bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Black Like Me
Authors: Tuitt Frank
Published: June 2011

Using critical race theory as a framework and methodology, this qualitative study of 10 Black graduate students examines how teaching and learning in the racialized context of a predominantly White institution affects the pedagogical interaction between Black faculty and Black students in the classroom. The findings of this study suggest that some Black graduate students enter classrooms taught by professors who are Black like them with the perception that Black faculty (a) are innocent until proven guilty, (b) will serve as role models who hold them to higher standards, and (c) will view Black students and be viewed by these same students as representatives of their race. This manuscript concludes that Black professors must be aware of such perceptions and discover how to navigate this racial paradox if they are to successfully fulfill their responsibility to lift up the souls of Black graduate students in the presence of their academic experience.
Competencies Needed in Oral Communication in English among Thai Undergraduate Public Relations Students: A Substantial Gap between Expectations and Reality
Authors: Pattanapichet Fasawang , Chinokul Sumalee
Published: June 2011

This article investigates the competencies needed for oral communication in English among Thai undergraduate public relations students for handling public relations job interviews and performing entry-level public relations work. To identify these competencies, the study identified and involved all of the stakeholders in the data reliability assessment process. The DACUM process, a research-based methodology of developing a curriculum, was modified through interviews with experts in the field to compile and validate the list of the competencies needed. As a result, the validated list consists of four competencies needed for public relations job interviews and eight competencies needed for entry-level public relations work. For triangulation purposes, a questionnaire survey on 222 public relations students and semi-structured interviews with a focus group were conducted to explore the students’ perspectives. The article discusses a huge gap between expectations and the real-world situation and provides suggestions to help bridge this gap.
Entrepreneur motivations and life course
Authors: Jayawarna Dilani , Rouse Julia , Kitching John
Published: June 2011

In this paper we propose two conceptual developments in understanding entrepreneur motivations and their effects. First, we argue that entrepreneur motivations develop dynamically in relation to career, household and business life courses. Second, we conceptualize how motivation and life courses develop interactively. We present an exploratory test of these ideas. In a sample of enterprise programme participants, we identify motivation profiles employing more robust cluster analyses than hitherto presented: our profiles are termed reluctant, convenience, economically driven, social, learning and earning, and prestige and control entrepreneurs. We then demonstrate statistical relationships between motivation profiles at a particular phase in the business life course (early establishment) and career and household life course factors. Motivations are also related to business resources, behaviour and performance. This initial confirmation of our conceptual claims suggests that further testing is warranted.
Optical and thermal properties of oil shale/polystyrene composites
Authors: Adaileh A.D. , Zihlif A.M. , Ragosta G.
Published: June 2011

The optical and thermal properties of polymer composites having a matrix of polystyrene and oil shale as filler with different concentrations have been investigated. The optical spectra were obtained in the UV wavelength range (300—800 nm) using a spectrophotometer. The absorption coefficient and the optical energy gap (Eopt) have been obtained from direct allowed electron transitions in k-space at room temperature. The tail widths of localized states in the band gap (ΔE) were evaluated using the Urbach-edges method. It was found that both E opt and ΔE vary with the concentration of oil shale in the composite. The thermal conductivity of the prepared oil shale/polystyrene composites has been studied as a function of temperature and oil shale content. It was found that the thermal conductivity increases with temperature and oil shale concentration.
Energy and exergy analyses of an integrated gas turbine thermoacoustic engine
Authors: Karimi M , Ghorbanian K , Gholamrezaei M
Published: June 2011

In this article, an attempt is made to utilize the exhaust gases of a small gas turbine to augment power output through the employment of a thermoacoustic system. A simple gas turbine cycle is selected as the base cycle and it is assumed that the thermoacoustic system is powered only by the waste heat of the base gas turbine. A comprehensive cycle analysis of the integrated gas turbine thermoacoustic engine (IGTTE) is carried out from an energy and exergy point of view. Exergy efficiency and internal exergy efficiency are calculated for the different components of the base gas turbine engine as well as the IGTTE. Value and exergy flow diagrams are used to investigate the possible improvements. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis is performed by considering different conditions for the thermoacoustic system. The results clearly indicate some improvements with respect to exergetic efficiency from a simple thermodynamic point of view.
Effects of sealing clearance and stepped geometries on discharge and heat transfer characteristics of stepped labyrinth seals
Authors: Yan X , Li J , Feng Z
Published: June 2011

The effect of sealing clearance and step geometries on the discharge and heat transfer characteristics of the stepped labyrinth seals with honeycomb and smooth lands was investigated. The Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations coupled with standard k −  ω turbulent model were adopted and numerically solved. The heat transfer coefficient as well as the discharge coefficients and meridian flow fields were calculated at two kinds of sealing clearance of stepped labyrinth seals and compared to the experimental data. The obtained results show that the present three-dimensional periodic model and numerical approach can give a good prediction of the discharge behaviour and heat transfer coefficients for both smooth labyrinth seal and honeycomb seal. Moreover, a range of H/ Cr (step height to clearance) and ts/ t (step axial position to pitch) were conducted to investigate the sealing clearance and step geometries on the discharge and heat transfer characteristics of the stepped labyrinth seal with smooth and honeycomb lands. The detailed leakage flow and heat transfer coefficients distributions and corresponding influence mechanisms in stepped labyrinth seals were also illustrated and discussed.
Entrepreneurial Megaproject Leadership, Innovation, and Accountability: Denver’s International Airport, T-REX, and FasTracks
Authors: Johnston Van R.
Published: June 2011

