bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Results and Performance after Microfracture in National Basketball Association Athletes
Authors: Namdari Surena , Baldwin Keith , Anakwenze Okechukwu , Park Min-Jung , Russell Huffman G. , Sennett Brian J.
Published: February 2009

Background

Microfracture technique is commonly used to treat symptomatic chondral lesions of the knee. Performance outcomes and attrition rates associated with this injury/surgery in National Basketball Association athletes are unclear.

Hypothesis

National Basketball Association players undergoing microfracture for symptomatic chondral lesions of the knee will have demonstrable differences in performance compared with preinjury and with matched controls.

Study Design

Case control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

We evaluated 24 National Basketball Association players who underwent microfracture between 1997 and 2006. Descriptive data and performance data for the first full season preceding and following the index surgery were collected. Data were obtained from 48 matched controls. Univariate/multivariate statistical methods were used to assess change in performance and return to play.

Results

Thirty-three percent (8 of 24) of National Basketball Association athletes who underwent microfracture surgery never returned to play in the National Basketball Association. Fourteen players returned to play in the National Basketball Association for >1 season. Within-group comparisons revealed that points scored (P = .008) and minutes played (P = .045) were reduced postoperatively. No performance variables were significantly different when averaged over 40 minutes of play. When compared with controls, cases experienced a significant decline in points per game (P = .013). Multiple regression analysis revealed that cases were 8.15 times less likely to remain in the National Basketball Association than controls (P = .005) after the index year.

Conclusion

Players undergoing microfracture for knee chondral injuries are at risk for not returning to the National Basketball Association postoperatively. With the exception of points per game, athletes returning exhibited similar performance postoperatively compared with matched controls.
Tendon Disorders of the Foot and Ankle, Part 1
Authors: Heckman Daniel S. , Gluck George S. , Parekh Selene G.
Published: February 2009

Pathologic abnormality of the peroneal tendons is an uncommon but underappreciated source of lateral hindfoot pain and dysfunction that can be difficult to distinguish from lateral ankle ligament injuries. When left untreated, peroneal tendon disorders can lead to persistent lateral ankle pain and substantial functional problems. Unfortunately, the treatment recommendations for these disorders are primarily based on case series and expert opinion. The goals of this review are to develop a current understanding of the anatomy and diagnostic evaluation of the peroneal tendons, and to present current treatment options and the authors’ preferred surgical techniques for operative management of peroneal tendon lesions.
Do Special Education Interventions Improve Learning of Secondary Content? A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Scruggs Thomas E. , Mastropieri Margo A. , Berkeley Sheri , Graetz Janet E.
Published: February 2009

The authors describe findings from a research synthesis on content area instruction for students with disabilities. Seventy studies were identified from a comprehensive literature search, examined, and coded for a number of variables, including weighted standardized mean-difference effect sizes. More than 2,400 students were participants in these investigations. Studies included interventions involving content areas, such as science, social studies, and English, and employed a number of different interventions, including study aids, classroom learning strategies, spatial and graphic organizers, mnemonic strategies, hands-on activities, classroom peers, and computer-assisted instruction. The overall effect size was 1.00, indicating an overall large effect across studies. Implications for future research and practice are described.
Personal and Interpersonal Correlates of Bullying Behaviors Among Korean Middle School Students
Authors: Lee Chang-Hun
Published: February 2009

This study simultaneously investigates personal and interpersonal traits that were found to be important factors of bullying behavior using data collected from 1,238 randomly selected Korean middle school students. Using a modified and expanded definition of bullying based on a more culturally sensitive approach to bullying, this study categorizes bullies into three groups: Type I (minor-covert-nonchronic bullying), Type II (moderate-covert-chronic or severe-overt-nonchronic bullying), and Type III (severe-overt-chronic bullying). In addition, this study empirically tests several factors for the first time. Those factors are fun-seeking tendency, teachers’ attitude toward bullying, teachers’ effectiveness of intervention, teachers’ moral authority, power dynamic, and pseudofriendship. The comparison across three groups provided unique findings that different factors were differently related to different groups of bullies. Specifically, teachers have influence on bullying only for the moderate group (Type II), and parents have influence on bullying only for the minor group (Type I). The most important and constant factors across all different groups were prior bullying victimization experience and fun-seeking tendency.
Attachment Anxiety as a Mediator of the Relationship Between Interpersonal Trauma and Posttraumatic Symptomatology Among College Women
Authors: Sandberg David A. , Suess Eric A. , Heaton Jessica L.
Published: February 2009

