bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and characterization of carboxyl-treated multiwalled carbon nanotube-reinforced shape-memory polyurethane nanocomposites
Authors: Choudhury Mousam , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay K
Published: September 2013

Shape-memory polyurethane (SMPU) having segmented structure, with 4,4-diphenylmethane diisocyanate as hard segment, poly caprolactone diol 4000 as soft segment, and 1,4-butane diol as chain extender was synthesized using two-step polymerization technique. This pure SMPU was blended with unmodified and modified multiwalled nanotubes (MWNTs), using twin screw extruder and melt spinning technique. X-Ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, morphological analysis, and shape-memory behavior results for the SMPUs are presented in this study. An improvement in the thermal stability and degradation temperature of the SMPU was observed especially in the soft segments, upon 0.1% loading of MWNT. Slight decrease in crystallinity was recorded for MWNT/SMPU as compared to virgin SMPU. The recovery ratio of SMPU fiber increased to 90% with 0.1 wt% loading of MWNT, but the spinnability decreased due to reduced crystallinity and viscosity with an addition of nanotubes to the polyurethane matrix.
Plasticity/damage coupling in fibrillar silicate-reinforced polypropylene/ethylene–octene copolymer composite under strain-controlled loading
Authors: Panda Bishnu P , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay K
Published: September 2013

Mechanical properties and deformation mechanism of polypropylene (PP) filled with different weight percentage of ethylene–octene copolymer (EOC) and fibrillar silicate attapulgite (ATP) clay were investigated under uniaxial cyclic loading at constant crosshead speed to evaluate plasticity/damage coupling behavior. With increasing EOC and clay content, PP exhibited typical plastics response with marked stress drop at yield followed by steady state plastics region up to rupture. The addition of 3 wt% ATP clay to the PP/EOC blend shows enhanced impact strength up to four times compared to PP with decrease in yield strength by 24% implied synergistic toughening effect. Volume strain, which characterizes deformation damage, steadily increased over the whole plastics stage up to 5.2 for axial strain of 0.30 after a critical tensile strain of 0.05. The small energy value observed for large volume strain revealed matrix shear deformation as the controlling factor for energy dissipation without crazing. Fractography observation using scanning electron microscopy revealed formation of debonding and cavitations on the surface of PP matrix, contributing increase in the volume of all compositions.
Management Models and Priorities in Member Associations
Authors: Forker John , Grosvold Johanne , Ward Anne Marie
Published: September 2013

Credit unions are membership-based cooperative financial services organizations that are run by and for their members. Historically, credit unions provided financial services for their members and encouraged community development through philanthropy and volunteering. The World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU), the sector’s global trade association and development agency, encourages the adoption of a management model, coined “new model,” which encourages for-profit financial management practices. The “new model” approach is challenged by some practitioners and academics concerned that it will diminish the community involvement of credit unions. We explore the following research question: “Does the implementation of a management model that promotes for-profit-style financial management crowd out the community impact of credit unions?” We use a dataset extracted from 2,275 annual returns for 188 credit unions spanning 1996-2008, and find no evidence that community impact diminishes as a result of “new model” operating practices, suggesting a crowding-out effect is absent.
Effect of clearance on cartilage tribology in hip hemi-arthroplasty
Authors: Lizhang Jia , Taylor Simon D , Jin Zhongmin , Fisher John , Williams Sophie
Published: September 2013

Hemi-arthroplasty of the hip (an artificial femoral head articulating against the natural acetabulum) is used to treat fractured necks of femur; however, there is evidence that articulation causes erosion of the cartilage, resulting in pain for the patient. Parameters that may influence this cartilage erosion include head material and roughness, clearance between the head and acetabulum and activity levels of the patient. This study has assessed the effect of clearance of hemi-arthroplasty articulations on the contact stress, friction and cartilage deformation in an in vitro tribological simulation of the hemi-arthroplasty joint that applied dynamic loads and motion. It has been demonstrated that peak contact stress increased from 5.6 to 10.6 MPa as radial clearance increased from small (<0.6 mm) to extra-large (>1.8 mm). In all samples, friction factor increased with time and was significantly less with extra-large clearances compared to small (<0.6 mm), medium (0.6–1.2 mm) and large (1.2–1.8 mm) clearances. The cartilage deformation observed was significantly greater in acetabulum samples paired to give small or extra-large clearances compared to those with medium or large clearances.
Preventing seclusion in psychiatry
Authors: Voskes Yolande , Kemper Martijn , Landeweer Elleke GM , Widdershoven Guy AM
Published: September 2013

In this article, an intervention aimed at improving quality of care to prevent seclusion in psychiatry by focusing on the first five minutes at admission is analyzed from a care ethics perspective. Two cases are presented from an evaluation study in a psychiatric hospital. In both cases, the nurses follow the intervention protocol, but the outcome is different. In the first case, the patient ends up in the seclusion room. In the second case, this does not happen. Analyzing the cases from a care ethics perspective, we conclude that applying the intervention in the right way implies more than following the steps laid down in the protocol. It requires a new way of thinking and acting, resulting in new relationships between nurses and patients. Care ethics theory can help clarify what good care is actually about and keep in mind what is needed to apply the intervention. Thus, care ethics theory can be highly practical and helpful in changing and improving healthcare practice.
Iranian nurses’ perceptions of social responsibility
Authors: Faseleh-Jahromi Mohsen , Moattari Marzieh , Peyrovi Hamid
Published: September 2013

