bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated Blood Active Ghrelin and Unaltered Total Ghrelin and Obestatin Concentrations in Prostate Carcinoma
Authors: Malendowicz Witold , Ziolkowska Agnieszka , Szyszka Marta , Kwias Zbigniew
Published: December 2009

Purpose: Ghrelin and its functional receptor are highly expressed in prostate cancer (PC) and ghrelin may activate proliferation of PC cell lines. This study was therefore designed to characterize the association between serum acylated and total ghrelin, and obestatin levels in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and PC. Methods: Blood serum concentrations of active and total ghrelin and obestatin were estimated by EIA methods. Results: Serum level of active ghrelin in PC was significantly higher compared to control and BPH groups. On the other hand, concentrations of total ghrelin and of obestatin did not differ between studied groups of patients. In the control group the ratio of active to total ghrelin concentrations amounted to 0.16, and it was similar in BPH (0.14), while it was notably elevated in PC (0.42). Also the ratio of active ghrelin to obestatin concentrations was higher in the group with PC than in the control and BPH groups. In all studied groups, the ratio of total circulating ghrelin to obestatin was similar. Conclusions: Obtained results suggest the link between elevated blood active ghrelin and PC, and we cannot exclude that elevated circulating active ghrelin may affect growth of malignant prostatic tissues.
Value of Kidney-Ureter-Bladder Radiography in the Erect Position in Addition to Standard Intravenous Urography Examination
Authors: Saeed R. , Al-Saeed O. , Athyal R. , Yadav C.
Published: December 2009

Objectives: To determine if additional kidney-ureter-bladder radiography in the erect position can improve the diagnostic yield of standard intravenous urography (IVU) examination. Subjects and Methods: This prospective study was conducted from March to July 2007 on 108 consecutive patients (65 males and 43 females, age ranging from 20 to 50 years) who were referred to the Department of Radiology, Al-Amiri Hospital, Kuwait, for IVU examinations. After 15 min, a film was done in the erect position in addition to the routine IVU protocol. Results: Additional information was demonstrated in the erect radiograph as follows: detecting nephroptosis in 18 (17%) patients, improved visualization of the ureters in 58 (54%) patients, and differentiation between phleboliths and ureteric stone was possible in 12 (11%) patients. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated significant additional findings in the erect position (at 15 min) compared to the supine position.
Relationship between Plasma Cortisol Levels and Stress Ulcer following Acute and Severe Head Injury
Authors: Li Zhong-Min , Wang Le-Xin , Jiang Li-Cheng , Zhu Jian-Xin , Geng Feng-Yang , Qiang Fu
Published: December 2009

Objective: This study was designed to investigate the relationship between plasma cortisol levels and stress ulcer following acute severe head injury. Patients and Methods: The plasma cortisol levels were prospectively measured by radioimmunoassay in 68 patients following acute head injury. The diagnosis of stress ulcer was based on clinical evidence and was confirmed by endoscopic examination. Results: Patients with stress ulcer and gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 30, 44.1%) were older than those without stress ulcer(38.2 ± 7.9 vs. 28.3 ± 9.7 years, p < 0.01). The combined rate of poor recovery and death in the stress ulcer patients (70.0%) was significantly higher than in the nonulcer patients (42.1%, p = 0.02). On each of the first 3 days following the head injury, the average plasma cortisol levels in the stress ulcer patients were higher than in the nonulcer patients (p < 0.01). Univariate analysis showed a positive relationship between plasma cortisol on admission and stress ulcer (r = 0.329, p = 0.01). Logistic regression analysis revealed that plasma cortisol levels on admission (OR = 2.326, 95% CI = 1.982–2.466) and age (OR = 1.064, 95% CI = 0.861–1.219) were independent predictors of stress ulcer. Conclusions: The data showed that acute severe head injury was associated with a significant increase in plasma cortisol. Plasma levels of cortisol and age were independent predictors of stress ulcer following acute head injury.
Endoscopic Nodular Gastritis in Dyspeptic Adults: Prevalence and Association with Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Al-Enezi Saleh A. , Alsurayei Saqer A. , Aly Nasser Yehia A. , Ismail Ali E. , Ismail Waleed A. , Al-Brahim Nabeel , El-Dousari Ahmad
Published: December 2009

