bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dharma Concepts in Emotional Intelligence
Authors: Sen Anjana
Published: May 2012

Hindu scriptures prescribe various interventions to improve the level of ethics in professional life. Living in accordance with dharma (natural order) propels an individual towards personal liberation (nirvana) and naturally invokes ethical behaviour, which turns out to be beneficial for society. Emotional Intelligence (EI) is based upon neuroscience and is also a natural order. This article examines the need for spirituality, the stages of development of compassion and the natural progression towards transcendence, all the while connecting with the concepts of Emotional Intelligence, mirror neuron systems and the parts of the brain involved in social intelligence. The article observes the areas of overlap between characteristics described under dharma and by Emotional Intelligence practices. Habits based upon Emotional Intelligence can be inculcated at an early age and practiced to help a person evolve. Collaboration between teachers of dharma and modern teachers who apply recent findings of neuroscience can lead to holistic development of executives and managers.
Stock Market Integration: A Study of World’s Major Stock Exchanges with Special Reference to India
Authors: Taneja Yash Pal
Published: May 2012

This article attempts to examine the short-and long-run relationship between major world financial markets taking Indian stock exchanges as a particular case. It covers the monthly data of major index returns for the period 1999 to 2010. The research methodology tools include Dickey-Fuller test, Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test as well as Phillips-Perrson (PP) test for testing of stationarity and use of VAR (Value at Risk) techniques like Granger Causality test and Cointegration test in order to find the cointegration among major world stock exchanges. The results find one way granger causality for S&P CNX 500 and two way granger causality for BSE Sensex. It shows the existence of significant long-run association of Indian stock markets with US, France, Japan, Taiwan and Singapore stock markets. It draws the attention of policy makers by asserting the influence exertion of US, Japan and France market factors over Indian financial market.
Investigation of a Microcystis aeruginosa cyanobacterial freshwater harmful algal bloom associated with acute microcystin toxicosis in a dog
Authors: van der Merwe Deon , Sebbag Lionel , Nietfeld Jerome C. , Aubel Mark T. , Foss Amanda , Carney Edward
Published: May 2012

Microcystin poisoning was diagnosed in a dog exposed to a Microcystis aeruginosa–dominated, freshwater, harmful algal bloom at Milford Lake, Kansas, which occurred during the summer of 2011. Lake water microcystin concentrations were determined at intervals during the summer, using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and indicated extremely high, localized microcystin concentrations of up to 126,000 ng/ml. Multiple extraction and analysis techniques were used in the determination of free and total microcystins in vomitus and liver samples from the poisoned dog. Vomitus and liver contained microcystins, as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and the presence of microcystin-LR was confirmed in vomitus and liver samples using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Major toxic effects in a dog presented for treatment on the day following exposure included fulminant liver failure and coagulopathy. The patient deteriorated rapidly despite aggressive treatment and was euthanized. Postmortem lesions included diffuse, acute, massive hepatic necrosis and hemorrhage, as well as acute necrosis of the renal tubular epithelium. A diagnosis of microcystin poisoning was based on the demonstration of M. aeruginosa and microcystin-LR in the lake water, as well as in vomitus produced early in the course of the poisoning; the presence of microcystin-LR in liver tissue; and a typical clinical course including gastroenteritis and fulminant liver failure.
Equine laryngeal rhinosporidiosis in western Canada
Authors: Burgess Hilary J. , Lockerbie Betty P. , Czerwinski Sarah , Scott Mike
Published: May 2012

A 12-year-old female Argentinean Warmblood mare was evaluated because of respiratory noise. The horse resided in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, but had been imported from Argentina 28 months prior to presentation. Endoscopy of the upper respiratory tract revealed a single polypoid mass on the left arytenoid. The mass was surgically excised and was diagnosed histologically as rhinosporidiosis. Polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing were used to confirm the etiological agent. Four weeks postoperatively, endoscopy was repeated, revealing recurrence of the original lesion with multiple additional polypoid masses on the larynx and in the oropharynx. Resolution of the disease had not been attained at the time of publication. The current report outlines a case of rhinosporidiosis in an unusual anatomical and geographic location. The infection most likely originated in Argentina, with a prolonged subclinical phase. Due to increased travel of human beings and animals, there is potential for the introduction of exotic diseases into nonendemic areas.
Chondrosarcoma of the scapula of an 8-month-old Holstein steer
Authors: Beck Amanda P. , Jones Meredyth L.
Published: May 2012

Malignant neoplasms occur commonly in cattle, with lymphosarcoma being the most common. Chondrosarcoma rarely has been described and only in mature cattle. The present report describes a chondrosarcoma of the left scapula of an 8-month-old Holstein steer. Histologic examination of the mass revealed an unencapsulated, multilobular neoplasm composed of neoplastic spindle cells embedded in irregular islands of chondroid matrix, consistent with a diagnosis of chondrosarcoma.
Molecular characterization of Canineminute virus associated with neonatal mortality in a litter of Jack Russell terrier dogs
Authors: Decaro Nicola , Amorisco Francesca , Lenoci Diana , Lovero Angela , Colaianni Maria Loredana , Losurdo Michele , Desario Costantina , Martella Vito , Buonavoglia Canio
Published: May 2012

