bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: How Do We Combine the Insights of Multiple Theories in Public Policy Studies?
Authors: Cairney Paul
Published: February 2013

The combination of multiple theories in policy studies has a great potential value—new combinations of theories or concepts may produce new perspectives and new research agendas. However, it also raises important ontological, epistemological, methodological, and practical issues that need to be addressed to ensure disciplinary advance. This article identifies three main approaches: synthesis, in which we produce one theory based on the insights of multiple theories; complementary, in which we use different theories to produce a range of insights or explanations; and contradictory, in which we compare the insights of theories before choosing one over the other. It examines the issues that arise when we adopt each approach. First, it considers our ability to “synthesize” theories when they arise from different intellectual traditions and attach different meanings to key terms. Second, it considers the practical limits to using multiple theories and pursuing different research agendas when academic resources are limited. Third, it considers the idea of a “shoot‐out” in which one theory is chosen over another because it appears to produce the best results or most scientific approach. It examines the problems we face when producing scientific criteria and highlights the extent to which our choice of theory is influenced by our empirical narrative. The article argues that the insistence on a rigid universal scientific standard may harm rather than help scientific collaboration and progress.
Second‐Order Devolution and Administrative Exclusion in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program
Authors: Sheely Amanda
Published: February 2013

With the passage of welfare reform in 1996, state and local governments gained substantial authority to design and implement their own welfare programs. Proponents of devolution asserted that, under devolution, local governments would be better able to tailor program administration to meet local economic needs. However, opponents contended devolution could lead to local governments seeking to control costs by limiting access to welfare. Meanwhile, existing research suggests that economics will not play an important role in determining welfare provision. This article investigates these competing claims by assessing the relationship between economic conditions and administrative exclusion, which is making programs so hard to access that potential and current recipients decide to forgo benefits, in a state that gives counties significant authority over welfare provision. To do so, I assess whether county application denial, sanctioning, and case closure rates are influenced by changes in local economic characteristics. I find that, even during periods of substantial economic distress, county practices related to administrative exclusion are largely unresponsive to changes in unemployment, child poverty, and fiscal constraints. These findings call into question the responsiveness of the devolved social safety net for poor families.
Molecular systematics of the butterfly tribe Preponini (Nymphalidae: Charaxinae)
Authors: ORTIZ‐ACEVEDO ELENA , WILLMOTT KEITH R.
Published: February 2013

The nymphalid butterfly tribe Preponini includes some of the Neotropical region's most spectacular and familiar butterflies, but the taxonomy of the group nevertheless remains unstable. Several recent studies of Nymphalidae phylogeny have suggested that both the tribe itself and several genera might not be monophyletic, but to date taxon sampling has not been sufficiently comprehensive to allow informed revision of the group's systematics. We therefore conducted the first complete species‐level phylogenetic study of the tribe to establish a firm higher classification. We used DNA sequence data from three genes, the two mitochondrial genes cytochrome oxidase subunits I and II (COI and COII), and the nuclear gene elongation factor‐1α (EF‐1α), to reconstruct the phylogeny of the tribe using maximum likelihood (ML), maximum parsimony (MP) and Bayesian inference (BI). We included 48 individuals representing the 22 recognised Preponini species, and an additional 25 out‐group taxa to explore taxonomic limits at different levels. Firstly, we found that Anaeomorpha splendida Rothschild never grouped with remaining Preponini, so that maintaining monophyly of the tribe requires the taxon to be excluded, and we thus reinstate the tribe Anaeomorphini stat.rev. Secondly, we investigated generic limits, in particular the relationship of Noreppa Rydon to Archaeoprepona Fruhstorfer, and that of Agrias Doubleday to Prepona Boisduval. The molecular results coupled with previous morphological studies suggest that Noreppasyn.n should be synonymised with Archaeoprepona, and that Agriassyn.n should be synonymised with Prepona. We found Prepona pheridamas (Cramer) to be sister to all other Prepona, and markedly divergent from them in both morphology and DNA sequences, suggesting the possibility that it should be placed in a separate genus. We also found a number of cases of significant DNA sequence divergence and paraphyly or polyphyly within putative species that require further taxonomic attention, including Prepona claudina (Godart) stat.n. and Prepona narcissus (Staudinger) stat.n.,Prepona pylene Hewitson and Prepona deiphile (Godart). Future research should focus on a broader population sampling of widespread, polymorphic Preponini species to thoroughly revise the current species‐level taxonomy, thus creating a solid foundation for studies in ecology and conservation.
Absences and Late Preemption
Authors: Deery OisÍn
Published: February 2013

I focus on token, deterministic causal claims as they feature in causal explanations. Adequately handling absences is difficult for most causal theories, including theories of causal explanation. Yet so is adequately handling cases of late preemption. The best account of absence‐causal claims as they appear in causal explanations is JonathanSchaffer's quaternary, contrastive account. YetSchaffer's account cannot handle preemption. The account that best handles late preemption is James Woodward's interventionist account. YetWoodward's account is inadequate when it comes to absences. I propose an account that handlesbothabsencesandpreemption by transposing Schaffer's account into an interventionist framework.
Control of Engine-Starts for Optimal Drivability of Parallel Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Authors: Kum Dongsuk , Peng Huei , Bucknor Norman K.
Published: February 2013

