bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case Study of an Industry–Academia Interface
Authors: Sengupta Arya Kumar
Published: October 2009

Developing a close interactive relationship with the external world, particularly the industry at large, is a necessary imperative for a technical university, in order to ensure the relevance of the academic curricula and research as well as to generate internal resources for undertaking R&D programmes in new and advanced high technology areas, upgradating infrastructure, and inducting, retaining, and reward high quality members of the faculty. In this regard, the role of the autonomous industry interface institutions and Technology Transfer Organizations (TTO) is of great importance. In this article the evolution of an Indian TTO has been described on the basis of its activities and performances during the first ten years of its existence in the form of a case study. Later, the concept of the transformation of a technical university into a technology enterprise has been briefly elaborated, and the potential role of the TTO in this transformation process discussed. Finally, a number of alternate courses of action that may be required in the changing scenario of the future have been highlighted.
Understanding the Experience and Manifestation of Depression Among Korean Immigrants in New York City
Authors: Shin Jinah K.
Published: October 2009

Depression among immigrant groups, especially Korean immigrants, has often lacked a comprehensive understanding by the providers of Western health care. This study aims to explore the subjective experience of Korean immigrants suffering from depression during resettlement in the United States. A series of focus groups and in-depth interviews were conducted with Korean immigrants in New York City who identified themselves as depressed. Participants described their depression as manifested through the feeling of an “unbalanced self ” and tended to express dysphoric symptoms in somatic terms. These differences need to be reflected in the assessment and treatment of depression in Korean immigrants.
Parameters for an Elasto-Plasto-Damage Model for the Stress-Strain Behavior of Dense Sand
Authors: Al-Shayea Naser A. , Mohib Khuram R.
Published: October 2009

This article presents a constitutive model for dense sand that exhibits a post-peak strain-softening behavior. This model combines elements of plasticity with damage mechanics to simulate the stress—strain behavior. The post-peak stress drop is captured by the elasto-damage formulation, while the plasticity is superimposed beyond the elastic range. The total strain increment is composed of an elasto-damage strain increment and a plastic strain increment. The elasto-damage strain increment is found using the elasto-damage formulation, while the plastic strain increment is found using either the Drucker—Prager classical plasticity model or as a function of the damage strain. To calibrate this model, an experimental program was conducted on dense sand at different relative densities. The various physical and mechanical properties of the sand were determined. Both triaxial compression tests and hydrostatic tests were performed under different confining pressures, in order to obtain the model parameters at various conditions. These parameters were used to calibrate the model, which was coded in FORTRAN computer programs to simulate the stress—strain behavior of dense sand. The model was verified and found to be a good predictor of the response of dense sand for the selected stress path.
Spine Modifications Associated with Long-Term Potentiation
Authors: Yang Yunlei , Zhou Qiang
Published: October 2009

Modification of neuronal connections is essential for the development of the nervous system and learning and memory functions of the mature brain. Structural modifications, such as modification of dendritic spines where the modified synapses reside, accompany and may even be required for these functional modifications. Recent advances in fluorescence microscopy, coupled with molecular approaches, prompted a rapid advance in the authors’ understanding of spine remodeling associated with synaptic plasticity, especially long-term potentiation. In this article, they review recent progress in this field, with focus on the potential functions of spine remodeling and key issues to be resolved.
PAI-1 and D-Dimer in Type 2 Diabetic Women With Asymptomatic Macrovascular Disease Assessed by Carotid Doppler
Authors: Soares Anna Letícia , Wesley Rosário Pedro , Ribeiro Borges Michelle Aparecida , Oliveira Sousa Marinez , Moura Fernandes Ana Paula Salles , Carvalho Maria das Graças
Published: October 2009

Asymptomatic diabetic patients with different degrees of macrovascular complications can present different hemostatic changes. At this study, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and D-dimer were evaluated in 12 women without diabetes and 64 type 2 diabetic women. All patients were classified into 3 different categories according to the carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) assessed by Doppler: 25 with <1 mm (normal), 15 with >1 mm and without plaque (intermediate), and 24 with stenosis lower than 50% of the vessel lumen (plaque). The results showed increased plasma D-dimer in type 2 diabetic women with carotid plaque when compared to the other groups. High levels of PAI-1 were observed in all the 3 groups of diabetic women when compared to women without diabetes. Our results suggest that high levels of PAI-1 in type 2 diabetic women are only associated with diabetes and are not associated with macrovascular progression; however, it seems that D-dimer plasma levels are associated with carotid plaque.
Fibrinolytic Therapy of Prosthetic Mitral Valve Thrombosis During Pregnancy: Three Case Reports and Review of the Literature
Authors: Ozer Orhan , Davutoglu Vedat , Soydinc Hatice E. , Cebesoy Fatma B. , Sari Ibrahim , Akcay Murat
Published: October 2009

