bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategic Human Resources Management in Nonprofit Organizations
Authors: Guo Chao , Brown William A. , Ashcraft Robert F. , Yoshioka Carlton F. , Dong Hsiang-Kai Dennis
Published: March 2011

This study explores the prevalence of strategic human resources management (HRM) practices in nonprofit organizations as well as the organizational and contextual determinants. Based on survey data collected from 229 charitable nonprofit organizations, we find that organizations that are larger in size, technologically savvy, and dependent on the work of independent contractors all appear to be more likely to implement strategic HRM practices. Local affiliates of national organizations are more likely to implement strategic HRM practices. In addition, younger organizations, educational organizations, and organizations that do not have dedicated HR staff are also more likely to implement strategic HRM practices. Although dependence on volunteer labor has no significant effect on the outcome, further analysis indicates that volunteer-dependent organizations differ from others in several aspects of strategic HRM.
Acculturation Tendencies in a Border Latino Population
Authors: Guinn Robert , Vincent Vern , Lin Wang  , Villas Paul
Published: March 2011

The purpose of this study was to identify variables distinguishing more acculturated versus less acculturated Latinos residing near the United States— Mexico border. The study sample consisted of 438 participants ranging in age from 20 to 68 years. Data were gathered through a self-report survey instrument composed of items assessing acculturation, self-esteem, health, physical activity involvement, education, and marital status. Descriptive discriminant analysis was used to determine which variables made the greatest contribution in discerning between more acculturated and less acculturated border Latinos. Results indicated educational attainment, higher self-esteem, and marriage differentiated between high- and low-acculturated participants with gender, health status, and physical activity showing no group differentiation.
Presidential Politics and the Problem of Drugs in America
Authors: Hill Joshua B. , Oliver Willard M. , Marion Nancy E.
Published: March 2011

This study explores the relationship between the president, public opinion, and the media in regard to drug abuse policy in America from 1969 through 2004. The theory of presidential influence over public opinion is used to test the hypothesis that presidents influence public opinion of drug abuse. Using vector auto regression time-series analysis, the study finds that while presidents do not appear to influence the public directly, they influence the media which influences public opinion. These findings are different from previous findings regarding crime control policy, but are similar to past findings for drug policy. Reasons for these findings are discussed and future research proposed.
Diplomatic baggage
Authors: Page Bruce
Published: March 2011

Much 'diplomacy' and 'intelligence' seems little more than self-deceiving gossip, writes Bruce Page. While the information governments act upon remains secret there is no way to judge whether it is sound or not.
Russia’s media: freedom isn’t dead
Authors: Brenton Tony
Published: March 2011

Tony Brenton, a former British ambassador to Russia, says that the internet and a new generation of journalists can consign State manipulation and violence to history in Russia. But the West should be encouraging this new professional journalistic cadre with training, exchanges and visits.
The stardust has lost its glitter
Authors: Davis Victor
Published: March 2011

Victor Davis marks the passing of Roderick Mann, one of the last of the great globetrotting show business writers, by recalling a magic kingdom of beautiful people, private jets and exotic locations, a red-carpet way of living that newspapers can no longer afford.
Fess up - or face a future of leaks
Authors: Brooke Heather
Published: March 2011

Pioneer investigator in the MPs' expenses scandal, Heather Brooke, used Freedom of Information procedures but the main disclosures came from a leak. Official resistance to disclosure merely encourages leaking, she argues.
A men-only meritocracy
Authors: Shaw Chris
Published: March 2011

Chris Shaw asks why, with the audiences for broadcast news having skewed significantly towards the female over the past 15 years, most newsrooms are still largely run and dominated by men? Patently, discrimination is still practised, he writes.
Nothing like the truth
Authors: Donovan Paul
Published: March 2011

There is no need for press censorship in the UK, believes Paul Donovan, because mainstream journalists have become so self-censoring that they reproduce the official "truth" rather than asking the penetrating questions that might delve beneath the spin.
Boot camp
Authors: Hagerty Bill
Published: March 2011

Second Time Around: Bill Hagerty on Tony Gray's The Real Professionals.
A Mentor’s Mentor: Remembering Harold Guetzkow
Authors: Targ Harry
Published: March 2011

This article describes the important ways in which Harold Guetzkow mentored his student, helping him to develop conceptual and methodological skills and to become a rigorous thinker. While the path was sometimes difficult and stressful, the intellectual skills transmitted from Harold Guetzkow were vital to the teaching and research skills of his student.
The Influence of Low Platelet Count on Whole Blood Aggregometry Assessed by Multiplate
Authors: Stissing Trine , Dridi Nadia P. , Ostrowski Sisse R. , Bochsen Louise , Johansson Pär I.
Published: March 2011

