) were associated with increased expression of growth-related oncogene α in the presence of neutrophil influx in CD18+ calves. In contrast, the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 1β and tumor necrosis factor α were poorly correlated with the presence or absence of tissue neutrophils.
Spontaneous Regression of Congenital Cutaneous Hemangiomas in a Calf
Authors: Priestnall S. L. , De Bellis F. , Bond R. , Alony-Gilboa Y. , Summers B. A.
Published: January 2010

Congenital vascular tumors of the skin have been described in people and a few animals, but unlike infantile hemangiomas in children, spontaneous regression has not been described in animals. A 2-day-old male Belgian Blue cross calf was presented for multiple congenital cutaneous masses that were soft, alopecic, and hyperemic; the calf had no other apparent abnormalities. Two weeks later, one mass had regressed. Surgical excision of one of the remaining masses was performed; histopathologic and immunohistochemical findings were considered diagnostic for epithelioid hemangioma. Eight months following initial presentation, all the masses had regressed spontaneously. This constitutes the first account in the veterinary literature of spontaneous regression in a congenital vascular tumor.
Citrobacter-Induced Colitis in Mice With Murine Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Authors: Fredrickson T. N. , Hartley J. W. , Morse H. C.
Published: January 2010

Over the period of a year, colitis was observed in 44 mice raised in a conventional nonspecific pathogen–free colony, 41 of these having concomitant retrovirus–induced murine acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (MAIDS). The lesions varied from bacterial colonization to hyperplasia of colonic mucosa to severe, often fatal, ulceration. Citrobacter rodentium was isolated from the colon and/or liver of 2 mice with colitis. When C57BL/6 mice with or without MAIDS were given graded doses of the bacterium, only those with MAIDS developed colitis, and C rodentium was reisolated from their livers. Thus, mice with MAIDS can develop severe disease following opportunistic infection with an environmental contaminant of the colony that is nonpathogenic for normal adult mice.
Prevalence of Hepatic Parasites in Korean Wild Rats (Rattus norvegicus) and Their Association With Pulmonary Arteriolar Medial Hypertrophy
Authors: Yi J.-Y. , Kim Y.-H. , Kim H.-C. , Hahn T.-W. , Jeong H. , Choi C.-U. , Woo G.-H. , Kim Y.-B. , Han J.-H. , Yoon B.-I.
Published: January 2010

C hepatica, an important zoonotic parasite, and C fasciolaris are common parasites in rodents. In rodent livers, C hepatica causes sequential morphologic changes that are designated as early, intermediate, or late phase, and C fasciolaris forms cysts surrounded by fibroplasia and granulomatous inflammation. The present study describes the prevalence of these parasites and associated liver and lung lesions in wild rats ( Rattus norvegicus) living around pig farms in South Korea. Selected parenchymal organs, including liver and lung, of 89 wild rats were examined. Of 89 rats, 28 (31.5%) were infected with either C hepatica or C fasciolaris or with both parasites. Severe medial hypertrophy of small arterioles was observed in the lungs of 11 of the 28 parasite-infected rats ( P < .01). The pulmonary arteriolar hypertrophy in the rats infected with C hepatica was strongly associated with early and/or intermediate phases (88.8%) of morphologic change in the livers ( P < .01). As such, this report is the first to suggest a significant association between parasite-induced hepatitis and pulmonary arteriolar hypertrophy in rodents. Further studies are warranted for the use of C hepatica–infected rats as an animal model to explore the underlying mechanisms of portopulmonary hypertension in humans.
Skate Parks as a Context for Adolescent Development
Authors: Bradley Graham L.
Published: January 2010

All people influence, and are influenced by, the contexts they inhabit. Leisure contexts are no exception. The current research comprised three studies investigating the links between one leisure context, skate parks, and adolescent development. Using interview, observation, and questionnaire methods, the research shed light on several of the demographic, psychosocial, and subcultural correlates of skate park use. Despite polarized attitudes to skate parks, parks users reported levels of personal adjustment and social integration similar to those of other adolescents. The research illustrates the need to distinguish between different types of unstructured youth leisure activities, with those activities that occur within the unstructured context of a skate park shown to offer considerable potential for positive youth development.
Emerging Adult Civic and Political Disengagement: A Longitudinal Analysis of Lack of Involvement With Politics
Authors: Snell Patricia
Published: January 2010