The incidence of prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT), which is a life-threatening complication, increased during pregnancy because of the hypercoagulable state. Despite adequate anticoagulation, the incidence of PVT has been estimated as 4% to 14% during pregnancy. Prosthetic valve thrombosis occurring during pregnancy requires urgent therapy including fibrinolytic therapy, valve replacement, and surgical thrombectomy due to high mortality. Although surgery has traditionally been the standard procedure for treatment of PVT, fibrinolytic therapy may be used as first-line therapy according to data from the recent reports. Data about the fibrinolytic therapy is scarce and controversial in the setting of pregnancies complicated with PVT. Herein, we share the outcomes of 3 pregnant women complicated with PVT and treated with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator.
Association Between ApoE4 Allele and Deep Venous Thrombosis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Katrancioglu Nurkay , Manduz Sinasi , Ozen Filiz , Yilmaz Mehmet Birhan , Atahan Erhan , Ozdemir Ozturk , Berkan Ocal
Published: October 2009

Introduction: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a multifactorial disease with genetic and acquired risk factors playing in concert in its pathogenesis. ApoE gene polymorphisms seem to have some impact among patients with cardiovascular disease; however, association between DVT and ApoE gene polymorphism has not been evaluated.

Materials and Methods: We aimed to search the relative frequencies ApoE alleles among patients with DVT and healthy participants. We enrolled 59 consecutive patients with DVT and 59 age- and sex-matched healthy controls.

Results: In the DVT group, E3/E4 gene polymorphism was detected in 20 patients (33.9%), in the control group E3/E4 polymorphism was detected in six patients (10.2%; P = .002). In the multivariable regression analysis, E3/E4 was independently associated with 1.31-fold increased risk of DVT (odds ratio [OR] 1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.30-10.48).

Conclusion: It seems there is a relationship between ApoE3/E4 gene polymorphism and DVT in the Turkish population. However, this pilot study should be supported with large-scale studies.
Effects of Atenolol or Losartan on Fibrinolysis and von Willebrand Factor in Hypertensive Patients With Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
Authors: Boman Kurt , Boman Jenny Hernestål , Andersson Jonas , Olofsson Mona , Dahlöf Björn
Published: October 2009

Objectives: To compare the effects of the β-blocker atenolol with the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) losartan on plasma tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) activity and mass concentration, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) activity, tPA/PAI-1 complex, and von Willebrand factor (VWF). Design: A prespecified, explorative substudy in 22 patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) performed within randomized multicenter, double-blind prospective study. Results: After a median of 36 weeks of treatment, there were significant differences between the treatment groups, atenolol versus losartan, in plasma median levels of tPA mass (11.9 vs 7.3 ng/mL, P = .019), PAI-1 activity (20.7 vs 4.8 IU/mL, P = .030), and tPA/PAI-1 complex (7.1 vs 2.5 ng/mL, P = .015). In patients treated with atenolol, median levels of tPA mass (8.9-11.9 ng/mL, P = .021) and VWF (113.5%-134.3%, P = .021) increased significantly, indicating a change toward a more prothrombotic state. No significant changes occurred in the losartan group. Conclusion: Losartan treatment was associated with preserved fibrinolytic balance compared to a more prothrombotic fibrinolytic and hemostatic state in the atenolol group. These findings suggest different fibrinolytic and hemostatic responses to treatment in hypertensive patients with LVH.
Trends During 1993-2004 in the Availability and Use of Revascularization After Acute Myocardial Infarction in Markets Affected by Certificate of Need Regulations
Authors: Vaughan Sarrazin Mary S. , Bayman Levent , Cram Peter
Published: October 2009

This study examines trends in the diffusion of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during 1993-2004 for patients with acute myocardial infarction in markets with and without Certificate of Need (CON) regulations for open-heart surgery or cardiac catheterization and in markets that repealed CON for either of these procedures. In contrast to prior studies, this study accounts for regional hospital markets that cross state boundaries—often with different CON activities in each state. The overall use of CABG increased modestly throughout the 1990s and subsequently decreased, corresponding to a dramatic increase in PCI. There was a greater rise in the number of CABG programs in markets with significant reduction in CON regulations during 1993-2004 compared with other markets, but CON reduction was not related to growth of PCI programs. Reimbursement, ease of use, clinician endorsement, and technological advances in PCI may outweigh effects of CON.
International Hotel Meeting Contract Clauses: A Comparison of Multiple Destinations
Authors: Boo Soyoung , Hillard Tyra , Jin Hui
Published: October 2009

