bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strengthening Cultural Sensitivity in Children’s Disaster Mental Health Services
Authors: Heath Melissa Allen , Nickerson Amanda B. , Annandale Neil , Kemple Ana , Dean Brenda
Published: July 2009

During and following natural or man-made disasters, relief efforts have a long history of initially focusing on basic survival needs, then restoring community stability. Disaster mental health is a relatively new aspect of relief efforts, particularly in regard to children’s needs. After reviewing objectives of major relief organizations and summarizing current research in light of practitioners’ input, suggestions and resources are offered to strengthen cultural sensitivity in school-based disaster mental health services.
Chinese children’s explanations for illness
Authors: Zhu Liqi , Liu Guangyi , Tardif Twila
Published: July 2009

The study explored how Chinese children spontaneously explained the causes of illness. Two groups of 3-, 4-, and 5-year-old children from different socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds were recruited, with 30 children in each age group. A group of 30 college students were also recruited and their responses compared to those produced by the children. Participants’ responses were coded as belonging to one of five mutually exclusive categories: psychogenic, biological, behavioral, symptomatic, or other. Results indicated that children’s causal explanations were mostly behavioral and symptomatic, with more biological explanations for older children than for younger. In contrast, adults’ explanations were mostly biological and psychogenic. Although adults were influenced by concepts in Chinese traditional medicine that tie negative emotions to illness, Chinese children did not mention emotional causes for illness. Nonetheless, Chinese children also offered some explanations based on concepts of “wind” and “cold,” which may be a result of cultural experience with some aspects of traditional Chinese medicine.
Target's face loss, motivations, and forgiveness following relational transgression: Comparing Chinese and US cultures
Authors: Hui Victoria Ka-Ying , Bond Michael Harris
Published: July 2009

We proposed that, following a transgression, as a victim's perceived face loss increased, the victim would show (i) less forgiveness towards the perpetrator; (ii) increased motivation to retaliate; and (iii) reduced desire to maintain the damaged relationship. Moreover, an interdependent self-construal was hypothesized to strengthen these associations. Results from Hong Kong Chinese and American university students revealed that greater face loss directly reduced forgiveness. For Hong Kong Chinese, face loss also indirectly lowered forgiveness through retaliatory and relationship maintenance motivations. Self-construals, however, did not account for such cultural-specific findings. Discussion focused on how attributions for the face loss cross-culturally shaped the offended party's response to relational transgression.
Interracial friendship development and attributional biases
Authors: Shelton J. Nicole , Richeson Jennifer A. , Bergsieker Hilary B.
Published: July 2009

We demonstrated that a self—other attributional bias impedes interracial friendship development. Whites were given the opportunity to become friends with a White or Black participant. Whites indicated how interested they were in becoming friends and how concerned they were about being rejected as a friend. They also indicated how interested they thought the other person was in becoming friends and how concerned they thought the other person was about being rejected as friend. Results revealed that lower-prejudice Whites made divergent explanations for the self and other when the potential friend was Black, whereas higher-prejudice Whites did not. Prejudice level did not influence the type of explanations made when the potential friend was White. Implications for interracial friendship development are considered.
Outness, Big Five personality traits, and same-sex relationship quality
Authors: Clausell Eric , Roisman Glenn I.
Published: July 2009

This report examined the extent to which individuals from 60 same-sex romantic couples (30 gay male and 30 lesbian dyads) who disclosed their same-sex attractions to the world and family (i.e., were `out') were more likely than their relatively closeted counterparts to share higher quality relationships. Using a multimethod approach that included the `Big Five' personality dimensions as covariates, participants completed questionnaires about their relationships and discussed a disagreement in their relationship while being videotaped. Individuals who were out to the world — and individuals who had partners that reported being out — tended to (i) report greater relational satisfaction and (ii) display more positive relative to negative affect during dyadic interactions. Associations generally held controlling for personality traits among both gay male and lesbian couples.
Draining or gaining? The social networks of public housing movers in Boston
Authors: Curley Alexandra M.
Published: July 2009

The social networks of low-income residents have been simultaneously described as supportive, strained, localized, and limited in providing access to necessary resources and information. Using a longitudinal qualitative approach, this study investigated the social networks of low-income women in one US high-poverty public housing project. Existing sociological frameworks for studying networks did not fully capture the women's social ties, particularly their “draining” ties. As the women were relocated as part of a mixed-income housing initiative targeting their neighborhood, a changing flow of resources and stress passed through social ties. A change in neighborhood prompted changes in low-income people's social networks far different than expected. Findings also raise questions about the importance of weak or bridging ties in linking low-income women with mobility opportunities.
Marital ideals of the newly-married: A longitudinal analysis
Authors: Knobloch-Fedders Lynne M. , Knudson Roger M.
Published: July 2009

