bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new prognostic classification for overall survival in Asian patients with previously untreated metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Shinohara Nobuo , Nonomura Katsuya , Abe Takashige , Maruyama Satoru , Kamai Takao , Takahashi Masayuki , Tatsugami Katsunori , Yokoi Shigeaki , Deguchi Takashi , Kanayama Hiroomi , Oba Koji , Naito Seiji
Published: May 2012

The aims of the present study were to: (i) develop a clinically useful prognostic classification in Asian patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) by combining metastatic features with several pretreatment parameters; and (ii) evaluate the validity of this prognostic classification. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were collected for 361 patients who underwent interferon‐α‐based therapy between 1995 and 2005. Relationships between overall survival (OS) and potential prognostic factors were assessed using Cox's proportional hazard model. The predictive performance of the model was evaluated using bootstrap resampling procedures and by using an independent dataset obtained from randomly selected institutions. The predictive accuracy was measured using the concordance index (c‐index). Four factors were identified as independent prognostic factors: time from initial diagnosis to treatment, anemia, elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and poor prognostic metastatic group (liver only, bone only, or multiple organ metastases). Each patient was assigned to one of three risk groups: favorable risk (none or one factor; n = 120), in which median OS was 51 months; intermediate risk (two factors; n = 101), in which median OS was 21 months; and poor risk (three or four factors; n = 102), in which median OS was 10 months. The c‐index was 0.72 in the original dataset and 0.72 in 500 random bootstrap samples. In the independent dataset for external validation, the c‐index was 0.73. Thus, the new prognostic classification is easily applicable for Asian patients with previously untreated metastatic RCC and should be incorporated into patient care, as well as clinical trials performed in Asia.
Inactivation of thioredoxin f1 leads to decreased light activation of ADP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase and altered diurnal starch turnover in leaves of Arabidopsis plants
Authors: THORMÄHLEN INA , RUBER JOACHIM , VON ROEPENACK‐LAHAYE EDDA , EHRLICH SVEN‐MATTHIAS , MASSOT VINCENT , HÜMMER CHRISTINE , TEZYCKA JUSTYNA , ISSAKIDIS‐BOURGUET EMMANUELLE , GEIGENBERGER PETER
Published: May 2012

Chloroplast thioredoxin f (Trx f) is an important regulator of primary metabolic enzymes. However, genetic evidence for its physiological importance is largely lacking. To test the functional significance of Trx f in vivo, Arabidopsis mutants with insertions in the trx f1 gene were studied, showing a drastic decrease in Trx f leaf content. Knockout of Trx f1 led to strong attenuation in reductive light activation of ADP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase), the key enzyme of starch synthesis, in leaves during the day and in isolated chloroplasts, while sucrose‐dependent redox activation of AGPase in darkened leaves was not affected. The decrease in light‐activation of AGPase in leaves was accompanied by a decrease in starch accumulation, an increase in sucrose levels and a decrease in starch‐to‐sucrose ratio. Analysis of metabolite levels at the end of day shows that inhibition of starch synthesis was unlikely due to shortage of substrates or changes in allosteric effectors. Metabolite profiling by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry pinpoints only a small number of metabolites affected, including sugars, organic acids and ethanolamine. Interestingly, metabolite data indicate carbon shortage in trx f1 mutant leaves at the end of night. Overall, results provide in planta evidence for the role played by Trx f in the light activation of AGPase and photosynthetic carbon partitioning in plants.
Targeted disruption of exogenous EGFP gene in medaka using zinc‐finger nucleases
Authors: Ansai Satoshi , Ochiai Hiroshi , Kanie Yuta , Kamei Yasuhiro , Gou Yuki , Kitano Takeshi , Yamamoto Takashi , Kinoshita Masato
Published: May 2012

Zinc‐finger nucleases (ZFNs) are artificial enzymes that create site‐specific double‐strand breaks and thereby induce targeted genome editing. Here, we demonstrated successful gene disruption in somatic and germ cells of medaka (Oryzias latipes) using ZFN to target exogenous EGFP genes. Embryos that were injected with an RNA sequence pair coding for ZFNs showed mosaic loss of green fluorescent protein fluorescence in skeletal muscle. A number of mutations that included both deletions and insertions were identified within the ZFN target site in each embryo, whereas no mutations were found at the non‐targeted sites. In addition, ZFN‐induced mutations were introduced in germ cells and efficiently transmitted to the next generation. The mutation frequency varied (6–100%) in the germ cells from each founder, and a founder carried more than two types of mutation in germ cells. Our results have introduced the possibility of targeted gene disruption and reverse genetics in medaka.
Why older patients of lower clinical urgency choose to attend the emergency department
Authors: Lowthian J. A. , Smith C. , Stoelwinder J. U. , Smit D. V. , McNeil J. J. , Cameron P. A.
Published: May 2012

Background/Aims

To examine non‐clinical factors associated with emergency department (ED) attendance by lower urgency older patients.

Methods

An exploratory descriptive study comprising structured interviews with lower urgency community‐dwelling patients aged ≥70 years presenting to a tertiary metropolitan Melbourne public hospital ED. Demographical and clinical characteristics, self‐reported feelings of social connectedness, perceived accessibility to primary care, reason for attending ED were measured.

