bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementing Group Medical Visits for Older Adults at Group Health Cooperative
Authors: Levine Martin D. , Ross Tyler R. , Balderson Benjamin H. K. , Phelan Elizabeth A.
Published: December 2009

In a pair of randomized controlled trials in the Kaiser Permanente delivery system in Colorado in the 1990s, group visits for older adults (monthly non‐disease‐specific group medical appointments for a cohort of patients led by primary care teams) were proven to reduce costs, decrease hospitalizations, and improve patient and provider satisfaction. As part of a translational effort, this group visit intervention was replicated in a delivery system in Seattle, Washington, and the log of total healthcare costs was measured in the first year of the intervention. Utilization and patient and physician satisfaction were secondary outcomes. For the cost and utilization analysis, a retrospective case–control design compared 221 case patients aged 65 and older with high outpatient usage in the previous 18 months with 1,015 control patients selected randomly from clinics not participating in the intervention. Controls were matched to cases on the number of primary care visits in the prior 18 months. Total costs were not statistically different for intervention patients and controls ($8,845 vs $10,288, P=.11), nor were there statistically significant differences in utilization, including hospital admissions and outpatient visits, but patient and provider satisfaction with the intervention was high. This translational effort did not demonstrate the cost savings of the original efficacy trials. Possible explanations for these divergent results may have to do with differences between those who participated and differences between the two delivery systems.
Demographic profile of blood donors at three major Brazilian blood centers: results from the International REDS‐II study, 2007 to 2008
Authors: Carneiro‐Proietti Anna Bárbara , Sabino Ester C. , Sampaio Divaldo , Proietti Fernando A. , Gonçalez Thelma T. , Oliveira Cláudia D.L. , Ferreira João E. , Liu Jing , Custer Brian , Schreiber George B. , Murphy Edward L. , Busch Michael P.
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND: The profile of blood donors changed dramatically in Brazil over the past 20 years, from remunerated to nonremunerated and then from replacement to community donors. Donor demographic data from three major blood centers establish current donation profiles in Brazil, serving as baseline for future analyses and tracking longitudinal changes in donor characteristics.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Data were extracted from the blood center, compiled in a data warehouse, and analyzed. Population data were obtained from the Brazilian census.

RESULTS: During 2007 to 2008, there were 615,379 blood donations from 410,423 donors. A total of 426,142 (69.2%) were from repeat (Rpt) donors and 189,237 (30.8%) were from first‐time (FT) donors. Twenty percent of FT donors returned to donate in the period. FT donors were more likely to be younger, and Rpt donors were more likely to be community donors. All were predominantly male. Replacement donors still represent 50% of FT and 30% of Rpt donors. The mean percentage of the potentially general population who were donors was approximately 1.2% for the three centers (0.7, 1.5, and 3.1%). Adjusting for the catchment's area, the first two were 2.1 and 1.6%.

CONCLUSIONS: Donors in the three Brazilian centers tended to be younger with a higher proportion of males than in the general population. Donation rates were lower than desirable. There were substantial differences in sex, age, and community/replacement status by center. Studies on the safety, donation frequencies, and motivations of donors are in progress to orient efforts to enhance the availability of blood.
Dutch Druggists in Distress: Franchisees Facing the Complex Decision of how to React to Their Franchisor's Strategic Plans
Authors: Croonen Evelien P. M. , Brand Maryse J.
Published: December 2009

This case focuses on the decisions confronting Marc van der Bilt and his family. At the age of 59, Marc had been a franchisee of the Dutch DA drugstore chain for 23 years and had always planned to remain one until his retirement. In the spring of 2003, however, a change of management at the DA headquarters sparked major strategic changes to the DA chain that placed Marc and his family in a difficult position. They must decide on the future of their family business; should they go along with their franchisor's new plans or not?
The Behavioral Impact of Entrepreneur Identity Aspiration and Prior Entrepreneurial Experience
Authors: Farmer Steven M. , Yao Xin , Kung–Mcintyre Kate
Published: December 2009

This study examines entrepreneurial motivation in three diverse samples from an identity–possible self–perspective. We propose a model describing antecedents and outcomes of entrepreneur identity aspirations. In two of the three samples, strength of entrepreneur identity aspiration was significantly associated with the extent to which the individual's self–description fit his or her perceptions of the entrepreneurial role. However, identity aspiration strength predicted discovery and exploitation behaviors in all three samples. Additionally, prior start–up experience moderated the relationship between identity aspiration and exploitation behaviors for all three samples. These findings contribute to our understanding of what moves entrepreneurial “dreamers” to action.
Entrepreneurial Orientation, Organizational Learning, and Performance: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhao Yongbin , Li Yuan , Lee Soo Hoon , Bo Chen Long
Published: December 2009

This study examined the relationships among entrepreneurial orientation (EO), experimental learning (EL) and acquisitive learning (AL), and firm performance (FP). We tested our model in China as EO is the engine that is driving firms to take advantage of opportunities in an increasingly market–oriented transitional economy. From the responses of 607 firms, we found that EO was positively related to EL but had an inverse U–shaped relationship with AL. Both EL and AL enhanced FP although the effects from AL were weaker and became nonsignificant when external knowledge was embedded into the firm's internal private knowledge.
Regret‐Regression for Optimal Dynamic Treatment Regimes
Authors: Henderson Robin , Ansell Phil , Alshibani Deyadeen
Published: December 2009