Although marital ideals influence a couple's behavior, the specific content of marital ideals for engaged and newly-married couples remains largely uninvestigated. This longitudinal study investigated couples' marital ideals over the first year of marriage. Thirty-eight engaged couples completed a standardized measure of relationship intimacy ideals using Personal Assessment of Intimacy in Relationships (PAIR; Schaefer & Olson, 1981) in addition to free writing essays to open-ended questions regarding partner, relationship, and conflict ideals. Eleven couples also completed follow-up assessments at six months and one year of marriage. Results indicated that marital ideals are qualitatively different than those for dating relationships. Marital ideals were primarily intimate and traditional, but not romanticized. Conflict ideals were primarily practical rather than romantic, and became more practical over time.
`IM me': Instant messaging as relational maintenance and everyday communication
Authors: Ramirez Artemio , Broneck Kathy
Published: July 2009

Few studies to date have examined the use of Internet applications in enacting `everyday' routine relational maintenance and even fewer assess how such tools complement more traditional forms of communication to sustain involvements. This exploratory study examines the role of one such tool, instant messaging (IM), in relational maintenance. Participants (N = 402) reported their general use of IM (Stage 1) and subsequently conducted and reported on a specific interaction occurring either through IM or face to face (Stage 2). Among IM users, significant gender and the types of relationships differences emerged in `every communication.' Findings also indicate how IM is being utilized in conjunction with other communication channels. New research opportunities for examining relational maintenance processes employing IM are advanced.
Exploring Social Dynamics in Technological Innovating
Authors: Yli-Kauhaluoma Sari
Published: July 2009

This study explores the crossroads of entrepreneurship and innovating. In particular, it aims to identify the types of social dynamics that take place as entrepreneurs seek to commercialize a high-tech invention in the early phases of a new venture. The empirical case focuses on an analysis of a group of scientist-entrepreneurs and the development of their social relations with representatives in several large, established organizations as they jointly develop and apply a chemical invention in an industrial process. As a result, the study identifies and specifies five different types of social dynamics crucial for entrepreneurs in the development of industrial innovations in the early phases of a firm's existence. The study highlights the importance for new entrepreneurs of gaining access to industrial projects. Also, the results discuss the intensity of collaborative relations and raise issues regarding power in social dynamics.
Analysis and Modeling of Ignitability of Polymers in the UL-94 Vertical Burning Test Condition
Authors: Wang Yong , Zhang Jun , Jow Jinder , Su Kenny
Published: July 2009

Modeling the UL-94 vertical burning test is of practical importance in industries which, however, has not been addressed sufficiently. In this article, a 3D convective heat transfer model was developed to simulate ignition times for the UL-94 test. An experimental procedure was proposed to measure ignition times of two polymers under the UL-94 test condition. Comparisons between experimental and simulated results of ignition times showed that edge effects were significant in the ignition process of the UL-94 test and the convective heat transfer ignition model considering edge effects gave ignition times close to experimental results. Sensitivity analyses showed that the ignition time increased linearly with decreasing initial temperature and increasing density, heat capacity and emissivity, but nonlinearly with decreasing flame temperature and convective heat transfer coefficient and increasing thickness, thermal conductivity, and ignition temperature of the specimen.
An Experimental Study on the Effect of Slope on the Critical Velocity in Tunnel Fires
Authors: Gwon Hyun Ko  , Seung Ryul Kim  , Hong Sun Ryou
Published: July 2009

The present article deals with the experimental study to investigate the effects of tunnel slope on the critical velocity in the tunnel fires. The 1/20 reduced-scale model tunnel is adopted on the basis of Froude scaling law. The methanol, acetone, and n-heptane pool fires are used as fire sources with the heat release rate ranging from 1.11 to 1.85 kW, 3.13 to 5.21 kW, and 9.16 to 15.6 kW, respectively. The angle of tunnel slope is varied as five different degrees 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8°. A load cell is used to measure the mass loss rate of the burning fuel. The location of smoke layer is determined on the basis of temperature variation measured at the tunnel ceiling by K-type thermocouples. The present experiments observe the effects of the tunnel slope, fire size, and ventilation velocity on the back-layering distance. The results showed that critical velocity increases with tunnel slope due to the stack effect. The correlation between the critical velocity and the angle of tunnel slope was obtained for the pool fires whose heat release rate was varied with the ventilation velocity.
Flammability Studies of a Novel Class of Thermoplastic Elastomer Nanocomposites
Authors: Koo Joseph H. , Nguyen Khiet C. , Lee Jason C. , Ho Wai K. , Bruns Morgan C. , Ezekoye Ofodike A.
Published: July 2009

The thermal insulation properties of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer nanocomposites were characterized at different heat fluxes. Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer was modified with different loadings of montmorillonite nanoclays and carbon nanofibers (CNFs) via twin screw extrusion processing. The addition of nanoparticle into thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer resulted in the formation of a char layer and modified the thermal insulative properties of the material. It was found that thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer with 10 wt% CNFs and with 5 wt% nanoclays gave the best thermal performance with respect to protecting a substrate. The surface temperature of the thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer-clay nanocomposites did not vary much with addition of clay particles while the surface temperature of the thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer-CNF nanocomposites varied more substantially. Some of the trends in surface and substrate temperature measurements with nanomodification can be described using a simple energy balance model that takes into account the basic heat transfer mechanisms.
Influence of Magnesium Hydroxide and Huntite Hydromagnesite on Mechanical Properties of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Compounds Cross-linked by DiCumyl Peroxide and Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Basfar A.A. , Bae H.J.
Published: July 2009