Social responsibility is intertwined with nursing; however, perceptions of Iranian nurses about social responsibility has not been explored yet. This study, as part of a larger qualitative grounded theory approach study, aims to explore Iranian nurses’ perception of social responsibility. The study participants included 10 nurses with different job levels. The study data were generated through semi-structured interviews. The participants were selected through purposeful sampling approach, which was then followed by theoretical sampling until reaching the point of data saturation. All the interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed through constant comparative analysis. Positive human characteristics, professional competencies, professional values, solution-focused nursing care, and deployment of professional performance are five categories obtained from the study. The participants believed socially responsible nurses to have positive personality characteristics as well as the necessary skills to do their duties accurately. Such nurses also respect the values, observe the professional principles, and take major steps toward promotion and deployment of the nursing profession in the society.
Factors associated with nurses’ opinions and practices regarding information and consent
Authors: Ingravallo Francesca , Gilmore Emma , Vignatelli Luca , Dormi Ada , Carosielli Grazia , Lanni Luigia , Taddia Patrizia
Published: September 2013

This cross-sectional survey aimed to investigate nurses’ opinions and practices regarding information and consent in the context of a large Italian teaching hospital and to explore potential influences of gender, age, university education, length of professional experience, and care setting. A questionnaire was administered to 282 nurses from six different care settings (Emergency Room, Emergency Medicine, Surgery, Hematology–Oncology, Geriatrics, and Internal Medicine). Overall, 84% (n = 237) of nurses returned the questionnaire (men: 24%; mean age: 36.2 ± 8 years; university degree: 35%; mean length of professional experience: 12 ± 8.2 years). Most respondents regularly informed patients about medications and nursing procedures and asked for consent prior to invasive procedures, but some provided information to relatives instead of patients. Lack of time or opportunity was the main difficulty in informing patients. The work setting was the foremost factor significantly associated with participants’ opinions and practices. Further investigations are needed to confirm these findings in similar and other care settings.
The influence of rolling speed on the fatigue life of rolls with grooves
Authors: Domazet Željko , Lukša Francisko , Stanivuk Tatjana
Published: September 2013

In the hot rolling process, rolls with grooves are used for the production of various simple and complex profiles. Main factors influencing the fatigue life of these rolls result from the technological process of the rolling. Rolling speed is an important parameter of technological process which has great influence on overall production. In order to increase rolling production, an analysis of the rolling speed influence on the fatigue life of the rolls has been carried out. The fatigue life estimation is carried out according to the fatigue life stress concept based on the local stress. Stress spectra in critical areas are determined for three different roll speeds. The analysis shows that although increasing the rolling speed causes decrease of the fatigue life of the roll, the stresses caused by the rolling at the highest speed should not lead to roll fracture.
Undifferentiated Sarcoma of the Liver
Authors: Lin JoAnn M. , Heath Jonathon E. , Twaddell William S. , Castellani Rudy J.
Published: September 2013

Undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver (UESL) is an uncommon hepatic tumor usually found in children, with rare cases reported in adults. We present a case of a 53-year-old woman with an undifferentiated sarcoma of the liver (USL), which resembles UESL, who initially presented with a markedly elevated hematocrit (61.2%). Cytogenetic studies for polycythemia vera were negative, but the patient’s erythropoietin (EPO) was elevated. A computed tomography scan and subsequent partial hepatectomy revealed a well-circumscribed, partially cystic mass in the right lobe of the liver measuring 34 cm. Following surgery, the patient’s EPO level and hematocrit dropped to within normal range and remained so for 1 year, at which point it rose again. A subsequent magnetic resonance imaging scan showed a liver mass at the previous resection margin, consistent with a recurrence. In this case study, we describe the first reported USL resembling an UESL that secretes EPO, which was a useful marker of tumor recurrence.
Indications for Implant Removal Following Intra-articular Calcaneal Fractures and Subsequent Complications
Authors: Backes Manouk , Schep Niels W. L. , Luitse Jan S. K. , Goslings J. Carel , Schepers Tim
Published: September 2013

Introduction:

Implant removal following operative calcaneal fracture treatment has received little attention in the literature. The aim of the current retrospective cohort study was to assess the indications and number of wound complications following calcaneal plate removal.

Methods:

All consecutive adult patients who had their plate and screws removed following the operative treatment of a closed uni- or bilateral intra-articular calcaneal fracture using a stainless steel nonlocking calcaneal plate between 2000 and 2011 were included.

