bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EBV-specific immune responses in patients with multiple sclerosis responding to IFNβ therapy
Authors: Comabella Manuel , Kakalacheva Kristina , Río Jordi , Münz Christian , Montalban Xavier , Lünemann Jan D
Published: October 2011

Background: Symptomatic primary infection with the human γ-herpesvirus Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and elevated immune responses to EBV are associated with the development and progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). Interferon-beta (IFNβ), first-line treatment for relapse-onset MS, exhibits complex immunoregulatory and antiviral activities.

Objective: To determine EBV-specific immune responses in patients with MS during IFNβ therapy.

Methods: We evaluated cellular and humoral immune responses to EBV- and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-encoded antigens in patients with MS before and 1 year after IFNβ treatment by ELISA and flow cytometry. Twenty-eight patients with MS who showed a clinical response to IFNβ as defined by the absence of relapses and lack of progression on the Expanded Disability Status Scale score during the first 2 years of treatment were included.

Results: Clinically effective IFNβ-therapy was associated with a downregulation of proliferative T cell responses to the latent EBV nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA1). EBNA1-specific IgG responses as well as cellular and humoral immune responses to MHC class I restricted EBV antigens expressed during lytic replication and viral B cell transformation were similar before and after IFNβ therapy. Although HCMV-specific IgG levels slightly decreased, proliferative T-cell responses towards HCMV antigens remained unchanged during IFNβ therapy.

Conclusion: Clinically effective IFNβ therapy is associated with a reduction of proliferative T-cell responses to EBNA1.
Olfactory dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: association with secondary progression
Authors: Silva Ana Martins , Santos Ernestina , Moreira Inês , Bettencourt Andreia , Coutinho Ester , Gonçalves Alexandra , Pinto Claudia , Montalban Xavier , Cavaco Sara
Published: October 2011

Objective: The Brief Smell Identification Test (B-SIT) was used to explore odour identification capacities in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods: In total, 153 consecutive patients with MS and 165 healthy controls (HC) participated in the study. All participants were asked to answer the B-SIT and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), the Multiple Sclerosis Severity Scale (MSSS), and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were used for patients’ clinical and cognitive characterization.

Results: Patients with MS (11.1%) were more impaired on the B-SIT than HC participants (3%). The frequency of impairment was higher for patients with secondary progressive (SPMS; 11/16, 68.8%) than relapsing–remitting (RRMS; 4/121, 3.3%) or primary progressive (2/16, 12.5%) courses. A threshold score of ≤ 8 on the B-SIT provided a sensitivity of 69% and a specificity of 97% in the identification of SPMS among patients with relapsing onset. The association between SPMS and impaired B-SIT remained statistically significant after adjusting for demographic (i.e. age and education), clinical (i.e. disease duration, EDSS, and MSSS), psychopathological (i.e. HADS anxiety and depression scores), and cognitive (i.e. MMSE) variables.

Conclusions: A brief odour identification measure provided a good discrimination between SPMS and RRMS courses. A systematic assessment of olfactory functions may contribute to the development of clinical markers of SPMS.
Preaching to the choir? The influence of personal relevance on the effects of gain- and loss-framed health-promoting messages
Authors: Van ’t Riet Jonathan , Ruiter Rob , De Vries Hein
Published: October 2011

This article examines the moderating influence of personal relevance on the persuasive effects of gain- and loss-framed messages. We assessed current behaviour as a proxy for personal relevance, provided 169 participants with gain- and loss-framed messages advocating skin self-examination (SSE) and assessed intention to engage in SSE as the outcome measure. The results showed that loss-framed information was more persuasive than gain-framed information, but only for low-relevance participants. This suggests that loss-framed information might be mainly effective for recipients who need little persuading and, in fact, runs the risk of ‘preaching to the choir’.
Challenges faced by parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Ludlow Amanda , Skelly Charlotte , Rohleder Poul
Published: October 2011

Few studies address the daily challenges faced by parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This article reports on a qualitative interview study with 20 parents exploring their experiences, challenges faced, and what has helped them to cope. A thematic analysis of the data identified five core categories: Dealing with challenging behaviour; dealing with judgements from others; lack of support; impact upon the family; coping and the importance of appropriate support. The findings emphasize where the parents themselves believe they still require additional support. It raises key strategies and resources that parents have found helpful.
Conceptualizing the Role of Research Literacy in Advancing Societal Health
Authors: Brody Janet L. , Dalen Jeanne , Annett Robert D. , Scherer David G. , Turner Charles W.
Published: October 2011

‘Research literacy’ is proposed as a key concept for advancing societal health. To examine whether improvements in research literacy would affect knowledge of and ethical participation in research, parents of young children received a brief educational intervention designed to enhance their understanding of child research. Results demonstrated that the intervention improved research-related knowledge and increased parents’ comfort with their research participation decisions. Moreover, enhanced understanding of child volition increased parents’ willingness to enrol their children in research. The proposed research literacy model identifies methods to enhance population knowledge and appreciation of research, strengthening links between scientific advancement and health.
Body satisfaction among adolescents in eight different countries
Authors: McCabe Marita P. , Fuller-Tyszkiewicz Matthew , Mellor David , Ricciardelli Lina , Skouteris Helen , Mussap Alex
Published: October 2011

