bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer–Based Sensor Camui Provides New Insight Into Mechanisms of Calcium/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II Activation in Intact Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Erickson Jeffrey R. , Patel Ruchi , Ferguson Amanda , Bossuyt Julie , Bers Donald M.
Published: August 2011

Rationale:

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is a key mediator of intracellular signaling in the heart. However, the tools currently available for assessing dynamic changes in CaMKII localization and activation in living myocytes are limited.

Objective:

We use Camui, a novel FRET-based biosensor in which full-length CaMKII is flanked by CFP and YFP, to measure CaMKII activation state in living rabbit myocytes.

Methods and Results:

We show that Camui and mutant variants that lack the sites of CaMKII autophosphorylation (T286A) and oxidative regulation (CM280/1VV) serve as useful biosensors for CaMKIIδ activation state. Camui (wild-type or mutant) was expressed in isolated adult cardiac myocytes, and localization and CaMKII activation state were determined using confocal microscopy. Camui, like CaMKIIδ, is concentrated at the z-lines, with low baseline activation state. Camui activation increased directly with pacing frequency, but the maximal effect was blunted with the T286A, consistent with frequency-dependent phosphorylation of CaMKII at T286 mainly at high-frequency and high-amplitude Ca transients. Camui was also activated by 4 neurohormonal agonists. Angiotensin II and endothelin-1 activated Camui, largely through an oxidation-dependent mechanism, whereas isoproterenol- and phenylephrine-mediated mechanisms had a significant autophosphorylation-dependent component.

Conclusions:

Camui is a novel, nondestructive tool that allows spatiotemporally resolved measurement of CaMKII activation state in physiologically functioning myocytes. This represents a first step in using Camui to elucidate key mechanistic details of CaMKII signaling in live hearts and myocytes.
Exosomes From Human CD34
+
Stem Cells Mediate Their Proangiogenic Paracrine Activity
Authors: Sahoo Susmita , Klychko Ekaterina , Thorne Tina , Misener Sol , Schultz Kathryn M. , Millay Meredith , Ito Aiko , Liu Ting , Kamide Christine , Agrawal Hemant , Perlman Harris , Qin Gangjian , Kishore Raj , Losordo Douglas W.
Published: August 2011

Rationale:

Transplantation of human CD34
+
stem cells to ischemic tissues has been associated with reduced angina, improved exercise time, and reduced amputation rates in phase 2 clinical trials and has been shown to induce neovascularization in preclinical models. Previous studies have suggested that paracrine factors secreted by these proangiogenic cells are responsible, at least in part, for the angiogenic effects induced by CD34
+
cell transplantation.

Objective:

Our objective was to investigate the mechanism of CD34
+
stem cell–induced proangiogenic paracrine effects and to examine if exosomes, a component of paracrine secretion, are involved.

Methods and Results:

Exosomes collected from the conditioned media of mobilized human CD34
+
cells had the characteristic size (40 to 90 nm; determined by dynamic light scattering), cup-shaped morphology (electron microscopy), expressed exosome-marker proteins CD63, phosphatidylserine (flow cytometry) and TSG101 (immunoblotting), besides expressing CD34
+
cell lineage marker protein, CD34. In vitro, CD34
+
exosomes replicated the angiogenic activity of CD34
+
cells by increasing endothelial cell viability, proliferation, and tube formation on Matrigel. In vivo, the CD34
+
exosomes stimulated angiogenesis in Matrigel plug and corneal assays. Interestingly, exosomes from CD34
+
cells but not from CD34
+
cell–depleted mononuclear cells had angiogenic activity.

Conclusions:

Our data demonstrate that human CD34
+
cells secrete exosomes that have independent angiogenic activity both in vitro and in vivo. CD34
+
exosomes may represent a significant component of the paracrine effect of progenitor cell transplantation for therapeutic angiogenesis.
The CCR2/CCL2 Interaction Mediates the Transendothelial Recruitment of Intravascularly Delivered Neural Stem Cells to the Ischemic Brain
Authors: Andres Robert H. , Choi Raymond , Pendharkar Arjun V. , Gaeta Xavier , Wang Nancy , Nathan Jaya K. , Chua Joshua Y. , Lee Star W. , Palmer Theo D. , Steinberg Gary K. , Guzman Raphael
Published: August 2011

Background and Purpose—

The inflammatory response is a critical component of ischemic stroke. In addition to its physiological role, the mechanisms behind transendothelial recruitment of immune cells also offer a unique therapeutic opportunity for translational stem cell therapies. Recent reports have demonstrated homing of neural stem cells (NSC) into the injured brain areas after intravascular delivery. However, the mechanisms underlying the process of transendothelial recruitment remain largely unknown. Here we describe the critical role of the chemokine CCL2 and its receptor CCR2 in targeted homing of NSC after ischemia.

Methods—

Twenty-four hours after induction of stroke using the hypoxia-ischemia model in mice CCR2
+/+
and CCR2
−/−
reporter NSC were intra-arterially delivered. Histology and bioluminescence imaging were used to investigate NSC homing to the ischemic brain. Functional outcome was assessed with the horizontal ladder test.

