bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Hirulog-Like Peptide on Balloon Catheter Injury-Induced Neointimal Formation in Femoral Arteries of Minipigs and Relationship with Inflammatory Mediators
Authors: Tang Xiao-Feng , Liu Jian-Jun , Wu Yong-Jie , Chen Ke-Ming , Jin Yong , Gao Ping-Jin , Zhu Ding-Liang , Shen Garry X.
Published: November 2009

Vascular intervention-induced neointimal formation is a major drawback for managing atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases using invasive vascular procedures. Our previous studies demonstrated that hirulog-like peptide (HLP) reduced balloon catheter dilation-induced neointimal formation or restenosis in carotid arteries of rats or atherosclerotic rabbits with less interruption in coagulation or bleeding than heparin or hirulog-1. The present study examined the effect of HLP on balloon catheter injury-induced neointimal formation in femoral arteries of minipigs. Intravenous infusion of HLP (1.6 mg/kg/h for 4 h started 0.5 h before the intervention) or unfractured heparin (50 U/kg/h for 4 h) significantly reduced neointimal formation in femoral arteries 4 weeks after intervention compared with the vehicle. Heparin, but not HLP, significantly prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time. HLP or heparin significantly reduced vascular intervention-induced increases in C-reactive protein, P-selectin and interleukin-6 in serum. HLP, but not heparin, normalized vascular injury-induced increase in P-selectin in platelets. The results of the present study suggest that HLP is an effective agent for preventing balloon catheter injury-induced neointimal formation in femoral arteries of minipigs. The beneficial effects of HLP on vascular injury-induced neointimal formation may partially result from its inhibition on inflammatory mediators.
Epidemiology, Prevention and Management of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Infections in Children
Authors: Prusseit Julia , Simon Matthias , von der Brelie Christian , Heep Axel , Molitor Ernst , Völz Sebastian , Simon Arne
Published: November 2009

The advent of ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) represented a substantial progress in the neurosurgical management of hydrocephalus in children. VPS infection is the most frequently observed complication. VPS infection is related to substantial morbidity and mortality, and exerts a negative impact on the quality of life of patients. Considerable personnel and financial resources have been devoted to its diagnosis and treatment. This article reviews the current literature and includes suggestions for the prevention, diagnosis and management of VPS infections.
Aggressive Surgical Management of Patients with Chiari II Malformation and Brainstem Dysfunction
Authors: Rahman Maryam , Perkins Leigh Ann , Pincus David W.
Published: November 2009

Background/Aims: Chiari II malformation represents a group of developmental abnormalities involving the caudal displacement of the cervicomedullary junction, pons, fourth ventricle, and medulla. This constellation of malformations is strongly associated with myelomeningocele (MM) and is a known cause of neurologic deterioration in older MM patients. We describe the evaluation and management of 4 adult MM patients who presented with brainstem compression and a retroflexed odontoid who were subject to aggressive surgical management including occipitocervical (OC) fusion with good clinical results. Methods: Four MM patients who underwent OC fusion for new-onset brainstem dysfunction and myelopathy were identified in the practice of the principal investigator (D.W.P.) from 2003 to 2008. Results: The initial evaluation of these patients included consideration of other diagnoses, such as hydrocephalus due to shunt malfunction and tethered cord. These patients were treated with aggressive surgical management. In some cases, multiple surgeries were performed. All 4 patients were treated with cervical decompression and OC fixation and initially had good outcomes. No patients required transoral decompression. Three of the 4 had stable improvement at their last follow-up appointment (mean follow-up of 9 months). Conclusion: Late deterioration in older MM patients may be secondary to brainstem or cervical spinal cord compression from ventral odontoid compression and Chiari II malformation, hydrocephalus, hydromyelia, or tethered cord. These patients may benefit from more than one surgery. Posterior decompression and OC fusion can avoid a morbid transoral odontoid resection, greatly improve patients’ symptoms and prevent further neurologic decline.
Is Postoperative CT Scanning Predictive of Subdural Electrode Placement Complications in Pediatric Epileptic Patients?
Authors: Giussani Carlo , Filardi Tanya , Bunyaratavej Krishnapundha , Mai Jeffrey C. , Ogino Masahiro , Greene Stephanie , Browd Samuel R. , Avellino Anthony M. , Ellenbogen Richard G. , Ojemann Jeffrey G.
Published: November 2009