The Multiplate, a whole blood (WB) platelet function test, has shown promising results identifying patients on antiplatelet therapy at increased risk of rethrombosis. In the present study, the influence of low platelet count on platelet aggregation was analyzed and compared with aggregation results in an artificial matrix, platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Heparinized and citrated blood was diluted with autologous plasma to platelet concentrations 200 to 25 × 109/L in WB samples (n = 10) and 200 to 100 × 109/L in PRP samples (n = 7). The platelet aggregation was investigated by the ADP-, ASPI-, COL-, and TRAP-test. The WB responses decreased at platelet concentration of ≤100 × 109/L (all P < .03), except for heparin-TRAP (50 × 109/L, P = .008) and citrate-ASPI (150 × 109/L, P = .03). In general, WB samples demonstrated higher aggregation than PRP samples at platelet concentrations 200 to 100 × 109/L ( P < .05). In conclusion, platelet concentration of <150 × 109/L may influence Multiplate which should be considered in clinical settings. Furthermore, the findings emphasize the importance of evaluating haemostasis in its natural matrix, WB.
Predicting Sexual and Nonsexual Recidivism in a Consecutive Sample of Juveniles Convicted of Sexual Offences
Authors: Aebi Marcel , Plattner Belinda , Steinhausen Hans-Christoph , Bessler Cornelia
Published: March 2011

Reliable and valid risk assessments are essential for responding adequately to juveniles who have sexually offended (JSO). Given the lack of specific research focusing on the JSO population, the present study aims at confirming and expanding previous findings based on clinical samples dealing with risk assessments of JSO. The predictive power of the Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment Protocol (J-SOAP-II) and the Sexual Offence Severity (SOS) Scale are evaluated retrospectively by analyzing forensic, police, and judicial files in a consecutive sample of 223 adolescents (mean age of 15.7 years, SD = 2.1 years) who had been convicted of a sexual crime in the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland, between 2000 and 2008. Based on local official recidivism data (mean follow-up period = 4.3 years; SD = 2.5 years), univariate and multivariate predictions of sexual and nonsexual recidivism are tested by use of the J-SOAP-II and the SOS Scale in logistic regression and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analyses. Sexual recidivism ( n = 7, 3.1%) is best predicted by a multivariate model, including the J-SOAP-II Adjustment Scale and the SOS Scale (ROC: Area under the curve [AUC] = .818). Nonsexual violent ( n = 37, 16.6%) and general recidivism ( n = 100, 44.8%) are only moderately predicted by the J-SOAP-II impulsive/antisocial behavior scale (AUC = .677 and .662, respectively). In conclusion, the J-SOAP-II adjustment scale, the J-SOAP-II impulsive/antisocial behavior scale, and the SOS Scale may be helpful for screening purposes in JSO, but additional risk assessment seems necessary. Overall, further research is necessary for a comprehensive understanding of risk factors in JSO.
Exploring the Factors Influencing Discontinued Hearing Aid Use in Patients With Unilateral Cochlear Implants
Authors: Fitzpatrick Elizabeth M. , Leblanc Stéphanie
Published: March 2011

Studies have shown that unilateral cochlear implant users who have residual hearing in the contralateral ear can benefit from combining a hearing aid in the nonimplanted ear with their cochlear implant. The purpose of this study was to better understand the factors influencing decision making by adults. Adults who had discontinued hearing aid use shortly after cochlear implantation were selected from one Canadian cochlear implant program. An examination of hearing aid use revealed that of 96 patients, who used hearing aids preimplant, 49 had discontinued hearing aid use. Patient perspectives on the decision and experience of combining a hearing aid and a cochlear implant were collected through 12 individual semistructured interviews. The interviews were analyzed qualitatively to identify key themes. Questionnaires, based on the interview findings, were developed and sent to the 49 adults to further explore the factors affecting hearing aid decisions. Interview and questionnaire findings from 28 adults indicated that three factors primarily influenced patients' decision to discontinue hearing aid use: their perceptions of the experience with hearing aids prior to implantation, their views of superiority of a unilateral cochlear implant in comparison with hearing aids, and their perceptions of interference with sound quality when a cochlear implant and hearing aid were combined. This study provides information about patient perceptions, experiences, and understanding of the potential difficulties of a bimodal fitting that may assist clinicians in pre- and postimplant counseling.
An Animal Model for Measuring the Effect of Common NICU Procedures on ATP Metabolism
Authors: Plank Megan S. , Boskovic Danilo S. , Tagge Edward , Chrisler John , Slater Laurel , Angeles Katherine R. , Angeles Danilyn M.
Published: March 2011

Neonates exposed to common neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) procedures show alterations in heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. However, it is unclear if these physiologic changes increase adenosine triphosphate (ATP) utilization, thus potentially increasing the risk for tissue hypoxia in medically fragile neonates. Plasma uric acid is a commonly used marker of increased ATP utilization because uric acid levels increase when ATP consumption is enhanced. To examine the effect of a common NICU procedure on plasma uric acid concentration, we developed a model that allows for acute monitoring of this biochemical marker in plasma in 7- to 9-day-old rabbits. In our pilot study, we exposed neonatal rabbits to a single heel lance 2.5 hr after catheter placement. We measured uric acid concentration before and 30 min after the heel lance and compared findings to levels in control animals not exposed to the heel lance. Our pilot data shows a significant difference in uric acid concentration over time between the control and heel lance groups (46.2 ± 7.1 μM vs. 54.7 ± 5.8 μM, respectively, p = .027). Calculation of percentage change from baseline showed uric acid concentration increasing in rabbits exposed to heel lance and decreasing in control rabbits (1.5 ± 4.7% vs. —16.1 ± 4.2%, respectively, p = .03). These data suggest that this animal model can be successfully used to examine the biochemical effect of common NICU procedures, such as heel lance, on markers of ATP breakdown and purine metabolism.
Mental health in complex health promotion policy programmes: The contribution of programme evaluations
Authors: Solin Pia , Lehto Juhani
Published: March 2011

