bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing risk: a qualitative study of community‐based professionals working with learning‐disabled sex offenders
Authors: HUTCHINSON J. , LOVELL A. , MASON T.
Published: May 2011

Accessible summary

Practitioners within learning disability services rarely use organized actuarial assessments, preferring intuitive ones based on observation.

There is little difference in risk assessment according to professional discipline.

Sex offenders with learning disabilities require more systematic assessment to differentiate them from non‐learning‐disabled sex offenders.

This study reports on research conducted to examine how community practitioners manage the difficulties of risk assessment in relation to people with a learning disability and a history of sexually offensive or abusive behaviour. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with a number of key professionals from various disciplines, all currently involved in the assessment process with the aim of determining potential referral to community settings. Data analysis revolved around a thematic exposition of factors influencing the relationship between the objective science of psychiatric investigation and the subjective interpretation of real‐world practicalities in working with this group. Findings surrounded three major themes, frame conflict, relating to the difficulties of decision making in this area, therapeutic performance, whereby professionals were expected to engage in some form of active intervention, and safety outcomes, involving consideration of the problematic nature of judging the likelihood of re‐offending.
Intraperitoneal murine Echinococcus multilocularis infection induces differentiation of TGF‐β‐expressing DCs that remain immature
Authors: MEJRI N. , MÜLLER J. , GOTTSTEIN B.
Published: May 2011

Intraperitoneal larval infection (alveolar echinococcosis, AE) with Echinococcus multilocularis in mice impairs host immunity. Metacestode metabolites may modulate immunity putatively via dendritic cells. During murine AE, a relative increase of peritoneal DCs (pe‐DCs) in infected mice (AE‐pe‐DCs; 4% of total peritoneal cells) as compared to control mice (naïve pe‐DCs; 2%) became apparent in our study. The differentiation of AE‐pe‐DCs into TGF‐β‐expressing cells and the higher level of IL‐4 than IFN‐γ/IL‐2 mRNA expression in AE‐CD4+pe‐T cells indicated a Th2 orientation. Analysis of major accessory molecule expression on pe‐DCs from AE‐infected mice revealed that CD80 and CD86 were down‐regulated on AE‐pe‐DCs, while ICAM‐1(CD54) remained practically unchanged. Moreover, AE‐pe‐DCs had a weaker surface expression of MHC class II (Ia) molecules as compared to naïve pe‐DCs. The gene expression level of molecules involved in MHC class II (Ia) synthesis and formation of MHC class II (Ia)–peptide complexes were down‐regulated. In addition, metacestodes excreted/secreted (E/S) or vesicle‐fluid (V/F) antigens were found to alter MHC class II molecule expression on the surface of BMDCs. Finally, conversely to naïve pe‐DCs, an increasing number of AE‐pe‐DCs down‐regulated Con A‐induced proliferation of naïve CD4+pe‐T cells. These findings altogether suggested that TGF‐β‐expressing immature AE‐pe‐DCs might play a significant role in the generation of a regulatory immune response within the peritoneal cavity of AE‐infected mice.
Glatiramer Acetate‐Specific Antibody Titres in Patients with Relapsing / Remitting Multiple Sclerosis and in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Bomprezzi R. , Schaefer R. , Reese V. , Misra A. , Vollmer T. L. , Kala M.
Published: May 2011

Glatiramer acetate (GA) is an immunomodulatory drug approved for the treatment of clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). As an antigen‐based therapy, GA induces GA‐specific antibodies in treated patients and animals. GA‐specific antibodies do not neutralize therapeutic effects on relapses and disability. Rather, it has been suggested that GA‐specific antibodies may be associated with improved clinical outcomes. We evaluated antibody responses in eight patients with RRMS treated with GA for 15 months and antibody responses in GA‐treated C57BL/6 mice before and after induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). There were no significant differences from pretreatment levels of total IgE or GA‐specific IgE in patients with RRMS. Total IgG1, IgG3 and GA‐specific IgG4 were significantly increased at 15 months of GA treatment. Antibody type and titre were not associated with clinical outcomes, i.e. expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score, disease burden on magnetic resonance images (MRI) or clinical relapses. In contrast, mice with EAE showed a marked increase in GA‐specific IgE and GA‐specific IgG1 antibody responses. GA‐treated mice demonstrated improved clinical symptoms and lower mortality than untreated controls. Our results suggest that antibody responses to GA are heterogeneous among patients with RRMS, with no apparent association between antibody response and clinical outcomes. Clinical improvements in EAE‐induced GA‐treated mice suggest that GA‐specific IgE and IgG1 may contribute to GA treatment effects in EAE.
Engagement: an indicator of difference in the perceptions of antenatal care for pregnant women from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds
Authors: Docherty Angie , Bugge Carol , Watterson Andrew
Published: May 2011

Background  Socioeconomically deprived women are at greater risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Research tends to focus on access of services. Yet access may not equate with the equity of services for women from different socioeconomic backgrounds.

Objectives  To determine whether pregnant women’s perceptions of antenatal provision differed in relation to their socioeconomic deprivation ranking (determined by the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation 2006).

Design  A longitudinal, qualitative study with comparative antenatal case studies between January 2007 and April 2009.