Aims: To understand the reliability of postoperative CT scans to predict the development of intracranial hemorrhagic complications associated with subdural electrode implants for monitoring intractable seizure, we reviewed the data of a consecutive series of children treated at our institution. Methods: Forty children (mean age: 11.4 years) with subdural electrode implants were reviewed. The immediate postoperative CT scans were evaluated for the presence of hemorrhagic complications and/or brain swelling resulting in a midline shift. Results: Twenty-six patients (65%) presented a postoperative midline shift (range = 2–10 mm; mean shift = 4.0 mm). Two children had a midline shift of >5 mm. Two patients with a shift of <5 mm at the first CT scan required a repeat craniotomy. These patients experienced worsening neurologic symptoms in a delayed fashion on postoperative days 1 and 4, respectively. This was correlated to an increase in midline shift of >5 mm. Conclusions: Subdural electrode implants in children are safe. The presence of a midline shift of <5 mm is common postoperatively. The presence and extension of the midline shift at the first CT scan does not seem to be predictive of the development of symptomatic complications with a mass effect. Complications happened in a delayed fashion.
Characteristics of Osseous Septum of Split Cord Malformation in Patients Presenting with Scoliosis: A Retrospective Study of 48 Cases
Authors: Liu Wenpeng , Zheng Dong , Cui Shaojie , Zhang Chaoli , Liu Yan , Jia Yunfeng , Shi Tiejun , Huang Hao , Hei Bo , Wang Peixin
Published: November 2009

Background/Aims: The coexistence of scoliosis and split cord malformation (SCM) is often encountered. The characteristics of the osseous septum of SCM are still unknown to us. Here we try to delineate the configuration and nature of the osseous septa. The correlation between scoliosis and SCM is also discussed. Methods: 48 patients hospitalized for scoliosis were studied. SCM was subsequently identified in all of the patients. These patients underwent operations and were retrospectively evaluated. Results: The figuration, component, location and nature of osseous septa are described. 47 of the 48 SCMs (98%) were type I. Only 1 case was type II. 43 patients (90%) had 1 osseous septum. The other 5 patients (10%) had 2 osseous septa at different levels. 41 septa (78%) were mainly made of cortical bone, another 6 septa (11%) were mainly made of cancellous bone, while the other 6 (11%) were bone together with soft tissues. The prominent central blood vessels were found in 19 cases (36%). 10 osseous septa (19%) were derived from neural arches. 15 osseous septa (28%) were from both vertebral bodies and neural arches. Conclusion: We assumed that SCM might contribute to the progress of scoliosis. It is recommended that removal of the spur be carried out before corrective surgery on the spine.
Role of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Early Diagnosis of Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Solivetti F.M. , Elia F. , Teoli M. , De Mutiis C. , Chimenti S. , Berardesca E. , Di Carlo A.
Published: November 2009

Background: Radiographic examination (Rx) is still the best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Nevertheless, ultrasound (US) examination of the potentially involved joints has started to play a leading role. The sensitivity and specificity of a scan can be determined by contrast enhancement in the diagnosis of arthritis during PsA in comparison with basal US with MRI. Methods: Our study was made on 22 uninformed patients showing clinical suspicion of PsA. The patients were submitted to clinical evaluation, Rx, US with and without contrast enhancement and MRI. The parameters evaluated by basal US were effusion, synovial hypertrophy, positiveness to color power Doppler signals and bone erosion. Results: Contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) seems to amplify small alterations previously detected by US and, moreover, increases the diagnostic confidence in cases of suspected symptomatology with a negative diagnosis. Finally, CEUS appears to have a concordance of almost 100% with the results of MRI with contrast enhancement. Conclusion: US appears to be an effective method for detecting the alterations in bone outline and soft tissues, such as synovitis. Furthermore, US provides useful information concerning the evolution of vascularization and the dynamic behavior of tendons.
Age- and Gender-Dependent Correlations between Body Composition and Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Han Seung Seok , Heo Nam Ju , Na Ki Young , Chae Dong-Wan , Kim Yon Su , Kim Suhnggwon , Chin Ho Jun
Published: November 2009

Background: Body mass index (BMI) is a predictor of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the general population. Here, we evaluated the association between BMI, body composition and CKD according to age and gender. Methods: We examined 75,127 adults between 2005 and 2008. Odds ratios for CKD were calculated between two age groups (a younger group, aged <65 years, and an elderly group, aged ≧65 years) using BMI, lean mass index (LMI, lean mass divided by the square of height), fat mass index (FMI, fat mass divided by the square of height), waist circumference and the lean mass-to-fat mass ratio (LFR). Results: The elderly group comprised 8.9% of the population, and 7.4% of all subjects had CKD. By multivariate analysis, BMI was positively correlated with CKD, but FMI was negatively correlated in the younger group. LMI was not associated with CKD in the younger group. In the elderly group, BMI, FMI and waist circumference were positively correlated with CKD. However, LMI and LFR were negative predictors of CKD. In female subjects, the correlation trends in the younger and the elderly group were opposite. Conclusions: The associations between BMI, body composition and CKD differed according to age and gender stratifications.
The Death of John Paul Jones and Resurrection as ‘Father of the US Navy’
Authors: Weir Matthew R. , Bogle Lori L. , Mackowiak Philip A.
Published: November 2009

