bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Plaque Sealing With Paclitaxel-Eluting Stents Versus Medical Therapy for the Treatment of Moderate Nonsignificant Saphenous Vein Graft Lesions
Authors: Rodés-Cabau Josep , Bertrand Olivier F. , Larose Eric , Déry Jean-Pierre , Rinfret Stéphane , Bagur Rodrigo , Proulx Guy , Nguyen Can M. , Côté Mélanie , Landcop Marie-Claude , Boudreault Jean-Rock , Rouleau Jacques , Roy Louis , Gleeton Onil , Barbeau Gérald , Noël Bernard , Courtis Javier , Dagenais Gilles R. , Després Jean-Pierre , DeLarochellière Robert
Published: November 2009

Background—

The presence of moderate saphenous vein graft (SVG) lesions is a major predictor of cardiac events late after coronary artery bypass grafting. We determined the effects of sealing moderate nonsignificant SVG lesions with paclitaxel-eluting stents (PES) on the prevention of SVG atherosclerosis progression.

Methods and Results—

Patients with at least 1 moderate SVG lesion (30% to 60% diameter stenosis) were randomized either to stenting the moderate SVG lesion with a PES (n=30, PES group) or to medical treatment alone (n=27, medical treatment group). Patients had an angiographic and intravascular ultrasound evaluation of the SVG at baseline and at 12-month follow-up. The primary end points were (1) the ultrasound SVG minimal lumen area at follow-up and (2) the changes in ultrasound atheroma volume in an angiographically nondiseased SVG segment. Mean time from coronary artery bypass grafting was 12±6 years, and mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was 73±31 mg/dL. A total of 70 moderate SVG lesions (39±7% diameter stenosis) were evaluated. Significant disease progression occurred in the medical treatment group at the level of the moderate SVG lesion (decrease in minimal lumen area from 6.3±3.0 to 5.6±3.1 mm
2
;
P
<0.001), leading to a severe flow-limiting lesion or SVG occlusion in 22% of the patients compared with none in the PES group (
P
=0.014). In the PES group, mean minimal lumen area increased (
P
<0.001) from 6.1±2.2 to 8.6±2.9 mm
2
at follow-up (
P
=0.001 compared with the medical treatment group at 12 months). There were no cases of restenosis or stent thrombosis. No significant atherosclerosis progression occurred at the nonstented SVG segments. At 12-month follow-up, the cumulative incidence of major adverse cardiac events related to the target SVG was 19% in the medical treatment group versus 3% in the PES group (
P
=0.091).

Conclusions—

Stenting moderate nonsignificant lesions in old SVGs with PES was associated with a lower rate of SVG disease progression and a trend toward a lower incidence of major adverse cardiac events at 1-year follow-up compared with medical treatment alone, despite very low low-density lipoprotein cholesterol values. This pilot study supports further investigation into the role of plaque sealing in SVGs.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT002289835.
C-Reactive Protein and the Risk of Stent Thrombosis and Cardiovascular Events After Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation
Authors: Park Duk-Woo , Yun Sung-Cheol , Lee Jong-Young , Kim Won-Jang , Kang Soo-Jin , Lee Seung-Whan , Kim Young-Hak , Lee Cheol Whan , Kim Jae-Joong , Park Seong-Wook , Park Seung-Jung
Published: November 2009

Background—

Although C-reactive protein (CRP) has been proposed as a useful biomarker for predicting atherothrombosis, the association between CRP and stent thrombosis after drug-eluting stent implantation has not been defined.

Methods and Results—

We prospectively evaluated 2691 patients treated with drug-eluting stents who had a baseline CRP measurement. The primary outcome was stent thrombosis; secondary outcomes were death, myocardial infarction (MI), death or MI, and target vessel revascularization. During follow-up (median, 3.9 years), 32 patients had definite or probable stent thrombosis, 137 patients died, 227 had an MI, and 195 underwent target vessel revascularization. In multivariable Cox proportional-hazards models, elevated levels of CRP were significantly associated with increased risk of stent thrombosis (hazard ratio, 3.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.82 to 8.18;
P
<0.001). Elevated CRP levels also significantly predicted the risks of death (hazard ratio, 1.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.13 to 2.28;
P
=0.008), MI (hazard ratio, 1.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.25 to 2.12;
P
=0.001), and death or MI (hazard ratio, 1.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.29 to 2.00;
P
<0.001) but not target vessel revascularization (hazard ratio, 1.20; 95% confidence interval, 0.90 to 1.61;
P
=0.21). The incorporation of CRP into a model with patient, lesion, and procedural factors resulted in a significant increase in the C statistic for the prediction of stent thrombosis, MI, and the composite of death or MI.