Results

One hundred patients were interviewed: mean age 82 years, 56% female, 57% lived alone; 73% presented during business hours, 58% arrived by ambulance, 80% presented for illness, and 65% were discharged home within 48 h. Fifty‐six per cent of patients reported feeling socially disconnected, comprising 49% living alone compared with 65% who lived with their spouse/family. All patients attended a regular general practitioner, 31% reporting regular review appointments. Thirty‐five per cent reported waiting times >2–3 days for urgent problems; 59% stated accessing care ‘after hours’ without attending ED as difficult, with 20% having attended ED 3–6 times in the previous 12 months. Reasons for attending ED were referral by a third party, difficulty with accessibility to primary care, patient preferences for timely care and fast‐track access to specialist care.

Conclusions

Most older patients of lower clinical urgency presented to ED because of perceived access block to primary or specialist services, alongside an expectation of more timely and specialised care. This suggests that EDs should be redesigned and/or integrated community‐based models of care developed to meet the specific needs of this age group who have growing demand for acute care.
Better estimates of survival for patients considering adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery for early non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: McCaughan G. J. , Blinman P. L. , Boyer M. J. , Stockler M. R.
Published: May 2012

Introduction

The aim of this study was to summarise and describe survival data from contemporary randomised trials of platinum‐based adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The goal was to assist clinicians to provide better estimates of survival for patients considering adjuvant chemotherapy following surgical resection for NSCLC.

Methods

Randomised trials of cisplatin‐based adjuvant chemotherapy for resected NSCLC were identified. Survival rates at 1, 2, 5, 7 and 10 years and the following percentiles (scenario): 90th (worst case), 75th (lower typical), median, 25th (upper typical) and 10th (best case) were extracted from each overall survival (OS) curve.

Results

Thirty‐eight OS curves from 19 trials (7042 patients) were analysed. With adjuvant chemotherapy, the median OS rate (interquartile range) at 1 year was 91% (85–95), 2 years was 73% (69–88), 5 years was 61% (45–65) and 7 years was 49% (38–65). With observation only, the median OS rate (interquartile range) at 1 year was 88% (83–92), 2 years was 74% (65–82), 5 years was 55% (42–58) and 7 years was 40% (34–45). In both arms, survival rates at 2, 5 and 7 years were well estimated by raising the 1‐year survival rate to the power of two, five and seven respectively. Few trials reported survival rates at 10 years.

Conclusion

Simple percentages and their powers provide a useful starting point for estimating and describing survival to patients considering adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery for NSCLC.
Obesity: lessons from evolution and the environment
Authors: Heitmann B. L. , Westerterp K. R. , Loos R. J. F. , Sørensen T. I. A. , O'Dea K. , McLean P. , Jensen T. K. , Eisenmann J. , Speakman J. R. , Simpson S. J. , Reed D. R. , Westerterp‐Plantenga M. S.
Published: May 2012

The 9th Stock Conference acknowledged the complex background of genetic, cultural, environmental and evolutionary factors of obesity. Gene–environment interactions underlie the flexibility in body‐weight and body‐fat regulation, illustrated by the hunter‐gatherers' feast and famine lifestyle, the variation in physical activity over the lifespan being highest at reproductive age, the variation in energy intake through ‘eating in the absence of hunger’, while running the risk of exceeding the capacity of triacylglyceride storage, leading to lipotoxicity and metabolic problems. Perinatal metabolic programming for obesity via epigenetic changes in response to a ‘Western diet’ results in production of lipid‐poor milk and metabolically efficient pups, contributing to the perpetuation of obesity throughout generations. Evolutionary insight from comparative physiology and ecology indicates that over generations activity‐induced energy expenditure has remained the same compared to wild mammals, that energy balance might be dependant on protein balance, while the function of taste changed from detection of poison or energy to social drinking and social behaviour. At present, the impact of assortative mating on obesity prevalence is unambiguously positive. The complexity that appeared can only be fully appreciated by setting the data into the context of our evolutionary history.
Examining electrodermal hyporeactivity as a marker of externalizing psychopathology: A twin study
Authors: Isen Joshua D. , Iacono William G. , Malone Stephen M. , McGue Matt
Published: May 2012

Literature suggests that reduced electrodermal reactivity (EDR) is related to externalizing problems. However, the genetic and environmental etiology of this association is unknown. Using a standard habituation paradigm, we measured responses to 15 loud tones in four cohorts of adolescent twins (N = 2,129). We quantified EDR as the average size of elicited responses (amplitude) and by counting the number of skin conductance responses (frequency). Externalizing liability was indexed through a general factor underlying substance‐related problems and antisocial behavior. Response frequency, but not mean amplitude, was inversely associated with externalizing liability in each twin cohort. Biometric modeling revealed that most of the overlap between response frequency and externalizing liability was due to genetic influences common to both phenotypes. It is argued that neurological mechanisms involved in habituation may shed light on the etiology of psychopathology.
The selective sphingosine 1‐phosphate receptor modulator BAF312 redirects lymphocyte distribution and has species‐specific effects on heart rate
Authors: Gergely P , Nuesslein‐Hildesheim B , Guerini D , Brinkmann V , Traebert M , Bruns C , Pan S , Gray NS , Hinterding K , Cooke NG , Groenewegen A , Vitaliti A , Sing T , Luttringer O , Yang J , Gardin A , Wang N , Crumb Jr WJ , Saltzman M , Rosenberg M , Wallström E
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

