bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vegetables, Unsaturated Fats, Moderate Alcohol Intake, and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Roberts Rosebud O. , Geda Yonas E. , Cerhan James R. , Knopman David S. , Cha Ruth H. , Christianson Teresa J.H. , Pankratz V. Shane , Ivnik Robert J. , Boeve Bradley F. , O’Connor Helen M. , Petersen Ronald C.
Published: May 2010

Background/Aims: To investigate associations of the Mediterranean diet (MeDi) components and the MeDi score with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: Participants (aged 70–89 years) were clinically evaluated to assess MCI and dementia, and completed a 128-item food frequency questionnaire. Results: 163 of 1,233 nondemented persons had MCI. The odds ratio of MCI was reduced for high vegetable intake [0.66 (95% CI = 0.44–0.99), p = 0.05] and for high mono- plus polyunsaturated fatty acid to saturated fatty acid ratio [0.52 (95% CI = 0.33–0.81), p = 0.007], adjusted for confounders. The risk of incident MCI or dementia was reduced in subjects with a high MeDi score [hazard ratio = 0.75 (95% CI = 0.46–1.21), p = 0.24]. Conclusion: Vegetables, unsaturated fats, and a high MeDi score may be beneficial to cognitive function.
The Canadian Neurological Scale and the NIHSS: Development and Validation of a Simple Conversion Model
Authors: Nilanont Yongchai , Komoltri Chulaluk , Saposnik Gustavo , Côté Robert , Di Legge Silvia , Jin Yaping , Prayoonwiwat Naraporn , Poungvarin Niphon , Hachinski Vladimir
Published: May 2010

Background: The Canadian Neurological Scale (CNS) and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) are among the most reliable stroke severity assessment scales. The CNS requires less extensive neurological evaluation and is quicker and simpler to administer. Objective: Our aim was to develop and validate a simple conversion model from the CNS to the NIHSS. Methods: A conversion model was developed using data from a consecutive series of acute-stroke patients who were scored using both scales. The model was then validated in an external dataset in which all patients were prospectively assessed for stroke severity using both scales by different observers which consisted of neurology residents or stroke fellows. Results: In all, 168 patients were included in the model development, with a median age of 73 years (20–94). Men constituted 51.8%. The median NIHSS score was 6 (0–31). The median CNS score was 8.5 (1.5–11.5). The relationship between CNS and NIHSS could be expressed as the formula: NIHSS = 23 – 2 × CNS. A cohort of 350 acute-stroke patients with similar characteristics was used for model validation. There was a highly significant positive correlation between the observed and predicted NIHSS score (r = 0.87, p < 0.001). The predicted NIHSS score was on average 0.61 higher than the observed NIHSS score (95% CI = 0.31–0.91). Conclusions: The CNS can be reliably converted to the NIHSS using a simple conversion formula: NIHSS = 23 – 2 × CNS. This finding may have a practical impact by permitting reliable comparisons with NIHSS-based evaluations and simplifying the routine assessment of acute-stroke patients in more diverse settings.
T Cell Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia in Association with Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Franco Giovanni , Palazzolo Roberto , Liardo Eliana , Tripodo Claudio , Mancuso Salvatrice
Published: May 2010

T cell large granular lymphocytic (LGL) leukemia is a rare condition accounting for 2–3% of all mature lymphoid leukemias. Here, we present the case of a 73-year-old woman presenting with neutropenia and anemia (hemoglobin 9.9 g/dl). Hematological assessment revealed the presence of a T cell LGL leukemia. At the time of T cell LGL leukemia diagnosis, the patient developed xerophthalmia and xerostomia, and a diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome was made following salivary gland biopsy. The finding of large granular lymphocytes in the context of autoimmune disorders is well-known, though it often occurs with rheumatoid arthritis or in association with a positive autoantibody titer in the absence of an overt clinical picture. The concomitant presentation of T cell LGL leukemia with Sjögren’s syndrome is a rare event which is worth reporting. Our patient was managed with immunosuppressive therapy and is still alive.
Warfarin Knowledge in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: Implications for Safety, Efficacy, and Education Strategies
Authors: Smith Megan B. , Christensen Nedra , Wang Shiquan , Strohecker Jennifer , Day John D. , Weiss J. Peter , Crandall Brian G. , Osborn Jeffrey S. , Anderson Jeffrey L. , Horne Benjamin D. , Muhlestein Joseph B. , Lappe Donald L. , Moss Heidi , Oliver Jessica , Viau Krista , Bunch T. Jared
Published: May 2010

