bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disguised Distress in Children and Adolescents “Flying Under The Radar”
Authors: Flett Gordon L. , Hewitt Paul L.
Published: February 2013

It is now recognized that there is a very high prevalence of psychological disorders among children and adolescents and relatively few receive psychological treatment. In the current article, we present the argument that levels of distress and dysfunction among young people are substantially underestimated and the prevalence of psychological problems is higher than realized because of a variety of factors. In particular, it is suggested that psychological problems are underestimated due, in part, to the presence of subthreshold conditions that do not meet diagnostic criteria yet involve substantial distress and impairment. In addition, we focus on a subset of children and adolescents who experience profound distress yet keep it hidden or disguised because of a personality style characterized by self-concealment and a tendency to engage in perfectionistic self-presentation. The characteristics of these students who are “flying under the radar” are described with a discussion of associated familial, cultural, and school factors that reduce the likelihood of these students ever seeking help. Given our premise that psychological problems are substantially underestimated, it is apparent that schools have a vitally important role in mental health promotion in terms of the need for proactive system-wide preventive interventions led by school mental health counsellors. Broad programs are needed to bolster levels of resilience and the willingness to seek help among all children and adolescents but especially among those students who would otherwise not be on anyone’s radar screen.
Greater Access to Capital Is Needed to Unleash the Local Economic Development Potential of Minority-Owned Businesses
Authors: Bates Timothy , Robb Alicia
Published: February 2013

Limited access to financing restricts the ability of minority business enterprises (MBEs) to achieve viability, to generate new jobs, and, generally, to reach their full potential to contribute to the economic development of the communities and regions in which they operate. Although MBEs rely more heavily on financial institutions for loans than all other borrowing sources combined, they experience higher costs than White firms when they borrow, receive smaller loans, and have their loan applications rejected more often. For MBEs in minority neighborhoods, these borrowing problems are compounded. Action is needed. The federal government needs to prosecute financial institutions that discriminate against MBEs on the basis of borrower race. Local governments can assist by weighing bank-lending activity in local minority communities when choosing the local banks with which they do business. Prompt payment of MBE vendor invoices by public-sector clients is needed.
Determinants of Public Phobia About Infectious Diseases in South Korea
Authors: Jung Minsoo , Choi Mankyu , Lee Tae-Ro
Published: February 2013

This study investigated the individual and social determinants of the public’s phobia of infectious diseases in South Korea, where collective action was recently fueled by the public phobia over mad cow disease (bovine spongiform encephalopathy [BSE]). Gender-specific multivariate regression was used to compare the public perception of BSE and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The analysis results differentiated between the determinants of the phobia for the 2 diseases, BSE and HPAI (N = 1002). As with HIV/AIDS and leprosy, the public fear of HPAI was expressed as a disease phobia that seeks to ensure the social exclusion of infection sources, whereas the fear of BSE was influenced by social and communication factors. Therefore, BSE, unlike previous HPAI, can be rapidly amplified amid the growing distrust in health communication, in which case the social determinants of disease phobia are associated with communicator trust, social values, and political attitude toward diseases rather than disease perception.
The Effectiveness of Narrative Pre-Experiences for Creating Context in Military Training
Authors: Bowers Clint A. , Serge Stephen , Blair Lucas , Cannon-Bowers Janis , Joyce Rachel , Boshnack James
Published: February 2013

Trainers need to identify effective, low-cost training experiences for today’s military workforce to meet the increasing demands of today’s warfighting environment. Although low-fidelity simulations have been demonstrated to be effective in this regard, research has demonstrated that specially tailored pre-experiences can increase the effectiveness of these simulations. Unfortunately, the cost of these pre-experiences negates the cost benefits of the simulations that they improve. In this article, we describe a study to evaluate the effectiveness of a lower cost pre-experience. The results are discussed in the context of future directions for research.
General Music and Children Living in Poverty
Authors: McAnally Elizabeth Ann
Published: February 2013

A review of recent writing makes the case that children living in poverty (urban, rural, or other) are more in jeopardy now than ever. As teachers attest and research asserts, poverty affects children in profound, complicated, and lasting ways. However, the general music program is uniquely positioned to meet children’s needs, especially those living in poverty. This discussion will consider several important questions: First, what are the complexities that confront children living in poverty? Next, how can culturally responsive pedagogy guide us to respectful approaches for general music educators working with these populations? And finally, how can music education organizations help remove potential roadblocks to implementing strong music programs in high-poverty districts?
A Critical Appraisal of Issues in Differential Response
Authors: Winokur Marc A. , Gabel George
Published: February 2013

