bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The proximal tubule in the pathophysiology of the diabetic kidney
Authors: Vallon Volker
Published: January 2011

Diabetic nephropathy is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease. A better understanding of the molecular mechanism involved in the early changes of the diabetic kidney may permit the development of new strategies to prevent diabetic nephropathy. This review focuses on the proximal tubule in the early diabetic kidney, particularly on its exposure and response to high glucose levels, albuminuria, and other factors in the diabetic glomerular filtrate, the hyperreabsorption of glucose, the unique molecular signature of the tubular growth phenotype, including aspects of senescence, and the resulting cellular and functional consequences. The latter includes the local release of proinflammatory chemokines and changes in proximal tubular salt and fluid reabsorption, which form the basis for the strong tubular control of glomerular filtration in the early diabetic kidney, including glomerular hyperfiltration and odd responses like the salt paradox. Importantly, these early proximal tubular changes can set the stage for oxidative stress, inflammation, hypoxia, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and thereby for the progression of diabetic renal disease.
Differential regulation of NFAT5 by NKCC2 isoforms in medullary thick ascending limb (mTAL) cells
Authors: Hao Shoujin , Zhao Hong , Darzynkiewicz Zbigniew , Battula Sailaja , Ferreri Nicholas R.
Published: January 2011

The effects of Na+-K+-2Cl−cotransporter type 2 (NKCC2) isoforms on the regulation of nuclear factor of activated T cells isoform 5 (NFAT5) were determined in mouse medullary thick ascending limb (mTAL) cells exposed to high NaCl concentration. Primary cultures of mTAL cells and freshly isolated mTAL tubules, both derived from the outer medulla (outer stripe>inner stripe), express NKCC2 isoforms A and F. The relative expression of NKCC2A mRNA was approximately twofold greater than NKCC2F in these preparations. The abundance of NKCC2A mRNA, but not NKCC2F mRNA, increased approximately twofold when mTAL cells were exposed for 2 h to a change in osmolality from 300 to 500 mosmol/kgH2O, produced with NaCl. Total NKCC2 protein expression also increased. Moreover, a 2.5-fold increase in NFAT5 mRNA accumulation was observed after cells were exposed to 500 mosmol/kgH2O for 4 h. Laser-scanning cytometry detected a twofold increase in endogenous NFAT5 protein expression in response to high NaCl concentration. Pretreatment with the loop diuretic bumetanide dramatically reduced transcriptional activity of the NFAT5-specific reporter construct TonE-Luc in mTAL cells exposed to high NaCl. Transient transfection of mTAL cells with shRNA vectors targeting NKCC2A prevented increases in NFAT5 mRNA abundance and protein expression and inhibited NFAT5 transcriptional activity in response to hypertonic stress. Silencing of NKCC2F mRNA did not affect NFAT5 mRNA accumulation but partially inhibited NFAT5 transcriptional activity. These findings suggest that NKCC2A and NKCC2F exhibit differential effects on NFAT5 expression and transcriptional activity in response to hypertonicity produced by high NaCl concentration.
microRNAs in kidneys: biogenesis, regulation, and pathophysiological roles
Authors: Bhatt Kirti , Mi Qing-Sheng , Dong Zheng
Published: January 2011

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are endogenously produced, short RNAs that repress and thus regulate the expression of almost half of known protein-coding genes. miRNA-mediated gene repression is an important regulatory mechanism to modulate fundamental cellular processes such as the cell cycle, growth, proliferation, phenotype, and death, which in turn have major influences on pathophysiological outcomes. In kidneys, miRNAs are indispensable for renal development and homeostasis. Emerging evidence has further pinpointed the pathogenic roles played by miRNAs in major renal diseases, including diabetic nephropathy, acute kidney injury, renal carcinoma, polycystic kidney disease, and others. Although the field of renal miRNA research is still in its infancy and important questions remain, future investigation on miRNA regulation in kidneys has the potential to revolutionize both the diagnosis and treatment of major renal diseases.
Imidazoleacetic acid-ribotide induces depression of synaptic responses in hippocampus through activation of imidazoline receptors
Authors: Bozdagi O. , Wang X. B. , Martinelli G. P. , Prell G. , Friedrich V. L. , Huntley G. W. , Holstein G. R.
Published: January 2011