Setting/Participants  Cases were primigravida women from ‘least deprived’ (n = 9) and ‘most deprived’ (n = 12) geographical areas within one local authority in Scotland.

Analysis  Data were analysed using case study replication analysis.

Results  There was little difference in access to antenatal services between the ‘least’ and ‘most’ deprived groups. Perception of care differed in relation to the level of ‘engagement’ (defined using constructs of: language and personalization of care; power and relationships; and health literacy). Engagement was evidenced in most of the ‘least deprived’ cases and almost none of the ‘most deprived’ cases. Specifically, socioeconomically deprived women described less evidence of personal connection to their own care, effective communication and the opportunity for shared decision making.

Conclusion  In women from socioeconomically deprived areas, access may be a less useful indicator than engagement when assessing antenatal service quality. As engagement levels may be one method by which to predict and improve health outcomes, a more equitable antenatal service may need to be developed through the early identification of those women at risk of non‐engagement.
Cakes for cure: the role of charities in the embedding of innovative cancer treatment technologies
Authors: Ashmore Lisa
Published: May 2011

Background and Aims  Investment in innovative health technologies has been a focus of increasing critical interest in the social sciences. With proponents of such systems expounding new techniques, a strong normative context emerges for their adoption. Informed by the field of Science and Technology Studies (STS), this study focuses on the discourse used by charitable organizations involved in such investments and how their involvement contributes to the enrolment of vulnerable groups, such as cancer sufferers. A central concern of STS is the strategies scientists use when talking about their work. Methods of communication may often suggest there is only one possible solution to a perceived problem. Such determinism may be reflected in material used by fundraisers where technologies are discussed in a normative, deterministic and definitely desirable way. Charitable organizations in charge of fundraising may thus become deeply enrolled within programmes of development in which the legitimacy of knowledge claims and evidence production are difficult to examine.

Methods  Drawing on interviews with health‐care practitioners and anonymised examples from public fundraising campaigns linked to two UK hospitals, this study explores a theoretical proposition that fundraising materials can be regarded as tools for the enrolment of vulnerable groups in the processes of technological change.

Results and Conclusions  Where patients are called upon to donate money for the newest, and hence perceived best, equipment, practitioners were of the opinion that unnecessary pressure may be placed on the public to support campaigns, the value of which may be unclear.
Follow‐up care in cancer: adjusting for referral targets and extending choice
Authors: Wilson Kate , Lydon Anne , Amir Ziv
Published: May 2011

Background  Over recent years, several initiatives have impacted on the referral of patients to secondary care, most notably targets for urgent referral in suspected cancer and the patient choice agenda. At the same time, improved long‐term survival in cancer has increased numbers attending follow‐up, doubts about the effectiveness of specialist follow‐up have emerged, and alternative models of follow‐up have been tested.

Aim  The aim of the study was to explore patient and carer perspectives on the flexibility and responsiveness of cancer services. This article focuses on findings relating to referral, subsequent outpatient appointments and cessation of outpatient follow‐up.

Methods  Issues were explored in a qualitative study using face‐to‐face interviews with a purposive sample of 54 people affected by cancer. Data were analysed concurrently with data collection, using qualitative analysis software.

Findings  The study gave rise to a number of salient themes. Links were identified between three of these: choice and responsiveness during referral; the flexibility and responsiveness of outpatient appointment systems; and negotiating cessation of follow‐up. It appeared that policy on urgent referrals might be adversely affecting practice relating to appointment systems and the continuance of follow‐up.

Discussion and conclusions  Hospital‐based cancer follow‐up is being given decreasing priority because of doubts about effectiveness and a target‐driven focus on referral. This is impacting on patients, who may value outpatient follow‐up as a ‘safety net’ but have difficulties in obtaining appointments, and may be discharged without negotiation or adequate support. For these reasons, new forms of flexible/responsive aftercare are urgently needed.
Identification of a novel HLA‐DPB1 allele, DPB1*131:01, by sequence‐based typing
Authors: Rojo C. , Charles J. , Nguyen N. , Reveille J. , Mayes M.
Published: May 2011

This report identifies a novel HLA‐DPB1 allele, DPB1* 131:01.
How to write good multiple‐choice questions
Authors: Campbell Dianne E
Published: May 2011

Medical practitioners are frequently called upon to write multiple‐choice questions for high stakes examinations, such as final year medical student assessments and specialist college accreditation examinations. The fairness and validity of these examinations depends principally on the generation of high‐quality questions, which adequately sample the curriculum. The most common format for multiple‐choice examinations are single best answer and extended matching type questions. This paper provides a simple guideline that will assist with the production of high‐quality multiple‐choice papers in these formats.
Organizational risk management and nurses' perceptions of workplace risk associated with sharps including needlestick injuries in nurses in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Kable Ashley K. , Guest Maya , McLeod Mary
Published: May 2011

