bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Interhemispheric Four-Box Model of the Meridional Overturning Circulation
Authors: Stone Peter H. , Krasovskiy Yuriy P.
Published: July 2009

The authors introduce a four-box interhemispheric model of the meridional overturning circulation. A single box represents high latitudes in each hemisphere, and in contrast to earlier interhemispheric box models, low latitudes are represented by two boxes—a surface box and a deep box—separated by a thermocline in which a balance is assumed between vertical advection and vertical diffusion. The behavior of the system is analyzed with two different closure assumptions for how the low-latitude upwelling depends on the density contrast between the surface and deep low-latitude boxes. The first is based on the conventional assumption that the diffusivity is a constant, and the second on the assumption that the energy input to the mixing is constant.

There are three different stable equilibrium states that are closely analogous to the three found by Bryan in a single-basin interhemispheric ocean general circulation model. One is quasi-symmetric with downwelling in high latitudes of both hemispheres, and two are asymmetric solutions, with downwelling confined to high latitudes in one or the other of the two hemispheres. The quasi-symmetric solution becomes linearly unstable for strong global hydrological forcing, while the two asymmetric solutions do not.

The qualitative nature of the solutions is generally similar for both the closure assumptions, in contrast to the solutions in hemispheric models. In particular, all the stable states can be destabilized by finite amplitude perturbations in the salinity or the hydrological forcing, and transitions are possible between any two states. For example, if the system is in an asymmetric state, and the moisture flux into the high-latitude region of downwelling is slowly increased, for both closure assumptions the high-latitude downwelling decreases until a critical forcing is reached where the system switches to the asymmetric state with downwelling in the opposite hemisphere. By contrast, in hemispheric models with the energy constraint, the downwelling increases and there is no loss of stability.
The Diffusion Kernel Filter Applied to Lagrangian Data Assimilation
Authors: Krause Paul , Restrepo Juan M.
Published: July 2009

The diffusion kernel filter is a sequential particle-method approach to data assimilation of time series data and evolutionary models. The method is applicable to nonlinear/non-Gaussian problems. Within branches of prediction it parameterizes small fluctuations of Brownian-driven paths about deterministic paths. Its implementation is relatively straightforward, provided a tangent linear model is available. A by-product of the parameterization is a bound on the infinity norm of the covariance matrix of such fluctuations (divided by the grid model dimension). As such it can be used to define a notion of “prediction” itself. It can also be used to assess the short time sensitivity of the deterministic history to Brownian noise or Gaussian initial perturbations. In pure oceanic Lagrangian data assimilation, the dynamics and the statistics are nonlinear and non-Gaussian, respectively. Both of these characteristics challenge conventional methods, such as the extended Kalman filter and the popular ensemble Kalman filter. The diffusion kernel filter is proposed as an alternative and is evaluated here on a problem that is often used as a test bed for Lagrangian data assimilation: it consists of tracking point vortices and passive drifters, using a dynamical model and data, both of which have known error statistics. It is found that the diffusion kernel filter captures the first few moments of the random dynamics, with a computational cost that is competitive with a particle filter estimation strategy. The authors also introduce a clustered version of the diffusion kernel filter (cDKF), which is shown to be significantly more efficient with regard to computational cost, at the expense of a slight degradation in the description of the statistics of the dynamical history. Upon parallelizing branches of prediction, cDKF can be computationally competitive with EKF.
Property Rights Redistribution, Entitlement Failure and the Impoverishment of Landless Farmers in China
Authors: Shenjing He  , Yuting Liu  , Webster Chris , Fulong Wu
Published: July 2009

Within the process of urban expansion through land requisition in China, farmers' de facto rights to collective land, including farmland and housing plots ( zhaijidi), are forcibly acquired by the state and thereafter redistributed to private developers, to facilitate urban-based economic growth. Deprived of a secure livelihood, some landless farmers become trapped in poverty. Others find that the property rights restructuring in urbanised villages gives them an opportunity to earn rental income. However, the opportunities are not equally distributed and the processes are, in general, stacked against the interests of villagers. This paper analyses the impoverishment of farmers caught up in China's relentless urban expansion programme, using the perspectives of property rights and entitlements. It presents case studies of two villages in Xi'an to illustrate how farmers' entitlement sets and vulnerability to poverty have changed as a result of changes in land rights.
Structural Analysis of How Urban Form Impacts Travel Demand: Evidence from Taipei
Authors: Lin Jen-Jia , Yang An-Tsei
Published: July 2009

This study empirically examines the connections between urban form and travel demand at the aggregate level using traffic analysis zone data from Taipei, Taiwan, for the year 2000. Nine latent variables and 26 observed variables were analysed using structural equation modelling. By clarifying the direct and indirect effects, the empirical evidence indicates that density is positively related to trip generation and negatively associated with private mode split; mixed land use reduces trip generation and indirectly increases private mode split and a pedestrian-friendly built environment significantly reduces private mode split. Empirical evidence indicates that land use density, diversity and design affect travel demand in urban areas both directly and indirectly.
Ethnic Identity and Immigrant Homeownership
Authors: Constant Amelie F. , Roberts Rowan , Zimmermann Klaus F.
Published: July 2009

