bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The experience of people with oculocutaneous albinism
Authors: Pooe-Monyemore Mmuso B.J. , Mavundla Thandisizwe R. , Christianson Arnold
Published: July 2012

This article reports the experiences of people with oculocutaneous albinism in South Africa. Oculocutaneous albinism is an inherited disorder characterised by the defective production of melanin, with little or no pigmentation in the skin, hair and eyes. This condition is found globally, with a high prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa and in clusters in South America. People with this condition are often stigmatised and discriminated against owing to myths and superstitions held by the public about the condition. To date no studies have explored the psychosocial aspects of oculocutaneous albinism. A qualitative study was conducted in Johannesburg, South Africa during 2007 where a purposive sample of 15 members of the black population with oculocutaneous albinism participated in in-depth individual phenomenological interviews. One central question was posed to facilitate the interviews: Could you please share your experience as a person with albinism? Data from the interviews were analysed using Collaizi’s qualitative data analysis method and three main themes emerged: (1) perceptions of the internal environment, for example the self; (2) experiences in the external environment, for example family and community; and (3) the need for selfdevelopment and growth based on their experiences. Recommendations are made to enhance the self-concept of and promote a sense of belonging, self-development and growth in people with oculocutaneous albinism.OpsommingHierdie aanbieding is ‘n verslag oor bevindings van die ervaring van persone met okulokutaneuse albinisme in Suid-Afrika. Okulokutaneuse albinisme is ‘n oorerflike afwyking, gekenmerk deur ‘n gebrekkige melanien produksie. Daar is min of geen pigmentasie in die vel, hare en oë nie. Hierdie toestand word wêreldwyd aangetref met ‘n hoër voorkoms in sub-Sahara Afrika en groepe in Suid Amerika. Mense met hierdie toestand het dikwels ‘n stigma en daar word teen hulle gediskrimineer as gevolg van mites en bygelowe van die publiek oor die toestand. Tot datum het geen studies die psigososiale aspek van hierdie toestand ondersoek nie. ‘n Kwalitatiewe studie is in Johannesburg, Suid-Afrika uitgevoer in 2007. ‘n Doelgerigte steekproef van 15 swart mense met okulokutaneuse albinisme het deel geneem aan in diepte individuele fenomenologiese onderhoude. ‘n Sentrale vraag was gestel om die onderhoude te fasiliteer: Kan u asseblief u ervaring as ‘n persoon met albinisme deel?”’ Data van die onderhoude was geanaliseer deur van Collaizi’s se kwalitatiewe data analise metode gebruik te maak. Drie hooftemas het te voorskyn gekom, naamlik: (1) persepsies van die interne omgewing byvoorbeeld die self; (2) ervarings van die eksterne omgewing, byvoorbeeld die familie en die gemeenskap; en (3) die behoefte vir self ontwikkeling en groei gebaseer op hulle ervarings. Aanbevelings is gemaak deur die navorsers om self konsep uit te lig , en om ‘n gevoel van ‘behoort aan’, self ontwikkeling en groei in mense met okulokutaneuse albinisme te bevorder.
Say ‘no’ to carcinogen as contraception alternative
Authors: Malec Karen
Published: July 2012

A response to Correspondence to ‘Dienye PO, Gbeneol PK. Contraception as a risk factor for urinary tract infection in Port Harcourt, Nigeria: A case control study. Afr J Prm Health Care Fam Med. 2011;3(1), Art. #207, 4 pages. doi:10.4102/phcfm.v3i1.207
La adaptación de la formación reglada y continua a la Comunicación
Authors: Vivar-Zurita Hipólito , García-García Alberto
Published: July 2012

Uno de los aspectos menos estudiados de la formación de comunicadores es la complementariedad de los estudios oficiales, universitarios y profesionales, con la formación privada, continua, desarrollada por las empresas. Simultáneamente, los trabajadores de la Comunicación ven como se  incrementan sus funciones y consecuentemente su responsabilidad sin la formación adecuada. Estas carencias, fruto de la inadecuación de la oferta pedagógica tradicional al nuevo escenario laboral, hace que las empresas tengan que gestionar, no siempre correctamente, cambios en el sistema productivo y en la clasificación profesional.  A través de la metodología del estudio del caso hemos obtenido unos resultados que nos han hecho establecer una serie de propuestas, a modo de conclusión, que afronte estas nuevas tipologías laborales que implican profundas transformaciones de las funciones y tareas desarrolladas en nuestro campo de estudio, investigación y trabajo.
Microwave-assisted Extraction of Ochratoxin A from Roasted Coffee Beans: An Alternative Analytical Approach
Authors: Graziani Giulia , Santini Antonello , Ferracane Rosalia , Ritieni Alberto
Published: July 2012

Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) followed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a fluorescent detector (DAD) was used and developed for the quantitative analysis of the mycotoxin ochratoxin A (OTA) in commercial roasted coffee beans. This alternative approach has been compared with the conventional extraction that uses hydrogen carbonate aqueous solution followed by OchraTest immunoaffinity analysis. The effect of two experimental tunable MAE parameters (temperature and pressure) on the extraction efficiency of OTA have been investigated using coffee samples forti?ed at different contamination levels. The optimum extraction conditions were obtained using a temperature of 50 °C and a 500 W microwave power. OTA quantity extracted using MAE was similar to that obtained by conventional extraction from samples fortified at 5, 10, and 100 ng g-1 levels. At a 20 ng g-1 level, MAE was more effective than the conventional method. The MAE setting parameters have been optimized showing both extraction time and solvent consumption have been considerably reduced, retaining high OTA recovery values.
Inhibition of Lipid Oxidation by MRP Antioxidant in Enriched Cooked Beef Patties with Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Authors: Fernandez Carina Lorena , Sturla Mario Anibal , Doval Mirtha Marina , Romero Ana Maria , Judis Maria Alicia
Published: July 2012

The addition of n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids to foods is an emerging area of commercial and academic interest. However, the incorporation of n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids into food systems is potentially problematic due to their propensity to oxidize easily. The antioxidant capacity of MRP has mostly been studied in vitro, in fresh chicken, mutton and pork, and in precooked ground pork and beef patties and sausages. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antioxidant properties as well as the antioxidant effect of a preformed Maillard Reaction Product (MRP) from sarcoplasmic proteins/malondialdehyde, known for its antioxidant effect on water/oil emulsion and on lipid oxidation of beef patties when the level of n3 PUFA is improved. The MRP presented a high reducing power, a low phenolic compound content (9.2 mg gallic acid equivalent/g and 798.3 mg quercetin equivalent/g), and a minor DPPH and ABTS+ radicals scavenging activity (34 % and 23,5 %, respectively). All concentrations of MRP assayed inhibited hydroperoxide formation and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) production during refrigerated storage of enriched meat patties. The 3% concentration was the most efficient and exerted an 83 % and 85 % inhibition of peroxidation measured as peroxide value and TBARS, respectively.
A Response to “Getting to the Bottom of ‘Triple Bottom Line’”
Authors: Pava Moses L.
Published: July 2012

Wayne Norman and Chris MacDonald launch a strong attack against Triple Bottom Line or 3BL accounting in their article “Getting to the Bottom of ‘Triple Bottom Line’” (2004). This response suggests that, while limitations to 3BL accounting do exist, the critique of Norman and MacDonald is deeply flawed.
Rescuing the Baby from the Triple-Bottom-Line Bathwater: A Reply to Pava
Authors: MacDonald Chris , Norman Wayne
Published: July 2012

We respond to Moses Pava's defense of the “Triple Bottom Line” (3BL) concept against our earlier criticisms. We argue that, pace Pava, the multiplicity of measures (and units of measure) that go into evaluating ethical performance cannot reasonably be compared to the handful of standard methods for evaluating financial performance. We also question Pava's claim that usage of the term “3BL” is somehow intended to be ironical or subversive.
Dialectical Interactions: Decoupling and Integrating Ethics in Ethics Initiatives
Authors: Jovanovic Spoma , Wood Roy V.
Published: July 2012

Evidence abounds that when ethics initiatives are decoupled from the actual work of organizations, ethics policies may become little more than “window dressing” (Weaver, Trevino, and Cochran 1999; Collen and Gonella 2002). We found, however, an unexpected, positive feature of decoupling in the study of a local government; namely, when organizational members engage in discussions that turn away from the letter of an ethics code they often do so to address higher ethical principles embedded in the spirit of the code. The decoupled understanding of the code in these cases becomes a symbolic, legitimating gesture grounded not in strict provisions but in creative and complex interactions. This counterintuitive explanation of decoupling capitalizes on discourse that evolves from a legalistic interpretation to rich discussions that value the multiplicity of voices within organizational life. What follows is that ethical decision making emerges as creative, dynamic, and responsive to its constituents.
Ethics Programs and the Paradox of Control
Authors: Stansbury Jason , Barry Bruce
Published: July 2012

We analyze corporate ethics programs as control systems, arguing that how control is exercised may have pernicious consequences and be morally problematic. In particular, the control cultivated by ethics programs may weaken employees’ ability and motivation to exercise their own moral judgment, especially in novel situations. We develop this argument first by examining how organization theorists analyze control as an instrument of management coordination, and by addressing the political implications of control. We discuss coercive and enabling control as variations that help account for the distinction between compliance-based ethics programs and values-based ethics programs. We then explore three potential drawbacks of ethics programs: the specter of indoctrination, a politicization of ethics, and an atrophy of competence. Ethics programs that rely on coercive control may undermine their own effectiveness at stemming misbehavior.
Untangling Employee Loyalty: A Psychological Contract Perspective
Authors: Hart David W. , Thompson Jeffery A.
Published: July 2012

