bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological Dependency in Chronic Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: van der Velden A.W. , de Wit N.J. , Quartero A.O. , Grobbee D.E. , Numans M.E.
Published: December 2009

Background: Despite evidence of the overuse of acid suppressive medication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a transfer to noncontinuous therapy after long-term treatment proves difficult. Aim: To quantify the effect of blinded dosage reduction after long-term therapy on symptom control and quality of life while assessing pharmacological and placebo needs. Methods: Primary care patients with a history of GERD and long-term treatment were randomized to daily placebo with pantoprazole rescue (n = 141) or daily pantoprazole with placebo rescue (n = 62) upon relief after 4 weeks pantoprazole 20 mg. The number of rescue tablets, symptom control and generic quality of life were analyzed. Results: Measured from the daily placebo arm, 19% of the patients terminated treatment, 33% managed with 2–6 tablets/week, 38% needed a daily dosage and 10% needed more than a daily dosage in the long run. At these final dosages, symptom control and quality of life were dosage-independent and, furthermore, equal to values of patients on fixed daily pantoprazole. A temporal decrease in well-being was seen in 24% of the patients. Conclusion: A significant placebo response is apparent in long-term users of acid suppressive medication and pharmacological dependency is overestimated. Despite their history of long-term treatment, the majority of GERD patients can be switched from daily to on-demand treatment without impairing symptom control and quality of life.
Current Standings of the Proton Pump Inhibitor and Clopidogrel Co-Therapy: Review on an Evolving Field with the Eyes of the Gastroenterologist
Authors: Juhász Márk , Herszényi László , Tulassay Zsolt
Published: December 2009

The negative effect of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) on the antiplatelet function of clopidogrel has only recently emerged on the horizon of cardiological interest. To date, one can only find 10 peer-reviewed papers on PubMed on this issue, although the increasing activity is unquestionable. Besides publications, conference reports and official web sites are therefore important sources of information. In this field, the first step was made by an experimental study proving the adverse effect of omeprazole on clopidogrel function. Consequently, retrospective studies reported a significant increase of major adverse cardiovascular events among patients taking the combination of omeprazole and clopidogrel. Based on the paucity of quality data and limitations of studies conducted on this interaction, some are still reluctant to confirm the pathogenic role of PPI and clopidogrel interaction in the development of reinfarctions. One step further ahead, admitting the risks related to the combination of these two drugs, the next question to be decided is whether we face a class effect, or thanks to the different metabolic pathways there are indeed relevant differences among PPIs. There is a lot at stake, since the volume of patients taking the dual aspirin-clopidogrel antiplatelet therapy and thereby needing gastroprotection is immense, rendering a huge responsibility to the societies and committees who are making proposals on the selection of appropriate PPIs.
Disposition of Charged Nanoparticles after Their Topical Application to the Skin
Authors: Wu X. , Landfester K. , Musyanovych A. , Guy R.H.
Published: December 2009

The objective of this preliminary investigation was to examine the disposition of charged nanoparticles on and within the skin following their topical application and to explore whether the formulations have potential utility for the local delivery of an associated ‘active’ substance. Three nanoparticles (approx. 100 nm in diameter) were investigated: cationic amino-functionalized polystyrene, an anionic carboxyl-functionalized polystyrene and anionic poly-(L-lactide), into each of which the fluorophore N-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)perylene-3,4-dicarboximine (PMI) was incorporated. Formulations were applied to excised porcine skin in vitro for 6 h. After cleaning the skin surface following treatment, the skin was either examined by laser scanning confocal microscopy or subjected to repeated tape-stripping and subsequent analysis of the removed stratum corneum (SC) for the presence of PMI. The cationic nanoparticles showed clear affinity for the negatively charged skin surface (in contrast to the anionic carriers) and delivered a significantly greater amount of the model ‘active’ agent (PMI) into the SC.
Responses to Intradermal Injections of Substance P in Psoriasis Patients with Pruritus
Authors: Amatya B. , Nordlind K. , Wahlgren C.-F.
Published: December 2009

Background: Various mediators have been suggested for the pathogenesis of pruritus in psoriasis. Methods: To investigate cutaneous responses of substance P in pruritic lesional and nonlesional areas of psoriasis patients and in healthy controls, substance P, saline and histamine were injected intradermally. After each injection, pruritus, flare and wheal were recorded. Results: There was no statistical difference in the latency period, duration, area under the curve and maximum intensity of pruritus evoked by substance P (10–5 and 10–6 mol/l) between psoriasis and healthy control skin. Substance P (10–5 mol/l) induced a tendency to a greater intensity of pruritus in lesional compared to nonlesional psoriatic skin (p = 0.08). Histamine produced a shorter itch latency period (p < 0.05) and a lower maximum intensity of pruritus (p = 0.05) in lesional psoriasis skin than in healthy control skin. No significant difference in flare area was observed between the psoriasis patients and healthy controls. The histamine-induced wheal was smaller in psoriasis patients than in healthy individuals (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Intradermally injected substance P induced pruritus, flare and wheal in psoriasis patients. However, these responses did not differ significantly from those of the healthy controls.
Nurse-Administered Propofol Sedation: Feasibility and Safety in Bronchoscopy
Authors: Bosslet Gabriel T. , DeVito Melissa L. , Lahm Tim , Sheski Francis D. , Mathur Praveen N.
Published: December 2009