Immigrants are much less likely to own their homes than natives, even after controlling for a broad range of life-cycle and socioeconomic characteristics and housing market conditions. This paper extends the analysis of immigrant housing tenure choice by explicitly accounting for ethnic identity as a potential influence on the homeowner-ship decision, using a two-dimensional composite index of ethnic identity that incorporates attachments to both origin and host cultures. In the case of Germany, the evidence suggests that immigrants with a stronger commitment to the host country are more likely to achieve homeownership for a given set of socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, regardless of their level of attachment to their home country.
Laparoscopic Surgery Improves Blood Glucose Homeostasis and Insulin Resistance Following Distal Gastrectomy for Cancer
Authors: Kanno Hitoshi , Kiyama Teruo , Fujita Itsuo , Tani Aya , Kato Shunji , Tajiri Takashi , Barbul Adrian
Published: July 2009

Background: Prevention of blood glucose elevation and insulin resistance could be more pronounced in patients undergoing laparoscopic rather than open gastrectomy. Methods: Fifty‐seven patients underwent distal gastrectomy by either laparoscopy (n = 36) or an open approach (n = 21). Blood glucose, serum insulin, and the daily insulin secretion rate (urinary C‐peptide) were measured. Insulin resistance was evaluated using an adapted homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐R). Results: Blood glucose levels were lower in the laparoscopy group than in the open group on the operative day and on postoperative days (POD) 1 and 3 (P< .001, P = .001, and P = .024, respectively). Serum insulin levels were lower in the laparoscopy group than in the open group on POD 1 and 3 (P = .045 and P = .027, respectively). HOMA‐R was lower in the laparoscopy group than in the open group on POD 1 and 3 (P = .024 and P = .009, respectively). Daily insulin secretion rates were lower in the laparoscopy group than in the open group on POD 1 (P = .023). Conclusions: Laparoscopic surgery prevents blood glucose elevation and improves insulin resistance compared with open surgery.
Political ecologies of health
Authors: King Brian
Published: July 2009

Emerging research within health geography and related fields is attending to the social dimensions of human health. Notwithstanding these contributions, health geography has provided less rigorous attention to the role of political economy in producing disease and shaping health decision-making. Additionally, the reciprocal relationships between health and environment have been underexplored. This paper asserts that political ecology would contribute by examining the political economy of disease, interrogating health discourses, and understanding the interactions between social and environmental systems. The benefits of a political ecology of health are demonstrated through an examination of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa.
Domestic Violence Against Married Women in Edirne
Authors: Tokuç Burcu , Ekuklu Galip , Avcioğlu Serap
Published: July 2009

The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and risk factors of domestic violence against married women in Edirne, Turkey. This is a cross-sectional study which included a representative sample of the married women living in the Provincial Center of Edirne. The total past year prevalence of some forms of physical domestic violence is 34% in the last 12 months. 93% of women reported that they have been experiencing different forms of verbal and psychological domestic violence. The important risk factors for physical domestic violence were being Roma woman (OR = 2.97, 95% CI: 1.44-6.12), living with more than four people in the household (OR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.21-4.36), being unemployed (OR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.06-4.37), and got married only with her families’ decision (OR = 4.60, 95% CI: 1.42-14.80). Our findings conclude that patriarchal and traditional values, women’s lack of financial autonomy, and low socioeconomic status are the risk factors for physical domestic violence.
Blame Attribution as a Moderator of Perceptions of Sexual Orientation—Based Hate Crimes
Authors: Cramer Robert J. , Chandler Joseph F. , Wakeman Emily E.
Published: July 2009

Blame attribution is a valuable mechanism explaining decision making. However, present literature mainly employs blame attribution as a dependent variable. The shortcoming of this fact is that blame attribution offers a potentially valuable explanatory mechanism for decision making. The authors designed two studies to investigate blame attribution as a moderator of sentencing decisions in sexual orientation—based hate crimes. Study 1 showed that mock jurors punished perpetrators of hate crimes more severely than a control condition. Also, degree of victim blame influenced punitive decision making. In Study 2, mock jurors extended findings that perpetrators of hate crimes are more harshly punished than those of other types of crimes. Victim and perpetrator blame failed to moderate decision making in this more complex scenario. Results are discussed in relation to hate crimes definitions and attribution theory.
Long-Term Fish Intake Is Associated With Less Severe Depressive Symptoms Among Elderly Men and Women
Authors: Bountziouka Vassiliki , Polychronopoulos Evangelos , Zeimbekis Akis , Papavenetiou Eftichia , Ladoukaki Evaggelia , Papairakleous Natassa , Gotsis Efthimios , Metallinos George , Lionis Christos , Panagiotakos Demosthenes
Published: July 2009

