bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
With Age Comes Wisdom
Authors: Worthy Darrell A. , Gorlick Marissa A. , Pacheco Jennifer L. , Schnyer David M. , Maddox W. Todd
Published: September 2011

In two experiments, younger and older adults performed decision-making tasks in which reward values available were either independent of or dependent on the previous sequence of choices made. The choice-independent task involved learning and exploiting the options that gave the highest rewards on each trial. In this task, the stability of the expected reward for each option was not influenced by the previous choices participants made. The choice-dependent task involved learning how each choice influenced future rewards for two options and making the best decisions based on that knowledge. Younger adults performed better when rewards were independent of choice, whereas older adults performed better when rewards were dependent on choice. These findings suggest a fundamental difference in the way in which younger adults and older adults approach decision-making situations. We discuss the results in the context of prominent decision-making theories and offer possible explanations based on neurobiological and behavioral changes associated with aging.
Heat transfer in a high-voltage vacuum circuit breaker
Authors: Yu X , Liu Z , Chen Y , Feng Q
Published: September 2011

Thermal performance is one of the key issues of the high-voltage vacuum circuit breaker (HV VCB). However, temperature rise of a HV VCB cannot be estimated easily. This article studied heat transfer of a 126-kV/2500-A single break VCB. A three-dimensional electro-thermal coupling model of the VCB was built, where the power loss was calculated by the electro-magnetic field analysis, and was then used as the input data to predict the temperature rise for the thermal analysis. The heat transfer coefficients on the boundaries were numerically calculated by a commercial software. The electrical contact resistance as well as the thermal contact resistance was taken into account in the electro-thermal coupling model. The simulated results were validated experimentally. The results showed that power losses of conductors enveloped in the vacuum interrupter took up 63.3 per cent of the total power loss of the VCB. Thermal resistances of conducting rods were the highest. The second highest was thermal resistance of a pair of main contacts. The thermal contact resistance significantly affected temperature at two conductors where there is a contact guaranteed by springs. However, temperature of the conductors exposed in the air was only affected by the natural convection and radiation.
Of Marriage and Migration
Authors: Chaudhry Shruti , Mohan Taneesha Devi
Published: September 2011

This article focuses on long-distance or cross-regional marriages in a village in Badaun District of Uttar Pradesh where brides have migrated from the states of West Bengal and Bihar. These marriages cross caste, linguistic and state boundaries and the marriage distance exceeds 1,000 kilometres. At destination, it is a combination of factors such as landlessness or marginal landownership, higher age or prior marital status and ‘flawed’ reputation that makes it difficult for men to find local wives. These factors have to be seen in the context of the low sex ratio (causing a shortage of brides) of the district and the state. At source, the compulsions include poverty and the inability of parents to meet the dowry demands of local men. The article argues that the long-distance/cross-regional marriages are not dowry marriages. Nor are the brides bought, given in exchange for a bride-price or trafficked. They are a new kind of commercially mediated marriage involving payment to a go-between.
Sanitation and Personal Hygiene
Authors: Reddy B. Suresh , Snehalatha M.
Published: September 2011

Sanitation is an important index of socio-economic development. Low sanitation levels lead to a host of diseases, making sanitation a key public health issue and concomitant of a clean water supply. Based on field work in two urban slums of Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, this article points out that sanitation implies much more than defecation issues and that it converges on several important aspects of life, such as shame and dignity and personal hygiene. Women themselves defined what is appropriate sanitation. Cleaning tasks are primarily performed by women who receive little support from men. We argue for the need to give women a central role in decision-making, designing, planning and implementation of sanitation programmes. Women’s definitions of the minimum standards of hygienic practices are clearly brought out by the study.
The Journey of Redbus
Authors: Gupta Rakesh , Pandit Ajay
Published: September 2011