BAF312 is a next‐generation sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator, selective for S1P1 and S1P5 receptors. S1P1 receptors are essential for lymphocyte egress from lymph nodes and a drug target in immune‐mediated diseases. Here, we have characterized the immunomodulatory potential of BAF312 and the S1P receptor‐mediated effects on heart rate using preclinical and human data.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

BAF312 was tested in a rat experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model. Electrophysiological recordings of G‐protein‐coupled inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels were carried out in human atrial myocytes. A Phase I multiple‐dose trial studied the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety of BAF312 in 48 healthy subjects.

KEY RESULTS

BAF312 effectively suppressed EAE in rats by internalizing S1P1 receptors, rendering them insensitive to the egress signal from lymph nodes. In healthy volunteers, BAF312 caused preferential decreases in CD4+ T cells, Tnaïve, Tcentral memory and B cells within 4–6 h. Cell counts returned to normal ranges within a week after stopping treatment, in line with the elimination half‐life of BAF312. Despite sparing S1P3 receptors (associated with bradycardia in mice), BAF312 induced rapid, transient (day 1 only) bradycardia in humans. BAF312‐mediated activation of GIRK channels in human atrial myocytes can fully explain the bradycardia.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

This study illustrates species‐specific differences in S1P receptor specificity for first‐dose cardiac effects. Based on its profound but rapidly reversible inhibition of lymphocyte trafficking, BAF312 may have potential as a treatment for immune‐mediated diseases.
Multiple anti‐inflammatory pathways triggered by resveratrol lead to amelioration of staphylococcal enterotoxin B‐induced lung injury
Authors: Rieder Sadiye Amcaoglu , Nagarkatti Prakash , Nagarkatti Mitzi
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Inhalation of the superantigen,staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), leads to the activation of the host T and invariant natural killer (iNK) T cells, thereby resulting in acute lung inflammation and respiratory failure but the underlying mechanism(s) of disease remain elusive, with limited treatment options. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effectiveness of resveratrol, a plant polyphenol, during SEB‐induced lung inflammation.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

C57BL/6 mice were exposed to SEB (50 µg·per mouse), administered intranasally, and were treated with resveratrol (100 mg·kg−1) before or after SEB exposure. Lung injury was studied by measuring vascular permeability, histopathological examination, nature of infiltrating cells, inflammatory cytokine induction in the bronchoalveolar fluid (BALF), apoptosis in SEB‐activated T cells and regulation of SIRT1 and NF‐κB signalling pathways.

KEY RESULTS

Pretreatment and post‐treatment with resveratrol significantly reduced SEB‐induced pulmonary vascular permeability, and inflammation. Resveratrol significantly reduced lung infiltrating cells and attenuated the cytokine storm in SEB‐exposed mice, which correlated with increased caspase‐8‐dependent apoptosis in SEB‐activated T cells. Resveratrol treatment also markedly up‐regulated Cd11b+ and Gr1+ myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) that inhibited SEB‐mediated T cell activation in vitro. In addition, resveratrol treatment was accompanied by up‐regulation of SIRT1 and down‐regulation of NF‐κB in the inflammatory cells of the lungs.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The current study demonstrates that resveratrol may constitute a novel therapeutic modality to prevent and treat SEB‐induced lung inflammation inasmuch because it acts through several pathways to reduce pulmonary inflammation.
Complications in Postacute Care Are Associated with Persistent Delirium
Authors: Anderson Corrie P. , Ngo Long H. , Marcantonio Edward R.
Published: May 2012

Objectives

To investigate whether complications in postacute care (PAC) are associated with delirium persistence 30 days after PAC admission.

Design

Observational cohort study.

Setting

Eight Boston‐area PAC facilities.

Participants

Three hundred fifty individuals with delirium at PAC admission.

Measurements

Participants were interviewed at PAC admission and 30 days later. Delirium presence was determined using the Confusion Assessment Method. Medical record reviews were performed to ascertain new cardiac, noncardiac, and geriatric syndrome complications in PAC. Complication status was also determined 30 days after admission or at PAC discharge, whichever came first.

Results

Participants (mean age 83.6, 66% female) experienced the following incidence of PAC complications: cardiac complications (7%), noncardiac complications (21%), and geriatric syndrome complications (39%). Delirium persisted in 56% of participants 1 month after PAC admission. Neither cardiac nor noncardiac complications were associated with delirium persistence. Delirium persistence at 1 month was significantly greater in participants, with more geriatric syndrome complications (no complications, 51%; one complication 61%; ≥2 complications, 100%, adjusted P = .048). There was also a trend toward greater delirium persistence in participants with unresolved geriatric syndrome complications (no complications, 51%; resolved complication, 61%; unresolved complication, 68%; adjusted P = .10).

