bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The significance of social support and social networks among newly diagnosed lung cancer patients in Sweden
Authors: Sjölander Catarina , Berterö Carina
Published: August 2008

Abstract  The purposes of this study were to identify and describe the impact that social support and a social network has for adult people recently diagnosed with lung cancer in Sweden. Ten lung cancer patients participated. The data were collected using qualitative interviews based on an interview guide and were analyzed using constant comparative analysis. This led to a core category, “receiving confirmation as a person”, which was grounded via four categories: “good relationships within a social network”, “conversation enables support”, “confidence in the situation”, and “to manage by oneself”. These categories were all related to each other. How these categories might have a positive influence on a person and give them the strength to move on were also clarified. The social network identified comprised of a few people who were close to the patient. The knowledge gained from this study can be used when developing care guidelines at different levels for use by health‐care professionals.
Causal model of health: Health‐related quality of life in people living with HIV/AIDS in the northern region of Thailand
Authors: Tangkawanich Thitiarpha , Yunibhand Jintana , Thanasilp Sureeporn , Magilvy Kathy
Published: August 2008

Abstract  The purpose of this study was to examine the causal relationships between age, antiretroviral treatment, social support, symptom experience, self‐care strategies, and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). The subjects were 422 people living with HIV/AIDS. The data were collected via the Personal Resource Questionnaire 85 part 2, Symptom Experience Questionnaire, Self‐care Strategies Questionnaire, and HRQOL Questionnaire. The results revealed that symptom experience had a significant negative direct effect on the HRQOL. Age, social support, antiretroviral treatment, and self‐care strategies had a significant positive direct effect on the HRQOL. Moreover, social support and antiretroviral treatment had an indirect effect on the HRQOL via self‐care strategies. The findings indicated that the health‐care team should promote social support, both in the family and the community, including antiretroviral treatment, for enhanced HRQOL in people living with HIV/AIDS in the future.
Large‐scale questionnaire survey of erectile dysfunction drugs in Japanese men
Authors: NAGAO KOICHI , KOBAYASHI HIDEYUKI , NAKAJIMA KOICHI , TAKANAMI MASAHARU , MIURA KAZUKIYO , ISHII NOBUHISA
Published: August 2008

Aim:  The aim of the present study was to investigate the assessment of currently prescribed drugs and approaches to overall erectile dysfunction (ED) therapy.

Methods:  A large‐scale questionnaire survey was conducted in patients with ED who had taken an ED drug in the past 2 months.

Results:  Of the 308 patients surveyed, 23% became aware of having ED more than 3 years ago. In the early stages, the patients frequently experienced ‘anxiety and a sense of loss’ and ‘irritation and powerlessness’. The ED drugs taken were sildenafil and vardenafil in 65 and 31% of the patients, respectively. Although their efficacy was generally high, approximately 80% of the patients (younger patients in particular) experienced some problems with these medications. As negative assessments, the difficulty in finding a good time to take the drug and the strange sensation of the drug forcing the patient to have an erection were pointed out.

Conclusion:  Use of an ED drug such as tadalafil, which produces long‐lasting effects and allows more spontaneity in sexual activity, will improve ED symptoms in a favorable manner, and will not only improve the self‐image of the ED patients, leading to activation and fulfillment of their lives as a whole, but will also enhance the satisfaction and security of their partners. (Reprod Med Biol 2008; 7: 105–114)
Differential pathogenicity and genetic diversity among Pectobacterium carotovorum ssp. carotovorum isolates from monocot and dicot hosts support early genomic divergence within this taxon
Authors: Yishay Moran , Burdman Saul , Valverde Angel , Luzzatto Tal , Ophir Ron , Yedidia Iris
Published: August 2008

The capability of Pectobacterium carotovorum isolates to infect monocotyledonous plants has been previously reported; however, no full consideration was given to characterize the association between such isolates and their monocot hosts. To assess differences in aggressiveness among P. carotovorum ssp. carotovorum isolates originating from monocotyledonous or dicotyledonous plants, we used as model plants two susceptible monocot hosts, the ornamentals Zantedeschia aethiopica and Ornithogalum dubium, as well as two common dicot hosts, Solanum tuberosum and Brassica oleracea. Using virulence assays and different genetic analyses we characterized P. carotovorum ssp. carotovorum isolates from diverse geographical locations which originated from plants belonging to four unrelated orders of monocots and five orders of dicots. Invariably, isolates originating from monocots exhibited higher virulence towards the tested monocot plants than dicot isolates, independently of their geographical source. Moreover, monocot and dicot isolates were clearly differentiated by various genetic analyses, such as 16S rRNA sequence clustering, intergenic transcribed spacer‐PCR (ITS‐PCR) banding pattern and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). We propose that the observed relationship between pathogenicity and genetic diversity among P. carotovorum ssp. carotovorum isolates reveals a co‐evolutionary specialization trend in the interaction between this pathogen and its hosts.
Affect‐ and role‐based loyalty to supervisors in Chinese organizations
Authors: Jiang Ding‐Yu , Cheng Bor‐Shiuan
Published: August 2008