Background: Propofol is a fast-acting intravenous sedative that has advantages as a procedural sedative over traditional regimens. It has been shown to have a similar safety profile to traditional sedating medications in the setting of gastroenterologic endoscopy. Nurse-administered propofol sedation is given by a specially-trained nurse, without anesthesiologist involvement. Objectives: We have used nurse-administered propofol sedation in our bronchoscopy suite for several years. In this report, we summarize our experience with nurse-administered propofol sedation, and demonstrate it to be feasible and safe for bronchoscopic procedures. Methods: Procedure reports and nursing notes for 588 bronchoscopic procedures performed between July 2006 and June 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, procedure type and indication, procedure time, medication doses, and adverse events were noted and analyzed. Results: Nurse-administered propofol sedation was used in 498/588 (85%) procedures. Patients utilizing nurse-administered propofol sedation had an average age of 53 years (range 18–86) with an average weight of 80 kg. 56% of the patients were male, and 57% of the procedures were performed on outpatients. Average procedure duration was 25 min (range 3–123). The average propofol dose was 3.13 mg/kg (range 0.12–20 mg/kg). Adverse events attributable to sedation were noted in 33 (6.6%) procedures. Of the 14 (2.8%) major adverse events (death, need for intubation, ICU stay, or hospitalization), only 6 (1.2%) were potentially attributable to the sedation regimen. There were 2 deaths, neither of which was related to sedation. Conclusions: Nurse-administered propofol sedation is a feasible and safe sedation method for bronchoscopic procedures.
Latente zervikale Virusinfektion als mögliche Ursache des Frühaborts
Authors: Manavi M. , Czerwenka K.F. , Schurz B. , Knogler W. , Kubista E. , Reinold E.
Published: December 2009

Zervixabstriche von 50 Frauen mit Abort wurden durch die Dot-Blot-Hybridisation auf DNS von (human) Papillomavirus (HPV), Herpes simplex-Virus (HSV) Typen 1 und 2 und Zytomegalievirus (ZMV) untersucht. PositivitÄt fur die HPV-DNS-Typen 16 und 18 zeigte sich in 17,6% der FÄlle; im Abortmaterial betrug sie dagegen 30,8%. IgM-positive Titerwerte lagen in wenigen Fallen vor. In Zervixabstrichen von Frauen mit intakten GraviditÄten liess sich eine PositivitÄt fÜr die HPV-DNS-Typen 6 und 11 in 9,5% und fÜr die HSV-DNS-Typen 1 und 2 und ZMV-DNS in 48,0% der FÄlle nachweisen. In diesem Kollektiv lagen zumeist positive IgM- und IgG-Titer vor.
Das Bild des Uterus in der griechisch-römischen Antike und in ihrer überlieferung
Authors: Reus W.
Published: December 2009

Es werden die verbreiteten Vorstellungen vom menschlichen Uterus im etruskischen und im frÜhrÖmischen Mittelitalien beschrieben, die durch archÄologische Funde aus Etrurien und Latium in Form von Votivdarstellungen und amulettartigen GegenstÄnden bekannt sind. Im Gegensatz dazu stehen medizinisch-wissenschaftliche Vorstellungen vom Uterus, die auf die schriftliche Überlieferung der Schule von Kos, der griechischen Philosophen und vor allem auf Derivate der Schriften des Soranus von Ephesus zurÜckgefÜhrt werden kÖnnen, des bekanntesten geburtshilflichen Lehrers in der rÖmischen Medizin. Kontaminationen der verschiedenen tradierten Vorstellungen miteinander finden sich erst spÄter, hauptsÄchlich in Abschriften des frÜhen Mittelalters.
Network Externalities and the Structure of Terror Networks
Authors: Enders Walter , Jindapon Paan
Published: December 2009

The authors analyze the optimal network structure of two types of terrorist organizations. In the centralized network, the leadership selects the level of individual effort and the level of group connectivity so as to maximize the expected net welfare of the organization’s membership. Leaders in loosely connected networks will also seek to balance the trade-off between security and communications. However, with decentralized decision making, the individual nodes may not make optimal decisions from the group’s perspective. As a consequence, the decentralized decision-making process is suboptimal from the overall perspective of the network. In particular, the leadership in a centralized network is able to coordinate the activities of all network members and to take advantage of important network externalities.
Implications of Commerce and Urbanization for the Learning Environments of Everyday Life
Authors: Greenfield Patricia M. , Maynard Ashley E. , Martí F. Alethea
Published: December 2009