Results:

In 102 patients (46% of the total number of operated calcaneal fractures) implants were removed. Implant removal was performed in 75 patients for symptomatic reasons, in 10 patients due to implant malposition and in 19 patients because of a persistent wound infection or fistula. Following implant removal 17 (16%) patients had a wound complication (2 wound dehiscence, 15 culture positive wound infections). In 6 patients (9%) a wound complications was seen following implant removal after uncomplicated fracture surgery. Implant removal for active infection or plate fistula displayed an infection rate of 8 out of 19 (42%).

Conclusion:

Implant removal after an intra-articular calcaneal fracture treated with open reduction and internal fixation via an extended lateral approach was followed by a wound complication in 1 of every 10 patients without a preexisting wound infection. Infection rates were especially high in patients in whom the implants were removed for an active wound problem.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Hypothesis
Authors: Hecht Eric M. , Landy David C. , Ahn Soyeon , Hlaing WayWay M. , Hennekens Charles H.
Published: September 2013

Introduction:

Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease via acute and chronic mechanisms, some of which remain unclear. One plausible but untested hypothesis concerns cadmium (Cd), a component of cigarette smoke, which is injurious to vascular endothelial cells and is independently associated with cardiovascular disease. To contribute to the formulation of this hypothesis, we performed a meta-analysis of the available data that consisted of cross-sectional studies useful to formulate but not test hypotheses.

Methods:

PubMed and Google Scholar were searched by combining the terms smoking, Cd, correlation, blood, human, and tobacco. Following abstract review, 10 cross-sectional studies were identified. We compared serum Cd levels between smokers and nonsmokers using standardized mean differences (SMDs) as well as correlation coefficients between smoking and Cd.

Results:

The estimated overall random effects SMD in Cd between smokers and nonsmokers was 1.13 (95% confidence interval [CI], .70-1.56) with significant heterogeneity (Q = 8.6, P < .001). The estimated overall random effects correlation coefficient between smoking and Cd was .54 (95% CI, .30-.72) with significant heterogeneity (Q = 71.3, P < .01).

Conclusions:

Despite major inherent limitations of meta-analyses of cross-sectional studies, we believe that the data contribute to the formulation of the hypothesis that Cd explains, in part, why smokers have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Further research, including analytic studies designed a priori are necessary to test the hypothesis.
Targeting Cholesterol Crystal-Induced Inflammation for the Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Nidorf Stefan M. , Eikelboom John W. , Thompson Peter L.
Published: September 2013

Cholesterol crystals are present in nascent and advanced atherosclerotic plaque. Under some conditions, they may enlarge and cause direct plaque trauma or trigger an inflammatory cascade that promotes the growth and instability of atherosclerotic plaque. Therapies that reduce the risk of cholesterol crystal formation or prevent the associated inflammatory response have the potential to improve the clinical outcome of patients with cardiovascular disease. Statins have pleiotropic effects that can reduce the size of the free cholesterol pool contained within atherosclerotic plaques and prevent the formation of cholesterol crystals. Colchicine prevents crystal-induced inflammation by virtue of its ability to inhibit macrophage and neutrophil function. Both statins and colchicine have been demonstrated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with stable coronary disease. The efficacy of statins and colchicine for cardiovascular prevention supports the hypothesis that crystal-induced inflammation plays an integral role in the progression and instability of coronary disease. Inhibition of cholesterol crystal-induced inflammation offers a promising new target for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Pharmacologic Therapy That Simulates Conditioning for Cardiac Ischemic/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Sivaraman Vivek , Yellon Derek M.
Published: September 2013

Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of deaths due to noncommunicable diseases, of which ischemic heart disease forms a large percentage. The main therapeutic strategy to treat ischemic heart disease is reperfusion that could either be medical or surgical. However, reperfusion following ischemia is known to increase the infarct size further. Newer strategies such as ischemic preconditioning (IPC), ischemic postconditioning, and remote IPC have been shown to condition the myocardium to ischemia–reperfusion injury and thus reduce the final infarct size. Research over the past 3 decades has deepened our understanding of cellular and subcellular pathways that mediate ischemia–reperfusion injury. This in turn has resulted in the development of several pharmacological agents that act as conditioning agents, which reduce the final myocardial infarct size following ischemia–reperfusion. This review discusses many of these agents, their mechanisms of action, and the animal and clinical evidence behind them.
Genetic testing: When prediction generates stigmatization
Authors: DiMillo Julia , Samson André , Thériault Anne , Lowry Sandra , Corsini Linda , Verma Shailendra , Tomiak Eva
Published: September 2013

Using grounded theory methodology, this study examined the experiences of six BRCA1/ 2 gene mutation carriers (mean age = 38.5 years). Three types of stigmatization were identified: stigmatization by anticipation, stigmatization through rejection, and stigmatization by affiliation. Participants described potential impacts on their womanhood, felt threatened by others, and revealed fears that their children would inherit their stigmatization. These findings indicate the importance of psychological support in the follow-up of such patients.
Frequent mental distress (FMD) in Irish Travellers: Discrimination and bereavement negatively influence mental health in the All Ireland Traveller Health Study
Authors: McGorrian Catherine , Hamid Noor Aman , Fitzpatrick Patricia , Daly Leslie , Malone Kevin M. , Kelleher Cecily
Published: September 2013