Political engagement among U.S. emerging adults aged 18 to 24 was examined via quantitative and qualitative data. The data analyzed are from the National Study of Youth and Religion (NSYR). The NSYR consists of three waves of a nationally representative (a) telephone survey (Wave 1 n = 4,161), (b) in-person interviews (Wave 3 n = 230) collected with adolescents and emerging adults, and (c) in the first wave, their parents ( n = 3,235). Third-wave interview transcripts are examined for descriptions of political engagement. Findings indicate that emerging adults are generally politically disengaged. Political engagement is disaggregated into six types based on levels of and motivations for political engagement. A number of hypotheses are examined for explanations of political involvement variance. Voluntary association participation, religious practices, political affiliation, and parental political engagement are found to be insufficient explanations. Results indicate that individualized moral beliefs are a significant predictor of political engagement, especially certain types of disengagement.
American Identity Revisited: The Relation Between National, Ethnic, and Personal Identity in a Multiethnic Sample of Emerging Adults
Authors: Rodriguez Liliana , Schwartz Seth J. , Krauss Whitbourne Susan
Published: January 2010

The present mixed-methods study investigated meanings and affective valences ascribed to “American identity” and the ways in which these meanings and valences relate to ethnic and personal identity. The data were collected from 2004 to 2006 and used a multiethnic sample of 287 college students residing in Miami, Florida. Subjective meanings of American identity were assessed using four qualitative questions that were coded thematically: characteristics that define the typical American, characteristics that describe ways in which one is American, qualities that make one something other than American, and the degree to which one feels American. Results suggested many similarities, along with some differences, across ethnic groups. In terms of how American one feels, ethnic minorities felt less American than Whites and believed that, regardless of their citizenship, they are not perceived as American. Responses suggested that participants believed that to be American, one must sacrifice a connection to family and community. Continuing to examine the relationship between national, ethnic, and personal identity will help us better understand how emerging adults make sense of their social world and manage difficult choices about their identities.
Elevation Leads to Altruistic Behavior
Authors: Schnall Simone , Roper Jean , Fessler Daniel M.T.
Published: January 2010

Feelings of elevation, elicited by witnessing another person perform a good deed, have been hypothesized to motivate a desire to help others. However, despite growing interest in the determinants of prosocial behavior, there is only limited evidence that elevation leads to increases in altruistic behavior. In two experiments, we tested the relationship between elevation and helping behavior. Prior to measuring helping behavior, we measured elevation among participants in an elevation-inducing condition and control conditions in order to determine whether witnessing altruistic behavior elicited elevation. In Experiment 1, participants experiencing elevation were more likely to volunteer for a subsequent unpaid study than were participants in a neutral state. In Experiment 2, participants experiencing elevation spent approximately twice as long helping the experimenter with a tedious task as participants experiencing mirth or a neutral emotional state. Further, feelings of elevation, but not feelings of amusement or happiness, predicted the amount of helping. Together, these results provide evidence that witnessing another person’s altruistic behavior elicits elevation, a discrete emotion that, in turn, leads to tangible increases in altruism.
Good Lamps Are the Best Police
Authors: Zhong Chen-Bo , Bohns Vanessa K. , Gino Francesca
Published: January 2010

Darkness can conceal identity and encourage moral transgressions; it may also induce a psychological feeling of illusory anonymity that disinhibits dishonest and self-interested behavior regardless of actual anonymity. Three experiments provided empirical evidence supporting this prediction. In Experiment 1, participants in a room with slightly dimmed lighting cheated more and thus earned more undeserved money than those in a well-lit room. In Experiment 2, participants wearing sunglasses behaved more selfishly than those wearing clear glasses. Finally, in Experiment 3, an illusory sense of anonymity mediated the relationship between darkness and self-interested behaviors. Across all three experiments, darkness had no bearing on actual anonymity, yet it still increased morally questionable behaviors. We suggest that the experience of darkness, even when subtle, may induce a sense of anonymity that is not proportionate to actual anonymity in a given situation.
The Roots of Bilingualism in Newborns
Authors: Byers-Heinlein Krista , Burns Tracey C. , Werker Janet F.
Published: January 2010

