bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motivation and job satisfaction among medical and nursing staff in a Cyprus public general hospital
Authors: Lambrou Persefoni , Kontodimopoulos Nick , Niakas Dimitris
Published: November 2010

Background

The objective of this study was to investigate how medical and nursing staff of the Nicosia General Hospital is affected by specific motivation factors, and the association between job satisfaction and motivation. Furthermore, to determine the motivational drive of socio-demographic and job related factors in terms of improving work performance.

Methods

A previously developed and validated instrument addressing four work-related motivators (job attributes, remuneration, co-workers and achievements) was used. Two categories of health care professionals, medical doctors and dentists (N = 67) and nurses (N = 219) participated and motivation and job satisfaction was compared across socio-demographic and occupational variables.

Results

The survey revealed that achievements was ranked first among the four main motivators, followed by remuneration, co-workers and job attributes. The factor remuneration revealed statistically significant differences according to gender, and hospital sector, with female doctors and nurses and accident and emergency (A+E) outpatient doctors reporting greater mean scores (p < 0.005). The medical staff showed statistically significantly lower job satisfaction compared to the nursing staff. Surgical sector nurses and those >55 years of age reported higher job satisfaction when compared to the other groups.

Conclusions

The results are in agreement with the literature which focuses attention to management approaches employing both monetary and non-monetary incentives to motivate health care professionals. Health care professionals tend to be motivated more by intrinsic factors, implying that this should be a target for effective employee motivation. Strategies based on the survey's results to enhance employee motivation are suggested.
Serosurvey for selected pathogens in Iberian roe deer
Authors: Boadella Mariana , Carta Tania , Oleaga Álvaro , Pajares Gerardo , Muñoz Marta , Gortázar Christian
Published: November 2010

Background

The roe deer is the most abundant and widespread wild Eurasian cervid. Its populations are expanding and increasingly in contact with livestock. This may affect the distribution of infectious diseases shared with other wild and domestic ungulates.

Methods

We investigated the antibody seroprevalence against Pestivirus, Herpesvirus, Bluetongue (BT) virus, M. avium paratuberculosis (MAP), and Brucella sp. in 519 roe deer from different regions in Spain, south-western Europe.

Results

No antibodies were detected against BT and Brucella sp. However, antibodies were detected against Pestivirus (1.5%), Herpesvirus (0.2%) and MAP (9.2%). MAP antibodies were detected in seven of the eight populations (range 5-16.4%).

Conclusions

The detection of MAP antibodies in samples from most roe deer populations suggests that contact with MAP is widespread in this wildlife species. The highest prevalence was detected in sites with abundant dairy cattle and frequent use of liquid manure on pastures. Considering the results obtained regarding exposure to different pathogens, we suggest that antibody prevalences in this non-gregarious browser are largely determined by environmental factors, potentially modulating vector populations or pathogen survival in the environment.
The Akt-inhibitor Erufosine induces apoptotic cell death in prostate cancer cells and increases the short term effects of ionizing radiation
Authors: Rudner Justine , Ruiner Carola-Ellen , Handrick René , Eibl Hans-Jörg , Belka Claus , Jendrossek Verena
Published: November 2010

Background and Purpose

The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway is frequently deregulated in prostate cancer and associated with neoplastic transformation, malignant progression, and enhanced resistance to classical chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Thus, it is a promising target for therapeutic intervention. In the present study, the cytotoxic action of the Akt inhibitor Erufosine (ErPC3) was analyzed in prostate cancer cells and compared to the cytotoxicity of the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Moreover, the efficacy of combined treatment with Akt inhibitors and ionizing radiation in prostate cancer cells was examined.

Materials and methods

Prostate cancer cell lines PC3, DU145, and LNCaP were treated with ErPC3 (1-100 µM), LY294002 (25-100 µM), irradiated (0-10 Gy), or subjected to combined treatments. Cell viability was determined by the WST-1 assay. Apoptosis induction was analyzed by flow cytometry after staining with propidium iodide in a hypotonic citrate buffer, and by Western blotting using antibodies against caspase-3 and its substrate PARP. Akt activity and regulation of the expression of Bcl-2 family members and key downstream effectors involved in apoptosis regulation were examined by Western blot analysis.

Results

The Akt inhibitor ErPC3 exerted anti-neoplastic effects in prostate cancer cells, however with different potency. The anti-neoplastic action of ErPC3 was associated with reduced phosphoserine 473-Akt levels and induction of apoptosis. PC3 and LNCaP prostate cancer cells were also sensitive to treatment with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. However, the ErPC3-sensitive PC3-cells were less susceptible to LY294002 than the ErPC3-refractory LNCaP cells. Although both cell lines were largely resistant to radiation-induced apoptosis, both cell lines showed higher levels of apoptotic cell death when ErPC3 was combined with radiotherapy.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that constitutive Akt activation and survival are controlled by different different molecular mechanisms in the two prostate cancer cell lines - one which is sensitive to the Akt-inhibitor ErPC3 and one which is more sensitive to the PI3K-inhibitor LY294002. Our findings underline the importance for the definition of predictive biomarkers that allow the selection patients that may benefit from the treatment with a specific signal transduction modifier.
Loss of heterozygosity and SOSTDC1 in adult and pediatric renal tumors
Authors: Blish Kimberly R , Clausen Kathryn A , Hawkins Gregory A , Garvin A Julian , Willingham Mark C , Turner Julie C , Torti Frank M , Torti Suzy V
Published: November 2010

Background

Deletions within the short arm of chromosome 7 are observed in approximately 25% of adult and 10% of Wilms pediatric renal tumors. Within Wilms tumors, the region of interest has been delineated to a 2-Mb minimal region that includes ten known genes. Two of these ten candidate genes,SOSTDC1andMEOX2, are particularly relevant to tumor development and maintenance. This finding, coupled with evidence that SOSTDC1 is frequently downregulated in adult renal cancer and regulates both Wingless-Int (Wnt)- and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-induced signaling, points to a role for SOSTDC1 as a potential tumor suppressor.