Travellers are an indigenous minority group in Ireland, with poorer life expectancy and health status than the general population. Recent data have shown that Travellers are at increased risk of poor mental health and sequelae from same. We aimed to examine the associations between sociodemographic and lifestyle factors with poor mental health in Irish Travellers. A census survey of all Travellers was undertaken, with 8,492 enumerated families (80% response rate). A random subset of 1,796 adults completed an adult health survey. Traveller peer researchers employed a novel oral-visual computer-aided data collection tool. Frequent mental distress (FMD) was defined as 14 or more days of poor mental health in the preceding 1 month. Prevalence ratios for typical associates of FMD were estimated using a Poisson regression model, adjusted for age and sex. FMD was present in 11.9% of Traveller respondents, and prevalence increased with age. After age and sex adjustment, FMD was more prevalent in those whose quality of life was impaired by physical health, by those who were recently bereaved of a friend or family member, and by those who had greater experiences of discrimination. This study shows that Travellers experience discrimination and bereavement, which negatively influence their mental health. The findings have implications for the mental healthcare needs of indigenous ethnic minorities worldwide.
A prospective cohort study of quality of life and ischemic heart disease
Authors: Mikkelsen Stine Schou , Mortensen Erik Lykke , Flensborg-Madsen Trine
Published: September 2013

Aims: To examine the role of self-rated quality of life, as a whole, on the risk of developing ischemic heart disease. Methods: Information on self-rated quality of life and covariates was obtained from 4497 people from the Copenhagen Perinatal Cohort. The study population, consisting of both men and women aged 31–33 years at baseline, was followed for registration of ischemic heart disease in national registers. Two different follow-up periods were examined. Results: Using a follow-up of 13 years, the basis-adjusted hazard ratio among women who rated their quality of life as poor was 2.93 (95% CI: 1.09–7.86), compared with women who rated their quality of life as very good. The hazard ratio of women who rated their quality of life as good, compared to very good, was 2.99 (95% CI: 1.22–7.29). When analyzing 16 years of follow-up, estimates among women were lower and some of the hazard ratios were insignificant. All hazard ratios among men were below two and none were statistically significant. Conclusions: Among women, the risk for ischemic heart disease was two to four times greater for those who rated their quality of life as poor or good, than for women with the most positive rating. For men, the association was not statistically significant.
The impact of cooperative learning on student engagement: Results from an intervention
Authors: Herrmann Kim J
Published: September 2013

With an increasing awareness that many undergraduates are passive during teaching sessions, calls for instructional methods that allow students to become actively engaged have increased. Cooperative learning has long been popular at the primary and secondary level and, within recent years, higher education. However, empirical evidence of the impact of cooperative learning at the university level is still limited. This study reports the result of a quasi-experimental real-life intervention with cooperative learning in an undergraduate course. In-class participation and student approaches to learning were measured before and after the intervention to assess the impact on 140 students’ engagement levels. In addition, open-ended comments were analysed, revealing what faculty adopting cooperative learning principles in higher education should be especially aware of.
Making disciplinary writing and thinking practices an integral part of academic content teaching
Authors: Hunter Kerry , Tse Harry
Published: September 2013

Educators and researchers are increasingly calling for the processes of writing and knowledge construction to be an integral part of disciplinary learning. This article contributes to the literature by presenting an empirical analysis of a programme that was designed to expose students to the complexities of academic practices in conjunction with disciplinary concepts. The impact of the programme was evaluated through analysis of student grades before and after its implementation and student and tutor perception of its effect. Data collected included surveys, interviews and focus groups. The data showed that the programme generated student engagement with the processes of knowledge construction and reflected better thinking in the subject. This was evidenced by effective utilisation of feedback and improved grades in written assignments. The findings suggest that similar programmes are of value potentially to any discipline.
Sentence pronouncements: What judges say when sentencing
Authors: de Castro-Rodrigues Andreia , Sacau Ana
Published: September 2013

Most studies about legal decision-making have been approached from a quantitative perspective and in the context of the Anglo-Saxon judicial tradition. Our study consists of a qualitative analysis of judges’ sentence pronouncements in Portuguese courts. Sentence pronouncements are the moment when the decision is made public and, therefore, judges have to select which elements must be highlighted to the defendant. This trial moment is not clearly defined by the law, which gives judges the opportunity to develop it as they consider appropriate. Our results show that judges mainly transmit legal explanations and judges’ viewpoints to offenders. The results also show that the structure and content of these oral presentations of sentencing show great variation among judges, panels of judges and situations.
Mobilizing Latino Voters
Authors: Binder Michael , Kogan Vladimir , Kousser Thad , Panagopoulos Costas
Published: September 2013

