bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Scale Evaluation of Multimodal Computed Tomography in Predicting Clinical Outcomes of Stroke Patients Treated With Aspiration Thrombectomy
Authors: Psychogios Marios-Nikos , Schramm Peter , Frölich Andreas Maximilian , Kallenberg Kai , Wasser Katrin , Reinhardt Lars , Kreusch Andreas S. , Jung Klaus , Knauth Michael
Published: May 2013

Background and Purpose—

Patient selection is crucial in the endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke patients. Baseline computed tomographic (CT) images, evaluated with the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Scale (ASPECTS), are considered significant predictors of outcome. In this study, we evaluated CT images and perfusion parameters, analyzed with ASPECTS, as final outcome predictors after endovascular stroke treatment.

Methods—

We analyzed a cohort of patients with acute ischemic stroke and endovascular treatment. Patients with an occlusion of the M1 segment and multimodal CT imaging were included. CT perfusion data were reconstructed using commercial software. Two experienced neuroradiologists separately reviewed and scored CT and CT perfusion images with the ASPECTS score. Parameters were compared between patients with poor and with favorable follow-up outcome. Significantly different variables were further analyzed by forward stepwise logistic regression.

Results—

Fifty-one patients were included in our study. Baseline characteristics did not differ between patients with favorable and poor outcomes. No significant difference in recanalization status, the various times, or CT ASPECTS was demonstrated between these 2 groups. Significant differences were demonstrated for age (
P
=0.0049), cerebral blood volume ASPECTS (
P
=0.0007), and between cerebral blood volume and cerebral blood flow ASPECTS (
P
=0.0045). Cerebral blood volume ASPECTS >7 demonstrated the highest sensitivity and specificity for favorable outcome with 84% and 79%, respectively.

Conclusions—

CT perfusion parameters, evaluated with ASPECTS, are optimal predictors of outcome and are more sensitive and specific than CT ASPECTS in the prediction of favorable outcome. Use of these parameters in treatment decisions could reduce futile recanalizations.
The Protestant Church in Congo: The Mobutu Years and their Impact
Authors: Garrard David J.
Published: May 2013

Abstract

This paper examines the Protestant Church in Congo/Zaire during the regime of Mobutu Sese Seko. It reviews its origins as a loose affiliation of denominations during the days of the Belgian colony and the changes which came about under Bokeleale—its driving force and central figure. His goal was to do away with the autonomy of the denominations and create a super Protestant Church in the nation. With the help of government legislation, forced union and centralisation took place. It is the purpose here to highlight some of the forces that were at work and to decide what the consequences were in this marriage of the Protestant Church and the state in Zaire. Not all Protestants yielded to the pressures of state and church and by the 1990s new expressions of faith were emerging in the nation. What then were the outcomes?
Uncinia auceps (Cyperaceae): a new endemic hooked sedge for the Chatham Islands
Authors: De LANGE P.J.
Published: May 2013

Uncinia auceps is described as a new species from Chatham Islands, New Zealand. The new species is segregated from and compared with U. uncinata, a species endemic to the other New Zealand islands. Uncinia auceps occurs mainly in forest habitats on most of the main islands of the Chatham Island archipelago. In addition, a distribution map and the conservation status of the new species are presented.
A new species of Ichnanthus (Poaceae, Paspaleae) endemic to Southern Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: DA SILVA CHRISTIAN , FERREIRA FABRÍCIO MOREIRA , VIANA PEDRO LAGE , DE OLIVEIRA REYJANE PATRÍCIA
Published: May 2013

Ichnanthus adpressus, a new species of Poaceae regarded as endemic to cloud forests of two areas in Southern Minas Gerais, Southeastern Brazil, is described and illustrated. Morphological similarities between the new taxon and other species of Ichnanthus are discussed. SEM analysis of the upper anthecium in this new species reveales features not yet described for this genus. Comments about phenology, habitat, life history, distribution and conservation status are given.
The Relationship Between Angiotensinogen Gene Polymorphisms and Essential Hypertension in a Northern Han Chinese Population
Authors: Li Hongmei , Du Zhirong , Zhang Lin , Wu Tong , Deng Zhihui , Li Jingping , Cong Mingyu , Liu Jicheng , Qiu Changchun
Published: May 2013

Gene polymorphisms of the renin–angiotensin system are involved in the pathophysiology of hypertension. We genotyped 4 polymorphisms of angiotensinogen (AGT) gene A-20C (rs5050), A-6G (rs5051), C3889T (rs4762), and C4072T (rs699) by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism in 652 patients and 780 controls to examine the association of AGT and hypertension in a Northern Han Chinese population. There were significant differences in the distribution of genotypes and allele frequencies at C4072T between the patients and the controls (both P < .01); patients with CC genotype had a higher risk of hypertension (odds ratio = 1.7, 95% confidence interval 1.4–2.1). The distribution of genotypes at A-6G was significantly different between patients and controls ( P < .05). No other significant differences in genotypes or frequencies were observed. No association was observed between the haplotypes of AGT and hypertension. The AGT-6A and 4072C alleles are associated with susceptibility to hypertension in this population.
The future starts today, not tomorrow: How future focus promotes organizational citizenship behaviors
Authors: Strobel Maria , Tumasjan Andranik , Spörrle Matthias , Welpe Isabell M
Published: May 2013