Although business ethicists have theorized frequently about the virtues and vices of employee loyalty, the concept of loyalty remains loosely defined. In this article, we argue that viewing loyalty as a cognitive phenomenon—an attitude that resides in the mind of the individual—helps to clarify definitional inconsistencies, provides a finer-grained analysis of the concept, and sheds additional light on the ethical implications of loyalty in organizations. Specifically, we adopt the psychological contract perspective to analyze loyalty's cognitive dimensions, and treat loyalty as an individual-level construction of perceived reciprocal obligations. Based upon this perspective, we present a three-tiered framework of loyalty that provides a psychologically informed definition of the concept, specifies the variety of obligation types that loyalty can imply, and anticipates the potential for asymmetrical loyalty configurations between employers and employees. We use the framework to articulate moral issues associated with both symmetrical and asymmetrical loyalty configurations and discuss the implications of the framework for theory and practice.
Reconciliation in Business Ethics: Some Advice from Aristotle
Authors: Hartman Edwin M.
Published: July 2012

It may be nearly impossible to use standard principles to make a decision about a complex ethical case. The best decision, say virtue ethicists in the Aristotelian tradition, is often one that is made by a person of good character who knows the salient facts of the case and can frame the situation appropriately. In this respect ethical decisions and strategic decisions are similar. Rationality plays a role in good ethical decision-making, but virtue ethicists emphasize the importance of intuitions and emotions as well.

Virtue ethics suggests a reconciliation of the factual and the normative. Virtues may explain as well as justify actions. The same is true of other psychological states and events. That psychological terms have normative implications does not render them useless in explanation. As Aristotle does not distinguish cleanly between the normative and empirical, so many moral philosophers today reject the is-ought dichotomy. They are prepared to learn from economists, psychologists, and other empirical scientists who offer information about the nature of the good life and of values. Social psychologists who study community or corporate culture suggest a close relationship between organizational and ethical features, much as Aristotle saw a close relationship between politics and ethics. We should infer from all this that in business ethics there is good reason for philosophers and organization scholars to work closely together.
Extending the Deontic Model of Justice: Moral Self-Regulation in Third-Party Responses to Injustice
Authors: Rupp Deborah E. , Bell Chris M.
Published: July 2012

The deontic model of justice and ethical behavior proposes that people care about justice simply for the sake of justice. This is an important consideration for business ethics because it implies that justice and ethical behavior are naturally occurring phenomena independent of system controls or individual self-interest. To date, research on the deontic model and third-party reactions to injustice has focused primarily on individuals’ tendency topunishtransgressors. This research has revealed that witnesses to injustice will consider sacrificing their own resources if it is the only way to sanction an observed transgressor. In this paper we seek to extend this model by arguing that punishment may not be the only “deontic” reaction, and that in fact, third-party observers of injustice may engage in moral self-regulation that would lead them to conclude that the most ethical response is to do nothing. We provide preliminary evidence for our propositions using voiced cognitions data collected during a resource allocation task. Results indicate that deonance may be more complex than originally thought, and previous tests of the model conservative in nature.
New Directions in Corporate Governance and Finance: Implications for Business Ethics Research
Authors: Ryan Lori Verstegen , Buchholtz Ann K. , Kolb Robert W.
Published: July 2012

Corporate governance and finance are dynamic academic fields that offer myriad opportunities for business ethics analysis. Within the corporate governance triad in recent years, shareholders have increased their power over boards of directors and executives through both regulation and movements to change corporate by-laws. The impact of board characteristics on firm performance has proven elusive, leading to questions concerning board processes and individual director beliefs and behaviors. At the same time, CEOs have lost considerable power, leaving many struggling to regain their control and maintain their compensation levels, while others adopt a stewardship approach to their posts. In the field of finance, the recent financial debacle has led to a reexamination of financial regulation and of the fundamental nature and purpose of the industry. All of these issues provide business ethicists fodder for investigation and analysis.
The Limits and Prospects of Business Ethics
Authors: Brenkert George G.
Published: July 2012

Business ethics has made important strides over the past decades, but it has also suffered significant failures as witnessed by the long line of business scandals in the past half century. This paper discusses different forms that business ethics has taken in relation to the goal of businesses acting ethically. In the end, it maintains that a major challenge current business ethics faces is the lack of an account of business organizations as they ethically develop and change both individually and systemically within social and political conditions. Even if business ethicists can rationally defend what businesses should be doing, unless we can relate this to how businesses can come to operate in those ways, our normative arguments will lack power, persuasiveness, and effectiveness. Only if we are able to provide this analysis will our normative ethics fulfill the practical task it has taken upon itself.
Understanding Widespread Misconduct in Organizations: An Institutional Theory of Moral Collapse
Authors: Shadnam Masoud , Lawrence Thomas B.
Published: July 2012