E-ticketing in India has experienced tremendous growth in the last few years and has become a common and popular tool for booking airline and rail tickets. However, nobody thought it could work for bus reservations considering the fragmented nature of this segment. It was not until Phanindra Sama (Phani) felt it to be a huge customer dilemma, which could become a potential business opportunity. It was in the month of October 2005, when Phani decided to go home from Bangalore to Hyderabad to spend time with his family on Diwali—a major Indian festival. When he went to the bus stop to buy a ticket, he found that there was no ticket available as buses were running full on account of festival season. The agent had suggested that Phani contact other agents to find out the possibility of getting a ticket from one of them. Phani was extremely disappointed—he could not spend Diwali with his family. Yet, it also made him think; why weren’t there other ways to find out about the availability of bus tickets rather than running from agent to agent? Phani wondered why one simply could not book a bus ticket online—just like airline and railway bookings were made via the Internet. In this question lay Phani’s answer. Thus, Redbus was born.
Transgender inclusion and the changing face of lesbian softball leagues
Authors: Travers Ann , Deri Jillian
Published: September 2011

This article examines the re-negotiation of sex-based boundaries within the context of transgender/transsexual inclusion in North American lesbian softball leagues. Semi-structured interviews with transgender participants combined with participant observation have been undertaken. We focus on the ‘climate’ ( Hall and Sandler, 1982 ) for transgender participation in lesbian softball leagues that have adopted radical (non sex-binary-based) transinclusive policies. The majority of our research participants report positive experiences of inclusion and our own observations inform us that trans participation has already changed the faces of these leagues to the extent that lesbian identity is being queered: it is shifting away, at least to some degree, from assumed biological commonality to cultural affinity. Positive experiences, however, were more uniformly reported by transgender women than by transmen. A number of transmen, while reporting experiences of inclusion, expressed both personal ambivalence about participating in lesbian sporting and non-sporting spaces and a desire for fuller inclusion in the form of sensitivity and awareness concerning the use of gendered pronouns and categorical invocations. Our study documents cultural processes of sex boundary re-negotiation. As such it builds on previous scholarship ( Travers, 2006 ) that suggests that lesbian softball leagues with non-sex-binary based transinclusive policies may offer a model for queering mainstream sporting spaces away from the socially constructed categories of the two sex system.
On the terms of the recipient? Norwegian sports development aid to Tanzania in the 1980s
Authors: Straume Solveig , Steen-Johnsen Kari
Published: September 2011

This article discusses the donor–recipient1 relationship in a sports development aid context, and identifies potential dilemmas occurring when aiming to give aid on the recipient’s terms. Using the case of the Norwegian sports development aid project Sport for All, it is argued that the Norwegian Confederation of Sports was clearly in control of the project throughout its various phases, and thus a contradiction between the discourse of equality and the actual practice was evident. It is demonstrated in the article that donor–recipient relationships are power relationships that are complex and unclear to the involved parties, and shown that the Confederation’s role is shaped through a web of power relationships. The article questions the assumption that civil society organizations such as the Norwegian Confederation are more apt to provide aid on equal terms than government agencies.
Finite element based investigation on vibrational performance of a sandwich system
Authors: Venkatachalam R , Prabu S Balasivanandha , Raja K Venkatesh
Published: September 2011

This work aims at estimating and comparing the frequency and loss factor of a mild steel sandwich shaft disc system containing viscoelastic, electro-rheological fluid (ERF), and magneto-rheological fluid (MRF) core materials with mild steel as the facing layers. Because the structure is axisymmetric, a semi-analytical finite element method was implemented to study the frequency and loss factor values of the mild steel sandwich shaft disc system. The effects of an electric field for the ERF material and a magnetic field for the MRF material on the vibration behavior of the mild steel sandwich shaft disc system were studied. A quantitative study identified the combination of mild steel facing with a viscoelastic core shaft disc system that produced the highest frequency and loss factor values. In addition, the effect of an electric field and a magnetic field on ERF and MRF core improves the damping performance of the structure.
Optimal design of tonal noise control inside smart-stiffened cylindrical shells
Authors: Bernardini G , Testa C , Gennaretti M
Published: September 2011