The molecular characterization of a strain of Canine minute virus (CnMV) associated with neonatal death is reported. Three newborn puppies of a litter of Jack Russell terrier dogs died after displaying systemic disease, whereas 2 surviving puppies showed no clinical signs with the exception of transient cardiac abnormalities that were evident by electrocardiography. Necropsy of 1 dead puppy revealed severe lesions in the internal organs. A strain of Canine minute virus was detected in tissue samples collected from the puppy, and virus circulation was demonstrated by molecular or serological testing in the dam, puppies of the same litter, and other puppies in the same kennel. By sequence and phylogenetic analysis of the gene encoding for the VP2 capsid protein, the strain circulating in the kennel was found to be related to recent Asian CnMV isolates. Continuous molecular surveillance for CnMV in kennels, shelters, and rescue centers would expand the knowledge base on the epidemiological and pathogenetic features of CnMV, which has been known for several decades but still poorly understood.
Modeling the “Profitable-Product Death Spiral”
Authors: Cannon James N. , Cannon Hugh M. , Schwaiger Manfred
Published: May 2012

Business simulation game designers typically ignore product line interactions in the design of marketing simulation games. This article addresses the failing by modeling Rust, Zeithaml, and Lemon’s concept of the profitable-product death spiral, a product-mix interaction theory based on the concept of customer lifetime value (CLV). According to their theory, marketers often enter a cycle of decreasing demand by deleting less profitable products. When customers seek multiple products from the same company, the deletion of less profitable ones will often reduce demand for more profitable products as well, rendering them less profitable. Unchecked, the cycle continues until the company fails. This article discusses how to model the “death-spiral” effect by adapting Teach’s gravity-flow model to evaluate the product mix as a kind of “meta-product,” where desired products function as product attributes.
Little Beauties
Authors: Taylor Steven S.
Published: May 2012

Beautiful action in organizations comes from exceptional craft skill and focuses us on exceptional management skill. Beautiful management action tends to be particular and local—It may only be experienced by a single person within the organization. I call such small moments “little beauties” and offers three examples from a small organization. I conclude that little beauties provide a way to find and inquire into instances of exceptional craft skill and thus offer a Positive Organizational Scholarship approach to practice.
Development of Abbreviated Nine-Item Forms of the Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices Test
Authors: Bilker Warren B. , Hansen John A. , Brensinger Colleen M. , Richard Jan , Gur Raquel E. , Gur Ruben C.
Published: May 2012

The Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM) is a 60-item test for measuring abstract reasoning, considered a nonverbal estimate of fluid intelligence, and often included in clinical assessment batteries and research on patients with cognitive deficits. The goal was to develop and apply a predictive model approach to reduce the number of items necessary to yield a score equivalent to that derived from the full scale. The approach is based on a Poisson predictive model. A parsimonious subset of items that accurately predicts the total score was sought, as was a second nonoverlapping alternate form for repeated administrations. A split sample was used for model fitting and validation, with cross-validation to verify results. Using nine RSPM items as predictors, correlations of .9836 and .9782 were achieved for the reduced forms and .9063 and .8978 for the validation data. Thus, a 9-item subset of RSPM predicts the total score for the 60-item scale with good accuracy. A comparison of psychometric properties between 9-item forms, a published 30-item form, and the 60-item set is presented. The two 9-item forms provide a 75% administration time savings compared with the 30-item form, while achieving similar item- and test-level characteristics and equal correlations to 60-item based scores.
Tic Disorders
Authors: Bronfeld Maya , Bar-Gad Izhar
Published: May 2012

Motor tics are brief, repetitive, involuntary movements that interfere with behavior and appear in multiple neural disorders, most notably, Tourette syndrome. Converging evidence from different lines of research point to the involvement of the corticobasal ganglia system in tics, but the neural mechanism underlying motor tics is largely unknown. An animal model directly linking basal ganglia dysfunction and motor tics indicated that local disinhibition within the basal ganglia input structure, the striatum, induces the appearance of motor tics in both rats and monkeys. Recordings of neuronal activity from multiple brain regions performed in this model during the expression of motor tics showed that tics are associated with phasic changes of neuronal activity throughout the corticobasal ganglia pathway, culminating in the disinhibition of the cortex and the release of a tic. This line of research provides a mechanistic description of the underlying neurophysiology of motor tics and may supply the much needed infrastructure for methodical hypothesis-driven studies of novel clinical treatments.
Market sensing and situated dialogic action research (with a video camera)
Authors: Mason Katy
Published: May 2012

