bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clara Cell Secretory Protein in Tracheobronchial Aspirates and Umbilical Cord Serum of Extremely Premature Infants with Systemic Inflammation
Authors: Thomas Wolfgang , Seidenspinner Silvia , Kawczyńska-Leda Natalia , Chmielnicka-Kopaczyk Maria , Marx Alexander , Wirbelauer Johannes , Szymankiewicz Marta , Speer Christian P.
Published: October 2009

Background: A systemic fetal inflammatory response, reflected by chorioamnionitis with funisitis, is a risk factor for bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Clara cell secretory protein (CC10), a product of pulmonary Clara cells, has anti-inflammatory properties. Local down-regulation of CC10 has been associated with inflammatory lung disease. Increased serum levels of CC10 can indicate injury to alveolar-capillary integrity. Objective: We hypothesized that extremely premature infants with a systemic fetal inflammatory response would have decreased concentrations of CC10 in tracheobronchial aspirates and that CC10 concentrations in umbilical cord serum of these infants would be increased, reflecting alveolar epithelial damage. Methods: We measured CC10 concentrations in tracheobronchial aspirates of 42 ventilated extremely premature infants during their first week of life and in umbilical cord serum of 24 of them by ELISA. Standardized histological examination of the placenta, membranes and umbilical cord was used to identify infants with funisitis. Results: Seventeen infants with funisitis had lower CC10 concentrations in tracheobronchial aspirates on days 1 (p < 0.01) and 3 (p < 0.05) than the remaining 25. Exogenous surfactant treatment was associated with higher CC10 concentrations on day 1 (p < 0.05). Initial leukocyte count correlated inversely with CC10 in tracheobronchial aspirates on days 1–5. Umbilical cord serum concentrations of CC10 did not differ between the infants with funisitis and the controls. Conclusions: Reduced anti-inflammatory CC10 concentrations in airways of extremely premature infants with a fetal inflammatory response might make their lungs susceptible for further postnatal injuries. Umbilical cord serum CC10 is not an indicator for a fetal systemic inflammatory reaction.
Is the Clock Drawing Test Appropriate for Screening for Mild Cognitive Impairment? – Results of the German Study on Ageing, Cognition and Dementia in Primary Care Patients (AgeCoDe)
Authors: Ehreke Lena , Luppa Melanie , Luck Tobias , Wiese Birgitt , Weyerer Siegfried , Eifflaender-Gorfer Sandra , Weeg Dagmar , Olbrich Julia , van den Bussche Hendrik , Bachmann Cadja , Eisele Marion , Maier Wolfgang , Jessen Frank , Wagner Michael , Fuchs Angela , Pentzek Michael , Angermeyer Matthias C. , König Hans-Helmut , Riedel-Heller Steffi G.
Published: October 2009

Background: Individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are at high risk of developing dementia and are a target group for preventive interventions. Therefore, research aims at diagnosing MCI at an early stage with short, simple and easily administrable screening tests. Due to the fact that the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) is widely used to screen for dementia, it is questionable whether it is suited to screen for MCI. Methods: 3,198 primary care patients aged 75+ were divided into two groups according to their cognitive status, assessed by comprehensive neuropsychological testing: individuals without MCI and individuals with MCI. The CDT scores, evaluated by the scoring system of Sunderland et al. [J Am Geriatr Soc 1989;37:725–729], of both groups were compared. Multivariate analyses were calculated and the sensitivity and specificity of the CDT to screen for MCI were reported. Results: Significant differences were found for CDT results: MCI patients obtained worse results than cognitively unimpaired subjects. CDT has a significant impact on the diagnosis of MCI. However, sensitivity and specificity as well as receiver operating characteristic analyses are not adequate, meaning that the CDT could not be named as an exact screening tool. Limitations: Applying different CDT versions of administration and scoring could yield different results. Conclusions: CDT does not achieve the quality to screen individuals for MCI.
Anatomy of the Circle of Willis and Blood Flow in the Brain-Feeding Vasculature in Prematurely Born Infants
Authors: van Kooij B.J.M. , Hendrikse J. , Benders M.J.N.L. , de Vries L.S. , Groenendaal F.
Published: October 2009

Background: Previous studies have shown a disrupted development of cerebral blood vessels at term-equivalent age in prematurely born infants. Objective: To assess the anatomy of the circle of Willis in preterm neonates (gestational age 25–31 weeks) at term-equivalent age and to evaluate the relation between anatomic variations and blood flow through the internal carotid arteries (ICAs) and basilar artery (BA). Methods: In 72 preterm neonates, flow measurements (ml/min) were obtained with 2-D phase-contrast magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) at term-equivalent age. Time-of-flight MRA was used to assess the circle of Willis for a dominant A1 segment of the anterior cerebral artery or a fetal-type posterior cerebral artery. Differences in flow were assessed with ANOVA. Results: In our cohort, 53/72 (74%) neonates showed a variant type of the circle of Willis. The flow in the ICA at the side of a dominant A1 segment (43.3 ml/min) was significantly increased compared to the flow in the contralateral ICA (33.0 ml/min; p = 0.009) and tended to be higher than in the ICA in children with a normal anterior anatomy (38.4 ml/min; p = 0.1). The flow in the BA was highest in neonates with a normal configuration of the posterior part of the circle of Willis (32.6 ml/min) compared to children with a unilateral (25.3 ml/min; p = 0.002) or bilateral fetal-type posterior cerebral artery (18.6 ml/min; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Preterm neonates show a high prevalence of variant types of the circle of Willis at term-equivalent age. A relation could be demonstrated between variations in the circle of Willis and the flow in the ICA and BA.
Maternal-to-Infant Transmission of Probiotics: Concept Validation in Mice, Rats, and Pigs
Authors: Buddington Randal K. , Williams Carol H. , Kostek Beverly M. , Buddington Karyl K. , Kullen Martin J.
Published: October 2009