The first steps toward bilingual language acquisition have already begun at birth. When tested on their preference for English versus Tagalog, newborns whose mothers spoke only English during pregnancy showed a robust preference for English. In contrast, newborns whose mothers spoke both English and Tagalog regularly during pregnancy showed equal preference for both languages. A group of newborns whose mothers had spoken both Chinese and English showed an intermediate pattern of preference for Tagalog over English. Preference for two languages does not suggest confusion between them, however. Study 2 showed that both English monolingual newborns and Tagalog-English bilingual newborns could discriminate English from Tagalog. The same perceptual and learning mechanisms that support acquisition in a monolingual environment thus also naturally support bilingual acquisition.
Cryptococcosis in systemic lupus erythematosus: a series of six cases
Authors: González LA , Vásquez G. , Restrepo JP , Velásquez M. , Ramírez LA
Published: January 2010

The aims of this study were to describe the clinical features of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who developed cryptococcal infection and ascertain their outcomes when treated with glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive agents in conjunction with long-term maintenance antifungal therapy. Six cases of cryptococcal infection in SLE were reviewed retrospectively. The mean age at the time of infection was 26.3 (11.7) years. Three patients had active SLE and all were receiving glucocorticoids [median prednisone dose of 40 (21.2—60.0) mg/day] at the time of infection diagnosis. Concomitant cytotoxic agents were used in five patients. Meningitis was the most common clinical manifestation (n = 5) and cryptococcemia was found in three cases. The patient, who developed pulmonary cryptococcosis, died from respiratory distress syndrome. All patients received induction anti-fungal therapy with amphotericin B and the five surviving patients switched to oral fluconazole indefinitely as maintenance therapy and none of them has had relapses of cryptococcal infection to last medical evaluation. As SLE patients have intrinsic abnormalities of cell-mediated immunity and receive immunosuppressive therapy, indefinite maintenance therapy with fluconazole is recommended in SLE patients with cryptococcosis. Lupus (2010) 19, 639—645.
Use of rituximab in the treatment of refractory systemic lupus erythematosus: Singapore experience
Authors: Lateef A. , Lahiri M. , Teng GG , Vasoo S.
Published: January 2010

We performed a retrospective study of 10 patients with refractory systemic lupus erythematosus treated with rituximab to determine the efficacy, safety and impact on hospitalization days. Patients received rituximab according to a standardized protocol, all achieved B-cell depletion with clinical improvement in nine patients. At 12 months, BILAG scores improved significantly from a median of 13.5 (range 3—20) at baseline to 1 (range 0—27) (p < 0.05). There was significant reduction in urinary total protein excretion with stabilization of renal function in patients with nephritis. Two out of three patients with thrombocytopenia had normalization of platelet counts. The median duration of B-cell depletion was 6 months (range 6—18). Two patients required retreatment and responded well. There were no adverse outcomes following rituximab therapy. Patients with lupus nephritis spent a median of 17.1 days per year (range 1.9—49) in hospital on conventional treatment which was reduced to 0 days (range 0—14.8, p = 0.027) post-rituximab treatment. The cost of hospitalization was 5989 Singapore dollars per patient-year while on conventional treatment and 5792 Singapore dollars per patient-year post-rituximab. This study adds to the growing literature of rituximab efficacy with potential cost saving in lupus nephritis.
Predictors of the rate of change in disease activity over time in LUMINA, a multiethnic US cohort of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: LUMINA LXX
Authors: Zhang J. , González LA , Roseman JM , Vilá LM , Reveille JD , Alárcon GS
Published: January 2010

The objectives of the present study were (1) to clarify and quantify the relationship between age and disease duration with the rate of change in disease activity over time in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and (2) to explore other possible factors associated with this rate of change. To this end, SLE patients from LUMINA were studied if they had at least three visits in which disease activity (Systemic Lupus Activity Measure—Revised [SLAM-R]) had been ascertained. Variables associated with the rate (slope) of change in disease activity (obtained by regressing the SLAM-R score against the length of time from diagnosis to visit date) were examined by univariable and multivariable analyses. Five hundred and forty two of the 632 patients had at least three SLAM-R score. In multivariable analyses, Whites exhibited the fastest decline in disease activity, Texan Hispanics exhibited the slowest, trailed by the African Americans. Longer disease duration and HLA-DRB1*1503 positivity were associated with a slower decline whereas a greater number of American College of Rheumatology criteria and abnormal laboratory parameters (white blood cell counts, hematocrit and serum creatinine) were associated with a faster decline. These findings complement existing knowledge on SLE disease activity and are potentially useful to clinicians managing these patients. Lupus (2010) 19, 727—733.
The role of endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Davey R. , Bamford J. , Emery P.
Published: January 2010

