bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glimpsing an Alternate Construction of American Public Administration
Authors: Lee Mordecai
Published: February 2012

Founded in 1907, the New York Bureau of Municipal Research was central to the emergence of American public administration. But in 1914, its Board sided with Frederick Cleveland against William Allen, deciding to guarantee Rockefeller funding by eliminating Allen’s publicity and controversy-generating orientation. Allen quit, then founded the Institute for Public Service. He maintained it for nearly 50 years, producing a steady output of reform suggestions. This article recounts Allen’s largely unknown post-1914 career. Increasingly an outsider, his later career presents a glimpse of an alternate history of public administration, distinctly different from the path the field actually chose.
Management Movements and Phases of the Image
Authors: Zavattaro Staci M.
Published: February 2012

Public administrators always seem to be looking for a fix to the field’s “big” problem of ineffective government. One popular solution was (and perhaps still is) New Public Management reforms based on market values. Collaborative Public Management and related suggestions emerged thereafter to return the field to its democratic roots. The problem is, though, that both these constructs are pegged as “new” when nothing particularly innovative exists. This article uses Baudrillard’s phases of the image to trace developments within two popular governance constructs, showing, chiefly, how phases can loop back when appropriate historical roots of the object (nostalgia) are revealed.
Employees’ job demands–resources profiles, burnout and work engagement: A person-centred examination
Authors: Van den Broeck Anja , De Cuyper Nele , Luyckx Koen , De Witte Hans
Published: February 2012

The present study aimed to add to the extensive variable-centred literature on the Job Demands–Resources (JD–R) model by validating the model using a person-centred approach. A two-step cluster analysis in a sample of Flemish community employees ( N = 307) showed that job demands and job resources co-occur in four job profiles: demanding (high demands, low resources), resourceful (low demands, high resources), poor (low demands and low resources) and rich (high demands and high resources) jobs. In line with the JD–R model, employees in demanding jobs evidenced the poorest well-being (high burnout and low work engagement). Resourceful as well as rich jobs were the most optimal job profiles: employees with such profiles reported the least burnout and the most work engagement. The discussion centres on the theoretical lessons learned from the differences among the job profiles, the practical importance of cluster analysis as a diagnostic tool and the presence of job resources.
Does pulsatile perfusion improve outcome after cardiac surgery? a propensity-matched analysis of 1959 patients
Authors: Baraki H , Gohrbandt B , Del Bagno B , Haverich A , Boethig D , Kutschka I
Published: February 2012

Objective: We analyzed the influence of pulsatile perfusion on recovery after coronary bypass grafting (CABG) or aortic valve replacement (AVR).

Patients and Methods: Between January 2008 and December 2010, 1959 consecutive patients underwent CABG, AVR, or both. The choice for pulsatile perfusion (PP, n=220) or non-pulsatile perfusion (NPP, n=1739) was made by the surgeon. Patient propensity score to receive PP or NPP was calculated according to 15 preoperative variables. Resulting propensity scores, logistic EuroSCORE, perfusion type and surgeon were analyzed to evaluate their role for mortality, length of postoperative ICU and hospital stay (LOHS), transfusion requirements and renal function. Risk stratified non-parametric univariate analyses and propensity adjusted multivariate analyses were performed.

Results: EuroSCORE and hospital mortality did not differ significantly between PP and NPP. EuroSCORE was the best predictive factor for all examined variables (p<0.001). PP was superior concerning LOHS (p=0.019) and this benefit increased with higher logistic EuroSCORE. The surgeon significantly influenced ventilation time, ICU stay and transfusion requirements.

Conclusion: Pulsatile perfusion did not influence perioperative outcome parameters, renal function and mortality, but resulted in shorter hospital stay, especially in critically ill patients.
Defining the palliative care patient: A systematic review
Authors: Van Mechelen Wouter , Aertgeerts Bert , De Ceulaer Karolien , Thoonsen Bregje , Vermandere Mieke , Warmenhoven Franca , Van Rijswijk Eric , De Lepeleire Jan
Published: February 2012

Background:

The lack of a clear definition of the palliative care patient hampers the comparison of results across different studies and impedes implementation of research findings in everyday practice.

Aim:

The aim of this article is to propose minimum characteristics that define a palliative care patient.

Design:

The design involved a systematic review of medical literature searching randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in palliative care for clear descriptions of their palliative care patients. We systematically describe relevant characteristics of the study populations of 60 eligible RCTs.

Data sources:

The data sources used were MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PSYCHINFO, including all non-cancer RCTs (1 January 1995–4 March 2010) and an equivalent number of the most recent cancer RCTs (1 January 2003–4 March 2010).

Results:

Half of the non-cancer studies were excluded because they did not relate to palliative care. We conclude that published RCTs have no clear definitions of their palliative care patients and illustrate the diversity of this patient, the lack of consensus concerning the attributes of illnesses needing palliation and the ambiguous use of the adjective ‘palliative’.

