bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pure pointer programs with iteration
Authors: Hofmann Martin , Schöpp Ulrich
Published: July 2010

Many logspace algorithms are naturally described as programs that operate on a structured input (e.g., a graph), that store in memory only a constant number of pointers (e.g., to graph nodes) and that do not use pointer arithmetic. Such “pure pointer algorithms” thus are a useful abstraction for studying the nature of logspace-computation.

In this article, we introduce a formal class purple of pure pointer programs and study them on locally ordered graphs. Existing classes of pointer algorithms, such as Jumping Automata on Graphs (jags) or Deterministic Transitive Closure (dtc) logic, often exclude simple programs. purple subsumes these classes and allows for a natural representation of many graph algorithms that access the input graph using a constant number of pure pointers. It does so by providing a primitive for iterating an algorithm over all nodes of the input graph in an unspecified order.

Since pointers are given as an abstract data type rather than as binary digits we expect that logarithmic-size worktapes cannot be encoded using pointers as is done, for example, in totally ordered dtc-logic. We show that this is indeed the case by proving that the property “the number of nodes is a power of two,” which is in logspace, is not representable in purple.
Bone marrow MyD88 signaling modulates neutrophil function and ischemic myocardial injury
Authors: Feng Yan , Zou Lin , Si Rui , Nagasaka Yasuko , Chao Wei
Published: July 2010

Myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), an adaptor critical for innate immune function, plays a role in neutrophil recruitment and myocardial injury after transient ischemia. However, how MyD88 signaling modulates neutrophil function and myocardial injury remains unclear. In an in vivo model of neutrophil migration and a chimeric model of MyD88 deletion, we demonstrated that Gr-1-positive (Gr-1+) neutrophil migration was significantly decreased by 68% in MyD88-deficient (Myd88−/−) mice and by 33% in knockout→wild-type (KO→WT; donor→recipient) chimeric mice, which lacked MyD88 in bone marrow cells but maintained normal MyD88 expression in the heart. This marked attenuation in neutrophil migration was associated with decreased peritoneal neutrophil CXCR2 expression and lower peritoneal KC, a neutrophil chemoattractant, in MyD88−/− mice. Moreover, in vitro, KC induces significantly more downregulation of CXCR2 expression in MyD88−/− than WT neutrophils. In an in vivo model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, KO→WT chimeric mice had significantly smaller infarct sizes compared with the WT→WT mice. While there was a marked increase in proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine expression in the myocardium following I/R, there was no significant difference between WT→WT and KO→WT mice. In contrast, Gr-1+ neutrophil recruitment in the myocardium was markedly attenuated in MyD88−/− mice. Deletion of Toll-interleukin-1 receptor (TIR)-domain-containing adaptor protein-inducing interferon-β-mediated transcription factor (Trif), another innate immune adaptor, had no effect on the KC-mediated CXCR2 downregulation or on myocardial neutrophil recruitment after I/R. Taken together, these findings suggest that MyD88 signaling is essential for maintaining neutrophil migratory function and chemokine receptor expression. MyD88 signaling in bone marrow-derived circulating cells may play a specific and critical role in the development of myocardial I/R-induced injury.
Neural Heterogeneity and Efficient Population Codes for Communication Signals
Authors: Marsat Gary , Maler Leonard
Published: July 2010

Efficient sensory coding implies that populations of neurons should represent information-rich aspects of a signal with little redundancy. Recent studies have shown that neural heterogeneity in higher brain areas enhances the efficiency of encoding by reducing redundancy across the population. Here, we study how neural heterogeneity in the early stages of sensory processing influences the efficiency of population codes. Through the analysis of in vivo recordings, we contrast the encoding of two types of communication signals of electric fishes in the most peripheral sensory area of the CNS, the electrosensory lateral line lobe (ELL). We show that communication signals used during courtship (big chirps) and during aggressive encounters (small chirps) are encoded by different populations of ELL pyramidal cells, namely I-cells and E-cells, respectively. Most importantly, we show that the encoding strategy differs for the two signals and we argue that these differences allow these cell types to encode specifically information-rich features of the signals. Small chirps are detected, and their timing is accurately signaled through stereotyped spike bursts, whereas the shape of big chirps is accurately represented by variable increases in firing rate. Furthermore, we show that the heterogeneity across I-cells enhances the efficiency of the population code and thus permits the accurate discrimination of different quality courtship signals. Our study shows the importance of neural heterogeneity early in a sensory system and that it initiates the sparsification of sensory representation thereby contributing to the efficiency of the neural code.
Neuronal Avalanches in Spontaneous Activity In Vivo
Authors: Hahn Gerald , Petermann Thomas , Havenith Martha N. , Yu Shan , Singer Wolf , Plenz Dietmar , Nikolić Danko
Published: July 2010