Flame retardants including magnesium hydroxide (MH) and huntite hydromagnesite (HH) were used to develop halogen free flame retardant (HFFR) compounds based on ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) for wire and cable applications. Cone calorimeter and limiting oxygen index (LOI) results show that cross-linking affects not only mechanical properties, but also flame retardancy. Consequently, flame retardancy is mainly influenced by type of flame retardants and mixing ratio of base polymers and to a lesser extent by cross-linking. Tensile strength increased with increase of MH, while elongation at break decreased with increase of MH in cross-linked formulations. On the other hand, elongation at break increased with increase of HH while tensile strength decreased with increase of HH in cross-linked formulations. HFFR compounds with tensile strength of 12 MPa, elongation at break of 200%, LOI of 40% was developed to meet the stringent specifications of wire and cable industry.
Genotoxicity of Aqueous Extract From Heated Cooking Oils and its Suppression by Lactobacilli
Authors: Isidori M. , Parrella A.
Published: July 2009

In the present study the mutagenic and genotoxic effects of aqueous extracts from six cooking oils (extra vergine olive, peanut, sunflower, soybean, corn, and various seeds oils) heated to the respective smoke point were investigated. The Ames test and the SOS Chromotest were carried out for this evaluation. The same oils were also tested after their re-frying, simulating domestic reuse process. Furthermore, the ability of different lactobacilli to reduce the potential genotoxic activity of the fried and re-fried oils was determined applying SOS Chromotest after co-incubation of samples with lactobacilli. The results showed that all the fried oils did not produce mutagenic effects while they induced a SOS response with the highest induction factor for the corn oil. Double heat-treatment caused an increase of the genotoxic activity until two times the first heating. The most susceptible oil to the re-frying procedure was the sunflower oil. The antigenotoxicity results were expressed as percent of genotoxicity inhibition. All the tested strains of lactobacilli exhibited antigenotoxic properties on the fried oils.
AutoDEVS: A Methodology for Automating Modeling and Simulation Software Development and Testing of Interoperable Systems
Authors: Salas Manuel C. , Zeigler Bernard P.
Published: July 2009

Despite the increasing use of software system development methodologies that follow a highly-structured and systematic process, there remain critical limitations that need more advanced treatment. One such limitation is the failure to explicitly incorporate modeling and simulation (M&S) methodology, which becomes essential as the scale of systems under development exceeds the range supported by analytical tools. Other limitations include the lack of automation to reduce routine work and incoherence among the abstractions developed at various stages in development. Originally introduced as formalism for discrete event M&S, the Discrete Event System Specification (DEVS) methodology has become an engine for advances within the wider area of information technology. In this paper, we present a new DEVS-based tool called the ‘AutoDEVS’ that automates systems development and exploits ‘model continuity’ to maintain coherence through the development process and to support test artifact continuity and traceability through phases of system development. The AutoDEVS creates models and systems that can be mapped to DEVS/service-oriented architecture (SOA), a DEVS implementation compliant with a SOA infrastructure, such as that adopted by the Department of Defense’s (DoD’s) Global Information Grid initiative.After describing the AutoDEVS environment, we show how it provides a rapid means of integrated development and testing of defense command and control systems for interoperability.
A General Method of Measuring Interoperability and Describing Its Impact on Operational Effectiveness
Authors: Ford Thomas C. , Colombi John M. , Jacques David R. , Graham Scott R.
Published: July 2009

A general method of measuring the interoperability of a heterogeneous set of systems, experiencing any type and number of interoperations, in the context of an operational process is given. Furthermore, for confrontational operations (friendly versus adversary), the method gives sufficient conditions for relating the interoperability measurement to operational effectiveness. Owing to the difficulty in creating a general method of interoperability measurement, developers of extant interoperability assessment methods have relied upon problem decomposition to produce methods of assessing the interoperability of specific types of systems experiencing distinct modes of interoperation. Unfortunately, this approach fractured the problem, effectively driving them further from the solution.Therefore, in this research, a holistic, fundamental, and flexible means of describing a general method of interoperability measurement was undertaken which models systems according to their interoperability-related features in the context of an operational process.An application of the method highlights the new concept of confrontational interoperability, demonstrates the relationship between interoperability and operational effectiveness in the context of a suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) scenario, and illustrates how an interoperability measurement can motivate system upgrades.
Cell adhesion molecule 1: a novel risk factor for venous thrombosis
Authors: Hasstedt Sandra J. , Bezemer Irene D. , Callas Peter W. , Vossen Carla Y. , Trotman Winifred , Hebbel Robert P. , Demers Christine , Rosendaal Frits R. , Bovill Edwin G.
Published: July 2009