Imidazole-4-acetic acid-ribotide (IAA-RP), an endogenous agonist at imidazoline receptors (I-Rs), is a putative neurotransmitter/regulator in mammalian brain. We studied the effects of IAA-RP on excitatory transmission by performing extracellular and whole cell recordings at Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses in rat hippocampal slices. Bath-applied IAA-RP induced a concentration-dependent depression of synaptic transmission that, after washout, returned to baseline within 20 min. Maximal decrease occurred with 10 μM IAA-RP, which reduced the slope of field extracellular postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) to 51.2 ± 5.7% of baseline at 20 min of exposure. Imidazole-4-acetic acid-riboside (IAA-R; 10 μM), the endogenous dephosphorylated metabolite of IAA-RP, also produced inhibition of fEPSPs. This effect was smaller than that produced by IAA-RP (to 65.9 ± 3.8% of baseline) and occurred after a further 5- to 8-min delay. The frequency, but not the amplitude, of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents was decreased, and paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) was increased after application of IAA-RP, suggesting a principally presynaptic site of action. Since IAA-RP also has low affinity for α2-adrenergic receptors (α2-ARs), we tested synaptic depression induced by IAA-RP in the presence of α2-ARs, I1-R, or I3-R antagonists. The α2-AR antagonist rauwolscine (100 nM), which blocked the actions of the α2-AR agonist clonidine, did not affect either the IAA-RP-induced synaptic depression or the increase in PPF. In contrast, efaroxan (50 μM), a mixed I1-R and α2-AR antagonist, abolished the synaptic depression induced by IAA-RP and abolished the related increase in PPF. KU-14R, an I3-R antagonist, partially attenuated responses to IAA-RP. Taken together, these data support a role for IAA-RP in modulating synaptic transmission in the hippocampus through activation of I-Rs.
Indexing the graded allocation of visuospatial attention using anticipatory alpha oscillations
Authors: Gould Ian C. , Rushworth Matthew F. , Nobre Anna C.
Published: January 2011

Lateralization in the desynchronization of anticipatory occipitoparietal alpha (8–12 Hz) oscillations has been implicated in the allocation of selective visuospatial attention. Previous studies have demonstrated that small changes in the lateralization of alpha-band activity are predictive of behavioral performance but have not directly investigated how flexibly alpha lateralization is linked to top-down attentional goals. To address this question, we presented participants with cues providing varying degrees of spatial certainty about the location at which a target would appear. Time-frequency analysis of EEG data demonstrated that manipulating spatial certainty led to graded changes in the extent to which alpha oscillations were lateralized over the occipitoparietal cortex during the cue-target interval. We found that individual differences in alpha desynchronization contralateral to attention predicted reaction times, event-related potential measures of perceptual processing of targets, and beta-band (15–25 Hz) activity typically associated with response preparation. These results support the hypothesis that anticipatory alpha modulation is a plausible neural mechanism underlying the allocation of visuospatial attention and is under flexible top-down control.
Dynamics of extraclassical surround modulation in three types of V1 neurons
Authors: Liu Yong-Jun , Hashemi-Nezhad Maziar , Lyon David C.
Published: January 2011

Visual stimuli outside of the classical receptive field (CRF) can influence the response of neurons in primary visual cortex (V1). While recording single units in cat, we presented drifting sinusoidal gratings in circular apertures of different sizes to investigate this extraclassical surround modulation over time. For the full 2-s stimulus time course, three types of neurons were found: 1) 68% of the cells were “suppressive,” 2) 25% were “plateau” cells that showed response saturation with no suppression, and 3) the remaining 6% of cells were “facilitative.” Analysis of the response dynamics revealed that at response onset, activity of one-half of facilitative cells, 70% of plateau cells, and all suppressive cells is suppressed by the surround. However, over the next 20–30 ms, surround modulation changes to stronger suppression for suppressive cells, substantial facilitation for facilitative cells, and weak facilitation for plateau cells. For all three cell types, these modulatory effects then stabilize between 100 and 200 ms from stimulus onset. Thus our findings illustrate two stages of surround modulation. Early modulation is mainly suppressive regardless of cell type and, because of rapid onset, may rely on feedforward mechanisms. Surround modulation that evolves later in time is not always suppressive, depending on cell type, and may be generated through different combinations of cortical circuits. Additional analysis of modulation throughout the cortical column suggests the possibility that the larger excitatory fields of facilitative cells, primarily found in infragranular layers, may contribute to the second stage of suppression through intracolumnar circuitry.
Transitional Nerve: A New and Original Classification of a Peripheral Nerve Supported by the Nature of the Accessory Nerve (CN XI)
Authors: Benninger Brion , McNeil Jonathan
Published: January 2011

Classically, the accessory nerve is described as having a cranial and a spinal root. Textbooks are inconsistent with regard to the modality of the spinal root of the accessory nerve. Some authors report the spinal root as general somatic efferent (GSE), while others list a special visceral efferent (SVE) modality. We investigated the comparative, anatomical, embryological, and molecular literature to determine which modality of the accessory nerve was accurate and why a discrepancy exists. We traced the origin of the incongruity to the writings of early comparative anatomists who believed the accessory nerve was either branchial or somatic depending on the origin of its target musculature. Both theories were supported entirely by empirical observations of anatomical and embryological dissections. We find ample evidence including very recent molecular experiments to show the cranial and spinal root are separate entities. Furthermore, we determined the modality of the spinal root is neither GSE or SVE, but a unique peripheral nerve with a distinct modality. We propose a new classification of the accessory nerve as a transitional nerve, which demonstrates characteristics of both spinal and cranial nerves.
Is It Antiphospholipid Syndrome?
Authors: Ditto Maria Chiara , Antivalle Marco , Badini Matteo , Battellino Michele , Cogliati Chiara , Sarzi-Puttini Piercarlo
Published: January 2011