Conclusions:

We propose elements of the patients’ health status (e.g. a progressive, life-threatening disease with no possibility of obtaining remission or stabilisation, or modifying the course of the illness) and the care delivered to them (e.g. a holistic interdisciplinary approach that focuses on supporting the quality of the end of life) to be included in the definition of a palliative care patient. We also suggest considering the patients’ readiness to accept palliative care and a vision of palliative care shared by the patient and all caregivers involved as potentially important elements in this definition.
Effect of thermocouple insertion depth in multiple directions on temperature measurements
Authors: Yilmaz Nadir
Published: February 2012

Detailed computational fluid dynamics models of mineral insulated metal sheath thermocouples are discussed, and thermocouple readings in clean flames are verified against experimental thermocouple data for a Hencken burner flame available in the literature. Computational results present thermocouple temperature readings as a function of thermocouple insertion depth in three-dimensional directions. Computational temperature correlations are plotted against nondimensional insertion depth and insertion height above the burner. Overall predictions showed excellent agreement with experimental data. Deviations occurred as the thermocouple tip was moved further away from burner edges due to axial heat losses.
Determination of aflatoxin M1 in milk by high-performance liquid chromatography in Mashhad (north east of Iran)
Authors: Sani A Mohamadi , Nikpooyan H
Published: February 2012

The aim of this study was to evaluate aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) contamination in milk samples in Mashhad in Iran. A total of 60 milk samples were collected from retail stores of five regions in June 2011. The occurrence and concentration range of AFM1 in the samples were investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography method. AFM1 was found in 100% of the examined milk samples by average concentration of 16.16 ng/L and the contamination level ranging between 2 and 64 ng/L. The concentration of AFM1 in all the samples was lower than the Iranian national standard and Food and Drug Administration limit (500 ng/L), and only in one (1.6%) of the samples, the concentration of AFM1 was greater than the maximum tolerance limit (50 ng/L) accepted by European Union and Codex Alimentarius Commission. Statistical evaluation showed no significant difference between the mean concentrations of AFM1 in milk samples taken from different regions ( p > 0.05).
The Concept of Milk Kinship in Islam
Authors: EL-Khuffash Afif , Unger Sharon
Published: February 2012

Research has documented health benefits associated with donor human milk (DHM). Offering DHM to people of the Muslim faith raises important religious concerns for these families. Knowledge of these beliefs and an understanding of the rationale for these beliefs enable the health care team to establish rapport and build a foundation of trust with patients and their families, thereby paving the way to developing a treatment plan that is in the best interest of the patients without compromising care. This article describes the issues and a rationale for them and provides physicians caring for preterm infants of Muslim families with information to facilitate advocating DHM to those families.
Association of chemokine CXCL12-3′G801A polymorphism with systemic lupus erythematosus in a Han Chinese population
Authors: Wu F-X , Luo X-Y , Wu L-J , Yang M-H , Long L , Liu N-T , Zhou B , Zeng X-f , Yang C-de , Yuan G-H
Published: February 2012

CXCL12, also known as stromal cell-derived factor (SDF-1), is a CXC chemokine. Recent reports have shown that CXCL12 might play key roles in a murine model of lupus and in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A common variant at position 801 in 3′-untranslated region in CXCL12 gene (designated CXCL12-3′G801A) has been reported in association with autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and systemic sclerosis. We investigated the influence of CXCL12-3′G801A polymorphism on susceptibility to SLE by genotyping this single nucleotide polymorphism in 422 SLE patients and 374 healthy controls. The frequency of G/G homozygote was observed in 60.0% of SLE patients and in 52.7% of healthy individuals (χ2 = 4.275, p = 0.039). Compared with patients with G/A and A/A genotype, SLE patients with G/G genotype were also more prone to developing photosensitivity (χ2 = 6.778, p = 0.034), renal damage (χ2 = 6.388, p = 0.041) and to producing antibodies against nucleosomes (χ2 = 8.341, p = 0.015). Moreover, the plasma level of CXCL12α was also significantly increased in patients with G/G homozygote than in healthy controls carrying the same genotype [(4067.0 ± 1092.3) pg/ml vs. (3278.5 ± 547.4) pg/ml, p = 0.002]. Our results suggest that polymorphism in CXCL12-3′G801A might be a genetic risk factor for developing SLE. The association of G/G homozygote with nephritis and skin damage developed in SLE patients might be due to its effects upon the production of auto-antibodies and CXCL12 protein.
Cerebral blood flow abnormalities in neurologically asymptomatic patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Medina G , Molina-Carrión LE , Angeles-Garay U , Vera-Lastra O , Arias-Flores R , Romero-Sánchez G , Jara LJ
Published: February 2012