Meetings and conventions are a global business. To negotiate effectively, meeting planners must be aware of the differences in typical hotel meeting contracts in different parts of the world. Likewise, hotel sales representatives need to understand the expectations of international meeting planners. This study was designed to explore differences in meeting contract clauses and examine the relative importance of specific contract clauses to international hotel sales representatives in different global cities—Shanghai, Toronto, and Washington, D.C. Results confirmed that there were differences in the frequency of inclusion of meeting contract clauses not only between hotels in the three cities just mentioned but also between U.S. brand hotels and non-U.S. brand hotels. Among the meeting contract clauses, “Attrition,” “Cancellation by group,” “Deposits,” and “Force majeure” were relatively important across the three destinations. In addition, “Disability accommodation” and “Dispute resolution” were the salient clauses differentiating Washington from Toronto and Shanghai, and differentiating Toronto from Shanghai and Washington.
Destination Branding Case Study: Tracking Brand Equity for an Emerging Destination Between 2003 and 2007
Authors: Pike Steven
Published: October 2009

Place branding has become a major focus of operations for destination marketing organizations (DMOs) striving for differentiation in cluttered markets. The topic of destination branding has only received attention in the tourism literature since the late 1990s, and there has been relatively little research reported in relation to analyzing destination brand effectiveness over time. This article reports an attempt to operationalize the concept of consumer-based brand equity (CBBE) for an emerging destination over two points in time. The purpose of the project was to track the effectiveness of the brand in 2007 against benchmarks that were established in a 2003 study at the commencement of a new destination brand campaign. The key finding was there was no change in perceived performance for the destination across the brand’s performance indicators and CBBE dimensions. Because of the common challenges faced by DMOs worldwide, it is suggested the CBBE hierarchy provides destination marketers with a practical tool for evaluating brand performance over time.
Introduction: empirical research on health, ageing and retirement in Europe
Authors: Börsch-Supan Axel , Hank Karsten , Jürges Hendrik , Schröder Mathis
Published: October 2009

In our introduction to this Special Issue of JESP, we first sketch what we know and what we do not know about the adaptation process to a society with a large proportion of older individuals. We develop a framework of empirical analysis which exploits the power of multidisciplinary, longitudinal and cross-national comparative data collection. Second, we provide a brief overview of SHARE, the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe. The 2004—05 baseline wave and the first longitudinal wave of SHARE collected in 2006—07 provide data on the life circumstances of some 45,000 individuals aged 50 and over in 14 European countries. SHARE constitutes a unique data infrastructure for researchers from various disciplines — notably economics, sociology and health — to better understand the individual and population ageing process. Third, we introduce the five studies in this Special Issue to show that the multidisciplinary, longitudinal and cross-national comparative data of SHARE permit a much better understanding of ageing and retirement in Europe than was possible before.
Participation in socially productive activities and quality of life in early old age: findings from SHARE
Authors: Siegrist Johannes , Wahrendorf Morten
Published: October 2009

In order to understand variations of quality of life in early old age, associations between socio-economic status, socially productive activities and well-being are studied across 14 European countries. Information on three different types of productive activities and their exchange characteristics is included. We used the first two waves of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) including some 15,000 retired men and women. Well-being is measured by a standardized quality of life measure (CASP-12). Findings of multilevel analyses show larger within-country than between-country variability in prospective quality of life. Strong individual predictors were the experience of reciprocity in social productive activities and high socio-economic position. Continued participation in socially productive activities, in particular those that offer opportunities of experiencing reciprocity in exchange, improves prospective quality of life in early old age.
Income, wealth and financial fragility in Europe
Authors: Christelis Dimitrios , Jappelli Tullio , Paccagnella Omar , Weber Guglielmo
Published: October 2009

The article examines the distribution of income and wealth among the generation of Europeans aged 65 and over, using data drawn from the first wave of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). It looks at how cross-country comparisons of income, wealth and debt are affected by differences in purchasing power, household size and taxation, and shows that some seemingly wide international differences appear less so when the proper adjustments are made. The article reveals wide differences in income, wealth and indebtedness of elderly households in Europe, and provides background information on social issues such as the adequacy of savings at retirement, and the financial fragility of the elderly.
Revision of the risk of secondary leukaemia after mitoxantrone in multiple sclerosis populations is required
Authors: Pascual Ana M , Téllez Neus , Boscá Isabel , Mallada Javier , Belenguer Antonio , Abellán Inmaculada , Sempere Angel P , Fernández Pascual , Magraner Ma José , Coret Francisco , Sanz Miguel A , Montalbán Xavier , Casanova Bonaventura
Published: October 2009