Background: Multiple factors influence warfarin metabolism and can significantly affect the risk of adverse events. The extent to which patients understand the modifiable factors that impact on warfarin safety and efficacy is unclear. Methods: A 52-item questionnaire related to knowledge of warfarin was administered to patients with atrial fibrillation in a face-to-face interview with a dietitian. Results were compiled based on five categories: general warfarin knowledge, compliance, drug interactions, herbal or vitamin interactions, and diet. Results: 100 patients were surveyed. Stroke risk factors included hypertension (57%), heart failure (36%), age >75 years (33%), diabetes (22%), and prior stroke/transient ischemic attack (29%). The majority were either high-school (49%) or college graduates (27%). Ten (10%) had a stroke while on warfarin, 11 (11%) had a blood transfusion, and 26 (26%) had at least one fall. The percentages correct for questionnaire items in the five categories were as follows: general knowledge (62%), compliance (71%), drug interactions (17%), herbal or vitamin interactions (7%), and diet (23%). Neither education level nor duration of therapy correlated with warfarin knowledge. Patients at highest risk of stroke had very low knowledge scores in general. Discussion: Patients on warfarin have a poor general understanding of the medication, particularly those at highest risk of stroke.
Alveolar Haemorrhage in the Immunocompetent Host: A Scale for Early Diagnosis of an Immune Cause
Authors: Picard Clément , Cadranel Jacques , Porcher Raphaël , Prigent Hélène , Levy Pierre , Fartoukh Muriel , Mayaud Charles , Parrot Antoine
Published: May 2010

Background: Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (DAH) is a life-threatening condition due to immune and non-immune causes. Early identification of an underlying immune disorder is essential in order to initiate appropriate treatment. Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify early predictive factors of an immune cause of DAH. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 76 immunocompetent patients with DAH to identify early predictive factors of immune-related DAH using clinical, radiological and routine biological data available in the first 24 h after hospital admission. Results: Multivariate analysis identified 4 parameters which were independently associated with immune-related DAH: (1) onset of first respiratory symptoms ≧11 days, (2) fatigue and/or weight loss during the month prior to presentation, (3) arthralgias or arthritis and (4) proteinuria ≧1 g/l. A simplified scale was constructed using these variables, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.913, for the diagnosis of immune-related DAH. Conclusions: A simple diagnostic scale can be used to identify an immune-related cause of DAH in immunocompetent patients and may help guide treatment decisions such as initiation of steroid therapy on the day of admission.
Inhaled Corticosteroids in COPD: A Controversy
Authors: Barnes Peter J.
Published: May 2010

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are now very widely used in high doses in the management of COPD patients. In sharp contrast to the situation in asthma, ICS provide little or no benefit in COPD patients and may have long-term detrimental effects. High doses of ICS fail to reduce disease progression or mortality, even when combined with a long-acting β2-agonist (LABA). Several trials have demonstrated that ICS reduce exacerbations by 20–25%, particularly in patients with more severe disease, but these studies are confounded by poor trial design and more appropriate analysis shows no benefit. Indeed, the benefit of combination inhalers seems to be largely due to the effect of the LABA, and long-acting bronchodilators – including tiotropium – provide similar benefits in reducing exacerbations. However, there may be some COPD patients, for example those with concomitant asthma, who benefit from ICS. Yet it has not been possible to identify any clinical factors that predict corticosteroid responsiveness in COPD patients in the large clinical trials. There is increasing evidence that high doses of ICS may have detrimental effects on bones and may increase the risk of pneumonia. ICS fail to suppress inflammation in COPD patients because there is a marked reduction in histone deacetylase-2, the nuclear enzyme that corticosteroids require to switch off activated inflammatory genes. In the future, alternative anti-inflammatory treatments will be needed for COPD or therapeutic strategies which reverse the molecular pathways that causes corticosteroid resistance.
Migration, Membership, and the Modern Nation-State: Internal and External Dimensions of the Politics of Belonging
Authors: Brubaker Rogers
Published: May 2010

The politics of belonging—political struggles about the membership status of populations both within and outside the geographical confines of particular nation-states—derive from four conditions: (1) the migration of borders over people, (2) the deep and enduring inequalities between mainstream and minority populations, (3) the persisting legacies of empire, and (4) the migration of people over borders. New forms of external membership represent an extension and adaptation of the nation-state model, not its transcendence.
Negotiations beyond Borders: States and Immigrants in Postcolonial Europe
Authors: Kastoryano Riva
Published: May 2010

Although the issues of immigration and integration remain within the purview of the state, states face new challenges that affect their relationship with immigrants inside and outside their boundaries. Within the eu, the coordination of policies to protect common borders from flows of immigration has forced states to re-assess their treatment of immigrants. Moreover, immigrants with the status of permanent residents or legal citizens in their adopted state increasingly foster solidarity networks across national borders on the grounds of one or more identities, thus linking their home country to their country of residence and, in the case of the eu, to a broader European space. The emergence of transnational associations underscores the development of multiple interactions between national societies, between national and supranational institutions, and between member states of the eu that continue to reshape the nature and scope of negotiations between states and immigrants.
The State of International Studies in India
Authors: Mattoo Amitabh
Published: May 2010

