bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benefits of a Well-Structured Diagnostic Process in Colon Cancer
Authors: Klemann Victor M.W.T. , Wolters Frank L. , Konsten Joop L.M.
Published: February 2011

Introduction: Preoperative work-up in colorectal cancer is comprehensive and can be time consuming. In our institution, the preoperative track for colorectal patients was reorganized in order to reduce the therapeutic delay and the number of outpatient clinic visits. We assessed the impact upon the patient outcomes. Methods: All consecutive patients with colon cancer who entered the reorganized preoperative track between January 2008 and December 2009 (n = 87) were retrospectively compared with a consecutively diagnosed traditionally evaluated patient group diagnosed between January 2005 and December 2006 (n = 108). Time between diagnostic procedures and surgery as well as needed number of preoperative outpatient department visits were calculated. All rectal malignancies, patients who received preoperative chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy and patients who underwent emergency procedures were excluded from analysis. Results: Time between colonoscopy and surgery was reduced from [median (25–75%)] 44 (34–54) to 27 (21–34) days, p < 0.001. The number of outpatient department visits declined from 6 (5–7) to 3 (3–4), p < 0.001. Time between first diagnostic test and colonoscopy was reduced from 44 (11–68) to 9 days (0–30), p < 0.001. Time between first diagnostic test and operation was reduced from 85.5 (56–120.5) to 42 days (28–62), p < 0.001. Before the reorganizations, 7% of colonoscopies were ordered by GPs and went up afterwards to 60%. Conclusion: Reorganization of traditional logistic routes for patients diagnosed with colon cancer reduces therapeutic delay and improves care. Moreover, the surgeon, gastroenterologist and oncologist can focus on the oncologic patient and his/her family instead of having to perform administrative tasks.
Cervical or Thoracic Anastomosis after Esophagectomy for Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Biere S.S.A.Y. , Maas K.W. , Cuesta M.A. , van der Peet D.L.
Published: February 2011

Background: Cervical anastomosis and thoracic anastomosis are used for gastric tube reconstruction after esophagectomy for cancer. This systematic review was conducted in order to identify randomized trials that compare cervical with thoracic anastomosis. Methods: A literature search for randomized trials was performed in the following databases: Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library. Results: A total of 4 trials were included. All studies had a small sample size and were of moderate quality. One trial was excluded from the meta-analysis. The following outcomes were significantly associated with a cervical anastomosis: recurrent laryngeal nerve trauma (OR: 7.14; 95% CI: 1.75–29.14; p = 0.006) and anastomotic leakage (OR: 3.43; 95% CI: 1.09–10.78; p = 0.03). None of the following outcomes were associated with the location of the anastomosis: pulmonary complications (OR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.13–5.59; p = 0.87), perioperative mortality (OR: 1.24; 95% CI: 0.35–4.41; p = 0.74), benign stricture formation (OR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.17–3.87; p = 0.79) or tumor recurrence (OR: 2.01; 95% CI: 0.68–5.91; p = 0.21). Conclusion: Cervical anastomosis could be associated with a higher leak rate and recurrent nerve trauma. However, the currently available randomized evidence is limited. Further randomized trials are needed to provide sufficient evidence for the preferred location of the anastomosis after esophagectomy.
Accuracy of Multislice Liver CT and MRI for Preoperative Assessment of Colorectal Liver Metastases after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: van Kessel C.S. , van Leeuwen M.S. , van den Bosch M.A.A.J. , Borel Rinkes I.H.M. , Mali W.P.T.M. , Westers P. , van Hillegersberg R.
Published: February 2011

Introduction: To determine the best imaging modality for preoperative detection, characterization and measurement of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Methods: A total of 79 lesions in 15 patients with CRLM were included. Following NAC, all patients received multislice liver CT (MSCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that were scored by two observers for lesion number, type, diameter (mm) and segmental location. Intraoperative findings, histopathology and follow-up imaging were used as reference standard for surgically treated patients; non-surgical candidates underwent follow-up imaging. Results: Lesion detection rate was similar for MSCT and MRI (76 and 80%, respectively, p = 0.648). Lesion characterization was significantly superior (p = 0.021) at MRI (89%, ĸ 0.747, p = 0.001) compared to MSCT (77%, ĸ 0.235, p = 0.005). Interobserver variability for diameter measurement was not significant at MRI (p = 0.909 [95% CI –1.245 to 1.395]), but significant at MSCT (p = 0.028 [95% CI –3.349 to –2.007]). Differences in diameter measurement were independent of observer (p = 0.131), and no statistical effect from imaging modality on diameter measurement was observed (p = 0.095). Conclusion: MRI is superior to MSCT in preoperative characterization and measurement of CRLM after NAC. Lesion detection rates for both modalities are comparable.
Laparoscopic Resection of Bismuth Type I and II Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma: An Audit of 14 Cases from Two Institutions
Authors: Yu Hong , Wu Shuo-dong , Chen De-xing , Zhu Gang
Published: February 2011