Building on evidence that Latino voters participate at higher rates when co-ethnic candidates appear on the ballot, we report the results from a field experiment examining whether co-ethnic policy leadership can produce similar mobilization in direct democracy elections. The study features a direct-mail campaign conducted during California’s 2010 statewide primary election aimed at mobilizing Latino voters. The experiment included variation in the language of the message sent to voters and the extent to it emphasized the pivotal role played by a prominent Latino official in placing the policy on the ballot. We find that mobilization messages are most effective when they target voters using their preferred language, at least for English-dominant Latinos. By contrast, our experiment yielded no evidence that co-ethnic policy leadership increased voter turnout, although we do show that female voters participate at higher rates when the mobilization campaign prominently features a high-profile female official. These divergent effects provide lessons for the study of ethnic political participation and for the design of effective mobilization campaigns aimed at boosting Latino turnout.
It Takes a Survey
Authors: Dolan Kathleen , Lynch Timothy
Published: September 2013

A significant body of previous research demonstrates that the public holds stereotyped views about the abilities and personal traits of women and men who run for office. However, because much of this work is based on experimental designs or hypothetical candidates, we have relatively little information about whether and how gender stereotypes matter in real election situations. In an effort to determine whether people draw on stereotypes in evaluating women in political life, we use data from a survey of people who experienced races for the U.S. House in 2010 in which women candidates ran against men. We analyze two sets of dependent variables—(a) abstract attitudes about women and men as candidates and officeholders and (b) vote choice in the actual House elections. In line with previous experimental work, we find that gender stereotypes are important to people’s abstract evaluations of candidates and election situations. However, we find little evidence that gender stereotypes matter to the same degree in shaping vote choice decisions involving actual candidates.
Discursive strategies in newspaper campaign advertisements for Nigeria’s 2011 elections
Authors: Ademilokun Mohammed , Taiwo Rotimi
Published: September 2013

This article discusses the discursive strategies used in some newspaper campaign advertisements for Nigeria’s 2011 elections with a view to unveiling the socio-political motifs and messages of the adverts. Data for the study comprised 60 full-page newspaper election campaign adverts of the two strongest political parties in the country: the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) published between February and April 2011, a period that can be referred to as the peak period of electioneering campaigns for the 2011 elections in Nigeria. The data gathered were analysed using the analytical tools of critical discourse analysis, with emphasis on Fairclough’s discourse as a social practice approach to the theory. Findings reveal that the text producers employed discursive strategies such as the metaphorization of party symbols, the use of deictic pronouns for inclusion and exclusion, deployment of rhetorical questions for persuasion, identification with the youth culture, employment of historical allusions, giving appeal to good luck, and negative other representation. In addition, the packaging of the information, graphological foregrounding, imagery, repetition and lexical choice reveal the intent of the campaign advertiser to persuade, appeal to sentiments, legitimize and delegitimize their positions in the discourse.
Same, same, but different: Intertextual and interdiscursive features of communication strategy texts
Authors: Koskela Merja
Published: September 2013

This article examines the types of textual and discursive relations that can be found within a genre system and across the borders of such a system. Based on the results, the need for and possibility of drawing genre boundaries between texts with different genre labels is discussed. The study is based on four communication strategy texts from two Finnish insurance companies. Communication strategy texts, such as communication strategies, policies and plans, are used in organizations to regulate the corporate communication function. The analysis is based on genre theory and the model of intertextual analysis presented by Charles Bazerman. The results indicate that the intertextual profile of the texts studied is relatively uniform, whereas the interdiscursive profile tends to vary according to the company and the intended audience. The texts studied form overlapping combinations of genres with multiple communicative purposes, which reflects the somewhat labile character of strategy texts in general.
Interjections and Emotion (with Special Reference to “Surprise” and “Disgust”)
Authors: Goddard Cliff
Published: September 2013

“All languages have ‘emotive interjections’ (i.e., interjections expressing cognitively based feelings)” (Wierzbicka 1999, p. 276)—and yet emotion researchers have invested only a tiny research effort into interjections, as compared with the huge body of research into facial expressions and words for emotion categories. This article provides an overview of the functions, meanings, and cross-linguistic variability of interjections, concentrating on non-word-based ones such as Wow!, Yuck!, and Ugh! The aims are to introduce an area that will be unfamiliar to most readers, to illustrate how one leading linguistic approach (natural semantic metalanguage [NSM]) deals with interjectional meaning, and to start a discussion about an interdisciplinary research agenda for the study of emotive interjections. Examples are drawn from English, Polish, and Cantonese.
Racial Disproportionality in Iowa and Missouri’s Prison Systems
Authors: Barnum Christopher , Barnum Timothy , Giese Logan
Published: September 2013

This article employs Blumstein’s methodology and county-level data from two Midwestern states—Missouri and Iowa—to investigate whether racial proportions in felony arrests are reflected in prison admissions. Following Blumstein, we assume that unexplained disproportionality may signal bias and use urbanization and the liberation hypotheses to generate and test several theoretical claims. These claims predict more explained disproportionality in prison admissions for urban areas than rural locations and an inverse relation between crime seriousness and disproportionality. Results were mixed. In Iowa, more serious crimes such as murder, rape, and armed robbery were associated with less unexplained disproportionality than less serious crimes. However, this was not true in Missouri. Additionally, results show very little unexplained disproportionality in rural areas of each state, but significant amounts in urban locales. We discuss implications of these findings.
Diet and Our Genetic Legacy in the Recent Anthropocene
Authors: Lucock Mark D. , Martin Charlotte E. , Yates Zoe R. , Veysey Martin
Published: September 2013

