bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lipid Disorders in Elderly Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Gil-Extremera Blas
Published: December 2011

Lipid disorders are a common clinical challenge in the western countries. In patients with dyslipemia (total cholesterol > 200 mg/dl, HDL cholesterol < 35 mg/dl, LDL cholesterol > 130 mg/dl and triglycerides > 150 mg/dl) it is mandatory to normalize blood pressure (<130/80 mmHg) as well to reduce LDL-C values to normal levels by using drugs to inhibit of endogenous and exogenous cholesterol, to decrease triglycerides, and increases HDL-C up to normal range. It is also essential to maintain for this purpose suitable dietetic measures (reduction of unsatured fats and salt intakes—<2.5 g/daily) and without interruption, to support pharmacologic treatment in most of the patients.
Unveiling the Mechanisms for Decreased Glutathione in Individuals with HIV Infection
Authors: Morris Devin , Guerra Carlos , Donohue Clare , Oh Hyoung , Khurasany Melissa , Venketaraman Vishwanath
Published: December 2011

We examined the causes for decreased glutathione (GSH) in individuals with HIV infection. We observed lower levels of intracellular GSH in macrophages from individuals with HIV compared to healthy subjects. Further, the GSH composition found in macrophages from HIV+subjects heavily favors oxidized glutathione (GSSG) which lacks antioxidant activity, over free GSH which is responsible for GSH’s antioxidant activity. This decrease correlated with an increase in the growth ofMycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb)in macrophages from HIV+individuals. In addition, we observed increased levels of free radicals, interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-17 (IL-17) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in plasma samples derived from HIV+individuals compared to healthy subjects. We observed decreased expression of the genes coding for enzymes responsible for de novo synthesis of GSH in macrophages derived from HIV+subjects using quantitative PCR (qPCR). Our results indicate that overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines in HIV+individuals lead to increased production of free radicals. This combined with the decreased expression of GSH synthesis enzymes leads to a depletion of free GSH and may lead in part to the loss of immune function observed in HIV patients.
The Role of Lipid Rafts in Cancer Cell Adhesion and Migration
Authors: Murai Toshiyuki
Published: December 2011

Lipid rafts are cholesterol-enriched microdomains of the cell membrane and possess a highly dynamic nature. They have been involved in various cellular functions including the regulation of cell adhesion and membrane signaling through proteins within lipid rafts. The dynamic features of the cancer cell surface may modulate the malignant phenotype of cancer, including adhesion disorders and aggressive phenotypes of migration and invasion. Recently, it was demonstrated that lipid rafts play critical roles in cancer cell adhesion and migration. This article summarizes the important roles of lipid rafts in cancer cell adhesion and migration, with a focus on the current state of knowledge. This article will improve the understanding of cancer progression and lead to the development of novel targets for cancer therapy.
Intracranial Blood Flow Velocity in Patients withβ-Thalassemia Intermedia Using Transcranial Doppler Sonography: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Ashjazadeh Nahid , Emami Sajad , Petramfar Peyman , Yaghoubi Ehsan , Karimi Mehran
Published: December 2011

Introduction. Patients withβ-thalassemia intermedia have a higher incidence of thromboembolic events compared to the general population. Previous studies have shown that patients with sickle cell disease, who are also prone to ischemic events, have higher intracranial arterial blood flow velocities measured by transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD). The aim of this study is to evaluate intracranial arterial flow velocities in patients withβ-thalassemia intermedia and compare the results with those found in healthy subjects.Methods. Sixty-four patients withβ-thalassemia intermedia and 30 healthy subjects underwent transcranial Doppler sonography.Results. Significantly higher flow velocities were found in intracranial arteries of patients compared to controls (P=0.001). Previously splenectomized patients with thrombocytosis showed higher flow velocities than nonsplenectomized patients without thrombosis.Conclusion. The increased flow velocities in patients withβ-thalassemia intermedia may point to a higher risk of ischemic events. Preventive measures such as blood transfusion or antiplatelet treatment may be beneficial in these patients.
Development of Clinical Rating Criteria for Tests of Lumbopelvic Stability
Authors: Perrott Margaret A. , Pizzari Tania , Opar Mark , Cook Jill
Published: December 2011

Background. Lumbopelvic stability (LPS) is regarded as important for injury prevention, yet there are few reliable or valid tests that can be used in the clinical assessment of LPS. Three dynamic functional tests were identified that assess LPS in multiple planes of motion: dip test (DT), single leg squat (SLS), and runner pose test (RPT). Existing rating criteria for SLS have limited reliability and rating criteria for DT and RPT have not been established.Objective. To develop rating criteria for three clinical tests of LPS.Design. Qualitative research: focus group.Method. A focus group of five expert physiotherapists used qualitative methods to develop rating criteria for the three clinical tests.Results. Detailed rating criteria were established for the three tests. Each key factor considered important for LPS had characteristics described that represented both good and poor LPS.Conclusion. This study established rating criteria that may be used to clinically assess LPS.
Comparison of the Genetic Organization, Expression Strategies and Oncogenic Potential of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2
Authors: Rende Francesca , Cavallari Ilaria , Romanelli Maria Grazia , Diani Erica , Bertazzoni Umberto , Ciminale Vincenzo
Published: December 2011