The Denver metropolitan region is a hub for multimodal transportation systems which support the growth and development of business, industry, government, travel, sports, entertainment and community infrastructure. Leaders in the region have had the vision to innovatively, entrepreneurially and accountably work on building three major megaprojects successfully in the last couple of decades, with significant work still developing.
When the hybrid met the therapeutic: Discursive orders in everyday life
Authors: Shoshana Avi
Published: June 2011

Analysis of the contemporary postcolonial discourse in Israel reveals the dominance of research reporting the hybridity and ambivalent life experiences that are characteristic of borderlands. However, suggesting that these studies rely mainly on distanced textual representations, this article proposes an inductive approach that adheres to the experimental strength of anthropology and describes how ethnic subjects experience their selfhood and react to the discourse of hybridity. This project is based on a case study of The Boarding School for the Gifted Disadvantaged in Israel, a school for individuals termed Orientals (‘Mizrachim’), with the intention of re-educating them to integrate more fully into the Israeli national order. The main findings indicate that graduates of the boarding school use the therapeutic discourse when describing their selves, and reflexively reject the discourse of hybridity as put forward by postcolonial intellectuals in Israel. Based on these findings, I dwell on the (Spivakian) question as to can the subaltern speak hybridity. I offer four answers to this question, the main one of which stresses that in order to reach a complex understanding of a discourse we must clarify its relationships with the other discursive orders that are available to those subjects who employ it in their everyday lives (or what I call ‘when the hybrid meets the therapeutic’). I thus argue that therapeutic discourse, with its institutional dominance in everyday life, makes it difficult to adopt the discourse of hybridity, which offers an alternative identity to individuals in everyday life.
Anchors, mermaids, shower-curtain seaweeds and fish-shaped fish: The texture of poetic agency
Authors: Wijland Roel
Published: June 2011

This article defines and theoretically positions the alternative conceptualization of poetic agency. In its aesthetic singularity it aims to humbly resonate with Arcadian explorations of commodities as poetic objects (Benjamin, 1999). It proposes a reconnaissance of poetics that challenges and complements the prevalent mapping of consumer agency in narrative structures. In order to holistically express practical encounters in situ (Allen, 2002) the inquiry explores the liminal texture of meaning-making.

The positioning of poetic agency in a culturally particularist model of consumer experience (Sherry Jr, 2000) is suspended between the four notions of narrativity, performativity, liminality and materiality, and evoked in four separate poems.

The article finishes its ethno-poetic journey with a purposefully written poem that illuminates theory and method of poetic agency in a fresh context.
The Individual-Level Effects of Presidential Conventions on Candidate Evaluations
Authors: Cera Joseph , Weinschenk Aaron C.
Published: June 2011

Our understanding of the impact of party conventions on opinion regarding presidential candidates is based largely on aggregate-level analysis. Extant individual-level investigation has been limited by the assumption that conventions are monolithic information events that exercise uniform effects. Using panel data, we show for the first time that conventions exercise two independent effects, which can counteract or reinforce each other depending on individual characteristics and information consumption. First, we demonstrate how exposure to speeches exercises a persuasive effect that benefits the convening candidate, even when partisanship is controlled. Second, we demonstrate how conventions exercise an atmospheric effect that activates general partisan bias. We find that observed postconvention changes are attributable to the combination of these separate but simultaneous effects. We also explore how individual partisanship conditions speech effects and find evidence that partisanship influences the decision to listen but is unlikely to influence the impact of a message already heard.
Long-Term Outcome of Popliteal Artery Aneurysms After Ligation and Bypass
Authors: Vrijenhoek Joyce E. P. , Mackaay Albert J. C. , Cornelissen Sandra A. P. , Moll Frans L.
Published: June 2011

Objectives: After exclusion of popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) through bypass surgery, there is a risk of persistent flow through collaterals and growth of the excluded aneurysmal sac. This study was conducted to evaluate this risk at long-term follow-up. Methods: Sixty-five PAAs treated by proximal and distal ligation and bypass grafting with reversed autologous vein in 52 patients (1998-2010) were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Mean follow-up was 41 months (range, 1-144 months). Five aneurysms showed residual flow (8%). One of these aneurysms had increased in size, 36 months postoperatively. This aneurysm underwent an embolization procedure after which no flow or further enlargement was demonstrated. Conclusion: In this study, the risk of persistent flow in a PAA excluded by proximal and distal ligation and bypass is low. Still, considering this risk and its possible complications, follow-up by duplex ultrasound in all patients until up to more than 10 years postoperatively is recommended.
Analysis of GATA1 mutations in Down syndrome transient myeloproliferative disorder and myeloid leukemia
Authors: Alford Kate A. , Reinhardt Katarina , Garnett Catherine , Norton Alice , Böhmer Katarina , von Neuhoff Christine , Kolenova Alexandra , Marchi Emanuele , Klusmann Jan-Henning , Roberts Irene , Hasle Henrik , Reinhardt Dirk , Vyas Paresh
Published: June 2011