Nutrient–gene research tends to focus on human disease, although such interactions are often a by-product of our evolutionary heritage. This review explores health in this context, reframing genetic variation/epigenetic phenomena linked to diet in the framework of our recent evolutionary past. This “Darwinian/evolutionary medicine” approach examines how diet helped us evolve among primates and to adapt (or fail to adapt) our metabolome to specific environmental conditions leading to major diseases of civilization. This review presents updated evidence from a diet–gene perspective, portraying discord that exists with respect to health and our overall nutritional, cultural, and activity patterns. While Darwinian theory goes beyond nutritional considerations, a significant component within this concept does relate to nutrition and the mismatch between genes, modern diet, obesogenic lifestyle, and health outcomes. The review argues that nutritional sciences should expand knowledge on the evolutionary connection between food and disease, assimilating it into clinical training with greater prominence.
Use of Peptide Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonist Romiplostim (Nplate) in a Case of Primary HIV-Associated Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Aslam M. Imran , Cardile Anthony P. , Crawford George E.
Published: September 2013

Thrombocytopenia is frequently encountered in HIV-infected patients, and the predominant cause is primary HIV-associated thrombocytopenia (PHAT). Standard treatment regimens include optimization of antiretroviral therapy, intravenous immunoglobulin, anti-D, and corticosteroids. Retreatment due to the inability to sustain remission or inferior responses is common, and investigation into the safety and efficacy of alternative therapies is warranted. We describe novel and effective treatment of PHAT with the peptide thrombopoietin receptor agonist romiplostim in a patient with a minimal response to conventional therapy.
Variant ALDH2 is associated with accelerated progression of bone marrow failure in Japanese Fanconi anemia patients
Authors: Hira Asuka , Yabe Hiromasa , Yoshida Kenichi , Okuno Yusuke , Shiraishi Yuichi , Chiba Kenichi , Tanaka Hiroko , Miyano Satoru , Nakamura Jun , Kojima Seiji , Ogawa Seishi , Matsuo Keitaro , Takata Minoru , Yabe Miharu
Published: September 2013

Key Points

We found the defective ALDH2 variant is associated with accelerated progression of BMF in Japanese FA patients. The data support the view that aldehydes are an important source of genotoxicity in the human hematopoietic system.
Plasma microRNA signature as a noninvasive biomarker for acute graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Xiao Bin , Wang Yu , Li Wei , Baker Megan , Guo Jian , Corbet Kelly , Tsalik Ephraim L. , Li Qi-Jing , Palmer Scott M. , Woods Christopher W. , Li Zhiguo , Chao Nelson J. , He You-Wen
Published: September 2013

Key Points

Identification of a miRNA panel as a biomarker for the diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of acute graft-versus-host disease.
Prediction of new-onset asthma and nasal allergy by skin prick test and RAST in a cohort of adults
Authors: Gallmeier Kerstin , Becker Eva , Kirsten Anne , Wölke Gabriele , Manuwald Olaf , Meyer Heike , Magnussen Helgo , Nowak Dennis , Heinrich Joachim
Published: September 2013

Limited information exists regarding the incidence and predictors of asthma and nasal allergy in adulthood. We determined the incidence rate of asthma and nasal allergy in adults and assessed the predictive value of skin prick tests (SPTs) and radioallergosorbent tests (RASTs) for these two outcomes.

Two German centres involved in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey conducted a follow-up assessment in 2012 of the baseline participants (1185 adults aged 21–47 years assessed in 1990). The predictive value of SPTs and RASTs on new-onset asthma and nasal allergy was assessed by Cox regression and by calculating the positive or negative predictive value.

During the 20 years between baseline and follow-up, 3.1 and 4.4 per 1000 person-years of new-onset asthma and nasal allergy cases were recorded, respectively. The hazard ratios for SPTs of any specific and of all aeroallergens combined were slightly higher than those of RASTs for asthma and nasal allergy. The negative predictive values of both the SPT and RAST were very high and similar (0.94–0.96), whereas the postive predictive values were low (0.09–0.20).

Positive SPT results showed a better association with new onset asthma and nasal allergy than positive RAST either to any specific aeroallergens or to all combined.
Probing the ArcA regulon under aerobic/ROS conditions in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Morales Eduardo H , Collao Bernardo , Desai Prerak T , Calderón Iván L , Gil Fernando , Luraschi Roberto , Porwollik Steffen , McClelland Michael , Saavedra Claudia P
Published: September 2013

Background

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is part of the oxidative burst encountered upon internalization of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) by phagocytic cells. It has previously been established that, the ArcAB two-component system plays a critical role in ROS resistance, but the genes regulated by the system remained undetermined to date. We therefore investigated the ArcA regulon in aerobically growing S. Typhimurium before and after exposure to H2O2 by querying gene expression and other physiological changes in wild type and ΔarcA strains.