Results—

Using NSC isolated from CCR2
+/+
and CCR2
−/−
mice, we show that receptor deficiency significantly impaired transendothelial diapedesis specifically in response to CCL2. Accordingly, wild-type NSC injected into CCL2
−/−
mice exhibited significantly decreased homing. Bioluminescence imaging showed robust recruitment of CCR2
+/+
cells within 6 hours after transplantation in contrast to CCR2
−/−
cells. Mice receiving CCR2
+/+
grafts after ischemic injury showed a significantly improved recovery of neurological deficits as compared to animals with transplantation of CCR2
−/−
NSC.

Conclusions—

The CCL2/CCR2 interaction is critical for transendothelial recruitment of intravascularly delivered NSC in response to ischemic injury. This finding could have significant implications in advancing minimally invasive intravascular therapeutics for regenerative medicine or cell-based drug delivery systems for central nervous system diseases.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Primed With Valproate and Lithium Robustly Migrate to Infarcted Regions and Facilitate Recovery in a Stroke Model
Authors: Tsai Li-Kai , Wang Zhifei , Munasinghe Jeeva , Leng Yan , Leeds Peter , Chuang De-Maw
Published: August 2011

Background and Purpose—

The migratory efficiency of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) toward cerebral infarct after transplantation is limited. Valproate (VPA) and lithium enhance in vitro migration of MSC by upregulating CXC chemokine receptor 4 and matrix metalloproteinase-9, respectively. Ability of VPA and lithium to promote MSC homing and to improve functional recovery was assessed in a rat model of cerebral ischemia.

Methods—

MSC primed with VPA (2.5 mmol/L, 3 hours) and/or lithium chloride (2.5 mmol/L, 24 hours) were transplanted into rats 24 hours after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Neurological function was assessed via rotarod test, Neurological Severity Score, and body asymmetry test for 2 weeks. Infarct volume was analyzed by MRI. The number of homing MSC and microvessel density in the infarcted regions were measured 15 days after MCAO using immunohistochemistry.

Results—

Priming with VPA or lithium increased the number of MSC homing to the cerebral infarcted regions, and copriming with VPA and lithium further enhanced this effect. MCAO rats receiving VPA-primed and/or lithium-primed MSC showed improved functional recovery, reduced infarct volume, and enhanced angiogenesis in the infarcted penumbra regions. These beneficial effects of VPA or lithium priming were reversed by AMD3100, a CXC chemokine receptor 4 antagonist, and GM6001, a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, respectively.

Conclusions—

Priming with VPA and/or lithium promoted the homing and migration ability of MSC, improved functional recovery, reduced brain infarct volume, and enhanced angiogenesis in a rat MCAO model. These effects were likely mediated by VPA-induced CXC chemokine receptor 4 overexpression and lithium-induced matrix metalloproteinase-9 upregulation.
Diabetes Mellitus and Risk of Stroke and Its Subtypes Among Japanese
Authors: Cui Renzhe , Iso Hiroyasu , Yamagishi Kazumasa , Saito Isao , Kokubo Yoshihiro , Inoue Manami , Tsugane Shoichiro
Published: August 2011

Background and Purpose—

Although diabetes mellitus has been recognized as a risk factor for ischemic stroke, evidence is limited for ischemic stroke subtypes among Asians.

Methods—

A survey was conducted of a total of 13 129 men and 22 528 women aged 40 to 69 years at baseline. During the median 12.0-year follow-up, there were 526 incidences of ischemic strokes (259 lacunar infarctions, 91 large-artery occlusive, and 140 embolic infarctions).

Results—

The risk of ischemic stroke for both sexes was approximately 2 to 4 times higher for diabetic subjects than for those with normal glucose levels. Significant excess risks of lacunar and embolic infarction for both sexes and of large-artery occlusive infarctions for women were also observed in diabetic subjects. Diabetes mellitus was not associated with risk of intraparenchymal or subarachnoid hemorrhage for either sex.

Conclusions—

Diabetes mellitus is a significant risk factor for ischemic stroke and all subtypes of ischemic stroke for middle-aged Japanese.
The Unrecognized Psychosocial Factors Contributing to Bleeding Risk in Warfarin Therapy
Authors: Diug Basia , Evans Sue , Lowthian Judy , Maxwell Ellen , Dooley Michael , Street Alison , Wolfe Rory , Cameron Peter , McNeil John
Published: August 2011

Background and Purpose—

Warfarin is an effective drug for the prevention of thromboembolism in the elderly. The major risk for patients taking warfarin is bleeding. We aimed to assess the impact of psychosocial factors, including mood, cognition, social isolation, and health literacy on warfarin instability among community-based elderly patients.

Methods—

A case–control study was conducted between March 2008 and June 2009 in a community-based setting. Cases were patients previously stabilized on warfarin who recorded an international normalized ratio ≥6.0. Control subjects were patients whose international normalized ratio measurement was maintained within the therapeutic range. Patient interviews investigated potential predisposing factors to elevated International Normalized Ratio levels.

Results—

A total of 486 patients were interviewed: 157 cases and 329 control subjects, with an approximate mean age of 75 years. Atrial fibrillation was the most common primary indication. Adjusted multivariate logistic regression revealed impaired cognition (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.0 to 3.6), depressed mood (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.2 to 3.9), and inadequate health literacy (OR, 4.0;95% CI, 2.1 to 7.4) were associated with increased risk of an elevated International Normalized Ratio.