A study conducted in a Taiwanese financial services company revealed that affect‐ and role‐based loyalty are two distinct types of loyalty to supervisors. The ethical behaviour of supervisors, perceived supervisor support, interpersonal justice, and respect for hierarchy predicted affect‐based loyalty, whereas only interpersonal justice and respect for hierarchy predicted role‐based loyalty to the supervisor. Affect‐based loyalty had a more positive correlation with supervisory satisfaction than did role‐based loyalty, and role‐based loyalty had a more positive correlation with extra‐role performance and attendance than did affect‐based loyalty.
Socially oriented values and reciprocity norm predict organizational commitment
Authors: Yao Xiang , Wang Lei
Published: August 2008

The current research concerns the predictors and organizational outcomes of normative commitment in Chinese companies. In Study 1, using a semi‐structured interview, we identified internalization of socially oriented value and reciprocity norm as two possible predictors of normative commitment. Survey results confirm the factorial independence of these two predictors. Study 2 examined the predictive relationship of these predictors with employee job satisfaction, turnover intention, in‐role performance, and organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB). The results showed that value internalization predicts higher job satisfaction and weaker turnover intentions via normative commitment, whereas reciprocity predicts higher job satisfaction, weaker turnover intention, and more frequent display of OCB via normative commitment. These findings are discussed in terms of their implications for future research and management practices.
Teacher–Child Relationships from Kindergarten to Sixth Grade: Early Childhood Predictors of Teacher‐perceived Conflict and Closeness
Authors: Jerome Elisabeth M. , Hamre Bridget K. , Pianta Robert C.
Published: August 2008

This article examined general trends in teacher‐reported conflict and closeness among 878 children from kindergarten through sixth grade, and examined early childhood characteristics that predict differences in initial levels and growth of conflict and closeness over time. Results indicated modest stability of teacher‐perceived conflict and closeness through sixth grade, with relatively greater stability in perceptions of conflict. Levels of conflict at kindergarten were higher for children who were male, Black, had greater mean hours of childcare, had lower academic achievement scores, and had greater externalizing behavior. Children identified as Black and those with less sensitive mothers were at greater risk for increased conflict with teachers over time. Levels of teacher‐reported closeness were lower when children were male, had lower quality home environments, and had lower academic achievement scores. The gap in closeness ratings between males and females increased in the middle elementary school years. Additional analyses were conduced to explore differences in teacher ratings of conflict between Black and White students.
Marital Conflict in the Context of Parental Depressive Symptoms: Implications for the Development of Children's Adjustment Problems
Authors: Keller Peggy S. , Mark Cummings E. , Peterson Kristina M. , Davies Patrick T.
Published: August 2008

Relations among parental depressive symptoms, overt and covert marital conflict, and child internalizing and externalizing symptoms were examined in a community sample of 235 couples and their children. Families were assessed once yearly for three years, starting when children were in kindergarten. Parents completed measures of depressive symptoms and children's internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Behavioral observations of marital conflict behaviors (insult, threat, pursuit, and defensiveness) and self report of covert negativity (feeling worry, sorry, worthless, and helpless) were assessed based on problem‐solving interactions. Results indicated that fathers' greater covert negativity and mothers' overt destructive conflict behaviors served as intervening variables in the link between fathers' depressive symptoms and child internalizing symptoms, with modest support for the pathway through fathers' covert negativity found even after controlling for earlier levels of constructs. These findings support the role of marital conflict in the impact of fathers' depressive symptoms on child internalizing symptoms.
The beta‐binomial convolution model for 2×2 tables with missing cell counts
Authors: Eisinga Rob
Published: August 2008

This paper considers the beta‐binomial convolution model for the analysis of 2×2 tables with missing cell counts. We discuss maximum‐likelihood (ML) parameter estimation using the expectation–maximization algorithm and study information loss relative to complete data estimators. We also examine bias of the ML estimators of the beta‐binomial convolution. The results are illustrated by two example applications.
ASSET PRICES, OUTPUT AND MONETARY POLICY IN A SMALL OPEN ECONOMY
Authors: Malikane Christopher , Semmler Willi
Published: August 2008

We formulate a macro‐model of a small open economy in order to investigate the relative performance of rules that respond to asset prices and those that do not. Our model consists of three asset prices: the stock price, the long‐term interest rate and the exchange rate. These asset prices interact with nominal wage and price Phillips curves, a law of motion for the labour share, a dynamic IS curve that describes output adjustment and a Taylor‐type interest rate policy rule. Estimations of the model show that policy rules that respond to asset price movements dominate rules that do not.
Recognizing Urban Public Space as a Co‐Educator: Children's Socialization in Ghent
Authors: DE VISSCHER SVEN , BOUVERNE‐DE BIE MARIA
Published: August 2008

This article discusses how urban public space impacts upon children's socialization. There are two points of view on the relationship between children and the urban neighbourhood, whether one considers the position of children in urban public space or the position of this environment in children's socialization. One can define the relationship in terms of the need to protect children against the perils of the city; this results in a spatial segregation of children into separate (play) spaces. Alternatively, one can argue that children should be able to move independently and safely through urban public space in order to make full use of the socializing opportunities offered by the city; this results in criteria for a child‐friendly city. Leaving aside abstract images of the ideal neighbourhood for children, urban public space should also be considered as a co‐educator. Theories of urban public space as a co‐educator require empirical information about the way in which this space impacts upon existing processes of socialization and the citizenship of children. Three cases from the city of Ghent are presented to illustrate this discussion.