The current study examined body satisfaction and the value of body size among adolescents in Australia, Fiji, Malaysia, Tonga, Tongans in New Zealand, China, Chile and Greece. In total, 2489 adolescent females and 2152 males participated in the study. The results demonstrated that males were more satisfied with their body than females. Males generally had a lower BMI than females, except for males in China and Malaysia. Attitudes towards large bodies for males and females varied by cultural group. These results demonstrate the strong cultural similarities in body satisfaction, but the differences that occur in relation to a large body.
The recovery model and complex health needs: What health psychology can learn from mental health and substance misuse service provision
Authors: Webb Lucy
Published: October 2011

This article reviews key arguments around evidence-based practice and outlines the methodological demands for effective adoption of recovery model principles. The recovery model is outlined and demonstrated as compatible with current needs in substance misuse service provision. However, the concepts of evidence-based practice and the recovery model are currently incompatible unless the current value system of evidence-based practice changes to accommodate the methodologies demanded by the recovery model. It is suggested that critical health psychology has an important role to play in widening the scope of evidence-based practice to better accommodate complex social health needs.
Fan activists and the politics of race in The Last Airbender
Authors: Lopez Lori Kido
Published: October 2011

When the producers of the film The Last Airbender announced their casting decisions, a large collective of fans became irate – they argued that the original cartoon was set in an Asian world, so all four lead roles should go to Asian American actors. Instead, producers cast three white actors as the heroes, and an actor of South Asian descent as the villain. This article investigates the fan-activists who organized to protest the casting and utilized the skills they developed as fans to participate in larger conversations about politics and race. Within their demand for changes in the representation of Asian Americans in entertainment media, these politicized fans offer new ways of considering the potential impacts of ‘racebending’ and the politics of minority representation.
Belligerent broadcasting and makeover television: Professional incivility in Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares
Authors: Higgins Michael , Montgomery Martin , Smith Angela , Tolson Andrew
Published: October 2011

This article looks at the significance of the practices of ‘belligerent broadcasting’ in the popular ‘trouble-shooting’ business television programme Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares, USA. Belligerent broadcasting is a broadcast style that offers as spectacle expressions of anger or impatience, or the exercise of intimidation, against an on-screen interlocutor. Focusing on the performances of Gordon Ramsay, the article analyses the management of on-screen confrontation between participants occupying asymmetrical positions of power and perceived expertise. The article looks at how the face-threatening component of belligerent talk is ameliorated by strategies of authenticity and its representation as a productive force within the narrative of the programme. Finally, we assess the relevance of arguments that this broadcasting style might be seen as part of a ‘new incivility’ across media discourses.
Notes on vibration control of a micro/macromanipulator mounted on a flexible structure
Authors: Grandinetti F J , de S Soares A M , de Q Lamas W , Goes L C S
Published: October 2011

The objective of this study is to describe the design and the implementation of an experimental set-up used to study the dynamics, the experimental identification, and the active vibration control of a flexible structure mounted manipulator system. The system consists of a three-degree-of-freedom cylindrical manipulator system with a flexible link on its tip. A two-degree-of-freedom polar rigid manipulator is mounted on the flexible macromanipulator. The dynamic modelling and experimental modal analysis identification in the frequency domain are being applied to design active digital control strategies for the micro-manipulator system to damp the mechanical vibrations of the flexible structure on the tip of the macro-manipulator system.
Angiotensin II induces extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer expression via an AT1R dependent pathway in aortic atherosclerotic plaque in apolipoprotein E knockout mice
Authors: Yang Li-xia , Yang Zhi-hua , Guo Rui-wei , Ye Jin-shan , Liu Hong
Published: October 2011

The pathogenesis of acute coronary syndrome is rupture of vulnerable plaque. Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) is reported to have a important role in the destabilization of atheroma. Objectives: this investigation examined the effect of angiotensin II (Ang II) on EMMPRIN expression in atherosclerotic plaques in ApoE knockout mice. Methods: ApoE knockout mice were fed a high fat diet to establish an atherosclerosis model then intervention was made with Ang II and valsartan. EMMPRIN gene and its protein expression were measured by real-time PCR immunohistochemistry, and Western blot. Results: EMMPRIN gene and protein expression intervened with Ang II were significantly increased; valsartan could inhibit the effect of Ang II. Conclusion: Ang II up-regulated EMMPRIN expression in atherosclerotic plaque via AT1R, and valsartan could inhibit the effect of Ang II.
Studying the self in people with dementia: How might we proceed?
Authors: Caddell Lisa S , Clare Linda
Published: October 2011

