bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring Positive Mental Health
Authors: Ganga Nima S. , Kutty V. Raman
Published: May 2012

The authors developed a scale for positive mental health (PMH), which encompasses positive state of mind and positive functioning. The existing tools are inadequate to measure the construct, especially in a community where the self-statement format of a scale is difficult to internalize. The authors constructed a tool from an initial item pool with the help of experts and validated it in a sample of 326 young people in the state of Kerala, India. Factor analysis gave 4 underlying factors for the construct of PMH. The scale (mean = 67.41 ± 9.49) has Cronbach’s α value of .76 and test–retest correlation of .84. Convergent validity with the PMH Inventory is .864; discriminant validity with the Mental Health Inventory is .422. The findings prove that the scale, named the Achutha Menon Centre Positive Mental Health Scale, is reliable and valid and can be used in both individual- and population-based studies for measuring PMH.
Use of Medicines and Adherence to Standard Treatment Guidelines in Rural Community Health Centers, Timor-Leste
Authors: Higuchi Michiyo , Okumura Junko , Aoyama Atsuko , Suryawati Sri , Porter John
Published: May 2012

The use of medicines and nurses’/midwives’ adherence to standard treatment guidelines (STGs) were examined in Timor-Leste during the early stage of the nation’s new health system development. A cross-sectional study was conducted as the quantitative element of mixed methods research. Retrospective samples from patient registration books and prospective observations were obtained in 20 randomly selected rural community health centers. The medicines use indicators, in particular the level of injection use, in Timor-Leste did not suggest overprescription. Prescribers with clinical nurse training prescribed significantly fewer antibiotics than those without such training ( P < .01). The adjusted odds ratio of prescribing adherence for clinical nurse training, after accounting for confounders and prescriber clustering, was 6.6 ( P < .01). STGs for nonphysician health professionals at the primary health care level have potential value in basic health care delivery, including appropriate use of medicines, in resource-limited communities when strategically developed and introduced.
Beliefs About the Use of Nonprescribed Antibiotics Among People in Yogyakarta City, Indonesia
Authors: Widayati Aris , Suryawati Sri , Crespigny Charlotte de , Hiller Janet E.
Published: May 2012

Although antibiotics are prescription-only medicine in Indonesia, they can be purchased without prescription. This qualitative study elicited beliefs about nonprescribed antibiotics use informed by the theory of planned behavior to develop a questionnaire for an expanded theory of planned behavior survey. Twenty-five (N = 25) adults with experience of using nonprescribed antibiotics were interviewed. Content analysis was applied. Participants reported that the use of nonprescribed antibiotics was advantageous in term of saving time and money and of reducing the number of medicines that need to be purchased, in contrast to a perception of what occurs with medical prescriptions. Potential adverse effects, poor health outcomes, and antimicrobial resistance were the perceived disadvantages. Facilitators of such use were the availability of over-the-counter antibiotics and successful experience in using antibiotics. Medication for children was the perceived barrier to such use. Family members and friends, especially those with health education background, approved of such use.
A Standards-based Inventory of Foundation Competencies in Social Work with Groups
Authors: Macgowan Mark J.
Published: May 2012

Objective: This article describes the development of a measure of foundation competencies in group work derived from the Standards for Social Work Practice with Groups. Developed by the Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups, the Standards have not been widely used. An instrument based on the Standards can help advance evidence-based teaching and practice. Methods: Items were drawn from the Standards yielding a 70-item inventory measuring two domains for each item: how important the item is for successful group work and how confident the respondent is about demonstrating the skill in practice. Psychometric testing involved 426 mostly students. Results: The alpha for both the importance and the confidence subscales was .98, with low standard errors of measurement. Developed directly from the Standards, the inventory had prima facie content validity, further supported by expert ratings. Significant correlations between the subscales and validators supported a range of validity analyses.
Victimization and Violent Offending
Authors: Reingle Jennifer M. , Maldonado-Molina Mildred M.
Published: April 2012

The purpose of this article is to evaluate the victim–offender overlap among a nationally representative sample of Native American adolescents and young adults. Data for this study were obtained from 338 Native American youth who participated in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) Waves I-IV. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to estimate trajectories of violence and victimization separately. Bivariate tests were used to assess the overlap between victimization and violent trajectory groups. Multinomial regression procedures were used to assess the predictors of victimization, offending, and the overlap category of both victimization and offending. Three trajectory groups were found for violence (nonviolent, escalators, and desistors) and victimization (nonvictim, decreasing victimization, and increasing victimization). We found substantial evidence of an overlap between victimization and offending among Native Americans, as 27.5% of the sample reported both victimization and offending. Those in the overlap group had greater number of risk factors present at baseline. These results suggest that the victim–offender overlap is present in Native American adolescents. Explanations and implications are discussed.
Beyond Self-Rated Health
Authors: Larsson Margaretha , Sundler Annelie Johansson , Ekebergh Margaretha
Published: May 2012