Conclusion

Geriatric syndrome complications are common in individuals admitted to PAC with delirium and are associated with persistence of delirium 1 month later. Proactively addressing risk factors for geriatric syndromes may improve outcomes of vulnerable individuals in PAC.
Effects of Sleep Apnea Syndrome on Delayed Memory and Executive Function in Elderly Adults
Authors: Ju Gawon , Yoon In‐Young , Lee Sang Don , Kim Tae Hui , Choe Jin Young , Kim Ki Woong
Published: May 2012

Objectives

To identify differences in cognitive function between elderly adults with sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) and healthy controls.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting

Sleep laboratory at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital.

Participants

Sixty‐three elderly adults (26 female; mean age 68.2 ± 4.8) without cognitive disorders.

Measurements

Sleep‐laboratory polysomnography findings and cognitive function results determined using the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Neuropsychological Assessment Battery.

Results

When the control group (apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) < 15) was compared with the groups with mild to moderate (15 ≤ AHI < 30) and severe (AHI ≥ 30) SAS, significant differences in delayed recall (P = .003) and errors on the Trail‐Making Test Part B (TMT B; P = .009) were observed, with participants with severe SAS showing greater impairment on both tests than controls (P = .02 and P = .01, respectively). Stepwise multiple regression showed that oxygen desaturation index (β = −0.37, P = .003) and educational level (β = 0.24, P = .04) determined delayed recall impairment (adjusted coefficient of determination (R
2) = 17.8%, P = .003). TMT B errors were independently associated with educational level (β = −0.41, P = .001) and AHI (β = 0.31, P = .007; adjusted R
2 = 25.7%, P = .001).

Conclusion

Severe SAS is associated with measures of delayed recall and executive function in cognitively healthy older adults. Although further study is needed, this evidence may provide further rationale for the treatment of SAS in older adults. Moreover, the role of SAS as a risk factor for cognitive disorders needs to be determined.
Screening for Cognitive Impairment: Comparing the Performance of Four Instruments in Primary Care
Authors: Holsinger Tracey , Plassman Brenda L. , Stechuchak Karen M. , Burke James R. , Coffman Cynthia J. , Williams John W.
Published: May 2012

Objectives

To determine whether brief cognitive screening tests perform as well as a longer screening test in diagnosis of cognitive impairment, no dementia (CIND) or dementia.

Design

A cross‐sectional comparison of cognitive screening tests to an independent criterion standard evaluation using
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM‐IV) criteria. Performance of the cognitive screening tests for identifying dementia, and separately for identifying dementia or CIND, was characterized using sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratios.

Setting

Three Department of Veterans Affairs primary care clinics.

Participants

Of 826 independently living veterans aged 65 and older without a prior diagnosis of dementia, 639 participated and 630 were assigned a research diagnosis.

Measurements

Screening tests included the modified Mini‐Mental State Examination (3MS; average time to administer, 17 minutes) and three brief instruments: the Memory Impairment Screen (MIS; 4 minutes), the Mini‐Cog (3 minutes), and a novel two‐item functional memory screen (MF‐2; 1.5 minutes).

Results

Participants were aged 74.8 on average and were mostly white or black. They were mostly male (92.9%) and had been prescribed a mean of 7.7 medications for chronic conditions. The prevalence of dementia and CIND was 3.3% and 39.2%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity for dementia were 86% and 79% for the 3MS, 76% and 73% for the Mini‐Cog, 43% and 93% for the MIS, and 38% and 87% for the MF‐2, respectively.

Conclusion

In individuals without a prior diagnosis of cognitive impairment, the prevalence of dementia was low, but the prevalence of CIND was high. The 3MS and Mini‐Cog had reasonable performance characteristics for detecting dementia, but a definitive diagnosis requires additional evaluation.
Sustaining the Benefits of a Quality Initiative through Cooperative Values: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Kull Thomas J. , Narasimhan Ram , Schroeder Roger
Published: May 2012

Although research has shown that organizational cultural values influence the success of quality initiatives, how and when cultural values are influential is unclear. This longitudinal study asserts that quality management should be viewed from a dynamic perspective to better understand the role of cooperative cultural values in a quality initiative. We use a multilevel model of quality management, and develop time‐oriented hypotheses using a sociotechnical systems perspective to examine the role of cooperative values. Our analysis uses longitudinal data from over 30 U.S. federal government agencies, collected during an enterprise‐wide quality initiative. We find that, over time, the influence of organization‐level quality practices diminishes, but the influence of cooperative values increases; workgroup‐level quality practices remain consistently important. Our findings reveal the unexplored influences of cooperative values to sustain the benefits of quality management.
An exploration of Hul’qumi’num Coast Salish peoples’ attitudes towards the establishment of no‐take zones within marine protected areas in the Salish Sea, Canada
Authors: Ayers Cheri A. , Dearden Phil , Rollins Rick
Published: May 2012