Background: In order to develop policymaking, evaluation is required. The research project studied national health promotion policies concentrating on mental health promotion policy. In this paper the focus is on the position of evaluation. Aim: To explore the position of evaluation in the development of the national public health strategies of England and Finland and particularly with regard to mental health promotion policies. The evaluation phase of the policymaking process is also scrutinised through multiple streams of policy change. Methods: Meta-evaluative approach applying a conceptual framework of policy analysis. Results: Evaluations of national health strategies were executed in both countries. These evaluations entailed multiple tasks; not only to monitor the progress of the targets but to learn for the future in a wider perspective. Aims of mental health policy are not easily turned into quantitative targets and therefore outcome evaluation was not felt to be satisfactory as it lacks focus on process as well as null, perverse, and unintended consequences. Conclusions: While the position of evaluation is almost always more complicated than is assumed in so-called rational policymaking theory, mental health appears to be even more challenging in this respect. Possibilities for alternative evaluation strategies should be studied further.
Serum cotinine predicts bronchial obstruction regardless of self-reported smoking history
Authors: Vasankari Tuula , Jousilahti Pekka , Knekt Paul , Marniemi Jukka , Heistaro Sami , Lppo Kari , Heliovaara Markku
Published: March 2011

Background: We studied ability of serum cotinine and detailed history of smoking to predict bronchial obstruction. Methods: The baseline study was done during the Mini-Finland Health Survey in 1980 and the follow-up study during the Health 2000 Survey in 2000 for a total of 662 persons free from bronchial obstruction at baseline. Spirometric values of the ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity (FEV%) <80% were defined as moderate and <70% as severe bronchial obstruction at follow-up. Cotinine was determined from frozen serum samples collected at baseline. Results: For those who reported at baseline not to smoke currently but whose serum cotinine (≥100 μg/l) indicated active smoking, the age- and sex-adjusted odds ratio of bronchial obstruction at follow-up was 2.55 (95% CI 1.26—5.19) compared with the ‘‘true non-smokers’’ (<100 μg/l). Among current smokers, after adjustment for age, sex, pack years, daily consumption of cigarettes, and inhalation of smoke, the odds ratio of moderate and severe bronchial obstruction was 1.61 (95% CI 1.12— 2.32) and 1.97 (95% CI 1.10—3.54) per an increment of one standard deviation (367 μg/l) in serum cotinine. The predictive value of all the interview measures of past or current smoking was clearly lower. Conclusions: Serum cotinine concentration is a useful predictor for development of obstruction. Smoking history alone may be insufficient in risk factor studies focusing on smoking-related diseases.
Psychological distress and quality of life in long-term social assistance recipients compared to the Norwegian population
Authors: Løyland Borghild , Miaskowski Christine , Dahl Espen , Paul Steven M. , Rustøen Tone
Published: March 2011

Aims: Mental disorders are serious public health problems and mental disorders have an impact on individuals’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate for differences in psychological distress and HRQoL outcomes between long-term social assistance recipients (LTRs) and the general population in Norway. In addition, differences in HRQoL outcomes were evaluated in LTRs and general population who reported clinically meaningful levels of psychological distress. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, which is part of a larger study that evaluated the health and functional abilities of LTRs in Norway, 393 LTRs were compared to a similar aged group (n = 3919) from the general population. Psychological distress was measured using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist. Results: LTRs were significantly younger (p < 0.001), more likely to be male (p = 0.001), more likely to be never married or divorced (p < 0.001), and have less education (p < 0.001) than members of the general population. LTRs reported significantly higher total mean psychological distress scores than the general population. More LTRs (57.0%) than general population (10.1%; p < 0.001) reported clinically meaningful levels of psychological distress. LTRs with a psychological distress score >1.85 reported lower mental component scores on the SF-12 than general population. Conclusions: In the total sample, LTRs experienced more psychological distress and reported poorer HRQoL than the general population. Clinically meaningful levels of psychological distress occurred more frequently in LTRs than general population. The LTRs and the general population with psychological distress rated both the physical and mental components of HRQoL lower than LTRs and general population without psychological distress.
A Study of Occasional and Intensive Weapon Carrying Among Adolescents Using a Nationally Representative Sample
Authors: Yun Ilhong , Hwang EuiGab
Published: March 2011

This study employed the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescents (Add Health) data, a nationally representative sample of adolescents. The focus of the study was to examine whether similar risk factors underlie both occasional and intensive adolescent weapon carrying. Multinomial logistic regression analyses revealed that the characteristics of the two types of weapon carriers are largely overlapping but with some disparities. In addition, this study revealed a strong effect of prior victimization on the probability of weapon carrying, employing a victimization measure that included only serious and violent victimization experiences.
What kinds of hand injuries are more likely to result in amputation? An analysis of 6549 hand injuries
Authors: Durusoy R. , Davas A. , Kayalar M. , Bal E. , Aksu F. , Ada S.
Published: March 2011