This reaction article highlights areas of agreement and disagreement with the study conducted by Hughes, Rycus, Saunders-Adams, Hughes, and Hughes on the current state of research and practice in differential response (DR). Overall, we agree with several of the arguments put forth by Hughes et al. regarding the limitations of DR research and the lack of a consistently defined and implemented DR practice model. These areas of agreement offer common ground on which to work together to move the field forward. However, we have concerns about the methodological rigor of the Hughes et al. study and questions about some of their findings and conclusions. We draw upon our current evaluation of a five-county DR research and demonstration project in Colorado to provide recommendations for enhancing the design and implementation of research on DR.
CriticalThinkRx May Reduce Psychiatric Prescribing to Foster Youth
Authors: Cohen David , Lacasse Jeffrey R. , Duan Rui , Sengelmann Inge
Published: February 2013

Objectives: To test the potential impact of a critical curriculum on psychiatric medications designed for child welfare workers. Method: In a quasiexperimental, longitudinal study, the monthly proportion of medicated foster children and the average number of prescriptions per medicated child at Agency 1 (669 clients) exposed to the CriticalThinkRx curriculum were compared to Agencies 2–9 (3,346 clients) in the same two-county service network. Data were collected during 6 months of preintervention, 1 month of intervention, and 9 months of postintervention. Practitioners were not informed of data collection. Results: During postintervention months 1–8, the proportion of medicated children declined from 17.5% to 11.0% at Agency 1, while the mean proportion rose slightly at Agencies 2–9, statistically significant effects. At 9 months, the proportion at Agency 1 rose again though not reaching preintervention level. Average numbers of prescriptions per child remained unchanged. Conclusion: Use of CriticalThinkRx may reduce psychiatric prescribing in foster care.
A Randomized Trial of Telemonitoring and Self-Care Education in Heart Failure Patients Following Home Care Discharge
Authors: Delaney Colleen , Apostolidis Beka , Bartos Susan , Morrison Heather , Smith Liane , Fortinsky Richard
Published: February 2013

Patients with heart failure (HF) who have been discharged from a home care agency are a particularly vulnerable group at risk for poor outcomes and high rehositalization rates. The primary aim of this experimental study was to determine the efficacy of a telemonitoring and self-care education intervention in reducing hospitalization and improving quality of life and patient’s knowledge of HF after home care discharge. Ninety-three participants completed the study. The primary outcome of 90-day post–home care discharge hospitalization was significantly reduced in the intervention group compared to controls (9 vs. 18, p - .046). HF knowledge ( p = .013) and QOL ( p = .004) were significantly increased in intervention group patients in comparison to control group patients’ at the study endpoint.
Comparing and Combining Accommodation and Remediation Interventions to Improve the Written-Language Performance of Children With Asperger Syndrome
Authors: Schneider Ariane B. , Codding Robin S. , Tryon Georgiana S.
Published: February 2013

The relative effectiveness of two writing accommodations, word processing (WP) and speech-recognition (SR) technology, was examined relative to the writing skills of four boys with Asperger syndrome. The more effective accommodation was then combined with the Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) writing intervention and compared with SRSD and handwriting (HW) combined to determine whether participants’ writing skills would be further improved. Using a multiple-phase alternating-treatments design with a final treatment phase, outcomes indicated that the SR accommodation improved writing fluency and quality better than WP and HW. However, participants produced the most fluent and highest quality writing when SRSD intervention was combined with SR as compared with SRSD paired with HW, SR alone, and HW alone. Implications and future directions are discussed.
Does the perception that God controls health outcomes matter for health behaviors?
Authors: Karvinen Kristina H , Carr Lucas J
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between God Locus of Health Control, health behaviors, and beliefs utilizing a cross-sectional online survey ( N = 549). Results indicated that God Locus of Health Control was correlated with alcohol use, physical activity, perceived risk of chronic disease, and beliefs that poor health behaviors contribute to chronic disease (all p values < .05). Multiple regression analyses including covariates and other locus of control variables revealed that God Locus of Health Control was only an independent correlate of the belief that physical inactivity contributed to chronic disease. Insights from this study may be important for future faith-based health behavior change interventions.
The everyday life of the self: Reworking early Goffman
Authors: Raffel Stanley
Published: February 2013

Erving Goffman’s highly influential first book, The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life, introduced the concept of impression management. In spite of the fact that the book has been subject to several cogent criticisms, notably by three major theorists in their own right, Gouldner, Garfinkel, and Habermas, its main thesis has shown remarkable resiliency. I try to suggest that this may be because both Goffman and his critics have their points. The critics have identified serious flaws in his theory but his work still seems compelling because he has identified phenomena that they are not able to explain. This paper seeks to resolve this impasse by accepting that Goffman is accurately describing some phenomena but then suggesting that his way of interpreting these phenomena is misleading. It is argued that the reinterpretation has the power to preserve the value of Goffman’s original insights and also meet the valid objections that have been raised against his original claims.
Can tolerance be grounded in equal respect?
Authors: Rossi Enzo
Published: February 2013