The objective in this paper is to compare the cumulative incidence and incidence density of therapy-related acute myeloid leukaemia in two cohorts of patients with multiple sclerosis treated with mitoxantrone, and with previously reported data in the literature. Six new cases of acute myeloid leukaemia were observed by prospectively following two Spanish series of 142 and 88 patients with worsening relapsing multiple sclerosis and secondary-progressive disease treated with mitoxantrone. A literature review shows 32 further cases of acute myeloid leukaemia reported, 65.6% of which are therapy-related acute promyelocytic leukaemia. Five cases in the cohorts fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for acute promyelocytic leukaemia, and one patient was diagnosed with pre-B-acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Acute myeloid leukaemia latency after mitoxantrone discontinuation was 1 to 45 months. The accumulated incidence and incidence density was 2.82% and 0.62%, respectively, in the Valencian cohort, and 2.27% and 0.44% in the Catalonian cohort. In the only seven previously reported series, the accumulated incidence varied from 0.15% to 0.80%. The real incidence of acute myeloid leukaemia after mitoxantrone therapy in the multiple sclerosis population could be higher as evidenced by the growing number of cases reported. Haematological monitoring should continue for at least 5 years after the last dose of mitoxantrone. These data stress the necessity of re-evaluating this risk.
Cigarette smoking and risk of MS in multiplex families
Authors: Jafari Naghmeh , Hoppenbrouwers Ilse A , Hop Wim CJ , Breteler Monique MB , Hintzen Rogier Q
Published: October 2009

Recent studies suggest that a history of cigarette smoking is a risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS). We aimed to test the smoking effect in multiplex families, matching for both environmental and genetic factors. In a matched case-control study, 136 MS patients from 106 multiplex MS families were compared with their 204 healthy siblings as controls. Participants completed self-report questionnaires. Conditional logistic regression was used to analyse smoking and MS risk association while controlling for confounding by age and sex. Smoking history was classified in different variables. Within our survey the smoking history of MS patients and the controls did not differ. The odds of MS were comparable for different smoking levels. However, more intense exposure and women showed higher odds ratios, although non-significant. Association studies in families with relatively high genetic loading are unlikely to be confounded by smoking history.
Reflexology for the treatment of pain in people with multiple sclerosis: a double-blind randomised sham-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Hughes CM , Smyth S. , Lowe-Strong AS
Published: October 2009

Multiple sclerosis (MS) results in pain and other symptoms which may be modified by conventional treatment, however, MS is still not curable. Several studies have reported positive effects of reflexology in the treatment of pain, however, no randomised controlled clinical trials for the treatment of pain have been conducted within this population. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of reflexology on pain in and MS population. We randomly allocated 73 participants to receive either precision or sham reflexology weekly for 10 weeks. Outcome measures were taken pre-and post-treatment with follow-up at 6 and 12 weeks by a researcher blinded to group allocation. The primary outcome measure recorded pain using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). A significant (p < 0.0001) and clinically important decrease in pain intensity was observed in both groups compared with baseline. Median VAS scores were reduced by 50% following treatment, and maintained for up to 12 weeks. Significant decreases were also observed for fatigue, depression, disability, spasm and quality of life. In conclusion, precision reflexology was not superior to sham, however, both treatments offer clinically significant improvements for MS symptoms via a possible placebo effect or stimulation of reflex points in the feet using non-specific massage.
Pioglitazone improves superoxide dismutase mediated vascular reactivity in the obese Zucker rat
Authors: Dorafshar Amir H. , Moodley Kogie , Khoe Michelle , Lyon Chris , Bryer-Ash Michael
Published: October 2009

Objective: To test the hypothesis that the thiazolidinedione agent, pioglitazone, mediates its chronic BP lowering action via improving vascular reactivity.

Methods and Results: Lean (Fa/fa) and obese (fa/fa) Zucker rats were treated with or without pioglitazone (20 mg/ kg/day) for 4 weeks (n=8 animals per group). Pioglitazone treatment was associated with a significant improvement in oral glucose tolerance in the obese animals (p<0.05 compared with untreated obese). Pioglitazone prevented the development of hypertension seen in obese untreated rats (SBP 126±1 versus 138±1 mmHg; p<0.0001). Aortic ring preparations from pioglitazone-treated obese rats showed improved relaxation responsiveness (ED50 0.28 versus 1.15 U/ ml, p<0.001) to SOD, a NO potentiator, compared with untreated obese animals.

Conclusions: SOD-mediated vasorelaxation may contribute to the chronic antihypertensive effect and/or the improvement in insulin sensitivity following pioglitazone treatment.
Diabetes mellitus is associated with plaque classified as thin cap fibroatheroma: an intravascular ultrasound study
Authors: Marso Steven P. , House John A. , Klauss Volker , Lerman Amir , Margolis Pauliina , Leon Martin B.
Published: October 2009

We compared measures of ID coronary atherosclerosis between diabetic and non-diabetic patients enrolled in a prospective multinational IVUS registry. The region of interest was the most diseased 10 mm segment of a single coronary artery. Coronary plaque was quantified using greyscale IVUS and further classified by phenotype (ID-adaptive intimal thickening, ID-pathological intimal thickening, ID-TCFA, ID-fibroatheroma, or ID-fibrocalcific) using VH-IVUS. There was a non-significant trend for greater total plaque volume in diabetic (n=191) compared with non-diabetic (n=584) patients (94.8 vs. 88.1 mm3, p=0.36, adjusted for multiple comparisons). There was a greater proportion of ID-TCFA among diabetic patients (21.6 vs. 13.6%, p=0.01 after adjustment for multiple comparisons; p=0.08 following multivariable adjustment for age and clinical demographics), while differences in pathological intimal thickening, fibroatheroma and fibrocalcific plaque were not significant between groups. ID-TCFA was more common in the most diseased 10 mm segment of diabetic than in non-diabetic coronary arteries. Multivariable adjustment demonstrated age and possibly the presence of diabetes to be independent predictors of ID-TCFA.
Creating Community-Academic Partnerships for Cancer Disparities Research and Health Promotion
Authors: Meade Cathy D. , Menard Janelle M. , Luque John S. , Martinez-Tyson Dinorah , Gwede Clement K.
Published: October 2009