Conclusions—

This study identified impaired cognition, depressed mood, and inadequate health literacy as risk factors for warfarin instability. These had a similar impact to well-recognized demographic, clinical, and medication-related factors and are prevalent among the elderly. These findings suggest that elderly patients prescribed warfarin should be reviewed regularly for psychosocial deficits.
Depression and Incident Stroke in Women
Authors: Pan An , Okereke Olivia I. , Sun Qi , Logroscino Giancarlo , Manson JoAnn E. , Willett Walter C. , Ascherio Alberto , Hu Frank B. , Rexrode Kathryn M.
Published: August 2011

Background and Purpose—

Depression has been associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease, but prospective data for the association with stroke are limited.

Methods—

We followed-up 80 574 women aged 54 to 79 years in Nurses' Health Study without a history of stroke from 2000 to 2006. Depressive symptoms were assessed at multiple time points by a Mental Health Index score (1992, 1996, and 2000), and clinical significant depressive symptoms were defined as a score ≤52. Antidepressant medication use was asked biennially beginning in 1996, and physician-diagnosed depression was reported biennially beginning in 2000. Depression was defined as currently reporting or having a history of any of these 3 conditions.

Results—

During 6 years of follow-up, 1033 incident strokes were documented (538 ischemic, 124 hemorrhagic, and 371 unknown strokes). Having a history of depression was associated with a multivariate-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.29 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–1.48) for total stroke. Women who used antidepressant medications were at increased risk for stroke, whether they also had a Mental Health Index score ≤52 or diagnosed depression (HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.15–1.69) or not (HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.03–1.67). Furthermore, for each cycle, participants who reported current depression had an increased risk of stroke (HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.18–1.67), whereas individuals who only had a history of depression were at nonsignificantly elevated risk (HR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.97–1.56) compared with women who never reported a diagnosis of depression or antidepressant medication use.

Conclusions—

Our results suggest that depression is associated with a moderately increased risk of subsequent stroke.
Baseline and Longitudinal Increases in Diastolic Blood Pressure Are Associated With Greater White Matter Hyperintensity Volume
Authors: Marcus Justin , Gardener Hannah , Rundek Tatjana , Elkind Mitchell S.V. , Sacco Ralph L. , DeCarli Charles , Wright Clinton B.
Published: August 2011

Background and Purpose—

Elevated blood pressure (BP) is a risk factor for stroke and dementia, but the effect of BP, and change in BP over time, on white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV) is not fully understood. Few studies have included Hispanics, who are at greater risk of stroke and dementia than non-Hispanic whites. We examined BP in relation to WMHV in a stroke-free cohort.

Methods—

The Northern Manhattan Study includes 1290 stroke-free participants who had brain MRI. We examined baseline systolic and diastolic (DBP) BP, and changes in BP from baseline to MRI, and WMHV.

Results—

There were 1281 participants with brain MRI and 2 BP measurements (mean age, 64 years; SD=8; range, 40 to 94 years). Baseline DBP was associated with greater WMHV (
P
<0.0001) independent of sociodemographic and vascular risk factors. Each 10 mm Hg above the mean baseline DBP (83±11 mm Hg) was associated with a 1.17% greater WMHV. Over 7 years average follow-up, participants with an increase >5 mm Hg DBP from baseline to MRI had 1.21% greater WMHV relative to those whose BP did not increase (
P
=0.02). The association between baseline DBP and WMHV was strongest for blacks compared with Hispanics and whites (interaction
P
=0.04).

Conclusions—

Baseline DBP and longitudinal increases in DBP were independently associated with a greater WMHV, and the association between DBP and WMHV was greatest among blacks.
Proliferating Reactive Astrocytes Are Regulated by Notch-1 in the Peri-Infarct Area After Stroke
Authors: Shimada Issei S. , Borders Alyssa , Aronshtam Alexander , Spees Jeffrey L.
Published: August 2011

Background and Purpose—

The formation of reactive astrocytes is common after central nervous system injuries such as stroke. However, the signaling pathway(s) that control astrocyte formation and functions are poorly defined. We assess the effects of Notch 1 signaling in peri-infarct-reactive astrocytes after stroke.

Methods—

We examined reactive astrocyte formation in the peri-infarct area 3 days after distal middle cerebral artery occlusion with or without γ-secretase inhibitor treatment. To directly study the effects of inhibiting a γ-secretase cleavage target in reactive astrocytes, we generated glial fibrillary acidic protein-CreER
TM
:Notch 1 conditional knockout mice.

Results—

Gamma-secretase inhibitor treatment after stroke decreased the number of proliferative glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive reactive astrocytes and RC2-positive reactive astrocytes directly adjacent to the infarct core. The decrease in reactive astrocytes correlated with an increased number of CD45-positive cells that invaded into the peri-infarct area. To study the influence of reactive astrocytes on immune cell invasion, ex vivo immune cell invasion assays were performed. We found that a γ-secretase-mediated pathway in astrocytes affected Jurkat cell invasion. After tamoxifen treatment, glial fibrillary acidic protein-CreER
TM
:Notch 1 conditional knockout mice had a significantly decreased number of proliferating reactive astrocytes and RC2-positive reactive astrocytes. Tamoxifen treatment also led to an increased number of CD45-positive cells that invaded the peri-infarct area.