Objective: To determine the prevalence and histological features of endoscopic nodular gastritis (NG) in adult dyspeptic patients and its relation to Helicobacter pylori infection. Subjects and Methods: A retrospective endoscopic report review of 2,142 patients identified 67 patients with NG during the period from 1 September 2006 to 31 August 2007. A subset of 32 NG patients (group 1) who had had gastric biopsies during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and had been evaluated for H. pylori infection were compared to 32 age- and gender-matched dyspeptic patients. They had undergone endoscopy during the same period, which yielded normal results, and had available biopsies that were similarly evaluated for H. pylori infection (controls, group 2). Pertinent clinical data were obtained from the patients’ records. An experienced pathologist assessed the biopsies for the presence and grade of inflammation, activity, glandular atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, presence and density of H. pylori and presence of lymphoid follicles or aggregates. Results: NG was identified in 67 (3.1%) patients. On histological examination, group 1 had a significantly higher grade of gastritis (p < 0.001). The presence and density of H. pylori infection was significantly higher in group 1 (p < 0.001). The H. pylori density correlated significantly with the severity of gastritis (r = 0.57, p < 0.001). The endoscopic performance of NG on H. pylori infection had high specificity (96.8%) and positive predictive value (93.3%). Conclusion: This study outlined the clinicopathological features of NG identified among a cohort of dyspeptic patients in Kuwait and confirmed the close association with H. pylori infection. However, our study has a limitation in that histopathologic assessment of all NG patients was not feasible.
Knowledge and Perception of Breast Cancer among Women of Various Ethnic Groups in the State of Penang: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Abdul Hadi Muhammad , Hassali Mohamed Azmi , Shafie Asrul Akmal , Awaisu Ahmed
Published: December 2009

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess and compare the knowledge and perception of breast cancer among women of various ethnic groups in the state of Penang. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from February 5 to March 15, 2008. 384 participants were conveniently selected and interviewed face to face by a trained researcher (M.A.H.) using a validated questionnaire. Participants were required to answer 22 questions concerning knowledge of breast cancer and 5 questions on the perception of breast cancer management and treatment outcomes. Results: The mean total score of knowledge was 59.1%, with Indian women having significantly less knowledge than the Chinese and Malay women (p < 0.001). Only 117 (32.3%) and 120 (33.0%) women were aware of the recommended breast self-examination (BSE) and clinical breast examination (CBE) guidelines, respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed that ethnicity, age, level of education and employment status were major determinants of breast cancer knowledge. Conclusion: The current study has demonstrated that women in the state of Penang have serious knowledge deficits about breast cancer and poor awareness of BSE and CBE guidelines. This study has highlighted the need of an intensive breast cancer awareness campaign which should also stress the importance of early detection and reporting of breast cancer.
Prenatal Diagnosis and Management of a Fetal Intra-Abdominal Teratoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Wagner N. , Kagan K.O. , Warmann S.W. , Abele H. , Tekesin I.
Published: December 2009

We report on a case of a large intra-abdominal teratoma diagnosed antenatally and managed successfully after birth. Intra-abdominal teratomas are rare in prenatal life. Ultrasound examination shows a heterogenic tumor with cystic and solid components. After postpartum surgical removal, the prognosis is generally good.
Increased Serum Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Levels in Primary Dysmenorrhea
Authors: Akdemir Nermin , Cinemre Hakan , Bilir Cemil , Akin Okhan , Akdemir Ramazan
Published: December 2009

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea is a common disorder among young women, and uterine ischemia plays an important role in pelvic pain. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is accepted as a strong marker of endothelial dysfunction. Objective: To investigate the role of ADMA in primary dysmenorrhea. Methods: Thirty-three patients with primary dysmenorrhea and 29 healthy controls were evaluated in a hospital outpatient clinic-based study. Secondary causes of dysmenorrhea had been ruled out in each patient. LDL cholesterol, triglycerides measured and body mass index were also calculated. Blood samples for determination of ADMA concentration were drawn on the 3rd day of menses in each woman. Groups were compared for statistically significant difference by Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Groups did not differ in age or hormone levels. ADMA level was higher in women with dysmenorrhea compared to healthy controls (Mann-Whitney U test, Z = –2.24, p = 0.025). ADMA levels showed positive correlation with age and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in the first group (Spearman’s rho = 0.360, p = 0.040, and r = 0.379, p = 0.029, respectively). Although erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein (CRP) were positively correlated, no significant correlations were found between high-sensitivity CRP and ADMA level in the first group (Spearman’s rho = 0.048, p = 0.749). Conclusion: ADMA concentrations are elevated in primary dysmenorrhea compared to healthy controls. This suggests that endothelial dysfunction plays a role in primary dysmenorrhea.
Implementation of Practice Guidelines for Antifungal Therapy in a Surgical Intensive Care Unit and Its Impact on Use and Costs
Authors: Swoboda Stefanie , Lichtenstern Christoph , Ober Michael Christoff , Taylor Lenka Alexandra , Störzinger Dominic , Michel André , Brobeil Angelika , Mieth Markus , Hofer Stefan , Sonntag Hans-Günther , Hoppe-Tichy Torsten , Weigand Markus Alexander
Published: December 2009

Background: Considering the complexity of diagnosis, high costs of therapy and high morbidity and mortality of systemic fungal infections, antifungal therapy of intensive care patients should follow clearly defined guidelines. We outline the impact of a standardised practice of antifungal treatment in an interdisciplinary surgical intensive care unit of a university hospital. Methods: Therapy was intended to be optimised by implementation of standardised practice guidelines supported by the clinical pharmacist. Costs for antifungal agents during a period of 18 months before and after implementation of the practice guidelines were compared, respectively. Results: The intervention was associated with a significant decrease in use of antifungal agents. Analysis of data revealed a reduction in costs by 50%. This could substantially be attributed to the implementation of the practice guidelines. Conclusion: The implementation of standardised practice guidelines for antifungal therapy in intensive care units decreased the use of selected antifungal agents and resulted in substantial reduction in expenditure on antifungal agents.
A Phase I Study of Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin and Irinotecan in Patients with Solid Tumors
Authors: Morgensztern Daniel , Baggstrom Maria Q. , Pillot Giancarlo , Tan Benjamin , Fracasso Paula , Suresh Rama , Wildi Jonathan , Govindan Ramaswamy
Published: December 2009