This paper deals with the abatement of noise inside cylindrical cavities bounded by stiffened shells that are impinged by external tonal sound waves. The problem is analysed in a multidisciplinary context, involving interactions among exterior noise field, elastic shell dynamics, interior acoustics and control system. The actuation in the noise control process is performed through piezoelectric patches embedded in the stiffened shell, driven by a control law obtained from an optimal LQR cyclic control formulation, coupled with a genetic optimization algorithm (GA). A modal approach is applied to describe the smart shell dynamics and the interior acoustics that are coupled in the acoustoelastic plant model, while the exterior acoustic scattering is predicted through a boundary element method formulation. Numerical results deal with an aeronautical problem concerning a general aviation aircraft cabin impinged by the pressure disturbances emitted by a pair of propellers; in particular, the effectiveness and robustness of the active control law synthesized through the GA is investigated.
3-(2,6-Dimethylphenyl)-2-Selenoxo-1,3-Thiazolidin-4-One Suppresses Hydrogen Peroxide–Induced Cytotoxicity on PC12 Cells Via Activation of MAPK
Authors: Nishina Atsuyoshi , Kimura Hirokazu , Kozawa Kunihisa , Sommen Geoffroy , Favero Francesco , Heimgartner Heinz , Koketsu Mamoru , Furukawa Shoei
Published: September 2011

We newly synthesized organic selenium compounds (5-membered ring compounds) including 2-selenoxo-1,3-thiazolidin-4-ones (compounds A) and 3-alkoxy-4,5-dihydro-5-selenoxo- 1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-carboxylates (compounds B). To address whether these compounds show antioxidative effects, we also examined their superoxide radical (O2−)-scavenging effects. Moreover, we examined the effects of compound Aa on the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (MAPK/ERK1/2) and suppression of hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity in rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC12 cells). We evaluated the O2−-scavenging activities of the compounds by a chemiluminescence method, and activation of ERK1/2 in PC12 cells was evaluated by Western blot analysis. At 166 μmol/L, the O2−-scavenging activities were markedly different among compounds A and B. 3-(2,6-Dimethylphenyl)-2-selenoxo-1,3-thiazolidin-4-one (compound Aa) exhibited the strongest superoxide anion-scavenging activity among compounds A and B. The concentration necessary for 50% inhibition of the activity (IC50) of compound Aa was 25.9 μmol/L. Compound Aa activated ERK1/2 of the PC12 cell, as did ebselen, and suppressed hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity more potently than ebselen. In addition, the toxicity of compound Aa was less than that of ebselen. From these results, it is assumed that compound Aa is a candidate drug to prevent oxidative stress-induced cell death.
Psychosocial factors associated with suicidal ideation among young men exempted from compulsory military or civil service
Authors: Appelqvist-Schmidlechner Kaija , Henriksson Markus , Joukamaa Matti , Parkkola Kai , Upanne Maila , Stengård Eija
Published: September 2011

Aims: The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with suicidal ideation among young men exempted from compulsory military or civil service in Finland. Methods: The study involved a total of 356 men exempted from military or civil service. The research data were collected using questionnaires and register data. Results: One third of the young men exempted from compulsory military or civil service reported serious suicidal ideation. Of the men with serious suicidal ideation, one third had attempted suicide. Various childhood adversities and current stressful life events and problems were associated with suicidal ideation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the following factors were independently associated with suicidal ideation: maternal alcohol-related problems, changes in the family, discord with the boss over the past 12 months, and lack of social support. Accumulation of problems predicted suicidal ideation. Conclusions: Men exempted from compulsory military or civil service comprise an important target group in the prevention of suicide. In order to prevent suicidal behaviour among young men at risk, it is important to address the significance of social support and relationships, and likewise to be aware of early risk indicators such as maternal alcohol-related problems.
Why are general practitioners reluctant to enrol patients into a RCT on sick leave? A qualitative study
Authors: Maeland Silje , Magnussen Liv H. , Eriksen Hege R. , Malterud Kirsti
Published: September 2011