Many complex systems give rise to events that are clustered in space and time, thereby establishing a correlation structure that is governed by power law statistics. In the cortex, such clusters of activity, called “neuronal avalanches,” were recently found in local field potentials (LFPs) of spontaneous activity in acute cortex slices, slice cultures, the developing cortex of the anesthetized rat, and premotor and motor cortex of awake monkeys. At present, it is unclear whether neuronal avalanches also exist in the spontaneous LFPs and spike activity in vivo in sensory areas of the mature brain. To address this question, we recorded spontaneous LFPs and extracellular spiking activity with multiple 4 × 4 microelectrode arrays (Michigan Probes) in area 17 of adult cats under anesthesia. A cluster of events was defined as a consecutive sequence of time bins Δ t (1–32 ms), each containing at least one LFP event or spike anywhere on the array. LFP cluster sizes consistently distributed according to a power law with a slope largely above –1.5. In two thirds of the corresponding experiments, spike clusters also displayed a power law that displayed a slightly steeper slope of −1.8 and was destroyed by subsampling operations. The power law in spike clusters was accompanied with stronger temporal correlations between spiking activities of neurons that spanned longer time periods compared with spike clusters lacking power law statistics. The results suggest that spontaneous activity of the visual cortex under anesthesia has the properties of neuronal avalanches.
Spatiotemporal Properties of Vestibular Responses in Area MSTd
Authors: Fetsch Christopher R. , Rajguru Suhrud M. , Karunaratne Anuk , Gu Yong , Angelaki Dora E. , DeAngelis Gregory C.
Published: July 2010

Recent studies have shown that many neurons in the primate dorsal medial superior temporal area (MSTd) show spatial tuning during inertial motion and that these responses are vestibular in origin. Given their well-studied role in processing visual self-motion cues (i.e., optic flow), these neurons may be involved in the integration of visual and vestibular signals to facilitate robust perception of self-motion. However, the temporal structure of vestibular responses in MSTd has not been characterized in detail. Specifically, it is not known whether MSTd neurons encode velocity, acceleration, or some combination of motion parameters not explicitly encoded by vestibular afferents. In this study, we have applied a frequency-domain analysis to single-unit responses during translation in three dimensions (3D). The analysis quantifies the stimulus-driven temporal modulation of each response as well as the degree to which this modulation reflects the velocity and/or acceleration profile of the stimulus. We show that MSTd neurons signal a combination of velocity and acceleration components with the velocity component being stronger for most neurons. These two components can exist both within and across motion directions, although their spatial tuning did not show a systematic relationship across the population. From these results, vestibular responses in MSTd appear to show characteristic features of spatiotemporal convergence, similar to previous findings in the brain stem and thalamus. The predominance of velocity encoding in this region may reflect the suitability of these signals to be integrated with visual signals regarding self-motion perception.
Exercise Stress Testing in Children with Metabolic or Neuromuscular Disorders
Authors: Takken Tim , Groen Wim G. , Hulzebos Erik H. , Ernsting Cornelia G. , van Hasselt Peter M. , Prinsen Berthil H. , Helders Paul J. , Visser Gepke
Published: July 2010

The role of exercise as a diagnostic or therapeutic tool in patients with a metabolic disease (MD) or neuromuscular disorder (NMD) is relatively underresearched. In this paper we describe the metabolic profiles during exercise in 13 children (9 boys, 4 girls, age 5–15 yrs) with a diagnosed MD or NMD. Graded cardiopulmonary exercise tests and/or a 90-min prolonged submaximal exercise test were performed. During exercise, respiratory gas-exchange and heart rate were monitored; blood and urine samples were collected for biochemical analysis at set time points. Several characteristics in our patient group were observed, which reflected the differences in pathophysiology of the various disorders. Metabolic profiles during exercises CPET and PXT seem helpful in the evaluation of patients with a MD or NMD.
Computer Simulation of Stochastic Wind Velocity Fields for Structural Response Analysis: Comparisons and Applications
Authors: Ubertini Filippo , Giuliano Fabio
Published: July 2010

The digital simulation of wind velocity fields, modeled as multivariate stationary Gaussian processes, is a widely adopted tool to generate the external input for response analysis of wind-sensitive nonlinear structures. The problem does not entail any theoretical difficulty, existing already a large number of well-established techniques, such as the accurate weighted amplitude wave superposition (WAWS) method. However, reducing the computational effort required by the WAWS method is sometimes necessary, especially when dealing with complex structures and high-dimensional simulation domains. In these cases, approximate formulas must be adopted, which however require an appropriate tuning of some fundamental parameters in such a way to achieve an acceptable level of accuracy if compared to that obtained using the WAWS method. Among the different techniques available for this purpose, autoregressive (AR) filters and algorithms exploiting the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) of the spectral matrix deserve a special attention. In this paper, a properly organized way for implementing stochastic wind simulation algorithms is outlined at first. Then, taking the WAWS method as a reference from the viewpoint of the accuracy of the simulated samples, a comparative study between POD-based and AR techniques is proposed, with a particular attention to computational effort and memory requirements.
6-Thioguanine Selectively Kills BRCA2-Defective Tumors and Overcomes PARP Inhibitor Resistance
Authors: Issaeva Natalia , Thomas Huw D. , Djurenovic Tatjana , Jaspers Janneke E. , Stoimenov Ivaylo , Kyle Suzanne , Pedley Nicholas , Gottipati Ponnari , Zur Rafal , Sleeth Kate , Chatzakos Vicky , Mulligan Evan A. , Lundin Cecilia , Gubanova Evgenia , Kersbergen Ariena , Harris Adrian L. , Sharma Ricky A. , Rottenberg Sven , Curtin Nicola J. , Helleday Thomas
Published: July 2010

