bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishing Early Enteral Nutrition With the Use of Self‐Advancing Postpyloric Feeding Tube in Critically Ill Children
Authors: Khlevner Julie , Antino Janice , Panesar Rahul , Chawla Anupama
Published: April 2012

Introduction: Early nutrition support is an integral part of the care of critically ill children. Early enteral nutrition (EN) improves nitrogen balance and prevents bacterial translocation and gut mucosal atrophy. Adequate EN is often not achieved as gastric feeds are not tolerated and placing postpyloric feeding tubes can be difficult. Spontaneous transpyloric passage of standard feeding tubes without endoscopic intervention or use of anesthesia can range from 30%−80%. The authors report on their experience with a 14Fr polyurethane self‐advancing jejunal feeding tube in a pediatric population. These tubes have been used in the adult population with success, but to the authors’ knowledge, there have been no reports of its use in the pediatric age group. Case Series: The authors present 7 critically ill patients 8–19 years old, admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit, in whom prolonged recovery, inability to tolerate gastric feeds, and dependence on ventilator were predicted at the outset. The jejunal feeding tube was successfully placed on first attempt at the bedside in all 7 patients within the first 24 hours without the use of a promotility agent or endoscopic intervention. Nutrition goal achieved within 48 hours of feeding tube placement was reported for each patient. This case series demonstrates that children fed via the small bowel reached their nutrition goal earlier and did not require parenteral nutrition. Conclusion: The self‐advancing jejunal feeding tube can be used effectively to establish early EN in critically ill children.
A Field Study of the Antecedents and Performance Consequences of Perceived Accountability
Authors: Mero Neal P. , Guidice Rebecca M. , Werner Steve
Published: April 2012

Building on theoretical and empirical work considering the implications of accountability on individual behavior, the authors explored the antecedents and consequences of individual perceptions of accountability for job performance. Using data from two field samples, the authors considered whether the manager’s monitoring behavior thought to enhance perceptions of accountability for behaviors and outcomes predicted greater perceived accountability for task performance and interpersonal facilitation performance. They also explored whether perceived accountability mediated the relationship between monitoring behavior and subsequent performance. Hierarchical linear modeling indicated that subordinates of managers whose monitoring behavior reinforced perceptions of accountability perceived greater accountability for performance and that this perception mediated the relationship between managerial monitoring behavior and performance. The implications of these results and directions for future research are discussed.
Breadwinning Moms, Caregiving Dads
Authors: Gaunt Ruth
Published: April 2012

This study explores the role of gender ideologies in moderating social judgments of gender norm violators. Three hundred and eleven participants evaluated a male or a female target who was either a primary breadwinner or a primary caregiver. Attributions of personal traits, moral emotions, and marital emotions were examined. Results showed that both traditional and egalitarian individuals applied a double standard when judging deviations from gendered family roles. However, and as predicted, traditional individuals evaluated the normative targets more favorably than the norm-violating targets, whereas egalitarians evaluated the norm-violating targets more favorably. These findings shed light on the important moderating role of gender ideologies and help account for the inconsistencies in previous findings regarding social judgments of gender norm violators.
Multigenerational Households and the School Readiness of Children Born to Unmarried Mothers
Authors: Augustine Jennifer March , Raley R. Kelly
Published: April 2012

Following the ongoing increase in nonmarital fertility, policy makers have looked for ways to limit the disadvantages faced by children of unmarried mothers. Recent initiatives included marriage promotion and welfare-to-work programs. Yet policy might also consider the promotion of three generational households. We know little about whether multigenerational households benefit children of unwed mothers, although they are mandated for unmarried teen mothers applying for welfare benefits. Multigenerational households are also becoming increasingly common. Thus, using data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics ( N = 217), this study examines whether grandparent-headed coresidential households benefit preschool-aged children’s school readiness, employing propensity score techniques to account for selection into these households. Findings reveal living with a grandparent is not associated with child outcomes for families that select into such arrangements but is positively associated with reading scores and behavior problems for families with a low propensity to coreside. The implications of these findings for policy are discussed.
The association between in-patient death, utilization of hospital resources and availability of palliative home care for cancer patients
Authors: Alonso-Babarro Alberto , Astray-Mochales Jenaro , Domínguez-Berjón Felicitas , Gènova-Maleras Ricard , Bruera Eduardo , Díaz-Mayordomo Antonio , Centeno Cortes Carlos
Published: April 2012

Background:

The impact of palliative home care programs on in-patient admissions and deaths has not been appropriately established.

Aim:

The main objectives of this study have been to evaluate the frequency of in-patient hospital deaths and the use of hospital resources among cancer patients in two areas of the Madrid Region, as well as to assess differences between one area with and one without a palliative home care team (PHCT) in those variables.

Design and setting:

We conducted a population-based study comparing two adjacent metropolitan areas of approximately 200,000 inhabitants each in the Madrid Region, Spain, measuring in-patient deaths, emergency room admissions and in-patient days among cancer patients who died in 2005. Only one of the two areas had a fully established PHCT.

