bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology and Cause-Specific Outcome of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Children
Authors: Colan Steven D. , Lipshultz Steven E. , Lowe April M. , Sleeper Lynn A. , Messere Jane , Cox Gerald F. , Lurie Paul R. , Orav E. John , Towbin Jeffrey A.
Published: February 2007

Background—

Current information on the epidemiology and outcomes of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in children is limited by disease diversity and small case series.

Methods and Results—

The Pediatric Cardiomyopathy Registry has collected prospective and retrospective data on children diagnosed with HCM since 1990. We identified the various causes of HCM in childhood and determined the relationship between outcomes, cause, and age at presentation. Of 855 patients <18 years of age with HCM, 8.7% (n=74) had inborn errors of metabolism, 9.0% (n=77) had malformation syndromes, 7.5% (n=64) had neuromuscular disorders, and 74.2% (n=634) had idiopathic HCM. Children with HCM associated with inborn errors of metabolism and malformation syndromes have significantly worse survival than the other 2 groups. Patients with idiopathic HCM diagnosed before 1 year of age (n=227) had worse survival from the time of diagnosis than those diagnosed after 1 year of age (n=407). Patients with idiopathic HCM who survived to at least 1 year of age, however, had an annual mortality rate of 1% that was similar regardless of whether they were diagnosed before or after 1 year of age.

Conclusions—

In children, HCM is a diverse disorder with outcomes that depend largely on cause and age. Patients presenting before 1 year of age have the broadest spectrum of causes and the poorest outcome. In those children with idiopathic HCM who survive beyond age 1, however, survival is independent of age at diagnosis, with an annual mortality rate (1%) that is much lower than previously reported in children and is not different from has been found in population-based studies in adults.
Association Between Angiotensinogen, Angiotensin II Receptor Genes, and Blood Pressure Response to an Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor
Authors: Su Xiaowen , Lee Liming , Li Xiaohui , Lv Jun , Hu Yonghua , Zhan Siyan , Cao Weihua , Mei Ling , Tang Yong-Ming , Wang Dai , Krauss Ronald M. , Taylor Kent D. , Rotter Jerome I. , Yang Huiying
Published: February 2007

Background—

To identify the genetic contribution to the variation in blood pressure (BP) response to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the angiotensinogen (
AGT
), angiotensin receptor 1 (
AGTR1
), and angiotensin receptor 2 (
AGTR2
) genes were evaluated for their association with BP response to ACEI in Chinese patients with hypertension in a 2-stage design.

Methods and Results—

We selected 1447 hypertensive patients from a 3-year benazepril postmarket surveillance trial and genotyped them for 14 SNPs in the
AGT
,
AGTR1
, and
AGTR2
genes. The
AGT
rs7079 (C/T) SNP (3′-untranslated region) was significantly associated with the response of diastolic BP to benazepril (diastolic BP response: −7.4 mm Hg for subjects with the CC genotype, −8.9 mm Hg for CA, and −10.1 mm Hg for AA;
P
=0.001). Although there was no association of individual SNPs in the
AGTR1
gene, there was a graded response between common haplotypes and systolic BP reduction in the order of haplotype 2 (H2)/lack of haplotype 3 (non-H3) (−13.6 mm Hg) > non-H2/non-H3 (−10.9 mm Hg) > H3/non-H2 (−6.6 mm Hg) (
P
=0.004). The total variations in response to ACEI therapy that were explained by the
AGT
SNP and
AGTR1
haplotype groups were 13% for systolic and 9% to 9.6% for diastolic BP, respectively.

Conclusion—

AGT
SNP rs7079 and
AGTR1
haplotypes were associated with BP reduction in response to ACEI therapy in hypertensive Chinese patients. This will be useful in future studies, providing genetic markers to predict the hypertensive response to ACEI therapy.
Chibby, an Antagonist of the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway, Facilitates Cardiomyocyte Differentiation of Murine Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Singh Amar M. , Li Feng-Qian , Hamazaki Takashi , Kasahara Hideko , Takemaru Ken-Ichi , Terada Naohiro
Published: February 2007

Background—

Embryonic stem cell (ESC)–derived cardiomyocytes are anticipated to serve as a useful source for future cell-based cardiovascular disease therapies. Research emphasis is currently focused on determining methods to direct the differentiation of ESCs to a large population of cardiomyocytes with high purity. To this aim, understanding the molecular mechanisms that control ESC-to-cardiomyocyte differentiation should play a critical role in the development of this methodology. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has been implicated in both embryonic cardiac development and in vitro ESC differentiation into cardiomyocytes. Chibby is a recently identified nuclear protein that directly binds to β-catenin and antagonizes its transcriptional activity.

Methods and Results—

Chibby was ubiquitously expressed in early stages of ESC differentiation but upregulated during cardiomyocyte specification. Of interest, the Chibby gene promoter has multiple binding sites for the cardiac-specific homeodomain protein Nkx2.5, and its promoter activity was indeed positively regulated by Nkx2.5. Furthermore, overexpression of Chibby increased cardiac differentiation of ESCs, whereas loss of Chibby by RNAi impaired cardiomyocyte differentiation.