This study aimed to determine nurse reported organizational risk management and nurses' perceptions of workplace risk associated with sharps‐related injuries. A cross‐sectional survey was carried out on a sample of nurses from the New South Wales Nurses' Association, Australia in 2007 (n = 7423), and there were 1301 eligible participants. Overall, 73% participants reported that organizational policies were followed in the event of a “sharps including needlestick” injury. Participants reported working in sharps safety oriented organizations, routine hepatitis B vaccination, sharps disposal containers at point‐of‐use locations and availability of safety engineered devices in their organizations. Sharps including needlestick injury data were not routinely provided to staff, many nurses reported recapping and just one‐third had recently attended sharps injury prevention training. Nurses' perceptions of risk associated with sharps including needlestick injury were variable. Health‐care organizations are responsible for provision of safe workplaces and work practices, policies, workplace culture and prevention strategies, and appropriate responses when nurses are injured. These results have been used to propose recommendations to improve some of these risk management strategies.
Australian guidelines for the assessment of iron overload and iron chelation in transfusion‐dependent thalassaemia major, sickle cell disease and other congenital anaemias
Authors: Ho P. J. , Tay L. , Lindeman R. , Catley L. , Bowden D. K.
Published: May 2011

Iron overload is the most important cause of mortality in patients with thalassaemia major. Iron chelation is therefore a critical issue in the management of these patients and others with transfusion‐dependent haemoglobinopathies and congenital anaemias. In recent years, significant developments have been made in the assessment of iron overload, including the use of magnetic resonance imaging for measuring liver and cardiac iron. Advances in the modalities available for iron chelation, with the advent of oral iron chelators including deferiprone and deferasirox in addition to parenteral desferrioxamine, have expanded treatment options. A group of Australian haematologists has convened to formulate guidelines for managing iron overload on the basis of available evidence, and to describe best consensus practice as undertaken in major Australian Haemoglobinopathy units. The results of their discussions are described in this article, with the aim of providing guidance in the management of iron overload in these patients.
Matrix metalloproteinase inhibition counteracts impairment of cortical experience‐dependent plasticity after photothrombotic stroke
Authors: Cybulska‐Klosowicz A. , Liguz‐Lecznar M. , Nowicka D. , Ziemka‐Nalecz M. , Kossut M. , Skangiel‐Kramska J.
Published: May 2011

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are fine modulators of brain plasticity and pathophysiology. The inhibition of MMPs shortly after ischaemic stroke reduces the infarct size and has beneficial effects on post‐stroke behavioural recovery. Our previous studies have shown that photothrombotic cortical stroke disrupts use‐dependent plasticity in the neighbouring cortex. The aim of the present study was to check whether the inhibition of MMPs after photothrombosis rescued the plastic capacity of the barrel cortex. To induce plasticity in adult mice, a unilateral deprivation of all vibrissae except row C was applied. The deprivation started immediately after stroke and lasted 7 days. This procedure, in control (non‐stroke) animals, results in an enlargement of functional representation of the spared row, as shown with [14C]2‐deoxyglucose uptake mapping. In mice with stroke induced by photothrombosis in the vicinity of the barrel cortex, vibrissae deprivation did not result in an enlargement of the cortical representation of the spared row C of vibrissae, which confirmed our previous results. However, when mice were injected with the broad‐spectrum inhibitor of MMPs FN‐439 (10 mg/kg, i.v.) immediately before a stroke, an enlargement of the representation of the spared row similar to the enlargement found in sham mice was observed. These results indicate the involvement of MMPs in the impairment of use‐dependent plasticity in the vicinity of an ischaemic lesion.
Instability of spatial encoding by CA1 hippocampal place cells after peripheral nerve injury
Authors: Cardoso‐Cruz Helder , Lima Deolinda , Galhardo Vasco
Published: May 2011

Several authors have shown that the hippocampus responds to painful stimulation and suggested that prolonged painful conditions could lead to abnormal hippocampal functioning. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the induction of persistent peripheral neuropathic pain would affect basic hippocampal processing such as the spatial encoding performed by CA1 place cells. These place cells fire preferentially in a certain spatial position in the environment, and this spatial mapping remains stable across multiple experimental sessions even when the animal is removed from the testing environment. To address the effect of prolonged pain on the stability of place cell encoding, we chronically implanted arrays of electrodes in the CA1 hippocampal region of adult rats and recorded the multichannel neuronal activity during a simple food‐reinforced alternation task in a U‐shaped runway. The activity of place cells was followed over a 3‐week period before and after the establishment of an animal model of neuropathy, spared nerve injury. Our results show that the nerve injury increased the number of place fields encoded per cell and the mapping size of the place fields. In addition, there was an increase in in‐field coherence while the amount of spatial information content that a single spike conveyed about the animal location decreased over time. Other measures of spatial tuning (in‐field firing rate, firing peak and number of spikes) were unchanged between the experimental groups. These results demonstrate that the functioning of spatial place cells is altered during neuropathic pain conditions.
Improvement of diabetes care in a small but geographically widely spread population in Greenland. Effects of a national diabetes care programme
Authors: Pedersen M. L. , Jacobsen J. L.
Published: May 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 1425–1432 (2011)

Aims  To estimate the prevalence of diagnosed Type 2 diabetes mellitus in Greenland and to evaluate the quality of the diabetes care before and after implementation of a new diabetes programme.