The principal objectives of this article are to describe the current state of International Studies (IS) in India, to analyze the reasons for its lack of robustness and the factors responsible for the absence of a vibrant scholarly community and, finally, to suggest a few remedial measures. The lack of the growth of IS is attributable to many factors— systemic, institutional, disciplinary and leadership-related. In many ways, the crisis in IS is only a part of the larger crises affecting Indian Higher Education. IS in India needs better leadership, clear direction and urgent reform.
Scholarship on India’s International Relations
Authors: Basrur Rajesh M.
Published: May 2010

An assessment of scholarship on India’s International Relations (IIR) shows some significant weaknesses. At the global level, the discipline has not kept pace with rising interest in India. There is an appreciable degree of theoretical content in IIR, but it is relatively narrow in range. At the Asian level, interest in IIR is weak and, with exceptions, lacks engagement with theory as well as breadth of scope. In India, the discipline exhibits a wider spread but low-level theoretical content and relative isolation. Taken as a whole, the field needs greater creativity, theoretical depth and breadth of scope. The article concludes with a brief assessment of the reasons for these shortcomings and identifies the pathway to develop IR in India as a more vibrant discipline.
Integrating International Relations Studies in India to Global Scholarship
Authors: Paul T.V.
Published: May 2010

The article makes a case for an intense engagement of international relations (IR) scholars in India with the global IR community, especially those specializing in IR theory. While India has increasingly been integrating itself in global economic and political orders, its IR scholar-ship is yet to get international recognition. This article outlines the structural and domestic causes for the relative absence of theoretical works in IR in India while emphasizing the need for rigorous theory-driven and theory-informed scholarship. It concludes by making eight recommendations for linking IR in India with the global IR scholarship, and offers specific areas where Indian scholars can contribute to puzzle and paradigm-driven IR scholarship.
The Development of International Relations Theory in the United Kingdom
Authors: Brown Chris
Published: May 2010

British International Relations Theory (IRT) is distinguished by a concern with institutions and norms, and by an emphasis on history, philosophy and law rather than the formal methods of the social sciences. In both respects, but especially the latter, it differs from American IRT. The origins of British IRT are traced and the importance of the ‘English School’ is stressed partly because of the work it stimulates but also because of its role as a brand, which helps to establish the independence of British International Relations (IR) from the otherwise dominant American IR. Along with the English School scholarship (pluralist and solidarist), work on Political Theory and IR, and Critical Theory, including Critical Security Studies, are the major areas where contemporary British IRT is located. The article argues that this trend is likely to persist, but the generally critical approach taken to social scientific theorizing may be changing, with the increasing importance of historical sociology and critical realist work. It may also be the case that the privileged status of IRT in British IR may be under challenge.
Personality Profiles and the “Russian Soul”: Literary and Scholarly Views Evaluated
Authors: Allik Jüri , Realo Anu , Mõttus René , Pullmann Helle , Trifonova Anastasia , McCrae Robert R. , Yurina Alla A. , Shebanets Elena Y. , Fadina Anelina G. , Tikhonova Elenora V. , Troitskaya Irina Y. , Fatyhova Rimma M. , Petrova Irina F. , Tudupova Tuyana T. , Tsiring Diana A. , Panfilov Aleksey N. , L'dokova Galya M. , Aristova Irina L. , Mescheryakov Boris G. , Zorina Julia , Yuschenkova Darya V. , Fotekova Tatiana A. , Osmina Elena V. , Vavilkina Natalya G. , Skhorohodova Nina Y. , Zernova Tatyana I. , Dostovalov Sergey G. , Kadykova Svetlana A. , Korepanova Inna A. , Saharova Anna , Naumov Nikolai D. , Snegireva Tatyana V. , Kuznetsov Igor Y. , Kuznetsova Snezhana A. , Rubtsova Maria O. , Filatova Aleksandra F. , Nechaeva Tatyana M. , Borisova Svetlana N. , Postnikova Margarita I. , Gluhanyuk Natalya S. , Dyachenko Elena V. , Fomina Natalya A. , Eromasova Aleksandra A. , Myshkina Svetlana V. , Rulina Tatyana K. , Yavkina Elena V. , Knyazev Gennady G. , Ryabichenko Tatyana I. , Demidova Irina F. , Uvarov Evgeni A. , Lopukhova Olga G. , Vasyagina Natalya N. , Leonenko Natalya O. , Arinin Evgeni I. , Lyapina Anna A. , Dulina Nadezhda V. , Poyarova Tatyana A. , Gaidar Karina M. , Baranov Aleksandr A. , Kozhevnikova Oksana V. , Kalinichenko Olga V. , Korneeva Ekaterina E.
Published: May 2010