Reports of widespread misconduct in organizations have become sadly commonplace. Sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, accounting fraud in large corporations, and physical and sexual harassment in the military implicate not only the individuals involved, but the organizations and fields in which they happened. In this paper we describe such situations as instances of “moral collapse” and develop a multi-level theory of moral collapse that draws on institutional theory as its central orienting lens. We draw on institutional theory because of its explicit concern with the relationships among individual beliefs and actions, the organizations within which they occur, and the collective social structures in which norms, rules and beliefs are anchored. Our theory of moral collapse has two main elements. First, we argue that morality in organizations is embedded in nested systems of individuals, organizations and moral communities in which ideology and regulation flow “down” from moral communities through organizations to individuals, and moral ideas and influence flow “upward” from individuals through organizations to moral communities. Second, we argue that moral collapse is associated with breakdowns in these flows, and explore conditions under which such breakdowns are likely to occur.
GAC removal of organic nitrogen and other DBP precursors
Authors: Chili Chao‐An , Westerhoff Paul , Ghosh Amlan
Published: July 2012

The increased mutagenicity of disinfection by‐products (DBPs) containing bromide (Br−) and nitrogen requires a renewed evaluation of best available treatment technologies for DBP control. The aim of this article is to document the removal of organic nitrogen during granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment and to illustrate how GAC treatment alters DBP speciation. Rapid small‐scale column tests (RSSCTs) with GAC were conducted on pretreated surface water sources to evaluate the simultaneous removal of carbonaceous and nitrogenous DBP precursors: dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), organics absorbed by ultraviolet light at 254 nm (UV254), and Br−. Simulated distribution system tests were conducted with RSSCT effluent samples throughout natural organic matter breakthrough, and free chlorine was used to evaluate the formation of halogenated carbonaceous and nitrogenous DBPs. GAC preferentially removed UV254‐absorbing material over DOC, which was removed more effectively than DON. Br− was not removed. Consequently, effluent ratios of Br− to DOC and Br− to DON changed during GAC treatment, and the ratio of brominated DBPs to chlorinated DBPs shifted during the GAC breakthrough cycle; brominated DBPs dominated earlier in the breakthrough of DOC. Neither DON nor nitrogenous DBP precursors were removed efficiently during GAC treatment.
Modified USEPA method 1601 to indicate viral contamination of groundwater
Authors: Salter Robert S. , Durbin Gregory W.
Published: July 2012

The 2006 Ground Water Rule allows three indicators for detection of fecal contamination: Escherichia coli, enterococci, and coliphages. Although each indicator has its benefits and limitations, testing for all three ensures the safest potable water supply. Somatic and male‐specific coliphages are viral indicators. Current coliphage detection methods approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) require more preparation and expense compared with rapid bacterial indicator tests. This study describes a tier 2 validation of commercially prepared reagents used in a modified USEPA method 1601 format for the qualitative detection of coliphages. Four water laboratories participated in a USEPA alternative test procedure format using method 1601 performance‐based measurement system guidelines to test four geographically diverse groundwaters spiked with wastewater. Results indicated that the modifications to method 1601 have value in predicting the presence of coliphages in 8 h with subsequent overnight plaque confirmation; the total assay time of 16 to 24 h was equivalent to the 48 to 72 h of USEPA method 1601.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells from Ataxia-Telangiectasia Recapitulate the Cellular Phenotype
Authors: Nayler Sam , Gatei Magtouf , Kozlov Sergei , Gatti Richard , Mar Jessica C. , Wells Christine A. , Lavin Martin , Wolvetang Ernst
Published: June 2012

Pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into every cell type of the human body. Reprogramming of somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) therefore provides an opportunity to gain insight into the molecular and cellular basis of disease. Because the cellular DNA damage response poses a barrier to reprogramming, generation of iPSCs from patients with chromosomal instability syndromes has thus far proven to be difficult. Here we demonstrate that fibroblasts from patients with ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T), a disorder characterized by chromosomal instability, progressive neurodegeneration, high risk of cancer, and immunodeficiency, can be reprogrammed to bona fide iPSCs, albeit at a reduced efficiency. A-T iPSCs display defective radiation-induced signaling, radiosensitivity, and cell cycle checkpoint defects. Bioinformatic analysis of gene expression in the A-T iPSCs identifies abnormalities in DNA damage signaling pathways, as well as changes in mitochondrial and pentose phosphate pathways. A-T iPSCs can be differentiated into functional neurons and thus represent a suitable model system to investigate A-T-associated neurodegeneration. Collectively, our data show that iPSCs can be generated from a chromosomal instability syndrome and that these cells can be used to discover early developmental consequences of ATM deficiency, such as altered mitochondrial function, that may be relevant to A-T pathogenesis and amenable to therapeutic intervention.
The Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund: Promoting Stem Cell Research and Cures
Authors: Gincel Dan
Published: June 2012

The Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund (MSCRF) was created in 2006 to promote state-funded stem cell research through grants to public and private entities in Maryland. Dr. Dan Gincel, director of the MSCRF, shares the organization's goals and accomplishments and offers information on opportunities for MSCRF support.
Red Dry Wine Modulates Plasma Cholesterol Levels and Cardiac Enzymes in Humans
Authors: Rogério Corrêa Peres  , Rafael Hirata  , Samuel Rangel Claudio  , Taina Liz  , Tamires Corrêa da Silva  , Daniel Araki Ribeiro
Published: July 2012