The aim of this phenomenological study was to describe the phenomenon of health as experienced by adolescent girls in Sweden. Fifteen adolescent girls were interviewed with a focus on what made them feel well in their everyday life. This study reveals that the adolescent girl’s health is a complex phenomenon interwoven with their lives. Health arises in meaningful contexts, in an adolescent girl’s relations to others as well as in her ability to manage her life. Health is shaped in their everyday life and can be understood as a mood of “being” well that involves actions and practices. The results show that it is important to meet these girls from an open approach in order to support and strengthen their health and well-being. The health of adolescent girls can be supported, and it is a challenge for professionals, particularly school nurses, who meet these girls in everyday life to improve their health.
Belonging, Believing, and Group Behavior
Authors: Smith Lauren E. , Walker Lee Demetrius
Published: May 2012

The authors examine the effect of religiosity on intended and recalled voter turnout in presidential elections. They argue that the trade-off between time spent in worship and time spent in political activities, specifically voter turnout, is strongest for mainline Protestants, weaker for Catholics, and nonexistent for evangelical Protestants. Evangelical Protestants increasingly recognize the connection between their religious beliefs and politics, with the result that they have formed a habit of voting. This argument has important implications for American voting behavior literature. Going beyond partisan voting patterns, the findings demonstrate that evangelical Protestants manifest unique patterns as they relate to turnout patterns.
Absence of Actions of Commonly Used Chinese Herbal Medicines and Electroacupuncture on Myocardial Infarct Size
Authors: Dow Joan , Painovich Jeannette , Hale Sharon L. , Tjen-A-Looi Stephanie , Longhurst John C. , Kloner Robert A.
Published: May 2012

Background:

Some studies have suggested that certain Chinese herbal remedies and acupuncture could limit ischemia/reperfusion damage. We sought to determine whether the commonly used single herb Danshen (DS), either alone or in combination with Jiang Xiang (JX), or electroacupuncture (EA) reduces myocardial infarct size.

Methods:

An anesthetized rat model of proximal left coronary artery occlusion (30 minutes) and reperfusion (180 minutes) was used to measure infarct size (triphenyltetrazolium chloride) and ischemic risk zone (blue dye technique). Rats were either untreated (saline) or received an infusion of DS or DS + JX, starting 30 minutes prior to coronary occlusion. In a separate protocol, rats were untreated, received static needle (ND) placement without stimulation or EA at P5-P6 acupuncture points in the rat forearm starting 5 minutes before occlusion and lasting for 40 minutes, or starting 30 minutes before occlusion and lasting for 90 minutes.

Results:

In the herbal experiments, myocardial infarct size expressed as a fraction of the ischemic risk zone was 0.43 ± 0.06 in controls, 0.39 ± 0.05 in the DS group, and 0.42 ± 0.04 in the Danshen + JX groups ( P = not significant [NS]). In the acupuncture study, there was no significant difference in infarct size as a fraction of the risk zone among the control group (0.38 ± 0.04), the ND group (0.47 ± 0.04), or the EA group (0.32 ± 0.05). When EA was started 30 minutes prior to coronary occlusion and continued for 30 minutes into reperfusion, infarct size was 0.41 ± 0.07 in controls and 0.38 ± 0.10 in EA ( P = NS). Neither herbs nor EA altered heart rate or blood pressure. In a separate study of 5 minutes of coronary occlusion plus reperfusion, EA failed to reduce ventricular arrhythmias.

Conclusion:

Our studies do not suggest a cardioprotective effect of DS or DS + JX or EA in an experimental model of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion.
Childhood Maltreatment Among Hispanic Women in the United States
Authors: Warner Lynn A. , Alegría Margarita , Canino Glorisa
Published: May 2012

Prevalence rates of childhood maltreatment among Hispanic women in the United States are presented separately for nativity status and ethnic origin subgroups, and the associations between different types of maltreatment and the development of anxiety and depressive disorders are examined. Analyses used self-report data from 1,427 Hispanic women who participated in the National Latino and Asian American Survey. Foreign-born Hispanic women compared to U.S.-born Hispanic women reported significantly lower rates of sexual assault and witnessing interpersonal violence, and a significantly higher rate of being beaten. Ethnic subgroups reported similar rates of maltreatment, with the exception of rape. Bivariate analyses were remarkably consistent in that regardless of nativity status or ethnic subgroup, each type of maltreatment experience increased the risk of psychiatric disorder. In multivariate models controlling for all types of victimization and proxies of acculturation, having been beaten and witnessing interpersonal violence remained significant predictors of both disorders, but sexual abuse increased risk of anxiety only. A significant interaction effect of family cultural conflict and witnessing violence on anxiety provided very limited support for the hypothesis that acculturation moderates the influence of maltreatment on mental health outcomes. Implications for culturally relevant prevention and intervention approaches are presented.
Multiplexed High Content Screening Reveals That Cigarette Smoke Condensate-Altered Cell Signaling Pathways Are Accentuated Through FAK Inhibition in Human Bronchial Cells
Authors: Carter Charleata A.
Published: May 2012

