bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Excitatory and Inhibitory Purinergic Control of Neck Muscle Nociception in Anaesthetized Mice
Authors: Reitz M , Makowska A , Ellrich J
Published: October 2008

Tension-type headache is associated with noxious input from neck muscles. Due to the importance of purinergic mechanisms in muscle nociception, experimental studies typically inject α,β-methyleneadenosine 5′-triphosphate (α,β-meATP). In contrast to native adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP), α,β-meATP has a narrow receptor profile and remains stable in tissue. The present study administered α,β-meATP or ATP in semi-spinal neck muscles in anaesthetized mice (n = 65) in order to address different effects in neck muscle nociception. The jaw-opening reflex monitored the impact of neck muscle noxious input on brainstem processing. Injection of α,β-meATP induced reflex facilitation in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, only the lowest ATP dosage evoked facilitation. Preceding P2Y1receptor blockade revealed facilitation even under high-dosage ATP. Ongoing facilitation after α,β-meATP injection neutralized under subsequent activation of P2Y1receptors. Results demonstrate opposing excitatory P2X and inhibitory P2Y effects of ATP in neck muscle nociception. These mechanisms may be involved in the pathophysiology of neck muscle pain in man.
Prevalence of Neck Pain and Headaches: Impact of Computer Use and Other Associative Factors
Authors: Smith L , Louw Q , Crous L , Grimmer-Somers K
Published: October 2008

Headaches and neck pain are reported to be among the most prevalent musculoskeletal complaints in the general population. A significant body of research has reported a high prevalence of headaches and neck pain among adolescents. Sitting for lengthy periods in fixed postures such as at computer terminals may result in adolescent neck pain and headaches. The aim of this paper was to report the association between computer use (exposure) and headaches and neck pain (outcome) among adolescent school students in a developing country. A cross-sectional study was conducted and comprehensive description of the data collection instrument was used to collect the data from 1073 high-school students. Headaches were associated with high psychosocial scores and were more common among girls. We found a concerning association between neck pain and high hours of computing for school students, and have confirmed the need to educate new computer users (school students) about appropriate ergonomics and postural health.
JNK2 and JNK3 combined are essential for apoptosis in dopamine neurons of the substantia nigra, but are not required for axon degeneration
Authors: Ries Vincent , Silva Robert M. , Oo Tinmarla F. , Cheng Hsiao‐Chun , Rzhetskaya Margarita , Kholodilov Nikolai , Flavell Richard A. , Kuan Chia‐Yi , Rakic Pasko , Burke Robert E.
Published: October 2008

Activation of c‐junN‐terminal kinase (JNK) by the mitogen‐activated protein kinase cascade has been shown to play an important role in the death of dopamine neurons of the substantia nigra, one of the principal neuronal populations affected in Parkinson’s disease. However, it has remained unknown whether the JNK2 and JNK3 isoforms, either singly or in combination, are essential for apoptotic death, and, if so, the mechanisms involved. In addition, it has been unclear whether they play a role in axonal degeneration of these neurons in disease models. To address these issues we have examined the effect of single and doublejnk2andjnk3null mutations on apoptosis in a highly destructive neurotoxin model, that induced by intrastriatal 6‐hydroxydopamine. We find that homozygousjnk2/3double null mutations result in a complete abrogation of apoptosis and a prolonged survival of the entire population of dopamine neurons. In spite of this complete protection at the cell soma level, there was no protection of axons. These studies provide a striking demonstration of the distinctiveness of the mechanisms that mediate cell soma and axon degeneration, and they illustrate the need to identify and target pathways of axon degeneration in the development of neuroprotective therapeutics.
Responsiveness of Migraine‐ACT and MIDAS Questionnaires for Assessing Migraine Therapy
Authors: García María Luisa , Baos Vicente , Láinez Miguel , Pascual Julio , López‐Gil Arturo
Published: October 2008

Background.— Migraine is frequently undertreated. The 4‐item Migraine Assessment of Current Therapy (Migraine‐ACT) questionnaire is a simple and reliable tool to identify patients requiring a change in current acute migraine treatment.

Objective.— To investigate the responsiveness of the Migraine‐ACT tool, and compare it with that of the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire, for patients with migraine at 1100 primary care sites in Spain.

Methods.— Patients eligible for this open‐label, 2‐visit prospective study reported migraine for >1 year and ≥1 migraine attack per month and were new to the clinic or on follow‐up care for <6 months. Validated Spanish versions of the Migraine‐ACT and MIDAS questionnaires were administered, and patient satisfaction with treatment was recorded, at baseline and at 3 months.

Results.— A total of 3272 patients, 78% female, were enrolled, and 2877 (88%) returned for the 3‐month visit. Investigators changed baseline migraine treatment for 72% of returning patients; 85% and 80% of these patients had improved Migraine‐ACT and MIDAS scores at 3 months, respectively. Patients who reported being completely or very satisfied with migraine treatment numbered 492 (15%) at baseline and 1406 (49%) at 3 months. Migraine‐ACT and MIDAS score agreement for improvement at 3 months was poor (κ = 0.339). Both the mean MIDAS score and the distribution of Migraine‐ACT scores improved over the course of 3 months; however, Migraine‐ACT scores were significantly (P < .001) more sensitive (83% vs 75%) and specific (72% vs 58%) than MIDAS scores. The area under the curve in the receiver‐operating characteristic analysis was significantly (P < .0001) greater for Migraine‐ACT (0.82) as compared with the MIDAS (0.70) questionnaire.

