bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential Contributions of STAT5A and STAT5B to Stress Protection and Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Resistance of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Stem/Progenitor Cells
Authors: Casetti Luana , Martin-Lannerée Séverine , Najjar Imen , Plo Isabelle , Augé Sylvie , Roy Lydia , Chomel Jean-Claude , Lauret Evelyne , Turhan Ali G. , Dusanter-Fourt Isabelle
Published: February 2013

STAT5 fulfills essential roles in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) self-renewal and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a prototypical stem cell malignancy. However, the specific contributions of the two related genes STAT5A and STAT5B have not been determined. In this study, we used a RNAi-based strategy to establish participation of these genes to CML disease and persistence following targeted therapy. We showed that STAT5A/STAT5B double-knockdown triggers CML cell apoptosis and suppresses both normal and CML HSC long-term clonogenic potential. STAT5A and STAT5B exhibited similar prosurvival activity, but STAT5A attenuation alone was ineffective at impairing growth of normal and CML CD34+ cells isolated at diagnosis. In contrast, STAT5A attenuation was sufficient to enhance basal oxidative stress and DNA damage of normal CD34+ and CML cells. Furthermore, it weakened the ability to manage exogenous oxidative stress, increased p53 (TRP53)/CHK-2 (CHEK2) stress pathway activation, and enhanced prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD)-3 (EGLN3) mRNA expression. Only STAT5A and its transactivation domain-deficient mutant STAT5AΔ749 specifically rescued these activities. STAT5A attenuation was also active at inhibiting growth of CML CD34+ cells from patients with acquired resistance to imatinib. Our findings show that STAT5A has a selective role in contributing to stress resistance through unconventional mechanisms, offering new opportunities to eradicate the most primitive and tyrosine kinase inhibitor–resistant CML cells with an additional potential to eradicate persistent stem cell populations. Cancer Res; 73(7); 2052–8. ©2013 AACR.
Alteration of the Fibrocartilaginous Nature of Scaffoldless Constructs Formed from Leporine Meniscus Cells and Chondrocytes through Manipulation of Culture and Processing Conditions
Authors: Huey Daniel J. , Athanasiou Kyriacos A.
Published: February 2013

Articular cartilage and the menisci of the knee joint lack intrinsic repair capacity; thus, injuries to these tissues result in eventual osteoarthrotic changes to the joint. Tissue engineering offers the potential to replace damaged cartilage and mitigate long-term debilitating changes to the joint. In an attempt to enhance the ability of adult articular chondrocytes (ACs) and meniscus cells (MCs) to produce robust scaffoldless neocartilage, the effects of passage number, cryopreservation, and redifferentiation prior to construct formation were studied. By increasing passage number, smaller donor biopsies could be used to generate sufficient cells for tissue engineering and, in this study, no detrimental effects were observed when employing passage-4 versus passage-3 cells. Cryopreservation of cells would enable the generation of a cell bank thus reducing lead time and enhancing consistency of cell-based therapies. Interestingly, cryopreservation was shown to enhance the biomechanical properties of the resultant self-assembled constructs. With regard to redifferentiation prior to construct formation, aggregate redifferentiation was shown to enhance the biochemical and biomechanical properties of self-assembled constructs. By increasing passaging number, cryopreserving cells, and applying aggregate redifferentiation prior to neotissue formation, the utility of ACs and MCs in tissue engineering can be enhanced.
Experience-dependent Plasticity of the Optomotor Response in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Kikuchi Akiko , Ohashi Shumpei , Fuse Naoyuki , Ohta Toshiaki , Suzuki Marina , Suzuki Yoshinori , Fujita Tomoyo , Miyamoto Takuya , Aonishi Toru , Miyakawa Hiroyoshi , Morimoto Takako
Published: February 2013

Experience in early life can affect the development of the nervous system. There is now evidence that experience-dependent plasticity exists in adult insects. To uncover the molecular basis of plasticity, an invertebrate model, such as Drosophila melanogaster, is a powerful tool, as many established genetic and molecular methods can be applied. To establish a model system in which behavioral plasticity can be examined, we investigated the optomotor response, a behavior common to most sight-reliant animals, in Drosophila and found that the response could be modified by the level of light during rearing. The angle turned by the head in response to a moving stimulus was used to quantify the response. Deprivation of light increased the response to low-contrast stimuli in wild-type Drosophila at 4 days after eclosion and this plastic change did not appear in rutabaga, a known mutant defective in short-term memory. In addition, the change was transient and was markedly decreased at 6 days after eclosion. Further, we found that Dark-flies, which have been kept in constant darkness for more than 50 years, showed a higher response to low-contrast stimuli even at 6 days after eclosion compared to wild type and this characteristic was not lost in Dark-flies placed in a normal light environment for 2 generations, suggesting that this high response has a hereditary nature. Thus, our model system can be used to examine how the environment affects behaviors.
Effects of Human Presence on Chimpanzee Nest Location in the Lebialem-Mone Forest Landscape, Southwest Region, Cameroon
Authors: Last Cadell , Muh Bernice
Published: February 2013

