bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the effect of disease duration in generalized vitiligo on its clinical response to narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy
Authors: Hallaji Zahra , Ghiasi Maryam , Eisazadeh Ayat , Rayati Damavandi Maede
Published: May 2012

Background/Purpose

Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB) has been accepted as an effective therapy for generalized vitiligo. On the other hand, different factors seem to contribute to a good response. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of disease duration on its clinical response to NB‐UVB phototherapy.

Methods

In this open and uncontrolled study, vitiligo was considered ‘recent’ when the duration of disease was less than or equal to 4 years and ‘long standing’ when it was greater than 4 years. The patients received NB‐UVB thrice weekly with an initial dose of 200 mJ/cm2 and 10% increments at each subsequent treatment. After categorizing the clinical response to four groups (mild, moderate, good, and excellent), duration of disease and clinical response to NB‐UVB were correlated statistically using the t‐test.

Results

There were 63 patients: 34 women and 29 men, aged 6–60 years. The mean of disease duration was 10.13 ± 9.1 years. Vitiligo was ‘recent’ in 26 and ‘long standing’ in 37 patients. The mean of overall response was 51.94 ± 18.48%. Higher grades of response were more prevalent in patients with recent vitiligo than those with long‐standing disease, and there was also statistically significant difference in overall response between these two groups of disease duration (P = 0.023).

Conclusion

The early treatment of generalized vitiligo may enhance the chance of successful repigmentation.
Vitamin D deficiency in South Europe: effect of smoking and aging
Authors: Cutillas‐Marco Eugenia , Fuertes‐Prosper Amparo , Grant William B. , Morales‐Suárez‐Varela Maria
Published: May 2012

The main source of vitamin D is synthesis in the skin during exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The existence of photoaggravated diseases and the increasing incidence of skin cancer have prompted recommendations to avoid the sun. Here, we study the status of vitamin D in a healthy population and its relation to their habits of sun exposure. To do so, we designed a cross‐sectional study that included 177 healthy people. We analyzed parameters about demographic data, sun exposure, and protection habits and estimated vitamin D dietary intake. We performed blood tests to measure serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], calcium, phosphorus, and intact parathyroid hormone. Mean levels (± standard deviation) of 25(OH)D were 24.0 (± 8.5) ng/ml. Seventy‐six percent of the population did not reach recommended levels of vitamin D (30 ng/ml), including 4.5% who were vitamin D deficient (< 10 ng/ml). Levels were higher in young people (P = 0.04) and those with more sun exposure (P = 0.04). Smoking was associated with an increased risk of hypovitaminosis D (odds ratio, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.00–3.35). On the basis of our findings, we should consider the risk of hypovitaminosis when we recommend sun avoidance, especially in some risk groups, because the sun is the most important source of this vitamin.
Accumulation of sunscreen in human skin after daily applications: a study of sunscreens with different ultraviolet radiation filters
Authors: Bodekær Mette , Åkerström Ulf , Wulf Hans Christian
Published: May 2012

Background/Purpose

Sunscreen applied to the skin provides a considerable sun protection factor (SPF) even after 8 h. Sunscreen use for consecutive days may therefore result in an accumulation of the product. This study investigated the consequences of accumulation for SPF.

Methods

Two sunscreens, one containing organic and one containing particle ultraviolet radiation (UVR) filters (SPF 30) (2 mg/cm2), were used. Areas on the back of 22 volunteers were applied with sunscreen on 5 consecutive days, once daily (12 volunteers) and three times daily (10 volunteers), and phototested. The SPF was determined on Days 1, 3 and 5.

Results

One daily application of sunscreen did not result in an accumulation in the skin that significantly affected the SPF. However, three daily applications provided a significantly higher SPF for both the organic (mean SPF 1.56) and particle (mean SPF 2.45) sunscreen at Day 5 compared to Day 1 (P = 0.023 for both sunscreens).

Conclusion

Sunscreens accumulate in the skin when applied in the recommended amounts three times daily. In conjunction with other sun protection strategies, sunscreen application on consecutive days prior to UVR exposure can result in a basic skin protection, which may help to prevent severe sunburns on sun holidays.
In vitro ultraviolet A irradiation decreases both release ability and gene‐expression of vascular endothelial growth factor‐A from mast cells
Authors: Delfino Gabriele , Di Costanzo Luisa , de Paulis Amato , Fabbrocini Gabriella , Monfrecola Giuseppe
Published: May 2012

Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays penetrate the dermis, influencing the function of different cells, including mast cells, able to produce angiogenic factors. We investigated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release and gene‐expression from mast cells (MCs), after UVA irradiation in vitro. The release of VEGF‐A by Human MCs‐1 (HMC‐1) was induced by calcium ionophore A23187 and phorbol 12 myristate 13 acetate (PMA). Half of the cells received increasing doses of UVA (5, 25 and 50 J/cm2), the unirradiated HMC‐1 served as controls. VEGF release and VEGF‘s messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) were detected respectively by enzyme‐linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis. Results showed a UVA dose‐dependent inhibitory effect on VEGF‐A release from HMC‐1. In particular, the release ability was reduced by 71.2% with 5 J/cm2; 85% with 25 J/cm2 and 86.3% with 50 J/cm2.