Conclusions.— These results suggest that the Migraine‐ACT questionnaire can be used more reliably than the MIDAS questionnaire for detecting improvements in treatment of new and follow‐up patients with migraine.
Trendelenburg Position: A Tool to Screen for the Presence of a Low CSF Pressure Syndrome in Daily Headache Patients
Authors: Rozen Todd , Swidan Sahar , Hamel Robert , Saper Joel
Published: October 2008

Objective.— To test the hypothesis that the Trendelenburg position is an accurate screening investigation for the presence of a low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure syndrome in patients with daily headache.

Background.— The Trendelenburg position causes a rapid increase in intracranial CSF pressure. In a patient with a known CSF leak who overtime had less improvement in the supine position, being placed in Trendelenburg rapidly alleviated her daily headache. This suggested that the Trendelenburg position might be a good screening tool for low CSF pressure syndromes.

Methods.— Case reports. All patients were placed in the Trendelenburg position (10°‐20° head‐down tilt) for 5 minutes. A patient was considered to have a positive Trendelenburg test if they experienced complete pain freedom or substantial improvement in baseline head pain in the Trendelenburg position.

Results.— Case patients are presented for 3 clinical scenarios: Scenario 1: Daily headache with or without a positional component with a positive response to the Trendelenburg position and subsequent evidence of an underlying low CSF pressure syndrome. Scenario 2: Daily headache with a strong positional component but no improvement in the Trendelenburg position and a negative evaluation for a low CSF pressure syndrome. Scenario 3: Trendelenburg position proves the existence of a post‐lumbar puncture headache in patients with near‐daily headaches.

Conclusion.— The Trendelenburg position appears potentially useful as a clinical tool to screen for the presence of a low CSF pressure syndrome in patients with daily headache.
Lay Trainers With Migraine for a Home‐Based Behavioral Training: A 6‐Month Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Mérelle Saskia Y.M. , Sorbi Marjolijn J. , Van Doornen Lorenz J.P. , Passchier Jan
Published: October 2008

Objective.— To evaluate the changes at 6‐month follow‐up after a home‐based behavioral training (BT) provided by lay trainers with migraine to small groups of fellow patients.

Background.— The need for self‐management programs and cost‐effective treatments gave rise to this study.

Methods.— In a previous randomized controlled trial, we compared the BT group with a waitlist‐control group, receiving usual care. The control group was trained directly after their waitlist period. The present study examined the follow‐up results in both groups and measurements were held pre BT, post BT, and at 6‐month follow‐up.

Results.— Six months after BT, 42% was categorized as responders (≥−50% decrease in attack frequency), 42% did not change (−49 to 49%), and 16% responded adversely (≥50% increase). In the group as a whole (n = 95), attack frequency significantly decreased from 3.0 attacks at baseline to 2.5 post BT and to 2.3 at 6‐month follow‐up (−23%, medium effect size 0.6). The strong improvements of perceived control over and self‐confidence in attack prevention were maintained at follow‐up. Disability and health status were unchanged but quality of life significantly improved over time (P = .007). BT was more beneficial for patients who entered the training with a high attack frequency. Linear regression analysis demonstrated that a stronger belief at baseline that the occurrence of migraine is due to chance (external control) significantly predicted a lower attack frequency at follow‐up.

Conclusion.— Lay trainers with migraine can train small groups of fellow patients at home in behavioral attack prevention. At 6‐month follow‐up, attack frequency and quality of life were significantly but modestly improved and feelings of control and self‐confidence remained strongly improved.
The Politics of Race and Gender: Children's Perceptions of Discrimination and the U.S. Presidency
Authors: Bigler Rebecca S. , Arthur Andrea E. , Hughes Julie Milligan , Patterson Meagan M.
Published: October 2008

In the year prior to Hillary Clinton's and Barack Obama's bids to become the Democratic nominee for the U.S. presidency, we explored children's views about the role of race and gender in the U.S. presidency, with a specific focus on perceptions of discrimination. Specifically, we examined children's (aged 5 to 10) knowledge of and attributions for the lack of female (Study 1, N = 76), African American (Study 2, N = 64), and Latino (Study 3, N = 65) presidents. Results indicated that children are knowledgeable about the gender, race, and ethnicity of past presidents, and that many children attribute the lack of female, African American, and Latino presidents to gender and racial discrimination. Theoretical and policy implications of the work are discussed.
A fresh look at dry weight
Authors: RAIMANN Jochen , LIU Li , TYAGI Sudhi , LEVIN Nathan W. , KOTANKO Peter
Published: October 2008