Several studies has pointed that red wine diet, rich in polyphenols, has several effects like vasodilation, possible antioxidant effect, decrease of cellular events of atherosclerosis, decrease of blood pressure, and reduction of cardiovascular risks. This paper proposes an investigation of the effects of a 21 days diet of 200 ml dialy of red dry wine for markers of muscle injury such as CK and CK-MB, besides cholesterol and its fractions, LDL and HDL, and triglycerides, in normal subjects.The results showeddecreased levels of plasma total cholesterol and LDL, and a tendency to increased levels of HDL, what suggests red dry wine has effects on decrease cardiovascular risks. However, significant increase of cardiacCK-MB isoenzyme was observed what could point to increase the oxidation of muscle tissues. It can be concluded that, despite the CK-MB increase, red dry wine can be considered as a tool to decrease cardiovascular diseases risks.
Comparative Study of the Nutritional Value of Four Types of Egyptian Palm Pollens
Authors: Mokhtar Bishr  , Samar Y. Desoukey
Published: July 2012

Pollen grains are good sources of vitamins, minerals and amino acids with a high nutritional value that can be used as human food supplement. Date palm pollens are used in the Middle East especially Egypt in herbal mixtures as a folk medicine remedy for curing male infertility and promoting fertility in women .The raw materials purchased from the market are found to be a mixture of several palm pollens.
The main objective of this study was to determine the nutritional value of four local Egyptian date pollen grains {Amhat(A), Hiani(H), Sewy(S)& Zaghlol(Z)} by microscopical and chemical means. These differences could determine the quality of separate pollen grains and show to what extent they affect the quality of the natural products manufactured from them?
Each of the pollen samples were treated identically: collected from locations of similar clay loamy soils, in March 2011 at an early time of the day, subjected to electron microscope examination and chemical analysis of trace elements, amino acids & vitamins. The results showed that there are clear differences in the quality of the four Egyptian palm pollens which could be distinguished microscopically and chemically by the percentage of the trace elements, amino acids & vitamins.
“Every Organ, Every Time” Attitude Teamed up with SoftMD Results in Successful Lung Transplant from a 72-Year-Old Donor
Authors: York Barbara , Mann Brian , Jones Cathy , Orlowski Jeffrey P.
Published: June 2012

Since 1998, lung transplants have increased almost 75%, making lung transplant the fastest growing form of organ transplant in the United States. However, the supply of transplantable lungs continues to fall short of the demand. Strategies for expanding the lung donor pool by increasing the number of older donor lungs used has been effective, although these donors do not meet typical clinical selection criteria based on age. In these older donors, effective communication of in-depth donor information is necessary to place and transplant lungs successfully. The following case study illustrates how an “every organ, every time” attitude combined with a technique to communicate clinical information resulted in the successful transplant of 72-year-old donor lungs into a bilateral lung recipient. Since the case outlined in this study, the organ procurement organization has successfully recovered and transplanted an additional 2 lungs from a 74-year-old and 1 lung from a 76-year-old, 2 of the oldest lung donors in the United States. This case demonstrates that although many older donor lungs are deemed unsuitable by clinical selection criteria, an extended criteria population offers an untapped resource for donor organs.
Pregnancy after Lung Transplant
Authors: Shaner Julie , Coscia Lisa A. , Constantinescu Serban , McGrory Carolyn H. , Doria Cataldo , Moritz Michael J. , Armenti Vincent T. , Cowan Scott W.
Published: June 2012

The purpose of this study was to analyze pregnancy outcomes in female lung transplant recipients. Data were collected from the National Transplantation Pregnancy Registry via questionnaires, interviews, and hospital records. Twenty-one female lung recipients reported 30 pregnancies with 32 outcomes (1 triplet pregnancy). Outcomes included 18 live births, 5 therapeutic abortions, and 9 spontaneous abortions. No stillbirths or ectopic pregnancies were reported. Mean (SD) interval from transplant to conception was 3.6 (3.3) years (range, 0.1–11.3 years). Comorbid conditions during pregnancy included hypertension in 16, infections in 7, diabetes in 7, preeclampsia in 1, and rejection in 5 women. Ten of the 21 recipients received a transplant because of cystic fibrosis and accounted for 12 pregnancy outcomes (7 live births, 3 spontaneous abortions, and 2 therapeutic abortions). At last recipient contact, 13 had adequate function, 2 had reduced function, 5 recipients had died (2 with cystic fibrosis), and 1 recipient had a nonfunctioning transplant. Mean gestational age of the newborn was 33.9 (SD, 5.2) weeks, and 11 were born preterm (<37 weeks). Mean birthweight was 2206 (SD, 936) g and 11 were low birthweight (<2500 g). Two neonatal deaths were associated with a triplet pregnancy; one fetus spontaneously aborted at 14 weeks and 2 died after preterm birth at 22 weeks. At last follow-up, all 16 surviving children were reported healthy and developing well. Successful pregnancy is possible after lung transplant, even among recipients with a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.
Rates and Correlates of Health Maintenance Behaviors after Living Kidney Donation
Authors: Myaskovsky Larissa , Doebler Donna Almario , Posluszny Donna M. , Dew Mary Amanda , Unruh Mark , Crowley-Matoka Megan , Switzer Galen E. , Dabbs Annette DeVito , Chang Chung-Chou H. , DiMartini Andrea F. , Shapiro Ron , Tan Henkie
Published: June 2012

Context and Objective

Donating a kidney may provide an opportunity for donors to reevaluate their health maintenance behaviors (eg, regular exercise, smoking cessation, medical checkups). Although the effect of donation on donors' health, quality of life, and financial outcomes has received growing attention, no studies have examined whether donation is related to changes in health maintenance behaviors. The study aims were to (1) describe and compare kidney donors' health maintenance behaviors before and after donation, and (2) determine the correlates of health maintenance behaviors after donation.