Objective: This work aims at exploring the association between fish intake and depressive symptoms, in older adults. Method: During 2005-2007, 1,190 men and women (>65 years) free living in various Greek islands and in Cyprus participated in the study. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the validated Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and foods intake through a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Results: Almost 70% of the participants scored above the depressive cutoff (i.e., GDS score > 5), with women having higher values. People classified under the 1st tertile of GDS score (i.e., GDS ≤ 5) were more educated, physically active, and report higher fish consumption. One portion increase of fish consumption per week was associated with 0.58 times (95% confidence interval: 0.45-0.73) lower likelihood of having GDS score above the clinical threshold, after various adjustments were made. Discussion: These findings may assist public health policy makers in better preventing emotional disorders among the elderly by promoting healthier eating habits.
A 2-Year Outcome Study of the Check, Connect, and Expect Intervention for Students At Risk for Severe Behavior Problems
Authors: Cheney Douglas A. , Stage Scott A. , Hawken Leanne S. , Lynass Lori , Mielenz Christine , Waugh Maryann
Published: July 2009

Two hundred seven students in Grades 1 through 5 who were at risk for severe behavior problems participated in a 2-year study of the effects of the Check, Connect, and Expect (CCE) program. The CCE program combined the essential intervention procedures of the Check & Connect Program and the Behavior Education Program . A stratified random sample of students based on school assignment was used to compare the outcomes of 121 CCE program students with 86 comparison students. Sixty percent of the CCE students ( n = 73) graduated from the program and 40% ( n = 48) did not. Linear growth analyses of eight different outcome measures found that three standardized problem behavior measures significantly decreased to normative levels for CCE graduates. Social skills and academic measures did not significantly change over time. The discussion focuses on the comparative efficacy of CCE as a targeted intervention for students at risk for severe behavior problems.
Experimental Identification of Nonlinearities under Free and Forced Vibration using the Hilbert Transform
Authors: Feldman Michael , Bucher Izhak , Rotberg Joseph
Published: July 2009

In this paper we discuss the experimental identification of a nonlinear vibrating mechanical system. The system under test incorporated several spring and damping related nonlinearities. Indeed, in this paper we use data from a real laboratory device thus increasing the confidence in the proposed methods that have been previously applied mostly to simulated data. A unique feature of the identified model is that it shows the dependency of the estimated parameters on the vibration amplitude. The provided measurements of free and forced vibration motion, together with the unique signal processing, based on the Hilbert transform analysis, yield an accurate estimation of nonlinear spring and friction parameters of the vibration model. The obtained natural frequencies and friction parameters are functions rather than scalars that describe the system’s behavior under different operating conditions. This paper complements previously published Hilbert transform analytical methods with experimental and numerical results.
Monitoring progress towards gender-equitable poverty alleviation
Authors: Baruah Bipasha
Published: July 2009

This article contributes towards unpacking the relationships between gender, poverty and inequality at several interrelated levels. It explores the concept of poverty as a useful starting point not only for understanding how gender fits into it, but also for understanding why gender is not reducible to poverty. It provides a brief history of how poverty came to be analysed from a gender perspective, and how such a perspective advances our understanding of poverty and inequality. The article follows this with a critical analysis of important gendered and non-gendered approaches developed to measure poverty, and outlines their contributions to advancing the art of monitoring and evaluating gendered poverty. Using research conducted predominantly in South Asia, it demonstrates how the richness of academic scholarship and discourses on gender and poverty contrast sharply not only with the narrow range of strategies employed for poverty alleviation, but also the limited array of methods and tools designed to monitor and analyse poverty from a gender perspective.
The new variant famine hypothesis
Authors: Ansell Nicola , Robson Elsbeth , Hajdu Flora , van Blerk Lorraine , Chipeta Lucy
Published: July 2009

A number of southern African countries have experienced food crises during recent years. The fact that the scale of these crises has been disproportionate to the apparent triggers of climatic adversity or production decline has led to the suggestion that they are more closely related to the AIDS pandemic, which is at its most extreme in many of the same countries. This hypothesis, developed by de Waal and Whiteside (2003), has been termed ‘New Variant Famine’(NVF).

The New Variant Famine hypothesis is helpful in drawing attention to the effects of AIDS in diminishing both food production and capacity to purchase food, but it focuses more intensely on the household level than many other theories that seek to explain food insecurity, which tend to emphasise the integration of peasants into a capitalist market economy, and the functioning of markets and institutions. The household level focus also characterises much research on the impacts of AIDS. In this article we argue that the effects of AIDS on food security are not confined to the household level, and that an NVF analysis should also consider processes operating within and beyond the household including social relationships, relations of age and gender, colonial inheritance and contemporary national and international political economy. Recognition of these processes and how they interact with AIDS may offer greater scope for political mobilisation rather than technocratic responses.
Getting clinical trial results into practice: design, implementation, and process evaluation of the ALLHAT Dissemination Project
Authors: Bartholomew L. Kay , Cushman William C , Cutler Jeffrey A , Davis Barry R , Dawson Glenna , Einhorn Paula T , Graumlich James F , Piller Linda B , Pressel Sara , Roccella Edward J , Simpson Lara , Whelton Paul K , Williard Angela , ALLHAT Collaborative Research Group
Published: July 2009

Background Conventional dissemination of clinical trial results has inconsistent impact on physician practices. A more comprehensive plan to influence determinants of prescribing practices is warranted.

Purpose To report the response from the Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s requirement for dissemination and evaluation of trials with potential immediate public health applicability.