The concept of dry weight (DW) is central to dialysis therapy. The most commonly used definition of DW is the weight below which patients become hypotensive on dialysis. However, this definition is dependent on patient symptoms. A more rigorous definition of DW is the body weight at a physiological extracellular volume (ECV) state. Overhydration is an excess in ECV above that found in healthy subjects. In healthy subjects, within extremes of salt intake, ECV may vary between 280 and 340 mL/kg lean body mass. Sodium accumulation is one of the many consequences of renal failure; it results in increased water intake and an increase in ECV, and an accompanying rise in blood pressure with its clinical sequelae, most prominently cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Recently characterized endogenous digitalis‐like factors which are released in response to ECV expansion have extended this traditional picture. Efforts to reduce a positive sodium balance include dietary counseling and avoidance of iatrogenic intradialytic sodium loading, such as dialysate sodium exceeding serum levels, sodium profiling, and intravenous saline. Excess ECV is predominantly located in the interstitial compartment and must be removed during dialysis therapy by ultrafiltration. During this process, interstitial fluid redistributes to the intravascular space via uptake in the capillary bed. In addition to that mechanism, we propose that increased lymphatic flow into the venous system contributes to plasma refilling. Both clinical and technical means are used to assess the presence of DW. Continuous segmental calf bioimpedance is a promising new technology for intradialytic DW diagnosis.
Case Report: Atheroembolic renal disease in a 72‐year‐old patient through coronary intervention after myocardial infarction
Authors: HERZOG Anna Laura , WANNER Christoph
Published: October 2008

Cholesterol embolization or atheroembolic renal disease (AERD) is an often underdiagnosed issue in patients featuring a prevalent risk profile. It is a multisystemic disease with progressive renal insufficiency due to foreign body reaction of cholesterol crystals flushed into a small vessel system of the kidneys from the arteriosclerotic plaques. The most common setting in which it occurs is iatrogenic after vascular catheterization and less frequent spontaneously. Typical clinical symptoms are delayed impairment of renal function, cutaneous manifestations such as livedo reticularis or purple toes with persistingly palpable arterial pulse, myalgia, systemic symptoms such as weight loss and fever, and abdominal and neurological symptoms. Diagnosis is generally made by clinical appearance, risk profile, and interval of time from intervention; a definitive diagnosis can only be made by renal biopsy. Even though the exact incidence is not known because most patients do not undergo biopsy due to older age, comorbidity, and other explanations for loss of renal function, it is estimated to be 4% after vascular intervention. Patient and renal outcome is dependent on comorbidity, risk profile, and preexisting chronic kidney disease (CKD). About 30% of patients are estimated to require maintenance dialysis and these patients have a high risk of death within 24 months after the first renal replacement therapy. Prognosis is also influenced by severity. The case reported is a 72‐year‐old male patient with preexisting CKD stage 3 undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention after myocardial infarction and consecutive AERD with typical clinical appearance 6 weeks after the event.
Hemodialysis cost in Tehran, Iran
Authors: MAHDAVI‐MAZDEH Mitra , ZAMANI Mozafar , ZAMYADI Mahnaz , RAJOLANI Hamid , TAJBAKHSH Keyvan , HEIDARY ROUCHI Alireza , AGHIGHI Mahammad , MAHDAVI Azita
Published: October 2008

The purpose of this study was to assess the health service cost of hemodialysis (HD) delivered at hospitals in Iran as a developing country with a well‐defined program of renal replacement therapy. A cost analysis was performed from the viewpoint of the 2 hospitals, with 3 shifts and full chairs, on current practice for dialysis maintenance. Cost and patient data were collected in 2006 and from April 1 to May 31, 2007, respectively. A total of 22,464 HD sessions were performed and 247 patients were studied during the study period. The reference year for the value of USD for different mentioned costs was 2006. Health care sector costs associated with each HD session were estimated at US$78.87. Most of the total maintenance expenditure was made up of medical supplies (36.19%), with dialyzers as the major cost driver. Staff salaries represented 17% of the cost and fixed direct capital costs accounted for 21.4%. Of the family members, 32.4% accompanied their patients. The mean cost for transportation of patients and accompanied person was US$3.15 ± 2.83 and US$1.5 ± 0.29, respectively. These findings are important in the light of limited available resources coupled with the increasing prevalence of kidney failure. A major attempt should also be made to increase peritoneal dialysis coverage as in some centers we cannot keep all chairs full, especially in some vast areas. It is highly recommended to place initial focus on strategies and treatments that slow disease progression, to postpone renal replacement therapy to save resources.
Old English Literature and Feminist Theory: A State of the Field
Authors: Dockray‐Miller Mary
Published: October 2008