Human T cell leukemia virus types 1 and 2 (HTLV-1 and HTLV-2) are genetically related complex retroviruses that are capable of immortalizing human T-cells in vitro and establish life-long persistent infections in vivo. In spite of these apparent similarities, HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 exhibit a significantly different pathogenic potential. HTLV-1 is recognized as the causative agent of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) and tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (TSP/HAM). In contrast, HTLV-2 has not been causally linked to human malignancy, although it may increase the risk of developing inflammatory neuropathies and infectious diseases. The present paper is focused on the studies aimed at defining the viral genetic determinants of the pathobiology of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 through a comparison of the expression strategies and functional properties of the different gene products of the two viruses.
CD8+ T Cells Specific for Tumor Antigens Can Be Rendered Dysfunctional by the Tumor Microenvironment through Upregulation of the Inhibitory Receptors BTLA and PD-1
Authors: Fourcade Julien , Sun Zhaojun , Pagliano Ornella , Guillaume Philippe , Luescher Immanuel F. , Sander Cindy , Kirkwood John M. , Olive Daniel , Kuchroo Vijay , Zarour Hassane M.
Published: December 2011

Cytotoxic T cells that are present in tumors and capable of recognizing tumor epitopes are nevertheless generally impotent in eliciting tumor rejection. Thus, identifying the immune escape mechanisms responsible for inducing tumor-specific CD8+ T-cell dysfunction may reveal effective strategies for immune therapy. The inhibitory receptors PD-1 and Tim-3 are known to negatively regulate CD8+ T-cell responses directed against the well-characterized tumor antigen NY-ESO-1. Here, we report that the upregulation of the inhibitory molecule BTLA also plays a critical role in restricting NY-ESO-1–specific CD8+ T-cell expansion and function in melanoma. BTLA-expressing PD-1+Tim-3− CD8+ T cells represented the largest subset of NY-ESO-1–specific CD8+ T cells in patients with melanoma. These cells were partially dysfunctional, producing less IFN-γ than BTLA− T cells but more IFN-γ, TNF, and interleukin-2 than the highly dysfunctional subset expressing all three receptors. Expression of BTLA did not increase with higher T-cell dysfunction or upon cognate antigen stimulation, as it does with PD-1, suggesting that BTLA upregulation occurs independently of functional exhaustion driven by high antigen load. Added with PD-1 and Tim-3 blockades, BTLA blockade enhanced the expansion, proliferation, and cytokine production of NY-ESO-1–specific CD8+ T cells. Collectively, our findings indicate that targeting BTLA along with the PD-1 and Tim-3 pathways is critical to reverse an important mechanism of immune escape in patients with advanced melanoma. Cancer Res; 72(4); 887–96. ©2011 AACR.
The ATM Substrate KAP1 Controls DNA Repair in Heterochromatin: Regulation by HP1 Proteins and Serine 473/824 Phosphorylation
Authors: White David , Rafalska-Metcalf Ilona U. , Ivanov Alexey V. , Corsinotti Andrea , Peng Hongzhuang , Lee Sheng-Chung , Trono Didier , Janicki Susan M. , Rauscher Frank J.
Published: December 2011

The repair of DNA damage in highly compact, transcriptionally silent heterochromatin requires that repair and chromatin packaging machineries be tightly coupled and regulated. KAP1 is a heterochromatin protein and co-repressor that binds to HP1 during gene silencing but is also robustly phosphorylated by Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) at serine 824 in response to DNA damage. The interplay between HP1-KAP1 binding/ATM phosphorylation during DNA repair is not known. We show that HP1α and unmodified KAP1 are enriched in endogenous heterochromatic loci and at a silent transgene prior to damage. Following damage, γH2AX and pKAP1-s824 rapidly increase and persist at these loci. Cells that lack HP1 fail to form discreet pKAP1-s824 foci after damage but levels are higher and more persistent. KAP1 is phosphorylated at serine 473 in response to DNA damage and its levels are also modulated by HP1. Unlike pKAP1-s824, pKAP1-s473 does not accumulate at damage foci but is diffusely localized in the nucleus. While HP1 association tempers KAP1 phosphorylation, this interaction also slows the resolution of γH2AX foci. Thus, HP1-dependent regulation of KAP1 influences DNA repair in heterochromatin. Mol Cancer Res; 10(3); 401–14. ©2011 AACR.
Long-Term Bortezomib Treatment Reduces Allergen-Specific IgE but Fails to Ameliorate Chronic Asthma in Mice
Authors: Wegmann Michael , Lunding Lars , Orinska Zane , Wong David M. , Manz Rudolf A. , Fehrenbach Heinz
Published: December 2011