Many domestic and foreign observers have claimed that Russians have a unique constellation of personality traits that mirrors their distinctive historical and cultural experience. To examine the hypothesized uniqueness of Russian personality, members of the Russian Character and Personality Survey collected data from 39 samples in 33 administrative areas of the Russian Federation. Respondents ( N = 7,065) identified an ethnically Russian adult or college-aged man or woman whom they knew well and rated the target using the Russian observer-rating version of the Revised NEO Personality Inventory. The mean personality profile of Russians was very similar to the international average based on 50 different countries, debunking the myth of a unique Russian soul.The small variations from world norms did not converge with depictions of Russian national character in fiction and the scholarly literature. New items intended to capture distinctive, emic aspects of Russian personality provided no new information beyond the familiar Big Five dimensions. Religion, ethnicity, and beliefs about the uniqueness of the Russian character and the malleability of personality traits had little effect on personality ratings. Perceptions of the Russian soul do not seem to be based on the personality traits of Russians.
Misleading Comparisons of Homeownership Rates when the Variable Effect of Household Formation Is Ignored: Explaining Rising Homeownership and the Homeownership Gap between Blacks and Asians in the US
Authors: Zhou Yu  , Myers Dowell
Published: May 2010

Despite ominous signs of housing market stress in the US, the homeownership rate reached an all-time high in 2006. The conventional definition of homeownership, which is based on the share of households and ignores the effects of variable household formation, confounds the measurement of ‘success’ in achieving homeownership. It is found that, from 1990 to 2006, declining household formation led to an elevated homeownership rate in the US and that this effect varies substantially between racial/ethnic groups. Asians, who achieve high homeownership rates, have the lowest propensity to form independent households, in sharp contrast to African Americans. Asians do not have better access per capita to owner-occupied housing than do Blacks. The conventional measure of homeownership is an incomplete measure of homeownership opportunity because it fails to account for variable household formation. The changing population mix in the US includes groups with different propensities for household formation, thus confusing future assessments of homeownership and the housing market.
IRT Parameter Estimation With Response Times as Collateral Information
Authors: van der Linden Wim J. , Klein Entink Rinke H. , Fox Jean-Paul
Published: May 2010

Hierarchical modeling of responses and response times on test items facilitates the use of response times as collateral information in the estimation of the response parameters. In addition to the regular information in the response data, two sources of collateral information are identified: (a) the joint information in the responses and the response times summarized in the estimates of the second-level parameters and (b) the information in the posterior distribution of the response parameters given the response times. The latter is shown to be a natural empirical prior distribution for the estimation of the response parameters. Unlike traditional hierarchical item response theory (IRT) modeling, where the gain in estimation accuracy is typically paid for by an increase in bias, use of this posterior predictive distribution improves both the accuracy and the bias of IRT parameter estimates. In an empirical study, the improvements are demonstrated for the estimation of the person and item parameters in a three-parameter response model.
‘Oh God, not a Palliative’: out-of-hours general practitioners within the domain of palliative care
Authors: Taubert Mark , Nelson Annmarie
Published: May 2010

To date, the experiences of out-of-hours general practitioners with regard to palliative care patients and their management are yet to be evaluated, since the new General Medical Services contract came into force. In 2007 the National Institute for Health Research highlighted the need to identify factors that improve and hinder the delivery of optimum palliative out-of-hours care. By interviewing general practitioners who work out-of-hours shifts, this project explored factors influencing confidence in dealing with symptom control and palliative care provision outside regular working hours. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine out-of-hours general practitioners employed by Serco. Interviews were conducted by a specialist doctor in palliative care who had in the past worked as an out-of-hours general practitioner. Interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. General practitioners expressed concerns relating to constraints within the system provided by the private company-owned out-of-hours provider. Data from interviews was thematically very rich and brought out many different subject areas, some similar to previous interviews, some different. Sub-themes related to the process-driven aspects of working in out-of-hours:

• Motivation

• Time-pressure constraints and continuity

• The out-of-hours doctor within the domain of palliative care

• Isolation within system

General practitioners stated that their motivation was mainly financial. There was clear concern about the lack of continuity, and inadequacy of notes and follow-up, and there was a demonstrated need for more learning on the topic of palliative care. Pressure from the out-of-hours provider to see more patients was felt to be oppositional with the need to spend adequate time with this vulnerable patient group. General practitioners felt as unwanted strangers who were viewed with suspicion by patients and carers in palliative care situations. It was clear that most of the doctors interviewed felt a strong sense of isolation when working out-of-hours shifts, and some felt less inclined to contact specialist palliative care services.
Likelihood of African American Primary Caregivers and Care Recipients Receiving Assistance From Secondary Caregivers
Authors: Chadiha Letha A. , Feld Sheila , Rafferty Jane
Published: May 2010

We examine rural–urban differences in reliance on secondary caregivers for African American female primary caregivers (250 rural, 242 urban) and their care recipients. Logistic regression was used to identify caregiver and care recipient characteristics significantly associated with the likelihood of having a secondary caregiver within rural and urban samples. Post hoc Wald chi-square tests were used to identify significant between-sample differences in regression coefficients. Secondary caregivers were more common in urban than rural contexts. Having a secondary caregiver was more strongly related to primary caregivers’ poorer physical health and nonresidence with care recipients in rural than urban contexts. Findings suggest that policy initiatives, such as the National Family Caregivers Support Act and the cash and counseling model, may benefit rural and urban residents, particularly rural residents as the majority of them lacked secondary caregiver assistance.
Leukoencephalopathy With Brainstem and Spinal Cord Involvement and Normal Lactate: A New Mutation in the DARS2 Gene
Authors: Lin Jaime , Chiconelli Faria Eliete , Da Rocha Antônio José , Rodrigues Masruha Marcelo , Pereira Vilanova Luiz Celso , Scheper Gert C. , Van der Knaap Marjo S.
Published: May 2010