This paper explores the practice of market sensing through situated dialogic action research. The paper discusses collaborative encounters with a manager who kept a video diary of his work. Through the analysis of five ‘generative moments’ that emerged from the market sensing dialogue between researching-practitioner and practising-researcher, four distinct bundles of market sensing practices are identified; sensing, sense making, framing and reflecting. Dialogue is found to be central to the entanglement and disentanglement of market sensing practices and emergent market frames. Dialogue allows the identification and exploration of tensions and conflict in existing and competing market frames. This in turn generates new and innovative ways of framing markets for future action. Thus, situated dialogic market sensing emerges as an effective way of unearthing and exploring competing market frames and as a mentoring, reflective and reflexive part of market sensing practice.
Control of diesel engines using NOx-emission feedback
Authors: Tschanz Frédéric , Amstutz Alois , Onder Christopher H , Guzzella Lino
Published: May 2012

Variations of engine-out emissions due to ageing, component drift or production tolerances pose serious problems to meet legislative restrictions on exhaust tailpipe pollutant emissions. This paper addresses feedback of the raw emissions for improved control of diesel engines. A discussion of issues regarding the inclusion of raw-emission feedback into the engine control structure is provided, and a novel control structure for combined feedback control of the air-path variables boost pressure and exhaust gas recirculation rate and of the NOx emissions is presented. The proposed control structure basically consists of an optimal linear output feedback controller and a setpoint-adaption loop on the exhaust gas recirculation rate. With this approach, a simple control structure is available requiring a marginal calibration effort to meet desired NOx-emission values. Unfavourable injection timing in connection with NOx control is minimized by adapting the exhaust gas recirculation rate setpoint. The performance of the proposed approach is demonstrated by experimental results.
Bayesian adaptive Lasso quantile regression
Authors: Alhamzawi Rahim , Yu Keming , Benoit Dries F
Published: May 2012

Recently, variable selection by penalized likelihood has attracted much research interest. In this paper, we propose adaptive Lasso quantile regression (BALQR) from a Bayesian perspective. The method extends the Bayesian Lasso quantile regression by allowing different penalization parameters for different regression coefficients. Inverse gamma prior distributions are placed on the penalty parameters. We treat the hyperparameters of the inverse gamma prior as unknowns and estimate them along with the other parameters. A Gibbs sampler is developed to simulate the parameters from the posterior distributions. Through simulation studies and analysis of a prostate cancer dataset, we compare the performance of the BALQR method proposed with six existing Bayesian and non-Bayesian methods. The simulation studies and the prostate cancer data analysis indicate that the BALQR method performs well in comparison to the other approaches.
Using pictures and artefacts in a PAR process to disclose new wor(l)ds of entrepreneurship
Authors: Berglund Karin Anna Elisabeth , Wigren-Kristoferson Caroline
Published: May 2012

Drawing on Freire, this article elaborates on how pictures and artefacts benefit processes of ‘prise de conscience’ and ‘conscientization’ among those with powerful voices. Wor(l)d-making was unfolded in the Swedish think-and-do tank, ‘the Smithy’, emphasizing the intrinsically political nature of promoting ‘societal entrepreneurship’ (SE). New words for SE were formulated and a more inclusive world was discerned where all had a role, not just as ‘helpers’, but as equal members of SE practices. Pictures and artefacts enabled hitherto silenced stories to be told and created a common understanding of how SE contrasted with traditional entrepreneurship. When new words were added to entrepreneurship, it was possible to reflect on the actions taken within the Smithy in a deeper sense, not only focusing on actions for the entrepreneurs ‘out there’, but also initiating self-reflection on the roles all had in the Smithy, or in other settings, to promote SE.
Use of Antidementia Drugs in Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration
Authors: López-Pousa Secundino , Calvó-Perxas Laia , Lejarreta Saioa , Cullell Marta , Meléndez Rosa , Hernández Erélido , Bisbe Josep , Perkal Héctor , Manzano Anna , Roig Anna Maria , Turró-Garriga Oriol , Vilalta-Franch Joan , Garre-Olmo Josep
Published: May 2012

Introduction: Clinical evidence indicates that acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) are not efficacious to treat frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). The British Association for Psychopharmacology recommends avoiding the use of AChEI and memantine in patients with FTLD. Methods: Cross-sectional design using 1092 cases with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and 64 cases with FTLD registered by the Registry of Dementias of Girona. Bivariate analyses were performed, and binary logistic regressions were used to detect variables associated with antidementia drugs consumption. Results: The AChEIs were consumed by 57.6% and 42.2% of the patients with AD and FTLD, respectively. Memantine was used by 17.2% and 10.9% of patients with AD and FTLD, respectively. Binary logistic regressions yielded no associations with antidementia drugs consumption. Conclusions: There is a discrepancy regarding clinical practice and the recommendations based upon clinical evidence. The increased central nervous system drug use detected in FTLD requires multicentric studies aiming at finding the best means to treat these patients.
A Modification of Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Draxler Helena , Hiltunen Arto J.
Published: May 2012