Background: Allergen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E initiates the effector cascade of allergic asthma and has been identified as a valuable target for therapeutic treatment of this disease. The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib was previously shown to deplete Ig-secreting plasma cells and to efficiently suppress Ig serum titers. The present study aimed at evaluating the therapeutic potential of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib in allergic bronchial asthma. Methods: To address this question, a chronic experimental asthma mouse model was used in a therapeutic setting. Mice were sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) and challenged with OVA aerosol for 12 weeks. After 6 weeks of challenge, bortezomib treatment was started and continued for 1 week (short-term) or 6 weeks (long-term) with a dosage of 0.75 mg/kg body weight twice a week. Lung function, lung histology, Ig serum titers and plasma cell numbers were assessed. Results: Whereas short-term treatment lowered bronchoalveolar lavage eosinophils, long-term treatment considerably reduced serum titers of anti-OVA IgE in mice with chronic experimental asthma. However, neither short-term nor long-term treatment significantly reduced plasma cell numbers, anti-OVA IgG1 serum titers or allergic airway inflammation or ablated airway hyperresponsiveness. Conclusion: Our results suggest that bortezomib treatment has only limited value as plasma cell-depleting therapy against allergic bronchial asthma.
Clinical Utility of IgE Antibodies to ω-5 Gliadin in the Diagnosis of Wheat Allergy: A Pediatric Multicenter Challenge Study
Authors: Ebisawa Motohiro , Shibata Rumiko , Sato Sakura , Borres Magnus P. , Ito Komei
Published: December 2011

Background: There are contradictory results regarding the clinical usefulness of the determination of IgE antibodies to ω-5 gliadin in children with a suspicion of wheat allergy (WA). Methods: The study comprised 311 children and young adults with suspected wheat intolerance treated at three separate pediatric clinics and, with the exception of 25, were found to be positive in specific IgE antibody determinations to wheat. Their ages ranged from 6 months to 20.4 years (median age, 2.3 years). Possible relationships between IgE antibodies to ω-5 gliadin and a physician’s diagnosis of WA and challenge symptoms were studied. Results: The mean concentration of IgE antibodies to ω-5 gliadin was 1.2 kUA/l in WA patients and <0.35 kUA/l in patients without WA (p < 0.0001). Seventy-two percent of the WA patients had positive ω-5 gliadin levels and 75% of the patients without WA had negative levels. Logistic regression showed a significant relationship between the probability of WA and the concentration of IgE antibodies to ω-5-gliadin with a 2.6-fold (95% CI: 2.0–3.3) increased risk. Age was an important factor to consider as the risk of WA increased 5.4-fold (95% CI: 1.4–21) for children ≤1 year of age and 2.5-fold (95% CI: 2.0–3.2) for children >1 year of age with increasing levels of IgE. Conclusion: Detection of IgE to ω-5 gliadin seems to be associated with responsiveness to the challenge test and is particularly useful in infants with a suspicion of WA.
Neuroprotective Role of Estradiol against Neuronal Death Induced by Glucose Deprivation in Cultured Rat Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Hernández-Fonseca Karla , Massieu Lourdes , García de la Cadena Selene , Guzmán Carolina , Camacho-Arroyo Ignacio
Published: December 2011

Studies have reported the protective effect of estradiol (E2) against neuronal death induced by several insults including oxygen deprivation, mitochondrial toxins and activation of glutamate receptors. Glucose deprivation (GD) is associated with ischemia and hypoglycemia, and to date there is no effective therapeutic agent able to prevent neuronal damage induced by these conditions. In this study, we have investigated the effects of 17β-E2 and the selective agonists of the alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ) estrogen receptors, propyl pyrazole triol (PPT) and diarylpropionitrile (DPN), respectively, on neuronal death induced by GD in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. We have also analyzed the expression of both ER isoforms after GD. Results show that GD for 2 and 4 h reduces cell survival by 42 and 55%, respectively. Treatment with 17β-E2 (10 nM to 10 µM) induces a dose-dependent protective effect that is blocked by ICI 182,780, an ER antagonist, and by 1,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methyl-5-[4-(-piperidinylethoxy)phenol]-1H′pyrazole dihydrochloride (MPP) and 4-[2-phenyl-5,7-bis(trifluoromethyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-3-yl]phenol (PHTPP), selective ERα and ERβ antagonists, respectively. The ERα and ERβ agonists PPT and DPN show a similar neuroprotective effect to that of 17β-E2, but DPN is more efficient. In addition, hippocampal neurons under normal conditions show a higher expression of the ERβ isoform. When exposed to GD during 4 h, the expression of both ER isoforms is increased, while only that of the ERβ isoform significantly increases after 2 h of GD. Results demonstrate that E2 prevents neuronal death induced by GD through its interaction with ER, although the ERβ isoform might have a predominant role. Results also suggest that GD differentially alters the expression of ERα and ERβ in hippocampal neurons.
Combination Therapy in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bai Yuanyuan , Sun Lan , Hu Shengshou , Wei Yingjie
Published: December 2011