Methods

To investigate this hypothesis, we interrogated the Oncomine database to examine the SOSTDC1 levels in adult renal clear cell tumors and pediatric Wilms tumors. We then performed single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and sequencing analyses ofSOSTDC1in 25 pediatric and 36 adult renal tumors. Immunohistochemical staining of patient samples was utilized to examine the impact ofSOSTDC1genetic aberrations on SOSTDC1 protein levels and signaling.

Results

Within the Oncomine database, we found that SOSTDC1 levels were reduced in adult renal clear cell tumors and pediatric Wilms tumors. Through SNP and sequencing analyses of 25 Wilms tumors, we identified four with loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at 7p and three that affectedSOSTDC1. Of 36 adult renal cancers, we found five with LOH at 7p, two of which affectedSOSTDC1. Immunohistochemical analysis of SOSTDC1 protein levels within these tumors did not reveal a relationship between these instances ofSOSTDC1LOH and SOSTDC1 protein levels. Moreover, we could not discern any impact of these genetic alterations on Wnt signaling as measured by altered beta-catenin levels or localization.

Conclusions

This study shows that genetic aberrations nearSOSTDC1are not uncommon in renal cancer, and occur in adult as well as pediatric renal tumors. These observations ofSOSTDC1LOH, however, did not correspond with changes in SOSTDC1 protein levels or signaling regulation. Although our conclusions are limited by sample size, we suggest that an alternative mechanism such as epigenetic silencing ofSOSTDC1may be a key contributor to the reduced SOSTDC1 mRNA and protein levels observed in renal cancer.
Prevalence and predictors of loss of wild type BRCA1 in estrogen receptor positive and negative BRCA1-associated breast cancers
Authors: Tung Nadine , Miron Alexander , Schnitt Stuart J , Gautam Shiva , Fetten Katharina , Kaplan Jennifer , Yassin Yosuf , Buraimoh Ayodele , Kim Ji-Young , Szász Attila M , Tian Ruiyang , Wang Zhigang C , Collins Laura C , Brock Jane , Krag Karen , Legare Robert D , Sgroi Dennis , Ryan Paula D , Silver Daniel P , Garber Judy E , Richardson Andrea L
Published: November 2010

Introduction

The majority of breast cancers that occur in BRCA1 mutation carriers (BRCA1 carriers) are estrogen receptor-negative (ER-). Therefore, it has been suggested that ER negativity is intrinsic to BRCA1 cancers and reflects the cell of origin of these tumors. However, approximately 20% of breast cancers that develop in BRCA1 carriers are ER-positive (ER+); these cancers are more likely to develop as BRCA1 carriers age, suggesting that they may be incidental and unrelated to BRCA1 deficiency. The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of loss of heterozygosity due to loss of wild type (wt) BRCA1 in ER+ and ER- breast cancers that have occurred in BRCA1 carriers and to determine whether age at diagnosis or any pathologic features or biomarkers predict for loss of wt BRCA1 in these breast cancers.

Methods

Relative amounts of mutated and wt BRCA1 DNA were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction performed on laser capture microdissected cancer cells from 42 ER+ and 35 ER- invasive breast cancers that developed in BRCA1 carriers. BRCA1 gene methylation was determined on all cancers in which sufficient DNA was available. Immunostains for cytokeratins (CK) 5/6, 14, 8 and 18, epidermal growth factor receptor and p53 were performed on paraffin sections from tissue microarrays containing these cancers.

Results

Loss of wt BRCA1 was equally frequent in ER+ and ER- BRCA1-associated cancers (81.0% vs 88.6%, respectively; P = 0.53). One of nine cancers tested that retained wt BRCA1 demonstrated BRCA1 gene methylation. Age at diagnosis was not significantly different between first invasive ER+ BRCA1 breast cancers with and without loss of wt BRCA1 (mean age 45.2 years vs 50.1 years, respectively; P = 0.51). ER+ BRCA1 cancers that retained wt BRCA1 were significantly more likely than those that lost wt BRCA1 to have a low mitotic rate (odds ratio (OR), 5.16; 95% CI, 1.91 to ∞). BRCA1 cancers with loss of wt BRCA1 were more likely to express basal cytokeratins CK 5/6 or 14 (OR 4.7; 95% CI, 1.85 to ∞).

Conclusions

We found no difference in the prevalence of loss of wt BRCA1 between ER+ and ER- invasive BRCA1-associated breast cancers. Our findings suggest that many of the newer therapies for BRCA1 breast cancers designed to exploit the BRCA1 deficiency in these cancers may also be effective in ER+ cancers that develop in this population.
Nitroglycerin can facilitate weaning of difficult-to-wean chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: a prospective interventional non-randomized study
Authors: Routsi Christina , Stanopoulos Ioannis , Zakynthinos Epaminondas , Politis Panagiotis , Papas Vassilios , Zervakis Demetrios , Zakynthinos Spyros
Published: November 2010

Introduction

Both experimental and clinical data give convincing evidence to acute cardiac dysfunction as the origin or a cofactor of weaning failure in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Therefore, treatment targeting the cardiovascular system might help the heart to tolerate more effectively the critical period of weaning. This study aims to assess the hemodynamic, respiratory and clinical effects of nitroglycerin infusion in difficult-to-wean patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Methods

Twelve difficult-to-wean (failed ≥ 3 consecutive trials) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients, who presented systemic arterial hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥ 140mmHg) during weaning failure and had systemic and pulmonary artery catheters in place, participated in this prospective, interventional, non-randomized clinical trial. Patients were studied in two consecutive days, i.e., the first day without (Control day) and the second day with (Study day) nitroglycerin continuous intravenous infusion starting at the beginning of the spontaneous breathing trial, and titrated to maintain normal systolic blood pressure. Hemodynamic, oxygenation and respiratory measurements were performed on mechanical ventilation, and during a 2-hour T-piece spontaneous breathing trial. Primary endpoint was hemodynamic and respiratory effects of nitroglycerin infusion. Secondary endpoint was spontaneous breathing trial and extubation outcome.