In this paper I argue that equal respect-based accounts of the normative basis of tolerance are self-defeating, insofar as they are unable to specify the limits of tolerance in a way that is consistent with their own commitment to the equal treatment of all conceptions of the good. I show how this argument is a variant of the long-standing ‘conflict of freedoms’ objection to Kantian-inspired, freedom-based accounts of the justification of systems of norms. I criticize Thomas Scanlon’s defence of ‘pure tolerance’, Anna Elisabetta Galeotti’s work on the relationship between tolerance, equal respect and recognition, and Arthur Ripstein’s recent response to the ‘conflict of freedoms’ objection. The upshot of my argument is that, while valuing tolerance for its own sake may be an appealing ideal, it is not a feasible way of grounding a system of norms. I close with a thumbnail sketch of two alternative, instrumental (i.e. non-Kantian) approaches to the normative foundations of tolerance.
Establishing the Infrastructure to Conduct Comparative Effectiveness Research Toward the Elimination of Disparities
Authors: Wilson Danyell S. , Dapic Virna , Sultan Dawood H. , August Euna M. , Green B. Lee , Roetzheim Richard , Rivers Brian
Published: February 2013

In Tampa, Florida, researchers have partnered with community- and faith-based organizations to create the Comparative Effectiveness Research for Eliminating Disparities (CERED) infrastructure. Grounded in community-based participatory research, CERED acts on multiple levels of society to enhance informed decision making (IDM) of prostate cancer screening among Black men. CERED investigators combined both comparative effectiveness research and community-based participatory research to design a trial examining the effectiveness of community health workers and a digitally enhanced patient decision aid to support IDM in community settings as compared with “usual care” for prostate cancer screening. In addition, CERED researchers synthesized evidence through the development of systematic literature reviews analyzing the effectiveness of community health workers in changing knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of African American adults toward cancer prevention and education. An additional systematic review analyzed chemoprevention agents for prostate cancer as an emerging technique. Both of these reviews, and the comparative effectiveness trial supporting the IDM process, add to CERED’s goal of providing evidence to eliminate cancer health disparities.
Lived Challenges and Getting Through Them
Authors: Wexler Lisa , Jernigan Kasey , Mazzotti Janet , Baldwin Elizabeth , Griffin Megan , Joule Linda , Garoutte Joe ,   CIPA Team
Published: February 2013

Because of imposed rapid social change, Alaska Native youth are growing up in a context different from their elders and suffering far worse health and behavioral outcomes. This research seeks to understand (a) their everyday struggles and life challenges, (b) the practices and resources they rely on to get through challenges, and (c) the meaning they make from these experiences. Data were generated from interviews with 20 Alaska Native youth between the ages of 11 and 18 years, balanced by gender and age-group (early and late adolescence). Purposive sampling identified participants with a broad range of experiences. Following a semistructured guide, youth participated in face-to-face, audio-recorded interviews, transcribed verbatim. A codebook was developed using an iterative process and transcripts were coded using ATLAS.ti. The most commonly identified stressors were relationship loss, “not being there for me,” nonsupportive/hostile experiences, transitioning into adulthood, and boredom. Resilience strategies included developing and maintaining relationships with others, being responsible, creating systems of reciprocity, practicing subsistence living, and giving back to family and the community. These opportunities allowed youth to gain a sense of competence and mastery. When difficult experiences align with opportunities for being responsible and competent, youth are most likely to exhibit resilience.
Space and Status in Chicago’s Legal Landscapes
Authors: Black Joel E.
Published: February 2013

In Progressive Era Chicago, jobless men, sex workers, and black migrants were regulated through scales of vice, vagrancy, and race. But this regulation was challenged. The jobless and homeless men in Chicago’s vagrancy scale rejected popular censure and criminal sanction. The sex workers who made up Chicago’s vice scale resisted vice prohibitions. Like jobless and homeless men, they disaggregated and produced mini scales that defied the efforts of authorities to contain and eliminate their practices. Black migrants contested the de facto segregation and the racial covenants that bolstered Chicago’s race scale, which developed during the Great Migration on the city’s south side. Tracking the shifts and fluctuations of Chicago’s legal landscapes, this article stresses the agency of marginal men and women in the design and organization of the built environment in the industrial city.
Suprascapular Nerve Entrapment Due to a Stenotic Foramen
Authors: Bruce Jeremy , Dorizas John
Published: February 2013

Suprascapular nerve (SSN) entrapment is an uncommon cause of posterior shoulder pain. Entrapment can be relieved arthroscopically in some cases.
Improvements in Shoulder Endurance Following a Baseball-Specific Strengthening Program in High School Baseball Players
Authors: Moore Stephanie D. , Uhl Tim L. , Kibler W. Ben
Published: February 2013

Background:

The posterior shoulder muscles play key roles in maintaining shoulder function in throwing. Arm fatigue has been identified as a risk factor for shoulder and elbow pain in youth baseball pitchers. However, endurance of the posterior shoulder muscles in overhead athletes is not routinely examined or conditioned.

Hypothesis:

Upper extremity muscular endurance can be improved in adolescent baseball players during a 20-week preseason training program. Secondarily, strength will be improved. Finally, these improvements will be associated with maintenance of range of motion.

Study Design:

Cohort study.