The mechanisms by which cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) disrupts F-actin and decreases cell motility in human bronchial (BEAS-2B) cells were assessed. The hypothesis that CSC activated focal adhesion kinase (FAK), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and paxillin in BEAS-2B cells was tested. When BEAS-2B cells were treated with 20 to 100 μg/mL CSC for 1 hour, FAK increased. The CSC caused F-actin disruption, while FAK inhibition alone caused actin aggregates to collapse to the cell periphery, but FAK inhibition combined with CSC caused actin aggregates to distribute throughout the cells. The CSC treatment of BEAS-2B cells showed a dose-dependent increase in the activation of the MAPKs, c-Jun, JNK, ERK, p38, and heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) and paxillin. Focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation inhibition combined with CSC treatment increased p38 and ERK at 1 hour and 24 hours along with decreased cell number and motility compared with CSC treatment alone. CSC exerts changes in BEAS-2B cells by altering morphology and activating MAPK pathways.
Metabonomic Responses in Rat Urine Following Subacute Exposure to Propoxur
Authors: Liang Yu-Jie , Wang Hui-Ping , Yang Lin , Li Wei , Wu Yi-Jun
Published: May 2012

Metabolic profiling of urine from pesticide-treated rats was investigated by the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabonomic strategy. Twenty-four-hour urine samples of rats were collected after administration with propoxur at doses of 0.85, 1.70, and 8.51 mg/kg, respectively, for 28 consecutive days. Liver tissue was fixed and the histopathological alterations were examined. The results showed that propoxur at high dose induced liver histopathological injury. Metabonomic analysis demonstrated that the levels of creatine and taurine markedly increased together with slight elevation of hippurate, glucose, and amino acids in low- and medium-dose groups. However, concentrations of urinary lactate, acetate, acetone, succinate, citrate, and 2-oxoglutarate increased in high-dose group. All these results suggested that propoxur could inhibit liver function through altering the energy and lipid metabolism. These data also supported the contention that the NMR-based metabonomic approach represents a promising new technology for the development of pesticide toxicity screening and mechanism exploration.
Gear fault detection under time-varying rotating speed via joint application of multiscale chirplet path pursuit and multiscale morphology analysis
Authors: Luo Jiesi , Yu Dejie , Liang Ming
Published: May 2012

This article reports a new method for gear fault detection under time-varying rotating speed. This method is based on the chirplet path pursuit and multiscale morphology analysis. The instantaneous rotating speed is extracted from the gear vibration signal using the multiscale chirplet path pursuit algorithm. According to the extracted rotation speed, the gear vibration signal is resampled at constant angle increment and as such the nonstationary signal is converted into a stationary signal. The fault-induced impulsive features can then be extracted from the resampled signal via the multiscale morphology analysis, followed by the spectrum analysis to reveal the fault characteristic frequency. Because of the low correlations between the noise and chirplet functions, the rotational speed can be extracted effectively even when the signal-to-noise ratio of the vibration signal is relatively low. In addition, the noise effect can be further suppressed by averaging the results of morphology analyses of all the scales. Therefore, the proposed approach has a good antinoise ability and is suitable for gear fault detection under time-varying rotational speed. The performance of the method has been validated by both simulation and experimental data.
Polyneuropathy Associated with the Diffuse Infiltrative Lymphocytosis Syndrome
Authors: Golbus Jessica R. , Gallagher Gary , Blackburn Gerald , Cinti Sandro
Published: April 2012

Diffuse infiltrative lymphocytosis syndrome (DILS) arises in HIV-positive patients secondary to infiltration of lymphocytes into the peripheral tissues and produces the disease’s characteristic symptoms—parotid gland enlargement and a sicca syndrome. Many patients, however, first seek medical attention for treatment of the extraglandular manifestations of DILS, most commonly interstitial pneumonitis. In this case report, we describe an atypical presentation of DILS characterized by polyradiculoneuropathy in the absence of parotid gland enlargement or interstitial pneumonitis. Minor salivary gland biopsy of the patient’s lip confirmed a chronic inflammatory state with lymphoid aggregates within the minor salivary glands. He was started on prednisone with immediate improvement in his symptoms. This report illustrates for clinicians the diverse extraglandular manifestations of DILS and underscores the importance of considering it in the differential diagnosis of HIV-positive patients with a preserved CD4 count who present with peripheral neuropathy.
Diarrhea Associated with Lopinavir/Ritonavir-Based Therapy
Authors: Wegzyn Colleen M. , Fredrick Linda M. , Stubbs Roxann O. , Woodward William C. , Norton Michael
Published: April 2012

Background

Antiretroviral therapy is associated with adverse events (AEs). The most frequently reported AE associated with lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) containing regimens is diarrhea. The objective of this meta-analysis is to describe the incidence, prevalence, and duration of diarrhea in individuals taking LPV/r.

Methods

This is a meta-analysis of Abbott-conducted clinical trials. Inclusion criteria included prospective randomized clinical trials with the LPV/r tablet formulation and had AE data (moderate/severe diarrhea) available through 48 weeks of treatment.

Results

Three trials (total 1469 participants) met the inclusion criteria. In all, 11.2% of participants reported moderate/severe diarrhea by week 8, with median time to resolution of 7.4 weeks. The overall 48-week incidence of moderate/severe diarrhea was 15.5%. The discontinuation rate due to moderate/severe diarrhea was 1.3%.