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic resection of Bismuth type I and II hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Background: Laparoscopic resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma is uncommon. Method: Fourteen cases of Bismuth type I and II hilar cholangiocarcinoma were selected for laparoscopic resection. Eight cases involved local resection and 6 cases included partial hepatectomy. Results: The mean operating time and blood loss were 305 min and 386 ml, respectively. The R0 resection rate was 100 and 60% in patients with type I and II lesions, respectively. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 9 days and 19 days in patients with type I and II tumor, respectively. In-hospital mortality and morbidity were 0 and 35.7% (5 of 14 patients), respectively. Bile leakage occurred in 1 of 7 (14.3%) and 3 of 5 (60%) patients with type I and II tumors, respectively. Port-site metastases were found in 2 cases of type II tumor. The survival rate during a 20-month follow-up period was 85.7% (12 of 14 patients). Conclusion: Laparoscopic resection is a potential alternative to open surgery for appropriately selected patients with Bismuth type I hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Due to the lower R0 resection and more complications, the value of laparoscopic resection for patients with type II tumors needs further evaluation.
Visualization of Fine-Scale Genomic Structure by Oligonucleotide-Based High-Resolution FISH
Authors: Yamada N.A. , Rector L.S. , Tsang P. , Carr E. , Scheffer A. , Sederberg M.C. , Aston M.E. , Ach R.A. , Tsalenko A. , Sampas N. , Peter B. , Bruhn L. , Brothman A.R.
Published: February 2011

The discovery of complex structural variations that exist within individual genomes has prompted a need to visualize chromosomes at a higher resolution than previously possible. To address this concern, we established a robust, high-resolution fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) method that utilizes probes derived from high complexity libraries of long oligonucleotides (>150 mers) synthesized in massively parallel reactions. In silico selected oligonucleotides, targeted to only the most informative elements in 18 genomic regions of interest, eliminated the need for suppressive hybridization reagents. Because of the inherent flexibility in our probe design methods, we readily visualized regions as small as 6.7 kb with high specificity on human metaphase chromosomes, resulting in an overall success rate of 94%. Two-color FISH over a 479-kb duplication, initially reported as being identical in 2 individuals, revealed distinct 2-color patterns representing direct and inverted duplicons, demonstrating that visualization by high-resolution FISH provides further insight in the fine-scale complexity of genomic structures. The ability to design FISH probes for any sequenced genome along with the ease, reproducibility, and high level of accuracy of this technique suggests that it will be powerful for routine analysis of previously difficult genomic regions and structures.
Chromosome Homologies between Tsessebe (Damaliscus lunatus) and Chinese muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) Facilitate Tracing the Evolutionary History of Damaliscus (Bovidae, Antilopinae, Alcelaphini)
Authors: Huang L. , Jing M. , Nie W. , Robinson T.J. , Yang F.
Published: February 2011

Genome-wide homologies between the tsessebe (Damaliscus lunatus, 2n = 36) and Chinese muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi, 2n = 46) have been established by cross-species painting with Chinese muntjac chromosome paints. Twenty-two autosomal painting probes detected 35 orthologous segments in the tsessebe. Hybridization results confirmed that: (i) D. lunatus carries the (9;14) reciprocal translocation that has been proposed to be a derived chromosomal landmark shared by all species of the Antilopinae; (ii) the karyotype of D. lunatus can be derived almost exclusively from the bovid ancestral karyotype through 12 Robertsonian translocations involving 24 ancestral acrocentric autosomes; (iii) in addition to the Rb fusions, pericentric heterochromatic amplification has shaped the morphology of several of the D. lunatus chromosomes. Integrated analysis of these and published cytogenetic data on pecorans has allowed us to accurately discern the karyotype history of Damaliscus (D. lunatus; D. pygargus, 2n = 38; D. hunteri, 2n = 44). The phylogenomic relationships of 3 species reflected by specific chromosomal rearrangements were consistent with published phylogenies based on morphology, suggesting that chromosomal rearrangements have played an important role in speciation within the Alcelaphini, and that karyotype characters are valuable phylogenetic markers in this group.
Adapted T Cell Interferon-Gamma Release Assay for the Diagnosis of Pleural Tuberculosis
Authors: Ates Gungor , Yildiz Tekin , Ortakoylu Mediha Gonenc , Ozekinci Tuncer , Erturk Baykal , Akyildiz Levent , Caglar Emel
Published: February 2011