In recent decades, Maya ecocultural environments in Chiapas, Mexico, have undergone continuous change from more subsistence based to more commerce based and from more rural to more urban. Through ethnographic observations of one family during a 10-year period in rural and urban settings, activity settings analysis revealed changes on the micro level that reflected these shifts in the macro environment. The development of commerce between 1997 and 2007 led to increased reliance on technology, increases in individuation and individual choice, specialization for economic tasks, and for women, more formal education. Other changes in this period that were greatly intensified by urban dwelling included contact with strangers, contact with people of different ethnicities, and women’s economic achievement. Urban dwelling also introduced freedom for young women to have unchaperoned contact with young men.
The Cultural Socialization of Emotion Regulation During Infancy
Authors: Keller Heidi , Otto Hiltrud
Published: December 2009

This article offers a conceptual framework for the study of the development of emotion regulation during infancy that synthesizes evolutionary theory with cultural psychology. Two prototypical environments are characterized: Western urban middle-class families and rural farmer families in non-Western societies. The adult psychologies that are adapted to these environments are oriented toward autonomy and relatedness, respectively. A combined methodological approach of quantitative and qualitative procedures demonstrates that the expression of emotions is differently embodied in these environments. Prototypes are composed from different data sets that exemplify socialization goals, parenting ethnotheories, and behavioral strategies. Developmental consequences of the early experiences in different learning environments are presented with respect to children’s emotion regulation during the approach of a stranger. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Conceptual Models of Depression in Primary Care Patients
Authors: Karasz Alison , Garcia Nerina , Ferri Lucia
Published: December 2009

Conventional psychiatric treatment models are based on a biopsychiatric model of depression. A plausible explanation for low rates of depression treatment utilization among ethnic minorities and the poor is that members of these communities do not share the cultural assumptions underlying the biopsychiatric model. The study examined conceptual models of depression among depressed patients from various ethnic groups, focusing on the degree to which patients’ conceptual models “matched” a biopsychiatric model of depression. The sample included 74 primary care patients from three ethnic groups screening positive for depression. The authors administered qualitative interviews assessing patients’ conceptual representations of depression. The analysis proceeded in two phases. The first phase involved a strategy called “quantitizing” the qualitative data. A rating scheme was developed and applied to the data by a rater blind to study hypotheses. The data were subjected to statistical analyses. The second phase of the analysis involved the analysis of thematic data using standard qualitative techniques. Study hypotheses were largely supported. The qualitative analysis provided a detailed picture of primary care patients’ conceptual models of depression and suggested interesting directions for future research.
Urban School Reform Enabled by Transformative Professional Development: Impact on Teacher Change and Student Learning of Science
Authors: Johnson Carla C. , Fargo Jamison D.
Published: December 2009

This longitudinal study of middle school science teachers explored if a teacher participation in the TPD program resulted in change in instructional practice as well as a significant increase in student learning. Four participating schools were matched and randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. Teacher and student outcomes were compared. Eight teachers from Bryce and Zion Middle Schools participated in the 2-week summer institute, followed by monthly release day professional development sessions focused on implementing instruction outlined in the National Science Education Standards. Student achievement was assessed using the pre- or postinstruments. Students of teachers at treatment schools experienced significantly larger gains than students at the control schools.TPD intervention teachers experienced increase in teaching effectiveness. Findings in this study revealed the positive impact that whole-school, sustained, collaborative, professional development programs have on improving teacher practice and student achievement at the school level.
Reading Proficiency and Mathematics Problem Solving by High School English Language Learners
Authors: Beal Carole R. , Adams Niall M. , Cohen Paul R.
Published: December 2009

The study focused on the relationship of English proficiency and math performance in a sample of high school students, including 47% English language learners (ELLs). Data sources included state math test scores, study-specific pre- and posttest scores, problem solving in an online math tutorial, and responses to a self-report assessment of mathematics self-concept. English conversational and reading proficiency data were available for the ELLs. Results indicated that math performance for the ELLs increased with English-reading proficiency in a nonlinear manner. ELLs’ English-reading proficiency predicted math test scores, progress in the online math tutorial, and math self-concept.
Concepts of Professionalism in the Canadian Army, 1946—2000: Regimentalism, Reaction, and Reform
Authors: Kasurak Peter
Published: December 2009

During World War II the Canadian Army was a small cadre force augmented by citizen volunteers. It was a colonial institution, dependent on the British Army for doctrine and staff training. After the war, the army became involved in a lengthy struggle to define its concept of professionalism. Modernizers aimed for a well-educated officer corps that was integrated with other elites and able to influence national security policy. Traditionalists wished to preserve regimental traditions and leadership based on social class. Contention between these factions resulted in stalemate, with modern management undercut by internal politics. The result was the failure of professional norms in the 1993 Somalia operation. Subsequent reforms have put a modern “constabulary-realist” model of professionalism in place.
Listening to Cybernetics
Authors: Dunbar-Hester Christina
Published: December 2009