Objective: To evaluate cerebral blood flow abnormalities in primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) patients without ongoing neurological manifestations. Patients and methods: We included 28 PAPS patients and 28 healthy controls. Carotid Doppler ultrasound, and echocardiographic evaluation were done. Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography measured mean flow velocity (MFV) in the carotid siphon, middle, anterior, posterior, intracranial vertebral arteries, and basilar artery (11 cerebral arteries). Results were considered abnormal when the MFV was out of the normal range according to age and/or flow asymmetry and/or more than four arterial segments affected. Results: The mean age of patients was 41.4 ± 11.2 and 39.3 ± 8.6 years in controls. Disease duration was 11 ± 2.7 years. A significant increase in MFV in 7/11 cerebral arteries in PAPS patients, mainly in the middle and anterior cerebral arteries was found compared with controls. A significant association between lupus anticoagulant, history of stroke and obesity with a greater number of affected arteries was found. We did not find an association between MFV and abnormal echocardiography, arterial hypertension and carotid intima-media thickness. Conclusions: Asymptomatic patients with PAPS can have significantly increased MFVs. These alterations may be the consequence of accelerated atherosclerosis, PAPS vasculopathy or both. Whatever the cause, these findings can represent a risk for stroke in PAPS patients that needs the trial of other therapeutic options.
Negotiating the Boundary Between Paid and Unpaid Hospice Workers
Authors: Field-Richards Sarah E. , Arthur Antony
Published: February 2012

Objective:

To explore the nurse–volunteer relationship in a day hospice.

Method:

Underpinned by an interpretive approach, face-to-face semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 day hospice volunteers.

Findings:

The nature and dynamics of the relationship between nursing staff and volunteers within the day hospice were characterized by increasing formality and changes in the division of labor, which challenged smooth working relationships.

Conclusions:

Volunteers see their role as becoming increasingly formalized partly as a response to increasing administrative demands on hospice nurses. The willingness of volunteers to take on new roles is variable. For volunteers to feel secure and valued and working relationships to remain strong, the process of how boundaries between paid and unpaid workers are negotiated needs to be transparent.
Revision and Validation of a Medication Assessment Tool for Chronic Cancer Pain Management
Authors: Salmany Sewar S. , Koopmans Sara M. , Treish Imad M. , Jaber Rana El , Telfah Shorouq , Tuffaha Haitham W.
Published: February 2012

The medication assessment tool for cancer pain management (MAT-CP) measures the quality of medication use in relation to guidelines. The original MAT-CP was reviewed, modified and tested at a comprehensive cancer center in Jordan. The tool comprised 30 criteria covering six different aspects of pain management. Seventy patients were included, males 41 (59%), females 29 (41%), mean age 49 (range, 20-79) years. The overall level of adherence to guidelines was 78% with good inter-rater reliability (κ= 0.899). The tool's implementation showed opportunities for improvement in pain management at our institution. The MAT-CP was revised and validated for the first time outside Europe. This tool can be routinely used to assess and compare the quality of pain management in different institutions.
Description of Response to Aspirin and Clopidogrel in Outpatients With Coronary Artery Disease Using Multiple Electrode Impedance Aggregometry
Authors: Gerotziafas Grigoris T. , Zarifis John , Bandi Anastasia , Mossialos Lambros , Galea Vasso , Tsinopoulos George , Chaari Mourad , Baccouche Hela , Sassi Mouna , Elalamy Ismail
Published: February 2012

Identification of outpatients with high platelet reactivity (HPR) on antiplatelet treatment is an unmet need. The present study was conducted in healthy individuals (n = 50) and in outpatients with coronary artery disease (CAD) at a distance from the acute ischemic episode (aspirin group, n = 71; aspirin/clopidogrel group, n = 106). We studied the feasibility and the precision of whole blood multiple electrode aggregometry (MEA) after triggering platelet aggregation by arachidonic acid or adenosine diphospate (ADP). The MEA can be performed on whole blood within 2 hours after sample venipuncture. The threshold for the diagnosis of HPR is situated at 55 and 50 U for the arachidonic acid and ADP test, respectively. Frequency of HPR was 7% and 20% in aspirin and aspirin/clopidogrel groups, respectively. In 3.8% of patients in aspirin/clopidogrel group, combined HPR on aspirin and clopidogrel was found. In outpatients with CAD, use of MEA is feasible for the diagnosis of HPR.
Assessment of Levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Patients With ESRD and Its Possible Role in Cardiovascular Morbidity and Mortality
Authors: Thethi Indermohan , Bansal Vinod , Khan Hussein , Hoppensteadt Debra , Fareed Jawed
Published: February 2012

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are known to have an elevation of a variety of abnormal thrombotic and inflammatory markers associated with high cardiovascular mortality. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is also dysregulated in ESRD but not much is known about the serum levels of VEGF in patients with ESRD. Published reports suggest that elevated levels of VEGF may be protective to the kidney during periods of acute injury and may maintain local glomerular function. Impaired production of VEGF may lead to proteinuria, hypertension, and thrombotic microangiopathy. However, its role in chronic kidney disease or ESRD remains undefined. In our study, we analyzed blood samples of 52 patients with ESRD on stable hemodialysis regimen and measured predialysis serum levels of VEGF and compared these with blood samples obtained from 50 healthy volunteers in order to study differences between baseline levels of VEGF and also attempted to determine its role in ESRD-related cardiovascular mortality.
Variation in Long-Term Acute Care Hospital Use After Intensive Care
Authors: Kahn Jeremy M. , Werner Rachel M. , Carson Shannon S. , Iwashyna Theodore J.
Published: February 2012