The VEGF‐A RNA expression was reduced after UVA irradiation with 5 J/cm2. We speculated that, at least in vitro and at our experimental conditions, UVA irradiation decreases mast cells‐VEGF release and gene‐expression.
Tomesa balneophototherapy in mild to severe psoriasis: a retrospective clinical trial in 174 patients
Authors: Cattaneo Angelo , Alberti Violetti Silvia , Tavecchio Simona , Bruni Elena , Carrera Carlo , Crosti Carlo
Published: May 2012

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a high social and psychological impact on the quality of life of patients. Tomesa balneophototherapy is based on bathing in a magnesium‐rich salt solution combined with exposure to narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy. We conducted a retrospective clinical trial on 174 patients affected by mild to severe psoriasis undergoing Tomesa balneophototherapy. The basal course consisted of three to five sessions per week for a total of 30 sessions. Subsequently, patients could continue with a maintenance course of one session per week for a total of 30 sessions. We recorded a significant reduction of the mean Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) index with an achievement of at least PASI 75 in 52.1% of the 119 patients who completed the basal course and an improvement of the ‘quality of life’ of patients. The good efficacy obtained by this treatment, and the psychological impact on the quality of life of patients, demonstrated that Tomesa balneophototherapy could be a good option for the treatment of a chronic disease associated with psychological distress, like psoriasis.
Differentiation of HaCaT cell and melanocyte from their malignant counterparts using micro‐Raman spectroscopy guided by confocal imaging
Authors: Wang Hequn , Tsai Tsung‐Hua , Zhao Jianhua , Lee Anthony M. D. , Lo Blanche Ka Ki , Yu Mei , Lui Harvey , McLean David I. , Zeng Haishan
Published: May 2012

Background

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in humans. Current techniques for identifying normal and neoplastic tissues are either destructive or not sensitive and specific enough. Raman spectroscopy and confocal imaging may obviate many limitations of existing methods by providing noninvasive, high‐resolution, and real‐time morphological and biochemical analysis of living tissues and cells.

Methods

We conducted micro‐Raman spectroscopy studies on HaCaT cells, melanocytes (MC) and their malignant counterparts squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma (MM) cells, respectively. Reflectance confocal imaging is used as guidance for the spectral measurements.

Results

Significant differences were found between the spectra of HaCaT cells and SCC cells, MC cells and MM cells, as well as all normal cells (HaCaT and MC) and all tumor cells (SCC and MM). Approximately 90% sensitivity and specificity was achieved for all the separations that we performed.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated the robust capability of confocal Raman spectroscopy in separating different cell lines. The acquired Raman spectra of major types of skin cells and their malignant counterparts will be useful for the interpretation of Raman spectra from in vivo skin. We believe it will eventually help diagnosis of skin cancer and other skin disease in clinical dermatology.
Healing at Implants Placed in an Alveolar Ridge with a Sloped Configuration: An Experimental Study in Dogs
Authors: Abrahamsson Ingemar , Welander Maria , Linder Elena , Berglundh Tord
Published: May 2012

Purpose: To study healing around implants placed in an alveolar ridge with a sloped lingual‐buccal configuration.

Materials and Methods: Six Labrador dogs were used. Buccal bone defects were prepared in the mandible after extraction of premolars. Three months later, two test implants with a sloped marginal design and two control implants were placed in the chronic defect area with a sloped lingual‐buccal configuration of each premolar region. The test implants were placed in such a way that the buccal margin of the implant coincided with the buccal bone crest. The lingual margin of the control implants was placed to a similar depth as the lingual margin of the test implants. Abutments were connected to the implants in the right mandibular premolar region and flaps were sutured around the neck of the abutments. In the left side of the mandible, cover screws were placed and the flaps were sutured to cover the implants. Biopsies were obtained 4 months later and prepared for histological examination.

Results: It was demonstrated that healing around implants placed in an alveolar ridge with a sloped lingual‐buccal configuration resulted in the preservation of a vertical discrepancy between the lingual and buccal marginal bone levels around implants with either a regular cylindrical outline or a modified marginal portion that matched the slope of the alveolar ridge.