The diagnosis of bacterial endocarditis remains a challenge, as nearly half of cases develop in the absence of preexistent heart disease and known risk factors. Not infrequently, a blunted clinical course at onset can lead to erroneous diagnoses. We present the case of a 47-year-old previously healthy man in which a presumptive diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome was made based on the absence of echocardiographically detected heart involvement, a negative blood culture, normal C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, a positive lupus anticoagulant (LAC) test, and evidence of splenic infarcts. The patient eventually developed massive aortic endocarditic involvement, with blood cultures positive forStreptococcus bovis, and was referred for valvular replacement. This case not only reminds us of the diagnostic challenges of bacterial endocarditis, but also underlines the need for a critical application of antiphospholipid syndrome diagnostic criteria.
The Role of HDACs Inhibitors in Childhood and Adolescence AcuteLeukemias
Authors: Masetti Riccardo , Serravalle Salvatore , Biagi Carlotta , Pession Andrea
Published: January 2011

Acute leukemia is the most common type of childhood and adolescence cancer, characterized by clonal proliferation of variably differentiated myeloid or lymphoid precursors. Recent insights into the molecular pathogenesis of leukemia have shown that epigenetic modifications, such as deacetylation of histones and DNA methylation, play crucial roles in leukemogenesis, by transcriptional silencing of critical genes. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are potential targets in the treatment of leukaemia, and, as a consequence, inhibitors of HDACs (HDIs) are being studied for therapeutic purposes. HDIs promote or enhance several different anticancer mechanisms, such as apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and cellular differentiation and, therefore, are in evidence as promising treatment for children and adolescents with acute leukemia, in monotherapy or in association with other anticancer drugs. Here we review the main preclinical and clinical studies regarding the use of HDIs in treating childhood and adolescence leukemia.
Synthesis of Ag-Au Nanoparticles by Galvanic Replacement and Their Morphological Studies by HRTEM and Computational Modeling
Authors: Ramos Manuel , Ferrer Domingo A. , Chianelli Russell R. , Correa Victor , Serrano-Matos Joseph , Flores Sergio
Published: January 2011

Bimetallic nanoparticles are important because they possess catalytic and electronic properties with potential applications in medicine, electronics, and chemical industries. A galvanic replacement reaction synthesis has been used in this research to form bimetallic nanoparticles. The complete description of the synthesis consists of using the chemical reduction of metallic silver nitrite (AgNO3) and gold-III chloride hydrate (HAuCl) salt precursors. The nanoparticles display round shapes, as revealed by high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). In order to better understand the colloidal structure, it was necessary to employ computational models which involved the simulations of HRTEM images.
Fixed Point Theorems for Monotone Mappings on Partial Metric Spaces
Authors: Altun Ishak , Erduran Ali
Published: January 2011

Matthews (1994) introduced a new distance "Equation missing" on a nonempty set "Equation missing", which is called partial metric. If "Equation missing" is a partial metric space, then "Equation missing" may not be zero for "Equation missing". In the present paper, we give some fixed point results on these interesting spaces.
Yoga for Persistent Fatigue in Breast Cancer Survivors: Results of a Pilot Study
Authors: Bower Julienne E. , Garet Deborah , Sternlieb Beth
Published: January 2011

Approximately one‐third of breast cancer survivors experiences persistent fatigue for months or years after successful treatment completion. There is a lack of evidence‐based treatments for cancer‐related fatigue, particularly among cancer survivors. This single‐arm pilot study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a yoga intervention for fatigued breast cancer survivors based on the Iyengar tradition. Iyengar yoga prescribes specific poses for individuals with specific medical problems and conditions; this trial emphasized postures believed to be effective for reducing fatigue among breast cancer survivors, including inversions and backbends performed with the support of props. Twelve women were enrolled in the trial, and 11 completed the full 12‐week course of treatment. There was a significant improvement in fatigue scores from pre‐ to post‐intervention that was maintained at the 3‐month post‐intervention followup. Significant improvements were also observed in measures of physical function, depressed mood, and quality of life. These results support the acceptability of this intervention and suggest that it may have beneficial effects on persistent post‐treatment fatigue. However, results require replication in a larger randomized controlled trial.
S100A8/A9 Activate Key Genes and Pathways in Colon Tumor Progression
Authors: Ichikawa Mie , Williams Roy , Wang Ling , Vogl Thomas , Srikrishna Geetha
Published: January 2011