Methods ALLHAT’s dissemination plan had two-components: (1) a traditional approach of media coverage, scientific presentation, and publication; and (2) a theory-based approach targeting determinants of clinician behavior. Strategies included: (1) academic detailing, in which physicians approach colleagues regarding blood pressure management, (2) direct patient messages to stimulate communication with physicians regarding blood pressure control, (3) approaches to formulary systems to use educational and economic incentives for evidence-based prescription, and (4) direct professional organization appeals to clinicians.

Results One hundred and forty-seven Investigator Educators reported 1698 presentations to 18,524 clinicians in 41 states and the District of Columbia. The pre- and post-test responses of 1709 clinicians in the face-to-face meetings indicated significant changes in expectations for positive patient outcomes and intention to prescribe diuretics. Information was mailed to 55 individuals representing 20 professional organizations and to eight formulary systems. Direct-to-patient messages were provided to 14 sites that host patient newsletters and Web sites such as health plans and insurance companies, 62 print mass media outlets, and 12 broadcast media sites.

Limitations It was not within the scope of the project to conduct a randomized trial of the impact of the dissemination. However, impact evaluation using quasi-experimental designs is ongoing.

Conclusion A large multi-method dissemination of clinical trial results is feasible. Planning for dissemination efforts, including evaluation research, should be considered as a part of the funding and design of the clinical trial and should begin early in trial planning. Clinical Trials 2009; 6: 329—343. http://ctj.sagepub.com
Clinical Implications of Cerebral Reorganisation after Primary Digital Flexor Tendon Repair
Authors: COERT J. H. , STENEKES M. W. , PAANS A. M. J. , NICOLAI J.-P. A. , DE JONG B. M.
Published: July 2009

After flexor tendon injury, most attention is given to the quality of the tendon repair and postoperative early passive dynamic mobilisation. Schemes for active mobilisation have been developed to prevent tendon adhesions and joint stiffness. This paper describes five patients to demonstrate the cerebral consequences of immobilisation allowing only passive movements, which implies a prolonged absence of actual motor commands. At the end of such immobilisation, PET imaging revealed reduced blood flow in specific motor areas, associated with temporary loss of efficient motor control. Effective motor control was regained after active flexion exercises which was reflected in normalised cerebral activations. This suggests that temporary, reversible cerebral dysfunction may affect the outcome of flexor tendon injuries.
Severity Scoring in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Helps Predict the Value of Conservative Therapy
Authors: OLLIVERE B. J. , LOGAN K. , ELLAHEE N. , MILLER-JONES J. C. A. , WOOD M. , NAIRN D. S.
Published: July 2009

A prospective study was performed to assess the outcome of conservative treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome and to establish the predictive value of preoperative Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire scores. Sixty-seven patients with 101 symptomatic hands underwent an evidence-based education and conservative therapy regime prior to surgery. All patients were scored using the Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire at presentation and at 3 months. Fifty-eight of 67 patients completed both assessments providing a complete assessment of 89 symptomatic hands. The mean Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire scores improved significantly from 2.45 to 2.12 and throughout the duration of the study 73% of patients improved with conservative treatment and 14% did not require surgery. Severity scoring at presentation was predictive of outcome with conservative therapy. This work suggests that the Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire can be used to identify patients who are likely to respond to conservative treatment.
Is the Patient Outcomes of Surgery (POS)-Hand/Arm Questionnaire a Reliable, Valid and Responsive Measurement of Patient-Based Outcomes in Hand and Upper Limb Surgery?
Authors: SCOTT A. D. , MUSA O. , AL-HASSANI F. , JONES G. L. , HOBSON M. B. , MILLER J. G.
Published: July 2009

The purpose of our study was to evaluate a new region-specific outcome measure in hand and upper limb surgery: the Patient Outcomes of Surgery (POS)-Hand/Arm questionnaire using the generic Short Form Health Survey (SF)-36 questionnaire as a ‘gold standard’ comparative measure. The POS-Hand/Arm preop questionnaire and the SF-36 questionnaire were completed by 214 patients on the day of their hand or upper limb surgery; and a postop POS-Hand/Arm and the SF-36 questionnaire were completed by patients 3 months after their initial surgery. The POS-Hand/Arm questionnaire responses were psychometrically evaluated and it was shown to have high internal consistency; high total-item correlations; signification scale correlations with the SF-36; and a low proportion of missing data. The POS-Hand/Arm questionnaire is a psychometrically sound instrument that can be used pre- and post-surgery to evaluate patient-based outcomes for a wide range of conditions in hand and upper limb surgery.
Reducing the economic impact of carpal tunnel surgery
Authors: MALLICK A. , CLARKE M. , WILSON S. , NEWEY M. L.
Published: July 2009

A nurse-led carpal tunnel service was started in Leicester in 1999. Many developments in the service have been patient-driven. A large proportion of our patients are not salaried and many had expressed concerns about the amount of time taken off work after surgery. This therefore prompted us to encourage immediate hand function after surgery. Subsequently, in 494 patients studied prospectively, we have seen 93% of patients return to work by 2 weeks and 99% by 4 weeks. This has obvious benefits in terms of reducing loss of income. Furthermore there is potential for considerable economic savings.
NOD1 gene polymorphisms in relation to aggressive periodontitis
Authors: Loos B.G. , Fiebig A. , Nothnagel M. , Jepsen S. , Groessner-Schreiber B. , Franke A. , Jervøe-Storm P.M. , Schenck K. , van der Velden U. , Schreiber S.
Published: July 2009

Background: NOD proteins are part of innate immunity mechanisms. They play a role in epithelial barrier functions and inflammatory responses to bacteria. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the NOD1 gene have proven to be associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and asthma.