We analysed 6549 hand injuries treated between 1992 and 2005 at a specialist hospital in Turkey to identify risk factors for amputations. There were 2899 (44%) hand amputations. Left-side injuries were more prone to amputation. The risk of amputation was higher in men, workers and those in the 15–24 and 45–54 year-old age groups. Compared to home, commercial areas were the places with highest risk, followed by farms and industrial/construction areas. The majority of amputations occurred in industrial/construction areas (87%). Among objects/substances producing injury, watercraft led to the highest risk of amputation and contact with machinery was the mechanism with highest risk. Press machines were the most frequent objects causing amputation both in men and women, followed almost equally by powered wood cutters in men. Doors were the most frequent objects of amputation in children, followed by powered wood cutters. Education, enforcement, and improved engineering are the keys to prevent amputations. Precluding illegal child labour is essential.
Epidemic of cardiometabolic diseases: a Latin American point of view
Authors: Lopez-Jaramillo Patricio , Lahera Vicente , Lopez-Lopez Jose
Published: March 2011

Poor early nutrition has varying effects on subsequent cardiometabolic disease (CMD) rates. Fetal and neonatal periods are critical for the development and growth of the systems involved in CMD. The increased rates of hypertension, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus type 2, renal failure and heart failure observed nowadays in Latin America could be the result of the discrepancy between the nutritional environment during fetal and early life and the adult environment. This discrepancy causes a mismatch between the fetal programming of the subject and its adult circumstances created by the imposition of new life styles. The two largest international studies on cardiovascular risk factors for a first myocardial infarction (INTERHEART) and stroke (INTERSTROKE) demonstrated that in Latin America the factor with the highest attributable population risk was abdominal obesity. The conflict between the earlier programming and the later presence of abdominal obesity produced a higher sensitivity of this population to develop a state of low-degree inflammation, insulin resistance and the epidemic of CMD to lower levels of abdominal adiposity. The relative roles played by genetic and environmental factors and the interaction between the two are the still subjects of great debate. We have reviewed the relationship between maternal malnutrition, early growth restriction, epigenetic adaptations, and the later occurrence of abdominal obesity and CMD in Latin America.
Oxygen-regulated expression of the erythropoietin gene in the human renal cell line REPC
Authors: Frede Stilla , Freitag Patricia , Geuting Luise , Konietzny Rebecca , Fandrey Joachim
Published: March 2011

Erythropoietin (EPO), the key hormone in red blood cell renewal, is mainly produced in the adult kidney. Anemia and hypoxia substantially enhance EPO expression to increase erythropoiesis. Investigations of the cellular physiology of renal EPO production have been hampered by the lack of an adequate human cell line. In the present study, we present the human kidney cell line REPC (for renal Epo–producing cells), established from an explanted human kidney exhibiting EPO gene expression and release of the EPO protein in an oxygen-dependent manner. Hypoxic induction of EPO mRNA showed the typical transient increase and peak in expression after 36 hours under continuous conditions of hypoxia. Bioactive EPO protein accumulated in the culture supernatant. The induction of EPO gene expression in REPCs critically depended on the activation of hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (HIFs). SiRNA treatment revealed that the expression of EPO was largely dependent on the activation of the transcription factor complex HIF-2. In addition, hepatic nuclear factor 4α was shown to be critically involved in hypoxia-induced renal EPO expression. Using the human kidney cell line REPC, we provide for the first time a powerful tool with which to study the cellular and molecular regulation of renal EPO production.
Residual sleepiness in obstructive sleep apnoea: phenotype and related symptoms
Authors: Vernet C. , Redolfi S. , Attali V. , Konofal E. , Brion A. , Frija-Orvoen E. , Pottier M. , Similowski T. , Arnulf I.
Published: March 2011

The characteristics of residual excessive sleepiness (RES), defined by an Epworth score >10 in adequately treated apnoeic patients, are unknown.

40 apnoeic patients, with (n = 20) and without (n = 20) RES, and 20 healthy controls underwent clinical interviews, cognitive and biological tests, polysomnography, a multiple sleep latency test, and 24-h sleep monitoring.

The marked subjective sleepiness in the RES group (mean± sd score 16.4±3) contrasted with moderately abnormal objective measures of sleepiness (90% of patients with RES had daytime sleep latencies >8 min). Compared with patients without RES, the patients with RES had more fatigue, lower stage N3 percentages, more periodic leg movements (without arousals), lower mean sleep latencies and longer daytime sleep periods. Most neuropsychological dimensions (morning headaches, memory complaints, spatial memory, inattention, apathy, depression, anxiety and lack of self-confidence) were not different between patients with and without RES, but gradually altered from controls to apnoeic patients without and then with RES.

RES in apnoeic patients differs markedly from sleepiness in central hypersomnia. The association between RES, periodic leg movements, apathy and depressive mood parallels the post-hypoxic lesions in noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin systems in animals exposed to intermittent hypoxia.
Adaptive support ventilation for faster weaning in COPD: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kirakli C. , Ozdemir I. , Ucar Z.Z. , Cimen P. , Kepil S. , Ozkan S.A.
Published: March 2011

Adaptive support ventilation (ASV) is a closed-loop ventilation mode that can act both as pressure support ventilation (PSV) and pressure-controlled ventilation. Weaning with ASV shows promising results, mainly in post-cardiac surgery patients. The aim of the present randomised controlled study was to test the hypothesis that weaning with ASV could reduce the weaning duration in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) when compared with PSV.

From among 435 COPD patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) during a 20-month period, 97 were enrolled. Patients were assigned at random to either ASV or PSV as a weaning mode.

Compared with PSV, ASV provided shorter weaning times (median 24 (interquartile range 20–62) hversus72 (24–144) h, p=0.041) with similar weaning success rates (35 out of 49 for ASV and 33 out of 48 for PSV). Length of stay in the ICU was also shorter with ASV but the difference was not statistically significant.

