bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Negative Dimensions of Organization-Public Relationships (NOPR) in Public Relations
Authors: Moon Bitt Beach , Rhee Yunna
Published: October 2013

Although much research on organization–public relationship (OPR) has been conducted in public relations, negative relational features have been researched less extensively. It is imperative to identify negative relational components for restoring the damaged relationships between organization and publics and to understand how negative OPR (NOPR) can hamper public relations efforts. This study focused on exploring dimensions of NOPR through a systematic scale development process. In this study, four dimensions of NOPR—dissatisfaction, distrust, control dominance, and dissolution—were identified and the twenty-two-item scale was statistically reliable and valid. It was also shown that NOPR influenced Public’s Communication Behavior (PCB).
Steering, Not Rowing? An Analysis of the Political Influence, the Role Perceptions, and the Behavior of Swiss City Councillors in Different Urban Governance Contexts
Authors: Plüss Larissa
Published: October 2013

In today’s cities, councillors see themselves increasingly confronted with new forms of political steering focusing more on interaction than on hierarchical decision making and blurring the lines between the public and private spheres. By embedding the concept of governance in a new institutionalist framework, the article investigates the implications of new models of urban governance on the identity, the notion of democracy, the perceptions, and the role behavior of city councillors. It tests two rival hypotheses—an optimistic versus a pessimistic perspective on governance and democracy—and thereby draws on multilevel analyses of a comprehensive survey of all city councillors in Switzerland.
Buckling analysis and design of a uniformly compressed rectangular composite sandwich plate with two parallel simply supported edges and another two edges clamped
Authors: Morozov EV , Lopatin AV
Published: October 2013

The solution of the buckling problem for a rectangular composite sandwich plate with two parallel simply supported edges and another two edges clamped (SSCC) is presented in the paper. The plate is composed of two identical composite facings and orthotropic core, and subjected to in-plane uniform compressive load applied to the simply supported edges. Buckling equations are derived based on the first-order shear deformation theory. The problem is solved using the Levy and Galerkin methods. The analytical formula for the critical load has been obtained and verified using finite-element analysis. The design analyses have been performed for the sandwich panels subject to constraints imposed on the value of buckling load.
Some reflections on Pawson’s Science of Evaluation: A Realist Manifesto
Authors: Astbury Brad
Published: October 2013

This article examines the evolution of Ray Pawson’s realist theory of evaluation, with a particular focus on his most recent book, Science of Evaluation: A Realist Manifesto. It is not a substitute for reading the original text. Reviews always say less about a book than the book in question. The goal is to provide a broader context for interpretation and an invitation to consider critically the practical import of Pawson’s grand ambitions for a new evaluation science. Like previous writings, this latest call-to-arms will appeal to some quarters of the evaluation community and dismay others. Regardless, evaluators should not remain indifferent. Pawson presents a vigorous, if at times irreverent, argument for advancing evaluation as a realist enterprise. Science of Evaluation deserves to be read and discussed widely.
The logics of performance management
Authors: Pollitt Christopher
Published: October 2013

There is now a huge literature on public sector performance management systems (PMSs), but only a small fraction of it directly addresses the logics used by those who use or are subject to such systems. This article analyses a variety of ‘alternative logics’, covering a range of different types of gaming, cheating and symbolic uses. A synthesis is advanced, indicating how the different logics are inter-related and how they are likely to affect different actors within PMSs. It argues that two balances appear to be crucial in restraining the growth of alternative logics: one between continuously refreshing PMSs and keeping them stable, and the other between tight or loose coupling of measures to incentives. Realist evaluation may offer a useful way of analysing this hitherto concealed world.
Knocking on heaven’s door: The evaluation community goes to church
Authors: Denvall Verner , Linde Stig
Published: October 2013

Ideas and concepts about evaluation travel around the globe. Studies of how evaluation models are disseminated, diffused and implemented are important. In this article, we examine an organization with a history of traditions and legitimacy and a successful audit of its own and how it responds to modern concepts of administration where evaluation plays an important role. Based on an analytical framework from organizational theory, we show how an evaluation model has been either adopted, rejected or transformed depending on the local context and consider why central policies have had limited success in its implementation. This article should contribute to a better understanding of the transformation that evaluation undergoes in the journey between and within organizations.
Can evaluation contribute to the organizational development of academic institutions? An international comparison
Authors: Simon Dagmar , Knie Andreas
Published: October 2013

During the last 20 years, science policy-making has taken to evaluation as an instrument for assessing research projects, programmes and even entire research institutes or faculties. This article examines key elements of the evaluation systems in the United Kingdom (Research Assessment Exercise), the Netherlands (Standard Evaluation Protocol) and Germany (Leibniz Association’s Evaluation Procedure) and the extent to which evaluations serve as an instrument of organizational development for the scientific bodies being evaluated. Evaluations are often mistrusted – particularly in Germany’s public discourse – as a Trojan horse of policy-making infiltrating the science system. However, our findings demonstrate that peer-review based evaluations can be an authoritative source of validation employed by scientific institutes to develop or optimize institutional strategies. Against this backdrop, we conclude with recommendations of how institutional evaluations may be further developed and how processes of organizational transformation can be supported in the research landscape.
‘Do It Yourself’ in the parent–professional partnership for the assessment and diagnosis of children with autism spectrum conditions in Hong Kong: A qualitative study
Authors: Ho Hilda SW , Yi Huso , Griffiths Sian , Chan Dorothy FY , Murray Stuart
Published: October 2013