This case study illustrates the treatment of an adult woman who was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN). For approximately 10 years, the client had suffered from various forms of eating disorders and had had several unsuccessful encounters with the health care services. In this study, she was treated with a modification of enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-E). CBT-E is a relatively new treatment guide with a transdiagnostic perspective on eating disorders. In all, the treatment consisted of 14 sessions where most sessions were held on a weekly basis. Thereafter, a maintenance and follow-up was conducted via email and with the aid of self-help literature. Treatment time lasted for 8 months followed by a follow-up of 4 months. In this study, the content of each session is described, as are the modifications that were made. The modifications were made to increase motivation and self-esteem, as well as perceived control of eating, which, in itself, is a contribution to increased efficiency and a clarification of important treatment components. Apart from a description of treatment interventions, the study shows the weight gain and other clinically significant components regarding eating disorders that concern, among other things, self-esteem and general mental health. The results of this study demonstrate that this treatment, with the proposed modifications, has been highly effective for this client and hence provides a positive anticipation that this might be a more effective treatment in general for people with AN.
Effect of Heparin-Derived Oligosaccharide on Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation
Authors: Li Li , Li Wei , Ren Zhong , He ShuYing , Xu GuangLin , Yang LiNa
Published: May 2012

In this study, the effect of heparin-derived oligosaccharide on bovine vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and signal transduction mechanism was investigated. Extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 has been implicated in the regulation of various cellular functions including proliferation, and we sought to define a functional role for ERK 1/2 in an established proliferation model in order to find a possible mechanism for inhibition of VSMC proliferation by heparin-derived oligosaccharide. The VSMC proliferation model was developed by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and the level of ERK 1/2 protein and messenger RNA was determined by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunocytochemical methods. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that heparin-derived oligosaccharide blocked PDGF-induced cell cycle progression by arresting cells in the G0/G1 phase. The results imply that heparin-derived oligosaccharide inhibits VSMC proliferation by moderating the gene and the phosphorylation levels of ERK 1/2, eventually blocking G1/S transition, may be one of the mechanisms for inhibition of VSMC proliferation by heparin-derived oligosaccharide.
The modeling and simulation of a network controller based on router queue-size predictions
Authors: Haught James D , Hopkinson Kenneth M , Hemmes Jeffrey M
Published: May 2012

While the current routing and congestion control algorithms in use today are often adequate for networks with relatively static topology and relatively lax quality of service (QoS) requirements, these algorithms may not be sufficient for military networks where a strict level of QoS is required in order to achieve mission objectives. Current technology limits a network’s ability to adapt to changes and interactions, and this often results in sub-optimal performance. This article develops a network controller that uses outbound router queue size predictions to optimize computer networks. These queue size predictions are made possible through the use of Kalman filters to detect network congestion. The premise is that intelligent agents can use such predictions to form context-aware, cognitive processes to managing network communication. The system shows great promise when modeled and simulated using the NS2 network simulation platform.
Five-Item Score for Obstructed Defecation Syndrome
Authors: Renzi Adolfo , Brillantino Antonio , Di Sarno Giandomenico , d’Aniello Francesco
Published: May 2012

The use of a dedicated score represents an essential tool for the clinical staging of obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS), for subsequent diagnostic and therapeutic options, and for the evaluation of the results. This study was designed to develop and validate a new, simple, and disease-specific scoring system for ODS. The questionnaire consists of 5 items: excessive straining, incomplete rectal evacuation, use of enemas and/or laxatives, vaginal-anal-perineal digitations, and abdominal discomfort and/or pain. Each item was graded from 0 to 5 with a score ranging from 0 ( no symptoms) to 20 ( very severe symptoms). A specific statistical analysis identifies the new score as a valuable and concise instrument, which demonstrates, overall, excellent concurrent validity, reproducibility, internal consistency, and discriminant validity for the diagnosis and grading of ODS. The use of this questionnaire may improve uniformity in clinical research and may allow a more precise evaluation of symptom severity and treatment effectiveness in ODS.
The geography of foreign news on television
Authors: Wilke Jürgen , Heimprecht Christine , Cohen Akiba
Published: May 2012

Since the advent of television in the middle of the 20th century, news has been an essential ingredient in TV programming. Often these newscasts are the most heavily viewed programmes, and by and large they are the main source of information for many people. This is particularly true for news from other countries and regions in the world. This immense significance of TV news has made it an important field in communication research. The article presents a new study that is formed from a multinational project. The project investigated foreign TV news in 17 countries from five regions in the world: Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Egypt, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, Japan, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan and the United States of America. The data of the content analysis in all these countries in 2008 contain over 17,500 news items. The analysis concentrates on ‘news geography’, a term that is used to describe the extent to which the countries of the planet are represented in TV news. The results show a complex, multifaceted picture of foreign news reporting in the world. This multifaceted picture demands multi-causal interpretation. Several factors are discussed, i.e. the types of countries, their political order and integration into the international system, trade, different degrees in political power, but also historical connections, cultural ties, etc. Principally, the foreign news outlet depends on the selection criteria of journalists. On the whole the findings seem to question the world’s globalization, which is often taken for granted.
War journalists and forces of gatekeeping during the escalation and the de-escalation periods of the Iraq War
Authors: Kim Hun Shik
Published: May 2012