To effectively attenuate cancer disparities in multiethnic, medically underserved populations, interventions must be developed collaboratively through solid community-academic partnerships and driven by community-based participatory research (CBPR). The Tampa Bay Community Cancer Network (TBCCN) has been created to identify and implement interventions to address local cancer disparities in partnership with community-based nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, community health centers, local media, and adult literacy and education organizations. TBCCN activities and research efforts are geared toward addressing critical information and access issues related to cancer control and prevention in diverse communities in the Tampa Bay area. Such efforts include cross-cultural health promotion, screening, and awareness activities in addition to applied research projects that are rooted in communities and guided by CBPR methods. This article describes these activities as examples of partnership building to positively affect cancer disparities, promote community health, and set the stage for community-based research partnerships.
Kinematics of Turning 180° During the Timed Up and Go in Stroke Survivors With and Without Falls History
Authors: Leigh Hollands Kristen , Hollands Mark Andrew , Zietz Doerte , Miles Wing Alan , Wright Christine , van Vliet Paulette
Published: October 2009

Background. Community-dwelling, chronic stroke survivors are at risk of falling during turning and are more likely to sustain a hip fracture when they fall. Objective. This study quantifies kinematic differences between stroke survivors (mean ± SD: 38.3 ± 31.3 months poststroke, 59.9 ± 10.1 years of age), with (n = 9) and without a falls history (n = 9), and age-matched healthy counterparts (n = 18) in turning coordination during the 180° turn around in the Timed “Up & Go„ (TUG) test. Methods. Full-body kinematics were recorded while participants performed the 180° turn around in the TUG. Dependent measures were time to turn, number of steps to turn, and measures of axial segment coordination. Result. Although participants who had a stroke and falls history took significantly longer to turn (mean ± SD: 4.4 ± 1.7 seconds) than age-matched controls (2.5 ± 0.6 seconds), no kinematic differences were found in performance or in the axial segment coordination during turning that could contribute to falls history or falls risk. Conclusions. These results indicate incidences of falls during turning following stroke may not be due to impaired movement patterns but due to the many other factors that are associated with falls, such as deficits in cognitive processes—attention or central integration—and/or sensory deficits.
Evaluating Mixed Research Studies: A Mixed Methods Approach
Authors: Leech Nancy L. , Dellinger Amy B. , Brannagan Kim B. , Tanaka Hideyuki
Published: October 2009

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate application of a new framework, the validation framework (VF), to assist researchers in evaluating mixed research studies. Based on an earlier work by Dellinger and Leech, a description of the VF is delineated. Using the VF, three studies from education, health care, and counseling fields are evaluated. The three mixed research studies differed in design and implementation. Elements of the VF were examined and evaluated for each study, and a picture of the quality of each study was captured textually. In presenting the VF and its potential for practical application in evaluating mixed research studies, pragmatic researchers can use this tool to increase the quality of their evaluations of mixed research studies.
Mental health policy to practice; too much loose change?
Authors: McGonagle Ian , Jackson Christine , Baguley Ian
Published: October 2009

Mental health, cancer care and coronary heart disease were identified as the three priorities for the National Health Service, and National Service Frameworks were developed for each area. This prioritisation was reinforced when the NHS Plan was published and a programme of systemic change in the National Health Service was embarked upon to support this new agenda. This paper describes the major policy decisions and systemic changes and how they affected mental health care. The end of the 10-year National Service Framework programme provides an opportune time to review and reflect on the changes, successes and areas for on-going improvement in the years ahead. Clearly there have been significant developments, and perhaps the successes of the last 10 years have been lost in the clutter that often results as a consequence of major change.
Conceding and concealing judgement in termination of pregnancy; a grounded theory study
Authors: Lipp Allyson
Published: October 2009