The tumor microenvironment plays an important role in modulating tumor progression. Earlier, we showed that S100A8/A9 proteins secreted by myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) present within tumors and metastatic sites promote an autocrine pathway for accumulation of MDSC. In a mouse model of colitis-associated colon cancer, we also showed that S100A8/A9-positive cells accumulate in all regions of dysplasia and adenoma. Here we present evidence that S100A8/A9 interact with RAGE and carboxylated glycans on colon tumor cells and promote activation of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. Comparison of gene expression profiles of S100A8/A9-activated colon tumor cells versus unactivated cells led us to identify a small cohort of genes upregulated in activated cells, including Cxcl1, Ccl5 and Ccl7, Slc39a10, Lcn2, Zc3h12a, Enpp2, and other genes, whose products promote leukocyte recruitment, angiogenesis, tumor migration, wound healing, and formation of premetastatic niches in distal metastatic organs. Consistent with this observation, in murine colon tumor models we found that chemokines were upregulated in tumors, and elevated in sera of tumor-bearing wild-type mice. Mice lacking S100A9 showed significantly reduced tumor incidence, growth and metastasis, reduced chemokine levels, and reduced infiltration of CD11b+Gr1+ cells within tumors and premetastatic organs. Studies using bone marrow chimeric mice revealed that S100A8/A9 expression on myeloid cells is essential for development of colon tumors. Our results thus reveal a novel role for myeloid-derived S100A8/A9 in activating specific downstream genes associated with tumorigenesis and in promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Mol Cancer Res; 9(2); 133–48. ©2011 AACR.
Novel Schizophrenia Risk Gene TCF4 Influences Verbal Learning and Memory Functioning in Schizophrenia Patients
Authors: Lennertz Leonhard , Rujescu Dan , Wagner Michael , Frommann Ingo , Schulze-Rauschenbach Svenja , Schuhmacher Anna , Landsberg Martin W. , Franke Petra , Möller Hans-Jürgen , Wölwer Wolfgang , Gaebel Wolfgang , Häfner Heinz , Maier Wolfgang , Mössner Rainald
Published: January 2011

Background: Recently, a role of the transcription factor 4 (TCF4) gene in schizophrenia has been reported in a large genome-wide association study. It has been hypothesized that TCF4 affects normal brain development and TCF4 has been related to different forms of neurodevelopmental disorders. Schizophrenia patients exhibit strong impairments of verbal declarative memory (VDM) functions. Thus, we hypothesized that the disease-associated C allele of the rs9960767 polymorphism of the TCF4 gene led to impaired VDM functioning in schizophrenia patients. Method: The TCF4 variant was genotyped in 401 schizophrenia patients. VDM functioning was measured using the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT). Results: Carriers of the C allele were less impaired in recognition compared to those carrying the AA genotype (13.76 vs. 13.06; p = 0.049). Moreover, a trend toward higher scores in patients with the risk allele was found for delayed recall (10.24 vs. 9.41; p = 0.088). The TCF4 genotype did not influence intelligence or RAVLT immediate recall or total verbal learning. Conclusion: VDM function is influenced by the TCF4 gene in schizophrenia patients. However, the elevated risk for schizophrenia is not conferred by TCF4-mediated VDM impairment.
Microinflammation in Hemodialysis Patients Is Associated with Increased CD14+CD16+ Pro-Inflammatory Monocytes: Possible Modification by On-Line Hemodiafiltration
Authors: Kim Hye Won , Yang Ha-Na , Kim Myung Gyu , Choi Hye Min , Jo Sang-Kyung , Cho Won Yong , Kim Hyoung Kyu
Published: January 2011

Background: An increased percentage of pro-inflammatory CD14+CD16+ monocytes might contribute to inflammation in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the possible contribution of pro-inflammatory monocytes to inflammation in HD patients and also to evaluate the effect of on-line hemodiafiltration (HDF). Methods: Flow cytometric detection of monocytes in patients undergoing HD, on-line HDF and healthy controls as well as plasma cytokines and cytokine mRNA measurement were performed. Results: Percent pro-inflammatory monocytes, plasma cytokines and cytokine mRNA significantly increased in HD patients. Intracellular cytokine staining showed pro-inflammatory monocytes were the predominant source of tumor necrosis factor-α. Percent pro-inflammatory monocytes positively correlated with plasma inflammatory cytokines. Percent pro-inflammatory monocytes, plasma cytokines and cytokine mRNA significantly decreased in on-line HDF patients. Conclusion: Increased pro-inflammatory monocytes are likely to contribute to inflammation in HD patients, and beneficial effect of on-line HDF might be partially mediated by modulating the inflammatory response.
Therapeutic Effect of Retinoic Acid on Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction Model
Authors: Kishimoto Kazuya , Kinoshita Koji , Hino Shoichi , Yano Tomohiro , Nagare Yasuaki , Shimazu Hideki , Nozaki Yuji , Sugiyama Masafumi , Ikoma Shinya , Funauchi Masanori
Published: January 2011

Background: Retinoic acids, a group of natural and synthetic vitamin A derivatives, have potent anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties. We investigated the therapeutic effect of all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) on unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model mice. Methods: First, to evaluate the prophylactic effect, we administered 0.5 mg of ATRA for 3 days before UUO (UUO ATRA). Then, to evaluate the therapeutic effects, we administered 0.5 mg of ATRA 3 days after UUO (Day3 ATRA). We compared the histological changes and immunostaining of macrophages, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen I, and mRNA expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and TGF-β R-II by RT-PCR 7 days after UUO. Results: In the UUO ATRA and Day3 ATRA groups, we observed a significant improvement in histological and immunological findings, including macrophage infiltration and improved expression of MCP-1, TGF-β1, α-SMA and collagen I compared with the UUO Day7 group. Conclusion: ATRA treatment is not only an effective prophylactic strategy, but also a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of progressive renal fibrosis in diseased kidneys.
Assessment of Inflow of Endotoxin and Its Fragments in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis
Authors: Suzuki Hiroki , Honda Hirokazu , Kato Noriyuki , Michihata Tetsuo , Takahashi Keiko , Shishido Kanji , Akizawa Tadao
Published: January 2011