Long-term acute care hospitals (LTACs) are an increasingly common discharge destination for patients recovering from intensive care. In this article the authors use U.S. Medicare claims data to examine regional- and hospital-level variation in LTAC utilization after intensive care to determine factors associated with their use. Using hierarchical regression models to control for patient characteristics, this study found wide variation in LTAC utilization across hospitals, even controlling for LTAC access within a region. Several hospital characteristics were independently associated with increasing LTAC utilization, including increasing hospital size, for-profit ownership, academic teaching status, and colocation of the LTAC within an acute care hospital. These findings highlight the need for research into LTAC admission criteria and the incentives driving variation in LTAC utilization across hospitals.
Accelerating analysis of void space in porous materials on multicore and GPU platforms
Authors: Martin Richard L , Prabhat  , Donofrio David D , Sethian James A , Haranczyk Maciej
Published: February 2012

Developing computational tools that enable discovery of new materials for energy-related applications is a challenge. Crystalline porous materials are a promising class of materials that can be used for oil refinement, hydrogen or methane storage as well as carbon dioxide capture. Selecting optimal materials for these important applications requires analysis and screening of millions of potential candidates. Recently, we proposed an automatic approach based on the Fast Marching Method (FMM) for performing analysis of void space inside materials, a critical step preceding expensive molecular dynamics simulations. This breakthrough enables unsupervised, high-throughput characterization of large material databases. The algorithm has three steps: (1) calculation of the cost-grid which represents the structure and encodes the occupiable positions within the void space; (2) using FMM to segment out patches of the void space in the grid of (1), and find how they are connected to form either periodic channels or inaccessible pockets; and (3) generating blocking spheres that encapsulate the discovered inaccessible pockets and are used in proceeding molecular simulations. In this work, we expand upon our original approach through (A) replacement of the FMM-based approach with a more computationally efficient flood fill algorithm; and (B) parallelization of all steps in the algorithm, including a GPU implementation of the most computationally expensive step, the cost-grid generation. We report the acceleration achievable in each step and in the complete application, and discuss the implications for high-throughput material screening.
In vitro comparison of feline bone marrow-derived and adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Webb Tracy L , Quimby Jessica M , Dow Steven W
Published: February 2012

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are increasingly being proposed as a therapeutic option for a variety of different diseases in human and veterinary medicine. At present, MSC are most often collected from bone marrow (BM) or adipose tissue (AT) and enriched and expanded in vitro before being transferred into recipients. However, little is known regarding the culture characteristics of feline BM-derived (BM-MSC) versus AT-derived MSC (AT-MSC). We compared BM-MSC and AT-MSC from healthy cats with respect to in vitro growth and cell surface phenotype. Mesenchymal stem cells isolated from AT proliferated significantly faster than BM-MSC. Phenotypic differences between BM-MSC and AT-MSC were not present in the surface markers assessed. We conclude that BM-MSC and AT-MSC are similar phenotypically but that cultures of AT-MSC are easier to generate because of their higher intrinsic proliferative rate. Thus, AT-MSC may be the preferred MSC for clinical applications where rapid and efficient generation of MSC is important.
Laparoscopic-assisted incisional colopexy by two portals access in a domestic cat with recurrent rectal prolapse
Authors: Secchi Priscila , Filho Hiran Castagnino Kunert , Scussel Feranti João Pedro , de Oliveira Marília Teresa , Gottlieb Juliana , Guedes Rogério Luizari , Colomé Lucas Marques , Brun Maurício Veloso
Published: February 2012

A 2-year-old female mixed-breed cat weighing 2.7 kg presented with recurrent rectal prolapse. The following report describes its treatment by laparoscopic-assisted incisional colopexy using two portals. The procedure was effective and without trans- or postoperative complications. Recurrent prolapses did not recur in the 2 months of postoperative observation.
Clinical efficacy of the acyclic nucleoside phosphonate 9-(2-phosphonylmethoxypropyl)-2,6-diaminopurine (PMPDAP) in the treatment of feline immunodeficiency virus-infected cats
Authors: Hartmann Anja D , Wilhelm Natalie , Balzarini Jan , Hartmann Katrin
Published: February 2012

In in vitro studies, the acyclic nucleoside phosphonate 9-(2-phosphonylmethoxypropyl)-2,6-diaminopurine (PMPDAP) inhibited the replication of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). No information about its clinical efficacy is available so far. The aim of this prospective placebo-controlled, double-blinded study was to evaluate the antiviral efficacy of PMPDAP in cats naturally infected with FIV. Twenty cats were randomly assigned to two treatment groups receiving either PMPDAP (25 mg/kg) or placebo twice per week subcutaneously for 6 weeks. The general health status (Karnofsky’s score), clinical signs, laboratory, immunological, and surrogate parameters were evaluated. No significant differences were found between PMPDAP- and placebo-treated cats, although cats treated with PMPDAP showed a tendency for improvement in their Karnofsky’s score and clinical signs. Haematological side effects were noted in the PMPDAP-treated cats. Thus, PMPDAP may be an option in treating cats if it becomes available for veterinarians, but side effects have been monitored.
Pancreatic rupture in four cats with high-rise syndrome
Authors: Liehmann Lea M , Dörner Judith , Hittmair Katharina M , Schwendenwein Ilse , Reifinger Martin , Dupré Gilles
Published: February 2012