In several areas of Africa, great apes experience increasing predation pressure as a result of human activities. In this study, terrestrial and arboreal nest construction among chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes ellioti) populations was investigated in the Lebialem-Mone Forest Landscape (LMFL), Southwest Region, Cameroon, to examine the anthropogenic effects on nest location. Data on the height, distribution and approximate age of chimpanzee night nests were collected during two 4-week primate field surveys (July to August 2010; July 2011) at two field sites (Bechati and Andu) within the LMFL. Data were collected using the line transect method. Chimpanzee night nests were categorized by their location: arboreal versus terrestrial. During the two field surveys, arboreal night nests were the most frequently constructed nest type at both sites, and the only type of night nest constructed at Bechati. Terrestrial night nests were also constructed at Andu. The main difference between these two sites is the level of human predation and agricultural development. At Bechati chimpanzees inhabit forest regions around dense, expanding villages and are regularly hunted by humans. However, at Andu the chimpanzee populations are not under the same threat. Therefore, terrestrial night nest construction in the LMFL appears to be a behavior exhibited where there is less human presence.
Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy for Renal Cell Carcinoma during Pregnancy
Authors: Yin Lei , Zhang Dongxu , Teng Jingfei , Xu Danfeng
Published: February 2013

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) during pregnancy is rare. We present a case of retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for RCC in a 32-year-old pregnant female. The tumor was excised en bloc. Retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy appears to be a feasible and safe treatment option for RCC in pregnancy.
Retrosplenial Cortex (BA 29) Volumes in Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Tan Rachel H. , Wong Stephanie , Hodges John R. , Halliday Glenda M. , Hornberger Michael
Published: February 2013

Background: The retrosplenial cortex (RSC) is a crucial transit region between the hippocampus and cingulate cortex and has been implicated in spatial navigation and memory. Importantly, RSC atrophy is a predilection site of Alzheimer’s (AD) pathology, but there have been no studies assessing structural changes in the RSC in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). Methods: A manual tracing method was used to calculate regional RSC volume in MRI scans from patients with bvFTD (n = 15) and AD (n = 15), as well as age- and sex-matched controls (n = 15). Results: RSC volumes were significantly reduced in the AD (p < 0.001), but not the bvFTD cohort (p > 0.1) compared to age-matched controls. RSC volumes discriminated bvFTD from AD in over 90% of the cases. Conclusion: These findings provide further evidence that RSC atrophy is specific to AD, which might explain the commonly observed spatial disorientation in this patient group.
Transrectal Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography, Transrectal Ultrasonography and Retrograde Cystography for the Detection of Vesicourethral Anastomosis Leakage after Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy: A Prospective Comparative Evaluation
Authors: Cantiello Francesco , Cicione Antonio , Autorino Riccardo , De Nunzio Cosimo , Tubaro Andrea , Damiano Rocco
Published: February 2013

Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of cystography (CG), transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and transrectal contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) for the detection of vesicourethral extravasation (VE) after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP). Patients and Methods: In 80 consecutive patients who underwent RRP, the strength of the vesicourethral anastomosis (VUA) was assessed by CG, TRUS and transrectal CEUS. The investigation started with a conventional CG evaluated by an experienced uroradiologist. Following this, patients underwent TRUS which was performed by an experienced urologist who was blinded to the CG findings. The examination started with a conventional B-scan and, subsequently, a CEUS was performed by emptying and refilling the bladder with 90 ml of NaCl 0.9% + 10 ml suspension of 1:10 SonoVue and NaCl 0.9%. Results: 26 patients (32.5%) presented urinary VE and 54 (67.5%) a watertight VUA. In 16 patients (61%) we observed a small leakage, 9 patients (35%) presented a moderate VE, and a large VE was detected in 1 patient (4%). No statistically significant difference in detection of VE was found among the three tests (p = 0.472). Conclusions: TRUS and CEUS are able to provide information about the integrity of the VUA that is comparable with that of CG.
Fluorosis and Dental Caries in Mexican Schoolchildren Residing in Areas with Different Water Fluoride Concentrations and Receiving Fluoridated Salt
Authors: García-Pérez A. , Irigoyen-Camacho M.E. , Borges-Yáñez A.
Published: February 2013

Objective: To explore the association between fluoride in drinking water and the prevalence and severity of fluorosis and dental caries in children living in communities receiving fluoridated salt. Material and Methods: Participants were schoolchildren (n = 457) living in two rural areas of the State of Morelos, Mexico, where the water fluoride concentration was 0.70 or 1.50 ppm. Dental caries status was assessed using Pitts’ criteria. Lesions that were classified as D3 (decayed) were identified to determine the decayed, missing, and filled teeth index (D3MFT). Fluorosis was assessed using the Thylstrup-Fejerskov Index (TFI). Information regarding drinking water source and oral hygiene practices (tooth brushing frequency, dentifrice use, and oral hygiene index) was obtained. Results: The prevalence of fluorosis (TFI ≥1) in communities with 0.70 and 1.50 ppm water fluoride was 39.4 and 60.5% (p = 0.014), respectively, while the prevalence of more severe forms (TFI ≥4) was 7.9 and 25.5% (p < 0.001), respectively. The mean D3MFT was 0.49 (±1.01) in the 0.70 ppm community and 0.61 (±1.47) in the 1.50 ppm community (p = 0.349). A logistic regression model for caries (D3 >1) showed that higher fluorosis categories (TFI 5–6 OR = 6.81, p = 0.001) were associated with higher caries experience, adjusted by age, number of teeth present, tooth brushing frequency, bottled water use, and natural water fluoride concentration. Conclusions: The prevalence of fluorosis was associated with the water fluoride concentration. Fluorosis at moderate and severe levels was associated with a higher prevalence of dental caries, compared with lesser degrees of fluorosis. The impact of dental fluorosis should be considered in dental public health programs.
Early Endovascular Treatment of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Matias-Guiu Jordi A. , Serna-Candel Carmen
Published: February 2013