Background: We estimated the flow of endotoxins (ET) from dialysates into the blood of patients on hemodialysis (HD) using limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assays and endotoxin activity (EA) determined by neutrophil respiratory burst activity. Methods: A cross-sectional study compared groups given ultrapure bicarbonate (n = 15; group A), acetate-free bicarbonate dialysates (n = 20; group B) and conventional bicarbonate dialysate (n = 23; group C). A prospective study of group C examined the effect of changing the purity of the dialysate. Biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress were measured and ET in blood was assessed by LAL assays and EA. Results: Serum ET levels did not differ among the groups, whereas EA and the biomarkers were significantly increased in group C compared with those in groups A and B. HD using conventional dialysate was independently associated with an increase in EA. Purifying the dialysate significantly decreased EA in group C. Conclusion: Measuring EA is useful to assess the influence of dialysate contamination in HD patients.
Does Smoking Increase Risk for Caries? A Cross-Sectional Study in an Italian Military Academy
Authors: Campus G. , Cagetti M.G. , Senna A. , Blasi G. , Mascolo A. , Demarchi P. , Strohmenger L.
Published: January 2011

Background/Aims: Traditionally, tobacco is considered as part of the military culture. A cross-sectional survey was designed to clarify if smoking habit increases the caries risk in a sample of Italian adults attending a Military Academy. Methods: Clinical examinations including dental caries and presence of bleeding at probing were carried out following WHO criteria. Related socio-behavioural factors were collected. Four calibrated examiners observed 763 subjects (men = 722; 94.6% and women = 41; 5.4%). Results: One of the 763 subjects did not declare the smoking status and was excluded from the analysis. Hundred twenty-six (16.5%) subjects claimed to have never smoked, 200 (26.3%) were coded as light smokers and 436 (57.2%) as heavy tobacco users. Statistically significant linear trend across the educational level (p = 0.03), self-satisfaction with the appearance of teeth and gums (p = 0.04) and dental check-up in the past 6 months (p = 0.02) was found among the 3 subgroups. Almost the entire sample showed caries experience (84.1%). Mean DS ranged from 0.6 in the nonsmokers subgroup to 1.1 in the heavy smokers. Differences among means were statistically significant for DS, DMFS and Significant Caries Index (p = 0.01, 0.04 and 0.03, respectively). The zero-inflated regression model showed that caries severity was significantly associated with smoking habit (p = 0.02), dental check-up in the past 6 months (p = 0.01), self-satisfaction with the appearance of teeth and gums (p < 0.01) and healthy gums (p = 0.04). Conclusion: Heavy smokers attending a Military Academy showed a higher prevalence of caries, confirming a correlation between the disease and tobacco use.
Eosinophils: Offenders or General Bystanders in Allergic Airway Disease and Pulmonary Immunity?
Authors: Akuthota Praveen , Xenakis Jason J. , Weller Peter F.
Published: January 2011

Eosinophils have long been noted to be present in asthma and other forms of pulmonary inflammation, but whether they act as true offenders or merely as bystanders has been a point of uncertainty. However, in recent years, there has been increasing evidence suggesting that eosinophils are not passive cells in the respiratory system, acting only as markers of allergic inflammation. This review discusses key evidence from animal models and human clinical trials that support the importance of eosinophils as active and necessary, rather than passive and unnecessary, to the pathogenesis of allergic airway disease. Analyses that are supportive of important immunoregulatory roles of eosinophils in allergic pulmonary inflammation are also reviewed. Data indicating that eosinophils contribute to viral, bacterial, and mycobacterial defense and clearance are detailed. Continually increasing evidence has supported a new conception of eosinophils as being multifaceted immune cells with complex interactions with other immune cells and their local environment.
Improved Survival in Heart Transplant Recipients in the United States
Authors: Singh Tajinder P. , Almond Christopher , Givertz Michael M. , Piercey Gary , Gauvreau Kimberlee
Published: January 2011

Background—

Posttransplant survival in heart transplant recipients has progressively improved during the past 2 decades. It is unknown, however, whether the major racial groups in the United States have benefited equally.

Methods and Results—

We analyzed all primary heart transplant recipients aged ≥18 years in the United States from 1987 to 2008. We compared posttransplant survival in white, black, and Hispanic recipients in 5 successive eras (1987 to 1992, 1993 to 1996, 1997 to 2000, 2001 to 2004, 2005 to 2008). Early survival was defined as freedom from death or retransplantation during the first 6 months posttransplant. Longer-term, conditional survival was assessed in patients who survived the first 6 months. There were 29 986 (81.6%) white, 4745 (12.9%) black, and 2017 (5.5%) Hispanic patients in the study cohort. Black patients were at increased risk of early death or retransplant (hazard ratio [HR], 1.15; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.26) in adjusted analysis. Early posttransplant survival improved (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.80 to 0.87 for successive eras) equally in all 3 groups (black-era interaction,P=0.94; Hispanic-era interaction,P=0.40). Longer-term survival improved in white (HR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.92 to 0.97 for successive eras) but not in black (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.09) or Hispanic (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.95 to 1.09) recipients, resulting in increased disparities in longer-term survival with time.