This study suggests that ASV may be used in the weaning of COPD patients with the advantage of shorter weaning times. Further studies are needed to investigate the role and potential advantages of ASV in the weaning period of different patient groups.
Physician judgement is a crucial adjunct to pneumonia severity scores in low-risk patients
Authors: Choudhury G. , Chalmers J.D. , Mandal P. , Akram A.R. , Murray M.P. , Short P. , Singanayagam A. , Hill A.T.
Published: March 2011

This study investigates the reasons for hospitalisation in patients with low-risk (CURB-65 score 0–1) community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), with a view to identifying the potential for improving outpatient management.

As part of a prospective observational study of CAP, we evaluated reasons for hospitalisation in these low-risk patients.

565 patients had low-risk CAP and 420 of these were admitted (for >12 h). 39.3% had additional markers of severity justifying admission, 29.5% of the admissions were required for further management that could not be provided rapidly in the community, 11.9% had unsafe social circumstances and 19.3% had no clinical reason justifying hospitalisation. 30-day mortality was increased in patients with additional severity markers (6.7%), which was significantly higher compared with 0% for patients awaiting investigations (p=0.009) and 0% without a clear indication for hospitalisation (p=0.04). In a logistic regression analysis, parameters associated with 30-day mortality were chronic cardiac comorbidity (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 5.73, 95% CI 1.52–21.6; p=0.01), acidosis (aOR 5.14, 95% CI 1.44–18.3; p=0.01), hypoxia (aOR 9.86, 95% CI 2.39–40.7; p=0.002) and multilobar chest radiograph shadowing (aOR 4.54, 95% CI 1.21–17.1; p=0.03).

This study supports recommendations from international guidelines that pneumonia severity scores should be used as an adjunct to clinical judgement, when deciding on hospitalisation.
Comparing Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) criteria with the Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT) and Asthma Control Test (ACT)
Authors: Koolen B.B. , Pijnenburg M.W.H. , Brackel H.J.L. , Landstra A.M. , van den Berg N.J. , Merkus P.J.F.M. , Hop W.C.J. , Vaessen-Verberne A.A.P.H.
Published: March 2011

Several tools are useful in detecting uncontrolled asthma in children. The aim of this study was to compare Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines with the Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT) and the Asthma Control Test (ACT) in detecting uncontrolled asthma in children.

145 children with asthma filled in a web-based daily diary card for 4 weeks on symptoms, use of rescue medication and limitations of activities, followed by either the C-ACT or ACT. For predicting uncontrolled asthma, score cut-off points of 19 were used for C-ACT and ACT.

According to GINA guidelines, asthma was uncontrolled in 71 (51%) children and completely controlled in 19 (14%) children. The area under the curve in the receiver operating characteristic curves for C-ACT and ACTversusGINA guidelines were 0.89 and 0.92, respectively. Cut-off points of 19 for C-ACT and ACT resulted in a sensitivity of 33% and 66% in predicting uncontrolled asthma, respectively.

C-ACT and ACT correlate well with GINA criteria in predicting uncontrolled asthma, but commonly used cut-off points for C-ACT and ACT seem to underestimate the proportion of children with uncontrolled asthma as defined by GINA.
Accuracy of cell typing in nonsmall cell lung cancer by EBUS/EUS–FNA cytological samples
Authors: Wallace W.A.H. , Rassl D.M.
Published: March 2011

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided transbronchial or transoesophageal lymph node aspiration is increasingly used as a method of diagnosing nonsmall cell carcinoma. Data validating the accuracy of cell typing of nonsmall cell carcinoma using these cytological samples has not been assessed.

23 samples were identified in Edinburgh, UK and a further 25 in Cambridge, UK, with matching histological samples. The morphological cell type, as assessed on the cytological preparations and cell blocks, was recorded and immunohistochemical staining was performed, where possible, as an adjunct. The final cell type, as assessed by morphology with or without immunohistochemistry, was correlated with that reported in the paired histological samples.

Cell blocks with tumour were available in 39 out of 48 cases. The accuracy of cell typing when no cell block was available was four out of nine cases. This increased to 25 out of 39 when a cell block was available, increasing to 33 out of 39 with the addition of immunohistochemistry. The overall accuracy of classification was 37 out of 48 cases.

Accurate cell typing of nonsmall cell carcinomas can be performed using endoscopically derived fine-needle aspirates. The importance of obtaining sufficient material for the production of cell blocks is critical in allowing optimal assessment.
Role of growth hormone-releasing hormone in sleep and growth impairments induced by upper airway obstruction in rats
Authors: Tarasiuk A. , Berdugo-Boura N. , Troib A. , Segev Y.
Published: March 2011

Upper airway obstruction (UAO) can lead to abnormal growth hormone (GH) homeostasis and growth retardation but the mechanisms are unclear. We explored the effect of UAO on hypothalamic GH-releasing hormone (GHRH), which has a role in both sleep and GH regulation.

The tracheae of 22-day-old rats were narrowed; UAO and sham-operated animals were sacrificed 16 days post-surgery. To stimulate slow-wave sleep (SWS) and GH secretion, rats were treated with ritanserin (5-HT2receptor antagonist). Sleep was measured with a telemetric system. Hypothalamic GHRH, hypothalamic GHRH receptor (GHRHR) and GH receptor, and orexin were analysed using ELISA, real-time PCR and Western blot.