The Canadian Government has committed to establishing a national network of Marine Protected Areas. Progress in the Salish Sea (Strait of Georgia) of British Columbia has been slow. Opposition by First Nations is a factor as these protected areas have the potential to impact on Aboriginal rights. This case study with the Hul’qumi’num First Nations examines their approaches to marine conservation and their perspectives on “no‐take zones” as a component of marine conservation. The study used a variety of community engagement procedures including relationship building, hiring of a Hul’qumi’num research assistant, conducting individual interviews, focus groups, and field surveys. Interviews were conducted with 41 participants contacted because of their knowledge and interest in marine resource use. The views reported provide a rich understanding of Hul’qumi’num attitudes, but cannot be generalised to the whole population. There was widespread support for efforts to involve local First Nations communities in the development of management plans for marine resources, and also for recognition of First Nation reliance on marine resources for food, social, and ceremonial needs and for economic development opportunities. The establishment of permanent no‐take zones was met with both opposition and support. The most highly endorsed statement about no‐take zones is one of principle—that they are a violation of Aboriginal rights. However, there was also strong agreement that permanent no‐take zones would help reduce over‐fishing. The National Marine Conservation Area program is in its infancy and it remains to be seen how the “strictly protected” zone of the legislation will be interpreted in relationship to Aboriginal harvesting practices. However it is clear that successful conservation will only occur with Aboriginal consent in many areas and there needs to be greater investment in understanding Aboriginal perspectives on marine conservation.
Coping With Life Events Through Possible Selves1
Authors: BARRETO MICHELLE L. , FRAZIER LESLIE D.
Published: May 2012

This study examines the integration of life events into the possible‐selves repertoire and explores the potential relationship between event‐related possible selves and coping. The sample consisted of 198 participants between 18 and 84 years old. Participants were given the Possible Selves Interview, the Social Readjustment Rating Scale, and the Ways of Coping Checklist–Revised. The results indicate that a positive correlation exists between the stress level of a life event and the degree to which that event integrates into the possible‐selves repertoire. A life event that demonstrates a high degree of integration results in a positive impact on coping. This study paves the way for prevention programs aimed at promoting an individual's well‐being while facing challenging life events across adulthood.
The Interactive Effect of Impression Motivation and Cognitive Schema on Self‐Presentation in a Personality Inventory1
Authors: JANSEN ANNE , KöNIG CORNELIUS J. , KLEINMANN MARTIN , MELCHERS KLAUS G.
Published: May 2012

Applicants usually try to put their best foot forward during personnel selection. Although past research has revealed meaningful individual differences in applicants' self‐presentation in personality tests (often called “faking”), it only concentrated on main effects and ignored the interaction of interindividual and intraindividual differences. Based on impression management theory, we hypothesized that interindividual differences in applicants' impression motivation interact with intraindividual differences in the perceived relevance of personality facets (applicants' cognitive schema). Results of hierarchical linear modeling analyses showed that both impression motivation and cognitive schema significantly affected self‐presentation. Furthermore, for participants with high levels of impression motivation, cognitive schema showed a stronger impact on self‐presentation than for those with low levels of impression motivation.
Perceived Justice and Reactions to Coercive Computers1
Authors: Shank Daniel B.
Published: May 2012

Sociology and justice theories indicate that coercive behavior creates a sense of injustice, but what if a computer is the proximal source of this coercion? I argue that people attribute justice to computers, but do so differently than to humans—people may perceive computers’ behavior as unjust, but not as unjust as the same behavior by humans. Likewise, individuals resist and retaliate against coercive behavior, but do so less if the coercer is a computer. These hypotheses are extended from justice studies in social exchange. Specifically, I expand on

Molm et al.’s (1993)

laboratory experiment of coercion in social exchange, adding a human versus computer identity condition. I conduct a laboratory experiment (N = 121) that replicates Molm et al.’s study and supports the hypotheses on justice, resistance, and retaliation to coercive computers.
Conflicting and Reinforcing Identities in Expanding Europe: Individual‐ and Country‐Level Factors Shaping National and European Identities, 1995–20031
Authors: Hadler Markus , Tsutsui Kiyoteru , Chin Lynn G.
Published: May 2012

This study examines how, within the context of the expansion of the European Union, various multi‐level factors circumscribe individuals’ national and European identity. Focusing on the differential impact of new opportunities that Europeanization offers to people with different backgrounds, we propose hypotheses regarding the effects of individuals’ geopolitical, ethnic, class, and national historical backgrounds on their national and European identity. Drawing on theories on sociopolitical identities, we hypothesize that minorities are more likely to identify with the European Union, but are less likely to identify with their nation and that more local lower‐level geopolitical attachments can enhance broader higher‐level ones. We also combine these individual‐level arguments with macro‐level theories and examine the impact of country‐level factors such as having a communist past, the duration of EU participation, and the levels of economic development and international integration. We test these hypotheses using ISSP survey data from 15 European countries for the years 1995 and 2003. Overall, the results support our predictions about minorities’ identification patterns and about the reinforcing relationships between local and macro identities in general. Our macro‐level analyses indicate different effects in postcommunist nations than in Western‐democratic states, indicating widespread disillusionment with the European Union in postcommunist countries.
Organizing Identities: Immigrant New Yorkers Negotiating Latinidad1
Authors: de Casanova Erynn Masi
Published: May 2012