Objectives: It is unclear whether combination therapy is efficient and well tolerated in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The objective was to analyze completed trials assessing the efficacy and safety of treating PAH with combination therapy. Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of all randomized controlled combination therapy trials that evaluated efficacy and safety in PAH patients. Trials were identified in the Cochrane Library, EMBASE and PubMed databases, reviews and reference lists of relevant papers. Results: Six trials with a total of 858 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with the control group, combination therapy reduced clinical worsening [relative risk (RR) 0.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.26–0.91, p = 0.023], increased the 6-min-walk distance significantly by 22.22 m, and reduced mean pulmonary arterial pressure, right atrial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance. The incidence of serious adverse events was similar in the 2 groups (RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.40–3.42, p = 0.77). However, combination therapy did not influence mortality. Conclusions: Treatment of PAH with combination therapy improves multiple clinical and hemodynamic outcomes, but it has no effect on mortality. The long-term efficacy and safety of combination therapy in PAH requires further study based on large and rational-designed controlled clinical trials.
Coronary Artery Disease: Evidence of Interaction between PTPN22 and p53 Genetic Polymorphisms
Authors: Saccucci P. , Banci M. , Amante A. , Bottini E. , Gloria-Bottini F.
Published: December 2011

Objectives: We recently reported an association between the PTPN22 genetic polymorphism and coronary artery disease (CAD) in nondiabetic subjects. Since recent studies suggest that p53 may be involved in coronary atherosclerosis, we have investigated a possible interaction between PTPN22 and p53 codon 72 genetic polymorphisms regarding their effects on susceptibility to CAD in nondiabetic subjects. Methods: The genotypes of p53 codon 72 and PTPN22 were determined by DNA analysis in 128 nondiabetic subjects with CAD, 122 healthy blood donors and 117 nondiabetic subjects with cardiovascular diseases without CAD. Results: In subjects with the *Arg/*Arg genotype of p53 codon 72, no association was observed between CAD and PTPN22. However, this association was very strong in subjects carrying the *Pro allele of p53 codon 72. Subjects carrying both the *T allele of PTPN22 and the *Pro allele of p53 were overrepresented in CAD nondiabetic cases relative to the other two groups (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Since both p53 and PTPN22 are involved in autoimmune inflammation, an interaction between the two systems appears biologically plausible. In the analysis of multifactorial disorders, the simultaneous analysis of multiple genes functionally related to diseases will provide a more productive approach than studies of single genetic factors performed from a Mendelian perspective.
Intravitreal Ranibizumab for Macular Edema Secondary to Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Kim Moosang , Yu Seung-Young , Kim Eung-Suk , Bae So Hyun , Park Jung Hyun , Yu Hyeong Gon , Kwak Hyung-Woo
Published: December 2011

Background/Aims: To investigate the effects of intravitreal ranibizumab treatment for macular edema (ME) secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and the relationship between spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) findings and visual outcome after successful resolution of ME. Methods: Forty consecutive eyes with ME secondary to branch RVO (BRVO; 29 eyes of 29 patients) or central RVO (CRVO; 11 eyes of 11 patients) were included in a prospective study and treated with 3 initial intravitreal injections of 0.5 mg ranibizumab at monthly intervals. Retreatment was based on visual acuity changes and OCT findings. Patients with complete resolution of ME were classified into two groups according to final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of better than 0.30 logMAR (group 1) or poorer than 0.30 logMAR (group 2), and SD-OCT findings were analyzed at baseline and at 12 months. Results: In patients with BRVO, mean BCVA at 12 months (0.19 ± 0.18) was significantly better than that at baseline (0.76 ± 0.37; p = 0.000). The mean number of injections was 4.4 ± 1.2. In patients with CRVO, the mean BCVA at 12 months (0.39 ± 0.23) was slightly improved from that at baseline (0.84 ± 0.68), but the difference was not significant (p = 0.063). Patients with CRVO received a mean number of 6.1 ± 1.4 injections of ranibizumab. Baseline SD-OCT more frequently detected the foveal inner/outer segment (IS/OS) line and external limiting membrane (ELM) in group 1 (p = 0.003) than in group 2 (p = 0.012). Preservation of the foveal IS/OS line (odds ratio = 5.400; p = 0.036) and ELM (odds ratio = 7.312; p = 0.016) at baseline correlated with good final visual outcome. Conclusion: Intravitreal ranibizumab injections effectively treat ME secondary to RVO. Good visual outcome was associated with preservation of the foveal IS/OS line and ELM at baseline.
Iron Sucrose Promotes Endothelial Injury and Dysfunction and Monocyte Adhesion/Infiltration
Authors: Kamanna Vaijinath S. , Ganji Shobha H. , Shelkovnikov Stanislav , Norris Keith , Vaziri Nosratola D.
Published: December 2011