The identification of variables that mediate the relationship between traumatic life events and posttraumatic symptomatology could help elucidate underlying causal mechanisms and improve therapeutic intervention offered to individuals suffering from posttraumatic stress. The authors examined whether adult attachment, as measured by Brennan, Clark, and Shaver’s Experiences in Close Relationships Inventory, mediates the relationship between a broad range of traumatic life events and posttraumatic symptomatology. Participants were 224 ethnically diverse college women. Path analysis indicated that attachment anxiety partially mediated the link between intimate partner violence and posttraumatic symptomatology, as well as the link between adolescent or adult sexual victimization and posttraumatic symptomatology. Attachment avoidance, although associated with posttraumatic stress, did not mediate the relationship between traumatic life events and PTSD symptoms.
Correlates of Violent Response Among Peruvian Women Abused by an Intimate Partner
Authors: Gelaye Bizu , Lam Nelly , Cripe Swee May , Sanchez Sixto E. , Williams Michelle A.
Published: February 2009

The authors sought to identify correlates of violent response among women exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) in Lima, Peru. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on exposure to IPV and women's physical violent reaction towards their abuser. Women who were sexually abused by their partners, as compared with women who experienced emotional abuse only, were more than twice as likely to respond in a violent manner to the abuse (OR = 2.32, 95% CI = 1.14-4.74). Similarly, women who reported being physically abused, were 4 times as likely than those who experienced emotional abuse only to retaliate in a physically violent manner (OR = 4.04, 95% CI = 2.68-6.11). Women's educational status, history of witnessing parental violence as a child, and type of IPV are significantly associated with women's violent response. Community support networks and culturally appropriate intervention programs designed to prevent and mitigate the impact of IPV are needed.
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services
Authors: Macy Rebecca J. , Giattina Mary C. , Parish Susan L. , Crosby Carmen
Published: February 2009

More than 20 years ago, concerns were raised about whether domestic violence and sexual assault agencies need for stable funding would conflict with the values that initiated these respective movements. Since then, the movements have evolved considerably. Therefore, it is timely to investigate the challenges domestic violence and sexual assault agencies face today. This exploratory study used focus groups and interviews to identify the challenges facing North Carolina domestic violence and sexual assault movements from the perspectives of agency directors and funding staff. Using an open-coding approach, seven challenges were identified including funding, sustainability, community norms, tension between grassroots versus professional service providers, lack of attention to sexual assault, the need for welcoming services for all survivors, and the need for comprehensive services to help survivors with co-occurring mental illnesses and substance abuse problems. The findings also pointed to recommendations for ways to address these challenges.
An Investigation of School Violence Through Turkish Children’s Drawings
Authors: Yurtal Filiz , Artut Kazim
Published: February 2009

This study investigates Turkish children’s perception of violence in school as represented through drawings and narratives. In all, 66 students (12 to 13 years old) from the middle socioeconomic class participated. To elicit children’s perception of violence, they were asked to draw a picture of a violent incident they had heard, experienced, or witnessed. Children mostly drew pictures of violent events among children (33 pictures). Also, there were pictures of violent incidents perpetrated by teachers and directors against children. It was observed that violence influenced children. Violence was mostly depicted in school gardens (38 pictures), but there were violent incidents everywhere, such as in classrooms, corridors, and school stores as well. Moreover, it was found that brute force was the most referred way of violence in the children’s depictions (38 pictures). In conclusion, children clearly indicated that there was violence in schools and they were affected by it.
Duration of Exposure and the Dose-Response Model of PTSD
Authors: Kaysen Debra , Rosen Gerald , Bowman Marilyn , Resick Patricia A.
Published: February 2009

A dose-response model underlies posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and posits a relationship between event magnitude and clinical outcome. The present study examines whether one index of event magnitude—duration of exposure—contributes to risk of PTSD among female victims of sexual assault. Findings support a small but significant contribution of event duration to clinical status in the immediate aftermath of trauma but not at 3-month follow-up. The opposite pattern is obtained for subjective appraisals of threat. These findings add to a growing literature that suggests that a simple application of the dose-response model to objective event characteristics may be insufficient to explain the risk of PTSD.
Does Acknowledgment as an Assault Victim Impact Postassault Psychological Symptoms and Coping?
Authors: Clements Caroline M. , Ogle Richard L.
Published: February 2009

Psychological symptoms, abuse characteristics, abuse disability, and coping were assessed in college women who either did or did not acknowledge victim status relative to rape or intimate partner violence. Women were asked directly whether they had experienced intimate partner violence or rape. They also completed the Conflicts Tactic Scale (CTS) and the Sexual Experience Survey (SES). Participants were then classified into groups depending upon whether their answer, when directly asked, was consistent with their self-report on the CTS or SES. Overall, women who met the experiential criteria for either assault, but who did not acknowledge victimization, reported greater disability, more psychological symptoms, and impaired coping. This effect was particularly strong for the rape groups, where those who did not acknowledge victimization reported far more psychological distress, disability, and impaired coping than controls and other victim groups. The authors discuss the results in terms of their methodological implications for studies of assault victims and in terms of the clinical implications for victim identification and treatment.
Attitudes Toward Rape and Victims of Rape
Authors: Boakye Kofi E.
Published: February 2009