Methods:

Fourteen baseball players (age, 16 ± 2 years) attended 3 supervised training sessions per week for 20 weeks. Strengthening of the upper extremity was performed with a specific progression that utilized readily available equipment. Testing was completed at baseline and at 4, 8, and 20 weeks. The posterior shoulder endurance test was performed to assess muscular endurance. Glenohumeral internal and external rotation range of motion and strength were measured.

Results:

Posterior shoulder endurance improved from 30 ± 14 repetitions at baseline to 66 ± 26 at 4 weeks and 88 ± 36 at 20 weeks ( P < 0.05). Glenohumeral internal rotation range of motion and the glenohumeral internal/external rotation strength ratio remained similar over the course of the program.

Conclusion:

Implementation of a preseason training program effectively increased shoulder muscular endurance while maintaining strength ratios and range of motion throughout the 20-week program.

Clinical Relevance:

This program improved a key parameter known to be associated with shoulder function and injury risk. This study describes a simple clinical tool to assess muscular endurance of the posterior shoulder.
Tai Chi as an Alternative and Complementary Therapy for Patients With Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Sharma Manoj , Haider Taj
Published: February 2013

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma are the third ranking cause of death worldwide. A systematic review was conducted to determine the efficacy of tai chi as a therapy to relieve symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and/or asthma. Inclusion criteria were ( a) published in the English language, ( b) between the period January 2008 and July 2012, ( c) included tai chi or any form of modified tai chi as a therapy in an intervention, ( d) used any quantitative study design, and ( e) measured chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and/or asthma as an outcome. A total of 5 interventions from 6 studies met these criteria. Tai chi as an effective therapy for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is still difficult to determine, although the result listed here are promising. Limitations include small sample sizes, high attrition rates, and short intervention durations.
Trends in the lifetime risk of COPD exacerbation requiring hospitalisation
Authors: Lykkegaard Jesper , dePont Christensen René , Davidsen Jesper Rømhild , Støvring Henrik , Andersen Morten , Søndergaard Jens
Published: February 2013

This study aimed to estimate time trends in the lifetime risk of hospitalisation with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Denmark.

During the period from 1994 to 2008, a register-based cohort study was conducted covering each subject in the entire population of Denmark (5.18 million in 2008). Based on previously validated diagnosis codes, all COPD hospitalisations were identified. Individual retrospective review periods of 8 years were used to determine first-time hospitalisations. From year 2002 to 2008, all first-time COPD hospitalised subjects aged ≥30 years were identified. The calculation of lifetime risk was based on age- and sex-specific first-time COPD hospitalisation rates and rates of COPD hospitalisation-free survival, assuming them to be calendar time stationary.

The study included 23.9 million person-years of risk time and identified 48 959 first-time COPD hospitalisations. For 30-year-olds in Denmark, the lifetime risk of COPD hospitalisation was 12.0% (95% CI 11.9–12.2) for females and 10.9% (95% CI 10.8–11.1) for males. Trends were generally equal in both sexes.

During the period from 2002 to 2008, the rate of first-time COPD hospitalisations decreased, while the survival of never COPD hospitalised subjects increased. In consequence, the lifetime risk of COPD hospitalisation remained constant.
Current status of and future strategies for multimodality treatment of unresectable stage III nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: Huber Rudolf M. , Reck Martin , Thomas Michael
Published: February 2013

Stage III nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) encompasses a heterogeneous group of patients, some of whom may be candidates for potentially curative surgery, although for the majority surgery is not an option. Recommended therapy for patients with unresectable stage III disease is concurrent treatment with chemotherapy and thoracic radiotherapy, although even with this dual modality therapy survival remains disappointing. Novel classes of agents including targeted therapies have been shown to improve survival in advanced stage NSCLC, raising the possibility that these agents may have benefits in multimodal therapy when combined with chemoradiotherapy. Here we consider the rationale for combining new agents with chemoradiotherapy and the evidence from clinical studies assessing multimodal strategies for the management of patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC.
A new class of bronchodilator improves lung function in COPD: a trial with GSK961081
Authors: Wielders Pascal L.M.L. , Ludwig-Sengpiel Andrea , Locantore Nicholas , Baggen Suus , Chan Robert , Riley John H.
Published: February 2013

GSK961081 is a bifunctional molecule demonstrating both muscarinic antagonist and β-agonist activities.

This was a 4-week, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo and salmeterol controlled parallel group study. Doses ranging across three twice-daily doses and three once-daily doses were assessed in moderate and severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Trough forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) at day 29 was the primary end-point. At days 1 and 28, 12-h FEV1spirometry was performed in all patients. A subset of patients underwent complete 24-h spirometry at day 28.

The study recruited 436 patients. GSK961081 showed statistically and clinically significant differences from placebo in all doses and regimens for trough FEV1on day 29 (155–277 mL). The optimal total daily dose was 400 μg, either as 400 μg once daily or as 200 μg twice daily, with an improvement in day 29 trough FEV1of 215 mL and 249 mL, respectively. Other efficacy end-points also showed improvement. No effects were observed on glucose, potassium, heart rate, blood pressure and no dose–response effect was seen on corrected QT elongation.