Future-oriented cognition has been shown to be an important driver of several functional behaviors. In the present article, we build and test theory empirically on the influence of dispositional future focus on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). We integrate future focus research with regulatory focus theory to examine the two regulatory foci (i.e. promotion and prevention focus) as mediating mechanisms through which future focus influences five distinct organizational citizenship behaviors (i.e. altruism, civic virtue, conscientiousness, courtesy, and sportsmanship). In line with our hypotheses, results from a study of 845 employees show that future focus has a positive influence on altruism, civic virtue, and courtesy over and above important predictors of OCB identified in previous research. Mediation analyses support our theoretical model, indicating that different OCBs are influenced by future focus through either promotion or prevention focus at work.
Chicano spirituality in the construction of an imagined nation: Aztlán
Authors: de la Torre Renée , Gutiérrez Zúñiga Cristina
Published: May 2013

The authors focus on the creation, by Mexicans born in the United States, of an ‘imagined nation’ named Aztlán. Having arisen in the struggle of the Chicanos for recognition of their cultural citizenship, it has now found a new significance in the revival of an ancestral religiosity. This nation is based on the creation of a mythic spirituality with both political and cultural meanings. The authors analyze the symbolic efficacy for the Chicano population of various strategies:

a) the construction of a symbolic lineage based on tradition and the experience of the Aztec Conchera dance, a syncretic ritual in popular Mexican Catholicism; b) a reproduction or reenactment of the founding myths of the Mexican nation as a way to legitimize the existence of a spiritual nation that spreads over both sides of the international border; c) the appropriation of territories where the Chicanos can practice their rituals.
Religion and psychology in the age of emotional capitalism: The case of the Master Academy of Love
Authors: Hall Dorota
Published: May 2013

The author presents the Master Academy of Love (MAL), a project conducted by Catholics in Warsaw, Poland. The initiative is shown as typical of emotional capitalism: it resonates with the therapeutic emotional style, bolsters the social impact of psychology by combining the psychological discourse with the language of belief, employs the narrative of self-help and the narrative of suffering, and focuses on increasing the emotional competence of its audience. At the same time, the paper demonstrates MAL’s dualistic nature, that is, its innovative and conservative components. MAL is thus a project that uses the power of the therapeutic discourse to reinforce traditionalist tendencies in the Church. Eva Illouz’s (2007) considerations on the role of psychology in contemporary Western culture underpin the paper’s theoretical framework, while its empirical component is based on participant observations conducted at MAL meetings.
Genre, conversion personnelle et individualisme en pentecôtisme: les Assemblées de Dieu de Polynésie française
Authors: Malogne-Fer Gwendoline
Published: May 2013

While the Assemblies of God (AoG) in French Polynesia insist on the dimension of choice in their definition of Pentecostal belonging, in contrast with the ‘historical’ Protestant identity inherited from parents, the conditions under which Pentecostal conversions take place lead us to qualify this simplistic opposition. The institutional recognition of personal conversion (through immersion baptism) by AoG ministers depends, in fact, on the regularisation of the conjugal situation. In so doing, they alter the process of conversion by transforming a supposedly personal decision into a conjugal and family negotiation.

Adopting a gender perspective, the author first shows how the modalities of conversion to Pentecostalism and responsibility for such conversion vary significantly according to the gender and conjugal situation of the individual concerned. She goes on to question the signification of the ‘autonomy’ and ‘individual freedom’ promoted by Pentecostalism in so far as these are associated with a traditional division of gendered roles focused on the upholding of ‘familial values’.
Smoking Cessation Interventions and Cessation Rates in the Oncology Population: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Nayan Smriti , Gupta Michael K. , Strychowsky Julie E. , Sommer Doron D.
Published: May 2013

Objectives

To evaluate tobacco smoking cessation interventions and cessation rates in the oncology population through a systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Data Sources

The literature was searched using PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (inception to October 2012) by 3 independent review authors.

Review Methods

Studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or prospective cohort (PCs) studies evaluating tobacco smoking cessation interventions with patients assigned to a usual care or an intervention group. The primary outcome measure was smoking cessation rates. Two authors extracted data independently for each study. When applicable, disagreements were resolved by consensus.

Results

The systematic review identified 10 RCTs and 3 PCs. Statistical analysis was conducted using StatsDirect software (Cheshire, UK). Pooled odds ratios (ORs) for smoking cessation interventions were calculated in 2 groups based on follow‐up duration. The therapeutic interventions included counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, buproprion, and varenicline. Smoking cessation interventions had a pooled odds ratio of 1.54 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.909‐2.64) for patients in the shorter follow‐up group and 1.31 (95% CI, 0.931‐1.84) in the longer follow‐up group. Smoking cessation interventions in the perioperative period had a pooled odds ratio of 2.31 (95% CI, 1.32‐4.07).