Aims: To explore the reluctance of, and examine the arguments given by Norwegian general practioners (GPs), regarding their unwillingness to recruit their patients for a study where sick leave would be based on randomization. Methods: A qualitative study presenting individual arguments from 50 Norwegian GPs, as written responses to a web-based, open-ended questionnaire. The responses, ranging from 3⊟145 words, were analysed with systematic text condensation. Results: The GPs did not want to participate in a study where sick leave was decided by randomization. First, the complexity of clinical judgment was addressed. Would it be ethically acceptable to set the professional and medical assessment aside, and if so, was there any better judge than the regular GP in making this important decision? Second, the arguments dealing with sick leave as a human and legal right were addressed. Will patients feel they have a legitimate right to sick leave and will they be open for discussion with their GP? Third, the risk of jeopardizing the relationship between patient and doctor was emphasized. Would the patients be able to trust their GP if he or she offered the patient entry into a trial where sick leave would be decided by randomization? Conclusions: Randomization of sick leave in general practice in Norway was not viewed as feasible by the GPs themselves because of the importance of clinical judgment, ethical obligations, and the belief that the patients would refuse participation, and thereby, that the doctor‐patient relationship would be disturbed.
Residents’ Adjusting Behaviour to Enhance Indoor Environmental Comfort in Apartments
Authors: Lee Tae Kyung , Cho Sung Heui , Kim Jeong Tai
Published: September 2011

A comfortable indoor environment is an essential condition for establishing a healthy housing environment. The indoor comfort is influenced by not only architectural conditions, but also residents’ psychological adaptation and behavioural adjustments. Moreover, specific information about adjusting behaviours, such as opening windows, closing blinds and adjusting clothing, is important to enhance indoor comfort effectively and reduce energy consumption at home.

The purpose of this study is to explore residents’ evaluation and adjusting behaviour related to the indoor comfort of apartments in Korea. This study collected residents’ evaluations of thermo, sound, light and air conditions through surveys on their satisfaction, and the study identified factors affecting residents’ evaluations. In addition, this study investigated adjusting behaviours that would improve levels of indoor comfort based on the unique attributes of apartments and residents’ living culture, and it analysed the relationship between such behaviour and their satisfaction. The questionnaire survey was collected from apartment residents. Frequency analyses, t-test and multiple linear regression analysis were employed.

The results of this study would contribute to developing plans and management guidelines for enhancing indoor comfort and satisfaction as specific and practical data.
Long-term Impact of Formaldehyde and VOC Emissions from Wood-based Products on Indoor Environments; and Issues with Recycled Products
Authors: Yu Chuck W.F. , Kim Jeong Tai
Published: September 2011

This paper discusses the emission of formaldehyde and VOCs from wood-based panel products and the effect on indoor air quality (IAQ). The formaldehyde concentration monitored in four energy efficient test houses over a 7-year period has been included to illustrate the long-term effect of emissions from E1 wood-based panels used in dwellings. Formaldehyde emissions from wood-based floorboard obtained from investigation of sick buildings are included for comparison. Also discussed was the impact of fitting of a “low formaldehyde emitting” wardrobe in an energy-efficient test house and in an apartment home. The exposure risk of an individual unpacking the packages of the flat-packed wardrobes and during assembly was illustrated by measurement made in a 22 m3 chamber and in a test house. A variety of VOCs can be released from wood-based panels and associated materials. There is also a concern about the possible emission of wood preservative residues, such as pentachlorophenol from products made from contaminated wood sources. To minimise impact of formaldehyde and VOC emissions in homes and other buildings, building developers and designers should insist on certification of products based on available labelling schemes and this is required in some countries for assessment of Green Buildings.
Appearing True in the social sciences
Authors: Hynes Maria , Sharpe Scott , Greig Alastair
Published: September 2011