Conclusion: As the marginal buccal portion of the control implants with a regular design had no bone support, it is suggested that implants with a modified marginal portion may be considered in recipient sites with a sloped lingual‐buccal configuration.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS: PITUITARY APOPLEXY IN A CAT
Authors: Beltran Elsa , Dennis Ruth , Foote Alastair , De Risio Luisa , Matiasek Lara
Published: May 2012

A 7‐year‐old male neutered domestic short‐haired cat had depression for 5 months and acute blindness. A lesion at the level of the rostral and middle cranial fossae was suspected. A large pituitary mass compressing the optic chiasm was detected in magnetic resonance images and there was also evidence of recent intratumoral hemorrhage, leading to a diagnosis of pituitary apoplexy; these findings were confirmed at postmortem examination. Pituitary apoplexy is a clinical syndrome characterized by acute neurologic signs related to hemorrhagic infarction within a pituitary tumor. Pituitary apoplexy should be considered in patients with acute onset of blindness and altered mental status.
Human MUS81 complexes stimulate flap endonuclease 1
Authors: Shin Yong‐Keol , Amangyeld Tamir , Nguyen Tuan A. , Munashingha Palinda R. , Seo Yeon‐Soo
Published: May 2012

The yeast heterodimeric Mus81–Mms4 complex possesses a structure‐specific endonuclease activity that is critical for the restart of stalled replication forks and removal of toxic recombination intermediates. Previously, we reported that Mus81–Mms4 and Rad27 (yeast FEN1, another structure‐specific endonuclease) showed mutual stimulation of nuclease activity. In this study, we investigated the interactions between human FEN1 and MUS81–EME1 or MUS81–EME2, the human homologs of the yeast Mus81–Mms4 complex. We found that both MUS81–EME1 and MUS81–EME2 increased the activity of FEN1, but FEN1 did not stimulate the activity of MUS81–EME1/EME2. The MUS81 subunit alone and its N‐terminal half were able to bind to FEN1 and stimulate its endonuclease activity. A truncated FEN1 fragment lacking the C‐terminal region that retained catalytic activity was not stimulated by MUS81. Michaelis–Menten kinetic analysis revealed that MUS81 increased the interaction between FEN1 and its substrates, resulting in increased turnover. We also showed that, after DNA damage in human cells, FEN1 co‐localizes with MUS81. These findings indicate that the human proteins and yeast homologs act similarly, except that the human FEN1 does not stimulate the nuclease activities of MUS81–EME1 or MUS81–EME2. Thus, the mammalian MUS81 complexes and FEN1 collaborate to remove the various flap structures that arise during many DNA transactions, including Okazaki fragment processing.

Structured digital abstract

 FEN1physically interactswithMUS81andEME2byanti tag coimmunoprecipitation(View interaction)

 FEN1physically interactswithMUS81andEME1byanti tag coimmunoprecipitation(View interaction)

 MUS81physically interactswithFEN1bypull down(View interaction)

 FEN1andMUS81colocalizebyfluorescence microscopy(View interaction)

 FEN1physically interactswithMUS81byanti tag coimmunoprecipitation(View interaction)
Psychosexual Development in Adolescents and Adults with Disorders of Sex Development—Results from the German Clinical Evaluation Study
Authors: Jürgensen Martina , Kleinemeier Eva , Lux Anke , Steensma Thomas D. , Cohen-Kettenis Peggy T. , Hiort Olaf , Thyen Ute , Köhler Birgit
Published: May 2012

Introduction

Both biological and psychosocial factors influence psychosexual development. High levels of pre- and postnatal androgens lead to more male-typical behavior. So far, the influence of androgens on gender identity and sexual orientation is unclear. Disorders of sex development (DSDs) are heterogeneous genetic conditions with different levels of prenatal androgens resulting in variations of genital development. Through DSD, the role of the different factors, especially androgen exposure, on psychosexual development can be evaluated.

Aim

The purpose of the study was to assess psychosexual development in adolescents and adults with different forms of DSD.

Methods

For the examination of psychosexual development of 66 adolescents and 110 adults with DSD, the authors used the Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale for adolescents, the Questionnaire of Gender Identity for adults, and a condition-specific DSD study questionnaire. Individuals were analyzed in four subgroups reflecting the karyotype, absence/presence of androgen effects, and gender of rearing.

Main Outcome Measures

Main outcome measures used were gender identity, friendships, love and sexual relationships, and sexual orientation in adolescents and adults with DSD.

Results

Individuals with DSD did not show increased gender dysphoria. However, partnership and sexuality were identified to be difficult areas of life. Both adolescents and adults with DSD reported fewer experiences regarding love or sexual relationships compared with unaffected individuals. Especially men with DSD and undervirilization and women with DSD and androgen effects less often had a love relationship. Adult women with DSD and androgen effects more frequently engaged in love and sexual relationships with individuals of the same gender compared with women without DSD.

Conclusion

Individuals with DSD experience atypical hormonal influences (higher levels of androgens in girls/women and lower levels in androgens in boys/men); however, they did not show increased gender dysphoria in this study. However, partnership and sexual relationships are difficult areas of life for adolescents and adults with DSD. We recommend that individuals with DSD should get support from a multiprofessional team with competency in assessing and counseling issues regarding relationships and sexuality. Contact to other individuals with DSD can be helpful for nonprofessional support and exchange of experiences.
Wave-driven mass loss in the last year of stellar evolution: setting the stage for the most luminous core-collapse supernovae
Authors: Quataert E. , Shiode J.
Published: May 2012