Background: Better and more rapid tests are needed for the diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE), given the known limitations of conventional diagnostic tests. Objectives: To estimate diagnostic accuracy of the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) test (and its components) using data-derived cutoffs in pleural fluid. Methods: The QFT-GIT test was performed on whole blood and pleural fluid from 43 patients with TPE and 29 control subjects (non-TPE). To achieve the objective, QFT-GIT test, estimating likelihood ratios and receiver operating curve analysis were performed. Results: The sensitivity and specificity using the QFT-GIT for the diagnosis of TPE were 48.8% and 79.3%, respectively, in pleural fluid. The best cutoff points for tuberculosis (TB) antigen, nil and TB antigen minus nil results were estimated at 0.70, 0.90 and 0.30 IU/ml, respectively. Area under the curve of TB antigen IFN-γ response was 0.86 (CI: 0.76–0.93), nil tube was 0.80 (CI: 0.69–0.89) and TB antigen minus nil tube was 0.82 (CI: 0.72–0.90). When the best cutoff scores of the nil tubes were set at this value, the results of a likelihood ratio of a positive and a negative test were 9.44 (7.4–12.0) and 0.37 (0.09–1.5), respectively. The percentages of indeterminate results in pleural fluid among the TPE cases were 42% (most of them caused by high nil IFN-γ values) using the QFT-GIT test. Conclusion: QFT-GIT test or its components have poor accuracy in the diagnosis of TPE, largely because of a high number of indeterminate results due to high background IFN-γ production in the TPE.
Pulmonary Vascular Response Patterns During Exercise in Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction Predict Exercise Capacity and Outcomes
Authors: Lewis Gregory D. , Murphy Ryan M. , Shah Ravi V. , Pappagianopoulos Paul P. , Malhotra Rajeev , Bloch Kenneth D. , Systrom David M. , Semigran Marc J.
Published: February 2011

Background—

Elevated resting pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) purports a poor prognosis. However, PAP response patterns to exercise in LVSD and their relationship to functional capacity and outcomes have not been characterized.

Methods and Results—

Sixty consecutive patients with LVSD (age 60±12 years, left ventricular ejection fraction 0.31±0.07, mean±SD) and 19 controls underwent maximum incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing with simultaneous hemodynamic monitoring. During low-level exercise (30 W), LVSD subjects, compared with controls, had greater augmentation in mean PAPs (15±1 versus 5±1 mm Hg), transpulmonary gradients (5±1 versus 1±1 mm Hg), and effective pulmonary artery elastance (0.05±0.02 versus −0.03±0.01 mm Hg/mL,
P
<0.0001 for all). A linear increment in PAP relative to work (0.28±0.12 mm Hg/W) was observed in 65% of LVSD patients, which exceeded that observed in controls (0.07±0.02 mm Hg/W,
P
<0.0001). Exercise capacity and survival was worse in patients with a PAP/watt slope above the median than in patients with a lower slope. In the remaining 35% of LVSD patients, exercise induced a steep initial increment in PAP (0.41±0.16 mm Hg/W) followed by a plateau. The plateau pattern, compared with a linear pattern, was associated with reduced peak V
o
2
(10.6±2.6 versus 13.1±4.0 mL · kg
−1
· min
−1
,
P
=0.005), lower right ventricular stroke work index augmentation with exercise (5.7±3.8 versus 9.7±5.0 g/m
2
,
P
=0.002), and increased mortality (hazard ratio 8.1, 95% CI 2.7 to 23.8,
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

A steep increment in PAP during exercise and failure to augment PAP throughout exercise are associated with decreased exercise capacity and survival in patients with LVSD, and may therefore represent therapeutic targets.

Clinical Trial Information—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00309790.
Comparison of Mass Spectrometry and Clinical Assay Measurements of Circulating Fragments of B-Type Natriuretic Peptide in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Miller Wayne L. , Phelps Mary A. , Wood Christina M. , Schellenberger Ute , Van Le Anh , Perichon Regis , Jaffe Allan S.
Published: February 2011

Background—

Multiple B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) fragments circulate in patients with heart failure (HF) but the types and relative quantities, particularly in relation to bioactive BNP 1-32, remain poorly defined. The purpose of the study was to relate clinically available BNP values with quantitative information on the concentration of pre-secretion and post-processed fragments of BNP detected by mass spectrometry.

Methods and Results—

Seventy Class I–IV patients were prospectively enrolled with blood drawn into tubes containing a preservative to protect against BNP degradation. Samples were analyzed by quantitative mass spectrometry (MS) immunoassay for intact BNP 1-32 and its fragments. Clinical BNP 1-2 was measured by standard clinical laboratory methods. ProBNP 1-108, corin, and clinically measured BNP levels were elevated, but MS BNP 1-32 levels were low and differed from clinical BNP (
P
=0.01). Intact MS BNP 1-32 correlated modestly with clinical BNP (
r
=0.46,
P
<0.001). MS BNP fragments 3-32, 4-32, and 5-32 demonstrated the best associations with clinical BNP; fragment 5-32 with a correlation coefficient of
r
=0.81 (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

ProBNP 1-108 is measured by clinical BNP assays and contributes to the cumulative results of the BNP assay. However, the observation that clinically measured BNP correlates best with MS degradation fragments and relatively poorly with MS BNP 1-32 suggests that a significant component of circulating clinical BNP is composed of such fragments that are known to demonstrate little biological activity. There appear to be multiple pathways involved in the dysregulation of proBNP in HF, and both the processing of proBNP and the downstream degradation to BNP 1-32 appear to be critical.
ATP Production Rate via Creatine Kinase or ATP Synthase In Vivo
Authors: Xiong Qiang , Du Fei , Zhu Xiaohong , Zhang Pengyuan , Suntharalingam Piradeep , Ippolito Joseph , Kamdar Forum D. , Chen Wei , Zhang Jianyi
Published: February 2011

Rationale:

31
P magnetization saturation transfer (MST) experiment is the most widely used method to study ATP metabolism kinetics. However, its lengthy data acquisition time greatly limits the wide biomedical applications in vivo, especially for studies requiring high spatial and temporal resolutions.