Subarachnoid hemorrhage is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Rebleeding is one of its major complications, which occurs mainly within the first 24 h and worsens the clinical outcome in a very dramatic way. It may be prevented by aneurysm treatment: surgical clipping or endovascular coiling. We review the evidence of and recent advances in endovascular treatment and timing of the intervention. Data supporting the benefit of early (<72 h) and ultra-early (<24 h) treatment is based on observational studies. An earlier approach may be relevant for the prevention of rebleeding and improvement of clinical outcome, but several disadvantages should be considered, such as an increased rate of periprocedural complications. Hence, a well-designed randomized controlled trial deems necessary to be able to define the optimal time of treatment. The possibility of treatment concomitant with the initial angiography should also be taken into account in this trial. This fact might represent a benefit favoring coiling over clipping in the prevention of rebleeding, and thus avoiding the inevitable delay necessary for the preparation for surgery.
Connections between Voice Ergonomic Risk Factors in Classrooms and Teachers’ Voice Production
Authors: Rantala Leena M. , Hakala Suvi , Holmqvist Sofia , Sala Eeva
Published: February 2013

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate if voice ergonomic risk factors in classrooms correlated with acoustic parameters of teachers’ voice production. Methods: The voice ergonomic risk factors in the fields of working culture, working postures and indoor air quality were assessed in 40 classrooms using the Voice Ergonomic Assessment in Work Environment – Handbook and Checklist. Teachers (32 females, 8 males) from the above-mentioned classrooms recorded text readings before and after a working day. Fundamental frequency, sound pressure level (SPL) and the slope of the spectrum (alpha ratio) were analyzed. Results: The higher the number of the risk factors in the classrooms, the higher SPL the teachers used and the more strained the males’ voices (increased alpha ratio) were. The SPL was already higher before the working day in the teachers with higher risk than in those with lower risk. Conclusion: In the working environment with many voice ergonomic risk factors, speakers increase voice loudness and use more strained voice quality (males). A practical implication of the results is that voice ergonomic assessments are needed in schools.
99m
Tc-Pyrophosphate Scintigraphy for Differentiating Light-Chain Cardiac Amyloidosis From the Transthyretin-Related Familial and Senile Cardiac Amyloidoses
Authors: Bokhari Sabahat , Castaño Adam , Pozniakoff Ted , Deslisle Susan , Latif Farhana , Maurer Mathew S.
Published: February 2013

Background—

Differentiating immunoglobulin light-chain (AL) from transthyretin-related cardiac amyloidoses (ATTR) is imperative given implications for prognosis, therapy, and genetic counseling. We validated the discriminatory ability of
99m
Tc-pyrophosphate (
99m
Tc-PYP) scintigraphy in AL versus ATTR.

Methods and Results—

Forty-five subjects (12 AL, 16 ATTR wild type, and 17 ATTR mutants) underwent
99m
Tc-PYP planar and single-photon positive emission computed tomography cardiac imaging. Scans were performed by experienced nuclear cardiologists blinded to the subjects’ cohort assignment. Cardiac retention was assessed with both a semiquantitative visual score (range, 0; no uptake to 3, diffuse uptake) and by quantitative analysis by drawing a region of interest over the heart corrected for contralateral counts and calculating a heart-to-contralateral ratio. Subjects with ATTR cardiac amyloid had a significantly higher semiquantitative cardiac visual score than the AL cohort (2.9±0.06 versus 0.8±0.27;
P
<0.0001) as well as a higher quantitative score (1.80±0.04 versus 1.21±0.04;
P
<0.0001). Using a heart-to-contralateral ratio >1.5 consistent with intensely diffuse myocardial tracer retention had a 97% sensitivity and 100% specificity with area under the curve 0.992,
P
<0.0001 for identifying ATTR cardiac amyloidosis.

