bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Network Models: An Underutilized Tool in Wildlife Epidemiology?
Authors: Craft Meggan E. , Caillaud Damien
Published: March 2011

Although the approach of contact network epidemiology has been increasing in popularity for studying transmission of infectious diseases in human populations, it has generally been an underutilized approach for investigating disease outbreaks in wildlife populations. In this paper we explore the differences between the type of data that can be collected on human and wildlife populations, provide an update on recent advances that have been made in wildlife epidemiology by using a network approach, and discuss why networks might have been underutilized and why networks could and should be used more in the future. We conclude with ideas for future directions and a call for field biologists and network modelers to engage in more cross-disciplinary collaboration.
A First Human Case of Ocular Dirofilariosis due toDirofilaria repensin Northeastern France
Authors: Argy Nicolas , Sabou Marcela , Billing Alain , Hermsdorff Christian , Candolfi Ermanno , Abou-Bacar Ahmed
Published: March 2011

We report the first case of ocular dirofilariasis to be diagnosed in northeast France (Alsace region), in a man who presented with a suborbital mass after a journey to Senegal. Microscopic examination of the surgical specimen identifiedDirofilaria repens.
Deletion of the Proline-Rich Region of the Murine Metastasis Susceptibility Gene Brd4 Promotes Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition- and Stem Cell-Like Conversion
Authors: Alsarraj Jude , Walker Renard C. , Webster Joshua D. , Geiger Thomas R. , Crawford Nigel P.S. , Simpson R. Mark , Ozato Keiko , Hunter Kent W.
Published: March 2011

The bromodomain-containing chromatin-modifying factor BRD4 is an inherited susceptibility gene for breast cancer progression and metastasis, but its functionality in these settings has yet to be explored. Here we show that deletion of either of the BRD4 bromodomains had modest effects on the metastatic suppression ability of BRD4. In contrast, expression of the natural short isoform of BRD4 that truncates the protein after the SEED domain restored progression and metastatic capacity. Unexpectedly, deletion of the proline-rich region induced mesenchymal-like conversion and acquisition of cancer stem cell-like properties, which are mediated by the carboxy-terminal P-TEFb binding domain. Deletion of this proline-rich region also induced a gene expression signature that predicted poor outcome in human breast cancer data sets and that overlapped G3 grade human breast tumors. Thus our findings suggest that BRD4 may be altering the predisposition of tumors to undergo conversion to a more de-differentiated or primitive state during metastatic progression. Cancer Res; 71(8); 3121–31. ©2011 AACR.
MK-1775, a Potent Wee1 Inhibitor, Synergizes with Gemcitabine to Achieve Tumor Regressions, Selectively in p53-Deficient Pancreatic Cancer Xenografts
Authors: Rajeshkumar N.V. , De Oliveira Elizabeth , Ottenhof Niki , Watters James , Brooks David , Demuth Tim , Shumway Stuart D. , Mizuarai Shinji , Hirai Hiroshi , Maitra Anirban , Hidalgo Manuel
Published: March 2011

Purpose: Investigate the efficacy and pharmacodynamic effects of MK-1775, a potent Wee1 inhibitor, in both monotherapy and in combination with gemcitabine (GEM) using a panel of p53-deficient and p53 wild-type human pancreatic cancer xenografts.

Experimental Design: Nine individual patient-derived pancreatic cancer xenografts (6 with p53-deficient and 3 with p53 wild-type status) from the PancXenoBank collection at Johns Hopkins were treated with MK-1775, GEM, or GEM followed 24 hour later by MK-1775, for 4 weeks. Tumor growth rate/regressions were calculated on day 28. Target modulation was assessed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.

Results: MK-1775 treatment led to the inhibition of Wee1 kinase and reduced inhibitory phosphorylation of its substrate Cdc2. MK-1775, when dosed with GEM, abrogated the checkpoint arrest to promote mitotic entry and facilitated tumor cell death as compared to control and GEM-treated tumors. MK-1775 monotherapy did not induce tumor regressions. However, the combination of GEM with MK-1775 produced robust antitumor activity and remarkably enhanced tumor regression response (4.01-fold) compared to GEM treatment in p53-deficient tumors. Tumor regrowth curves plotted after the drug treatment period suggest that the effect of the combination therapy is longer-lasting than that of GEM. None of the agents produced tumor regressions in p53 wild-type xenografts.

Conclusions: These results indicate that MK-1775 selectively synergizes with GEM to achieve tumor regressions, selectively in p53-deficient pancreatic cancer xenografts. Clin Cancer Res; 17(9); 2799–806. ©2011 AACR.
A High-Throughput Proteomic Approach Provides Distinct Signatures for Thyroid Cancer Behavior
Authors: Cheng Sonia , Serra Stefano , Mercado Moises , Ezzat Shereen , Asa Sylvia L.
Published: March 2011

Purpose: Well-differentiated thyroid cancer (WDTC) is the most frequent form of endocrine neoplasia. One of the main challenges in the management of this disease is distinguishing low-risk patients who can be treated by surgical resection of the lesion from those with a high likelihood of recurrence who need a more extensive approach, including total thyroidectomy and radioiodine ablation.

Experimental Design: A tissue microarray (TMA) comprising 410 cases of WDTC was constructed with risk estimates for the following features: extrathyroidal extension, lymph node metastases, and vascular invasion. The variables examined were morphologic classification, candidate genetic, and proteomic biomarkers.