Conclusions

Moderate/severe diarrhea occurred in less than 1 in 6 participants taking LPV/r, typically started in the first 8 weeks of treatment and infrequently resulted in premature discontinuation.
Incremental Validity of Core Self-Evaluations in the Presence of Other Self-Concept Traits
Authors: Rode Joseph C. , Judge Timothy A. , Sun Jian-Min
Published: May 2012

Previous research indicates that core self-evaluations demonstrate incremental predictive validity after controlling for several well-established measures of individual differences. The authors extend this research by examining the incremental predictive validity of core self-evaluations relative to three self-focused individual difference constructs—self-esteem, Protestant work ethic, and narcissism—on a broad range of job performance facets, as well as an array of job attitude measures within both U.S. and Chinese cultures. Results indicated that core self-evaluations demonstrate incremental predictive validity for all tested criterion variables in samples of both U.S. and Chinese workers.
A Method for Reconciling Subjectivist and Objectivist Assumptions in Management Research
Authors: Böhme Tillmann , Childerhouse Paul , Deakins Eric , Towill Denis
Published: May 2012

Application of objectivist methodological assumptions and overreliance on mathematical analysis can cause researchers to oversimplify reality and thereby generate rigorously derived theories and recommendations that lack practitioner relevance. Although mixed-methods approaches to management research have long been heralded, the details remain sparse about how to reconcile apparently disparate approaches. By reflecting on lessons learned over some 15 years of practical experience with a robust mixed-methods approach specifically designed to bridge the academia–practitioner gap, this article demonstrates how inclusion of an interpretive field perspective yields a much more comprehensive picture of the relationship between the organization and its contextual environment. Thus, a key purpose of this article is to stimulate researchers into adopting a more balanced portfolio of research methods that will simultaneously achieve research rigor and generate insightful practitioner-relevant theory.
Sustainable Organizing
Authors: Mannen Delia , Hinton Scott , Kuijper Tineke , Porter Todd
Published: May 2012

Based on the experience of, and evidence from, a 120-day action research case, the theory of sustainable organizing emerged. Building on the idea of sustainable culture, the authors propose that each of Holmgren’s 12 permaculture principles has direct application to human systems and that, when consistently applied, these 12 principles will lead to resilient organizations that provide opportunities for emergence. The authors draw from permaculture to look at the ways people organize themselves to rebound from change with resilience and the intention of achieving organizational sustainability. The authors define sustainable organizing as the conscious design of an organization in ways that mimic the patterns and relationships found in nature, yielding an abundance of resources necessary for the sustainability of the mission of the organization without compromising the needs of future generations of stakeholders to continue that mission.
Endovascular Repair of an Infected Ruptured Isolated Iliac Artery Aneurysm Combined With Congenital Lymphedema
Authors: Zhang Fuxian , Zhang Changming , Feng Yaping , Luo Xiaoyun , Hu Lu , Liang Gangzhu , Zhang Huan , Niu Luyuan
Published: May 2012

Purpose. A novel technique using the reversed iliac leg of a Zenith device has been reported. This study reports a complicated isolated iliac artery aneurysm (IIAA) using this novel technique and reviews the relative literature to discuss current treatment modalities. Case report. A 46-year-old man presented with a mass in the left lower quadrant accompanied by abdominal pain for 60 days. Computer tomography angiography (CTA) revealed a complicated IIAA and a massive retroperitoneal hematoma. Percutaneous puncture and drainage at the hematoma was done. Enterococcus faecium was isolated from the hematoma. The infection was controlled after 2 weeks of drainage and anti-infection treatment. The IIAAs were successfully excluded using the novel technique. The 12-month CTA follow-up was unremarkable. Conclusion. Using inverted Zenith device legs is safe and effective even in complicated IIAAs. Further studies are warranted before it can become a widely acceptable definitive treatment option.
Console-Integrated Stereoscopic OsiriX 3D Volume-Rendered Images for da Vinci Colorectal Robotic Surgery
Authors: Volonté Francesco , Pugin Francois , Buchs Nicolas Christian , Spaltenstein Joël , Hagen Monika , Ratib Osman , Morel Philippe
Published: May 2012

The increased distance between surgeon and surgical field is a significant problem in laparoscopic surgery. Robotic surgery, although providing advantages for the operator, increases this gap by completely removing force feedback. Enhancement with visual tools can therefore be beneficial. The goal of this preliminary work was to create a custom plugin for OsiriX to display volume-rendered images in the da Vinci surgeon’s console. The TilePro multi-input display made the generated stereoscopic pairs appear to have depth. Tumor position, vascular supply, spatial location, and relationship between organs appear directly within the surgeon’s field of view. This study presents a case of totally robotic right colectomy for cancer using this new technology. Sight diversion was no longer necessary. Depth perception was subjectively perceived as profitable. Total immersion in the operative field helped compensate for the lack of tactile feedback specific to robotic intervention. This innovative tool is a step forward toward augmented-reality robot-assisted surgery.
Exploring Resource Efficiency Benchmarks for Environmental Sustainability in Hotels
Authors: Zhang Jie J. , Joglekar Nitin R. , Verma Rohit
Published: May 2012