Conclusion

Our systematic review and meta‐analysis demonstrate that tobacco cessation interventions in the oncology population, in both the short‐term and long‐term follow‐up groups, do not significantly affect cessation rates. The perioperative period, though, may represent an important teachable moment with regard to smoking cessation.
Usefulness of Adenotonsillar Size for Prediction of Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Flow Limitation
Authors: Hwang Se‐Hwan , Guilleminault Christian , Park Chan‐Soon , Kim Tae‐Won , Hong Seung‐Chul
Published: May 2013

Objective

Adenotonsillar hypertrophy is considered the most common cause of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between tonsil/adenoid size, parameters of polysomnography, and subjective sleep symptoms.

Study Design

Case‐control studies.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Subjects and Methods

A 4‐point tonsil grading method and adenoid‐nasopharynx (AN) ratio were used to categorize tonsil and adenoid size, respectively. Sleep questionnaires (Korean version of the Obstructive Sleep Apnea–18 [KOSA‐18]) and full‐attended polysomnography were performed.

Results

The subjects (n = 70) were divided into a control group (n = 31, apnea‐hypopnea index [AHI] <1) and an OSAS group (n = 39, AHI ≥1), which was subdivided into mild and moderate to severe groups. Tonsil/adenoid size showed a statistically significant difference between control and OSAS groups, but these differences had no clinical significance. In addition, tonsil/adenoid size did not differ significantly among 2 OSAS severity subgroups. Only adenoid size in the total and OSAS groups was related to quality of life (QOL) by the KOSA‐18. The AN ratio was related to lowest oxygen saturation only in the OSAS group, especially in the moderate to severe OSAS group, but tonsil size was related to flow limitation in total and supine positions in the control group. In the control group, flow limitation was not associated with QOL.

Conclusion

Tonsil/adenoid size did not predict the severity of AHI. Nevertheless, adenoid size might be related to lowest oxygen saturation, which is thought to be related to subjective symptoms. Although flow limitation was related to tonsil size but not to QOL in the control group, further research will be needed to understand the importance of flow limitation and upper airway resistance syndrome in the pediatric population.
Evidence‐Based Medicine in Otolaryngology Part 4: Everyday Probabilities—Nonbinary Diagnostic Tests
Authors: Shin Jennifer J. , Stinnett Sandra S. , Randolph Gregory W.
Published: May 2013

Many diagnostic tests have nonbinary results. Thus, this fourth installment of our series in evidence‐based medicine in otolaryngology focuses on understanding diagnostic tests with more than 2 possible results. We begin with a brief review of the types of multilevel results to be considered: continuous, ordinal, and nominal. Next, we discuss each of type in greater detail, including the methods to determine the posttest probability associated with each type of test result. The use of serial diagnostic tests and practicalities are also discussed. Frequently used diagnostic tests are utilized as examples.
A Mathematical Approach for Evaluating Markov Models in Continuous Time without Discrete-Event Simulation
Authors: van Rosmalen Joost , Toy Mehlika , O’Mahony James F.
Published: May 2013

Markov models are a simple and powerful tool for analyzing the health and economic effects of health care interventions. These models are usually evaluated in discrete time using cohort analysis. The use of discrete time assumes that changes in health states occur only at the end of a cycle period. Discrete-time Markov models only approximate the process of disease progression, as clinical events typically occur in continuous time. The approximation can yield biased cost-effectiveness estimates for Markov models with long cycle periods and if no half-cycle correction is made. The purpose of this article is to present an overview of methods for evaluating Markov models in continuous time. These methods use mathematical results from stochastic process theory and control theory. The methods are illustrated using an applied example on the cost-effectiveness of antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B. The main result is a mathematical solution for the expected time spent in each state in a continuous-time Markov model. It is shown how this solution can account for age-dependent transition rates and discounting of costs and health effects, and how the concept of tunnel states can be used to account for transition rates that depend on the time spent in a state. The applied example shows that the continuous-time model yields more accurate results than the discrete-time model but does not require much computation time and is easily implemented. In conclusion, continuous-time Markov models are a feasible alternative to cohort analysis and can offer several theoretical and practical advantages.
Isokinetic Concentric Quadriceps and Hamstring Strength Variables From the NFL Scouting Combine Are Not Predictive of Hamstring Injury in First-Year Professional Football Players
Authors: Zvijac John E. , Toriscelli Todd A. , Merrick Shannon , Kiebzak Gary M.
Published: May 2013

Background:

There are conflicting reports regarding the association between isokinetic concentric quadriceps and hamstring strength deficits and ratios and risk for hamstring injuries in athletes.

Purpose:

To determine if isokinetic concentric Cybex data collected during the annual National Football League (NFL) Scouting Combine are predictive of hamstring injury in professional American football players during their first season.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

All 32 NFL teams identified players selected during the first 5 rounds of the NFL annual draft who had hamstring injuries during their first professional season. Of these, 164 players with 172 injuries also had Cybex data from the previous year’s Combine. Analyses compared injured legs with contralateral uninjured legs and also injured players with uninjured controls using a database of Cybex data from all players who participated in the NFL Scouting Combine from 2006 to 2011.