During the late stages of stellar evolution in massive stars (C fusion and later), the fusion luminosity in the core of the star exceeds the star's Eddington luminosity. This can drive vigorous convective motions which in turn excite internal gravity waves. The local wave energy flux excited by convection is itself well above Eddington during the last few years in the life of the star. We suggest that an interesting fraction of the energy in gravity waves can, in some cases, convert into sound waves as the gravity waves propagate (tunnel) towards the stellar surface. The subsequent dissipation of the sound waves can unbind up to several M⊙ of the stellar envelope. This wave-driven mass loss can explain the existence of extremely large stellar mass-loss rates just prior to core collapse, which are inferred via circumstellar interaction in some core-collapse supernovae (e.g. SNe 2006gy and PTF 09uj, and even Type IIn supernovae more generally). An outstanding question is understanding what stellar parameters (mass, rotation, metallicity and age) are the most susceptible to wave-driven mass loss. This depends on the precise internal structure of massive stars and the power spectrum of internal gravity waves excited by stellar convection.
Evaluation of the clinical hour requirement and attainment of core clinical competencies by nurse practitioner students
Authors: Hallas Donna , Biesecker Babette , Brennan Mary , Newland Jamesetta A. , Haber Judith
Published: May 2012

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to analyze the national practice of fulfilling 500 clinical hours as a requirement for graduation from nurse practitioner (NP) programs at the master's level and to compare this standard to a comprehensive approach of evaluating attainment of clinical competencies.

Data sources:The National Organization of NP Faculties (NONPF) and specialty accreditation bodies publications were used for references to clinical hour and core competency requirements for graduation from NP programs. Data from one university from student documentation on a commercial electronic tracking system were also analyzed.

Conclusions:Data analysis revealed that the 500 clinical hours correlated to populations, skills performed, required levels of decision making, and expected diagnoses. However, assurance that these clinical hour requirements translated to exposure to all core competencies for entry into practice could not be established.

Implications for practice:A more comprehensive approach to the evaluation of student core competencies by implementing one or more performance‐based assessments, such as case‐based evaluations, simulations, or objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), as a strategic part of NP evaluation prior to graduation is proposed. This change is viewed as critical to the continued success of NP programs as master's level education transitions to direct BS to DNP educational preparation for advanced nursing practice.
Overview of: “Getting the Law Involved a Quasi‐Experiment in Early Intervention Involving Collaboration Between Schools and the District Attorney's Office”
Authors: Wright John Paul , McMahon Pamela M. , Daly Claire , Haney J. Phil
Published: May 2012

Research Summary  Precursors to serious and chronic delinquency often emerge in childhood, stimulating calls for early interventions. Most intervention efforts rely solely on social service programs—often to the exclusion of the juvenile justice system. The juvenile justice system has been reluctant to become involved in the lives of relatively young children fearing net widening or further straining resources that could be used for older youth with documented delinquency histories. We report here the results of an early intervention program sponsored by and housed in a district attorney's office in Louisiana. Using a quasi‐experimental design, we examined outcomes associated with program involvement as well as whether the obvious involvement of the prosecutor's office was associated with further reductions in problem behavior.

The results revealed that significant reductions in problem behaviors of young children could be attributed to program participation.

The obvious involvement of the district attorney's office, however, was associated with limited, albeit significant, reductions in specific problem behaviors.

These findings show that successful early intervention efforts can be made part of the juvenile justice system and that in some limited situations prosecutorial involvement can result in positive outcomes.

Policy Implications  The expansion of early intervention programming into the juvenile justice system offers opportunities to address early problem behavior. Our study and its results have the following policy implications.

Closely coupled partnerships between schools and the juvenile justice system can effectively address, mitigate, and perhaps prevent an early onset of antisocial behavior.

Even so, coupling early intervention efforts to the mission of the juvenile justice system warrants debate. Net‐widening, resource diffusion, and the potential for officials to rely too heavily on the deterrent characteristics of the justice system represent serious threats to the integrity of effective early intervention programs.

We suggest substantial debate and consideration is given before coupling early intervention efforts to the juvenile justice system.
Overview of: “Crime Place and Pollution: Expanding Crime Reduction Options Through a Regulatory Approach”
Authors: Eck John E. , Eck Emily B.
Published: May 2012

Research Summary  Crime reduction policy has focused almost exclusively on offenders. Recent studies and evaluations show that expanding our policy portfolio to include places may be highly productive. We show that there is considerable research showing that crime is concentrated at a relatively few locations, that high‐crime places are stable, that changing places can reduce crime, that displacement is not only far from inevitable but also less likely than the diffusion of crime prevention benefits, and that owners of high‐crime places can be held accountable for the criminogenic conditions of their locations. We link these findings to environmental policy, where environmental scientists, economists, and regulators have developed a broad set of regulatory options. The core of this article describes a portfolio of environmental policy instruments directly applicable to crime places. We also discuss major decisions local governments will need to make to implement various forms of regulation, and we list challenges that governments must anticipate in planning for such implementation. We argue that a regulatory approach to crime places has the potential to lower the cost to taxpayers of reducing crime by shifting costs from governments to the relatively few place owners whose actions create crime‐facilitating conditions.