UAO decreased hypothalamic GHRH, GHRHR and GH receptor levels, while orexin mRNA increased (p<0.01). In UAO rats, the duration of wakefulness was elevated and the duration of SWS, paradoxical sleep and slow-wave activity was reduced (p<0.001). Ritanserin alleviated these effects,i.e.normalised hypothalamic GHRH content, decreased wake duration, increased duration and depth of SWS, and attenuated growth impairment (p<0.001).

Here, we present evidence that growth retardation in UAO is associated with a reduction in hypothalamic GHRH content. Our findings show that abnormalities in the GHRH/GH axis underlie both growth retardation and SWS-disorder UAO.
Mometasone and desloratadine additive effect on eosinophil survival and cytokine secretion from epithelial cells
Authors: Mullol Joaquim , de Borja Callejas Francisco , Martínez-Antón Maria Asunción , Méndez-Arancibia Eva , Alobid Isam , Pujols Laura , Valero Antonio , Picado Cesar , Roca-Ferrer Jordi
Published: March 2011

Background

Although antihistamines and topical corticosteroids are used in combination to treat allergic rhinitis, their additive effect has not been yet demonstrated. The aim was investigate the antiinflammatory additive effect of mometasone and desloratadine on cytokine and sICAM-1 secretion by epithelial cells, and on eosinophil survival stimulated by human epithelial cells secretions from nasal mucosa and polyps.

Methods

Epithelial cells obtained from nasal mucosa or polyps were stimulated with 10% fetal bovine serum in presence of mometasone (10-11M-10-5M) with/without desloratadine (10-5M). Cytokine and sICAM-1 concentrations in supernatants were measured by ELISA. Peripheral blood eosinophils were incubated during 4 days with epithelial cell secretions with (10-11M-10-5M) and/or desloratadine (10-5M) and survival assessed by Trypan blue. Results are expressed as percentage (mean ± SEM) compared to control.

Results

Fetal bovine serum stimulated IL-6, IL-8, GM-CSF and sICAM-1 secretion. In mucosa and polyp epithelial cells, mometasone inhibited this induced secretion while desloratadine inhibited IL-6 and IL-8. The combination of 10-5M desloratadine and 10-9M mometasone reduced IL-6 secretion (48 ± 11%, p < 0.05) greater extent than mometasone alone (68 ± 10%) compared to control (100%). Epithelial cell secretions induced eosinophil survival from day 1 to 4, this effect being inhibited by mometasone. At day 4, the combination of mometasone (10-11M) and desloratadine (10-5M) provoked an increased inhibition of eosinophil survival induced by cell secretions (27 ± 5%, p < 0.01) than mometasone (44 ± 7%) or desloratadine (46 ± 7%) alone.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the combination of desloratadine and mometasone furoate have a greater antinflammatory effect in an in vitro model of eosinophil inflammation than those drugs administered alone.
The MAP kinase ERK and its scaffold protein MP1 interact with the chromatin regulator Corto during Drosophilawing tissue development
Authors: Mouchel-Vielh Emmanuèle , Rougeot Julien , Decoville Martine , Peronnet Frédérique
Published: March 2011

Background

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades (p38, JNK, ERK pathways) are involved in cell fate acquisition during development. These kinase modules are associated with scaffold proteins that control their activity. InDrosophila,dMP1, that encodes an ERK scaffold protein, regulates ERK signaling during wing development and contributes to intervein and vein cell differentiation. Functional relationships during wing development between a chromatin regulator, the Enhancer of Trithorax and Polycomb Corto, ERK and its scaffold protein dMP1, are examined here.

Results

Genetic interactions show thatcortoanddMP1act together to antagonizerolled(which encodes ERK) in the future intervein cells, thus promoting intervein fate. Although Corto, ERK and dMP1 are present in both cytoplasmic and nucleus compartments, they interact exclusively in nucleus extracts. Furthermore, Corto, ERK and dMP1 co-localize on several sites on polytene chromosomes, suggesting that they regulate gene expression directly on chromatin. Finally, Corto is phosphorylated. Interestingly, its phosphorylation pattern differs between cytoplasm and nucleus and changes upon ERK activation.

Conclusions

Our data therefore suggest that the Enhancer of Trithorax and Polycomb Corto could participate in regulating vein and intervein genes during wing tissue development in response to ERK signaling.
Serum response factor is required for cell contact maintenance but dispensable for proliferation in visceral yolk sac endothelium
Authors: Holtz Mary L , Misra Ravi P
Published: March 2011

Background

Endothelial-specific knockout of the transcription factor serum response factor (SRF) results in embryonic lethality by mid-gestation. The associated phenotype exhibits vascular failure in embryos as well as visceral yolk sac (VYS) tissues. Previous data suggest that this vascular failure is caused by alterations in cell-cell and cell-matrix contacts. In the current study, we sought to more carefully address the role of SRF in endothelial function and cell contact interactions in VYS tissues.