Children with Down syndrome (DS) up to the age of 4 years are at a 150-fold excess risk of developing myeloid leukemia (ML-DS). Approximately 4%-5% of newborns with DS develop transient myeloproliferative disorder (TMD). Blast cell structure and immunophenotype are similar in TMD and ML-DS. A mutation in the hematopoietic transcription factor GATA1 is present in almost all cases. Here, we show that simple techniques detect GATA1 mutations in the largest series of TMD (n = 134; 88%) and ML-DS (n = 103; 85%) cases tested. Furthermore, no significant difference in the mutational spectrum between the 2 disorders was seen. Thus, the type of GATA1 sequence mutation is not a reliable tool and is not prognostic of which patients with TMD are probable to develop ML-DS.
Opening new roads for MCPyV
Authors: zur Hausen Axel
Published: June 2011

In this issue of Blood, Pancaldi et al report on the latent presence of large T antigen (LTag) sequences of the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) in buffy coats of healthy individuals.1
KSHV: forgotten but not gone
Authors: Moore Patrick S. , Chang Yuan
Published: June 2011

Thirty years ago, Kaposi sarcoma (KS) arose as a prominent manifestation of the AIDS epidemic. Seventeen years ago we discovered the virus that causes KS,1 Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpesvirus (KSHV), and within a year KSHV had been also shown to be the likely cause of AIDS-associated primary effusion lymphoma (PEL)2 and most cases of multicentric Castleman disease (MCD).3
Unlicensed natural born killers
Authors: Lundqvist Andreas , Childs Richard
Published: June 2011

In this issue of Blood, Barao and colleagues describe repopulation of Ly49G2 single-positive NK cells after congenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) that appear fully functional, having tumor cytolytic capacity despite recipients lacking MHC molecules thought necessary to license them.
Complete genome sequence of the filamentous anoxygenic phototrophic bacterium Chloroflexus aurantiacus
Authors: Tang Kuo-Hsiang , Barry Kerrie , Chertkov Olga , Dalin Eileen , Han Cliff S , Hauser Loren J , Honchak Barbara M , Karbach Lauren E , Land Miriam L , Lapidus Alla , Larimer Frank W , Mikhailova Natalia , Pitluck Samuel , Pierson Beverly K , Blankenship Robert E
Published: June 2011

Background

Chloroflexus aurantiacus is a thermophilic filamentous anoxygenic phototrophic (FAP) bacterium, and can grow phototrophically under anaerobic conditions or chemotrophically under aerobic and dark conditions. According to 16S rRNA analysis, Chloroflexi species are the earliest branching bacteria capable of photosynthesis, and Cfl. aurantiacus has been long regarded as a key organism to resolve the obscurity of the origin and early evolution of photosynthesis. Cfl. aurantiacus contains a chimeric photosystem that comprises some characters of green sulfur bacteria and purple photosynthetic bacteria, and also has some unique electron transport proteins compared to other photosynthetic bacteria.

Methods

The complete genomic sequence of Cfl. aurantiacus has been determined, analyzed and compared to the genomes of other photosynthetic bacteria.

Results

Abundant genomic evidence suggests that there have been numerous gene adaptations/replacements in Cfl. aurantiacus to facilitate life under both anaerobic and aerobic conditions, including duplicate genes and gene clusters for the alternative complex III (ACIII), auracyanin and NADH:quinone oxidoreductase; and several aerobic/anaerobic enzyme pairs in central carbon metabolism and tetrapyrroles and nucleic acids biosynthesis. Overall, genomic information is consistent with a high tolerance for oxygen that has been reported in the growth of Cfl. aurantiacus. Genes for the chimeric photosystem, photosynthetic electron transport chain, the 3-hydroxypropionate autotrophic carbon fixation cycle, CO2-anaplerotic pathways, glyoxylate cycle, and sulfur reduction pathway are present. The central carbon metabolism and sulfur assimilation pathways in Cfl. aurantiacus are discussed. Some features of the Cfl. aurantiacus genome are compared with those of the Roseiflexus castenholzii genome. Roseiflexus castenholzii is a recently characterized FAP bacterium and phylogenetically closely related to Cfl. aurantiacus. According to previous reports and the genomic information, perspectives of Cfl. aurantiacus in the evolution of photosynthesis are also discussed.

Conclusions

The genomic analyses presented in this report, along with previous physiological, ecological and biochemical studies, indicate that the anoxygenic phototroph Cfl. aurantiacus has many interesting and certain unique features in its metabolic pathways. The complete genome may also shed light on possible evolutionary connections of photosynthesis.
Cortical gene transcription response patterns to water maze training in aged mice
Authors: Park Sung-Soo , Stranahan Alexis M , Chadwick Wayne , Zhou Yu , Wang Liyun , Martin Bronwen , Becker Kevin G , Maudsley Stuart
Published: June 2011

Background

The hippocampus mediates the acquisition of spatial memory, but the memory trace is eventually transferred to the cortex. We have investigated transcriptional activation of pathways related to cognitive function in the cortex of the aged mouse by analyzing gene expression following water maze training.