Background: Postnatal introduction of probiotics results in a low incidence of colonization, whereas maternal fecal and vaginal bacteria colonize the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of vaginally delivered infants. Objective: We tested if probiotic bacteria, fed to three pregnant animal models, would colonize the GIT of offspring delivered vaginally. Methods: Probiotic strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis were fed to pregnant mice, rats, and sows for at least 7 days prior to vaginal delivery. Cultural approaches and genotyping were used to determine if the probiotic bacteria colonized the GIT after birth. Results: The probiotic bacteria were detected in the feces and vagina of maternal mice, rats, and sows after, but not before, administration. L. acidophilus was detected at postnatal day 14 in 22, 33, and 75% of the mice, rats, and pigs, respectively, and after weaning in 35% of the mice and 1 of 5 pigs. B. lactis was present at postnatal day 14 in 30 and 80% of the mice and pigs. Bacterial assemblages in the GIT of the colonized young differed from those in which the probiotics were not detected. Conclusions: Probiotic bacteria administered to mothers during late gestation are transferred to infants born vaginally and influence the assemblages of GIT bacteria. However, colonization of the neonatal GIT and persistence past weaning does not occur in all offspring and varies among probiotics and animal models.
Glucocorticoids Suppress Growth in Neonatal Cardiomyocytes Co-Expressing AT2 and AT1 Angiotensin Receptors
Authors: Porrello Enzo R. , Meeker William F. , Thomas Walter G. , Widdop Robert E. , Delbridge Lea M.D.
Published: October 2009

Background: Perinatal glucocorticoid treatment is associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, but the cellular mechanism is controversial. An underlying interaction between glucocorticoids and the renin-angiotensin system may be important, but whether glucocorticoids modulate angiotensin II (AngII)-dependent cardiomyocyte growth responses in the neonate has not been investigated. Objectives: The major aim of this investigation was to determine whether glucocorticoids modulate the neonatal cardiomyocyte growth response to AngII. In particular we sought evidence to determine whether angiotensin II type 2 (AT2) receptor co-expression with angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor is of specific importance in this modulatory function. Methods: In this study, we used AT1 and AT2 receptor-expressing adenoviruses (Ad-AT1 and Ad-AT2) in a well-defined in vitro neonatal cardiomyocyte culture model to assess whether glucocorticoids affect cardiomyocyte growth responses (i.e. total protein content). Results: Following addition of AngII (0.1 µmol/l) to neonatal cardiomyocytes infected with Ad-AT1 alone, a significant growth response was measured (133.2 ± 4.8%). Expression of Ad-AT2 alone induced a ∼20% increase in total cellular protein content, which was unaffected by addition of AngII. Neither corticosterone (1 µmol/l) nor dexamethasone (1 µmol/l) had any significant effect on the AT1- or AT2-mediated growth responses. In contrast, the growth response to AngII was augmented following co-expression of AT2 and AT1 receptors (149.2 ± 4.2%), which was reduced by ∼20% in the presence of either corticosterone or dexamethasone (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The present study provides novel evidence that glucocorticoids suppress neonatal cardiomyocyte growth responsiveness when AT2 and AT1 receptor subtypes are co-expressed.
Maternal Endothelin-1 and Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate Concentrations in Pregnancies Complicated by Pregravid and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Świderski Sławomir , Celewicz Zbigniew , Miazgowski Tomasz , Ogonowski Jarosław
Published: October 2009

Background/Aims: Pregnancy complicated by diabetes is associated with increased risk of unfavorable obstetric outcomes. A common abnormality in diabetes is endothelial dysfunction resulting in an altered pattern of vasoactive substance production by the endothelial cells. The aim of study was to assess serum endothelin-1 (ET-1) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in pregnant women with pregravid (PGDM) or gestational diabetes (GDM). Methods: At the time of delivery, serum ET-1, cGMP, glycated hemoglobin (A1c), fructosamine and non-fasting glucose were measured in 19 PGDM, 23 GDM and 18 controls. Results: ET-1 and cGMP were similar in all groups. In GDM there was a positive association between A1c and ET-1 (r = 0.437; p < 0.05) and cGMP (r = 0.542; p < 0.02). In the controls, but not in PGDM and GDM, we found a positive correlation between ET-1 and cGMP (r = 0.634; p < 0.005). In women with diabetes, an optimal (A1c <6%) or inadequate (A1c >6%) metabolic control of diabetes did not influence ET-1 or cGMP levels. Conclusions: In women with PGDM and GDM, serum ET-1 and cGMP were similar to the levels observed in healthy pregnant women. However, the physiological balance between vasoconstrictor and vasodilator substances might be defective in pregnancies complicated by diabetes.
The Growth Factor Independence-1 (Gfi1) Is Overexpressed in Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia
Authors: Huang Min , Hu Zhenping , Chang Wei , Ou Dongmei , Zhou Jianfeng , Zhang Yicheng
Published: October 2009