Feminist and gender scholars working in Anglo‐Saxon studies in the past ten years have been asking new and important questions of a variety of Old English and Anglo‐Latin texts. Most crucially, this interdisciplinary new work redefines the historiographical paradigms of Anglo‐Saxon cultural production and reception so that women must now be regularly included in discussions of Anglo‐Saxon cultural agency. This paradigm shift can and should inform broader cultural understandings of the history of gender relations, despite current communication problems among the varied subfields of medieval studies and gender studies. Furthermore, the pedagogy of both medievalists and faculty specializing in later periods must be informed by this shift as well.
Thermal Properties of Ration Components as Affected by Moisture Content and Water Activity During Freezing
Authors: Li J. , Chinachoti P. , Wang D. , Hallberg L.M. , Sun X.S.
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT:  Beef roast with vegetables is an example of a meal, ready‐to‐eat (MRE) ration entrée. It is a mixture of meat, potato, mushroom, and carrot with a gravy sauce. The thermal properties of each component were characterized in terms of freezing point, latent heat, freezable and unfreezable water contents, and enthalpy during freezing using differential scanning calorimetry. Freezing and thawing curves and the effect of freezing and thawing cycles on thermal properties were also evaluated. The freezing points of beef, potato, mushroom, and sauce were all in the range of −5.1 to −5.6 °C, but moisture content, water activity, latent heat, freezable and unfreezable water contents, and enthalpy varied among these components. Freezing temperature greatly affected the unfrozen water fraction. The unfreezable water content (unfrozen water fraction at −50 °C) of ration components was in the range of 8.2% to 9.7%. The freezing and thawing curves of vegetables with sauce differed from those of beef but took similar time to freeze or thaw. Freezing and thawing cycles did not greatly affect the thermal properties of each component. Freezing point and latent heat were reduced by decreasing moisture content and water activity of each component. Water activity was proportionally linear to freezing point at aw > 0.88, and moisture content was proportionally linear to freezable water content in all ration components. Water was not available for freezing when moisture content was reduced to 28.8% or less. This study indicates that moisture content and water activity are critical factors affecting thermal behavior of ration components during freezing.
Alternative Sanitizers to Chlorine for Use on Fresh‐Cut “Galia” (Cucumis melo var. catalupensis) Melon
Authors: Silveira A.C. , Conesa A. , Aguayo E. , Artes F.
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT:  Chlorine is commonly used to reduce microbial load in fresh‐cut vegetables. However, the production of chlorinated organic compounds, such as trihalomethanes, which are potential carcinogens, has created the need to investigate the efficiency of nontraditional sanitizers and alternative techniques. The effects of 4 novel sanitizers were tested in fresh‐cut “Galia” melon: chlorine dioxide (ClO2) at 3 mg/L, peracetic acid (PAA) at 80 mg/L, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at 50 mg/L, and nisin at 250 mg/L plus EDTA 100 mg/L (nisin + EDTA). A chlorine treatment (NaOCl at 150 mg/L) was used as a control. Pieces of melon were packed in polypropylene trays under passive modified atmosphere (3 to 4 kPa of O2 and 10 to 11 kPa of CO2) and stored up to 10 d at 5 °C. Microbial growth, firmness, respiration rate, gas composition, sensory evaluation, color, total soluble solids (TSS), and tritable acidity (TA) were evaluated at days 0, 7, and 10. The novel sanitizers PAA, H2O2, and nisin + EDTA, in the studied concentrations, reduced the microbial growth to a more efficient range than chlorine and ClO2. In addition, those sanitizers delayed softness, did not affect the respiration rate, SST, or AT. The sensorial parameters were kept above the upper limit of marketability and they did not impart an “off flavor.” These sanitizers maintained quality and shelf life of fresh‐cut Galia melon for 10 d of storage at 5 °C. Nevertheless, other concentrations, in particular for ClO2, could be tested to study an extended shelf life in melon pieces.
Inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes on Stored Iceberg Lettuce by Aqueous Chlorine Dioxide Treatment
Authors: Kim Yun‐Jung , Lee Seung‐Hwan , Park Jiyong , Park Jonghyun , Chung Myongsoo , Kwon Kisung , Chung Kyungsook , Won Misun , Song Kyung Bin
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT:  Inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes in iceberg lettuce by aqueous chlorine dioxide (ClO2) treatment was evaluated. Iceberg lettuce samples were inoculated with approximately 7 log CFU/g of E. coli O157:H7, S. typhimurium, and L. monocytogenes. Iceberg lettuce samples were then treated with 0, 5, 10, or 50 ppm ClO2 solution and stored at 4 °C. Aqueous ClO2 treatment significantly decreased the populations of pathogenic bacteria on shredded lettuce (P < 0.05). In particular, 50 ppm ClO2 treatment reduced E. coli O157:H7, S. typhimurium, and L. monocytogenes by 1.44, 1.95, and 1.20 log CFU/g, respectively. The D10‐values of E. coli O157:H7, S. typhimurium, and L. monocytogenes in shredded lettuce were 11, 26, and 42 ppm, respectively. The effect of aqueous ClO2 treatment on the growth of pathogenic bacteria during storage was evaluated, and a decrease in the population size of these pathogenic bacteria was observed. Additionally, aqueous ClO2 treatment did not affect the color of lettuce during storage. These results suggest that aqueous ClO2 treatment can be used to improve the microbial safety of shredded lettuce during storage.
Physical Properties of Whey Protein–Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose Blend Edible Films
Authors: Brindle L.P. , Krochta J.M.
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT: The formations of glycerol (Gly)‐plasticized whey protein isolate (WPI)–hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) films, blended using different combinations and at different conditions, were investigated. The resulting WPI: Gly‐HPMC films were analyzed for mechanical properties, oxygen permeability (OP), and water solubility. Differences due to HPMC quantity and blend method were determined via SAS software. While WPI: Gly and HPMC films were transparent, blend films were translucent, indicating some degree of immiscibility and/or WPI–HPMC aggregated domains in the blend films. WPI: Gly‐HPMC films were stronger than WPI: Gly films and more flexible and stretchable than HPMC films, with films becoming stiffer, stronger, and less stretchable as the concentration of HPMC increased. However, WPI: Gly‐HPMC blended films maintained the same low OP of WPI: Gly films, significantly lower than the OP of HPMC films. Comparison of mechanical properties and OP of films made by heat‐denaturing WPI before and after blending with HPMC did not indicate any difference in degree of cross‐linking between the methods, while solubility data indicated otherwise. Overall, while adding HPMC to WPI: Gly films had a large effect on the flexibility, strength, stretchability, and water solubility of the film polymeric network, results indicated that HPMC had no effect on OP through the polymer network. WPI–HPMC blend films had a desirable combination of mechanical and oxygen barrier properties, reflecting the combination of hydrogen‐bonding, hydrophobic interactions, and disulfide bond cross‐linking in the blended polymer network.
The Oro‐Ileal Transit of Cellulose
Authors: Oyama T. , Fukuda S. , Shimoyama T. , Takahashi I. , Umeda T. , Danjo K. , Saito D. , Chinda D. , Sakamoto J. , Nakaji S.
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT:  The effects of cellulose and the interindividual variations on the transit time in the small intestine remain unclear, but no previous study has to date taken these factors into sufficient consideration. We assessed the oro‐ileal transit time and the recovery percentage of cellulose in the terminal ileum looking at interindividual variations. Seven healthy males received 100 mL of a dietary fiber‐free basal diet with 5 g cellulose and 5 g of polyethylene glycol 4000. The ileal contents were aspirated every 30 min via an experimental tube placed in the terminal ileum to assess the oro‐ileal transit time and the recovery percentage of cellulose. The mean percentage (with standard deviation) of the amounts of cellulose collected in the terminal ileum was 98.4%± 16.5% (ranging from 67.4% to 114.5%) with a coefficient variation of 16.8%. The average times (in hours) taken for 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% of cellulose to reach the terminal ileum were 5.5 ± 1.1, 6.7 ± 0.7, 8.5 ± 1.3, and 8.8 ± 1.2, respectively, with large interindividual variations. In conclusion, the averaged recovery percentage of cellulose in the terminal ileum was approximately 100%, in accordance with the present generally accepted definition of dietary fiber. However, there were large interindividual variations in the oro‐ileal transit time and the percentage of cellulose recovered.
Some Like It Hot: Teaching Strategies for Managing Tactical Versus Genuine Anger in Negotiations
Authors: Schroth Holly A.
Published: October 2008