Summary We consider optimal dynamic treatment regime determination in practice. Model building, checking, and comparison have had little or no attention so far in this literature. Motivated by an application on optimal dosage of anticoagulants, we propose a modeling and estimation strategy that incorporates the regret functions of Murphy (2003, Journal of the Royal Statistical Society, Series B 65, 331–366) into a regression model for observed responses. Estimation is quick and diagnostics are available, meaning a variety of candidate models can be compared. The method is illustrated using simulation and the anticoagulation application.
Design and Analysis of Multiple Events Case–Control Studies
Authors: Sun Wenguang , Joffe Marshall M. , Chen Jinbo , Brunelli Steven M.
Published: December 2009

Summary In case–control research where there are multiple case groups, standard analyses fail to make use of all available information. Multiple events case–control (MECC) studies provide a new approach to sampling from a cohort and are useful when it is desired to study multiple types of events in the cohort. In this design, subjects in the cohort who develop any event of interest are sampled, as well as a fraction of the remaining subjects. We show that a simple case–control analysis of data arising from MECC studies is biased and develop three general estimating‐equation‐based approaches to analyzing data from these studies. We conduct simulation studies to compare the efficiency of the various MECC analyses with each other and with the corresponding conventional analyses. It is shown that the gain in efficiency by using the new design is substantial in many situations. We demonstrate the application of our approach to a nested case–control study of the effect of oral sodium phosphate use on chronic kidney injury with multiple case definitions.
Small‐Sample Estimation of Species Richness Applied to Forest Communities
Authors: Hwang Wen‐Han , Shen Tsung‐Jen
Published: December 2009

Summary Many well‐known methods are available for estimating the number of species in a forest community. However, most existing methods result in considerable negative bias in applications, where field surveys typically represent only a small fraction of sampled communities. This article develops a new method based on sampling with replacement to estimate species richness via the generalized jackknife procedure. The proposed estimator yields small bias and reasonably accurate interval estimation even with small samples. The performance of the proposed estimator is compared with several typical estimators via simulation study using two complete census datasets from Panama and Malaysia.
Stature Estimation from Foot Length Using Universal Regression Formula in a North Indian Population
Authors: Kanchan Tanuj , Menezes Ritesh G. , Moudgil Rohan , Kaur Ramneet , Kotian M.S. , Garg Rakesh K.
Published: December 2009

Abstract:  Stature is a significant parameter in establishing identity of an unknown. Conventionally, researchers derive regression formula separately for males and females. Sex, however, may not always be determined accurately, particularly in dismembered remains and thus the need for a universal regression formula for stature estimation irrespective of sex of an individual. The study was carried out in an endogamous group of North India to compare the accuracy of sex‐specific regression models for stature estimation from foot length with the models derived when the sex was presumed as unknown. The study reveals that regression equation derived for the latter can estimate stature with reasonable accuracy. Thus, stature can be estimated accurately from foot length by regression analysis even when sex remains unknown.
Analysis of Pigmented Inkjet Printer Inks and Printed Documents by Laser Desorption/Mass Spectrometry*,†
Authors: Donnelly Shawn , Marrero Josette E. , Cornell Trevor , Fowler Kevin , Allison John
Published: December 2009

Abstract:  Anyone with a computer, scanner, and color printer has the capability for creating documents such as identification cards, passports, and counterfeit currency. Laser desorption mass spectrometry (LDMS) has been demonstrated as a powerful tool for colorant analysis. Inkjet printers are now moving largely toward the use of pigments as colorants; their insolubility makes analysis by simpler methods such as thin‐layer chromatography no longer an option. Recent developments in pigmented inkjet printer inks, such as gloss optimizers that coat pigment particles, may prohibit colorant analysis by LDMS. We demonstrate here that pigments used in inks from two Epson printers can be detected and analyzed by LDMS. Also, LDMS spectra of various colors created using a 4‐cartridge (cyan/magenta/yellow/black, CMYK) inkset are evaluated, to begin to develop an approach for unraveling LDMS data from real samples, to determine the number of inks used by a printer, and the chemical composition of the colorants.
Formalin deposition as artifact in biopsies from patients affected by a new variant of endemic pemphigus foliaceus in El Bagre, Colombia, South America
Authors: Abreu Velez Ana Maria , Howard Michael S. , Restrepo‐Isaza Marcos , Smoller Bruce
Published: December 2009

Background: Most autoimmune diseases occur sporadically; however, endemic pemphigus foliaceus (EPF) is present in specific locales restricted to some geographic rural regions mostly in South America, Central America and in Tunisia (Africa). Its geographic restriction makes it an invaluable natural model for studying how the environment, genetic background and host response contribute to the development of autoimmunity. We described a new variant of EPF in El Bagre, Colombia, (El Bagre‐EPF). When we examined the skin biopsies from 10 patients and controls from the endemic area, we detected in a systematic manner several types of pigmentation, sometimes intracellular, and sometimes in the extracellular matrix in most biopsies.

Aim: We aim to determine the nature of this pigment in these skin biopsies.