Conclusions—

Early posttransplant survival has improved equally in white, black, and Hispanic heart transplant recipients. Longer-term survival has improved in white but not in black or Hispanic recipients, resulting in a more marked disparity in outcomes in the current era. These disparities warrant further investigation and targeted interventions.
Trade Wind Cloud Evolution Observed by Polarization Radar: Relationship to Giant Condensation Nuclei Concentrations and Cloud Organization
Authors: Minor Hilary A. , Rauber Robert M. , Göke Sabine , Di Girolamo Larry
Published: January 2011

Shallow marine trade wind cumuli are one of the most prevalent cloud types in the tropical atmosphere. Understanding how precipitation forms within these clouds is necessary to advance our knowledge concerning their role in climate. This paper presents a statistical analysis of the characteristic heights and times at which precipitation in trade wind clouds passes through distinct stages in its evolution as defined by the equivalent radar reflectivity factor at horizontal polarization ZH, the differential reflectivity ZDR, and the spatial correlation between and averages of these variables. The data were obtained during the Rain in Cumulus over the Ocean (RICO) field campaign by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) S-band dual-polarization (S-Pol) Doppler radar, the National Science Foundation (NSF)–NCAR C130 aircraft, and soundings launched near the radar. The data consisted of 76 trade cumuli that were tracked from early echo development through rainout on six days during RICO. Trade wind clouds used in the statistical analyses were segregated based on giant condensation nuclei (GCN) measurements made during low-level aircraft flight legs on the six days.

This study found that the rate of precipitation formation in shallow marine cumulus was unrelated to the GCN concentration in the ambient environment. Instead, the rate at which precipitation developed in the clouds appeared to be related to the mesoscale forcing as suggested by the cloud organization. Although GCN had no influence on the rate of precipitation development, the data suggest that they do contribute to a modification of the rain drop size distribution within the clouds. With very few exceptions, high threshold values of ZDR were found well above cloud base on days with high GCN concentrations. On the days that were exceptions, these threshold values were almost always achieved near cloud base.
Trends in Global and Basin-Scale Runoff over the Late Twentieth Century: Methodological Issues and Sources of Uncertainty
Authors: Alkama R. , Decharme B. , Douville H. , Ribes A.
Published: January 2011

While human influence has been detected in global and regional surface air temperature, detection–attribution studies of direct (i.e., land use and water management) and indirect (i.e., climate related) effects of human activities on land surface hydrology remain a crucial and controversial issue. In the present study, a set of global offline hydrological simulations is performed during the 1960–94 period using the Interactions between Soil, Biosphere, and Atmosphere–Total Runoff Integrating Pathways (ISBA-TRIP) modeling system. In contrast to previous numerical sensitivity studies, the model captures the observed trend in river runoff over most continents without including land use changes and/or biophysical CO2 effects, at least when the comparison is made over 154 large rivers with a minimum amount of missing data. The main exception is northern Asia, where the simulated runoff trend is negative, in line with the prescribed precipitation forcing but in contrast with the observed runoff trend. The authors hypothesize that the observed surface warming and the associated decline of permafrost and glaciers, not yet included in most land surface models, could have contributed to the increased runoff at high latitudes. They also emphasize that the runoff trend is a regional-scale issue, if not basin dependent. In line with recent observational studies, their results suggest that CO2 stomatal conductance effects and land use changes are not the primary drivers of the multidecadal runoff variability at continental scales. However, the authors do not rule out a human influence on land runoff, at least through the high-latitude surface warming observed over recent decades.
Eddy–Mean Flow Interaction in the Kuroshio Extension Region
Authors: Waterman Stephanie , Hogg Nelson G. , Jayne Steven R.
Published: January 2011

The authors use data collected by a line of tall current meter moorings deployed across the axis of the Kuroshio Extension (KE) jet at the location of maximum time-mean eddy kinetic energy to characterize the mean jet structure, the eddy variability, and the nature of eddy–mean flow interactions observed during the Kuroshio Extension System Study (KESS). A picture of the 2-yr record mean jet structure is presented in both geographical and stream coordinates, revealing important contrasts in jet strength, width, vertical structure, and flanking recirculation structure. Eddy variability observed is discussed in the context of some of its various sources: jet meandering, rings, waves, and jet instability. Finally, various scenarios for eddy–mean flow interaction consistent with the observations are explored. It is shown that the observed cross-jet distributions of Reynolds stresses at the KESS location are consistent with wave radiation away from the jet, with the sense of the eddy feedback effect on the mean consistent with eddy driving of the observed recirculations. The authors consider these results in the context of a broader description of eddy–mean flow interactions in the larger KE region using KESS data in combination with in situ measurements from past programs in the region and satellite altimetry. This demonstrates important consistencies in the along-stream development of time-mean and eddy properties in the KE with features of an idealized model of a western boundary current (WBC) jet used to understand the nature and importance of eddy–mean flow interactions in WBC jet systems.
Changes in intergenerational eating patterns and the impact on childhood obesity
Authors: Kime Nicky
Published: January 2011