The activation of ABL tyrosine kinase in BCR/ABL-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) leads to a diversity of biological changes related to the pathogenesis of the disease. In CML patients, we determined the expression of growth factor independence-1 (Gfi1), a transcription repressor with weak oncogenic activity. Our data demonstrated that the Gfi1 mRNA level in both the mononuclear cells and purified CD34+ cells from CML were significantly higher as measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Using flow cytometry and Western blot, we also showed that the Gfi1 protein content was increased in CML CD34+ cells. The expression of Gfi1 was correlated with BCR/ABL significantly. Gfi1 may be implicated in the pathogenesis of CML and can serve as a potential target for the management of the disease.
Alcohol Expectancy and Hazardous Drinking: A 6-Year Longitudinal and Nationwide Study of Medical Doctors
Authors: Grotmol Kjersti S. , Vaglum Per , Ekeberg Øivind , Gude Tore , Aasland Olaf G. , Tyssen Reidar
Published: October 2009

Aim: The study’s aim was to determine whether medical doctors’ expectancy that alcohol use reduces tension predicts the extent of their hazardous drinking and whether this effect is mediated by drinking to cope. Methods: A group of Norwegian medical doctors’ (n = 288) alcohol use was followed for 6 years. The expectancy that alcohol reduces tension and the use of alcohol to cope with tension were measured 3.5 years after graduation (T1), and hazardous drinking was evaluated at T1 and 9.5 years after graduation (T2). Results: At T1, 15% of men and 3% of women reported hazardous drinking. At T2, these proportions were 16 and 2%, respectively. Men reported a higher expectancy than women that alcohol reduces tension (p = 0.03), whereas there was no sex difference in drinking to cope. Adjusted predictors of hazardous drinking at T2 were male sex (p < 0.01), alcohol expectancy (p < 0.01) and hazardous drinking at T1 (p < 0.001). The effect of alcohol expectancy on hazardous drinking at T2 was not mediated by drinking to cope. Hazardous drinking at T1 mediated the effect of drinking to cope on hazardous drinking at T2. Conclusion: Efforts to reduce drinking among medical students and doctors should target both alcohol expectancies (beliefs) and hazardous drinking (behavior).
Speed-Accuracy Tradeoff in Decision-Making Performance among Pathological Gamblers
Authors: Kertzman Semion , Vainder Michael , Vishne Tali , Aizer Anat , Kotler Moshe , Dannon Pinhas N.
Published: October 2009

Background: Pathological gambling is classified as an impulse control disorder in the DSM-IV-TR; however, few studies have investigated the relationship between gambling behavior and impulsive decision-making in time-non-limited situations. Methods: The subjects performed the Matching Familiar Figures Test (MFFT). The MFFT investigated the reflection-impulsivity dimension in pathological gamblers (n = 82) and demographically matched healthy subjects (n = 82).Results:Our study demonstrated that pathological gamblers had a significantly higher rate of errors than healthy controls (p = 0.01) but were not different in terms of response time (p = 0.49). We found a similar power of correlation between the number of errors and response time in both pathological gamblers and controls. We may conclude that impaired performance of our pathological gamblers as compared to controls in a situation without time limit pressure cannot be explained by a trade-off of greater speed at the cost of less accuracy. Conclusions: The results of our study showed that pathological gamblers tend to make more errors but do not exhibit quicker responses as compared to the control group. Diminished MFFT performance in pathological gamblers as compared to controls supports findings of previous studies which show that pathological gamblers have impaired decision-making. Further controlled studies with a larger sample size which examine MFFT performance in pathological gamblers are necessary to confirm our results.
Assessment of Functional Impairment in Dementia with the Spanish Version of the Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire
Authors: Gleichgerrcht Ezequiel , Camino Julieta , Roca María , Torralva Teresa , Manes Facundo
Published: October 2009

Background/Aims: Functional assessment is essential in dementia as it provides an invaluable tool for diagnosis and treatment. To date, most scales of activities of daily living (ADL) have focused either on basic or instrumental activities, providing an incomplete profile of the patients’ level of dependence on their caregivers. Some scales concentrate too intensely on the way in which physical impairment affects ADL, with a decreasing sensitivity to the detection of demented patients who do not necessarily present with physical impediments. The Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire (ADLQ) assesses functioning in self-care, household care, employment and recreation, shopping and money, travel and communication. The present study sought to determine the usefulness of the Spanish version of the ADLQ (ADLQ-SV) for assessing functional impairment in different types of dementia. Methods: The ADLQ-SV, the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale and the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) were administered to the caregivers of patients (n = 40) with different types of dementia. Results: Strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.88) and concurrent validity (significant correlations with CDR and FAQ, both p < 0.001) were observed. Conclusions: The authors discuss response trends in the ADLQ-SV and show the utility of the scale in Spanish-speaking populations of patients with dementia.
Erythema Multiforme following Vaccination for Human Papillomavirus
Authors: Katoulis A.C. , Liakou A. , Bozi E. , Theodorakis M. , Alevizou A. , Zafeiraki A. , Mistidou M. , Stavrianeas N.G.
Published: October 2009