The impact of dementia on the self has become the subject of much research over the last few years, mainly due to the implications for support and care for people with dementia. However, there are a number of limitations of this research that make it difficult to integrate the existing evidence and to draw any firm conclusions regarding the persistence of self. This highlights the need for a different approach to studying the self in people with dementia in order to obtain more robust evidence from future studies. This paper attempts to integrate current research using an existing systematic and comprehensive framework of the self, and outlines the advantages and limitations of using such a framework as the basis for future studies.
Moving beyond patient and client approaches: Mobilizing ‘authentic partnerships’ in dementia care, support and services
Authors: Dupuis Sherry L. , Gillies Jennifer , Carson Jennifer , Whyte Colleen , Genoe Rebecca , Loiselle Lisa , Sadler Leah
Published: October 2011

In the 1940s, Carl Rogers introduced the notion of a client-centred or person-centred approach, originally called the ‘non-directive approach’. Over the past several decades, however, we have lost sight of the true intent behind Roger's relational approach, settling instead on well-intended but often paternalistic approaches that place patients or clients at the centre of care, but rarely, if ever, actively involve them in decision-making. This is no more apparent than in the case of persons living with Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias who, due to the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding dementia, are often assumed to lack the capacity to be involved in their own care and the care of others. Drawing on our experience working directly with persons with dementia, family members and professionals, and systematic research on a number of mutual partnership initiatives, the purpose of this paper is to present an alternative approach, one that views persons with dementia as equal partners in the context of dementia care, support and formal services.
Implementation of the validation method: Nurses' descriptions of caring relationships with residents with dementia disease
Authors: Söderlund Mona , Norberg Astrid , Hansebo Görel
Published: October 2011

This study describes nurses’ experiences of relationships with residents with dementia disease (1) before and after validation method (VM) training and (2) after extensive experience using the VM. An intervention was performed in a nursing home, involving supervision plus one year of training in using the VM. Nurses were interviewed before and after the intervention. Nurses with extensive VM experience, working at another nursing home, were interviewed once. Qualitative content analysis of the transcribed interviews revealed four themes with sub-themes. Most nurses participating in the intervention described a changed approach afterwards, focusing more on residents and on their communications, which in turn seemed to lead to closer, more trusting relationships. A similar approach was described by the nurses with extensive VM experience. One conclusion is that supervised VM training facilitated nurses’ development of communication skills and abilities to establish close relationships with residents. Some nurses described the VM as demanding.
Male caregiving in dementia: A review and commentary
Authors: Mc Donnell Eilis , Ryan Assumpta
Published: October 2011

In this paper we present a review of the literature on men caring for a relative with dementia. While there is an abundance of literature on caregiving in general, there is a dearth of information on male caregiving and in particular on the role of sons as carers. Keywords used were dementia, Alzheimer's disease, caregiver, caregiver burden, caregiver support, sons, spouses, husbands, men, fathers, male, widowers, help seeking behaviour, parent child relations, gender identity and combinations of these. The inclusion criteria stipulated that papers had to be research based, written in English, published between the years 1999 and 2010 and related to men caring for a person with dementia. The categories that emerged from the literature included men in a caregiving role, gender differences in caregiver burden, support services and sons as carers. Further research is needed to highlight the needs and experiences of men in a caregiving role.
Dynamic measurement of traffic signluminance as perceived by a driver
Authors: Gutierrez JA , de Lejarazu D Ortiz , Real JA , Mansilla A , Vizmanos J
Published: October 2011

Most of the information received by a driver is provided by road signs and markings, especially in low visibility conditions and at night. While road markings mainly show the boundaries of the road, traffic signs inform, indicate, forbid, oblige, orientate and warn of risks and dangers. This paper describes a method for dynamically measuring traffic sign luminance as perceived by the driver of a typical European car on an empty and unlit road, without causing discomfort to other drivers on the road.
The ‘adaptive zone’ – A concept for assessing discomfort glare throughout daylit spaces
Authors: Jakubiec JA , Reinhart CF
Published: October 2011

Discomfort glare is an underutilized parameter in contemporary architectural design due to uncertainties about the meaning of existing metrics, how they should be applied and what the benefits of such analysis are. Glare is position and view direction-dependent within a space, rendering it difficult to assess compared to conventional illuminance-based metrics. This paper compares simulation results for five glare metrics under 144 clear sky conditions in three spaces in order to investigate the ability of these metrics to predict the occurrence of discomfort glare and to hence support the design of comfortable spaces. The metrics analyzed areDaylight Glare Index, CIE Glare Index, Visual Comfort Probability, Unified Glare Rating and Daylight Glare Probability. It is found that Daylight Glare Probability yields the most plausible results. In an attempt to deal with multiple positions and view directions simultaneously, the concept of an ‘adaptive zone’ is introduced within which building occupants may freely adjust their position and view in order to minimise the effect of glare. The spatial and directional extents of the adaptive zone depend on furniture layout and the freedom of occupants’ tasks. It is found that applying the adaptive zone concept to a sidelit office with manually operated venetian blinds reduces the predicted hours of intolerable discomfort glare from 735 to 18 occupied hours per year and increases the annual mean daylight availability from 40% to 72%.
Putting the Premium into Basic
Authors: Smith Anthony N.
Published: October 2011