Results: BRAF (Raf kinase type B) mutant carriers showed increased risk of developing invasion compared with wild-type (WT) cases. However, when classified morphologically, classic papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC) showed much higher risk estimates for invasive features compared with follicular variant PTCs (FVPTC); within these morphologic subgroups, BRAF mutational status did not provide independent risk estimates. Staining intensities for membranous galectin-3 (Gal3), HBME-1, and CK19 and nuclear Gal3 were statistically validated as markers of aggressive behavior. Estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) was overexpressed in lesions with invasive behavior. The utility of these biomarkers remained statistically significant in the FVPTC. In contrast, a different set of biomarkers proved effective in classic PTC where upregulation of cyclin D1, loss of p27, and overexpression of ERβ were associated with invasive behavior.

Conclusion: Different proteomic signatures validate the distinction of classic and FVPTC and provide a practical clinical mechanism to predict the thyroid cancer behavior and stratify patients for clinical management. Clin Cancer Res; 17(8); 2385–94. ©2011 AACR.
An Antibody Targeted to VEGFR-2 Ig Domains 4-7 Inhibits VEGFR-2 Activation and VEGFR-2–Dependent Angiogenesis without Affecting Ligand Binding
Authors: Kendrew Jane , Eberlein Cath , Hedberg Brad , McDaid Karen , Smith Neil R. , Weir Hazel M. , Wedge Stephen R. , Blakey David C. , Foltz Ian , Zhou Joe , Kang Jaspal S. , Barry Simon T.
Published: March 2011

Inhibition of VEGFR-2 signaling reduces angiogenesis and retards tumor growth. Current biotherapeutics that inhibit VEGFR-2 signaling by either sequestering VEGF ligand or inhibiting VEGF binding to VEGFR-2 may be compromised by high VEGF concentrations. Here we describe a biotherapeutic that targets VEGFR-2 signaling by binding to Ig domains 4-7 of VEGFR-2 and therefore has the potential to work independently of ligand concentration. 33C3, a fully human VEGFR-2 antibody, was generated using XenoMouse technology. To elucidate the mechanism of action of 33C3, we have used a number of competition and binding assays. We show that 33C3 binds VEGFR-2 Ig domains 4-7, has no impact on VEGF-A binding to VEGFR-2, and does not compete with an antibody that interacts at the ligand binding site. 33C3 has a high affinity for VEGFR-2 (KD < 1 nmol/L) and inhibits VEGF-A induced phosphorylation of VEGFR-2 with an IC50 of 99 ± 3 ng/mL. In vitro, in a 2D angiogenesis assay, 33C3 potently inhibits both tube length and number of branch points, and endothelial tubule formation in a 3D assay. In vivo, 33C3 is a very effective inhibitor of angiogenesis in both a human endothelial angiogenesis assay and in a human skin chimera model. These data show targeting VEGFR-2 outside of the ligand binding domain results in potent inhibition of VEGFR-2 signaling and inhibition of angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Mol Cancer Ther; 10(5); 770–83. ©2011 AACR.
Dietary Glutamate Signal Evokes Gastric Juice Excretion in Dogs
Authors: Khropycheva Raisa , Andreeva Julia , Uneyama Hisayuki , Torii Kunio , Zolotarev Vasiliy
Published: March 2011

Background: Dietary-free L-glutamate (Glu) in the stomach interacts with specific Glu receptors (T1R1/T1R3 and mGluR1–8) expressed on surface epithelial and gastric gland cells. Furthermore, luminal Glu activates the vagal afferents in the stomach through the paracrine cascade including nitric oxide and serotonin (5-HT). Aim: To elucidate the role of dietary Glu in neuroendocrine control of the gastrointestinal phase of gastric secretion. Methods: In Pavlov or Heidenhain gastric pouch dogs, secretion was measured in the pouch while monosodium glutamate (MSG) was intubated into the main stomach alone or in combination with liquid diets. Results: In both experimental models, supplementation of the amino acid-rich diet with MSG (100 mmol/l) enhanced secretions of acid, pepsinogen and fluid, and elevated plasma gastrin-17. However, MSG did not affect secretion stimulated by the carbohydrate-rich diet and had no effect on basal secretion when applied in aqueous solution. Effects of MSG were abolished by denervation of the stomach and proximal small intestine with intragastrically applied lidocaine and partially suppressed with the 5-HT3 receptor blocker granisetron. Conclusions: Supplementation of amino acid-rich liquid diets with MSG enhances gastrointestinal phase secretion through neuroendocrine pathways which are partially mediated by 5-HT. Possible mechanisms are discussed.
A Principal Components-Based Clustering Method to Identify Variants Associated with Complex Traits
Authors: Black Mary Helen , Watanabe Richard M.
Published: March 2011