Methods  In this observational and cross‐sectional study, data from the medical records were collected in Greenland in 2008 and 2010. Information about age, gender, most recently measured HbA1c, blood pressure and serum cholesterol and from the examination of eyes, feet and urine was obtained. The prevalence was estimated using the whole adult population in Greenland as background population. The quality of the diabetes care was monitored by six process, three biological and three treatment indicators. A diabetes concept based on national guidelines, systematized recording in an electronic medical record and feedback to the clinics were used to improve diabetes care.

Results  Four hundred and sixty‐five patients were included in the 2008 sample and 691 in the 2010 sample. The total prevalence increased from 2.3 (95% CI 2.1–2.5) % in 2008 to 2.7 (95% CI 2.5–3.0) among Greenlanders aged 40 years old or above, corresponding to an increase of 19% (P = 0.006). All process indicators improved significantly between the two observations.

Conclusions  Along with an increasing prevalence of diagnosed Type 2 diabetes, all six process quality indicators increased. It is strongly recommended that focus on the quality of diabetes care in Greenland should be maintained in order to benefit from the programme in the longer term.
Do We Really Want to Know? The Potentially Negative Effect of Transparency in Decision Making on Perceived Legitimacy
Authors: de Fine Licht Jenny
Published: May 2011

Building on the notion of transparency as a strong democratic value and theories of procedural justice, this article reports an explorative experimental test whether transparency in decision making may lead to increased perceived legitimacy in terms of decision acceptance and trust. This is done in a context of difficult decisions of high importance for citizens – namely priority setting in public health care. An experiment was designed in which ordinary citizens were presented with a description of a case of priority setting between two groups with different health care needs. One group was given no information at all on the decision‐making procedure, as an example of non‐transparent decision making, and six groups were presented with different descriptions of the decision‐making procedure, as examples of transparency in decision making. The transparent procedures were derived from three basic forms of democratic decision making: representation, direct participation and expert decision making. A second manipulation framed the decision‐making procedure alternatively in positive or negative terms in order to capture media framing effects as well. According to the findings of the study, transparent decision‐making procedures tend to weaken rather than strengthen general trust in health care – a finding that might reveal obstacles to attempts to strengthen the legitimacy of health care by employing transparent procedures. The results also show that while the form of decision making had no significant impact on perceived legitimacy, positive or negative framing of a decision‐making procedure influences public perceptions of both the procedure and the decision outcome.
Tick‐borne encephalitis in Latvia 1973–2009: epidemiology, clinical features and sequelae
Authors: Karelis G. , Bormane A. , Logina I. , Lucenko I. , Suna N. , Krumina A. , Donaghy M.
Published: May 2011

Background and purpose:  To report a 37‐year observational experience in Latvia relating the incidence of human tick‐borne encephalitis (TBE) and its clinical manifestations, to the field abundance of ticks.

Methods:  Tick abundance was measured by standard flagging techniques. Incidence of human tick‐borne disease was derived from Public Health reporting data. Clinical and follow‐up data were determined from hospital cohorts from 1973 to 2009.

Results:  Two TBE incidence peaks in the mid‐1970s and the 1990s correlated with increased field abundance of ticks. Increased human TBE in the 1970s was associated with higher field abundance of both Ixodes ricinis and I. Persulcatus. The 1990s peak was particularly associated with I. ricinus, the species predominating in western/central Latvia, and with other factors, including changed agricultural land usage. Proportions of patients with meningitic or focal forms of TBE were similar in the two outbreaks and the intervening periods. Meningeal irritation occurred in 90%, altered consciousness in 19%, ataxia in 34%, seizures in 9%, bulbar features in 2–3% and limb weakness in 15% with shoulder amyotrophy predominating in 5%. Annual mortality varied from 0 to 1.3% and was not related to the overall incidence of TBE. Follow‐up for 1–13 years of a cohort of 100 patients revealed long‐term sequelae in over 50%, more commonly in those suffering focal forms of acute TBE.

Conclusions:  Clinical features and mortality of the 1970s and 1990s TBE outbreaks were similar and did not point to a change in virulence.
Association of non‐diabetic hyperglycemia with autonomic shift in acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Sykora M. , Diedler J. , Poli S. , Rizos T. , Kellert L. , Turcani P. , Steiner T.
Published: May 2011

Background and purpose:  The etiology of hyperglycemia in acute stroke remains controversial. It is unclear whether hyperglycemia arises as an epiphenomenon of stroke or as a reflection of underlying diabetes. Autonomic shift to sympathetic overactivity has been repeatedly observed in acute stroke. We hypothesize that hyperglycemia in acute stroke relates to autonomic imbalance and that the respective deleterious effects on stroke outcome may be cross‐linked.

Methods:  A total of 75 non‐diabetic patients with ischaemic stroke were included in a prospective study. Glucose levels at admission, fasting glucose, and glucose profiles were recorded. Autonomic function was quantified by the assessment of spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) using a cross‐correlation method. Demographic and clinical data including stroke volumes and admission National Institute of Heath Stroke Scale scores were included into the analysis. Functional outcome at 90 days was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale.

Results:  Hyperglycemia was correlated with decreased BRS independent of stroke severity or volume (r = −0.46, P < 0.001). In two separate regression models, glucose levels and BRS independently predicted unfavorable outcome at 3 months (OR = 1.06, CI = 1.02–1.11, P = 0.004 and OR = 0.75, CI = 0.56–0.99, P = 0.04). However, combining the models, only glucose levels (OR = 1.06, CI = 1.02–1.11, P = 0.004) remained independent predictor of outcome at 3 months.