Background/Aims: Intravenous (IV) iron preparations are widely used in the management of anemia in ESRD populations. Recent changes in reimbursement policy have dramatically increased the use of IV iron to lower the use of costly erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. These preparations are frequently administered with insufficient attention to the total body iron stores or presence of inflammation which is aggravated by excess iron. Endothelial injury and dysfunction are critical steps in atherosclerosis, thrombosis and cardiovascular disease. IV iron preparations raise plasma non-transferrin-bound iron which can promote oxidative stress, endothelial damage and dysfunction. We explored the effect of an IV iron preparation on endothelial cells, monocytes and isolated arteries. Methods: Primary cultures of human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) were treated with pharmacologically relevant concentrations of iron sucrose (10–100 µg/ml) for 4–24 h. Endothelial cell morphology, viability, and monocyte adhesion were tested. Endothelial function was assessed by measuring the vasorelaxation response to acetylcholine in normal rat thoracic aorta rings preincubated with iron sucrose (200 µg/ml). Results: In contrast to the control HAEC which showed normal cobblestone appearance, cells treated with iron sucrose (50–100 µg/ml) for 4 h showed loss of normal morphological characteristics, cellular fragmentation, shrinkage, detachment, monolayer disruption and nuclear condensation/fragmentation features signifying apoptosis. HAEC exposure to iron sucrose (10–100 µg/ml) increased monocyte adhesion 5- to 25-fold. Incubation in media containing 200 µg/ml iron sucrose for 3 h caused marked reduction in the acetylcholine-mediated relaxation in phenylephrine-precontracted rat aorta. Conclusion: Pharmacologically relevant concentration of iron sucrose results in endothelial injury and dysfunction and marked increase in monocyte adhesion.
Influence of Lipid Profiles on the Risk of Hemorrhagic Transformation after Ischemic Stroke: Systematic Review
Authors: Nardi Katiuscia , Leys Didier , Eusebi Paolo , Cordonnier Charlotte , Gautier Sophie , Hénon Hilde , Bordet Régis
Published: December 2011

Background: It has been suggested that low cholesterol levels might be associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic transformation (HT) in patients with acute cerebral ischemia. We systematically reviewed the literature to determine the influence of lipid profiles on the HT risk. Methods: We searched PubMed from 1966 and EMBASE from 1980 for studies that investigated the association between lipid profiles and HT. We performed a meta-analysis (weighted mean difference method) for the comparison between presence and absence of HT (all or symptomatic) for total, low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density-lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides. Results: Eight studies investigating 1,763 patients were eligible, but none was designed specifically to address this question. All studies recruited acute stroke patients selected on the presumed cause of cerebral ischemia or treatment received. The meta-analysis showed that: (i) patients with all HT had lower LDL cholesterol levels (p = 0.008) but no difference in HDL cholesterol levels (p = 0.066), total cholesterol (p = 0.129) and triglycerides (p = 0.900); (ii) patients with symptomatic HT had lower total cholesterol levels (p = 0.035) but did not differ in LDL (p = 0.056) and HDL cholesterol (p = 0.138) and triglyceride (p = 0.851) levels. Conclusion: HT is associated with baseline total and LDL cholesterol levels, but the mechanism of this association needs to be explored to identify preventive strategies.
Performance of Toddlers, Children and Young Adults Using Unilateral or Bilateral Cochlear Implants on a Left versus Right Loudspeaker Identification Task
Authors: Galvin Karyn L. , Hughes Kathryn C. , Holland Jennifer , Mok Mansze
Published: December 2011

Thirty-six participants with bilateral cochlear implants aged 1–19 years completed a left versus right loudspeaker identification task. The majority performed at chance in the unilateral condition (n = 24) and significantly above chance in the bilateral condition (n = 28). Cluster analysis identified three groups; one group performed above chance in both conditions and was older at second implant and older at testing, with longer delay between implants. There were no such differences between the group performing at chance in both conditions and the group which scored highly in the bilateral condition only, thus demonstrating a bilateral benefit. Unilateral, but not bilateral, scores were correlated with age at second and at first implant, time between implants, and age at testing. Bilateral benefit was negatively correlated with age at second implant, time between implants and age at testing. Co-linearity made it difficult to isolate the relationships with demographic factors, though age at testing may have had the most influence on unilateral scores. Spatial hearing skills with bilateral implants cannot be predicted for individuals.
Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome
Authors: Peippo M. , Ignatius J.
Published: December 2011

Pitt-Hopkins syndrome (PTHS, MIM #610954) is characterized by severe intellectual disability, typical facial features and tendency to epilepsy, panting-and-holding breathing anomaly, stereotypic movements, constipation, and high myopia. Growth is normal or only mildly retarded, but half of the patients have postnatal microcephaly. Remarkably, congenital malformations are practically nonexistent. The cause of PTHS is de novo haploinsufficiency of the TCF4 gene (MIM *602272) at 18q21.2. Altogether 78 PTHS patients with abnormalities of the TCF4 gene have been published since 2007 when the etiology of PTHS was revealed. In addition, 27 patients with 18q deletion encompassing the TCF4 gene but without given PTHS diagnosis have been published, and thus, the number of reported patients with a TCF4 abnormality exceeds 100. The mutational spectrum includes large chromosomal deletions encompassing the whole TCF4 gene, partial gene deletions, frameshift (including premature stop codon), nonsense, splice site, and missense mutations. So far, almost all patients have a private mutation and only 2 recurrent mutations are known. There is no evident genotype-phenotype correlation. No familial cases have been reported. Diagnosis of PTHS is based on the molecular confirmation of the characteristic clinical features. Recently, a Pitt-Hopkins-like phenotype has been assigned to autosomal recessive mutations of the CNTNAP2 gene at 7q33q36 and the NRXN1 gene at 2p16.3.
Principal Leadership in Low-Performing Schools
Authors: Finnigan Kara S.
Published: December 2011

This qualitative study of teachers in three low-performing elementary schools in Chicago reveals that transformational leadership behaviors were important to teacher motivation, affecting whether they believed that they could improve student performance as the accountability policy required. The findings suggest that principal leadership is critical to turning around low-performing schools. Implications include developing policies to hire principals with proven track records and increasing the capacity of current principals to ensure that they are able to support and motivate teachers in low-performing schools.
Some aspects of social exclusion: Do they influence suicide mortality?
Authors: Yur’yev Andriy , Värnik Peeter , Sisask Merike , Leppik Lauri , Lumiste Kaur , Värnik Airi
Published: December 2011

Background:

The current study is aimed to assess the relationship between the ‘economic/employment’ and ‘social/welfare’ dimensions of social exclusion and suicide mortality in Europe.