Background: Multivariate methods ranging from joint SNP to principal components analysis (PCA) have been developed for testing multiple markers in a region for association with disease and disease-related traits. However, these methods suffer from low power and/or the inability to identify the subset of markers contributing to evidence for association under various scenarios. Methods: We introduce orthoblique principal components-based clustering (OPCC) as an alternative approach to identify specific subsets of markers showing association with a quantitative outcome of interest. We demonstrate the utility of OPCC using simulation studies and an example from the literature on type 2 diabetes. Results: Compared to traditional methods, OPCC has similar or improved power under various scenarios of linkage disequilibrium structure and genotype availability. Most importantly, our simulations show how OPCC accurately parses large numbers of markers to a subset containing the causal variant or its proxy. Conclusion: OPCC is a powerful and efficient data reduction method for detecting associations between gene variants and disease-related traits. Unlike alternative methodologies, OPCC has the ability to isolate the effect of causal SNP(s) from among large sets of markers in a candidate region. Therefore, OPCC is an improvement over PCA for testing multiple SNP associations with phenotypes of interest.
Comparison between Drug-Eluting Stents and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting for Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Two Randomized Trials and Thirteen Observational Studies
Authors: Zheng Shuai , Zheng Zhe , Hou Jianfeng , Hu Shengshou
Published: March 2011

Objective: The clinical outcomes for unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) between coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and drug-eluting stents (DES) are still controversial. The objective was to compare safety and efficacy between DES and CABG for unprotected LMCA. Methods: Electronic databases and article references were systematically searched (2000–2010) to access relevant studies. Results: Fifteen studies with 5,479 patients were finally involved in the present study. The mortality was similar in DES and CABG groups at 1 year [odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 0.71 (0.5–1.03)], 2 years [1.28 (0.93–1.76)], 3 years [0.88 (0.53–1.46)], 4 years [0.46 (0.18–1.17)], and 5 years [1.16 (0.85–1.57)]. No significant difference was found between DES and CABG in the risk of composite endpoint of death, myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular events during 5 years’ follow-up [1 year, 0.95 (0.63–1.43); 2 years, 1.34 (0.67–2.57); 3 years, 1.06 (0.59–1.90); 4 years, 0.53 (0.26–1.08); 5 years, 0.83 (0.33–2.07)]. However, the risk of repeat revascularization was significantly higher in the DES group than the CABG group at 1 year [5.00 (2.85–8.77)], 2 years [4.79 (2.72–8.45)], 3 years [5.72 (3.07–10.65)], 4 years [2.16 (1.17–4.01)], and 5 years [5.65 (3.44–9.27)]. Conclusion: Our meta-analysis indicates that there are no significant differences in the safety between CABG and DES in patients with unprotected LMCA in the 5 years after intervention. But CABG is superior to DES for repeat revascularization.
Depletion of Plasma Gelsolin in Patients with Tick-Borne Encephalitis and Lyme Neuroborreliosis
Authors: Kułakowska Alina , Zajkowska Joanna M. , Ciccarelli Nicholas J. , Mroczko Barbara , Drozdowski Wiesław , Bucki Robert
Published: March 2011

Background/Aims: Cell damage during the course of inflammation results in cytoplasmic actin release, which if not eliminated by the extracellular actin scavenger system, composed of gelsolin and vitamin D binding protein, can cause dysfunction of hemostasis and toxicity towards surrounding cells. In this study, we test the hypothesis that an inflammatory reaction induced by central nervous system infections such as tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) or Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) will result in plasma gelsolin concentration changes in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Methods: Quantitative Western blot was used to determine gelsolin levels in 58 samples, which include: 29 patients without infection (diagnosed with conditions such as idiopathic cephalalgia, idiopathic Bell’s facial nerve palsy and ischialgia due to discopathy in which standard CSF diagnostic tests show no abnormalities), 12 patients diagnosed with TBE, and 17 patients diagnosed with LNB sub forma meningitis. Results and Conclusion: The gelsolin concentration in the blood of patients with TBE (163.2 ± 80.8 µg/ml) and LNB (113.6 ± 56.8 µg/ml) was significantly lower (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively) compared to the control group (226.3 ± 100.7 µg/ml). Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference between the CSF gelsolin concentration in patients with TBE (3.9 ± 3.3 µg/ml), LNB (2.9 ± 1.2 µg/ml) and the control group (3.7 ± 3.3 µg/ml). An observed decrease in gelsolin concentration in the blood of TBE and LNB patients supports previous findings indicating the involvement of gelsolin in the pathophysiology of an inflammatory response. Therefore, evaluation of blood gelsolin concentration and administration of recombinant plasma gelsolin might provide a new tool to develop diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for TBE and LNB.
Dynamics of Aβ42 Reduction in Plasma, CSF and Brain of Rats Treated with the γ-Secretase Modulator, GSM-10h
Authors: Hawkins Julie , Harrison David C. , Ahmed Sharlin , Davis Robert P. , Chapman Trevor , Marshall Ian , Smith Beverley , Mead Tania L. , Medhurst Andrew , Giblin Ged M.P. , Hall Adrian , Gonzalez Maria I. , Richardson Jill , Hussain Ishrut
Published: March 2011