Timely and appropriate care for children with autism spectrum conditions is affected by the interaction between healthcare professionals and parents. Despite the importance of the parent–professional partnership, there is a dearth of cultural-specific data on parent–professional partnership in the Chinese context. We conducted 10 in-depth life-history interviews with parents of children with autism spectrum conditions in Hong Kong who were diagnosed during preschool years. Using an interpretative phenomenological analytic method, five themes were constructed to represent the context of parent–professional partnership in Hong Kong along the pathway of seeking a diagnosis: (a) access to the assessment and diagnosis of autism spectrum conditions, (b) multiple procedures of assessment, (c) consultation prior to diagnosis and assessment, (d) communication of diagnosis and assessment result and (e) post-assessment isolation. Parental narratives highlight the important domains of parent–professional partnership and reflect the complexity of diagnosis and the lack of a cohesive system. For many parents, the assessment procedure was marred by a series of obstacles, which were further exacerbated by a poorly developed parent–professional partnership. Suggestions for parent–professional partnership development include establishing an evidence-based best practice guideline for Hong Kong, creating pre-assessment information workshops for parents to attend and equipping professionals with knowledge about autism spectrum conditions and enhanced communication skills.
The illness narratives of men involved in the criminal justice system: A study of health behaviors, chronic conditions, and HIV/AIDS
Authors: Valera Pamela , Kratz Molly
Published: October 2013

Former inmates encounter a variety of challenges when returning to their community, including poor health status and limited access to healthcare services. This qualitative study examined how former male inmates with chronic conditions perceived, understood, managed, and coped with their illnesses.

Findings

The participants were Black and Puerto Rican, with a mean age of 47 years, who were interviewed within three years of their release. Participants reported at least one chronic condition, with 21 HIV-negative men using chaos narratives to depict their approach to disease management. Nine HIV-positive men used quest narratives to present their illnesses and were immediately linked to supportive services, enabling them to overcome the barriers to community reintegration.

Applications

Health interventions in the area of forensic social work ought to focus on conducting Medicaid outreach and enrollment efforts prior to correctional facility discharge.
The role of the Government in addressing social issues in Ghana: The perceptions of Ghanaian undergraduate social work students
Authors: Castillo Jason T , Asante Samuel , Becerra David , Dwumah Peter , Barnie Jonas Asamanin
Published: October 2013

Data for this exploratory study were drawn from a sample of 185 Ghanaian social work students from one university in Ghana in the Fall of 2010. Complementary log–log ordinal logistic regressions were run to analyze the relationship between Ghanaian social work students’ sociodemographic variables and their perceptions of the central government’s role in addressing social issues in Ghana.

Findings

The results of this study demonstrated that there are indeed differences between Ghanaian social work students by age, gender, marital status, and number of children on their perceptions of the role of the government in addressing social issues in Ghana. The findings revealed that social work students who were female, younger, nonmarried, or without children were more likely to perceive that the government should ensure employment, health insurance, and equal opportunities to Ghanaians. Moreover, the findings revealed that social work students with one or more children were less likely to perceive that the government should ensure health insurance.

Applications

Social work administrators and educators may wish to make several changes to undergraduate social work students’ coursework and practicum placement training that requires social work students to take and complete (a) theoretical courses that emphasize concepts associated with human rights and social justice, (b) diversity courses that emphasize the intersection between age, gender, marital status, poverty, and inequality in Ghana, (c) macro courses that emphasize the historical, political, economic, and social realms of the district, regional, and central governments in Ghana, and (d) practicum placements at macro public sector organizations.
A new injector concept for multimode operation in gasoline direct injection engines
Authors: Mandumpala Devassy B , Bakshi S , Ramesh A
Published: October 2013

A gasoline direct injection engine typically operates in multiple fuel preparation modes. In general, at higher loads, a homogeneous mixture is favored, whereas a stratified mixture is preferred at part- and low-load conditions. This is usually achieved by altering the injection parameters and injection strategy with respect to load and speed and through appropriate cylinder and piston geometries. In this article, a new injector concept has been proposed to aid attaining multiple modes in a gasoline direct injection engine. This is achieved by shaping the spray structure to suit the required mixture preparation. Detailed simulations are performed to assess the mixing process in a gasoline direct injection engine using the new injector. The charge preparation at the onset of ignition is studied for different injection modes of the same injector. The results indicate a significant improvement in the mixing process for different modes of operation.
High-resolution large eddy simulations of cavitating gasoline–ethanol blends
Authors: Duke Daniel J , Schmidt David P , Neroorkar Kshitij , Kastengren Alan L , Powell Christopher F
Published: October 2013