Conclusions—

99m
Tc-PYP cardiac imaging distinguishes AL from ATTR cardiac amyloidosis and may be a simple, widely available method for identifying subjects with ATTR cardiac amyloidosis, which should be studied in a larger prospective manner.
Folic Acid Supplementation During Early Pregnancy and the Risk of Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia
Authors: Li Zhiwen , Ye Rongwei , Zhang Le , Li Hongtian , Liu Jianmeng , Ren Aiguo
Published: February 2013

Emerging evidence has suggested that folic acid–containing multivitamins may markedly reduce the risk of gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. We examined whether maternal supplementation with folic acid alone during early pregnancy can prevent the occurrence of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. The data are from a large population-based cohort study established to evaluate the effectiveness of the campaign to prevent neural tube defects with folic acid supplementation in China. We selected participants who were registered in 2 southern provinces, had exact information on folic acid use, and were not affected by chronic hypertension or diabetes mellitus before 20 weeks gestation. A logistic regression model was used to adjust for the effects of the main potential confounders, including age, body mass index, education, occupation, parity, and multiple births. The study size had 99.9% power (α=0.05) to detect a decrease of 10% over the unexposed rate of 9.4% for gestational hypertension. Among the 193 554 women (47.9% took folic acid, 52.1% did not), the overall incidence of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia was 9.5% and 2.5%, respectively. The incidence of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia was 9.7% and 2.5% for women who took folic acid, and 9.4% and 2.4% for women who did not use it. The adjusted risk ratio associated with folic acid use was 1.08 (95% confidence interval, 1.04–1.11) for gestational hypertension and 1.11 (95% confidence interval, 1.04–1.18) for preeclampsia. Our findings suggest that daily consumption of 400 μg folic acid alone during early pregnancy cannot prevent the occurrence of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.
Abnormal Aldosterone Physiology and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors
Authors: Vaidya Anand , Underwood Patricia C. , Hopkins Paul N. , Jeunemaitre Xavier , Ferri Claudio , Williams Gordon H. , Adler Gail K.
Published: February 2013

Abnormal aldosterone physiology has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic diseases. Single aldosterone measurements capture only a limited range of aldosterone physiology. New methods of characterizing aldosterone physiology may provide a more comprehensive understanding of its relationship with cardiometabolic disease. We evaluated whether novel indices of aldosterone responses to dietary sodium modulation, the sodium-modulated aldosterone suppression-stimulation index (SASSI for serum and SAUSSI for urine), could predict cardiometabolic risk factors. We performed cross-sectional analyses on 539 subjects studied on liberal and restricted sodium diets with serum and urinary aldosterone measurements. SASSI and SAUSSI were calculated as the ratio of aldosterone on liberal (maximally suppressed aldosterone) to the aldosterone on restricted (stimulated aldosterone) diets and associated with risk factors using adjusted regression models. Cardiometabolic risk factors associated with either impaired suppression of aldosterone on liberal diet, or impaired stimulation on restricted diet, or both; in all of these individual cases, these risk factors associated with higher SASSI or SAUSSI. In the context of abnormalities that constitute the metabolic syndrome, there was a strong positive association between the number of metabolic syndrome components (0–4) and both SASSI and SAUSSI (
P
<0.0001) that was independent of known aldosterone secretagogues (angiotensin II, corticotropin, potassium). SASSI and SAUSSI exhibited a high sensitivity in detecting normal individuals with zero metabolic syndrome components (86% for SASSI and 83% for SAUSSI). Assessing the physiological range of aldosterone responses may provide greater insights into adrenal pathophysiology. Dysregulated aldosterone physiology may contribute to, or result from, early cardiometabolic abnormalities.
Effect of CD40 and sCD40L on Renal Function and Survival in Patients With Renal Artery Stenosis
Authors: Haller Steven T. , Kalra Philip A. , Ritchie James P. , Chrysochou Tina , Brewster Pamela , He Wencan , Yu Haifeng , Shapiro Joseph I. , Cooper Christopher J.
Published: February 2013

Activation of the CD40 receptor on the proximal tubular epithelium of the kidney results in fibrosis and inflammation in experimental models of kidney injury. Soluble CD40 ligand is released by activated platelets. The role of CD40-soluble CD40 ligand in patients with ischemic renal disease is unknown. Plasma levels of CD40 and soluble CD40 ligand were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in a single center cohort of 60 patients with renal artery stenosis recruited from Salford Royal Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom. A natural log transformation of CD40 and soluble CD40 ligand was performed to normalize the data. Estimated glomerular filtration rate was used as the primary indicator of renal function. By univariate analysis, low baseline levels of circulating CD40 (
R
2
=0.06;
P
<0.05) and baseline creatinine (
R
2
=0.08;
P
=0.022) were associated with loss of kidney function at 1-year follow-up, whereas soluble CD40 ligand was not (
R
2
=0.02;
P
=ns). In a multiple linear regression model, CD40 (
P
<0.02) and baseline creatinine (
P
<0.01) continued to be significantly associated with a decline in renal function (model
R
2
=0.17;
P
<0.005). Baseline CD40 levels were somewhat lower in patients who died during follow-up (survivors, 7.3±0.9 pg/mL, n=48 versus nonsurvivors, 6.7±1.0 pg/mL, n=12;
P
=0.06). The CD40/soluble CD40 ligand signaling cascade may be a novel mechanism contributing to the development and progression of renal injury in patients with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis.
Five new species of the genus Cheumatopsyche (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) from the Phetchabun Mountains, Thailand
Authors: THAWARORIT KITIYA , SANGPRADUB NARUMON , MORSE JOHN C.
Published: February 2013