This study explores the usefulness of the feminist theory in explaining attitudes toward rape and victims of rape in Ghana. The feminist theory of rape posits, inter alia, that patriarchy and gender inequality are major factors in the aetiology of rape and attitudes toward rape and that underlying patriarchy and gender inequality are gender stereotypes and false beliefs (myths) about rape, rapists, and victims of rape. Thus, the theory suggests a relationship between rape myths and less favorable attitudes toward rape and victims of rape. Results from a survey conducted in Ghana show some support for the feminist theory of rape: There is evidence of rape myth acceptance in Ghana; gender is significant in predicting levels of rape myth acceptance; and finally, education or profession and age, but not religion, are associated with levels of rape myth acceptance in a predictable way.
A Cluster Analytic Investigation of School Violence Victimization Among Diverse Students
Authors: Felix Erika D. , Furlong Michael J. , Austin Greg
Published: February 2009

Despite nationwide improvements in school safety, victimization at school continues and affects the well-being of a significant number of students. This study uses the California Healthy Kids Survey, a statewide surveillance instrument administered to students in grades 7, 9, and 11 in California ( N = 70,600) to address the multiple victimization experiences of students at school. The authors identify subgroups of students based on victimization experience; assess how perceptions of being targeted due to bias relate to cluster membership; and relate victimization to perceptions of school safety, depression, grades, truancy, and internal assets. Victimization rates are given across grade, gender, and ethnicity. Cluster analysis reveals five victimization subgroups—nonvictims, polyvictims, and victims who are predominantly sexually harassed, predominantly physically victimized, and predominantly teased. Compared to nonvictims, students who are victimized report worse outcomes on measures of psychosocial adjustment, with polyvictims faring the worst. Victims are more likely to perceive that they are targeted due to their gender or perceived sexual orientation. Implications for research and practice are provided.
Sex, Attribution, and Severity Influence Intervention Decisions of Informal Helpers in Domestic Violence
Authors: Chabot Heather Frasier , Tracy Tracy L. , Manning Christine A. , Poisson Chelsea A.
Published: February 2009

Most domestic violence (DV) researchers examine professional intervention (e.g., police and nurses), but informal helpers (e.g., friends and bystanders) are critical. The authors measure undergraduates’ intervention likelihood, type of involvement (i.e., contact with abuser), and the influence of attribution decisions in DV situations where the abuser’s sex is manipulated. Self-esteem and other personal variables are not found to be influential, but participants intervene more when the abuser is male and if they have experienced childhood abuse. The influence of attributions in DV situations is influenced by the sex of the attacker and severity of the attack. Participants’ attributions for male attackers predict intervention in severe cases of DV; attributions of drunkenness predict more intervention. In general, informal male helpers choose more risky types of intervention than female helpers do, and more aggressive individuals choose less helpful behaviors than those lower in aggression. Stigma reduction associated with DV and intervention, especially among male victims, and the importance of encouraging appropriate involvement among helpers are discussed.
Unsafe at Any House?
Authors: Menning Chadwick L.
Published: February 2009

Although there has been considerable empirical attention to the problem of dangers posed by certain college party environments, little attention has been given to attendees’ perceptions of possible danger cues in party environments, how such perceptions may be linked to concern for personal safety, or variations in perceptions of personal safety at party environments according to gender or party type (i.e., fraternity vs. nonfraternity). This study uses analyses of survey data to explore these issues. The findings suggest that (a) fraternity parties exhibit traits that may indicate greater danger; (b) some of these traits are linked to attendees’ perceptions of personal safety; (c) men and women draw on different cues in making assessments of personal safety, but women feel no more threatened than men; and (d) the amount of alcohol consumed by other party attendees is not associated with perceptions of personal safety. Implications for theory and campus policy are discussed.
Commodification and Co-Modification
Authors: Forbes Diane A.
Published: February 2009

Recent organizational research suggests an emerging trend in which some women of color choose to quit their jobs, head smaller firms, or start their own organizations. Other emergent trends reveal a decline of women of color in executive positions. As reasons for this trend, women managers of color often cite pervasive sex- and race-based stereotypes and the inability of organizations to deal with subtle racism. In this study, the author examines Black women's experience of such sexual politics in organizations. Drawing on interviews and written narratives from nine Black women, the author argues that organizational discourse sexualizes Black women through commodification, experiences of invisibility, and tensions of ownership and consumption of their bodies, which consequently elicits a paradoxical dialectic of accommodation and resistance: co-modification. The analysis both explicates current trends of Black women's declining participation and exit from organizations and suggests how organizations might transform their discursive practices.
Caregiving Tasks and Training Interest of Family Caregivers of Medically Ill Homebound Older Adults
Authors: Wilkins Victoria M. , Bruce Martha L. , Sirey Jo Anne
Published: February 2009