Cet article étudie comment l'espace public urbain agit sur la socialisation des enfants. Il existe deux points de vue sur la relation entre enfants et voisinage urbain, selon que l'on considère la situation des enfants dans l'espace public urbain, ou la situation de cet environnement dans leur socialisation. On peut établir la relation en privilégiant la nécessité de protéger les enfants des périls de la ville, ce qui se traduit pour eux par une ségrégation spatiale dans des espaces (de jeu) séparés. Ou bien on affirme que les enfants devraient pouvoir se déplacer de façon autonome et sûre dans tout l'espace public urbain afin de profiter pleinement des possibilités de socialisation qu'offre la ville, le résultat étant alors la définition de critères pour une ville adaptée aux enfants. En laissant de côté l'imagerie abstraite d'un voisinage idéal pour l'enfant, il faudrait aussi envisager l'espace public urbain comme un co‐éducateur. Les théories sur l'espace public urbain en tant que co‐éducateur ont besoin de données empiriques sur la manière dont cet espace influence les processus existants de socialisation et d'acquisition de la citoyenneté pour les enfants. Afin d'illustrer cette analyse, il est présenté trois cas situés dans la ville de Gand.
Avian hind‐limb digit length ratios measured from radiographs are sexually dimorphic
Authors: Leoni Barbara , Rubolini Diego , Romano Maria , Di Giancamillo Mauro , Saino Nicola
Published: August 2008

Sexual dimorphism in digit length ratios is well established in humans, and has been reported in other vertebrate species as well, including birds. The sign of sexual dimorphism in digit ratios may, however, vary both within and between vertebrate classes. It has been hypothesized that sex differences in digit ratios arise via differential prenatal exposure of the two sexes to steroids, which may affect the expression of the Hox genes controlling the osteometric development of digits and appendices. Among birds, the evidence for sex dimorphism in hind‐limb digit ratios is conflicting, though all previous studies were based on measurements of undissected digits, implying that results could be confounded by sex‐related variation in soft tissues. Here we report that digit ratios derived from radiographs of both feet of a large passerine bird, the hooded crow (Corvus corone), are sexually dimorphic, males showing larger 2D : 3D (effect size, r = 0.33) and 2D : 4D than females (effect size, r = 0.28). We also observed a good agreement (r = 0.45) between radiographic estimates of digit ratios and digit ratios calculated based on undissected digit measurements (thus including soft tissues). Importantly, we found that the patterns of sex and side differences were largely coherent between the two methods. Therefore, our findings show for the first time in avian species that sex differences in digit ratios have an osteometric basis, a fundamental prerequisite for a role of Hox genes in originating such dimorphism.
Molecular biology of botulinum neurotoxin serotype A: a cosmetic perspective
Authors: Eapen Bell Raj
Published: August 2008

Cosmetic use of botulinum neurotoxin serotype A (BoNT/A) involves low doses of toxin administered for facial wrinkles and hyperhidrosis. The structural and functional properties of BoNT/A can affect the degree and duration of effect. Actively using the injected muscle is favorable as it exposes more receptors to BoNT/A. Divided doses of BoNT/A at an interval of more than 3 days may be longer lasting than single dose by blocking nascent neuronal sprouts. Antibodies are unlikely to be effective in BoNT/A neutralization because of the large area of receptor interaction. Several commonly used drugs including zinc and chloroquine can interact with BoNT/A, necessitating dosage adjustment for optimum effect. Serotype E (BoNT/E) can emerge as an antidote for BoNT/A for cosmetic use.
TIME AND THE COST OF CHILDREN
Authors: Bradbury Bruce
Published: August 2008

This paper uses the “adult goods” method to estimate the full costs of children. Full costs include both expenditure and time costs. Adult personal time (comprising pure leisure, sleep and other personal care) is used as the adult good. Previous research has shown that the presence of children in the household leads to a reduction in adult personal time. This paper develops a simple economic model of the household to show how this information can be used to develop an equivalence scale for adult consumption that takes account of both the expenditure and time costs of children. Preliminary estimates using Australian data suggest a very large cost—much higher than that typically assumed for expenditure costs. The full cost of children declines with age, despite the expenditure cost rising. The paper discusses the limitations of the adult good method and the assumptions needed to draw welfare conclusions from these and other estimates of child costs.
Liberalism, the Duty to Rescue, and Organ Procurement
Authors: Taylor James Stacey
Published: August 2008

After outlining her rights-based theory of justice in Whose Body is it Anyway? Cécile Fabre argues that as a matter of justice needy people have a right to be rescued provided that this would not impose unreasonable costs upon their would-be rescuers, and that this right should be enshrined in law. Fabre then argues that the enforcement of such a duty to rescue extends not only to the state being able to conscript persons into a civilian service, but that it should also be able to conscript cadaveric organs for transplant into those who need them —; and even that it should be able to conscript organs for transplant from live persons if needed. Fabre then goes on to argue that persons should be allowed to sell goods and services that are typically held to be market inalienable —; including their non-essential organs and their sexual and reproductive services. While she agrees that there should be markets in cadaveric organs, in Black Markets Michele Goodwin argues that the conscription of organs from either cadavers or living persons is ethically and legally problematic. In this review article I argue that while Fabre's arguments are more persuasive than Goodwin's, they do not support Fabre's more radical conclusions. I also argue that Fabre's conclusions concerning cadaveric organ conscription could be strengthened by drawing upon current philosophical arguments concerning the possibility of posthumous harm, and by clarifying her account of rights. I conclude by noting that just as Fabre's arguments would benefit from considering the empirical data that Goodwin offers, so too would Goodwin's views benefit from a greater engagement with the type of philosophical arguments offered by Fabre.
Helicobacter and Gastric Malignancies
Authors: Ferreira António Carlos , Isomoto Hajime , Moriyama Masatsugu , Fujioka Toshio , Machado José Carlos , Yamaoka Yoshio
Published: August 2008