Objective:

We aimed to develop a novel superfast MST method that can accurately quantify ATP production rate constants (
k
f
) through creatine kinase (CK) or ATP synthase (ATPase) with 2 spectra.

Methods and Results:

The T
1
nom
(T
1
nominal) method uses a correction factor to compensate the partially relaxed MST experiments, thus allowing measurement of enzyme kinetics with an arbitrary repetition time and flip angle, which consequently reduces the data acquisition time of a transmurally differentiated CK
k
f
measurement by 91% as compared with the conventional method with spatial localization. The novel T
1
nom
method is validated theoretically with numeric simulation, and further verified with in vivo swine hearts, as well as CK and ATPase activities in rat brain at 9.4 Tesla. Importantly, the in vivo data from swine hearts demonstrate, for the first time, that within an observation window of 30 minutes, the inhibition of CK activity by iodoacetamide does not limit left ventricular chamber contractile function.

Conclusions:

A novel MST method for superfast examination of enzyme kinetics in vivo has been developed and verified theoretically and experimentally. In the in vivo normal heart, redundant multiple supporting systems of myocardial ATP production, transportation, and utilization exist, such that inhibition of one mechanism does not impair the normal left ventricular contractile performance.
Early Predictive Biomarkers for Lesion After Transient Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Berthet Carole , Lei Hongxia , Gruetter Rolf , Hirt Lorenz
Published: February 2011

Background and Purpose—

Despite the improving imaging techniques, it remains challenging to predict the outcome early after transient cerebral ischemia. The aim of this study was thus to identify early metabolic biomarkers for outcome prediction.

Methods—

We modeled transient ischemic attacks and strokes in mice. Using high-field MR spectroscopy, we correlated early changes in the neurochemical profile of the ischemic striatum with histopathologic alterations at a later time point.

Results—

A significant increase in glutamine was measured between 3 hours and 8 hours after all ischemic events followed by reperfusion independently of the outcome and can thus be considered as an indicator of recent transient ischemia. On the other hand, a reduction of the score obtained by summing the concentrations of N-acetyl aspartate, glutamate, and taurine was a good predictor of an irreversible lesion as early as 3 hours after ischemia.

Conclusions—

We identified biomarkers of reversible and irreversible ischemic damage, which can be used in an early predictive evaluation of stroke outcome.
Thrombolysis With Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator Predicts a Favorable Discharge Disposition in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Ifejika-Jones Nneka L. , Harun Nusrat , Mohammed-Rajput Nareesa A. , Noser Elizabeth A. , Grotta James C.
Published: February 2011

Background and Purpose—

Acute ischemic stroke patients who receive recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) within 3 hours of symptom onset are 30% more likely to have minimal to no disability at 3 months. During hospitalization, short-term disability is subjectively measured by discharge disposition, whether to home, inpatient rehabilitation, a skilled nursing facility, or subacute care. There are no studies assessing the role of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator use as a predictor of poststroke discharge disposition.

Methods—

We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients with ischemic stroke who presented within the original three hour window for intravenous thrombolysis, and who were admitted to the University of Texas Houston Medical School Stroke Service at Memorial Hermann Hospital - Texas Medical Center between January 2004 and October 2009. Baseline demographics and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score were collected. Cerebrovascular disease risk factors were used for risk stratification in the multivariate regression.

Results—

Out of 2225 patients with acute ischemic stroke, 1019 were discharged to home, 719 to inpatient rehabilitation, 371 to a skilled nursing facility and 116 to subacute care. Patients who received recombinant tissue plasminogen activator therapy were more likely to be discharged home compared to the other levels of care (
P
<0.0001; OR, 1.945; 95% CI, 1.538 to 2.459). Considering post-acute inpatient rehabilitation versus skilled nursing facility/subacute care and disposition at a skilled nursing facility versus subacute care, there were no differences in disposition between patients who received recombinant tissue plasminogen activator therapy. Inpatient Rehabilitation versus Skilled Nursing Facility or Subacute Care (
P
= 0.123); Skilled Nursing Facility versus Subacute Care (
P
= 0.605).

Conclusions—

Patients who receive intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator as treatment for acute ischemic stroke are more likely to be discharged directly home after hospitalization. This study is limited by its retrospective nature and the undetermined role of psychosocial factors related to discharge.
Retrieving the Fraction of Ground Flashes from Satellite Lightning Imager Data Using CONUS-Based Optical Statistics
Authors: Koshak W. J. , Solakiewicz R. J.
Published: February 2011