The pretransmission parallel hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) with a single electric motor requires relatively little changes from existing powertrain configurations. This configuration, however, has a challenging drivability issue during engine-starts because the electric motor must simultaneously provide the demanded propulsion torque and start the engine. Depending on the propulsion power level, such engine-start process may require a trade-off between drivability and quick start. The goal of this study is to find theoretical performance limits and corresponding optimal control strategies that achieve the balance between these two conflicting goals. We first develop a simplified parallel HEV powertrain model to predict the engine, clutch, and vehicle dynamics. Assuming that the clutch torque can be accurately estimated and perfectly cancelled, an optimal engine-start control problem is formulated to minimize engine-start time while supplying the driver demanded torque. This nonlinear constrained optimal control problem is solved both analytically and numerically. For some special cases, the optimization problem can be solved analytically to obtain a closed-form solution. For the numerical method, dynamic programming (DP) is used, and both analytical and numerical solutions show that selecting a proper level of constant clutch pressure is the key to achieve near-optimal drivability performance. Furthermore, the DP control policy is found to be time-invariant, and thus can be implemented in the form of a full state feedback controller.
Response to Comment on "Bilaterian Burrows and Grazing Behavior at >585 Million Years Ago"
Authors: Pecoits Ernesto , Konhauser Kurt O. , Aubet Natalie R. , Heaman Larry M. , Veroslavsky Gerardo , Stern Richard , Gingras Murray K.
Published: February 2013

Gaucher
et al
. suggest that their field observations and petrographic analysis of one thin section do not support an Ediacaran age for the trace fossils–bearing strata of the Tacuarí Formation. We have strengthened our conclusion of an Ediacaran age for the Tacuarí Formation based on reassessment of new and previously presented field and petrographic evidence.
The GMO Stalemate in Europe
Authors: Fresco Louise O.
Published: February 2013

In September 2012, Europe was shocked by a publication, from Caen University in France, claiming that rats fed for 2 years with transgenic herbicide-resistant corn suffered from tumors. Even though the results have been criticized as flawed,
*
this research continues to be hailed as a confirmation that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are intrinsically dangerous.
Multicenter Comparison of Serum and Whole-Blood Specimens for Detection of Aspergillus DNA in High-Risk Hematological Patients
Authors: Springer Jan , Morton C. O. , Perry Michael , Heinz Werner J. , Paholcsek Melinda , Alzheimer Mona , Rogers T. R. , Barnes Rosemary A. , Einsele Hermann , Loeffler Juergen , White P. Lewis
Published: February 2013

Samples from patients at high risk for invasive aspergillosis (IA) were prospectively collected and analyzed for the presence of molecular markers of fungal infection. Serum specimens were screened for galactomannan and
Aspergillus
DNA, and whole-blood specimens were screened only for
Aspergillus
DNA. Fungal infections were categorized according to the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Invasive Fungal Infections Cooperative Group, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG) criteria. Forty-seven cases (proven and probable IA) and 31 controls (no evidence of IA) were selected retrospectively for this case-control study, comprising 803 samples, in order to determine the performance of whole-blood PCR, serum PCR, and serum galactomannan testing. Although no single assay was able to detect every case of IA, a combination of different assays provided the best performance. There was no significant difference between the use of whole-blood and serum specimens for PCR-based diagnosis of IA, but there was a trend for whole blood to be more sensitive (85% versus 79%) and to yield an earlier positive result (36 days versus 15 days) than for serum. However, DNA extraction from serum specimens is easier and faster than that from whole-blood specimens, and it allows the same specimen to be used for both galactomannan and PCR assays. In conclusion, the appropriate sample type for DNA extraction should be determined by the local requirements and the technical platforms available at each individual center. A combination of biomarker tests offered the best diagnostic utility for detecting IA.
Gallbladder perforation following transarterial chemoembolisation; a rare but serious complication
Authors: Lim Eu Jin , Spanger Manfred , Lubel John S
Published: February 2013

Transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE) is the mainstay of treatment for large or multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, this procedure is not without potential complications. We report the case of a 72-year-old man with cirrhosis with HCC treated by TACE using drug-eluting beads. He developed persistent fever and severe right upper quadrant pain post-procedure. CT abdomen revealed a large fluid collection closely abutting the gallbladder and tracking inferiorly along the right flank. This fluid collection originated from the gallbladder and contained locules of gas with a contrast-enhancing wall, consistent with an infected biloma. These imaging findings confirmed gallbladder perforation complicating TACE. The development of gallbladder perforation post-TACE from acute ischaemic cholecystitis producing gallbladder wall necrosis is exceedingly rare. The presence of gallbladder perforation must be recognised in patients with persisting symptoms and imaging evidence of a perihepatic fluid collection because specific treatment with intravenous antibiotics and percutaneous drainage of the biloma is necessary.
Do wealth disparities contribute to health disparities within racial/ethnic groups?
Authors: Pollack Craig Evan , Cubbin Catherine , Sania Ayesha , Hayward Mark , Vallone Donna , Flaherty Brian , Braveman Paula A
Published: February 2013

Background

Though wide disparities in wealth have been documented across racial/ethnic groups, it is largely unknown whether differences in wealth are associated with health disparities within racial/ethnic groups.