This article traces connections between the institutional configuration of the AMC basic cable channel and the deliberately paced narratives of its original series, such as Mad Men, Breaking Bad and Rubicon. Scholarly and popular discourses concerning U.S. drama series frequently observe the divergent ways in which the economic models of network and premium cable each influence series production, emphasizing the fundamental distinctions between the two institutional types. Yet such discourses, by relying on this paradigm of institutional binary, often overlook the role of basic cable’s economic model in the commissioning of drama series. This article explores the unique implications of this model along with the specificity of AMC’s particular institutional configuration. Utilizing a combination of narrative and industrial analysis, the article determines the economic logics that enable AMC to situate its series’ slow-burn storytelling within an advertiser-supported context.
Free TV
Authors: Newman Michael Z.
Published: October 2011

Circulation of television programs in file-sharing networks such as BitTorrent is one of the many developments in the era of media convergence prompting a renewal of television’s place in the popular imagination. Scholarly study of file-sharing tends to focus on movies and music, keeping TV marginal despite its heavy circulation in P2P networks. By considering its cultural implications as revealed in the discourses of P2P TV sharers, this essay’s aim is to understand TV file-sharing as one term in the negotiation of television’s value during the contemporary period. It is especially concerned with understanding the ethical theories of file-sharing participants. It situates these within the context of television’s shift from low, mass culture to a more legitimated status; from a freely accessible public good to a private good for which one must enter into terms of commercial exchange; and from a national/local form of culture to a global, cosmopolitan experience.
Investigating the effect of moisture on the thermal comfort properties of functional elastic fabrics
Authors: Onofrei Elena , Maria Rocha Ana , Catarino André
Published: October 2011

Thermo-physiological wear comfort is mainly determined by the thermal and moisture performance of clothing. Moreover, moisture is widely recognized as one of the most important factors contributing to discomfort sensations. Functional yarns with a thermo-regulating effect improve thermal and moisture performance of fabrics, but the integration of elastic yarns into the fabric structure can impair thermo-physiological wear comfort. The goal of this research was to compare, in dry and wet states, the thermal comfort properties of elastic knitted fabrics with thermo-regulating yarns, namely Viscose Outlast® and Polyester Coolmax® to better understand thermal behavioral changes due to moisture content of the fabrics. Surface moisture transfer between the fabrics and a wet skin was also assessed and enabled to evaluate the level of the unpleasant contact feeling. Air permeability that is related to the thermal behavior was also investigated. The results obtained showed that at 22% moisture content, which simulates a sweating sensation, the change in thermal properties is similar for both fabrics. Above the ‘sweating sensation’ moisture, significant differences on the thermal properties with the moisture content were registered between fabrics, Outlast® fabric being more prone to thermal properties changes due to moisture uptake than the Coolmax® one. When worn in conditions of wet skin, the unpleasant cool feeling increased for both fabrics, but the effect is more pronounced for Outlast® fabric.
In-plane shear properties of para-aramid (Kevlar®) fabric by yarn pull-out method
Authors: Bilisik Kadir
Published: October 2011

The aim of this study was to determine the in-plane shear properties of para-aramid fabrics by the pull-out method. For this purpose, Kevlar®29 and Kevlar®129 type fabrics were used. Fabric width/length ratio and the number of pull-out ends were identified as important testing parameters. After the yarn in the fabric was pulled from the top ravel region before the start of the crimp extension stage, it was found that fabric shear strength increased when the number of pulled ends increased. On the other hand, when the fabric width/length ratio decreased, fabric shear strength increased. The shear force and angle values in Kevlar®29 fabric were higher than in Kevlar®129 fabric due to high fabric density. Fabric shear rigidity was also identified for each Kevlar fabric. The number of pulled ends and the fabric width/length ratios influenced fabric shear rigidity. It was observed that the shear rigidity values in Kevlar®29 fabric were high compared to those of Kevlar®129 fabric due to high fabric areal density. Also, the shear jamming angles were found to be based on the number of pulled ends. Fabric local shearing properties could be identified by pulling the yarn ends in various regions of the fabric. This could be important for the handling of the fabric during formation. The results generated from this study showed that para-aramid fabric shear could be measured by the yarn pull-out test.
Frontotemporal Dementia Caregivers and Researchers
Authors: Austrom Mary Guerriero , Dickinson S. L-J , Denny S. S. , Matthews B. R. , Gao S. , Lu Y.
Published: October 2011