Five new species of the genus Cheumatopsyche (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) from the Phetchabun Mountains, Thai-land, are described and illustrated. The national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the Phetchabun Mountains are recognized as areas with a high density of endemic species deserving protection. Four new species of Cheumatopsyche (C. recta, C. diversa, C. triangula, and C. tongto) have been found in Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary, Phu Kradueng National Park and Thung Salaeng Luang National Park; a fifth new species (C. cava) has been found in Phu Kradueng National Park. De-scribing hydropsychid species is important not only to study diversity and distribution but also to facilitate eventual de-scriptions of larvae for use in freshwater biomonitoring programs to detect pollution.
A new species of Tarphius Erichson, 1845 (Coleoptera: Zopheridae) from North Africa and notes on an Iberian species
Authors: SERRANO ARTUR R.M. , AMORIM ISABEL R. , BORGES PAULO A.V.
Published: February 2013

A new species of Tarphius Erichson, 1845 (Coleoptera: Zopheridae, Solier, 1834) is described from Morocco. Tarphius isabelae n. sp. is the fifth Tarphius species recorded in North Africa. In addition, we present some information on the Ibe-rian species, Tarphius kiesenwetteri Heyden, 1870.
Is Overweight a Risk of Early Atherosclerosis in Childhood?
Authors: Alpsoy Seref , Akyuz Aydın , Akkoyun Dursun Cayan , Nalbantoglu Burcin , Topcu Birol , Tulubas Feti , Demirkol Muhammet , Donma Mustafa Metin
Published: February 2013

We measured brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and common carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in overweight (n = 67) and normal weight children (n = 115, controls). Age at examination ranged from 72 to 182 months (mean 123 ± 27). Compared to controls, the overweight children had increased weight, waist and hip circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressures (all P < .001), right and left mean cIMT (mm; 0.58 [0.42-0.68] vs 0.44 [0.3-0.64], P < .001 and 0.56 [0.32-0.70] vs 0.44 [0.3-0.60], P < .001), respectively, and decreased FMD (%; 6.25 [3.33-19.05] vs 7.69 [3.45-16], P < .001). The cIMT and FMD were closely related to the serum insulin concentrations. Age, waist circumferences, and serum triglycerides were independent predictive risk factors for increased cIMT, and fasting glucose and BMI were independent predictive variables for decreased FMD. Overweight children are also potentially at risk of early atherosclerosis as much as obese children.
Does specific psychopathology predict development of psychosis in ultra high-risk (UHR) patients?
Authors: Thompson Andrew , Nelson Barnaby , Bruxner Annie , O’Connor Karen , Mossaheb Nilufar , Simmons Magenta B , Yung Alison
Published: February 2013

Objectives:

Studies have attempted to identify additional risk factors within the group identified as ‘ultra high risk’ (UHR) for developing psychotic disorders in order to characterise those at highest risk. However, these studies have often neglected clinical symptom types as additional risk factors. We aimed to investigate the relationship between baseline clinical psychotic or psychotic-like symptoms and the subsequent transition to a psychotic disorder in a UHR sample.

Method:

A retrospective ‘case–control’ methodology was used. We identified all individuals from a UHR clinic who had subsequently developed a psychotic disorder (cases) and compared these to a random sample of individuals from the clinic who did not become psychotic within the sampling time frame (controls). The sample consisted of 120 patients (60 cases, 60 controls). An audit tool was used to identify clinical symptoms reported at entry to the clinic (baseline) using the clinical file. Diagnosis at transition was assessed using the Operational Criteria for Psychotic Illness (OPCRIT) computer program. The relationship between transition to a psychotic disorder and baseline symptoms was explored using survival analysis.

Results:

Presence of thought disorder, any delusions and elevated mood significantly predicted transition to a psychotic disorder. When other symptoms were adjusted for, only the presence of elevated mood significantly predicted subsequent transition (hazard ratio 2.69, p = 0.002). Thought disorder was a predictor of transition to a schizophrenia-like psychotic disorder (hazard ratio 3.69, p = 0.008).

Conclusions:

Few individual clinical symptoms appear to be predictive of transition to a psychotic disorder in the UHR group. Clinicians should be cautious about the use of clinical profile alone in such individuals when determining who is at highest risk.
Integrating community mental health within primary care in southern Malawi: A pilot educational intervention to enhance the role of health surveillance assistants
Authors: Wright Jerome , Common Stephanie , Kauye Felix , Chiwandira Chikayiko
Published: February 2013

Background:

In response to the significant contribution of mental health problems to the global burden of disease, the World Health Organization (WHO, 2008) renewed its call for the integration of mental health services within primary care. The operationalization of this within resource-constrained settings such as rural Malawi, however, presents a challenge, not least the cultural acceptance of approaches to responding to psychological distress.

Aim:

This study reports on the development, implementation and evaluation of a mental health care training programme for 271 health surveillance assistants (HSAs) designed to overcome such challenges.

Method:

A structured evaluation of the impact of training on HSAs’ provision of mental health care was undertaken.

Results:

Results demonstrated a statistically significant positive effect on HSAs’ knowledge and confidence in providing care and analysis of patient records revealed considerable mental health care and health promotion activity wherein HSAs initiated a new dialogue with the community on mental health and human rights concerns.