Scholars have explored the influence of the field of cybernetics on scientific thought and disciplines. However, from the inception of the field, ‘‘cyberneticians’’ had explicitly envisioned applications reaching beyond the purview of scientific disciplines; cybernetics was remarkable for its portability and potential application in a wide variety of contexts. This article explores connections between cybernetics and experimental music from 1950-1980, which was a period of experimentation with electronic techniques in recording, composition, and sound production and manipulation. Examples include musicians, engineers, instrument builders, composers, and scientists in collaboration with musicians who invoked cybernetic themes in their work. These uses of cybernetics were more diverse than accounts of cybernetics within the sciences suggest, presenting a major difficulty in addressing cybernetics as a homogeneous or monolithic discourse. In particular, cybernetic discourse in music often exhibited themes of openness and indeterminacy, rather than the ‘‘command and control’’ of the ‘‘closed world.’’
Proliferative and Nonproliferative Lesions of the Rat and Mouse Respiratory Tract
Authors: Renne Roger , Brix Amy , Harkema Jack , Herbert Ron , Kittel Birgit , Lewis David , March Thomas , Nagano Kasuke , Pino Michael , Rittinghausen Susanne , Rosenbruch Martin , Tellier Pierre , Wohrmann Thomas
Published: December 2009

The INHAND Project (International Harmonization of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria for Lesions in Rats and Mice) is a joint initiative of the Societies of Toxicologic Pathology from Europe (ESTP), Great Britain (BSTP), Japan (JSTP) and North America (STP) to develop an internationally-accepted nomenclature for proliferative and non-proliferative lesions in laboratory animals. The purpose of this publication is to provide a standardized nomenclature for classifying microscopic lesions observed in the respiratory tract of laboratory rats and mice, with color photomicrographs illustrating examples of some lesions. The standardized nomenclature presented in this document is also available electronically on the inter-net (http://www.goreni.org/). Sources of material included histopathology databases from government, academia, and industrial laboratories throughout the world. Content includes spontaneous developmental and aging lesions as well as lesions induced by exposure to test materials. A widely accepted and utilized international harmonization of nomenclature for respiratory tract lesions in laboratory animals will decrease confusion among regulatory and scientific research organizations in different countries and provide a common language to increase and enrich international exchanges of information among toxicologists and pathologists.
Useful Immunohistochemical Markers of Tumor Differentiation
Authors: Painter J.T. , Clayton N.P. , Herbert R.A.
Published: December 2009

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) has been somewhat underutilized in the practice of toxicological pathology but can be a valuable tool for the evaluation of rodent neoplasms, both in a diagnostic and an investigational role. Determining an exact tumor type using standard hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of formalin-fixed tissues can be challenging, especially with metastatic and/or poorly differentiated tumors. Successful IHC is dependent on many factors, including species and tissue type, type and duration of fixation, quality fresh or frozen sectioning, and antibody specificity. The initial approach of most tumor diagnosis IHC applications is distinguishing epithelial from mesenchymal differentiation using vimentin and cytokeratin markers, although false-negative and/or false-positive results may occur. Experimentally, IHC can be employed to investigate the earliest changes in transformed tissues, identifying cellular changes not normally visible with H&E. Individual markers for proliferation, apoptosis, and specific tumor proteins can be used to help distinguish hyperplasia from neoplasia and determine specific tumor origin/type. IHC provides a relatively rapid and simple method to better determine the origin of neoplastic tissue or investigate the behavior or progression of a given neoplasm. Several experimental and diagnostic examples will be presented to illustrate the utility of IHC as a supplement to standard staining techniques.
Marked Hypotonia in an Infant of a Mother With Devic Disease
Authors: Zifman Eyal , Litmanovitz Ita , Segal Gil , Regev Rivka , Watemberg Nathan
Published: December 2009

A full-term female neonate was born with severe hypotonia and weakness. Her mother had been treated for neuromyelitis optica (Devic disease) for 6 years. Her previous son, born 10 years earlier and before she developed the disease, also had marked hypotonia that gradually improved over several weeks. A suspicion of neonatal myasthenia gravis arose, as a search of the literature revealed the occasional detection of anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies in patients with Devic disease. A neostigmine test was mildly positive in the baby, but anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies were elevated. Aquaporin 4 antibodies typical of neuromyelitis optica were not detected in the infant. Because of clinical deterioration, intravenous immunoglobulin was administered with substantial improvement. Anti-acetylcholine antibodies were markedly elevated in the mother’s serum, although she showed no clinical signs of myasthenia gravis. It is very likely that her previous baby also had unrecognized transient myasthenia gravis.
Medial Temporal Lobe Correlates of Memory Screening Measures in Normal Aging, MCI, and AD
Authors: Sánchez-Benavides Gonzalo , Gómez-Ansón Beatriz , Molinuevo Jose L. , Blesa Rafael , Monte Gemma C. , Buschke Herman , Peña-Casanova Jordi
Published: December 2009