Results

We identified genes that were differentially responsive in aged mice with accurate spatial performance during probe trials or repeated swimming sessions, relative to home cage conditions. Effective learners exhibited significantly greater activation of several pathways, such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase and insulin receptor signaling pathways, relative to swimmers. The genes encoding activity-related cytoskeletal protein (Arc) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were upregulated in proficient learners, relative to swimmers and home cage controls, while the gene encoding Rho GTPase activating protein 32 (GRIT) was downregulated. We explored the regulation of Arc, BDNF, and GRIT expression in greater morphological detail using in situ hybridization. Recall during probe trials enhanced Arc expression across multiple cortical regions involved in the cognitive component of water maze learning, while BDNF expression was more homogeneously upregulated across cortical regions involved in the associational and sensorimotor aspects of water maze training. In contrast, levels of GRIT expression were uniformly reduced across all cortical regions examined.

Conclusions

These results suggest that cortical gene transcription is responsive to learning in aged mice that exhibit behavioral proficiency, and support a distributed hypothesis of memory storage across multiple cortical compartments.
Serotonin transporter gene polymorphism may be associated with functional dyspepsia in a Japanese population
Authors: Toyoshima Fumihiko , Oshima Tadayuki , Nakajima Shigemi , Sakurai Jun , Tanaka Junji , Tomita Toshihiko , Hori Kazutoshi , Matsumoto Takayuki , Miwa Hiroto
Published: June 2011

Background

Although familial clustering of functional dyspepsia (FD) has been reported, the role of genetics in the susceptibility to FD is still not well understood. In the present study, the association between serotonin transporter (SERT) gene (SLC6A4) polymorphism and FD was explored.

Methods

Subjects were divided into either a postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) group or an epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) group according to the Rome III criteria. The healthy controls were those who had visited a hospital for an annual health check-up. The presence of the SLC6A4 promoter polymorphism, 5-hydroxytryptamin transporter gene linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR), was then evaluated, and logistic regression analysis was used to test all variables.

Results

The 5-HTTLPR genotype distribution was 448 SS, 174 SL, and 24 LL in controls and 30 SS, 20 SL, and 3 LL in FD subjects. No significant correlation was found between the 5-HTTLPR genotype and FD. When the genotypes and subtypes of FD were exploratory evaluated, the SL genotype was significantly associated with PDS [odds ratio (OR) = 2.24, 95% confidence interval (CI); 1.16-4.32, P = 0.034 after Bonferroni correction] compared to the SS genotype adjusted for sex and age. Comparison of the SS genotype with the SL/LL genotype also showed a significant association of genotype with PDS (OR = 2.32, 95% CI; 1.23-4.37, P = 0.009).

Conclusion

The present results suggest that 5-HTTLPR L allele may influence the susceptibility to PDS.
The ratio of CRP to prealbumin levels predict mortality in patients with hospital-acquired acute kidney injury
Authors: Xie Qionghong , Zhou Ying , Xu Zhongye , Yang Yanjiao , Kuang Dingwei , You Huaizhou , Ma Shuai , Hao Chuanming , Gu Yong , Lin Shanyan , Ding Feng
Published: June 2011

Background

Animal and human studies suggest that inflammation and malnutrition are common in acute kidney injury (AKI) patients. However, only a few studies reported CRP, a marker of inflammation, albumin, prealbumin and cholesterol, markers of nutritional status were associated with the prognosis of AKI patients. No study examined whether the combination of inflammatory and nutritional markers could predict the mortality of AKI patients.

Methods

155 patients with hospital-acquired AKI were recruited to this prospective cohort study according to RIFLE (Risk, Injury, Failure, Lost or End Stage Kidney) criteria. C-reactive protein (CRP), and the nutritional markers (albumin, prealbumin and cholesterol) measured at nephrology consultation were analyzed in relation to all cause mortality of these patients. In addition, CRP and prealbumin were also measured in healthy controls (n = 45), maintenance hemodialysis (n = 70) and peritoneal dialysis patients (n = 50) and then compared with AKI patients.

Results

Compared with healthy controls and end-stage renal disease patients on maintenance hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, patients with AKI had significantly higher levels of CRP/prealbumin (p < 0.001). Higher level of serum CRP and lower levels of albumin, prealbumin and cholesterol were found to be significant in the patients with AKI who died within 28 days than those who survived >28 days. Similarly, the combined factors including the ratio of CRP to albumin (CRP/albumin), CRP/prealbumin and CRP/cholesterol were also significantly higher in the former group (p < 0.001 for all). Multivariate analysis (Cox regression) revealed that CRP/prealbumin was independently associated with mortality after adjustment for age, gender, sepsis and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA, p = 0.027) while the others (CRP, albumin, prealbumin, cholesterol, CRP/albumin and CRP/cholesterol) became non-significantly associated. The hazard ratio was 1.00 (reference), 1.85, 2.25 and 3.89 for CRP/prealbumin increasing according to quartiles (p = 0.01 for the trend).