This study utilized a community-based, participatory research model between the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) and the Education Core of the Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center. A total of 30 caregivers of persons with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) participated in 6 focus groups in 3 cities. The majority of participants were spouses of the person with FTD and had been providing care for an average of 6 years. Transcript analysis revealed 7 prominent themes: willingness to participate, when/how the issue of brain donation is raised, who initiates discussion about brain donation, who is involved in decisions about brain donation, motivation for participating in brain donation, lack of effective communication, and barriers to research participation. Caregivers demonstrated a strong desire to participate in research and contribute to advancing knowledge. The lack of effective communication between the clinicians and caregivers was a barrier to developing positive rapport, detrimentally impacting research participation.
Keeping up Health Promotion Practices in Specialized Day Care Units for People With Dementia
Authors: Gústafsdóttir Margrét
Published: October 2011

Background: Health promotion practices hold promises for elderly individuals' quality of life. This article shows that such practices can be promoted in specialized day care units for individuals with dementia. Method: Group interviews with 8 groups of staff (comprising 24 staff members) in 3 day care units. Results: Rather than referring directly to health promotion practices, the staff-members talked about the importance of regular drinks and meals, as well as exercise such as gym programs, walking, and swimming sessions for the wellbeing of their clients. They also maintained that the pursuit of different individual interests reduced stress both for the individual client and for the respective family. Conclusion: Day care for elderly individuals with dementia can promote individual health practices, in as much as it is based on knowledgeable monitoring of health and well-being. Such health practices strengthen the daycare client's optimal independent function which the staff members regard as a prerequisite for living at home.
Surgical Treatment of Limb- and Life-Threatening Infections in the Feet of Patients With Diabetes and at Least One Palpable Pedal Pulse
Authors: Aragón-Sánchez Javier , Lázaro-Martínez Jose L. , Hernández-Herrero Cristina , Campillo-Vilorio Nalini , Quintana-Marrero Yurena , García-Morales Esther , Hernández-Herrero Maria J.
Published: October 2011

Outcomes of surgically treated limb- and life-threatening infections in patients with diabetes and a well-vascularized foot based only on the palpation of foot pulses are not well known. The authors retrospectively studied a series of 173 patients with diabetes and limb- (moderate) or life- (severe) threatening infections with at least one palpable pedal pulse who were admitted to their department for the treatment of infected diabetic foot from January 1, 1998, to December 31, 2009. A total of 141 patients (81.5%) presented with limb-threatening/moderate infections and 32 (18.5%) with life-threatening/severe infections. In all, 49 patients (28.3%) presented with soft tissue infections only, 90 (52%) with osteomyelitis and 34 (19.7%) with a combined infection. Amputation was needed in 74 patients (42.7%), of whom 6 needed a major amputation (3.5% of overall). A total of 99 (57.2%) patients were treated by conservative surgery. Four patients (2.3%) died during the postoperative period (30 days). Limb salvage was achieved in 167 (96.5%) of the patients who were followed up until healing. Healing of the wounds by secondary intention was achieved in a median of 72 days. Clinical results permit the observation that a high rate of limb salvage can be achieved after the surgical treatment of limb- and life-threatening infections in patients with at least one palpable pedal pulse.
How Many Cancer Patients Use Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Authors: Horneber Markus , Bueschel Gerd , Dennert Gabriele , Less Danuta , Ritter Erik , Zwahlen Marcel
Published: October 2011

Background. No comprehensive systematic review has been published since 1998 about the frequency with which cancer patients use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Methods. MEDLINE, AMED, and Embase databases were searched for surveys published until January 2009. Surveys conducted in Australia, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, and the United States with at least 100 adult cancer patients were included. Detailed information on methods and results was independently extracted by 2 reviewers. Methodological quality was assessed using a criteria list developed according to the STROBE guideline. Exploratory random effects metaanalysis and metaregression were applied. Results. Studies from 18 countries (152; >65 000 cancer patients) were included. Heterogeneity of CAM use was high and to some extent explained by differences in survey methods. The combined prevalence for “current use” of CAM across all studies was 40%. The highest was in the United States and the lowest in Italy and the Netherlands. Metaanalysis suggested an increase in CAM use from an estimated 25% in the 1970s and 1980s to more than 32% in the 1990s and to 49% after 2000. Conclusions. The overall prevalence of CAM use found was lower than often claimed. However, there was some evidence that the use has increased considerably over the past years. Therefore, the health care systems ought to implement clear strategies of how to deal with this. To improve the validity and reporting of future surveys, the authors suggest criteria for methodological quality that should be fulfilled and reporting standards that should be required.
Melatonin as Adjuvant Cancer Care With and Without Chemotherapy
Authors: Seely Dugald , Wu Ping , Fritz Heidi , Kennedy Deborah A. , Tsui Teresa , Seely Andrew J. E. , Mills Edward
Published: October 2011