Conclusions—

Elevated CRP levels were significantly associated with increased risks of stent thrombosis, death, and MI in patients receiving drug-eluting stents, suggesting the usefulness of inflammatory risk assessment with CRP. Given the relatively infrequent occurrence of stent thrombosis, death, and MI, larger studies with longer-term follow-up are required to confirm the novel relationship.
Chronic Pulmonary Artery Pressure Elevation Is Insufficient to Explain Right Heart Failure
Authors: Bogaard Harm J. , Natarajan Ramesh , Henderson Scott C. , Long Carlin S. , Kraskauskas Donatas , Smithson Lisa , Ockaili Ramzi , McCord Joe M. , Voelkel Norbert F.
Published: November 2009

Background—

The most important determinant of longevity in pulmonary arterial hypertension is right ventricular (RV) function, but in contrast to experimental work elucidating the pathobiology of left ventricular failure, there is a paucity of data on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of RV failure.

Methods and Results—

A mechanical animal model of chronic progressive RV pressure overload (pulmonary artery banding, not associated with structural alterations of the lung circulation) was compared with an established model of angioproliferative pulmonary hypertension associated with fatal RV failure. Isolated RV pressure overload induced RV hypertrophy without failure, whereas in the context of angioproliferative pulmonary hypertension, RV failure developed that was associated with myocardial apoptosis, fibrosis, a decreased RV capillary density, and a decreased vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA and protein expression despite increased nuclear stabilization of hypoxia-induced factor-1α. Induction of myocardial nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 and heme-oxygenase 1 with a dietary supplement (Protandim) prevented fibrosis and capillary loss and preserved RV function despite continuing pressure overload.

Conclusion—

These data brought into question the commonly held concept that RV failure associated with pulmonary hypertension is due strictly to the increased RV afterload.
Dissociation of Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity With Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease Other Than Hypertension
Authors: Cecelja Marina , Chowienczyk Philip
Published: November 2009

Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), a measure of large artery stiffness, is an important predictor of cardiovascular events. This has been attributed to it being an integrative measure of the impact of cardiovascular risk factors on the arterial wall. Pulse wave velocity is strongly associated with age and blood pressure. However, findings with regard to its relation with other risk factors have been inconsistent. We performed a systematic review of cross-sectional published literature reporting independent associations of cfPWV in multivariable regression models. Articles were selected from a PubMed search using a prespecified search strategy. Studies were included if they did the following: (1) measured cfPWV; (2) reported on associations with cfPWV from regression models; and (3) considered age and blood pressure in the model. From 637 retrieved articles, 65 met our inclusion criteria, and 12 studies were included from reference searches. Age and blood pressure were consistently independently associated with cfPWV (91% and 90% of studies, respectively). Diabetes mellitus was associated with cfPWV in 52% studies, but the strength of the association was low. The majority of studies found no independent association between cfPWV and sex, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, smoking, or body mass index. The contribution of risk factors other than age and blood pressure to cfPWV is, thus, small or insignificant. The prognostic value of cfPWV may relate to a process of arterial ageing unrelated to classic risk factors other than hypertension.
Elastase-Induced Intracranial Aneurysms in Hypertensive Mice
Authors: Nuki Yoshitsugu , Tsou Tsung-Ling , Kurihara Chie , Kanematsu Miyuki , Kanematsu Yasuhisa , Hashimoto Tomoki
Published: November 2009

Mechanisms of formation and growth of intracranial aneurysms are poorly understood. To investigate the pathophysiology of intracranial aneurysms, an animal model of intracranial aneurysm yielding a high incidence of large aneurysm formation within a short incubation period is needed. We combined two well-known clinical factors associated with human intracranial aneurysms, hypertension and the degeneration of elastic lamina, to induce intracranial aneurysm formation in mice. Roles of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in this model were investigated using doxycycline, a broad-spectrum MMP inhibitor, and MMP knockout mice. Hypertension was induced by continuous infusion of angiotensin II for 2 weeks. The disruption of elastic lamina was achieved by a single stereotaxic injection of elastase into the cerebrospinal fluid at the right basal cistern. A total of 77% of the mice that received 35 milliunits of elastase and 1000 ng/kg per minute of angiotensin II developed intracranial aneurysms in 2 weeks. There were dose-dependent effects of elastase and angiotensin II on the incidence of aneurysms. Histologically, intracranial aneurysms observed in this model closely resembled human intracranial aneurysms. Doxycycline, a broad-spectrum MMP inhibitor, reduced the incidence of aneurysm to 10%. MMP-9 knockout mice, but not MMP-2 knockout mice, had reduced the incidence of intracranial aneurysms. In summary, a stereotaxic injection of elastase into the basal cistern in hypertensive mice resulted in intracranial aneurysms that closely resembled human intracranial aneurysms. The intracranial aneurysm formation in this model appeared to depend on MMP activation.
Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Is a Critical Regulator of Cardiac Hypertrophy in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Soesanto Will , Lin Han-yi , Hu Eric , Lefler Shane , Litwin Sheldon E. , Sena Sandra , Abel E. Dale , Symons J. David , Jalili Thunder
Published: November 2009