Methods

Data from the Survey of Consumer Finances (2004, ages 25–64) and the Health and Retirement Survey (2004, ages 50+), containing a wide range of assets and debts variables, were used to calculate net worth (a standard measure of wealth). Among non-Hispanic black, Hispanic and non-Hispanic white populations, we tested whether wealth was associated with self-reported poor/fair health status after accounting for income and education.

Results

Except among the younger Hispanic population, net worth was significantly associated with poor/fair health status within each racial/ethnic group in both data sets. Adding net worth attenuated the association between education and poor/fair health (in all racial/ethnic groups) and between income and poor/fair health (except among older Hispanics).

Conclusions

The results add to the literature indicating the importance of including measures of wealth in health research for what they may reveal about disparities not only between but also within different racial/ethnic groups.
Managing for adaptive capacity: thinning improves food availability for wildlife and insect pollinators under climate change conditions
Authors: Neill Andrew R. , Puettmann Klaus J.
Published: February 2013

A trait-based approach was developed to assess impacts of management practices on the adaptive capacity of ecosystems using impacts of overstory density and thinning on understory vegetation components related to wildlife habitat. The relationship between overstory basal area and understory vegetation for species grouped by traits that reflect food availability for wildlife (i.e., the production of flowers, fleshy fruit, and palatable leaves) was characterized in thinned and unthinned stands at seven Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) forests in western Oregon 6 years following thinning. Lower overstory densities and thinnings were associated with a higher likelihood of selected ecosystem functions, specifically the provision of food for wildlife, as evident by higher cover of flowering, fleshy fruit and palatable leaf producing species. Within these functional groups, thinning increased cover of drought-, fire-, and heat-tolerant species, which suggests that these ecosystem functions are more likely to be maintained under climate change conditions. The responses of species groups appear to be driven by the sensitivity of species to resource availability and to physical disturbances associated with thinnings.
Single-subject fMRI mapping at 7 T of the representation of fingertips in S1: a comparison of event-related and phase-encoding designs
Authors: Besle Julien , Sánchez-Panchuelo Rosa-Maria , Bowtell Richard , Francis Susan , Schluppeck Denis
Published: February 2013

A desirable goal of functional MRI (fMRI), both clinically and for basic research, is to produce detailed maps of cortical function in individual subjects. Single-subject mapping of the somatotopic hand representation in the human primary somatosensory cortex (S1) has been performed using both phase-encoding and block/event-related designs. Here, we review the theoretical strengths and limits of each method and empirically compare high-resolution (1.5 mm isotropic) somatotopic maps obtained using fMRI at ultrahigh magnetic field (7 T) with phase-encoding and event-related designs in six subjects in response to vibrotactile stimulation of the five fingertips. Results show that the phase-encoding design is more efficient than the event-related design for mapping fingertip-specific responses and in particular allows us to describe a new additional somatotopic representation of fingertips on the precentral gyrus. However, with sufficient data, both designs yield very similar fingertip-specific maps in S1, which confirms that the assumption of local representational continuity underlying phase-encoding designs is largely valid at the level of the fingertips in S1. In addition, it is shown that the event-related design allows the mapping of overlapping cortical representations that are difficult to estimate using the phase-encoding design. The event-related data show a complex pattern of overlapping cortical representations for different fingertips within S1 and demonstrate that regions of S1 responding to several adjacent fingertips can incorrectly be identified as responding preferentially to one fingertip in the phase-encoding data.
Comprehensive phenotyping of group III and IV muscle afferents in mouse
Authors: Jankowski Michael P. , Rau Kristofer K. , Ekmann Katrina M. , Anderson Collene E. , Koerber H. Richard
Published: February 2013

While much is known about the functional properties of cutaneous nociceptors, relatively little is known about the comprehensive functional properties of group III and IV muscle afferents. We have developed a mouse ex vivo forepaw muscle, median and ulnar nerve, dorsal root ganglion (DRG), spinal cord recording preparation to examine the functional response properties, neurochemical phenotypes, and spinal projections of individual muscle afferents. We found that the majority of group III and IV muscle afferents were chemosensitive (52%) while only 34% responded to mechanical stimulation and fewer (32%) responded to thermal stimuli. The chemosensitive afferents could be grouped into those that responded to a “low”-metabolite mixture containing amounts of lactate and ATP at pH 7.0 simulating levels observed in muscle during exercise (metaboreceptors) and a “high”-metabolite mixture containing lactic acid concentrations and ATP at pH 6.6 mimicking levels observed during ischemic contractions (metabo-nociceptors). While the majority of the metabo-nociceptive fibers responding to the higher concentration levels were found to contain acid-sensing ion channel 3 (ASIC3) and/or transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1), metaboreceptors responding to the lower concentration levels lacked these receptors. Anatomically, group III muscle afferents were found to have projections into laminae I and IIo, and deeper laminae in the spinal cord, while all functional types of group IV muscle afferents projected primarily into both laminae I and II. These results provide novel information about the variety of sensory afferents innervating the muscle and provide insight into the types of fibers that may exhibit plasticity after injuries.
Phosphocitrate Is Potentially a Disease-Modifying Drug for Noncrystal-Associated Osteoarthritis
Authors: Sun Yubo , Mauerhan David R. , Franklin Atiya M. , Norton James , Hanley Edward N. , Gruber Helen E.
Published: February 2013