A critically important skill in any negotiation is the ability to manage the emotions that are inevitably evoked by conflict. Anger is one of the most widely studied emotions that occur in negotiation. The purpose of this article is to introduce strategies for managing tactical and genuine anger in negotiations. The difference between tactical and genuine anger is discussed along with different strategies for managing each of these types of anger. The article concludes with advice for instructors to help negotiation students acquire experience in managing both their own and the other party’s anger.
Strategic Display and Response to Emotions: Developing Evidence‐based Negotiation Expertise in Emotion Management (NEEM)
Authors: Potworowski Georges , Kopelman Shirli
Published: October 2008

This article conceptualizes emotion management as a form of negotiation expertise, and integrates the nascent empirical literature on emotion in negotiation with concepts from the learning sciences literature to suggest how negotiation expertise in emotion management (NEEM) can be taught. We argue that NEEM differs from emotional intelligence in fundamental ways, and that it consists of sensitivity to strategically relevant emotional cues, ability to strategically display and respond to emotions in negotiations, and the inclination to manage emotions for superior objective and subjective negotiation performance. We propose a method of developing NEEM in the classroom and identify directions for future research.
Helping You Is Helping Me: Improving Students’ Ethical Behaviors in a Negotiation by Appealing to Ethical Egoism and the Reputation Effect
Authors: Schroth Holly A.
Published: October 2008

It can be a challenge to try to improve the ethical conduct of students enrolled in a negotiation course. Many students believe that the best outcome is to maximize value for themselves without regard for the interests of the other party. Unethical negotiation behaviors often result from a short‐term perspective of the interaction and myopic focus on maximizing self‐gain. This article suggests how instructors can improve ethical behaviors among student negotiators by enhancing their long‐term perspective, appealing to students’ ethical egoism and reinforcing the idea of the reputation effect.
Utility of Pretreatment Bilirubin Level and UGT1A1 Polymorphisms in Multivariate Predictive Models of Neutropenia Associated with Irinotecan Treatment in Previously Untreated Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Parodi Luis , Pickering Eve , Cisar Laura A. , Lee Doug , Soufi‐Mahjoubi Raoudha
Published: October 2008

Purpose.  Statistical models for predicting hematologic toxicity were evaluated based on UGT1A1 polymorphisms and baseline serum bilirubin.

Methods.  Blood DNA samples were collected from 113 patients with untreated metastatic colorectal cancer receiving irinotecan (FOLFIRI, n = 36; mIFL, n = 41; CapeIRI, n = 36). The primary endpoint was absolute neutrophil count nadir during first treatment cycle. Linear regression models, with increased R2 implying important additional predictive power, sequentially added age, sex, baseline bilirubin level, and UGT1A1 genotype.

Results.  All models demonstrated low R2, suggesting unaccounted variables. UGT1A1 genotype added ∼8–9% during cycle 1 and from ∼7% [mIFL regimen] to 26% [CapeIRI regimen] after cycle 1. Correlation between genotype and overall ANC nadir without regard to treatment was low (R = −0.201, P = 0.035). Patients with genotype 7/7 may have increased risk for severe neutropenia, but data are insufficient to characterize this. Contribution of baseline bilirubin level was negligible.

Conclusions.  Ability of UGT1A1 or baseline bilirubin to predict neutropenia is low and depends on regimen.
Prophylactic laser treatment of soft drusen maculopathy: a prospective, randomized Nordic study
Authors: Frennesson Christina I. , Bek Toke , Jaakkola Aino , Nilsson Sven Erik G. ,   the Prophylactic Laser Treatment Study Group
Published: October 2008

Purpose:  This study aimed to investigate whether mild laser treatment of soft drusen maculopathy might reduce the incidence of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and/or significantly reduce loss of visual acuity compared with outcomes in a control group.