Evidence exists that protein kinase C and the mammalian target of rapamycin are important regulators of cardiac hypertrophy. We examined the contribution of these signaling kinases to cardiac growth in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Systolic blood pressure was increased (
P
<0.001) at 10 weeks in SHRs versus Wistar-Kyoto controls (162±3 versus 128±1 mm Hg) and was further elevated (
P
<0.001) at 17 weeks in SHRs (184±7 mm Hg). Heart:body weight ratio was not different between groups at 10 weeks but was 22% greater (
P
<0.01) in SHRs versus Wistar-Kyoto controls at 17 weeks. At 10 weeks, activation of Akt and S6 ribosomal protein was greater (
P
<0.01) in SHRs but returned to normal by 17 weeks. In contrast, SHRs had protein kinase C activation only at 17 weeks. To determine whether mammalian target of rapamycin regulates the initial development of hypertrophy, rats were treated with rapamycin (2 mg/kg per day IP) or saline vehicle from 13 to 16 weeks of age. Rapamycin inhibited cardiac mammalian target of rapamycin in SHRs, as evidenced by reductions (
P
<0.001) in phosphorylation of S6 ribosomal protein and eukaryotic translation initiation factor-4E binding protein 1. Rapamycin treatment also reduced (
P
<0.001) heart weight and hypertrophy by 47% and 53%, respectively, in SHRs in spite of increased (
P
<0.001) systolic blood pressure versus untreated SHRs (213±8 versus 189±6 mm Hg). Atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide, and cardiac function were unchanged between SHRs treated with rapamycin or vehicle. These data show that mammalian target of rapamycin is required for the development of cardiac hypertrophy evoked by rising blood pressure in SHRs.
Cardiovascular Responses to Hypothalamic Arcuate Nucleus Stimulation in the Rat
Authors: Nakamura Takeshi , Bhatt Suresh , Sapru Hreday N.
Published: November 2009

Experiments were carried out in urethane-anesthetized, artificially ventilated, adult male Wistar rats. Microinjections (50 nL) of
N
-methyl-
d
-aspartic acid (1, 5, and 10 mmol/L), but not artificial cerebrospinal fluid, into the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARCN) elicited increases in mean arterial pressure (5.7±0.5, 13.2±1.4, and 17.3±1.1 mm Hg, respectively) and heart rate (24.3±4.3, 49.3±5.2, and 75.2±8.0 bpm, respectively). ARCN stimulation was accomplished by microinjections of a maximally effective concentration of
N
-methyl-
d
-aspartic acid (10 mmol/L). The tachycardic responses to the ARCN stimulation were significantly attenuated after bilateral vagotomy. Intrathecal injections of ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGLUR) antagonists completely blocked pressor responses to the ARCN stimulation, whereas the tachycardic responses were significantly attenuated but not abolished. Intrathecal injections of iGLUR antagonists at T9 to T10, combined with bilateral vagotomy, completely blocked the tachycardic responses to ARCN stimulation. ARCN stimulation with
N
-methyl-
d
-aspartic acid elicited increased activities of the greater splanchnic nerve (91.7±14.8%) and the renal nerve (109.3±13%). Intrathecal injections of iGLURs at T9 to T10 blocked the increase in the greater splanchnic nerve activity in response to ARCN stimulation. These results indicate the following: (1) the chemical stimulation of the ARCN elicits increases in mean arterial pressure, greater splanchnic nerve and renal nerve activity, and heart rate; (2) the increases in mean arterial pressure and sympathetic nerve activity are mediated via the activation of spinal cord iGLURs; and (3) the increases in heart rate are mediated via the activation of spinal cord iGLURs and decreases in vagal input to the heart.
Wrinkles, Wormholes, and Hamlet: The Wooster Group's Hamlet as a Challenge to Periodicity
Authors: Cook Amy
Published: November 2009

The Wooster Group's Hamlet created a space between the 1964 Richard Burton film, Shakespeare's text, and the live event. Cook shows how understanding mirror neurons illuminates the Wooster Group's production.
Research-Based Practice: Situating Vertical City between Artistic Development and Applied Cognitive Science
Authors: Hansen Pil , Barton Bruce
Published: November 2009

Working with an interdisciplinary group of artists on the 2008 performance project Vertical City, Hansen and Barton, the project's dramaturge and director, drew inspiration from cognitive theories of memory and perception. They imagine how artistic questions from Vertical City can be further explored within an innovative model they call Research-Based Practice.
Porco Morto
Authors: Breuer Lee
Published: November 2009

In his coffin, Ponzi Porco PhD—a non-profit pig—rhapsodizes with sadomasochistic glee about his mad love affair with the New York Times.
The Red Mask of Sanity: Paul Robeson, HUAC, and the Sound of Cold War Performance
Authors: Perucci Tony
Published: November 2009

In 1949, after Paul Robeson—athlete, actor, singer, and anti-racist Leftist—stated that it would be “unthinkable” for blacks to fight a war against the Soviet Union, he was threatened by mobs, deprived of his US passport, denied work, hounded by the FBI, and made to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee.
Environmental Displacement in European Asylum Law
Authors: Myrstad Finn , Kolmannskog Vikram
Published: November 2009