Results

In the ΔarcA strain, expression of 292 genes showed direct or indirect regulation by ArcA in response to H2O2, of which 141were also regulated in aerobiosis, but in the opposite direction. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of the expression data from WT and ΔarcA strains, revealed that, in response to H2O2 challenge in aerobically grown cells, ArcA down regulated multiple PEP-PTS and ABC transporters, while up regulating genes involved in glutathione and glycerolipid metabolism and nucleotide transport. Further biochemical analysis guided by GSEA results showed that deletion of arcA during aerobic growth lead to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production which was concomitant with an increased NADH/NAD+ ratio. In absence of ArcA under aerobic conditions, H2O2 exposure resulted in lower levels of glutathione reductase activity, leading to a decreased GSH (reduced glutathione)/GSSG (oxidized glutathione) ratio.

Conclusion

The ArcA regulon was defined in 2 conditions, aerobic growth and the combination of peroxide treatment and aerobic growth in S. Typhimurium. ArcA coordinates a response that involves multiple aspects of the carbon flux through central metabolism, which ultimately modulates the reducing potential of the cell.
Application of quantitative second-line drug susceptibility testing at a multidrug-resistant tuberculosis hospital in Tanzania
Authors: Mpagama Stellah G , Houpt Eric R , Stroup Suzanne , Kumburu Happiness , Gratz Jean , Kibiki Gibson S , Heysell Scott K
Published: September 2013

Background

Lack of rapid and reliable susceptibility testing for second-line drugs used in the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) may limit treatment success.

Methods

Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from patients referred to Kibong’oto National TB Hospital in Tanzania for second-line TB treatment underwent confirmatory speciation and susceptibility testing. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing on MYCOTB Sensititre plates was performed for all drugs available in the second-line formulary. We chose to categorize isolates as borderline susceptible if the MIC was at or one dilution lower than the resistance breakpoint. M. tuberculosis DNA was sequenced for resistance mutations in rpoB (rifampin), inhA (isoniazid, ethionamide), katG (isoniazid), embB (ethambutol), gyrA (fluoroquinolones), rrs (amikacin, kanamycin, capreomycin), eis (kanamycin) and pncA (pyrazinamide).

Results

Of 22 isolates from patients referred for second-line TB treatment, 13 (59%) were MDR-TB and the remainder had other resistance patterns. MIC testing identified 3 (14%) isolates resistant to ethionamide and another 8 (36%) with borderline susceptibility. No isolate had ofloxacin resistance, but 10 (45%) were borderline susceptible. Amikacin was fully susceptible in 15 (68%) compared to only 11 (50%) for kanamycin. Resistance mutations were absent in gyrA, rrs or eis for all 13 isolates available for sequencing, but pncA mutation resultant in amino acid change or stop codon was present in 6 (46%). Ten (77%) of MDR-TB patients had at least one medication that could have logically been modified based on these results (median 2; maximum 4). The most common modifications were a change from ethioniamide to para-aminosalicylic acid, and the use of higher dose levofloxacin.

Conclusions

In Tanzania, quantitative second-line susceptibility testing could inform and alter MDR-TB management independent of drug-resistance mutations. Further operational studies are warranted.
Serological responses to a soluble recombinant chimeric Plasmodium vivax circumsporozoite protein in VK210 and VK247 population
Authors: Cheng Yang , Ito Daisuke , Sattabongkot Jetsumon , Lim Chae Seung , Kong Deok-Hoon , Ha Kwon-Soo , Wang Bo , Tsuboi Takafumi , Han Eun-Taek
Published: September 2013

Background

Circumsporozoite protein (CSP) is essential for sporozoite formation and sporozoite invasion into human hepatocyte. Previously, a recombinant P. vivax CSP based on chimeric repeats (rPvCSP-c) representing two major alleles VK210 and VK247 within central region has been designed. Naturally acquired humoral immune responses study show that antigenicity of rPvCSP-c was much higher than that of native strain. However, the serologic reactivity of rPvCSP-c was still unclear in detail.

Methods

In present study, recognition of rPvCSP-c in vivax malaria typed VK210 and VK247 alleles was assessed. VK210 typed and VK247 typed sera from adult residents reacted specifically with rPvCSP-c using protein array and immunoblot assay. Additionally, anti-rPvCSP-c serum recognized the fixed VK210 and VK247 sporozoites by immunofluorescence assay. Furthermore, statistic analysis was performed for correlational detection.

Results

The rPvCSP-c reacted with both VK210 typed and VK247 typed P. vivax infected patient sera and anti-rPvCSP-c immune serum also reacted with VK210 and VK247 sporozoite parasites of P. vivax specifically. There was a positive correlation between increased antibody level, age of patients and also associated with pvcsp repeat number, although the level of responses did vary considerably in their reactivity to the rPvCSP-c from negative to very high level within each age group.