Conclusion:

The HSAs’ focus on the psychosocial concerns of individuals’ ‘distress’ and ‘risk’ prepared the way for a practical set of culturally sensitive and therapeutic interventions and offers a potential path towards increasing the capacity of primary care mental health provision that is responsive to local understandings and experiences of distress.
Hidden Choices and Missing Numbers
Authors: Himmelstein Jerome L.
Published: February 2013

This study works at the intersection of the social construction of drug problems and the social construction of numbers. While others have looked at how the media use numbers and other discursive resources to construct drug problems, this study looks at how researchers select a few numbers from large studies to present to the media in press releases. It focuses on Monitoring the Future, an annual study of drug use among American teens. It examines specifically the choices the principal investigators of the study made about what numbers to publicize during the Crack Scare of late 1985 and 1986, a time when the media were intensely interested in numbers documenting a purported vast increase in cocaine use. It then compares these choices with those the researchers made at other times between 1978 and 2011. Comparisons over time allow us to determine whether the choices about what numbers to publicize in the mid-1980s were unique to that time (and hence reflected the immediate political context) or were similar to choices made at other times as well (and hence reflected routine practices).
Implicit House Prices: Variation over Time and Space in Spain
Authors: McGreal Stanley , Taltavull de La Paz Paloma
Published: February 2013

Asking price has a fundamental influence on market behaviour and understanding how attributes affect the perceived price of housing. This paper employs a large database of houses from the Spanish housing market to estimate the role of attributes in asking price formation. STAR methodology and GLM with random effects are used to extract the price of attributes and the spatial and time pattern. Results show that the pricing of attributes varies by geographical region and over time with property size and economic and demographic attributes being the key variables explaining asking price formation.
Constituent Moments, Constitutional Processes
Authors: Ciccariello-Maher George
Published: February 2013

The “good-left-versus-bad-left” framework disseminated by Jorge Castañeda, among others, obscures the underlying similarities that cut across all leftist regimes in Latin America while drastically oversimplifying the relationship between the so-called bad left and its “good” counterpart. A shift of focus from heads of state to social movements reveals both that the question of social movements and the state transcends such binaries and that it is precisely within the “bad left” that we find some important lessons for the future.

El marco de “buena izquierda versus mala izquierda” diseminado por Jorge Castañeda, entre otros, opaca las similitudes básicas que cortan a través de todos los regímenes izquierdistas en América Latina, y a la vez simplifica de manera extrema la relación entre la llamada mala izquierda y su contraparte buena. Un cambio de enfoque de los mandatarios a los movimientos sociales revela tanto que la cuestión de movimientos sociales y el Estado trascienden tales binarias, como que es precisamente dentro de la “mala izquierda” que encontramos importantes lecciones para el futuro.
Numeracy and Dietary Intake in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Bowen Michael E. , Cavanaugh Kerri L. , Wolff Kathleen , Davis Dianne , Gregory Becky , Rothman Russell L.
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe the association between numeracy and self-reported dietary intake in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Numeracy and dietary intake were assessed with the validated Diabetes Numeracy Test and a validated food frequency questionnaire in a cross-sectional study of 150 primary care patients enrolled in a randomized clinical trial at an academic medical center between April 2008 and October 2009. Associations between numeracy and caloric and macronutrient intakes were examined with linear regression models.

Results

Patients with lower numeracy consumed a higher percentage of calories from carbohydrates and lower percentages from protein and fat. However, no differences in energy consumption or the percentage of energy intake owing to carbohydrates, fat, or protein were observed in adjusted analyses. Patients with lower numeracy were significantly more likely to report extremely high or low energy intake inconsistent with standard dietary intake.

Conclusions

Numeracy was not associated with dietary intake in adjusted analyses. Low numeracy was associated with inaccurate dietary reporting. Providers who take dietary histories in patients with diabetes may need to consider numeracy in their assessment of dietary intake.
Evaluation and Supervision of Co-Teaching
Authors: Kamens Michele Wilson , Susko JoAnn P. , Elliott Janice S.
Published: February 2013

With the continuing increase of inclusive education in our public school classrooms today, there is a great deal of interest in co-teaching teams. Research indicates that administrative support is a critical factor in co-teaching effectiveness. In this study, we explored administrator knowledge and practices related to the supervision and evaluation of co-teachers in inclusive classroom settings. Clear themes that emerged were related to professional preparation and training; expectations and perspectives of co-teaching and inclusive practice; and supporting, supervising, and evaluating co-teachers. The data indicated that there is considerable inconsistency in administrator knowledge and practices and that professional development for administrators is warranted. Implications for practice as well as questions and issues for further research are discussed.
Vertebral osteomyelitis and epidural abscess due to Aspergillus nidulans resulting in spinal cord compression: Case report and literature review
Authors: Jiang Zheng , Wang Yunyan , Jiang Yuquan , Xu Yonghao , Meng Bin
Published: February 2013