Conclusions—

These data illustrate the regulation and function of Chibby in facilitating cardiomyocyte differentiation from ESCs. By revealing molecular mechanisms that control ESC-to-cardiomyocyte differentiation, this study will allow for the future development of technologies to improve cardiomyocyte differentiation from ESCs.
Contexts of Accountability Under Systemic Reform: Implications for Principal Influence on Instruction and Supervision
Authors: Marks Helen M. , Nance Jason P.
Published: February 2007

Purpose: The study investigates how various accountability contexts—including states, local boards, districts, school site councils, parent associations, and teachers—affect the ability of principals to influence instructional and supervisory decisions in their schools.

Data: Data for the analysis come from 1999-2000 Schools and Staffing Survey responses of 8,524 elementary, middle, and high school principals in low-, moderate-, and high-control states. Principals responded to queries regarding their personal influence and the influence of various other policy actors on decisions in the instructional and supervisory domains in the principals’ schools.

Analysis: To examine variation in principal influence within and between states, the study uses hierarchical linear modeling as its primary analytic technique.

Findings: Results indicate that the various accountability contexts differentially affect principals’ influence, which also vary by domain, extent of state control, and region.

Implications for Practice: Principals’ influence in both the supervisory and instructional domains is strongly related to that of teachers’ active participation in decision making, suggesting the benefits of mutuality in school leadership.

Implications for Research: How do state accountability systems differ in relation to improving student achievement? How has an accountability-influenced learning process led to the reculturing of a school district and its schools?
Teacher Teams and Distributed Leadership: A Study of Group Discourse and Collaboration
Authors: Scribner Jay Paredes , Sawyer R. Keith , Watson Sheldon T. , Myers Vicki L.
Published: February 2007

Purpose: This article explores distributed leadership as it relates to two teacher teams in one public secondary school. Both situational and social aspects of distributed leadership are foci of investigation.

Methods: The qualitative study used constant comparative analysis and discourse analysis to explore leadership as a distributed phenomenon. Data from field notes and video recordings of two teacher teams during one semester were used.

Findings: Three constructs emerged that informed our understanding of collaborative interaction within each professional learning team: purpose, autonomy, and patterns of discourse. Purpose and autonomy, manifest as organizational conditions, largely shape patterns of discourse that characterize the interaction of the team members. We argue that the nature of purpose and autonomy within a teacher team can influence the social distribution of leadership.

Conclusions: The nature of teams in shared governance structures—the fact that teams can organize to either find or solve problems—has important implications for the creative and leadership capacity of individual teams. Thus, structures and social dynamics of distributed leadership must be attended to and not taken for granted. Implications include (a) conceptualizing leadership in terms of interaction, (b) needing to help teachers become aware of conversational dynamics that lead to or subvert effective collaboration, and (c) needing to help principals become more aware of their role in helping to establish clarity of purpose and appropriate levels of autonomy, so that teams may engage in work that leads to effective and innovative problem-finding and problem-solving activities.
Effect of obesity on inpatient rehabilitation outcomes following total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Vincent Heather K , Vincent Kevin R , Lee Laura W , Alfano Alan P
Published: February 2007

Objectives: To examine obesity effects on outcomes following inpatient rehabilitation in patients following primary total knee arthroplasty or revision total knee arthroplasty.

Design: Retrospective, comparative study.

Setting: Fifty-bed, university-affiliated rehabilitation hospital.

Patients: Obese (N = 139; body mass index >30 kg/m2) and non-obese (N = 146; body mass indexB <30 kg/m2) total knee arthroplasty patients. Participants were further stratified based on total knee arthroplasty type, primary and revision for a total of four groups.

Intervention: Interdisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation.

Main measures: Range of motion, length of stay, Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores, FIM efficiency scores, total and daily hospital charges, and discharge disposition location.

Results: Range of motion and FIM scores improved from admission to discharge in both obese and non-obese patients regardless of total knee arthroplasty type. FIM efficiency was lower in revision than primary total knee arthroplasty (2.8 versus 3.6 patients/day; P < 0.005) but not different between obese and non-obese groups. Total hospital charges were lower for the primary than for the revision patients (P < 0.05), but were directly related with body mass index (r = 0.140, P < 0.05). Discharge disposition locations were not different among groups.

Conclusion: Rehabilitation teams can expect comparable gains between obese and non-obese patients following total knee arthroplasty, but at a greater expense.
Group and home-based tai chi in elderly subjects with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Brismée Jean-Michel , Paige Robert L , Chyu Ming-Chien , Boatright Julie D , Hagar James M , McCaleb Joseph A , Quintela Mauricio M , Feng Du , Xu Ke T , Shen Chwan-Li
Published: February 2007

Objective: To evaluate the effects of tai chi consisting of group and home-based sessions in elderly subjects with knee osteoarthritis.

Design: A randomized, controlled, single-blinded 12-week trial with stratification by age and sex, and six weeks of follow-up.