Phosphocitrate (PC), a calcification inhibitor, inhibits the development of crystal-associated osteoarthritis (OA) in Hartley guinea pigs. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its disease-modifying effect remain elusive. This study sought to test the hypothesis that PC has calcium crystal-independent biological activities which are, at least in part, responsible for its disease-modifying activity. We found that PC inhibited the proliferation of OA fibroblast-like synoviocytes in the absence of calcium crystals. Consistent with its effect on cell proliferation, PC downregulated the expression of numerous genes classified in cell proliferation. PC also downregulated the expression of many genes classified in angiogenesis and inflammatory response including prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2, interleukin-1 receptor, type I, and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2. In contrast, PC upregulated the expression of many genes classified in musculoskeletal tissue development, including aggrecan, type I collagen, and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 5. These findings suggest that PC is not only a promising disease-modifying drug for crystal-associated OA but also for noncrystal-associated OA.
Brazilian Cerrado Soil Actinobacteria Ecology
Authors: Suela Silva Monique , Naves Sales Alenir , Teixeira Magalhães-Guedes Karina , Ribeiro Dias Disney , Schwan Rosane Freitas
Published: February 2013

A total of 2152 Actinobacteria strains were isolated from native Cerrado (Brazilian Savannah) soils located in Passos, Luminárias, and Arcos municipalities (Minas Gerais State, Brazil). The soils were characterised for chemical and microbiological analysis. The microbial analysis led to the identification of nine genera (Streptomyces, Arthrobacter, Rhodococcus, Amycolatopsis, Microbacterium, Frankia, Leifsonia, Nakamurella,andKitasatospora) and 92 distinct species in both seasons studied (rainy and dry). The rainy season produced a high microbial population of all the aforementioned genera. The pH values of the soil samples from the Passos, Luminárias, and Arcos regions varied from 4.1 to 5.5. There were no significant differences in the concentrations of phosphorus, magnesium, and organic matter in the soils among the studied areas. Samples from the Arcos area contained large amounts of aluminium in the rainy season and both hydrogen and aluminium in the rainy and dry seasons. The Actinobacteria population seemed to be unaffected by the high levels of aluminium in the soil. Studies are being conducted to produce bioactive compounds from Actinobacteria fermentations on different substrates. The present data suggest that the number and diversity of Actinobacteria spp. in tropical soils represent a vast unexplored resource for the biotechnology of bioactives production.
Analysis of Preoperative Detection for Apex Prostate Cancer by Transrectal Biopsy
Authors: Sazuka Tomokazu , Imamoto Takashi , Namekawa Takeshi , Utsumi Takanobu , Yanagisawa Mitsuru , Kawamura Koji , Kamiya Naoto , Suzuki Hiroyoshi , Ueda Takeshi , Ota Satoshi , Nakatani Yukio , Ichikawa Tomohiko
Published: February 2013

Background. The aim of this study was to determine concordance rates for prostatectomy specimens and transrectal needle biopsy samples in various areas of the prostate in order to assess diagnostic accuracy of the transrectal biopsy approach, especially for presurgical detection of cancer in the prostatic apex.Materials and Methods. From 2006 to 2011, 158 patients whose radical prostatectomy specimens had been evaluated were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Concordance rates for histopathology results of prostatectomy specimens and needle biopsy samples were evaluated in 8 prostatic sections (apex, middle, base, and transitional zones bilaterally) from 73 patients diagnosed at this institution, besides factors for detecting apex cancer in total 118 true positive and false negative apex cancers.Results. Prostate cancer was found most frequently (85%) in the apex of all patients. Of 584 histopathology sections, 153 (49%) from all areas were false negatives, as were 45% of apex biopsy samples. No readily available preoperative factors for detecting apex cancer were identified.Conclusions. In Japanese patients, the most frequent location of prostate cancer is in the apex. There is a high false negative rate for transrectal biopsy samples. To improve the detection rate, transperitoneal biopsy or more accurate imaging technology is needed.
Coagulation Proteins Influencing Global Coagulation Assays in Cirrhosis: Hypercoagulability in Cirrhosis Assessed by Thrombomodulin-Induced Thrombin Generation Assay
Authors: Youngwon Nam , Kim Ji-Eun , Lim Hae Sook , Han Kyou-Sup , Kim Hyun Kyung
Published: February 2013