Policy Implications  Taking a regulatory approach to crime places substantially expands the crime policy options under consideration. Regulatory options may increase local governments’ effectiveness at reducing crime while reducing governments’ costs. This is because regulatory approaches have the potential to shift some portion of the financial burden for crime fighting to owners of criminogenic locations. Policy makers can select between means‐based anticrime regulations that focus on how place owners manage their locations and ends‐based regulations that focus on the number of crimes allowed at places. Both of these approaches contain several alternative regulatory instruments, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Experimenting with various regulatory instruments could lead to the development of a range of new crime reduction policies. In addition, a regulatory approach has implications for the funding of policy research. Means‐based regulatory instruments require governments to develop evidence that the means they regulate have the desired impact on crime. Ends‐based regulatory instruments shift this burden to the regulated places.
Overview of: “Assessing the Earned Discharge Pilot Project: The Importance of Context, Capacity, and Content”
Authors: Smith Sarah M. , Omori Marisa K. , Turner Susan F. , Jannetta Jesse
Published: May 2012

Research Summary

Largely as a result of punitive measures passed in the 1980s and 1990s, prison and parole populations have soared across the United States. California's policies are reflective of these tendencies, and as a result, the state has experienced especially acute crises in parole and prison operations. The Earned Discharge pilot program was introduced in 2007 in an effort to improve parolees’ outcomes by incentivizing early release for low‐risk offenders performing well on parole, and reallocating resources from these parolees to higher‐risk parolees. To accomplish this goal, the pilot used a risk‐assessment instrument to screen for nonviolent, low‐risk offenders, and a case review process to further identify ideal candidates. However, the pilot program faced several obstacles and was downgraded to a simulation exercise. The implementation analysis found that the most salient of these obstacles were:

a challenging political “context,” which created barriers to adopting an Earned Discharge program in concordance with evidence‐based standards.

parole administration's limited “capacity” to provide strong leadership, and problems achieving agency‐level coordination.

lack of stakeholder buy‐in related to the “content” of the Earned Discharge Program and the translation of initial program concepts into practice.

Policy Implications

Analysis of the Earned Discharge program implementation highlighted a number of barriers to nonpunitive criminal justice innovations. These barriers must be overcome in order to implement programs whose principles are supported by scientific research. The results of the Earned Discharge program simulation suggest that, due to program design changes based on political exigencies, few benefits would be achieved by the program even if it had been fully implemented. Such interventions must overcome the political difficulties involved in reducing punitive control of some low‐level, but politically unpopular groups, such as gang members and sex offenders. Buy‐in from prosecutors and other local politicians and crime control agents, who have little incentive to support such programs, must be achieved. Parole agency coordination and leadership should also be strengthened in order to instill confidence in the agency's ability to provide program integrity.
Cyclic fatigue resistance of newly manufactured rotary nickel titanium instruments used in different rotational directions
Authors: Gambarini Gianlucca , Gergi Richard , Grande Nicola Maria , Osta Nada , Plotino Gianluca , Testarelli Luca
Published: May 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate whether cyclic fatigue resistance is increased for nickel titanium instruments manufactured with improved heating processes in clockwise or counterclockwise continuous rotation. The instruments compared were produced either using the R‐phase heat treatment (K3XF; SybronEndo, Orange, CA, USA) or the M‐wire alloy (ProFile Vortex; DENTSPLY Tulsa Dental Specialties, Tulsa, OK, USA). Tests were performed with a specific cyclic fatigue device that evaluated cycles to failure of rotary instruments in curved artificial canals. Results indicated no significant difference in resistance to cyclic fatigue when rotary nickel titanium instruments are used in clockwise or counterclockwise continuous rotation. In both directions of rotation, size 04‐25 K3XF showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the mean number of cycles to failure when compared with size 04‐25 ProFile Vortex.
The Ethics of War. Part I: Historical Trends1
Authors: Begby Endre , Reichberg Gregory , Syse Henrik
Published: May 2012

This article surveys the major historical developments in Western philosophical reflection on war.Section 2outlines early development in Greek and Roman thought, up to and including Augustine.Section 3details the systematization of Just War theory in Aquinas and his successors, especially Vitoria, Suárez, and Grotius.Section 4examines the emergence of Perpetual Peace theory after Hobbes, focusing in particular on Rousseau and Kant. Finally,Section 5outlines the central points of contention following the reemergence of Just War theory in the 1970s.2
Badiou and the Politics of Form
Authors: Livingston Paul
Published: May 2012

In this essay, I explore Alain Badiou’s longstanding project of theorizing political situations and political transformation through the analysis of forms and formalisms. This amounts, I argue, to a politics of form that draws on the thought of Sartre, Althusser, and Lacan, but offers new alternatives for political thought and action today. In particular, Badiou’s rigorous consideration of forms, which draws on mathematics, model theory, set theory, and category theory, allows him to theorize political change in a way that avoids the errors of existing critical approaches. Central to this consideration are Badiou’s theory (Being and Event) of what he calls the event, which summons itself into existence by its own naming of itself or auto‐nomination, and his recent theory of the plurality of worlds and their possible transformation in Logics of Worlds. I also discuss Badiou’s recent treatment of the 20th century project of formalization in The Century, arguing that Badiou’s analysis here offers useful terms for the political thought of the present situation.
States’ Experiences With Loan Repayment Programs for Health Care Professionals in a Time of State Budget Cuts and NHSC Expansion
Authors: Pathman Donald E. , Morgan Jennifer Craft , Konrad Thomas R. , Goldberg Lynda
Published: May 2012

Purpose:  The landscape of education loan repayment programs for health care professionals has been turbulent in recent years, with doubling of the funding for the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) and cuts in funding for some states’ programs. We sought to understand how this turbulence is being felt within the state offices involved in recruiting clinicians to rural and urban underserved communities.