This article aimed to study the correlations for both the Memory Impairment Screen (MIS) and the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT) with regard to the volumetric measures of hippocampal formation and entorhinal cortex and to explore the effect size of these measures. Methods: A total of 34 healthy controls, 24 participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 20 mild-to-moderate-staged Alzheimer disease (AD) participants underwent neuropsychological testing and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Global volumetric measures were obtained and hippocampal and entorhinal volumes were calculated. Spearman correlations were calculated between memory scores and brain volumes and an effect size analysis was performed. Results: No significant correlations with global brain volumes were found. There were dissimilar correlations among groups regarding memory and hippocampal and entorhinal volumes. No significant relationships were observed in healthy controls. The MCI group reached the higher correlation indexes, up to r = .55. In AD, only one significant correlation was observed between the delayed score of the FCSRT and the left hippocampus. Effect size values were higher for memory tests than for MRI measures, reaching d = 4.3 for the delayed score of the FCSRT. Conclusions: Although the MIS did not reach the strong results of the FCSRT, it demonstrated a similar pattern to the FCSRT in correlational analysis. These results support the validity and usefulness of the MIS despite its brevity of application. Memory testing showed better discrimination among healthy controls, MCI, and AD participants than MRI measures by means of effect size analysis.
Attachment Working Models Twist Memories of Relationship Events
Authors: Simpson Jeffry A. , Rholes W. Steven , Winterheld Heike A.
Published: December 2009

The information that people remember about their relationships should be affected by their attachment orientations. This study investigated changes in individuals’ memories of their own behavior during conflict-resolution discussions with their romantic partners. One week after each couple engaged in two videotaped conflict discussions, each partner’s memory of the discussions was assessed. Memory biases were systematically related to attachment orientations. More avoidant individuals, for example, remembered being less supportive than they reported initially if they were relatively distressed during the discussions, whereas the opposite was true of less avoidant persons. More anxious individuals remembered being less emotionally distant than they reported initially if they were relatively distressed during the discussions, whereas the opposite was true of less anxious persons. We discuss the implications of these memory changes.
Two Sides of the Same Coin
Authors: Kelly Spencer D. , Özyürek Aslı , Maris Eric
Published: December 2009

Gesture and speech are assumed to form an integrated system during language production. Based on this view, we propose the integrated-systems hypothesis, which explains two ways in which gesture and speech are integrated—through mutual and obligatory interactions—in language comprehension. Experiment 1 presented participants with action primes (e.g., someone chopping vegetables) and bimodal speech and gesture targets. Participants related primes to targets more quickly and accurately when they contained congruent information (speech: “chop”; gesture: chop) than when they contained incongruent information (speech: “chop”; gesture: twist). Moreover, the strength of the incongruence affected processing, with fewer errors for weak incongruities (speech: “chop”; gesture: cut) than for strong incongruities (speech: “chop”; gesture: twist). Crucial for the integrated-systems hypothesis, this influence was bidirectional. Experiment 2 demonstrated that gesture’s influence on speech was obligatory. The results confirm the integrated-systems hypothesis and demonstrate that gesture and speech form an integrated system in language comprehension.
Sex Differences in Jealousy
Authors: Levy Kenneth N. , Kelly Kristen M.
Published: December 2009

Studies have found that more men than women endorse sexual infidelity as more distressing than emotional infidelity, whereas more women than men endorse emotional infidelity as more distressing than sexual infidelity. Some evolutionary psychologists have proposed that this sex difference can be best conceptualized as reflecting evolution-based differences in parental investment that produce a need for paternity certainty among men and a need for male investment in offspring among women. Nonetheless, a conspicuous subset of men report emotional infidelity as more distressing than sexual infidelity. Current theorizing explains between-sex differences but not within-sex differences. We hypothesized that attachment-style differences may help to explain both between- and within-sex differences in jealousy. As hypothesized, dismissing avoidant participants reported more jealousy regarding sexual than emotional infidelity (64.8%), and secure participants, including secure men, reported more jealousy regarding emotional than sexual infidelity (77.3%), χ2(3, N = 411) = 45.03, p < .001. A series of sequential logistic regression analyses indicated significant moderation of the sex-jealousy relationship by attachment style. Implications of an attachment perspective are discussed.
Growth Velocity in Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation: Significance of Donor Type and Treatment Factors
Authors: Anderson Lynnette , Schmidt Debra , Bingen Kristin , Kupst Mary Jo , Warwick Anne
Published: December 2009