Pancreatic trauma and rupture are rare after feline high-rise syndrome; however, should it happen, pancreatic enzymes will leak into the abdominal cavity and may cause pancreatic autodigestion and fatty tissue saponification. If not diagnosed and treated, it can ultimately lead to multiorgan failure and death. In this case series, 700 records of high-rise syndrome cats that presented between April 2001 and May 2006 were analysed, and four cats with pancreatic rupture were identified. Clinical signs, diagnosis using ultrasonography and lipase activity in blood and abdominal effusion, and treatment modalities are reported. Three cats underwent surgical abdominal exploration, one cat was euthanased. Rupture of the left pancreatic limb was confirmed in all cases. Two of the operated cats survived to date. High-rise syndrome can lead to abdominal trauma, including pancreatic rupture. A prompt diagnosis and surgical treatment should be considered.
Feline panleukopenia virus, feline herpesvirus-1 and feline calicivirus antibody responses in seronegative specific pathogen-free kittens after parenteral administration of an inactivated FVRCP vaccine or a modified live FVRCP vaccine
Authors: Lappin Michael R
Published: February 2012

Two groups of feline panleukopenia (FPV), feline calicivirus (FCV) and feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1) seronegative kittens (six cats per group) were administered one of two feline viral rhinotracheitis, calcivirus and panleukopenia (FVRCP) vaccines subcutaneously (one inactivated and one modified live) and the serological responses to each agent were followed over 49 days (days 0, 2, 5, 7, 10, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49). While the kittens administered the modified live FPV vaccine were more likely to seroconvert on day 7 after the first inoculation than kittens administered the inactivated vaccine, all kittens had seroconverted by day 14. In contrast, FHV-1 serological responses were more rapid following administration of the inactivated FVRCP vaccine when compared with the modified live FVRCP vaccine. There were no statistical differences between the serological response rates between the two FVRCP vaccines in regard to FCV.
International hierarchies and contemporary imperial governance: A tale of three kingdoms
Authors: Sharman J.C.
Published: February 2012

The growing body of literature on hierarchy in international relations has overlooked instances of contemporary imperial governance. These imperial arrangements constitute a strong test of rationalist contractual theories of hierarchy. They support the contention that some polities will eschew sovereign prerogatives, or even renounce sovereignty altogether. Contrary to historical instances of empire, current dependencies receive prominent material benefits from the continuation of their relationship with the metropole. But the failure of the metropoles to obtain equivalent benefits shows why contractual scholarship on hierarchy is incomplete in failing to incorporate logics of appropriateness. Thus the primary theoretical goal of the article is to show that such scholarship is right in claiming that there is more to the international system than just sovereign-like units under anarchy, but also that it is too narrow in seeking to explain all instances of hierarchy as mutually beneficial bargains. Evidence is taken from fieldwork and interviews in dependencies of the Netherlands, Denmark and New Zealand.
Stages of change and decisional balance for condom use with a romantic partner
Authors: Prat F , Planes M , Gras ME , Sullman MJM
Published: February 2012

This article examines the relationship between decisional balance and stages of change for consistent condom use with a current romantic heterosexual partner. The sample consisted of 619 undergraduate students (35.1% males; mean of age = 20.31). The results show that the pros and cons of using condoms were significantly related to the stages of change for condom use, but that the pros were more strongly related. Therefore, campaigns for preventing the transmission of the HIV virus and other sexually transmitted diseases should attempt to maximize the perceived advantages of condom use, rather than refuting the cons.
Psychoanalytic theory and border security
Authors: Salter Mark B. , Mutlu Can E.
Published: February 2012

Freezing is a common sign of panic, a response to accidents or events that overflow our capacity to react. Just as all civil airspace was cleared after the 9/11 attacks, the US-Canada border was also frozen, causing economic slowdowns. Border policies are caught between these two panics: security failures and economic crisis. To escape this paradox, American and Canadian authorities have implemented a series of security measures to make the border ‘smarter’, notably the implementation of biometric identity documents and surveillance by UAV Predator drones. Psychoanalytic theory can help us explain why the Canadian and American governments have invested so much money for so little evident or measurable increase in either security or economic flows. The article uses the notion of phantastic objects to explain these (over-)reactions to risk management at the US-Canada border.
Interrelationships between education, occupational social class, and income as determinants of disability retirement
Authors: Leinonen Taina , Martikainen Pekka , Lahelma Eero
Published: February 2012