Cavitation plays an important role in the formation of sprays in fuel injection systems. With the increasing use of gasoline–ethanol blends, there is a need to understand how changes in fluid properties due to the use of these fuels can alter cavitation behavior. Gasoline–ethanol blends are azeotropic mixtures whose properties are difficult to model. We have tabulated the thermodynamic properties of gasoline–ethanol blends using a method developed for flash-boiling simulations. The properties of neat gasoline and ethanol were obtained from National Institute of Standards and Technology REFPROP data, and blends from 0% to 85% ethanol by mass have been tabulated. We have undertaken high-resolution three-dimensional numerical simulations of cavitating flow in a 500-µm-diameter submerged nozzle using the in-house HRMFoam homogeneous relaxation model constructed from the OpenFOAM toolkit. The simulations are conducted at 1 MPa inlet pressure and atmospheric outlet pressure, corresponding to a cavitation number range of 1.066–1.084 and a Reynolds number range of 15,000–40,000. For the pure gasoline case, the numerical simulations are compared with synchrotron X-ray radiography measurements. Despite significant variation in the fluid properties, the distribution of cavitation vapor in the nozzle is relatively unaffected by the gasoline–ethanol ratio. The vapor remains attached to the nozzle wall, resulting in an unstable annular two-phase jet in the outlet. Including turbulence at the conditions studied does not significantly change mixing behavior, because the thermal nonequilibrium at the vapor–liquid interfaces acts to low-pass filter the turbulent fluctuations in both the nozzle boundary layer and jet mixing layer.
‘Frozen’ media subsidies during a time of media change: A comparative analysis of media policy drift in six Western democracies
Authors: Nielsen Rasmus Kleis
Published: October 2013

Media systems around the world have changed in significant ways in the early 21st century. In this article, I analyse how various forms of media subsidies have changed in response to these transformations in a sample of six different affluent democracies. On the basis of interviews, official documents and secondary sources, I show that media subsidies have largely remained frozen in their late-20th century form. The absence of major reform means that media subsidies are increasingly subject to policy drift, a process by which the operations and effectiveness of policies change not because of deliberate reform, but because of changing conditions on the ground. Analysis of interviews with relevant stakeholders suggests that the main obstacles to reform across all six countries are: (1) limited political attention to the problem; (2) strong incumbent industries protecting their interests; and (3) a perceived shortage of desirable, cost-effective, and governable alternatives to existing policies.
Energy retrofit using vacuum insulation panels: An alternative solution for enhancing the thermal performance of wood-frame walls
Authors: Saber Hamed H , Maref Wahid , Gnanamurugan Ganapathy , Nicholls Mike
Published: October 2013

Field monitorings of thermal performance of residential 2 x 6 wood-frame wall systems that had been retrofitted using vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) and extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) panels were undertaken in May 2011 – May 2012 at the Field Exposure of Walls Facility (FEWF) of NRC-Construction. The main objective of this research was to measure the steady-state and transient thermal performance of three wall assemblies (4 ft x 6 ft), two of which incorporated VIPs within an XPS Tongue and Groove (T&G) configuration and VIPs within an XPS Clip-On (C-O) configuration, and a third assembly incorporating only XPS. The three wall assemblies were installed in the FEWF for 1-year cycle of exposure to outdoor natural weather conditions. The hygIRC-C model was used in this study. The results of the model calculations were in good agreement with the experimental data. Given that the VIPs could be punctured during the installation process or could fail during normal operating conditions, additional model calculations were used to predict the thermal resistance in cases where one or more VIPs failed. The model was also used to predict the yearly cumulative heat losses across these wall systems. It is important to point out that the aging effect and the effect of the thermal bridging due to envelope (i.e. skin) of the VIPs are not accounted for in this study. However, sensitivity analysis of the thickness and thermal conductivity of the VIP envelope was conducted to investigate the effect of these parameters on the effective thermal resistance of VIP.
Left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy: updated review
Authors: Udeoji Dioma U. , Philip Kiran J. , Morrissey Ryan P. , Phan Anita , Schwarz Ernst R.
Published: October 2013