Design, Setting, Participants and Measures

We conducted a telephone-interview study with 85 randomly selected laparoscopic kidney donors in a major US transplant center to assess health behaviors before and after donation, postdonation characteristics (eg, quality of life, postsurgical pain), and demographics.

Results

Sample demographics included a median age of 48 years; 55% were female, 82% were white, 71% were married, and 52% were college graduates. Few health behaviors changed significantly from before to after donation. Only the rate of medical checkups increased after donation ( P< .001). Logistic regression was used to examine the association of demographics and postdonation characteristics with postdonation health maintenance behaviors, after adjusting for predonation behavior. Older age, higher income, less postsurgical pain, and better physical functioning were associated with more exercise after donation. Longer time since donation was associated with a higher prevalence of obesity.

Conclusions

These results may help identify donors who are at greater risk for poor health maintenance behaviors after donation and suggest areas of health behavior that should be the focus of education sessions before donation.
The Fear Associated with Blood and Organ Donation: An Explication of Fright and Anxiety
Authors: Wagner Thomas Richard , Manolis Chris
Published: June 2012

Context

Fear inhibits potential donors' willingness to engage in behaviors. Theoretically, fright and anxiety are differentially associated with blood and organ donation, respectively. Fright is the experience of an immediate harm, whereas anxiety is a fear of the unknown.

Objective

To compare the fear-related concepts of fright and anxiety in relation to blood donation and signing an organ donor card.

Design

Scales were created to separate the 2 fear types that were consistent in theme and addressed the same dependent variables fright and anxiety.

Setting and Participants

Participants were 509 college students at a large mid-western university.

Results

Survey responses from 509 participants supported the theoretical explication of the 2 fear types. Multisample analyses and multimeasurement models using confirmatory factor analysis supported that fright and anxiety were differentially associated with the contexts of blood and organ donation.

Conclusions

The results supported the theoretical proposal that fright and anxiety are differentially related. The ability to measure such emotions will help future researchers create models that are more accurate for predicting potential donors and create messages to assuage fears. A greater understanding of fear will lead to more effective messages.
Living Kidney Donors and Their Family Caregivers: Developing an Evidence-Based Educational and Social Support Website
Authors: Taylor Laura A. , Bahreman Nasreen , Hayat Matthew J. , Hoey Frank , Rajasekaran Geetha , Segev Dorry L.
Published: June 2012

Context

Although graft and patient survival rates for living kidney donation are improved, some healthcare providers question whether volunteer donors and their informal caregivers are fully informed of the donation process and the risks involved. Donors and their family caregivers have reported that they receive limited information about the predonation and donor recovery process. Offering web-based information and social support is one way to address this gap.

Strategy

Living kidney donor candidates and their family caregivers participating in the Living Donor Information Network for Caregiving (LINC) have access to a variety of online informational resources and a social support discussion forum throughout their living kidney donation experience. Strategies in the development and implementation of an online information and social-support resource are presented.

Conclusions

Use of the LINC website for information and support may assist health care providers in identifying potential barriers in the current donation process and provide direction for enhancing knowledge and confidence among donors and family caregivers.
A Large-Scale Qualitative Study of the Potential Use of Social Media by University Students to Increase Awareness and Support for Organ Donation
Authors: D'Alessandro Anthony M. , Peltier James W. , Dahl A. J.
Published: June 2012

Objective

A 2-year study funded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration was conducted to identify a conceptual model of how college students, particularly those in student organizations, can be the social media catalyst for viral communications designed to motivate others to learn about the need of organ donation and become organ donors. This study reports the qualitative findings.

Design and Data Collection

Methods used included an advisory committee, key informant interviews, and focus groups. A total of 317 individuals participated, including 246 students, 19 student organization advisors, 27 organ transplant experts, 20 university health care professionals, and 5 social media experts.

Analytical Methods

SPSS Text Smart content analysis software was used to code respondents' verbal comments into various categories. The analysis results in groupings of words that represent the main discussion topics.

Results

College students understand the need for organ donation and they want to make a difference. The donation community needs to overcome several barriers to motivate college students to become organ donors and donor advocates, including (1) lack of a personal connection with donation, (2) lack of (factual) knowledge about organ donation and how to sign up, (3) common myths and misconceptions, and (4) students have a short-term perspective on life.