John Paul Jones, ‘father of the US Navy’, died under mysterious circumstances on July 18, 1792. Although his remains were resurrected and autopsied 113 years later, the cause of his death has yet to be explained fully. In this detailed review of his clinical history and autopsy findings, we conclude, as have others, that Jones died of kidney failure of undermined etiology. Although ‘interstitial nephritis’ was diagnosed by the prosectors who performed his autopsy, we believe glomerulopathy (possibly IgA nephropathy) was more likely responsible for his kidney failure and that his death was due to a cardiac arrhythmia or some other complication of uremia.
Mortality and Vascular Morbidity in Older Adults With Asymptomatic Versus Symptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Diehm Curt , Allenberg Jens Rainer , Pittrow David , Mahn Matthias , Tepohl Gerhart , Haberl Roman L. , Darius Harald , Burghaus Ina , Trampisch Hans Joachim
Published: November 2009

Background—

Our aim was to assess the mortality and vascular morbidity risk of elderly individuals with asymptomatic versus symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) in the primary care setting.

Methods and Results—

This prospective cohort study included 6880 representative unselected patients ≥65 years of age with monitored follow-up over 5 years. According to physician diagnosis, 5392 patients had no PAD, 836 had asymptomatic PAD (ankle brachial index <0.9 without symptoms), and 593 had symptomatic PAD (lower-extremity peripheral revascularization, amputation as a result of PAD, or intermittent claudication symptoms regardless of ankle brachial index). The risk of symptomatic compared with asymptomatic PAD patients was significantly increased for the composite of all-cause death or severe vascular event (myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, stroke, carotid revascularization, or lower-extremity peripheral vascular events; hazard ratio, 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.21 to 1.80) but not for all-cause death alone (hazard ratio, 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.89 to 1.43), all-cause death/myocardial infarction/stroke (excluding lower-extremity peripheral vascular events and any revascularizations; hazard ratio, 1.18; 95% confidence interval, 0.92 to 1.52), cardiovascular events alone (hazard ratio, 1.20; 95% confidence interval, 0.89 to 1.60), or cerebrovascular events alone (hazard ratio, 1.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.80 to 2.20). Lower ankle brachial index categories were associated with increased risk. PAD was a strong factor for the prediction of the composite end point in an adjusted model.

Conclusions—

Asymptomatic PAD diagnosed through routine screening in the offices of primary care physicians carries a high mortality and/or vascular event risk. Notably, the risk of mortality was similar in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with PAD and was significantly higher than in those without PAD. In the primary care setting, the diagnosis of PAD has important prognostic value.
Reconstituted High-Density Lipoprotein Attenuates Platelet Function in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Promoting Cholesterol Efflux
Authors: Calkin Anna C. , Drew Brian G. , Ono Akiko , Duffy Stephen J. , Gordon Michelle V. , Schoenwaelder Simone M. , Sviridov Dmitri , Cooper Mark E. , Kingwell Bronwyn A. , Jackson Shaun P.
Published: November 2009

Background—

Individuals with diabetes mellitus have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and exhibit platelet hyperreactivity, increasing their resistance to antithrombotic therapies such as aspirin and clopidogrel. Reconstituted high-density lipoprotein (rHDL) has short-term beneficial effects on atherosclerotic plaques, but whether it can effectively reduce the reactivity of diabetic platelets is not known.

Methods and Results—

Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus were infused with placebo or rHDL (CSL-111; 20 mg · kg
−1
· h
−1
) for 4 hours, resulting in an ≈1.4-fold increase in plasma HDL cholesterol levels. rHDL infusion was associated with a >50% reduction in the ex vivo platelet aggregation response to multiple agonists, an effect that persisted in washed platelets. In vitro studies in platelets from healthy individuals revealed that the inhibitory effects of rHDL on platelet function were time and dose dependent and resulted in a widespread attenuation of platelet function and a 50% reduction in thrombus formation under flow. These effects could be recapitulated, in part, by the isolated phospholipid component of rHDL, which enhanced efflux of cholesterol from platelets and reduced lipid raft assembly. In contrast, the apolipoprotein AI component of rHDL had minimal effect on platelet function, cholesterol efflux, or lipid raft assembly.

Conclusion—

These findings suggest that rHDL therapy is highly effective at inhibiting the heightened reactivity of diabetic platelets, partly through reducing the cholesterol content of platelet membranes. These properties, combined with the known short-term beneficial effects of rHDL on atherosclerotic lesions, suggest that rHDL infusions may be an effective approach to reduce atherothrombotic complications in diabetic individuals.

Clinical Trial Registration Information—

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00395148.
Enhancement of Myocardial Regeneration Through Genetic Engineering of Cardiac Progenitor Cells Expressing Pim-1 Kinase
Authors: Fischer Kimberlee M. , Cottage Christopher T. , Wu Weitao , Din Shabana , Gude Natalie A. , Avitabile Daniele , Quijada Pearl , Collins Brett L. , Fransioli Jenna , Sussman Mark A.
Published: November 2009

Background—

Despite numerous studies demonstrating the efficacy of cellular adoptive transfer for therapeutic myocardial regeneration, problems remain for donated cells with regard to survival, persistence, engraftment, and long-term benefits. This study redresses these concerns by enhancing the regenerative potential of adoptively transferred cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) via genetic engineering to overexpress Pim-1, a cardioprotective kinase that enhances cell survival and proliferation.