This study showed that GSK961081 is an effective bronchodilator in COPD and appeared to be safe and well tolerated.
Comparative proteomic analysis of the effect of temperature and fertilizer on gliadin and glutenin accumulation in the developing endosperm and flour from Triticum aestivum L. cv. Butte 86
Authors: Hurkman William J , Tanaka Charlene K , Vensel William H , Thilmony Roger , Altenbach Susan B
Published: February 2013

Background

Flour quality is largely determined by the gluten proteins, a complex mixture of proteins consisting of high molecular weight-glutenin subunits (HMW-GS), low molecular weight-glutenin subunits (LMW-GS), and α-, γ-, and ω-gliadins. Detailed proteomic analyses of the effects of fertilizer and high temperature on individual gliadin and glutenin protein levels are needed to determine how these environmental factors influence flour quality.

Results

Wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Butte 86) were grown in greenhouses under moderate and high temperature regimens with and without post-anthesis fertilizer. Quantitative two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was used to construct accumulation profiles in developing endosperm for the entire complement of gluten proteins identified previously by tandem mass spectrometry. Amounts of individual gliadins and glutenins were also determined in flour produced under each of the regimens. Under all environmental regimens, most HMW-GS, LMW-GS, γ- and ω-gliadins accumulated rapidly during early stages of grain development and leveled off during middle stages of development. A subset of LMW-GS showed a second distinct profile, accumulating throughout development, while α-gliadins showed a variety of accumulation profiles. In flour, fourteen distinct gluten proteins responded similarly to fertilizer, high temperature, and high temperature plus fertilizer. The majority of HMW-GS and ω-gliadins and some α-gliadins increased while two LMW-GS and a minor γ-gliadin decreased. Fertilizer did not influence gluten protein accumulation under high temperature conditions. Additionally, the effects of fertilizer and high temperature were not additive; very few changes were observed when plants that received fertilizer were subjected to high temperature.

Conclusions

Although post-anthesis temperature and fertilizer have very different effects on grain development and yield, the two treatments elicit surprisingly similar effects on the accumulation of gluten proteins. The similarity of the responses to the different treatments is likely due to source-sink activities of nitrogen reserves in the wheat plant. Because each protein that showed a response in this study is linked to a gene sequence, the work sets the stage for transgenic studies that will better elucidate the roles of specific proteins in flour quality and in the response to the environment.
Induced pH-dependent shift by local surface plasmon resonance in functionalized gold nanorods
Authors: Toh Yon-Rui , Yu Pyng , Wen Xiaoming , Tang Jau , Hsieh Tao-shih
Published: February 2013

Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) spectroscopy of metallic nanoparticles is a powerful tool for chemical and biological sensing experiments. In this study, we observed LSPR shifts of 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid modified gold nanorods (GNR-MUA) for the pH range of 6.41 to 8.88. We proposed a mechanism involving changes of the dipole moment after protonation/deprotonation carboxylic groups of 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) which plays an important role by modulating LSPR around the functionalized GNR. Such a stable and easily prepared GNR-MUA has potential to become one of the most efficient and promising pH nanosensors to study intra- or extra-cellular pH in a wide range of chemical or biological systems.
A linear polyethylenimine mediated siRNA-based therapy targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor in SPC-A1 xenograft mice
Authors: Zhang Pinghai , Xu Nuo , Zhou Lei , Xu Xin , Wang Yuehong , Li Ka , Zeng Zhaochong , Wang Xiangdong , Zhang Xin , Bai Chunxue
Published: February 2013

Background

Linear polyethylenimine (LPEI) is considered as a desirable gene in vivo delivery system, but whether it could deliver the specific siRNA targeted EGFR to the tumor site to inhibit the growth of NSCLC xenograft in nude mice still needs to be examined.

Methods

In this study, LPEI/siRNA was made into a complex and SPC-A1-xenografted mice model was established. Then, stable LPEI/siRNA-EGFR complexes were intraperitoneally administrated. Afterwards, tumor growth was measured every 3 days. At the end of the experiment, tumor volume was calculated, and tumors were weighed, and examined for EGFR expression, proliferation, and apoptosis evaluations. By using blood samples, toxicity tests including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea and creatinine (Cr) were measured for liver and renal function evaluation. Serum concentrations of TNF-α and IFN-γ were also examined.

Results

Our results demonstrated that LPEI/siRNA-EGFR complexes could downregulate EGFR expression in SPC-A1 xenografted tumor upon single i.p. injection. LPEI/siRNA-EGFR complexes inhibited tumor growth and did not induce organ toxicity in SPC-A1-xenografted mice. At the end of the experiment no significant IFN-α increase was detected in LPEI/siRNA complexes or glucose-treated groups.