Vertebral osteomyelitis caused by Aspergillus nidulans is rare and usually affects immunocompromised patients. This report presents a case of thoracic vertebral osteomyelitis with epidural abscesses due to A. nidulans in a 40-year-old immunocompetent female who presented with back pain, numbness and weakness of both lower limbs. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated osteomyelitis involving the thoracic (T)1–T3 vertebral bodies with epidural abscesses, resulting in spinal compression. The patient underwent a decompression laminectomy of T1–T3 and debridement of the thoracic epidural inflammatory granuloma. Histopathology revealed fungal granulomatous inflammation. The patient received 6 mg/kg voriconazole every 12 h (loading dose on day 1) followed by 4 mg/kg voriconazole twice daily for 1 month, administered intravenously. The patient returned with recurrent back pain 16 months after initial presentation. A. nidulans was identified by fungal culture and polymerase chain reaction. The patient showed no evidence of recurrence 1 year after a 6-month course of oral voriconazole. The key to the effective treatment of Aspergillus osteomyelitis is not to excise the abscess, but to administer systemic antifungal drug therapy.
Macroscopic, Histologic, and Ultrastructural Lesions Associated With Avian Keratin Disorder in Black-Capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus)
Authors: Van Hemert C. , Armién A. G. , Blake J. E. , Handel C. M. , O’Hara T. M.
Published: February 2013

An epizootic of beak abnormalities (avian keratin disorder) was recently detected among wild birds in Alaska. Here we describe the gross, histologic, and ultrastructural features of the disease in 30 affected adult black-capped chickadees ( Poecile atricapillus). Grossly, there was elongation of the rhamphotheca, with varying degrees of lateral deviation, crossing, and gapping between the upper and lower beak. Not uncommonly, the claws were overgrown, and there was alopecia, scaling, and crusting of the skin. The most prominent histopathologic features in the beak included epidermal hyperplasia, hyperkeratosis, and core-like intrusions of necrotic debris. In affected birds, particularly those with moderate to severe beak overgrowth, there was remodeling of premaxillary and mandibular bones and various dermal lesions. Lesions analogous to those found in beaks were present in affected claws, indicating that this disorder may target both of these similar tissues. Mild to moderate hyperkeratosis occurred in other keratinized tissues, including skin, feather follicles, and, occasionally, sinus epithelium, but typically only in the presence of microbes. We did not find consistent evidence of a bacterial, fungal, or viral etiology for the beak lesions. The changes observed in affected birds did not correspond with any known avian diseases, suggesting a potentially novel hyperkeratotic disorder in wild birds.
The financial crisis and intangible value
Authors: Palan Ronen
Published: February 2013

The concept of ‘finance’ or the ‘financial system’ can be confusing. The assumption is that the financial system consists of related markets trading in a variety of financial instruments that are ultimately of a similar nature. In the late-19th century, however, financial assets have bifurcated into broadly two classes of property titles: incorporeal assets and intangible assets. This article argues that interrelations between the two classes of assets have generated pro-cyclical trends that are not dealt with by current regulation. It argues that these pro-cyclical trends can be even more confusing in the age of globalisation.
The elastic modulus and the thermal expansion coefficient in particulate composites by a hexaphase model
Authors: Kytopoulos VN
Published: February 2013

A theoretical model for the evaluation of the elastic modulus and thermal expansion coefficient of particulate composites is presented in this study. This model takes into consideration the influence of neighboring spherical particles on the thermomechanical constants of the composites material consisting of matrix and filler. A microstructural composite model which represents the basic cell of the composite at a microscopic scale was transformed to a six-phase spherical representative volume element in order to apply the classical theory of elasticity to this. The obtained theoretical results using this model were compared with experimental results carried out on iron particles reinforced epoxy resin composites as well as with other theoretical values derived from expression given in the literature.
Static behavior of three-dimensional ıntegrated core sandwich composites subjected to three-point bending
Authors: Karahan Mehmet , Gul Hakan , Karahan Nevin , Ivens Jan
Published: February 2013

In the current study, the effect of the thickness and the foam density in three-dimensional integrated woven sandwich composites on quasi-static mechanical properties under three-point bending was investigated. Bending modulus and core shear modulus were determined by subjecting the samples, which were cut with varying span lengths according to their core thicknesses, to three-point bending test. Obtained results were optimized by taking core thickness, foam density and panel weights into consideration. Damages that occurred on the tested samples were reported. When compared to conventional foam core sandwich composites, it was found that three-dimensional integrated sandwich composites have superior mechanical properties and due to the fact that the pile yarns in the core and the foam support each other, contrary to conventional sandwich composites no catastrophic core breakage occurs under load, thus the load bearing capacity of the structure is sustained.
Modelling of tensile properties glass powder/epoxy composites post-cured in an oven and in microwaves
Authors: Ku H , Epaarachchi J , Trada M , Wong P
Published: February 2013

This paper discusses a simplified approach to analyse the mechanical properties of randomly distributed particulate composites. Mechanical properties of glass powder–filled vinyl ester resins were experimentally investigated. The analytical results were compared with experimental results and a very good correlation was found. Further, the experimental results and the predictions showed that the strength of the composites is less than the strength of the matrix material, for all three composites tested.
Static analysis of functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composite cylinders by a mesh-free method
Authors: Moradi-Dastjerdi Rasool , Foroutan Mehrdad , Pourasghar Amin , Sotoudeh-Bahreini Rahim
Published: February 2013