Children who have undergone bone marrow transplantation (BMT) often have decreased growth. Growth is a multifactorial process, and the factors that influence growth after BMT are not completely understood. The authors hypothesized that donor type may be a factor influencing growth. Sixty-five children and adolescents who underwent BMT (32 related matched, 33 unrelated matched) were evaluated. Growth velocity (height standard deviation) was assessed prior to and 2 years following BMT. The results indicated that children and adolescents who underwent unrelated matched transplants had lower growth velocity (P < .059) than those with related matched transplants. Those who received the standard conditioning regimen that included total body irradiation (TBI) had a significantly lower growth velocity (P < .045) than those with chemotherapy-only regimens. Significant correlates of growth velocity included younger age at BMT and pre-BMT growth velocity. Thus, donor type, age at BMT, prior treatment, and BMT conditioning regimens that include TBI may all affect growth post-BMT. Careful monitoring of growth velocity is required for patients who have received an unrelated donor BMT.
A Two-stage Floating Raft Isolation System Featuring Electrorheological Damper with Semi-active Static Output Feedback Variable Structure Control
Authors: Cheng Zhao  , Dayue Chen
Published: December 2009

In this study, a semi-active static output feedback variable structure control (VSC) strategy is presented to control a two-stage electrorheological (ER) floating raft isolation system. A continuous semi-active static output feedback VSC controller is designed and a bypass ER damper is applied to achieve the best control effect more rapidly and accurately. The sliding surface parameters are determined in terms of the Routh—Hurwitz stability criterion. The optimal vibration attenuation of the intermediate mass is guaranteed due to the control rule that damping force only dissipates the vibration energy of the intermediate mass. The robustness of the control method with respect to parameter variations and the effectiveness of vibration isolation are demonstrated by numerical simulation results. It shows that the designed semi-active static output feedback VSC strategy realized by the ER damper can achieve better performance than that of optimally passive damping even if system parameter uncertainties exist. In addition, the experiment was carried out to demonstrate the practical effectiveness of the presented control scheme in this study. The experimental results are satisfied.
Self-Determination Prospects of Youth With High-Incidence Disabilities
Authors: Carter Erik W. , Trainor Audrey , Owens Laura , Sweden Beth , Sun Ye
Published: December 2009

Promoting student self-determination has emerged as a key component of recommended practices in the field of secondary transition. This article examined the self-determination prospects of 196 youth with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD), learning disabilities (LD), and mild/moderate cognitive disabilities (CD) using the AIR Self-Determination Scale. Teachers reported the capacities of youth with EBD to engage in self-determined behavior to be significantly lower than those of youth with LD but higher than youth with CD. Social skills and problem behavior ratings both emerged as significant predictors of students’ capacity for self-determination but were not associated with the opportunities for self-determination teachers reported providing at school. Teachers generally evaluated students’ capacity for self-determination lower than youth but higher than parents. Implications for transition assessment and planning are discussed and avenues for further research addressing this critical transition domain are suggested.
A Comparison of Systematic Screening Tools for Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Authors: Lane Kathleen Lynne , Robertson Kalberg Jemma , Lambert E. Warren , Crnobori Mary , Bruhn Allison Leigh
Published: December 2009

In this article, the authors examine the psychometric properties of the Student Risk Screening Scale (SRSS), including evaluating the concurrent validity of the SRSS to predict results from the Systematic Screening for Behavior Disorders (SSBD) when used to detect school children with externalizing or internalizing behavior concerns at three assessment points during one academic year. Results suggest strong internal consistency and test—retest stability. Analyses of receiver operating characteristics curves also suggest that the SRSS is more accurate for detecting externalizing than internalizing behaviors. The authors conclude by offering recommendations to school site teams and researchers interested in conducing systematic screenings at the elementary level. Limitations and future directions are offered.
Integrated Review of Cytokines in Maternal, Cord, and Newborn Blood: Part II— Associations With Early Infection and Increased Risk of Neurologic Damage in Preterm Infants
Authors: Pickler Rita , Brown Lisa , McGrath Jacqueline , Lyon Debra , Rattican Debra , Cheng Ching-Yu , Howland Lois , Jallo Nancy
Published: December 2009

A growing body of literature supports the relationship of maternal inflammation with preterm birth and adverse neonatal outcomes, including infection and central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction. Mediators of inflammation, most notably proinflammatory cytokines, have been implicated as having an association with and perhaps playing a causal role in the pathogenesis, leading to adverse neonatal outcomes. Even though the association of cytokines with early adverse neonatal outcomes has been actively pursued as a line of research, there has been little integration of diverse findings across studies. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review was to appraise and classify empirical evidence from human studies for the association of cytokine levels in blood (serum, plasma, or cells; maternal, cord, or neonatal) with two adverse early outcomes in preterm infants: early infection and increased risk of neurologic damage. The review revealed that the proinflammatory cytokines most frequently linked with sepsis are in the interleukin (IL) 1 family as well as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and IL-6. The proinflammatory cytokines most frequently linked to neurologic insult in the reviewed studies were IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8. In all cases where IL-1β was studied, the levels were increased when there was neurologic insult. A better understanding of the relationship of these inflammatory substances with these adverse conditions is needed for the future development of maternal and neonatal biobehavioral nursing research.
Tear analysis in clinically isolated syndrome as new multiple sclerosis criterion
Authors: Calais Gauthier , Forzy Gerard , Crinquette Charlotte , Mackowiak Alexandre , de Seze Jerome , Blanc Frederic , Lebrun Christine , Heinzlef Olivier , Clavelou Pierre , Moreau Thibault , Hennache Bernadette , Zephir Helene , Verier Albert , Neuville Véronique , Confavreux Christian , Vermersch Patrick , Hautecoeur Patrick
Published: December 2009

In clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), the detection of oligoclonal bands (OCBs) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is critical for space dissemination validation when magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnostic criteria are not fulfilled. However, lumbar puncture for CSF collection is considered relatively invasive. Previous studies have demonstrated applicability of OCB detection in tears to the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective of the present study was to assess concordance between OCB detection in tears and in CSF. We have prospectively included patients with CIS and compared results of CSF and tear OCB detection by isoelectric focusing (IEF). Tears were collected using a Schirmer strip. We included 82 patients. For 69 of them, samples were analysable. OCBs were detected in CSF for 63.8% and in tears for 42% of patients. All patients with tear OCBs had CSF OCBs. We suggest that tear OCB detection may replace CSF OCB detection as a diagnostic tool in patients with CIS. This would circumvent the practice of invasive lumbar punctures currently used in MS diagnosis.
A randomized trial of memantine as treatment for spasticity in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Mehta Lahar R , McDermott Michael P , Goodman Andrew D , Schwid Steven R
Published: December 2009

We report the results of a single center randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group trial of memantine in adults with multiple sclerosis and spasticity conducted over 12 weeks. Eligible MS patients had to have an Ashworth spasticity rating of 2 or higher in at least one lower extremity muscle group. Subjects were randomized to receive either placebo or memantine 10 mg twice a day. The primary outcome measure for efficacy was the change in Ashworth Spasticity Scale Score. Although well tolerated, memantine treatment did not demonstrate efficacy in treatment of spasticity in this 12-week small exploratory study.
Phase II study of oral fingolimod (FTY720) in multiple sclerosis: 3-year results
Authors: Comi G. , O'Connor P. , Montalban X. , Antel J. , Radue E-W. , Karlsson G. , Pohlmann H. , Aradhye S. , Kappos L. ,   FTY720D2201 Study Group
Published: December 2009

In a 6-month, placebo-controlled trial, oral fingolimod (FTY720) 1.25 or 5.0 mg, once daily, significantly reduced MRI inflammatory activity and annualized relapse rate compared with placebo in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). The objectives were to monitor the 36-month, interim efficacy and safety results of the ongoing extension of this study. In the extension (months 7—36), placebo-treated patients were re-randomized to either dose of fingolimod; fingolimod-treated patients continued at the same dose. During months 15—24, all patients receiving fingolimod 5.0 mg switched to 1.25 mg. Of the 250 patients who entered the extension study, 173 (69%) continued to month 36. Most patients were free from gadolinium-enhanced lesions (88—89%) or new T2 lesions (70—78%) at month 36. Patients receiving continuous fingolimod treatment had sustained low annualized relapse rates of 0.20—0.21, and 68—73% remained relapse-free at month 36. Over 36 months, nasopharyngitis (34%), headache (30%), fatigue (19%) and influenza (18%) were the most commonly reported adverse events. Pulmonary function remained stable and blood pressure was stable after an initial increase (3—5 mmHg) during the first 6 months of fingolimod treatment; serious adverse events included infections and skin cancer. The low MRI and clinical disease activity at 6 months were maintained at 36 months with fingolimod, which was generally well tolerated by most patients. The efficacy and safety of oral fingolimod are being further evaluated in a large phase III MS study programme.
A Randomized Controlled Single-Blinded Comparison of Stretching Versus Stretching and Joint Mobilization for Posterior Shoulder Tightness Measured by Internal Rotation Motion Loss
Authors: Manske Robert C. , Meschke Matt , Porter Andrew , Smith Barbara , Reiman Michael
Published: December 2009

Background:

Posterior shoulder tightness, as demonstrated by limited internal rotation range of motion, is a suggested factor in many shoulder pathologies. Methods to increase posterior shoulder mobility may be beneficial.

Hypothesis:

Shoulder internal rotation range of motion will not change with either of 2 interventions: cross-body stretch alone and cross-body stretch plus posterior capsule joint mobilization.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled single-blinded clinical trial.

Methods:

The study comprised 39 college-age asymptomatic participants (7 men, 32 women) who were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: stretching only (n, 20) and stretching plus posterior joint mobilizations (n, 19). All had a between-shoulder difference of internal rotation of 10° or more. Shoulder internal and external rotation was measured before and after a 4-week intervention period and 4 weeks postintervention. Participants in the stretching-only group performed the cross-body stretch on the limited side. Those in the other group (cross-body stretch plus joint mobilization) were treated with posterior joint mobilization techniques on the limited side.