Aims: The association between a low socioeconomic position and disability retirement is established in the literature, but the interrelationships between various subdomains of socioeconomic position are poorly understood. We examined the independent and interdependent effects of education, social class, and income on disability retirement. Methods: Using nationally representative register data we followed up over 260,000 Finns aged 30–63 at the end of 1995 for disability retirement from 1996 to 2004. Cox regression analysis was used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and relative indices of inequality (RII). Results: Each socioeconomic indicator had a linear negative association with disability retirement. The socioeconomic gradients were stronger in the younger age groups. The effect of education was largely mediated through succeeding social class. Social class was largely explained by preceding education, but was only moderately mediated through income. Income was largely explained by education, and even further by social class. The independent effects of education, social class, and income on disability retirement as measured by the RII were 1.74 (95% CI 1.60–1.90), 1.95 (1.78–2.15), and 1.35 (1.25–1.47) for men and 1.76 (1.61–1.92), 2.14 (1.95–2.34), and 1.14 (1.05–1.24) for women. Conclusions: The effects of socioeconomic position on disability retirement may not be fully captured if the pathways between the various subdomains are disregarded. Our results suggest that efforts to delay and prevent disability retirement should focus on lifestyle and cognitive factors associated with education, as well as on factors associated with social class such as working conditions and power resources.
Public health burden due to infections by verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) and Campylobacter spp. as estimated by cost of illness and different approaches to model disability-adjusted life years
Authors: Toljander Jonas , Dovärn Anna , Andersson Yvonne , Ivarsson Sofie , Lindqvist Roland
Published: February 2012

Aims: To estimate disability-adjusted life years (DALY) and cost of illness (COI) associated with the gastrointestinal bacterial pathogens Campylobacter and verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) in Sweden and to investigate the impact of variability in health outcomes, data availability, and different assumptions about underreporting on DALY. Methods: Data from the Swedish notification system, public databases, and the literature were used to estimate COI and DALY. DALY was modelled using a deterministic and a stochastic approach, the latter describing variation in health outcomes between individuals. Effects of different assumptions about underreporting of gastroenteritis were evaluated in separate scenarios. Results: COI and DALY were greater for Campylobacter than for VTEC. Years of life lost due to haemolytic uraemic syndrome and years lived with gastroenteritis constituted most of DALY for VTEC and Campylobacter, respectively. Productivity losses due to gastroenteritis constituted the main cost associated with both pathogens. Degree of underreporting had a greater impact on DALY for Campylobacter, due to higher estimated incidence of gastroenteritis associated with campylobacteriosis. Conclusions: Pathogen-specific health outcomes and data quality may influence the preferred modelling approach. There was a fair agreement between modelling approaches, but the stochastic model reflected the contribution of some rare health outcomes not captured in the deterministic model. Health outcomes excluded due to lack of data lead to an underestimation of the total burden associated with the pathogens. Increased knowledge, especially on the degree of underreporting and the contribution of the pathogens to sequelae, is needed to further improve public health burden estimates for these pathogens in Sweden.
Evaluation of the Thermal NO formation mechanism under low-temperature diesel combustion conditions
Authors: Desantes José María , López José Javier , Redón Pau , Arrégle Jean
Published: February 2012

Over the past two decades, the amount of exhaust gas pollutants emissions has been significantly reduced due to the severe emission legislation imposed in most countries worldwide. Initial strategies simply required the employment of simple after-treatment and engine control devices; however, as the restrictions become more stringent, these strategies are evolving in the development of different combustion modes, specially characterized by having low-temperature combustion characteristics. These new working conditions demand the need to check the suitability of the current NO predictive models that coexist nowadays under standard diesel combustion characteristics, paying closer attention to the Thermal mechanism. In order to do so, a common chemical-kinetic software was employed to simulate, for n-heptane and methane fuels, fixed local conditions (standard diesel and low-temperature combustion) described by constant pressure, relative mixture fraction, oxygen mass fraction and initial and final reaction temperature. The study reflects a common trend between all the studied cases, independently of the considered local conditions, making it applicable to more complex situations such as real NO formation processes in diesel sprays. This relationship was characterized by a fourth-degree polynomial equation capable of substantially improving the NO prediction by just using the Thermal NO predictive model.
Exogamous weddings and fashion in a rising consumer culture: Kabyle minority dynamics of structure and agency
Authors: Ourahmoune Nacima , Özçağlar-Toulouse Nil
Published: February 2012

This study critically explores the intersection of fashion consumption, gender, and wedding ceremonies in contemporary Algeria. The specific research location offers the opportunity to investigate a Western minority, the Kabyle people, living in an Arabo–Islamic country, which provides a broader spectrum of analysis and enriches understanding of the role of fashion in consumers’ identity project construction. An interpretive analysis of consumer fashion discourses and practices during wedding ceremonies suggests that rising material aspirations play a significant role and reflect marked transformations among the elite. Furthermore, the adoption of previously stigmatized outfits appears to intensify power issues in terms of gender, class, and ethnicity. Unlike in previous research that stresses a will for differentiation and the role of fashion in constructing individual identities, in this study the respondents’ choices are driven mainly by collective narratives.
Item-Level and Construct Evaluation of Early Numeracy Curriculum-Based Measures
Authors: Lee Young-Sun , Lembke Erica , Moore Douglas , Ginsburg Herbert P. , Pappas Sandra
Published: February 2012