Across the United States, immigrants’ rights protests, marches, and demonstrations captured the attention of the public and of lawmakers in the spring of 2006. Much of the rhetoric that emerged from these mobilizations included an assertion of Latino/a immigrant identity. Based on ethnographic fieldwork and interviews conducted in New York City in 2006 and 2007, this article argues that, confronted with a strong and clear organizational discourse of pan‐ethnic Latino/a unity, Latin American immigrants articulated a variety of identities. I found no clear link between self‐identification as Latino/a and participation in political mobilizations for immigration reform; this is in contrast to previous studies of Latino/a political activity. Examining the interactions, perspectives, and practices of Latin American immigrants involved with one community‐based organization, this study attempts to address the lack of micro‐level studies of immigrants’ everyday lives.
Sinonasal non‐keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma with nasal skin extension as the initial presentation
Authors: Guo Ruifeng , Metcalf Sara , Neil Crowson A.
Published: May 2012

Sinonasal non‐keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), previously designated as transitional cell carcinoma or cylindrical cell carcinoma, is an uncommon malignant neoplasm with distinct histopathological features, considered to be a low‐grade malignancy that usually occurs in elderly patients. Extensive local invasion is uncommon. Here we report a case of 90‐year‐old woman whose original presentation was as erythematous nasal skin nodules, biopsy of which showed a dermal tumor with features of sinonasal non‐keratinizing SCC. No epidermal dysplasia was present. A subsequent computed tomography scan confirmed the presence of an endophytic tumor on the nasal sidewall. The initial presentation of sinonasal non‐keratinizing SCC as a skin lesion is previously unreported to our knowledge. Diagnosis in this context requires accurate evaluation of the histopathology as well as a comprehensive knowledge of pathology specific to this anatomic location.
Iodine status in pre‐school children prior to mandatory iodine fortification in Australia
Authors: Skeaff Sheila , Zhao Ying , Gibson Robert , Makrides Maria , Zhou Shao Jia
Published: May 2012

The iodine status of children between the ages of 5 and 15 years has been routinely assessed in many countries, but few studies have examined iodine status in pre‐school children. We conducted a cross‐sectional study of pre‐school children living in Adelaide, South Australia, between 2005 and 2007. Children 1–5 years old were identified using a unique sampling strategy to ensure that the study population was representative. A 3‐day weighed diet record, a blood sample and a urine sample were obtained from each child. The median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) of the children (n = 279) was 129 µg L−1, indicating iodine sufficiency (normal range: 100–199 µg L−1), but 35% of the children had a UIC < 100 µg L−1. The median thyroglobulin concentration of children (n = 217) was 24 µg L−1 and thyroglobulin concentration declined with increasing age (P = 0.024). The mean daily iodine intake was 76 µg. The intake of iodine was lower than expected and highlights difficulties in accurately assessing iodine intakes. Further studies are needed to monitor dietary changes and iodine status in this age group since the implementation of mandatory fortification of bread with iodised salt in Australia in 2009.
The Corporatist System and Social Organizations in China
Authors: Kojima Kazuko , Choe Jae-Young , Ohtomo Takafumi , Tsujinaka Yutaka
Published: May 2012

This article considers whether social organizations (SOs) in China have acquired more autonomy over time under the socialist market economy. To discern whether SOs are changing under the corporatist system, we use quantitative data analyses of a 2001 to 2004 survey of SOs in China. We find that the later the SOs were founded, the more autonomy they have and die more oriented they are to representing their constituents' interests. The data also verify that the later SOs were formed, the greater their desire for freedom from the party-state. Furthermore, SOs that are more autonomous tend to be more critical of the SO management system, but this holds only for SOs founded before 2000. After 2001, no correlation occurs between autonomy and the expressed desire for more freedom.
Developing Leadership Capacity for Guideline Use: A Pilot Cluster Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Gifford Wendy A. , Davies Barbara L. , Graham Ian D. , Tourangeau Ann , Woodend A. Kirsten , Lefebre Nancy
Published: May 2012

Significance

The importance of leadership to influence nurses’ use of clinical guidelines has been well documented. However, little is known about how to develop and evaluate leadership interventions for guideline use.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to pilot a leadership intervention designed to influence nurses’ use of guideline recommendations when caring for patients with diabetic foot ulcers in home care nursing. This paper reports on the feasibility of implementing the study protocol, the trial findings related to nursing process outcomes, and leadership behaviors.

Methods

A mixed methods pilot study was conducted with a post‐only cluster randomized controlled trial and descriptive qualitative interviews.

Four units were randomized to control or experimental groups. Clinical and management leadership teams participated in a 12‐week leadership intervention (workshop, teleconferences). Participants received summarized chart audit data, identified goals for change, and created a team leadership action.

Criteria to assess feasibility of the protocol included: design, intervention, measures, and data collection procedures. For the trial, chart audits compared differences in nursing process outcomes. Primary outcome: 8‐item nursing assessments score. Secondary outcome: 5‐item score of nursing care based on goals for change identified by intervention participants. Qualitative interviews described leadership behaviors that influenced guideline use.

Results

Conducting this pilot showed some aspects of the study protocol were feasible, while others require further development. Trial findings observed no significant difference in the primary outcome. A significant increase was observed in the 5‐item score chosen by intervention participants (p = 0.02). In the experimental group more relations‐oriented leadership behaviors, audit and feedback and reminders were described as leadership strategies.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that a leadership intervention has the potential to influence nurses’ use of guideline recommendations, but further work is required to refine the intervention and outcome measures. A taxonomy of leadership behaviors is proposed to inform future research.
Conventional and Doppler ultrasound for the differentiation of benign and malignant canine mammary tumours
Authors: Feliciano M. A. R. , Vicente W. R. R. , Silva M. A. M.
Published: May 2012

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of conventional and Doppler ultrasound for differentiation of benign and malignant mammary tumours in female dogs.