Individuals infected with Helicobacter pylori, a stomach colonizing bacteria, have an increased risk of developing gastric malignancies. The risk for developing cancer relates to the physiologic and histologic changes that H. pylori infection induces in the stomach. In the last year numerous studies have been conducted in order to characterize the association between H. pylori infection and gastric cancer. These studies range from epidemiologic approaches aiming at the identification of environmental, host genetic, and bacterial factors associated with risk of gastric cancer, to molecular and cell biology approaches aiming at understanding the interaction between H. pylori and the transforming epithelial cell. In this review an account of the last year's research activity on the relationship between H. pylori and gastric cancer will be given.
Helicobacter pylori and Non‐malignant Diseases
Authors: Shirin Haim , Leja Marcis , Niv Yaron
Published: August 2008

In 2007 Helicobacter pylori research continued to deal with some controversies raised in the last decade. The main problems remain unsolved: peptic ulcer disease negative for H. pylori, synergism of H. pylori infection and aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs or cyclooxygenase 2 specific inhibitors, the role of H. pylori eradication in uninvestigated and nonulcer dyspepsia, and the possible protective effect of H. pylori infection against gastroesophageal reflux disease and its complications such as Barrett's esophagus and adenocarcinoma. The incidence and prevalence of peptic ulcer disease as well as ulcer‐related mortality are continuing to decline all over the world. The increasing consumption of anti‐inflammatory and antisecretory drugs was not found to change the trend over the last period and therefore H. pylori was considered the key factor in causing ulcer‐related mortality. Some progress has been achieved in understanding H. pylori‐induced immunological processes, and attack mechanisms, as well as specific pathogenesis in uremic and cirrhotic patients. There is still a lot to learn about the bacterium and host factors related to H. pylori infection and its complications.
Helicobacter pylori Immunology and Vaccines
Authors: Vorobjova Tamara , Watanabe Tomohiro , Chiba Tsutomu
Published: August 2008

Helicobacter pylori infection causes chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric cancer. Colonization of H. pylori in the stomach activates Toll‐like and Nod‐like receptors to induce not only innate immunity but also adaptive Th1 responses against this organism. Adaptive Th1 response is not sufficient to clear this organism and, as a result, the infection persists. Insufficient adaptive immunity can be explained by poor activation of Toll‐like receptors, suppressive effects of bacterial factors, and induction of regulatory T‐cell responses. Significant progress in the understanding of innate and adaptive immunity against H. pylori was made during the past year. Recent findings in the fields of vaccines for H. pylori are also reviewed.
Frailty Predicts Some but Not All Adverse Outcomes in Older Adults Discharged from the Emergency Department
Authors: Hastings S. Nicole , Purser Jama L. , Johnson Kimberly S. , Sloane Richard J. , Whitson Heather E.
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether frail older adults, based on a deficit accumulation index (DAI), are at greater risk of adverse outcomes after discharge from the emergency department (ED).

DESIGN AND SETTING: Secondary analysis of data from the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey.

PARTICIPANTS: One thousand eight hundred fifty‐one community‐dwelling Medicare fee‐for‐service enrollees, aged 65 and older who were discharged from the ED between January 2000 and September 2002.

MEASUREMENTS: The primary dependent variable was time to first adverse outcome, defined as repeat outpatient ED visit, hospital admission, nursing home admission, or death, within 30 days of the index ED visit.

RESULTS: Time to first adverse outcome was shortest in individuals with the highest number of accumulated deficits. The frailest participants were at greater risk of adverse outcomes after ED discharge than those who were least frail (hazard ratio (HR)=1.44, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.06–1.96). The frailest individuals were also at higher risk of serious adverse outcomes, defined as hospitalization, nursing home admission, or death (HR=1.98, 95% CI=1.29–3.05). In contrast, no association was detected between degree of frailty and repeat outpatient ED visits within 30 days (HR=1.06, 95% CI=0.73–1.54).

CONCLUSION: The DAI as a construct of frailty was a robust predictor of serious adverse outcomes in the first 30 days after ED discharge. Frailty was not found to be a major determinant of repeat outpatient ED visits; therefore, additional study is needed to investigate this particular type of health service use by older adults.
Patterns of Dementia Diagnosis in Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Breast Cancer Survivors Who Use Chemotherapy
Authors: Heck Julia E. , Albert Steven M. , Franco Rebeca , Gorin Sherri Sheinfeld
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVES: To determine patterns of dementia diagnosis seen after chemotherapy treatment.

DESIGN: Using the linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)‐Medicare database, International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD‐9) diagnoses of dementia occurring in the years after breast cancer diagnosis were examined.