Conclusions

Inflammation and malnutrition were common in patients with AKI. Higher level of the ratio of CRP to prealbumin was associated with mortality of AKI patients independent of the severity of illness and it may be a valuable addition to SOFA score to independent of the severity of illness and it may be a valuable addition to SOFA score to predict the prognosis of AKI patients.
Ethnicity and thrombolysis in ischemic stroke: a hospital based study in Amsterdam
Authors: Coutinho Jonathan M , Klaver Eva C , Roos Yvo B , Stam Jan , Nederkoorn Paul J
Published: June 2011

Background

Ethnic differences have been reported with regard to several medical therapies. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between ethnicity and thrombolysis in stroke patients.

Methods

Retrospective single-centre study. Patients admitted with an ischemic stroke between 2003 and 2008 were included. Ethnicity was determined by self-identification and stratified into white and non-white (all other ethnicities). The main outcome measure was the difference in thrombolysis rate between white and non-white patients. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify potential confounders of the relation between ethnicity and thrombolysis.

Results

510 patients were included, 392 (77%) white and 118 (23%) non-white. Non-white patients were younger (median 69 vs. 60 years, p < 0.001), had a higher blood pressure at admission (median systolic 150 vs. 160 mmHg, p = 0.02) and a lower stroke severity (median NIHSS 5 vs. 4, p = 0.04). Non-white patients were significantly less often treated with thrombolysis compared to white patients (odds ratio 0.34, 95% CI 0.17-0.71), which was partly explained by a later arrival at the hospital. After adjustment for potential confounders (late arrival, age, blood pressure above upper limit for thrombolysis, and oral anticoagulation use), a trend towards a lower thrombolysis rate in non-whites remained (adjusted odds ratio 0.38, 95% CI 0.13 to 1.16).

Conclusions

Non-white stroke patients less often received thrombolysis than white patients, partly as a result of a delay in presentation. In this single centre study, potential bias due to hospital differences or insurance status could be ruled out as a cause. The magnitude of the difference is worrisome and requires further investigation. Modifiable causes, such as patient delay, awareness of stroke symptoms, language barriers and treatment of cardiovascular risk factors, should be addressed specifically in these ethnic groups in future stroke campaigns.
Measuring and modelling occupancy time in NHS continuing healthcare
Authors: Chahed Salma , Demir Eren , Chaussalet Thierry J , Millard Peter H , Toffa Samuel
Published: June 2011

Background

Due to increasing demand and financial constraints, NHS continuing healthcare systems seek to find better ways of forecasting demand and budgeting for care. This paper investigates two areas of concern, namely, how long existing patients stay in service and the number of patients that are likely to be still in care after a period of time.

Methods

An anonymised dataset containing information for all funded admissions to placement and home care in the NHS continuing healthcare system was provided by 26 (out of 31) London primary care trusts. The data related to 11289 patients staying in placement and home care between 1 April 2005 and 31 May 2008 were first analysed. Using a methodology based on length of stay (LoS) modelling, we captured the distribution of LoS of patients to estimate the probability of a patient staying in care over a period of time. Using the estimated probabilities we forecasted the number of patients that are likely to be still in care after a period of time (e.g. monthly).

Results

We noticed that within the NHS continuing healthcare system there are three main categories of patients. Some patients are discharged after a short stay (few days), some others staying for few months and the third category of patients staying for a long period of time (years). Some variations in proportions of discharge and transition between types of care as well as between care groups (e.g. palliative, functional mental health) were observed. A close agreement of the observed and the expected numbers of patients suggests a good prediction model.

Conclusions

The model was tested for care groups within the NHS continuing healthcare system in London to support Primary Care Trusts in budget planning and improve their responsiveness to meet the increasing demand under limited availability of resources. Its applicability can be extended to other types of care, such as hospital care and re-ablement. Further work will be geared towards updating the dataset and refining the results.
Different metastasis promotive potency of small G-proteins RalA and RalB in in vivo hamster tumor model
Authors: Rybko Vera A , Knizhnik Anna V , Komelkov Andrei V , Aushev Vasily N , Trukhanova Lyubov S , Tchevkina Elena M
Published: June 2011

Background

Previously we have shown that oncogenic Ha-Ras stimulated in vivo metastasis through RalGEF-Ral signaling. RalA and RalB are highly homologous small G proteins belonging to Ras superfamily. They can be activated by Ras-RalGEF signaling pathway and influence cellular growth and survival, motility, vesicular transport and tumor progression in humans and in animal models. Here we first time compared the influence of RalA and RalB on tumorigenic, invasive and metastatic properties of RSV transformed hamster fibroblasts.

Methods

Retroviral vectors encoding activated forms or effector mutants of RalA or RalB proteins were introduced into the low metastatic HET-SR cell line. Tumor growth and spontaneous metastatic activity (SMA) were evaluated on immunocompetent hamsters after subcutaneous injection of cells. The biological properties of cells, including proliferation, clonogenicity, migration and invasion were determined using MTT, wound healing, colony formation and Boyden chamber assays respectively. Protein expression and phosphorylation was detected by Westen blot analysis. Extracellular proteinases activity was assessed by substrate-specific zymography.