Conclusions

These data confirmed the serologic reactivity of the novel rPvCSP-c in exposed both VK210 and VK247 populations. These results strongly suggested that this recombinant CSP was biologically active and potently immunogenic across major strains and raised the prospect that this protein could be used as serologic marker.
Malarial parasite diversity in chimpanzees: the value of comparative approaches to ascertain the evolution of Plasmodium falciparum antigens
Authors: Pacheco M Andreína , Cranfield Michael , Cameron Kenneth , Escalante Ananias A
Published: September 2013

Background

Plasmodium falciparumshares its most recent common ancestor with parasites found in African apes; these species constitute the so-called Laverania clade. In this investigation, the evolutionary history ofPlasmodiumlineages found in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) was explored.

Methods

Here, the remainders of 74 blood samples collected as part of the chimpanzees’ routine health examinations were studied. For all positive samples with parasite lineages belonging to the Laverania clade, the complete mitochondrial genome (mtDNA), the gene encoding dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase (dhfr-ts), the chloroquine resistance transporter (Pfcrt), the circumsporozoite protein (csp), merozoite surface protein 2 (msp2), and the DBL-1 domain fromvar2CSAwere amplified, cloned, and sequenced. OtherPlasmodiumspecies were included in the mtDNA,dhfr-ts, andcspanalyses. Phylogenetic and evolutionary genetic analyses were performed, including molecular clock analyses on the mtDNA.

Results/Conclusions

Nine chimpanzees were malaria positive (12.2%); four of those infections were identified asP. falciparum, two as aPlasmodium reichenowi-like parasite orPlasmodiumsp., one asPlasmodium gaboni, and two asPlasmodium malariae.AllP. falciparumisolates were resistant to chloroquine indicating that the chimpanzees acquired such infections from humans in recent times. Such findings, however, are not sufficient for implicating chimpanzees as an animal reservoir forP. falciparum.

Timing estimates support that the Laverania clade has co-existed with hominids for a long-period of time. The proposed speciesP. gaboni, Plasmodium billbrayi, andPlasmodium billcollinsiare monophyletic groups supporting that they are indeed different species.

An expanded CSP phylogeny is presented, including all the Laverania species and other malarial parasites. Contrasting with otherPlasmodium, the Laveraniacspexhibits great conservation at the central tandem repeat region.Msp2andvar2CSA, however, show extended recent polymorphism inP. falciparumthat likely originated after theP. reichenowi-P. falciparumsplit. The accumulation of such diversity may indicate adaptation to the human host. These examples support the notion that comparative approaches amongP. falciparumand its related species will be of great value in understanding the evolution of proteins that are important in parasite invasion of the human red blood cell, as well as those involved in malaria pathogenesis.
Rapid detection of Akabane virus by a novel reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay (RT-LAMP)
Authors: Qiao Jun , Wang Junwei , Meng Qingling , Wang Guochao , Liu Yucheng , He Zhihao , Yang Haibo , Zhang Zaichao , Cai Xuepeng , Chen Chuangfu
Published: September 2013

Background

Akabane disease, caused by Akabane virus, is an insect-transmitted disease of ruminants that is primarily characterized by fetal damage.

Methods and results

In this study, a novel reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay for rapid detection of Akabane virus was successfully developed. The primers were designed to target the highly conserved fragment of nucleoprotein from the Akabane virus. The results indicate that the assay is highly specific and sensitive with a detection limit of 5.0 TCID50/mL within a 60-min incubation time. A total of 126 abortive samples collected from Xinjiang province were detected by the established RT-LAMP. The results of RT-LAMP assay showed 96.8% agreement with the semi-nested RT-PCR.

Conclusion

This study is to first to develop a rapid, sensitive, and accurate method for the detection of Akabane virus, which may be used to screen clinical samples in developing countries or regions.
Inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in gastric adenocarcinoma: impact on lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis
Authors: Karadayı Nimet , Kandemır Nilufer Onak , Yavuzer Dilek , Korkmaz Taner , Gecmen Gonca , Kokturk Furuzan
Published: September 2013

Background

Lymphatic metastasis is the most important parameter in the spread of gastric carcinomas. Nitric oxide (NO) is a signaling molecule that plays an important role in inflammation and carcinogenesis. In this study, the possible link between inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression with lymphangiogenesis and the clinicopathological parameters of gastric carcinomas was investigated.

Methods

In this study, iNOS expression and D2-40 (lymphatic endothelium-specific marker monoclonal antibody) reactivity were examined immunohistochemically in 41 gastric adenocarcinoma and 20 non-neoplastic gastric tissues. iNOS expression was scored semiquantitatively in the tumor parenchyma and stroma. D2-40-positive lymphatic vessels were used in the determination of lymphatic invasion and intratumoral and peritumoral lymphatic vascular density.

Results

iNOS expression was higher in gastric carcinoma tissue compared with non-neoplastic tissue. Particularly, iNOS expression in tumor cells was found to be closely related to lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis. The density of lymphatic invasion as well as intratumoral and peritumoral lymphatic vascular density were positively correlated with lymph node metastasis.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that iNOS-mediated NO formation plays an important role in gastric carcinogenesis, tumor lymphangiogenesis, and the development of lymphatic metastases. Inhibition of the NO pathway may be an alternative treatment of gastric carcinomas.

Virtual slides

The virtual slides for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1713572940104388.