Results

Compared to mechanical ventilation, mean systemic arterial pressure, rate-pressure product, mean pulmonary arterial pressure, and pulmonary artery occlusion pressure increased [from (mean ± SD) 94 ± 14, 13708 ± 3166, 29.9 ± 4.8, and 14.8 ± 3.8 to 109 ± 20mmHg, 19856 ± 4877mmHg b/min, 41.6 ± 5.8mmHg, and 23.4 ± 7.4 mmHg, respectively], and mixed venous oxygen saturation decreased (from 75.7 ± 3.5 to 69.3 ± 7.5%) during failing trials on Control day, whereas they did not change on Study day. Venous admixture increased throughout the trial on both Control day and Study day, but this increase was lower on Study day. Whereas weaning failed in all patients on Control day, nitroglycerin administration on Study day enabled a successful spontaneous breathing trial and extubation in 92% and 88% of patients, respectively.

Conclusions

In this clinical setting, nitroglycerin infusion can expedite the weaning by restoring weaning-induced cardiovascular compromise.
BRCA1-Associated Breast Cancers Present Differently From BRCA2-Associated and Familial Cases: Long-Term Follow-Up of the Dutch MRISC Screening Study
Authors: Rijnsburger Adriana J. , Obdeijn Inge-Marie , Kaas Reinoutje , Tilanus-Linthorst Madeleine M.A. , Boetes Carla , Loo Claudette E. , Wasser Martin N.J.M. , Bergers Elisabeth , Kok Theo , Muller Sara H. , Peterse Hans , Tollenaar Rob A.E.M. , Hoogerbrugge Nicoline , Meijer Sybren , Bartels Carina C.M. , Seynaeve Caroline , Hooning Maartje J. , Kriege Mieke , Schmitz Paul I. M. , Oosterwijk Jan C. , de Koning Harry J. , Rutgers Emiel J.T. , Klijn Jan G.M.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The Dutch MRI Screening Study on early detection of hereditary breast cancer started in 1999. We evaluated the long-term results including separate analyses of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers and first results on survival.

Patients and Methods

Women with higher than 15% cumulative lifetime risk (CLTR) of breast cancer were screened with biannual clinical breast examination and annual mammography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Participants were divided into subgroups: carriers of a gene mutation (50% to 85% CLTR) and two familial groups with high (30% to 50% CLTR) or moderate risk (15% to 30% CLTR).

Results

Our update contains 2,157 eligible women including 599 mutation carriers (median follow-up of 4.9 years from entry) with 97 primary breast cancers detected (median follow-up of 5.0 years from diagnosis). MRI sensitivity was superior to that of mammography for invasive cancer (77.4% v 35.5%; P < .00005), but not for ductal carcinoma in situ. Results in the BRCA1 group were worse compared to the BRCA2, the high-, and the moderate-risk groups, respectively, for mammography sensitivity (25.0% v 61.5%, 45.5%, 46.7%), tumor size at diagnosis ≤ 1 cm (21.4% v 61.5%, 40.9%, 63.6%), proportion of DCIS (6.5% v 18.8%, 14.8%, 31.3%) and interval cancers (32.3% v 6.3%, 3.7%, 6.3%), and age at diagnosis younger than 30 years (9.7% v 0%). Cumulative distant metastasis-free and overall survival at 6 years in all 42 BRCA1/2 mutation carriers with invasive breast cancer were 83.9% (95% CI, 64.1% to 93.3%) and 92.7% (95% CI, 79.0% to 97.6%), respectively, and 100% in the familial groups (n = 43).

Conclusion

Screening results were somewhat worse in BRCA1 mutation carriers, but 6-year survival was high in all risk groups.
Immunotherapy for Ovarian Cancer: What's Next?
Authors: Kandalaft Lana E. , Powell Daniel J. , Singh Nathan , Coukos George
Published: November 2010

In the past decade, we have witnessed important gains in the treatment of ovarian cancer; however, additional advances are required to reduce mortality. With compelling evidence that ovarian cancers are immunogenic tumors, immunotherapy should be further pursued and optimized. The dramatic advances in laboratory and clinical procedures in cellular immunotherapy, along with the development of powerful immunomodulatory antibodies, create new opportunities in ovarian cancer therapeutics. Herein, we review current progress and future prospects in vaccine and adoptive T-cell therapy development as well as immunomodulatory therapy tools available for immediate clinical testing.
Fluorouracil Induces Myocardial Ischemia With Increases of Plasma Brain Natriuretic Peptide and Lactic Acid but Without Dysfunction of Left Ventricle
Authors: Jensen Søren Astrup , Hasbak Philip , Mortensen Jann , Sørensen Jens Benn
Published: November 2010

Purpose

Fluorouracil (FU) is a cornerstone of colorectal cancer treatment; however, it has clinical and subclinical influence on the heart. This study aimed to clarify the pathophysiology, risk factors, and long-term effects of FU cardiotoxicity.