Setting: General community.

Participants: Forty-one adults (709 / 9.2 years) with knee osteoarthritis.

Interventions: The tai chi programme featured six weeks of group tai chi sessions, 40 min/session, three times a week, followed by another six weeks (weeks 7 -12) of home-based tai chi training. Subjects were requested to discontinue tai chi training during a six-week follow-up detraining period (weeks 13-18). Subjects in the attention control group attended six weeks of health lectures following the same schedule as the group-based tai chi intervention (weeks 0 -6), followed by 12 weeks of no activity (weeks 7-18).

Main outcome measures: Knee pain measured by visual analogue scale, knee range of motion and physical function measured by Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) were recorded at baseline and every three weeks throughout the 18-week study period. Data were analysed using a mixed model ANOVA.

Results: The six weeks of group tai chi followed by another six weeks of home tai chi training showed significant improvements in mean overall knee pain (P = 0.0078), maximum knee pain (P = 0.0035) and the WOMAC subscales of physical function (P = 0.0075) and stiffness (P = 0.0206) compared to the baseline. No significant change of any outcome measure was noted in the attention control group throughout the study. The tai chi group reported lower overall pain and better WOMAC physical function than the attention control group at weeks 9 and 12. All improvements disappeared after detraining.
Stress in caregivers of aphasic stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Draper Brian , Bowring Greg , Thompson Claire , Van Heyst Jocelyn , Conroy Philip , Thompson Julie
Published: February 2007

Background: Communication difficulties due to aphasia following stroke are particularly stressful to caregivers.

Objective: To examine the impact of a psychoeducation programme on caregivers’ burden and stress and communication between the caregiver and aphasic stroke patient.

Design: Randomized wait-list controlled trial with immediate or three-month delayed treatment.

Setting: Three public hospital rehabilitation services in Sydney, Australia.

Subjects: Thirty-nine caregivers of aphasic stroke patients, up to 12 months post stroke: 19 given immediate treatment and 20 in a delayed treatment control group.

Interventions: Four-session weekly caregiver programme that included elements of education, support and communication skills conducted by a speech pathologist, social worker and clinical psychologist.

Main measures: The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) was used to measure caregiver stress, the Relatives’ Stress Scale was used to measure caregiver burden and a communication questionnaire was designed specifically for this project.

Results: Thirty-one caregivers completed the study. Caregivers in the immediate treatment group had significant reductions in GHQ measured stress (GHQ mean (SD) at baseline= 6.26 (5.67), GHQ post treatment 3.21 (SD 4.20), P = 0.006). There was no improvement in wait-listed caregivers. Improvement was not maintained at three-month follow-up. There were no significant effects of the programme on communication skills or on caregiver burden.

Conclusions: Stroke caregiver support, education and training programmes have short-term effects on caregiver stress levels but are likely to require ongoing involvement to maintain their effect.
Repair Response of the Inner and Outer Regions of the Porcine Meniscus in Vitro
Authors: Hennerbichler Alfred , Moutos Franklin T. , Hennerbichler Diana , Weinberg J. Brice , Guilak Farshid
Published: February 2007

Background

The menisci are essential intra-articular structures that contribute to knee function, and meniscal injury or loss is associated with joint degeneration. Tears of the outer vascularized zone have a greater potential for repair than do tears in the inner avascular region.

Objective and Hypothesis

Develop an in vitro explant model to examine the hypothesis that differences exist in the intrinsic repair response between the outer and inner region of the meniscus.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Cylindrical explants were harvested from the outer one third and inner two thirds of medial porcine menisci. To simulate a full-thickness defect, a central core was removed and reinserted immediately. Explants were cultured for 2, 4, or 6 weeks, and meniscal healing was investigated using mechanical testing, histologic analysis, and fluorescence confocal microscopy.

Results

Over the 6-week culture period, meniscal explants exhibited migration of cells into the repair site, followed by increased tissue formation that bridged the interface. The repair strength increased significantly over time, with no differences between the 2 regions.

Conclusion

The findings show that explants from the avascular inner zone and vascular outer zone of the meniscus exhibit similar healing potential and repair strength in vitro.

Clinical Relevance

These findings support the hypothesis that the regional differences in meniscal repair observed clinically are owed to the additional vascular supply of the outer meniscus rather than intrinsic differences between the extracellular matrix and cells from these 2 areas.
The ‘Rumours’ of Journalism
Authors: Taïeb Emmanuel
Published: February 2007