Erythema multiforme (EM) is an acute self-limited immune-mediated reaction manifested by target skin lesions with mucous membrane involvement. The most common causes are infections and drugs. Vaccinations have been reported as a triggering factor, and they may be a frequent cause of EM in childhood. A 19-year-old female developed several target lesions of the hands and feet 10 days after the second dose of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Clinico-histologically, a diagnosis of EM minor was made. Treatment with topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines resulted in complete clearance of the rash. Four months later, she received the last booster dose of the vaccine. A few subtle lesions appeared and disappeared spontaneously after a few days. Gardasil® is a non-infectious vaccine, developed for the prevention of cervical cancer, precancerous genital lesions and genital warts. It delivers the major capsid (L1) protein of HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18. Mild local reactions are the main adverse events. The only serious events are very rare cases of anaphylaxis. In our patient, the temporal relationship between the development of EM and the vaccination suggests that the HPV vaccine probably was the causal agent. This is the first published case of EM following HPV vaccination.
When Grandmothers Matter
Authors: van Bodegom David , Rozing Maarten , May Linda , Kuningas Maris , Thomese Fleur , Meij Hans , Westendorp Rudi
Published: October 2009

In a recent issue of this journal, Herndon [1] discussed the grandmother hypothesis and its implications for studies on cognitive ageing. According to this hypothesis, the long post-reproductive life span in human females is an adaptive mechanism that evolved to maximize female fitness by investing resources in the care of their grandchildren rather than by continuing to reproduce themselves. From this, Herndon deduces that special cognitive robustness to be maintained until after the age of menopause must have co-evolved because grandmothers can only exert the beneficial effect if their cognitive abilities remain intact. He therefore pleas to compare cognitive ageing in humans with other primates, especially chimpanzees, because they lack a long post-reproductive life span and would therefore not have evolved this cognitive robustness. Here, we question the important role of grandmothers in our evolutionary past, first because of the different family structures during this time and second because of the low number of females that actually lived to experience a post-reproductive lifespan. We also show that in a population that reflects our evolutionary past, grandmothers do not have an important role for child survival. Finally, we react on the implications for the study of cognitive ageing as put forward by Herndon.
VEGF Induces Differentiation of Functional Endothelium From Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Nourse Marilyn B. , Halpin Daniel E. , Scatena Marta , Mortisen Derek J. , Tulloch Nathaniel L. , Hauch Kip D. , Torok-Storb Beverly , Ratner Buddy D. , Pabon Lil , Murry Charles E.
Published: October 2009

Objective—

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) offer a sustainable source of endothelial cells for therapeutic vascularization and tissue engineering, but current techniques for generating these cells remain inefficient. We endeavored to induce and isolate functional endothelial cells from differentiating hESCs.

Methods and Results—

To enhance endothelial cell differentiation above a baseline of ≈2% in embryoid body (EB) spontaneous differentiation, 3 alternate culture conditions were compared. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment of EBs showed the best induction, with markedly increased expression of endothelial cell proteins CD31, VE-Cadherin, and von Willebrand Factor, but not the hematopoietic cell marker CD45. CD31 expression peaked around days 10 to 14. Continuous VEGF treatment resulted in a 4- to 5-fold enrichment of CD31
+
cells but did not increase endothelial proliferation rates, suggesting a primary effect on differentiation. CD31
+
cells purified from differentiating EBs upregulated ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in response to TNFα, confirming their ability to function as endothelial cells. These cells also expressed multiple endothelial genes and formed lumenized vessels when seeded onto porous poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) scaffolds and implanted in vivo subcutaneously in athymic rats. Collagen gel constructs containing hESC-derived endothelial cells and implanted into infarcted nude rat hearts formed robust networks of patent vessels filled with host blood cells.

Conclusions—

VEGF induces functional endothelial cells from hESCs independent of endothelial cell proliferation. This enrichment method increases endothelial cell yield, enabling applications for revascularization as well as basic studies of human endothelial biology. We demonstrate the ability of hESC-derived endothelial cells to facilitate vascularization of tissue-engineered implants.
Extracellular Heat Shock Protein 60, Cardiac Myocytes, and Apoptosis
Authors: Kim Se-Chan , Stice James P. , Chen Le , Jung James S. , Gupta Sanjiv , Wang Yin , Baumgarten Georg , Trial Joann , Knowlton Anne A.
Published: October 2009

Rationale:

Previously, we have found that changes in the location of intracellular heat shock protein (HSP)60 are associated with apoptosis. HSP60 has been reported to be a ligand of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4.

Objective:

We hypothesized that extracellular HSP60 (exHSP60) would mediate apoptosis via TLR4.

Methods and Results:

Adult rat cardiac myocytes were treated with HSP60, either recombinant human or with HSP60 purified from the media of injured rat cardiac myocytes. ExHSP60 induced apoptosis in cardiac myocytes, as detected by increased caspase 3 activity and increased DNA fragmentation. Apoptosis could be reduced by blocking antibodies to TLR4 and by nuclear factor κB binding decoys, but not completely inhibited, even though similar treatment blocked lipopolysaccharide-induced apoptosis. Three distinct controls showed no evidence for involvement of a ligand other than exHSP60 in the mediation of apoptosis.