Successful environmental sustainability (ES) initiatives aim for simultaneous environmental and economic benefits. Benchmarking these initiatives must therefore account for environmental and economic outcomes. To this end, the authors propose to construct a cost-based resource efficiency measure for ES from reported financial data. This approach links the environmental and economic performance outcomes by extracting information from resource related expenses normalized by RevPAR (revenue per available room). Through exploratory factor analysis of an eight-year panel of 984 U.S. hotels, the authors identified two factors that drive resource efficiency in hotel operations, one of which is operations-centered and the other customer behavior–centered. This two-factor measure quantifies the weights that operations and customer behavior contribute to resource efficiency and measures the systematic variations across key hotel operating characteristics. Such resource efficiency benchmarks complement the practice-focused environmental management systems developed by individual hotel companies and guidelines proposed by government agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Dynamic Incentives in Microfinance Group Lending
Authors: Kumar K Naveen
Published: April 2012

One of the most essential tools of poverty reduction would be the viable expansion of institutional credit facilities to large sections of the people who neither have adequate collateral nor credit history to secure a loan. In this backdrop, social collateral is popularized through the group lending programs to address the credit market problems. Microfinance through group lending is acting as a screening device; the joint liability mechanism creates incentives for internal monitoring. Hence, it has received a lot of attention from policy makers as well as academicians. It is playing an important role in delivering financial services to the “socially and economically excluded” poor, in general, and women, in particular. The group lending works with various dynamic incentives. One such kind is principle of progressive lending and it plays a vital role in sustaining the groups for the persistent delivery of microfinance services to its members. In progressive lending, a typical borrower receives very small amounts at first, which increases with good repayment conduct or it links new, larger loans to past repayment. This article explores possible theoretical and empirical relationship between progressive lending and its determinants in group lending approach. The primary survey was conducted in 10 villages covering 106 self-help groups and 318 members in Karnataka, India. The empirical results show the progressive lending amount rising up to 698% of the initial loan of the self-help groups.
What Is Going on During Vocabulary Lessons?
Authors: Mott Michael S. , Holmes Kerry
Published: April 2012

It has been 9 years since the Congressionally appointed National Reading Panel made recommendations for literacy instruction that comprise a five-component framework of phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Vocabulary, a critical pillar of literacy, has reciprocal and correlational relationships with reading achievement. The researchers piloted an observational instrument to determine the methods and materials K-3 teachers use to teach vocabulary in today’s classrooms. This brief evaluates a vocabulary observation tool the researchers developed to gather information from early childhood classroom settings in the midsouth region of the United States. Understanding materials utilized in various contexts will enable practitioners and researchers to address the significant disparity between vocabulary “haves and have-nots.” An examination of the instrument was conducted ( n = 18 raters at 3 ratings apiece for 45 trials) to determine reliability and validity of observations. Reliability was addressed via training with discussion and resolution of ratings from video of vocabulary instruction. Validity was analyzed via multidimensional scaling (MDS) to visually portray ratings along the dimensions of student or teacher control. From this data, we were able to determine the number of possible senses (auditory, visual, kinesthetic, smell, and taste) students used. Results indicated observer ratings ( n = 45) clustered or separated material-type consistently indicating variance along both dimensions. The researchers are currently applying this piloted instrument in a large-scale study to depict teachers’ vocabulary material use. Understanding vocabulary materials and contexts of their use may lead to more effective vocabulary curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
Technical Examination of a Measure of Phonological Sensitivity
Authors: Mott Michael S. , Rutherford Angela S.
Published: April 2012

This study describes the development and evaluation of an assessment of phonological sensitivity (PS) designed to empower teachers to identify children’s phonological and phonemic awareness levels for meaningful instruction and to aid literacy researchers in advancing current understandings of the developmental continuum of PS skills. The Leveled Assessment of Phonological Sensitivity (LAPS) is based on specific causal, reciprocal, and correlational relationships to literacy skills, including reading. The assessment contains 11 levels of item types divided in two parts synthesizing linguistic complexity and cognitive operation based on the literature: (a) phonological awareness and (b) phonemic awareness for determining a child’s level of PS skill. Technical examination of the LAPS’s reliability and validity are presented, including developmental trends of students ( n = 333) in Pre-K, K, and Grades 1 and 2. Internal consistency (α = .93) and split-half reliability (Guttman coefficient = .95) were high. Content validity is discussed based on the historical body of research addressing the PS continuum in comparison with the current construct. Developmental validity, determined via ANOVA, revealed LAPS scores discriminating grade level of participants. Confirmatory factor analysis with structural equation modeling revealed single-factor structure, indicating evidence for discriminant validity across LAPS item types along a single latent variable. All 11 paths contained high correlations (across 10 item types with α = .79) between a single factor with rhyme as the exception (α = .40). Findings support LAPS use for teacher identification of students’ PS and reinforce the PS hierarchy of task difficulty set forth from the body of research that dates back to 1976.
MT1-MMP plays a critical role in hematopoiesis by regulating HIF-mediated chemokine/cytokine gene transcription within niche cells
Authors: Nishida Chiemi , Kusubata Kaori , Tashiro Yoshihiko , Gritli Ismael , Sato Aki , Ohki-Koizumi Makiko , Morita Yohei , Nagano Makoto , Sakamoto Takeharu , Koshikawa Naohiko , Kuchimaru Takahiro , Kizaka-Kondoh Shinae , Seiki Motoharu , Nakauchi Hiromitsu , Heissig Beate , Hattori Koichi
Published: April 2012