Neuropsychiatric manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus are common and disabling yet their pathogenesis is poorly understood. We investigated the role of cerebrovascular endothelial dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus and its neuropsychiatric manifestations. Subjects with systemic lupus erythematosus were recruited prospectively along with matched healthy control subjects. The presence of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus syndromes was ascertained according to standard definitions. Cerebrovascular reactivity, an indicator of endothelial function, was measured using transcranial Doppler ultrasound. Sixty-one subjects (58 female, 3 male) with systemic lupus erythematosus and 70 control subjects were assessed. Sixty patients (98%) reported at least one neuropsychiatric manifestation, the most prevalent being headache and cognitive dysfunction. There was no significant difference in cerebrovascular reactivity between cases and controls (3.06 vs 3.06, p=0.99). Subjects with systemic lupus erythematosus and a history of stroke and/or transient ischaemic attack had significantly higher cerebrovascular reactivity than those without (3.99 vs 2.79, p = 0.007). No association was found between the presence of other neuropsychiatric syndromes or systemic lupus erythematosus-related variables and altered cerebrovascular reactivity. In conclusion, cerebrovascular endothelial dysfunction is not present in the majority of subjects with systemic lupus erythematosus. However, the role of endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of stroke and transient ischaemic attack in systemic lupus erythematosus merits further investigation. Lupus (2010) 19, 797—802.
Metabolic syndrome in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: association with traditional risk factors for coronary heart disease and lupus characteristics
Authors: Telles RW , Lanna CCD , Ferreira GA , Ribeiro AL
Published: January 2010

The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) in patients with SLE and to analyze the association of MetS with traditional risk factors for CHD and lupus characteristics. In this cross-sectional study the frequency of MetS was determined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III in patients with SLE. The association of MetS with the traditional risk factors for CHD not included in the syndrome definition, and with lupus characteristics was examined. The mean age (sd) of the 162 females patients was 38.8(11.2) years. The frequency of MetS was 32.1%. Abdominal obesity and hypertension were the two most common components of the syndrome (86.5% each) followed by low levels of HDL-cholesterol (84.6%), hypertriglyceridemia (69.2%) and hyperglycemia (15.4%). MetS was significantly associated with older age, family history of CHD, obesity, postmenopausal status, LDL-c ≥100mg/dl, and higher Framingham risk score. Lupus characteristics associated with MetS were history of nephrotic proteinuria during follow-up and current cyclophosphamide use, higher modified SLEDAI-2k, higher damage index score (SLICC/ACR), and older age at lupus diagnosis. In the logistic regression analysis, obesity, LDL-c ≥100mg/dl, older age at lupus diagnosis, higher damage index and nephrotic proteinuria were independently associated with MetS. We conclude that MetS diagnosis was frequent in patients with lupus. The syndrome was associated not only with traditional risk factors for CHD, confirming the clustering of those risk factors, but also with lupus characteristics. Some of those factors, especially LDL-c ≥100mg/dl and age at lupus diagnosis, have been associated with atherosclerosis in lupus patients. Lupus (2010) 19, 803—809.
Defective phenotype of mesenchymal stem cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Nie Y. , Lau CS , Lie AKW , Chan GCF , Mok MY
Published: January 2010