Methods and Results—

Intramyocardial injections of CPCs overexpressing Pim-1 were given to infarcted female mice. Animals were monitored over 4, 12, and 32 weeks to assess cardiac function and engraftment of Pim-1 CPCs with echocardiography, in vivo hemodynamics, and confocal imagery. CPCs overexpressing Pim-1 showed increased proliferation and expression of markers consistent with cardiogenic lineage commitment after dexamethasone exposure in vitro. Animals that received CPCs overexpressing Pim-1 also produced greater levels of cellular engraftment, persistence, and functional improvement relative to control CPCs up to 32 weeks after delivery. Salutary effects include reduction of infarct size, greater number of c-kit
+
cells, and increased vasculature in the damaged region.

Conclusions—

Myocardial repair is significantly enhanced by genetic engineering of CPCs with Pim-1 kinase. Ex vivo gene delivery to enhance cellular survival, proliferation, and regeneration may overcome current limitations of stem cell–based therapeutic approaches.
Evaluation of Delamination Damage on Composite Plates using an Artificial Neural Network for the Radiographic Image Analysis
Authors: De Albuquerque Victor Hugo C. , Tavares João Manuel R. S. , Durão Luís M.P.
Published: November 2009

Drilling carbon/epoxy laminates is a common operation in manufacturing and assembly. However, it is necessary to adapt the drilling operations to the drilling tools correctly to avoid the high risk of delamination. Delamination can severely affect the mechanical properties of the parts produced. Production of high quality holes with minimal damage is a key challenge. In this article, delamination caused in laminate plates by drilling is evaluated from radiographic images. To accomplish this goal, a novel solution based on an artificial neural network is employed in the analysis of the radiographic images.
Progressive Fatigue Damage Modeling of Cross-ply Laminates, II: Experimental Evaluation
Authors: Taheri-Behrooz F. , Shokrieh M.M. , Lessard L.B.
Published: November 2009

This article presents the results of an experimental investigation of static and fatigue behavior of unidirectional and cross-ply T700/Cycom 890 composite laminates. Test specimens are fabricated by using vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding technique. The ply configurations are: unidirectional [010] and [9010] and cross-ply ([0/90]4s, [0/905/0], and [0/904]s) composites. Unidirectional specimens are tested under static and fatigue conditions to provide fundamental input data to run the progressive fatigue damage model developed in the first part of this article. To evaluate the capability of the progressive fatigue damage model, cross-ply laminates are tested under static and fatigue loading. The comparison between model predictions and the experiments shows a good correlation.
The Social Foundations of Institutional Order: Reconsidering War and the “Resource Curse” in Third World State Building
Authors: Kurtz Marcus J.
Published: November 2009

This manuscript departs strongly from conventional accounts that ascribe a central role to war and the threat of war in Third World state building. Similarly, it challenges the conventional wisdom that abundant exportable natural resource wealth is likely to provoke institutional atrophy. Instead, it argues that a set of logically prior conditions—the social relations that govern the principal economic sectors and the pattern or intraelite conflict or compromise—launch path-dependent processes that help determine when, and if, either strategic conflict or resource wealth contribute to, or impede, institutional development. The argument is tested in the comparative analysis of the state-building process in two Andean neighbors (Chile and Peru), both of which are situated in similar strategic and natural resource environments but which produced qualitatively different outcomes in terms of state capacity or “strength.”
Globalization and Working Time: Working Hours and Flexibility in Germany
Authors: Burgoon Brian , Raess Damian
Published: November 2009

This article challenges popular wisdom that economic globalization uniformly increases working time in industrialized countries. International investment and trade, they argue, have uneven effects for workplace bargaining over standard hours and over work-time flexibility, such as use of temporary or fixed work contracts. The authors explain how such globalization will tend to more substantially decrease standard hours than it does work-time flexibility. And they explain how works councils and union-led collective bargaining alter the way globalization affects both aspects of working time.The analysis of German enterprise data supports these expectations. Measures of globalization diminish standard working hours but yield more temporary work, fixed-contract work, and flexible working arrangements. Works councils and collective bargaining, however, mediate these effects in contrasting ways. Among enterprises without works councils or collective agreements globalization triggers more standard hours, but among firms with such representation globalization triggers fewer hours. With respect to flexibility, however, globalization increases use of temporary or fixed-term contracts more strongly where works councils or collective bargaining are present than when they are not. In short, economic openness has uneven consequences for working time, and firm-level labor representation channels those consequences in ways that highlight political agency in how people respond to globalization.
Democracy, Religion and Revolution
Authors: Browne Craig
Published: November 2009