Methods:

Suicide rates for 26 countries were obtained from the WHO. Data on social expenditure were obtained from the OECD database. Employment rates and GDP were obtained from the Total Economy Database. Questions about citizens’ attitudes towards different aspects of social exclusion were taken from the European Social Survey. Structural equation modelling was applied to research the theoretical structure of the variables.

Results:

All variables are statistically significant in male and female models except of the relationships between ‘economic/employment’ and ‘social/welfare’ dimensions and female suicides; and the relationship between ‘employment rates’ and ‘economic/employment’ dimension. Suicide mortality rates among both males and females are influenced negatively by ‘economic/employment’ and ‘social/welfare’ dimensions. Among females, the influence of ‘social/welfare’ dimension is stronger compared to the ‘economic/employment’ dimension. The remaining influence of GDP is positive in both models.

Conclusions:

Both ‘economic/employment’ and ‘social/welfare’ dimensions of social exclusion significantly influence suicide mortality among males. The influence of ‘economic/employment’ and ‘social/welfare’ dimensions of social exclusion on female suicide mortality is controversial. Social exclusion might be considered as a risk factor for suicide mortality in Europe.
The effect of expansion conditions on the batch foaming dynamics of St–MMA copolymer
Authors: Azimi Hamid Reza , Rezaei Mostafa , Abbasi Farhang
Published: December 2011

In this study, we synthesized styrene–methyl methacrylate copolymer particles by suspension polymerization process to study the foaming dynamics via visual batch foaming apparatus. The weight ratio of styrene–methyl methacrylate was 53–47. The foaming system consisted of a self-sealing observation cell equipped with two glass windows and a stereo microscope attached with a high-speed digital camera as well as a pressure and temperature controller. The required pentane pressure was supplied by heating a small pentane flask. The synthesized copolymer particles impregnated by pentane and then the foaming dynamics were recorded after a rapid pressure release. The effect of different foaming conditions, such as temperature, impregnation time, and impregnation pressure on the expansion ratio of styrene–methyl methacrylate copolymer was investigated. It was concluded that impregnation pressure, time, and temperature have different effects on the foaming ratio at impregnation pressures lower and higher than 4 bar.
Socio-economic Inequality in Oral Healthcare Coverage
Authors: Hosseinpoor A.R. , Itani L. , Petersen P.E.
Published: December 2011

The objective of this study was to assess socio-economic inequality in oral healthcare coverage among adults with expressed need living in 52 countries. Data on 60,332 adults aged 18 years or older were analyzed from 52 countries participating in the 2002-2004 World Health Survey. Oral healthcare coverage was defined as the proportion of individuals who received any medical care from a dentist or other oral health specialist during a period of 12 months prior to the survey, among those who expressed any mouth and/or teeth problems during that period. In addition to assessment of the coverage across wealth quintiles in each country, a wealth-based relative index of inequality was used to measure socio-economic inequality. The index was adjusted for sex, age, marital status, education, employment, overall health status, and urban/rural residence. Pro-rich inequality in oral healthcare coverage was observed within most of the countries, although lower income countries showed greater levels of relative inequality than higher income countries. Overall, lowest coverage and highest relative inequality were found in the low-income countries. The findings of this study may inform policies for oral health at global and national levels. To achieve universal coverage in oral healthcare, relevant interventions should reach the poorest population groups.
Mastication Suppresses Initial Gastric Emptying by Modulating Gastric Activity
Authors: Ohmure H. , Takada H. , Nagayama K. , Sakiyama T. , Tsubouchi H. , Miyawaki S.
Published: December 2011

Because various mastication-related factors influence gastric activity, the functional relationship between mastication and gastric function has not been fully elucidated. To investigate the influence of mastication on gastric emptying and motility, we conducted a randomized trial to compare the effects of mastication on gastric emptying and gastric myoelectrical activity under conditions that excluded the influences of food comminution, taste, and olfaction. A 13C-acetate breath test with electrogastrography and electrocardiography was performed in 14 healthy men who ingested a test meal with or without chewing gum. Autonomic nerve activity was evaluated by fluctuation analysis of heart rate. Gastric emptying was significantly delayed in the ‘ingestion with mastication’ group. Gastric myoelectrical activity was significantly suppressed during mastication and increased gradually in the post-mastication phase. A decrease in the high-frequency power of heart rate variability was observed coincidentally with gastric myoelectrical activity suppression. These findings suggest that initial gastric emptying is suppressed by mastication, and that the suppression is caused by mastication-induced inhibition of gastric activity (UMIN Clinical Trial Registration no. UMIN000005351).
Intersectionality and Disability Harassment
Authors: Shaw Linda R. , Chan Fong , McMahon Brian T.
Published: December 2011