Environmentally displaced persons can be included in several existing categories of protected persons under international law, but there may be a normative protection gap for many of those who cross an international border. This article looks at protection possibilities within the EU framework and national European legislations. Environmental displacement can arguably trigger temporary protection according to the EU Temporary Protection Directive. There may also be environmentally displaced persons who require longer-term or permanent protection. Drawing on the EU Qualification Directive and case-law from the European Court of Human Rights, one can argue that subsidiary protection should be granted in certain cases of extreme natural disaster or degradation. In less extreme cases, humanitarian asylum could be granted. Human rights principles such as non-refoulement could also be used to extend at least basic protection. In addition, legal labour migration could supply a work force, assist distressed countries and enhance protection of the individual. A strategy to meet the challenge of environmental displacement must also include climate change mitigation and external measures such as adaptation. Most of the displaced persons in the world today and in the near future do not arrive at the EU borders.
Compatibility: An Experimental Demonstration
Authors: Herzog Thomas R. , Hayes Lauren J. , Applin Rebecca C. , Weatherly Anna M.
Published: November 2009

Are people sensitive to the level of compatibility in everyday settings? We manipulated via scenario both a specified goal and a setting typically associated with a given goal. Settings were either typically compatible with the specified goal or not. Different participants rated either compatibility (as a direct indicator of sensitivity to manipulated compatibility) or preference for being in the setting (as an indirect indicator of sensitivity). For both measures, mean ratings were significantly greater in the high-compatibility conditions than in the low-compatibility conditions.We conclude that people are indeed sensitive to the level of compatibility in everyday settings. These findings indicate that a core concept of Attention Restoration Theory (ART), compatibility, has psychological reality in everyday settings and thus support the construct validity and external validity of the compatibility concept.
‘Wisdom’ and the Gender Fallacy
Authors: Turner Geoffrey
Published: November 2009

The ascription of a particular gender to a noun is a convention of a language’s grammar and normally has nothing to do with the substance or character of the thing signified. Native English-speakers often do not appreciate this as few nouns in English have gender. The gender fallacy of ascribing masculine or feminine characteristics to things on the basis of their gender in grammar is a particular problem in biblical scholarship, especially with ‘wisdom’ and ‘spirit’ and the implication for the Christian understanding of God as Trinity. Some examples of bad arguments developing from this fallacy are offered, as well as a few examples of authors who have appreciated the fallacy.
All Consuming Christmas? Religion, Culture and Challenges of Consumption
Authors: Wenell Karen
Published: November 2009

In contemporary society, Christmas is a hol(y)day which has the potential to focus our critical energies in examining traditions, both cultural and religious, and provides an opportunity to take a closer look at ethical issues in the practice of consumption throughout the year.
Who Recognizes and Chooses Behaviors That Are Best for a Relationship? The Separate Roles of Knowledge, Attachment, and Motivation
Authors: Turan Bulent , Vicary Amanda M.
Published: November 2009

Participants made relationship decisions in several Choose Your Own Adventure—type dating story tasks by choosing between two options at each of 20 points throughout the computerized stories. One option was always the relationship-enhancing option; the other option was detrimental to the relationship. Study 1 included two experimental conditions: Participants were either asked to identify the relationship-enhancing option or to report which option they would actually choose. Individuals high in relationship knowledge were more likely to identify relationship-enhancing behaviors but not more likely to actually choose them. Secure individuals and individuals strongly motivated to have supportive relationships were more likely to identify and to choose relationship-enhancing options. In Study 2 partner supportiveness was manipulated; the fictitious partner was either supportive or nonsupportive. Individuals high in relationship knowledge were better at recognizing when a partner was supportive and when not, whereas attachment anxiety lessened the appreciation of having a supportive partner.
Measurement of Body Composition in Burned Children: Is There a Gold Standard?
Authors: Branski Ludwik K. , Norbury William B. , Herndon David N. , Chinkes David L. , Cochran Amalia , Suman Oscar , Benjamin Deb , Jeschke Marc G.
Published: November 2009

Background: Maintaining lean body mass (LBM) after a severe burn is an essential goal of modern burn treatment. An accurate determination of LBM is necessary for short‐ and long‐term therapeutic decisions. The aim of this study was to compare 2 measurement methods for body composition, whole‐body potassium counting (K count) and dual x‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA), in a large prospective clinical trial in severely burned pediatric patients. Methods: Two‐hundred seventy‐nine patients admitted with burns covering 40% of total body surface area (TBSA) were enrolled in the study. Patients enrolled were controls or received long‐term treatment with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH). Near‐simultaneous measurements of LBM with DEXA and fat‐free mass (FFM) with K count were performed at hospital discharge and at 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months post injury. Results were correlated using Pearson's regression analysis. Agreement between the 2 methods was analyzed with the Bland‐Altman method. Results: Age, gender distribution, weight, burn size, and admission time from injury were not significantly different between control and treatment groups. rhGH and control patients at all time points postburn showed a good correlation between LBM and FFM measurements (R 2 between 0.9 and 0.95). Bland‐Altman revealed that the mean bias and 95% limits of agreement depended only on patient weight and not on treatment or time postburn. The 95% limits ranged from 0.1 ± 2.9 kg for LBM or FFM in 7‐ to 18‐kg patients to 16.3± 17.8 kg for LBM or FFM in patients >60 kg. Conclusions: DEXA can provide a sufficiently accurate determination of LBM and changes in body composition, but a correction factor must be included for older children and adolescents with more LBM. DEXA scans are easier, cheaper, and less stressful for the patient, and this method should be used rather than the K count.
Relationship Between Energy Balance and Complications After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Badjatia Neeraj , Fernandez Luis , Schlossberg Marin J. , Schmidt J. Michael , Claassen Jan , Lee Kiwon , Connolly E. Sander , Mayer Stephan A. , Rosenbaum Michael
Published: November 2009