Objective: To investigate SNPs in the NOD1 gene in relation to aggressive periodontitis (AgP), a multifactorial, inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth.

Materials and Methods: Five SNPs in the NOD1 gene (4 intronic and 1 exonic) were tested for association in a total of 415 AgP patients and 874 controls both of Northern European ancestry.

Results: The frequencies of the rare SNP alleles ranged between 21% and 26% among cases, and 20—27% among controls, and were not statistically different between cases and controls. Two SNPs were in strong linkage disequilibrium (r2 = 0.97 in cases and 0.94 in controls). The overall haplotype distributions did not differ between cases and controls. We observed 8 haplotypes with a frequency of !1% among cases and/or controls, but none of these haplotype frequencies differed significantly among cases and controls. Logistic regression analyses with adjustment for gender and smoking status did not reveal significant associations with AgP for any of the 5 SNPs. This study had a power of !95% to detect associations with variants carrying relative risks of !1.5 for heterozygote carriers and !2.25 for homozygote carriers.

Conclusions: Although SNPs in the NOD1 gene have been strongly associated with cases of IBD, the current study failed to show an association of NOD1 SNPs with AgP.
Lipopolysaccharide induces alteration of serotonin transporter in human intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Mendoza Carmen , Matheus Nyurky , Iceta Ruth , Mesonero Jose E. , Alcalde Ana I.
Published: July 2009

Intestinal serotoninergic activity and serotonin transporter (SERT) function have been shown to be altered in intestinal inflammatory diseases. Serotonin (5-HT) plays a critical role in the regulation of gastrointestinal physiology. Activity of 5-HT depends on its extracellular availability, partly modulated by SERT that transports 5-HT into the cell. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a component of Gram-negative bacteria outer membrane, which acts as a potent activator of the inflammatory system in the intestine. The aim of this work was to determine, in the enterocyte-like cell line Caco-2, whether LPS treatment affects serotoninergic activity by acting on SERT. The results demonstrate that LPS treatment diminishes SERT activity in a dose- and period-dependent way. The kinetic study shows that Vmax was significantly reduced after treatment with LPS. The LPS effect on 5-HT uptake was, in part, mediated by protein kinase C (PKC) activation. The molecular expression of SERT revealed that LPS treatment did not affect the mRNA level or the SERT protein content in cell homogenate. The level of SERT protein, however, was reduced on brush border membrane. The LPS effect might be due to an alteration of the intracellular traffic of SERT which may, in part, be mediated by PKC activity.
Replication or death: distinct fates of pathogenic Leptospira strain Lai within macrophages of human or mouse origin
Authors: Shijun Li  , Ojcius David M. , Sumei Liao  , Liwei Li  , Feng Xue  , Haiyan Dong  , Jie Yan
Published: July 2009

Pathogenic leptospires evoke severe diseases in humans but only cause mild chronic or asymptomatic infection in many host animals. The reasons for this diversity of infection remain unclear. Here, we demonstrated that Leptospira interrogans serovar Lai strain Lai had a similar ability to adhere to and enter primary and immortal (THP-1 and J774A.1) macrophages from human and mouse, but its intracellular fate in human macrophages differed markedly from that in mouse. The leptospires resided within membrane-bound vacuoles in the murine macrophages, but occurred free in the cytosol of human macrophages, with no surrounding vesicular membrane. Most leptospires in murine macrophages co-localized with the late-endosomal/lysosomal marker LAMP-1 and then were killed by lysosomal hydrolases, while most leptospires in human macrophages did not co-localize with this marker and survived. Enumeration of colony-forming units plus quantitative fluorimetry showed that in human, but not in murine, macrophages, the amounts of leptospires increased with incubation time. The infected human macrophages differed from mouse macrophages by displaying gradually enhanced apoptosis, in parallel with the increase in number of leptospires. These data strongly suggest that the outcome for intracellular leptospires depends on differences among host macrophages, which may account for some of the differences in the severity of leptospirosis in humans and animals.
M-CSF elevates c-Fos and phospho-C/EBPα(S21) via ERK whereas G-CSF stimulates SHP2 phosphorylation in marrow progenitors to contribute to myeloid lineage specification
Authors: Jack Graham D. , Zhang Li , Friedman Alan D.
Published: July 2009