Results

We have showed that although both Ral proteins stimulated SMA, RalB was more effective in metastasis stimulation in vivo as well as in potentiating of directed movement and invasion in vitro. Simultaneous expression of active RalA and RalB didn't give synergetic effect on metastasis formation. RalB activity decreased expression of Caveolin-1, while active RalA stimulated MMP-1 and uPA proteolytic activity, as well as CD24 expression. Both Ral proteins were capable of Cyclin D1 upregulation, JNK1 kinase activation, and stimulation of colony growth and motility. Among three main RalB effectors (RalBP1, exocyst complex and PLD1), PLD1 was essential for RalB-dependent metastasis stimulation.

Conclusions

Presented results are the first data on direct comparison of RalA and RalB impact as well as of RalA/RalB simultaneous expression influence on in vivo cell metastatic activity. We showed that RalB activation significantly more than RalA stimulates SMA. This property correlates with the ability of RalB to stimulate in vitro invasion and serum directed cell movement. We also found that RalB-PLD1 interaction is necessary for the acquisition of RalB-dependent high metastatic cell phenotype. These findings contribute to the identification of molecular mechanisms of metastasis and tumor progression.
Effect of fruit and vegetable concentrates on endothelial function in metabolic syndrome: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ali Ather , Yazaki Yuka , Njike Valentine Y , Ma Yingying , Katz David L
Published: June 2011

Background and Objective

Dehydrated fruit and vegetable concentrates provide an accessible form of phytonutrient supplementation that may offer cardioprotective effects. This study assessed the effects of two blends of encapsulated juice powder concentrates (with and without added berry powders) on endothelial function in persons with metabolic syndrome, a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Methods

Randomized, double blind, placebo controlled crossover clinical trial with three treatment arms. 64 adults with metabolic syndrome were enrolled and received 8-week sequences of each blend of the concentrates and placebo. The primary outcome measure was change in endothelial function (assessed as flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery) 2 hr after consuming a 75 g glucose load, after 8-weeks of daily consumption (sustained) or 2 hr after consumption of a single dose (acute). Secondary outcome measures included plasma glucose, serum insulin, serum lipids, and body weight.

Results

No significant between-group differences in endothelial function with daily treatment for 8 weeks were seen. No other significant treatment effects were discerned in glucose, insulin, lipids, and weight.

Conclusion

Encapsulated fruit and vegetable juice powder concentrates did not alter insulin or glucose measures in this sample of adults with metabolic syndrome.

Trial Registration

clinicaltrials.gov NCT01224743
Real-world comparison of two molecular methods for detection of respiratory viruses
Authors: Ali S Asad , Gern James E , Hartert Tina V , Edwards Kathryn M , Griffin Marie R , Miller E Kathryn , Gebretsadik Tebeb , Pappas Tressa , Lee Wai ming , Williams John V
Published: June 2011

Background

Molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based assays are increasingly used to diagnose viral respiratory infections and conduct epidemiology studies. Molecular assays have generally been evaluated by comparing them to conventional direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) or viral culture techniques, with few published direct comparisons between molecular methods or between institutions. We sought to perform a real-world comparison of two molecular respiratory viral diagnostic methods between two experienced respiratory virus research laboratories.

Methods

We tested nasal and throat swab specimens obtained from 225 infants with respiratory illness for 11 common respiratory viruses using both a multiplex assay (Respiratory MultiCode-PLx Assay [RMA]) and individual real-time RT-PCR (RT-rtPCR).

Results

Both assays detected viruses in more than 70% of specimens, but there was discordance. The RMA assay detected significantly more human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), while RT-rtPCR detected significantly more influenza A. We speculated that primer differences accounted for these discrepancies and redesigned the primers and probes for influenza A in the RMA assay, and for HMPV and RSV in the RT-rtPCR assay. The tests were then repeated and again compared. The new primers led to improved detection of HMPV and RSV by RT-rtPCR assay, but the RMA assay remained similar in terms of influenza detection.

Conclusions

Given the absence of a gold standard, clinical and research laboratories should regularly correlate the results of molecular assays with other PCR based assays, other laboratories, and with standard virologic methods to ensure consistency and accuracy.
An unusual case of autoimmune pancreatitis presenting as pancreatic mass and obstructive jaundice: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Efeovbokhan Nephertiti , Makol Ashima , Cuison Reuben V , Minter Rebecca M , Kotaru Veera-Pavan , Conley Barbara A , Chandana Sreenivasa R
Published: June 2011

Background

Autoimmune pancreatitis is a rare chronic inflammatory pancreatic disease that is increasingly being diagnosed worldwide. As a result of overlap in clinical and radiological features, it is often misdiagnosed as pancreatic cancer. We report the case of a patient with autoimmune pancreatitis that was initially misdiagnosed as pancreatic cancer.

Case presentation

A 31-year-old Caucasian man presented to our hospital with epigastric pain, jaundice and weight loss. His CA 19-9 level was elevated, and computed tomography and endoscopic ultrasound revealed a pancreatic head mass abutting the portal vein. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography showed narrowing of the biliary duct and poor visualization of the pancreatic duct. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy revealed atypical ductal epithelial cells, which raised clinical suspicion of adenocarcinoma. Because of the patient's unusual age for the onset of pancreatic cancer and the acuity of his symptoms, he was referred to a tertiary care center for further evaluation. His immunoglobulin G4 antibody level was 365 mg/dL, and repeat computed tomography showed features typical of autoimmune pancreatitis. The patient's symptoms resolved with corticosteroid therapy.