Charles Taylor’s conception of the relationship between democracy and social creativity developed through a critical synthesis of various traditions, including the Romantic Movement and liberal political philosophy. However, it is argued that Taylor’s understanding of the implications of religion and revolution significantly differentiates his standpoint from that of pragmatism and theories of democratic creativity. Taylor’s defence of religious transcendence is shown to give rise to tensions with the latter perspective. The theorists of democratic creativity suggest that democracy originates in the rupturing of religious significations and their closure of meaning. Taylor essentially inverts these arguments and perceives that the loss of transcendence may lead to a closed world structure. Taylor claims that the dilemmas of the modern immanent frame were prefigured in the French Revolution’s inability to generate an institutional form consistent with its understanding of democracy and that social creativity should be qualified in light of this historical experience.
Medicaid Cost-Savings of Home- and Community-Based Service Programs for Older Persons in Florida
Authors: Shapiro Adam , Loh Chung-Ping , Mitchell Glenn
Published: November 2009

This study is designed to address the estimated Medicaid cost-savings of selected home- and community-based service (HCBS) programs in the State of Florida. Utilizing Medicaid claim data for SFY 2000-2005, a propensity score matching procedure is used to simulate random assignment of seniors into matched treatment (HCBS users) and comparison (waitlist) groups. We then produce an algorithm that determines the differences in Medicaid expenditures between the two groups, producing an estimate of cost-savings. Some HCBS programs in Florida show evidence of Medicaid cost-savings. Median Medicaid cost-savings varied widely, ranging from a cost overage of US$277 per member per month (PMPM) to a cost-savings of US$229 PMPM. Cost-savings appears most consistently when analyzing nursing home costs. The results of this study provide further evidence that nursing home cost-savings can be achieved through home- and community-based services programs.
Indicators of oxidative stress in weanling and pubertal rats following exposure to nicotine via milk
Authors: Halima Ben Ahmed , Sarra Khlifi , Kais Rtibi , Salwa Elfazaa , Najoua Gharbi
Published: November 2009

Nicotine, a major toxic component of tobacco, has been identified as an important risk factor for infant and children diseases. It is concentrated in breast milk and is absorbed by the infant. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of maternal nicotine exposure during lactation on breast-fed rats and at the pubertal age by measuring biomarkers of oxidative stress. Particularly, a new parameter, the thiol concentration was evaluated. Two groups of lactating Wistar rats were used. For the first group, female rats were given an intraperitoenal injection of nicotine or saline (2 mg/kg per day) during lactation. For the second group, we reproduced the same process described above and then the female and male pups were separately kept after weaning without any treatment until the puberty (at 45 days of age). In the liver and lung of the offspring, we examined the malondialdehyde (MDA) level, the thiol concentration, and the activities of two antioxidant enzymes: superoxyde dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). In the plasma, alanine amino transferase (ALT) and aspartate amino transferase (AST) activities were measured. For rats aged 21 days, the treatment significantly reduced the thiol concentration, SOD, and CAT activities but increased MDA level, AST, and ALT activities. For rats aged 45 days, the males and females did not react the same way. In fact, the males were more affected. These results indicate that maternal nicotine exposure during the lactation period induces oxidative stress in the liver and lung of lactating offspring, which is maintained until the puberty, especially for the male rats.
Finding the Impact in a Messy Intervention: Using an Integrated Design to Evaluate a Comprehensive Citywide Health Initiative
Authors: Weitzman Beth C. , Mijanovich Tod , Silver Diana , Brecher Charles
Published: November 2009

This article uses the evaluation of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s (RWJF) Urban Health Initiative (UHI), a 10-year effort to improve health and safety outcomes in distressed cities, to demonstrate the strength of an evaluation design that integrates theory of change and quasi-experimental approaches, including the use of comparison cities. This paper focuses on the later stages of implementation and, especially, our methods for estimating program impacts. While the theory of change was used to make preliminary identification of intended outcomes, we used the sites’ plans and early implementation to refine this list and revisit our strategy for estimating impacts. Using our integrated design, differences between program and comparison cities are considered impacts only if they were predicted by program theory, local plans for action, and early implementation. We find small, measurable changes in areas of greatest programmatic effort. We discuss the importance of the integrated design in identifying impacts.
The Role of Evaluation in Research—Practice Integration Working Toward the ‘‘Golden Spike’’
Authors: Brown Urban Jennifer , Trochim William
Published: November 2009

Program evaluation and planning is at the heart of efforts to integrate the domains of practice and research. Traditionally, research and practice have operated in independent spheres with practitioners focused on the implementation of programs that affect individual behavior and researchers focused on the development and testing of theory. Evidence-based practice (EBP), practice-based evidence, and translational research have attempted to unite these worlds, and although significant advances have been made, there is a continued need to find mechanisms that enable a seamless connection between knowledge generation and application. We propose a method that builds on the traditions of theory-driven evaluation, logic modeling, and systems science and uses evaluation and program planning as the bridging mechanism between research and practice. Included in this approach are methods that aid in the explicit expression of implicit theories, management of evaluation resources, and linkage of program theory and evaluation measures to a research evidence base.
Exploring the Intervention— Context Interface
Authors: Bisset Sherri , Daniel Mark , Potvin Louise
Published: November 2009