Conclusions:

This is the first report of HSP60-induced apoptosis via the TLRs. HSP60-mediated activation of TLR4 may be a mechanism of myocyte loss in heart failure, where HSP60 has been detected in the plasma.
A Citywide Prehospital Protocol Increases Access to Stroke Thrombolysis in Toronto
Authors: Gladstone David J. , Rodan Lance H. , Sahlas Demetrios J. , Lee Liesly , Murray Brian J. , Ween Jon E. , Perry James R. , Chenkin Jordan , Morrison Laurie J. , Beck Shann , Black Sandra E.
Published: October 2009

Background and Purpose—

Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator for ischemic stroke is approved for eligible patients who can be treated within a 3-hour window, but treatment rates remain disappointingly low, often <5%. To improve rapid access to stroke thrombolysis in Toronto, Canada, a citywide prehospital acute stroke activation protocol was implemented by the provincial government to transport acute stroke patients directly to one of 3 regional stroke centers, bypassing local hospitals. This comprised a paramedic screening tool, ambulance destination decision rule, and formal memorandum of understanding of system stakeholders. This report describes the initial impact of the activation protocol at our regional stroke center.

Methods—

We compared consecutive patients with stroke arriving to our stroke center during the first 4 months of this new triage protocol (February 14 to June 14, 2005) versus the same 4-month period in 2004.

Results—

The protocol resulted in an immediate doubling in the number of patients with acute stroke arriving to our regional stroke center within 2.5 hours of symptom onset. We observed a 4-fold increase in patients who were eligible for and treated with tissue plasminogen activator. The tissue plasminogen activator treatment rate for ischemic stroke patients increased from 9.5% to 23.4% (
P
=0.01), and one in 2 patients with ischemic stroke arriving within 2.5 hours received thrombolysis during this period (one in 5 of patients with ischemic stroke overall). The median onset-to-needle time for tissue plasminogen activator-treated patients was significantly reduced. Many implementation challenges were identified and addressed.

Conclusions—

This prehospital triage was immediately successful in improving tissue plasminogen activator access for patients with ischemic stroke, enabling our center to achieve one of the highest tissue plasminogen activator treatment rates in North America and underscoring the need for coordinated systems of acute stroke care. Sustainability of such an initiative will be dependent on interdisciplinary teamwork, ongoing paramedic training, adequate hospital staffing, bed availability, and repatriation agreements with community hospitals.
Effect of Statin Treatment on Vasospasm, Delayed Cerebral Ischemia, and Functional Outcome in Patients With Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Vergouwen Mervyn D.I. , de Haan Rob J. , Vermeulen Marinus , Roos Yvo B.W.E.M.
Published: October 2009

Background and Purpose—

A recent meta-analysis investigating the efficacy of statin treatment in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage reported a reduced incidence of vasospasm, delayed cerebral ischemia, and mortality in statin-treated patients. However, the meta-analysis was criticized for its methodology, and several retrospective studies found no beneficial effect. We present the results of a new systematic review, which differs from the previous systematic review in its methodology, and by inclusion of the results of a fourth randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Summary of Review—

All randomized, placebo-controlled trials investigating the effect of statins on vasospasm, delayed cerebral ischemia, and functional outcome in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage were included. Outcomes were the number of patients with transcranial Doppler vasospasm, delayed cerebral ischemia, poor outcome, and mortality during follow-up. Effect sizes were expressed in (pooled) risk ratio estimates. Data were pooled using random-effects models.

Results—

In 4 studies, a total of 190 patients were included. No statistically significant effect was observed on transcranial Doppler vasospasm (pooled risk ratio, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.66 to 1.48]), delayed cerebral ischemia (pooled risk ratio, 0.57 [95% CI, 0.29 to 1.13]), poor outcome (pooled risk ratio, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.68 to 1.24]), or mortality (pooled risk ratio, 0.37 [95% CI, 0.13 to 1.10]).

Conclusion—

The results of the present systematic review do not lend statistically significant support to the finding of a beneficial effect of statins in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage as reported in a previous meta-analysis.
Predictors of Good Clinical Outcomes, Mortality, and Successful Revascularization in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke Undergoing Thrombectomy
Authors: Nogueira Raul G. , Liebeskind David S. , Sung Gene , Duckwiler Gary , Smith Wade S.
Published: October 2009

Background and Purpose—

The Mechanical Embolus Removal in Cerebral Ischemia (MERCI) and Multi MERCI trials evaluated the safety and efficacy of thrombectomy in the treatment of intracranial arterial occlusions within 8 hours of symptom onset. We sought to determine the predictors of clinical and angiographic outcomes in these patients.

Methods—

The trial cohorts were combined in a data set of 305 patients. Twenty-eight baseline variables were included in univariate and multivariate analyses to define the independent predictors of good outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2), mortality, and successful revascularization (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Ischemia 2 to 3 flow).