Methods: Mammary tumours were evaluated from 60 animals and divided into two distinct groups, group 1 (benign tumours) and group 2 (malignant tumours). The tumours were assessed by conventional ultrasound, Doppler ultrasound mode, histopathology and immunohistochemical detection of vascular endothelial growth factor.

Results: Conventional ultrasound examination was found to be ineffective in separating tumours into the two experimental groups. Similarly, using colour‐flow Doppler ultrasound, no correlation was found between the presence of vascularisation and its characteristics between the two groups. Triplex Doppler ultrasound yielded average maximum velocities of 28·71 cm/s for malignant and 19·91 cm/s for benign tumours, which were significantly different (P=0·01). For vascular endothelial growth factor, an average score of 2·22 was found for group 2 and 1·66 for group 1 (P=0·03). Positive correlations were found between vascular endothelial growth factor and presence of vascularisation (P=0·04 and r=0·3658) and between vascular endothelial growth factor and maximum velocity (P=0·03 and r=0·3913).

Clinical Significance: Doppler evaluation may be used to predict malignancy of mammary tumours in bitches.
Clinical evaluation of cochlear hearing status in dogs using evoked otoacoustic emissions
Authors: Gonçalves R. , McBrearty A. , Pratola L. , Calvo G. , Anderson T. J. , Penderis J.
Published: May 2012

Objectives: Evoked otoacoustic emission testing is the preferred test in human patients for sensorineural deafness screening in neonates and cochlear outer hair cell function monitoring in adults. This study evaluated evoked otoacoustic emission testing for cochlear function assessment in dogs within a clinical setting.

Methods: Two populations of anaesthetised dogs were included. In group 1 the evoked otoacoustic emission response was compared to the brainstem auditory evoked response in 10 dogs having hearing assessment. Group 2 comprised 43 presumed normal dogs, in which the suitability of two types of evoked otoacoustic emissions, transient‐evoked and distortion product otoacoustic emissions, were evaluated (brainstem auditory evoked response was not performed in this group).

Results: Valid transient‐evoked otoacoustic emission and distortion‐product otoacoustic emission responses were successfully recorded within the clinical setting and correctly identified deaf and hearing ears. Within presumed healthy dogs, normal otoacoustic emission response was demonstrated in more than 80% of dogs using a single, short distortion‐product otoacoustic emission run and in 78% of dogs with valid transient‐evoked otoacoustic emission responses using a series of three repeated transient‐evoked otoacoustic emission short runs.

ClinicalSignificance: Transient‐evoked otoacoustic emission and distortion‐product otoacoustic emission testing provided a rapid, non‐invasive frequency‐specific assessment of cochlear function. Transient‐evoked otoacoustic emission and distortion product otoacoustic emission testing is suitable as a screening procedure to detect loss of cochlear function in dogs, although further investigation is needed.
Talking about alcohol consumption: Health campaigns, conversational valence, and binge drinking intentions
Authors: Hendriks Hanneke , de Bruijn Gert‐Jan , van den Putte Bas
Published: May 2012

Objectives. Although research has shown that whether people talk about health issues influences health campaign effects, no evidence exists on whether conversational valence fulfils a mediating role within health campaign effects. In the context of alcohol consumption, this two‐wave experimental research studies the effects of exposure to an anti‐alcohol message on conversational valence about alcohol. Further, it investigates whether valence subsequently affects alcohol consumption intentions.

Design. Eighty‐four undergraduate students, in dyads, were randomly assigned to one of two conditions (anti‐alcohol message vs. no alcohol message exposure).

Methods. A baseline measure of the intention to refrain from binge drinking was assessed in advance. Two weeks later, half of the participants were exposed to an anti‐alcohol message, after which all pairs engaged in a conversation about alcohol and binge drinking followed by an assessment of conversational valence and again the intention to refrain from binge drinking.

Results. An indirect effect of health message exposure on the intention to refrain from binge drinking through conversational valence was revealed. When participants viewed an anti‐alcohol message, they reported significantly more negative conversations about alcohol. Subsequently, a more negative conversational valence about alcohol increased the intention to refrain from binge drinking.

Conclusions. These findings suggest that conversational valence is relevant for health campaign effects. By demonstrating that health messages can influence this valence, important implications arise in terms of health promotion. Future research should focus on how to design effective health campaigns that are able to guide conversational valence in the desired direction.

Statement of Contribution

What is already known on this subject? 

Whether people talk about health issues is a relevant intervening variable within the health message – health intention pathway.

The valence of health conversations influences health intentions.

What does this study add? 

Not only whether people talk, but also the valence of health conversations is a relevant intervening variable within health campaign effects.