Leukoencephalopathy with brainstem and spinal cord involvement and elevated brain lactate diagnosis is based on its highly characteristic pattern of abnormalities observed by magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy. Clinically, affected patients develop slowly progressive cerebellar ataxia, spasticity, and dorsal column dysfunction, sometimes with a mild cognitive deficit or decline. In 2007, the pathophysiology of this disorder was elucidated with the discovery of mutations in the DARS2 gene, which encodes mitochondrial aspartyl-tRNA synthetase, in affected individuals. Here, the authors present a case of leukoencephalopathy with brainstem and spinal cord involvement with normal brain lactate, in which genetic analysis revealed a new mutation in the DARS2 gene not previously described.
Responses to Scenarios That May Provoke Acts of Conflict and Aggression Among the General Public: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Lowe Nathan C. , May David C.
Published: May 2010

The purpose of this article is to use empirical research and theory to investigate the context that may provoke individuals to engage in acts of conflict and aggression. A random sample of the general public from a midsouthern state was surveyed to explore this inquiry. Respondents were asked to indicate their level of reaction to a number of situations that often lead people to engage in conflict and/or aggression with other people. Several sociodemographic factors served as control variables in the study. The findings of the Pearson product—moment correlations suggest that respondents were more likely to report that they would respond more aggressively as the situations presented to them were perceived as being more physically threatening to them and/or their loved ones. Also, gender and age were the most significant predictors of engagement in acts of conflict and aggression in the multiple ordinal least squares regression analyses. Strengths and drawbacks of the study and direction of future research are also discussed.
Dexmedetomidine protects blood δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase from inactivation caused by hyperoxygenation in total intravenous anesthesia
Authors: Rocha João BT , Heinzmann Bulow Neusa M , Correa Eduardo FM , Scholze Cassiano , Nogueira Cristina W , Barbosa Nilda BV
Published: May 2010

Delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) enzyme is sensitive to pro-oxidant agents, including molecular oxygen. Here, we tested whether hyperoxygenation after total intravenous (i.v.) anesthesia could interact with the type of anesthesia (dexmedetomidine, continuous infusion; 0.5 μg/kg/h or remifentanil, continuous infusion; 0.3 μg/kg/min) plus propofol using blood δ-ALA-D activity and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels as ending points of toxicity. In absence or presence of dithiothreitol (DTT), δ-ALA-D activity was reduced after hyperoxygenation in the group treated with remifentanil and was not modified in dexmedetomidine group. TBARS increased considerably in the blood of both groups of patients after oxygenation. The results obtained here suggest that the hyperoxygenation was associated with a marked increase in TBARS production regardless of the type of anesthesia. δ-ALA-D activity was only inhibited in remifentanil group, which indicates a possible interaction between oxygenation and the type of anesthetic. This is the first demonstration that dexmedetomidine may protect blood δ-ALA-D from oxidation. However, further studies are necessary to establish a possible antioxidant role of dexmedetomidine against hyperoxygenation in human blood.
Interaction between arsenic trioxide (ATO) and human neutrophils
Authors: Binet François , Chiasson Sonia , Girard Denis
Published: May 2010

The cytotoxic effect of arsenic trioxide (ATO) is known to be mediated by its ability to induce cell apoptosis in a variety of cells, including neutrophils. More recently, we demonstrated that ATO induced several parameters involved in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced neutrophil apoptosis but that caspase-4 was not involved. The aim of this study was to better understand how neutrophils are activated by ATO and to further demonstrate that ATO is an ER stressor. Human neutrophils were isolated from healthy blood donors and incubated in vitro in the presence or absence of ATO and several parameters were investigated. We found that ATO induced the expression of the proapoptotic GADD153 protein, a key player involved in ER stress-induced apoptosis, activated nuclear nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) DNA binding activities, and increased prostaglandine E2 (PGE2) production. Using an antibody array approach, we found that ATO increased the production of several cytokines, with interleukin 8 (IL-8) being the predominant one. We confirmed that ATO increased the production of IL-8 by enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Treatment with a caspase-4 inhibitor did not inhibit IL-8 production. The results of the present study further support the notion that ATO is an ER stressor and that, although its toxic effect is mediated by induction of apoptosis, this chemical also induced, in parallel, NF-κB activation, the production of PGE2 and several cytokines probably involved in other cell functions. Also, we conclude that the production of IL-8 is not induced by a caspase-4-dependent mechanism, suggesting that ATO-induced caspase-4 activation is involved in other as yet unidentified functions in human neutrophils.
Jak/STAT signaling is involved in the inflammatory infiltration of the kidneys in MRL/lpr mice
Authors: Wang S. , Yang N. , Zhang L. , Huang B. , Tan H. , Liang Y. , Li Y. , Yu X.
Published: May 2010