Background. Melatonin (MLT) is known to possess potent antioxidant, antiproliferative, immune-modulating, and hormone-modulating properties. Clinical evidence suggests that MLT may have a possible role in the treatment of cancer. The authors systematically reviewed the effects of MLT in conjunction with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, supportive care, and palliative care on 1-year survival, complete response, partial response, stable disease, and chemotherapy-associated toxicities. Methods. The authors searched 7 databases: MEDLINE (1966-February 2010), AMED (1985-February 2010), Alt HealthWatch (1995-February 2010), CINAHL (1982-February 2010), Nursing and Allied Health Collection: Basic (1985-February 2010), the Cochrane Database (2009), and the Chinese database CNKI (1979-February 2010). They included all trials that randomized patients to treatment, including MLT or a similar control group without MLT. Results. The authors included data from 21 clinical trials, all of which dealt with solid tumors. The pooled relative risk (RR) for 1-year mortality was 0.63 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.53-0.74; P < .001). Improved effect was found for complete response, partial response, and stable disease with RRs of 2.33 (95% CI = 1.29-4.20), 1.90 (1.43-2.51), and 1.51 (1.08-2.12), respectively. In trials combining MLT with chemotherapy, adjuvant MLT decreased 1-year mortality (RR = 0.60; 95% CI = 0.54-0.67) and improved outcomes of complete response, partial response, and stable disease; pooled RRs were 2.53 (1.36-4.71), 1.70 (1.37-2.12), and 1.15 (1.00-1.33), respectively. In these studies, MLT also significantly reduced asthenia, leucopenia, nausea and vomiting, hypotension, and thrombocytopenia. Conclusion. MLT may benefit cancer patients who are also receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy, supportive therapy, or palliative therapy by improving survival and ameliorating the side effects of chemotherapy.
Universities of the Third Age
Authors: Formosa Marvin
Published: October 2011

This article addresses the political context of third-age learning. It aims to expose how relations of power and inequality, in their myriad combinations and complexities, are manifest in Universities of the Third Age [U3As]. The dominant functionalist approach towards late-life learning is jettisoned in favor of a sociopolitical framework that asks: whose interests are really being served? and, who controls the learning process? It highlights the role of U3As in reproducing unequal relations in later life with special emphasis on positive ageism, elitism, gender, and third ageism. The article ends by proposing a possible way forward away from a neoliberal ideology through a transformative rationale for older adult education based on the values of social justice, social leveling, and social cohesion. Seven principles are forwarded: a transformational agenda, widening participation, critical geragogy, e-learning, preretirement education, intergenerational learning, and fourth age learning.
Humanities Professors on the Margins
Authors: Groen Janet , Hyland-Russell Tara
Published: October 2011

This article recounts the experiences of professors who taught entry level university humanities courses to adult learners on the margins of society and what their stories can tell the readers about a potentially transformative teaching and learning space. Based on interviews with 13 instructors in 3 programs, the study reveals that while the techniques of facilitative dialogue and gentle coaching are important in shifting learners from disengagement to engagement in the possibility of learning, it is the underlying stance of instructors’ mature authenticity and their desire to create and sustain trusting relationships with their students that is pivotal in cultivating the possibility of transformation for marginalized students within this program.
A biomechanical study comparing plate fixation using unicortical and bicortical screws in transverse metacarpal fracture models subjected to cyclic loading
Authors: Afshar R. , Fong T. S. , Latifi M. Hadi , Kanthan S. R. , Kamarul T.
Published: October 2011

The use of bicortical screws to fix metacarpal fractures has been suggested to provide no added biomechanical advantage over unicortical screw fixation. However, this was only demonstrated in static loading regimes, which may not be representative of biological conditions. The present study was done to determine whether similar outcomes are obtained when cyclic loading is applied. Transverse midshaft osteotomies were created in 20 metacarpals harvested from three cadavers. Fractures were stabilised using 2.0 mm mini fragment plates fixed with either bicortical or unicortical screw fixation. These fixations were tested to failure with a three-point bending cyclic loading protocol using an electromechanical microtester and a 1 kN load cell. The mean load to failure was 370 N (SD 116) for unicortical fixation and 450 N (SD 135) for bicortical fixation. Significant differences between these two constructs were observed. A biomechanical advantage was found when using bicortical screws in metacarpal fracture plating.
A performance comparison between cricket bat designs
Authors: Eftaxiopoulou T , Narayanan A , Dear J P , Bull A M J
Published: October 2011

Seven cricket bats, four standard and three significantly different designs, were tested for a set of mechanical properties: equivalent bending stiffness, moment of inertia, and freely-suspended vibration. These properties are known to be related to the performance of the cricket bats in terms of pick up weight, vibrations imparted to the batsman, and energy imparted to the cricket ball. The aim of this work was to determine whether these novel designs improve the bat’s performance parameters. Intuitively correctly, results showed that by redistributing the mass of the bat further away from the rotational axis the moment of inertia increases. This results in an increase of the ball’s rebound speed after collision. Carbon fibres inserted in the handle of the bat were found to improve its vibrational performance and provide the advantage of having a stiffer blade combined with a relatively less-stiff handle, which is an optimum for imparting maximum energy to the ball.
Preparation of silica-filled water-based acrylic nanocomposite paints with improved scratch resistance
Authors: Dashtizadeh Ahmad , Abdouss Majid , Khorassani Manuchehr , Mahdavi Hossein
Published: October 2011