Familial breast and ovarian cancers are often defective in homologous recombination (HR) due to mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. Cisplatin chemotherapy or poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors were tested for these tumors in clinical trials. In a screen for novel drugs that selectively kill BRCA2-defective cells, we identified 6-thioguanine (6TG), which induces DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) that are repaired by HR. Furthermore, we show that 6TG is as efficient as a PARP inhibitor in selectively killing BRCA2-defective tumors in a xenograft model. Spontaneous BRCA1-defective mammary tumors gain resistance to PARP inhibitors through increased P-glycoprotein expression. Here, we show that 6TG efficiently kills such BRCA1-defective PARP inhibitor–resistant tumors. We also show that 6TG could kill cells and tumors that have gained resistance to PARP inhibitors or cisplatin through genetic reversion of the BRCA2 gene. Although HR is reactivated in PARP inhibitor–resistant BRCA2-defective cells, it is not fully restored for the repair of 6TG-induced lesions. This is likely to be due to several recombinogenic lesions being formed after 6TG. We show that BRCA2 is also required for survival from mismatch repair–independent lesions formed by 6TG, which do not include DSBs. This suggests that HR is involved in the repair of 6TG-induced DSBs as well as mismatch repair–independent 6TG-induced DNA lesion. Altogether, our data show that 6TG efficiently kills BRCA2-defective tumors and suggest that 6TG may be effective in the treatment of advanced tumors that have developed resistance to PARP inhibitors or platinum-based chemotherapy. Cancer Res; 70(15); 6268–76. ©2010 AACR.
FOXO3 Encodes a Carcinogen-Activated Transcription Factor Frequently Deleted in Early-Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Mikse Oliver R. , Blake Daniel C. , Jones Nathan R. , Sun Yuan-Wan , Amin Shantu , Gallagher Carla J. , Lazarus Philip , Weisz Judith , Herzog Christopher R.
Published: July 2010

The FOXO family of transcription factors elicits cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and resistance to various physiologic and pathologic stresses relevant to sporadic cancer, such as DNA damage and oxidative stress. Although implicated as tumor suppressors, FOXO genetic inactivation has not been observed in human cancer. In an investigation of the two major types of non–small cell lung cancer, here, we identify the FOXO3 gene as a novel target of deletion in human lung adenocarcinoma (LAC). Biallelic or homozygous deletion (HD) of FOXO3 was detected in 8 of 33 (24.2%) mostly early-stage LAC of smokers. Another 60.6% of these tumors had losses of FOXO3 not reaching the level of HD (hereafter referred to as sub-HD). In contrast, no HD of FOXO3 was observed in 19 lung squamous cell carcinoma. Consistent with the deletion of FOXO3 were corresponding decreases in its mRNA and protein levels in LAC. The potential role of FOXO3 loss in LAC was also investigated. The carcinogen (+)-anti-7,8-dihydroxy-9,10-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene (BPDE) is strongly implicated as a cause of human lung cancer. Here, we show that FOXO3a is functionally activated and augments the level of caspase-dependent apoptosis in cells exposed to this DNA-damaging carcinogen. These results implicate FOXO3 as a suppressor of LAC carcinogenesis, a role frequently lost through gene deletion. Cancer Res; 70(15); 6205–15. ©2010 AACR.
Construction and Characterization of a Bispecific Anti-CD20 Antibody with Potent Antitumor Activity against B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Li Bohua , Zhang Xunming , Shi Shu , Zhao Lei , Zhang Dapeng , Qian Weizhu , Zheng Lei , Gao Jie , Wang Hao , Guo Yajun
Published: July 2010

To develop more effective anti-CD20 reagents for B-cell lymphoma, we designed and constructed a bispecific tetravalent anti-CD20 antibody, 11B8/2F2(ScFvHL)4-Fc, derived from two fully human monoclonal antibodies (mAb), 2F2 and 11B8. 2F2 is a type I CD20 mAb, which is potent in complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) assays but poor at inducing apoptosis, whereas 11B8 is a type II CD20 mAb, which is effective in induction of apoptosis but ineffective in CDC. Our results showed that 11B8/2F2(ScFvHL)4-Fc possessed apoptosis-inducing activity markedly superior to that of 2F2, and even 11B8, 11B8 plus 2F2, and 2F2(ScFvHL)4-Fc, a 2F2-derived monospecific tetravalent antibody developed previously. Interestingly, 11B8/2F2(ScFvHL)4-Fc displayed a similar ability to mediate CDC as 2F2(ScFvHL)4-Fc, although two of its four antigen-binding arms originated from 11B8. To explore why 11B8/2F2(ScFvHL)4-Fc was so potent in both CDC and apoptotic activity, a bispecific divalent antibody composed of 2F2 and 11B8, denoted as 11B8/2F2-ScFvFc, was constructed and characterized. Our results partially explained the reason for the potent CDC and apoptosis-inducing activity of 11B8/2F2(ScFvHL)4-Fc. Further in vivo therapy studies showed that 11B8/2F2(ScFvHL)4-Fc had a significantly more potent antitumor activity compared with 2F2, 11B8, 2F2 plus 11B8, and 2F2(ScFvHL)4-Fc. These data suggest that 11B8/2F2(ScFvHL)4-Fc may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for B-cell lymphoma. Cancer Res; 70(15); 6293–302. ©2010 AACR.
HERC2 Is an E3 Ligase That Targets BRCA1 for Degradation
Authors: Wu Wenwen , Sato Ko , Koike Ayaka , Nishikawa Hiroyuki , Koizumi Hirotaka , Venkitaraman Ashok R. , Ohta Tomohiko
Published: July 2010