Since the invasion of Iraq in 2003, war journalists have reported news from the battlefields and streets of Baghdad to the world audiences. As the violent conflict in Iraq winds down, so do the war reporting operations in Iraq. Based on in-depth interviews with 23 war correspondents, this study investigates gatekeeping forces that affected the journalists’ news coverage of the Iraq War. The study found that the war journalists singled out personal judgment, an individual-level gatekeeping force, to be the most salient element in reporting the escalation period of the Iraq War. However, the journalists responded that financial constraints and deference to audience interest, organizational-level, and social institutional-level gatekeeping forces determined the direction and the volume of the war reporting more saliently during the de-escalation period of the Iraq War.
Newspaper coverage of the 2011 protests in Egypt
Authors: AlMaskati Nawaf Abdulnabi
Published: May 2012

This study analyses the coverage of the 2011 Egyptian protests provided by Al Ahram, Arab News, China Daily, Guardian International, International Herald Tribune and Jerusalem Post, with regard to the type and intensity of the coverage, potential shifts in tunes and interaction with some types of social media. The results show the large role played by national policies and diplomatic relations as well as prevailing news themes in determining the type and intensity of coverage provided. Geographic proximity was also found to be an important factor in influencing coverage. Moreover, a shift in tune, although not significant, was found in the coverage of Al Ahram and Arab News. Finally, the study found that journalists demonstrated a clear preference for citing conventional rather than social media sources in their stories.
A changing world, unchanging perspectives
Authors: Chang Tsan-Kuo , Southwell Brian , Lee Hyung-Min , Hong Yejin
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this study is to examine, through a longitudinal analysis, the priorities and beliefs that American newspaper editors hold toward foreign news reporting. Using the theory of cultural values as the framework, the study seeks to compare how American newspaper editors assessed the importance of factors in their selection of foreign news over time. The results show that the priorities of journalistic values in foreign news reporting remain fundamentally unchanged in the United States. More importantly, the factor structure of foreign news values was invariant between 1988 and 2008. The persistence of such values strongly indicates a shared professional culture that appears to cultivate a common worldview through journalistic practices in the newsroom.
Pain management in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: insights for the clinician
Authors: Srinath Arvind Iyengar , Walter Chelsea , Newara Melissa C. , Szigethy Eva M.
Published: May 2012

Abdominal pain is a common symptom in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and has a profound negative impact on patients’ lives. There are growing data suggesting that pain is variably related to the degree of active inflammation. Given the multifactorial etiologies underlying the pain, the treatment of abdominal pain in the IBD population is best accomplished by individualized plans. This review covers four clinically relevant categories of abdominal pain in patients with IBD, namely, inflammation, surgical complications, bacterial overgrowth, and neurobiological processes and how pain management can be addressed in each of these cases. The role of genetic factors, psychological factors, and psychosocial stress in pain perception and treatment will also be addressed. Lastly, psychosocial, pharmacological, and procedural pain management techniques will be discussed. An extensive review of the existing literature reveals a paucity of data regarding pain management specific to IBD. In addition, there is growing consensus suggesting a spectrum between IBD and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. Thus, this review for adult and pediatric clinicians also incorporates the literature for the treatment of functional abdominal pain and the clinical consensus from IBD and IBS experts on pharmacological, behavioral, and procedural methods to treat abdominal pain in this population.
Relationship between 25-OH-D serum level and relapse rate in multiple sclerosis patients before and after vitamin D supplementation
Authors: Pierrot-Deseilligny Charles , Rivaud-Péchoux Sophie , Clerson Pierre , de Paz Raphaël , Souberbielle Jean-Claude
Published: May 2012

Background:

Vitamin D could play a protective role in multiple sclerosis.

Methods:

In an observational, uncontrolled study, vitamin D3 supplementation (3010 IU/day on average) was given to 156 consecutive patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis, under first-line immunomodulatory therapy and with initial 25-OH-D serum level lower than 100 nmol/l (40 ng/ml). Relapses were determined for 29.1 ± 8.4 months during vitamin D and 29.8 ± 10.1 months before supplementation. The 25-OH-D level was measured before supplementation and several times during supplementation. The incidence rate of relapses before and during supplementation was estimated using negative binomial regression models with follow-up durations as offset terms. The incidence rate and incidence rate ratio of relapses at various 25-OH-D levels were also calculated using negative binomial regression models.

Results:

In 76 patients, immunomodulatory therapy preceded vitamin D supplementation (by 4.2 ± 2.7 years) and in 80 patients both treatments were started simultaneously. Under supplementation, the 25-OH-D level increased from 49 ± 22 nmol/l to 110 ± 26 nmol/l on average. Pooling data collected before and during supplementation, we found a significant strong inverse relationship between the relapse incidence rate and the 25-OH-D level ( p < 0.0001), suggesting that vitamin D did indeed influence the relapse rate. Results of univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses were analogous: in the multivariate model adjusted for age, disease duration and previous use of immunomodulatory therapy, every 10 nmol increase in 25-OH-D level was associated with a reduction in the relapse incidence rate of 13.7%. Dividing iteratively the population made up of pooled periods into two subgroups according to the 25-OH-D levels, the relapse incidence rate ratio decreased as the 25-OH-D level increased up to 110 nmol/l, but a plateau effect was observed beyond this limit.