The present study examined the technical adequacy of curriculum-based measures (CBMs) of early numeracy. Six 1-min early mathematics tasks were administered to 137 kindergarten and first-grade students, along with an omnibus test of early mathematics. The CBM measures included Count Out Loud, Quantity Discrimination, Number Identification, Missing Number, Next Number, and Number Facts. Alpha and split-half reliabilities were assessed, and construct validity and criterion validity (both concurrent and predictive) were examined. In addition, an item analysis was conducted for each measure using classical test theory and item response theory approaches, specifically using a Rasch model. Results indicated that the measures produced moderately strong reliability coefficients, satisfactory item difficulty and discrimination, evidence to support both concurrent and predictive validity with the standardized early mathematics test, and the tasks appeared to be measuring the construct of early numeracy proficiency.
Innovations and Future Directions for Early Numeracy Curriculum-Based Measurement
Authors: Methe Scott A.
Published: February 2012

The purpose of this extended commentary article is to frame the set of studies in the first of two issues and recommend areas of inquiry for future research. This special series issue features studies examining the technical qualities of formative assessment procedures that were developed to inform intervention. This article intends to emphasize issues in the current set of studies that do not appear central to early numeracy curriculum-based measurement (EN-CBM) research. To the extent possible, we expect that this two-volume series will result in scientific and practical advances. Despite this lofty intention, this series can neither represent all issues important to stakeholders nor characterize the full body of applied and basic research in early numeracy assessment. As such, we focus on a set of theoretical frameworks to guide the current and future development of EN-CBM.
A pilot study assessing the effectiveness of postoperative splinting after limited fasciectomy for Dupuytren’s disease
Authors: Kemler M. A. , Houpt P. , van der Horst C.M.A.M.
Published: February 2012

Before surgery for Dupuytren’s contracture, 54 patients with a proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint flexion contractures of at least 30° were randomized to receive either a 3-month splinting protocol together with hand therapy under the direct supervision of hand therapists, or the same hand therapy alone. Extension deficit of the PIP joint (primary outcome measure), global perceived effect, pain intensity, comfort and complications were assessed at baseline and 1 year after surgery. In an intention-to-treat analysis, the group assigned to splint-plus-hand therapy had a mean reduction of 21° in flexion contracture after 1 year, compared with 29° in the group receiving hand therapy alone ( p = 0.1). There was no difference between the groups regarding other parameters. After operative release of a Dupuytren’s contracture, a postoperative protocol using a splint and hand therapy was no better than hand therapy alone in minimizing postoperative flexion contractures.
Time to Return to Play After High Ankle Sprains in Collegiate Football Players
Authors: Miller Bruce S. , Downie Brian K. , Johnson Philip D. , Schmidt Paul W. , Nordwall Stephen J. , Kijek Theresa G. , Jacobson Jon A. , Carpenter James E.
Published: February 2012

Background:

Determining the severity of high ankle sprains in athletes and predicting the time that an athlete can return to unrestricted sport activities following this injury remain significant challenges.

Purpose:

The objectives of this study were (1) to determine if objective measurements of injury severity after high ankle sprains could predict the time to return to play in Division I football players and (2) to determine whether physical examination or diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound was more predictive of return to play. The hypothesis was that objective measures of injury severity of a high ankle sprain can be predictive of time to return to athletic participation in collegiate football players.

Study Design:

Prospective case series.

Methods:

Twenty consecutive Division I collegiate football players with a diagnosis of a grade I high ankle sprain (syndesmosis sprain without diastasis) were studied. Two clinical measurements of injury severity were determined: the height of the zone of injury on physical examination and the height of the zone of injury as defined by diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound examination. All athletes followed a standardized treatment program and return-to-play criteria. A regression model and Cox proportional hazards model were developed to determine time to return to unrestricted play as a function of injury severity and player position.

Results:

Physical examination but not ultrasound was significantly correlated with time to return to play. Regression and Cox analyses revealed that injury severity on physical examination and player position were significant predictors of time to return to unrestricted play following high ankle sprain.

Conclusions:

Injury severity on physical examination and player position are associated with the time to return to unrestricted athletic activity after injury. A model based on the data can be applied to help predict the time to return to unrestricted play in Division I collegiate football players following high ankle sprain.
Second malignancies after multiple myeloma: from 1960s to 2010s
Authors: Thomas Anish , Mailankody Sham , Korde Neha , Kristinsson Sigurdur Y. , Turesson Ingemar , Landgren Ola
Published: February 2012