Results:

524/549 cancer patients (95%) had an identified place of death: 74% died in hospital, 17% at home, 6% in an in-patient hospice and 3% in a nursing home. The frequency of hospital deaths was significantly lower among patients of the PHCT area (61% versus 77%, p < 0.001), as well as the number of patients using emergency and in-patient services (68% versus 79%, p = 0.004, and 66 versus 76%, p = 0.012, respectively). After adjusting for other factors, the risk of hospital death was lower among patients older than 80 (OR, 95% CI, 0.3, 0.1–0.5), higher among patients with hematological malignancies (OR 6.1, 2.0–18.9) and lower among patients of the PHCT area (OR 0.4, 0.2–0.6).

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that a PHCT is associated with reduced in-patient deaths and overall hospitalization over the last two months of life.
Delicious Peace Coffee
Authors: Auerbach Nancy Neiman
Published: April 2012

This article asserts the economic relevancy of human connectedness and community. It argues that if the goal of economics is to maximize human happiness, then approaches that directly address social phenomena and community building, rather than utility and income maximization by individual economic actors, are more promising and indeed “rational.” The fair trade movement, insofar as it supports community-based cooperatives, can play an important role in this process. However, the real story behind successful cooperatives is often more about the nature of the rural “peasant” community that supports it. Viewing economic decision making through the lens of the Mirembe Kawomera coffee cooperative in Uganda reveals a market that is socially embedded in a community rich in social capital, or more appropriately social productive power of labor, rather than one that constitutes a separate market sphere. When economic incentives encompass a more holistic set of costs and benefits, even those that may be less tangible, economic activity and strong community tend to be mutually reinforcing.

JEL codes: O,P,Q
Parental Warmth Amplifies the Negative Effect of Parental Hostility on Dating Violence
Authors: Simons Leslie Gordon , Simons Ronald L. , Lei Man-Kit , Hancock Donna L. , Fincham Frank D.
Published: April 2012

Past research has documented the positive association between parental hostility and offspring involvement in intimate partner violence. Researchers, practitioners, and parents typically adopt the standpoint that parental warmth may counter these negative lessons. However, Straus and colleagues argue that parents foster IPV to the extent that they teach their child that verbal and physical aggression are a normal and legitimate component of loving relationships. A strict interpretation of social learning theory would suggest that these lessons are more, not less, likely to occur when parental hostility is interspersed with displays of affection. The present study tests this idea using data from 2,088 undergraduate students from a large university in the Southeast. Consistent with Straus’ arguments, findings suggest that, rather than attenuating the negative effects of hostility, supportive interactions seem to amplify the probability that offspring will emulate aggressive behaviors in their own romantic relationships. The same is true for the effects of harsh parenting for women. It seems that the best way parents can avoid contributing to their child’s chances of being in a violent dating relationship is to eschew family interaction involving verbal and physical aggression.
Female Versus Male Perpetrated Femicide
Authors: Muftić Lisa R. , Baumann Miranda L.
Published: April 2012

Femicide, the murder of females (most often at the hands of males), is an understudied area in homicide research. Furthermore, femicide perpetrated by females has been all but ignored. One reason this may be is because of the rarity of homicide victimization perpetrated by females. Rather, most homicide incidents consist of a male offender and a male victim. When a homicide does involve a female, either as a victim or as an offender, the other party implicated is generally a male. The primary goal of the proposed study is to provide an in-depth, albeit exploratory, examination of female-perpetrated femicide. Using homicide data taken from the Dallas Homicide Unit, 403 cases of femicide will be analyzed, with special attention devoted to comparing female-perpetrated femicide incidents ( n = 39) against male-perpetrated femicide incidents ( n = 364). Specifically, the current study will explore the similarities and differences in sociodemographic characteristics of victims and suspects, offense characteristics, and offense circumstances. Contrary to what was expected, results, at first glance, seem to suggest an overwhelming similarity between femicide suspects and victims, irrespective of gender. However, when the relationship between victim and suspect is considered, distinct differences appear. Implications from these findings as well as limitations and suggestions for further research are discussed.
It’s Complicated
Authors: Cowan Renee L.
Published: April 2012

Human resource (HR) departments are typically tasked with hiring, firing, training, managing, and handling other personnel issues. HR professionals carry out many important organizational initiatives, including dealing with employee disputes, serving as a liaison between the employee and the organization, and drafting and enforcing organizational policies and procedures (Bohlander & Snell; Lewis & Rayner). One issue that has started to garner more attention in organizations across the globe and among HR professionals is the communication phenomenon of workplace bullying. Generally, academic researchers describe workplace bullying as an extreme, negative, and persistent form of workplace emotional abuse achieved primarily through verbal and nonverbal communication (Keashly & Jagatic; Lutgen-Sandvik). For HR professionals, the definition of workplace bullying could be much more complex. As workplace bullying is abuse primarily achieved through negative communication, communication researchers seem well suited to explore how HR professionals make sense of this issue.
Long-term persistence of Mediterranean pine forests in the Duero Basin (central Spain) during the Holocene: The case of Pinus pinaster Aiton
Authors: Morales-Molino César , Postigo-Mijarra José M , Morla Carlos , García-Antón Mercedes
Published: April 2012