Methods:  A total of 135 patients (mean age 70.4 years) were randomized into a treatment group of 67 subjects and a control group of 68 subjects. The treatment group was subdivided into a group of 54 subjects with bilateral soft drusen and a group of 13 subjects with unilateral soft drusen in the study eye and advanced AMD in the fellow eye. The control group was subdivided into a bilateral group of 54 subjects and a unilateral group of 14 subjects. Sub‐threshold or barely visible laser spots were scattered on and between drusen in the posterior pole. Inclusion of patients was stopped prematurely as other studies did not show any benefit from the treatment. Mean follow‐up time was 3.7 years.

Results:  More CNVs developed in the treated group (4/54 eyes in the bilateral group, 3/13 eyes in the unilateral group; 7/67 eyes in total) than in the control group (3/54 eyes in the bilateral group, 2/14 eyes in the unilateral group; 5/68 eyes in total) but these differences were not statistically significant for either the bilateral or unilateral groups (p = 0.20–0.32). No CNV developed in the bilateral treated group before 4 years of follow‐up. Visual acuity was significantly reduced from baseline to the last follow‐up in all groups (p < 0.0001–0.02) except the unilateral control group (p = 0.08), but there were no significant differences between the treated and control groups for either the bilateral or unilateral groups (p = 0.17–0.97).

Conclusions:  Mild prophylactic laser treatment of soft drusen maculopathy was neither beneficial nor harmful and cannot be recommended.
Distinct expressions of contrast gain control in parallel synaptic pathways converging on a retinal ganglion cell
Authors: Beaudoin Deborah Langrill , Manookin Michael B. , Demb Jonathan B.
Published: October 2008

Visual neurons adapt to increases in stimulus contrast by reducing their response sensitivity and decreasing their integration time, a collective process known as ‘contrast gain control.’ In retinal ganglion cells, gain control arises at two stages: an intrinsic mechanism related to spike generation, and a synaptic mechanism in retinal pathways. Here, we tested whether gain control is expressed similarly by three synaptic pathways that converge on an OFF α/Y‐type ganglion cell: excitatory inputs driven by OFF cone bipolar cells; inhibitory inputs driven by ON cone bipolar cells; and inhibitory inputs driven by rod bipolar cells. We made whole‐cell recordings of membrane current in guinea pig ganglion cells in vitro. At high contrast, OFF bipolar cell‐mediated excitatory input reduced gain and shortened integration time. Inhibitory input was measured by clamping voltage near 0 mV or by recording in the presence of ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR) antagonists to isolate the following circuit: cone → ON cone bipolar cell → AII amacrine cell → OFF ganglion cell. At high contrast, this input reduced gain with no effect on integration time. Mean luminance was reduced 1000‐fold to recruit the rod bipolar pathway: rod → rod bipolar cell → AII cell → OFF ganglion cell. The spiking response, measured with loose‐patch recording, adapted despite essentially no gain control in synaptic currents. Thus, cone bipolar‐driven pathways adapt differently, with kinetic effects confined to the excitatory OFF pathway. The ON bipolar‐mediated inhibition reduced gain at high contrast by a mechanism that did not require an iGluR. Under rod bipolar‐driven conditions, ganglion cell firing showed gain control that was explained primarily by an intrinsic property.
Hypoosmotic‐ and pressure‐induced membrane stretch activate TRPC5 channels
Authors: Gomis Ana , Soriano Sergio , Belmonte Carlos , Viana Félix
Published: October 2008

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels mediate a wide array of sensory functions. We investigated the role of TRPC5, a poorly characterized channel widely expressed in the central and peripheral nervous system, as a potential osmosensory protein. Here we show that hypoosmotic stimulation activates TRPC5 channels resulting in a large calcium influx. The response to osmotically induced membrane stretch is blocked by GsMTx‐4, an inhibitor of stretch activated ion channels. Direct hypoosmotic activation of TRPC5 is independent of phospholipase C function. However, the osmotic response is inhibited in a cell line in which PIP2 levels are reduced by regulated overexpression of a lipid phosphatase. The response was restored by increasing intracellular PIP2 levels through the patch pipette. The mechano‐sensitivity of the channel was probed in the whole‐cell configuration by application of steps of positive pressure through the patch pipette. Pressure‐induced membrane stretch also activated TRPC5 channels, suggesting its role as a transducer of osmo‐mechanical stimuli. We also demonstrated the expression of TRPC5 in sensory neurones which together with the osmo‐mechanical characteristics of TRPC5 channels suggest its putative role in mechanosensory transduction events.
STIM1–Orai1 interactions and Orai1 conformational changes revealed by live‐cell FRET microscopy
Authors: Navarro‐Borelly Laura , Somasundaram Agila , Yamashita Megumi , Ren Dongjun , Miller Richard J. , Prakriya Murali
Published: October 2008