Conclusions

The novel modality of siRNA-based therapy targeting EGFR may be of great potential in NSCLC treatment.
Harmonization in laboratory medicine: the complete picture
Authors: Plebani Mario
Published: February 2013

Evidence of the acute lack of interchangeable laboratory results and consensus in current practice among clinical laboratories has underpinned greater attention to standardization and harmonization projects. Although the focus is mainly on the standardization of measurement procedures, the scope of harmonization goes beyond method and analytical results: it includes all other aspects of laboratory testing, including terminology and units, report formats, reference intervals and decision limits, as well as test profiles and criteria for the interpretation of results. This review provides further insight on the issue of harmonization in laboratory medicine in view of the urgent need for a complete picture now that old and new drivers are calling for more effective efforts in this field. The main drivers for standardization and harmonization projects are first and foremost patient safety, but also the increasing trends towards consolidation and networking of clinical laboratories, accreditation programs, clinical governance, and advances in Information Technology (IT), including the electronic patient record. The harmonization process, which should be considered a three-tier approach involving local, national and international fronts, must go beyond the harmonization of methods and analytical results to include all other aspects of laboratory testing. A pertinent example of the importance of a complete picture in harmonization programs is given by the National Bone Health Alliance working in the field of bone turnover markers in cooperation with scientific societies including the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC).
Increased susceptibility to diet-induced obesity in GPRC6A receptor knockout mice
Authors: Clemmensen Christoffer , Smajilovic Sanela , Madsen Andreas N , Klein Anders B , Holst Birgitte , Bräuner-Osborne Hans
Published: February 2013

The recently identified G protein-coupled receptor GPRC6A is activated by dietary amino acids and expressed in multiple tissues. Although the receptor is hypothesised to exert biological impact on metabolic and endocrine-related parameters, the role of the receptor in obesity and metabolic complications is still elusive. In the present study, we investigated the impact of GPRC6A deficiency in a murine model of diet-induced obesity (DIO). MaleGprc6aknockout (KO) mice and WT littermates were subjected to a high-fat diet (HFD) for 25 weeks and exposed to comprehensive metabolic phenotyping. A significant increase in body weight, corresponding to a selective increase in body fat, was observed inGprc6aKO mice exposed to an HFD relative to WT controls. The obese phenotype was linked to subtle perturbations in energy homoeostasis as GPRC6A deficiency resulted in chronic hyperphagia and decreased locomotor activity. Moreover, diet-induced obeseGprc6aKO mice had increased circulating insulin and leptin levels relative to WT animals, thereby demonstrating that endocrine abnormalities associate with the reported disturbances in energy balance. The phenotype was further accompanied by disruptions in glucose metabolism showing thatGprc6aKO mice on an HFD display increased susceptibility to develop metabolic-related disorders. Altogether, these data suggest that the amino acid sensing receptor GPRC6A plays an important role in resistance to DIO and metabolic complications. Future studies will illuminate the underlying molecular mechanisms mediating the herein reported findings and potentially facilitate the development of novel therapeutic compounds targeting the GPRC6A receptor.
The Assessment of Velopharyngeal Function Using Nasal Ram Pressure Testing following Palatoplasty
Authors: Krochmal Daniel J. , Zajac David J. , Alhudaib Omar M. , Emodi Omri , Van Aalst John A.
Published: February 2013

Objective

To compare nasal ram pressure (NRP) data with perceptual speech assessments in young children following palatoplasty.

Design and Setting

NRP monitoring, a noninvasive technique using a two-pronged nasal cannula that detects nasal airflow during speech, was performed on patients 12 months following palatoplasty in our Craniofacial Center.

Patients

Eighteen English-speaking nonsyndromic patients, aged 21 to 28 months, without hearing or language deficits, underwent NRP testing.

Main Outcome Measured

During NRP measurement, the number of oral stop consonants produced spontaneously or following prompts was recorded. Stops were considered produced with velopharyngeal closure if NRP demonstrated no nasal airflow. The percentage of closed stops as measured by NRP was compared to the clinical assessment by craniofacial team speech-language pathologists.

Results

Eight patients achieved 100% stop closure. Four patients obtained 90% to 96% stop closure. Three patients had stop closure of 85%, 78%, and 50%. Three patients had 0% stop closure; two of these patients subsequently underwent secondary palatal surgery. No significant clinical speech deficits were noted in patients with 90% closure. No association with defect size or cleft type was identified.

Conclusions

NRP monitoring is well-tolerated in young children following palatoplasty. Achieving velopharyngeal (VP) closure for 90% of stops is associated with a clinical assessment of adequate speech and VP function. Postoperative NRP testing may serve as a useful adjunct to clinical speech evaluation for early identification of children who require more intensive speech therapy or secondary palatal surgery.
Photoelectrocatalytic disinfection of water and wastewater: performance evaluation by qPCR and culture techniques
Authors: Venieri Danae , Chatzisymeon Efthalia , Politi Eleonora , Sofianos Spiridon S. , Katsaounis Alexandros , Mantzavinos Dionissios
Published: February 2013