Conclusions:  We observed an association between hyperglycemia and decreased BRS in non‐diabetic patients, suggesting that hyperglycemic reaction in acute stroke may reflect stroke‐related autonomic changes. Moreover, outcome effects of autonomic changes and hyperglycemia seem to be interdependent, putatively having the sympatho‐vagal imbalance as common underlying mechanism. The possible therapeutic relevance of this finding warrants further studies.
Visceral lesions occurring during follow‐up of melanoma patients: a true place for other diagnosis than melanoma metastasis
Authors: Battistella M. , Robert C. , Gossot D. , Dupuy A. , Mateus C. , Kérob D. , Avril M.F. , Basset‐Seguin N. , Lebbé C. , de Kerviler E. , Viguier M.
Published: May 2011

Background  Diagnosis of melanoma metastasis is often based on a combination of clinical and radiological examinations in patients with a past history of melanoma. Chemotherapeutic treatment is often proposed without histological proof of the metastatic status.

Objective  The aim of this study was to investigate a cohort of melanoma patients with invasive diagnostic procedures (IDPs) for pathological confirmation of metastasis in case of suspicious visceral lesions.

Methods  A total of 109 melanoma patients with IDPs for suspicious visceral lesion(s) were included. Data about primary melanoma, IDPs characteristics, pathological result and therapeutic consequence were collected. Patients with AJCC Stage I–III melanoma at the time of the IDP were statistically analysed for various characteristics according to the final diagnosis yielded by the IDP.

Results  A total of 64 diagnostic surgical resections, 38 CT‐guided core‐needle biopsies, 15 ultrasound‐guided core‐needle biopsies, 6 surgical biopsies and 6 per‐endoscopic biopsies were performed. Main target organs were the lungs (43.5%), breasts (8.5%) and liver (8%). IDPs were well tolerated and provided adequate samples for reliable diagnoses. Among the 105 IDPs in stage I–III patients, 56 melanoma metastases (53%), 25 benign lesions (24%) and 23 other cancers (22%) were found. One IDP was not informative. Multivariate analysis showed that nodular type of the primary melanoma, time‐lag between primary melanoma and IDP over 12 months and the presence of suspicious lesions outside the organ biopsied were significantly associated with melanoma metastasis diagnosis.

Conclusion  Suspected melanoma metastasis was ruled out for benign lesion or second cancer in nearly half of the stage I–III patients having undergone an IDP, therefore modifying the medical treatment.
Child and parental literacy levels within families with a history of dyslexia
Authors: van Bergen Elsje , de Jong Peter F. , Plakas Anna , Maassen Ben , van der Leij Aryan
Published: May 2011

Background:  The present study concerns literacy and its underlying cognitive skills in Dutch children who differ in familial risk (FR) for dyslexia. Previous studies with FR‐children were inconclusive regarding the performance of FR‐children without dyslexia as compared to the controls. Moreover, van Bergen et al. (2011) recently showed that FR‐children with and without dyslexia differed in parental reading skills, suggesting that those who go on to develop dyslexia have a higher liability. The current study concerned 1) the comparison of three groups of children at the end of second grade and 2) the intergenerational transfer of reading and its underlying cognitive skills from parent to child.

Method:  Three groups of children were studied at the end of second grade: FR‐dyslexia (n = 42), FR‐no‐dyslexia (n = 99), and control children (n = 66). Parents and children were measured on naming, phonology, spelling, and word and pseudoword reading.

Results:  The FR‐dyslexia children were severely impaired across all tasks. The FR‐no‐dyslexia children performed better than the FR‐dyslexia children, but still below the level of the controls on all tasks; the only exception was rapid naming (RAN), on which they were as fast as the controls. Focusing on the FR subsample, parental reading and RAN were related to their offspring’s reading status.

Conclusions:  We replicated and extended van Bergen et al.’s study in showing that the FR‐children who develop dyslexia are likely to have a higher liability. Both the group comparisons and the parent–child relations highlight the importance of good RAN skills for reading acquisition.
Parkin promotes the ubiquitination and degradation of the mitochondrial fusion factor mitofusin 1
Authors: Glauser Liliane , Sonnay Sarah , Stafa Klodjan , Moore Darren J.
Published: May 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 636–645.