Methods: We studied 10 patients and 10 controls matched by sex, age and work activity living in the endemic area by routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E).

Results: We were unable to find any bacteriological or parasitic organism. Specifically, we searched for several tropical disease agents as possible causative agents of this pigment. Iron stains and melanin pigment bleaching techniques failed to determine the etiology of this pigment. We then tried the removal of formalin pigment using picric acid. The pigment was removed after very strong treatment with different acids including picric acid.

Conclusions: Formalin pigment shares many properties with hemozoin. In this case, the authors recommend the use of neutral buffered formalin to prevent the formation of formalin pigment especially after long periods of fixation when taking biopsies under extreme temperature and environmental humidity.

Abreu Velez AM, Howard MS, Restrepo‐Isaza M, Smoller B. Formalin deposition as artifact in biopsies from patients affected by a new variant of endemic pemphigus foliaceus in El Bagre, Colombia, South America.
Borrelia in granuloma annulare, morphea and lichen sclerosus: a PCR‐based study and review of the literature
Authors: Zollinger Therese , Mertz Kirsten D. , Schmid Mirka , Schmitt Anja , Pfaltz Madeleine , Kempf Werner
Published: December 2009

Background: Morphea, granuloma annulare (GA) and lichen sclerosus et atrophicans (LSA) have also been suggested to be linked to Borrelia infection. Previous studies based on serologic data or detection of Borrelia by immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) reported contradictory results. Thus, we examined skin biopsies of morphea, GA and LSA by PCR to assess the prevalence of Borrelia DNA in an endemic area and to compare our results with data in the literature.

Methods: Amplification of DNA sequences of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato by nested PCR from formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded skin biopsies of morphea, GA and LSA, followed by automated sequencing of amplification products. PCR‐based studies on Borrelia species in these disorders published until July 2009 were retrieved by a literature search.

Results: Borrelia DNA was detected in 3 of 112 skin biopsies (2.7%) including one of 49 morphea biopsies (2.0%), one of 48 GA biopsies (2.1%) and one of 15 LSA biopsies (6.6%). Amplification products belonged to B. burgdorferi sensu stricto in two cases available for sequence analysis.

Conclusions: The results of our and most of other PCR‐based studies do not argue for a significant association of B. burgdorferi sensu lato with morphea, GA, LSA.

Zollinger T, Mertz KD, Schmid M, Schmitt A, Pfaltz M, Kempf W. Borrelia in granuloma annulare, morphea and lichen sclerosus: a PCR‐based study and review of the literature.
A pilot study of the role of green tea use on oral health
Authors: Awadalla HI , Ragab MH , Bassuoni MW , Fayed MT , Abbas MO
Published: December 2009

To cite this article:
 
Int J Dent Hygiene
9, 2011; 110–116 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2009.00440.x Awadalla HI, Ragab MH, Bassuoni MW, Fayed MT, Abbas MO. A pilot study of the role of green tea use on oral health.

Abstract:  Introduction:  An increasing number of people all around the world are turning to the nature by using the natural herbal products in both prophylaxes and treatment of different diseases. Green tea with active chemical ingredients posses diverse pharmacological properties that include anti‐inflammatory, anticariogenic, antioxidant and antibacterial effects.

Aims:  To assess the possible protective properties of green tea on oral health.

Methods:  The researchers used the following measurements: Streptococcus mutans count in saliva and plaque, Salivary and plaque pH values, Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI). The above‐mentioned measurements were applied to a sample consists of 25 subjects before and after rinsing with green tea for 5 min (short‐term study). While, S. mutans count for saliva and plaque and GBI measurements, this experimental intervention study was carried out in the El‐Azhar University dental clinic.

Results:  The results of this study showed that there was a statistically significant difference among subjects pre‐ and post‐rinsing with 2% green tea for 5 min concerning S. mutans count in saliva and plaque, salivary and plaque pH values and GBI.

Conclusion:  This study supports the effectiveness of local application of green tea as antibacterial and anticariogenic material as it decreases the acidity of the saliva and plaque, so it is a cost‐effective caries prevention measures especially in developing countries.
Legacy, Policy, and Circumstance in Fertility Transition
Authors: McNicoll Geoffrey
Published: December 2009

Divergent fertility trends in the course of development are commonly ascribed to differences in state action—that is, to government policy, deliberate or inadvertent. However, fertility outcomes can also, often more persuasively, be traced to differences in cultural and institutional inheritance and in the supply and growth potential of human capital. These are materials that states and societies find themselves endowed with—in brief, their legacy. In reality, legacy and policy are interwoven: policy actions build on some legacy elements and attempt to combat others. And there is a third set of factors influencing fertility outcomes, covering distinctive features of the economic and geopolitical environment and essentially fortuitous events—together termed circumstance. Legacy and circumstance can shrink or shift the policy space, helping to explain past failures in policy achievement. These broad considerations are the basis for a sketch of East Asian/sub‐Saharan African contrasts in fertility transition over the last 50 years. The sketch points to missing avenues of policy action in the African case in seeking to overcome legacy obstacles.
The Gendered Double Standard of Aging in US Marriage Markets
Authors: England Paula , McClintock Elizabeth Aura
Published: December 2009