A possible interaction among the characteristics of disability, race, gender, and age was examined with respect to formal allegations of disability harassment. Using data from the National Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Research Project, the authors examined whether there was an interaction among disability, gender, age, race, and employer characteristics when considering the proportion of harassment versus other forms of discrimination allegations. Using Exhaustive Chi-Squared Automatic Interaction Detector (Exhaustive CHAID) analysis, the authors detected several interaction effects. They discovered unique clusters of characteristics that place certain groups at a very high and very low risk for experiencing disability harassment. The findings are discussed in the context of past and future research on intersectionality and workplace implications.
Explanatory Secondary Dimension Modeling of Latent Differential Item Functioning
Authors: De Boeck Paul , Cho Sun-Joo , Wilson Mark
Published: December 2011

The models used in this article are secondary dimension mixture models with the potential to explain differential item functioning (DIF) between latent classes, called latent DIF. The focus is on models with a secondary dimension that is at the same time specific to the DIF latent class and linked to an item property. A description of the models is provided along with a means of estimating model parameters using easily available software and a description of how the models behave in two applications. One application concerns a test that is sensitive to speededness and the other is based on an arithmetic operations test where the division items show latent DIF.
A Bifactor Multidimensional Item Response Theory Model for Differential Item Functioning Analysis on Testlet-Based Items
Authors: Fukuhara Hirotaka , Kamata Akihito
Published: December 2011

A differential item functioning (DIF) detection method for testlet-based data was proposed and evaluated in this study. The proposed DIF model is an extension of a bifactor multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) model for testlets. Unlike traditional item response theory (IRT) DIF models, the proposed model takes testlet effects into account, thus estimating DIF magnitude appropriately when a test is composed of testlets. A fully Bayesian estimation method was adopted for parameter estimation. The recovery of parameters was evaluated for the proposed DIF model. Simulation results revealed that the proposed bifactor MIRT DIF model produced better estimates of DIF magnitude and higher DIF detection rates than the traditional IRT DIF model for all simulation conditions. A real data analysis was also conducted by applying the proposed DIF model to a statewide reading assessment data set.
Coaching Teachers for Emergent Literacy Instruction Using Performance-Based Feedback
Authors: McCollum Jeanette A. , Hemmeter Mary Louise , Hsieh Wu-Ying
Published: December 2011

Coaching has garnered support as a professional development approach that helps teachers use research-based instruction to teach emergent literacy skills to young children. However, approaches to coaching vary widely, as do the backgrounds and training of the teachers included in different studies. This study investigated the influence of skill-focused coaching on certified teachers’ use of three clusters of instructional skills. Discussion of visually represented observation data provided the primary framework for coaching. After coaching, teachers in the intervention group used significantly more of the skills in two of three clusters of instructional skills than did those in the control group. Group differences also were found on the language and literacy sections of a general measure of the classroom literacy environment, indicating that targeted skill coaching may have more general effects on classroom quality. Results are discussed from the perspectives of professional development and research on coaching.
Dating Violence Perpetration and/or Victimization and Associated Sexual Risk Behaviors Among a Sample of Inner-City African American and Hispanic Adolescent Females
Authors: Alleyne-Green Binta , Coleman-Cowger Victoria H. , Henry David B.
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence of physical and psychological dating violence victimization and perpetration reported by inner-city African American and Hispanic adolescent girls as well as associated risky sexual behaviors among this population. Participants in this study were 10th- and 11th-grade female students from seven inner-city Chicago public high schools. Participants were administered with the Safe Dates measures of physical violence victimization, physical violence perpetration, psychological abuse victimization, and psychological perpetration. Approximately half of the sample reported some psychological dating violence victimization and perpetration, and approximately one third reported some physical victimization and perpetration. Hispanic adolescents were significantly more likely to report psychological victimization, whereas African American adolescents were significantly more likely to report physical dating violence perpetration. Victimization was found to predict perpetration in this population, and adolescents who acknowledged being both victims and perpetrators of dating violence were more likely to report having had vaginal sex and a higher number of past-year sexual partners. Inner-city African American and Hispanic adolescent girls may be particularly vulnerable to dating violence victimization and perpetration, which may be due to a number of other social factors not explored within this study. Furthermore, African American adolescent girls continue to engage in behaviors that increase their risk for negative health outcomes, predominantly STIs, highlighting the need for effective interventions with this population.
Relationships Among Alcohol Outlet Density, Alcohol use, and Intimate Partner Violence Victimization Among Young Women in the United States
Authors: Waller Martha W. , Iritani Bonita J. , Christ Sharon L. , Clark Heddy Kovach , Moracco Kathryn E. , Halpern Carolyn Tucker , Flewelling Robert L.
Published: December 2011