Patients and Methods

The study prospectively accrued colorectal cancer patients (n = 106) completely resected and adjuvantly treated with FU and oxaliplatin according to the FOLFOX4 regimen (infusional FU, folinic acid, and oxaliplatin). Serial measurements were made of systolic and diastolic features of the left ventricle by radionuclide ventriculography, plasma levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), lactic acid, and ECG before chemotherapy, immediately after a treatment infusion, and at follow-up 2 weeks after cessation of the intended 12 treatment courses and were further evaluated by multivariate regression analysis that included cardiovascular history and its risk factors.

Results

In the entire cohort, NT-proBNP significantly increased from baseline 14.5 ± 3.2 pmol/L (mean ± standard error) to 28.3 ± 5.3 pmol/L during FU therapy (P < .001). Nine patients (8.5%) with cardiotoxicity had significantly higher NT-proBNP of 55.3 ± 40.8 pmol/L compared with 25.4 ± 4.1 pmol/L in those without (P < .001). In multivariate analysis, the FU-induced rise of NT-proBNP was significantly higher in females (P < .001). Plasma lactic acid significantly increased from baseline (1.3 ± 0.1 mmol/L to 1.8 ± 0.1 mmol/L) during FU therapy (P < .001). Left ventricular ejection fraction at baseline of 0.66 ± 0.01 remained unchanged at 0.65 ± 0.01 during FU therapy and 0.66 ± 0.01 at follow-up (P = .4).

Conclusion

FU therapy generally induces myocardial neuroendocrine changes with increasing plasma NT-proBNP and lactic acid but without long-term dysfunction of the left ventricle. The usability of NT-proBNP as a predictive marker for FU cardiotoxicity remains to be clarified.
Phase III Trial Comparing Oral S-1 Plus Carboplatin With Paclitaxel Plus Carboplatin in Chemotherapy-Naïve Patients With Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Results of a West Japan Oncology Group Study
Authors: Okamoto Isamu , Yoshioka Hiroshige , Morita Satoshi , Ando Masahiko , Takeda Koji , Seto Takashi , Yamamoto Nobuyuki , Saka Hideo , Asami Kazuhiro , Hirashima Tomonori , Kudoh Shinzoh , Satouchi Miyako , Ikeda Norihiko , Iwamoto Yasuo , Sawa Toshiyuki , Miyazaki Masaki , Tamura Kenji , Kurata Takayasu , Fukuoka Masahiro , Nakagawa Kazuhiko
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The primary goal of this open-label, multicenter, randomized phase III trial was to determine whether treatment with carboplatin plus the oral fluoropyrimidine derivative S-1 was noninferior versus that with carboplatin plus paclitaxel with regard to overall survival (OS) in chemotherapy-naive patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Patients and Methods

A total of 564 patients were randomly assigned to receive either carboplatin (area under the curve, 5) on day 1 plus oral S-1 (40 mg/m2 twice per day) on days 1 to 14 or carboplatin (area under the curve, 6) plus paclitaxel (200 mg/m2) on day 1 every 21 days.

Results

At the planned interim analysis, with a total of 268 death events available, the study passed the O'Brien-Fleming boundary of 0.0080 for a positive result and noninferiority of carboplatin and S-1 compared with carboplatin and paclitaxel was confirmed for OS (hazard ratio, 0.928; 99.2% CI, 0.671 to 1.283). Median OS was 15.2 months in the carboplatin and S-1 arm and 13.3 months in the carboplatin and paclitaxel arm, with 1-year survival rates of 57.3% and 55.5%, respectively. Rates of leukopenia or neutropenia of grade 3/4, febrile neutropenia, alopecia, and neuropathy were more frequent in the carboplatin and paclitaxel arm, whereas thrombocytopenia, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea were more common in the carboplatin and S-1 arm. The carboplatin and S-1 arm had significantly more dose delays than the carboplatin and paclitaxel arm.

Conclusion

Oral S-1 with carboplatin was noninferior in terms of OS compared with carboplatin and paclitaxel in patients with advanced NSCLC, and is thus a valid treatment option.
Plasma Transforming Growth Factor α and Amphiregulin Protein Levels in NCIC Clinical Trials Group BR.21
Authors: Addison Christina L. , Ding Keyue , Zhao Huijun , Le Maître Aurélie , Goss Glenwood D. , Seymour Lesley , Tsao Ming-Sound , Shepherd Frances A. , Bradbury Penelope A.
Published: November 2010

Purpose

To evaluate the prognostic and predictive significance of plasma levels of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligands, transforming growth factor α (TGF-α) and amphiregulin, in patients with non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) enrolled in NCIC Clinical Trials Group BR.21 comparing erlotinib with placebo.

Patients and Methods

TGF-α and amphiregulin were assessed retrospectively by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay from available prospectively collected baseline plasma samples in 565 of 731 BR.21 patients. Cutoff points were determined for both amphiregulin (low, < 10 pg/mL; high, ≥ 10 pg/mL) and TGF-α (low, ≤ 12 pg/mL; high, > 12 pg/mL) using a graphical method. Cox regression models were used to correlate biomarker data and baseline characteristics with outcomes including overall (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

Results

High TGF-α and amphiregulin were associated with poorer performance status (P = .06 and P < .0001, respectively) and no prior platinum therapy (P = .06 and P = .02, respectively). High amphiregulin was also associated with anemia (P = .001), increased lactate dehydrogenase (P = .03), ever-smokers (P = .04), and non-Asian ethnicity (P = .001). Patients on the placebo arm with high amphiregulin had poorer OS than patients with low amphiregulin (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.88; 95% CI, 1.34 to 2.64; P = .0002), which remained significant in multivariate analysis. Amphiregulin levels did not predict for benefit from erlotinib (interaction P = .87). Conversely, TGF-α levels did not have prognostic significance, but high TGF-α predicted lack of benefit from erlotinib compared with low TGF-α (TGF-α low, OS HR = 0.66; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.81; P < .0001; high, OS HR = 1.32; 95% CI, 0.73 to 2.39; P = .36; interaction P = .04).