Background: Subarachnoid hemorrhage patients are hypermetabolic and at risk for developing medical complications. A relationship was hypothesized between energy balance and complications following subarachnoid hemorrhage. Methods: Fifty‐eight consecutive poor‐grade subarachnoid hemorrhage patients (mean age, 58; range, 26–86; 66% women) were studied between 2005 and 2007. Caloric intake and energy expenditure were assessed. In‐hospital complications over the first 14 days posthemorrhage were defined as renal failure, fever (>38.3°C), any infection, anemia, hyperglycemia (>11 mmol/L), and myocardial infarction. Energy balance was calculated by subtracting energy expenditure from caloric intake. Results: Enteral nutrition was begun 1 day posthemorrhage (range, 0–5 days). Recommended (mean ± SD) caloric intake was 28 ± 3 kcal/kg/d, and the actual was 14 ± 5 kcal/kg/d. Enteral nutrition accounted for 67% of caloric intake; propofol and dextrose infusions accounted for 33% of caloric intake. Cumulative energy balance over the first 7 days was –117 ± 53 kcal/kg. The average energy balance during the first 7 days after subarachnoid hemorrhage significantly correlated with the total number of infectious complications (r = –0.5, P < .001) but not medical complications (r = –0.2, P = .1). After adjustment for Hunt‐Hess grade, fever, hyperglycemia, and anemia, negative energy balance during the first 7 days after subarachnoid hemorrhage correlated with the number of infectious complications (P = .01). Conclusions: Infectious complications after subarachnoid hemorrhage are associated with negative energy balance. Studies are needed to better understand the impact of negative energy balance on outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Panel Discussion: Alternative Mouse Models for Carcinogenicity Assessment
Authors: French John E. , Leblanc Bernard , Long Gerald G. , Morton Daniel , Storer Richard , Leighton John , Swenberg James , Tsuda Hiroyuki
Published: November 2009

This article summarizes key points from Dr. Bernard Leblanc’s presentation European Perspectives on Alternative Mouse Carcinogenicity Models and a distillation of questions and answers from a panel discussion following presentations on Alternative Mouse Models for Carcinogenicity Assessment at the Society of Toxicologic Pathology’s annual symposium on June 23, 2009, in Washington, DC.
Library Automation in Developing Countries: the last 25 years
Authors: Hopkinson Alan
Published: November 2009

Library automation has developed in the industrialized world over the last 25 years and progress in developing countries cannot be separated from trends worldwide. However there are different criteria for success in developing countries which are brought out in this review. Open Source has been hailed as a solution to the economic problems but there are still organizational problems to be surmounted. There is also the possibility to develop one’s own system. Nigeria, Thailand and India are taken as case studies, illustrating different kinds of solutions that are available and various pitfalls. Predictions into the future are difficult. Internet bandwidth will improve in developing countries and open source may prove useful but economics may not improve and power supply problems are likely to remain.
Journal Reading and Publishing Patterns of Cuban Health Researchers
Authors: Sánchez-Tarragó Nancy , Fernández-Molina J. Carlos
Published: November 2009

Studies about the patterns of use and diffusion of scientific information by researchers have been numerous in recent years, but very few of them have focused on developing countries. The objective of this study is to determine the patterns of use of scientific journals and the publication-related practices of Cuban researchers in the biomedical sector, clearly the best developed field in the country. To this end a survey was directed at researchers of the national health institutes of Cuba. The results point to patterns of use involving journals and publication practices similar to those of researchers from other world regions (predominating use of online journals, but a preference for the printed format, associations between the preference of format and different age brackets and scientific qualifications). At the same time, most researchers in Cuba believe that they have access to very few or only a part of the articles they consider necessary, which can be explained not only by the financial limitations of the country but also by the limited informational abilities and scarce familiarization with open access publications.
National Bibliographic Control in Mauritius: issues and challenges
Authors: Ramjaun Ibrahim
Published: November 2009

After defining the concept of bibliographic control, and briefly explaining its importance, an attempt is made to trace the history and evolution of the legal deposit system in Mauritius. The first national bibliography compiled by the Archives Department, which appeared in 1956, is then compared with the new version published by the National Library since 2001. Next, the challenges facing bibliographic control in Mauritius are discussed, and finally some tentative recommendations are formulated to ensure a more effective bibliographic control.
Accessing, Sharing and Communicating Agricultural Information for Development: emerging trends and issues
Authors: Ballantyne Peter
Published: November 2009