SETTING: The SEER program collects information from population‐based tumor registries in seven metropolitan areas (San Francisco and Oakland, Detroit, Atlanta, Seattle, Los Angeles County, San Jose and Monterey Counties, and the greater California area) and eight states (Connecticut, Iowa, New Mexico, Utah, Hawaii, Kentucky, New Jersey, and Louisiana).

PARTICIPANTS: Eighteen thousand three hundred sixty women diagnosed with Stage II, III, or IV breast cancer.

MEASUREMENTS: Using validated ICD‐9 diagnoses of dementia, the occurrence of dementia and other cognitive impairment in the years after breast cancer diagnosis in women who received chemotherapy was compared with that of women who did not. To account for group differences, propensity score analysis was used to balance the differences in groups before treatment. Risk of dementia was calculated using Cox proportional hazards modeling.

RESULTS: There were significant differences at baseline between individuals who received and did not receive chemotherapy. In the first few years after breast cancer diagnosis, dementia was more common in women who had not had chemotherapy, probably reflecting group differences at baseline. In the longer term, diagnoses of dementia were more common in women who had chemotherapy treatment (hazard ratio=1.20, 95% confidence interval=1.08–1.33).

CONCLUSION: These findings suggest the possibility of severe cognitive changes associated with chemotherapy, particularly over the long term.
Time‐Course of Cytokines During Delirium in Elderly Patients with Hip Fractures
Authors: Van Munster Barbara C. , Korevaar Johanna C. , Zwinderman Aeilko H. , Levi Marcel , Wiersinga W. Joost , De Rooij Sophia E.
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVES: To compare the time‐course of cytokine levels in patients with and without delirium and investigate differences in cytokine concentrations in delirium subtypes.

DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

SETTING: Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, 2005 through 2007.

PARTICIPANTS: Patients aged 65 and older admitted for surgery after hip fracture.

MEASUREMENTS: Experienced geriatric physicians used the Confusion Assessment Method to assess delirium and the Delirium Symptom Interview to assess delirium subtype. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) and interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, and IL‐12 were assayed in repeated serum samples using a cytometric bead array immunoassay.

RESULTS: Of 221 admitted patients, 98 (mean age 84, 50 patients with delirium) were included, resulting in a total of 324 samples. Ninety‐six percent of these samples had TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐10 levels below the reliable detection level. Differences between patients with and without delirium were observed in IL‐6 (median 51 vs 36 pg/mL, P=.01) and IL‐8 (median 15 vs 9 pg/mL, P=.03) levels. Changes over time in IL‐6 and IL‐8 levels in patients with delirium differed significantly from changes in levels in patients without delirium. The highest levels of IL‐6 were present during delirium, and the highest levels of IL‐8 were present before the development of delirium. Patients with the hyperactive (median 71 pg/mL) or mixed (median 73 pg/mL) subtype of delirium had higher IL‐6 levels than patients with hypoactive delirium (median 16 pg/mL) (P=.02).

CONCLUSION: IL‐6 and IL‐8 may contribute to the pathogenesis of postoperative delirium in elderly people. IL‐6 may play a role in the hyperactive behavior of delirium.
Prevalence of Sarcopenia Estimated Using a Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Prediction Equation in Community‐Dwelling Elderly People in Taiwan
Authors: Chien Meng‐Yueh , Huang Ta‐Yi , Wu Ying‐Tai
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVES: To compare a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) prediction equation for estimating skeletal muscle mass (SM) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐measured SM and to investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia in community‐dwelling elderly people in Taiwan.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional survey.

SETTING: Communities in the district of Zhongzheng, Taipei.

PARTICIPANTS: Forty‐one volunteers (aged 22–90) for BIA equation validation; 302 individuals aged 65 and older and 200 adults aged 18 to 40 for the investigation of the prevalence of sarcopenia.

MEASUREMENTS: Skeletal muscle mass was estimated using a BIA prediction equation and measured using MRI.

RESULTS: No statistical difference between MRI‐measured and BIA‐derived SM was observed (difference of −0.44 ± 1.55 kg, P=.08). The prevalence of sarcopenia in was 18.6% in elderly women and 23.6% in elderly men.

CONCLUSION: Estimation of SM using a BIA equation was validated in Taiwanese volunteers. It was confirmed that sarcopenia is an emerging health problem in the aging population in Taiwan.
Association Between Lower Digit Symbol Substitution Test Score and Slower Gait and Greater Risk of Mortality and of Developing Incident Disability in Well‐Functioning Older Adults
Authors: Rosano Caterina , Newman Anne B. , Katz Ronit , Hirsch Calvin H. , Kuller Lewis H.
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether, in well‐functioning older adults, a lower score on the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) and slower gait are associated with greater risk of mortality and of developing incident disability independent of other risk factors, including brain structural abnormalities (white matter hyperintensities, brain infarcts, ventricular enlargement) and whether the combination of varying levels of DSST score and gait speed are associated with a greater risk of mortality and disability than low DSST or slow gait alone.

DESIGN: Observational cohort study.

SETTING: Community.

PARTICIPANTS: Three thousand one hundred fifty‐six (43% men, 29% black, mean age 70.4) participants in the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS), free from stroke and physical disability and with a modified Mini‐Mental State Examination (3MS) score of 80 or higher.

MEASUREMENTS: Total mortality and incident disability (self‐report of any difficulty performing one or more of the six activities of daily living) ascertained over a median follow‐up time of 8.4 years.