HSC fate decisions are regulated by cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic cues. The latter cues are derived from the BM niche. Membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP), which is best known for its proteolytic role in pericellular matrix remodeling, is highly expressed in HSCs and stromal/niche cells. We found that, in MT1-MMP−/− mice, in addition to a stem cell defect, the transcription and release of kit ligand (KitL), stromal cell–derived factor-1 (SDF-1/CXCL12), erythropoietin (Epo), and IL-7 was impaired, resulting in a trilineage hematopoietic differentiation block, while addition of exogenous KitL and SDF-1 restored hematopoiesis. Further mechanistic studies revealed that MT1-MMP activates the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) pathway via factor inhibiting HIF-1 (FIH-1) within niche cells, thereby inducing the transcription of HIF-responsive genes, which induce terminal hematopoietic differentiation. Thus, MT1-MMP in niche cells regulates postnatal hematopoiesis, by modulating hematopoietic HIF-dependent niche factors that are critical for terminal differentiation and migration.
Dynamic epigenetic enhancer signatures reveal key transcription factors associated with monocytic differentiation states
Authors: Pham Thu-Hang , Benner Christopher , Lichtinger Monika , Schwarzfischer Lucia , Hu Yuhui , Andreesen Reinhard , Chen Wei , Rehli Michael
Published: May 2012

Cellular differentiation is orchestrated by lineage-specific transcription factors and associated with cell type–specific epigenetic signatures. In the present study, we used stage-specific, epigenetic “fingerprints” to deduce key transcriptional regulators of the human monocytic differentiation process. We globally mapped the distribution of epigenetic enhancer marks (histone H3 lysine 4 monomethylation, histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation, and the histone variant H2AZ), describe general properties of marked regions, and show that cell type–specific epigenetic “fingerprints” are correlated with specific, de novo–derived motif signatures at all of the differentiation stages studied (ie, hematopoietic stem cells, monocytes, and macrophages). We validated the novel, de novo–derived, macrophage-specific enhancer signature, which included ETS, CEBP, bZIP, EGR, E-Box and NF-κB motifs, by ChIP sequencing for a subset of motif corresponding transcription factors (PU.1, C/EBPβ, and EGR2), confirming their association with differentiation-associated epigenetic changes. We describe herein the dynamic enhancer landscape of human macrophage differentiation, highlight the power of genome-wide epigenetic profiling studies to reveal novel functional insights, and provide a unique resource for macrophage biologists.
Identification of early gene expression changes during human Th17 cell differentiation
Authors: Tuomela Soile , Salo Verna , Tripathi Subhash K. , Chen Zhi , Laurila Kirsti , Gupta Bhawna , Äijö Tarmo , Oikari Lotta , Stockinger Brigitta , Lähdesmäki Harri , Lahesmaa Riitta
Published: April 2012

Th17 cells play an essential role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Most of our current understanding on Th17 cell differentiation relies on studies carried out in mice, whereas the molecular mechanisms controlling human Th17 cell differentiation are less well defined. In this study, we identified gene expression changes characterizing early stages of human Th17 cell differentiation through genome-wide gene expression profiling. CD4+ cells isolated from umbilical cord blood were used to determine detailed kinetics of gene expression after initiation of Th17 differentiation with IL1β, IL6, and TGFβ. The differential expression of selected candidate genes was further validated at protein level and analyzed for specificity in initiation of Th17 compared with initiation of other Th subsets, namely Th1, Th2, and iTreg. This first genome-wide profiling of transcriptomics during the induction of human Th17 differentiation provides a starting point for defining gene regulatory networks and identifying new candidates regulating Th17 differentiation in humans.
Beyond Hox: the role of ParaHox genes in normal and malignant hematopoiesis
Authors: Rawat Vijay P. S. , Humphries R. Keith , Buske Christian
Published: May 2012