Objectives: This study assessed the caregiving activities and training interests of family caregivers of medically ill older adults without dementia who receive home health care. Methods: Participants were 101 family caregivers of patients from the Training in the Assessment of Depression (TRIAD) study. Caregivers were assessed using a sociodemographic questionnaire and measures of caregiver tasks and training interest. Results: Family caregivers provided a variety of caregiving tasks and their interest in training was independent of current provision of tasks. Black caregivers expressed greater overall interest in receiving training than did White caregivers, as did younger caregivers compared to same-generation caregivers. Discussion: Family caregivers in this study evidenced both a range of care provision and clear interest in improving caregiving skills through training. Research efforts should focus on meeting the specific training needs of family caregivers and determining the impact training can have on patient health outcomes.
Strength Training Preserves the Bone Mineral Density of Postmenopausal Women Without Hormone Replacement Therapy
Authors: Bocalini Danilo Sales , Serra Andrey Jorge , dos Santos Leonardo , Murad Neif , Levy Rozeli Ferreira
Published: February 2009

Objective: The study was designed to evaluate the effects of strength training (ST) on the bone mineral density (BMD) of postmenopausal women without hormone replacement therapy. Method: Subjects were randomized into untrained (UN) or trained (TR) groups. The TR group exercised three ST sessions per week for 24 weeks, and body composition, muscular strength, and BMD of the lumbar spine and femur neck were evaluated. Results: Body weight, mass index, and fat percentage were lower after 24 weeks only in the TR group ( p < .05). SR also improved the one repetition maximum test in 46% and 39% of upper and lower limbs, respectively. The percentage of demineralization was higher in the UN group than in the TR group at the lumbar spine and femoral neck ( p < .05). Discussion: Results indicated that 24 weeks of ST improved body composition parameters, increased muscular strength, and preserved BMD in postmenopausal women.
The Diffusion of State-Level Nonprofit Program Innovation
Authors: Kerlin Janelle A.
Published: February 2009

This article examines the diffusion of a state-level nonprofit program to other states across the United States. Current literature on innovation diffusion largely overlooks the diffusion of nonprofit program innovation. Although several streams of related diffusion research have considered organizational change and government policy transfer, they miss organizational and contextual factors particularly important for nonprofits. This study considers organizational and environmental factors in the transfer of state-level nonprofit program innovation using in-depth interviews with 74 policy actors to examine the spread of the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Project to nonprofits in four states. It identifies similarities and differences between nonprofit program and government policy diffusion and proposes a modified framework for state-level nonprofit program diffusion that consists of multiple stages and participant roles.
Effects of Psychosocial Interventions for People With Intellectual Disabilities and Mental Health Problems
Authors: Gustafsson Carina , Öjehagen Agneta , Hansson Lars , Sandlund Mikael , Nyström Marie , Glad Johan , Cruce Gunilla , Jonsson Ann-Kristin , Fredriksson Maja
Published: February 2009

The aim of this study is to provide a survey of systematic reviews that have evaluated the effects of psychosocial interventions for adult people with intellectual disabilities and/or an autistic syndrome with concurrent mental health problems. Reviews for inclusion were identified through searches of 10 electronic databases. The authors found that 3 out of 126 published reviews met the inclusion criteria for interventions, population, and being considered a systematic review. The results imply a weak scientific support for behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and some forms of integrated care and support. However, the primary studies included in the reviews have several methodological shortcomings. The results suggest future research initiatives in the direction of more effectiveness studies of good quality and reproduction of high-quality systematic reviews.
An Interdisciplinary Team for the Design and Integration of Assistive Robots in Health Care Applications
Authors: Nejat Goldie , Nies Mary A. , Sexton Thomas R.
Published: February 2009

The integration of assistive robots into the health sector requires an interdisciplinary team of researchers capable of studying and addressing issues that arise in human—robot interaction scenarios. In particular, current and future advancements in technologies demand a unique partnership between engineering and the health sciences to develop clinically relevant assistive robots. In this article, the authors discuss an interdisciplinary team approach for integration of assistive robots in health care applications. In particular, the objective of their interdisciplinary team is to design, integrate, and study socially assistive robots in the resident care practice in long-term care nursing facilities. The authors envision that the model they propose can be easily duplicated in other institutions around the world.
Education and Civic Outcomes in Italy
Authors: Di Pietro Giorgio , Delprato Marcos
Published: February 2009

This article attempts to identify the causal effects of education on multiple measures of civic engagement in Italy. The identification strategy is based on changes in education legislation that have exogenously affected the schooling decision. Our empirical analysis delivers two main results. First, the ordinary least squares (OLS) estimates of the effects of education on some civic measures are likely to be biased. Second, the instrumental variables (IV) estimates suggest that the direction of this bias varies across measures of civic outcomes.
A Reexamination of the Psychometric Properties of the School-Wide Evaluation Tool (SET)
Authors: Vincent Claudia , Spaulding Scott , Tobin Tary Jeanne
Published: February 2009