Conclusions—

Our results demonstrate that proliferating and RC2-positive reactive astrocytes are regulated by Notch 1 signal transduction and control immune cell invasion after stroke.
Long-Term Outcome After Stroke in Belarus
Authors: Kulesh Sergey D. , Kastsinevich Tatsiana M. , Kliatskova Liudmila A. , Sauchanka Maryia E. , Filina Nina A. , Shumskas Mechyslovas S. , Schwab Stefan , Hilz Max J. , Kolominsky-Rabas Peter L.
Published: August 2011

Background and Purpose—

Data concerning the long-term prognosis after stroke in low-income and middle-income countries are limited. We aimed to establish survival and dependency at 5 years after a first-ever-in-a-lifetime stroke in Grodno, Belarus.

Methods—

All residents of Grodno with a suspected acute stroke were registered prospectively and assessed over a period of 12 months in 2001. Patients were followed-up prospectively at 3 and 12 months, and then annually up to 5 years after the index event.

Results—

There were 671 cases of first-ever-in-a-lifetime stroke, and follow-up data after 5 years were available for 653 of these patients (97.3%); 18 people (2.7%) were lost to follow-up. One hundred ninety patients (29.1%) died during the first 28 days of stroke. The case fatality rate at 3 months was 32.2% (210/653), at 12 months it was 37.4% (244/653), and at 5 years it was 58.8% (384/653). Of the 269 survivors at 5 years, 130 (48.3%) were independent (modified Rankin score, 0–2), and 139 (51.7%) were disabled (modified Rankin score, ≥3). At 5 years, the cumulative risk of death or disability after first-ever-in-a-lifetime stroke was 80.1% (523/653).

Conclusions—

Stroke in Belarus is associated with a very high risk of death or dependency at 5 years.
Evaluating Error Propagation in Coupled Land–Atmosphere Models
Authors: Pijanowski Bryan , Moore Nathan , Mauree Dasaraden , Niyogi Dev
Published: August 2011

This study examines how land-use errors from the Land Transformation Model (LTM) propagate through to climate as simulated by the Regional Atmospheric Model System (RAMS). The authors conducted five simulations of regional climate over East Africa: one using observed land cover/land use (LULC) and four utilizing LTM-derived LULC. The study examined how quantifiable errors generated by the LTM impact typical land–climate variables: precipitation, land surface temperature, air temperature, soil moisture, and latent heat flux. Error propagation was not evident when domain averages for the land–climate variables of the yearlong simulation were examined. However, the authors found that spatial errors from the LTM propagate through in complex ways, temporally affecting the seasonal distributions of rainfall, surface temperature, soil moisture, and latent heat flux. In particular, rainy seasons exhibited greater precipitation in LTM-RAMS simulations than in the reference simulation and less precipitation occurred during the dry season. Complex interactions of precipitation and soil moisture were also evident. Overall, results indicate that small errors from a land change model could grow as a “coupling drift” if both are used to forecast into the future; these couplings could create larger combined errors of land–climate interactions because of time-scale differences into the future. Thus, although land-use change projection is necessary for a more accurate climate projection, existing errors from a land change model will likely amplify through the climate simulation. This finding affects interpretation of large-scale versus land-use/land-cover feedbacks on climate projections.
Spatial Disaggregation of Mean Areal Rainfall Using Gibbs Sampling
Authors: Gagnon P. , Rousseau A. N. , Mailhot A. , Caya D.
Published: August 2011

Precipitation has a high spatial variability, and thus some modeling applications require high-resolution data (<10 km). Unfortunately, in some cases, such as meteorological forecasts and future regional climate projections, only spatial averages over large areas are available. While some attention has been given to the disaggregation of mean areal precipitation estimates, the computation of a disaggregated field with a realistic spatial structure remains a difficult task. This paper describes the development of a statistical disaggregation model based on Gibbs sampling. The model disaggregates 45.6-km-resolution rainfall fields to grids with pixel sizes ranging from 3.8 to 22.8 km. The model is conceptually simple, as the algorithm is straightforward to compute with only a few parameters to estimate. The rainfall depth at each grid pixel is related to the depths of the neighboring pixels, while the spatial variability is related to the convective available potential energy (CAPE) field. The model is developed using daily rainfall data over a 40 000-km2 area located in the southeastern United States. Four-kilometer-resolution rainfall estimates obtained from NCEP’s stage IV analysis were used to estimate the model parameters (2002–04) and as a reference to validate the disaggregated fields (2005/06). Results show that the model accurately simulates rainfall depths and the spatial structure of the observed field. Because the model has low computational requirements, an ensemble of disaggregated data series can be generated.
Systematic empirical research versus clinical case studies
Authors: Eagle Morris N. , Wolitzky David L.
Published: August 2011