Cytokines are known to play an important role in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis (LN) and the Jak/STAT (Janus kinase—signal transducer and activator of transcription factor) pathway is important in mediating signal transduction of cytokines. This study examined the pathogenic role of Jak/STAT signaling in LN. MRL/lpr mice were either treated with a selective Jak2 inhibitor tyrphostin AG490 or with vehicle alone from 12 weeks of age until being sacrificed at week 20. AG490 significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of Jak2 and STAT1 (p < 0.05). Compared with the vehicle-treated mice, AG490 treatment significantly reduced proteinuria, improved renal function and suppressed histological lesions of the kidneys and salivary glands (p < 0.05). AG490 treatment significantly inhibited the renal expression of monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, interferon (IFN)-γ and class II MHC, which was accompanied by reduced renal infiltration of T cells and macrophages (p < 0.05). In addition, AG490 treatment resulted in a decrease in serum anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody and attenuated the deposition of IgG and C3 in the kidneys (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that Jak/STAT pathway is implicated in the progression of renal inflammation in MRL/lpr mice and targeting this pathway may provide a potential therapeutic approach for LN.
Transforming Ourselves in the Process of Educating Our MBA Students
Authors: Sanzgiri Jyotsna
Published: May 2010

This article is a narrative exploration of ways to strengthen and deepen the MBA curriculum for the future. We argue that interdisciplinary approaches including anthropology, sociology, and the humanities into the curriculum will give a broader-based understanding of the complexities of ethical management and leadership. It is important to educate students not merely to maximize profits but also to face issues such as global sustainability, global prosperity, corporate social responsibility, and other challenges of being a global player. The humanities and social sciences in addition to the traditional MBA curriculum provide us with auxiliary tools for more complex problem solving. These broader dimensions should be integrated into every course to provide a robust grounding for our students. It provides our new MBA graduates with the requisites to face emerging challenges in the workplace today and our global future.
The Green in Entertainment: A conversation
Authors: Kurland Nancy B. , Zell Deone
Published: May 2010

The shift to a sustainable economy represents one of the most sweeping transitions organizations face today. In this article, we ‘chat’ with five sustainability leaders in the entertainment industry to learn what interests them about sustainability, how their motivations translate into company actions, and how they overcome obstacles.
Why do general practitioners abandon the local hospital? An analysis of referral decisions related to elective treatment
Authors: Ringard Ånen
Published: May 2010

Aim: The right to choose a hospital was granted to Norwegian elective patients through the Patients’ Rights Act of 2001. The Act assumes that hospital choice will be executed by patients and general practitioners (GPs) at the point of referral. This study examined the probability of referring patients away from the nearest hospitals for three common elective diagnoses: hip replacement, knee surgery, and back pain treatment. Methods: Data describing referral rates and individual characteristics with the GP were collected by a self-administered questionnaire to Norwegian GPs in 2004 and 2006. These were combined with data on interactions between the GP and the local hospital from a database describing the hospital’s internal organisation, variables describing needs (demand) at local government level from Statistics Norway, variables describing waiting times from the Norwegian Patient Register, and variables describing travelling distances to the nearest hospital and hospital characteristics. The probability of referring patients away from the nearest hospital was analysed using a cross-section regression model with fixed effects for region, years, and hospital type. Results: GPs were on average more reluctant to send patients away for hip surgery and back pain than they were for knee surgery. Formal coordinative mechanisms between the hospitals and the GPs — meeting places and arenas for information exchange — significantly reduced the likelihood of referring patients away from the local hospital. Long waiting times and long distances to the local hospital also increased the probability of abandoning the local hospital. Conclusion: Hospital managers could attract elective patients by developing arenas for communication and collaboration with local GPs.
Errorless Compliance Training to Reduce Extreme Conduct Problems and Intrusive Control Strategies in Home and School Settings
Authors: Ducharme Joseph M. , Di Padova Teresa , Ashworth Melody
Published: May 2010

The present case study involved intervention for a 7-year-old boy with a history of extreme aggression and noncompliance. Given the severity of his behavioral difficulties, his parents used highly coercive consequences, including physical restraint, which significantly compromised the parent—child relationship. The authors used errorless compliance training, a success-based, noncoercive intervention strategy to assist the mother in obtaining child cooperation without need for physical intervention. Although initial intervention attempts were ineffective because of the poor quality of the mother—child bond, systematic adjustments to the intervention eventually produced substantial improvements in child compliance in the home. Concurrent use of the intervention in the child’s classroom led to meaningful gains in classroom compliance. Anecdotal reports from the mother after intervention suggested widespread improvements in prosocial behavior and the parent—child relationship. The study findings provided support for use of errorless compliance training as a home and school-based alternative to interventions that require punitive or coercive consequences to suppress severe antisocial behavior.
Reverse Alignment “Mirror Image” Visualization as a Laparoscopic Training Tool Improves Task Performance
Authors: Dunnican Ward J. , Singh T. Paul , Ata Ashar , Bendana Emma E. , Conlee Thomas D. , Dolce Charles J. , Ramakrishnan Rakesh
Published: May 2010