Using data on marriages collected in most US states between 1970 and 1988, we show that the older men are when they marry, the more years senior to their brides they are, whether it is a first or higher‐order marriage. While older men with more education marry down in age slightly more than less educated older men, the pattern of men marrying further down if they marry later holds strongly for all education groups. We consider several possible explanations for the tendency of men to marry further down in age if they are older at marriage. While we have no direct measure of physical attractiveness, we argue that the most compelling interpretation is that men, more than women, evaluate potential spouses on the basis of appearance. Because the prevailing standard of beauty favors young women, the older men are when they marry, the less they find women their own age attractive relative to younger women, leading them to marry further down in age if they are older at marriage. The consequence for women of men's preference for youth is more often that they remain unmarried than that they end up married to much older or less educated men.
RECONSTRUCTING DEWEYAN DEMOCRATIC EDUCATION FOR A GLOBALIZING WORLD
Authors: Wang Jessica Ching‐Sze
Published: December 2009

As democratic citizenship education gains importance worldwide, one wonders whether common civic education practices in the United States, such as mock elections, are adequate models for other countries, or whether they fall short of realizing the goal of promoting democracy in different regions and cultures. Despite various controversies, one fundamental question remains: How should we teach democracy? Should we teach it as a system of government or as a way of life? Jessica Ching‐Sze Wang finds inspiration in Dewey's life and works. She draws on Dewey's experience during the First World War and his insights into the connection between democracy and education to reconstruct a culturally and morally robust form of democratic education, as opposed to the politically dominated one currently being practiced. Wang concludes that Deweyan democratic education thus reconstructed can help us better realize democracy as a way of life for our globalizing world.
EDUCATION AS AN AFFIRMATIVE INVENTION: ALAIN BADIOU AND THE PURPOSE OF TEACHING AND CURRICULUM
Authors: Den Heyer Kent
Published: December 2009

Schools can be places where students articulate a preferred social future and exercise informed judgment with others toward that goal. Yet, educators have few examples of what a curriculum explicitly concerned with undertaking such a process might look like. Distinct from questions about how best to receive an Other or social science investigations of what may constitute educational “best practices,” Kent den Heyer explores here the ways in which the work of Alain Badiou provides for a more proactive arrangement of knowledge in schools organized to instigate truth‐processes that might supplement individual and socially inherited commitments. Through this exploration, den Heyer argues for the democratic and life‐affirming benefits of scholars and teachers who take up a “disciplinary ethic of truths.” He provides one of potentially many curricular examples of such an arrangement of knowledge.
Restriction point control of the mammalian cell cycle via the cyclin E/Cdk2:p27 complex
Authors: Conradie Riaan , Bruggeman Frank J. , Ciliberto Andrea , Csikász‐Nagy Attila , Novák Bela , Westerhoff Hans V. , Snoep Jacky L.
Published: December 2009

Numerous top‐down kinetic models have been constructed to describe the cell cycle. These models have typically been constructed, validated and analyzed using model species (molecular intermediates and proteins) and phenotypic observations, and therefore do not focus on the individual model processes (reaction steps). We have developed a method to: (a) quantify the importance of each of the reaction steps in a kinetic model for the positioning of a switch point [i.e. the restriction point (RP)]; (b) relate this control of reaction steps to their effects on molecular species, using sensitivity and co‐control analysis; and thereby (c) go beyond a correlation towards a causal relationship between molecular species and effects. The method is generic and can be applied to responses of any type, but is most useful for the analysis of dynamic and emergent responses such as switch points in the cell cycle. The strength of the analysis is illustrated for an existing mammalian cell cycle model focusing on the RP [Novak B, Tyson J (2004)J Theor Biol230, 563–579]. The reactions in the model with the highest RP control were those involved in: (a) the interplay between retinoblastoma protein and E2F transcription factor; (b) those synthesizing the delayed response genes and cyclin D/Cdk4 in response to growth signals; (c) the E2F‐dependent cyclin E/Cdk2 synthesis reaction; as well as (d) p27 formation reactions. Nine of the 23 intermediates were shown to have a good correlation between their concentration control and RP control. Sensitivity and co‐control analysis indicated that the strongest control of the RP is mediated via the cyclin E/Cdk2:p27 complex concentration. Any perturbation of the RP could be related to a change in the concentration of this complex; apparent effects of other molecular species were indirect and always worked through cyclin E/Cdk2:p27, indicating a causal relationship between this complex and the positioning of the RP.
The microclimate under coloured hailnets affects leaf and fruit temperature, leaf anatomy, vegetative and reproductive growth as well as fruit colouration in apple
Authors: Solomakhin A. , Blanke M.
Published: December 2009

The purpose of this study was to investigate supposedly positive biological effects of coloured hailnets on microclimate, including photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), UV‐B, air, soil, fruit and leaf temperature as well as humidity, which in turn may affect leaf anatomy, tree growth and fruit quality; apple was chosen as a model crop at Klein‐Altendorf near Bonn, Germany; adjacent uncovered trees served as control.