RESULTS: By the end of follow‐up, 704 participants had died and 1,096 had incident disability. In Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for age, sex, race, education, cardiovascular disease, and brain magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities, lower DSST score and slower gait remained significantly associated with greater risk of mortality and of incident disability. Mortality rates were higher in those who had both low DSST score (<27 points) and slow gait (speed <1.0 m/s) than in those who had only low DSST score, only slow gait, or neither (rates per 1,000 person years (p‐y): 61.2, 42.8, 20.8, and 16.3, respectively). A similar risk gradient was observed for incident disability (82.0, 57.9, 47.9, and 36.0/1,000 p‐y, respectively).

CONCLUSION: In well‐functioning older adults, low DSST score and slow gait, alone or in combination, could be risk factors for mortality and for developing disability, independent of other risk factors, including measures of brain integrity.
Healthcare Professional Training: A Comparison of Geriatric Competencies
Authors: Mezey Mathy , Mitty Ethel , Burger Sarah G. , McCallion Philip
Published: August 2008

Health professionals specializing in geriatrics are a unique but scarce resource who nevertheless play a critical role in shaping the care of older adults. An interdisciplinary didactic and clinical training milieu would have the potential to maximize training opportunities for geriatric healthcare professionals. The fact that little is known about the concordance between discipline‐specific geriatric competencies hampers the creation of interdisciplinary geriatric training opportunities. Discipline‐specific geriatric experts compared the geriatric competencies specified by geriatric‐certifying bodies of five healthcare professions: dentistry, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and social work. Overlap and differences in geriatric competencies across disciplines are presented, and opportunities and barriers to interdisciplinary geriatric education are discussed.
Performance characteristics of the Food and Drug Administration–licensed Roche Cobas TaqScreen West Nile virus assay
Authors: Pai Anuradha , Kleinman Steven , Malhotra Khushbeer , Lee‐Haynes Lorlelei , Pietrelli Larry , Saldanha John
Published: August 2008

BACKGROUND: The cobas TaqScreen West Nile virus (WNV) test (Roche Molecular Systems) was licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in August 2007 for detecting WNV RNA in pools of six or in individual donations (IDs). A series of studies established the performance characteristics of the assay and test system before FDA licensure.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Analytic sensitivity was determined by probit analysis using multiple source materials. Clinical sensitivity was determined by testing a panel of 315 known WNV RNA–positive specimens. A large clinical specificity study was conducted by five laboratories during months when WNV activity was not expected.

RESULTS: The 95 percent limit of detection for ID testing using the Lineage 1 Health Canada WNV reference standard was 40.3 copies per mL (95% individual donation, 35.1‐47.8 copies per mL). Clinical sensitivity was 100 percent (95% confidence interval [CI], 98.8%‐100%) for ID testing and 97.5 percent (95% CI, 95.1‐98.9%) for minipool (MP) testing. Clinical specificity, when resolved to the ID, was 100 percent for both formats and was 99.986 percent at the MP level.

CONCLUSION: The cobas TaqScreen WNV test performed on the cobas s 201 system is a fully automated test system with excellent clinical sensitivity and specificity that offers the benefits of automated sample preparation and a secure environment for donor testing information.
Managerial Career Concerns and Risk Management
Authors: Nam Jouahn , Wang Jun , Zhang Ge
Published: August 2008

Abstract

We present a dynamic model of corporate risk management and managerial career concerns. We show that managers with low (high) initial reputation have high (low) career concerns about keeping their jobs and receiving all future income. These managers are more likely to speculate (hedge) early in their careers. In the later stage of their careers when managers have less career concerns, there is no speculative motive for self interested managers. On the other hand, highly reputable managers have minimal career concerns and they engage in neither hedging nor speculation early in their careers, but they may choose to hedge after poor early performance.
Cell Membrane Stretch and Chest Blow‐Induced Ventricular Fibrillation: Commotio Cordis
Authors: MADIAS CHRISTOPHER , MARON BARRY J. , SUPRON STACEY , ESTES N. A. MARK , LINK MARK S.
Published: August 2008

Introduction:
Commotio cordis, sudden cardiac death secondary to blunt nonpenetrating chest blows in sports, is reported with increasing frequency. In a swine model, ventricular fibrillation (VF) is induced by a baseball blow to the chest, and the initiation of VF is related to the peak left ventricular (LV) pressure produced by the blow. LV pressure changes likely result in cell membrane stretch and mechanical activation of ion channels. Disruption of cell cytoskeleton that anchors the cell membrane prior to precordial blows offers the opportunity to explore whether cell membrane deformation is critical to commotio cordis.

Methods and Results:
Twelve juvenile swine (mean 12.7 ± 1.6 kg) were randomized to intravenous normal saline (control, n = 6) or 10 mg of intravenous colchicine (n = 6), which is known to depolymerize microtubules. Animals were given up to six blows timed to the vulnerable portion of the cardiac cycle with a 30 mph baseball on the chest directly over the cardiac silhouette. VF was initiated by 14 of the 29 (48%) impacts in the colchicine‐treated animals compared with only 3 of 28 (11%) in the controls (P = 0.002). The peak generated LV pressure did not differ between colchicine animals (405 ± 61 mmHg) and controls (387 ± 115) (P = 0.47). However, animals administered colchicine were more likely to have VF generated by the chest blow at all pressures.