The role of hematopoietic cytokines in lineage commitment remains uncertain. To gain insight into the contribution of cytokine signaling to myeloid lineage specification, we compared granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) signaling in Ba/F3 cells expressing both the G-CSF and M-CSF receptors and in lineage-negative murine marrow cells. G-CSF and M-CSF serve as prototypes for additional cytokines that also influence immature myeloid cells. G-CSF specifically activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and induced Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase 2 (SHP2) phosphorylation, whereas M-CSF preferentially activated phospholipase Cγ2, and thereby extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), to stabilize c-Fos and stimulate CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)α(S21) phosphorylation. In contrast, activation of Jun kinase or c-Jun was similar in response to either cytokine. Inhibition of ERK prevented induction of c-Fos by M-CSF and reduced C/EBPα phosphorylation and formation of colony-forming unit–monocytes. SHP2 inhibition reduced ERK activation in G-CSF, but not M-CSF, and reduced colony-forming unit–granulocytes, underscoring divergent pathways to ERK activation. Phorbol ester mimicked the effect of M-CSF, activating ERK independent of SHP2. In summary, M-CSF activates ERK more potently than G-CSF, and thereby induces higher levels of c-Fos and phospho-C/EBPα(S21), which may directly interact to favor monopoiesis, whereas G-CSF activates signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and SHP2, potentially shifting the balance to granulopoiesis via gene induction by C/EBPα homodimers and via effects of SHP2 on regulators besides ERK.
Characterization of Gaucher disease bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells reveals an altered inflammatory secretome
Authors: Campeau Philippe M. , Rafei Moutih , Boivin Marie-Noëlle , Sun Ying , Grabowski Gregory A. , Galipeau Jacques
Published: July 2009

Gaucher disease causes pathologic skeletal changes that are not fully explained. Considering the important role of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in bone structural development and maintenance, we analyzed the cellular biochemistry of MSCs from an adult patient with Gaucher disease type 1 (N370S/L444P mutations). Gaucher MSCs possessed a low glucocerebrosidase activity and consequently had a 3-fold increase in cellular glucosylceramide. Gaucher MSCs have a typical MSC marker phenotype, normal osteocytic and adipocytic differentiation, growth, exogenous lactosylceramide trafficking, cholesterol content, lysosomal morphology, and total lysosomal content, and a marked increase in COX-2, prostaglandin E2, interleukin-8, and CCL2 production compared with normal controls. Transcriptome analysis on normal MSCs treated with the glucocerebrosidase inhibitor conduritol B epoxide showed an up-regulation of an array of inflammatory mediators, including CCL2, and other differentially regulated pathways. These cells also showed a decrease in sphingosine-1-phosphate. In conclusion, Gaucher disease MSCs display an altered secretome that could contribute to skeletal disease and immune disease manifestations in a manner distinct and additive to Gaucher macrophages themselves.
Early effects of oral administration of lafutidine with mosapride compared with lafutidine alone on intragastric pH values
Authors: Iida Hiroshi , Inamori Masahiko , Nozaki Yuichi , Endo Hiroki , Hosono Kunihiro , Akiyama Tomoyuki , Sakamoto Yasunari , Takahashi Hirokazu , Koide Tomoko , Tokoro Chikako , Abe Yasunobu , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: July 2009

Background

The ideal medication for treatment of acid related diseases should have a rapid onset of action to promote hemostasis and resolution of symptoms. The aim of our study was to investigate the inhibitory effects on gastric acid secretion after a single oral administrations of lafutidine, is a newly synthesized H2-receptor antagonist, with mosapride 5 mg or lafutidine alone.

Methods

TenHelicobacter pylorinegative male subjects participated in this randomized, two-way crossover study. Intragastric pH was monitored continuously for 4 hours after a single oral administration of lafutidine 10 mg or lafutidine 10 mg with mosapride 5 mg (the lafutidine being administrated one hour after the mosapride). Each administration was separated by a 7-day washout period.

Results

The average pH during the 4-hour period after administration of lafutidine 10 mg with mosapride 5 mg was higher than after lafutidine 10 mg alone (median: 5.25 versus 4.58, respectively;p= 0.0318). During the 3–4 hour study period, lafutidine 10 mg with mosapride 5 mg provided a higher pH, compared to lafutidine 10 mg alone (median: 7.28 versus 6.42;p= 0.0208).

Conclusion

InH. pylorinegative healthy male subjects, an oral dose of lafutidine 10 mg with mosapride 5 mg more rapidly increased intragastric pH than lafutidine 10 mg alone.
Knowledge and utilization of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in primary health care centers in rural southwest, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Akinleye Stella O , Falade Catherine O , Ajayi Ikeoluwapo O
Published: July 2009

Background

Intermittent preventive treatment for prevention of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) is a key component of malaria control strategy in Nigeria and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is the drug of choice. Despite the evidence of the effectiveness of IPTp strategy using SP in reducing the adverse effects of malaria during pregnancy the uptake and coverage in Nigeria is low. This study set out to assess the use of IPTp among pregnant women attending primary health centres in the rural area and determine factors that influence the uptake.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out between July and August 2007 among 209 pregnant women selected by systematic random sampling from antenatal care attendees at primary health care in a rural Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Nigeria. Information on knowledge of IPT, delivery, adherence and acceptability was obtained using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as means, range, proportions were used. Chi-square test was used to examine association between categorical variables. All analyses were performed at 5% level of significance.