Results—

In the univariate analysis, final revascularization, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, age, and systolic blood pressure were associated with both good outcomes and mortality at 90 days (
P
<0.0018 for all). In the multivariate analysis, final revascularization (OR, 20.4; 95% CI, 7.7 to 53.9;
P
<0.0001), baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.81 to 0.92;
P
<0.0001), and age (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.95 to 0.98;
P
=0.0004) were independent predictors of good outcome. Final revascularization (OR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.16 to 0.50;
P
<0.0001), baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (odds ratio, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.14;
P
=0.0001), age (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.07;
P
<0.0001), and internal carotid artery occlusion (OR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.22 to 3.86;
P
=0.0084) were the strongest predictors of mortality. Systolic blood pressure (<150 versus ≥150 mm Hg; OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.26 to 0.70;
P
=0.0007) and M2 occlusion (OR, 3.86; 95% CI, 1.28 to 11.67;
P
=0.0168) were independent predictors of revascularization.

Conclusion—

Final recanalization status represents the strongest predictor of clinical outcomes in patients undergoing thrombectomy. The ability to remove the clot is negatively influenced by systolic blood pressure on presentation perhaps because of the hydraulic forces imposed by higher blood pressures. Although internal carotid artery occlusions are associated with increased mortality, they do not appear to influence the chances of good outcomes. This finding supports the inclusion of internal carotid artery occlusions in future efficacy trials.
Review article: Low-wage work in high-income countries: Labor-market institutions and business strategy in the US and Europe
Authors: Appelbaum Eileen , Schmitt John
Published: October 2009

This article provides an overview of low-wage occupations in five industries (nursing assistants and cleaners in hospitals, cashiers and stock/sales clerks in food and electronics retail trade, process operatives in meat processing and confectionary, housekeepers in hotels, and in-coming sales/service operators in call centers) in six countries (Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, United Kingdom, and the United States), based on a large-scale, multi-year research project funded and coordinated by the Russell Sage Foundation in New York. Low-wage work varies substantially both across and within countries, with large increases in the 1980s and 1990s in the Netherlands and the UK and, since the mid-1990s, in Germany. The US has the highest incidence of low-wage work, with Germany close behind. Denmark and France have much less low-wage work. Institutions (and their deterioration) play a large role in explaining these and other differences.
Children’s Representatives in Psychiatric Services: What Is the Outcome?
Authors: Östman Margareta , Afzelius Maria
Published: October 2009

Background: Psychiatric services have established children’s representatives in an effort to support children of mentally ill patients.

Material: Twenty two specially designated children’s representatives and 19 other staff members were asked how they conceived the role of children’s representatives and if those representatives had the responsibility of identifying children of mentally ill patients.

Discussion: Children’s representatives expressed difficulty in functioning as advocates for children whose parents were being treated for mental illness. Members of the psychiatric staff, although aware their patients had children, seldom met them since they focused on the adults.

Conclusions: More than one third of all patients seeking psychiatric care have children, yet children’s representatives and other staff members seldom meet them.
Karl Rahner and Human Nature: Implications for Ethics
Authors: Lawler Michael G. , Salzman Todd A.
Published: October 2009

This article opens with the Second Vatican Council’s teaching that the exposition of Catholic moral theology ‘should be more thoroughly nourished by scriptural teaching’ and suggests that it should also be more thoroughly nourished by and linked to Catholic systematic theology. To that end, it examines the transcendental theology of Karl Rahner and asks about its implications for Catholic moral theology. It examines Rahner’s existentials, fundamental, ontological characteristics of human nature that define it, make it specifically human nature, and distinguish it from all other natures. It examines specifically the supernatural existential, God’s unexacted self-offer to every human being born into the world, and the equally fundamental human existentials of freedom and historicity. The import for Rahner of these existentials is that humans are freedom, that they are historical, and that they are unexactedly ordered to God. The implications of this transcendental theology for Christian ethics are examined as a conclusion to the article.
Hybrid Glass Mat-reinforced Polypropylene-Montmorillonite Nanocomposites
Authors: Houphouet-Boigny C. , Plummer C.J.G. , Dalle Vacche S. , Michaud V. , Wakeman M.D. , Månson J.-A.E.
Published: October 2009

Polypropylene/montmorillonite (iPP/MMT) has been investigated as an alternative to isotactic polypropylene (iPP) as a matrix for glass mat thermoplastic (GMT) composites. The melt viscosity increased significantly on MMT addition, but iPP/5.9 wt% MMT-based hybrid GMT preforms were fully impregnated after 30 s of compression molding, which is consistent with GMT industrial cycle times. The flexural modulus and strength increased monotonically with MMT content in consolidated hybrid GMT specimens prepared by compression molding, although the impact strength decreased. Moreover, the increases in the flexural modulus were greater than predicted from a conventional rule of mixtures taking into the measured Young’s moduli of the iPP/MMT matrices. Possible reasons for this are discussed.
On the Relationship between Co-Offending Network Redundancy and Offending Versatility
Authors: McGloin Jean Marie , Piquero Alex R.
Published: October 2009

The role of criminal, social interactions occupies a central place in criminology, yet minimal research exists on the relationship between co-offender networks and dimensions of offending. Drawing on the social network literature, this investigation hypothesizes that a link exists between the level of redundancy (i.e., the extent of overlap) in an individual’s co-offender network and offending versatility. Relying on longitudinal data for a random sample of delinquents from Philadelphia, this study begins by constructing egocentric co-offending networks for the respondents. Then, using Tobit regression models, it finds that higher levels of co-offender network redundancy (more dense networks) are related to higher levels of specialized offending in group crimes, but no such relationship exists with overall (i.e., solo and group) offending specialization. The discussion considers the implications of these findings and offers suggestions for future research.
A Photovoltaic Fiber Design for Smart Textiles
Authors: Bedeloglu Ayse (Celik) , Demir Ali , Bozkurt Yalcin , Sariciftci Niyazi Serdar
Published: October 2009