Background:Allosteric modulation of γ-secretase is an attractive therapeutic approach for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. We recently identified a novel γ-secretase modulator, GSM-10h, which effectively lowers Aβ42 production in cells and in amyloid precursor protein transgenic mice. Objective: Here, we describe the in vivo characterization of GSM-10h in a model of endogenous Aβ production. Methods: Rats were administered orally with GSM-10h, and the effect on Aβ levels in peripheral and central compartments was determined. In addition, the effect of GSM-10h on Notch processing was assessed. Results: Acute administration of GSM-10h to rats causes a dose-dependent decrease in the level of Aβ42 in plasma, CSF and brain, with little effect on the level of Aβ40 in these compartments. The magnitude of Aβ42 lowering in the CSF and brain was further enhanced upon sub-chronic administration of GSM-10h. No deleterious effect on Notch processing was evident in either of these studies. To further explore the dynamics of Aβ42 reduction in peripheral and CNS compartments, a time course study was conducted. In all compartments, the decrease in Aβ42 was greatest at 6 h after administration of GSM-10h. This decrease in Aβ42 was maintained for 9–15 h, after which time Aβ42 levels returned to baseline levels. Encouragingly, no rebound in Aβ42 levels beyond baseline levels was observed. Conclusions: These findings support the γ-secretase modulator profile of GSM-10h, and highlight the utility of the rat for assessing the pre-clinical efficacy of γ-secretase modulators.
Risk Factors for Recurrence of Serous Macular Detachment in Untreated Patients with Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Authors: Fok Andrew C.T. , Chan Poemen P.M. , Lam Dennis S.C. , Lai Timothy Y.Y.
Published: March 2011

Background: To evaluate risk factors for the recurrence of serous macular detachment in untreated patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Methods: Retrospective review of untreated CSC patients with a follow-up of ≧3 years. Patient demographics, visual outcome and risk factors for the recurrence of CSC were analyzed. Results: Seventy-three eyes of 73 patients were included, and the mean age was 44.6 years. At baseline, the mean logMAR best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.30. After a mean follow-up of 72 months, the mean final logMAR BCVA was 0.32. The difference between the final and baseline BCVAs was not statistically significant (p = 0.79). At the last follow-up, 9 (12.3%) eyes showed improved vision of ≧2 lines, and 12 (16.4%) showed a worsening of ≧2 lines. During follow-up, 38 (52.1%) patients experienced ≧1 episode of CSC recurrence. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that patients with a history of psychiatric illness (adjustment disorder and depression) were associated with an increased risk of CSC recurrence (hazard ratio = 3.5, p = 0.011). Conclusions: The long-term visual prognosis of CSC is fair without treatment, and a significant proportion of patients developed recurrence of CSC. A history of psychiatric illness is associated with an increased risk of CSC recurrence.
Clinical Core Symptoms of Posterior Spinal Artery Ischemia
Authors: Struhal Walter , Seifert-Held Thomas , Lahrmann Heinz , Fazekas Franz , Grisold Wolfgang
Published: March 2011

Introduction: Ischemia in the distribution of the posterior spinal artery is rare. Methods: Between 2004 and 2008 we observed 4 patients with posterior spinal artery ischemia (PSAI). Results: All patients had the expected loss of posterior column function but also suffered from motor deficits which were severe, and the leading symptom in 2 patients. Severe pain, bowel and bladder dysfunction were other concomitant symptoms. In 3 of 4 patients, a follow-up spinal MRI was needed to show the cord infarct together with vertebral body ischemia in 2 patients. Conclusion: An acute onset of posterior column dysfunction with a variable degree of motor deficit and dorsalgia suggests PSAI.
Uric Acid and Pentraxin-3 Levels Are Independently Associated with Coronary Artery Disease Risk in Patients with Stage 2 and 3 Kidney Disease
Authors: Kanbay Mehmet , Ikizek Mustafa , Solak Yalcin , Selcoki Yusuf , Uysal Sema , Armutcu Ferah , Eryonucu Beyhan , Covic Adrian , Johnson Richard J.
Published: March 2011

Background and Objectives: Cardiovascular disease is prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Uric acid is increased in subjects with CKD and has been linked with cardiovascular mortality in this population. However, no study has evaluated the relationship of uric acid with angiographically proven coronary artery disease (CAD) in this population. We therefore investigated the link between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and (i) extent of CAD assessed by the Gensini score and (ii) inflammatory parameters, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and pentraxin-3, in patients with mild-to-moderate CKD. Material and Methods: In an unselected population of 130 patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 90 and 30 ml/min/1.73 m2, we measured SUA, serum pentraxin-3, CRP, urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio, lipid parameters and the severity of CAD as assessed by coronary angiography and quantified by the Gensini lesion severity score. Results: The mean serum values for SUA, pentraxin-3 and CRP in the entire study population were 5.5 ± 1.5 mg/dl, 6.4 ± 3.4 ng/ml and 3.5 ± 2.6 mg/dl, respectively. The Gensini scores significantly correlated in univariate analysis with gender (R = –0.379, p = 0.02), uric acid (R = 0.42, p = 0.001), pentraxin-3 (R = 0.54, p = 0.001), CRP (R = 0.29, p = 0.006) levels, eGFR (R = –0.33, p = 0.02), proteinuria (R = 0.21, p = 0.01), and presence of hypertension (R = 0.37, p = 0.001), but not with smoking status, diabetes mellitus, and lipid parameters. After adjustments for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, only uric acid (R = 0.21, p = 0.02) and pentraxin-3 (R = 0.28, p = 0.01) remained significant predictors of the Gensini score. Conclusions: SUA and pentraxin-3 levels are independent determinants of severity of CAD in patients with mild-to-moderate CKD. We recommend a clinical trial to determine whether lowering uric acid could prevent progression of CAD in patients with CKD.
Phrase Length Matters: The Interplay between Implicit Prosody and Syntax in Korean “Garden Path” Sentences
Authors: Hwang Hyekyung , Steinhauer Karsten
Published: March 2011