The objective of this study was to examine intergenerational eating patterns within two sets of families, those with an obese child and those with a normal weight child, and to assess the impact of intergenerational influences on children’s eating. A qualitative study design was used, incorporating focus groups and semi-structured interviews. Sixteen focus groups took place and 27 semi-structured interviews were held with different generations. Focus groups were conducted in the community with grandparents, parents and children from different families. This was followed by semi-structured interviews, involving individuals from three generations within families with an obese child and within families with a normal weight child. An examination of intergenerational eating has shown that eating patterns have changed regardless of whether or not families have children who are obese. The grandparent’s eating patterns were more structured, whereas the children’s eating patterns were less so. There have been more changes, and eating is less structured, within those families with an obese child than those families with a normal weight child. It is recommended that approaches to tackling childhood obesity concentrate on the family setting and the ways in which professionals can support families to change eating practices. Future research should formally test the relationship between the concept ‘structured eating’ and the ‘what’ of eating, in order to determine whether there is a link between intergenerational eating patterns and childhood obesity.
Antecedents and Consequences of Consumer Value
Authors: Bradley Graham L. , Sparks Beverley A.
Published: January 2011

Why do travel and tourism consumers appraise products as more or less favorable, and what makes them change their appraisals over time? In addressing these two fundamental questions, we focus on the construct of consumer value, a construct often regarded as pivotal in determining customer satisfaction and loyalty. In this article, we propose and test a model of the antecedents and consequences of change in consumer value. We used a key sector of the tourism industry, timeshare, as the context for this research. Self-report data were obtained from 580 owners of timeshare on two occasions, 12 months apart. Results from this longitudinal study showed that selected consumer, product, consumption experience, and learning experience factors predicted changes in value, and these value changes, in turn, predicted shifts over time in satisfaction and repurchase intent. The findings provide new insights as to the role of value in consumer appraisals and actions.
Choices and Chances
Authors: Simpson Joseph M. , Elias Vicky L.
Published: January 2011

This article introduces a sociology role-playing game (RPG) used to demonstrate the broad range of social forces, institutions, and structures in a semester-long series of in-class and homework assignments. RPGs and other simulation games have been frequently suggested as a useful teaching methodology because of their unique ability to allow students to observe and analyze society from a new perspective; however, most games are limited in scope. We present a game that is based on a clearly articulated theoretical foundation, reflects contemporary American demographics, and recreates the full breadth of social structures and relationships. The result is a robust teaching tool that develops critical thinking skills, encourages the sociological imagination, and is applicable to a wide range of classes and topics. Informal student feedback and student evaluations indicate that students enjoy the game, that it aids students in understanding sociological concepts, and that it encourages social critique beyond the classroom.
Debunking Common Sense and the Taken for Granted
Authors: LeMoyne Terri , Davis Jean Marie
Published: January 2011

In this article, the authors argue that one approach to teaching Introduction to Social Problems is to structure the course content around taken-for-granted beliefs that many students have about the social world. In doing so, the authors discuss the social construction of social problems, how sociology differs from common sense, and the importance of critical sociological thinking. By way of example, the authors focus on the social problem of divorce.
Who Has the Advantages in My Intended Career?
Authors: Sweet Stephen , Baker Kimberly M.
Published: January 2011

This article describes and assesses two learning modules designed to make students aware of gender and racial inequalities present in their own intended careers. Students identify their intended occupation in respect to the Standard Occupational Classification system and then use that code to determine the composition and earnings in that occupation with data provided. Analysis of student papers shows that this assignment contributes not only to the awareness of inequalities, but also to the development of quantitative literacy skills. Panel survey methods reveal substantial changes in students’ beliefs about the extent of gender and racial inequality. Conclusions consider directions for the development of additional strategies to advance students’ understandings of inequalities in adulthood and later life.
What ‘good’ looks like: Understanding records ontologically in the context of the global financial crisis
Authors: Lemieux Victoria , Limonad Lior
Published: January 2011

This paper explores the internal components (semantics) of financial electronic records. The authors adopt a view of records as representations of perceptions about a specific domain that belong to classes of representations at the centre of which are archetypal ‘good’ records (records that most faithfully represent their domains). The paper proposes a static modelling language that illustrates how the ontological concepts of Bunge and Searle can be integrated to achieve a richer grammatical explanatory tool for use in modelling the internal structure of archetypal records in the context of domains of financial crisis and contagion such as the failure of Lehman Brothers.
Brookes equation: The basis for a qualitative characterization of information behaviours
Authors: Bawden David
Published: January 2011

Brookes equation, which has hitherto been regarded as a kind of non-mathematical shorthand description of information use, is extended so as to show the qualitative pattern of information access. Information inputs are represented by a simple power law, and changes in knowledge structure by possible changes to a simple mental map. The resulting pattern shows seven forms of information input and three forms of change in knowledge structure, giving 21 categories overall. These have the potential for use as an explanatory tool and taxonomy for studying and summarizing information behaviour, and offer the possibility of being developed into more sophisticated and quantitative treatments.
Achieving the preferred place of care for hospitalized patients at the end of life
Authors: Gerrard Ruth , Campbell Janet , Minton Ollie , Moback Berit , Skinner Charles , McGowan Catherine , Stone Patrick Charles
Published: January 2011