As a follow-up to Horner et al., this study focuses on the internal consistency and validity of the School-wide Evaluation Tool (SET) at all school levels. Analyzing SET data from 833 elementary, 264 middle, and 93 high schools, the authors focused on (a) describing commonalities and differences in SET data across the school levels, (b) assessing the SET's internal consistency at all school levels, and (c) examining the SET's validity as the extent to which SET scores collected by external observers correlated with Team Implementation Checklist (TIC) scores reflecting internal self-assessments. Results indicated that overall, the SET performs best in elementary schools, shows less cohesion in middle and high schools, and highly correlates with TIC scores. Based on these results, the authors formulated a number of recommendations to improve the utility of SET data for research and implementation decisions across school levels and implementation phases.
The Interplay Between Secondhand Cigarette Smoke, Genetics, and Cervical Cancer: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Pate Capps Natalie , Stewart Ayasha , Burns Cindy
Published: February 2009

Research has suggested a link between smoking and cervical cancer; however, little data are available on secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure and cervical cancer risk. This article reviews the literature on the links among smoking, SHS exposure and cervical cancer. The review was based on a search of electronic databases. The research reviewed clearly showed that smoking increases cervical cancer risk through myriad mechanisms that interact with genetics and the pathologic processes leading to cervical cancer. However, less is understood about the role of SHS in cervical cancer. With new technology enabling scientists to examine how genomic structure responds to environmental stimuli, more information should be forthcoming on links between SHS exposure, biomarkers, and genetic changes involved in the development of cervical cancer.
Association Between Stress-Related Substances in Saliva and Immune Substances in Breast Milk in Puerperae
Authors: Kawano Atsuko , Emori Yoko , Miyagawa Sachiyo
Published: February 2009

Objective: We examined the association between biochemical parameters of stress in puerperae and immune substances in breast milk. Methods: The participants were 22 mothers 2 weeks after delivery, with normal pregnancy/delivery and a normal puerperal course. We measured the levels of secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) and cortisol in saliva and the level of SIgA and the leukocyte count in breast milk and investigated their association. Results: There was a positive correlation between the salivary and breast milk levels of SIgA ( r = .536, p < .05). However, there were no correlations among the salivary level of cortisol and the level of SIgA and leukocyte count in breast milk. Conclusions: The only association found in our study was between the salivary and breast milk SIgA. The lack of association among SIgA and cortisol may be related to a variety of factors such as production site, diurnal rhythms, and the interval between stress stimulation in mothers and the response of the biomarker.
Inflammatory Protein Levels and Depression Screening After Coronary Stenting Predict Major Adverse Coronary Events
Authors: Frazier Lorraine , Vaughn William K. , Willerson James T. , Ballantyne Christie M. , Boerwinkle Eric
Published: February 2009

Background: Traditional risk factors cannot account for the majority of future major adverse coronary events (MACE) in patients diagnosed with heart disease. We examined levels of inflammatory proteins to be possible predictors of future MACE and physiological and psychological factors that initiate temporal increases in inflammatory protein levels. Methods: Peripheral blood samples and depression data were collected 4 to 12 hr after elective coronary stent insertion in 490 patients. Depression screening was assessed by a single-question screening tool. Predictive modeling for future MACE was performed by using survival analysis, with time from the index event (placement of the stent) to future MACE as the dependent variable. Results: Patients with high-sensitivity c-reactive protein (hsCRP) in the second and third quartiles were 3 and 2.5 times more likely to have a MACE than patients with hsCRP in the first quartile, respectively. As levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 increased, so did the risk of future MACE. Patients who screened positive for depression were approximately 2 times more likely to have a MACE within 24 months after stent placement than were patients who did not screen positive. Conclusions: Our results suggest that hsCRP, vascular cell adhesion molecule, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels, measured after coronary stent insertion in patients with coronary heart disease, are prognostic of future MACE. Furthermore, positive depression screening is an independent predictor of future MACE.
Multiple sclerosis-associated retroviral agent (MSRV)-stimulated cytokine production in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Saresella M , Rolland A , Marventano I , Cavarretta R , Caputo D , Marche P , Perron H , Clerici M
Published: February 2009

Background

Human endogenous retroviruses are suggested to play a pathogenic role in multiple sclerosis (MS); one of such retroviruses, the MS-associated retroviral agent (MSRV) has repeatedly been isolated in MS patients.

Objective and methods

We analyzed cytokine profiles in MSRV envelope protein (MSRV ENV-SU)-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 30 relapsing-remitting MS patients with either acute (AMS) ( n = 13) or stable (SMS) ( n = 17) disease. Results suggest that MSRV ENV-SU induces the production of inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α ( P < 0.05) and interferon-γ ( P < 0.004) in AMS patients and of interleukin-10 ( P < 0.05), an inflammation-dampening cytokine, in SMS individuals.

Conclusions

These data strengthen the hypothesis indicating that MSRV could be involved in the pathogenesis of MS.
Therapy-related acute leukaemia with Mitoxantrone: what is the risk and can we minimise it?
Authors: Ellis R , Boggild M
Published: February 2009

Background

Therapy-related acute leukaemia (TRAL) is a concern for neurologists and patients when considering treatment with Mitoxantrone for multiple sclerosis (MS). The timing of this complication, risk, mortality and relationship to exposure remain uncertain.