Results:

No Cybex strength variable differentiated the injured legs from the contralateral uninjured legs or injured players from uninjured controls, even after taking into account days lost from activity. Mean ± SD peak torque for the injured and contralateral uninjured sides was as follows: 315.7 ± 70.0 and 313.5 ± 68.3 N·m, respectively ( P = .773, paired t test), for quadriceps and 203.0 ± 42.4 and 205.3 ± 42.5 N·m, respectively ( P = .608, paired t test), for hamstrings. The sensitivity and specificity for the hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio predicting hamstring injury were 0.513 (95% confidence interval, 0.419-0.607) and 0.524 (0.495-0.554), indicating that the hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio was not a useful predictor of injury (calculation used the mean ± SD ratio for injured legs, 0.656 ± 0.133). Side-to-side peak torque differences were also not predictive of injury, with more than a 10% difference (plus or minus) occurring commonly in both injured and uninjured players for quadriceps (53% prevalence for both injured and uninjured) and hamstrings (injured, 41% prevalence; uninjured, 43% prevalence).

Conclusion:

Isokinetic strength data collected from collegiate players at the NFL Scouting Combine were not useful for predicting risk of hamstring injury in subsequent professional NFL competition. These data call into question commonly accepted assumptions about risk factors for hamstring injury, at least for elite collegiate American football players, when the temporal relationship between Cybex testing and actual injury is several months.
Subjects, citizens, or civic learners? Judicial conceptions of childhood and the speech rights of American public school students
Authors: Buckley Phillip
Published: May 2013

This article, based on a qualitative analysis of 81 legal opinions, considers the relationship between judicial conceptions of childhood and the speech rights of American public school students. The author presents six main principles from the opinions and examines the relationship between them and conceptions of childhood. The article shows that the opinions reflect three primary conceptions of childhood: as a period walled off from adulthood in which children are subjects; as a period of becoming in which children are civic learners; and as a period akin to adulthood in which adults and children, as well as their respective rights, are fundamentally the same. The article concludes that judicial conceptions of childhood have helped produce a body of law that reflects and perpetuates society’s inconsistent and ambivalent beliefs regarding childhood.
Physicians’ and nurses’ expectations and objections toward a clinical ethics committee
Authors: Jansky Maximiliane , Marx Gabriella , Nauck Friedemann , Alt-Epping Bernd
Published: May 2013

The study aimed to explore the subjective need of healthcare professionals for ethics consultation, their experience with ethical conflicts, and expectations and objections toward a Clinical Ethics Committee. Staff at a university hospital took part in a survey (January to June 2010) using a questionnaire with open and closed questions. Descriptive data for physicians and nurses (response rate = 13.5%, n = 101) are presented. Physicians and nurses reported similar high frequencies of ethical conflicts but rated the relevance of ethical issues differently. Nurses stated ethical issues as less important to physicians than to themselves. Ethical conflicts were mostly discussed with staff from one’s own profession. Respondents predominantly expected the Clinical Ethics Committee to provide competent support. Mostly, nurses feared it might have no influence on clinical practice. Findings suggest that experiences of ethical conflicts might reflect interprofessional communication patterns. Expectations and objections against Clinical Ethics Committees were multifaceted, and should be overcome by providing sufficient information. The Clinical Ethics Committee needs to take different perspectives of professions into account.
Teaching People About Groups
Authors: Moreland Richard
Published: May 2013

This special issue of Small Group Research, entitled Teaching People about Groups, features six articles on the ways in which instructors of group courses (in several disciplines) can creatively teach group concepts and theories. Each article not only describes an actual course, some of which have been taught many times, but also identifies some of the issues that can arise in teaching a groups course. Taken together, the articles represent a valuable resource for anyone who teaches (or plans to teach) a course on small groups.
Intranodal Palisaded Myofibroblastoma
Authors: Bhullar Jasneet Singh , Varshney Neha , Dubay Linda
Published: May 2013

Intranodal palisaded myofibroblastoma is a rare benign primary mesenchymal neoplasm originating from differentiated smooth muscle cells and myofibroblasts. The precise etiology and pathogenesis has not been adequately explained as yet. Very few series and cases have been reported in the literature. Though inguinal region is the commonest site of this rare tumor, but the tumor at other diverse sites have been reported. Because of its rarity, it can be often misdiagnosed and confused with other disorders and more commonly with metastasis. We report an extensive review of literature about intranodal palisaded myofibroblastoma—its characteristics, presentations, features, and management.
What are bottom of the pyramid markets and why do they matter?
Authors: Mason Katy , Chakrabarti Ronika , Singh Ramendra
Published: May 2013

There are thousands of journal articles that concern themselves with markets at the bottom of the pyramid (BoP).1 What is there to say that hasn’t been said already? In 2002, an article published in the Harvard Business Review (Prahalad and Hammond, 2002) brought to the forefront of business and academic attention a ‘ missing market’ that was claimed to be lying dormant, ignored by international and multination corporations yet worthy of attention for its potential to contribute to both economic and social prosperity. The notion of markets at the BoP is concerned with providing the ‘poor’ in developing and emergent economies with access to markets. Prahalad and Hammond (2002) champion the needs of the ‘invisible poor’ to the marketing efforts of multinational corporations. Prahalad and Hammond’s (2002) assert that the poor as ‘ consumers’ constituted a sizeable market opportunity but this view has been criticised. In this essay, we explore how BoP markets might be reconceptualising to better shape interventions that relieve poverty.
Storyboarding for visual analytics
Authors: Walker Rick , ap Cenydd Llyr , Pop Serban , Miles Helen C , Hughes Chris J , Teahan William J , Roberts Jonathan C
Published: May 2013