A retrieval method is introduced for estimating the fraction of ground flashes in a set of N flashes observed from either a low earth-orbiting or geostationary satellite lightning imager. The methodology exploits the fact that mean optical characteristics of ground and cloud flashes differ, and hence a properly posed equation set for mean conditions of a set of N observed flashes can be mathematically inverted to estimate the ground flash fraction (and hence the cloud flash-to-ground flash ratio). Explicit analytic expressions for the retrieval errors are derived, and numerical tests of the retrieval method are provided to quantify retrieval accuracy. It has been found that the retrieval method works best when only one optimum optical parameter is used (the single-characteristic solution approach) rather than a mixture of optical parameters (the multiple-characteristic solution approach); that is, the suboptimum optical parameters in the mix degrade retrieval accuracy. Since the retrieval method uses conterminous United States (CONUS)-averaged values of the lightning optical measurements, retrieval errors tend to be smallest in geographical regions whose specific mean lightning optical measurements are closest to the CONUS mean values. The rms ground flash fraction retrieval errors for 52 widely distributed regions across CONUS ranged from as low as 0.061 to 0.111, depending on the true ground flash fraction sought.
Contribution of 6p24 to Non-syndromic Cleft Lip and Palate in a Malay Population
Authors: Salahshourifar I. , Halim A.S. , Sulaiman W.A.W. , Zilfalil B.A.
Published: February 2011

Non-syndromic cleft lip, with or without cleft palate, is a heterogeneous, complex disease with a high incidence in the Asian population. Several association studies have been done on cleft candidate genes, but no reports have been published thus far on the Orofacial Cleft 1 (OFC1) genomic region in an Asian population. This study investigated the association between the OFC1 genomic region and non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in 90 Malay father–mother–offspring trios. Results showed a preferential over-transmission of a 101-bp allele of marker D6S470 in the allele- and haplotype-based transmission disequilibrium test (TDT), as well as an excess of maternal transmission. However, no significant p-value was found for a maternal genotype effect in a log-linear model, although single and double doses of the 101-bp allele showed a slightly increased cleft risk (RR = 1.37, 95% CI, 0.527-3.4, p-value = 0.516). Carrying two copies of the 101-bp allele was significantly associated with an increased cleft risk (RR = 2.53, 95% CI, 1.06-6.12, p-value = 0.035). In conclusion, we report evidence of the contribution of the OFC1 genomic region to the etiology of clefts in a Malay population.
Constructing Minority Ethnic Middle-class Identity: An Exploratory Study with Parents, Pupils and Young Professionals
Authors: Archer Louise
Published: February 2011

Within the sociology of education, there is a growing interest in the middle classes and their educational practices, yet research to date has predominantly been framed within the context of the white middle classes. The article comes from a small, exploratory qualitative study exploring the identities and educational practices of the minority ethnic middle classes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in England with 36 minority ethnic, ‘middle-class’ parents (13), pupils (13) and young professionals (10) from a range of minority ethnic backgrounds. This article explores the views of participants as located at the intersection between class privilege and racial subordination. The ambiguity within participants’ classed or racialized identifications is examined and the article argues that participants constructed ‘middle-classness’ in a range of ways but commonly regarded it as unattainable due to its association or conflation with ‘whiteness’.
Habitus, Work and Contributive Justice
Authors: Sayer Andrew
Published: February 2011

The article explores the benefits of relating Bourdieu’s critical analysis of inequalities and domination to the theory of contributive justice. The latter is a normative theory concerning divisions of labour between jobs of different qualities that provide their holders with unequal possibilities for realizing their potential. Both approaches have Aristotelian influences in their emphasis on the development of dispositions and abilities through practice. It is argued that while this theory needs to consider the shaping of the habitus in early life prior to entry into the labour market, the concept of the unequal division of labour highlights a key structuring force of the social field. In so doing it makes explicit some justifications for Bourdieu’s critique of symbolic domination and the struggles of the social field that are left largely implicit in his work.
Ethical Covert Research
Authors: Spicker Paul
Published: February 2011

Covert research is research which is not declared to the research participants or subjects. This is often muddled with deception, and condemned as intrinsically unethical. The basis of that condemnation is a legitimate concern with the rights of research subjects. It is, however, over-generalized. Research subjects do have rights, but they are not the only people with rights. They may have some say about the use of information, but not all information is under their control. They are entitled to privacy, but not everything is private. Undeclared, undisclosed research in informal settings has to be accepted as a normal part of academic enquiry.
Boundary Objects, Social Meanings and the Success of New Technologies
Authors: Fox Nick J.
Published: February 2011

Boundary objects are entities that enhance the capacity of an idea, theory or practice to translate across culturally defined boundaries, for example, between communities of knowledge or practice. This concept thus has potential to both explain and predict technology adoption; however, it remains sociologically under-theorized. This article assesses, by recourse to a historical case study of innovations in surgical sterility, how boundary objects work and their relationship to social meanings within communities of practice. It is concluded that not only are there positive and negative boundary objects, but that technological devices or processes may themselves act as facilitative or inhibitory boundary objects during innovation. The approach set out here has potential as a sociologically informed model of improving adoption of technologies and policies by managing the positive and negative social meanings of technology objects.
The Wire as Social Science-fiction?
Authors: Penfold-Mounce Ruth , Beer David , Burrows Roger
Published: February 2011

This article examines the HBO television series The Wire as an example of a popular cultural form that stimulates the sociological imagination. It provides some examples of how it functions to do this. A brief case study of one character — ‘Snoop’ — is examined to illustrate a set of more general observations. It is suggested that The Wire, although still containing strong narrative elements, provides an intriguing popular cultural example of what Andrew Abbott has recently called a ‘lyrical sociology’.
Language delays of impoverished preschool children in relation to early academic and emotion recognition skills
Authors: Nelson Keith E. , Welsh Janet A. , Trup Elisabeth M. Vance , Greenberg Mark T.
Published: February 2011