Conclusion:
The initiation of VF by chest blows is significantly increased by selective disruption of the cytoskeleton, suggesting that mechanical deformation of the cell membrane is fundamental to the activation of ion channels and underlies the mechanism of VF in commotio cordis.
Expression of p14ARF, p16INK4a and p53 in relation to HPV in (pre‐)malignant squamous skin tumours
Authors: Küsters‐Vandevelde Heidi V.N. , de Koning Maurits N.C. , Melchers Willem J.G. , Quint Wim G.V. , de Wilde Peter C.M. , de Jong Elke M.G.J. , van de Kerkhof Peter C.M. , Blokx Willeke A.M.
Published: August 2008

Studies in cervical dysplasia have reported overexpression of the tumour suppressors p14 and p16 – and absence of p53 – in high‐risk human papilloma virus (HPV)‐ associated lesions. In skin carcinogenesis, the relation between these tumour suppressors and HPV remain unclear. We evaluated the expression of the tumour suppressors p14, p16 and p53 in pre‐malignant and malignant squamous skin tumours, and its relation with risk factors for skin carcinogenesis (HPV, immune status and sun exposure). We performed immunohistochemical stainings for p14, p16 and p53 on paraffin embedded material of 71 pre‐malignant squamous skin lesions and 34 squamous cell carcinomas, from 52 renal transplant recipients (RTRs) and 53 immunocompetent individuals. PCR‐based assays were used for detection and genotyping of β‐papilloma virus (β‐PV) types and mucosal HPV types. P14 expression was independent of the expression of p16 and p53, irrespective of immune status and skin site. In 49 of 105 specimens (46.6%), one or more β‐PV types were detected. We found no significant association between p14, p16 or p53 protein expression and overall presence of β‐PV, irrespective of immune status. There was a significant association between presence of β‐PV and lesions from sun‐exposed skin sites in the RTRs (P= 0.002). We conclude that in skin carcinogenesis, relations between the herein studied tumour suppressors and HPV are different from what one would expect based on findings in cervical neoplasia. P14, p16 and p53 expressions are independent of immune status. Our data indicate that in immunosuppressed patients, β‐PV together with ultraviolet radiation act synergetic in promoting carcinogenesis.
SIRT1 confers protection against UVB‐ and H2O2‐induced cell death via modulation of p53 and JNK in cultured skin keratinocytes
Authors: Cao Cong , Lu Shan , Kivlin Rebecca , Wallin Brittany , Card Elizabeth , Bagdasarian Andrew , Tamakloe Tyrone , Wang Wen‐jun , Song Xiuzu , Chu Wen‐ming , Kouttab Nicola , Xu Aie , Wan Yinsheng
Published: August 2008

SIRT1 is a member of a highly conserved gene family (sirtuins) encoding nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)+‐dependent deacetylases, originally found to deacetylate histones leading to increased DNA stability and prolonged survival in yeast and higher organisms, including mammals. SIRT1 has been found to function as a deacetylase for numerous protein targets involved in various cellular pathways, including stress responses, apoptosis and axonal degeneration. However, the role of SIRT1 in ultraviolet (UV) signalling pathways remains unknown. Using cell culture and Western blot analysis in this study we found that SIRT1 is expressed in cultured human skin keratinocytes. Both UV radiation and H2O2, two major inducers of skin cell damage, down‐regulate SIRT1 in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. We observed that reactive oxygen species‐mediated JNK activation is involved in this SIRT1 down‐regulation. SIRT1 activator, resveratrol, which has been considered as an important antioxidant, protects against UV‐ and H2O2‐induced cell death, whereas SIRT inhibitors such as sirtinol and nicotinamide enhance cell death. Activation of SIRT1 negatively regulates UV‐ and H2O2‐induced p53 acetylation, because nicotinamide and sirtinol as well as SIRT1 siRNA enhance UV‐ and H2O2‐induced p53 acetylation, whereas SIRT1 activator resveratrol inhibits it. We also found that SIRT1 is involved in UV‐induced AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and downstream acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC), phosphofructose kinase‐2 (PFK‐2) phosphorylation. Collectively, our data provide new insights into understanding of the molecular mechanisms of UV‐induced skin aging, suggesting that SIRT1 activators such as resveratrol could serve as new anti‐skin aging agents.
Liposome‐based vascular endothelial growth factor‐165 transfection with skeletal myoblast for treatment of ischaemic limb disease
Authors: Ye Lei , Haider Husnain Kh. , Esa Wahidah Bte , Su LiPing , Law Peter K. , Zhang Wei , Lim YeanTeng , Poh Kian Keong , Sim Eugene K.W.
Published: August 2008