It has been acknowledged for several decades that programs interact with context. The nature of this interactivity, and how it defines a program, has not been adequately addressed. We view this lacuna as a function of the dominant theoretical perspectives guiding knowledge of program operations. We propose the actor-network theory (ANT) and its conceptual apparatus, the sociotechnical network, as suitable for guiding the acquisition of general knowledge on program operations. We tested this proposition with an instrumental case study of health professional practices during the implementation of a nutrition program into an elementary school setting. Data collection and analysis were guided by the ANT. Data were derived from semistructured interviews completed with six health professionals (nutritionists). Analysis procedures focused on the nutritionists’ collective representation of the microprocesses by which they aimed to build a sociotechnical network of alliances with educational stakeholders. Findings identified nutritionists as preoccupied with three overarching goals during the implementation of the nutrition program, whereby goals were found to take form interactively with the interests of the program participants (primarily students) and stakeholders (primarily teachers). Nutritionists strategically translated program components as a means of negotiating with participants and stakeholders. The findings of this study support the theoretical proposition that program implementation is a process of expanding a sociotechnical network. Beyond simply reaffirming that programs do indeed adapt to context, we interpret this adaptation through the lens of a social theory that suggests why and how adaptation is an inevitable component of program implementation.
Evaluators’ Reflections on the Ethical Implications of Their Early Experiences
Authors: Cooksy Leslie J.
Published: November 2009

What kinds of ethical dilemmas do people who are new to the profession of evaluation face? Are they different from the challenges faced by more experienced evaluators? What strategies do they use to resolve them? These questions were the starting point for the essays included in this issue of the Ethical Challenges section. The essays were written by people who responded to information sent to them by faculty who were in turn responding to the following request from the section editor: ‘‘As part of the American Journal of Evaluation’s continued effort to help young professionals publish, I am putting together an Ethical Challenges section that will feature challenges faced by new evaluators. I am writing to ask for your help in soliciting essays from advanced graduate students or recent graduates about ethical challenges that they have faced. Ideally, the author will describe a specific dilemma (using the American Evaluation Association’s [AEA] Guiding Principles as a reference point) and then discuss how his or her newness in the profession affected its evolution and/or resolution.’’ Of the essays received in response to this request, three were selected.
A Review and Synthesis of Current Research on Cross-Cultural Evaluation
Authors: Chouinard Jill Anne , Cousins J. Bradley
Published: November 2009

As a fairly new and emergent construct, there remain many gaps in our knowledge about how to integrate notions of culture and cultural context into evaluation theory and practice, as well as gaps in our knowledge about how to conduct and implement evaluations in immigrant and indigenous communities. In this article, the authors provide a comprehensive review of the empirical literature on evaluations conducted in cultural communities, with an emphasis on the relationship between evaluators and stakeholders in the cross-cultural program context. The analysis of the literature selected for review leads to the development of a theoretical framework describing the inter-related and multi-textual dimensions (relational, ecological, methodological, organizational and personal) that interweave throughout the evaluation, and that ultimately inform the relationship between evaluators and stakeholders in the cross-cultural program context. The article concludes with an agenda for future research.
The Constitution of Modernity: A Critique of Castoriadis
Authors: Smith Karl E.
Published: November 2009

Every theory of modernity must at least presuppose an implicit ontology of the social-historical. Castoriadis is one of the few who makes these presuppositions explicit. Castoriadis’s socio-cultural ontology reveals that the essentially indeterminate nature of the social-historical entails ontological plurality, in the face of which monological or unilinear theories of modernity collapse — leaving us with a fragmented field of tensions. Castoriadis’s exposition of the ontological plurality of the social-historical is one of his most important contributions to social theory — but when he turns his attention to modernity, he immediately polarizes the field. The aim here is to offer some correctives to Castoriadis’s polarized depiction, primarily by teasing out tensions in his work.
Europe’s ‘American Dream’
Authors: Fossum John Erik
Published: November 2009

Recent years (pre-Obama) of transatlantic rifts should not deceive us into ignoring the great attraction that the United States has exerted, and continues to exert, on Europeans. This article, first, seeks to uncover the normative assumptions that underpin the US as an exemplar or polity model for the EU, as seen from a European perspective. Second, it briefly considers whether the traits that Europeans find attractive about the US as a polity model have much real bearing on the EU, not in terms of how Europeans would want the EU to be but in terms of how the EU presently is. The point is to get a sense of the empirical distance that Europeans would have to travel if they were to transpose what they find attractive about the US to the EU. Are the features Europeans hold up as attractive about the US also available in Europe? These two undertakings set the stage for the third and most original, endeavour, which is to consider whether there are entities that are more compatible with what we currently find in Europe. The case singled out here is another American state, namely Canada. A clarification and critical assessment of what is referred to here as ‘Europe’s American Dream’ are intended to serve as a kind of mirror for Europeans to consider whether the European project is: (a) one of emulating the US; (b) a unique experiment; or (c) an EU that is closer to Canada than the US. If the reality of Canada is more proximate to the reality of the EU, should then Canada instead serve as Europe’s American Dream?
Contexts of exit in the migration of Russian speakers from the Baltic countries to Ireland
Authors: Aptekar Sofya
Published: November 2009