Background: Preclinical studies have shown synergism between topoisomerase I and II inhibitors. Methods: We conducted a phase I study evaluating the combination of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin and irinotecan in patients with previously treated solid tumors. Results: Twelve patients were enrolled. The median age was 62 years (range 19–72). The most common grade 3/4 toxicities were neutropenia (dose-limiting toxicity), diarrhea and nausea/vomiting. The maximal tolerated dose and recommended schedule were pegylated liposomal doxorubicin 20 mg/m2 over 60 min on day 1, followed by irinotecan 100 mg/m2 over 90 min on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle. There were no objective clinical responses, but 5 patients achieved stable disease lasting a median of 11 weeks duration (range 2–35). Conclusions: This regimen should be further studied in patients with tumors known to have a sensitivity to both topoisomerase I and II inhibitors such as ovarian and small cell carcinoma.
Post-Antibiotic Effect of Levofloxacin and Tobramycin Alone or in Combination with Cefepime against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Ozbek Berna , Otuk Gulten
Published: December 2009

Background: Levofloxacin and tobramycin, alone and in combination with cefepime, were investigated for their in vitro activities and post-antibiotic effects (PAEs) on Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methods: The in vitro activities of tobramycin and levofloxacin in combination with cefepime were determined by microbroth chequerboard technique against six P. aeruginosa strains that were isolated from patients with bacteremia. The results were interpreted by fractional inhibitory concentration index. To determine the PAEs, P. aeruginosa strains in the logarithmic phase of growth were exposed for 1 h to antibiotics, alone and in combination. Recovery periods of test cultures were evaluated using viable counting after centrifugation. Results: Three synergistic interactions were observed with cefepime-tobramycin and one with cefepime-levofloxacin combinations against tested strains.No antagonism was observed. Levofloxacin produced a PAE ranging from 1.9 to 4.5 h in a concentration-dependent manner. Similar PAEs were induced by tobramycin (ranging from 1.5 to 3.1 h). However, negative PAE values were obtained with cefepime. In combination, cefepime slightly reduced the PAE of tobramycin and levofloxacin against studied strains. Conclusion: The finding of this study may have important clinical implications for the timing of doses during therapy with cefepime, levofloxacin and tobramycin alone and in combination.
Studying Regression of Seborrheic Keratosis in Lichenoid Keratosis with Sequential Dermoscopy Imaging
Authors: Zaballos Pedro , Salsench Elisabeth , Serrano Patricia , Cuellar Francisco , Puig Susana , Malvehy Josep
Published: December 2009

Background: Lichenoid keratosis (LK) is a well-described entity that has been proposed to represent a regressive response to a pre-existent epidermal lesion. Aims: To evaluate the natural evolution of a series of cases showing the intermediate stage of the regression of seborrheic keratosis in LK using sequential dermoscopy imaging over time. Material and Methods: A series of lesions with dermoscopic areas of seborrheic keratosis and LK in the same tumor were consecutively collected for over 3 years at the Dermatology Department of the Hospital de Sant Pau i Santa Tecla, Tarragona, Spain. Sequential dermoscopic images of each case were collected quarterly for 1 year. At the end of the follow-up, all the lesions were biopsied. Results: A total of 22 cases were collected. At the end of the follow-up, the LK part increased in all the lesions. In 11 cases (50%), the seborrheic keratosis part disappeared completely, and in another 5 cases (22.7%), seborrheic keratosis comprised only 10% of the remaining area. Conclusions: These dermoscopic study findings support the proposal that LK represents a regressive response to a pre-existent epidermal lesion, in this case seborrheic keratosis.
Hidden Currents during the Honeymoon: Mao, Khrushchev, and the 1957 Moscow Conference
Authors: Shen Zhihua , Xia Yafeng
Published: December 2009

The Conference of World Communist and Workers' Parties held in Moscow in November 1957 was the largest gathering of world Communists since the birth of Marxism. Scholars have long assumed that the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) dominated the conference. Newly declassified archival records and memoirs indicate that the idea of convening a conference and issuing a joint declaration was proposed by both the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the CPSU. During the conference the CCP leader, Mao Zedong, played an important role. Mao's extemporaneous remarks at the conference shocked the leaders of the CPSU. His comments on the Soviet intraparty struggle, his blunt remarks about nuclear war, and his declaration that China would overtake Great Britain within fifteen years created doubts and dissatisfactions in the minds of the delegates and cast a cloud over the conference. The Moscow Declaration also revealed incipient Sino-Soviet disagreements, portending Beijing's challenge to Soviet leadership in the socialist bloc. Thus, the Moscow Conference was a turning point for Sino-Soviet relations.
Effects of a Business Ethics Elective on Hong Kong Undergraduates’ Attitudes Toward Corporate Ethics and Social Responsibility
Authors: Simmons Richard S. , Shafer William E. , Snell Robin S.
Published: December 2009