Protein C (PC) deficiency increases the risk of venous thrombosis (VT) among members of Kindred Vermont II but fails to fully account for the inheritance pattern. A genome scan of the pedigree supported the presence of a prothrombotic gene on chromosome 11q23 (nominal P < .0001), with weaker support on chromosomes 10p12 (P < .0003) and 18p11.2-q11 (P < .0007). Resequencing of 109 genes in the linkage regions identified 5030 variants in a sample of 20 kindred members. Of 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms in 6 genes tested in the larger family set, only single nucleotide polymorphisms in cell adhesion molecule 1 (CADM1) associated with VT. Among the 8 CADM1 single nucleotide polymorphisms genotyped in the complete sample, rs6589488 was most strongly supported (P < .000007), but the association was limited to the PC-deficient subset of the sample (P < .000001). Haplotype analysis narrowed the region containing the causative variant to the coding region of the CADM1 gene. CADM1 gene expression analyzed in blood outgrowth endothelial cells cultured from family members was decreased compared with control subjects, lending phenotypic support to this conclusion. Finally, we have for the first time demonstrated CADM1 in endothelial cells, where it appears to be selectively involved in endothelial cell migration, suggesting a role in endothelial barrier repair.
Mast cells counteract regulatory T-cell suppression through interleukin-6 and OX40/OX40L axis toward Th17-cell differentiation
Authors: Piconese Silvia , Gri Giorgia , Tripodo Claudio , Musio Silvia , Gorzanelli Andrea , Frossi Barbara , Pedotti Rosetta , Pucillo Carlo E. , Colombo Mario P.
Published: July 2009

The development of inflammatory diseases implies inactivation of regulatory T (Treg) cells through mechanisms that still are largely unknown. Here we showed that mast cells (MCs), an early source of inflammatory mediators, are able to counteract Treg inhibition over effector T cells. To gain insight into the molecules involved in their interplay, we set up an in vitro system in which all 3 cellular components were put in contact. Reversal of Treg suppression required T cell–derived interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the OX40/OX40L axis. In the presence of activated MCs, concomitant abundance of IL-6 and paucity of Th1/Th2 cytokines skewed Tregs and effector T cells into IL-17–producing T cells (Th17). In vivo analysis of lymph nodes hosting T-cell priming in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis revealed activated MCs, Tregs, and Th17 cells displaying tight spatial interactions, further supporting the occurrence of an MC-mediated inhibition of Treg suppression in the establishment of Th17-mediated inflammatory responses.
Paediatrics in Berlin
Authors: Barbato A. , Bertuola F. , Kuehni C. , Korppi M. , Kotecha S. , Pijnenburg M. W. , Ratjen F. , Seddon P. , Bush A.
Published: July 2009

The aim of this report is to describe the highlights of the European Respiratory Society annual congress in Berlin, Germany. The best abstracts in asthma and allergy, cystic fibrosis, respiratory infection, paediatric and neonatal intensive care, paediatric investigative techniques (in particular respiratory physiology and bronchoscopy) and respiratory epidemiology are presented and set in the context of the current literature.
High-throughput molecular analysis in lung cancer: insights into biology and potential clinical applications
Authors: Ocak S. , Sos M. L. , Thomas R. K. , Massion P. P.
Published: July 2009

During the last decade, high-throughput technologies including genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic and proteomic have been applied to further our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of this heterogeneous disease, and to develop strategies that aim to improve the management of patients with lung cancer. Ultimately, these approaches should lead to sensitive, specific and noninvasive methods for early diagnosis, and facilitate the prediction of response to therapy and outcome, as well as the identification of potential novel therapeutic targets.

Genomic studies were the first to move this field forward by providing novel insights into the molecular biology of lung cancer and by generating candidate biomarkers of disease progression. Lung carcinogenesis is driven by genetic and epigenetic alterations that cause aberrant gene function; however, the challenge remains to pinpoint the key regulatory control mechanisms and to distinguish driver from passenger alterations that may have a small but additive effect on cancer development.

Epigenetic regulation by DNA methylation and histone modifications modulate chromatin structure and, in turn, either activate or silence gene expression. Proteomic approaches critically complement these molecular studies, as the phenotype of a cancer cell is determined by proteins and cannot be predicted by genomics or transcriptomics alone.

The present article focuses on the technological platforms available and some proposed clinical applications. We illustrate herein how the “-omics” have revolutionised our approach to lung cancer biology and hold promise for personalised management of lung cancer.
SCH527123, a novel CXCR2 antagonist, inhibits ozone-induced neutrophilia in healthy subjects
Authors: Holz O. , Khalilieh S. , Ludwig-Sengpiel A. , Watz H. , Stryszak P. , Soni P. , Tsai M. , Sadeh J. , Magnussen H.
Published: July 2009

SCH527123 is a novel, selective CXC chemokine receptor 2 antagonist that inhibits neutrophil activation and modulates neutrophil trafficking in animal models, characteristics that may be beneficial in the treatment of conditions with unbalanced pulmonary neutrophilia, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The purpose of this proof-of-principle study was to determine whether SCH527123 inhibits ozone-induced neutrophil recruitment in healthy humans.

In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, three-way crossover study, oral SCH527123 (50 mg once daily, 4 days), prednisolone (50 mg once), or placebo was alternated with 2-week washouts. 18 healthy ozone responders (>20% increase in sputum neutrophils) underwent ozone challenge tests (250 ppb, 3 h intermittent exercise) 1 h after the last treatment dose. Sputum was induced at 3 h post-challenge.