Background. Liver disease is accompanied by profound hemostatic disturbances. We investigated the influences of pro- and anticoagulation factors on global coagulation tests including prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and thrombin generation assay (TGA) in cirrhosis. We also investigated whether cirrhotic patients exhibit hypo- or hypercoagulability using the TGA.Methods. The TGA was performed on a calibrated automated thrombogram, given lag time, endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), and peak thrombin in 156 cirrhotic patients and 73 controls.Results. PT was determined according to the factor (F) II, FV, FVII, FIX, and protein C levels. We observed that aPTT was dependent on FII, FIX, and FX levels. The ETP was dependent on FII, antithrombin, and protein C with 5 pM tissue factor (TF) stimulation, and FIX and protein C at 1 pM TF. The ETP ratio with 1 pM TF increased significantly in cirrhosis, indicating hypercoagulability, whereas that with 5 pM TF did not increase in cirrhosis.Conclusion. PT and the TGA are sensitive to protein C levels. Even with prolonged PT, the TGA can detect hypercoagulability in cirrhosis. Further studies should evaluate global coagulation status in cirrhosis patients using the newly devised TGA system.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging for Predicting the Clinical Outcome of Delayed Encephalopathy of Acute Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Authors: Hou Xiaomin , Ma Linlin , Wu Lianhua , Zhang Yi , Ge Huan , Li Zhuo , Gao Yu , Zhou Yurong , Gao Chunjin
Published: February 2013

Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between neuropsychiatric outcomes and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in patients with delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning (DEACMP). Methodsand Materials: 66 patients and 60 healthy controls were included in this study. Median fractional anisotropy (FA) of the white matter (WM) bilaterally was compared between patients and healthy controls. The Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) was assessed at 4-6 months following DEACMP. The association between the GOS score and FA variables was explored using the Spearman rank correlation. Results: The FA values in WM were reduced in patients with DEACMP compared with those in the volunteers. Of the 66 patients, 21 (31.8%) achieved a good outcome (GOS-5), 26 (36.4%) had moderate disability (GOS-4), 14 (21.2%) had severe disability (GOS-3), 5 (7.6%) were in a vegetative state (GOS-2), and none of the patients died (GOS-1). The FA values in the WM in patients with DEACMP correlated significantly with GOS. Conclusion: DTI may be a valuable tool for assessing the severity of brain injury and may be a predictor of outcome in patients with delayed encephalopathy of acute carbon monoxide poisoning. DTI may be a valuable tool for assessing the severity of tissue injury and may be a predictor of outcome.
Gender and Socioeconomic Status in Relation to Weight Perception and Weight Control Behavior in Korean Adults
Authors: Joh Hee-Kyung , Oh Juhwan , Lee Hae-Jeung , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: February 2013

Aim: In Korea, obesity is more prevalent among men and lower socioeconomic groups. To explain this obesity disparity, we compared weight perception and weight control behavior across gender and socioeconomic status (SES). Methods: We analyzed data from 16,260 participants aged 20 years or older in a nationally representative cross-sectional survey. SES indicators included education and income levels. Weight under-perception was defined when participants considered themselves lighter than their measured BMI status. Either no active or inappropriate weight control (i.e., trying to gain weight in obese individuals) was considered to be unhealthy patterns. Multivariate prevalence ratios were calculated using log-binomial regressions. Results: Men had a higher prevalence of weight under-perception (24.5 vs. 11.9%) and unhealthy patterns of weight control behavior (57 vs. 40%) than women. Low education level was associated with weight under-perception (ptrend = 0.022 in men, ptrend < 0.001 in women). Both education and income levels were significantly associated with patterns of weight control behavior (for education: ptrend < 0.001 in men and women; for income: ptrend = 0.047 in men, ptrend < 0.001 in women). Conclusion: Weight perception and weight control behavior significantly varied by gender and SES. Public actions should be directed toward improving perception and behavior of high-risk populations.
Low Zoledronate Concentrations Stimulate Human Keratinocyte Proliferation
Authors: Migliario Mario , Rizzi Manuela , Rocchetti Vincenzo , Pittarella Pamela , Renò Filippo
Published: February 2013

Aim: To evaluate, in an in vitro wound healing model, the effect of zoledronate on keratinocyte cellular behavior. -Materials and Methods: Human spontaneously immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT) were treated with low zoledronate concentrations (10 nmol/l to 10 µmol/l) and its effect on cell proliferation was evaluated by means of a fluorescent assay (Tox-8), along with the analysis of cytokeratin 5 and filaggrin gene expression. Moreover, zoledronate effects on cell migration were evaluated by in vitro wound healing, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity was investigated by gelatin zymography. Results: At the tested concentrations, zoledronate stimulated keratinocyte proliferation, upregulating cytokeratin 5 while downregulating filaggrin expression and wound healing ability, without any significant effect on MMP-9 activity. The lack of zoledronate effects on MMP-9 activity indicates that, in our experimental model, wound closure is mainly due to an increase in cell proliferation rather than an increase in cell migration. Moreover, the observed increase in cell proliferation could be ascribed to a zoledronate-mediated reduction of farnesyl pyrophosphate endogenous levels. Conclusions: These results could foster new clinical applications for this ‘old' drug in the field of epithelial regeneration.
Trends in Obesity and Abdominal Obesity in the Older Adult Population of Spain (2000-2010)
Authors: Gutiérrez-Fisac Juan Luis , León-Muñoz Luz M. , Regidor Enrique , Banegas JoséR. , Rodríguez-Artalejo Fernando
Published: February 2013