Prevalence of delayed language vs. normative language was examined in impoverished preschool children. On the basis of vocabulary, syntax comprehension, and syntax expression, 336 4-year-olds attending Head Start preschools in the US were assigned to five language status categories. A majority of these children living in poverty demonstrated clinically significant language delays, and this held true equally for Majority (White European) and Minority (here African-American or Latino) children. Many of the children living in poverty showed delays that place them in Strong Delay or Moderate Delay status rather than Mild Delay status. Moreover, as children’s language status declined from High Language to Low-Average Language to the three increasingly strong language delays, their academic and socioemotional skills decreased systematically. This conclusion holds, with large effect sizes, for emotion recognition skills, basic mathematics, print knowledge, phonological elision, and phonological blending. Given the high prevalence of language delays and the strong associations of language status levels to multiple skills considered important for school readiness, it may be advisable in intervention, education, and clinical service programs to expand the use of high-quality and high-quantity language teaching and language therapy procedures. Further, it is suggested that making more adjustments in instruction to current levels of language mastery by children in poverty might facilitate instructional effectiveness in most preschool skill domains. These recommendations are discussed in relation to dynamic systems theory and prior intervention studies.
Cost Burden of Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Bhattacharyya Neil , Orlandi Richard R. , Grebner Jeff , Martinson Melissa
Published: February 2011

Objective

To quantify the cost burden and utilization of health care for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Study Design

Historical cohort study.

Setting

Academic medical centers.

Methods

Medical claims data from 2003 to 2008 were analyzed. Patients were defined as having chronic sinus disease if they had a minimum of 2 CRS‐related diagnoses with either computed tomography scanning or endoscopy performed between diagnoses. The prevalence and costs of CRS from the payer perspective (reimbursements) were determined.

Results

More than 4.4 million patients with an average of 3.1 years of eligibility and at least 1 diagnosis of acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) or CRS were studied. A total of 5.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.4%‐5.6%) of those with ARS were diagnosed with CRS in the subsequent 4 years. Among patients with chronic disease, after 12 months, 39% were still consuming care for CRS, and after 24 months, nearly 28% were still doing so. Of the CRS patients whose diagnosis was confirmed with endoscopy or radiology, 46.2% underwent endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). In the year prior to ESS, patient care costs averaged $2449 ($2341‐$2556). The ESS procedure plus 45‐day postprocedure debridement and medical therapy costs averaged $7726 ($7554‐$7898). In the year following the 45‐day postprocedure period, consumption dropped by $885 (P <. 0001). In the second year following ESS, therapy costs dropped an additional $446 (P <. 0001).

Conclusions

A significant proportion of CRS patients require ongoing treatment of their sinus disease for years. Sinus surgery appears to reduce consumption of rhinosinusitis‐related health care, but costs related to the procedure are significant.
Does Prosthesis Diameter Matter?
Authors: Starmer Heather M. , Agrawal Nishant , Koch Wayne , Richmon Jeremy , Webster Kimberly , Gourin Christine G.
Published: February 2011

Objective

To assess the impact of tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis diameter and treatment status on prosthesis‐related complications.

Study Design

Historical cohort study.

Setting

Single academic medical institution.

Subjects and Methods

Patients who underwent total laryngectomy (TL) between 1996 and 2008 were divided into 2 subgroups according to prosthesis diameter: 16F (n = 19) and 20/22F (n = 71). Each patient only used 1 diameter of prosthesis. Time to leakage through the prosthesis, number of episodes of leakage around the prosthesis, number of prosthesis dislodgements, and length changes after the first 6 months were chosen as outcomes of interest.

Results

Analysis included 90 patients. Analysis of selected complications by prosthesis diameter revealed no significant differences for time to leakage through the prosthesis, number of leaks around the prosthesis, or dislodgement. Larger diameter prosthesis use was associated with a greater number of length changes (P =. 008). Multivariable regression analysis did not find any significant association between prosthesis‐specific complications and prosthesis diameter when controlling for other variables. Prior radiation was associated with an increased number of size changes (β = 2.0, P =. 004) and a decrease in time to leakage through the prosthesis (β = −4.4, P =. 048), after controlling for other variables.