Conclusion

High baseline amphiregulin is a poor prognostic factor, whereas high baseline TGF-α predicts for lack of benefit from erlotinib in advanced NSCLC.
Hemodynamic Instability Prediction Through Continuous Multiparameter Monitoring in ICU
Authors: Cao Hanqing , Eshelman Larry J. , Nielsen Larry , Gross Brian D. , Saeed Mohammed , Frassica Joseph J.
Published: November 2010

Current algorithms identifying hemodynamically unstable intensive care unit patients typically are limited to detecting existing dangerous conditions and suffer from high false alert rates. Our objective was to predict hemodynamic instability at least two hours before patient deterioration while maintaining a low false alert rate, using minute‐by‐minute heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) data. We identified 66 stable and 104 unstable patients meeting our stability‐instability criteria from the MIMIC II database, and developed multi‐parameter measures using HR and BP. An instability index combining measures of BP, shock index, rate pressure product, and HR variation was developed from a multivariate regression model to predict hemodynamic instability (ROC of 0.82±0.03, sensitivity of 0.57±0.07 when the specificity was targeted at 0.90; the alert rate ratio of unstable to stable patients was 7.62). We conclude that these algorithms could form the basis for reliable predictive clinical alerts which identify patients likely to become hemodynamically unstable within the next few hours so that the clinicians can proactively manage these patients and provide necessary care.
Design of an Integrated Sensor Platform for Vital Sign Monitoring of Newborn Infants at Neonatal Intensive Care Units
Authors: Chen Wei , Bambang Oetomo Sidarto , Feijs Loe , Bouwstra Sibrecht , Ayoola Idowu , Dols Sietse
Published: November 2010

Continuous health status monitoring and advances in medical treatments have resulted in a significant increase of survival rate in critically ill infants admitted into Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). The quality of life and long‐term health prospects of the neonates depend increasingly on the reliability and comfort of the monitoring systems. In this paper, we present the design work of a smart jacket for vital sign monitoring of neonates at a NICU. The design represents a unique integration of sensor technology, user focus and design aspects. Textile sensors, a reflectance pulse oximeter and a wearable temperature sensor were proposed to be embedded into the smart jacket. Location of the sensor, materials and appearance were designed to optimize the functionality, patient comfort and the possibilities for aesthetic features. Prototypes were built for demonstrating the design concept and experimental results were obtained from tests on premature babies at the NICU of M�xima Medical Centre (MMC) in Veldhoven, the Netherlands.
Retracted Article: (A Service‐Based Perspective on Neonatal Critical Care)
Authors: Grönvall Erik , Pollini Alessandro , Rullo Alessia
Published: November 2010

Paper withdrawn at the authors′′ request
The cultural narratives of Francophone and Anglophone Quebecers: Using a historical perspective to explore the relationships among collective relative deprivation, in‐group entitativity, and collective esteem
Authors: Bougie Evelyne , Usborne Esther , de la Sablonnière Roxane , Taylor Donald M.
Published: November 2010

Responding to calls to contextualize social psychological variables in history, the present research examines the relationship between collective relative deprivation and collective esteem using a historical perspective. We hypothesized that collective relative deprivation perceived to be experienced during an important low‐point in a group's history serves to define the group's current collective identity, which is in turn associated with collective esteem. In Study 1, cultural narrative interviews were conducted with Francophone and Anglophone Quebecers in order to identify key historical chapters for these groups and to examine the extent to which historical low‐points were identity‐defining features of their narratives. In Study 2, using the information obtained from these narratives, collective relative deprivation was explored across group members' perceived histories and related to current in‐group entitativity and collective esteem. The relationship between collective relative deprivation thought to be experienced by one's group during a historical low‐point and collective esteem was positive for both Anglophone and Francophone Quebecers and was mediated by in‐group entitativity. Collective relative deprivation perceived to be experienced during a historical low‐point serves to define one's collective identity, which is in turn associated with greater collective esteem.
Gaining control over responses to implicit attitude tests: Implementation intentions engender fast responses on attitude‐incongruent trials
Authors: Webb Thomas L. , Sheeran Paschal , Pepper John
Published: November 2010

The present research investigated whether forming implementation intentions could promote fast responses to attitude‐incongruent associations (e.g., woman‐manager) and thereby modify scores on popular implicit measures of attitude. Expt 1 used the Implicit Association Test (IAT) to measure associations between gender and science versus liberal arts. Planning to associate women with science engendered fast responses to this category–attribute pairing and rendered summary scores more neutral compared to standard IAT instructions. Expt 2 demonstrated that forming egalitarian goal intentions is not sufficient to produce these effects. Expt 3 extended these findings to a different measure of implicit attitude (the Go/No–Go Association Task) and a different stereotypical association (Muslims–terrorism). In Expt 4, managers who planned to associate women with superordinate positions showed more neutral IAT scores relative to non‐planners and effects were maintained 3 weeks later. In sum, implementation intentions enable people to gain control over implicit attitude responses.
Plasma Cannabinoid Pharmacokinetics following Controlled Oral Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Oromucosal Cannabis Extract Administration
Authors: Karschner Erin L , Darwin W David , Goodwin Robert S , Wright Stephen , Huestis Marilyn A
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND

Sativex®, a cannabis extract oromucosal spray containing Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), is currently in phase III trials as an adjunct to opioids for cancer pain treatment, and recently received United Kingdom approval for treatment of spasticity. There are indications that CBD modulates THC's effects, but it is unclear if this is due to a pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic interaction.