This study aimed to elicit some of the affective attributes in nurses and midwives involved in caring for those undergoing abortion and explore how they may affect the care given. Nurses and midwives face challenges in caring for women during abortion. Recent advances have resulted in more nursing/midwifery input into abortions. Impending legislation is also likely to increase nursing involvement and yet little is known of the likely impact on those involved. Twelve nurses and midwives working in termination of pregnancy services throughout Wales were interviewed using a grounded theory approach. An early affective attribute was being non-judgemental, but the core category derived from comparative analysis revealed that nurses and midwives conceded judging the women, but then concealed their judgements. To help them conceal their judgements maxims were used such as ‘there but for the grace of God go I’. Goffman’s work on stigma was used to challenge and integrate the grounded theory into the literature. As being non-judgemental is an aspiration, acknowledging that judgement occurs may be more appropriate for clinical nurses in order for them to devise strategies to conceal judgements in a considered manner.
Collective biography and the legacy of Hildegard Peplau, Annie Altschul and Eileen Skellern; the origins of mental health nursing and its relevance to the current crisis in psychiatry‡
Authors: Winship Gary , Bray Joy , Repper Julie , Hinshelwood Robert D.
Published: October 2009

Oral history and biographical research gathering previously unpublished material directly from Altschul and Peplau, and new commentaries on Eileen Skellern from colleagues, are triangulated to form a collective biography that accesses historical consciousness of times of great change in psychiatry. We can see core ideas about psychiatric nursing aggregated around the idea active therapeutic engagement. Peplau and Altschul were simultaneously working with innovative methods of community-based therapy during the Second World War in England with shell-shocked soldiers. Both developed founding ideologies in psychoanalysis and therapeutic community practice. A similar trajectory is apparent in the work of Eileen Skellern. User involvement and social inclusion, the corner stones of therapeutic community practice, remain intrinsic to the aspirations of psychiatry today.
Mental health content of comprehensive pre-registration nursing curricula in Australia
Authors: McCann Terence V. , Moxham Lorna , Usher Kim , Crookes Patrick A. , Farrell Gerald
Published: October 2009

In 2008 the final report of the Mental Health Nurse Education Taskforce was released. This paper presents the findings of the report’s survey into the mental health content of generic pre-registration nursing curricula in Australia. A questionnaire was sent to all nursing schools providing pre-registration curricula. Results indicate curricula contained a wide range of mental health theory and clinical hours. While the majority of universities incorporated most of the 20 key topics recommended by the Mental Health Nurse Education Taskforce in their courses, few addressed issues such as Indigenous mental health. There was considerable competition for placements between universities, and concern about the quality of some placements. Nurse academics with formal qualifications in mental health and specialist clinical mental health nurses were mainly involved in teaching theory. Specialist mental health clinicians and clinical educators were the key groups engaged in students’ clinical education, and preceptorship was the most common form of clinical supervision. Consumers and carers had limited involvement in the development or provision of mental health content of pre-registration curricula. Greater attention is needed to increasing the mental health content in pre-registration curricula. Furthermore, initiatives should be developed to increase access to clinical placements and reduce competition for places between universities.
Enhanced antibody responses to a detoxified lipopolysaccharide-group B meningococcal outer membrane protein vaccine are due to synergistic engagement of Toll-like receptors
Authors: Chen Wilbur H. , Basu Subhendu , Bhattacharjee Apurba K. , Cross Alan S.
Published: October 2009

When given passively or elicited actively, antibodies induced by a detoxified Escherichia coli Rc chemotype (J5) mutant lipopolysaccharide (J5dLPS)—group B meningococcal outer membrane protein (OMP) complex vaccine protected animals from lethal sepsis. The protection from sepsis is believed to be dependent on high levels of antibodies against the core glycolipid (CGL), a region of LPS that is rather conserved among Enterobacteriaceae. The addition of unmethylated deoxycytidyl-deoxyguanosine dinucleotide (CpG)-containing oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) was used as an immuno-adjuvant to improve antibody responses. In preparation for a Phase I human trial, we elucidated potential contributions by which the sepsis vaccine (J5dLPS—OMP) and CpG ODN might enhance the antibody response and provide evidence that the generation of immune responses is Toll-like receptor (TLR) dependent. Toll-like receptor 2, TLR4, and TLR9 were each essential for generating robust cytokine and antibody responses. The signature cytokine of dendritic cells, interleukin-12, was one of the cytokines that demonstrated synergy with the optimal TLR ligand/ engagement combination. We conclude that the involvement of multiple TLRs upon immunization was critical for the generation of optimal antibody responses. These observations provide further evidence for the inclusion of innate immune-based adjuvants during the development of next-generation vaccines.
Review: Progress in the management of paraneoplastic neurological disorders
Authors: Sadeghian Hamid , Vernino Steven
Published: October 2009

Paraneoplastic neurological disorders (PNDs) are a rare and diverse group of neurological conditions that can involve any part of the nervous system. Diagnosis is facilitated by finding well-recognized autoantibodies directed against neural antigens in the sera and the cerebrospinal fluid. Identifying and eliminating the underlying malignancy is the mainstay of treatment. Immunomodulatory treatment is gaining more acceptance especially, where a malignancy could not be identified, oncology treatment is completed, or along with cancer treatment. Literature review shows only a handful of systematic prospective case series. Multicenter, prospective controlled clinical trials are needed for future therapeutic advances.
Chemokine induction by all-trans retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide in acute promyelocytic leukemia: triggering the differentiation syndrome
Authors: Luesink Maaike , Pennings Jeroen L. A. , Wissink Willemijn M. , Linssen Peter C. M. , Muus Petra , Pfundt Rolph , de Witte Theo J. M. , van der Reijden Bert A. , Jansen Joop H.
Published: October 2009

In acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), differentiation therapy with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and/or arsenic trioxide can induce a differentiation syndrome (DS) with massive pulmonary infiltration of differentiating leukemic cells. Because chemokines are implicated in migration and extravasation of leukemic cells, chemokines might play a role in DS. ATRA stimulation of the APL cell line NB4 induced expression of multiple CC-chemokines (CCLs) and their receptors (> 19-fold), resulting in increased chemokine levels and chemotaxis. Induction of CCL2 and CCL24 was directly mediated by ligand-activated retinoic acid receptors. In primary leukemia cells derived from APL patients at diagnosis, ATRA induced chemokine production as well. Furthermore, in plasma of an APL patient with DS, we observed chemokine induction, suggesting that chemokines might be important in DS. Dexamethasone, which efficiently reduces pulmonary chemokine production, did not inhibit chemokine induction in APL cells. Finally, chemokine production was also induced by arsenic trioxide as single agent or in combination with ATRA. We propose that differentiation therapy may induce chemokine production in the lung and in APL cells, which both trigger migration of leukemic cells. Because dexamethasone does not efficiently reduce leukemic chemokine production, pulmonary infiltration of leukemic cells may induce an uncontrollable hyperinflammatory reaction in the lung.
Systematic in vivo structure-function analysis of p300 in hematopoiesis
Authors: Kimbrel Erin A. , Lemieux Madeleine E. , Xia Xiaobo , Davis Tina N. , Rebel Vivienne I. , Kung Andrew L.
Published: October 2009

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding (CREB)–binding protein (CBP) and p300 are multidomain transcriptional coactivators that help assemble large regulatory complexes at sites of active transcription. Nullizygosity of CBP or p300 results in pervasive defects in hematopoiesis. To systematically assess the structural domains of p300 required for normal hematopoiesis, we used recombinase-mediated cassette exchange to create an allelic series of coisogenic embryonic stem cells, each expressing a different mutant of p300 from the endogenous locus. We found that deletion of either the KIX or CH1 domain caused profound and pervasive defects in hematopoiesis, whereas the loss of most other domains had only lineage-restricted effects. When expressed from the p300 locus, an extra copy of CBP largely compensated for a lack of p300. Surprisingly, mutation of the p300 histone acetyltransferase (HAT) domain had minimal effects on hematopoiesis, and actually increased progenitor and stem cell numbers and proliferative potential. Our results suggest that, in distinct contrast to other organ systems, HAT activity does not provide a critical function for hematopoietic development and emphasizes the importance of enzyme-independent functions of p300.
Single-unit dominance after double-unit umbilical cord blood transplantation coincides with a specific CD8+ T-cell response against the nonengrafted unit
Authors: Gutman Jonathan A. , Turtle Cameron J. , Manley Thomas J. , Heimfeld Shelly , Bernstein Irwin D. , Riddell Stanley R. , Delaney Colleen
Published: October 2009

We investigated the potential role of an immune reaction in mediating the dominant engraftment of 1 cord blood unit in 14 patients who received a double-unit cord blood transplantation (CBT). In 10 patients, dominant engraftment of a single donor unit emerged by day 28 after CBT. In 9 of these 10 patients, a significant subset of CD8+ CD45RO+/−CCR7− T cells, present in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and derived from the engrafting cord blood unit, produced interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in response to the nonengrafting unit. No significant population of IFN-γ–secreting cells was detectable when posttransplantation peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated against cells from the engrafted unit (P < .001) or from a random human leukocyte antigen disparate third party (P = .003). Three patients maintained persistent mixed chimerism after CBT, and no significant IFN-γ–secreting cells were detected after similar stimulations in these patients (P < .005). Our data provide the first direct evidence in human double-unit CBT recipients that immune rejection mediated by effector CD8+ T cells developing after CBT from naive precursors is responsible for the failure of 1 unit to engraft. Future investigations based on these findings may result in strategies to predict a dominant unit and enhance graft-versus-leukemia effect.
Endothelial cell ADAMTS-13 and VWF: production, release, and VWF string cleavage
Authors: Turner Nancy A. , Nolasco Leticia , Ruggeri Zaverio M. , Moake Joel L.
Published: October 2009

Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC)–released ADAMTS-13 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin repeats) and HUVEC-secreted von Willebrand factor (VWF) strings were investigated under static conditions that allow the accumulation and analysis of ADAMTS-13. The latter was released constitutively from HUVECs and cleaved the secreted and cell-anchored VWF strings progressively during 15 minutes in Ca2+/Zn2+-containing buffer. HUVEC ADAMTS13 mRNA expression was approximately 1:100 of VWF monomeric subunit expression. In contrast to multimeric VWF stored within Weibel-Palade bodies and secreted rapidly in response to cell stimulation, ADAMTS-13 was released directly from the Golgi to the cell exterior without an organelle storage site. The constitutive release of ADAMTS-13 continued at the same slow rate regardless of the presence or absence of histamine stimulation of HUVECs. Consequently, the percentage of VWF strings cleaved by ADAMTS-13 at VWF Y1605-M1606 decreased as the rate of VWF string secretion was increased by cell stimulation. Blockade of HUVEC ADAMTS-13 activity by antibodies to different ADAMTS-13 domains made it possible to detect the attachment of ADAMTS-13 all along the lengths of HUVEC-secreted VWF strings. Constitutive ADAMTS-13 released from endothelial cells may contribute to the maintenance of cell surfaces free of hyperadhesive VWF multimeric strings.
Gene expression analysis of the biocontrol fungus Trichoderma harzianum in the presence of tomato plants, chitin, or glucose using a high-density oligonucleotide microarray
Authors: Samolski Ilanit , de Luis Alberto , Vizcaíno Juan Antonio , Monte Enrique , Suárez M Belén
Published: October 2009

Background

It has recently been shown that the Trichoderma fungal species used for biocontrol of plant diseases are capable of interacting with plant roots directly, behaving as symbiotic microorganisms. With a view to providing further information at transcriptomic level about the early response of Trichoderma to a host plant, we developed a high-density oligonucleotide (HDO) microarray encompassing 14,081 Expressed Sequence Tag (EST)-based transcripts from eight Trichoderma spp. and 9,121 genome-derived transcripts of T. reesei, and we have used this microarray to examine the gene expression of T. harzianum either alone or in the presence of tomato plants, chitin, or glucose.

Results

Global microarray analysis revealed 1,617 probe sets showing differential expression in T. harzianum mycelia under at least one of the culture conditions tested as compared with one another. Hierarchical clustering and heat map representation showed that the expression patterns obtained in glucose medium clustered separately from the expression patterns observed in the presence of tomato plants and chitin. Annotations using the Blast2GO suite identified 85 of the 257 transcripts whose probe sets afforded up-regulated expression in response to tomato plants. Some of these transcripts were predicted to encode proteins related to Trichoderma-host (fungus or plant) associations, such as Sm1/Elp1 protein, proteases P6281 and PRA1, enchochitinase CHIT42, or QID74 protein, although previously uncharacterized genes were also identified, including those responsible for the possible biosynthesis of nitric oxide, xenobiotic detoxification, mycelium development, or those related to the formation of infection structures in plant tissues.

Conclusion

The effectiveness of the Trichoderma HDO microarray to detect different gene responses under different growth conditions in the fungus T. harzianum strongly indicates that this tool should be useful for further assays that include different stages of plant colonization, as well as for expression studies in other Trichoderma spp. represented on it. Using this microarray, we have been able to define a number of genes probably involved in the transcriptional response of T. harzianum within the first hours of contact with tomato plant roots, which may provide new insights into the mechanisms and roles of this fungus in the Trichoderma-plant interaction.
Neutralizing antibodies explain the poor clinical response to Interferon beta in a small proportion of patients with Multiple Sclerosis: a retrospective study
Authors: Sbardella Emilia , Tomassini Valentina , Gasperini Claudio , Bellomi Francesca , Cefaro Luca Ausili , Morra Vincenzo Brescia , Antonelli Guido , Pozzilli Carlo
Published: October 2009

Background

Neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against Interferon beta (IFNβ) are reported to be associated with poor clinical response to therapy in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. We aimed to quantify the contribution of NAbs to the sub-optimal response of IFNβ treatment.

Methods

We studied the prevalence of NAbs in MS patients grouped according to their clinical response to IFNβ during the treatment period. Patients were classified as: group A, developing ≥ 1 relapse after the first 6 months of therapy; group B, exhibiting confirmed disability progression after the first 6 months of therapy, with or without superimposed relapses; group C, presenting a stable disease course during therapy. A cytopathic effect assay tested the presence of NAbs in a cohort of ambulatory MS patients treated with one of the available IFNβ formulations for at least one year. NAbs positivity was defined as NAbs titre ≥ 20 TRU.

Results

Seventeen patients (12.1%) were NAbs positive. NAbs positivity correlated with poorer clinical response (p < 0.04). As expected, the prevalence of NAbs was significantly lower in Group C (2.1%) than in Group A (17.0%) and Group B (17.0%). However, in the groups of patients with a poor clinical response (A, B), NAbs positivity was found only in a small proportion of patients.

Conclusion

The majority of patients with poor clinical response are NAbs negative suggesting that NAbs explains only partially the sub-optimal response to IFNβ.