Methods

We searched literature for publications relating to Mitoxantrone in MS, reviewed publication references and handsearched abstract lists to identify case-series reporting follow-up and complications of treatment with Mitoxantrone. We combined this with our local database of 250 cases treated since 1997. We also identified all reported individual cases of TRAL and extracted data reporting exposure (dose or mg/m2), timing and outcome of TRAL.

Results

Case-series including 5472 patients were identified; mean dose of Mitoxantrone was 74.2 mg/m2 (range:12–120 mg/m2). TRAL was diagnosed in 0.30% (1 in 333). In 34 TRAL cases, sufficient data was available to inform analysis of exposure. Onset was a median of 18.5 months following Mitoxantrone treatment (range:4–60). Acute Myelocytic Leukaemia and Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia represented 46.4% each of the leukaemia subtypes. Six of 25 TRAL patients, where outcome was reported, died (24%). Over 80% of cases occurred in patients exposed to >60 mg/m2, with a relative risk of 1.44 (CI95%:1.18–1.70) when comparing total dose >60 mg/m2 against <60 mg/m2 strongly suggesting a relationship between risk of TRAL and total dose.
Nutritional status and self-reported and performance-based evaluation of physical function of elderly persons in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Ferdous Tamanna , Cederholm Tommy , Razzaque Abdur , Wahlin Åke , Nahar Kabir Zarina
Published: February 2009

Aim: To investigate the impact of nutritional status on self-reported as well as performance-based indicators of physical function in a rural elderly population in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted in Matlab, Bangladesh, included 457 randomly selected community-living elderly persons aged 60 years or more (60—92 years; 69 ± 7 years). Mobility, activities of daily living (ADL), performance tests, handgrip strength, the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and a structured questionnaire were used to assess physical function, nutritional status, socioeconomic status and health status, respectively. Descriptive and linear hierarchical regression analyses were applied. Results: Seven per cent of the participants reported limitations in mobility, and 8% reported limitations in ADL. However, more than half of the participants had difficulties in performing one or more items in the performance tests. According to the MNA, 26% of the participants were undernourished and 62% were at risk of malnutrition. More undernourished participants than well-nourished participants reported limited mobility, impaired ADL and difficulties in the performance tests. A corresponding reduction in grip strength was observed in the undernourished group. Accordingly, higher MNA scores, indicating better nutritional status, were significantly associated with higher mobility index, higher ADL index, higher performance tests index, and higher scores in handgrip strength. These associations remained after adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic and health status differences. Conclusions: Good nutritional status is important for the physical function of elderly people, even after controlling for possible confounders. Performance tests indicated a higher degree of functional impairment than that observed by self-reported estimation.
Do Teams Always Lose to Win? Performance Incentives and the Player Draft in the Australian Football League
Authors: Borland Jeff , Chicu Mark , Macdonald Robert D.
Published: February 2009

This article examines whether the player draft used since 1986 in the Australian Football League has caused clubs to tank; that is, to seek to lose matches to obtain improved draft choices. A comparison of clubs’ performances in regular season matches played before and after introduction of the draft provides no evidence that clubs have engaged in tanking. The main potential explanations for the absence of tanking in the Australian Football League are the relatively low benefits to clubs from tanking and limited opportunities for them to engage in this behavior.
Defective homing and impaired induction of cytotoxic T cells by BCR/ABL-expressing dendritic cells
Authors: Mumprecht Sabine , Claus Christina , Schürch Christian , Pavelic Viktor , Matter Matthias S. , Ochsenbein Adrian F.
Published: February 2009

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a malignant myeloproliferative disease arising from a hematopoietic stem cell expressing the BCR/ABL fusion protein. Leukemic and dendritic cells (DCs) develop from the same transformed hematopoietic progenitors. How BCR/ABL interferes with the immunoregulatory function of DCs in vivo is unknown. We analyzed the function of BCR/ABL-expressing DCs in a retroviral-induced murine CML model using the glycoprotein of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus as a model leukemia antigen. BCR/ABL-expressing DCs were found in bone marrow, thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, and blood of CML mice. They were characterized by a low maturation status and induced only limited expansion of naive and memory cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). In addition, immunization with in vitro–generated BCR/ABL-expressing DCs induced lower frequencies of specific CTLs than immunization with control DCs. BCR/ABL-expressing DCs preferentially homed to the thymus, whereas only few BCR/ABL-expressing DCs reached the spleen. Our results indicate that BCR/ABL-expressing DCs do not efficiently induce CML-specific T-cell responses resulting from low DC maturation and impaired homing to secondary lymphoid organs. In addition, BCR/ABL-expressing DCs in the thymus may contribute to CML-specific tolerance induction of specific CTLs.
Tumor suppressor microRNAs are underrepresented in primary effusion lymphoma and Kaposi sarcoma
Authors: O'Hara Andrea J. , Wang Ling , Dezube Bruce J. , Harrington William J. , Damania Blossom , Dittmer Dirk P.
Published: February 2009