The recent food crisis has helped to push agriculture and food security back on to national and development agendas. Additional international funds have been mobilized, national and regional initiatives have been strengthened, and a wide range of new and innovative instruments and approaches have been promised. Most of these efforts call for greater investment in knowledge creation, information access, and the wider use of information and communication technologies (ICTs). This paper explores what this renewed interest might mean for information and communication specialists working in agriculture. Starting from an ‘innovation systems’ perspective, it looks across the agricultural information for development landscape, highlighting some items on the agenda of information and communication specialists working in this area. Agenda items include: The widening recognition of the value of farmer knowledge, growing use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to enable different agricultural development activities, concerns to ensure that public investments result in public goods whose benefits can travel, related efforts to ensure that agricultural content is open and accessible, the discovery and increasing use of a ‘social’ web, and some emerging new roles for agricultural library and information centers to meet changing demands.
Multiple hepatic artery aneurysms in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Pollono EN , Madoff DC , Spence SC , Suarez-Almazor ME
Published: November 2009

Systemic vasculitis is a known complication of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Inflammation of the vessels can result in the development of arterial aneurysms with a potential risk of rupture or bleeding. Case history: We present the case of a 56-year-old woman with SLE who developed three episodes of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding without evidence of lesions in the GI tract. Multiple aneurysms of the hepatic artery were identified and treated with endovascular embolization, with no further GI bleeding. After embolization, the patient developed multiple bilomas that required percutaneous drainage, and subsequent abscesses which eventually resolved without further complications. Conclusion: Hepatic aneurysms, possibly secondary to vasculitis, may cause GI bleeding, and should be suspected in patients with SLE and GI bleeding with no apparent cause identifiable through standard endoscopy of the upper and lower GI tract.
A clinical and epidemiological study of lupus erythematosus at a tertiary referral dermatology clinic in Korea
Authors: Bae YI , Yun S-J. , Lee J-B. , Kim S-J. , Won YH , Lee S-C.
Published: November 2009

Dermatological examination is critical for the evaluation of lupus erythematosus. However, little is known about the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of the lupus erythematosus patients that visit dermatology clinics with the chief complaint of skin lesions, especially among Asian populations. We performed this study to determine the epidemiology of cutaneous lupus erythematosus for three subtypes: acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, and chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus, and for lupus erythematosus non-specific skin disease. Also, we sought to determine the relationship between each type of lupus erythematosus, by the skin manifestations and systemic lupus erythematosus. The medical records of lupus erythematosus patients that were diagnosed by their clinical manifestations, skin biopsy results, and laboratory findings from January 1998 through December 2007 were reviewed. A total of 117 patients were diagnosed with lupus erythematosus; 62 cases had chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus, 11 had subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, and 41 had acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus. The remaining three had systemic lupus erythematosus features with lupus erythematosus non-specific skin lesions such as Raynaud phenomenon, livedo reticularis/vasculitis, non-scarring alopecia, and periungual telangiectasia. The acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus subgroup showed extreme female predominance (9.2:1) whereas subacute and chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus subgroups did not. Patients with chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus tended to be older than other groups (peak incidence in the fifth decade). Incidence of laboratory abnormalities, including positive connective tissue markers such as antinuclear, double-strand DNA, and Ro/SS-A antibodies, were present in the order acute, subacute, and chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus almost always indicated systemic involvement of lupus erythematosus, whereas chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus did not predict the development or existence of systemic lupus erythematosus and had a benign clinical course. Careful consideration of lupus erythematosus non-specific skin lesions may help detect systemic lupus erythematosus regardless of the diagnosis of cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Lupus (2009) 18, 1320—1326.
The Evolution of Public Understanding of Science—Discourse and Comparative Evidence
Authors: Bauer Martin W.
Published: November 2009

Public Understanding of Science (PUS) is a field of activity and an area of social research. The evolution of this field comprises both the changing discourse and the substantive evidence of a changing public understanding.1 In the first part, I will present a short account on how the discourse of PUS moved from Literacy, via PUS, to Science-in-Society. This is less a story of progress, but one of false polemics and the multiplication of concerns. In the second part, I will show some empirical evidence on how PUS has changed by drawing on mass media data and large scale comparative survey evidence. I conclude by stressing that the Science-Society relationship is variable both in distance between science and the wider society and in the quality of this relationship.
Identifying and Testing Engagement and Public Literacy Indicators for River Health
Authors: Metcalfe Jenni , Riedlinger Michelle
Published: November 2009

Natural resource management (NRM) organisations in Australia are increasingly recognising the need for complement studies of biophysical condition of the environment with studies of social condition, such as values, understanding, and participation related to the environment. Relevant and reliable social indicators that can be scaled and measured on a regular basis are essential to meet this need. In this study, we identified four indicators to test the social condition of the public in the State of Victoria in Australia with regard to river health. These indicators were river use, river knowledge and literacy, values and aspirations, and river health behaviours.