During the past decade it was recognized that homeobox gene families such as the clustered Hox genes play pivotal roles both in normal and malignant hematopoiesis. More recently, similar roles have also become apparent for members of the ParaHox gene cluster, evolutionarily closely related to the Hox gene cluster. This is in particular found for the caudal-type homeobox genes (Cdx) genes, known to act as upstream regulators of Hox genes. The CDX gene family member CDX2 belongs to the most frequent aberrantly expressed proto-oncogenes in human acute leukemias and is highly leukemogenic in experimental models. Correlative studies indicate that CDX2 functions as master regulator of perturbed HOX gene expression in human acute myeloid leukemia, locating this ParaHox gene at a central position for initiating and maintaining HOX gene dysregulation as a driving leukemogenic force. There are still few data about potential upstream regulators initiating aberrant CDX2 expression in human leukemias or about critical downstream targets of CDX2 in leukemic cells. Characterizing this network will hopefully open the way to therapeutic approaches that target deregulated ParaHox genes in human leukemia.
Prospective study of rabbit antithymocyte globulin and cyclosporine for aplastic anemia from the EBMT Severe Aplastic Anaemia Working Party
Authors: Marsh Judith C. , Bacigalupo Andrea , Schrezenmeier Hubert , Tichelli Andre , Risitano Antonio M. , Passweg Jakob R. , Killick Sally B. , Warren Alan J. , Foukaneli Theodora , Aljurf Mahmoud , Al-Zahrani H. A. , Schafhausen Philip , Roth Alexander , Franzke Anke , Brummendorf Tim H. , Dufour Carlo , Oneto Rosi , Sedgwick Philip , Barrois Alain , Kordasti Shahram , Elebute Modupe O. , Mufti Ghulam J. , Socie Gerard
Published: April 2012

Rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG; thymoglobulin, Genzyme) in combination with cyclosporine, as first-line immunosuppressive therapy, was evaluated prospectively in a multicenter, European, phase 2 pilot study, in 35 patients with aplastic anemia. Results were compared with 105 age- and disease severity–matched patients from the European Blood and Marrow Transplant registry, treated with horse ATG (hATG; lymphoglobulin) and cyclosporine. The primary end point was response at 6 months. At 3 months, no patients had achieved a complete response to rATG. Partial response occurred in 11 (34%). At 6 months, complete response rate was 3% and partial response rate 37%. There were 10 deaths after rATG (28.5%) and 1 after subsequent HSCT. Infections were the main cause of death in 9 of 10 patients. The best response rate was 60% for rATG and 67% for hATG. For rATG, overall survival at 2 years was 68%, compared with 86% for hATG (P = .009). Transplant-free survival was 52% for rATG and 76% for hATG (P = .002). On multivariate analysis, rATG (hazard ratio = 3.9, P = .003) and age more than 37 years (hazard ratio = 4.7, P = .0008) were independent adverse risk factors for survival. This study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00471848.
Platelets can enhance vascular permeability
Authors: Cloutier Nathalie , Paré Alexandre , Farndale Richard W. , Schumacher H. Ralph , Nigrovic Peter A. , Lacroix Steve , Boilard Eric
Published: April 2012

Platelets survey blood vessels, searching for endothelial damage and preventing loss of vascular integrity. However, there are circumstances where vascular permeability increases, suggesting that platelets sometimes fail to fulfill their expected function. Human inflammatory arthritis is associated with tissue edema attributed to enhanced permeability of the synovial microvasculature. Murine studies have suggested that such vascular leak facilitates entry of autoantibodies and may thereby promote joint inflammation. Whereas platelets typically help to promote microvascular integrity, we examined the role of platelets in synovial vascular permeability in murine experimental arthritis. Using an in vivo model of autoimmune arthritis, we confirmed the presence of endothelial gaps in inflamed synovium. Surprisingly, permeability in the inflamed joints was abrogated if the platelets were absent. This effect was mediated by platelet serotonin accumulated via the serotonin transporter and could be antagonized using serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitor antidepressants. As opposed to the conventional role of platelets to microvascular leakage, this demonstration that platelets are capable of amplifying and maintaining permeability adds to the rapidly growing list of unexpected functions for platelets.
Rapid development of exhaustion and down-regulation of eomesodermin limit the antitumor activity of adoptively transferred murine natural killer cells
Authors: Gill Saar , Vasey Adrianne E. , De Souza Alysha , Baker Jeanette , Smith Aaron T. , Kohrt Holbrook E. , Florek Mareike , Gibbs Kenneth D. , Tate Keri , Ritchie David S. , Negrin Robert S.
Published: April 2012

Natural killer (NK) cells are potent anti-viral and antitumor “first responders” endowed with natural cytotoxicity and cytokine production capabilities. To date, attempts to translate these promising biologic functions through the adoptive transfer of NK cells for the treatment of cancer have been of limited benefit. Here we trace the fate of adoptively transferred murine NK cells and make the surprising observation that NK cells traffic to tumor sites yet fail to control tumor growth or improve survival. This dysfunction is related to a rapid down-regulation of activating receptor expression and loss of important effector functions. Loss of interferon (IFN)γ production occurs early after transfer, whereas loss of cytotoxicity progresses with homeostatic proliferation and tumor exposure. The dysfunctional phenotype is accompanied by down-regulation of the transcription factors Eomesodermin and T-bet, and can be partially reversed by the forced overexpression of Eomesodermin. These results provide the first demonstration of NK-cell exhaustion and suggest that the NK-cell first-response capability is intrinsically limited. Further, novel approaches may be required to circumvent the described dysfunctional phenotype.
The hemodynamic tolerability and feasibility of sustained low efficiency dialysis in the management of critically ill patients with acute kidney injury
Authors: Fieghen Heather E , Friedrich Jan O , Burns Karen E , Nisenbaum Rosane , Adhikari Neill K , Hladunewich Michelle A , Lapinsky Stephen E , Richardson Robert M , Wald Ron ,   University of Toronto Acute Kidney Injury Research Group
Published: May 2012

Background

Minimization of hemodynamic instability during renal replacement therapy (RRT) in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) is often challenging. We examined the relative hemodynamic tolerability of sustained low efficiency dialysis (SLED) and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in critically ill patients with AKI. We also compared the feasibility of SLED administration with that of CRRT and intermittent hemodialysis (IHD).