Analysts wish to explore different hypotheses, organize their thoughts into visual narratives and present their findings. Some developers have used algorithms to ascertain key events from their data, while others have visualized different states of their exploration and utilized free-form canvases to enable the users to develop their thoughts. What is required is a visual layout strategy that summarizes specific events and allows users to layout the story in a structured way. We propose the use of the concept of ‘storyboarding’ for visual analytics. In film production, storyboarding techniques enable film directors and those working on the film to pre-visualize the shots and evaluate potential problems. We present six principles of storyboarding for visual analytics: composition, viewpoints, transition, annotability, interactivity and separability. We use these principles to develop epSpread, which we apply to VAST Challenge 2011 microblogging data set and to Twitter data from the 2012 Olympic Games. We present technical challenges and design decisions for developing the epSpread storyboarding visual analytics tool that demonstrate the effectiveness of our design and discuss lessons learnt with the storyboarding method.
Cosmopolitan Capital and the Internationalization of the Field of Business Elites: Evidence from the Swiss Case
Authors: Bühlmann Felix , David Thomas , Mach André
Published: May 2013

The aim of this contribution is to explore how the recent internationalization and the increasing importance of ‘cosmopolitan capital’ has impacted on the structure and character of the field of the Swiss business elite. For this purpose we will develop the notion of cosmopolitan capital and comparatively investigate the field of the Swiss business elite in 1980, 2000 and 2010 with multiple correspondence analysis. We can show that in this period international managers with transnational careers and networks not only grow in number, but come to conquer the apex of the biggest and highest capitalized Swiss firms. At the same time, national forms of capital decline in importance and Swiss managers themselves are differentiated increasingly into national and international fractions.
The Social Conditions of Cultural Domination: Field, Sub-field and Local Spaces of Wind Music in France
Authors: Dubois Vincent , Méon Jean-Matthieu
Published: May 2013

This paper is based on research on wind music in France, where this music is situated at the lowest level in the cultural hierarchy. We examine this music from three points of view: (1) in light of its position in the musical field, (2) as a specific sub-field and (3) at the local level of concrete practices. Then, thanks to the socio-cultural mapping of the orchestras and of their musicians, we establish various combinations of these three levels in the concrete and symbolic organization of musical activities. This framework allows us to evaluate the various degrees of exposure to cultural domination and the possibilities of escaping it.
Field Analysis in Cultural Sociology
Authors: Savage Mike , Silva Elizabeth B.
Published: May 2013

The idea of field analysis has been championed as an alternative to ‘variable based’ accounts of social life, and offers the potential for cross-fertilization with complexity theory and forms of ‘descriptive’ research. Yet, the Bourdieusian roots of field analysis pose challenges as well as advantages, given the widespread critique of reductionist elements in Bourdieu’s thinking. This introduction to the special issue lays out how Bourdieu conceives of field analysis and some of the ambivalences this might give rise to. The papers in this special issue explore through worked examples how field analysis might be radicalized and made more dynamic. We focus on three main issues: (1) understanding emerging field dynamics which challenge the influential model that Bourdieu uses in Distinction, (2) showing the potential for comparative analysis and (3) recognizing the role of materiality in cultural relations. The papers collected here allow for varied engagements with the theoretical underpinnings of the classical formulations of field theory, via empirical analyses of both ‘established’ and ‘new’ fields to explore the trajectories of possible developments in field analysis.
Researching Distressing Topics
Authors: Jackson Sharon , Backett-Milburn Kathryn , Newall Elinor
Published: May 2013

Qualitative researchers who explore sensitive topics may expose themselves to emotional distress. Consequently, researchers are often faced with the challenge of maintaining emotional equilibrium during the research process. However, discussion on the management of difficult emotions has occupied a peripheral place within accounts of research practice. With rare exceptions, the focus of published accounts is concentrated on the analysis of the emotional phenomena that emerge during the collection of primary research data. Hence, there is a comparative absence of a dialogue around the emotional dimensions of working with secondary data sources. This article highlights some of the complex ways in which emotions enter the research process during secondary analysis, and the ways in which we engaged with and managed emotional states such as anger, sadness, and horror. The concepts of emotional labor and emotional reflexivity are used to consider the ways in which we “worked with” and “worked on” emotion. In doing so, we draw on our collective experiences of working on two collaborative projects with ChildLine Scotland in which a secondary analysis was conducted on children’s narratives of distress, worry, abuse, and neglect.
Two recently duplicated maize NAC transcription factor paralogs are induced in response to Colletotrichum graminicola infection
Authors: Voitsik Anna-Maria , Muench Steffen , Deising Holger B , Voll Lars M
Published: May 2013

Background

NAC transcription factors belong to a large family of plant-specific transcription factors with more than 100 family members in monocot and dicot species. To date, the majority of the studied NAC proteins are involved in the response to abiotic stress

Results

We have found that two NAC transcription factors, ZmNAC41 and ZmNAC100, are transcriptionally induced both during the initial biotrophic as well as the ensuing necrotrophic colonization of maize leaves by the hemibiotrophic ascomycete fungus C. graminicola. ZmNAC41 transcripts were also induced upon infection with C. graminicola mutants that are defective in host penetration, while the induction of ZmNAC100 did not occur in such interactions. While ZmNAC41 transcripts accumulated specifically in response to jasmonate (JA), ZmNAC100 transcripts were also induced by the salicylic acid analog 2,6-dichloroisonicotinic acid (INA).