The breast cancer suppressor BRCA1 forms a stable heterodimeric E3 ubiquitin ligase with BARD1. Each protein controls the abundance and stability of the other, and loss of the interaction leads to BRCA1 degradation. Here, we show that HERC2, a protein recently implicated in DNA damage repair, targets BARD1-uncoupled BRCA1 for degradation. HERC2 shuttles between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Its COOH-terminal HECT-containing domain interacts with an NH2-terminal degron domain in BRCA1. HERC2 ubiquitinates BRCA1; this reaction depends on Cys4762 of HERC2, the catalytic ubiquitin binding site, and the degron of BRCA1. The HERC2-BRCA1 interaction is maximal during the S phase of the cell cycle and rapidly diminishes as cells enter G2-M, inversely correlated with the steady-state level of BRCA1. Significantly, HERC2 depletion antagonizes the effects of BARD1 depletion by restoring BRCA1 expression and G2-M checkpoint activity. Conversely, BARD1 protects BRCA1 from HERC2-mediated ubiquitination. Collectively, our findings identify a function for HERC2 in regulating BRCA1 stability in opposition to BARD1. The HERC2 expression in breast epithelial cells and breast carcinomas suggests that this mechanism may play a role in breast carcinogenesis. Cancer Res; 70(15); 6384–92. ©2010 AACR.
PI(3)King Apart PTEN's Role in Cancer
Authors: Zhang Siyuan , Yu Dihua
Published: July 2010

The tumor suppressor phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is a nonredundant phosphatase, counteracting one of the most critical cancer-promoting pathways: the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway. In addition to the canonical function of dephosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3), recent studies showed the intriguing roles of PTEN in regulating genomic instability, DNA repair, stem cell self-renewal, cellular senescence, and cell migration and/or metastasis. Clinically, PTEN mutations and deficiencies are prevalent in many types of human cancers. Severe PTEN deficiency is also associated with advanced tumor stage and therapeutic resistance, such as the resistance to trastuzumab, an anti-HER2 therapy. Currently, targeting the deregulated PI3K/PTEN-Akt signaling axis has emerged as one of the major tenets in anticancer drug development. In this review, we highlight our current knowledge of PTEN function and the recent discoveries in dissecting the PTEN signaling pathway. The deregulations of PTEN in cancers, clinical lessons, and new prospects of rationally designed PI3K/Akt-targeted therapy for effective cancer treatment are also discussed. Clin Cancer Res; 16(17); 4325–30. ©2010 AACR.
Arsenic Trioxide and the Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase/Akt Pathway in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Goussetis Dennis J. , Platanias Leonidas C.
Published: July 2010

Simultaneous targeting of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway increases arsenic trioxide (ATO)–dependent cytotoxicity of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells, whereas it has no significant effects on normal lymphocytes. Combinations of ATO with small molecules that target PI3K and/or Akt may provide a novel approach for the treatment of CLL. Clin Cancer Res; 16(17); 4311–2. ©2010 AACR.
Cerebral Oxygenation and Oxygen Extraction in the Preterm Infant during Desaturation: Effects of Increasing FiO2 to Assist Recovery
Authors: Baerts Willem , Lemmers Petra M.A. , van Bel Frank
Published: July 2010

Background: In the clinical setting, episodes of desaturation in newborn infants are often treated by increasing the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2). Objectives: To study the effect of an increase in FiO2 on cerebral oxygenation during recovery from desaturation, as measured by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Methods: Peripheral arterial saturation (SaO2), NIRS-monitored cerebral saturation (rScO2), and fractional cerebral oxygen extraction (cFTOE) were analyzed in the first 3 days of life during 6 episodes of desaturation (SaO2 <75%, >30 s) in each of 24 otherwise stable spontaneously breathing preterm infants (gestational age 29.8 ± 1.5 weeks, birth weight 1,215 ± 280 g; mean ± SD), during 3 episodes without and 3 episodes with increased FiO2 during recovery from desaturation. Results: Post-recovery SaO2 with increased FiO2 was significantly higher than post-recovery SaO2 without increased FiO2. Post-recovery SaO2 and rScO2 were significantly increased over baseline saturations when FiO2 was increased. Post-recovery rScO2 was very high for several minutes in some cases, while cFTOE was highly suggestive of oxygen delivery that exceeded consumption. Conclusions: Assuming that NIRS-measured rScO2 is an indicator of cerebral oxygen content, an increase in FiO2 to assist recovery from desaturation may cause hyperoxygenation of the brain in relatively stable preterm infants. This procedure may be particularly harmful in the sick very preterm infant with limited regulation of brain circulation and poorly developed antioxidant defenses.
Hemoglobin H Disease in Guangxi Province, Southern China: Clinical Review of 357 Patients
Authors: Yin Xiao-Llin , Zhang Xin-Hua , Zhou Tian-Hong , Zhang Tian-Lang , Luo Rui-Gui , Wang Li , Zhou Ya-Li , Chen Yong-Sheng , Kong Xiang-Jin , Liang Bo , He Yuan-Yuan , Peng Lin , Lu Li-Biao , Fang Su-Ping , Wu Zhi-Kui
Published: July 2010