After SCH527123 treatment, the ozone challenge resulted in significantly lower sputum neutrophil counts (0.13×106·mL−1) compared with prednisolone (0.84×106·mL−1; p<0.001) or placebo (2.98×106·mL−1; p<0.001). Comparable results were obtained for total cell count, percentage of sputum neutrophils, and for interleukin-8 and myeloperoxidase in sputum supernatant. Post-challenge, SCH527123 inhibited neutrophilia in peripheral blood but significantly less than in sputum. All treatments were safe and well tolerated.

SCH527123 causes significant attenuation of ozone-induced airway neutrophilia in healthy subjects. Further evaluation in a large trial of patients with pulmonary disorders is warranted.
Maintaining benefits following pulmonary rehabilitation: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Spencer L. M. , Alison J. A. , McKeough Z. J.
Published: July 2009

The aim of this study was to determine if weekly, supervised, outpatient-based exercise plus unsupervised home exercise following an 8-week pulmonary rehabilitation programme would maintain functional exercise capacity and quality of life at 12 months better than standard care of unsupervised home exercise training.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) subjects completed an 8-week pulmonary rehabilitation programme, were randomised to an intervention group (IG) of weekly, supervised, exercise plus home exercise or to a control group (CG) of unsupervised home exercise and followed for 12 months. Outcome measurements at baseline (after pulmonary rehabilitation), and 3, 6 and 12 months included the 6-min walk test and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ).

59 subjects with moderate COPD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stage II) were recruited and 48 subjects completed the study. 12-month mean difference showed no significant change from baseline in 6-min walk distance (IG -11 m, 95% CI -21–10 m; CG -6 m, 95% CI -34–11 m) or total SGRQ score (IG 3, 95% CI -0.8–7; CG -3, 95% CI -7–3).

12 months following pulmonary rehabilitation both weekly, supervised, outpatient-based exercise plus unsupervised home exercise and standard care of unsupervised home exercise successfully maintained 6-min walk distance and quality of life in subjects with moderate COPD.
Disproportionate elevation of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in scleroderma-related pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Mathai S. C. , Bueso M. , Hummers L. K. , Boyce D. , Lechtzin N. , Le Pavec J. , Campo A. , Champion H. C. , Housten T. , Forfia P. R. , Zaiman A. L. , Wigley F. M. , Girgis R. E. , Hassoun P. M.
Published: July 2009

N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a marker of neurohormonal activation that is useful in the diagnosis and prognosis of various forms of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We sought to characterise and compare NT-proBNP in a cohort of PAH related to systemic sclerosis (PAH-SSc) and idiopathic PAH (IPAH) patients.

NT-proBNP levels, collected from PAH-SSc and IPAH patients followed prospectively, were compared and correlated with haemodynamic variables. Cox proportional hazard models were created to assess the predictive value of NT-proBNP.

98 patients (55 PAH-SSc, 43 IPAH) were included. Haemodynamics were similar, except for lower mean pulmonary arterial pressure in PAH-SSc. NT-proBNP levels were significantly higher in PAH-SSc (3,419±3,784versus1,393±1,633 pg·mL−1; p<0.01) and were more closely related to haemodynamics in PAH-SSc than IPAH. 28 patients died. NT-proBNP predicted survival (hazard ratio (HR) 3.18; p<0.01) in the overall cohort; however, when stratified by group, predicted survival only in PAH-SSc (HR 3.07, p<0.01versus2.02, p = 0.29 in IPAH).

This is the first description showing NT-proBNP levels are 1) significantly higher in PAH-SSc than IPAH despite less severe haemodynamic perturbations, and 2) stronger predictors of survival in PAH-SSc, suggesting that neurohormonal regulation may differ between PAH-SSc and IPAH. Future studies to define pertinent mechanisms are warranted.
Systemic inflammatory markers in COPD: results from the Bergen COPD Cohort Study
Authors: Eagan T. M. L. , Ueland T. , Wagner P. D. , Hardie J. A. , Mollnes T. E. , Damås J. K. , Aukrust P. , Bakke P. S.
Published: July 2009

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is considered an inflammatory pulmonary disorder with systemic inflammatory manifestations. The aim of this study was to assess the systemic levels of six inflammatory mediators in a large cohort of COPD patients and controls.

409 COPD patients and 231 healthy subjects, aged 40–75 yrs, were included from the first phase of the Bergen COPD Cohort Study. All COPD patients were clinically diagnosed by a physician, and had a forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity ratio less than 0.7 and a smoking history of >10 pack-yrs. The plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor (sTNFR)-1, osteoprotegrin, neutrophil activating peptide-2, CXCL16 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-4 were determined by ELISA.

After adjustment for all known confounders, COPD patients had significantly lower levels of osteoprotegrin than subjects without COPD (p<0.05), and higher levels of CRP (p<0.01). Among COPD patients, CRP was elevated in patients with frequent exacerbations (p<0.05). sTNFR-1 and osteoprotegrin were both related to Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stage and frequency of exacerbations in the last 12 months (p<0.05). In addition, sTNFR-1 was significantly associated with important comorbidities such as hypertension and depression (p<0.05).