Methods: We conducted key informant telephone interviews with staff of state offices of rural health, primary care organizations, and/or related organizations within 28 diverse states to answer questions about perceived changes and interplay among solely state‐funded loan repayment programs, joint state‐federal programs, and the NHSC federal program. Interviews were transcribed, formally analyzed, and key issues summarized.

Findings: Informants reported that solely state‐funded and joint state‐federal loan repayment programs are greatly valued for their ability to target a state's particular needs and to complement the NHSC federal program. However, budgets for state programs have been threatened, reduced, or eliminated entirely in many cases. All informants positively perceived the NHSC's recent growth and changes, which they feel are helping fill important workforce needs for their states. Nevertheless, the much larger NHSC federal program now competes with some states’ programs for clinicians and service sites; states’ programs are pushed to adjust their operations to maintain a unique “niche.”

Conclusions: States’ key recruiters lament reductions in funding for states’ loan repayment programs, and welcome the NHSC's recent growth and changes. Better coordination is needed to minimize competition and maximize complementarity between state and federal programs.
Evolving role of molecular imaging for new understanding: targeting myofibroblasts to predict remodeling
Authors: de Haas Hans J. , van den Borne Susanne W. , Boersma Hendrikus H. , Slart Riemer H.J.A. , Fuster Valentin , Narula Jagat
Published: May 2012

Containment of the process of cardiac remodeling is a prerequisite for prevention of development of heart failure (HF) after myocardial infarction. For personalization of therapeutic intervention strategy, it may be of benefit to identify the subset of patients who are at higher risk for development of HF. One such strategy may involve targeted imaging of various components involved in the remodeling process and interstitial fibrosis, including the myofibroblast. This cell type combines characteristics of fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells, and plays a crucial role in infarct healing and scar contraction. We define molecular targets on myofibroblasts and discuss the feasibility of molecular imaging of these cells for early detection and treatment of patients at risk for development of HF after myocardial infarction.
The links between complex coronary disease, cerebrovascular disease, and degenerative brain disease
Authors: Kovacic Jason C. , Castellano Jose M. , Fuster Valentin
Published: May 2012

Our appreciation of the complexity of cardiovascular disease is growing rapidly. Consistent with the fact that the vasculature is an omnipresent system that carries blood to every organ in the body, an expanding number of conditions are now known to be directly associated with disturbed cardiovascular function or vascular pathology. In particular, cardiovascular disease has recently been implicated as playing a major role in dementia and other forms of degenerative brain disease. Here, we explore some of the many emerging relationships between cardiovascular risk factors, complex coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, and degenerative brain disease.
The evolving landscape of quality measurement for heart failure
Authors: Fitzgerald Ashley A. , Allen Larry A. , Masoudi Frederick A.
Published: May 2012

Heart failure (HF) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity, representing a leading cause of death and hospitalization among U.S. Medicare beneficiaries. Advances in science have generated effective interventions to reduce adverse outcomes in HF, particularly in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Unfortunately, effective therapies for heart failure are often not utilized in an effective, safe, timely, equitable, patient‐centered, and efficient manner. Further, the risk of adverse outcomes for HF remains high. The last decades have witnessed the growth of efforts to measure and improve the care and outcomes of patients with HF. This paper will review the evolution of quality measurement for HF, including a brief history of quality measurement in medicine; the measures that have been employed to characterize quality in heart failure; how the measures are obtained; how measures are employed; and present and future challenges surrounding quality measurement in heart failure.
Plaque neovascularization: defense mechanisms, betrayal, or a war in progress
Authors: Moreno Pedro R. , Purushothaman Meeranani , Purushothaman K‐Raman
Published: May 2012

Angiogenesis is induced from sprouting of preexisting endothelial cells leading to neovascularization. Imbalance in the angiogenic and antiangiogenic mediators triggers angiogenesis, which may be physiological in the normal state or pathological in malignancy and atherosclerosis. Physiologic angiogenesis is instrumental for restoration of vessel wall normoxia and resolution inflammation, leading to atherosclerosis regression. However, pathological angiogenesis enhances disease progression, increasing macrophage infiltration and vessel wall thickness, perpetuating hypoxia and necrosis. In addition, thin‐walled fragile neovessels may rupture, leading to intraplaque hemorrhage. Lipid‐rich red blood cell membranes and free hemoglobin are detrimental to plaque composition, increasing inflammation, lipid core expansion, and oxidative stress. In addition, associated risk factors that include polymorphysms in the haptoglobin genotype and diabetes mellitus may modulate the features of plaque vulnerability. This review will focus on physiological and pathological angiogenesis in atherosclerosis and summarizes the current status of anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy, microvascular rarefaction, and possible statin‐mediated effects in atherosclerosis neovascularization.
Engineered arterial models to correlate blood flow to tissue biological response
Authors: Martorell Jordi , Santomá Pablo , Molins José J. , García‐Granada Andrés A. , Bea José A. , Edelman Elazer R. , Balcells Mercedes
Published: May 2012