Results

One hundred and nine of 209 (52.2%) respondents have heard about IPTp but only 26 (23.9%) were able to define it. Fifty seven (27.3%) reported to have received at least one dose of IPTp during the index pregnancy and all were among those who have heard of IPTp (52.3%). Twenty one of the 57 (36.8%) took the SP in the clinic. Only three of the twenty-one (14.3%) were supervised by a health worker. Twenty two of the 36 women (61.1%) who did not take their drugs in the clinic would have liked to do so if allowed to bring their own drinking cups. Almost half (43.9%) of those who had used IPTp during the index pregnancy expressed concern about possible adverse effect of SP on their pregnancies. Periodic shortages of SP in the clinics were also reported.

Conclusion

In this study, IPTp use among pregnant women was very low and there was poor adherence to the Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) scheme. Concerted effort should be made to increase awareness of IPTp among the public especially women of child bearing age. Health workers should also be trained and monitored to ensure adherence.
Stem cell and epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers are frequently overexpressed in circulating tumor cells of metastatic breast cancer patients
Authors: Aktas Bahriye , Tewes Mitra , Fehm Tanja , Hauch Siegfried , Kimmig Rainer , Kasimir-Bauer Sabine
Published: July 2009

Introduction

The persistence of circulating tumor cells (CTC) in breast cancer patients might be associated with stem cell like tumor cells which have been suggested to be the active source of metastatic spread in primary tumors. Furthermore, these cells also may undergo phenotypic changes, known as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which allows them to travel to the site of metastasis formation without getting affected by conventional treatment. Here we evaluated 226 blood samples of 39 metastatic breast cancer patients during a follow-up of palliative chemo-, antibody – or hormonal therapy for the expression of the stem cell marker ALDH1 and markers for EMT and correlated these findings with the presence of CTC and response to therapy.

Methods

2 × 5 ml blood was analyzed for CTC with the AdnaTest BreastCancer (AdnaGen AG) for the detection of EpCAM, MUC-1 and HER2 transcripts. The recovered c-DNA was additionally multiplex tested for three EMT markers [Twist1, Akt2, PI3Kα] and separately for the tumor stem-cell markers ALDH1. The identification of EMT markers was considered positive if at least one marker was detected in the sample.

Results

97% of 30 healthy donor samples investigated were negative for EMT and 95% for ALDH1 transcripts. CTC were detected in 69/226 (31%) cancer samples. In the CTC (+) group, 62% were positive for at least one of the EMT markers and 69% for ALDH1, respectively. In the CTC (-) group the percentages were 7% and 14%, respectively. In non-responders, EMT and ALDH1 expression was found in 62% and 44% of patients, in responders the rates were 10% and 5%, respectively.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that a major proportion of CTC of metastatic breast cancer patients shows EMT and tumor stem cell characteristics. Further studies are needed to prove whether these markers might serve as an indicator for therapy resistant tumor cell populations and, therefore, an inferior prognosis.
Impact of a telemedicine system on acute stroke care in a community hospital
Authors: Pedragosa Àngels , Alvarez-Sabin José , Molina Carlos A , Sanclemente Carmen , Martín M Cruz , Alonso Francisco , Ribo Marc
Published: July 2009

In January 2007, a telestroke system was established between a community hospital lacking a neurologist on call and a stroke centre 70 km away. The telestroke system allowed urgent remote evaluation of the patient by a specialized neurologist, supervised thrombolytic treatment or a decision for urgent transfer to the stroke centre. During the first year of operation of the telestroke system, we studied all acute ischaemic stroke patients admitted to the community hospital and compared the results with the previous year. Approximately the same number of acute stroke patients were admitted to the community hospital in each year (201 cases in 2006 and 198 in 2007). The telestroke system was activated 75 times in 2007, the number of stroke patients evaluated by a specialized neurologist increased (17% vs. 38%, P > 0.001) and interhospital transfers were reduced (17% vs. 6%, P = 0.001). The number of thrombolytic treatments was doubled: 4.5% ( n = 9) in 2006 vs. 9.6% ( n = 19, 12 of them in the community hospital) in 2007 ( P = 0.073). The telestroke system also reduced the time to tPA treatment from symptom onset (210 vs. 162 min, P = 0.05) and increased the number of patients treated in the 0–3 hours window (40% vs. 63%, P = 0.09). Telemedicine improved the quality of care administered to acute stroke patients admitted to a community hospital and reduced the number of inter-hospital transfers.
Impact of electronic messaging on the patient-physician interaction
Authors: Wallwiener Markus , Wallwiener Christian Wilhelm , Kansy Julia Katharina , Seeger Harald , Rajab Taufiek Konrad
Published: July 2009