The presence of tumor-specific microRNAs reflects tissue of origin and tumor stage. We show that the absence of miRNAs likewise can be used to determine tumor origin (miR-155) and proliferation state because tumor suppressor miRNAs (miR-222/221, let-7 family) were significantly down-regulated in primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) and in Kaposi sarcoma (KS), an endothelial cell tumor. PEL and KS are associated with KS-associated herpesvirus infection. We identified 15 virally regulated miRNAs in latently infected, nontumorigenic endothelial cells. MiR-143/145 were elevated only in KS tumors, not virally infected endothelial cells. Thus, they represent tumor-specific, rather than virus-specific, miRNAs. Because many tumor suppressor proteins are wild-type in KS and PEL, down-regulation of multiple tumor suppressor miRNAs provides a novel, alternative mechanism of transformation.
Mutational inhibition of c-Myb or p300 ameliorates treatment-induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Hilton Douglas J. , Kile Benjamin T. , Alexander Warren S.
Published: February 2009

The transcription factor c-Myb and coregulator p300 have a key role in maintaining production of controlled numbers of megakaryocytes and platelets. In mice, mutations in c-Myb or p300 cause thrombocytosis in otherwise wild-type animals and can ameliorate the thrombocytopenia in mice lacking the thrombopoietin receptor, c-Mpl, a model for human congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia. To examine whether inhibition of c-Myb/p300 is effective in other models of thrombocytopenia, the effect of the c-MybPlt4 mutation on thrombocytopenia associated with reduced platelet life span in Bcl-XPlt20/Plt20 mice was assessed, as were responses in c-MybPlt4 and/or p300Plt6 mutant mice to thrombocytopenia associated with antiplatelet antibodies, chemotherapy, or bone marrow transplantation. Homozygosity of the c-MybPlt4 allele ameliorated thrombocytopenia associated with reduced platelet life span, and c-MybPlt4/+ mice exhibited more rapid than normal recovery from thrombocytopenia caused by antiplatelet serum or bone marrow transplantation. Recovery to pretreatment platelet levels was unaltered in 5-fluorouracil–treated c-MybPlt4/+ mice relative to wild-type controls, but enhanced platelet production during subsequent thrombocytosis was evident. More modest enhancement of platelet recovery after 5-fluorouracil or bone marrow transplantation was also evident in p300Plt6/+ animals. The data suggest potential utility of c-Myb/p300 as a target for therapeutic intervention in thrombocytopenia of diverse origins.
Dissociation of airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness by cyclooxygenase inhibition in allergen challenged mice
Authors: Swedin L. , Neimert-Andersson T. , Hjoberg J. , Jonasson S. , van Hage M. , Adner M. , Ryrfeldt Å. , Dahlén S-E.
Published: February 2009

The aim of the current study was to define how cyclooxygenase (COX)-activity affects airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and inflammation using interventions with COX inhibitors at different time points during allergen challenge and/or prior to measurement of AHR in an eosinophil-driven allergic mouse model. Inflammatory cells were assessed in bronchioalveolar lavage (BAL) and AHR was evaluated as the total lung resistance to methacholine (MCh) challenge.

Administration of FR122047 (COX-1 inhibitor) during ovalbumin (OVA) challenge and prior to MCh challenge enhanced AHR without affecting the inflammatory cell response. In contrast, administration of lumiracoxib (COX-2 inhibitor) during the same time period had no effect on AHR but reduced the inflammatory cells in BAL. Nonselective COX inhibition with diclofenac both enhanced the AHR and reduced the inflammatory cells.

Administration of diclofenac only during OVA challenge reduced the cells in BAL without any changes in AHR, whereas administration of diclofenac only prior to MCh challenge enhanced AHR but did not affect the cells in BAL.

The present study implicates distinct roles of prostanoids generated along the COX-1 and COX-2 pathways and, furthermore, that inflammatory cells in BAL do not change in parallel with AHR. These findings support the fact that AHR and the inflammatory response are distinct and, at least in part, uncoupled events.
An evaluation of the completeness of reporting of childhood tuberculosis: Table 1—
Authors: Teo S. S. S. , Alfaham M. , Evans M. R. , Watson J. M. , Riordan A. , Sonnenberg P. , Clark J. , Hayward A. , Sharland M. , Moore-Gillon J. , Novelli V. , Quinn D. , Shingadia D.
Published: February 2009

The sensitivity of the Enhanced Tuberculosis Surveillance (ETS) scheme for monitoring tuberculosis in children is unknown.

We used the British Paediatric Surveillance Unit (BPSU) reporting scheme to conduct a prospective observational study of tuberculosis in children aged <16 yrs in the UK. Reported cases were then matched with records from the ETS database.