In the southern Duero Basin of central Spain, there are vast areas of aeolian sand sheets and dune fields. A comprehensive survey of the sand quarries in this area identified a number of palaeosols in sedimentary sequences. The identification and AMS radiocarbon dating of soil charcoal fragments collected in these palaeosols indicate the persistence of Pinus pinaster in this area throughout most of the Holocene. Although potential natural vegetation models have usually considered the Pinus pinaster forests in this inland area of artificial origin, soil charcoal analysis provides firm evidence of a natural origin. Our data fit perfectly with the pattern of Holocene vegetation development for inland areas of Iberia, which are characterised by stability of pine forests throughout the Holocene. Finally, the growing body of palaeobotanical evidence from Iberia (macrofossils and pollen) is contributing to improve our knowledge of P. pinaster ecology, showing that this species has been present in most Iberian regions during the Holocene, where it has inhabited areas characterised by a very diverse set of climatic and soil conditions.
Secretory Carcinoma of Breast Demonstrates Nuclear or Cytoplasmic Expression in p63 Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Choi Junjeong , Kim Dokyung , Koo Ja Seung
Published: April 2012

The aim of this study was to evaluate the pattern of p63 expression and its implication in secretory carcinoma of the breast. Immunohistochemical staining for p63, p53, MDM2, and smooth muscle actin was performed in 7 cases of secretory carcinomas. Nuclear expression of p63 was observed in 3 cases, whereas staining against cytoplasmic and intraluminal secretory material were observed in 4 cases. p53 was expressed in 3 cases and MDM2 in 2 cases. The loss of myoepithelial cells was confirmed by immunohistochemical stain for smooth muscle actin in invasive secretory carcinomas. The pattern of expression of p63 in secretory carcinoma of the breast was revealed in nuclei or cytoplasm/secretory materials.
Religious Congregations’ Collaborations
Authors: Werber Laura , Derose Kathryn Pitkin , Domínguez Blanca X. , Mata Michael A.
Published: April 2012

This study explores how religious congregations interact with other community organizations to address health and, in particular, HIV-related needs within their membership and/or local communities. Case study data from a diverse sample of 14 urban congregations (6 Black, 4 Latino, 2 White, and 2 mixed race-ethnicity) indicate that they engaged in three types of relationships to conduct HIV and other health-related activities: (a) resources flowed to congregations from external entities, (b) resources flowed from congregations to external entities, and (c) congregations interacted with external entities. These types of relationships were present in roughly equal proportions; thus, congregations were not primarily the recipients of resources from other organizations in these interactions. Financial, material, and human capital resources were shared across these three relationship types, and the most common organization types that congregations were involved with for health efforts were prevention and social service organizations, health care providers, and other congregations. In addition, congregations tended to have more collaborative relationships with other faith-based organizations (FBOs) and tended to engage with non-FBOs more to either receive or provide resources. Results suggest that congregations contribute to community health by not only sponsoring health activities for their own members but also by providing specific support or resources to enhance the programming of other community organizations and collaborating with external organizations to sponsor congregation-based and community-based health activities.
Limited Evidence That Competitive Food and Beverage Practices Affect Adolescent Consumption Behaviors
Authors: Vericker Tracy C.
Published: April 2012

Childhood obesity is emerging as a considerable public health problem with no clear antidote. The school food environment is a potential intervention point for policy makers, with competitive food and beverage regulation as a possible policy lever. This research examines the link between competitive food and beverage availability in school and adolescent consumption patterns using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998-1999. Results from value-added multivariate regression models reveal limited evidence that competitive food policy affects fruit and vegetable consumption. Findings suggest a stronger link between competitive beverage policy and consumption of sweetened beverages for population subgroups.
Association of SNPs rs6498169 and rs10984447 with multiple sclerosis in Saudi patients: a model of the usefulness of familial aggregates in identifying genetic linkage in a multifactorial disease
Authors: Al Jumah M , Al Balwi M , Hussein M , Kojan S , Al Khathaami A , Al Fawaz M , Al Muzaini B , Jawhary A , Al Abdulkareem I
Published: April 2012

Objective: Genome-Wide association studies (GWAS) showed an association between subset of single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) and multiple sclerosis. Our study aims to study this association in Saudi familial multiple sclerosis patients.

Methods: Four subject groups were used in this study: sporadic MS (MS patients without family history), FMS (MS patients who have at least one family member diagnosed with MS), related controls (relatives of FMS patients who appear to be free of the disease) and independent controls (healthy volunteers). Subjects were genotyped for 15 SNPs. The variation in the genotype distribution was analyzed across study groups by using logistic regression.