This paper reviews how biomedical engineers, in collaboration with physicians, biologists, chemists, physicists, and mathematicians, have developed models to explain how the impact of vascular interventions on blood flow predicts subsequent vascular repair. These models have become increasingly sophisticated and precise, propelling us toward optimization of cardiovascular therapeutics in general and personalizing treatments for patients with cardiovascular disease.
Molecular targets in heart failure gene therapy: current controversies and translational perspectives
Authors: Kairouz Victor , Lipskaia Larissa , Hajjar Roger J. , Chemaly Elie R.
Published: May 2012

Use of gene therapy for heart failure is gaining momentum as a result of the recent successful completion of phase II of the Calcium Upregulation by Percutaneous Administration of Gene Therapy in Cardiac Disease (CUPID) trial, which showed clinical safety and efficacy of an adeno‐associated viral vector expressing sarco‐endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA2a). Resorting to gene therapy allows the manipulation of molecular targets not presently amenable to pharmacologic modulation. This short review focuses on the molecular targets of heart failure gene therapy that have demonstrated translational potential. At present, most of these targets are related to calcium handling in the cardiomyocyte. They include SERCA2a, phospholamban, S100A1, ryanodine receptor, and the inhibitor of the protein phosphatase 1. Other targets related to cAMP signaling are reviewed, such as adenylyl cyclase. MicroRNAs are emerging as novel therapeutic targets and convenient vectors for gene therapy, particularly in heart disease. We propose a discussion of recent advances and controversies in key molecular targets of heart failure gene therapy.
Initial HRCT findings of novel influenza A (H1N1) infection
Authors: Yuan Ying , Tao Xiao‐Feng , Shi Yu‐Xin , Liu Shi‐Yuan , Chen Ji‐Quan
Published: May 2012

Please cite this paper as: Yuan et al. (2012) Initial HRCT findings of novel influenza A (H1N1) infection. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(601), e114–e119.

Objectives  The aim of our study was to describe the presentation and illustrate the imaging features of chest high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of patients with novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection.

Methods  Data were collected from 163 hospitalized patients between November 2009 and March 2011, who fulfilled the clinical criteria for H1N1 influenza infection and underwent HRCT examinations within 24 hours of admission.

Results  Abnormal findings were observed in 40·5% of the patients. The patients with positive imaging findings were significantly older than patients with normal HRCT findings (P = 0·02). The most common finding was ground‐glass opacity (GGO) (n = 35). Interlobular septal thickening (n = 31) and centrilobular nodules (n = 30) were the second most frequent findings. Other common findings were consolidation, reticulation, and linear shadow. The most common imaging finding for lung involvement was GGO with a patchy pattern. Pulmonary involvement of the disease may be extensive and variable, but the total volume of affected lung was mostly <1 lobe.

Conclusion  The baseline HRCT may be valuable and suggestive even for non‐severe H1N1 infections. When a severe case or a evolution is suspected, chest CT could be essential both for determining the precise extent of parenchymal damage and for monitoring its evolution.
UVA‐induced oxidative degradation of melanins: fission of indole moiety in eumelanin and conversion to benzothiazole moiety in pheomelanin
Authors: Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Nakanishi Yukiko , Miyazaki Narimi , Kolbe Ludger , Ito Shosuke
Published: May 2012

Eumelanin is photoprotective while pheomelanin is phototoxic to pigmented tissues. Ultraviolet A (UVA)‐induced tanning seems to result from the photooxidation of pre‐existing melanin and contributes no photoprotection. However, data available for melanin biodegradation remain limited. In this study, we first examined photodegradation of eumelanin and pheomelanin in human black hairs and found that the ratio of Free (formed by peroxidation in situ) to Total (after hydrogen peroxide oxidation) pyrrole‐2,3,5‐tricarboxylic acid (PTCA) increases with hair aging, indicating fission of the dihydroxyindole moiety. In red hair, the ratio of thiazole‐2,4,5‐tricarboxylic acid (TTCA) to 4‐amino‐3‐hydroxyphenylalanine (4‐AHP) increases with aging, indicating the conversion from benzothiazine to benzothiazole moiety. These photodegradation of melanins were confirmed by UVA (not UVB) irradiation of melanins from mice and human hairs and synthetic eumelanin and pheomelanin. These results show that both eumelanin and pheomelanin degrade by UVA and that Free/Total PTCA and TTCA/4‐AHP ratios serve as sensitive indicators of photodegradation.
Largest Toothed Pterosaur Skull from the Early Cretaceous Yixian Formation of Western Liaoning, China, with Comments on the Family Boreopteridae
Authors: Junchang LÜ , Hanyong PU , Li XU , Yanhua WU , Xuefang WEI
Published: May 2012