Nanosilica-filled water-based acrylic nanocomposites with varying monomer ratio and nanosilica content were prepared by emulsion polymerization. The resulting resins were coated on ceramic, steel, and glass substrates and the scratch resistances were measured. The relationship between the scratch resistance and the composition was observed to be influenced by the nanosilica concentration, adhesion strength to substrate, monomer ratio, and the glass transition temperature of the coating. The highest scratch resistances were obtained when a 0.46 mole percent methyl methacrylate and a 6.2 weight percent (wt%) nanosilica were used.
Diagnosis of Lower Gastrointestinal Tumors by Transvaginal Sonography
Authors: Segev Yakir , Goldberg Yael , Lavie Ofer , Keidar Reuven , Sagie Shlomi , Biterrman Arie , Auslender Ron
Published: October 2011

Sonography plays a primary role in the diagnosis of gynecological diseases. A retrospective review of incidental findings report by transvaginal sonography (TVS) was performed to evaluate the ability of TVS to visualize rectosigmoid carcinoma. The authors performed a retrospective review of 450 women who were referred for TVS because of suspected gynecological indications to evaluate those with incidental findings. Of these, 15 with incidental findings were subsequently diagnosed with rectosigmoid carcinoma. The sonographic properties and clinical findings were systematically evaluated. TVS findings included solid nonhomogeneous lesions (mean diameter of 4 cm; range, 1.6–8 cm), distended rectal walls, and gas inside the gastrointestinal lumen in 53% ( n = 8) of the cases. Total wall invasion was suspected, and signs of edema were noticed in 60% ( n = 9) of the cases. All lesions seen by TVS were pathologically confirmed as carcinoma of gastrointestinal origin. Inspection of the rectosigmoid during a TVS examination has the ability to detect unsuspected rectosigmoid lesions.
AML1/RUNX1 functions as a cytoplasmic attenuator of NF-κB signaling in the repression of myeloid tumors
Authors: Nakagawa Masahiro , Shimabe Munetake , Watanabe-Okochi Naoko , Arai Shunya , Yoshimi Akihide , Shinohara Akihito , Nishimoto Nahoko , Kataoka Keisuke , Sato Tomohiko , Kumano Keiki , Nannya Yasuhito , Ichikawa Motoshi , Imai Yoichi , Kurokawa Mineo
Published: October 2011

Functional deregulation of transcription factors has been found in many types of tumors. Transcription factor AML1/RUNX1 is one of the most frequent targets of chromosomal abnormalities in human leukemia and altered function of AML1 is closely associated with malignant transformation of hematopoietic cells. However, the molecular basis and therapeutic targets of AML1-related leukemia are still elusive. Here, we explored immediate target pathways of AML1 by in vitro synchronous inactivation in hematopoietic cells. We found that AML1 inhibits NF-κB signaling through interaction with IκB kinase complex in the cytoplasm. Remarkably, AML1 mutants found in myeloid tumors lack the ability to inhibit NF-κB signaling, and human cases with AML1-related leukemia exhibits distinctly activated NF-κB signaling. Furthermore, inhibition of NF-κB signaling in leukemic cells with mutated AML1 efficiently blocks their growth and development of leukemia. These findings reveal a novel role for AML1 as a cytoplasmic attenuator of NF-κB signaling and indicate that NF-κB signaling is one of the promising therapeutic targets of hematologic malignancies with AML1 abnormality.
Evidence for the divergence of innate and adaptive T-cell precursors before commitment to the αβ and γδ lineages
Authors: Kisielow Jan , Tortola Luigi , Weber Jacqueline , Karjalainen Klaus , Kopf Manfred
Published: October 2011

In addition to adaptive T cells, the thymus supports the development of unconventional T cells such as natural killer T (NKT) and CD8αα intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs), which have innate functional properties, particular antigenic specificities, and tissue localization. Both conventional and innate T cells are believed to develop from common precursors undergoing instructive, TCR-mediated lineage fate decisions, but innate T cells are proposed to undergo positive instead of negative selection in response to agonistic TCR signals. In the present study, we show that, in contrast to conventional αβT cells, innate αβT cells are not selected against functional TCRγ rearrangements and express TCRγ mRNA. Likewise, in contrast to the majority of γδT cells, thymic innate γδT cells are not efficiently selected against functional TCRβ chains. In precursors of conventional T cells, autonomous TCR signals emanating from the pre-TCR or γδTCR in the absence of ligand mediate selection against the TCR of the opposite isotype and αβ/γδ lineage commitment. Our data suggest that developing innate T cells ignore such signals and rely solely on agonistic TCR interactions. Consistently, most innate T cells reacted strongly against autologous thymocytes. These results suggest that innate and adaptive T-cell lineages do not develop from the same pool of precursors and potentially diverge before αβ/γδ lineage commitment.
The role of maintenance thalidomide therapy in multiple myeloma: MRC Myeloma IX results and meta-analysis
Authors: Morgan Gareth J. , Gregory Walter M. , Davies Faith E. , Bell Sue E. , Szubert Alexander J. , Brown Julia M. , Coy Nuria N. , Cook Gordon , Russell Nigel H. , Rudin Claudius , Roddie Huw , Drayson Mark T. , Owen Roger G. , Ross Fiona M. , Jackson Graham H. , Child J. Anthony ,   on behalf of the National Cancer Research Institute Haematological Oncology Clinical Studies Group
Published: October 2011