The clinical characteristics of 357 patients with hemoglobin H (HbH) disease from the Guangxi province of Southern China were studied. One hundred and ninety-one (53.3%) patients were diagnosed with HbH-Constant Spring, 19 were diagnosed with HbH Westmead. Ten patients were shown to have coinherited HbH-Constant Spring/QS with a β-thalassemia mutation. Coinheritance of the β-thalassemia gene does not alleviate anemia (8.2 ± 2.3 vs. 7.6 ± 1.7 g/dl, p = 0.276), or influence age at diagnosis (20.2 ± 19.6 vs. 12.9 ± 11.0 years, p = 0.276). Ferritin levels were significantly higher in the group of patients with the nondeletional form of the disease (475 ± 719 vs. 249 ± 264 ng/ml, p = 0.005).
Foundation Studies in Education for Therapy Practice: Curriculum Updating
Authors: Leahy M.M. , McTiernan K. , Smith M.M. , Sloane P. , Walsh I.P. , Walshe M. , Ni Cholmain C.
Published: July 2010

Objective: To describe the foundation studies element of the education for practice as a speech and language therapist in one Irish University, and how this element features in curriculum development and updating. Background: This paper addresses the question of how best to introduce students to the ever-increasing depth and range of knowledge regarding communication disorders. This foundation is the basis upon which to build the knowledge, skills and attitudes that lead ultimately to generating prerequisites for clinician scientists to provide services for people with communication and swallowing disabilities. Methods/Results: Since its institution as a university course, the course curriculum in our department at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, has been subjected to regular revision and updating to be in line with educational, professional and service requirements. In this paper, we select elements of our most recent revision of the curriculum, incorporating the redefinition of the desirable characteristics of our graduates. This paper presents an overview of curriculum development, and focuses on the initial part of the education that sets the foundation for acquiring the knowledge that we consider to be a relevant, solid basis for entering clinical work. Conclusions: The current foundation stage of the curriculum encompasses elements that reflect increasing knowledge, trends in education practices, and the seeds of life-long learning.
New Therapies for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Barnes Peter J.
Published: July 2010

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major global health problem which is increasing throughout the world and a major cause of death. However, current therapies fail to prevent disease progression or mortality. The mainstay of current drug therapy are long-acting bronchodilators; several longer-acting inhaled β2-agonists and muscarinic antagonists (and combinations) are now in development. No treatments have so far been shown to suppress chronic inflammation in COPD lungs. With better understanding of the inflammatory and destructive process in the pathophysiology of COPD, several new targets have been identified. Several mediator antagonists tested in COPD have so far been disappointing, but CXCR2 antagonists that block pulmonary neutrophil and monocyte recruitment may be more promising. Broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory drugs may be more effective, and include inhibitors of the enzymes phosphodiesterase-4, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, NF-ĸB kinase and phosphoinositide 3 kinase-γ and -δ, but side effects will be a major limitation so that inhaled delivery may be necessary. Perhaps the most promising approach is reversal of corticosteroid resistance through increasing histone deacetylase-2 activity. This might be achieved by theophylline-like drugs, phosphoinositide 3 kinase-δ inhibitors, more effective antioxidants and non-antibiotic macrolides.
Evidence-Based Practice in the Use of Antibiotics for Respiratory Tract Infections in Primary Health Centers in Kuwait
Authors: Ayyad Salem , Al-Owaisheer Abdullah , Al-Banwan Faisal , Al-Mejalli Abdullah , Shukkur Mumtaz , Thalib Lukman
Published: July 2010

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of antibiotics in treating upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in primary health centers in Kuwait and investigate the extent to which antibiotic use follows international guidelines. SubjectsandMethods: A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample size of 615 patients selected by using a multi-stage cluster sampling method. Of these, 270 patients had URTI and were included in the analysis. Data collection was done by observing the whole process starting from patient presentation and history taking to final diagnosis and treatment by the physicians. Results: Our study showed that about 135 (50%) of the patients with URTIs were given antibiotics, of which only 8 (6%) could be justified according to the NICE guidelines. However, prescriptions for 132 (98%) patients who were not given antibiotics could also be considered as evidence-based. Patients presenting with symptoms such as fever (OR = 2.7; p < 0.001) and sore throat (OR = 1.9; p < 0.01) were more likely be given antibiotics than those presenting without such symptoms. Furthermore, patients diagnosed with tonsillitis (OR = 25; p < 0.002), otitis media (OR = 9; p < 0.004), common cold (OR = 3; p < 0.049) or pharyngitis (OR = 2.7; p < 0.003) were more likely be given an antibiotic treatment as well. We also found that non-Kuwaitis were prescribed antibiotics more often than Kuwaitis (OR = 2.0; p < 0.005). Conclusion: This study showed a very high percentage of non-evidence-based prescriptions of antibiotics in Kuwait, and should be of great public health concern. Although overuse of antibiotics in primary care settings has been well reported from around the world, our finding of non-evidence-based use at 94% is of great public health concern since this may be linked primarily to the lack of evidence-based practice in Kuwait.
Orthodontic Treatment Need in Adolescent Kuwaitis: Prevalence, Severity and Manpower Requirements
Authors: Al-Azemi Rashed , Årtun Jon
Published: July 2010