In this paper, the active photovoltaic fibers consisting of nano-layers of polymer-based organic compounds are presented. A flexible solar cell, including a polymer-based anode, two different nano-materials in bulk heterojunction blends as the light absorbing materials, and a semi-transparent cathode to collect the electrons, was formed by coating these materials onto flexible polypropylene (PP) fibers layer by layer, respectively, to produce electricity. Photovoltaic performances of the fibers were analyzed by measuring current versus voltage characteristics under AM1.5 conditions. The maximum value obtained as the short-circuit current density of photovoltaic fibers was 0.27 mA/cm2. The fabrication issues and also possible smart textile applications of these photovoltaic fibers were discussed.
Tensile Properties of Copper Core Yarn
Authors: Perumalraj R. , Dasaradan B.S.
Published: October 2009

In this investigation the complex copper core spun yarn (Cotton Sheath and Polyester Sheath) of 179, 118, 98, and 84 tex count of copper core yarns were produced by Dref friction spinning machines and the count of 74 and 59 tex of copper core yarns (cotton sheath and polyester sheath) were produced by ring spinning machines with core attachments device for electromagnetic shielding yarn production purpose. The article reports the effects of the process variables on tensile properties of the copper core yarn as well as individual core and sheath components. Various parameters such as Spinning drum speed, the sliver material, core materials, and count of the yarn were changed to investigate how various parameters affects the tenacity of the complex copper core spun yarn.
The Role of Head Computer Tomographic Scans on the Management of MICU Patients With Neurological Dysfunction
Authors: Salerno Daniel , Marik Paul E. , Daskalakis Constantine , Kolm Paul , Leone Frank
Published: October 2009

Neurological dysfunction is common in patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit (MICU). However, the indications for head imaging in those patients are unclear. The objective of this study was to assess whether clinical variables would be useful in selecting patients who are likely to have an abnormality on head computerized tomographic (CT) scanning and to determine the impact of such scans on management decisions. We reviewed the charts of 740 patients admitted to our MICU between October 2002 and July 2004. A total of 123 patients (16.6%) had a head CT scan performed, with a new finding being present in 26 (21.1%) patients. In the patients with a new CT finding, there was a change in diagnosis in 11 (42%) patients and a change in treatment in 6 (23%) patients. Logistic regression analysis failed to determine any clinical characteristic that could predict a new finding on the CT scan. This study suggests that clinicians should have a low threshold for ordering a CT scan in MICU patients with acute neurological dysfunction.
Adjuvants and autoimmunity
Authors: Israeli E. , Agmon-Levin N. , Blank M. , Shoenfeld Y.
Published: October 2009

Some adjuvants may exert adverse effects upon injection or, on the other hand, may not trigger a full immunological reaction. The mechanisms underlying adjuvant adverse effects are under renewed scrutiny because of the enormous implications for vaccine development. In the search for new and safer adjuvants, several new adjuvants were developed by pharmaceutical companies utilizing new immunological and chemical innovations. The ability of the immune system to recognize molecules that are broadly shared by pathogens is, in part, due to the presence of special immune receptors called toll-like receptors (TLRs) that are expressed on leukocyte membranes. The very fact that TLR activation leads to adaptive immune responses to foreign entities explains why so many adjuvants used today in vaccinations are developed to mimic TLR ligands. Alongside their supportive role, adjuvants were found to inflict by themselves an illness of autoimmune nature, defined as ‘the adjuvant diseases’. The debatable question of silicone as an adjuvant and connective tissue diseases, as well as the Gulf War syndrome and macrophagic myofaciitis which followed multiple injections of aluminium-based vaccines, are presented here. Owing to the adverse effects exerted by adjuvants, there is no doubt that safer adjuvants need to be developed and incorporated into future vaccines. Other needs in light of new vaccine technologies are adjuvants suitable for use with mucosally delivered vaccines, DNA vaccines, cancer and autoimmunity vaccines. In particular, there is demand for safe and non-toxic adjuvants able to stimulate cellular (Th1) immunity. More adjuvants were approved to date besides alum for human vaccines, including MF59 in some viral vaccines, MPL, AS04, AS01B and AS02A against viral and parasitic infections, virosomes for HBV, HPV and HAV, and cholera toxin for cholera. Perhaps future adjuvants occupying other putative receptors will be employed to bypass the TLR signaling pathway completely in order to circumvent common side effects of adjuvant-activated TLRs such as local inflammation and the general malaise felt because of the costly whole-body immune response to antigen. Lupus (2009) 18, 1217—1225.
Vaccination, atherosclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Carvalho JF , Pereira RMR , Shoenfeld Y.
Published: October 2009