Studies of the phenomenon of rumour can no longer avoid paying particular attention to recent transformations of structures in the public sphere. On the one hand, the central role of media in the classification of items of information as ‘rumours’ and in their subsequent publicization and dissemination has become entrenched. On the other, rumours have come to be treated not just as simple pieces of information but rather as a dimension of the political or secular interchange that goes on within larger or smaller groups. These two paradigmatic hypotheses have been recently advanced notably by Pascal Froissart (2002) and Philippe Aldrin (2005). Froissart has shown that our awareness of rumours is very largely moulded by the major place accorded to them in the media, and that many so-called rumours said to have been spontaneously generated from within the body of society in fact find their origin and their channels of propagation effectively within the media itself. For his part, Aldrin would break with the standard interpretation of rumour content as often reflective of the shifting nature of collective psychology, substituting for this, notably for rumours of a political type, a ‘transactional’ approach, by which the rumour is analysed as a form of information that enters circulation in the course of everyday interactions, or ones linked to potential political outcomes.
Normative Versus Felt Needs of Women in the Era of Welfare Reform
Authors: Altman Julie Cooper
Published: February 2007

There has long existed a conflict over the role and needs of poor women and children in the field of social welfare. The balance between what clients want and think they need and what policy makers think they need or ought to want is precarious. This article presents a study that gave voice to welfare recipients’ perceptions of their needs and wants as they faced the uncertainties of life during welfare reform. Five focus groups were used to collect qualitative data from 33 women. Seven themes related to women’s roles and desires in this era of welfare reform were generated.
Romance Narrative, Feminine Ideals, and Developmental Detours for Young Mothers
Authors: Kulkarni Shanti
Published: February 2007

Ethnographic interviews with 30 young mothers examined the ways in which contextual factors affected the mothers’ developmental passages. Themes associated with gendered influences from the larger culture emerged across the interviews, including intense feelings of love, stigmas associated with teenage motherhood, and social pressures to be with their children’s fathers. Some mothers described challenging and letting go of romantic illusions and adopting more realistic appraisals of their partners and relationships. Because cultural filters influence adolescent mothers’ perceptions and choices in significant ways, social workers must acknowledge and integrate these gendered influences to engage and intervene more effectively with adolescent mothers.
Contradictory Tensions in Anti-Oppression Practice in Feminist Social Services
Authors: Barnoff Lisa , Moffatt Ken
Published: February 2007

The implementation of an anti-oppression approach in feminist agencies must deal with contradictory tensions within the model. Feminists imagine anti-oppression as a model of practice that deals with all structures of oppression. At the same time, feminist members of marginalized communities perceive that their particular form of oppression is not attended to in the model. The authors contend that one must understand anti-oppression practice within the historical and social conditions that create inequity and offer implications for practice.
What if Poor Women Ran Their Own Antipoverty Programs?
Authors: Orleck Annelise , Jetter Alexis
Published: February 2007

Annelise Orleck, author of Storming Caesars Palace: How Black Mothers Fought Their Own War on Poverty, is interviewed by her partner of 20 years, journalist Alexis Jetter.
Multichannel Retailing Potential for University-Licensed Apparel
Authors: Park Jihye , Park Jungkun
Published: February 2007

This study examines the effect of university identification on consumer responses and intention to use multichannels for purchasing university-licensed apparel. Two theories, social identity theory and theory of reasoned action, serve as a framework for this study to best explain purchasing behavior for university-licensed apparel by university employees, students, and alumni. A total of 243 undergraduate students in two large midwestern universities from different collegiate conferences (Big 10 and Big 12) participated in this study. Findings provide evidence of causal relationships among university identification, prestige, social acceptance, attitude toward university-licensed apparel, and purchase intention via multichannels.
Effects of Training in Apparel Design and Product Development on Spatial Visualization Skills
Authors: Workman Jane E. , Caldwell Lark F.
Published: February 2007

This study examines the effects of indirect training provided by apparel design and product development courses on spatial visualization skills. Spatial visualization skills are measured by using the Apparel Spatial Visualization Test, a domain-specific measure of spatial visualization, and the Paper Folding Test, a general measure of spatial visualization. In a pretestposttest comparison group design, 128 students completed the two tests at the beginning and end of semester courses. Test scores indicate student improvement on both tests of spatial visualization during the course of a semester. Students in Beginning Clothing Construction improved significantly more on the Apparel Spatial Visualization Test than students in Flat Pattern and Computer Aided Design. Students in Computer Aided Design improved significantly more on the Paper Folding Test than students in Beginning Clothing Construction and Flat Pattern. Results support the viability of indirect training provided in these courses as a means to improve spatial visualization skills.
Mass Media and Self-Esteem, Body Image, and Eating Disorder Tendencies
Authors: Kim Jung-Hwan , Lennon Sharron J.
Published: February 2007

This study examines whether the level of exposure to mass media is related to self-esteem, body image, and eating disorder tendencies in a nonexperimental setting based on Festinger's social comparison theory. A convenience sample of 114 female college students participated in this study. Significant positive relationships between exposure to fashion or beauty magazines and (a) overall appearance dissatisfaction and (b) eating disorder tendencies were found. No relationship resulted from television exposure. In addition, risk of eating disorder tendencies was associated with (a) low self-esteem, (b) body dissatisfaction, and (c) overall appearance dissatisfaction.
Feminist Perspectives on Dress and the Body
Authors: Tyner Keila , Ogle Jennifer Paff
Published: February 2007