Results

Tie2-Cre recombinase-mediated knockout of SRF expression resulted in loss of detectable SRF from VYS mesoderm by E12.5. This loss was accompanied by decreased expression of smooth muscle alpha-actin as well as vascular endothelial cadherin and claudin 5, endothelial-specific components of adherens and tight junctions, respectively. Focal adhesion (FA) integrins alpha5 and beta1 were largely unchanged in contrast to loss of the FA-associated molecule vinculin. The integrin binding partner fibronectin-1 was also profoundly decreased in the extracellular matrix, indicating another aspect of impaired adhesive function and integrin signaling. Additionally, cells in SRF-null VYS mesoderm failed to reduce proliferation, suggesting not only that integrin-mediated contact inhibition is impaired but also that SRF protein is not required for proliferation in these cells.

Conclusions

Our data support a model in which SRF is critical in maintaining functional cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion in endothelial cells. Furthermore, we provide evidence that supports a model in which loss of SRF protein results in a sustained proliferation defect due in part to failed integrin signaling.
The gene transformer-2 of Sciara (Diptera, Nematocera) and its effect on Drosophilasexual development
Authors: Martín Iker , Ruiz María F , Sánchez Lucas
Published: March 2011

Background

The gene transformer-2, which is involved in sex determination, has been studied in Drosophila, Musca, Ceratitis, Anastrepha and Lucilia. All these members of Diptera belong to the suborder Brachycera. In this work, it is reported the isolation and characterisation of genes transformer-2 of the dipterans Sciara ocellaris and Bradysia coprophila (formerly Sciara coprophila), which belong to the much less extensively analysed Sciaridae Family of the Suborder Nematocera, which is paraphyletic with respect to Suborder Brachycera.

Results

The transformer-2 genes of the studied Sciara species were found to be transcribed in both sexes during development and adult life, in both the soma and germ lines. They produced a single primary transcript, which follows the same alternative splicing in both sexes, giving rise to different mRNAs isoforms. In S. ocellaris the most abundant mRNA isoform encoded a full-length protein of 251 amino acids, while that of B. coprophila encoded a protein of 246 amino acids. Both showed the features of the SR protein family. The less significant mRNA isoforms of both species encoded truncated, presumably non-functional Transformer-2 proteins. The comparison of the functional Sciara Transformer-2 proteins among themselves and those of other insects revealed the greatest degree of conservation in the RRM domain and linker region. In contrast, the RS1 and RS2 domains showed extensive variation with respect to their number of amino acids and their arginine-serine (RS) dipeptide content. The expression of S. ocellaris Transformer-2 protein in Drosophila XX pseudomales lacking the endogenous transformer-2 function caused their partial feminisation.

Conclusions

The transformer-2 genes of both Sciaridae species encode a single protein in both sexes that shares the characteristics of the Transformer-2 proteins of other insects. These proteins showed conserved sex-determination function in Drosophila; i.e., they were able to form a complex with the endogenous Drosophila Transformer protein that controls the female-specific splicing of the Drosophila doublesex pre-mRNA. However, it appears that the complex formed between the Drosophila Transformer protein and the Sciara Transformer-2 protein is less effective at inducing the female-specific splicing of the endogenous Drosophila doublesex pre-mRNA than the DrosophilaTransformer-Transformer2 complex. This suggests the existence of species-specific co-evolution of the Transformer and Transformer-2 proteins.
The coming of the Greeks to Provence and Corsica: Y-chromosome models of archaic Greek colonization of the western Mediterranean
Authors: King Roy J , Di Cristofaro Julie , Kouvatsi Anastasia , Triantaphyllidis Costas , Scheidel Walter , Myres Natalie M , Lin Alice A , Eissautier Alexandre , Mitchell Michael , Binder Didier , Semino Ornella , Novelletto Andrea , Underhill Peter A , Chiaroni Jacques
Published: March 2011

Background

The process of Greek colonization of the central and western Mediterranean during the Archaic and Classical Eras has been understudied from the perspective of population genetics. To investigate the Y chromosomal demography of Greek colonization in the western Mediterranean, Y-chromosome data consisting of 29 YSNPs and 37 YSTRs were compared from 51 subjects from Provence, 58 subjects from Smyrna and 31 subjects whose paternal ancestry derives from Asia Minor Phokaia, the ancestral embarkation port to the 6th century BCE Greek colonies of Massalia (Marseilles) and Alalie (Aleria, Corsica).

Results

19% of the Phokaian and 12% of the Smyrnian representatives were derived for haplogroup E-V13, characteristic of the Greek and Balkan mainland, while 4% of the Provencal, 4.6% of East Corsican and 1.6% of West Corsican samples were derived for E-V13. An admixture analysis estimated that 17% of the Y-chromosomes of Provence may be attributed to Greek colonization. Using the following putative Neolithic Anatolian lineages: J2a-DYS445 = 6, G2a-M406 and J2a1b1-M92, the data predict a 0% Neolithic contribution to Provence from Anatolia. Estimates of colonial Greek vs. indigenous Celto-Ligurian demography predict a maximum of a 10% Greek contribution, suggesting a Greek male elite-dominant input into the Iron Age Provence population.

Conclusions

Given the origin of viniculture in Provence is ascribed to Massalia, these results suggest that E-V13 may trace the demographic and socio-cultural impact of Greek colonization in Mediterranean Europe, a contribution that appears to be considerably larger than that of a Neolithic pioneer colonization.
Multiple evidence for the role of an Ovate-like gene in determining fruit shape in pepper
Authors: Tsaballa Aphrodite , Pasentsis Konstantinos , Darzentas Nikos , Tsaftaris Athanasios S
Published: March 2011

Background

Grafting is a widely used technique contributing to sustainable and ecological production of many vegetables, but important fruit quality characters such as taste, aroma, texture and shape are known for years to be affected by grafting in important vegetables species including pepper. From all the characters affected, fruit shape is the most easily observed and measured. From research in tomato, fruit shape is known to be controlled by many QTLs but only few of them have larger effect on fruit shape variance. In this study we used pepper cultivars with different fruit shape to study the role of a pepperOvate-like gene,CaOvate, which encodes a negative regulator protein that brings significant changes in tomato fruit shape.