To assess the phylogenetic relation of ZmNAC41 and ZmNAC100, we studied the family of maize NAC transcription factors based on the recently annotated B73 genome information. We identified 116 maize NAC transcription factor genes that clustered into 12 clades. ZmNAC41 and ZmNAC100 both belong to clade G and appear to have arisen by a recent gene duplication event. Including four other defence-related NAC transcription factors of maize and functionally characterized Arabidopsis and rice NAC transcription factors, we observed an enrichment of NAC transcription factors involved in host defense regulation in clade G. In silico analyses identified putative binding elements for the defence-induced ERF, Myc2, TGA and WRKY transcription factors in the promoters of four out of the six defence-related maize NAC transcription factors, while one of the analysed maize NAC did not contain any of these potential binding sites.

Conclusions

Our study provides a systematic in silico analysis of maize NAC transcription factors in which we propose a nomenclature for maize genes encoding NAC transcription factors, based on their chromosomal position. We have further identified five pathogen-responsive maize NAC transcription factors that harbour putative binding elements for other defence-associated transcription factors in the proximal promoter region, indicating an involvement of the described NACs in the maize defence network. Our phylogenetic analysis has revealed that the majority of the yet described pathogen responsive NAC proteins from all plant species belong to clade G and suggests that they are phylogenetically related.
Epigenetic regulation and role of metastasis suppressor genes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Mardin Wolf Arif , Haier Joerg , Mees Soeren Torge
Published: May 2013

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is distinguished by rapid dissemination. Thus, genetic and/or epigenetic deregulation of metastasis suppressor genes (MSG) is a likely event during early pancreatic carcinogenesis and a potential diagnostic marker for the disease. We investigated 9 known MSGs for their role in the dissemination of PDAC and examined their promoters for methylation and its use in PDAC detection.

Methods

MRNA expression of 9 MSGs was determined in 18 PDAC cell lines by quantitative RT-PCR and promoter methylation was analyzed by Methylation Specific PCR and validated by Bisulfite Sequencing PCR. These data were compared to the cell lines’ in vivo metastatic and invasive potential that had been previously established. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 20 using 2-tailed Spearman’s correlation with P < 0.05 being considered significant.

Results

Complete downregulation of MSG-mRNA expression in PDAC cell lines vs. normal pancreatic RNA occurred in only 1 of 9 investigated genes. 3 MSGs (CDH1, TIMP3 and KiSS-1) were significantly methylated. Methylation only correlated to loss of mRNA expression in CDH1 (P < 0.05). Bisulfite Sequencing PCR showed distinct methylation patterns, termed constant and variable methylation, which could distinguish methylation-regulated from non methylation-regulated genes. Higher MSG mRNA-expression did not correlate to less aggressive PDAC-phenotypes (P > 0.14).

Conclusions

Genes with metastasis suppressing functions in other tumor entities did not show evidence of assuming the same role in PDAC. Inactivation of MSGs by promoter methylation was an infrequent event and unsuitable as a diagnostic marker of PDAC. A distinct methylation pattern was identified, that resulted in reduced mRNA expression in all cases. Thus, constant methylation patterns could predict regulatory significance of a promoter’s methylation prior to expression analysis and hence present an additional tool during target gene selection.
Prevalence of anemia and associated factors among indigenous children in Brazil: results from the First National Survey of Indigenous People’s Health and Nutrition
Authors: Leite Maurício S , Cardoso Andrey M , Coimbra Carlos EA , Welch James R , Gugelmin Silvia A , Lira Pedro Cabral I , Horta Bernardo L , Santos Ricardo Ventura , Escobar Ana Lúcia
Published: May 2013

Background

Anemia is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency globally, affecting about a quarter of the world population. In Brazil, about one-fifth of children under five years of age are anemic. Previous case studies indicate prevalence rates much higher among indigenous peoples in the Country. The First National Survey of Indigenous People’s Health and Nutrition in Brazil, conducted in 2008–2009, was the first survey based on a nationwide representative sample to study the prevalence of anemia and associated factors among indigenous children in Brazil.

Methods

The survey assessed the health and nutritional status of indigenous children < 5 years of age based on a representative sample of major Brazilian geopolitical regions. A stratified probabilistic sampling was carried out for indigenous villages. Within villages, children < 5 years of age in sampled households were included in the study. Prevalence rates of anemia were calculated for independent variables and hierarchical multivariate analysis were conducted to assess associations.