The first case of noncompaction was described in 1932 after an autopsy performed on a newborn infant with aortic atresia/coronary–ventricular fistula. Isolated noncompaction cardiomyopathy was first described in 1984. A review on selected/relevant medical literature was conducted using Pubmed from 1984 to 2013 and the pathogenesis, clinical features, and management are discussed. Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a relatively rare congenital condition that results from arrest of the normal compaction process of the myocardium during fetal development. LVNC shows variability in its genetic pattern, pathophysiologic findings, and clinical presentations. The genetic heterogeneity, phenotypical overlap, and variety in clinical presentation raised the suspicion that LVNC might just be a morphological variant of other cardiomyopathies, but the American Heart Association classifies LVNC as a primary genetic cardiomyopathy. The familiar type is common and follows a X-linked, autosomal-dominant, or mitochondrial-inheritance pattern (in children). LVNC can occur in isolation or coexist with other cardiac and/or systemic anomalies. The clinical presentations are variable ranging from asymptomatic patients to patients who develop ventricular arrhythmias, thromboembolism, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. Increased awareness over the last 25 years and improvements in technology have increased the identification of this illness and improved the clinical outcome and prognosis. LVNC is commonly diagnosed by echocardiography. Other useful diagnostic techniques for LVNC include cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, computerized tomography, and left ventriculography. Management is symptom based and patients with symptoms have a poorer prognosis. LVNC is a genetically heterogeneous disorder which can be associated with other anomalies. Making the correct diagnosis is important because of the possible associations and the need for long-term management and screening of living relatives.
Reducing diagnostic error
Authors: Roberts David , Ali Tariq
Published: October 2013

Diagnostic medical errors represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, and reflecting on the causes behind them can be a great source of learning to practitioners. Adverse medical events are costly and can have a dramatic impact, not only on patients themselves but also their loved ones. In addition, diagnostic interventions are becoming increasingly complex, potentially opening the door for greater iatrogenic harm. Health care services have recognised the need for action to improve patient safety and have implemented system-wide changes that have had far reaching benefits. However, measures focused on streamlining the thought processes required for accurate diagnosis have been more difficult to implement. Many cognitive errors are modifiable, making it possible for physicians to improve their diagnostic reliability. This article describes the types of errors that may be made when forming a diagnosis and suggests some strategies to reduce diagnostic error, hence improving clinical practice.
Latest developments and future directions in dengue vaccines
Authors: Thisyakorn Usa , Thisyakorn Chule
Published: October 2013

Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease which is currently an expanding global health problem. The disease is caused by four closely related viruses, the dengue virus. There are no specific dengue therapeutics and prevention is currently limited to vector control measures. Development of an effective tetravalent dengue vaccine would therefore represent a major advance in the control of the disease and is considered a high public health priority. While a licensed dengue vaccine is not yet available, the scope and intensity of dengue vaccine development has increased dramatically in the last decade. The uniqueness of the dengue viruses and the spectrum of disease resulting from infection have made dengue vaccine development difficult. Several vaccine candidates are currently being evaluated in clinical studies. The candidate currently at the most advanced clinical development stage, a live-attenuated tetravalent vaccine based on chimeric yellow fever dengue virus, has progressed to phase III efficacy studies. Several other live-attenuated vaccines, as well as subunit, DNA and purified inactivated vaccine candidates, are at earlier stages of clinical development. Additional technological approaches, such as virus-vectored and virus-like particle-based vaccines, are under evaluation in preclinical studies.
More Than a Game
Authors: Lewis Nicky , Weaver Andrew J.
Published: October 2013

Over the past several decades, media coverage of both professional and nonprofessional athletes has reached unprecedented levels. Previously unreported information about these individuals, including their behavior on and off the field, is now massively disseminated to the public for consumption. Although the extensive amount of media coverage often focuses on the athletes’ in-game performances, other information related to their individual characteristics and personal lives can be featured as well. Sports journalists can and do employ various frames that emphasize specific content in their stories; but the influence these frames have on subsequent audience evaluations pertaining to the athletes featured within them is unknown. This study will explore several important factors in the attitude formation process, including features of the media coverage itself, characteristics of the featured athletes, and characteristics of the processing audience. Implications for content producers in the media industry and directions for future research are discussed.
Central Executive Dysfunction and Deferred Prefrontal Processing in Veterans With Gulf War Illness
Authors: Hubbard Nicholas A. , Hutchison Joanna L. , Motes Michael A. , Shokri-Kojori Ehsan , Bennett Ilana J. , Brigante Ryan M. , Haley Robert W. , Rypma Bart
Published: October 2013

Gulf War Illness is associated with toxic exposure to cholinergic-disruptive chemicals. The cholinergic system has been shown to mediate the central executive of working memory. In the current work, we propose that impairment of the cholinergic system in Gulf War Illness patients (GWIPs) leads to behavioral and neural deficits of the central executive of working memory. A large sample of GWIPs and matched control participants underwent functional MRI during a varied-load working memory task. Compared with matched control participants, GWIPs showed a greater decline in performance as working memory demand increased. Functional imaging results suggested that GWIPs evinced separate processing strategies, deferring prefrontal cortex activity from encoding to retrieval for high-demand conditions. Greater activity during high-demand encoding predicted greater working memory performance. Behavioral data suggest that working memory executive strategies are impaired in GWIPs. Functional data further support this hypothesis and suggest that GWIPs use less effective strategies during high-demand working memory.
The zebrafish granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (Gcsfs): 2 paralogous cytokines and their roles in hematopoietic development and maintenance
Authors: Stachura David L. , Svoboda Ondřej , Campbell Clyde A. , Espín-Palazón Raquel , Lau Ryan P. , Zon Leonard I. , Bartůněk Petr , Traver David
Published: October 2013