Ca2+ entry through store‐operated Ca2+ release‐activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels initiates key functions such as gene expression and exocytosis of inflammatory mediators. Activation of CRAC channels by store depletion involves the redistribution of the ER Ca2+ sensor, stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), to peripheral sites where it co‐clusters with the CRAC channel subunit, Orai1. However, how STIM1 communicates with the CRAC channel and initiates the subsequent events culminating in channel opening is unclear. Here, we show that redistribution of STIM1 and Orai1 occurs in parallel with a pronounced increase in fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between STIM1 and Orai1, supporting the idea that activation of CRAC channels occurs through physical interactions with STIM1. Co‐expression of Orai1–CFP and Orai1–YFP results in a high degree of FRET in resting cells, indicating that Orai1 exists as a multimer. However, store depletion triggers molecular rearrangements in Orai1 resulting in a decline in Orai1–Orai1 FRET. The decline in Orai1–Orai1 FRET is not seen in the absence of STIM1 co‐expression and is abolished in Orai1 mutants with impaired STIM1 interaction. Both the STIM1–Orai1 interaction as well as the molecular rearrangements in Orai1 are altered by two powerful modulators of CRAC channel activity: extracellular Ca2+ and 2‐APB. These studies identify a STIM1‐dependent conformational change in Orai1 during the activation of CRAC channels and reveal that STIM1–Orai1 interaction and the downstream Orai1 conformational change can be independently modulated to fine‐tune CRAC channel activity.
Molecular Confinement Accelerates Deformation of Entangled Polymers During Squeeze Flow
Authors: Rowland Harry D. , King William P. , Pethica John B. , Cross Graham L. W.
Published: October 2008

The squeezing of polymers in narrow gaps is important for the dynamics of nanostructure fabrication by nanoimprint embossing and the operation of polymer boundary lubricants. We measured stress versus strain behavior while squeezing entangled polystyrene films to large strains. In confined conditions where films were prepared to a thickness less than the size of the bulk macromolecule, resistance to deformation was markedly reduced for both solid-glass forging and liquid-melt molding. For melt flow, we further observed a complete inversion of conventional polymer viscosity scaling with molecular weight. Our results show that squeeze flow is accelerated at small scales by an unexpected influence of film thickness in polymer materials.
A Large Excess in Apparent Solar Oblateness Due to Surface Magnetism
Authors: Fivian Martin D. , Hudson Hugh S. , Lin Robert P. , Zahid H. Jabran
Published: October 2008

The shape of the Sun subtly reflects its rotation and internal flows. The surface rotation rate, ∼2 kilometers per second at the equator, predicts an oblateness (equator-pole radius difference) of 7.8 milli–arc seconds, or ∼0.001%. Observations from the Reuven Ramaty High-Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager satellite show unexpectedly large flattening, relative to the expectation from surface rotation. This excess is dominated by the quadrupole term and gives a total oblateness of 10.77 ± 0.44 milli–arc seconds. The position of the limb correlates with a sensitive extreme ultraviolet proxy, the 284 angstrom limb brightness. We relate the larger radius values to magnetic elements in the enhanced network and use the correlation to correct for it as a systematic error term in the oblateness measurement. The corrected oblateness of the nonmagnetic Sun is 8.01 ± 0.14 milli–arc seconds, which is near the value expected from rotation.
The 2.6 Angstrom Crystal Structure of a Human A2AAdenosine Receptor Bound to an Antagonist
Authors: Jaakola Veli-Pekka , Griffith Mark T. , Hanson Michael A. , Cherezov Vadim , Chien Ellen Y. T. , Lane J. Robert , IJzerman Adriaan P. , Stevens Raymond C.
Published: October 2008

The adenosine class of heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide–binding protein (G protein)–coupled receptors (GPCRs) mediates the important role of extracellular adenosine in many physiological processes and is antagonized by caffeine. We have determined the crystal structure of the human A2Aadenosine receptor, in complex with a high-affinity subtype-selective antagonist, ZM241385, to 2.6 angstrom resolution. Four disulfide bridges in the extracellular domain, combined with a subtle repacking of the transmembrane helices relative to the adrenergic and rhodopsin receptor structures, define a pocket distinct from that of other structurally determined GPCRs. The arrangement allows for the binding of the antagonist in an extended conformation, perpendicular to the membrane plane. The binding site highlights an integral role for the extracellular loops, together with the helical core, in ligand recognition by this class of GPCRs and suggests a role for ZM241385 in restricting the movement of a tryptophan residue important in the activation mechanism of the class A receptors.
Cohort differences in the progression of developmental pathways: evidence for period effects on secular trends of violence in males
Authors: Fabio A , Yuan Z , Wisniewski S R , Henry D B , Farrington D P , Bridge J A , Loeber R
Published: October 2008

Background:

Rates of violence in the USA have fluctuated widely over the past few decades. Theorists have examined period and cohort effects, but there appear to be no studies examining these effects on progression in developmental pathways towards violence.

Objective:

To assess whether differences in progression among individuals in the Pittsburgh Youth Study are consistent with period or cohort effects.

Design:

Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to examine differences between cohorts in the odds of progressing through the developmental pathway towards violence. Adjusted and unadjusted odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% CI are reported.

Setting:

Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, from 1987 to 2000.

Subjects:

Two cohorts of male adolescents from the Pittsburgh Youth Study. The youngest cohort (n = 503) was followed from median ages 7 to 20, and the oldest cohort (n = 506) was followed up from median ages 13 to 25.

Main outcome measure:

The odds of progression along a developmental pathway towards violence.

Results:

There was no statistically significant difference between the cohorts in progression from minor aggression to physical fighting (OR = 1.13, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.65). However, after adjustment for major risk factors, the oldest cohort was significantly more likely to progress from physical fighting to violence (OR = 2.34, 95% CI 1.39 to 3.92).