Conclusions

Prosthesis diameter is not associated with an increased prevalence of certain voice prosthesis complications in laryngectomy patients, regardless of initial treatment modality, whereas prior radiation or chemoradiation is associated with complications. These data suggest that factors affecting tissue health, rather than prosthesis size, may be more responsible for prosthesis complications.
Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression Is Related With Localization, Proliferation, and Overall Survival in Canine Melanocytic Neoplasms
Authors: Martínez C. M. , Peñafiel-Verdú C. , Vilafranca M. , Ramírez G. , Méndez-Gallego M. , Buendía A. J. , Sánchez J.
Published: February 2011

A direct relationship has been firmly established between cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and malignant behavior in human melanoma. This report examines the relationship between COX-2 expression and tumor location, mitotic and proliferative indices, degree of T CD3+ lymphocyte infiltration, overall survival, and frequency of recurrence and metastasis of 57 melanocytic tumors (25 oral and 32 cutaneous). COX-2 was highly or moderately expressed in 88% of oral neoplasms (22 of 25), whereas for their cutaneous counterparts, COX-2 expression was low or insignificant in 75% of cases (24 of 32). High and moderate COX-2 expression levels were observed in 73% of melanocytic tumors with a mitotic index ≥ 3 per 10 high-power fields (26 of 36), whereas in 81% of tumors with a mitotic index < 3 (17 of 21), expression was mild or absent. There were 41 cases with known clinical outcomes; of those showing high, moderate, and mild COX-2 expression, 83.3% (10 of 12), 37.5% (3 of 8), and 25% (2 of 8) died, respectively, whereas 100% of animals showing no COX-2 expression (13 of 13) were still alive at the last follow-up. COX-2 expression was statistically correlated with tumor location, mitotic and percentage Ki-67 proliferative indices, and overall survival, frequency of neoplastic recurrence and metastasis. Regression analysis also showed disease-specific predictive value for COX-2 expression for subjects with melanocytic neoplasms. Additionally, only high COX-2 expression showed significant differences in overall survival, in comparison with moderate, mild, or absent expression. These results suggest that high COX-2 expression may be considered a prognostic biomarker and potentially as a target for therapeutic and preventive strategies in canine melanocytic neoplasms.
How Institutions Communicate: Institutional Messages, Institutional Logics, and Organizational Communication
Authors: Lammers John C.
Published: February 2011

Institutional messages provide a conceptual and empirical link between the predominantly macro world of institutions and the micro world of organizational communication. The concept of the institutional message is used colloquially but has not been developed theoretically.The conception that emerges from a review of the scholarly and primitive uses is that institutional messages are collations of thoughts that take on lives independent of senders and recipients. They may have the force of rules, spread intentionally or unintentionally via multiple channels to narrow or wider audiences. This essay considers the institutionality of messages in terms of their endurance, reach, encumbency, and intentionality. Institutional messages carry institutional logics—patterns of beliefs and rules. They are collations of thoughts that are intentional, enduring, have a wide reach, and encumber organizational participants to engage in certain behaviors or to take performative responses. It is argued that individuals and organizations develop institutional logics as they make sense of institutional messages. Implications and suggestions for research are included.
Advancing Research in Organizational Communication Through Quantitative Methodology
Authors: Miller Vernon D. , Poole Marshall Scott , Seibold David R. , Myers Karen K. , Hee Sun Park  , Monge Peter , Fulk Janet , Frank Lauren B. , Margolin Drew B. , Schultz Courtney M. , Cuihua Shen  , Weber Matthew , Lee Seungyoon , Shumate Michelle
Published: February 2011

This article showcases current best practices in quantitative organizational communication research. We emphasize their value in exploring issues of the day and their relation to other research approaches. Materials are presented around four themes: systematic development and validation of measures, including the use of mixed methods; multiple levels of analysis; the study of change and development over time; and relationships among people, units, organizations, and meanings.
Outsmarting the Liars: Toward a Cognitive Lie Detection Approach
Authors: Vrij Aldert , Granhag Pär Anders , Mann Samantha , Leal Sharon
Published: February 2011

Five decades of lie detection research have shown that people’s ability to detect deception by observing behavior and listening to speech is limited. The problem is that cues to deception are typically faint and unreliable. The aim for interviewers, therefore, is to ask questions that actively elicit and amplify verbal and nonverbal cues to deceit. We present an innovative lie detection perspective based on cognitive load, demonstrating that it is possible to ask questions that raise cognitive load more in liars than in truth tellers. This cognitive lie detection perspective consists of two approaches. The imposing-cognitive-load approach aims to make the interview setting more difficult for interviewees. We argue that this affects liars more than truth tellers, resulting in more, and more blatant, cues to deceit. The strategic-questioning approach examines different ways of questioning that elicit the most differential responses between truth tellers and liars.
The Utility of Scientific Jury Selection
Authors: Lieberman Joel D.
Published: February 2011

Many attorneys place considerable importance on the jury selection process. In order to more effectively screen potential jurors, attorneys involved in major litigation frequently hire jury selection consultants. Consultants use a variety of survey and observational approaches based on social science research techniques to conduct scientific jury selection (SJS). Over the past three decades, psychologists have engaged in research that has implications for evaluating the utility of SJS. In some cases, these research endeavors have examined the general relationship between background characteristics of research participants and their inclinations to either convict or acquit a defendant. In other cases, SJS techniques have been studied in actual trials, as well as mock trial simulations. In this article, I review these lines of research and conclude that while SJS may have some utility, methodological flaws associated with existing research prevent clear conclusions from being drawn. There is currently a strong need for high-quality evaluative research studies to be conducted on the SJS approach.
Architects, stadia and sport spectacles: Notes on the role of architects in the building of sport stadia and making of world-class cities
Authors: Horne John
Published: February 2011