Results: 342 subjects were included. 99 were in the sporadic MS group, 22 were FMS, 89 were related control, and 132 were independent control. SNPS rs3135388, rs7577363, rs1321172, rs6897932, rs6498169, rs12487066, and rs4763655were associated with MS when MS and independent control groups were compared. Same SNPS were identified but with stronger association when the FMS and independent control groups were compared. Finally, when the patients and the controls were selected from a much more homogenous genetic pool from which it would be expected that only SNPs highly linked to MS would persist, only two SNPs rs6498169[OR 4.26, CI (1.17 – 15.51)];, and rs10984447 [OR 13.63, CI(1.54, 120.83) ][were associated with MS.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that using a more homogenous genetic pool of cases and controls could help to identify the most significant MS-associated SNPs. Our finding is in agreement with other studies including larger sample size and more diverse populations.
Intramuscular interferon beta-1a is effective in Japanese patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis: a pre-treatment versus treatment comparison study of gadolinium-enhanced MRI brain lesions
Authors: Saida Takahiko , Itoyama Yasuto , Tashiro Kunio , Kira Jun-ichi , Hao Qi ,   the Interferon Beta-1a Multiple Sclerosis Study Group of Japan
Published: April 2012

Background and objective:

Interferon beta (IFNβ) is standard therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS). The efficacy of intramuscular (IM) IFNβ-1a (AVONEX®) was assessed in 25 Japanese patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS).

Methods:

Patients with RRMS not previously treated with IFNβ or other disease-modifying therapies were included in this 36-week study. The primary outcome was the average total number of gadolinium-enhanced lesions detected on four brain MRI scans during the last 12 weeks of 24 weeks’ treatment with IM IFNβ-1a 30 μg once weekly compared with the number during the 12-week pre-treatment period. Lesions were counted by blinded investigators.

Results:

IM IFNβ-1a significantly decreased the median number of gadolinium-enhanced lesions from 2.5 to 0.3 ( p < 0.0001) compared with pre-treatment values. The median number of new gadolinium-enhanced lesions also decreased significantly from 2.0 to 0.3 ( p = 0.0002). Serum neopterin was induced in a manner similar to that observed previously in a Caucasian RRMS population. No new adverse events occurred during the study.

Conclusion:

This first study of IM IFNβ-1a in Japanese patients with RRMS demonstrated a level of efficacy similar to that reported in Caucasian patients based on an assessment of pre-treatment and post-treatment gadolinium-enhanced lesions.
Neurofilaments as biomarkers in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Teunissen Charlotte E , Khalil Michael
Published: April 2012

Neurodegeneration is the correlate of disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS) and thus biological biomarkers that sensitively reflect this process are much needed. Neurofilament protein subunits are potential cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers for disease progression in MS. We argue that the neurofilament light subunit can reflect acute axonal damage mediated by inflammatory mechanisms and can imply prognostic value for conversion from clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) to definite MS. The neurofilament heavy subunit may rather reflect chronic irreversible damage and has prognostic value for disease progression or disability. The neurofilament intermediate subunit has not yet been studied. Recent studies showing higher neurofilament light or heavy subunit levels to be altered upon treatment regimes indicate their potential clinical value in monitoring treatment or side effects. Future studies should be aimed at the optimisation, standardisation and interlaboratory implementation of the assays and address the predictive value of these biomarkers.
Shifting analytic ontology: using I-poems in qualitative longitudinal research
Authors: Edwards Rosalind , Weller Susie
Published: April 2012

In this article we highlight the way that different qualitative analytic methods implicitly place the interpretive analyst in different sorts of relationship to their interview subject and their data. The process of data analysis constructs an analytic mode of being in relation to the interviewee and their social reality. In particular, we illustrate this point through a detailed consideration of the analytic process involved in producing I-poems from qualitative longitudinal interview data (derived from Gilligan and colleagues’ ‘Listening Guide’), to explore change and continuity in a case study young person’s sense of self over time. We contrast how we understood those changes and continuities through the different analytic angles provided by the gaze of thematic analysis and the voices identified through I-poems.
A solution to separation for clustered binary data
Authors: Abrahantes José Cortiñas , Aerts Marc
Published: April 2012

The presence of one or more covariates that perfectly or almost perfectly predict the outcome of interest (which is referred to as complete or quasi-complete separation, the latter denoting the case when such perfect prediction occurs only for a subset of observations in the data) has been extensively studied in the last four decades. Since 1984, when Albert and Anderson (1984) differentiated between complete and quasi-complete separation, several authors have studied this phenomenon and tried to provide answers or ways of identifying the problem (Lesaffre and Albert, 1989; Firth, 1993; Christmann and Rousseeuw, 2001; Rousseeuw and Christmann, 2003; Allison, 2004; Zorn, 2005; Heinze, 2006). From an estimation perspective, separation leads to infinite coefficients and standard errors, which makes the algorithm collapse or give inappropriate results. As a practical matter, separation forces the analyst to choose from a number of problematic alternatives for dealing with the problem, and in the past the elimination of such problematic variables were common practice to deal with such situations. In the last decade, solutions using penalized likelihood have been proposed, but always dealing with independent binary data. Here we will propose a Bayesian solution to the problem when we deal with clustered binary data using informative priors that are supported by the data and compare it with an alternative procedure proposed by Gelman et al. (2008).
Estimation of traffic matrices in the presence of long memory traffic
Authors: Conti PL , De Giovanni L , Naldi M
Published: April 2012