Photoelectrocatalytic oxidation (PEC) was evaluated as a disinfection technique using water and secondary treated wastewater spiked with Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis. PEC experiments were carried out using a TiO2/Ti-film anode and a zirconium cathode under simulated solar radiation. Bacterial inactivation was monitored by culture and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Inactivation rates were enhanced when the duration of the treatment was prolonged and when the bacterial density and the complexity of the water matrix were decreased. E. coli cells were reduced by approximately 6 orders of magnitude after 15 min of PEC treatment in water at 2V of applied potential and an initial concentration of 107 CFU/mL; pure photocatalysis (PC) led to about 5 log reduction, while electrochemical oxidation alone resulted in negligible inactivation. The superiority of PEC relative to PC can be attributed to a more efficient separation of the photogenerated charge carriers. Regarding disinfection in mixed bacterial suspensions, E. coli was more susceptible than E. faecalis at a potential of 2V. The complex composition of wastewater affected disinfection efficiency, yielding lower inactivation rates compared to water treatment. qPCR yielded lower inactivation rates at longer treatment times than culture techniques, presumably due to the fact that the latter do not take into account the viable but not culturable state of microorganisms.
Survey of human pharmaceuticals in drinking water in the Czech Republic
Authors: Kozisek Frantisek , Pomykacova Ivana , Jeligova Hana , Cadek Vaclav , Svobodova Veronika
Published: February 2013

The first large-scale assessment of pharmaceuticals in drinking water in the Czech Republic (CR) focused on the detection of five substances. Samples were collected from public water systems supplying 5.3 million people, 50.5% of the Czech population. In the initial survey of tap water from 92 major supply zones using mostly surface water, no pharmaceutical exceeded the limit of quantification (LOQ = 0.5 ng/L). In a second survey, samples were collected from the outlet of 23 water treatment plants (WTPs) considered of high risk because they use surface waters influenced by wastewater. Ibuprofen was the most frequently found pharmaceutical (19 samples), followed by carbamazepine (12), naproxen (8), and diclofenac (3); concentrations ranged from 0.5 to 20.7 ng/L, with medians below 6 ng/L. Concentrations of 17α-ethinylestradiol were below the LOQ. A follow-up survey included tap and outlet samples from eight of the 23 WTPs with the highest concentrations. Pharmaceuticals were quantified in only three tap water samples. Regarding risks to consumers, these results suggest that a relatively small population (<10%) in the CR is exposed to quantifiable concentrations of pharmaceuticals in tap water and that an extremely high margin of safety (several thousand-fold to several million-fold) is associated with these exposures.
Variation in Nephrologist Visits to Patients on Hemodialysis across Dialysis Facilities and Geographic Locations
Authors: Erickson Kevin F. , Tan Kelvin B. , Winkelmayer Wolfgang C. , Chertow Glenn M. , Bhattacharya Jay
Published: February 2013

Background and objectives

Geographic and other variations in medical practices lead to differences in medical costs, often without a clear link to health outcomes. This work examined variation in the frequency of physician visits to patients receiving hemodialysis to measure the relative importance of provider practice patterns (including those patterns linked to geographic region) and patient health in determining visit frequency.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This work analyzed a nationally representative 2006 database of patients receiving hemodialysis in the United States. A variation decomposition analysis of the relative importance of facility, geographic region, and patient characteristics—including demographics, socioeconomic status, and indicators of health status—in explaining physician visit frequency variation was conducted. Finally, the associations between facility, geographic and patient characteristics, and provider visit frequency were measured using multivariable regression.

Results

Patient characteristics accounted for only 0.9% of the total visit frequency variation. Accounting for case-mix differences, patients’ hemodialysis facilities explained about 24.9% of visit frequency variation, of which 9.3% was explained by geographic region. Visit frequency was more closely associated with many facility and geographic characteristics than indicators of health status. More recent dialysis initiation and recent hospitalization were associated with decreased visit frequency.

Conclusions

In hemodialysis, provider visit frequency depends more on geography and facility location and characteristics than patients’ health status or acuity of illness. The magnitude of variation unrelated to patient health suggests that provider visit frequency practices do not reflect optimal management of patients on dialysis.
The role of Fluorine-18-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in staging and restaging of patients with osteosarcoma
Authors: Quartuccio Natale , Treglia Giorgio , Salsano Marco , Mattoli Maria Vittoria , Muoio Barbara , Piccardo Arnoldo , Lopci Egesta , Cistaro Angelina
Published: February 2013

Background.The objective of this study is to systematically review the role of positron emission tomography (PET) and PET/computed tomography (PET/CT) with Fluorine-18-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) in patients with osteosarcoma (OS).

Methods. A comprehensive literature search of published studies through October 10th, 2012 in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase and Scopus databases regarding whole-body FDG-PET and FDG-PET/CT in patients with OS was performed.