In spoken language comprehension, syntactic parsing decisions interact with prosodic phrasing, which is directly affected by phrase length. Here we used ERPs to examine whether a similar effect holds for the on-line processing of written sentences during silent reading, as suggested by theories of “implicit prosody.” Ambiguous Korean sentence beginnings with two distinct interpretations were manipulated by increasing the length of sentence-initial subject noun phrases (NPs). As expected, only long NPs triggered an additional prosodic boundary reflected by a closure positive shift (CPS) in ERPs. When sentence materials further downstream disambiguated the initially dispreferred interpretation, the resulting P600 component reflecting processing difficulties (“garden path” effects) was smaller in amplitude for sentences with long NPs. Interestingly, additional prosodic revisions required only for the short subject disambiguated condition—the delayed insertion of an implicit prosodic boundary after the subject NP—were reflected by a frontal P600-like positivity, which may be interpreted in terms of a delayed CPS brain response. These data suggest that the subvocally generated prosodic boundary after the long subject NP facilitated the recovery from a garden path, thus primarily supporting one of two competing theoretical frameworks on implicit prosody. Our results underline the prosodic nature of the cognitive processes underlying phrase length effects and contribute cross-linguistic evidence regarding the on-line use of implicit prosody for parsing decisions in silent reading.
Object-based Neglect Varies with Egocentric Position
Authors: Karnath Hans-Otto , Mandler André , Clavagnier Simon
Published: March 2011

Different reference frames have been identified to influence neglect behavior. In particular, neglect has been demonstrated to be related to the contralesional side of the subject's body (egocentric reference frames) as well as to the contralesional side of individual objects irrespective of their position to the patient (object-based reference frame). There has been discussion whether this distinction separates neglect into body- and object-based forms. The present experiment aimed to prove possible interactions between object-based and egocentric aspects in spatial neglect. Neglect patients' eye and head movements were recorded while they explored objects at five egocentric positions along the horizontal dimension of space. The patients showed both egocentric as well as object-based behavior. Most interestingly, data analysis revealed that object-based neglect varied with egocentric position. Although the neglect of the objects' left side was strong at contralesional egocentric positions, it ameliorated at more ipsilesional egocentric positions of the objects. The patients showed steep, ramp-shaped patterns of exploration for objects located on the far contralesional side and a broadening of these patterns as the locations of the objects shifted more to the ipsilesional side. The data fitted well with the saliency curves predicted by a model of space representation, which suggests that visual input is represented in two modes simultaneously: in veridical egocentric coordinates and in within-object coordinates.
Perception and Conception: Temporal Lobe Activity during Complex Discriminations of Familiar and Novel Faces and Objects
Authors: Barense Morgan D. , Henson Richard N. A. , Graham Kim S.
Published: March 2011

Recent studies indicate that medial-temporal lobe (MTL) damage, either from focal lesions or neurodegenerative disease (e.g., semantic dementia), impairs perception as well as long-term declarative memory. Notably, however, these two patient groups show different performance for meaningful versus unfamiliar stimuli. In amnesics with nonprogressive MTL lesions, the use of meaningful stimuli, compared with unfamiliar items, boosted discrimination performance. In semantic dementia, a condition characterized by progressive deterioration of conceptual knowledge in the context of anterolateral temporal lobe damage, performance for meaningful stimuli was equivalent to that for unfamiliar items. To further investigate these findings, we scanned healthy volunteers while they performed odd-one-out discriminations involving familiar (i.e., meaningful/famous) and unfamiliar (i.e., novel) objects and faces and a baseline task of size oddity. Outside the scanner, volunteers' recognition memory was assessed. We found above baseline activity in the perirhinal cortex and hippocampus for all object and face discriminations and above baseline activity in the temporal pole for all face discriminations. The comparison of meaningful, relative to novel, faces and objects, revealed increased activity in the perirhinal cortex and hippocampus. In the temporal pole, we also found activity related to meaningfulness for faces but not for objects. Importantly, these meaningfulness effects were evident even for discriminations that were not subsequently well remembered, suggesting that the difference between meaningful and novel stimuli reflects perceptual or conceptual processes rather than solely incidental encoding into long-term memory. The results provide further evidence that the MTL is recruited during complex perceptual discrimination and additionally suggest that these structures are recruited in semantic processing of objects and faces.
Mental Illness Stigma Reduction Interventions
Authors: Dalky Heyam F.
Published: March 2011

This article reviews the literature evaluating the effectiveness of various stigma reduction interventions related to mental health illnesses. An integrated search of the English language literature from 1998 to May 2008 was done using CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and PsychINFO databases. The results of this review emphasize that experimental clinical trials hold promise for providing evidence-based data that can be used in mental health practice. Educational and contact-based strategies used in various stigma reduction programs resulted in the most durable gains in knowledge as well as positive attitudinal and behavioral changes needed to decrease the stigma associated with mental illness. Special stigma reduction programs are to be planned for adolescent and elderly targets. Future studies have yet to be designed to identify cost-effective stigma reduction programs. Moreover, interventional studies from different cultures are encouraged. Cross-cultural interventions need to be evaluated and modified to ensure providing culturally relevant interventions.
Relationship between Fatigue, Perfectionism, and Functional Dysphonia
Authors: O’Hara James , Miller Tracey , Carding Paul , Wilson Janet , Deary Vincent
Published: March 2011

Objectives

Increased levels of fatigue and perfectionism were noted during evaluation of cognitive behavioral therapy for the treatment of functional dysphonia. The investigators thus aimed to explore levels of general fatigue and perfectionism in patients with functional dysphonia and controls.