The estimation of traffic matrices in a communications network on the basis of a set of traffic measurements on the network links is a well-known problem, for which a number of solutions have been proposed when the traffic does not show dependence over time, as in the case of the Poisson process. However, extensive measurements campaigns conducted on IP networks have shown that the traffic exhibits long range dependence. Here a method is proposed for the estimation of traffic matrices in the case of long range dependence, and its theoretical properties are studied. Its merits are then evaluated via a simulation study. Finally, an application to real data is provided.
In Pursuit of Sustainable Leadership
Authors: Perrakis Athena , Martinez Cynthia
Published: April 2012

The Problem.

The purpose of this study is to explore how tenured female faculty members with young children negotiate personal and professional roles as department chairs. In addition, this study explores how, if at all, these women’s family and childcare responsibilities have influenced their career aspirations within the academy.

The Solution.

Findings reveal that role management, mentorship from deans, and sustainability of a lifestyle conducive to work–life balance are critical for female department chairs with children to thrive in their roles. Family-friendly policies in organizations must be combined with mentorship and genuine efforts to holistically support women and their multiple roles, both at home and at work.

The Stakeholders.

The results of this study provide important perspectives for women who aspire to move up to the administrative ranks while raising a family and for senior academic leaders and others (e.g., human resource development [HRD] practitioners) who can serve as mentors to working mothers.
Leveling Up
Authors: Page Richard
Published: April 2012

A common way theorists look at virtual worlds is to see them as spaces separated from the real world; other theorists challenge this position by arguing that life online often crosses the threshold between the real and the virtual. Here, the author argues that the problem of the division between the real and the virtual has its roots in a philosophical distinction between the transcendent and the immanent. This article examines ethical controversies in the Chinese massively multiplayer online game Zhengtu, a popular “freemium” game in which the players who spend the most real-world money become the most powerful. Drawing on player’s ethical judgments and classical Chinese philosophy, the author sees how Chinese gamers do not see the game world as an opportunity to create an alternative self, but instead are encouraged to use the game to improve their holistic selves, a project which is inevitably connected to Beijing’s neoliberal goals.
Comparison of step-cut and Pulvertaft attachment for flexor tendon graft: a biomechanics evaluation in an in vitro canine model
Authors: Hashimoto T. , Thoreson A. R. , An K.-N. , Amadio P. C. , Zhao C.
Published: April 2012

The purpose of this study was to compare two different methods of joining tendons of similar and dissimilar sizes between recipient and donor tendons for flexor tendon grafts. Flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) and peroneus longus (PL) canine tendons were harvested and divided into four groups. The repair technique we compared was a step-cut (SC) suture and a Pulvertaft weave (PW). FDP tendons were significantly larger in diameter than PL tendons ( p < 0.05). The volume of the SC repairs using either FDP or PL tendon as a graft was significantly smaller than PW repairs ( p < 0.05). The ultimate load to failure and repair stiffness in FDP graft tendons significantly increased compared with the PL graft tendons ( p < 0.05). The SC suture can be used as an alternative to the PW, with similar strength and less bulk for repairs using graft tendons of similar diameter. Surgeons should be aware of the effect of graft tendon size and repair method on strength and bulk when performing flexor tendon grafts.
Risk factors in lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow): a case-control study
Authors: Titchener A. G. , Fakis A. , Tambe A. A. , Smith C. , Hubbard R. B. , Clark D. I.
Published: April 2012

Lateral epicondylitis is a common condition, but relatively little is known about its aetiology and associated risk factors. We have undertaken a large case-control study using The Health Improvement Network database to assess and quantify the relative contributions of some constitutional and environmental risk factors for lateral epicondylitis in the community. Our dataset included 4998 patients with lateral epicondylitis who were individually matched with a single control by age, sex, and general practice. The median age at diagnosis was 49 (interquartile range 42–56) years . Multivariate analysis showed that the risk factors associated with lateral epicondylitis were rotator cuff pathology (OR 4.95), De Quervain’s disease (OR 2.48), carpal tunnel syndrome (OR 1.50), oral corticosteroid therapy (OR 1.68), and previous smoking history (OR 1.20). Diabetes mellitus, current smoking, trigger finger, rheumatoid arthritis, alcohol intake, and obesity were not found to be associated with lateral epicondylitis.
Radiation treatment for patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer
Authors: Greene David E. , Mayadev Jyoti S. , Valicenti Richard K.
Published: April 2012

Around 70% of men presenting with prostate cancer will have organ-confined disease, with the majority presenting with low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer. This article reviews the evidence supporting the current standard of care in radiation oncology for the evaluation and management of men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer. Dose escalation, hormonal therapy, combined modality therapy, and modern techniques for the delivery of radiation therapy are reviewed.
A short review: Recent advances in electrospinning for bone tissue regeneration
Authors: Shin Song-Hee , Purevdorj Odnoo , Castano Oscar , Planell Josep A , Kim Hae-Won
Published: April 2012