Red and green hailnets transmitted 3–6% more red or green light, without alteration of the red:far red (R–666 nm:FR–730 nm) ratio (0.99–1.01:1) and hence without affecting the phytochrome system. The microclimate was changed with a reduction by 12–23% in PAR and, to a larger extent, by 20–28% in UV, viz. shading. Light measurements at a 45° angle, to mimic the fruit or leaf position, showed that PAR was 90–210 µmol m−2 s−1 larger outside on a sunny summer day than under the white or red‐white and 150–340 µmol m−2 s−1 larger than under red‐black and green‐black hailnets.

Air temperature and relative humidity under coloured hailnets decreased by ca. 1.3°C and by ca 2% rh (cloudy) to 5% rh (sunny day), respectively, compared with outside; leaf temperature was decreased by up to 3°C and fruit temperature by up to 6°C. Soil temperatures at 5 cm depth were 0.5–1°C colder under red‐black and green‐black hailnets, but up to 0.9°C warmer under white and red‐white hailnets compared with the uncovered control outside.

Alternate bearing had a larger impact on vegetative growth in the affected year than the coloured hailnets; annual trunk diameter increments in cv. ‘Fuji’, i.e. the variety susceptible to alternate bearing, showed a larger variation than cv. ‘Pinova’ without alternate bearing. Reproductive growth, viz. return bloom and leaf anatomy were impaired by the coloured hailnets. Apple trees under dark hailnets developed thinner leaves with a thinner epidermis and fewer layers of palisade cells. These leaves were 3.5°C (dark hailnets) and 2.5°C (white hailnets) cooler than outside on a sunny day compared with ca. 1.5°C (dark hailnets) and 0.85°C (white hailnets) on a cloudy day. Transpirational cooling of cv. ‘Fuji’ leaves was 0.3–0.6°C outside and 1.4–1.6°C under the green‐black hailnet on sunny days compared to <0.1°C on cloudy days. As a practical application, apple fruit colouration was dependent on light (PAR and UV‐B) transmission of the respective hailnet colour.
Relative Importance of Seed‐Bank and Post‐Disturbance Seed Dispersal on Early Gap Regeneration in a Colombian Amazon Forest
Authors: Castillo Luis S. , Stevenson Pablo R.
Published: December 2009

Early forest gap regeneration may be generated by postdisturbance seed rain and by seed, seedling or bud banks (i.e., resprouting). The relative importance of each process may depend on several factors (e.g., fruit/seed production, abundance and behavior of seed dispersers, gap characteristics, etc.). We experimentally compared the importance of seed‐bank and seed‐rain affecting early recruitment of seedlings in an Amazonian forest (Zafire Biological Station, Colombia), using soil transplants from forests to gaps and seed rain enclosures. We found that, during the 8‐mo study, the seed‐bank contributed with a larger number of individuals and species than seed‐rain. The low seedling recruitment rates may be associated with reduced populations of animal seed‐dispersers due to hunting and/or low levels of forest fruit production.
Characterization of sleep–wake patterns in a novel transgenic mouse line overexpressing human prepro‐orexin/hypocretin
Authors: Mäkelä K. A. , Wigren H.‐K. , Zant J. C. , Sakurai T. , Alhonen L. , Kostin A. , Porkka‐Heiskanen T. , Herzig K.‐H.
Published: December 2009

Aim:  Orexin/hypocretin peptides are expressed in the lateral hypothalamus and involved in the regulation of autonomic functions, energy homeostasis and arousal states. The sleep disorder narcolepsy, which is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and occurrence of sudden rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, is associated with a loss of orexin neurones. Our study investigated the effects of orexins on sleep–wake patterns in a novel transgenic mouse line overexpressing the human prepro‐orexin (hPPO) gene under the control of its endogenous promoter.

Methods:  Orexin overexpression was investigated by PCR, Southern and Western blotting as well as immunohistochemistry. Polysomnographic recordings were performed for analyses of sleep–wake patterns and for electroencephalographic activity during 24 h baseline and during and after 6 h of sleep deprivation (SD).

Results:  Transgenic hPPO mice had increased expression of human prepro‐orexin (hPPO) and orexin‐A in the hypothalamus. Transgene expression decreased endogenous orexin‐2 receptors but not orexin‐1 receptors in the hypothalamus without affecting orexin receptor levels in the basal forebrain, cortex or hippocampus. Transgenic mice compared with their wild type littermates showed small but significant differences in the amount of waking and slow wave sleep, particularly during the light–dark transition periods, in addition to a slight reduction in REM sleep during baseline and during recovery sleep after SD.

Conclusion:  The hPPO‐overexpressing mice show a small reduction in REM sleep, in addition to differences in vigilance state amounts in the light/dark transition periods, but overall the sleep–wake patterns of hPPO‐overexpressing mice do not significantly differ from their wild type littermates.
Role of ataxia telangiectasia mutated in insulin signalling of muscle‐derived cell lines and mouse soleus
Authors: Jeong I. , Patel A. Y. , Zhang Z. , Patil P. B. , Nadella S. T. , Nair S. , Ralston L. , Hoormann J. K. , Fisher J. S.
Published: December 2009

Aim:  Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) reportedly plays a role in insulin‐stimulated activation of Akt in some cell types but not in others. The role of ATM in insulin signalling has not been firmly resolved for skeletal muscle cells, for which Akt phosphorylation is a pivotal step in stimulation of glucose transport. Accordingly, our aim was to determine the role of ATM in insulin effects for cell lines derived from skeletal muscle and for skeletal muscle.