Results

Evaluation of hemoglobin levels was conducted for 5,397 children (88.1% of the total sample). The overall prevalence of anemia was 51.2%. Higher risk of presenting anemia was documented for boys, lower maternal schooling, lower household socioeconomic status, poorer sanitary conditions, presence of maternal anemia, and anthropometric deficits. Regional differences were observed, with the highest rate being observed in the North.

Conclusions

The prevalence rates of anemia in indigenous children were approximately double than those reported for non-indigenous Brazilian children in the same age group. Similarly notable differences in the occurrence of anemia in indigenous and non-indigenous children have been reported for other countries. Deeper knowledge about the etiology of anemia in indigenous children in Brazil is essential to its proper treatment and prevention.
Morphological changes of gel-type functional polymers after intermatrix synthesis of polymer stabilized silver nanoparticles
Authors: Bastos-Arrieta Julio , Muñoz Maria , Ruiz Patricia , Muraviev Dmitri N
Published: May 2013

This paper reports the results of intermatrix synthesis (IMS) of silver metal nanoparticles (Ag-MNPs) in Purolite C100E sulfonic ion exchange polymer of the gel-type structure. It has been shown that the surface morphology of the initial MNP-free polymer is absolutely smooth, but it dramatically changes after the kinetic loading of Ag on the polymer and then IMS of Ag-MNPs. These morphological changes can be explained by the interaction of Ag-NPs with the polymer chains, leading to a sort of additional cross-linking of the polymer. As a result, the modification of the gel-type matrix with Ag-MNPs leads to the increase of the matrix cross-linking, which results in the increase of its surface area and the appearance of nanoporosity in the polymer gel. Ag-MNPs are located near the polymer surface and do not form any visible agglomerations. All these features of the nanocomposites obtained are important for their practical applications in catalysis, sensor applications, and bactericide water treatment.
Modeling of applied problems by stochastic systems and their analysis using the moment equations
Authors: Diblík Josef , Dzhalladova Irada , Michalková Mária , Růžičková Miroslava
Published: May 2013

The paper deals with systems of linear differential equations with coefficients depending on the Markov process. Equations for particular density and the moment equations for given systems are derived and used in the investigation of solvability of initial problems and stability. Results are illustrated by examples.

MSC:34K50, 60H10, 60H30, 65C30.
Overcoming restriction as a barrier to DNA transformation in Caldicellulosiruptor species results in efficient marker replacement
Authors: Chung Daehwan , Farkas Joel , Westpheling Janet
Published: May 2013

Background

Thermophilic microorganisms have special advantages for the conversion of plant biomass to fuels and chemicals. Members of the genus Caldicellulosiruptor are the most thermophilic cellulolytic bacteria known. They have the ability to grow on a variety of non-pretreated biomass substrates at or near ~80°C and hold promise for converting biomass to bioproducts in a single step. As for all such relatively uncharacterized organisms with desirable traits, the ability to genetically manipulate them is a prerequisite for making them useful. Metabolic engineering of pathways for product synthesis is relatively simple compared to engineering the ability to utilize non-pretreated biomass.

Results

Here we report the construction of a deletion of cbeI (Cbes2438), which encodes a restriction endonuclease that is as a major barrier to DNA transformation of C. bescii. This is the first example of a targeted chromosomal deletion generated by homologous recombination in this genus and the resulting mutant, JWCB018 (ΔpyrFA ΔcbeI), is readily transformed by DNA isolated from E. coli without in vitro methylation. PCR amplification and sequencing suggested that this deletion left the adjacent methyltransferase (Cbes2437) intact. This was confirmed by the fact that DNA isolated from JWCB018 was protected from digestion by CbeI and HaeIII. Plasmid DNA isolated from C. hydrothermalis transformants were readily transformed into C. bescii. Digestion analysis of chromosomal DNA isolated from seven Caldicellulosiruptor species by using nine different restriction endonucleases was also performed to identify the functional restriction-modification activities in this genus.

Conclusion

Deletion of the cbeI gene removes a substantial barrier to routine DNA transformation and chromosomal modification of C. bescii. This will facilitate the functional analyses of genes as well as metabolic engineering for the production of biofuels and bioproducts from biomass. An analysis of restriction-modification activities in members of this genus suggests a way forward to eliminating restriction as a barrier to DNA transformation and efficient genetic manipulation of this important group of hyperthermophiles.
MTA1 promotes the invasion and migration of non-small cell lung cancer cells by downregulating miR-125b
Authors: Li Yiyi , Chao Yilan , Fang Yuan , Wang Jian , Wang Min , Zhang Hong , Ying Min , Zhu Xiaoxia , Wang Haofei
Published: May 2013

Background

The metastasis-associated gene 1 (MTA1) has been identified as one critical regulator of tumor metastasis. Previously, we identified miR-125b as a downregualted miRNA in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line upon MTA1 depletion. However, the role of miR-125b and MTA1 in the regulation of NSCLC metastasis remains unclear.

Methods

Stable MTA1 knockdown NSCLC cell lines 95D and SPC-A-1 were established by transfection with MTA1 shRNA. The effects of MTA1 depletion on the expression of miR-125b and cell migration and invasion were examined by real-time PCR, wound healing and matrigel invasion assay.