Objective: This work examines the trend in obesity and abdominal obesity in the Spanish population aged 60 years and over during the first decade of the 21st century. Methods: We analyze data from a representative study of the Spanish population aged 60 years and older conducted in 2000-2001 and from the Study on Nutrition and Cardiovascular Risk in Spain (ENRICA) conducted in 2008-2010. Results: In men, the distribution of BMI did not vary in the period 2000-2010. In contrast, in women there was a reduction in both mean BMI - from 29.3 to 28.8 kg/m2 - and the prevalence of obesity - from 40.8 to 36.3%. This decline was greatest in women aged 60-69 years. In men, no significant changes were observed in mean waist circumference (WC) or in the prevalence of abdominal obesity. In contrast, WC decreased by 3.6 cm and abdominal obesity prevalence by 12.7% in women. The decline was greatest in women aged 60-69 years, in whom mean WC decreased by 5.1 cm and abdominal obesity prevalence by 18.6%. Conclusion: These findings show that the frequency of obesity has begun to decline in Spanish women aged 60 and over. The causes of this decline are unclear.
ACAT-selective and Nonselective DGAT1 Inhibition
Authors: Floettmann Jan Eike , Buckett Linda K. , Turnbull Andrew V. , Smith Tim , Hallberg Carina , Birch Alan , Lees David , Jones Huw B.
Published: February 2013

Acyl-coenzyme A: cholesterol O-Acyltransferase (ACAT) and Acyl-coenzyme A: diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase (DGAT) enzymes play important roles in synthesizing neutral lipids, and inhibitors of these enzymes have been investigated as potential treatments for diabetes and other metabolic diseases. Administration of a Acyl-coenzyme A: diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) inhibitor with very limited cellular selectivity over ACAT resulted in significant adrenocortical degenerative changes in dogs. These changes included macrosteatotic vacuolation associated with adrenocyte cell death in the zonae glomerulosa and fasciculata and minimal to substantial mixed inflammatory cell infiltration and were similar to those described previously for some ACAT inhibitors in dogs. In the mouse, similar but only transient adrenocortical degenerative changes were seen as well as a distinctive nondegenerative reduction in cortical fine vacuolation. In the marmoset, only the distinctive nondegenerative reduction in cortical fine vacuolation was observed, suggesting that the dog, followed by the mouse, is the most sensitive species for cortical degeneration. Biochemical analysis of adrenal cholesterol and cholesteryl ester indicated that the distinctive reduction in cortical fine vacuolation correlated with a significant reduction in cholesteryl ester in the mouse and marmoset, whereas no significant reduction in cholestryl ester, but an increase in free cholesterol was observed in dogs. Administration of a DGAT1 inhibitor with markedly improved selectivity over ACAT to the marmoset and the mouse resulted in no adrenal pathology at exposures sufficient to cause substantial DGAT1 but not ACAT inhibition, thereby implicating ACAT rather than DGAT1 inhibition as the probable cause of the observed adrenal changes. Recognizing that the distinctive nondegenerative reduction in cortical fine vacuolation in the mouse could be used as a histopathological biomarker for an in vivo model of the more severe changes observed in dogs, the mouse has subsequently been used as a model to select DGAT1 inhibitors free of adrenocortical toxicity.
Predicting Surgical Intervention for Airway Obstruction in Micrognathic Infants
Authors: Handley Sara C. , Mader Nicholas S. , Sidman James D. , Scott Andrew R.
Published: February 2013

Objective

To determine which factors present in the neonatal period may predict subsequent need for surgical intervention in infants with micrognathia.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Two, urban, tertiary pediatric hospitals.

Subjects and Methods

The otolaryngology databases from 2 institutions were queried for the diagnosis of micrognathia over a 10‐year period, and 123 infants were identified (101 with Pierre Robin sequence and 21 with micrognathia without cleft palate). The presence or absence of surgical airway intervention during the first year of life was noted, as were associated diagnoses. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for requiring a definitive airway intervention.

Results

Forty‐eight (39%) micrognathic children required definitive airway intervention during infancy in this series. These interventions came in the form of either tracheostomy (12 patients), mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO; 33 patients) or prolonged intubation prior to death (3 patients). Factors associated with a need for intervention included a history of intubation or tracheotomy in the first 24 hours of life (odds ratio [OR], 8.22; confidence interval [CI], 3.14‐21.53), a history of intrauterine growth restriction (OR, 4.10; CI, 1.00‐16.70), prematurity (<37 weeks of gestational age; OR, 2.38; CI, 1.02‐5.56), and neurologic impairment (OR, 3.83; CI, 1.33‐11.07). Those with isolated micrognathia without cleft palate were less likely to require intervention (OR, 0.20; CI, 0.05‐0.71).