Conclusion and Implications

Our findings suggest that the donation community can motivate college students to register as organ donors and become advocates through outreach efforts that use social media, student organizations, and other college-based media.
Delivery in Female Kidney Transplant Recipients with Hepatitis C Virus Infection: Is it Safe for Mother and Newborn?
Authors: Yilmaz Nevin , Yilmaz Ugur Eser , Unal Aysun , Unal Ethem , Titiz Izzet
Published: June 2012

The aim of this report is to evaluate whether pregnancy is a risk factor for poor outcome of infection with hepatitis C virus or for allograft deterioration among kidney transplant recipients. The first case was in a 41-year-old pregnant kidney transplant recipient with hypercreatinemia and a history of toxic hepatitis. The second case was treated with interferon before transplant. Tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive regimens were used during the pregnancies. Hypertension complicated both pregnancies, and the pregnancies ended with cesarean delivery at preterm and term with healthy but low-weight newborns. The first patient became positive for hepatitis C virus RNA after pregnancy without a flare in transaminase level. Antibodies to hepatitis C virus were negative in the newborns. In conclusion, pregnancy should be promoted for kidney recipients infected with hepatitis C virus who have stable graft and liver function.
Viremia after Lung Transplant: A Cohort Study on Risk Factors and Symptoms Associated with Detection of Epstein-Barr Virus
Authors: Mattner Frauke , Hesse Nadine , Fegbeutel Christine , Strüber Martin , Gottlieb Jens , Sohr Dorit , Welte Tobias , Schulz Thomas F. , Simon Andre R. , Engelmann Ilka
Published: June 2012

Background

The frequency and impact of detection of Epstein-Barr virus in the blood of lung and heart-lung transplant recipients in the postoperative period is poorly characterized.

Objective

To investigate the frequency of virus detection, associated clinical symptoms and risk factors, and influence of virus detection on outcome.

Methods

A cohort of 98 lung transplant recipients were monitored for Epstein-Barr virus in blood before transplant and during their posttransplant hospital stay (median 4 weeks, range 1–21 weeks). Patients were followed up for retransplant or death for a median of 17 months.

Results

Epstein-Barr virus DNA was detected in 15 recipients (18.1%) before and in 39 recipients (41.5%) after transplant. Median viral load after transplant was 2300 copies per milliliter of blood (range, 900–45 000 copies/mL). Detection of Epstein-Barr virus DNA before transplant and mechanical ventilation before transplant were associated with detection of Epstein-Barr virus DNA after transplant. Shortness of breath, fatigue, and hoarseness were associated with detection of viral DNA after transplant. The incidence of retransplant or death was not increased in recipients who had viral DNA detected in their blood.

Conclusions

Epstein-Barr virus DNA in the blood before transplant and mechanical ventilation before transplant were associated with detection of viral DNA after transplant. Detection of viral DNA after transplant was frequent and clinically relevant.
Click to “Like” Organ Donation: The Use of Online Media to Promote Organ Donor Registration
Authors: Stefanone Michael , Anker Ashley E. , Evans Melanie , Feeley Thomas Hugh
Published: June 2012

Context

Efforts to promote organ donation have traditionally relied on mass-mediated or interpersonal communication to promote donor registration. Despite its popularity, the use of online media has yet to be carefully evaluated as a platform to promote organ donation.

Objective

To describe results of an intervention to promote donor registration that relies solely on online media to communicate to target audiences.

Design

For 3 years, 6 campaigns were implemented in 3 different online media formats.

Setting

Online media formats included (1) traditional online advertising, (2) student seeders' social networking sites campaigns, and (3) challenge campaigns.

Participants

Online media campaigns primarily targeted college-aged individuals.

Intervention

Each campaign directed individuals to the dedicated project website, where they could access educational material about donation and request a donor registration card.

Main Outcome Measures

Unique website visitors, webpages viewed per site visit, time spent on site, and organ donor cards requested/received were tracked in relation to each online media format.

Results

Traditional online advertising offered greater message exposure but failed to result in a higher proportion of website visitors who registered their donation intentions. Use of student seeders (ie, motivated students who promote donation by using social networking sites) and challenge campaigns resulted in greater attention to the project website, donor card requests, and subsequent returns. Additional research is recommended to reveal the effect of combining 2 or more varying online media formats within a single campaign.
Identifying Risk Factors in Renal Allografts before Transplant: Machine-Measured Renal Resistance and Posttransplant Allograft Survival
Authors: Yushkov Yuriy Y. , Stern Jeffrey , Ying Alexis , Icitovic Nikolina , Dikman Steven H. , Sheth Maunil , Goldstein Michael J.
Published: June 2012