In early 2009 Keith Windschuttle, an Australian historian and editor of the conservative journal Quadrant, was caught out having accepted for publication a fraudulent piece of academic research, a hoax which aimed to reveal the hypocrisy of Windschuttle’s public stance on standards of scholarship. Over 10 years after the Sokal affair, the Windschuttle hoax raises in a new way the question of the relationship of social science to the problem of truth. We argue that, through its transgression of the rules and norms of social scientific practice, the hoax can draw our attention to those very rules and norms, affirming our commitment to them. In pursuing this argument, we consider what it means for social science to play its particular ‘language game’, highlighting the similarities and differences between the hoax’s and social sciences’ efforts to ‘seem true’.
Decompressive craniectomy – friend or foe?
Authors: Hossain-Ibrahim MK , Tarnaris A , Wasserberg J
Published: September 2011

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is the surgical management removing part of the skull vault over a swollen brain used to treat elevated intracranial pressure that is unresponsive to maximal medical therapy. The commonest indication for DC is traumatic brain injury (TBI) or middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction, though DC has been reported to have been used for treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage and venous infarction. Despite an increasing number of reports supportive of DC, the controversy over the suitability of the procedure and criteria for patient selection remains unresolved. Although the majority of published studies are retrospective, the recent publication of several randomised prospective studies prompts a re-evaluation of the use of DC. We review the literature concerning the pathophysiology, indication, surgical techniques and timing, complications and long-term effects of DC (including reversal with cranioplasty), in order to rationalise its use. We conclude that at the time of this review, though we cannot support the routine use of DC in TBI or MCA stroke, there is evidence that early and aggressive use of DC in TBI patients with intracranial haematomas or younger malignant MCA stroke patients may improve outcome. Though the results of the DECRA trial suggest that primary DC may worsen outcome, the decision to perform DC after diffuse TBI is still individualised. We await the results of the RESCUEicp trial to ascertain whether an evidence-based protocol for its use can be agreed in the future.
Universalist rationality and Simmel’s sacrifice model of value
Authors: Schlecker Markus
Published: September 2011

At the turn of the century, Georg Simmel published critical commentaries on what he considered a misguided faith in socialism in the Viennese newspaper Die Zeit. In this article, the implicit presence of Simmel’s own sacrifice model of value in these commentaries is highlighted and its utility for a critical engagement with state efforts to promote a universalist rationality demonstrated. Through measures that promote a universalism, qualitative distinctions between ritual occasions and the everyday are rendered problematic and irrelevant. Resistance to such efforts, it is argued, can be suitably interpreted by way of Simmel’s sacrifice model of value. The discussion is illustrated through case studies of burial practices from late socialist Vietnam where the Party State has long curbed competitive consumption and nowadays promotes cremation as an economical funeral.
Influence of the contact model on the dynamic response of the human knee joint
Authors: Machado M , Flores P , Ambrosio J , Completo A
Published: September 2011

The goal of this work is to study the influence of the contact force model, contact geometry, and contact material properties on the dynamic response of a human knee joint model. For this purpose, a multibody knee model composed by two rigid bodies, the femur and the tibia, and four non-linear spring elements that represent the main knee ligaments, is considered. The contact force models used were the Hertz, the Hunt–Crossley, and the Lankarani–Nikravesh approaches. Results obtained from computational simulations show that Hertz law is less suitable to describe the dynamic response of the cartilage contact, because this pure elastic model does not account for the viscoelastic nature of the human articulations. Since knee can exhibit conformal and non-conformal contact scenarios, three different geometrical configurations for femur–tibia contact are considered, that is convex–convex sphere contact, convex–concave sphere contact, and convex sphere–plane contact. The highest level of contact forces is obtained for the case of convex–convex sphere contact. As far as the influence of the material contact properties is concerned, the dynamic response of a healthy and natural knee is analysed and compared with three pathological and two artificial knee models. The obtained results demonstrate that the presence of the cartilage reduces significantly the knee contact forces.
Impaired Motor Learning by a Pursuit Rotor Test Reduces Functional Outcomes During Rehabilitation of Poststroke Ataxia
Authors: Hatakenaka Megumi , Miyai Ichiro , Mihara Masahito , Yagura Hajime , Hattori Noriaki
Published: September 2011