Reverse alignment (mirror image) visualization is a disconcerting situation occasionally faced during laparoscopic operations. This occurs when the camera faces back at the surgeon in the opposite direction from which the surgeon’s body and instruments are facing. Most surgeons will attempt to optimize trocar and camera placement to avoid this situation. The authors’ objective was to determine whether the intentional use of reverse alignment visualization during laparoscopic training would improve performance. A standard box trainer was configured for reverse alignment, and 34 medical students and junior surgical residents were randomized to train with either forward alignment (DIRECT) or reverse alignment (MIRROR) visualization. Enrollees were tested on both modalities before and after a 4-week structured training program specific to their modality. Student’s t test was used to determine differences in task performance between the 2 groups. Twenty-one participants completed the study (10 DIRECT, 11 MIRROR). There were no significant differences in performance time between DIRECT or MIRROR participants during forward or reverse alignment initial testing. At final testing, DIRECT participants had improved times only in forward alignment performance; they demonstrated no significant improvement in reverse alignment performance. MIRROR participants had significant time improvement in both forward and reverse alignment performance at final testing. Reverse alignment imaging for laparoscopic training improves task performance for both reverse alignment and forward alignment tasks. This may be translated into improved performance in the operating room when faced with reverse alignment situations. Minimal lab training can account for drastic adaptation to this environment.
Trilumenal Hybrid-NOS Proctocolectomy
Authors: Lamadé Wolfram , Ulmer Christoph , Hochberger Jürgen , Matthes Kai , Friedrich Colin , Thon Klaus Peter
Published: May 2010

Background. The authors hypothesized that by combining transumbilical, transvaginal, and transrectal accesses, complex bowel operations, including proctocolectomy with restorative jejunal pouch reconstruction, might be possible. Methods and Results. Out of a series of 30 natural orifice surgery (NOS) operations performed at the authors’ institution in the past 12 months, proctocolectomy with ileoanal pouch reconstruction was planned for 3 female patients (31 years, BMI = 30; 50 years, BMI = 31; 30 years, BMI = 21) with extensive disease of ulcerative colitis, and they were operated via a 3-lumenal NOS approach. The first 2 patients received a proctocolectomy with a J-pouch formation. A 3-stage procedure was planned for the third patient, and she received a total colectomy. The colonic specimen was retrieved through the anus obviating dilation of the vagina. The J-pouch was prepared through a horizontal 2-cm incision, which later served as the protective loop ileostomy site. Conclusion . Trilumenal NOS proctocolectomy is feasible and safe providing a solution to overcome the lack of triangulation using a single-lumen approach.
Insufficient Emotion: Soul-searching by a Former Indicter of Strong Emotions
Authors: Loewenstein George
Published: May 2010

Contrary to the many accounts of the destructive effects of strong emotions, this article argues that the most serious problems facing the world are caused by a deficiency rather than an excess of emotions. It then shows how an evolutionary account of emotion can explain when and why such deficiencies occur.
Charting new waters: Delivering innovative services for a different age
Authors: Napier Mark
Published: May 2010

Mark Napier, Managing Director of the Centre for Public Innovation, on the role of ‘change that outperforms previous practice’ in healthcare
Genomic alterations reveal potential for higher grade transformation in follicular lymphoma and confirm parallel evolution of tumor cell clones
Authors: Eide Marianne Brodtkorb , Liestøl Knut , Lingjærde Ole Christian , Hystad Marit E. , Kresse Stine H. , Meza-Zepeda Leonardo , Myklebost Ola , Trøen Gunhild , Aamot Hege Vangstein , Holte Harald , Smeland Erlend Bremertun , Delabie Jan
Published: May 2010

Our aim was to examine the genetics of clonal evolution in follicular lymphoma (FL) and to identify genetic alterations associated with disease progression. A total of 100 biopsies from 44 patients diagnosed with t(14;18)-positive FL were examined by array comparative genomic hybridization. In 20 patients the patterns of somatic hypermutations (SHMs) in the variable region of heavy chain gene were additionally analyzed. Gain of chromosome X in male samples was a marker for poor outcome (P < .01). Gains involving chromosome 2, 3q, and 5 were exclusively present in FL biopsies from cases with higher grade transformation and were among the copy number alterations (CNAs) associated with inferior survival. Although we noted a trend for increasing genomic complexity in initial versus late FL samples, the overall frequencies of CNAs in initial and late FL biopsies showed a surprisingly stable pattern through the course of the disease. In 27 of cases the initial samples harbored CNAs that were absent in relapse samples, indicating that tumor cell clones at relapse were not direct descendants of initially dominating clones. The pattern of SHMs confirmed parallel development of tumor cell clones in 14 cases. Our findings support the hypothesis of common progenitor cells in FL.
Angiotensin II upregulates the expression of placental growth factor in human vascular endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells
Authors: Pan Pingxi , Fu Hua , Zhang Lingjun , Huang He , Luo Fengming , Wu Wenchao , Guo Yingqiang , Liu Xiaojing
Published: May 2010