This interpretive analysis examines the dress-related meanings included within issues of Ms. magazine, a key feminist periodical, published between the magazine's inception in 1972 and 2002. Dress-related text is excerpted for analysis ( n = 156 articles) and analyzed using constant comparison processes. Analyses reveal two overarching and somewhat disparate themes: (a) experiences of oppression through dress and (b) experiences of empowerment and self-realization through dress. Content related to the first overarching theme addresses the various ways in which women may feel oppressed by fashion discourses and narrow cultural norms of attractiveness. Content related to the second overarching theme addresses the ways in which women can feel empowered or gain pleasure through dress and body-related experiences. Findings are examined for change in meaning with the passage of time and are interpreted in the contexts of existing literature and theory as well as the broader feminist movement.
But, where are the children?
Authors: Gunter Helen , Thomson Pat
Published: February 2007

We examine the position and positioning of children in leadership studies through describing a project where we have worked with children as researchers and policymakers. The research group that we are a part of is located in a successful secondary school, and we have worked together over the past two years to find out more about student and staff perceptions of bullying with a view to developing and implementing a revised school policy. We examine the findings from this work, and show how it challenges current notions regarding pupil voice, and how the potential exists to think differently about what leadership is and how it is practiced.
Identity Status, Consistency and Differentiation of Interests, and Career Decision Self-Efficacy
Authors: Nauta Margaret M. , Kahn Jeffrey H.
Published: February 2007

Relationships between young adults’ identity status, the consistency and differentiation of their career interests, and their career decision self-efficacy were assessed. Among 111 college students, identity status was related to career decision self-efficacy and differentiation of interests, but it was not associated with consistency of interests. In general, more advanced identity status dimensions were associated with higher career decision self-efficacy and more differentiation of interests. The findings highlight the importance of integrating identity status into the conceptualization of career development in research and practice. Ideas for future research and implications for career assessment and counseling are presented.
Concurrent Validity of the 2005 Strong Interest Inventory: An Examination of Gender and Major Field of Study
Authors: Gasser Courtney E. , Larson Lisa M. , Borgen Fred H.
Published: February 2007

This is the first article evaluating the concurrent validity of the 2005 Strong Interest Inventory (SII). The Basic Interest Scales (BISs) were substantially revised to reflect the changing workplace, so such an update is particularly important. Concurrent validity of the 41 content scales in the SII was examined for differentiating 31 college majors in a national college sample of 1,403 women and 469 men. Using discriminant analyses, three sets of content scales were used to predict major field of study. These were six General Occupational Scales, five Personal Style Scales, and 30 BISs. Each set of scales showed substantial concurrent validity in differentiating college major for women and men. The most specific scales, the BISs, were the most predictive of major, with hit rates 6 times greater than chance. Results clearly supported the concurrent validity and counseling utility of the content scales of the SII.
Vocational Hope and Vocational Identity: Urban Adolescents’ Career Development
Authors: Diemer Matthew A. , Blustein David L.
Published: February 2007

Emancipatory communitarian perspectives advocate for theory, research, and action that address the needs of oppressed groups, such as urban adolescents. Considering the dearth of instruments sensitive to the career development needs of urban adolescents, this study examined the component structure of three indices of career development with 220 urban high school students. Analyses revealed a unique four-component (connection to work, vocational identity, commitment to chosen career, salience of chosen career) solution best fit the model. In addition to the traditional emphasis on vocational identity and future orientation in theories of career development, the obtained component solution suggests that (in a social context with pressure to disconnect) remaining connected to one’s vocational future in the face of external barriers, “vocational hope,” may be a particularly important consideration in urban adolescents’ career development.
Institutional Ownership and Firm Performance: Empirical Evidence from U.S.-Based Publicly Traded Restaurant Firms
Authors: Tsai Henry , Gu Zheng
Published: February 2007

This study examined the impact of institutional ownership on firm performance in the restaurant industry during 1999-2003. Taking into consideration the endogeneity of ownership structure, the relationship between the two was investigated in a simultaneous framework, and institutional ownership was found to be a significant and positive determinant of firm performance measured by proxy Q. In the meantime, financial institutions tend to invest in better performing, larger, and more profitable restaurant firms with lower financial leverage. Results support a positive endogenous relationship between institutional ownership and firm performance in the restaurant industry.
Private Club Leaders’ Emotional Intelligence: Development and Validation of a New Measure of Emotional Intelligence
Authors: Cichy Ronald F. , Cha JaeMin , Kim SeungHyun
Published: February 2007

This study specifically focuses on identifying the emotional intelligence (EI) of leaders in the private club industry, via an online survey assessment. This study identifies emerging issues and theoretical gaps in the current existing EI framework and describes the development of a new measure of EI. An initial six-factor structure of EI model was not supported; however, confirmatory factor analyses of the responses of 926 private club participants suggests that the revised three-factor structure of EI model (20 items), comprising IN, OUT, and RELATIONSHIPS, shows evidences of convergent and discriminant validity. This newly developed EI scale is psychometrically sound and, practically, sufficiently short to be a useful tool for application to real private club organizational settings. This study concludes with theoretical and practical implications, together with suggestions regarding future study that can advance current knowledge of EI.
Increased CD8+ central memory T cells in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Liu Guang-Zhi , Fang Li-Bo , Hjelmström Peter , Gao Xu-Guang
Published: February 2007