Enhancement of renal allograft function and survival in an era where expanded criteria donors are increasingly used requires validated selection criteria. The goal of this retrospective study was to evaluate the significance of pretransplant donor and allograft parameters to identify risk factors that can be used in a model to predict 1-year allograft outcomes. Donor demographic factors, donor type, and allograft parameters such as biopsy results and machine-measured renal resistance were correlated with 1-year graft outcome. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate graft survival using the categorical predictors of donor type, donor age, and machine-measured renal resistance at 1.5, 3, and 5 hours. The log-rank test was used to test the difference in survival curves between cohorts. The Cox regression analysis was used to estimate hazard ratios for machine-measured renal resistance, donor age, donor terminal creatinine level, donor's estimated glomerular filtration rate, cold ischemia time, and percent glomerulosclerosis. The data show that machine-measured renal resistance at 3 and 5 hours has a statistically significant inverse relationship to 1-year graft survival. All other risk factors had no correlation with 1-year graft survival. The machine-measured renal resistance at 3 hours is the earliest significant predictor of 1-year allograft outcome.
Culturing of Cerebellar Granule Cells to Study Neuronal Migration: Gradient and Local Perfusion Assays
Authors: Guijarro Patricia , Jiang Jian , Yuan Xiao‐bing
Published: July 2012

Cultures of cerebellar granule cells are a suitable model to analyze the mechanisms governing neuronal migration. In this unit, we describe a protocol to obtain cultures of dissociated granule cells at a low density, where individual cells can be easily observed. In addition, we include a protocol for studying neuronal migration in these cultures, using single, actively migrating cerebellar granule cells. Following this protocol, a factor of interest can be applied either in a gradient concentration by means of a micropipet located near the neuron, or in a homogeneous concentration by locally perfusing a certain region of the neuron. Time‐lapse images are taken to analyze changes in the speed and/or directionality of the observed neuron. Overall, the two protocols take more or less a day and a half to perform, and are a useful way to evaluate a certain factor/drug for its chemotactic activity or its capacity to alter migration speed. Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 60:3.26.1‐3.26.12. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Direct Bisulfite Sequencing for Examination of DNA Methylation with Gene and Nucleotide Resolution from Brain Tissues
Authors: Parrish R. Ryley , Day Jeremy J. , Lubin Farah D.
Published: July 2012

DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification that is essential for the development and mature function of the central nervous system. Due to the relevance of this modification to the transcriptional control of gene expression, it is often necessary to examine changes in DNA methylation patterns with both gene and single‐nucleotide resolution. Here, we describe an in‐depth basic protocol for direct bisulfite sequencing of DNA isolated from brain tissue, which will permit direct assessment of methylation status at individual genes as well as individual cytosine molecules/nucleotides within a genomic region. This method yields analysis of DNA methylation patterns that is robust, accurate, and reproducible, thereby allowing insights into the role of alterations in DNA methylation in brain tissue. Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 60:7.24.1‐7.24.12. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The Moderating Role of Empathy in the Association Between Parental Support and Adolescent Aggressive and Delinquent Behavior
Authors: Van der Graaff Jolien , Branje Susan , De Wied Minet , Meeus Wim
Published: July 2012

The present two‐wave longitudinal study addressed the role of affective empathy and parental support in aggressive and delinquent behavior in a sample of 323 adolescents (158 boys, 165 girls). Self‐report questionnaires were used to assess affective empathy, perceived support from parents, delinquency, and aggression. Guided by theories on children's differential susceptibility to socialization, we expected adolescents with different levels of empathy to vary in their responsiveness to parental support. In agreement with our hypothesis, empathy moderated the relation of perceived parental support with aggressive and delinquent behavior. Controlling for the effect of gender and for the stability of aggression and delinquency, higher perceived parental support was predictive of lower levels of aggression at age 15, but only for adolescents high in empathy. Remarkably, adolescents low in empathy not only appeared to benefit less from parental support, but even showed more aggression and delinquency at age 15 when they perceived their parents to be more supportive at age 14. Aggr. Behav. 38:368‐377, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Factors Associated With Physical Aggression Among US Army Soldiers
Authors: Gallaway Michael Shayne , Fink David S. , Millikan Amy M. , Bell Michael R.
Published: July 2012

There are a growing number of studies that have approximated levels of aggression and associated outcomes among combat veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan using brief screening assessments. However, further research to evaluate the relative role of combat exposures and overt physical behaviors is required to further elucidate potential associations between military service, combat deployment, and overt physical aggression. The purpose of the current study was to assess the prevalence of self‐reported physical aggression in a sample of US Army soldiers using an adaptation of the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2), and examine factors associated with higher levels of aggression. A population‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted at a single US Army Installation within a sample of active duty US Army soldiers (n = 6,128) from two large units. Anonymous surveys were collected 6 months following deployment to measure overt aggressive behaviors, posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, traumatic brain injury, and misuse of alcohol. There were a relatively higher number of minor and severe physical overt aggressive actions reported among soldiers who previously deployed, notably highest among deployed soldiers reporting the highest levels of combat intensity. Soldiers screening positive for the misuse of alcohol were also significantly more likely to report relatively higher levels of physical aggression. This study quantified overt aggressive behaviors and associated factors, showing increasing combat exposures may result in increased physical aggression. Clinicians treating service members returning from combat may consider assessing relative levels of combat. Aggr. Behav. 38:357‐367, 2012. Published 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.†