Study design

Case‐control study.

Setting

Teaching hospital, United Kingdom.

Subjects and Methods

Patients recruited through speech therapy were asked to recruit a friend as a control, of the same sex and within 5 years of their age. An 11‐point fatigue questionnaire, previously validated on a normal population, was analyzed using both Likert (0123) and bimodal (0011) systems, with a score greater than 4 on the bimodal system implying substantial fatigue. A 35‐point perfectionism questionnaire was also completed and analyzed for “healthy” and “unhealthy” perfectionist traits.

Results

There were 75 cases and 62 controls. The mean fatigue score in patients with functional dysphonia was 17.0 and 14.4 for the controls (Likert, P =. 009). Under the bimodal scoring system, the mean fatigue scores in functional dysphonia (5.10) and controls (3.01) were also significantly different (P =. 003). The mean perfectionism scores were 98.9 for patients with functional dysphonia and 91.2 for controls (P = 0.043).

Conclusions

To the investigators’ knowledge, this is the first substantial report that fatigue and perfectionism scores are significantly elevated in functional dysphonia. Functional dysphonia is shown to be analogous to other medically unexplained physical symptoms that are also marked by generic somatopsychic distress and for which multiple factors are implicated in their onset and maintenance. This has implications for both research and treatment.
Individualized Estimation of Conditional Survival for Patients with Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Wang Samuel J. , Wissel Amanda R. , Ord Celine B. , Kalpathy‐Cramer Jayashree , Fuller C. David , Holland John M. , Gross Neil D.
Published: March 2011

Survival for cancer patients is usually only reported as survival from time of diagnosis. For patients who survive 1 or more years after diagnosis, however, survival probability changes over time and is more accurately depicted by conditional survival. The specific aim of this project was to build a survival regression model and Web‐based tool to make individualized estimates of conditional survival for patients with head and neck cancer based on tumor and patient characteristics. Using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, a prediction modeling tool was built that can estimate prognosis for patients with head and neck cancer who have already survived a period of time after diagnosis. Having more accurate prognostic information may empower both patients and clinicians to make more appropriate decisions regarding follow‐up, surveillance testing, and future treatment.
Behavioral Implications of Public Service Motivation
Authors: Lee Young-joo
Published: March 2011

Research finds the behavioral implications of public service motivation (PSM) in prosocial behaviors such as volunteering, and explains the higher rate of volunteering among public and nonprofit workers with PSM. Although existing research focuses on the link between employee’s PSM and general volunteering, little is known about how workers’ volunteering activities differ across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. This study examines differences between public and nonprofit employees’ volunteering focusing on the types of organizations where they volunteer. The results indicate distinctive patterns of volunteering between public and nonprofit sector workers: Nonprofit workers are more likely to volunteer in religious and social/community organizations, whereas public workers are more likely to volunteer in educational organizations. The findings of this study call for a more systematic and multifaceted approach to understanding the link between PSM and volunteering.
Ageing effects on the lattice strain behaviour of duplex stainless steel
Authors: Kiriyama K , Shobu T , Shibano J , Fujishiro T , Kaneko H , Miura S
Published: March 2011

The mechanical properties of duplex stainless steel (DSS) are known to display embrittlement due to ageing effects. Knowledge of the micro behaviour of aged DSS is important for understanding the mechanisms of deformation and failure, but it has proved difficult to obtain due to the complex effects created by the duplex structure. Lattice strain measurements of DSS aged under various conditions of temperature and time have been performed in order to determine the strain behaviour of individual ( hkl) planes in the α- and γ-phases using white synchrotron radiation X-rays at SPring-8. It was found that the lattice strain of α-Fe(200) depends strongly on the ageing conditions and that the lattice strain behaviour in the γ-phase is more stable than that in the α-phase. These results suggest that the changes in macro mechanical properties, including yield strength and ultimate strength, which are revealed by standard tensile tests, are solely due to ageing effects in the α-phase. The results further suggest that the lattice strain of α-Fe(200) can be used as an index to evaluate 475 °C ageing effects in DSS.
Perspectives of Managers Toward Workplace Breastfeeding Support in the State of Michigan
Authors: Chow Tan , Smithey Fulmer Ingrid , Olson Beth H.
Published: March 2011

Managers’ attitudes influence female employees’ perceptions of workplace breastfeeding support. Five focus groups were conducted with managers in the state of Michigan (N = 25) to assess their attitudes toward supporting breastfeeding. All focus group discussions were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed for themes. Participants supported efforts by managers and companies to assist breastfeeding employees, but the extent of accommodations they supported varied. Most participants reported no company breastfeeding policy or were unaware of their company having one and showed mixed attitudes about needing a policy. Participants acknowledged the potential for lower productivity and coworker jealousy toward time for breastfeeding or expressing milk but believed that benefits of support included employee recruitment and retention. Participants demonstrated some understanding of breastfeeding benefits. They identified barriers and facilitators for breastfeeding support at both the organizational and individual levels. Results of this study will be used for instrument development to measure managers’ attitudes toward supporting breastfeeding.
Infectious Diseases in the Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Martin Steven J. , Yost Raymond J.
Published: March 2011