Results

MTA1 knockdown led to the upregulation of miR-125b level in NSCLC cells. Furthermore, MTA1 knockdown reduced while miR-125b inhibitor enhanced cell migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. Notably, miR-125b inhibitor antagonized MTA1 siRNA induced inhibition of cell migration and invasion.

Conclusion

MTA1 and miR-125b have antagonistic effects on the migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. The newly identified MTA1-miR-125b axis will help further elucidate the molecular mechanism of NSCLC progression and suggest that ectopic expression of miR-125b is a potentially new therapeutic regimen against NSCLC metastasis.
Clinical significance of Ankyrin repeat domain 12 expression in colorectal cancer
Authors: Bai Rui , Li Dan , Shi Zhong , Fang Xuefeng , Ge Weiting , Zheng Shu
Published: May 2013

Background

Ankyrin repeat domain 12 (ANKRD12), is encoding a 224 kDa nuclear protein and most conserved at its N-terminal ankyrin repeats region and the C-terminal co-activator interacting domain. The aim of this study was to investigate the ANKRD12 mRNA expression in colorectal cancer (CRC) tumor tissues and the normal adjacent mucosa and its potential relevance to clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis.

Methods

Surgical specimens of tumor tissues (n = 68) and adjacent normal mucosa (n = 51) were obtained from CRC patients. The ANKRD12 mRNA expression was measured by quantitative real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The relationship between ANKRD12 mRNA expression and clinicopathological features was analyzed by appropriate statistics. Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to investigate the correlation between ANKRD12 expression and prognosis of CRC patients.

Results

The relative mRNA expression of ANKRD12 were significantly lower in CRC tumor tissues than in the normal adjacent mucosa (P < 0.001), and the cases with low ANKRD12 expression showed a higher frequency of liver metastasis (P = 0.015). Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated that patients (CRC without liver metastasis) with low ANKRD12 expression had poor overall survival (P = 0.041). Multivariate analysis showed that low ANKRD12 expression was an independent predictor of overall survival.

Conclusion

This study revealed that ANKRD12 mRNA were down regulated in CRC tumor tissues and low ANKRD12 expression was correlated with liver metastasis and poor survival of CRC patients.
Subclavian central venous catheter-related thrombosis in trauma patients: incidence, risk factors and influence of polyurethane type
Authors: Gentile Ariane , Petit Laurent , Masson Françoise , Cottenceau Vincent , Bertrand-Barat Josseline , Freyburger Geneviève , Pinaquy Catherine , Léger Alain , Cochard Jean-François , Sztark François
Published: May 2013

Introduction

The incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) related to a central venous catheter varies considerably in ICUs depending on the population included. The aim of this study was to determine subclavian central venous catheter (SCVC)-related DVT risk factors in severely traumatized patients with regard to two kinds of polyurethane catheters.

Methods

Critically ill trauma patients needing a SCVC for their usual care were prospectively included in an observational study. Depending on the month of inclusion, patients received one of the two available products in the emergency unit: either an aromatic polyurethane SCVC or an aliphatic polyurethane SCVC. Patients were screened weekly by ultrasound for SCVC-related DVT. Potential risk factors were collected, including history-related, trauma-related and SCVC-related characteristics.

Results

A total of 186 patients were included with a median Injury Severity Sore of 30 and a high rate of severe brain injuries (21% of high intracranial pressure). Incidence of SCVC-related DVT was 37% (95% confidence interval: 26 to 40) in patients or 20/1,000 catheter-days. SCVC-related DVT occurred within 8 days in 65% of cases. There was no significant difference in DVT rates between the aromatic polyurethane and aliphatic polyurethane SCVC groups (38% vs. 36%). SCVC-related DVT independent risk factors were age >30 years, intracranial hypertension, massive transfusion (>10 packed red blood cell units), SCVC tip position in the internal jugular or in the innominate vein, and ipsilateral jugular catheter.

Conclusion

SCVC-related DVT concerned one-third of these severely traumatized patients and was mostly clinically silent. Incidence did not depend on the type of polyurethane but was related to age >30 years, intracranial hypertension or misplacement of the SCVC. Further studies are needed to assess the cost-effectiveness of routine screening in these patients in whom thromboprophylaxis may be hazardous.
Multiplex target capture with double-stranded DNA probes
Authors: Shen Peidong , Wang Wenyi , Chi Aung-Kyaw , Fan Yu , Davis Ronald W , Scharfe Curt
Published: May 2013

Target enrichment technologies utilize single-stranded oligonucleotide probes to capture candidate genomic regions from a DNA sample before sequencing. We describe target capture using double-stranded probes, which consist of single-stranded, complementary long padlock probes (cLPPs), each selectively capturing one strand of a genomic target through circularization. Using two probes per target increases sensitivity for variant detection and cLPPs are easily produced by PCR at low cost. Additionally, we introduce an approach for generating capture libraries with uniformly randomized template orientations. This facilitates bidirectional sequencing of both the sense and antisense template strands during one paired-end read, which maximizes target coverage.