Nanofibrous structures developed by electrospinning technology provide attractive extracellular matrix conditions for the anchorage, migration, and differentiation of tissue cells, including those responsible for the regeneration of hard tissues. Together with the ease of set up and cost-effectiveness, the possibility to produce nanofibers with a wide range of compositions and morphologies is the merit of electrospinning. Significant efforts have exploited the development of bone regenerative nanofibers, which includes tailoring of composite/hybrid compositions that are bone mimicking and the surface functionalization such as mineralization. Moreover, by utilizing bioactive molecules such as adhesive proteins, growth factors, and chemical drugs, in concert with the nanofibrous matrices, it is possible to provide artificial materials with improved cellular responses and therapeutic efficacy. These studies have mainly focused on the regulation of stem cell behaviors for use in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. While there are some challenges in achieving controllable delivery of bioactive molecules and complex-shaped three-dimensional scaffolds for tissue engineering, the electrospun nanofibrous matrices can still have a beneficial impact in the area of hard-tissue regeneration.
From the Alphabet to the Web
Authors: La Rocca Gevisa
Published: April 2012

The article discusses the issues of social and cultural construction of the concepts of time, space, and thought. This analysis is matched by a parallel between the physics and those of communication. To be used as a reference is the shift from the Newtonian conception of time and space to the one proposed by Einstein. In fact, the concepts of space and time outlined in Newtonian physics well befits to what is the cultural and experiential that outlines M. McLuhan in his description of the aural and visual culture—an examination that, starting from the introduction of the alphabet, takes us to Gutenberg and the electric media. The revolution introduced by Einstein seems similar to the one that goes to the concepts of time, space, and thought with the advent of the Net. This article includes a review of the literature on the subject, through the lesson of Meyrowitz, McLuhan, Innis, Castells, Appadurai, Manovich, Berners-Lee to get to Carr. Facing this path is referred to as the birth of the hypertext moment of transition from linear thinking to the reticular.
Outcome of relapsed adult lymphoblastic leukemia depends on response to salvage chemotherapy, prognostic factors, and performance of stem cell transplantation
Authors: Gökbuget Nicola , Stanze Daniel , Beck Joachim , Diedrich Helmut , Horst Heinz-August , Hüttmann Andreas , Kobbe Guido , Kreuzer Karl-Anton , Leimer Lothar , Reichle Albrecht , Schaich Markus , Schwartz Stefan , Serve Hubert , Starck Michael , Stelljes Matthias , Stuhlmann Reingard , Viardot Andreas , Wendelin Knut , Freund Mathias , Hoelzer Dieter
Published: April 2012

Despite improvements in first-line therapies, published results on the treatment of relapsed adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) show that prognosis is still poor. The aim of the present retrospective analysis of the German Multicenter Study Group for Adult ALL was to identify prognostic factors and options for improvement. A total of 547 patients with a median age of 33 years (range, 15-55) experiencing their first relapse (406 vs 141 shorter or longer than 18 months from diagnosis) were evaluated. The aim of salvage therapy was to achieve a complete remission (CR) with subsequent a stem cell transplantation (SCT). The CR rate (assessed in Philadelphia chromosome– and BCR-ABL–negative ALL without CNS involvement) after the first salvage in relapse after chemotherapy (n = 224) was 42%. After failure of first salvage (n = 82), the CR rate after second salvage was 33%. In relapse after SCT (n = 48) the CR rate after first salvage was 23%. The median overall survival after relapse was 8.4 months and survival was 24% at 3 years. Prognostic factors for survival were relapse localization, response to salvage, performance of SCT, and age. Overall survival appeared superior compared with previously published studies, likely because of the high rate of SCT in the present study (75%). Further improvement may be achieved with earlier relapse detection and experimental approaches in early relapse. The study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00199056 and NCT00198991.
EGFR protein overexpression correlates with chromosome 7 polysomy and poor prognostic parameters in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Đorđević Gordana , Matušan Ilijaš Koviljka , Hadžisejdić Ita , Maričić Anton , Grahovac Blaženka , Jonjić Nives
Published: April 2012

Background

The role of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFR) in the pathogenesis and progression of various malignant tumors has long been known, but there is still disagreement concerning prognostic significance of EGFR expression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC). The present study was designed to analyze more objectively the protein EGFR expression in CCRCC and to compare its value with EGFR gene copy number changes and clinicopathologic characteristics including patient survival.

Methods

The protein EGFR expression was analyzed immunohistochemically on 94 CCRCC, and gene copy number alterations of EGFR by FISH analysis on 41 CCRCC selected according to distinct membrane EGFR staining.