Thalidomide maintenance has the potential to modulate residual multiple myeloma (MM) after an initial response. This trial compared the effect of thalidomide maintenance and no maintenance on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in MM patients. After intensive or nonintensive induction therapy, 820 newly diagnosed MM patients were randomized to open-label thalidomide maintenance until progression, or no maintenance. Interphase FISH (iFISH) analysis was performed at study entry. Median PFS was significantly longer with thalidomide maintenance (log-rank P < .001). Median OS was similar between regimens (log-rank P = .40). Patients with favorable iFISH showed improved PFS (P = .004) and a trend toward a late survival benefit. Patients with adverse iFISH receiving thalidomide showed no significant PFS benefit and worse OS (P = .009). Effective relapse therapy enhanced survival after progression, translating into a significant OS benefit. Meta-analysis of this and other studies show a significant late OS benefit (P < .001, 7-year difference hazard ratio = 12.3; 95% confidence interval, 5.5-19.0). Thalidomide maintenance significantly improves PFS and can be associated with improved OS. iFISH testing is important in assessing the clinical impact of maintenance therapy. Overview analysis demonstrated that thalidomide maintenance was associated with a significant late OS benefit. This trial was registered at www.isrctn.org as #ISRCTN68454111.
Leukocyte ligands for endothelial selectins: specialized glycoconjugates that mediate rolling and signaling under flow
Authors: Zarbock Alexander , Ley Klaus , McEver Rodger P. , Hidalgo Andrés
Published: October 2011

Reversible interactions of glycoconjugates on leukocytes with P- and E-selectin on endothelial cells mediate tethering and rolling of leukocytes in inflamed vascular beds, the first step in their recruitment to sites of injury. Although selectin ligands on hematopoietic precursors have been identified, here we review evidence that PSGL-1, CD44, and ESL-1 on mature leukocytes are physiologic glycoprotein ligands for endothelial selectins. Each ligand has specialized adhesive functions during tethering and rolling. Furthermore, PSGL-1 and CD44 induce signals that activate the β2 integrin LFA-1 and promote slow rolling, whereas ESL-1 induces signals that activate the β2 integrin Mac-1 in adherent neutrophils. We also review evidence for glycolipids, CD43, L-selectin, and other glycoconjugates as potential physiologic ligands for endothelial selectins on neutrophils or lymphocytes. Although the physiologic characterization of these ligands has been obtained in mice, we also note reported similarities and differences with human selectin ligands.
Transfusion of human volunteers with older, stored red blood cells produces extravascular hemolysis and circulating non–transferrin-bound iron
Authors: Hod Eldad A. , Brittenham Gary M. , Billote Genia B. , Francis Richard O. , Ginzburg Yelena Z. , Hendrickson Jeanne E. , Jhang Jeffrey , Schwartz Joseph , Sharma Shruti , Sheth Sujit , Sireci Anthony N. , Stephens Hannah L. , Stotler Brie A. , Wojczyk Boguslaw S. , Zimring James C. , Spitalnik Steven L.
Published: October 2011

Transfusions of RBCs stored for longer durations are associated with adverse effects in hospitalized patients. We prospectively studied 14 healthy human volunteers who donated standard leuko-reduced, double RBC units. One unit was autologously transfused “fresh” (3-7 days of storage), and the other “older” unit was transfused after 40 to 42 days of storage. Of the routine laboratory parameters measured at defined times surrounding transfusion, significant differences between fresh and older transfusions were only observed in iron parameters and markers of extravascular hemolysis. Compared with fresh RBCs, mean serum total bilirubin increased by 0.55 mg/dL at 4 hours after transfusion of older RBCs (P = .0003), without significant changes in haptoglobin or lactate dehydrogenase. In addition, only after the older transfusion, transferrin saturation increased progressively over 4 hours to a mean of 64%, and non–transferrin-bound iron appeared, reaching a mean of 3.2μM. The increased concentrations of non–transferrin-bound iron correlated with enhanced proliferation in vitro of a pathogenic strain of Escherichia coli (r = 0.94, P = .002). Therefore, circulating non–transferrin-bound iron derived from rapid clearance of transfused, older stored RBCs may enhance transfusion-related complications, such as infection. The trial was registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01319552.