AT-cell-mediated autoimmune process against central nervous system myelin is believed to underlie the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Formation of immunological memory is based on the differentiation of naïve T cells to memory T cells after exposure to antigens and specific cytokines. The aim of this study was to analyse peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with MS for different T-cell subsets including naïve and memory T cells. Flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to analyse memory T-cell subsets and plasma concentration of interleukin-15 (IL-15) in peripheral blood of MS patients, patients with other neurological disorders and healthy controls. MS patients had a skewed distribution of T cells with an increased level of CD8 + /CCR7 + /CD45RA— central memory T cells (TCM) compared to healthy controls. In addition, MS patients showed significantly higher levels of plasma IL-15 than healthy controls did. Upregulated CD8+ TCM in MS patients may reflect a persistent chronic inflammatory response that may have been induced during early stages of the disease. This derangement may be important for maintaining chronic inflammation in MS. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 149–155. http://msj.sagepub.com
The Faces Symbol Test, a newly developed screening instrument to assess cognitive decline related to multiple sclerosis: first results of the Berlin Multi-Centre FST Validation Study
Authors: Scherer P. , Penner I.K. , Rohr A. , Boldt H. , Ringel I. , Wilke-Burger H. , Burger-Deinerth E. , Isakowitsch K. , Zimmermann M. , Zahrnt S. , Hauser R. , Hilbert K. , Tiel-Wilck K. , Anvari K. , Behringer A. , Peglau I. , Friedrich H. , Plenio A. , Benesch G. , Ehret R. , Nippert I. , Finke G. , Schulz I. , Bergtholdt B. , Breitkopf S. , Kaskel P. , Reischies F. , Kugler J.
Published: February 2007

Reliable, language-independent, short screening instruments to test for cognitive function in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) remain rare, despite the high number of patients affected by cognitive decline. We developed a new, short screening instrument, the Faces Symbol Test (FST), and compared its diagnostic test characteristics with a composite of the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) and the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), in 108 MS patients and 33 healthy controls. An Informant-Report Questionnaire, a Self-Report Questionnaire, and a neurologist's estimation of the Every Day Life Cognitive Status were also applied to the MS patients. The statistical analyses comprised of a receiver operating characteristic analysis for test accuracy and for confounding variables. The PASAT and DSST composite score estimated that 36.5% of the MS patients had cognitive impairment. The FST estimated that 40.7% of the MS patients were cognitively impaired (sensitivity 84%; specificity 85%). The FST, DSST and PASAT results were significantly correlated with the patients' physical impairment, as measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). The results suggest that the FST might be a culture-free, sensitive, and practical short screening instrument for the detection of cognitive decline in patients with MS, including those in the early stages. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 402-411. http://msj.sagepub.com
Prospective clinical and electrophysiological follow-up on a multiple sclerosis population treated with interferon beta-1 a
Authors: Feuillet L. , Pelletier J. , Suchet L. , Rico A. , Ali Cherif A. , Pouget J. , Attarian S.
Published: February 2007

Objective To analyse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) variables in a prospective six-month follow-up pilot study on patients suffering from relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), satisfying inclusion criteria for interferon (IFN) beta-1a treatment.

Background So far, no predictive factors are available as to the course of RRMS treated with IFN beta-1 a.

Design/methods Fifteen RRMS patients were studied before (month 0 (M0)) and after IFN beta-1a onset (M3, M6). The parameters analysed were motor functional score (mFS), Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and TMS variables - central motor conduction time (CMCT) and amplitude ratio (AR).

Results Four of the six patients with no motor signs at inclusion, subsequently showed signs of pyramidal dysfunction. All had abnormal M0_TMS variables. The number of M0_TMS abnormalities per patient was greatest in the group that showed mFS worsening, and was significantly correlated with M6_EDSS. The M0_CMCT was significantly correlated with M6_EDSS. During follow-up, the number of patients with abnormal TMS variables decreased from 12/15 to 4/15, and the total number of abnormalities decreased from 33.3 to 16.7%.