This study examines the effect of a business ethics course on undergraduates’ attitudes toward the importance of corporate ethics and social responsibility, as measured by the PRESOR scale. It employs a survey approach, adopting a pretest/posttest methodology in the data collection. A total of 132 undergraduate students were surveyed over a period of four semesters during 2006 and 2007. To test the effects of individual personality characteristics and examine their potential interaction with ethical education, participants’ personal values and degree of Machiavellianism were also assessed. The business ethics course resulted in significantly less support for the traditional “stockholder view” of business, providing backing for the inclusion of a stand-alone business ethics course in the business studies curriculum. In addition, among nonbusiness majors, the course resulted in significantly greater support for the “stakeholder view,” suggesting that it would be especially beneficial to open such a course to nonbusiness students.
Indeterminate and Determinate Sentencing Models
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhang Lening , Vaughn Michael S.
Published: December 2009

This article compares the effects of indeterminate and determinate sentencing models on recidivism using a measure of parole board discretionary release and mandatory parole release under each sentencing model. Data collected from Recidivism of Prisoners Released in 1994: United States are used to conduct a state-specific comparison of the two release programs in six mixed-sentencing states. The results indicate that the effects of different sentencing models significantly vary across the six states. Whereas mandatory parole release was more likely to have a deterrent effect on recidivism in Maryland and Virginia, parole board discretionary release was more effective in New York and North Carolina. Release programs in Oregon and Texas showed no significant differences in their effects on recidivism.
The Strange Case of the Disappearing Special Districts: Toward a Theory of Dissolution
Authors: Bauroth Nicholas G.
Published: December 2009

The United States experiences thousands of local boundary changes each year, which is important because boundaries determine service delivery, shape economic development, and set the parameters for intergovernmental relationships. Using census data from 1987 to 2002, this study creates a model to account for special district dissolution and disappearance. In addition, it examines whether the immediate characteristics of individual districts are related to their disappearance. The study finds that special district disappearances are driven by (a) changes in service demands, (b) state restrictions on local governments, and (c) the actions of public entrepreneurs. In addition, a special district that is overseen by elected officials is less likely to disappear than a district governed by political appointees.
Sunnhemp Fiber-reinforced Waste Polyethylene Bag Composites
Authors: Chaudhary Surya Nath , Borkar S.P. , Mantha S.S.
Published: December 2009

The present article expounds the development of sunnhemp fiber-reinforced waste polyethylene bag composites. No surface modifications of fibers were made. Sunnhemp fibers of 25.4 mm in length with waste polyethylene bags were stacked and composite materials were fabricated using hot compression molding technique. These composites were prepared at different fiber volume fraction (Vf) varying from 0.10 to 0.50. Mechanical properties at different volume fractions of fibers were investigated. The tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength, and flexural modulus of composites containing upto 0.30 Vf were found to increase linearly with Vf and the results showed good agreement with the rule of mixtures. However, beyond 0.30 Vf there was a significant deterioration in the mechanical properties. The work of fracture determined by Izod impact test shows increased impact strength with increased fiber volume fraction up to 0.20 and then a decrease thereafter. The result of this study suggests that sunnhemp fibers have potential as reinforcing material in waste polyethylene bags to produce inexpensive thermoplastic composite materials with a high toughness for various applications like door panels, furniture, packaging, etc. Thus environmental pollution due to waste polyethylene bags can be minimized.
Reading Comprehension Instruction for Students With Learning Disabilities, 1995—2006: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Berkeley Sheri , Scruggs Thomas E. , Mastropieri Margo A.
Published: December 2009

Meta-analysis procedures were employed to synthesize findings of research for improving reading comprehension of students with learning disabilities published in the decade following previous meta-analytic investigations. Forty studies, published between 1995 and 2006, were identified and coded. Nearly 2,000 students served as participants. Interventions were classified as fundamental reading skills instruction, text enhancements, and questioning/strategy instruction—including those that incorporated peer-mediated instruction and self-regulation. Mean weighted effect sizes were obtained for criterion-referenced measures: .69 for treatment effects, .69 for maintenance effects, and .75 for generalization effects. For norm-referenced tests, the mean effect size was .52 for treatment effects. These outcomes were somewhat lower than but generally consistent with those of previous meta-analyses in their conclusion that reading comprehension interventions have generally been very effective. Higher outcomes were noted for interventions that were implemented by researchers. Implications for practice and further research are discussed.
Predictors of Offense Severity, Adjudication, Incarceration, and Repeat Referrals for Juvenile Offenders
Authors: Barrett David E. , Katsiyannis Antonis , Dalun Zhang
Published: December 2009