Patients are interested in secure electronic communication with their health-care providers, but physicians have been slow to adopt the technique into their practice. We have therefore reviewed the literature on secure patient messaging. Relevant studies were identified by Medline search which produced 1065 publications. Of these, 71 relevant articles were read independently by two reviewers. Currently available messaging systems allow for asynchronous communication, physician reimbursement and automated supporting functions such as triaging of patient messages and integration of messaging into medical records. The review showed that patients are satisfied with the use of secure physician messaging systems and find such services to be convenient, time-saving and useful. Physicians do not report adverse effects from their use. Legal concerns with electronic messaging include compliance with privacy standards. The economic benefits of secure messaging systems are most immediately apparent for larger health-care groups and hospitals, although smaller practices will also benefit in the long run. Secure patient-physician messaging is a convenient and useful addition to the health-care infrastructure. It can be expected that the identification of secure providers, integration with reimbursement systems and initial uptake by larger health-care organizations will speed up the adoption into routine health care.
The crystal structure of CaIrO3 post-perovskite revisited
Authors: Hirai Shigeto , Welch Mark D. , Aguado Fernando , Redfern Simon A. T.
Published: July 2009

The structure of CaIrO3 post-perovskite has been determined using CAD4 and Bruker SMART diffractometers for two different crystals. In both cases the structure was solved by Direct Methods which revealed all four atoms in the asymmetric unit. Anisotropic refinement of all atoms gave (CAD4/SMART): R
1 = 0.016/0.008, wR
2 = 0.032/0.009. There is excellent agreement between the structure models of the two studies. However, some notable differences were found between the structures determined here and that reported by Sugahara et al., (2008): most obviously, we observe no significant anisotropic displacements for any of the atoms. Anisotropic displacement parameters for Ca, Ir and O atoms are very similar to those of their counterparts in MgSiO3 perovskite. The close similarity of the structures of the two crystals determined here using two very different diffractometers suggests that the derived model structure reported here is better-constrained and more representative of the characteristic features of CaIrO3 post-perovskite than that obtained by Sugahara et al., (2008).
Parâmetros reprodutivos de cabras Toggenburg inseminadas com sêmen resfriado, após diluição em meio à base de gema de ovo
Authors: Siqueira A.P. , Fonseca J.F. , Silva Filho J.M. , Bruschi J.H. , Viana J.H.M. , Palhares M.S. , Bruschi M.C.M. , Peixoto M.P.
Published: July 2009

Avaliaram-se a taxa de concepção, a resposta à prostaglandina, a duração do estro, a categoria reprodutiva e o tipo de muco de cabras inseminadas com sêmen diluído em meio à base de gema de ovo e resfriado a 5ºC, por 12 ou 24 horas. Foram utilizados dois reprodutores e 62 fêmeas da raça Toggenburg, que receberam duas doses de 22,5µg de PGF2α, em intervalos de 10 dias, para a sincronização do estro. A partir da primeira aplicação de PGF2α, o estro foi monitorado três vezes ao dia. Realizou-se uma única inseminação, 12 horas após o início do estro. As porcentagens de fêmeas em estro, após a primeira e segunda aplicações de PGF2α, foram de 85,5% e 88,7%, respectivamente. O intervalo de aplicação da primeira e segunda doses de PGF2α ao início do estro foi de 41,04±20,32 e 45,67±9,28 horas, e a duração do estro de 40,02±15,96 e 32,24±12,09 horas, respectivamente. A taxa de concepção total foi de 49,1%. O período de armazenamento do sêmen e a categoria reprodutiva não influenciaram (P>0,05) a taxa de concepção. O tipo de muco observado no momento da inseminação influenciou (P<0,05) a fertilidade das fêmeas, sendo o de aspecto estriado associado aos maiores índices de concepção.
Efeitos de diferentes FiO2 sobre variáveis ecocardiográficas em cães submetidos à infusão contínua de propofol
Authors: Lopes P.C.F. , Nunes N. , Sousa M.G. , Paula D.P. , Carareto R. , Nishimori C.T.D. , Santos P.S.P. , Camacho A.A.
Published: July 2009

Avaliaram-se os efeitos do fornecimento de diferentes frações inspiradas de oxigênio (FiO2) em cães anestesiados com infusão contínua de propofol e mantidos em ventilação espontânea sobre os parâmetros ecocardiográficos, obtidos em modo M. Oito cães adultos foram submetidos a cinco protocolos anestésicos diferenciando um do outro pela FiO2 fornecida ao paciente. Formaram-se cinco grupos denominados G100 (FiO2=1), G80 (FiO2=0,8), G60 (FiO2=0,6), G40 (FiO2=0,4) e G20 (FiO2=0,21). Os animais foram induzidos à anestesia com propofol na dose necessária para intubação e, ato contínuo, iniciou-se a infusão do fármaco. Os cães receberam oxigênio conforme a FiO2 determinada para cada grupo. As primeiras mensurações foram efetuadas antes da administração do fármaco (M0), aos 30 minutos (M30) após o início da infusão do anestésico e a cada 15 minutos (M45, M60, M75 e M90) durante 60 minutos. Para espessura do septo interventricular ao final da sístole (ESIVs) registrada em M60, a média de G100 foi maior do que as obtidas de G60 e G20. Em M30, o espessamento fracional da parede livre do ventrículo esquerdo (ELPVE) de G100 foi menor que de G80, e, em M75, G80 foi maior que G40. Em relação ao índice de volume ventricular esquerdo ao final da sístole (IVVEFs), em M45, G40 foi maior que G80. Conclui-se que as variáveis ecocardiográficas estudadas não são afetadas pelo emprego de diferentes FiO2.