Health message exposure can influence conversational valence. This valence can consequently influence health intentions. Thereby, this study holds important implications for health campaign planners.
Lateral metallic devices made by a multiangle shadow evaporation technique
Authors: Costache Marius V. , Bridoux Germàn , Neumann Ingmar , Valenzuela Sergio O.
Published: May 2012

The authors report the fabrication of lateral metallic structures with multiple materials using specifically designed resist masks and multiangle shadow evaporation. The whole fabrication process is carried out without breaking vacuum, which avoids contamination and allows for highly controlled interface properties between metals deposited sequentially. The authors incorporate the thickness of the mask as a design parameter, which allows one to introduce controlled variations between multiple contacts in the same device. Using a suspended mask, it is demonstrated the fabrication of asymmetric single electron transistors with tunnel junctions with different resistances. Using a nonsuspended mask, it is illustrated the fabrication of an extended structure (a thermopile), which consists of tenths of ferromagnetic wires with a nominal width of 30 nm connected electrically in series using a nonmagnetic metal.
Mutations in HIV-1gagandpolCompensate for the Loss of Viral Fitness Caused by a Highly Mutated Protease
Authors: Kožíšek Milan , Henke Sandra , Šašková Klára Grantz , Jacobs Graeme Brendon , Schuch Anita , Buchholz Bernd , Müller Viktor , Kräusslich Hans-Georg , Řezáčová Pavlína , Konvalinka Jan , Bodem Jochen
Published: May 2012

During the last few decades, the treatment of HIV-infected patients by highly active antiretroviral therapy, including protease inhibitors (PIs), has become standard. Here, we present results of analysis of a patient-derived, multiresistant HIV-1 CRF02_AG recombinant strain with a highly mutated protease (PR) coding sequence, where up to 19 coding mutations have accumulated in the PR. The results of biochemical analysisin vitroshowed that the patient-derived PR is highly resistant to most of the currently used PIs and that it also exhibits very poor catalytic activity. Determination of the crystal structure revealed prominent changes in the flap elbow region and S1/S1′ active site subsites. While viral loads in the patient were found to be high, the insertion of the patient-derived PR into a HIV-1 subtype B backbone resulted in reduction of infectivity by 3 orders of magnitude. Fitness compensation was not achieved by elevated polymerase (Pol) expression, but the introduction of patient-derivedgagandpolsequences in a CRF02_AG backbone rescued viral infectivity to near wild-type (wt) levels. The mutations that accumulated in the vicinity of the processing sites spanning the p2/NC, NC/p1, and p6pol/PR proteins lead to much more efficient hydrolysis of corresponding peptides by patient-derived PR in comparison to the wt enzyme. This indicates a very efficient coevolution of enzyme and substrate maintaining high viral loadsin vivounder constant drug pressure.
A Model for Evaluating Topical Antimicrobial Efficacy against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms in Superficial Murine Wounds
Authors: Roche Eric D. , Renick Paul J. , Tetens Shannon P. , Carson Dennis L.
Published: May 2012

A wound biofilm model was created by adapting a superficial infection model. Partial-thickness murine wounds were inoculated with methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA). Dense biofilm communities developed at the wound surface after 24 h as demonstrated by microscopy and quantitative microbiology. Common topical antimicrobial agents had reduced efficacy when treatment was initiated 24 h after inoculation compared to 4 h after inoculation. This model provides a rapid
in vivo
test for new agents to treat wound biofilm infections.
Adjunctive Daptomycin Attenuates Brain Damage and Hearing Loss More Efficiently than Rifampin in Infant Rat Pneumococcal Meningitis
Authors: Grandgirard Denis , Burri Melchior , Agyeman Philipp , Leib Stephen L.
Published: May 2012

Exacerbation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) inflammation in response to bacteriolysis by beta-lactam antibiotics contributes to brain damage and neurological sequelae in bacterial meningitis. Daptomycin, a nonlytic antibiotic acting on Gram-positive bacteria, lessens inflammation and brain injury compared to ceftriaxone. With a view to a clinical application for pediatric bacterial meningitis, we investigated the effect of combining daptomycin or rifampin with ceftriaxone in an infant rat pneumococcal meningitis model.

IMPORTANCE
Eleven-day-old Wistar rats with pneumococcal meningitis were randomized to treatment starting at 18 h after infection with (i) ceftriaxone (100 mg/kg of body weight, subcutaneously [s.c.], twice a day [b.i.d.]), (ii) daptomycin (10 mg/kg, s.c., daily) followed 15 min later by ceftriaxone, or (iii) rifampin (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneally [i.p.], b.i.d.) followed 15 min later by ceftriaxone. CSF was sampled at 6 and 22 h after the initiation of therapy and was assessed for concentrations of defined chemokines and cytokines. Brain damage was quantified by histomorphometry at 40 h after infection and hearing loss was assessed at 3 weeks after infection. Daptomycin plus ceftriaxone versus ceftriaxone significantly (
P
< 0.04) lowered CSF concentrations of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), MIP-1α, and interleukin 6 (IL-6) at 6 h and MIP-1α, IL-6, and IL-10 at 22 h after initiation of therapy, led to significantly (
P
< 0.01) less apoptosis, and significantly (
P
< 0.01) improved hearing capacity. While rifampin plus ceftriaxone versus ceftriaxone also led to lower CSF inflammation (
P
< 0.02 for IL-6 at 6 h), it had no significant effect on apoptosis and hearing capacity. Adjuvant daptomycin could therefore offer added benefits for the treatment of pediatric pneumococcal meningitis.