Conclusions TMS variables might be predictive of disease progression. The improvement observed here in the TMS variables may reflect an improvement in MS patients undergoing IFN beta treatment. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 348-356. http://msj.sagepub.com
Arg113His mutation of vanishing white matter is not present in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Lucas M. , Suarez R. , Marcos A. , Solano F. , Venegas A. , Garcia-Sanchez M.I. , Ortiz L. , Izquierdo G.
Published: February 2007

Vanishing white matter (VWM) is a childhood leukoencephalopathy with central hypomyelination, white matter rarefaction, and cystic degeneration. Adult onset, variable phenotype, and high frequency characterize Arg113His mutation caused by G338A polymorphism associated with VWM. A patient with trauma-associated onset, and clinical features compatible with multiple sclerosis (MS), was homozygous for G338A mutation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF2B5). The authors checked a cohort of 101 MS patients, including 19 with head/neck trauma-associated onset, and failed to find the mutation, described above, in MS chromosomes. Our report does not exclude the presence in MS chromosomes of other mutations in the eIF2B gene family. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 424-427. http://msj.sagepub.com
Locomotor training using body weight support on a treadmill improves mobility in persons with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study
Authors: Giesser Barbara , Beres-Jones Janell , Budovitch Amy , Herlihy Elise , Harkema Susan
Published: February 2007

Rationale

The purpose of this protocol was to investigate the potential benefits and tolerability of locomotor training using body weight support on a treadmill (LTBWST) in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

Four persons with primarily spinal cord MS and severely impaired ambulation (Expanded Disability Status Scale score 7.0–7.5) were enrolled in LTBWST. Subjects completed an average of 40 training sessions over several months.

Results

Subjects showed improvement in muscle strength, spasticity, endurance, balance, walking speed, and quality of life at the end of the training sessions, and could tolerate training without fatigue or other adverse effects.

Conclusions

LTBWST is well tolerated by persons with MS and may produce improvements in parameters related to functional mobility. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 224–231. http://msj.sagepub.com
Walking capacities in multiple sclerosis measured by global positioning system odometer
Authors: Créange A , Serre I , Levasseur M , Audry D , Nineb A , Boërio D , Moreau T , Maison P , Sindefi-Sep Réseau
Published: February 2007

We used a global positioning satellite technology odometer to determine the maximum objective walking distance capacity (MOWD) of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The MOWD correlated with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score (r2 =0.41; P < 0.0001), the MSWS-12 scale (r2 = 0.46; P < 0.0001), time to walk 10 m (r2 = 0.51; P < 0.02) and walking speed (r2 =0.75; P < 0.001). Limitation of walking capacities was measurable up to 4550 m, strikingly above the 500-m limit of the EDSS. This objective odometer is a promising tool for evaluation and follow-up of patients with MS. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 220–223. http://msj.sagepub.com
Caregiver quality of life in multiple sclerosis: a multicentre Italian study
Authors: Patti F. , Amato M.P. , Battaglia M.A. , Pitaro M. , Russo P. , Solaro C. , Trojano M.
Published: February 2007

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of multiple sclerosis (MS) caregivers, and to determine relationships that may exist between caregiver and patient QoL. Patients with definite MS (n=445) and their caregivers (n=445) were required to complete the generic, 36-item short-form (SF-36) Health Survey. Median SF-36 dimension scores ranged from 55 to 100 for caregivers and from 46 to 78 for patients. Although the QoL of MS carers was not as severely affected as that of patients, caregiving was associated with lower mental health, vitality and general health scores, compared to healthy subjects. Multivariate analyses revealed significant differences between the predictors of patient QoL and caregiver QoL. The main predictors of patient QoL were Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, MS course, fatigue and depression. Female gender and advanced age were the main predictors of lower QoL in caregivers. In addition, patient BDI score was found to be a significant predictor of almost all caregiver SF-36 dimension scores, while EDSS score, disease duration and course, and patient therapeutic characteristics were found to be predictors of some caregiver SF-36 dimension scores. Therefore, caregiver QoL was significantly influenced by patient characteristics, and supportive strategies for MS caregivers are warranted. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 412-419. http://msj.sagepub.com
Normal-appearing grey and white matter T1 abnormality in early relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis: a longitudinal study
Authors: Davies Gr , Hadjiprocopis A , Altmann DR , Chard Dt , Griffin Cm , Rashid W , Parker Gj , Tofts Ps , Kapoor R , Thompson Aj , Miller Dh
Published: February 2007

Objective

To investigate the presence and evolution of T1 relaxation time abnormalities in normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) and grey matter (GM), early in the course of relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

Twenty-three patients with early relapsing–remitting MS and 14 healthy controls were imaged six monthly for up to three years. Mean follow-up was 26 months for MS patients and 24 months for controls. Dual-echo fast-spin echo and gradient-echo proton-density and T1-weighted data sets (permitting the calculation of a T1 map) were acquired in all subjects. GM and NAWM T1 histograms were produced and a hierarchical regression model was used to investigate changes in T1 over time.

Results

At baseline, significant patient-control differences were seen, both in NAWM (P = 0.001) and in GM (P = 0.01). At follow-up, there was no evidence for a serial change in either mean T1 or peak-location for either NAWM or GM. There was weak evidence for a decline in patient NAWM peak-height and also evidence for a decline in control GM peak-height.