We tested the four indicators through telephone and web-based surveys with over 1000 people in three areas of Victoria. We analysed the survey data statistically and gathered baseline data on the social condition of river health in the three regions. We made recommendations for how this data could be interpreted and used in community engagement and science communication programmes about river health. We also examined the limitations of the methodology and recommended modifications to the survey design and application for an anticipated roll-out of the survey across the entire State of Victoria. The Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) will use this survey instrument to test social indicators on a regular basis.
European Attitudes Towards Animal Research
Authors: von Roten Fabienne Crettaz
Published: November 2009

The goal of this article is to map out attitudes towards animal experimentation in Europe (EU15 plus Switzerland), more specifically, to document the current attitudes, perform cross-national comparison of the trends of attitudes towards animal experimentation and of the explanatory factors of these attitudes. We assume that the conception of nature and science influences the perception of animal research. This study analyses a series of surveys that measure European public attitudes towards science and technology, the Eurobarometer (EB) 2001 and 2005. The majority of European countries refused animal experimentation in 2005 and we observe downward trend in every country, except Belgium and Spain. If the trend is similar among the countries the patterns of explanation of these attitudes are quite heterogeneous. Attitudes towards animal testing are explained in every country by attitudes towards science and nature, and by sociodemographic variables (except in Spain and Austria), and in very few countries by scientific knowledge (Belgium) or by values (Sweden and Switzerland). These results may have consequences for science and contribute therefore to the public understanding of science (PUS) research.
Study of the Gender Difference in Scientific Literacy of Chinese Public
Authors: Chao Zhang , Wei He
Published: November 2009

This article analyses the data of public scientific literacy survey conducted in China during 2005. Using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 13.0, the author establishes four regression models. The result reveals that the scores of male respondents are higher than that of female in the items relating to scientific knowledge. It also shows that scientific literacy is closely related to the socio-demographic variables. However, the impact of educational degree on public understanding of scientific method is not so evident.
The Evolution of Citizenship in a Divided Urban Community
Authors: Hays R. Allen
Published: November 2009

This article explores the complex interactions between national citizenship and local citizenship in the divided city of Belfast, Northern Ireland, as they are emerging a decade after the 1998 Good Friday peace agreement was signed. Utilizing in-depth, qualitative interviews with citizens with varied community roles and perspectives, combined with a media survey, this article addresses the question of how local citizenship is evolving in Belfast and how the evolution of a shared local citizenship may ultimately affect national citizenship. The study of this unique case sheds light on the broader theoretical question of the relationship between local and national citizenship within a democratic polity.
End-To-End Cache System for Grid Computing: Design and Efficiency Analysis of a High-Throughput Bioinformatic Docking Application
Authors: Ignacio Garzon Jose , Huedo Eduardo , Santiago Montero Ruben , Martin Llorente Ignacio , Chacon Pablo
Published: November 2009

Cache techniques are an efficient tool to reduce latency times in transfer operations through Grid systems. Although different approximations to introduce cache facilities into Grid computing have already been studied, they require intrusive modifications of Grid software and hardware. Here, we propose an end-to-end cache system that is implemented over scheduling services. This cache system requires neither changes in the Grid software nor introduction of new software in the Grid resources. Parallel Grid adaptation of many high-throughput computing applications that use the same data intensively could enjoy great benefits from our cache system. The maintenance of cacheable data in the resources of already-executed tasks allows faster executions of future tasks assigned to the same resources. To analyze the performance of our end-to-end cache system, we tested it with a new protein—protein docking application. The obtained results confirm our cache system’s robustness and efficiency gain for this kind of high-throughput application.
The change in child self-assessed and parent proxy-assessed Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL) in early adolescence (age 10—12)
Authors: Laaksonen Camilla B. , Aromaa Minna E. , Asanti Rtta E. , Heinonen Olli J. , Koivusilta Leena K. , Koski Pasi J. , Suominen Sakari B. , Vahlberg Tero J. , Salanterä Sanna
Published: November 2009

Aims: To examine the development of self-assessed and parent proxy-assessed health related quality of life (HRQL) in pre-adolescent schoolchildren. Methods: The population (n = 1,346) consisted of the total cohort of children starting 4th grade (age 10) in 2004 in primary schools in a Finnish city of 175,000 inhabitants. HRQL was assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life InventoryTM 4.0 (PedsQL TM 4.0). The baseline study was conducted in 2004 (child age 10) and follow-up in a panel setting in 2006 (child age 12). The response rate for the children was 80% (n = 1,094) in 2004 and 85% (n = 1,139) in 2006. The response rate for children having responded both in 2004 and 2006 was 73% (n = 986). For parents of the children, one parent participated in the parents’ survey (n = 999 in 2004, n = 888 in 2006). Results: HRQL scores increased significantly in the two-year follow up (child t = 10.16—5.95, p < 0.0001, parent-proxy t = 6.35—2.76, p < 0.0001—0.006). Correlation between baseline and follow-up assessments was significant (child r = 0.4—0.5, p < 0.0001, parent r = 0.47—0.57, p < 0.0001). The correlation between baseline HRQL and change was negative (child r =−0.67 to −0.56, p < 0.0001, parent r =−0.62 to −0.46, p < 0.0001). Correlation between child and parent assessments increased from baseline (r = 0.20—0.39, p < 0.0001) to follow up (r = 0.3—0.42, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Child-assessed and parent proxy-assessed HRQL scores increase, suggesting HRQL improves, when children grow from age 10 to age 12. Baseline HRQL may not strongly predict future HRQL in early adolescence. The correlation between child self-assessment and parent proxy-assessment is fragile.
The impact of immunization on the association between poverty and child survival: Evidence from Kassena-Nankana District of northern Ghana
Authors: Bawah Ayaga A. , Phillips James F. , Adjuik Martin , Vaughan-Smith Maya , Macleod Bruce , Binka Fred N.
Published: November 2009