The study aims to use cholesterol (Chol) + DOTAP liposome (CD liposome) based human vascular endothelial growth factor‐165 (VEGF165) gene transfer into skeletal myoblasts (SkMs) for treatment of acute hind limb ischaemia in a rabbit model. The feasibility and efficacy of CD liposome mediated gene transfer with rabbit SkMs were characterized using plasmid carrying enhanced green fluorescent protein (pEGFP) and assessed by flow cytometry. After optimization, SkMs were transfected with CD lipoplexes carrying plasmid‐VEGF165 (CD‐pVEGF165) and transplanted into rabbit ischaemic limb. Animals were randomized to receive intramuscular injection of Medium199 (M199; group 1), non‐transfected SkM (group 2) or CD‐pVEGF165 transfected SkM (group 3). Flow cytometry revealed that up to 16% rabbit SkMs were successfully transfected with pEGFP. Based on the optimized transfection condition, transfected rabbit SkM expressed VEGF165 up to day 18 with peak at day 2. SkMs were observed in all cell‐transplanted groups, as visualized with 6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole and bromodeoxyuridine. Angiographic blood vessel score revealed increased collateral vessel development in group 3 (39.7 ± 2.0) compared with group 2 (21.6 ± 1.1%, P < 0.001) and group 1 (16.9 ± 1.1%, P < 0.001). Immunostaining for CD31 showed significantly increased capillary density in group 3 (14.88 ± 0.9) compared with group 2 (8.5 ± 0.49, P < 0.001) and group 1 (5.69 ± 0.3, P < 0.001). Improved blood flow (ml/min./g) was achieved in animal group 3 (0.173 ± 0.04) as compared with animal group 2 (0.122 ± 0.016; P= 0.047) and group 1 (0.062 ± 0.012; P < 0.001). In conclusion, CD liposome mediated VEGF165 gene transfer with SkMs effectively induced neovascularization in the ischaemic hind limb and may serve as a safe and new therapeutic modality for the repair of acute ischaemic limb disease.
High aldehyde dehydrogenase and expression of cancer stem cell markers selects for breast cancer cells with enhanced malignant and metastatic ability
Authors: Croker Alysha K. , Goodale David , Chu Jenny , Postenka Carl , Hedley Benjamin D. , Hess David A. , Allan Alison L.
Published: August 2008

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have recently been identified in leukaemia and solid tumours; however, the role of CSCs in metastasis remains poorly understood. This dearth of knowledge about CSCs and metastasis is due largely to technical challenges associated with the use of primary human cancer cells in pre‐clinical models of metastasis. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop suitable pre‐clinical model systems for studying stem‐like cells in breast cancer metastasis, and to test the hypothesis that stem‐like cells play a key role in metastatic behaviour. We assessed four different human breast cancer cell lines (MDA‐MB‐435, MDA‐MB‐231, MDA‐MB‐468, MCF‐7) for expression of prospective CSC markers CD44/CD24 and CD133, and for functional activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), an enzyme involved in stem cell self‐protection. We then used fluorescence‐activated cell sorting and functional assays to characterize differences in malignant/metastatic behaviour in vitro (proliferation, colony‐forming ability, adhesion, migration, invasion) and in vivo (tumorigenicity and metastasis). Sub‐populations of cells demonstrating stem‐cell‐like characteristics (high expression of CSC markers and/or high ALDH) were identified in all cell lines except MCF‐7. When isolated and compared to ALDHlowCD44low/– cells, ALDHhiCD44+CD24− (MDA‐MB‐231) and ALDHhiCD44+CD133+ (MDA‐MB‐468) cells demonstrated increased growth (P < 0.05), colony formation (P < 0.05), adhesion (P < 0.001), migration (P < 0.001) and invasion (P < 0.001). Furthermore, following tail vein or mammary fat pad injection of NOD/SCID/IL2γ receptor null mice, ALDHhiCD44+CD24− and ALDHhiCD44+CD133+ cells showed enhanced tumorigenicity and metastasis relative to ALDHlowCD44low/– cells (P < 0.05). These novel results suggest that stem‐like ALDHhiCD44+CD24− and ALDHhiCD44+CD133+ cells may be important mediators of breast cancer metastasis.
Acute infectious id panniculitis/panniculitic bacterid: a distinctive form of neutrophilic lobular panniculitis
Authors: Magro Cynthia M. , Dyrsen Molly E. , Crowson Arthur Neil
Published: August 2008

Background:  Lobular panniculitis encompasses lupus profundus, atypical lymphocytic lobular panniculitis, erythema induratum and subcutaneous Sweet’s syndrome, while septal panniculitis includes erythema nodosum and fibrosing dermal processes of burn out necrobiosis lipoidica and morphea profundus. Panniculitis may represent a sign of systemic disease and/or a modified immune response to hematogenously disseminated antigen.

Methods:  We describe 10 cases of sterile neutrophilic dominant lobular panniculitis that represented an id reaction to non‐tuberculous stimuli.

Results:  Four males and six females had sudden tender non‐ulcerated lower extremity nodules with preceding non‐tuberculous infectious triggers. Three also had upper extremity lesions. Biopsies showed dominant neutrophilic infiltrate with subcutaneous microabscesses (7), extravascular granulomatous infiltrates (5), thrombotic microangiopathy (5) and necrotizing vasculitis (5). Stains evaluating microbial pathogens were negative. Lesions resolved with antibiotic treatment and/or abscess drainage; no case recurred. Medical histories included atopic diathesis (4), primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (1), ulcerative colitis (1) and acute lymphocytic leukemia (1). Serologies showed polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia, cold agglutinins and cryofibrinogens.

Conclusions:  We propose the term acute infectious id panniculitis for cases of neutrophilic lobular panniculitis triggered by non‐tuberculous infectious stimuli. This course may be self‐limited. Microvascular cofactors and/or procoagulant states may be pathogenetically important. Recognizing this entity may circumvent the need for an exhaustive evaluation for other causes of neutrophilic lobular panniculitis.