Conclusion:

Further studies are warranted for accurate quantification of the vitamin D effect.
Shared Decision Making in Prostate-Specific Antigen Testing
Authors: Landrey Alison R. , Matlock Daniel D. , Andrews Laura , Bronsert Michael , Denberg Tom
Published: May 2012

Introduction and aims: Professional societies recommend that the decision to screen for prostate cancer involves a shared discussion between patient and provider. Many men are tested without this discussion. Prostate cancer screening decision aids increase patient knowledge and participation in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing decisions under ideal circumstances but are often resource intensive and elaborate. There is a need for evaluation of interventions that are low cost, low literacy, and practical for widespread distribution. The authors evaluated the effect of a mailed low-literacy informational patient flyer about the PSA test on measures of shared decision making. Methods: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial comparing the mailed flyer versus usual care was conducted among 303 men aged 50 to 74 years who were scheduled for annual health maintenance exams in 2 general internal medicine clinics (University of Colorado and University of Colorado Hospital). Charts were reviewed after the visits for documentation of PSA screening discussions and PSA testing rates. Follow-up patient surveys assessed include perceived participation in PSA screening decisions, knowledge of the PSA test, and flyer acceptability. Results: Rates of chart-documented PSA discussions were low with no difference between the flyer and control groups (17.7% and 13.6%, respectively; P = .28). Rates of PSA testing were also similar in both groups (62.5% vs 58.5%; P = .48). Rates of patient-reported PSA discussions were higher than the documented rates but also without differences between the groups (71.8% vs 62.3%; P = .22). The intervention had no effect in the PSA knowledge scores (3.5/5 vs 3.3/5, P = .60). Patients found the flyer to be highly acceptable. Conclusions: A mailed low-literacy informational flyer was well received by patients but had no effect on rates of PSA discussions, PSA testing, or patient knowledge of prostate cancer screening.
Osteoblastic N-cadherin is not required for microenvironmental support and regulation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells
Authors: Bromberg Olga , Frisch Benjamin J. , Weber Jonathan M. , Porter Rebecca L. , Civitelli Roberto , Calvi Laura M.
Published: May 2012

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) regulation is highly dependent on interactions with the marrow microenvironment. Controversy exists on N-cadherin's role in support of HSCs. Specifically, it is unknown whether microenvironmental N-cadherin is required for normal marrow microarchitecture and for hematopoiesis. To determine whether osteoblastic N-cadherin is required for HSC regulation, we used a genetic murine model in which deletion of Cdh2, the gene encoding N-cadherin, has been targeted to cells of the osteoblastic lineage. Targeted deletion of N-cadherin resulted in an age-dependent bone phenotype, ultimately characterized by decreased mineralized bone, but no difference in steady-state HSC numbers or function at any time tested, and normal recovery from myeloablative injury. Intermittent parathyroid hormone (PTH) treatment is well established as anabolic to bone and to increase marrow HSCs through microenvironmental interactions. Lack of osteoblastic N-cadherin did not block the bone anabolic or the HSC effects of PTH treatment. This report demonstrates that osteoblastic N-cadherin is not required for regulation of steady-state hematopoiesis, HSC response to myeloablation, or for rapid expansion of HSCs through intermittent treatment with PTH.
Platelets and platelet-like particles mediate intercellular RNA transfer
Authors: Risitano Antonina , Beaulieu Lea M. , Vitseva Olga , Freedman Jane E.
Published: May 2012

The role of platelets in hemostasis and thrombosis is clearly established; however, the mechanisms by which platelets mediate inflammatory and immune pathways are less well understood. Platelets interact and modulate the function of blood and vascular cells by releasing bioactive molecules. Although the platelet is anucleate, it contains transcripts that may mirror disease. Platelet mRNA is only associated with low-level protein translation; however, platelets have a unique membrane structure allowing for the passage of small molecules, leading to the possibility that its cytoplasmic RNA may be passed to nucleated cells. To examine this question, platelet-like particles with labeled RNA were cocultured with vascular cells. Coculture of platelet-like particles with activated THP-1, monocytic, and endothelial cells led to visual and functional RNA transfer. Posttransfer microarray gene expression analysis of THP-1 cells showed an increase in HBG1/HBG2 and HBA1/HBA2 expression that was directly related to the transfer. Infusion of wild-type platelets into a TLR2-deficient mouse model established in vivo confirmation of select platelet RNA transfer to leukocytes. By specifically transferring green fluorescent protein, we also observed external RNA was functional in the recipient cells. The observation that platelets possess the capacity to transfer cytosolic RNA suggests a new function for platelets in the regulation of vascular homeostasis.
Extracellular DNA traps are associated with the pathogenesis of TRALI in humans and mice
Authors: Thomas Grace M. , Carbo Carla , Curtis Brian R. , Martinod Kimberly , Mazo Irina B. , Schatzberg Daphne , Cifuni Stephen M. , Fuchs Tobias A. , von Andrian Ulrich H. , Hartwig John H. , Aster Richard H. , Wagner Denisa D.
Published: May 2012

Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is the leading cause of transfusion-related death. The biologic processes contributing to TRALI are poorly understood. All blood products can cause TRALI, and no specific treatment is available. A “2-event model” has been proposed as the trigger. The first event may include surgery, trauma, or infection; the second involves the transfusion of antileukocyte antibodies or bioactive lipids within the blood product. Together, these events induce neutrophil activation in the lungs, causing endothelial damage and capillary leakage. Neutrophils, in response to pathogens or under stress, can release their chromatin coated with granule contents, thus forming neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Although protective against infection, these NETs are injurious to tissue. Here we show that NET biomarkers are present in TRALI patients' blood and that NETs are produced in vitro by primed human neutrophils when challenged with anti–HNA-3a antibodies previously implicated in TRALI. NETs are found in alveoli of mice experiencing antibody-mediated TRALI. DNase 1 inhalation prevents their alveolar accumulation and improves arterial oxygen saturation even when administered 90 minutes after TRALI onset. We suggest that NETs form in the lungs during TRALI, contribute to the disease process, and thus could be targeted to prevent or treat TRALI.
A perspective on the selection of unrelated donors and cord blood units for transplantation
Authors: Spellman Stephen R. , Eapen Mary , Logan Brent R. , Mueller Carlheinz , Rubinstein Pablo , Setterholm Michelle I. , Woolfrey Ann E. , Horowitz Mary M. , Confer Dennis L. , Hurley Carolyn K.
Published: May 2012

Selection of a suitable graft for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation involves consideration of both donor and recipient characteristics. Of primary importance is sufficient donor-recipient HLA matching to ensure engraftment and acceptable rates of GVHD. In this Perspective, the National Marrow Donor Program and the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research provide guidelines, based on large studies correlating graft characteristics with clinical transplantation outcomes, on appropriate typing strategies and matching criteria for unrelated adult donor and cord blood graft selection.
European COPD Audit: design, organisation of work and methodology
Authors: López-Campos Jose Luis , Hartl Sylvia , Pozo-Rodriguez Francisco , Roberts C. Michael
Published: May 2012

Clinical audit has an important role as an indicator of the clinical practice in a given community. The European Respiratory Society (ERS) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) audit was designed as a pilot study to evaluate clinical practice variability as well as clinical and organisational factors related to outcomes for COPD hospital admissions across Europe.

The study was designed as a prospective observational noninterventional cohort trial, in which 422 hospitals from 13 European countries participated. There were two databases: one for hospital’s resources and organisation and one for clinical information.

The study was comprised of an initial 8-week phase during which all consecutive cases admitted to hospital due to an exacerbation of COPD were identified and information on clinical practice was gathered. During the 90-day second phase, mortality and readmissions were recorded. Patient data were anonymised and encrypted through a multi-lingual web-tool. As there is no pan-European Ethics Committee for audits, all partners accepted the general ethical rules of the ERS and ensured compliance with their own national ethical requirements.

This paper describes the methodological issues encountered in organising and delivering a multi-national European audit, highlighting goals, barriers and achievements, and provides valuable information for those interested in developing clinical audits.
Evaluation of upper airway patency during Cheyne–Stokes breathing in heart failure patients
Authors: Jobin Vincent , Rigau Jordi , Beauregard Josée , Farre Ramon , Monserrat Josep , Bradley T. Douglas , Kimoff R. John
Published: May 2012

Little is known about the changes in upper airway calibre in Cheyne–Stokes respiration (CSR) during sleep in patients with congestive heart failure. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that upper airway closure occurs during central CSR events, by assessing upper airway calibre during sleep using the forced oscillation technique (FOT).

Nine males with compensated heart failure (left ventricular ejection fraction mean±sem27.9±5.1%) and predominant central CSR (apnoea/hypopnoea index 43.9±4.2 events·h−1) were studied during overnight polysomnography, which included pneumotachography, inductance plethysmography or oesophageal pressure and FOT-derived impedance signal (|Z|).

Baseline |Z| values during stable breathing in stage 2 sleep were 11.0±1.3 cmH2O·s·L−1. Mean |Z| increased to 31.9±6.7 cmH2O·s·L−1during obstructive apnoeas (7% of events, n=46). Increases in |Z| consistent with upper airway narrowing (more than two-fold baseline) were common during central apnoeas (50±12% of events) occurring in the middle or end of apnoeas and occurred during some central hypopnoeas (16±10% of events), typically in the expiratory phase.