Objective: Our purpose was to determine the orthodontic treatment need in adolescent Kuwaitis, adjusting for treatment experience and acquired need due to mesial migration or loss of the first molars, and to assess the orthodontic manpower requirements. Subjects and Methods: A population-based sample of 753 boys and 728 girls, representing about 7% of all 13- to 14-year-old Kuwaitis, was examined in a classroom setting. Orthodontic treatment need was graded according to the Dental Health Component (DHC) and the Aesthetic Component (AC) of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). Subjects with treatment experience were scored on initial study models. The DHC and AC grades were categorized in 3 groups and aggregated to 3 IOTN groups according to the highest DHC or AC group. Group 1 was labeled as ‘no need’, 2 as ‘moderate need’, and 3 as ‘definite need for orthodontic treatment’. Results: According to the IOTN, 31.1% of the subjects demonstrated a definite need and 40.2% no need for treatment. Excluding DHC group 3 categories attributed to mesial migration and/or loss of first molars, definite need was reduced to 23.9%. Definite treatment need was more prevalent when estimated according to the DHC than according to the AC, while moderate and no need were more prevalent according to the AC (p < 0.001). No gender differences were detected (p > 0.05). Conclusions: About 30% of adolescent Kuwaitis have definite need for orthodontic treatment. The prevalence may be reduced towards 25%, provided loss or mesial migration of the first molars can be prevented. About 50–60 orthodontists are needed to meet the severe need in adolescent Kuwaitis.
Occupational Risks and Hepatitis B Vaccination Status of Dental Auxiliaries in Nigeria
Authors: Azodo C.C. , Ehigiator O. , Ojo M.A.
Published: July 2010

Objective: To assess the occupational exposure to needlestick and sharps injuries and hepatitis B vaccination status among dental auxiliaries. Subjects and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey of 83 dental auxiliaries was conducted that included 12 technologists, 11 therapists, 53 nurses/surgical assistants, and 7 record officers. The survey included demography, history of needlestick and sharps injury, hepatitis B vaccination, knowledge and attitude towards HIV-infected patients, and the dental auxiliaries’ information needs on HIV-related issues. Results: Of the 83 dental auxiliaries, 34 (41%) had experienced needlestick and sharps injury in the last 12 months. At the time of the study, only 43 (51.8%) had been immunized against hepatitis B. 62 (74.7%) of the respondents thought that it was easier to contract HIV than hepatitis B through needlestick in a dental clinic. 21 (25.3%) would not assist dentists treating HIV-positive patients. However, 76 (91.6%), a majority, agreed that they needed more information on HIV-related issues, with 59 (71.1%) specifying a single area of need and 17 (20.5%) more than one area of need. The single areas of need specified in descending order were infection control (n = 22, 26.5%), HIV counseling (n = 12, 14.5%), oral manifestations of HIV/AIDS (n = 11, 13.3%), postexposure prophylaxis (n = 9, 10.8%), and antiretroviral therapy (n = 5, 6.0%). Conclusion: The data from this survey underscore the urgent need for educational interventions to encourage safe work practices. Hepatitis B vaccination, HIV-related knowledge and proper postexposure prophylaxis are needed to prevent occupational transmission of blood-borne viruses.
Smoking and Its Determinants among Iranian Dental Students
Authors: Khami M.R. , Murtomaa H. , Razeghi S. , Virtanen J.I.
Published: July 2010

Objective: The objective of the present study was to investigate smoking habits of Iranian dental students in relation to their background characteristics and oral self-care (OSC). Subjects and Methods: A survey in the form of a questionnaire was conducted of 327 senior dental students in seven randomly selected state dental schools in Iran. In addition to smoking habits and background characteristics, the students were asked about OSC. A recommended level of OSC was defined as a combination of brushing at least twice a day, frequent use of fluoridated toothpaste, and eating sugary snacks less than daily. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 263 students (113 males and 150 females) completely answered the questions and were included in the analyses. Results: Of the 263 students, 59 (23%, 37 males and 22 females) reported current smoking (cigarette, pipe, or water pipe). Current smoking was associated with male gender (OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.4–5.6), level of father’s education (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.1–1.8), and OSC (OR = 4.4, 95% CI = 1.3–14.9). Conclusion: Smoking among Iranian dental students is similar to their socioeconomic group, and is associated with the characteristics of their background, such as gender and father’s level of education, as well as the quality of OSC. The results indicate a need to include smoking cessation education and public health activities in the dental curriculum to provide future health care professionals and role models for patients with adequate training in up-to-date patient management to control smoking.
Streptobacillus moniliformis Bacteremia in a Child: Case Report
Authors: Joshi Rajinder M. , Al Sweih Noura , Bin Nakhi Hanan A. , Al Azemi Marzouq , Nair Shinu
Published: July 2010

Background: We report a case of bacteremia caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis. Case Presentation and Intervention: A 2 years and 3 months female Kuwaiti child presented with febrile convulsions, mild cough and vomiting. The patient’s history, clinical findings and radiological investigations were reviewed. There was no history of rat/animal bite, but the child had been camping in the desert prior to the illness and may have been exposed to rodent excreta. On two occasions, blood culture specimens yielded pure growth of the organism which was identified by standard diagnostic criteria. The patient was successfully treated with cefotaxime and clarithromicin. Conclusion:S. moniliformis may be a cause of bacteremia even in the absence of rat/animal bites.
Core of Schizophrenia: Estrangement, Dementia or Neurocognitive Disorder?
Authors: Urfer-Parnas Annick , Mortensen Erik L. , Parnas Josef
Published: July 2010