Results

Membrane EGFR expression in tumor cells was heterogeneous with respect to the proportion of positive cells and staining intensity. FISH analysis did not reveal EGFR gene amplification, while polysomy of chromosome 7 found in 41% was associated with higher EGFR membrane expression. Moreover, EGFR overexpression was associated with a higher nuclear grade, larger tumor size and shorter patient's survival, while there was no connection with pathological stage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the protein expression of EGFR had an impact on prognosis in patients with CCRCC, while an increased copy number of chromosome 7 could be the possible reason for EGFR protein overexpression in the absence of gene amplification.
Disruption of the folate pathway in zebrafish causes developmental defects
Authors: Lee Marina S , Bonner Jenna R , Bernard David J , Sanchez Erica L , Sause Eric T , Prentice R Reid , Burgess Shawn M , Brody Lawrence C
Published: April 2012

Background

Folic acid supplementation reduces the risk of neural tube defects and congenital heart defects. The biological mechanisms through which folate prevents birth defects are not well understood. We explore the use of zebrafish as a model system to investigate the role of folate metabolism during development.

Results

We first identified zebrafish orthologs of 12 human folate metabolic genes. RT-PCR and in situ analysis indicated maternal transcripts supply the embryo with mRNA so that the embryo has an intact folate pathway. To perturb folate metabolism we exposed zebrafish embryos to methotrexate (MTX), a potent inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductase (Dhfr) an essential enzyme in the folate metabolic pathway. Embryos exposed to high doses of MTX exhibited developmental arrest prior to early segmentation. Lower doses of MTX resulted in embryos with a shortened anterior-posterior axis and cardiac defects: linear heart tubes or incomplete cardiac looping. Inhibition of dhfr mRNA with antisense morpholino oligonucleotides resulted in embryonic lethality. One function of the folate pathway is to provide essential one-carbon units for dTMP synthesis, a rate-limiting step of DNA synthesis. After 24 hours of exposure to high levels of MTX, mutant embryos continue to incorporate the thymidine analog BrdU. However, additional experiments indicate that these embryos have fewer mitotic cells, as assayed with phospho-histone H3 antibodies, and that treated embryos have perturbed cell cycles.

Conclusions

Our studies demonstrate that human and zebrafish utilize similar one-carbon pathways. Our data indicate that folate metabolism is essential for early zebrafish development. Zebrafish studies of the folate pathway and its deficiencies could provide insight into the underlying etiology of human birth defects and the natural role of folate in development.
Association between GNRHR, LHR and IGF1 polymorphisms and timing of puberty in male Angus cattle
Authors: Lirón Juan P , Prando Alberto J , Fernández María E , Ripoli María V , Rogberg-Muñoz Andrés , Goszczynski Daniel E , Posik Diego M , Peral-García Pilar , Baldo Andrés , Giovambattista Guillermo
Published: April 2012

Background

In bovines, there are significant differences within and among beef breeds in the time when bulls reach puberty. Although the timing of puberty is likely to be a multigenic trait, previous studies indicate that there may also be single genes that exert major effects on the timing of puberty within the general population. Despite its economic importance, there are not many SNPs or genetic markers associated with the age of puberty in male cattle. In the present work, we selected three candidate genes, GNRHR, LHR and IGF1, and associated their polymorphisms with the age of puberty in Angus male cattle.

Results

After weaning, 276 Angus males were measured every month for weight (W), scrotal circumference (SC), sperm concentration (C) and percentage of motility (M). A total of 4 SNPs, two within GNRHR, one in LHR and one in IGF1 were genotyped using the pyrosequencing technique. IGF1-SnaBI SNP was significant associated (P < 0.01) with age at SC 28 cm, but it were not associated with age at M 10% and C 50 million. Genotype CC exhibited an average age at SC 28 cm of 7 and 11 days higher than CT (p = 0.037) and TT (p = 0.012), respectively. This SNP explained 1.5% of the genetic variance of age of puberty at SC28. LHR-I499L, GNRHR-SNP5 and GNRHR-SNP6 were not associated with any of the measurements. However, GNRHR haplotypes showed a suggestive association with age at SC 28 cm.

Conclusions

The findings presented here could support the hypothesis that IGF1 is a regulator of the arrival to puberty in male calves and is involved in the events that precede and initiate puberty in bull calves. Given that most studies in cattle, as well as in other mammals, were done in female, the present results are the first evidence of markers associated with age at puberty in male cattle.
Riluzole neuroprotection in a parkinson's disease model involves suppression of reactive astrocytosis but not GLT-1 regulation
Authors: Carbone Marica , Duty Susan , Rattray Marcus
Published: April 2012

Background

Riluzole is a neuroprotective drug used in the treatment of motor neurone disease. Recent evidence suggests that riluzole can up-regulate the expression and activity of the astrocyte glutamate transporter, GLT-1. Given that regulation of glutamate transport is predicted to be neuroprotective in Parkinson's disease, we tested the effect of riluzole in parkinsonian rats which had received a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine injection into the median forebrain bundle.