These findings indicate that in heart failure patients, reductions in upper airway calibre are common during CSR apnoeas, and may also occur during central hypopnoeas.
Demasculinization of the Anopheles gambiae X chromosome
Authors: Magnusson Kalle , Lycett Gareth J , Mendes Antonio M , Lynd Amy , Papathanos Philippos-Aris , Crisanti Andrea , Windbichler Nikolai
Published: May 2012

Background

In a number of organisms sex-biased genes are non-randomly distributed between autosomes and the shared sex chromosome X (or Z). Studies on Anopheles gambiae have produced conflicting results regarding the underrepresentation of male-biased genes on the X chromosome and it is unclear to what extent sexual antagonism, dosage compensation or X-inactivation in the male germline, the evolutionary forces that have been suggested to affect the chromosomal distribution of sex-biased genes, are operational in Anopheles.

Results

We performed a meta-analysis of sex-biased gene expression in Anopheles gambiae which provides evidence for a general underrepresentation of male-biased genes on the X-chromosome that increased in significance with the observed degree of sex-bias. A phylogenomic comparison between Drosophila melanogaster, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus also indicates that the Anopheles X chromosome strongly disfavours the evolutionary conservation of male-biased expression and that novel male-biased genes are more likely to arise on autosomes. Finally, we demonstrate experimentally that transgenes situated on the Anopheles gambiae X chromosome are transcriptionally silenced in the male germline.

Conclusion

The data presented here support the hypothesis that the observed demasculinization of the Anopheles X chromosome is driven by X-chromosome inactivation in the male germline and by sexual antagonism. The demasculinization appears to be the consequence of a loss of male-biased expression, rather than a failure in the establishment or the extinction of male-biased genes.
Comparative genome analysis of central nitrogen metabolism and its control by GlnR in the class Bacilli
Authors: Kormelink Tom Groot , Koenders Eric , Hagemeijer Yanick , Overmars Lex , Siezen Roland J , de Vos Willem M , Francke Christof
Published: May 2012

Background

The assimilation of nitrogen in bacteria is achieved through only a few metabolic conversions between alpha-ketoglutarate, glutamate and glutamine. The enzymes that catalyze these conversions are glutamine synthetase, glutaminase, glutamate dehydrogenase and glutamine alpha-ketoglutarate aminotransferase. In low-GC Gram-positive bacteria the transcriptional control over the levels of the related enzymes is mediated by four regulators: GlnR, TnrA, GltC and CodY. We have analyzed the genomes of all species belonging to the taxonomic families Bacillaceae, Listeriaceae, Staphylococcaceae, Lactobacillaceae, Leuconostocaceae and Streptococcaceae to determine the diversity in central nitrogen metabolism and reconstructed the regulation by GlnR.

Results

Although we observed a substantial difference in the extent of central nitrogen metabolism in the various species, the basic GlnR regulon was remarkably constant and appeared not affected by the presence or absence of the other three main regulators. We found a conserved regulatory association of GlnR with glutamine synthetase (glnRA operon), and the transport of ammonium (amtB-glnK) and glutamine/glutamate (i.e. via glnQHMP, glnPHQ, gltT, alsT). In addition less-conserved associations were found with, for instance, glutamate dehydrogenase in Streptococcaceae, purine catabolism and the reduction of nitrite in Bacillaceae, and aspartate/asparagine deamination in Lactobacillaceae.

Conclusions

Our analyses imply GlnR-mediated regulation in constraining the import of ammonia/amino-containing compounds and the production of intracellular ammonia under conditions of high nitrogen availability. Such a role fits with the intrinsic need for tight control of ammonia levels to limit futile cycling.
Comparative transcriptomic analysis of streptococcus pseudopneumoniae with viridans group streptococci
Authors: Park Hee Kuk , Myung Soon Chul , Kim Wonyong
Published: May 2012

Background

Streptococcus pseudopneumoniae, is a novel member of the genus Streptococcus, falling close to related members like S. pneumoniae, S. mitis, and S. oralis. Its recent appearance has shed light on streptococcal infections, which has been unclear till recently. In this study, the transcriptome of S. pseudopneumoniae CCUG 49455T was analyzed using the S. pneumoniae R6 microarray platform and compared with those of S. pneumoniae KCTC 5080T, S. mitis KCTC 3556T, and S. oralis KCTC 13048T strains.

Results

Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed the extent of genetic relatedness among the species, and implies that S. pseudopneumoniae is the most closely related to S. pneumoniae. A total of 489, 444 and 470 genes were upregulated while 347, 484 and 443 were downregulated relative to S. pneumoniae in S. pseudopneumoniae, S. oralis and S. mitis respectively. Important findings were the up-regulation of TCS (two component systems) and transposase which were found to be specific to S. pseudopneumoniae.

Conclusions

This study provides insight to the current understanding of the genomic content of S. pseudopneumoniae. The comparative transcriptome analysis showed hierarchical clustering of expression data of S. pseudopneumoniae with S. pneumoniae and S. mitis with S. oralis. This proves that transcriptional profiling can facilitate in elucidating the genetic distance between closely related strains.