The authors examined predictors of offense severity, judicial disposition (e.g., diversion, prosecution, incarceration), and repeat offending. Data were obtained on approximately 100,000 individuals from the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. Whites and females were more likely to be prosecuted than Blacks and males, particularly for less serious offenses. At first and second referrals, Blacks were more likely to be incarcerated than Whites. Youth referred before age 14 were more likely to recidivate and youth prosecuted for earlier offenses were more likely to recidivate than those not prosecuted. Father absence and special education status were also predictive of recidivism. Prosecution for first referral was predictive of earlier reoffending at all severity levels of first offense.
Experiments in Mobile Web Survey Design
Authors: Peytchev Andy , Hill Craig A.
Published: December 2009

Self-administered surveys can be conducted on mobile web-capable devices, yet these devices have unique features that can affect response processes. Ninety-two adults were randomly selected and provided with mobile devices to complete weekly web surveys. Experiments were designed to address three main objectives. First, the authors test fundamental findings which have been found robust across other modes, but whose impact may be diminished in mobile web surveys (due largely to the device), by manipulating question order and scale frequencies. Second, the authors test findings from experiments in computer-administered web surveys, altering the presentation of images and the number of questions per page. Third, the authors experiment with the unique display, navigation, and input methods, through the need to scroll, the vertical versus horizontal orientation of scales, and the willingness to provide open-ended responses. Although most findings from other modes are upheld, the small screen and keyboard introduce undesirable differences in responses.
When Good Food Goes Bad
Authors: Nucci Mary L. , Cuite Cara L. , Hallman William K.
Published: December 2009

In September 2006, an unprecedented nationwide outbreak of fresh spinach contaminated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 was communicated to the American public through press releases from the Food and Drug Administration. The potential for severe and fatal illness from consuming this spinach required effective communication by media outlets. Television network news coverage (ABC, CBS, and NBC morning and evening news shows) was examined for quantity, consistency with press release information critical for public health, and source usage. Results of this study consider the role of government information subsidies in disseminating information critical to public health, with potential impact for communication of other national health crises.
Strategies for Communicating About Climate Change Impacts on Public Lands
Authors: Schweizer Sarah , Thompson Jessica L. , Teel Tara , Bruyere Brett
Published: December 2009

Natural resource agencies in the United States have a huge responsibility to protect and manage public lands as well as effectively communicate with diverse publics about land management issues. One of these issues is how best to deal with the impacts of climate change on our nation’s treasured landscapes. Fortunately, a recent surge of research and theorizing in the social sciences on communication about climate change can inform natural resource communication efforts. What insights can scholars share with communication practitioners and public land managers? What communication principles will help them create effective strategies for communicating about climate change? How can scholars best communicate the complexity of climate change impacts and nuances of changes at landscape scales? To begin to address these questions, Colorado State University researchers, in partnership with the Office of the Governor of the State of Colorado, hosted a 3-day workshop on the challenges and opportunities associated with communicating about climate change on public lands in the western United States. This commentary summarizes ideas generated from workshop discussions, including 9 key messages and 10 key principles for effective climate change communication in a land management context.
Substance Use Motives Related to Social Reinforcement among People with a History of Incarceration
Authors: Redman Dina
Published: December 2009

• Summary: Motivational factors have been viewed as central to both the initiation and perpetuation of substance abuse. Until now, the relationship of substance use motives to previous life experiences has yet to be fully explored. This mixed methods study investigated the association between social reinforcement-type substance use motives and stressful events, as well as patterns and consequences of use among 68 men and women with a history of incarceration.

• Findings: Themes coded from the respondents’ narratives yielded three principal motivational categories: social reinforcement, coping, and enhancement. Discriminant analyses revealed that social reinforcement motives were associated with drinking in greater quantities, alcohol and drug dependence, parental divorce or separation, and greater perceived stress at fathers’ and siblings’ deaths.

• Applications : Social work practice implications are discussed including conducting a comprehensive motivational assessment at the inception of substance abuse treatment along with interventions focused on enhancing social support, increasing the capacity for attachment, and the utilization of role models.
Accounting for the Clients’ Troublesome Behaviour in a Supported Housing Unit
Authors: Juhila Kirsi , Hall Christopher , Raitakari Suvi
Published: December 2009

• Summary: The article studies how professionals working in a Finnish supported housing unit explain the behaviour of clients which they define as troublesome in regard to rehabilitation expectations. The clients of the unit suffer from mental health and substance abuse problems. The research data consist of 23 meetings where clients’ progress is discussed and were analysed using accounts analysis.

• Findings: There were 225 episodes where the professionals explain clients’ troublesome behaviour. Three ways of accounting appeared with similar frequency: 1) blaming clients for their behaviour, 2) excusing clients’ behaviour, 3) excusing clients and blaming others for the clients’ behaviour. Detailed analysis of the data shows how these ways of accounting are used in the meeting talk and how blame, excuses and responsibility are combined in different ways. Another important finding is that the same troublesome behaviour can be accounted for in several ways in the course of meeting conversations.