Background

Atherosclerosis is now recognized as a chronic inflammatory disease. Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a critical factor in inflammatory responses, which promotes the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Placental growth factor (PlGF) is a member of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family cytokines and is associated with inflammatory progress of atherosclerosis. However, the potential link between PlGF and Ang II has not been investigated. In the current study, whether Ang II could regulate PlGF expression, and the effect of PlGF on cell proliferation, was investigated in human vascular endothelial cells (VECs) and smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).

Results

In growth-arrested human VECs and VSMCs, Ang II induced PlGF mRNA expression after 4 hour treatment, and peaked at 24 hours. 10-6 mol/L Ang II increased PlGF protein production after 8 hour treatment, and peaked at 24 hours. Stimulation with Ang II also induced mRNA expression of VEGF receptor-1 and -2(VEGFR-1 and -2) in these cells. The Ang II type I receptor (AT1R) antagonist blocked Ang II-induced PlGF gene expression and protein production. Several intracellular signals elicited by Ang II were involved in PlGF synthesis, including activation of protein kinase C, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and PI3-kinase. A neutralizing antibody against PlGF partially inhibited the Ang II-induced proliferation of VECs and VSMCs. However, this antibody showed little effect on the basal proliferation in these cells, whereas blocking antibody of VEGF could suppress both basal and Ang II-induced proliferation in VECs and VSMCs.

Conclusion

Our results showed for the first time that Ang II could induce the gene expression and protein production of PlGF in VECs and VSMCs, which might play an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis.
Transcriptome analysis of the mobile genome ICEclc in Pseudomonas knackmussii B13
Authors: Gaillard Muriel , Pradervand Nicolas , Minoia Marco , Sentchilo Vladimir , Johnson David R , van der Meer Jan Roelof
Published: May 2010

Background

Integrative and conjugative elements (ICE) form a diverse group of DNA elements that are integrated in the chromosome of the bacterial host, but can occasionally excise and horizontally transfer to a new host cell. ICE come in different families, typically with a conserved core for functions controlling the element's behavior and a variable region providing auxiliary functions to the host. The ICEclc element of Pseudomonas knackmussii strain B13 is representative for a large family of chromosomal islands detected by genome sequencing approaches. It provides the host with the capacity to degrade chloroaromatics and 2-aminophenol.

Results

Here we study the transcriptional organization of the ICEclc core region. By northern hybridizations, reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (5'-RACE) fifteen transcripts were mapped in the core region. The occurrence and location of those transcripts were further confirmed by hybridizing labeled cDNA to a semi-tiling micro-array probing both strands of the ICEclc core region. Dot blot and semi-tiling array hybridizations demonstrated most of the core transcripts to be upregulated during stationary phase on 3-chlorobenzoate, but not on succinate or glucose.

Conclusions

The transcription analysis of the ICEclc core region provides detailed insights in the mode of regulatory organization and will help to further understand the complex mode of behavior of this class of mobile elements. We conclude that ICEclc core transcription is concerted at a global level, more reminiscent of a phage program than of plasmid conjugation.
Histone H4 deacetylation plays a critical role in early gene silencing during neuronal apoptosis
Authors: Pelzel Heather R , Schlamp Cassandra L , Nickells Robert W
Published: May 2010

Background

Silencing of normal gene expression occurs early in the apoptosis of neurons, well before the cell is committed to the death pathway, and has been extensively characterized in injured retinal ganglion cells. The causative mechanism of this widespread change in gene expression is unknown. We investigated whether an epigenetic change in active chromatin, specifically histone H4 deacetylation, was an underlying mechanism of gene silencing in apoptotic retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) following an acute injury to the optic nerve.

Results

Histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) translocates to the nuclei of dying cells shortly after lesion of the optic nerve and is associated with an increase in nuclear HDAC activity and widespread histone deacetylation. H4 in promoters of representative genes was rapidly and indiscriminately deacetylated, regardless of the gene examined. As apoptosis progressed, H4 of silenced genes remained deacetylated, while H4 of newly activated genes regained, or even increased, its acetylated state. Inhibition of retinal HDAC activity with trichostatin A (TSA) was able to both preserve the expression of a representative RGC-specific gene and attenuate cell loss in response to optic nerve damage.

Conclusions

These data indicate that histone deacetylation plays a central role in transcriptional dysregulation in dying RGCs. The data also suggests that HDAC3, in particular, may feature heavily in apoptotic gene silencing.