Key Points

Two Gcsf ligands function redundantly through the Gcsf receptor to promote myelopoiesis in zebrafish. Gcsf signaling is required for HSPC emergence and expansion in zebrafish.
CYP2B6*6 is an independent determinant of inferior response to fludarabine plus cyclophosphamide in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Johnson Gillian G. , Lin Ke , Cox Trevor F. , Oates Melanie , Sibson David R. , Eccles Richard , Lloyd Bryony , Gardiner Laura-Jayne , Carr Daniel F. , Pirmohamed Munir , Strefford Jonathan C. , Oscier David G. , Gonzalez de Castro David , Else Monica , Catovsky Daniel , Pettitt Andrew R.
Published: October 2013

Key Points

Therapeutic response in CLL can be influenced by host pharmacogenetics.
Dynamical modelling of phenotypes in a genome-wide RNAi live-cell imaging assay
Authors: Pau Gregoire , Walter Thomas , Neumann Beate , Hériché Jean-Karim , Ellenberg Jan , Huber Wolfgang
Published: October 2013

Background

The combination of time-lapse imaging of live cells with high-throughput perturbation assays is a powerful tool for genetics and cell biology. The Mitocheck project employed this technique to associate thousands of genes with transient biological phenotypes in cell division, cell death and migration. The original analysis of these data proceeded by assigning nuclear morphologies to cells at each time-point using automated image classification, followed by description of population frequencies and temporal distribution of cellular states through event-order maps. One of the choices made by that analysis was not to rely on temporal tracking of the individual cells, due to the relatively low image sampling frequency, and to focus on effects that could be discerned from population-level behaviour.

Results

Here, we present a variation of this approach that employs explicit modelling by dynamic differential equations of the cellular state populations. Model fitting to the time course data allowed reliable estimation of the penetrance and time of appearance of four types of disruption of the cell cycle: quiescence, mitotic arrest, polynucleation and cell death. Model parameters yielded estimates of the duration of the interphase and mitosis phases. We identified 2190 siRNAs that induced a disruption of the cell cycle at reproducible times, or increased the durations of the interphase or mitosis phases.

Conclusions

We quantified the dynamic effects of the siRNAs and compiled them as a resource that can be used to characterize the role of their target genes in cell death, mitosis and cell cycle regulation. The described population-based modelling method might be applicable to other large-scale cell-based assays with temporal readout when only population-level measures are available.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Coffee component hydroxyl hydroquinone (HHQ) as a putative ligand for PPAR gamma and implications in breast cancer
Authors: Shashni Babita , Sharma Karun , Singh Rumani , Sakharkar Kishore R , Dhillon Sarinder K , Nagasaki Yukio , Sakharkar Meena K
Published: October 2013

Background

Coffee contains several compounds that have the potential to influence breast cancer risk and survival. However, epidemiologic data on the relation between coffee compounds and breast cancer survival are sparse and inconsistent.

Results

We show that coffee component HHQ has significant apoptotic effect on MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells in vitro, and that ROS generation, change in mitochondrial membrane permeability, upregulation of Bax and Caspase-8 as well as down regulation of PGK1 and PKM2 expression may be important apoptosis-inducing mechanisms. The results suggest that PPARγ ligands may serve as potential therapeutic agents for breast cancer therapy. HHQ was also validated as a ligand for PPARγ by docking procedure.

Conclusion

This is the first report on the anti-breast cancer (in vitro) activity of HHQ.
Influence of zoledronic acid on disseminated tumor cells in bone marrow and survival: results of a prospective clinical trial
Authors: Banys Malgorzata , Solomayer Erich-Franz , Gebauer Gerhard , Janni Wolfgang , Krawczyk Natalia , Lueck Hans-Joachim , Becker Sven , Huober Jens , Kraemer Bernhard , Wackwitz Birgit , Hirnle Peter , Wallwiener Diethelm , Fehm Tanja
Published: October 2013

Background

The presence of disseminated tumor cells (DTC) in bone marrow (BM) of breast cancer patients is associated with reduced clinical outcome. Bisphosphonate treatment was shown to eradicate DTC from BM in several studies. This controlled randomized open-label multi-center study aimed to investigate the influence of zoledronic acid (ZOL) on DTC and survival of breast cancer patients (Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT00172068).

Methods

Patients with primary breast cancer and DTC-positive bone marrow were randomized to treatment with ZOL plus adjuvant systemic therapy (n = 40) or adjuvant systemic therapy alone (n = 46) between 03/2002 and 12/2004. DTC were identified by immunocytochemistry using the pancytokeratin antibody A45B/B3 and by cytomorphology. The change in DTC numbers at 12 months and 24 months versus baseline, as well as patient outcomes were evaluated.