From the point of view of the production of consumption this article considers a less often researched aspect of sport spectacles and mega-events: who the agents and institutions are that assemble, build and design the material infrastructure — especially the stadia and facilities. The article seeks to dig below the surface of the reified world of the material infrastructure of global cities to discuss the creators of the emblematic buildings and the leisure and sport spaces constructed to assist in the pursuit or maintenance of ‘world-class’ status. It provides a necessarily brief overview of architects and the architecture field, explores the global spread of stadium and sport facility building and the role of architects in this process. It provides an initial exploration of some issues rather than an account of fieldwork or empirical research.The conclusion summarizes the discussion and identifies future research questions.
The Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro 2007: Consequences of a sport mega-event on a BRIC country
Authors: Curi Martin , Knijnik Jorge , Mascarenhas Gilmar
Published: February 2011

Sport mega-events were very important for Brazil in 2007. The 15th Pan American Games took place in Rio de Janeiro. It was the largest international tournament held in Brazil since the 1950 World Cup and the 1963 Pan American Games. The latter were held in São Paulo. In 2007, 5000 athletes and 60,000 tourists were expected from the 42 participating countries. Despite being a developing country, Brazil does have a sizable middle class, but in Rio de Janeiro there are also lots of favelas (slums), where millions of poor people live. Despite vast differences in wealth, power and social status, these socially and culturally distinct groups nonetheless utilize common public spaces. We see this social confrontation as a major question for the analyses of sport mega-events and we would like to demonstrate its consequences on a local level . This social tension was such that the Organizing Committee actually constructed a ‘big wall’ around the stadiums which turned them into islands of excellence to be shown on television, thus hiding the unsightly parts of the city, that is, poor neighborhoods and favelas. This wall could be seen as the BRIC-way of organizing mega-events.
Experiencing Emotion Across a Semester-Long Family Role-Play and Reflecting Team: Implications for Counselor Development
Authors: Harrawood Laura K. , Parmanand Shawn , Wilde Brandon J.
Published: February 2011

The use of role-play and reflecting teams have been established as acceptable practices in the education of counselors-in-training. However, the current counseling literature does not identify the range of emotion experienced by students, as they participate in experiential activities. This manuscript identifies the emotions experienced by students during the use of a 10-week-long role-play in a family theories course, whereby the students played various roles including that of co-counselor, family member, reflecting team member, and observation team member. Implications for the training of counselors and the importance of future research are explored.
Preparing School Counseling Students to Aid Families: Integrating a Family Systems Perspective
Authors: Paylo Matthew John
Published: February 2011

In this article, the value of integrating family systems theory into a school counseling curriculum is explored. Some programs have historically placed school counselors in a difficult position by not adequately preparing them for the demands of incorporating family systems and community collaboration into clinical practice. The rationale for incorporating family systems theory, ethical and accreditation considerations, and three approaches to integrating family systems theory into a school counseling curriculum are addressed.
Therapeutic Practice With Cambodian Refugee Families: Trauma, Adaptation, Resiliency, and Wellness
Authors: Wycoff Susan , Tinagon Rattanaklao , Dickson Shannon
Published: February 2011

Since the events of September 11, 2001, the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants World Refugee Survey has reported that globally, refugees are moving about the world in numbers that are unparalleled. Cambodians are one community of refugees that are a growing part of the Asian American population; they have been spread out across the country in primarily poor urban areas and have few support services available to them, remaining a fairly invisible group in the United States. In this article, the authors examine Cambodian pre- and postimmigration history, culture, and refugee experience. Because family is the center of life for Cambodians, the authors stress that healing must occur within its context. As an illustrative guide, the authors present portions of two actual case studies involving multigenerational Cambodian refugee families.
Critical Communicative Methodology: Informing Real Social Transformation Through Research
Authors: Gómez Aitor , Puigvert Lídia , Flecha Ramón
Published: February 2011

The critical communicative methodology (CCM) is a methodological response to the dialogic turn of societies and sciences that has already had an important impact in transforming situations of inequality and exclusion. Research conducted with the CCM implies continuous and egalitarian dialogue among researchers and the people involved in the communities and realities being studied. To this dialogue, researchers bring existing scientific knowledge, and the researched subjects contribute knowledge from their lifeworlds. In this process, new understandings emerge informing solutions to many social problems. Later, social actors lobby for the development of effective social policy based on those solutions. This article presents the CCM, its main principles, techniques, and achievements relating them to the life and person of Jesús Gómez (“Pato”), who deeply engaged in the development of this methodology, always with passion and intellectual rigor and a profound commitment to social justice.
Other Women in Research: Overcoming Social Inequalities and Improving Scientific Knowledge Through the Inclusion of All Voices
Authors: García Yeste Carme , Ferrada Donatila , Ruiz Laura
Published: February 2011

Dialogic feminism has emphasized the need to include all women, particularly those who have traditionally been most excluded, into participation and decision making in different areas of society. The critical communicative methodology (CCM) has responded to this need by including the voices of the Other Women into research processes and dialogue on an equal level to the voices of researchers. Research carried out using the CCM shows that when this is ensured, it is possible to achieve scientific results that help to overcome the social inequalities that many women face as well as to achieve progress in feminist theory.