Infection is common in the critically ill and often results due to the severity of the patient’s illness. Recent data suggest 51% of intensive care unit (ICU) patients are infected, and 71% receive antimicrobial therapy. Bacterial infection is the primary concern, although some fungal infections are opportunistic. Infection more than doubles the ICU mortality rate, and the costs associated with infection may be as high as 40% of total ICU expenditures. There are many contemporary antimicrobial resistance concerns that the critical care clinician must consider in managing the pharmacotherapy of infection. Methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin resistance in Enterococci, beta-lactamase resistance in Enterobacteriaceae, multidrug resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter species, fluoroquinolone resistance in Escherichia coli, and fungal resistance are among the most common issues ICU clinician’s must face in managing infection. Critical illness causes changes in pharmacokinetics that influence drug and dosing considerations. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion may all be affected by the various disease states that define critical illness. Several specific diseases are discussed, including ventilator-associated pneumonia, various fungal infections, gastrointestinal infections due to Clostridium difficile, urinary tract infections, and bloodstream infections. Within each disease section, discussion includes causes and prevention strategies, microbiology, evidence-based guidelines, and important caveats.
Retraining Automatic Action Tendencies Changes Alcoholic Patients’ Approach Bias for Alcohol and Improves Treatment Outcome
Authors: Wiers Reinout W. , Eberl Carolin , Rinck Mike , Becker Eni S. , Lindenmeyer Johannes
Published: March 2011

This study tested the effects of a new cognitive-bias modification (CBM) intervention that targeted an approach bias for alcohol in 214 alcoholic inpatients. Patients were assigned to one of two experimental conditions, in which they were explicitly or implicitly trained to make avoidance movements (pushing a joystick) in response to alcohol pictures, or to one of two control conditions, in which they received no training or sham training. Four brief sessions of experimental CBM preceded regular inpatient treatment. In the experimental conditions only, patients’ approach bias changed into an avoidance bias for alcohol. This effect generalized to untrained pictures in the task used in the CBM and to an Implicit Association Test, in which alcohol and soft-drink words were categorized with approach and avoidance words. Patients in the experimental conditions showed better treatment outcomes a year later. These findings indicate that a short intervention can change alcoholics’ automatic approach bias for alcohol and may improve treatment outcome.
Communication, Performance, and Perceptions in Experimental Simulations of Resource Dilemmas
Authors: Pavitt Charles
Published: March 2011

The response of groups to the experience of coping with resource dilemmas has been an object of study by scholars in several of the social and behavioral sciences. Social norms, trust, and the perception of group identity form cooperative mechanisms critical to group cooperation. However, the opportunity to communicate has been singled out as the most important factor influencing group cooperation performance in resource dilemmas. Until recently, the content of that communication has undergone little examination. This article examines the relationships among topical and functional communication content, group performance, and participant perceptions of cooperative mechanisms in 97 experimental simulation groups. Detailed discussion of specific strategies was positively related, and discussion of general strategy, basic information exchange, and recapitulation of past occurrences in the simulation were negatively related to both amount of harvest from the resource pool and participant perceptions of equality norm emergence, trust, and group identity formation, among others. These perceptions were positively related with both the total amount and within-group equality of harvest.
Basque Pagan Metal: View to a primordial past
Authors: Weston Donna
Published: March 2011

This article explores the genre of Pagan Metal, specifically located in the Basque country, in an aim to define what kind of identity it represents. It is argued that Basque Pagan Metal expresses a specific musical identity, with links to the ideology of the 1980s Basque punk movement Rock Radikal. Further, Basque Pagan Metal has diverged from this musical heritage, in that the identity it expresses is apolitical: while Rock Radikal expressed an openly political identity, that expressed in Basque Pagan Metal is explicitly culturalist, resonating more with primordial nationalism espoused by the ‘father of Basque nationalism’, Sabino Arana. A discussion of the genre within the social and cultural context of the rise of Basque nationalism in the late 19th century, the emergence of radical nationalism, and the Rock Radikal movement, is problematized through a discussion of interpretation versus intent. The group Numen is put forward as a representative case study.
The politics of humour in the public sphere: Cartoons, power and modernity in the first transnational humour scandal
Authors: Kuipers Giselinde
Published: March 2011

This article analyses the Danish ‘cartoon crisis’ as a transnational ‘humour scandal’. While most studies conceptualize this crisis as a controversy about free speech or international relations, this article addresses the question why the crisis was sparked by cartoons. First, the article discusses the culturally specific ‘humour regime’ in which the cartoons were embedded. Second, it analyses the power dynamics of humour.Thirdly, it discusses how the cartoon crisis added a new element to the image of Muslims as completely Other and lacking in modernity: they have no sense of humour. Analysis of this controversy as humor scandal allows us, first, to identify its ‘winners’ and ‘losers’. Next, it underscores the emergence of a transnational public sphere. Finally, and most importantly, it highlights the politics of humour — a slippery, often exclusive mode of communication — in national and transnational public spheres.
Murder-suicide in the news: Doing the routine and the drama
Authors: Nikunen Minna
Published: March 2011