Conclusion

Autoimmune pancreatitis is a rare disease with an excellent response to corticosteroid therapy. Its unique histological appearance and response to corticosteroid therapy can reduce unnecessary surgical procedures. A thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary team is important in rendering the diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis.
Promoter polymorphisms in the chitinase 3-like 1 gene influence the serum concentration of YKL-40 in Danish patients with rheumatoid arthritis and in healthy subjects
Authors: Nielsen Kaspar R , Steffensen Rudi , Boegsted Martin , Baech John , Lundbye-Christensen Soeren , Hetland Merete L , Krintel Sophine B , Johnsen Hans E , Nyegaard Mette , Johansen Julia S
Published: June 2011

Introduction

The present study investigates the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) gene and serum concentrations of YKL-40 in Danish patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and healthy controls as well as the association with RA in the Danish population. The CHI3L1 gene is located on chromosome 1q32.1 and encodes the YKL-40 glycoprotein. YKL-40 concentrations are elevated in the serum of patients with RA compared to healthy subjects, and YKL-40 has been suggested to be an auto-antigen and may play a role in development of RA and in inflammation.

Methods

Eight SNPs in the CHI3L1 gene and promotor were genotyped in 308 patients with RA and 605 controls (healthy blood donors) using TaqMan allele discrimination assays. Serum concentrations of YKL-40 were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

We found significant association between the serum concentrations of YKL-40 and polymorphism in the CHI3L1 gene among both patients with RA and controls. The g.-131(C > G) polymorphism (rs4950928) was most strongly associated with age adjusted serum concentrations of YKL-40 in patients with RA (P < 2.4e-8) and controls (P < 2.2e-16). No significant allelic- or genotypic association with RA was found in this Danish cohort.

Conclusions

We suggest that the g.-131(C > G) promoter polymorphism has a substantial impact on serum concentrations of YKL-40 in patients with RA and healthy subjects. However, the polymorphism does not seem to confer risk to RA itself. The effect of CHI3L1 polymorphism on clinical outcome or the response to treatment in patients with RA remains to be investigated.
High-dose fenoldopam reduces postoperative neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocaline and cystatin C levels in pediatric cardiac surgery
Authors: Ricci Zaccaria , Luciano Rosa , Favia Isabella , Garisto Cristiana , Muraca Maurizio , Morelli Stefano , Di Chiara Luca , Cogo Paola , Picardo Sergio
Published: June 2011

Introduction

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of high-dose fenoldopam, a selective dopamine-1 receptor, on renal function and organ perfusion during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in infants with congenital heart disease (CHD).

Methods

A prospective single-center randomized double-blind controlled trial was conducted in a pediatric cardiac surgery department. We randomized infants younger than 1 year with CHD and biventricular anatomy (with exclusion of isolated ventricular and atrial septal defect) to receive blindly a continuous infusion of fenoldopam at 1 μg/kg/min or placebo during CPB. Perioperative urinary and plasma levels of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocaline (NGAL), cystatin C (CysC), and creatinine were measured to assess renal injury after CPB.

Results

We enrolled 80 patients: 40 received fenoldopam (group F) during CPB, and 40 received placebo (group P). A significant increase of urinary NGAL and CysC levels from baseline to intensive care unit (ICU) admission followed by restoration of normal values after 12 hours was observed in both groups. However, urinary NGAL and CysC values were significantly reduced at the end of surgery and 12 hours after ICU admission (uNGAL only) in group F compared with group P (P = 0.025 and 0.039, respectively). Plasma NGAL and CysC tended to increase from baseline to ICU admission in both groups, but they were not significantly different between the two groups. No differences were observed on urinary and plasma creatinine levels and on urine output between the two groups. Acute kidney injury (AKI) incidence in the postoperative period, as indicated by pRIFLE classification (pediatric score indicating Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss of function, and End-stage kidney disease level of renal damage) was 50% in group F and 72% in group P (P = 0.08; odds ratio (OR), 0.38; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.14 to 1.02). A significant reduction in diuretics (furosemide) and vasodilators (phentolamine) administration was observed in group F (P = 0.0085; OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.7).

Conclusions

The treatment with high-dose fenoldopam during CPB in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery for CHD with biventricular anatomy significantly decreased urinary levels of NGAL and CysC and reduced the use of diuretics and vasodilators during CPB.

Trial registration

Clinical Trial.Gov NCT00982527.
Sexuality in psychosis: dysfunction, risk and mental capacity
Authors: Smith Shubulade , Herlihy Daniel
Published: June 2011

Issues such as sexual dysfunction, hypersexuality, risky sexual behaviour and mental capacity in relation to sexual activities arise frequently in people with psychosis. However, they may not always be given a priority in doctor-patient interactions, despite their often critical importance from the patient's perspective. Having a working knowledge of these topics may improve the quality of psychiatric intervention for people with severe mental illness. This article explores these topics, with a particular emphasis on assessment and management in everyday practice.
Long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy in complex mental disorders: update of a meta-analysis
Authors: Leichsenring Falk , Rabung Sven
Published: June 2011

Background

Dose–effect relationship data suggest that short-term psychotherapy is insufficient for many patients with chronic distress or personality disorders (complex mental disorders).