• Applications : The analysis displays the complex ways in which policy imperatives and professional ethics are routinely managed in everyday situations. While concepts like self-determination and choice promote clients’ control of their care, in practice client careers are affected by locally negotiated judgements. The study of policy implementation can benefit from discourse-oriented approaches.
Explaining Social Work Practice — The CAIMeR Theory
Authors: Blom Björn , Morén Stefan
Published: December 2009

• Summary: This article presents the CAIMeR theory, consisting of a conceptual framework and a theoretical model, which can help explain how results in social work practice arise from interventions and its contextual contingencies. The theory has been developed over several years in connection with empirical studies, and together with social workers.

• Findings: The article starts from the meta-theoretical perspective critical realism and its notion of explanative knowledge as a stepping stone to open up the so-called black box. A fundamental concept in critical realism, generative mechanisms, is discussed and elaborated.

• Applications : The CAIMeR theory can be used in several contexts: social work practice, and for evaluation of social work, and, moreover, for organization development in social work. We argue that social workers, evaluators and decision-makers need accurate theory about the core activity (work with clients) within its contextual conditions. The CAIMeR theory pays attention to generative mechanisms at different levels, which is necessary if one wants to understand what is going on in a certain agency, and explain the results in a more qualified way. The theory can also be useful for researchers and university students that need a comprehensive explanative framework when studying phenomena in social work practice.
Review: Advanced non-small cell lung cancer: the role of maintenance therapy
Authors: Agarwala Anuj K. , Hanna Nasser H.
Published: December 2009

Platinum-based chemotherapy has been shown to provide survival benefits in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Maintenance/consolidation chemotherapy in NSCLC has gained renewed interest with improved tolerability of chemotherapy and the addition of biologic agents. Various studies have evaluated the role of prolonged duration of chemotherapy as well as maintenance/consolidation strategies with both chemotherapy and biologic agents. The available data at this time demonstrates that maintenance or consolidation therapy can improve progression free survival; however this does not result consistently in an improved overall survival. We review the literature with regard to duration of therapy and use of maintenance/consolidation therapy in advanced NSCLC.
Review: Targeted therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma: current treatment and future directions
Authors: Heng Daniel Y.C. , Kollmannsberger Christian , Chi Kim N.
Published: December 2009

An understanding of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways has greatly changed the way metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is treated. Based on available phase III randomized trials, anti-VEGF agents such as sunitinib, sorafenib, bevacizumab-based therapy, and mTOR-targeted agents such as temsirolimus and everolimus have been used in the treatment armamentarium for this disease. Now that agents directed against these pathways have largely replaced immunotherapy as the standard of care, new questions have emerged and are the subject of ongoing clinical trials. The development of new targeted therapies including axitinib, pazopanib, cediranib, volociximab, tivozanib (AV-951), BAY 73-4506, and c-met inhibitors such as GSK1363089 and ARQ197 may potentially expand the list of treatment options. Sequential and combination targeted therapies are currently under investigation in advanced disease as are adjuvant and neo-adjuvant approaches around nephrectomy.
Review: Thyroid cancer: emerging role for targeted therapies
Authors: Sipos Jennifer A. , Shah Manisha H.
Published: December 2009

The histology and clinical behavior of thyroid cancer are highly diverse. Although most are indolent tumors with a very favorable outcome with the current standard of care therapy, a small subset of tumors may be among the most lethal malignancies known to man. While surgery and radioactive iodine are the standard of care for differentiated thyroid cancers (DTC) and are effective in curing a majority of such patients, those with iodine-resistant cancers pose a great challenge for clinicians, as these patients have limited treatment options and poor prognoses. Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) has no effective systemic therapy despite the genetic and signaling defects that have been well characterized for the last two decades. Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is one of the most aggressive solid tumors that remains fatal despite conventional multimodality therapy. Increased understanding of the pathogenesis of papillary thyroid carcinoma, the most common type of DTC, as well as ATC, has led to the development of targeted therapies aimed at signaling pathways and angiogenesis that are critical to the development and/or progression of such tumors. Development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting known pathogenetic defects in MTC has led to testing of such agents in the clinic. Numerous clinical trials have been conducted over the last 5 years to examine the effects of these targeted molecular therapies on the outcomes of patients with iodine-refractory DTC, MTC and ATC. Conduction of such trials in the last few years represents a major breakthrough in the field of thyroid cancer. Several trials testing targeted therapies offer promise for setting new standards for the future of patients with progressive thyroid cancer. The purpose of this paper is to outline the recent advances in understanding of the pathogenesis of thyroid cancer and to summarize the results of the clinical trials with these targeted therapies.
Impaired clot retraction in factor XIII A subunit–deficient mice
Authors: Kasahara Kohji , Souri Masayoshi , Kaneda Mizuho , Miki Toshiaki , Yamamoto Naomasa , Ichinose Akitada
Published: December 2009