The present study confirms that certain circulating inflammatory mediators are an important phenotypic feature of COPD.
Mechanisms of emphysema in α1-antitrypsin deficiency: molecular and cellular insights
Authors: Gooptu B. , Ekeowa U. I. , Lomas D. A.
Published: July 2009

The severe, early onset emphysema that occurs in patients with circulating deficiency of α1-antitrypsin (α1-AT) attests to the importance of this protease inhibitor in maintaining lung parenchymal integrity. It has led to the powerful concept of protease:antiprotease balance being crucial to alveolar homeostasis.

Pathogenic mutations cause α1-AT to self-associate into polymer chains that accumulate intracellularly rather than proceeding along the secretory pathway. Polymerisation of α1-AT abolishes antiprotease activity and confers toxic gain-of-function effects. Since α1-AT is predominantly synthesised in the liver, where it does not play a major homeostatic role, the directly toxic effects of polymerisation are clearest here. However, data from molecular, cellular, animal andex vivostudies indicate that intrapulmonary polymerisation of α1-AT and inflammatory positive feedback loops may augment the destructive effects of decreased antiprotease levels in the lung.

This review integrates the findings from these different approaches and highlights how multiple pathways may converge to give the severe, panacinar emphysema phenotype seen in α1-AT deficiency.
Rapid reduction in hospitalisations after an intervention to manage severe asthma
Authors: Souza-Machado C. , Souza-Machado A. , Franco R. , Ponte E. V. , Barreto M. L. , Rodrigues L. C. , Bousquet J. , Cruz A. A.
Published: July 2009

Asthma is the third cause of hospitalisations due to clinical illnesses in Brazil. The Programme for Control of Asthma in Bahia (ProAR) leads an initiative in Salvador City (Brazil) to manage severe asthma for free. The aim of this study was to identify trends in asthma hospitalisation in the entire city and to evaluate the impact of ProAR.

Information on asthma hospitalisations from 1998 to 2006 was collected. We analysed trends in Salvador (2.8 million inhabitants) before and after ProAR, taking pneumonia and myocardial infarction into account for local comparison. As an external control we obtained information on asthma from Recife, which is the most comparable Brazilian city.

In Salvador, asthma hospital admissions declined by 82.3% (1998–2006). A greater proportion of this reduction (74%) occurred after 2003, in parallel with the implementation of ProAR. The reduction in asthma admissions in Recife was smaller. The rates of hospitalisation in 2006 were 2.25 per 10,000 inhabitants in Salvador and 17.06 in Recife. In Salvador, we found an inverse correlation between the provision of medication for asthma and hospitalisation (-0.801; p<0.0001).

A rapid reduction in asthma admissions in the entire city of Salvador was associated with ProAR, a public health intervention targeting severe asthma.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms in matrix metalloproteinase genes and lung cancer chemotherapy response and prognosis
Authors: Scherf D. B. , Dally H. , Müller P. , Werle-Schneider G. , Jäger B. , Edler L. , Tuengerthal S. , Fischer J. R. , Drings P. , Bartsch H. , Risch A.
Published: July 2009

The prognosis for lung cancer patients treated with chemotherapy is poor. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) genes could influence treatment outcome by altering apoptotic pathways. Eight SNPs with known or suspected phenotypic effect in six genes (MMP1,MMP2, MMP3, MMP7, MMP9 and MMP12) were investigated.

For 349 Caucasian patients with primary lung cancer, receiving first-line chemotherapy, three different endpoints were analysed: response after the second cycle, progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

The prognostic value of the SNPs was analysed using multiple logistic regression for all patients and histology-, stage- and treatment-specific subgroups. Hazard ratio estimates for PFS and OS were calculated using Cox regression methods.

None of the investigated polymorphisms modified response significantly in the whole patient population.

However, tumour stage IIIB variant allele carriers ofMMP2 C-735Tshowed a significantly worse response. PFS was significantly prolonged inMMP1 G-1607GGvariant allele carriers and OS in small cell lung cancer patients carrying theMMP12 A-82Gvariant allele.

In conclusion, this study identified SNPs inMMP1,MMP2, MMP7andMMP12for further investigation as possible predictors of chemotherapy outcome in lung cancer patients.
Discharge planning and home care for end-stage COPD patients
Authors: Escarrabill J.
Published: July 2009

Discharge support for the most seriously ill chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients is a key issue in minimising the impact of the acute episode and preventing future relapses.

Alternatives to hospitalisation are crucial in the cost minimisation of COPD care. However, besides efficiency, there are clinical reasons for promoting alternatives to conventional hospital admission. Hospital stay itself conveys a risk to patients.

The discharge process is a key element in the healthcare continuum. Hospital at home is a safe alternative to hospital admission, but it is not the only means of supporting discharge. Some home care schedules, mainly supported by nurses, have been proven to be good alternatives.