Background: The Department of Health end-of-life strategy contains a number of quality markers which include taking into account patients’ wishes for their final place of care. There is a wide variation in how this information is recorded. Methods: An audit was conducted on discussion of preferred place of care (PPC) for all patients referred to the hospital palliative care team who died during the audit period. Barriers to achieving PPC and the efficacy of a fast track discharge service were also monitored. The audit was first done in 2007 and was repeated in 2009. Results: There was an increase in recording PPC. Overall PPC wishes were ascertained for 87% of the patients seen by the team. The PPC was achieved in 76% of cases. The number of patients wishing to die in hospital significantly increased over the audit cycle (from 10% to 30%). Approximately one-third of patients changed their minds regarding PPC. Conclusions: The data highlights the need to distinguish between preferred place of care and preferred place of death. Patients’ wishes regarding PPC change as death approaches. A greater number of patients wished to die in hospital than was expected.
Patients’ psychosocial experiences of attending Specialist Palliative Day Care: A systematic review
Authors: Bradley Sarah E , Frizelle Dorothy , Johnson Miriam
Published: January 2011

Recent reviews conclude that the benefits of attending Specialist Palliative Day Care (SPDC) are likely to be in social, psychological and spiritual domains. However, these areas are not easily identified, leaving researchers and practitioners unclear as to what aspects of these domains patients most need and desire. The objective of this review was to systematically evaluate literature on patient-perceived psychosocial experiences of attendance at SPDC. Twelve studies were included. Evidence showed that patients value a person-centred approach that reduces isolation, increases social support, encourages communication and provides activities. Future research could focus on investigating why patients value the psychosocial experiences reported and how these experiences can be defined in a way that would be meaningful to clinical service commissioners. Once this has been done, clinicians can start to measure more effectively clinical effectiveness and devise justifiable interventions to help this patient group.
Medicare hospice care in US nursing homes: a 2006 update
Authors: Sterns Samantha , Miller Susan C
Published: January 2011

Introduction: This research examines 2006 population-based data on persons who died in US nursing homes (NHs) and received hospice in the NH.

Methods: We compared dying persons characteristics and lengths of hospice stay in five US states between 1992 and 1996 and in 2006. We also compared characteristics of dying persons in 2006 by whether they first entered hospice in the community (i.e. ‘community-NH’, N = 12,950) or the NH (i.e. ‘NH-only’, N = 159,065).

Results: In five US states, dying persons who received NH hospice in 2006, compared to 1992–1996, were older, had more short hospice stays (≤7 days), and were less frequently diagnosed with cancer. Also, in 2006, dying persons receiving ‘NH-only’ versus ‘community-NH’ hospice were older, had more short stays, and were less frequently diagnosed with cancer.

Discussion: Persons in 2006 who received hospice in the community and in the NH (vs. ‘NH-only’) were strikingly similar to hospice participants in 1992–1996. 2006 ‘NH-only’ vs. ‘community-NH’ dying persons, more closely resemble U.S. NH residents.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Throwing Elbow in the Uninjured, High School–Aged Baseball Pitcher
Authors: Hurd Wendy J. , Eby Sarah , Kaufman Kenton R. , Murthy Naveen S.
Published: January 2011

Background: Tissue adaptations in response to pitching are an expected finding during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation of the throwing elbow of adult pitchers. These changes are considered normal in the absence of symptom complaints. It is unclear when during the playing career these tissue adaptations are initiated.

Hypothesis: Abnormalities in the appearance of the throwing elbow compared with the nonthrowing elbow would be visible during MRI assessment of this asymptomatic population of high school–aged throwers.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods: Twenty-three uninjured, asymptomatic male high school–aged baseball pitchers (mean age, 16 years) with no history of elbow injury were recruited for the study. Participants had a minimum of 3 years’ experience with pitching as their primary position (mean experience, 6 years). Bilateral elbow MRI examinations were performed using a standardized protocol including fast spin-echo proton-density (axial and coronal), T1-weighted (sagittal), and T2-weighted fat-saturated (axial, sagittal, and coronal) sequences. Osteoarticular, ligamentous, musculotendinous, and neural structures were evaluated and compared bilaterally. The images were reviewed by a musculoskeletal radiologist who was blinded to all the gathered data on these athletes, including limb dominance.

Results: Three participants (13%) had no abnormalities. Fifteen individuals (65%) had asymmetrical anterior band ulnar collateral ligament thickening, including 4 individuals who also had mild sublime tubercle/anteromedial facet edema. Fourteen participants (61%) had posteromedial subchondral sclerosis of the ulnotrochlear articulation, including 8 (35%) with a posteromedial ulnotrochlear osteophyte, and 4 (17%) with mild posteromedial ulnotrochlear chondromalacia. Ten individuals (43%) had multiple abnormal findings in the throwing elbow.

Conclusion: Thickening of the anterior band of the ulnar collateral ligament and posteromedial subchondral sclerosis of the trochlea are common findings in the high school–aged pitcher and may be considered normal clinical findings in the absence of symptom complaints. Other changes in tissue appearance of the throwing elbow are uncommon in this age group and should be regarded with a higher level of caution when evaluating for the presence of injury. An understanding of the MRI appearance of the uninjured youth pitcher is necessary for clinicians to distinguish between normal adaptations and the presence of injury.