METHODS

Cannabis smokers provided written informed consent to participate in this randomized, controlled, double-blind, double-dummy institutional review board–approved study. Participants received 5 and 15 mg synthetic oral THC, low-dose (5.4 mg THC and 5.0 mg CBD) and high-dose (16.2 mg THC and 15.0 mg CBD) Sativex, and placebo over 5 sessions. CBD, THC, 11-hydroxy-THC, and 11-nor- 9-carboxy-THC were quantified in plasma by 2-dimensional GC-MS. Lower limits of quantification were ≤0.25 μg/L.

RESULTS

Nine cannabis smokers completed all 5 dosing sessions. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) and areas under the curve from 0–10.5 h postdose (AUC0→10.5) for all analytes were found between low and high doses of synthetic THC and Sativex. There were no statistically significant differences in Cmax, time to maximum concentration or in the AUC0→10.5 between similar oral THC and Sativex doses. Relative bioavailability was calculated to determine the relative rate and extent of THC absorption; 5 and 15 mg oral THC bioavailability was 92.6% (13.1%) and 98.8% (11.0%) of low- and high-dose Sativex, respectively.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that CBD modulation of THC's effects is not due to a pharmacokinetic interaction at these therapeutic doses.
Targeted Massively Parallel Sequencing of Maternal Plasma DNA Permits Efficient and Unbiased Detection of Fetal Alleles
Authors: Liao Gary JW , Lun Fiona MF , Zheng Yama WL , Chan KC Allen , Leung Tak Y , Lau Tze K , Chiu Rossa WK , Lo YM Dennis
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND

Massively parallel sequencing has recently been used in noninvasive prenatal diagnosis. The current costs of this technology are still relatively expensive, however, and sample throughput is still relatively low when it is used as a molecular diagnostic tool. Rather than nonselectively sequencing the genome, target enrichment provides a logical approach for more efficient and cost-effective massively parallel sequencing because it increases the proportion of informative data from the targeted region(s). Existing applications of targeted sequencing have mainly been qualitative analyses of genomic DNA. In this study, we investigated its applicability in enriching selected genomic regions from plasma DNA and the quantitative performance of this approach.

METHODS

DNA was extracted from plasma samples collected from 12 pregnant women carrying female fetuses. The SureSelect Target Enrichment System (Agilent Technologies) was used to enrich for exons on chromosome X. Plasma DNA libraries with and without target enrichment were analyzed by massively parallel sequencing. Genomic DNA samples of the mother and fetus for each case were genotyped by microarray.

RESULTS

For the regions targeted by the enrichment kit, the mean sequence coverage of the enriched samples was 213-fold higher than that of the nonenriched samples. Maternal and fetal DNA molecules were enriched evenly. After target enrichment, the coverage of fetus-specific alleles within the targeted region increased from 3.5% to 95.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

Targeted sequencing of maternal plasma DNA permits efficient and unbiased detection of fetal alleles at genomic regions of interest and is a powerful method for measuring the proportion of fetal DNA in a maternal plasma sample.
A polymorphism in the 5’ UTR of the DEFB1 gene is associated with the lung phenotype in F508del homozygous Italian cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Crovella Sergio , Segat Ludovica , Amato Annalisa , Athanasakis Emmanouil , Bezzerri Valentino , Braggion Cesare , Casciaro Rosaria , Castaldo Giuseppe , Colombo Carla , Covone Angela Elvira , De Rose Virginia , Gagliardini Rolando , Lanzara Carmen , Minicucci Laura , Morgutti Marcello , Nicolis Elena , Pardo Francesca , Quattrucci Serena , Raia Valeria , Ravazzolo Roberto , Seia Manuela , Stanzial Valentino , Termini Lisa , Zazzeron Laura , Cabrini Giulio , Gasparini Paolo
Published: November 2010

Background: The identification of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients who are at greater risk of lung damage could be clinically valuable. Thus, we attempted to replicate previous findings and verify the possible association between three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs c.–52G>A, c.–44C>G and c.–20G>A) in the 5’ untranslated region (5′ UTR) of the β defensin 1 (DEFB1) gene and the CF pulmonary phenotype.

Methods: Genomic DNA from 92 Italian CF patients enrolled in different regional CF centres was extracted from peripheral blood and genotyped for DEFB1 SNPs using TaqMan® allele specific probes. In order to avoid genetic confounding causes that can account for CF phenotype variability, all patients were homozygous for the F508del CFTR mutation, and were then classified on the basis of clinical and functional data as mild lung phenotype (Mp, n=50) or severe lung phenotype patients (Sp, n=42).

Results: For the c.–20G>A SNP, the frequency of the A allele, as well as the AA genotype, were significantly more frequent in Mp than in Sp patients, and thus this was associated with a protective effect against severe pulmonary disease (OR=0.48 and 0.28, respectively). The effect of the c.–20G>A A allele is consistent with a recessive model, and the protective effect against Sp is exerted only when it is present in homozygosis. For the other two SNPs, no differences were observed as allelic and genotypic frequency in the two subgroups of CF patients.