Results

Rats were treated with intraperitoneal riluzole (4 mg/kg or 8 mg/kg), 1 hour before the lesion then once daily for seven days. Riluzole produced a modest but significant attenuation of dopamine neurone degeneration, assessed by suppression of amphetamine-induced rotations, preservation of tyrosine hydroxylase positive neuronal cell bodies in the substantia nigra pars compacta and attenuation of striatal tyrosine hydroxylase protein loss. Seven days after 6-hydroxydopamine lesion, reactive astrocytosis was observed in the striatum, as determined by increases in expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein, however the glutamate transporter, GLT-1, which is also expressed in astrocytes was not regulated by the lesion.

Conclusions

The results confirm that riluzole is a neuroprotective agent in a rodent model of parkinson's disease. Riluzole administration did not regulate GLT-1 levels but significantly reduced GFAP levels, in the lesioned striatum. Riluzole suppression of reactive astrocytosis is an intriguing finding which might contribute to the neuroprotective effects of this drug.
The impact of a bariatric rehabilitation service on weight loss and psychological adjustment - study protocol
Authors: Hollywood Amelia , Ogden Jane , Pring Christopher
Published: April 2012

Background

Bariatric surgery is currently the most effective form of obesity management for those whose BMI is greater than 40 (or 35 with co morbidities). A minority of patients, however, either do not show the desired loss of excess weight or show weight regain by follow up. Research highlights some of the reasons for this variability, most of which centres on the absence of any psychological support with patients describing how although surgery fixes their body, psychological issues relating to dietary control, self esteem, coping and emotional eating remain neglected.

The present study aims to evaluate the impact of a health psychology led bariatric rehabilitation service (BRS) on patient health outcomes. The bariatric rehabilitation service will provide information, support and mentoring pre and post surgery and will address psychological issues such as dietary control, self esteem, coping and emotional eating. The package reflects the rehabilitation services now common place for patients post heart attack and stroke which have been shown to improve patient health outcomes.

Methods/Design

The study is a randomised control trial and patients will be allocated to receive either usual care or the bariatric rehabilitation service pre and post bariatric surgery. Follow up measures of weight loss and psychological issues will be taken at baseline (2 weeks preoperatively), 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The contents of the bariatric service and the follow up measures are based on previous pilot work and have been developed further by the research team working closely with two patient support groups (BOSPA & WLSinfo). This study will take place in St Richard's Hospital in Chichester in the UK.

Discussion

It is predicted that a bariatric rehabilitation service will improve weight loss following surgery and will also facilitate changes in other psychological variables such as quality of life, dietary control, self esteem, coping and emotional eating. This also has cost implications for the NHS and other healthcare providers as improved effectiveness of bariatric surgery reduces the health costs of obese patients in the longer term.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01264120.
Inhibition of HSP27 alone or in combination with pAKT inhibition as therapeutic approaches to target SPARC-induced glioma cell survival
Authors: Schultz Chad R , Golembieski William A , King Daniel A , Brown Stephen L , Brodie Chaya , Rempel Sandra A
Published: April 2012

Background

The current treatment regimen for glioma patients is surgery, followed by radiation therapy plus temozolomide (TMZ), followed by 6 months of adjuvant TMZ. Despite this aggressive treatment regimen, the overall survival of all surgically treated GBM patients remains dismal, and additional or different therapies are required. Depending on the cancer type, SPARC has been proposed both as a therapeutic target and as a therapeutic agent. In glioma, SPARC promotes invasion via upregulation of the p38 MAPK/MAPKAPK2/HSP27 signaling pathway, and promotes tumor cell survival by upregulating pAKT. As HSP27 and AKT interact to regulate the activity of each other, we determined whether inhibition of HSP27 was better than targeting SPARC as a therapeutic approach to inhibit both SPARC-induced glioma cell invasion and survival.

Results

Our studies found the following. 1) SPARC increases the expression of tumor cell pro-survival and pro-death protein signaling in balance, and, as a net result, tumor cell survival remains unchanged. 2) Suppressing SPARC increases tumor cell survival, indicating it is not a good therapeutic target. 3) Suppressing HSP27 decreases tumor cell survival in all gliomas, but is more effective in SPARC-expressing tumor cells due to the removal of HSP27 inhibition of SPARC-induced pro-apoptotic signaling. 4) Suppressing total AKT1/2 paradoxically enhanced tumor cell survival, indicating that AKT1 or 2 are poor therapeutic targets. 5) However, inhibiting pAKT suppresses tumor cell survival. 6) Inhibiting both HSP27 and pAKT synergistically decreases tumor cell survival. 7) There appears to be a complex feedback system between SPARC, HSP27, and AKT. 8) This interaction is likely influenced by PTEN status. With respect to chemosensitization, we found the following. 1) SPARC enhances pro-apoptotic signaling in cells exposed to TMZ. 2) Despite this enhanced signaling, SPARC protects cells against TMZ. 3) This protection can be reduced by inhibiting pAKT. 4) Combined inhibition of HSP27 and pAKT is more effective than TMZ treatment alone.

Conclusions

We conclude that inhibition of HSP27 alone, or in combination with pAKT inhibitor IV, may be an effective therapeutic approach to inhibit SPARC-induced glioma cell invasion and survival in SPARC-positive/PTEN-wildtype and SPARC-positive/PTEN-null tumors, respectively.