Aims

To examine the comparative efficacy of long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (LTPP) in complex mental disorders.

Method

We conducted a meta-analysis of controlled trials of LTPP fulfilling the following inclusion criteria: therapy lasting for at least a year or 50 sessions; active comparison conditions; prospective design; reliable and valid outcome measures; treatments terminated. Ten studies with 971 patients were included.

Results

Between-group effect sizes in favour of LTPP compared with less intensive (lower dose) forms of psychotherapy ranged between 0.44 and 0.68.

Conclusions

Results suggest that LTPP is superior to less intensive forms of psychotherapy in complex mental disorders. Further research on long-term psychotherapy is needed, not only for psychodynamic psychotherapy, but also for other therapies.
Childhood abuse, the BDNF-Val66Met polymorphism and adult
psychotic-like experiences
Authors: Alemany Silvia , Arias Bárbara , Aguilera Mari , Villa Helena , Moya Jorge , Ibáñez Manuel I. , Vossen Helen , Gastó Cristobal , Ortet Generós , Fañanás Lourdes
Published: June 2011

Background

The well-established relationship between childhood adversity and
psychosis is likely to involve other factors such as genetic variants
that can help us to understand why not everyone exposed to adverse events
develops psychotic symptoms later in life.

Aims

We investigated the influence of childhood abuse and neglect on positive
and negative psychotic-like experiences in adulthood and the potential
moderating effect of the BDNF-Val66Met polymorphism.

Method

Psychotic-like experiences and childhood adversity were assessed in 533
individuals from the general population.

Results

Childhood abuse showed a strong independent effect on the positive
dimension of psychotic-like experiences (β = 0.16, s.e. = 0.05,
P = 0.002). Furthermore, this association was
moderated by the BDNF-Val66Met polymorphism (β = 0.27, s.e. = 0.10,
P = 0.004).

Conclusions

Individuals exposed to childhood abuse are more likely to report positive
psychotic-like experiences. Met carriers reported more
positive psychotic-like experiences when exposed to childhood abuse than
did individuals carrying the Val/Val genotype.
Therefore, the observed gene–environment interaction effect may be
partially responsible for individual variation in response to childhood
abuse.
The four dimensions: a model for the social aetiology of
psychosis
Authors: Shah Jai , Mizrahi Romina , McKenzie Kwame
Published: June 2011

Recently, there has been increasing focus on prevention of mental illness,
early intervention and the promotion of mental health. The social
determinants of health and public health approaches are considered key.
Early intervention has focused on psychotic disorders but prevention has
not. This may in part reflect the fact that public health planners do not
have a clear model for how social determinants influence the risk of
developing a psychotic illness. Drawing on biological, genetic and
epidemiologic evidence regarding the relationship between social risk
factors and psychosis, this paper outlines a conceptual framework for
understanding how individual and ecological factors contribute and interact
to modulate the risk of developing psychotic illness. The framework asserts
that there are four dimensions: individual factors; ecological factors; the
interaction between individual and ecological factors; and time. It may help
those considering interventions to understand the multilevel and
multifactorial effects of social factors on the aetiology of psychotic
illness, to develop targeted strategies for the prevention of psychotic
illness and serve as a template for the assessment of initiatives.
Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder in a drug treatment community service
Authors: Reynolds Martina , Hinchliffe Kate , Asamoah Victor , Kouimtsidis Christos
Published: June 2011

Aims and method

A cross-sectional study aiming to assess the prevalence of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a community substitution treatment sample, and to assess and compare the characteristics of traumatic experience, substance use, and psychological and social factors in those with and without PTSD. All assessments were completed during the interview which took approximately 1.5 h.

Results

The prevalence for current PTSD was 26.2% and for lifetime PTSD 42.9%. Traumatic experiences were extremely common, with two or more reported by 92.9% of the sample. The two groups differed significantly on the majority of psychological functioning and social variables, with women experiencing higher rates of PTSD and the non-PTSD group having lower rates of psychological impairment.

Clinical implications

The research supported findings from previous studies. The very high incidence of traumatic experiences has not been reported before. Training and information about trauma and PTSD for substance misuse workers are therefore necessary so that PTSD can be more easily detected and treated.
Enhancing the effectiveness of an assertive outreach team: case study
Authors: Hussain Abrar , Thirkell Tanya , Taher Azaad
Published: June 2011

Aims and method

To evaluate the effectiveness of the Harrow Assertive Outreach Team in reducing hospital admissions. We compared first- and second-year admissions of a cohort of 76 patients.

Results

Significant reductions in the number of admissions and number of days admitted were noted in the second year. In the subcohort of patients admitted in both years, the reduction in the number of admissions was significant but reduction in number of days admitted was not.

Clinical implications

Hospital admissions may be reduced by appointment of consultant psychiatrist and approved mental health practitioner, home treatment approach and intensive case management.