Conclusions: Our results, although necessary to be confirmed in larger and multiethnic populations, reinforce DEFB1 as a candidate modifier gene of the CF pulmonary phenotype.
Emotion und Gedächtnis
Authors: Hahn Alois
Published: November 2010

Ausgehend von der Annahme, dass alle geäußerte Emotion ein Resultat soziokultureller Prägung ist, ergibt sich, dass Emotionen historisch variabel sind, da sie zum kulturellen Fundus einer jeweiligen Gesellschaft gehören. Analog zum Wortschatz einer Sprache lassen sich je gesellschaftsspezifische Gefühlslexika mit größerem oder kleinerem Gefühlsschatz bilden, in denen die Emotionen mit ihren dinglichen Korrelaten aufgelistet bzw. umgekehrt die Dinge mit ihren emotionalen Konnotationen eingetragen sind (Tod/Angst; Mutter/Liebe). Als Momente kreativer Vollzüge sind Gefühle darüber hinaus auf ein habituelles Gedächtnis angewiesen, wobei hier aber die erfahrenen Emotionen nicht als vorgestellte Vergangenheit, sondern als fortdauernde Wirkung präsent sind (Kondensation im Sinne Luhmanns). Die sinnhafte Konstitution und Gestaltung einer Situation bedarf eben auch der sie interpretierenden Emotionen. Zum Gefühlshaushalt von Gesellschaften gehört auch ihre je differenzielle Normierung sowohl in normativer Hinsicht (moralisch, kognitiv, kathektisch) wie auch auf der Ebene situations-, rollen- und kontextspezifischer Orientierung im Sinne der Parsons′schen Pattern Variables, so dass man auf diese Weise den gesamten Rollenhaushalt einer Gesellschaft danach rubrizieren könnte, je nachdem, welche Bedeutung je-weils Affekte haben und wie legitim ihr Ausdruck ist.
A Spatial and Perspective Change Theory of the Difference Between Sympathy and Empathy
Authors: Berthoz Alain , Thirioux Bérangère
Published: November 2010

Empathy is a multicomponent faculty of the human brain which is funda-mental for social interactions.Understanding its behavioural, cognitive, emotional neural mechanisms and pathology is a major interdisciplinary challenge..Here we propose, in relation with a modern conception of the Philosophical tradition of Phenomenology and a primary role of cognitive embodiement, a new theory in which we give an important although not exclusive, role to the brain mechanisms which also are involved in spatial cognition: we show, that there is a basic difference between *sympathy* and *empathy*. Whether sympathy is akin to emotional contagion and does not require the siubject to adopt the point of view of others, empathy requires a dynamic and complex manipulation of spatial reference frames. We give an example of an experiment using virtual reality in which a subject interacts with an artificial tight rope walker and discuss also the possible interindividual differences, and gender differences, in the different strategies used by subjects to have an empathic relationship.
Die Ruinanz als Grundbewegtheit des Faktischen und die Wurzeln der Seinsfrage. Zu Heideggers Verständnis der Fundamentalontologie als Daseinsanalyse
Authors: Malisardi Francesco
Published: November 2010

Der Ausdruck Ruinanz, die Grundbewegtheit faktischen Lebens, wird von Heidegger im Wintersemester 1921/22 im Rahmen der Vorlesung Phänomenologische Interpretationen zu Aristoteles. Einführung in die Phänomenologische Forschung verwendet. Danach gebraucht er den Ausdruck nie wieder. Er war sich vermutlich weder damals noch später bewusst, dass das, was er dabei war zu entwerfen, d.h. eine neue Begrifflichkeit für ein neues Verständnis des Zugangs zum Sein, vieles dieser frühen Intuition zu verdanken hatte. Das Gleiche scheint auch für die meisten Heidegger-Interpretatoren zu gelten. Im Ausdruck Ruinanz verbirgt sich ein Erklärungspotential, wie man es schwer anderswo bei Heidegger findet. Was in der Ruinanz geschieht, ist so selbstverständlich, dass es nicht zum Ausdruck kommen kann.

Als Möglichkeitsbedingung aller Verständlichkeit und Unverständlichkeit gilt hier das Faktische: das, was der Spaltung in Erkenntnisobjekt und Erkennendem ontologisch vorausgeht. Insofern ist hier auch zu erfahren, ob das Dasein wirklich den eigenen Schatten nicht überspringen kann, d.h., ob es genau in dieser Unmöglichkeit verstehensmäßig ein- und dasselbe ist wie das Sein.
Philosophie und Bewegung 19341935. Walter Bröckers Uminterpretation des Aristoteles als strategisch gezielte ,Hilfsarbeit für Heideggers Versuch, den Führer zu führen
Authors: Wolf Frieder Otto
Published: November 2010

Walter Bröckers ganz erstaunliche Tat, die er im Jahre 1934 als Assistent von Martin Heidegger vollbracht hat, nämlich ausgerechnet Aristoteles als Philosophen der Bewegung zu interpretieren  und dadurch die gesamte Geschichte der abendländischen Metaphysik in ein neues Licht zu tauchen, ist philosophisch bisher nicht kritisch gewürdigt worden. Die hier vorgelegte textnahe Untersuchung dechiffriert Bröckers Habilitationsschrift als einen strategisch angelegten Beitrag zu Martin Heideggers Projekt, den Führer zu führen, d.h. eine umfassende philosophische Orientierung für /die/ Bewegung (den deutschen Faschismus der NSDAP) zu liefern.
Motus, Meute, Meuterei: Formen wüster Bewegung
Authors: Sardinha Diogo
Published: November 2010

Die Vorstadtkrawalle werden auf französisch oft als émeutes bezeichnet. Dieses Wort bewahrt die Spur seines lateinischen Ursprungs, die an die Vorstellung einer Bewegung (motus) geknüpft ist, mischt dem aber einen entschieden gewalttätigen Unterton bei. Nach diesem Beispiel, erkennt das Deutsche den etymologischen Zusammenhang des Worts Meuterei mit dem lateinischen motus. Anhand von diesen Prämissen und vom Beispiel der Unruhen in Frankreich versucht dieser Beitrag zu beweisen, dass der Aufstand als politische Situation nicht durch den Aufeinanderprall unterschiedlicher Identitäten gekennzeichnet wird, vielmehr durch den Zusammenstoß eines Willens zur Identität (Polizei, Organisation) mit einer Macht, die einem Fluss gleicht und die eine stetige und entfesselte Bewegung ist.
Körper und Bewegung in der Frauenmystik. Die Entmächtigung des Körpers, die Macht der Imagination und die Schrift
Authors: Kasten Ingrid
Published: November 2010