Background: Research conducted in Africa has consistently demonstrated that parental poverty and low educational attainment adversely affect child survival. Research conducted elsewhere has demonstrated that low-cost vaccines against preventable diseases reduce childhood mortality. Therefore, the extension of vaccination to impoverished populations is widely assumed to diminish equity effects. Recent evidence that childhood mortality is increasing in many countries where vaccination programmes are active challenges this assumption. Data and methods: This paper marshals data from accurate and complete immunization records and survival histories for 18,368 children younger than five years in a rural northern Ghanaian population that is generally impoverished, but where family wealth and parental educational differentials exist nonetheless. Time-conditional Weibull hazard models are estimated to test the hypothesis that childhood immunization offsets the detrimental effects of poverty and low educational attainment. Conclusions: Findings show that the adverse effects of poverty disappear and that the effects of educational attainment are reduced in survival models that control for immunization status. This finding lends empirical support to policies that promote immunization as a strategic component of poverty-reduction programmes.
Effects of Somatosensory Stimulation on Motor Function After Subacute Stroke
Authors: Bastos Conforto Adriana , Nocelo Ferreiro Karina , Tomasi Camilla , dos Santos Renata Laurenti , Loureiro Moreira Viviane , Nagahashi Marie Suely Kazue , Baltieri Silvia Cristina , Scaff Milberto , Cohen Leonardo G.
Published: November 2009

Background. Previous works showed potentially beneficial effects of a single session of peripheral nerve sensory stimulation (PSS) on motor function of a paretic hand in patients with subacute and chronic stroke. Objective. To investigate the influence of the use of different stimulus intensities over multiple sessions (repetitive PSS [RPSS]) paired with motor training. Methods. To address this question, 22 patients were randomized within the second month after a single hemispheric stroke in a parallel design to application of 2-hour RPSS at 1 of 2 stimulus intensities immediately preceding motor training, 3 times a week, for 1 month. Jebsen—Taylor test (JTT, primary endpoint measure), pinch force, Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and corticomotor excitability to transcranial magnetic stimulation were measured before and after the end of the treatment month. JTT, FIM scores, and pinch force were reevaluated 2 to 3 months after the end of the treatment. Results. Baseline motor function tests were comparable across the 2 RPSS intensity groups. JTT improved significantly in the lower intensity RPSS group but not in the higher intensity RPSS group at month 1. This difference between the 2 groups reduced by months 2 to 3. Conclusions. These results indicate that multiple sessions of RPSS could facilitate training effects on motor function after subacute stroke depending on the intensity of stimulation. It is proposed that careful dose—response studies are needed to optimize parameters of RPSS stimulation before designing costly, larger, double-blind, multicenter clinical trials.
The Influence of Exercise on Metabolic Syndrome in Youth: A Review
Authors: McMurray Robert G. , Bo Andersen Lars
Published: November 2009

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a clustering of dyslipidemia, hypertension, glucose intolerance, and central obesity or waist circumference that places individuals at high risk for developing cardiovascular or heart disease. Although first characterized in adults, it has been found in children, but the definition of MetS in children is still controversial. Although MetS is most closely associated with obesity in children, 2 factors believed to affect MetS are physical activity (PA) and aerobic power or fitness. Studies using accelerometry to estimate PA of children have shown that low levels are associated with increased risk of developing MetS. Conversely, high levels of PA at moderate to vigorous intensities reduce the risk. Similarly, low levels of aerobic fitness increase the likelihood of developing MetS. These effects appear to be independent of obesity. Studies have also shown that interventions that increase PA levels and improve aerobic fitness cause a reduction in MetS risk; however, an exact prescription for exercise cannot be presently provided. This review provides an in-depth analysis of what is presently known about the relationship between MetS and PA and aerobic fitness in children. In addition, information is presented regarding potential mechanisms for exercise to affect the major markers of MetS.
Development Communication
Authors: Ogan Christine L. , Bashir Manaf , Camaj Lindita , Luo Yunjuan , Gaddie Brian , Pennington Rosemary , Rana Sonia , Salih Mohammed
Published: November 2009

/ Through the technique of meta-analysis, this study investigates the scholarly articles appearing in peer-reviewed online and offline journals that address the topic of communication and development from 1998 to 2007 to determine publication trends in the field. The research was prompted by the sense that development was moving off the research agenda of most communication scholars. This seemed surprising in the era of globalization and it was decided to examine the literature for evidence. The study finds that published studies have moved away from mass communication and toward ICTs’ role in development, that they infrequently address development in the context of globalization and often continue to embrace a modernization paradigm despite its many criticisms. In addition, International Communication Gazette was found to be the only mainstream communication journal to include a significant number of articles on development communication.