Methods:  We examined insulin effects in L6 myotubes, mouse soleus, C2C12 myotubes and differentiated rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells in the presence and absence of a low concentration (1 μm) of the ATM inhibitor KU55933. We also compared insulin signalling in C2C12 cells expressing shRNA against ATM and control cell lines (empty vector; cells expressing non‐targeting shRNA).

Results:  In L6 myotubes and mouse soleus muscle, KU55933 inhibited insulin‐stimulated phosphorylation of the 160 kDa substrate of Akt (AS160) despite no effect on Akt. In contrast, KU55933 prevented insulin‐stimulated Akt phosphorylation in C2C12 myotubes. Furthermore, C2C12 myotubes expressing shRNA against ATM displayed reduced insulin‐stimulated Akt phosphorylation compared to controls. KU55933 also decreased insulin‐stimulated Akt phosphorylation in differentiated RD cells.

Conclusion:  These model‐dependent differences in the role of ATM in insulin action demonstrate a role of ATM in insulin‐stimulated phosphorylation of Akt (in C2C12 and RD cells) but also allow the elucidation of a novel, Akt‐independent role of ATM (in L6 myotubes and mouse soleus, at the level of AS160) in insulin signalling.
Clinical Use of Interferon‐γ
Authors: Miller Catriona H.T. , Maher Stephen G. , Young Howard A.
Published: December 2009

Interferon gamma (IFN‐γ), a pleotropic cytokine, has been shown to be important to the function of virtually all immune cells and both innate and adaptive immune responses. In 1986, early clinical trials of this cytokine began to evaluate its therapeutic potential. The initial studies focused on the tolerability and pharmacology of IFN‐γ and systematically determined its antitumor and anti‐infection activities. In the 20‐plus years since those first trials, IFN‐γ has been used in a wide variety of clinical indications, which are reviewed in this article.
Perspective on Potential Clinical Applications of Recombinant Human Interleukin‐7
Authors: Sportès Claude , Gress Ronald E. , Mackall Crystal L.
Published: December 2009

Interleukin‐7 has critical and nonredundant roles in T cell development, hematopoiesis, and postdevelopmental immune functions as a prototypic homeostatic cytokine. Based on a large body of preclinical evidence, it may have multiple therapeutic applications in immunodeficiency states, either physiologic (immuno‐senescence), pathologic (HIV) or iatrogenic (postchemotherapy and posthematopoietic stem cell transplant) and may have roles in immune reconstitution or enhancement of immunotherapy. Early clinical development trials in humans show that, within a short time, rhIL‐7 administration results in a marked preferential expansion of both naive and memory CD4 and CD8 T cell pools with a tendency toward enhanced CD8 expansion. As a result, lymphopenic or normal older hosts develop an expanded circulating T cell pool with a profile that resembles that seen earlier in life with increased T cell repertoire diversity. These results, along with a favorable toxicity profile, open a wide perspective of potential future clinical applications.
Identifying viral infections in vaccinated Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients using clinical features and inflammatory markers
Authors: Hutchinson Anastasia F. , Black Jim , Thompson Michelle A. , Bozinovski Steven , Brand Caroline A. , Smallwood David M. , Irving Louis B. , Anderson Gary P.
Published: December 2009

Background Known inflammatory markers have limited sensitivity and specificity to differentiate viral respiratory tract infections from other causes of acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD). To overcome this, we developed a multi‐factorial prediction model combining viral symptoms with inflammatory markers.

Methods Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), serum amyloid A (SAA) and viral symptoms were measured in stable COPD and at AECOPD onset and compared with the viral detection rates on multiplex PCR. The predictive accuracy of each measure was assessed using logistic regression and receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) analysis.

Results There was a total of 33 viruses detected at the onset of 148 AECOPD, the majority 26 (79%) were picornavirus. Viral symptoms with the highest predictive values were rhinorrhoea [Odds ratio (OR) 4·52; 95% CI 1·99–10·29;P < 0·001] and sore throat (OR 2·64; 95% CI 1·14–6·08;P = 0·022), combined the AUC ROC curve was 0·67. At AECOPD onset patients experienced a 1·6‐fold increase in IL‐6 (P = 0·008) and 4·5‐fold increase in SAA (P < 0·001). The addition of IL‐6 to the above model significantly improved diagnostic accuracy compared with symptoms alone (AUC ROC 0·80 (P = 0·012).

Conclusion The addition of inflammatory markers increases the specificity of a clinical case definition for viral infection, particularly picornavirus infection.
The effect of age on the pathogenesis of a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus in Pekin ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) infected experimentally
Authors: Löndt Brandon Z. , Núñez Alejandro. , Banks Jill , Alexander Dennis J. , Russell Christine , Richard‐ Löndt Angela C. , Brown Ian H.
Published: December 2009

Background  Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses have recently displayed increased virulence for wild waterfowl.

Objectives  To study the effect of host age on the shedding and tissue dissemination of a HPAI H5N1 virus in infected Pekin ducks.