Mutations in the parkin gene cause early‐onset, autosomal recessive Parkinson’s disease. Parkin functions as an E3 ubiquitin ligase to mediate the covalent attachment of ubiquitin monomers or linked chains to protein substrates. Substrate ubiquitination can target proteins for proteasomal degradation or can mediate a number of non‐degradative functions. Parkin has been shown to preserve mitochondrial integrity in a number of experimental systems through the regulation of mitochondrial fission. Upon mitochondrial damage, parkin translocates to mitochondria to mediate their selective elimination by autophagic degradation. The mechanism underlying this process remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that parkin interacts with and selectively mediates the atypical poly‐ubiquitination of the mitochondrial fusion factor, mitofusin 1, leading to its enhanced turnover by proteasomal degradation. Our data supports a model whereby the translocation of parkin to damaged mitochondria induces the degradation of mitofusins leading to impaired mitochondrial fusion. This process may serve to selectively isolate damaged mitochondria for their removal by autophagy.
Summer survival of arbuscular mycorrhiza extraradical mycelium and the potential for its management through tillage options in Mediterranean cropping systems
Authors: Brito I. , De Carvalho M. , Goss M. J.
Published: May 2011

The potential to manage arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization within Mediterranean agricultural systems depends on the summer survival of extraradical mycelium. To investigate this further a three‐stage experiment was undertaken. The first stage was the creation of two contrasting levels of extraradical mycelium development, achieved by two contrasting levels of soil disturbance (typifying full tillage and no‐till). In the second stage, this differential mycelial inoculum was subjected to Mediterranean summer temperature and soil water regimes representing the post‐harvest fallow. During the third stage, corresponding to the next growing season, survival was evaluated without further soil disturbance (typifying no‐till conditions) using wheat as host crop. The results clearly indicate that the extraradical mycelium survived the prevailing summer conditions. The knowledge that extraradical mycelium can survive the Mediterranean summer encourages the use of tillage systems that minimize mechanical disturbance of the soil, such as no‐till. The results from this study suggest that by making the appropriate choice of crops to establish a mycorrhizal‐supportive rotation there can be opportunities for agro‐ecosystem management to benefit from the symbiotic relationship.
Soft Tissue Myoepithelioma of the Scalp in a 11‐Year‐Old Girl: A Challenging Diagnosis
Authors: Kadlub Natacha , Galiani Eva , Fraitag Sylvie , Boudjema Sabah , Vazquez Marie‐Paule , Coulomb Aurore , Picard Arnaud
Published: May 2011

Abstract:  Myoepithelioma is a well‐known tumor in the salivary glands and breasts in adults. It is exceptionally rare in soft tissue and in children. We present a case of subcutaneous scalp myoepithelioma in an 11‐year‐old girl. On clinical examination, it appeared as a dermoid cyst. Myoepithelioma is uncommon in the subcutaneous tissue. Clinically, the neoplasm is nonspecific. Because of the variable appearance of myoepithelial cells and their phenotype, the pathological diagnosis is challenging. We report a case of subcutaneous myoepithelioma in a child and discuss the literature.
The Epistemology of Entrepreneurial Orientation: Conceptual Formation, Modeling, and Operationalization
Authors: George Bradley A. , Marino Louis
Published: May 2011

In this manuscript, we examine the evolution of the Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) concept in an effort to identify areas of concern for the future development of knowledge around the construct and provide conceptual analyses to suggest how we might best move forward in the construct's development. We suggest that the continued accumulation of knowledge in the field is best facilitated by conceptualizing EO as a reflective model utilizing three dimensions that can be extended through the use of a classical classification scheme and that additional subcategories of EO should be developed within the EO conceptual family utilizing new measurement items.
Trikke Tech Inc.
Authors: Fernandes Bruno Henrique Rocha , da Rocha Angela , Junior Rene Seifert
Published: May 2011

Brazilian entrepreneurs founded Trikke Tech Inc. in the United States in 2000 after an unsuccessful attempt to market their product—a human–propelled vehicle similar to a scooter—in Brazil. By 2006, Trikke Tech was a new international venture with manufacturing in China, marketing activities in the United States, R&D in Brazil, patents pending in 35 countries, and sales in 17 countries. This case study describes the company's initial steps and its strategy in the U.S. market and outlines the future challenges faced by the entrepreneurs. Specifically, the case addresses the question of how to position the new product to achieve market penetration in the United States, and which strategies and marketing programs to adopt, considering the firm's limited resources.
Effect of Water Penetration on the Strength and Toughness of Silica Glass
Authors: Wiederhorn Sheldon M. , Fett Theo , Rizzi Gabriele , Fünfschilling Stefan , Hoffmann Michael J. , Guin Jean‐Pierre
Published: May 2011

In this paper, we discuss the effect of water on the strength and static fatigue of silica glass. When a crack is formed in silica glass, the surrounding environment rushes into the crack; water then diffuses from the environment into the newly formed fracture surfaces to generate a zone of swelling around the crack tip. Because the swollen material is constrained from expanding by the surrounding glass, a zone of compressive stress is generated at the fracture surface around the crack tip. The results are similar to those found for transformation toughened zirconium oxide, with the exception that the transformation zone in silica glass grows with time, so that the effect gets progressively stronger. Using diffusion data from the literature, we show that the diffusion of water into silica glass can explain several significant experimental observations: the reported strengthening of silica glass by soaking in water at 88°C; an increase in the slope of dynamic fatigue curve by prior exposure to water at 88°C; the observation of a static fatigue limit in silica glass at very low values of the applied stress‐intensity factor; and the observation of crack face displacements caused by water penetration into the glass at the crack tip.
Highly Homogeneous Al2O3–ZrO2 Nanopowder via Microwave‐Assisted Hydro‐ and SolvoThermal Synthesis
Authors: Prete Francesca , Rizzuti Antonino , Esposito Leonardo , Tucci Antonella , Leonelli Cristina
Published: May 2011