Greater access to alcohol has been widely found to be associated with many negative outcomes including violence perpetration. This study examines the relationship between alcohol outlet density, alcohol use, and intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization among young women in the United States. A direct association between alcohol outlet density in one’s neighborhood and the likelihood of IPV victimization was examined. Data were from Wave III of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), which followed a nationally representative sample of adolescents into adulthood. Participants were young adult females age 18 to 26 at Wave III. Of the 4,571 female respondents who reported a current heterosexual relationship and had IPV data, 13.2% reported having been the victim of physical violence only and 6.5% experienced sexual only or physical and sexual violence in the relationship during the past year. In the regression models tested, there was no significant direct association between neighborhood alcohol outlet density and IPV victimization nor was there an association between outlet density and drinking behaviors, thus eliminating the possibility of an indirect association. Results of fully adjusted models indicate females who drank heavily, whether infrequently or frequently, were at significant risk for experiencing sexual only IPV or sexual and physical IPV. Asians and Native Americans were at significantly greater odds of experiencing sexual only or sexual and physical IPV compared with non-Hispanic Whites, while non-Hispanic Blacks were at significantly greater odds for physical only IPV. We conclude that a continuous measure of alcohol outlet density was not associated with IPV in models controlling for individual and other neighborhood characteristics. Young women who drink heavily, whether infrequently or frequently, have greater odds of experiencing sexual only or sexual and physical compared to abstainers. Similar to previous study findings, young women living with or married to their partner were at far greater risk of experiencing physical only and/or sexual only or sexual and physical IPV. The study adds to the growing body of literature that examines how community characteristics such as outlet density influence the likelihood of IPV.
Utilising microstrip patch antenna strain sensors for structural health monitoring
Authors: Daliri Ali , Galehdar Amir , Rowe Wayne ST , Ghorbani Kamran , John Sabu
Published: December 2011

In this article, the feasibility of using a circular microstrip patch antenna to measure strain and the effects of different materials on sensitivity of the patch antenna are investigated. Also, the effect of strain direction on the frequency shift is studied. The theoretical model shows a linear relationship between strain and the shift in the resonant frequency of the antenna in any material. Both finite element analysis (FEA) and experimental tests have been undertaken to corroborate the relationship between strain and frequency shift. In addition, a new antenna sensor based on a meandered microstrip patch antennas has been designed and tested to overcome the shortcomings of the circular patch. The meandered circular microstrip patch antenna exhibited a threefold increase in sensitivity and a fivefold reduction in its physical size, when compared to the simple circular patch. The ultimate intention of this work is to configure antennas for the detection of relatively small damage zones in structures and to do so wirelessly.
We Are the Champions
Authors: Solitander Nikodemus , Fougère Martin , Sobczak André , Herlin Heidi
Published: December 2011

As the number of institutions adopting the United Nations’ Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) initiative grows, there is an overhanging risk that many of them will merely add “responsibility” as a topic to the existing curriculum. The authors contend that a serious reading of PRME should instead entail thinking in terms of a gradual transformation of management education. Such a serious reading poses a number of organizational learning (and unlearning) challenges. By relying on their own experiences at two PRME signatory business schools in France and Finland, they describe how faculty champions may face these challenges in implementing PRME, and specifically how they may overcome strategic, structural, and cultural barriers. The authors particularly emphasize political challenges at every level and the role of champions inducing reflexivity in overcoming some of the barriers. They argue that although faculty champions are not the most powerful actors within the business school, they are still well positioned to inspire and instill the needed transformation of management education. They conclude that faculty champions need to creatively “make do” within the constraints imposed by their organizational context.
Some Common Myths About Centering Predictor Variables in Moderated Multiple Regression and Polynomial Regression
Authors: Dalal Dev K. , Zickar Michael J.
Published: December 2011

Additive transformations are often offered as a remedy for the common problem of collinearity in moderated regression and polynomial regression analysis. As the authors demonstrate in this article, mean-centering reduces nonessential collinearity but not essential collinearity. Therefore, in most cases, mean-centering of predictors does not accomplish its intended goal. In this article, the authors discuss and explain, through derivation of equations and empirical examples, that mean-centering changes lower order regression coefficients but not the highest order coefficients, does not change the fit of regression models, does not impact the power to detect moderating effects, and does not alter the reliability of product terms. The authors outline the positive effects of mean-centering, namely, the increased interpretability of the results and its importance for moderator analysis in structural equations and multilevel analysis. It is recommended that researchers center their predictor variables when their variables do not have meaningful zero-points within the range of the variables to assist in interpreting the results.
Customer Delight
Authors: Finn Adam
Published: December 2011

The value of treating customer satisfaction (CS) as a marketing objective began to be questioned in the 1990s. Achieving customer delight (CD) was the suggested alternative. However, CD is used for a distinct response and for an upper zone of positive nonlinear response to CS. This research investigates these two perspectives by examining the linearity of how CS influences behavioral intentions while controlling for CD measured as a distinct response. Unique data, crossing online retailers with respondents, confirm CD and CS are distinct responses that both determine behavioral intentions. CD has a positive quadratic effect; contrary to the zone of delight conceptualization, CS has a negative cubic effect. This suggests that CD is a service performance metric that needs to be monitored and managed just as much as CS. Once CS is above average, resources should be used to increase CD rather than CS.