This paper considers the issue of systematic empirical research versus clinical case studies raised by Hoffman (2009). A rebuttal of Hoffman’s arguments is offered, followed by an argument that each method addresses itself to different questions and that posing them in opposition is not fruitful. Finally, criteria and requirements of the case study method are proposed that, if met, would enhance its evidential value.
Grouping for Achievement Gains
Authors: Adelson Jill L. , Carpenter Brittany D.
Published: August 2011

With ever-present budget cuts, teachers often use within-class achievement grouping to meet the needs of students of all ability levels but particularly high-ability students. Using a national database, this study examined the relationship between achievement grouping and the size of achievement groups on kindergarten reading growth. Additionally, it examined whether those relationships differed for kindergarteners in a gifted program. Findings suggest that achievement grouping is related to higher reading achievement, particularly when the average group size is small. Furthermore, although students provided gifted programming at the early grade of kindergarten generally experienced less kindergarten reading growth than their peers, this study suggests the use of achievement grouping provided them the opportunity and instruction to improve their reading achievement during the kindergarten year.
Andrographolide Inhibits Oral Squamous Cell Carcinogenesis through NF-κB Inactivation
Authors: Wang L.-J. , Zhou X. , Wang W. , Tang F. , Qi C.-L. , Yang X. , Wu S. , Lin Y.-Q. , Wang J.-T. , Geng J.-G.
Published: August 2011

The NF-κB family of transcription factors is essential for promoting cell proliferation and preventing cell apoptosis. We have previously shown that Andrographolide (Andro) isolated from an herbal plant, Andrographis paniculata, covalently modifies reduced cysteine62 in the oligonucleotide binding pocket of p50 for inhibition of NF-κB activation. Here we report that Andro, but not its inactive structural analog 4H-Andro, potently suppressed squamous cell carcinogenesis induced by 7,12-dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene (DMBA) in the hamster model of cheek buccal pouch. Compared with 4H-Andro, Andro reduced phosphorylation of p65 (Ser536) and IκBα (Ser32/36) for inhibiting aberrant NF-κB activation, suppressed c-Myc and cyclin D1 expression and attenuated neoplastic cell proliferation, promoted cancerous cell apoptosis, and mitigated tumor-induced angiogenesis. Consistently, Andro retarded growth, decreased proliferation, and promoted apoptosis of Tb cells, a human tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line, in time- and dose-dependent manners, with concomitant reduction of the expression of NF-κB targeting molecules in vitro. Our results thus demonstrate that NF-κB activation plays important roles in the pathogenesis of chemically induced squamous cell carcinoma. By inhibition of aberrant NF-κB activation, Andro treats chemically induced oral squamous cell carcinogenesis.
Spirituality as a Universal Experience of Music
Authors: Matsunobu Koji
Published: August 2011

Ethnomusicologists and music educators are in broad agreement that what makes each cultural expression of music unique are differences, not commonalities, and that these should be understood in culturally sensitive ways. Relevant to the debate was the emphasis on the socio-cultural context of music making over the traditional “sound-only” approach. In this study, North American practitioners of shakuhachi music provided a different angle on the view of music as culture-specific. What made these practitioners interested in shakuhachi playing were not so much cultural aspects of Japanese music as universal aspects of human experience identified in Japanese music, such as the feeling of being part of nature and the revitalization of humans’ organic sensitivities. For them, the cultural served as a hindrance to accessing the underlying spirituality of Japanese music. From their perspective, the opposite of the sound-only approach was not necessarily posited as a sociocultural approach but as a spiritual or physical approach that transcended cultural boundaries.
Hybrid Texts
Authors: Christianakis Mary
Published: August 2011

Consistent with a sociocritical frame and the analytic tools of hybridity theory, this article explicates how urban fifth-grade children made language hybrids using rap and poetry to participate in classroom literacy. Ethnographic data from a yearlong study illustrate two key findings. First, standards-based and canon-driven writing models maintained literacy and language borders through antihybrid practices based in antipopular ideologies. Second, the children used hybrid rap poems to negotiate and challenge linguistic and ideological constraints that hemmed in classroom literacy. The author suggests that canon-driven writing pedagogies be more inclusive of youth popular cultures and culturally relevant literacies.
Boomerang Effects in Science Communication
Authors: Hart P. Sol , Nisbet Erik C.
Published: August 2011

The deficit-model of science communication assumes increased communication about science issues will move public opinion toward the scientific consensus. However, in the case of climate change, public polarization about the issue has increased in recent years, not diminished. In this study, we draw from theories of motivated reasoning, social identity, and persuasion to examine how science-based messages may increase public polarization on controversial science issues such as climate change. Exposing 240 adults to simulated news stories about possible climate change health impacts on different groups, we found the influence of identification with potential victims was contingent on participants’ political partisanship. This partisanship increased the degree of political polarization on support for climate mitigation policies and resulted in a boomerang effect among Republican participants. Implications for understanding the role of motivated reasoning within the context of science communication are discussed.
Effects of robot-assisted upper limb rehabilitation on daily function and real-world arm activity in patients with chronic stroke: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liao Wan-wen , Wu Ching-yi , Hsieh Yu-wei , Lin Keh-chung , Chang Wan-ying
Published: August 2011

Objective: To compare the outcome of robot-assisted therapy with dose-matched active control therapy by using accelerometers to study functional recovery in chronic stroke patients.

Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

Setting: Stroke units in three medical centres.

Subjects: Twenty patients post stroke for a mean of 22 months.

Intervention: Robot-assisted therapy ( n = 10) or dose-matched active control therapy ( n = 10). All patients received either of these two therapies for 90–105 minutes each day, 5 days per week, for four weeks.

Main measures: Outcome measures included arm activity ratio (the ratio of mean activity between the impaired and unimpaired arm) and scores on the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale, Functional Independence Measure, Motor Activity Log and ABILHAND questionnaire.

Results: The robot-assisted therapy group significantly increased motor function, hemiplegic arm activity and bilateral arm coordination (Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale: 51.20 ± 8.82, P = 0.002; mean arm activity ratio: 0.76 ± 0.10, P = 0.026; ABILHAND questionnaire: 1.24 ± 0.28, P = 0.043) compared with the dose-matched active control group (Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale: 40.90 ± 13.14; mean arm movement ratio: 0.69 ± 0.11; ABILHAND questionnaire: 0.95 ± 0.43).

Conclusions: Symmetrical and bilateral robotic practice, combined with functional task training, can significantly improve motor function, arm activity, and self-perceived bilateral arm ability in patients late after stroke.
Ultrasound-Guided Sclerosing Treatment in Patients With Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee)
Authors: Hoksrud Aasne , Bahr Roald
Published: August 2011

Background: A randomized controlled study has shown good clinical results after treatment with sclerosing injections into the area with neovessels in patients with patellar tendinopathy, but no study has investigated medium- or long-term outcomes.

Purpose: This study investigates the effect of sclerosing treatment 44 months (range, 42-47 months) after start of treatment.

Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods: Patients with a diagnosis of jumper’s knee and neovascularization corresponding to the painful area were recruited and treated with ultrasound-guided sclerosing injections using polidocanol. Primary outcome was Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment (VISA) score, which was recorded before the start of treatment, after 12 months, and 44 months after the start of the study period.

Results: Twelve of the 29 patients (14 tendons) who were followed up at 44 months had undergone arthroscopic surgery after sclerosing treatment, either to the patellar tendon (n = 6) or for other intra-articular lesions (n = 8). For patients who did not receive additional treatment after the sclerosing injections (n = 23 tendons), VISA score was 55 (range, 28-71) at baseline and 81 (range, 39-100) at 12-month follow-up ( P < .001 vs baseline).Their VISA score at 44 months’ follow-up was 89 (range, 73-100; P = .047 vs 12 months). For patients who went through arthroscopic tendon surgery, VISA score was 53 (range, 39-71) at baseline and 71 before surgery (range, 48-98; P = .14 vs baseline). Their VISA score at 44 months was 91 (range, 76-100; P = .0.16 vs 12 months; P = .005 vs baseline). For patients who went through non–tendon surgery, VISA score was 45 (range, 15-69) at baseline and 57 (range, 32-95) before surgery ( P = .29 vs baseline). Their VISA score at 44 months was 92 (range, 72-100; P = .006 vs before surgery; P < .001 vs baseline).

Conclusion: Sclerosing treatment with polidocanol was effective for the majority of the patients. Nevertheless, one-third elected to seek additional treatment through arthroscopic surgery during the 44-month follow-up period.
One-Year Test-Retest Reliability of the Online Version of ImPACT in High School Athletes
Authors: Elbin R.J. , Schatz Philip , Covassin Tracey
Published: August 2011

Background: The ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) neurocognitive testing battery is a popular assessment tool used for concussion management. The stability of the baseline neurocognitive assessment is important for accurate comparisons between postconcussion and baseline neurocognitive performance. Psychometric properties of the recently released online version of ImPACT have yet to be established; therefore, research evaluating the reliability of this measure is warranted.

Purpose: The authors investigated the 1-year test-retest reliability of the ImPACT online version in a sample of high school athletes.

Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4

Methods: A total of 369 varsity high school athletes completed 2 mandatory preseason baseline cognitive assessments approximately 1 year apart as required by their respective athletics program. No diagnosed concussion occurred between assessments.

Results: Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for ImPACT online indicated that motor processing speed (.85) was the most stable composite score, followed by reaction time (.76), visual memory (.70), and verbal memory (.62). Unbiased estimates of reliability were consistent with ICCs: motor processing speed (.85), reaction time (.76), visual memory (.71), and verbal memory (.62).

Conclusion: The online ImPACT baseline is a stable measure of neurocognitive performance across a 1-year time period for high school athletes. These reliability data for online ImPACT are higher than the 2-year ICCs previously reported from the desktop version.

Clinical Relevance: It is recommended that the ImPACT baseline assessment (both desktop and online) continue to be updated every 2 years. The online version of ImPACT appears to be a stable measure of neurocognitive performance over a 1-year period, and systematic evaluation of its stability over a 2-year period is warranted.
Excision of Symptomatic Nonunions of Proximal Fifth Metatarsal Avulsion Fractures in Elite Athletes
Authors: Ritchie J. David , Shaver J. Christopher , Anderson Robert B. , Lawrence Steven J. , Mair Scott D.
Published: August 2011

Background: An avulsion fracture of the proximal fifth metatarsal may result in a symptomatic nonunion and hinder athletic performance. Nonoperative management is often successful in alleviating symptoms. When symptoms persist, surgery can be undertaken to repair the nonunion or excise the avulsed fragment.