Results. We identified 13 studies including 289 patients with OS. With regard to the staging and restaging of OS, the diagnostic performance of FDG-PET and PET/CT seem to be high; FDG-PET and PET/CT seem to be superior to bone scintigraphy and conventional imaging methods in detecting bone metastases; conversely, spiral CT seems to be superior to FDG-PET in detecting pulmonary metastases from OS

Conclusions.Metabolic imaging may provide additional information in the evaluation of OS patients. The combination of FDG-PET or FDG-PET/CT with conventional imaging methods seems to be a valuable tool in the staging and restaging of OS and may have a relevant impact on the treatment planning.
Deformations and liquefaction of granular soils in plane strain conditions
Authors: Sawicki Andrzej , Sławińska Justyna
Published: February 2013

An incremental model is proposed to describe pre-failure behaviour of granular soils in plane strain conditions. The model has been derived from an approach applied in the analysis of triaxial tests. We have applied the methods of tensor algebra to transfer our triaxial results to a 2D case. The model describes the pre-failure deformations of fully drained sands and phenomena associated with undrained response such as static liquefaction. This model has a simple structure in the form of incremental equations. For some simple loading paths, these equations can be integrated analytically. For more complex loading paths a simple numerical algorithms will be sufficient. The model takes into account an initial anisotropy of soil which is ignored in most models. It also takes into account the initial state of soil, defined as rather contractive or dilative, in addition to classical geotechnical division into loose and dense sands. The proposed constitutive equations allow the study of pre-failure instabilities of sand, and some examples are presented.We have also derived analytically the equation for an instability line.
Chemiluminescence of Peripheral Blood Neutrophils in Mares with Endometritis
Authors: Krumrych Wiesław , Danek Janusz
Published: February 2013

The aim of the study was to evaluate the oxygen metabolism of neutrophils in peripheral blood of mares in relation to intensity of endometrium inflammations. The study involved 36 half-breed mares, aged 4-22 years, showing fertility disturbances. In 26 mares neutrophils were found in uteral smears, which indicated endometritis (15 - moderate inflammation and 11 - severe inflammation). In the rest mares, cytological examination excluded inflammation. Blood samples were evaluated in terms of neutrophils chemiluminescence without stimulation (CL-WS) and with stimulation by opsonised zymosan (CL-OZ). The study demonstrated (only in case of CL-WS) an increase in chemiluminescence of cells in mares with a severe inflammation of the endometrium. The increased chemiluminescence activity was accompanied by a decrease in activation index (OZ/WS) of neutrophils, suggesting some imbalance between production and elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The correlation analysis demonstrated a statistically significant relation between the intensity of the uterus inflammation, which was verified by cytological examination and CL-WS of peripheral blood neutrophils, as well as their activation index. The obtained results suggest that activated neutrophils are an important source of ROS which can play a role in the pathogenesis of endometritis in mares.
P-Wave Dispersion in Prediction of Maintenance of Sinus Rhythm After an Electrical Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation in Dogs
Authors: Noszczyk-Nowak Agnieszka
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the diagnostic accuracy of P-wave dispersion in predicting recurrence of atrial fibrillation in dogs with sinus rhythm restoration after external cardioversion. The study was performed on 15 dogs, which underwent electrical external cardioversion after atrial fibrillation. Nine-lead surface electrocardiogram of each dog was recorded 1 min after the cardioversion process to measure the P-wave duration. Dogs with recurrent atrial fibrillation had significantly higher P-wave dispersion compared to dogs that had a sinus rhythm lasting more than 3 months (9.26 ±2.01 ms vs 20.9 ±2.18 ms, P=0.001). This study suggests that P-wave dispersion analysis in dogs after a successful external electrical cardioversion has diagnostic accuracy to predict the recurrence of atrial fibrillation.
Development of Early Humoral and Cell-Mediated Immunity in Piglets with Experimentally Induced Subclinical Swine Influenza
Authors: Pomorska-Mól Małgorzata , Markowska-Daniel Iwona , Rachubik Jarosław
Published: February 2013

Development of early immune response in piglets with subclinical swine influenza was investigated. Fourteen, seronegative piglets were used. Ten of them were infected intranasally with swine influenza virus (SIV) H1N1 subtype. Temperature and clinical signs were assessed daily. Leukocyte proportions and concentrations were analysed on a haematology analyser. Antibodies against SIVs were measured by haemagglutination inhibition assay. To measure influenza-specific cell-mediated immunity (CMI), the proliferation assay was performed. The real time reverse transcription PCR method was used for detection of SIV. No relevant respiratory or systemic clinical signs were observed. The presence of SIV RNA in nasal swabs from all infected piglets was confirmed between 2 and 5 dpi. The overall number of leukocytes did not differ during the study. The number of medium-sized cells (MID) was significantly higher on 2 and 4 dpi, as compared to day 0 level. The percentage of lymphocytes decreased from 74% on day 0 to 67.06% on 4 dpi, while the percentage of MID significantly increased at the same time. In control pigs no significant changes were observed. All infected pigs exhibited specific antibodies between 7 and 10 dpi. Specific CMI was observed before specific antibodies were present. Results of our research indicate that kinetics of the humoral and CMI response during subclinical infection is similar to that observed in clinical form of the disease.