Conclusions

While it is understood that the need for MDO or tracheostomy should be determined on a case‐by‐case basis, this study identifies a number of factors that may predict which neonates with micrognathia are at increased risk for meriting early surgical intervention for respiratory and feeding problems.
Neural correlates of performance monitoring in chronic cannabis users and cannabis-naïve controls
Authors: Fridberg Daniel J , Skosnik Patrick D , Hetrick William P , O’Donnell Brian F
Published: February 2013

Chronic cannabis use is associated with residual negative effects on measures of executive functioning. However, little previous work has focused specifically on executive processes involved in performance monitoring in frequent cannabis users. The present study investigated event-related potential (ERP) correlates of performance monitoring in chronic cannabis users. The error-related negativity (ERN) and error positivity (Pe), ERPs sensitive to performance monitoring, were recorded from 30 frequent cannabis users (mean usage=5.52 days/week) and 32 cannabis-naïve control participants during a speeded stimulus discrimination task. The “oddball” P3 ERP was recorded as well. Users and controls did not differ on the amplitude or latency of the ERN; however, Pe amplitude was larger among users. Users also showed increased amplitude and reduced latency of the P3 in response to infrequent stimuli presented during the task. Among users, urinary cannabinoid metabolite levels at testing were unrelated to ERP outcomes. However, total years of cannabis use correlated negatively with P3 latency and positively with P3 amplitude, and age of first cannabis use correlated negatively with P3 amplitude. The results of this study suggest that chronic cannabis use is associated with alterations in neural activity related to the processing of motivationally-relevant stimuli (P3) and errors (Pe).
Abnormal Frontal Plane Knee Mechanics During Sidestep Cutting in Female Soccer Athletes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Return to Sport
Authors: Stearns Kristen M. , Pollard Christine D.
Published: February 2013

Background:

Athletes who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) have a high risk of reinjury upon the return to sports participation. While the mechanisms behind this increased risk of reinjury are unknown, it has been suggested that altered knee biomechanics during sports-specific activities may be a contributing factor.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

To compare frontal plane knee joint angles and moments during a sidestep cutting maneuver in female soccer athletes who have undergone ACLR with those in athletes with no history of knee injury. It was hypothesized that athletes with a history of ACLR would exhibit increased knee abduction angles and knee adductor moments compared with those with no history of injury.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Twelve female soccer players with a history of ACLR served as the experimental group, and 12 female soccer players with no history of knee injury constituted the control group. Three-dimensional kinematics and ground-reaction forces were collected while each participant performed a sidestep cutting maneuver. Variables of interest included the knee abduction angle and knee adductor moment during the early deceleration phase of the cutting maneuver. Independent-samples t tests were used to evaluate differences between groups ( P ≤ .05).

Results:

Participants in the ACLR group exhibited increased average knee abduction angles (ACLR: 3.8° vs control: 1.8°; P = .03) and peak knee adductor moments (ACLR: 1.33 N·m/kg vs control: 0.80 N·m/kg; P = .004) compared with the control group.

Conclusion:

Female soccer players who have undergone ACLR and returned to sports participation exhibited increased knee abduction angles and knee adductor moments during the early deceleration phase of cutting compared with their healthy counterparts with no history of knee injury.

Clinical Relevance:

Even though athletes are able to return to sport after ACLR, they are at an increased risk for reinjury. It may be the case that the increased frontal plane knee angles and moments exhibited by these athletes after ACLR could be contributing to this risk for reinjury. Therefore, it is important that rehabilitation programs after ACLR include the restoration of frontal plane knee mechanics.
Age-Related Changes in Attentional Reference Frames for Peripersonal Space
Authors: Bloesch Emily K. , Davoli Christopher C. , Abrams Richard A.
Published: February 2013

Neurological changes in older adults suggest that their mental representation of peripersonal space, the space around their bodies, might be degraded compared with that of young adults. These changes may lead to differences in how attention is allocated within peripersonal space, affecting how older adults plan and guide their actions. In the present study, we show that there are indeed profound differences between the spatial representations of older and young adults: In a task involving simple hand movements, young adults adopted an attentional reference frame centered on the hand, and older adults adopted a reference frame centered on the body. Such differences may help to explain age-related changes observed in the performance of many common movement tasks.
Trust in nurse–patient relationships
Authors: Dinç Leyla , Gastmans Chris
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to report the results of a literature review of empirical studies on trust within the nurse–patient relationship. A search of electronic databases yielded 34 articles published between 1980 and 2011. Twenty-two studies used a qualitative design, and 12 studies used quantitative research methods. The context of most quantitative studies was nurse caring behaviours, whereas most qualitative studies focused on trust in the nurse–patient relationship. Most of the quantitative studies used a descriptive design, while qualitative methods included the phenomenological approach, grounded theory, ethnography and interpretive interactionism. Data collection was mainly by questionnaires or interviews. Evidence from this review suggests that the development of trust is a relational phenomenon, and a process, during which trust could be broken and re-established. Nurses’ professional competencies and interpersonal caring attributes were important in developing trust; however, various factors may hinder the trusting relationship.
Factors associated with hospitalization of adult psychiatric patients: cluster analysis
Authors: Chai Yun Kern , Wheeler Zuzana , Herbison Peter , Gale Chris , Glue Paul
Published: February 2013