Factor XIII (FXIII) is a plasma transglutaminase that cross-links fibrin monomers, α2-plasmin inhibitor, and so forth. Congenital FXIII deficiency causes lifelong bleeding symptoms. To understand the molecular pathology of FXIII deficiency in vivo, its knockout mice have been functionally analyzed. Because prolonged bleeding times, a sign of defective/abnormal primary hemostasis, were commonly observed in 2 separate lines of FXIII A subunit (FXIII-A) knockout mice, a possible role or roles of FXIII in platelet-related function was investigated in the present study. Although platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate or collagen was normal, clot retraction (CR) was lost in the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) of FXIII-A knockout mice. In contrast, there was no CR impairment in the PRP of tissue transglutaminase-knockout mice compared with that of wild-type mice. Furthermore, a transglutaminase inhibitor, cystamine, halted CR in the PRP of wild-type mice. These results indicate that the enzymatic activity of FXIII is necessary for CR, at least in mice.
Pirfenidone in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Taniguchi H. , Ebina M. , Kondoh Y. , Ogura T. , Azuma A. , Suga M. , Taguchi Y. , Takahashi H. , Nakata K. , Sato A. , Takeuchi M. , Raghu G. , Kudoh S. , Nukiwa T. ,   the Pirfenidone Clinical Study Group in Japan
Published: December 2009

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disease without proven effective therapy.

A multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised phase III clinical trial was conducted in Japanese patients with well-defined IPF to determine the efficacy and safety of pirfenidone, a novel antifibrotic oral agent, over 52 weeks. Of 275 patients randomised (high-dose, 1,800 mg·day−1; low-dose, 1,200 mg·day−1; or placebo groups in the ratio 2:1:2), 267 patients were evaluated for the efficacy of pirfenidone. Prior to unblinding, the primary end-point was revised; the change in vital capacity (VC) was assessed at week 52. Secondary end-points included the progression-free survival (PFS) time.

Significant differences were observed in VC decline (primary end-point) between the placebo group (-0.16 L) and the high-dose group (-0.09 L) (p = 0.0416); differences between the two groups (p = 0.0280) were also observed in the PFS (the secondary end-point). Although photosensitivity, a well-established side-effect of pirfenidone, was the major adverse event in this study, it was mild in severity in most of the patients.

Pirfenidone was relatively well tolerated in patients with IPF. Treatment with pirfenidone may decrease the rate of decline in VC and may increase the PFS time over 52 weeks. Additional studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Strong purified protein derivative responses are associated with poor mycobacterium inhibition in latent TB
Authors: Kang J.S.L. , Cherian A. , Gan S.H. , Lee T.H. , Lee K.C. , Chee C.B.E. , Doherty T.M. , Wang Y.T. , Seah G.T.
Published: December 2009

The tuberculin skin test (TST) using purified protein derivative (PPD) ofMycobacterium tuberculosisis traditionally used to diagnose latent tuberculosis (TB) infection (LTBI). However, LTBI diagnosis by peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) interferon (IFN)-γ responses toM. tuberculosis-specific antigens, early secreted antigenic target 6 kDa (ESAT-6) and culture filtrate protein (CFP)-10 has greater specificity. We investigated the difference in antimycobacterium cellular immunity in TB contacts who were strong TST reactors but nonresponsive to the ESAT-6/CFP-10 assay compared with those with concordant results.

Healthy TB contacts were tested using the above two assays and mycobacterium survival was measured after co-culture of infected macrophages with their PBMCs.

Whether PPD reactivity was tested by TST or by PBMC-specific IFN-γ responses, strongly PPD-reactive TB contacts without ESAT-6/CFP-10 responsiveness showed significantly better mycobacterium inhibition activity than ESAT-6/CFP-10-responsive TB contacts with the same PPD reactivity. In the former group, stronger PPD reactivity was associated with improved mycobacterium killing, whereas ESAT-6/CFP-10 responders showed the opposite result.

PPD-reactive ESAT-6/CFP-10-nonresponsive TB contacts in our population may have had protective immunity related to prior mycobacterium exposure. ESAT-6/CFP10-responsive TB contacts are more likely to have LTBI and, in this group, strong PPD reactivity may paradoxically be associated with poor mycobactericidal activity.
Progress towards tuberculosis elimination: secular trend, immigration and transmission
Authors: Borgdorff M.W. , Van Den Hof S. , Kremer K. , Verhagen L. , Kalisvaart N. , Erkens C. , Van Soolingen D.
Published: December 2009

This study aimed to determine to what extent tuberculosis trends in the Netherlands depend on secular trend, immigration and recent transmission.

Data on patients in the Netherlands Tuberculosis Register in the period 1993–2007 were matched with restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) patterns ofMycobacterium tuberculosisisolates. Index patients were defined as patients with pulmonary tuberculosis whose isolates had RFLP patterns not observed in another patient in the previous 2 yrs.

Among 8,330 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis the isolates of 56% of native and 50% of foreign-born patients were clustered. Of these, 5,185 were included in detailed analysis: 1,376 native index patients, 2,822 foreign-born index patients and 987 secondary cases within 2 yrs of diagnosis of the index case. The incidence of native and foreign-born index patients declined by 6% and 2% per year, respectively. The number of secondary cases per index case was 0.24. The decline of native cases contributed most to the overall decline of tuberculosis rates and was largely explained by a declining prevalence of latent infection. Tuberculosis among immigrants was associated with immigration figures.