Recently, Ireland has become a major destination for migrants from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Many of these migrants are members of Russian-speaking minorities leaving a context of restrictive citizenship and language laws and varying degrees of ethnic tension. This article draws on interviews collected in Ireland to examine the role played by the contexts of exit in decisions to migrate among Russian-speaking minorities from the Baltics. The results suggest that Russian speakers from Estonia migrate because of their experiences as minorities, while those from Latvia and Lithuania migrate to escape low wages and irregular employment. This is so despite equally restrictive language and citizenship laws in Estonia and Latvia. I argue that the effect of state policy as a push factor for minority emigration is mediated by other contextual aspects, such as levels of contact, timbre of ethnic relations, and the degree of intersection between economic stratification and ethnicity.
Airway hyper-reactivity in rheumatic mitral stenosis improves after balloon valvotomy
Authors: Palaniswamy Chandrasekar , Selvaraj Dhana R. , Guleria Randeep , Mohan Anant , Narang Rajiv
Published: November 2009

Background: Dyspnea is a common symptom in a patient with valvular heart disease. The mechanism underlying this is still uncertain.

Methods: We prospectively studied 20 patients with rheumatic mitral valve stenosis who were candidates for percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy. Assessment of airway hyper-reactivity by histamine challenge test was done on all patients at baseline and at 1 week after the procedure. The provocative concentration of histamine solution required producing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1) (PC20) was recorded as a measure of airway hyper-reactivity. The severity of dyspnea in study subjects was also studied by the 6-minute-walk test and visual analog scale.

Results: After balloon valvotomy, a significant improvement was seen in the six minute walking distance (219±30.15 to 237.55±32.25; p < 0.001), visual analog scale as a measure of dyspnea (60.95±12.16 to 44.4±13.71; p < 0.001) and airway hyper-reactivity (PC20; 5.69±6.01 mg/ml to 10.16±7.93; p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Improvement in dyspnea in mitral stenosis after balloon valvotomy is associated with significant improvement in airway hyper-reactivity.
Strikingly different molecular relapse kinetics in NPM1c, PML-RARA, RUNX1-RUNX1T1, and CBFB-MYH11 acute myeloid leukemias
Authors: Ommen Hans Beier , Schnittger Susanne , Jovanovic Jelena V. , Ommen Ingrid Beier , Hasle Henrik , Østergaard Mette , Grimwade David , Hokland Peter
Published: November 2009

Early relapse detection in acute myeloid leukemia is possible using standardized real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) protocols. However, optimal sampling intervals have not been defined and are likely to vary according to the underlying molecular lesion. In 74 patients experiencing hematologic relapse and harboring aberrations amenable to RQ-PCR (mutated NPM1 [designated NPM1c], PML-RARA, RUNX1-RUNX1T1, and CBFB-MYH11), we observed strikingly different relapse kinetics. The median doubling time of the CBFB-MYH11 leukemic clone was significantly longer (36 days) than that of clones harboring other markers (RUNX1-RUNX1T1, 14 days; PML-RARA, 12 days; and NPM1c, 11 days; P < .001). Furthermore, we used a mathematical model to determine frequency of relapse detection and median time from detection of minimal residual disease to hematologic relapse as a function of sampling interval length. For example, to obtain a relapse detection fraction of 90% and a median time of 60 days, blood sampling every sixth month should be performed for CBFB-MYH11 leukemias. By contrast, in NPM1c+/FLT3-ITD−, NPM1c+/FLT3-ITD+, RUNX1-RUNX1T1, and PML-RARA leukemias, bone marrow sampling is necessary every sixth, fourth, and fourth and second month, respectively. These data carry important implications for the development of optimal RQ-PCR monitoring schedules suitable for evaluation of minimal residual disease–directed therapies in future clinical trials.
Glutamate (mGluR-5) gene expression in brain regions of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats as a function of age: role in regulation of calcium release from the pancreatic islets in vitro
Authors: Balakrishnan Savitha , Kumar T Peeyush , Paulose CS
Published: November 2009