Objective:

Factors associated with acute admission to inpatient psychiatric wards have been difficult to replicate, possibly reflecting methodological limitations of analyzing individual variables. The objective of this analysis was to identify factors associated with hospitalization at an inpatient psychiatric unit using cluster analytic methods.

Methods:

Demographic, admission and treatment data for all admissions to a single inpatient unit in 2010 were collected retrospectively. Cluster analysis was performed using Ward’s method.

Results:

The initial clustering identified a high suicidality/crisis group, which then gave two further subclusters, an internalizing one characterized by affective symptoms and an externalizing one characterized by intoxication at admission, and a population with poor medication compliance that included most cases of psychosis. These subclusters had different clinical and demographic characteristics, different rates of hospital readmission and different durations of stay.

Conclusions:

Cluster analysis may be a useful exploratory technique to assist in planning and developing services for adult patients needing admission to a psychiatric hospital.
Elucidating the role of carbohydrate determinants in regulating hemostasis: insights and opportunities
Authors: Preston Roger J. S. , Rawley Orla , Gleeson Eimear M. , O’Donnell James S.
Published: February 2013

Recent improvement in modern analytical technologies has stimulated an explosive growth in the study of glycobiology. In turn, this has lead to a richer understanding of the crucial role of N- and O-linked carbohydrates in dictating the properties of the proteins to which they are attached and, in particular, their centrality in the control of protein synthesis, longevity, and activity. Given their importance, it is unsurprising that both gross and subtle defects in glycosylation often contribute to human disease pathology. In this review, we discuss the accumulating evidence for the significance of glycosylation in mediating the functions of the plasma glycoproteins involved in hemostasis and thrombosis. In particular, the role of naturally occurring coagulation protein glycoforms and inherited defects in carbohydrate attachment in modulating coagulation is considered. Finally, we describe the therapeutic opportunities presented by new insights into the role of attached carbohydrates in shaping coagulation protein function and the promise of carbohydrate modification in the delivery of novel therapeutic biologics with enhanced functional properties for the treatment of hemostatic disorders.
Small cell ovarian carcinoma: genomic stability and responsiveness to therapeutics
Authors: Gamwell Lisa F , Gambaro Karen , Merziotis Maria , Crane Colleen , Arcand Suzanna L , Bourada Valerie , Davis Christopher , Squire Jeremy A , Huntsman David G , Tonin Patricia N , Vanderhyden Barbara C
Published: February 2013

Background

The biology of small cell ovarian carcinoma of the hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT), which is a rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer, is poorly understood. Tumourigenicity, in vitro growth characteristics, genetic and genomic anomalies, and sensitivity to standard and novel chemotherapeutic treatments were investigated in the unique SCCOHT cell line, BIN-67, to provide further insight in the biology of this rare type of ovarian cancer.

Method

The tumourigenic potential of BIN-67 cells was determined and the tumours formed in a xenograft model was compared to human SCCOHT. DNA sequencing, spectral karyotyping and high density SNP array analysis was performed. The sensitivity of the BIN-67 cells to standard chemotherapeutic agents and to vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) and the JX-594 vaccinia virus was tested.

Results

BIN-67 cells were capable of forming spheroids in hanging drop cultures. When xenografted into immunodeficient mice, BIN-67 cells developed into tumours that reflected the hypercalcemia and histology of human SCCOHT, notably intense expression of WT-1 and vimentin, and lack of expression of inhibin. Somatic mutations in TP53 and the most common activating mutations in KRAS and BRAF were not found in BIN-67 cells by DNA sequencing. Spectral karyotyping revealed a largely normal diploid karyotype (in greater than 95% of cells) with a visibly shorter chromosome 20 contig. High density SNP array analysis also revealed few genomic anomalies in BIN-67 cells, which included loss of heterozygosity of an estimated 16.7 Mb interval on chromosome 20. SNP array analyses of four SCCOHT samples also indicated a low frequency of genomic anomalies in the majority of cases. Although resistant to platinum chemotherapeutic drugs, BIN-67 cell viability in vitro was reduced by >75% after infection with oncolytic viruses.

Conclusions

These results show that SCCOHT differs from high-grade serous carcinomas by exhibiting few chromosomal anomalies and lacking TP53 mutations. Although BIN-67 cells are resistant to standard chemotherapeutic agents, their sensitivity to oncolytic viruses suggests that their therapeutic use in SCCOHT should be considered.