Home care is also useful in the prevention of hospital admission. Integrated care is a comprehensive response to the needs of severely affected COPD patients achieved through models of shared care utilising all relevant health providers and promoting self-management. The framework for integrated care is the so-called chronic care model, centred on the promotion of self-management, the holistic appraisal of the patient, the most appropriate design of healthcare delivery responding effectively to the needs of the patient and a good system of shared and accessible information.
Chronic respiratory care for neuromuscular diseases in adults
Authors: Ambrosino N. , Carpenè N. , Gherardi M.
Published: July 2009

Neuromuscular diseases (NMD) may affect respiratory muscles, leading to respiratory failure. Studies show that long-term noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) improves symptoms, gas exchange, quality of life and survival. NIV improved these parameters in muscular dystrophies and also in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis without severe bulbar dysfunction. NIV should be started at the onset of nocturnal hypoventilation. In selected cases, NIV may be simpler, better accepted by patients and cheaper than invasive mechanical ventilation, but it cannot be used as an alternative. Tracheostomy may be preferred by patients unable to protect their airways and wishing to survive as long as possible, or by ventilator-dependent patients.

Glossopharyngeal breathing consists of taking air and propelling it into the lungs. Chest percussions and vibrations can help to mobilise airway secretions but they cannot substitute coughing. Manually assisted coughing requires substantial lung inflation through air stacking or deep lung insufflation, followed by an abdominal thrust with open glottis. The combination of mechanical in-exsufflation with an abdominal thrust is a mechanically assisted cough.

In conclusion, recent advances in respiratory care of NMD have improved prognosis and many caregivers have changed from a traditional noninterventional to a more aggressive, supportive approach.
Inspiratory muscle dysfunction in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Chien M-Y. , Wu Y-T. , Lee P-L. , Chang Y-J. , Yang P-C.
Published: July 2009

Repetitive inspiratory effort against an obstructed airway and intermittent hypoxia may be deleterious to the inspiratory muscles in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).

We investigated muscular dysfunction by comparing the strength, endurance and fatigability of inspiratory muscles and knee extensors in patients with newly diagnosed severe OSA compared with matched controls. The measurements included strength and endurance tests of both muscles, and a fatigue trial with simultaneous surface electromyography of the diaphragm and the vastus lateralis during voluntary contractions and in response to magnetic stimulation. To our knowledge, this is the first investigation to assess peripheral muscle performance in severe OSA patientsversuscontrols.

Patients in the OSA group exhibited significantly lower strength and endurance in both muscles than the control group. The fatigue index decreased significantly exclusively in the inspiratory muscles of OSA patients. Magnetic stimulation-evoked compound muscle action potential latencies increased and the amplitudes decreased significantly in the diaphragm, but not in the vastus lateralis after a fatigue test in the OSA group.

In conclusion, a significantly lower functional performance was shown for both inspiratory muscles and knee extensors in the OSA group. However, higher fatigability was only seen in the inspiratory muscles of patients with severe OSA.
Primer fabrication using polymerase mediated oligonucleotide synthesis
Authors: Cairns Murray J , Thomas Torsten , Beltran Carolina E , Tillett Daniel
Published: July 2009

Background

Custom solid phase oligonucleotide synthesis is an important foundation supporting nearly every aspect of current genomics. In spite of the demand for oligonucleotide primers, their synthesis remains relatively expensive, time consuming and in many circumstances a wasteful process. In this methodology, described as polymerase mediated oligonucleotide synthesis (PMOS), a DNA polymerase is used to increase the hybridization affinity of one oligonucleotide by using another as a template for DNA synthesis. This self-assembly process provides an opportunity to instantly generate a very large number of useful gene-specific primers from a small library of simple precursors. PMOS can be used to generate primers directly in the end-users laboratory within the context of any DNA polymerase chemistry such as in PCR or sequencing reactions

Results

To demonstrate the utility of PMOS, a universal 768-member oligonucleotide library (UniSeq) was designed, fabricated and its performance optimized and evaluated in a range of PCR and DNA sequencing reactions. This methodology used to derive specific 11-mers, performed well in each of these activities and produced the desired amplification or sequencing analysis with results comparable to primers made by time consuming and expensive custom synthesis.

Conclusion

On the basis of these experiments, we believe this novel system would be broadly applicable and could in many circumstances replace the need for conventional oligonucleotide synthesis.
Mosquito immune responses and compatibility between Plasmodium parasites and anopheline mosquitoes
Authors: Jaramillo-Gutierrez Giovanna , Rodrigues Janneth , Ndikuyeze Georges , Povelones Michael , Molina-Cruz Alvaro , Barillas-Mury Carolina
Published: July 2009

Background

Functional screens based on dsRNA-mediated gene silencing identified several Anopheles gambiae genes that limit Plasmodium berghei infection. However, some of the genes identified in these screens have no effect on the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum; raising the question of whether different mosquito effector genes mediate anti-parasitic responses to different Plasmodium species.

Results

Four new An. gambiae (G3) genes were identified that, when silenced, have a different effect on P. berghei (Anka 2.34) and P. falciparum (3D7) infections. Orthologs of these genes, as well as LRIM1 and CTL4, were also silenced in An. stephensi (Nijmegen Sda500) females infected with P. yoelii (17XNL). For five of the six genes tested, silencing had the same effect on infection in the P. falciparum-An. gambiae and P. yoelii-An. stephensi parasite-vector combinations. Although silencing LRIM1 or CTL4 has no effect in An. stephensi females infected with P. yoelii, when An. gambiae is infected with the same parasite, silencing these genes has a dramatic effect. In An. gambiae (G3), TEP1, LRIM1 or LRIM2 silencing reverts lysis and melanization of P. yoelii, while CTL4 silencing enhances melanization.