In allen mystischen Religionen steht das Streben nach der Vereinigung von Gott und Mensch, nach der unio mystica, im Zentrum. In der christlich-abendländischen Tradition wird dieser Vorgang als eine Abstiegs- oder eine Aufstiegsbewegung vorgestellt. Von diesen gegenläufigen Bewegungsmodellen ausgehend, fragt die Studie, wie sie in einer frauenmystischen Dichtung des 13. Jahrhunderts, in Das fließende Licht der Gottheit Mechthilds von Magdeburg, produktiv gemacht werden. Es zeigt sich, dass die Bewegungsstruktur zwischen Gott und Mensch von beiden Modellen bestimmt ist, wobei eine enge Wechselbeziehung zwischen der Stimme Gottes, der Materialität des Körpers und der Materialität der Schrift imaginiert wird. Das in der christlichen Tradition vielfach antagonistisch gedachte Verhältnis von Leib und Seele wird dabei dynamisiert und der (weibliche) Körper als Medium der Kommunikation mit Gott aufgewertet.
Das Leben als Zerrbild eines gespiegelten Ichs. Die emotionale Welt von Dostojewskis Mann im Untergrund
Authors: Gebauer Gunter
Published: November 2010

In Dostojewskis Novelle Aufzeichnungen aus dem Untergrund wird aus der Sicht des Protagonisten ein zutiefst emotional geprägtes Weltbild geschildert. Mit der  scheinbar freimütigen  Darstellung der hassenswerten Beschaffenheit seiner Welt konstruiert sich der Ich-Erzähler als ein ganz bestimmtes Subjekt  als ein Mensch des Ressentiments. Aus offenkundiger Schwäche wählt er besonders starke Persönlichkeiten zu seinen Vorbildern und versucht, sich als ihr Rivale aufzubauen, was ihm vollkommen misslingt: Er wird von ihnen nicht einmal wahrgenommen. Dies ist die Erzählstrategie im ersten Teil der Novelle. Im zweiten Teil münzt der Protagonist seine innere Leere und Haltlosigkeit in den Habitus eines überlegenen Künstlers um, der auf die schlechte Welt mit Zynismus reagiert. Wenn man beide Teile der Erzählung miteinander in Beziehung setzt, stellt sich die  gewollt  emotionale Schreibweise des ersten Teils als eine Poesie der Gemeinheit heraus. Es wird deutlich, dass sie aus der Unfähigkeit zu leben und überhaupt zu empfinden entstanden ist.
Die Flüssigkeit des Worts. Verführungen einer poetologischen Metapher
Authors: Witte Georg
Published: November 2010

Der Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit dem metaphorischen Feld der Verflüssigung. Im besonderen wird die Faszinationskraft dieser Metapher für emphatische Bestimmungen von Form und Medium der Poesie thematisiert. Dies wird im zweiten Teil des Aufsatzes an einem konkreten poetischer Gegenstand interpretiert. Es handelt sich um Gedichte eines zeitgenössischen Autors aus St. Petersburg, Arkadij Dragomočenko. Trotz nahe liegender Assoziationen (Petersburg als Wasserstadt) geht es aber nicht um die Motivtradition des Petersburger Texts. Die Rede von der Fluidität soll vielmehr als poetologische Metapher, d.h. als Bilderangebot für eine spezifische Konzeption der Semiose des poetischen Worts untersucht werden. Als allgemeinste Prämisse lässt sich behaupten: Wenn sich poetische Praxis und poetische Programmatik in Flüssigkeitsmetaphern definiert, dann hinsichtlich einer postulierten Dynamik, Flexibiltät, Weichheit der Sinnbildung, einer Unterspülung fixierter symbolischer Ordnungen, einer sinnlichen Affizierung der Schreibenden und Lesenden als Aufweichung von perzeptiven Verstockungen, als Eintauchen in Lebens- und Materieströme.
Die Erkundung der Linie. Ferraters Jardín botanicó de Barcelona als Konzeption einer Landschaft in und aus Bewegung
Authors: Hofmann Franck
Published: November 2010

Der von Carlos Ferrater entworfene Botanische Garten Barcelona steht exemplarisch für eine zeitgenössische Landschaftsgestaltung, in der Dimensionen von Bewegung gegenüber einem visuellen Paradigma an Gewicht gewinnen. Die an diesem Beispiel diskutierte Konzeption einer Landschaft als Bewegungszusammenhang kann als kritische Fortsetzung des modernen Urbanismus Le Corbusiers interpretiert werden. Ihr Emblem ist ein von diesem ausgezeichnetes Infrastrukturbauwerk der Antike: die Pont du Gard.
Human Gestures between Power and Action
Authors: Gubbay Daniel Blanga
Published: November 2010

The aim of this paper is to define the act itself of making gestures in its implication for human condition. Departing from Johann Jakob Engel′s definition of gestures as movements toward real external objects, the first part of this paper defines objects as everything opposed to the subject or to the present condition of the body, in line with Sartre and the epistemological tradition. The second part then investigates the relation of gesture with its possibilities to reach objects, that is, its ability to be concrete actions as well. Starting from biblical image of the sacrifice of Isaac, gesture is defined as the rejection of being an action, in order to be ascribed to the Aristotelian category of power. Hence, gesture is what makes us perceive both the present condition of human body and its possibilities.