Based on small numbers, recent reports from 3 randomized trials have consistently demonstrated more hematologic malignancies in patients treated with lenalidomide as maintenance (vs placebo). This fact has prompted concern and highlighted the association between multiple myeloma and second malignancies. Furthermore, an excess of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) after multiple myeloma has been known for over 4 decades. Most prior studies have been restricted because of small numbers of patients, inadequate follow-up, and limitations of ascertainment of second malignancies. Although the underlying biologic mechanisms of AML/MDS after multiple myeloma are unknown, treatment-related factors are presumed to be responsible. Recently, an excess risk of AML/MDS was found among 5652 patients with IgG/IgA (but not IgM) monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, supporting a role for disease-related factors. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that polymorphisms in germline genes may contribute to a person's susceptibility to subsequent cancers, whereas the potential influence of environmental and behavioral factors remains poorly understood. This review discusses current knowledge regarding second malignancies after multiple myeloma and gives future directions for efforts designed to characterize underlying biologic mechanisms, with the goal to maximize survival and minimize the risk for second malignancies for individual patients.
Fibroblast growth factor 19 expression correlates with tumor progression and poorer prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Miura Seiki , Mitsuhashi Noboru , Shimizu Hiroaki , Kimura Fumio , Yoshidome Hiroyuki , Otsuka Masayuki , Kato Atsushi , Shida Takashi , Okamura Daiki , Miyazaki Masaru
Published: February 2012

Background

Although fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) can promote liver carcinogenesis in mice, its involvement in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been well investigated. FGF19, a member of the FGF family, has unique specificity for its receptor FGFR4. This study aimed to clarify the involvement of FGF19 in the development of HCC.

Methods

We investigated human FGF19 and FGFR4 expression in 40 hepatocellular carcinoma specimens using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis and immunohistochemistry. Moreover, we examined the expression and the distribution of FGF19 and FGFR4 in 5 hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (HepG2, HuH7, HLE, HLF, and JHH7) using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. To test the role of the FGF19/FGFR4 system in tumor progression, we used recombinant FGF19 protein and small interfering RNA (siRNA) of FGF19 and FGFR4 to regulate their concentrations.

Results

We found that FGF19 was significantly overexpressed in HCCs as compared with corresponding noncancerous liver tissue (P < 0.05). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that the tumor FGF19 mRNA expression was an independent prognostic factor for overall and disease-free survival. Moreover, we found that the FGF19 recombinant protein could increase the proliferation (P < 0.01, n = 12) and invasion (P < 0.01, n = 6) capabilities of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines and inhibited their apoptosis (P < 0.01, n = 12). Inversely, decreasing FGF19 and FGFR4 expression by siRNA significantly inhibited proliferation and increased apoptosis in JHH7 cells (P < 0.01, n = 12). The postoperative serum FGF19 levels in HCC patients was significantly lower than the preoperative levels (P < 0.01, n = 29).

Conclusions

FGF19 is critically involved in the development of HCCs. Targeting FGF19 inhibition is an attractive potential therapeutic strategy for HCC.
Peripheral T-lymphocytes express WNT7A and its restoration in leukemia-derived lymphoblasts inhibits cell proliferation
Authors: Ochoa-Hernández Alejandra B , Ramos-Solano Moisés , Meza-Canales Ivan D , García-Castro Beatriz , Rosales-Reynoso Mónica A , Rosales-Aviña Judith A , Barrera-Chairez Esperanza , Ortíz-Lazareno Pablo C , Hernández-Flores Georgina , Bravo-Cuellar Alejandro , Jave-Suarez Luis F , Barros-Núñez Patricio , Aguilar-Lemarroy Adriana
Published: February 2012

Background

WNT7a, a member of the Wnt ligand family implicated in several developmental processes, has also been reported to be dysregulated in some types of tumors; however, its function and implication in oncogenesis is poorly understood. Moreover, the expression of this gene and the role that it plays in the biology of blood cells remains unclear. In addition to determining the expression of theWNT7Agene in blood cells, in leukemia-derived cell lines, and in samples of patients with leukemia, the aim of this study was to seek the effect of this gene in proliferation.

Methods

We analyzed peripheral blood mononuclear cells, sorted CD3 and CD19 cells, four leukemia-derived cell lines, and blood samples from 14 patients with Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and 19 clinically healthy subjects. Reverse transcription followed by quantitative Real-time Polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis were performed to determine relativeWNT7Aexpression. Restoration of WNT7a was done employing a lentiviral system and by using a recombinant human protein. Cell proliferation was measured by addition of WST-1 to cell cultures.

Results

WNT7a is mainly produced by CD3 T-lymphocytes, its expression decreases upon activation, and it is severely reduced in leukemia-derived cell lines, as well as in the blood samples of patients with ALL when compared with healthy controls (p≤0.001). By restoringWNT7Aexpression in leukemia-derived cells, we were able to demonstrate that WNT7a inhibits cell growth. A similar effect was observed when a recombinant human WNT7a protein was used. Interestingly, restoration ofWNT7Aexpression in Jurkat cells did not activate the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first report evidencing quantitatively decreasedWNT7Alevels in leukemia-derived cells and thatWNT7Arestoration in T-lymphocytes inhibits cell proliferation. In addition, our results also support the possible function ofWNT7Aas a tumor suppressor gene as well as a therapeutic tool.