Background: The recent literature frequently represents schizophrenia as a deteriorating neurocognitive process similar to organic degenerative dementia. Methods: This study addresses the following questions: (1) Did the classic authors equate degenerative dementia with schizophrenia? (2) Is there empirical evidence pointing to a close similarity between schizophrenia and organic dementia? (3) Does empirical evidence support the view that intellectual impairment and/or more specific neuropsychological dysfunctions are core features of schizophrenia? The classic authors agreed that the intellectual dysfunctions were most likely a consequence rather than a primary, causal factor in the manifestation of schizophrenia despite their consensus on the assumption of its neurobiological origins. Rather, they considered impairments of intelligence and neurocognition as an expression of pseudodementia, i.e. a dementia-like clinical picture caused by a weakening of motivation. Results: The empirical data from the draft, high-risk birth cohort and clinical samples show a low IQ and a variety of neurocognitive dysfunctions in schizophrenia. These findings are far from universal since substantial proportions of patients do not show deficits. In addition, the empirical morphological and neuropathological evidence does not support any close analogy of schizophrenia with neurodegenerative dementia. Moreover, neurocognitive dysfunctions cannot be considered a core feature of schizophrenia if core is understood as ‘essential’, i.e. constitutive of a diagnosis, or as ‘generative’, i.e. symptom producing. In the phenomenological psychopathological tradition, schizophrenia is seen as a progressive condition marked by autism, which is a profound alteration in the structures (frameworks) of subjectivity (consciousness), manifest in self-relation (self-disorders) and in the relation to the world (lack of natural evidence) and to others (eccentricity, solipsism and isolation). Conclusion: It is suggested that the neurodevelopmental model should integrate interactions between emerging psychological structures and genetic and environmental factors.
The Timing and Impact of Follow-Up Studies After Normal Stress Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography Sestamibi Studies
Authors: Carryer Damita Jo , Wells Askew J. , Hodge David O. , Miller Todd D. , Gibbons Raymond J.
Published: July 2010

Background—

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and timing of routine follow-up single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) studies after a normal stress SPECT scan compared with the patient's warranty period (ie, time to 1% risk of death or myocardial infarction).

Methods and Results—

We identified patients at Mayo Clinic Rochester who had normal stress SPECT scans in 2002. Of 2354 patients without prior coronary artery disease, 309 (13%) had routine follow-up scans. The time to routine follow-up was a median of 2.1 years (25th percentile, 1.2 years; 75th percentile, 3.6 years). This interval was a median of 45% of the warranty period. Of the 309 patients, only 9 (3%) underwent subsequent coronary angiography, without revascularization. Of 656 patients with prior coronary artery disease, 171 (26%) had routine follow-up scans. The time to routine follow-up was a median of 1.6 years (25th percentile, 1.0 years; 75th percentile, 2.7 years). This interval was a median of 164% of the warranty period. Of the 171 patients, only 7 (4%) underwent coronary angiography, without revascularization.

Conclusions—

In patients without prior coronary artery disease, routine follow-up SPECT scans are performed infrequently but well before the end of the patient's warranty period. Routine follow-up scans are performed more commonly in patients with prior coronary artery disease but generally after the end of the warranty period. Routine follow-up SPECT scans have minimal impact on referral to catheterization or revascularization.
Augustinian Reflections on Christian Perfection
Authors: Schumacher Lydia
Published: July 2010

It often proves difficult to make sense of Scriptural passages that command Christians to be perfect. I aim to shed light on the meaning of these passages through a brief study of Augustine’s De Trinitate. According to Augustine, perfection as humans can achieve it is not absolute; it is not a matter of being perfect in all ways as God is, but of forming the habit of evaluating all reality in view of God’s perfection that predisposes one to act in a righteous manner in whatever circumstances may arise.
Identifying different antecedents for closed vs open knowledge transfer
Authors: Kang Minhyung , Kim Young-Gul , Bock Gee-Woo
Published: July 2010

Facilitating employees’ knowledge transfer to colleagues is a critical, yet challenging task. This study suggests that an individual’s social networks and motivational factors facilitate knowledge transfer based on the social capital theory and the theory of collective action. More importantly, this study also proposes that the facilitating effects of social networks and motivational factors differ depending on the different modes of knowledge transfer, namely, the closed (one-to-one) and the open (one-to-many) modes. By analysing 325 survey responses of eight research and development groups from five firms with structural equation modelling, we found that network centrality and organizational reward were influential only on open knowledge transfer while expected reciprocity was influential only on closed knowledge transfer. On the other hand, average strength of ties and intrinsic motivational factors such as group identification and self-efficacy seemed to affect both types of knowledge transfer. Additionally, the facilitating effects of social networks were found to be partially mediated by motivational factors.
Centrifugal pump inlet pressure site affects measurement
Authors: Augustin Simon , Horton Alison , Butt Warwick , Bennett Martin , Horton Stephen
Published: July 2010

During extracorporeal life support (ECLS), blood is exposed to a myriad of unphysiological factors that can affect outcome. One aspect of this is the sub-atmospheric pressure generated by the ECLS pump and imparted to blood elements along the pump inlet line. This pressure can be measured on the inlet line close to the pump head by adding a connector, or at the venous cannula connection site. We compared the two measurement sites located at both points; between the venous cannula-inlet tubing and inlet tubing-pump, with a range of cannulae and flows. We also investigated the effects on inlet pressure from pump afterload and increasing inlet tubing length.
Rat ovarian follicle bioassay reveals adverse effects of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) exposure on follicle development and oocyte maturation
Authors: Xuying Wan  , Jiangbo Zhu  , Yongfei Zhu  , Yuping Zhu  , Xili Ma  , Yiwen Zheng  , Fei Wang  , Zhen Liu  , Tianbao Zhang
Published: July 2010