A new pterosaur Moganopterus zhuiana gen. et sp. nov. is erected based on a complete skull with lower jaws and anterior cervical vertebrae. It is characterized by much elongated upper and lower jaws with at least 62 total, long, curved teeth with sharp tips, a well developed parietal crest extending posterodorsally, forming an angle of 15 degrees with the ventral margin of the skull, the ratio of length to width of cervical vertebrae greater than 5:1. The skull length is 750 mm, and it is the largest toothed pterosaur found so far in the world. Based on this new pterosaur, the Boreopteridae can be divided into two subgroups: Boreopterinae sub‐fam. nov. and Moganopterinae sub‐fam. nov., which is also confirmed by the phylogenetic analysis.
Statistical Approach for Classification of Dinosaur Eggs from the Heyuan Basin at the Northeast of Guangdong Province
Authors: TANAKA Kohei , Junchang LÜ , Yi LIU , Zhiqing HUANG , KOBAYASHI Yoshitsugu , Dong HUANG , ZELENITSKY Darla K.
Published: May 2012

The Zhutian and Dafeng formations (Upper Cretaceous) of the Heyuan Basin in northeastern Guangdong Province, China, have produced thousands of dinosaur eggs. Macromorphological features (egg diameter, egg shape, outer surface texture, and shell thickness) of 461 eggs were analyzed using non‐destructive techniques and subjected to statistical analyses in order to assess their diversity and taxonomic affinities. Three types (1, 2 and 3) of eggs were discerned based on shape and outer surface morphology. Type 1 eggs are spherical to ellipsoidal in shape and have a rough surface. Three subtypes (Type 1‐A‐1, 1‐A‐2, and 1‐B) are apparent from scatter plots and cluster analyses of egg diameters and shell thickness. Type 2 eggs are elongate with linear ornamentation on the surface, and are comparable to eggs that belong to the oofamily Elongatoolithidae. Type 3 eggs are elongate with a smooth surface, and are assigned to the oofamily Prismatoolithidae. Macromorphological features of the various egg types suggest that Type 1 could have been laid by ornithischian, sauropod or therizinosaur dinosaurs, Type 2 by oviraptorids, and Type 3 by troodontids. This study represents the first comprehensive statistical analysis of macrofeatures of dinosaur eggs, and reveals taxonomic diversity in the dinosaurs that were laying eggs in the Upper Cretaceous Heyuan area heretofore unrecognized in skeletal remains.
An Unusual, Three‐Dimensionally Preserved, Large Hadrosauriform Pes Track from “Mid”‐Cretaceous Jiaguan Formation of Chongqing, China
Authors: Lida XING , BELL Phil R. , HARRIS Jerald D. , CURRIE Philip J.
Published: May 2012

Three‐dimensional tracks provide unique insights into the locomotor mechanics of their track makers. An isolated, large hadrosauriform print attributable to Caririchnium lotus from the “mid”‐Cretaceous Lotus track site (Jiaguan Formation) in China permits reconstruction of the footfall, weight‐bearing, and kick‐off phases of the step cycle. Large‐scale modifications of the pes during the step cycle indicate C. lotus trackmakers were capable of locomotory modifications in response to substrate consistency beyond the “expected” shift between bipedal and quadrupedal postures. An unusual curvature to the trace of one of the outer digits indicates substantial transverse mobility. The remaining digits demonstrate lesser degrees of transverse movement accompanied by extension of the digits during footfall. The absence of overprinted scale‐scratch marks and toe drags are consistent with a vertical kick‐off of the pes and concomitant flexion of the digits. This track suggests that pedal mobility in C. lotus track makers was greater than previously suspected and has implications for reconstructions of hadrosauriform locomotion.
Trace Fossils from Lower Cambrian Wusongger Formation in Xiaoerbulake Outcrop, Kalpin Area, Xinjiang
Authors: Zhongkai BAI , Xiuxiang LÜ , Xiaoping LIU , Qilai XIE , Jianjiao LI , Jianjun WU
Published: May 2012

Based on the analysis of trace fossils collected from the typical outcrop of the Lower Cambrian Wusongger Formation in the Kalpin area, ten ichnospecies of six ichnogenus were identified in the upper member of the Wusongger Formation, with most of them being found for the first time. The trace fossils are described seriatim. The ichnospecies are mainly represented by such common trace fossils as Ophiomorpha nodosa, Helminthopsis hieroglyphica, Helminthopsis ichnosp., Planolites beverleyensis, Planolites vulgaris, Planolites montanus, Palaeophycus striatus, Palaeophycus curvatus?, Cochlichnus anguineus and Rituichnus elongatum. The trace fossils are of high diversity and low abundance, and can be diagnosed as the Cruziana ichnofacies. They can be interpreted as having formed in a shallow water environment.