Zirconia‐doped alumina nanometric powder (5 mol%) was prepared by means of microwave hydro‐ and solvothermal syntheses, with the use of either bi‐distilled water or diethylenic glycol as solvents, respectively. The as‐obtained products were thermal treated at different temperatures (400°, 450°, and 500°C) to study the phase evolution. The experimental method allows synthesis of carbon‐coated zirconia‐dispersed alumina nanopowders with excellent characteristics, such as very fine size, high homogeneity, no phase separation, and narrow size distribution.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Rutile‐Type Complete Solid Solution Nanoparticles in theTiO2–SnO2System under Acidic Conditions
Authors: Hirano Masanori , Kono Takeshi
Published: May 2011

Rutile‐type complete solid solutions betweenTiO2andSnO2were directly formed as nanoparticles via the forced co‐hydrolysis of precursor solutions ofTiCl4andSnCl4under acidic hydrothermal conditions at 240°C. The change in the lattice parametersa0andc0of rutile(Ti, Sn)O2solid solutions followed the Vegard's Law. The crystallite size of rutile‐typeTiO2was varied from 118 to 22.5 nm by the formation of rutile‐type solid solutions with 10 mol%SnO2. The crystallite size of the rutile‐type solid solutions containing more than 20 mol%SnO2was maintained in the range of 10–14 nm by the control of crystallite growth owing to the presence ofSnO2. The specific surface area of the rutile‐type solid solutions corresponded well to the change in the crystallite size. The optical band gap was gradually decreased with decreasedSnO2content in the rutile‐type solid solutions. The beginning of the phase separation was observed in the sampleTi0.5Sn0.5O2by heating at 1200°C above 1 h in air, since the rutile‐type solid solutions were metastable in the large area of miscibility gap belowTc= 1430°C in theTiO2–SnO2system.
Refractive Index Profile and Luminescence Properties of Dy3+‐doped Ge20Ga5Sb10S65 Glass after Electric Field‐Assisted Silver Diffusion
Authors: Ren Jing , Stepanov Boris , Wagner Tomas , Frumar Miloslav , Zeng Huidan , Chen Guorong
Published: May 2011

Solid state electric field‐assisted diffusion has been widely applied to oxide glasses to make buried waveguides but rarely employed in chalcogenide glasses. We have previously fabricated Ag‐doped Ge20Ga5Sb10S65 glasses by electric field‐assisted diffusion and studied the Ag+ concentration profiles. However, the optical properties after the silver diffusion were left unexplored. In this article, we use the “scratch method” by atomic force microscopy to investigate the refractive index profile of Dy3+‐doped Ge20Ga5Sb10S65 glass after the silver diffusion. The refractive index profile obtained after the diffusion is very symmetric. An enhanced Dy3+ 1.34 μm emission has been found only in the presence of silver. The product of measured lifetime and emission cross‐section (τmeaσe) is increased by 12% after the diffusion.
Preparation of Hierarchically Porous Nanocrystalline CaTiO3, SrTiO3 and BaTiO3 Perovskite Monoliths
Authors: Ruzimuradov Olim , Hasegawa George , Kanamori Kazuyoshi , Nakanishi Kazuki
Published: May 2011

Hierarchically porous nanocrystalline CaTiO3, SrTiO3, and BaTiO3 ceramics have been produced by impregnating corresponding alkaline‐earth metal ions into preformed macroporous TiO2 monoliths in a solution containing urea, followed by calcination. The macroporous TiO2 had been obtained via the sol–gel process accompanied by phase separation utilizing a chelating agent, ethyl acetylacetonate (EtAcAc), together with mineral salt and ammonium chloride, to decrease the reactivity of titanium alkoxide. Formations of CaCO3, SrCO3, and BaCO3 on the surface of TiO2 monoliths are promoted by CO2 generated by the concurrent two processes during impregnation; hydrolysis, and decarbonation of the chelating agent EtAcAc, and hydrolysis of urea at 60°C. The latter also raises pH of the impregnating solution which further promotes the mineralization of the carbonate salts. Calcination of the resultant monolithic composite of metal carbonate/TiO2 allows the crystallization of metal titanate. The addition of urea to the impregnating solution is found to be an effective strategy for the formation of perovskite monoliths by the impregnation process. This study provides a versatile approach to the preparation of hierarchically porous titania‐based perovskites.
Influence of Cr2O3 on the Residual Voltage Ratio of SnO2‐Based Varistor
Authors: Wei Qiaoyuan , He Jinliang , Hu Jun , Wang Yunchao
Published: May 2011

The SnO2‐based varistor is a kind of new varistor ceramic material with high nonlinear electrical properties and high thermal conductivity. To improve the comprehensive performance, we focus on how to lower the residual voltage ratio of SnO2‐based varistor. In this article, the influence of Cr2O3 on the microstructure, nonlinear J–E characteristics and surge current performances have been investigated. By changing mean grain size and bringing oxygen vacancies, different Cr2O3 concentrations make the residual voltage ratio increase or decrease accordingly. The lowest residual voltage ratio we obtained is 1.68, when the content of Cr2O3 is 0.03 mol%, which is comparative to commercial ZnO‐based varistor of the same specifications and close to practical use.
Cell‐Assisted Deposition of Inorganic Coatings
Authors: Sommi Patrizia , Oldani Amanda , Maglia Filippo , Chiozzi Valentina , Tredici Ilenia G. , Ricci Vittorio , Anselmi‐Tamburini Umberto
Published: May 2011