Methods

This cohort study encompassed four critical care units within a single university-affiliated medical centre. 77 consecutive critically ill patients with AKI who were treated with CRRT (n = 30), SLED (n = 13) or IHD (n = 34) and completed at least two RRT sessions were included in the study. Overall, 223 RRT sessions were analyzed. Hemodynamic instability during a given session was defined as the composite of a > 20% reduction in mean arterial pressure or any escalation in pressor requirements. Treatment feasibility was evaluated based on the fraction of the prescribed therapy time that was delivered. An interrupted session was designated if < 90% of the prescribed time was administered. Generalized estimating equations were used to compare the hemodynamic tolerability of SLED vs CRRT while accounting for within-patient clustering of repeated sessions and key confounders.

Results

Hemodynamic instability occurred during 22 (56.4%) SLED and 43 (50.0%) CRRT sessions (p = 0.51). In a multivariable analysis that accounted for clustering of multiple sessions within the same patient, the odds ratio for hemodynamic instability with SLED was 1.20 (95% CI 0.58-2.47), as compared to CRRT. Session interruption occurred in 16 (16.3), 30 (34.9) and 11 (28.2) of IHD, CRRT and SLED therapies, respectively.

Conclusions

In critically ill patients with AKI, the administration of SLED is feasible and provides comparable hemodynamic control to CRRT.
Increased expression of MMP9 is correlated with poor prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Liu Zhen , Li Lixia , Yang Zhixiong , Luo Weiren , Li Xin , Yang Huiling , Yao Kaitai , Wu Bin , Fang Weiyi
Published: May 2012

Introduction

The aim of the present study was to analyze the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and its correlation with clinicopathologic features, including the survival of patients with NPC.

Methods

Using real-time PCR, we detected the mRNA expression of MMP9 in normal nasopharyngeal tissues and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) tissues. Using immunohistochemistry analysis, we analyzed MMP9 protein expression in clinicopathologically characterized 164 NPC cases (116 male and 48 female) with age ranging from 17 to 80 years (median = 48.4 years) and 32 normal nasopharyngeal tissues. Cases with greater than or equal to 6 and less than 6 of the score value of cytoplasmic MMP9 immunostaining were regarded as high expression and low expression, respectively. The relationship between the expression levels of MMP9 and clinical features was analyzed.

Results

The expression level of MMP9 mRNA was markedly greater in NPC tissues than that in the nasopharyngeal tissues. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the protein expression of MMP9 detected in NPC tissues was higher than that in the nasopharyngeal tissues (P = 0.004). In addition, high levels of MMP9 protein were positively correlated with the status of lymph node metastasis (N classification) (P = 0.002) and clinical stage (P < 0.001) of NPC patients. Patients with higher MMP9 expression had a significantly shorter overall survival time than did patients with low MMP9 expression. Multivariate analysis suggested that the level of MMP9 expression was an independent prognostic indicator (P = 0.008) for the survival of patients with NPC.

Conclusion

High level of MMP9 expression is a potential unfavorable prognostic factor for patients with NPC.
Device for lengthening of a musculotendinous unit by direct continuous traction in the sheep
Authors: Zumstein Matthias A , Frey Eric , von Rechenberg Brigitte , Frigg Robert , Gerber Christian , Meyer Dominik C
Published: May 2012

Background

Retraction, atrophy and fatty infiltration are signs subsequent to chronic rotator cuff tendon tears. They are associated with an increased pennation angle and a shortening of the muscle fibers in series. These deleterious changes of the muscular architecture are not reversible with current repair techniques and are the main factors for failed rotator cuff tendon repair. Whereas fast stretching of the retracted musculotendinous unit results in proliferation of non-contractile fibrous tissue, slow stretching may lead to muscle regeneration in terms of sarcomerogenesis. To slowly stretch the retracted musculotendinous unit in a sheep model, two here described tensioning devices have been developed and mounted on the scapular spine of the sheep using an expandable threaded rod, which has been interposed between the retracted tendon end and the original insertion site at the humeral head. Traction is transmitted in line with the musculotendinous unit by sutures knotted on the expandable threaded rod. The threaded rod of the tensioner is driven within the body through a rotating axis, which enters the body on the opposite side. The tendon end, which was previously released (16 weeks prior) from its insertion site with a bone chip, was elongated with a velocity of 1 mm/day.

Results

After several steps of technical improvements, the tensioner proved to be capable of actively stretching the retracted and degenerated muscle back to the original length and to withstand the external forces acting on it.

Conclusion

This technical report describes the experimental technique for continuous elongation of the musculotendinous unit and reversion of the length of chronically shortened muscle.