Rat ovarian follicle culture, as a novel bioassay, is adopted in this study to explore the effects of cadmium chloride (CdCL2) on folliculogenesis and oocyte maturation in vitro; the feasibility for its application on detection of possible effects of chemicals on reproduction is discussed and evaluated as well. The results showed that follicle growth, differentiation, and steroidogenesis were significantly disturbed by ≥1.2 μg/mL CdCl2. The germinal vesicle breakdown of oocyte was also disturbed dose-dependently after the culture follicles were exposed to ≥1.6 μg/mL CdCl2. Exposure to CdCl 2 with concentrations of 1.6 μg/mL on day 2 had caused significant reduced ( p < 0.05) survival rate and rate of antral follicles, and increased abnormal follicle rate significantly, compared to the group exposed on day 6. Rat preantral follicle culture is a potential tool to assess the hazards of chemical compounds on female fertility and can be used to elucidate their mechanisms of actions.
Chemotherapy-induced myelotoxicity and incidence of lung metastasis in an animal model
Authors: Son Jin-Young , Shin Jang-Woo , Wang Jing-Hua , Park Hye-Jung , Kim Hyeong-Geug , Hanumantha Rao Balaji Raghavendran  , Son Chang-Gue
Published: July 2010

We examined how chemotherapy-induced myelotoxicity and the associated leukopaenia affect cancer metastasis in an animal model. Myelotoxicity was induced by a single injection of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or Cisplatin, administered to 7-week-old BALB/c mice. CT-26 murine colon carcinoma cells were injected into the lateral tail vein on days 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 after anticancer drug injection. On day 14 after cancer cell injection, the number of pulmonary colonies was measured in a double-blind setting. Compared with Cisplatin, 5-FU induced severe leukopaenia and bone marrow suppression, while on day 5, both drugs induced severe myelotoxicity. The number of pulmonary colonies did not correlate with the severity of leukopaenia, regardless of the type or time of drug injection, except in the group pretreated with Cisplatin (3 days prior to cancer cell injection). Our results suggest that chemotherapy-induced myelotoxicity does not increase the incidence of cancer metastasis in this animal model.
A Structural Approach to Assisting Families Recovering From Job Loss
Authors: Lara Tracy , Kindsvatter Aaron
Published: July 2010

Job loss can have a significant impact on family structure, which in turn may be associated with interpersonal turmoil among family members. This article examines the impact of job loss on families through a systemic lens. Structural techniques for addressing transitions and interpersonal turmoil associated with job loss are discussed.
Whole of Client Health Care in a Gridlocked System: An Insider Dialogue Between the Theory and Practice of Community Case Management
Authors: Schmuttermaier John R. , Schmitt David J. , King Catherine M. , Gwynne Amber E.
Published: July 2010

This article blends theory with empirical qualitative research to investigate the present practices of Community Case Management and develop a new and informed model driven by a whole of client approach rather than agency ownership. The Case Management Society of Australia presents an idealistic model that has never been fully implemented. Our exploration of the gap between this theory and the actual real-world practice demonstrates that a whole of client focus has been marginalized and frustrates full implementation. Recent Australian government policy changes to the Home and Community Care program have encouraged competitive, market-oriented delivery in an attempt to reempower the client, but it has come at the expense of collaboration. Introducing competition has added another dimension to impediments to client-centered care that include funding pressures, turf wars, territorialism, and organizationally induced gridlocked systems, all of which shift the focus from the client to the organization. In the face of this, it is paramount that case managers remain client focused and be willing to collaborate/communicate with all parties involved in the cares of the client. Failure to do so may lead to the eventual failure of the Home and Community Care program.
Strategies for Accurate Endograft Placement in the Proximal Thoracic Aorta
Authors: Nicolaou George , Forbes Thomas L.
Published: July 2010

Accurate positioning of thoracic endografts in the aortic arch and the proximal descending thoracic aorta can be difficult because of the tortuous arch anatomy and the hemodynamic forces therein. Adjunctive measures are necessary and include pharmacological interventions as well as rapid ventricular pacing and right-atrial-inflow occlusion. Endograft design advances have also been instrumental in increasing the applicability of this technology to the arch. These adjunctive measures are subsequently described.
‘The argument of the eye’? The cultural geographies of installation art
Authors: Hawkins Harriet
Published: July 2010

In the mid 1980s Cosgrove described a geography based on the ‘Argument of the Eye’. Since then geography, like the humanities more broadly, has seen the decline of vision’s hegemony with embodied accounts of vision taking the place of the detached Cartesian observer. In this article I consider what the geographer’s argument of the eye looks like today. In contrast to many recent studies I return to art as a site from which to build my arguments about vision. Employing a mode of enquiry that uses my body as a ‘research instrument’ the article stages four encounters with a piece of installation art by Tomoko Takahashi. Such embodied enquiries place a series of demands upon the writer, so a part of this article is devoted to critical engagement with an embodied politics of writing, a form of writing which is responsive to the arguments made about the experience of installation art and therefore the argument of the eye the article develops.