Progress towards elimination of tuberculosis would benefit from intensifying diagnosis and treatment of latent infection among immigrants and global tuberculosis control.
Carotid body and cardiorespiratory alterations in intermittent hypoxia: the oxidative link
Authors: Del Rio R , Moya E A , Iturriaga R
Published: December 2009

Intermittent hypoxia, a feature of obstructive sleep apnoea, potentiates ventilatory hypoxic responses, alters heart rate variability and produces hypertension, partially owing to an enhanced carotid body responsiveness to hypoxia. Since oxidative stress is a potential mediator of both chemosensory and cardiorespiratory alterations, we hypothesised that an antioxidant treatment may prevent these alterations.

Accordingly, we studied the effects of ascorbic acid (1.25 g·L−1drinking water) on plasma lipid peroxidation, nitrotyrosine and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) immunoreactivity in the carotid body, ventilatory and carotid chemosensory responses to acute hypoxia, heart rate variability and arterial blood pressure in male Sprague–Dawley rats exposed to 5% O2; 12 episodes·h−1; 8 h·day−1or sham condition for 21 days.

Intermittent hypoxia increased plasma lipid peroxidation, nitrotyrosine and iNOS expression in the carotid body, enhanced carotid chemosensory and ventilatory hypoxic responses, modified heart rate variability and produced hypertension. Ascorbic acid prevented the increased plasma lipid peroxidation and nitrotyrosine formation within the carotid body, and the enhanced carotid chemosensory and ventilatory responses to hypoxia, as well as heart rate variability alterations and hypertension.

The present results support an essential role for oxidative stress in the generation of carotid body chemosensory potentiation and systemic cardiorespiratory alterations induced by intermittent hypoxia.
Codon usage is associated with the evolutionary age of genes in metazoan genomes
Authors: Prat Yosef , Fromer Menachem , Linial Nathan , Linial Michal
Published: December 2009

Background

Codon usage may vary significantly between different organisms and between genes within the same organism. Several evolutionary processes have been postulated to be the predominant determinants of codon usage: selection, mutation, and genetic drift. However, the relative contribution of each of these factors in different species remains debatable. The availability of complete genomes for tens of multicellular organisms provides an opportunity to inspect the relationship between codon usage and the evolutionary age of genes.

Results

We assign an evolutionary age to a gene based on the relative positions of its identified homologues in a standard phylogenetic tree. This yields a classification of all genes in a genome to several evolutionary age classes. The present study starts from the observation that each age class of genes has a unique codon usage and proceeds to provide a quantitative analysis of the codon usage in these classes. This observation is made for the genomes of Homo sapiens, Mus musculus, and Drosophila melanogaster. It is even more remarkable that the differences between codon usages in different age groups exhibit similar and consistent behavior in various organisms. While we find that GC content and gene length are also associated with the evolutionary age of genes, they can provide only a partial explanation for the observed codon usage.

Conclusion

While factors such as GC content, mutational bias, and selection shape the codon usage in a genome, the evolutionary history of an organism over hundreds of millions of years is an overlooked property that is strongly linked to GC content, protein length, and, even more significantly, to the codon usage of metazoan genomes.
Jellyfish mucin may have potential disease-modifying effects on osteoarthritis
Authors: Ohta Naoshi , Sato Masato , Ushida Kiminori , Kokubo Mami , Baba Takayuki , Taniguchi Kayoko , Urai Makoto , Kihira Koji , Mochida Joji
Published: December 2009

Background

We aimed to study the effects of intra-articular injection of jellyfish mucin (qniumucin) on articular cartilage degeneration in a model of osteoarthritis (OA) created in rabbit knees by resection of the anterior cruciate ligament. Qniumucin was extracted fromAurelia aurita(moon jellyfish) andStomolophus nomurai(Nomura's jellyfish) and purified by ion exchange chromatography. The OA model used 36 knees in 18 Japanese white rabbits. Purified qniumucin extracts fromS. nomuraiorA. auritawere used at 1 mg/ml. Rabbits were divided into four groups: a control (C) group injected with saline; a hyaluronic acid (HA)-only group (H group); two qniumucin-only groups (M groups); and two qniumucin + HA groups (MH groups). One milligram of each solution was injected intra-articularly once a week for 5 consecutive weeks, starting from 4 weeks after surgery. Ten weeks after surgery, the articular cartilage was evaluated macroscopically and histologically.

Results

In the C and M groups, macroscopic cartilage defects extended to the subchondral bone medially and laterally. When the H and both MH groups were compared, only minor cartilage degeneration was observed in groups treated with qniumucin in contrast to the group without qniumucin. Histologically, densely safranin-O-stained cartilage layers were observed in the H and two MH groups, but cartilage was strongly maintained in both MH groups.

Conclusion

At the concentrations of qniumucin used in this study, injection together with HA inhibited articular cartilage degeneration in this model of OA.