Results

86 patients could be included into survival analysis (median follow-up: 88 months, range: 8–108 mths). Patients in the control group were more likely to die during follow-up than those in the ZOL-group (11% vs. 2%, p = 0.106). 15% of patients in the control group presented with relapse whereas only 8% of ZOL group patients developed metastatic or recurrent disease during follow-up (p = 0.205). At 24 months, 16% of patients from the control group were still DTC positive, whereas all patients treated with ZOL became DTC negative (p = 0.032). Patients presenting with persistent DTC 12 months after diagnosis had significantly shorter overall survival (p = 0.011).

Conclusions

Bisphosphonate therapy contributes to eradication of disseminated tumor cells. The positive influence of bisphosphonates on survival in the adjuvant setting may be due to their effects on DTC.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00172068 [Zoledronic Acid in the Treatment of Breast Cancer With Minimal Residual Disease in the Bone Marrow (MRD-1)].
Clinical and microbiological profile of infectious keratitis in children
Authors: Chirinos-Saldaña Patricia , Bautista de Lucio Victor Manuel , Hernandez-Camarena Julio Cesar , Navas Alejandro , Ramirez-Miranda Arturo , Vizuet-Garcia Lizet , Ortiz-Casas Mariana , Lopez-Espinosa Nadia , Gaona-Juarez Carolina , Bautista-Hernandez Luis Antonio , Graue-Hernandez Enrique O
Published: October 2013

Background

Infectious keratitis is a sight-threatening condition for children. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical profile, risk factors and microbiological profile of infectious keratitis in children.

Methods

Retrospective review of clinical records of patients under 16 years of age with history of microbial keratitis seen at a tertiary referral center. Clinical characteristics, risk factors, visual and surgical outcomes as well as the microbiological profile are analyzed.

Results

Forty-one eyes of 41 patients. Mean age was 8.7 years. Time between the onset of symptoms and ophthalmological examination was 12.7 days. Predisposing factors were found in 78%; ocular trauma was the most common (25%). Visual acuity equal or worse than 20/200 at admission correlated positively with a poorer visual outcome, p=0.002. Positivity of cultures was 34%. Gram-positive bacteria were isolated in 78.5%;Staphylococcus epidermidis(28.6%) was the most common microorganism.

Conclusions

Our study emphasizes the importance of a prompt diagnosis and treatment of infectious corneal ulcers in children. Trauma and contact lenses were the main predisposing factors. Gram-positive organisms were isolated in the vast majority of cases and visual outcomes are usually poor.
Two polymorphisms (rs699947, rs2010963) in the VEGFA gene and diabetic retinopathy: an updated meta-analysis
Authors: Lu Yan , Ge Yirui , Shi Yuhua , Yin Jie , Huang Zhenping
Published: October 2013

Background

The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA) gene has been suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). However, the results have been inconsistent. In this study, we performed a meta-analysis to clarify the associations between VEGFA polymorphisms and DR risk.

Methods

Published literature from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Google Scholar were retrieved. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using fixed- or random-effects model.

Results

A total of eight studies (1204 cases and 1198 controls) for rs699947 polymorphism and ten studies (1666 cases and 1782 controls) for rs2010963 polymorphism were included in the meta-analysis. The results suggested that rs699947 polymorphism was marginally associated with DR under a homogeneous co-dominant model (AA vs. CC: OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.03-2.77, p = 0.040) and a dominant model (AA + AC vs. CC: OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.01-1.90, p = 0.040), whereas the association between rs2010963 polymorphism and DR was not significant under all genetic models (all p > 0.05). In the subgroup analysis, the effect size for rs699947 polymorphism was only marginally significant among European populations under a dominant model (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.07–2.02, p = 0.018), but not among East Asians. After exclusion of outliers which were the source of between-study heterogeneity, there was significant association between rs699947 polymorphism and DR under a homogeneous co-dominant model (OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.18-2.28, p = 0.003), even after multiple comparison correction.

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis confirmed the significant association between rs699947 polymorphism and DR after exclusion of outliers, and rs2010963 polymorphism might be not associated with DR.
A case–control study of maternal bathing habits and risk for birth defects in offspring
Authors: Agopian AJ , Waller D Kim , Lupo Philip J , Canfield Mark A , Mitchell Laura E
Published: October 2013

Background

Nearly all women shower or take baths during early pregnancy; however, bathing habits (i.e., shower and bath length and frequency) may be related to the risk of maternal hyperthermia and exposure to water disinfection byproducts, both of which are suspected to increase risk for multiple types of birth defects. Thus, we assessed the relationships between bathing habits during pregnancy and the risk for several nonsyndromic birth defects in offspring.

Methods

Data for cases with one of 13 types of birth defects and controls from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study delivered during 2000–2007 were evaluated. Logistic regression analyses were conducted separately for each type of birth defect.