Purpose: The excision of the avulsed bone fragment is evaluated in the management of symptomatic nonunions.

Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods: Excision of the avulsed fifth metatarsal fragment was performed in 6 male high-performance athletes with symptomatic nonunions. The remaining edge of bone was contoured and smoothed.

Results: All 6 patients experienced an uneventful operation and recovery, returning to competitive play at a mean of 11.7 weeks. Activity-related pain and discomfort abated after the excision and rehabilitation. No surgical complications were noted.

Conclusion: Surgical excision of the avulsed fragment from the proximal fifth metatarsal is a safe and effective alternative intervention when nonoperative methods fail.
The Management of the Critically Ill Obstetric Patient
Authors: Honiden Shyoko , Abdel-Razeq Sonya S. , Siegel Mark D.
Published: August 2011

Hypertensive disorders, postpartum hemorrhage, and sepsis are the most common indications for intensive care unit admission among obstetric patients. In general, ICU mortality is low, and better than would be predicted using available mortality prediction tools. Provision of care to this special population requires an intimate understanding of physiologic changes that occur during pregnancy. Clinicians must be aware of the way various diagnostic and treatment choices can affect the mother and fetus. Most clinically necessary radiographic tests can be safely performed and fall under the maternal radiation exposure limit of less than 0.05 Gray (Gy). Careful attention must be paid to acid–base status, oxygenation, and ventilation when faced with respiratory failure necessitating intubation. Cesarean delivery can be justified after 4 minutes of cardiac arrest and may improve fetal and maternal outcomes. The treatment of obstetric patients in the ICU introduces complexities and challenges that may be unfamiliar to many critical care physicians; teamwork and communication with obstetricians is crucial.
Space for toddlers in the guidelines and curricula for early childhood education and care in Finland
Authors: Rutanen Niina
Published: August 2011

In Finland, the policies and practices in early childhood education and care (ECEC) have been characterized by a division into practices and forms of care for children under and over 3 years old. This study analyses the construction of space in the national and local level curricula for the very youngest children. These documents both present ‘child’s best interests’ as age-related, and generalize and distinguish the needs and abilities of the ‘younger’ and the ‘older’ children. At the local level, the space offered for the youngest children is linked to the emphasis on the daycare group as a community of social actors; the youngest ones are seen as inexperienced newcomers, faced with adaptation to the group and its rules.
The interplay of courage and reason in moral action
Authors: Raffel Stanley
Published: August 2011

This article argues that both courage and reason are necessary aspects of moral action. It begins by examining Plato’s changing conceptions of these two virtues, and, in particular, the settled view he arrives at in The Statesman. Sloterdijk’s recent attempt in his book advocating rage to appropriate this dialogue in order to criticize Habermas is then considered. I suggest, by interpreting various claims by these two authors, that neither understands that both reason and courage have essential roles in moral action. Additional support for this conclusion is found, not just in Plato’s late work, but in a ‘third generation’ reworking of critical theory recently developed by Menke.
Income Inequality and Happiness
Authors: Oishi Shigehiro , Kesebir Selin , Diener Ed
Published: August 2011

Using General Social Survey data from 1972 to 2008, we found that Americans were on average happier in the years with less national income inequality than in the years with more national income inequality. We further demonstrated that this inverse relation between income inequality and happiness was explained by perceived fairness and general trust. That is, Americans trusted other people less and perceived other people to be less fair in the years with more national income inequality than in the years with less national income inequality. The negative association between income inequality and happiness held for lower-income respondents, but not for higher-income respondents. Most important, we found that the negative link between income inequality and the happiness of lower-income respondents was explained not by lower household income, but by perceived unfairness and lack of trust.
Shared Language
Authors: Menenti Laura , Gierhan Sarah M. E. , Segaert Katrien , Hagoort Peter
Published: August 2011

Whether the brain’s speech-production system is also involved in speech comprehension is a topic of much debate. Research has focused on whether motor areas are involved in listening, but overlap between speaking and listening might occur not only at primary sensory and motor levels, but also at linguistic levels (where semantic, lexical, and syntactic processes occur). Using functional MRI adaptation during speech comprehension and production, we found that the brain areas involved in semantic, lexical, and syntactic processing are mostly the same for speaking and for listening. Effects of primary processing load (indicative of sensory and motor processes) overlapped in auditory cortex and left inferior frontal cortex, but not in motor cortex, where processing load affected activity only in speaking. These results indicate that the linguistic parts of the language system are used for both speaking and listening, but that the motor system does not seem to provide a crucial contribution to listening.
Place of Death Among Patients With Terminal Heart Failure in a Continuous Inotropic Infusion Program
Authors: Taitel Michael , Meaux Nita , Pegus Cheryl , Valerian Christopher , Kirkham Heather
Published: August 2011