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been considered as stem cell disorder. The objective of this study was to examine the phenotype, growth and immunomodulatory effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from SLE patients compared with those from age- and sex-matched healthy donors. MSCs were expanded from bone marrow aspirate and were examined for morphological appearance, quantified in different passages to determine growth rate and evaluated for ability of adipogenesis and osteogenesis. Telomerase activity was measured by telomerase repeat amplification protocol. The immunomodulatory effect of MSCs was evaluated by mixed lymphocyte reaction. MSCs from SLE patients were found to be bigger and flattened in appearance after passage 3 and demonstrated slower growth rate compared with fibroblast-like MSCs from normal controls. These cells were not able to reach confluence after passage 4. Telomerase activity was upregulated in five SLE patients mostly with active disease compared with two with negative expression with lesser activity. MSCs from SLE patients were, otherwise, comparable to normal controls in terms of their surface marker (CD73, CD90 and CD105) expression and extent of suppression on proliferation of allogeneic T lymphocytes. In conclusion, MSCs from SLE demonstrated early signs of senescence which may be a corollary of active lupus or a contributory factor to disease pathogenesis. Lupus (2010) 19, 850—859.
Articulating the signs of danger: Lay experiences of post-Chernobyl radiation risks and effects
Authors: Kuchinskaya Olga
Published: January 2010

This essay examines lay experiences of radiation—the hazard imperceptible with unaided senses—and how these experiences are shaped. Analysis is conducted on the basis of participant observation and interviews in Belarusian rural areas affected after the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident. I argue that radiation risks and health effects are not always obvious or immediately observable for those experiencing them, and they should be articulated. The paper compares various opportunities for articulation, including the context of radiological testing and administrative contexts, and describes the kinds of articulations they make possible. I conclude that limited opportunities for articulation result in limited lay recognition of radioactive contamination and their own health effects. The analysis implies that affected lay populations cannot always be assumed to be the most risk-conscious and hold special knowledge about radiation effects independently of scientific and administrative definitions of it.
Extending the reach of research as a public good: Moving beyond the paradox of “zero-sum language games”
Authors: Provençal Johanne
Published: January 2010

Extending the reach of research as a public good has become widely recognized as a policy priority for research funding organizations in many nations. Yet, there is little academic merit given to such work, presenting scholars with the paradox of a “zero-sum language game” in which they succeed in mobilizing knowledge across discourse communities—such as governments, industry, media, community organizations and the public—at the cost of their success within academic discourse communities. To illustrate this paradox, the article places some focus on the “knowledge mobilization” priority for the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) of Canada. The article offers an intersection of discourse theory and game theory to consider how members of academic discourse communities can be understood as players in language games, positioned to make “moves” that change the game-rules, that in turn, permit changes to what are recognized as legitimate, academic discursive practices.
To frame is to explain: A deductive frame-analysis of Dutch and French climate change coverage during the annual UN Conferences of the Parties
Authors: Dirikx Astrid , Gelders Dave
Published: January 2010

This study examines the way Dutch and French newspapers frame climate change during the annual United Nations Conferences of the Parties. The methods used in previous studies on the framing of climate change do not allow for general cross-national comparisons. We conduct a quantitative deductive framing analysis on 257 quality Dutch and French newspaper articles between 2001 and 2007. Both countries’ newspapers seem to frame climate change through mainly the same lens. The majority of the articles make reference to the consequences of the (non-)pursuit of a certain course of action and of possible losses and gains (consequences frame). Additionally, many articles mention the need for urgent actions, refer to possible solutions and suggest that governments are responsible for and/or capable of alleviating climate change problems (responsibility frame). Finally, the conflict frame was found to be used less often than the aforementioned frames, but more regularly than the human interest frame.
Look-alike, sound-alike drugs in oncology
Authors: Kovacic Laurel , Chambers Carole
Published: January 2010

Background. Medication errors with oncology drugs can place cancer patients at risk for adverse events or death. Look-alike, sound-alike (LASA) drug names may increase the risk for errors. Published lists of LASA drug names are generally a result of voluntarily reported medication incidents. This study performed a proactive review of the oncology drug formulary from the Cancer Services of the Alberta Health Services for LASA drug pairs.

Methods. The Levenshtein Distance and Bigram Similarity algorithms, same first and last letters, and Lexi-CompR on-line alerts were used to review the outpatient oncology formulary to identify potential LASA generic drug name pairs.

Results. Results indicate there are more potential LASA generic drug name pairs in the oncology formulary than are published in the literature. The risk detection methods used in this study identified unique and common LASA drug pairs. The Bigram Similarity algorithm identified 186 LASA drug pairs from 3320 possible pairs. The Levenshtein Distance algorithm, same first and last letters, and Lexi-CompR methods identified 42, 75, and 38 LASA drug pairs, respectively. Five generic LASA drug pairs were identified in common by all four of the risk determination methods.