Results

There were few associations between shower frequency or bath frequency or length and risk for birth defects in offspring. The risk for gastroschisis in offspring was increased among women who reported showers lasting ≥15 compared to <15 minutes (adjusted odds ratio: 1.43, 95% confidence interval: 1.18-1.72). In addition, we observed modest increases in the risk for spina bifida, cleft lip with or without cleft palate, and limb reduction defects in offspring of women who showered ≥15 compared to <15 minutes. The results of comparisons among more specific categories of shower length (i.e., <15 minutes versus 15–19, 20–29, and ≥ 30 minutes) were similar.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that shower length may be associated with gastroschisis, but the modest associations with other birth defects were not supported by analyses of bath length or bath or shower frequency. Given that showering for ≥15 minutes during pregnancy is very common, further evaluation of the relationship between maternal showering habits and birth defects in offspring is worthwhile.
Exposure to aircraft and road traffic noise and associations with heart disease and stroke in six European countries: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Floud Sarah , Blangiardo Marta , Clark Charlotte , de Hoogh Kees , Babisch Wolfgang , Houthuijs Danny , Swart Wim , Pershagen Göran , Katsouyanni Klea , Velonakis Manolis , Vigna-Taglianti Federica , Cadum Ennio , Hansell Anna L
Published: October 2013

Background

Although a number of studies have found an association between aircraft noise and hypertension, there is a lack of evidence on associations with other cardiovascular disease. For road traffic noise, more studies are available but the extent of possible confounding by air pollution has not been established.

Methods

This study used data from the Hypertension and Environmental Noise near Airports (HYENA) study. Cross-sectional associations between self-reported ‘heart disease and stroke’ and aircraft noise and road traffic noise were examined using data collected between 2004 and 2006 on 4712 participants (276 cases), who lived near airports in six European countries (UK, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Greece, Italy). Data were available to assess potential confounding by NO2 air pollution in a subsample of three countries (UK, Netherlands, Sweden).

Results

An association between night-time average aircraft noise and ‘heart disease and stroke’ was found after adjustment for socio-demographic confounders for participants who had lived in the same place for ≥ 20 years (odds ratio (OR): 1.25 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03, 1.51) per 10 dB (A)); this association was robust to adjustment for exposure to air pollution in the subsample. 24 hour average road traffic noise exposure was associated with ‘heart disease and stroke’ (OR: 1.19 (95% CI 1.00, 1.41), but adjustment for air pollution in the subsample suggested this may have been due to confounding by air pollution. Statistical assessment (correlations and variance inflation factor) suggested only modest collinearity between noise and NO2 exposures.

Conclusions

Exposure to aircraft noise over many years may increase risks of heart disease and stroke, although more studies are needed to establish how much the risks associated with road traffic noise may be explained by air pollution.
Expression of epidermal growth factor receptor is an independent prognostic factor for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Qifeng , Zhu Hongxia , Xiao Zefen , Zhang Wencheng , Liu Xiao , Zhang Xun , He Jie , Sun Kelin , Wang Lvhua , Xu Ningzhi
Published: October 2013

Background

The overall survival of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains poor. Prognostic predictions in ESCC are usually based on histological assessment of tumor invasion and lymph node metastasis, but a biomarker with better predictive accuracy could be more useful. Because overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been associated with poor prognosis, this study investigated whether EGFR is an independent prognostic factor for overall survival and disease-free survival of ESCC patients.

Methods

ESCC tissue specimens from 243 patients obtained during surgical resection between 1980 and 1997 were retrieved for immunohistochemical analysis of EGFR expression.

Results

The data showed that EGFR protein was overexpressed in 187 of 243 (77%) ESCC tissues. Elevated expression was associated with higher pathologic tumor stages (P = 0.001), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.002), and higher Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) stage (P <0.0001), as well as poorer disease-free survival and overall survival of ESCC patients (P <0.0001). A multivariate analysis showed that overexpression of EGFR protein was an independent factor for disease-free survival (P = 0.003) and overall survival (P = 0.001) of these patients. Subgroup analysis of patients with stage IIA (UICC 2002) showed that EGFR overexpression was associated with poorer disease-free survival (P = 0.007) and overall survival (P = 0.010) of the patients in univariate analyses.

Conclusions

The current study demonstrated that EGFR overexpression was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival and disease-free survival of ESCC patients. However, targeting of EGFR activity using gefitinib or erlotinib could be useful for clinical treatment of ESCC patients.
Expression profile of host restriction factors in HIV-1 elite controllers
Authors: Abdel-Mohsen Mohamed , Raposo Rui André Saraiva , Deng Xutao , Li Manqing , Liegler Teri , Sinclair Elizabeth , Salama Mohamed S , Ghanem Hussam El-din A , Hoh Rebecca , Wong Joseph K , David Michael , Nixon Douglas F , Deeks Steven G , Pillai Satish K
Published: October 2013

Background

Several host-encoded antiviral factors suppress HIV-1 replication in a cell-autonomous fashion in vitro. The relevance of these defenses to the control of HIV-1 in vivo remains to be elucidated. We hypothesized that cellular restriction of HIV-1 replication plays a significant role in the observed suppression of HIV-1 in "elite controllers", individuals who maintain undetectable levels of viremia in the absence of antiretroviral therapy (ART). We comprehensively compared the expression levels of 34 host restriction factors and cellular activation levels in CD4+ T cells and sorted T cell subsets between elite controllers, HIV-1-infected (untreated) non-controllers, ART-suppressed, and uninfected individuals.