Although most patients with terminal heart failure (HF) prefer to die at home, the majority die in hospitals. To determine the impact of home inotropic support in the place of death among patients with terminal HF, this retrospective study compared the place of death in patients with terminal HF enrolled in an inotropic infusion program to place of death in a national sample of patients with HF. The rate of home death among program participants (64.5%; n = 217) was significantly higher ( P < .001) than an age- and sex-adjusted rate of home death in a national sample (35.9%; n = 56 596). Patients with HF participating in home inotropic support can remain at home during the final stage of life and are less likely to die in hospitals.
The Effect of Video Feedback on the Social Behavior of an Adolescent With ADHD
Authors: Sibley Margaret H. , Pelham William E. , Mazur Amy , Gnagy Elizabeth M. , Ross J. Megan , Kuriyan Aparajita B.
Published: August 2011

Objective: The social functioning of adolescents with ADHD is characteristically impaired, yet almost no interventions effectively address the peer relationships of these youth. This study evaluates the preliminary effects of a video-feedback intervention on the social behavior of a 16-year-old male with ADHD–combined type in the context of a summer treatment program for youth with ADHD. Method: The intervention was administered in a teen-run business meeting designed to mimic the context of group-based activities such as student government, service clubs, and group projects. During each video-feedback session, the adolescent viewed a 5-min clip of his behavior in the previous business meeting, rated the appropriateness of his own social behavior in each 30-s interval, and discussed behavior with a summer program counselor. Results: Results indicated that while the video-feedback intervention was in place, the adolescent displayed improvements in social behavior from baseline. Results also indicated that the adolescent exhibited relatively accurate self-perceptions during the intervention period. The authors present preliminary evidence for cross-contextual and cross-temporal generalization. Conclusion: The results of this study and future directions for intervention development are discussed in the context of the broader conversation about how to treat social impairment in adolescents with ADHD.
Intraoperative Thrombosis of Right Coronary Artery Drug-Eluting Stent After 2 Years of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy
Authors: Murray Aaron T. , Sederberg James H.
Published: August 2011

This study presents the case of intraoperative thrombosis of a right coronary drug-eluting stent and subsequent right heart ischemia more than 2 years poststent placement and after recent withdrawal of clopidogrel therapy. Dual antiplatelet therapy had been continued uninterrupted since placement until 7 days prior to surgery when clopidogrel was stopped. This case highlights the emerging evidence that drug-eluting stents are susceptible to late occlusive thrombosis on acute withdrawal of antiplatelet therapy. Right heart ischemia resolved with rapid intraoperative management and emergent cardiac catheterization. This emphasizes the necessity of immediate availability to cardiac interventional facilities, which can influence outcomes.
The applicability of the Theory of Planned Behaviour in predicting adherence to ART among a South African sample
Authors: Saal Wylene , Kagee Ashraf
Published: August 2011

We sought to determine the extent to which the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) was applicable in predicting medication adherence among South Africans receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Regression analyses revealed that the linear combination of attitudes towards adherence, perceived behavioural control and perceived group norms explained 12 percent of the variance in intentions to adhere to ART. We also found a non-significant relationship between intentions to adhere to treatment and self-reported adherence. The results call into question the extent to which TPB is helpful in understanding a health-promoting behaviour such as medication adherence among South Africans receiving ART.
Distribution of Natural Radioactivity in Oil-Derived Lubricants
Authors: Abel-Ghany H. A.
Published: August 2011

Oil and gas production processing operations have been known to cause naturally occurring radioactive materials that could lead to internal and external radiation hazards and then a significant radiation dose to the workers. So, in this work, nine oil lubricants samples used on a daily basis were collected from local suppliers in Egypt in order to determine their natural radioactivity. The activity concentrations of the radionuclides were measured using coaxial hyper pure germanium (HPGe) detector system, and the derived doses were evaluated. The average activity concentrations obtained were 0.57 ± 0.04, 2.33 ± 0.39 and 5.44 ± 0.27 Bq·kg−1 for 238U,232Th and 40K, respectively. The absorbed doses were very low ranging from 0.57 to 4.20 nGyh−1.
Emission Sources and their Contribution to Indoor Air Pollution by Carbonyl Compounds in a School and a Residential Building in Shizuoka, Japan
Authors: Yamashita Shohei , Kume Kazunari , Horiike Toshiyuki , Honma Nobuyuki , Masahiro Fusaya , Amagai Takashi
Published: August 2011

A simple method for screening indoor emission sources of carbonyl compounds developed previously by the authors was used for this study. The new device, which is called “emission cell for simultaneous multisampling” (ECSMS), was used for flux sampling of volatile carbonyl compounds from surfaces of building and furnishing materials in situ. Indoor carbonyl concentrations in various rooms at a school and residential building in Shizuoka, Japan, were investigated in 2006 using the developed techniques. In several rooms, formaldehyde concentrations exceeded the air quality guideline value (100 µg m−3) set by the World Health Organization. The formaldehyde emission rates from the various surfaces in those rooms were determined using the ECSMS units. The furniture was found to be the major emission source of formaldehyde emission in many of the rooms; emissions from the furniture accounted for 42–79% of each room’s total emissions. On the basis of the results, a strategy to reduce the indoor formaldehyde concentrations in each room is proposed by this paper. This study confirmed that the ECSMS can be used for on-site screening of primary emission sources of formaldehyde that could cause indoor air pollution.