Conclusion

There are significant and persistent abnormalities of NAWM and GM T1 in early relapsing-remitting MS. Further studies should address whether such T1 measures have a role in prognosis or therapeutic monitoring. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13:169–177. http://msj.sagepub.com
Immunosuppressive therapy is more effective than interferon in neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Papeix C , Vidal J-S , Seze J De , Pierrot-Deseilligny C , Tourbah A , Stankoff B , Lebrun C , Moreau T , Vermersch P , Fontaine B , Lyon-Caen O , Gout O
Published: February 2007

To determine long-term treatment (LTT) of neuromyelitis optica (NMO), we retrospectively reviewed therapies of 26 patients with NMO followed in five French neurological departments. To assess LTT efficacy, the probability of relapse free after LTT was analysed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the first treatment receiving interferon beta (IFN Group, seven patients) or immunosuppressants (IS Group, 19 patients). The probability of relapse was significantly lower in the IS Group (P = 0.0007). From our results, interferon beta is not recommended, and one of the best current therapeutic options for NMO appears to be immunosuppressants. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 256–259. http://msj.sagepub.com
Interferon beta preparations for the treatment of multiple sclerosis patients differ in neutralizing antibody seroprevalence and immunogenicity
Authors: Sominanda A , Rot U , Suoniemi M , Deisenhammer F , Hillert J , Fogdell-Hahn A
Published: February 2007

Development of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) reduces the clinical efficacy of interferon beta (IFNβ) treatment in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate NAb seroprevalence (frequency of patients with NAbs) and immunogenicity (titer levels) of IFNβ preparations in a clinical setting. We analysed 1115 consecutive MS patients, treated with one of the three available IFNβ preparations, for an average of 40 months (1 – 120 months), for the presence of NAbs with the MxA protein induction assay. Overall, 32% of patients were positive for NAbs with neutralizing titers above 10. The frequency of NAbs, ie, the seroprevalence, was 13% in Avonex-treated patients, 43% for Betaferon, 39% for Rebif22 and 30% for Rebif44. In addition, the potential to induce high titer levels, ie, the immunogenicity, was observed to differ between preparations. Avonex, showing the lowest seroprevalence, also showed low immunogenicity and typically induced low titers. Betaferon, showing the highest seroprevalence when inducing NAbs, induced lower titers compared to Rebif22 and Rebif44. Treatment duration over five years only marginally correlated with decreased seroprevalence and titer levels.

In conclusion, NAbs to IFNβ are common in a clinical setting and the IFNβ preparations differ not only in NAb seroprevalence, but also in immunogenicity. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 208–214. http://msj.sagepub.com
Epidemiology of familial multiple sclerosis in Hungary
Authors: Fricska-Nagy Z , Bencsik K , Rajda C , Füvesi J , Honti V , Csépány T , Dobos E , Mátyás K , Rózsa C , Komoly S , Vécsei L
Published: February 2007

The prevalence of familial aggregation of multiple sclerosis (MS) is estimated between 5 and 10%. Studies emphasize the effect of genetic factors over the environment of the patients in the development of the disease. We investigated familial accumulation of MS in the cases of 1500 patients in five Hungarian MS centers. According to our data, the risk of familial MS in Hungary is lower than in other countries for which literature data are accessible. The literature does not contain any data for the prevalence of familial MS in Hungary and middle-eastern Europe. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 260–261. http://msj.sagepub.com
Stress regulation in multiple sclerosis – current issues and concepts
Authors: Heesen C , Mohr Dc , Huitinga I , Bergh F Then , Gaab J , Otte C , Gold Sm
Published: February 2007

Since its first description by Charcot, psychological stress has been considered a triggering factor for exacerbations in multiple sclerosis, but until recently the clinical evidence for a causal relation was weak. Over the past years, a growing number of studies have started to elucidate this association and highlight potential mechanisms, including brain-immune communication. On 5 June 2005, a panel of international researchers discussed the current evidence. This article summarizes the observational, animal experimental, as well as human experimental findings on stress regulation in MS, as well as studies on the functioning of the major stress response systems, ie, the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the autonomous nervous system (ANS) in MS. Consensus statements from the group to these aspects are given. Research objectives and strategies are delineated, as well as clinical implications. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 143–148. http://msj.sagepub.com
Vestibular click-evoked myogenic potentials: sensitivity and factors determining abnormality in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Patkó T , Simó M , Arányi Z
Published: February 2007

Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) assesses the sacculo-spinal pathway. The aim of our study was to examine sensitivity and factors determining abnormality of VEMP, indicative of brainstem dysfunction, in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Thirty healthy subjects and 30 MS patients were examined. All healthy subjects showed a normal biphasic response. Twelve of the 30 MS patients (40%) had abnormal recordings. There was a significant difference between MS patients and control subjects with respect to P13 latency (longer in the MS group) and P13-N23 amplitude (lower in the MS group). VEMP abnormalities were statistically significantly related to the presence of brainstem demyelinative lesions and a weaker correlation was found with disease duration. Clinical signs of vestibular dysfunction at any point during the course of the disease did not seem to affect the chances of obtaining abnormal VEMPs. Although the sensitivity of VEMP in detecting abnormality in MS patients is relatively low, its significance is evident in that it is the only electrophysiological method that is able to detect dysfunction in central vestibular pathways. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 193–198. http://msj.sagepub.com