Methods  Pekin ducks in two age‐matched groups (n = 18), 8 and 12 weeks old (wo) were each infected with 106 EID50/0·1 ml of HPAI A/turkey/Turkey/1/05 (H5N1, clade 2·2). Each day for 5 days, birds were monitored clinically, and cloacal and oropharyngeal swabs collected, before three birds from each group were selected randomly for post‐mortem examination. Tissue samples were collected for examination by real‐time RT‐PCR, histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results  Severe clinical signs, including incoordination and torticollis were observed in the 8 wo group resulting in 100% mortality by 4 dpi. Mild clinical signs were observed in the 12 wo group with no mortality. Real‐time RT‐PCR and IHC results demonstrated the systemic spread of H5N1 virus in birds of both age groups. Higher levels of virus shedding were detected in oropharyngeal swabs than in cloacal swabs, with similar levels of shedding detected in both age groups. Variations in level and temporal dissemination of virus within tissues of older ducks, and the presence of the virus in brain and heart were observed, which coincided with the appearance of clinical signs preceding death in younger birds.

Conclusions  These results are consistent with reports of natural infections of wild waterfowl and poultry possibly indicating an age‐related association with dissemination and clinical outcome in ducks following infection with H5N1 HPAI virus.
An ex vivo swine tracheal organ culture for the study of influenza infection
Authors: Nunes Sandro F. , Murcia Pablo R. , Tiley Laurence S. , Brown Ian H. , Tucker Alexander W. , Maskell Duncan J. , Wood James Lionel N.
Published: December 2009

Background The threat posed by swine influenza viruses with potential to transmit from pig populations to other hosts, including humans, requires the development of new experimental systems to study different aspects of influenza infection.Ex vivoorgan culture (EVOC) systems have been successfully used in the study of both human and animal respiratory pathogens.

Objectives We aimed to develop an air interface EVOC using pig tracheas in the study of influenza infection demonstrating that tracheal explants can be effectively maintained in organ culture and support productive influenza infection.

Methods Tracheal explants were maintained in the air interface EVOC system for 7 days. Histological characteristics were analysed with different staining protocols and co‐ordinated ciliary movement on the epithelial surface was evaluated through a bead clearance assay. Explants were infected with a swine H1N1 influenza virus. Influenza infection of epithelial cells was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and viral replication was quantified by plaque assays and real‐time RT‐PCR.

Results Histological analysis and bead clearance assay showed that the tissue architecture of the explants was maintained for up to 7 days, while ciliary movement exhibited a gradual decrease after 4 days. Challenge with swine H1N1 influenza virus showed that the EVOC tracheal system shows histological changes consistent within vivoinfluenza infection and supported productive viral replication over multiple cycles of infection.

Conclusion The air interface EVOC system using pig trachea described here constitutes a useful biological tool with a wide range of applications in the study of influenza infection.
Chemical Composition and Antioxidant, Antimicrobial Activities of the Essential Oils of Thymus marschallianus Will. and Thymus proximus Serg.
Authors: Jia H.L. , Ji Q.L. , Xing S.L. , Zhang P.H. , Zhu G.L. , Wang X.H.
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT:  Chemical composition and antioxidant, antimicrobial activities of the essential oils from Thymus marschallianus Will. and Thymus proximus Serg. growing in the wild in Xinjiang were studied. Samples were collected from the aerial parts of the plants with simultaneous distillation‐extraction apparatus. The yields ranged between 1.22%± 0.01 and 0.16%± 0.01 (weight/dry weight), respectively, 53 and 60 kinds of volatiles, representing 99.6% and 99.7% of the essential oils, respectively, were identified in extracts from T. marschallianus and T. proximus by GC/MS analysis. The main components were Thymol (28.0% to 32.9%), p‐Cymene (7.7% to 25.4%), and γ‐Terpinene (18.0% to 22.4%). Antioxidant activities of the oils were evaluated using metal chelating, reductive potential, 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl, hydroxyl radical, and modified thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay. Antimicrobial activities of the oils were investigated on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, yeast, Rhizopus, and Penicillium. The inhibition zones (IZ) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were 5.0 to 35.7 mm in diameter and 1.81 to 4.52 μL/mL, respectively.