Conclusion

There is a broad spectrum of compatibility, the extent to which the mosquito immune system limits infection, between different Plasmodium strains and particular mosquito strains that is mediated by TEP1/LRIM1 activation. The interactions between highly compatible animal models of malaria, such as P. yoelii (17XNL)-An. stephensi (Nijmegen Sda500), is more similar to that of P. falciparum (3D7)-An. gambiae (G3).
Mass spectrometry analysis of the variants of histone H3 and H4 of soybean and their post-translational modifications
Authors: Wu Tao , Yuan Tiezheng , Tsai Sau-Na , Wang Chunmei , Sun Sai-Ming , Lam Hon-Ming , Ngai Sai-Ming
Published: July 2009

Background

Histone modifications and histone variants are of importance in many biological processes. To understand the biological functions of the global dynamics of histone modifications and histone variants in higher plants, we elucidated the variants and post-translational modifications of histones in soybean, a legume plant with a much bigger genome than that of Arabidopsis thaliana.

Results

In soybean leaves, mono-, di- and tri-methylation at Lysine 4, Lysine 27 and Lysine 36, and acetylation at Lysine 14, 18 and 23 were detected in HISTONE H3. Lysine 27 was prone to being mono-methylated, while tri-methylation was predominant at Lysine 36. We also observed that Lysine 27 methylation and Lysine 36 methylation usually excluded each other in HISTONE H3. Although methylation at HISTONE H3 Lysine 79 was not reported in A. thaliana, mono- and di-methylated HISTONE H3 Lysine 79 were detected in soybean. Besides, acetylation at Lysine 8 and 12 of HISTONE H4 in soybean were identified. Using a combination of mass spectrometry and nano-liquid chromatography, two variants of HISTONE H3 were detected and their modifications were determined. They were different at positions of A31F41S87S90 (HISTONE variant H3.1) and T31Y41H87L90 (HISTONE variant H3.2), respectively. The methylation patterns in these two HISTONE H3 variants also exhibited differences. Lysine 4 and Lysine 36 methylation were only detected in HISTONE H3.2, suggesting that HISTONE variant H3.2 might be associated with actively transcribing genes. In addition, two variants of histone H4 (H4.1 and H4.2) were also detected, which were missing in other organisms. In the histone variant H4.1 and H4.2, the amino acid 60 was isoleucine and valine, respectively.

Conclusion

This work revealed several distinct variants of soybean histone and their modifications that were different from A. thaliana, thus providing important biological information toward further understanding of the histone modifications and their functional significance in higher plants.
Educational intervention to improve physician reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in a primary care setting in complementary and alternative medicine
Authors: Tabali Manuela , Jeschke Elke , Bockelbrink Angelina , Witt Claudia M , Willich Stefan N , Ostermann Thomas , Matthes Harald
Published: July 2009

Background

Recent studies have shown that adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are underreported. This may be particularly true of ADRs associated with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Data on CAM-related ADRs, however, are sparse.

Objective was to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention and monitoring programme designed to improve physician reporting of ADRs in a primary care setting.

Methods

A prospective multicentre study with 38 primary care practitioners specialized in CAM was conducted from January 2004 through June 2007. After 21 month all physicians received an educational intervention in terms of face-to-face training to assist them in classifying and reporting ADRs. The study centre monitored the quantity and quality of ADR reports and analysed the results.

To measure changes in the ADR reporting rate, the median number of ADR reports and interquartile range (IQR) were calculated before and after the educational intervention. The pre-intervention and post-intervention quality of the reports was assessed in terms of changes in the completeness of data provided for obligatory items. Interrater reliability between the physicians and the study centre was calculated using Cohen's kappa with a 95% confidence interval (CI). We used Mann Whitney U-test for testing continuous data and chi-square test was used for categorical data. The level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

A total of 404 ADRs were reported during the complete study period. An initial 148% increase (P = 0.001) in the number of ADR reports was observed after the educational intervention. Compared to baseline the postinterventional number of ADR reportings was statistically significant higher (P < 0.005) through the first 16 months after the intervention but not significant in the last 4-month period (median: 8.00 (IQR [2.75; 8.75]; P = 0.605). The completeness of the ADR reports increased from 80.3% before to 90.7% after the intervention. The completeness of the item for classifying ADRs as serious or non-serious increased significantly (P < 0.001) after the educational intervention. The quality of ADR reports increased from kappa 0.15 (95% CI: 0.08; 0.29) before to 0.43 (95% CI: 0.23; 0.63) after the intervention.

Conclusion

The results of the present study demonstrate that an educational intervention can increase physician awareness of ADRs. Participating physicians were able to incorporate the knowledge they had gained from face-to-face training into their daily clinical practice. However, the effects of the intervention were temporary.