Results

We successfully cloned and characterizedOvate-like genes (designated asCaOvate) from two pepper cultivars of different fruit shape, cv. "Mytilini Round" and cv. "Piperaki Long", hereafter referred to as cv. "Round" and cv. "Long" after the shape of their mature fruits. TheCaOvateconsensus contains a 1008-bp ORF, encodes a 335 amino-acid polypeptide, shares 63% identity with the tomato OVATE protein and exhibits high similarity with OVATE sequences from other Solanaceae species, all placed in the same protein subfamily as outlined by expert sequence analysis. No significant structural differences were detected between theCaOvategenes obtained from the two cultivars. However, relative quantitative expression analysis showed that the expression ofCaOvatefollowed a different developmental profile between the two cultivars, being higher in cv. "Round". Furthermore, down-regulation ofCaOvatethrough VIGS in cv. "Round" changes its fruit to a more oblong form indicating thatCaOvateis indeed involved in determining fruit shape in pepper, perhaps by negatively affecting the expression of its target gene,CaGA20ox1, also studied in this work.

Conclusions

Herein, we clone, characterize and studyCaOvateandCaGA20ox1genes, very likely involved in shaping pepper fruit. The oblong phenotype of the fruits in a plant of cv. "Round", where we observed a significant reduction in the expression levels ofCaOvate, resembled the change in shape that takes place by grafting the round-fruited cultivar cv. "Round" onto the long-fruited pepper cultivar cv. "Long". Understanding the role ofCaOvateandCaGA20ox1, as well as of other genes likeSunalso involved in controlling fruit shape in Solanaceae plants like tomato, pave the way to better understand the molecular mechanisms involved in controlling fruit shape in Solanaceae plants in general, and pepper in particular, as well as the changes in fruit quality induced after grafting and perhaps the ways to mitigate them.
HMGB1 cytoplasmic translocation in patients with acute liver failure
Authors: Zhou Rong-Rong , Zhao Shu-Shan , Zou Ming-Xiang , Zhang Pan , Zhang Bao-Xing , Dai Xia-Hong , Li Ning , Liu Hong-Bo , Wang Haichao , Fan Xue-Gong
Published: March 2011

Background

High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a late mediator of lethal systemic inflammation. Acute liver failure (ALF) has been shown to trigger systemic inflammation in clinical and animal studies. To evaluate the possibility of HMGB1 cytoplasmic translocation in ALF, we determined whether HMGB1 is released in hepatocytes and end organ in patients with liver failure/injury.

Methods

HepG2 cell were stimulated with LPS or TNF-α, the increase of HMGB1 extracellularly in the culture medium and intracellularly in various cellular fractions were determined by western blot or immunocytochemistry. To observe sub-cellular location of HMGB1 in hepatocytes, liver specimens were obtained from 6 patients with ALF caused by HBV infection, 10 patients with chronic viral hepatitis B, 6 healthy controls, as well as animals model of ALF by intraperitoneal administration of D-GalN (600 mg/kg) and LPS (0.5 mg/kg).

Results

In HepG2 cell culture, LPS or TNF actively induced HMGB1 cytoplasmic translocation and release in a time- and dose-dependent fashion. In animal model of ALF, cytoplasmic HMGB1 translocation was observed in hepatocyts as early as 3 hours post onset of ALF. In patients with ALF caused by HBV infection, cytoplasmic HMGB1 translocation was similarly observed in some hepatocytes of the liver specimen.

Conclusions

Cytoplasmic HMGB1 translocation may occur during ALF, which may potentially contribute to the pathogenesis of liver inflammatory diseases.
Requesting physicians' experiences regarding infectious disease consultations
Authors: Pavese Patricia , Sellier Elodie , Laborde Laurent , Gennai Stéphane , Stahl Jean-Paul , François Patrice
Published: March 2011

Background

Solicited consultations constitute a substantial workload for infectious disease (ID) specialists in the hospital setting. The objectives of this survey were to describe requesting physicians' experiences regarding ID consultations.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a university-affiliated hospital in France in 2009. All physicians were eligible (n = 530) and received a self-administered questionnaire. The main outcomes were reasons for request and opinion. Secondary outcomes were frequency of request and declared adherence to recommendations.

Results

The participation rate was 44.7% (237/530). Among the responders, 187 (79%) had solicited the ID consultation service within the previous year. Ninety-three percent of the responders (173/187) were satisfied with the ID consultation. The main reasons for requesting consultations were the need for therapeutic advice (93%), quality of care improvement (73%) and the rapidity of access (61%). ID consultations were requested several times a month by 52% (72/138) of senior physicians and by 73% (36/49) of residents (p = 0.01). Self-reported adherence to diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations was 83% and 79%, respectively.

Conclusion

The respondent requesting physicians expressed great satisfaction regarding ID consultations that they requested principally to improve patient care and to assist in medical decision making.