Practical Application: Due to the economical impacts of spoiled foods and the consumer's concerns over the safety of foods, a lot of attention has been paid to naturally derived compounds. Fresh and dried Thymus species as well as their processed products have been widely used as flavorings since ancient times; however, during the last few decades, they also have become a subject for a search of natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents. Biological activities of Thymus essential oils depend on their chemical composition, which is determined by the genotype and influenced by environmental conditions. Recent studies have showed that Thymus species have strong antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. To the best of our knowledge, the properties of Thymus species growing wild in the Xinjiang have not been reported before.
Formation of Succinyl Genistin and Succinyl Daidzin by Bacillus Species
Authors: Park Chan Uk , Jeong Min Kyu , Park Min Hee , Yeu JooDong , Park Myeong Soo , Kim Mi‐Ja , Ahn Seon Min , Chang Pahn‐Shick , Lee JaeHwan
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT: 6″‐O‐Succinyl‐4′‐hydroxyisoflavone‐7‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (succinyl‐β‐daidzin) and 6″‐O‐succinyl‐6,4′‐dihydroxyisoflavone‐7‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (succinyl‐β‐genistin), 2 new isoflavone metabolites, are found in cheonggukjang or natto, traditional soy‐based foods fermented with Bacillus species. Standard isoflavones including daidzin, genistin, daidzein, and genistein, and mixtures of isoflavones extracted from roasted soybeans were added to the medium growing Bacillus subtilis or B. subtilis natto and formation of succinyl‐β‐daidzin and succinyl‐β‐genistin were monitored by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Samples containing Bacillus with daidzin and genistin produced succinyl‐β‐daidzin and succinyl‐β‐genistin, respectively, while those with daidzein and genistein did not produce succinyl derivatives. Daidzin in samples with B. subtilis and B. subtilis natto decreased by 39.7% and 10.7%, respectively, for 4 h incubation while genistin decreased by 66.8% and 17.6%, respectively. Genistein decreased faster than daidzein during incubation with B. subtilis or B. subtilis natto without formation of succinyl derivatives. In the case of mixture of isoflavones, succinyl derivatives increased and β‐glucosides and aglycones of isoflavones decreased significantly for 8 h incubation (P < 0.05).
Bioavailability and Delivery of Nutraceuticals Using Nanotechnology
Authors: Huang Qingrong , Yu Hailong , Ru Qiaomei
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT:  Nanotechnology is an enable technology that has the potential to revolutionize agriculture and food systems. Driven by increasing consumer demand for healthy food products, researchers have been applying tools and knowledge in nanotechnology to address the issues relevant to food and nutrition. This concise review is mainly focused on nanoemulsions and polymer micelles‐based delivery systems which have shown enhanced oral bioavailability and biological efficacies (that is, antiinflammation, anti‐cancer, and so on) of different phytochemicals. Nanoemulsions are a class of extremely small droplets that appear to be transparent or translucent with a bluish coloration. They are usually in the range 50 to 200 nm but much smaller than the range (from 1 to 100 μm) for conventional emulsions. Nanoemulsion preparation, characterization, and bioavailability have been discussed. Curcumin nanoemulsions show 85% inhibition of TPA‐induced mouse ear inflammation as well as the inhibition of cyclin D1 expression, while dibenzoylmethane (DBM) nanoemulsion shows about 3‐fold increase in oral bioavailability compared to the conventional DBM emulsion. Biopolymer micelles show significantly improved water solubility/dispersibility and in vitro anti‐cancer activity of phytochemicals. More research efforts are still needed for the understanding of the potential impacts of nanoencapsulated phytochemicals on the human body and environment to address the public concerns.
Beyond Division: Convergences Between Postmodern Qualitative Research and Family Therapy
Authors: Haene Lucia De
Published: December 2009

Starting from examples of postmodern research and therapeutic practice, we raise the question on the role of the research‐therapy dichotomy within these approaches. The article aims to show the profound convergence between postmodern ethnographic research and constructionist, collaborative therapeutic approaches on a double, epistemological and practice level. First, we point out their converging development toward narrative and constructionist epistemologies. Second, an inquiry into the core features of these disciplinary activities' goal, process, and expert role reveals their profound convergence into a dialogical practice in which the boundaries between research and therapy are radically transgressed. We conclude by questioning the implications and acceptability of this convergence for researchers' and therapists' understanding of their practices.
Clinical experience of varenicline for smoking cessation
Authors: Jung Jae Woo , Jeon Eun Ju , Kim Jae Gyu , Yang Suh‐Yoon , Choi Jae Chol , Shin Jong Wook , Park In Won , Choi Byoung Whui , Kim Don‐Kyu , Kim Jae Yeol
Published: December 2009

Introduction: Varenicline, a partial agonist/antagonist of the alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, is effective in smoking cessation, which was demonstrated by several randomized, controlled clinical trials.

Objectives: In the present study, we evaluated the practical efficacy of varenicline for smoking cessation in patients who visited a pulmonary clinic at a university‐affiliated hospital in South Korea.

Materials and Methods: Varenicline was prescribed to smokers after brief, standardized, individual counseling from June 2007 to January 2009. Their medical records were reviewed retrospectively. Their smoking status was assessed by telephone interview from October 2007, and final, confirmative telephone inquiry was performed in April 2009. The primary question was 4‐week continuous abstinence from smoking between 9 and 12 weeks.

Results: Overall, 217 current smokers (200 men and 17 women) who were prescribed varenicline were enrolled. On average, participants were 52 years old and had 35 pack‐year of smoking history. Nineteen participants (8.8%) did not purchase the drug, and nine (4.1%) who purchased did not take the medicine. Contact was impossible for 32 (14.7%). Fifty participants (23.0%) succeeded, while 107 (49.3%) failed in abstaining from smoking from 9 to 12 weeks. Only 32 (14.7%) had a prescription of varenicline for 12 weeks or more. Most participants (80%) reported their desire for smoking reduced after taking varenicline. Common adverse events were gastrointestinal symptoms and neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Conclusion: Although varenicline was effective in reducing the desire to smoke, poor dosing compliance needs to be overcome in clinical practice.

Please cite this paper as: Jung JW, Jeon EJ, Kim JG, Yang S‐Y, Choi JC, Shin JW, Park IW, Choi BW, Kim D‐K and Kim JY. Clinical experience of varenicline for smoking cessation.The Clinical Respiratory Journal2010; 4: 215–221.