A total of 320 cases were reported to the BPSU between January and December 2004. We estimated that there were 557 paediatric cases in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2004: 222 (40%) cases reported to both BPSU and ETS, 98 (18%) reported to BPSU but not ETS and 237 (42%) reported to ETS but not BPSU. Children aged <5 yrs were significantly less likely to be reported to ETS compared with older children (p<0.01).

There is substantial under-reporting of childhood tuberculosis, especially of children aged <5 yrs. ETS provides a representative picture of the demographics but may miss ∼20% of cases. This should be taken into account when planning training and resource requirements for tuberculosis. Increased efforts are needed to ensure that all paediatric cases are reported to ETS.
Clinical relevance of constant power exercise duration changes in COPD
Authors: Puente-Maestu L. , Villar F. , de Miguel J. , Stringer W. W. , Sanz P. , Sanz M. L. , García de Pedro J. , Martínez-Abad Y.
Published: February 2009

The endurance time during constant high work-rate exercise (tLIM) is used to assess exercise capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and as an outcome measure for pulmonary rehabilitation. Our study was designed to establish the minimum clinically important difference for thetLIM.

tLIMwas measured in 105 patients (86 males) before and after an 8-week outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation programme. Subjects were asked to identify, from a five-point Likert scale, the perceived change in their exercise performance immediately upon completion of the exercise tests. The scale ranged from “better” to “worse”.

The mean±sdage was 64±5 yrs, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) 47±10% and FEV1/forced vital capacity 54.7±16.3%. BaselinetLIMat 75% of the peak work rate was 397±184 s, which increased by 62±63% after rehabilitation. In subjects who felt their exercise tolerance was “slightly better”, the mean improvement was 34% in the relative improvement over the baseline value (95% CI 29–39)% or 101 (86–116) s compared with 121 (109–134)% in those who reported that their exercise tolerance was “better” and 8 (2–14)% in those who felt their exercise tolerance was “about the same”.

Minimum clinically important improvement fortLIMaveraged ∼33% of baseline. Patients were able to distinguish at least one further additional level of benefit at 120% of baseline.
Vehicle exhaust outside the home and onset of asthma among adults
Authors: Modig L. , Torén K. , Janson C. , Jarvholm B. , Forsberg B.
Published: February 2009

Few studies have investigated the relationship between vehicle exhaust and the new onset of asthma among adults. The aim of the present prospective cohort study was to investigate the relationship between the cumulative incidence of asthma and onset of asthma among adults and vehicle exhaust concentrations at home.

Participants from three Swedish cities included in the Respiratory Health in Northern Europe cohort constituted the study population. Exposure at each participant’s home was calculated using dispersion models. We also used <50 m distance to nearest major road as a more simple indicator of exposure. The adjusted model included 3,609 participants, of which 107 were classified as onset cases and 55 as true incident cases of asthma.

There was a positive association between asthma onset (odds ratio (OR) per 10 μg·m−31.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–1.99) and incident asthma (OR per 10 μg·m−31.54, 95% CI 1.00–2.36) and the levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which remained statistically significant after adjusting for potential confounders. The relationship between asthma and NO2was not significantly modified by sex, hay fever or wheeze. The risk of developing asthma was also significantly related to living close to a major road.

The current study suggests that elevated levels of vehicle exhaust outside the home increase the risk of onset and incident asthma among adults.
l-Arginine deficiency causes airway hyperresponsiveness after the late asthmatic reaction
Authors: Maarsingh H. , Bossenga B. E. , Bos I. S. T. , Volders H. H. , Zaagsma J. , Meurs H.
Published: February 2009

Peroxynitrite has been shown to be crucially involved in airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) after the late asthmatic reaction (LAR). Peroxynitrite production may result from simultaneous synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide by inducible NO-synthase (iNOS) at lowl-arginine concentrations.l-Arginine availability to iNOS is regulated by its cellular uptake, which can be inhibited by eosinophil-derived polycations and by arginase, which competes with iNOS for the common substrate.

Using a guinea pig model of allergic asthma, we investigated whether aberrantl-arginine homeostasis could underlie peroxynitrite-mediated AHR after the LAR.

After the LAR, arginase activity in the airways and eosinophil peroxidase release from bronchoalveolar lavage cells were increased. These changes were associated with a 2.0-fold AHR to methacholine as measured in isolated perfused tracheal preparations. AHR was reduced by exogenousl-arginine administration. Moreover, both the arginase inhibitorNω-hydroxy-nor-l-arginine (nor-NOHA) and the polycation antagonist heparin normalised airway responsiveness. These effects were reversed by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitorNω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), indicating that both agents reduced AHR by restoring bronchodilating NO production.

In conclusion, in allergen-challenged guinea pigs, the AHR after the LAR is caused by arginase- and polycation-induced attenuation ofl-arginine availability to iNOS, which may switch the enzyme to simultaneous production of superoxide and NO, and, consequently, peroxynitrite.