Metabotrophic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) modulate cellular activities involved in the processes of differentiation and degeneration. In this study, we have analysed the expression pattern of group-I metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGlu-5) in cerebral cortex, corpus striatum, brainstem and hippocampus of streptozotocin induced and insulin treated diabetic rats (D+I) as a function of age. Also, the functional role of glutamate receptors in intra cellular calcium release from the pancreatic islets was studiedin vitro. The gene expression studies showed that mGlu-5 mRNA in the cerebral cortex increased siginficantly in 7 weeks old diabetic rats whereas decreased expression was observed in brainstem, corpus striatum and hippocampus when compared to control. 90 weeks old diabetic rats showed decreased expression in cerebral cortex, corpus striatum and hippocampus whereas in brainstem the expression increased significantly compared to their respective controls. In 7 weeks old D+I group, mGlu-5 mRNA expression was significantly decreased in cerebral cortex and corpus striatum whereas the expression increased significantly in brainstem and hippocampus. 90 weeks old D+I group showed an increased expression in cerebral cortex, while it was decreased significantly in corpus striatum, brainstem and hippocampus compared to their respective controls.In vitrostudies showed that glutamate at lower concentration (10-7M) stimulated calcium release from the pancreatic islets. Our results suggest that mGlu-5 receptors have differential expression in brain regions of diabetes and D+I groups as a function of age. This will have clinical significance in management of degeneration in brain function and memory enhancement through glutamate receptors. Also, the regulatory role of glutamate receptors in calcium release has immense therapeutic application in insulin secretion and function.
Learning to classify species with barcodes
Authors: Bertolazzi Paola , Felici Giovanni , Weitschek Emanuel
Published: November 2009

Background

According to many field experts, specimens classification based on morphological keys needs to be supported with automated techniques based on the analysis of DNA fragments. The most successful results in this area are those obtained from a particular fragment of mitochondrial DNA, the gene cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) (the "barcode"). Since 2004 the Consortium for the Barcode of Life (CBOL) promotes the collection of barcode specimens and the development of methods to analyze the barcode for several tasks, among which the identification of rules to correctly classify an individual into its species by reading its barcode.

Results

We adopt a Logic Mining method based on two optimization models and present the results obtained on two datasets where a number of COI fragments are used to describe the individuals that belong to different species. The method proposed exhibits high correct recognition rates on a training-testing split of the available data using a small proportion of the information available (e.g., correct recognition approx. 97% when only 20 sites of the 648 available are used). The method is able to provide compact formulas on the values (A, C, G, T) at the selected sites that synthesize the characteristic of each species, a relevant information for taxonomists.

Conclusion

We have presented a Logic Mining technique designed to analyze barcode data and to provide detailed output of interest to the taxonomists and the barcode community represented in the CBOL Consortium. The method has proven to be effective, efficient and precise.
MidExDB: A database of DrosophilaCNS midline cell gene expression
Authors: Wheeler Scott R , Stagg Stephanie B , Crews Stephen T
Published: November 2009

Background

The Drosophila CNS midline cells are an excellent model system to study neuronal and glial development because of their diversity of cell types and the relative ease in identifying and studying the function of midline-expressed genes. In situ hybridization experiments generated a large dataset of midline gene expression patterns. To help synthesize these data and make them available to the scientific community, we developed a web-accessible database.

Description

MidExDB (Drosophila CNS Midline Gene Expression Database) is comprised of images and data from our in situ hybridization experiments that examined midline gene expression. Multiple search tools are available to allow each type of data to be viewed and compared. Descriptions of each midline cell type and their development are included as background information.

Conclusion

MidExDB integrates large-scale gene expression data with the ability to identify individual cell types providing the foundation for detailed genetic, molecular, and biochemical studies of CNS midline cell neuronal and glial development and function. This information has general relevance for the study of nervous system development in other organisms, and also provides insight into transcriptional regulation.
Voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) is involved in apoptosis of cell lines carrying the mitochondrial DNA mutation
Authors: Yuqi Liu , Lei Gao , Yang Li , Zongbin Li , Hua Xu , Lin Wang , Rui Chen , Mohan Liu , Yi Wen , Minxin Guan , Shiwen Wang
Published: November 2009

Background

The mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) is increasingly implicated in the control of apoptosis. We have studied the effects the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) tRNAIle mutation on VDAC expression, localization, and apoptosis.

Methods

Lymphoblastoid cell lines were derived from 3 symptomatic and 1 asymptomatic members of a family with hypertension associated with the A4263G tRNAIle mutation as well as from control subjects. Mitochondrial potential (ΔΨm) and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry; co-localization of VDAC and Bax was evaluated by confocal microscopy.

Results

Expression of VDAC and Bax in mtDNA cell lines was found to be increased compared to controls, while expression of the small conductance calcium-dependant potassium channel (sKCa) was unchanged. Confocal imaging revealed co-localization of VDAC/Bax on the outer mitochondrial membrane of A4263G cell lines but not from controls. Flow cytometry indicated that the mitochondrial potential was decreased by 32% in mutated cells versus controls while rates of apoptosis were increased (P < 0.05). The difference was attenuated by Cyclosporin A (CsA, 2 μM), a blocker of VDAC.

Conclusion

We conclude that increased expression of mitochondrial VDAC and subcellular co-localization of VDAC/Bax increases mitochondrial permeability and apoptosis in cell lines carrying the mtDNA tRNAIle A4263G mutation.