Results

Expression of schlafen 11, a codon usage-based inhibitor of HIV-1 protein synthesis, was significantly elevated in CD4+ T cells from elite controllers as compared to both non-controllers (p = 0.048) and ART-suppressed individuals (p = 0.024), with this effect most apparent in central memory CD4+ T cells. Schlafen 11 expression levels were comparable between controllers and uninfected individuals. Cumulative restriction factor expression was positively correlated with CD4+ T cell activation (r2 = 0.597, p < 0.0001), viral load (r2 = 0.34, p = 0.015), and expression of ISG15 (r2 = 0.73, p < 0.0001), a marker of interferon exposure. APOBEC3C, APOBEC3D, CTR9, TRIM26, and TRIM32 were elevated in elite controllers with respect to ART-suppressed individuals, while levels were comparable to uninfected individuals and non-controllers.

Conclusions

Host restriction factor expression typically scales with cellular activation levels. However, the elevated mRNA and protein expression of schlafen 11, despite low activation and viral load, violates the global pattern and may be a signature characteristic of HIV-1 elite control.
Distribution and genetic diversity of Southern rice black-streaked dwarf viru s in China
Authors: Cheng Zhaobang , Li Shuo , Gao Ruizhen , Sun Feng , Liu Wancai , Zhou Guohui , Wu Jianxiang , Zhou Xueping , Zhou Yijun
Published: October 2013

Background

Rice and maize dwarf diseases caused by the newly introduced Southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus (SRBSDV) have led to severe economic losses in South China in recent years. The distribution and diversity of SRBSDV have not been investigated in the main rice and maize growing areas in China. In this study, the distribution of SRBSDV in China was determined by using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Results

Between 2009 and 2010, 2404 plant samples (2294 rice, 110 maize samples, and more than 300 cultivars) with dwarf symptoms were collected from fields in 194 counties of 17 provinces in China and SRBSDV was detected. The results indicated that 1545 (64.27%) of samples (both rice and maize) were infected with SRBSDV. SRBSDV was detected widely in Hainan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, Guizhou, Chongqing, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Hubei, Anhui, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces, which suggests SRBSDV is an important pathogen causing rice dwarfing diseases in South China. Phylogenetic analysis of 15 representative virus isolates revealed that SRBSDV isolates in China had high levels of nucleotide and amino acid sequence identities (>97.8%).

Conclusions

SRBSDV spreads naturally in Yangtze River basin and south region, the location of the major rice production areas. In comparison, the virus rarely spreads north of Yangtze River in North China. Distribution of SRBSDV is consistent with the migrating and existing ranges of its vector WBPH, suggesting that SRBSDV might be introduced into South China along with the migration of viruliferous WBPH.
Restrictions on antimicrobial use in food animal production: an international regulatory and economic survey
Authors: Maron Dina Fine , Smith Tyler JS , Nachman Keeve E
Published: October 2013

Background

The administration of antimicrobial drugs to food animals at low doses for extended durations for growth promotion and disease prevention has been linked to the global health crisis of antimicrobial resistance. Internationally, multiple jurisdictions have responded by restricting antimicrobial use for these purposes, and by requiring a veterinary prescription to use these drugs in food animals. Opponents of these policies have argued that restrictions have been detrimental to food animal production where they have been adopted.

Methods

We surveyed the antimicrobial use policies of 17 political jurisdictions outside of the United States with respect to growth promotion, disease prevention, and veterinary oversight, and reviewed the available evidence regarding their production impacts, including measures of animal health. Jurisdictions were included if they were a top-five importer of a major U.S. food animal product in 2011, as differences between the policies of the U.S. and other jurisdictions may lead to trade barriers to U.S. food animal product exports. Jurisdictions were also included if information on their policies was publicly available in English. We searched the peer-reviewed and grey literatures and corresponded with jurisdictions’ U.S. embassies, regulators, and local experts.

Results

Jurisdictions were categorized by whether they prohibit use of antimicrobials for growth promotion and/or use of antimicrobials without a veterinary prescription. Of the 17 jurisdictions surveyed, six jurisdictions have prohibited both types of use, five jurisdictions have prohibited one use but not the other use, and five jurisdictions have not prohibited either use, while information was not available for one jurisdiction. Data on the production impacts of these prohibitions were limited, although available data, especially from Denmark and Sweden, suggest that restrictions on growth promotion use can be implemented with minimal production consequences.

Conclusions

A majority of leading U.S. trade partners have more stringent policies regarding antibiotic use and veterinary oversight in food animal production. Available data suggest that restrictions on growth promotion may not be detrimental to production in the long run, although additional research could be useful. There is evidence that discordance between the U.S. and other jurisdictions with respect to antimicrobial use in food animals may be detrimental to U.S. access to export markets for food animal products. The available economic evidence strengthens the rationale for restricting antimicrobial use in U.S. food animals.