Results:

Overall means for internal rotation of the treated shoulders significantly increased over baseline at the end of the intervention period and at 4 weeks postintervention. External rotation in all shoulders remained unchanged. By the end of intervention, total motion increased significantly from baseline but decreased significantly from the end of intervention to 4 weeks postintervention. Although not statistically significant, the second group (cross-body stretch plus joint mobilization) had greater increases in internal rotation. At 4 weeks postintervention, the second group had maintained its internal rotation gains to a greater degree than those of the stretching-only group.

Conclusion:

Internal rotation increased in both groups. Inclusion of joint mobilization in a rehabilitation program created trends toward increased shoulder internal rotation mobility.

Clinical Relevance:

Both methods—cross-body stretch and cross-body stretch plus joint mobilization—may be beneficial for those with limited internal rotation range of motion.
Ulnar Shaft Stress Fracture in a High School Softball Pitcher
Authors: Bigosinski Krystian , Palmer Trish , Weber Kathleen , Evola Jennifer
Published: December 2009

This article presents a case of a 17-year-old softball pitcher with insidious onset of right forearm pain. On presentation, the patient had tenderness on palpation of the midshaft of the ulna, pain with resisted pronation, and pain with fulcrum-type stressing of the forearm. A bone scan revealed increased uptake in the right ulna, and a subsequent magnetic resonance imaging revealed bone marrow edema and numerous small ulnar stress fractures. She was treated with bone stimulation and complete rest and is in the process of returning to pitching.
Combined effect of total nucleated cell dose and HLA match on transplantation outcome in 1061 cord blood recipients with hematologic malignancies
Authors: Barker Juliet N. , Scaradavou Andromachi , Stevens Cladd E.
Published: December 2009

Both total nucleated cell (TNC) dose and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)–match affect the outcome of cord blood (CB) transplantation. However, how to prioritize these characteristics in unit selection is not established. Therefore, we analyzed the outcomes of 1061 patients who received single-unit myeloablative CB transplantation for leukemia or myelodysplasia. TNC dose and HLA-match each affected survival via their effect on transplant-related mortality (TRM); neither was associated with relapse. Therefore, TRM was the focus of multivariate analyses combining dose and HLA-match. Compared with our 1 HLA-mismatch (MM) reference group with TNC 2.5 to 4.9 × 107/kg, recipients of 0 MM units had the lowest TRM regardless of dose (relative risk [RR] = 0.4, P = .019). TRM for recipients of 1- or 2-MM units with TNC 5.0 × 107/kg or greater was similar to the reference group (RR = 0.8, P = .391 and RR = 1.0, P = .847) despite their greater dose. Recipients of 2 MM units with TNC 2.5 to 4.9 × 107/kg had a greater TRM (RR = 1.5, P = .014), and those with 1 or 2 MM and TNC less than 2.5 × 107/kg or 3 MM did substantially worse. These findings support new unit selection criteria that take into account both TNC dose and HLA-match and have important implications for the size of the global CB inventory needed to find an optimum CB graft.
IRIS: a method for reverse engineering of regulatory relations in gene networks
Authors: Morganella Sandro , Zoppoli Pietro , Ceccarelli Michele
Published: December 2009

Background

The ultimate aim of systems biology is to understand and describe how molecular components interact to manifest collective behaviour that is the sum of the single parts. Building a network of molecular interactions is the basic step in modelling a complex entity such as the cell. Even if gene-gene interactions only partially describe real networks because of post-transcriptional modifications and protein regulation, using microarray technology it is possible to combine measurements for thousands of genes into a single analysis step that provides a picture of the cell's gene expression. Several databases provide information about known molecular interactions and various methods have been developed to infer gene networks from expression data. However, network topology alone is not enough to perform simulations and predictions of how a molecular system will respond to perturbations. Rules for interactions among the single parts are needed for a complete definition of the network behaviour. Another interesting question is how to integrate information carried by the network topology, which can be derived from the literature, with large-scale experimental data.

Results

Here we propose an algorithm, called inference of regulatory interaction schema (IRIS), that uses an iterative approach to map gene expression profile values (both steady-state and time-course) into discrete states and a simple probabilistic method to infer the regulatory functions of the network. These interaction rules are integrated into a factor graph model. We test IRIS on two synthetic networks to determine its accuracy and compare it to other methods. We also apply IRIS to gene expression microarray data for the Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell cycle and for human B-cells and compare the results to literature findings.

Conclusions

IRIS is a rapid and efficient tool for the inference of regulatory relations in gene networks. A topological description of the network and a matrix of gene expression profiles are required as input to the algorithm. IRIS maps gene expression data onto discrete values and then computes regulatory functions as conditional probability tables. The suitability of the method is demonstrated for synthetic data and microarray data. The resulting network can also be embedded in a factor graph model.