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease, leading to the formation of pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidative lipids that generate an immune response. Several antigens have been shown to activate the immune response and affect the development of atherogenesis. Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease strongly associated with premature development of atherosclerotic plaques. Modulation of the immune system could represent a useful approach to prevent and/or treat atherosclerosis. A vaccination-based approach might be a useful, effective tool in the modern arsenal of cardiovascular therapies and could be used on a large scale at a low cost. In non-systemic lupus erythematosus populations, vaccines against oxidized low-density lipoprotein, beta-2-glycoprotein I, heat shock proteins, lipoproteins, cholesterol, molecules involved in cholesterol metabolism, and other molecules (CD99, vascular endothelial growth factor-receptor, and interleukin-2) have been tested, with promising results. However, there are no studies of vaccination against atherosclerosis in systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus (2009) 18, 1209—1212.
Cross-talk of the environment with the host genome and the immune system through endogenous retroviruses in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Blank M. , Shoenfeld Y. , Perl A.
Published: October 2009

Environmental factors are capable of triggering the expression of human endogenous retroviruses and induce an autoimmune response. Infection can promote the expression of human endogenous retroviruses by molecular mimicry or by functional mimicry. There are additional mechanisms which may control the expression of human endogenous retroviruses, such as epigenetic status of the genome (hypomethylation, histone deacetylation). Ultraviolet exposure, chemicals/drugs, injury/stress, hormones, all as a single cause or in a concert, may modulate the involvement of human endogenous retroviruses in pathogenic processes. In the current review we summarize the current knowledge on infections, molecular mimicry, cross-reactivity and epigenetics contribution for trigger human endogenous retroviruses expression and pathogenesis in lupus patients. Lupus (2009) 18, 1136—1143.
Transverse myelitis and vaccines: a multi-analysis
Authors: Agmon-Levin N. , Kivity S. , Szyper-Kravitz M. , Shoenfeld Y.
Published: October 2009

Transverse myelitis is a rare clinical syndrome in which an immune-mediated process causes neural injury to the spinal cord. The pathogenesis of transverse myelitis is mostly of an autoimmune nature, triggered by various environmental factors, including vaccination. Our aim here was to search for and analyze reported cases of transverse myelitis following vaccination. A systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE and DynaMed for all English-laguage journals published between 1970 and 2009 was preformed, utilizing the key words transverse myelitis, myelitis, vaccines, post-vaccination, vaccination and autoimmunity. We have disclosed 37 reported cases of transverse myelitis associated with different vaccines including those against hepatitis B virus, measles—mumps—rubella, diphtheria—tetanus—pertussis and others, given to infants, children and adults. In most of these reported cases the temporal association was between several days and 3 months, although a longer time frame of up to several years was also suggested. Although vaccines harbor a major contribution to public health in the modern era, in rare cases they may be associated with autoimmune phenomena such as transverse myelitis. The associations of different vaccines with a single autoimmune phenomenon allude to the idea that a common denominator of these vaccines, such as an adjuvant, might trigger this syndrome. Lupus (2009) 18, 1198—1204.
Parasitic infection and autoimmunity
Authors: Zandman-Goddard G. , Shoenfeld Y.
Published: October 2009

Systemic lupus erythematosus is the prototypic multi-system autoimmune disease characterized by the production of multiple autoantibodies. The development of disease depends on a genetic predisposition and exposure to environmental factors including UV light, drugs, and infections. The association of parasitic infection and the development of autoimmune disease in general and lupus in particular remains elusive. In this paper, we review the recent evidence for protection from autoimmunity by parasites, models of parasite-related autoimmunity, molecular mimicry, the impact of parasitic molecules on the immune response and the association between parasitic load and the degree of autoimmunity.
Pathogenic role of anti-endothelial cell antibodies in autoimmune rheumatic diseases
Authors: Domiciano DS , Carvalho JF , Shoenfeld Y.
Published: October 2009

Anti-endothelial cells antibodies have been detected in numerous autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including systemic lupus erythematous, rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis and sarcoidosis. Anti-endothelial cells antibodies bind to endothelial cell antigens and induce endothelial damage. Their effects on the endothelial cell have been considered responsible, at least in part, by the vascular injury which occurs in these pathological conditions.
Convergence Revisited
Authors: Latzer Michael
Published: October 2009

This article revisits the nature and governance implications of the convergence phenomenon more than a decade after it gained major prominence in politics and research. It analyses the reforms undertaken in reaction to convergence, outlines their common features, and argues that a worldwide trend towards a modified common governance pattern for convergent communications markets is emerging. The major constituent components include integrated strategies, control structures and legal frameworks for the convergent communications sector; a technology-neutral functional taxonomy; a subdivision into transmission and content regulation; and a growing reliance on alternative modes of regulation such as self- and co-regulation.
Banal Bohemia
Authors: Gregg Melissa
Published: October 2009

While academic blogging has emerged as a distinct genre in the past few years (Walker, 2006), a notable gap exists between those who blog from secure positions within the profession and PhD and junior faculty bloggers whose employment status is more marginal. This article draws on subcultural theory to discuss the unique features of these two latter types and the functions they serve for their authors. The analysis demonstrates that blogs are important sites of support for those who aspire to and currently work in academia at the same time as they are a powerful indictment of the job conditions experienced therein. The article therefore concludes by suggesting that the positive aspects of collegiality and solace taking place online for a new generation of scholars risk remaining disconnected from an effective labour politics — one that could change the very nature of the grievances blogs appear so well designed to express.