Conclusions:

These results provide initial evidence that cohort effects, which would be present early in development, do not contribute significantly to later differences in reported violence and raises the possibility of whether period effects can explain these differences.
Effectiveness of cataract surgery in reducing driving-related difficulties: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Subzwari S , Desapriya E , Scime G , Babul S , Jivani K , Pike I
Published: October 2008

Objectives:

To assess the effects of cataract surgery in improving vision and driving performance while reducing driving-related difficulties.

Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources:

Twelve electronic databases were searched from the date of inception of each database to May 2007. Other sources of potentially relevant information were also identified and examined.

Review methods:

Eligible study designs included randomized controlled trials (RCT), non-RCT, quasi-experimental, case-control, controlled-before-and-after, and cohort studies that examined driving-related indicators in patients undergoing cataract surgery.

Main outcome measures:

The outcome measures included any type of driving-related indicator. A secondary outcome measure was motor vehicle (MV) crash involvement.

Results:

Seven studies were included in the review and five in the meta-analysis. The overall pooled odds ratio (OR) was 0.12 (95% CI 0.10 to 0.16). Results suggest that the risk of driving-related difficulties was reduced by 88% following cataract surgery.

Conclusions:

Cataract surgery is associated with an 88% reduction in the risk of driving-related difficulties. This supports the efficacy of cataract surgery to improve driving in older people, as well as positive implications for a reduction in MV crashes, overall traffic safety, and individual well-being.
Accuracy of injury coding under ICD-10-AM for New Zealand public hospital discharges
Authors: Davie G , Langley J , Samaranayaka A , Wetherspoon M E
Published: October 2008

Objective:

To determine the accuracy in coding for principal injury diagnosis (PDx), external cause, place of occurrence, and activity codes under the Australian Modification of the International Classification of Disease, 10th Revision (ICD-10-AM) for public hospital discharges in New Zealand.

Method:

A simple random sample of 1800 injury discharges was selected from the National Minimum Dataset (NMDS) of hospital discharges from July 2001 to June 2004. Records were obtained and coded by the Senior Advisor in Clinical Coding (SACC) independently of the codes already recorded in the NMDS.

Results:

Of injury discharges selected from the NMDS, 2% were not coded with a PDx of injury by the SACC. Fourteen percent of the PDxs and 26% of the external cause codes (E-codes V01–Y89) had inaccuracies in the first, second, or third characters. Variation in the accuracy of the PDxs and E-codes was obvious by diagnostic and E-code groupings; 22% of the place of occurrence codes (Y92) and 29% of the activity codes (Y93) were incorrect. Accuracy of the PDxs and E-codes was related to the clarity of the documentation in the medical records.

Conclusions:

For countries that are considering implementing ICD-10 or one of its variants, these findings provide insight into possible limitations of the classification and offer guidance on where the focus of training should be placed. For countries that have historical data coded according to ICD-10-AM, these results suggest that some specific estimates of injury and external-cause incidence may need to be treated with caution.
Risk of hip fractures in soft protected, hard protected, and unprotected falls
Authors: Bentzen H , Bergland A , Forsén L
Published: October 2008

Objective:

To compare hip fracture risk in soft and hard protected falls with the risk in unprotected falls and to compare the incidence of hip fractures in nursing homes providing soft and hard hip protectors.

Methods:

An observational study conducted within the framework of a cluster randomized trial in 18 nursing homes. Nursing homes were randomized to offer either soft or hard hip protectors. Individual participants were followed for falls for 18 months.

Results:

Of 1236 participating residents, 607 suffered 2926 falls; 590 of the 2926 falls were categorized as soft protected, 852 as hard protected, and 1388 as unprotected falls. Sixty-six verified hip fractures occurred: eight in soft protected falls, 11 in hard protected falls, and 45 in unprotected falls. The hip fracture risk in soft and hard protected falls was almost 60% lower than in unprotected falls (OR (soft) 0.36, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.77; OR (hard) 0.41, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.89). The incidence of hip fracture was 4.6 and 6.2 per 100 person-years in nursing homes providing soft and hard hip protectors, respectively (p = 0.212).

Conclusion:

Both types of hip protector have the potential, when worn correctly, to reduce the risk of a hip fracture in falls by nearly 60%. Both can be recommended to nursing-home residents as a means of preventing hip fractures.
Disability and risk of non-fatal residential injuries among adults
Authors: Vladutiu C J , Casteel C , Runyan C W
Published: October 2008

Objective:

Many unintentional injuries occur in the home, but little research has considered the specific vulnerability of people with disabilities.

Design:

Cross-sectional study examining nationally representative data from the 2004–2006 National Health Interview Surveys.

Subjects:

Adults aged 18 and older who reported having an unintentional, non-motor vehicle-related injury in the home (n = 2189) or outside the home (n = 2072) and those who reported no injuries (n = 81 919) 3 months before their interview.

Main outcome measure:

Non-fatal, unintentional, non-motor vehicle-related injuries.

Results:

Among respondents experiencing a residential injury, 21.2% reported one type of disability, 11.2% reported two disabilities, and 9.1% reported three or more disabilities. As the number of disabilities increased, the odds of reporting a residential injury increased. Adults with three or more disabilities had three times the odds of reporting a residential injury (adjusted odds ratio  = 3.2, 95% CI 2.7 to 3.9), compared with adults reporting no injury.

Conclusion:

The risk of injury in the residential environment among adults with disabilities increases with increasing numbers of disabilities. Attention to home safety issues for residents with disabilities is needed.