Discussion. LASA drug pairs identified by three or four methods were considered to provide the highest risk for errors. A step-wise approach to risk reduction, dependent on the number of detection methods identifying a pair, is presented.

Conclusion. For specialty areas of practice, a proactive system of reviewing LASA drug name pairs may be warranted for increasing medication safety. J Oncol Pharm Practice (2011) 17: 104— 118.
Successful treatment of ifosfamide neurotoxicity with dexmedetomidine
Authors: Bernard Philip A , McCabe Tara , Bayliff Sherry , Hayes Don
Published: January 2010

Neurotoxicity related to the use of ifosfamide is a well-known complication. While the use of methylene blue is a known antidote, symptomatic treatment of the central nervous system (CNS) effects can be challenging. We present a case of class IV neurotoxicity with the successful treatment of symptomology. In this case report we present a 2-year-old female with relapsed alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma undergoing palliative chemotherapy. Patient received ifosfamide in addition to etoposide and mesna. The patient developed acute hallucinations, agitation, and delirium. The patient was transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit where she was administered dexmedetomidine overnight in addition to methylene blue. The patient awoke the next morning following discontinuation of the dexmedetomidine infustion and subsequently had no further central nervous system effects. This case demonstrates the novel use of an alpha-2 agonist in the treatment of neurotoxicity related to ifosfamide administration.
The Local Conditions of Uniqueness and Plastic Strain Localization Part I: Determination of the Critical Hardening Moduli for Some Elastoplastic Materials
Authors: Śloderbach Z. , Pajak J.
Published: January 2010

The classical, most frequently cited constitutive equations of elastic—plastic materials with non-associated and associated plastic flow laws are specified. Local sufficient uniqueness conditions for the solution of the boundary-value problem and local necessary conditions of initiation of deformation localization in the form of a Rice—Rudnicki localization plane are derived. We show that sufficient local uniqueness conditions for these constitutive equations with sign (≤) on the right-hand side become local necessary conditions of non-uniqueness of the solution of the boundary-value problem.
Attitudes and behavior of peripheral arterial disease patients toward influencing their physician’s prescription of cholesterol-lowering medication
Authors: McDermott Mary M , Mazor Kathleen M , Reed George , Pagoto Sherry , Graff Rex , Merriam Philip , Kibbe Melina , Greenland Philip , Ockene Judy , Olendzki Barbara , Huimin Tao  , Ockene Ira
Published: January 2010

Among 355 peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients with low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels ≥ 70 mg/dl, we assessed knowledge regarding optimal LDL levels and the importance of LDL-C-lowering therapy. We also assessed PAD participants’ behaviors and attitudes regarding their engagement with their physician in treatment decisions for LDL-C lowering. The average baseline LDL-C level of participants was 103.4 mg/dl ± 30.7 mg/dl. Seventy-six percent of participants were taking at least one cholesterol-lowering medication. Sixty-six percent were unable to define their optimal LDL-C. Only 47% strongly agreed that their own actions and decisions could reduce their LDL-C. Just 29.8% were aware that patients who request specific medications from their physician were more likely to receive them, and 16% had asked their physician whether they should be taking more cholesterol-lowering medication. These findings suggest that further study is needed to identify effective interventions to educate PAD patients and their physicians about the importance of cholesterol-lowering therapy and to encourage PAD patients to participate with their physician in decisions regarding cholesterol-lowering treatment. Clinical Trial Registration - URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00217919
Children with intellectual disability: A gain not a loss: Parental beliefs and family life
Authors: Durà-Vilà Glòria , Dein Simon , Hodes Matthew
Published: January 2010

Raising a child with intellectual disability (ID) has significant consequences for parents and family. The impact of the disability has been found to be influenced by the sociocultural context. This paper aims to show how for some parents the experience of an offspring with ID is not interpreted as a loss but as a gain because of the parents’ attribution of sacred meaning. It is suggested that these beliefs influence parental care, and are related to a high level of parental concern and closeness. This has implications for family relationships and life-cycle, as well as help-seeking and service uptake. The article provides a brief review of relevant research studies, a description of two illustrative case reports and discussion, including possible future research directions.