In this article I use Finnish newspaper reports on murder-suicide to explore how the moral orders of gender, heterosexual relationships and family are used in constructing newsworthiness or routine. The two main contexts of murder-suicide, a homicide followed by the perpetrator’s suicide, were the family and the heterosexual relationship. I concentrate on femicide-suicides because it is the largest group of murder-suicides, and it is the group that is characteristically routine or mundane and only occasionally breaks into news visibility. The study is ethnomethodological: I inspect how members of society — as journalists are seen here — make sense of extraordinary events by relying on conventional ideas about gender, the relations between different people and family in their practical daily task of sorting out routine from the newsworthy. The data was gathered from four of the most widely read newspapers and local papers in a five-year period from 1996—2000.
‘Let’s play mummy’: Simulacrum babies and reborn mothers
Authors: Fitzgerald Louise
Published: March 2011

This essay serves as a response to the ‘nightmarish’ discourse that emerged after the broadcast of Channel 4 ‘shock doc’ My Fake Baby. I will argue that the disproportionately excessive and intense response to My Fake Baby mirrors the programme’s extreme emphasis on the trope of motherhood. As such, this article considers how the construction and articulation of different forms of motherhood and femininity within the show functioned successfully to articulate ideologies about, and displays of, problematic, inept, immature and non-maternal failed femininity. I consider why images of mature women ‘playing’ with dolls should prompt such a cultural furore, and explore why these female figures were perceived as symptomatic of a much deeper cultural crisis about contemporary femininity.
Morphological and functional vascular changes induced by childhood obesity
Authors: Ciccone Marco Matteo , Miniello Vito , Marchioli Roberto , Scicchitano Pietro , Cortese Francesca , Palumbo Vincenzo , Primitivo Stefano Giuseppe , Sassara Marco , Ricci Gabriella , Carbonara Santa , Gesualdo Michele , Diaferio Lucia , Mercuro Giuseppe , De Pergola Giovanni , Giordano Paola , Favale Stefano
Published: March 2011

Background: To investigate endothelial dysfunction and morphological vascular changes in childhood obesity.

Methods: 93 overweight/obese children (body mass index 26 ± 5 kg/m2; median 26 kg/m2; interquartile range 22–28 kg/m2), mean age 10.9 ± 2.7 years, underwent a check-up of total, high-density lipoprotein- and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and white blood cell count, together with ultrasound measures of flow-mediated dilatation, carotid intima-media thickness, and anterior-posterior diameter of the abdominal aorta.

Results: The body mass index of overweight/obese children had a statistically significant linear relationship ( p < 0.05) with triglycerides, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, carotid intima-media thickness, anterior-posterior diameter of the abdominal aorta, and flow-mediated dilatation values.

Conclusions: Overweight/obese children have an initial endothelial dysfunction and vascular damage, i.e., the first stage in the development of atherosclerosis.
The renaissance of interferon therapy for the treatment of myeloid malignancies
Authors: Kiladjian Jean-Jacques , Mesa Ruben A. , Hoffman Ronald
Published: March 2011

IFNα has been used to treat malignant and viral disorders for more than 25 years. Its efficacy is likely the consequence of its broad range of biologic activities, including direct effects on malignant cells, enhancement of anti-tumor immune responses, induction of proapoptotic genes, inhibition of angiogenesis, and promotion of the cycling of dormant malignant stem cells. Because of the recent development of “targeted” therapies, the use of IFN has been dramatically reduced over the last decade. The increasing awareness of the multistep pathogenesis of many malignancies has suggested, however, that such an approach using target-specific agents is not universally effective. These observations have resulted in a number of recent clinical trials utilizing IFNα in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), systemic mast cell disease, hypereosinophilic syndrome and the Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) with promising outcomes. These reports provide evidence that IFNα, alone or in combination with other agents, can induce surprisingly robust molecular response rates and possibly improve survival. Although IFNα at present remains an experimental form of therapy for patients with myeloid malignancies, these promising results suggest that it may become again an important component of the therapeutic arsenal for this group of hematologic malignancies.
Flow-dependent channel formation in clots by an erythrocyte-bound fibrinolytic agent
Authors: Gersh Kathryn C. , Zaitsev Sergei , Cines Douglas B. , Muzykantov Vladimir , Weisel John W.
Published: March 2011

Studies in animal models have shown that plasminogen activators bound to erythrocytes (RBC-PA) have an extended lifetime in the circulation and are safer than free PAs. RBC-PAs incorporate into nascent thrombi, which are focally lysed from within, an attractive thromboprophylactic option. In static systems, RBC-PAs cleave surrounding fibrin fibers, forming pores larger than the cells themselves, and move around the pore edges, enlarging them until eventual clot dissolution. We hypothesized that under flow in blood vessels, RBC-PAs form functional patent channels before clot dissolution. Here we used perfusion chambers to study clot lysis by RBC-PAs under static versus arterial and venous flow conditions. We found that flow decelerates bulk clot lysis but quickly generates patent channels filled with passing RBCs, via pore enlargement and merging in the direction of flow. Formation of such channels by RBC-PAs may help rescue ischemic tissue before bulk dissolution of potentially occlusive clots.