We present a new approach to the synthesis of inorganic coatings based on the ability of cultured cells to actively uptake large amounts of nanoparticles. The cellular matrix allows maintaining the adhesion of the nanoparticles to the substrate at temperatures high enough to allow bonding of the powders on the substrate during a subsequent thermal degradation. Exploiting different cell abilities it is possible to obtain patterning and formation of nanocomposites even on substrates characterized by complex geometries. These results suggest that cultured eukaryotic cells have good potential as a tool for the realization of inorganic coatings.
Effect of parity on maternal and neonatal outcomes in twin gestations
Authors: HANNOUN ANTOINE , USTA IHAB M. , AWWAD JOHNNY , MOUKALLED DARINE , YAHYA FADI , JURDI AMIN , NASSAR ANWAR H.
Published: May 2011

Objective. To compare maternal and neonatal outcomes of twin gestations in nulliparous and multiparous women. Design. Retrospective analysis of maternal and neonatal records. Setting. American University of Beirut Medical Center, a referral university‐affiliated hospital. Population. Pregnant women who delivered twin gestations beyond 24 weeks from 1990 to 2004. Methods. The data collected were analyzed using Student's paired t‐test or χ2test. Logistic regression analysis was used to study the effect of multiple variables on preterm delivery. Main Outcome Measure. Preterm birth rate. Results. Nulliparas (n=333) were more likely to be younger (28.1±5.4 vs. 30.0±5.2years; p<0.001) and the pregnancy a product of assisted reproductive technology (23.1 vs. 4.5%; p<0.001) compared with multiparas (n=508). They were at significantly increased risk of preterm delivery (54.4 vs. 45.1%; p=0.009) at lower gestational age (35.6±3.2 vs. 36.2±3.0 weeks; p=0.004). They had longer first and second stages of labor and a higher cesarean delivery rate (61.3 vs. 44.9%; p<0.001). Except for a higher intensive care nursery admission rate and longer nursery stay for twins of nulliparas, all neonatal morbidities were comparable. On multiple logistic regression analysis, multiparity (relative risk 0.70, 95% confidence interval 0.51–0.97) and growth restriction (relative risk 0.16, 95% confidence interval 0.12–0.22) were protective, while discordance (relative risk 2.24, 95% confidence interval 1.40–3.60) was a predictor of preterm delivery. Conclusions. Nulliparous women with twin gestations are at significantly higher risk for preterm delivery and cesarean delivery compared with multiparous women. Although this was not translated into higher perinatal mortality, these women should be monitored closely and counseled regarding these risks and their attendant morbidity.
Functional characterization of cancer‐associated fibroblasts of human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Commandeur Suzan , Ho Suet Huy , de Gruijl Frank R. , Willemze Rein , Tensen Cornelis P. , El Ghalbzouri Abdoelwaheb
Published: May 2011

Abstract:  Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer in the Caucasian population worldwide, having a propensity for invasion, local recurrence and metastasis. Stromal cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are suspected to play an important role in SCC carcinogenesis. In this study, we characterized CAFs isolated from primary cutaneous SCCs and compared them to normal fibroblasts (NFs) isolated from healthy dermis. Human skin CAFs in monolayers displayed different morphology, increased proliferation and migration compared to NFs. CAFs caused strong contraction of collagen matrices in which they were seeded and released high levels of the extracellular matrix component pro‐collagen I. CAFs decreased proliferation and differentiation in the epidermis of human skin equivalents (HSEs) seeded with SCC cell lines, without affecting basement membrane composition. Finally, CAFs significantly increased invasion and dermal‐epidermal detachment of SCC cell lines SCC‐12B2 and SCC‐13, respectively, when cultured in HSEs. These distinct features of CAFs point out a specific role in cutaneous SCC development.
Skin alterations due to illegal drug abuse
Authors: Fink Bianca , Landthaler Michael , Hafner Christian
Published: May 2011

Drug abuse is associated with a wide variety of skin alterations. Being aware of the typical signs and symptoms of the drug addicts’ skin is of special importance to dermatologists, even though dermatologists are commonly not involved in the treatment of these patients. There is yet a chance for dermatologists to identify drug abusers early by to some extent specific cutaneous signs and after exclusion of several other etiological factors, so that this will lead to further treatment through the respective specialists. The objective of this paper is to draw particular attention to typical skin lesions and diseases which may be associated with drug abuse.
Research in practice: Antimicrobial peptides of the skin
Authors: Gläser Regine
Published: May 2011

Antimicrobial peptides represent evolutionary ancient molecules whose importance became evident within the last years. These highly effective peptides protect the skin and other epithelia against infection and form a fast acting “chemical barrier” also regulating the normal flora of the skin and mucosa. In the Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Kiel, various antimicrobial peptides have been discovered, characterized and investigated in healthy persons as well as in different skin diseases. Everyday clinical observations formed the background for several interesting hypotheses and findings.