In this paper, static analysis of nanocomposite cylinders reinforced by single-walled carbon nanotubes subjected to internal and external pressure was carried out by a mesh-free method. In the mesh-free analysis, moving least squares shape functions are used for approximation of displacement field in the weak form of equilibrium equation. Four types of distributions of the aligned carbon nanotubes are considered: uniform and three kinds of functionally graded distributions along the radial direction of cylinder. Material properties are estimated by a micro-mechanical model. In this simulation, an axisymmetric model is used. Detailed parametric studies have been carried out to investigate the influences of the kind of distribution and volume fractions of carbon nanotubes and cylinder thickness on displacement and stress fields for carbon nanotube-reinforced composite cylinders. Results obtained for this analysis were compared with analytical solutions and good agreement was seen between them.
Severe Neurologic Involvement of Degos Disease in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Karaoğlu Pakize , Topçu Yasemin , Bayram Erhan , Yis Uluç , Akarsu Sevgi , Atalay Ezgi , Köroğlu Tolga , Çakmakçi Handan , Özer Erdener , Hız Semra
Published: February 2013

A 14-year-old male presented with paresthesias on the right upper and lower extremities, headache, and vomiting. In addition to worsening paresthesia and weakness on the right side of his body, blurred vision, fever, and skin lesions developed. He also had skin lesions characterized with 3-10 mm papules with a white atrophic center surrounded by pink rim mostly on the trunk and lower extremities. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed chronic subdural effusion and encephalomalacia of the left cerebral hemisphere. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination revealed increased protein levels. Electromyography was consistent with diffuse polyradiculoneuropathy. Skin biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of a rare vasculopathy: Degos disease. A case presenting with chronic subdural effusion, encephalomalacia, elevated CSF protein, and polyradiculopathy should be carefully examined for skin lesions, which may suggest the diagnosis of Degos disease.
Assessment of Sexual Violence Against Female Students in Wolaita Sodo University, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Tora Abebayehu
Published: February 2013

Studies indicate that girls and women encounter sexual violence in their day-to-day social life in all cultures and societies. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of sexual violence against female students in Wolaita Sodo University; 374 female students provided responses to self-administered questionnaire. The study revealed 23.4% (95% CI = 18.7-27.3) attempted rape, 8.7% (95% CI = 3.6-12.9) completed rape, 24.2% (95% CI = 17.7-26.1) committed physical harassment, 18.7% (95% CI = 12.8-20.3) committed verbal harassment, and 11.3% (95% CI = 6.6-12.6) forced sexual initiation. Reported level of these perpetrations was experienced mainly at high school and during enrollment year in the university. Boyfriends, close friends, family members and relatives, school and university teachers, other employees, and strangers were found to be the key perpetrators of sexual violence against women. Interventions are required to create a safe learning environment for female students through prevention and rehabilitation programs.
An explanation of cross-national variation in call centre job quality using institutional theory
Authors: Holman David
Published: February 2013

Employment regime theory is used to examine whether cross-national variation in call centre job quality is a result of differences in national institutional regime, i.e. inclusivist, dualist and market regimes. Analysis of an establishment-level survey of 1734 call centres revealed that, as expected, call centre job quality was highest in inclusivist regimes (Denmark, Sweden) and higher in dualist regimes (Austria, France) than in market regimes (Canada, UK, USA). Job quality in Germany, a dualist regime, was of a similar level to that in inclusivist regimes. There was also evidence that, only within dualist regimes, job quality was higher in call centres attached to larger firms than in independent call centres. The findings suggest that national institutional regimes are still sufficiently different and influential to produce cross-national variations in job quality, and have not been weakened and homogenized as a result of the internationalization of national economies.
When culture resists progress: masculine organizational culture and its impacts on the vertical segregation of women in Japanese companies
Authors: Nemoto Kumiko
Published: February 2013

While the rise of non-regular women workers in Japanese firms drew much attention, little attention has been paid to employment barriers that regular women workers continue to face in Japanese firms today. Based on in-depth interviews with 64 men and women workers, this article examines gender inequality in Japanese firms in which women’s structural power is extremely low. Using the analytical framework of organizational masculinity, it explores organizational processes by which vertical sex segregation is legitimized by workplace culture. The article concludes with suggestions for improving the prospects for women’s employment in Japanese firms.
The occurrence and frequency of overnight job travel in the USA
Authors: Jeong Yu-Jin , Zvonkovic Anisa M , Sano Yoshie , Acock Alan C
Published: February 2013

This study examined to what extent gender, occupation and family situations influenced the occurrence and frequency of overnight work-related travel that US employees experienced. Unlike previous work, the data analysis allowed for differentiation of the factors associated with being in jobs with any overnight travel demand and the factors related to how frequently respondents travelled. This study particularly tested the hypotheses of occupational segregation and family demands, separately by gender. Consistent with the occupational segregation hypothesis, the occurrence and frequency of work travel varied across the types of occupation and men had a higher chance both to be in jobs with travel overnight demands and to travel more often than women did. The family demands hypothesis was supported by the findings that living with a spouse or partner and taking responsibility for a family member in need of extensive care were associated with the prevalence of work travel.