Background. Motor learning is essential to gain skills with neurorehabilitation. Objective. To investigate whether capacity for motor learning affects rehabilitation outcome and its relevant brain activation in ataxic patients with stroke. Methods. Twelve patients presenting with ataxia admitted for inpatient rehabilitation 2 to 3 months after infratentorial stroke and 6 control subjects performed 8 repetitions of 30-second pursuit rotor (PR) task. Cortical oxygenated hemoglobin (oxyHb) signals were measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Results. Both patients and controls learned the PR skill, although the gains in PR performance were significantly lower in patients. In patients, the less learning significantly correlated with smaller rehabilitation gains assessed by the Functional Independence Measure. The Fugl-Meyer score for coordination and balance did not change. Center of task-related increase of cortical oxyHb signals shifted from the presupplementary motor area (preSMA) to the supplementary motor area (SMA) with task repetitions in controls but not in patients. Accordingly, serial changes of ratio of oxyHb increase in the preSMA to SMA (preSMA/SMA ratio) were significantly different between the groups. In patients and controls, gains in PR performance and changes of the preSMA/SMA ratio correlated. Conclusions. Impaired motor sequence learning by the PR task was correlated with reduced rehabilitation gains for ataxic patients with stroke.
An exploratory study of young women adjusting to developmental dysplasia of the hip and deciding on treatment choices
Authors: Gambling Tina , Long Andrew F
Published: September 2011

Objective: To explore the experiences of young women adjusting to living with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and deciding on treatment choices.

Methods: Exploratory study of a set of online postings from one message board aimed at women with DDH. Postings of five, purposively selected users were explored from first posting to the time of their peri-acetabular osteotomy surgery. Data analysis was performed through the approach of interpretive phenomenological analysis.

Results: Two major concepts were prominent across participants’ accounts; first, ‘challenging the life course and identity as a young woman’ and second, ‘saving my joints’. Central was the women’s description of how the diagnosis of DDH challenged the way they viewed themselves as young women. Once the women began to understand the long-term implications of having DDH they all began a quest to save their ‘native joint’, delaying the need for an artificial joint for as long as possible.

Conclusion: The findings demonstrate the personal nature and diversity of the journeys the women followed. DDH potentially provides a critical case for exploration of the process of adjustment, as its treatment pathway and rehabilitation are lengthy and both physically and emotionally demanding.
Treatment failure in pneumonia: impact of antibiotic treatment and cost analysis
Authors: Ott S.R. , Hauptmeier B.M. , Ernen C. , Lepper P.M. , Nüesch E. , Pletz M.W. , Hecht J. , Welte T. , Bauer T.T.
Published: September 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate treatment failure (TF) in hospitalised community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients with regard to initial antibiotic treatment and economic impact.

CAP patients were included in two open, prospective multicentre studies assessing the direct costs for in-patient treatment. Patients received treatment either with moxifloxacin (MFX) or a nonstandardised antibiotic therapy. Any change in antibiotic therapy after >72h of treatment to a broadened antibiotic spectrum was considered as TF.

Overall, 1,236 patients (mean±sdage 69.6±16.8 yrs, 691 (55.9%) male) were included. TF occurred in 197 (15.9%) subjects and led to longer hospital stay (15.4±7.3 daysversus9.8±4.2 days; p<0.001) and increased median treatment costs (€2,206versus€1,284; p<0.001). 596 (48.2%) patients received MFX and witnessed less TF (10.9%versus20.6%; p<0.001). After controlling for confounders in multivariate analysis, adjusted risk of TF was clearly reduced in MFX as compared with β-lactam monotherapy (adjusted OR for MFX 0.43, 95% CI 0.27–0.68) and was more comparable with a β-lactam plus macrolide combination (BLM) (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.38–1.21).

In hospitalised CAP, TF is frequent and leads to prolonged hospital stay and increased treatment costs. Initial treatment with MFX or BLM is a possible strategy to prevent TF, and may thus reduce treatment costs.
Association of genetic variants in the promoter region of genes encoding p22phox (CYBA) and glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) and renal disease in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Vieira Suzana M , Monteiro Maria B , Marques Tatiana , Luna Ana M , Fortes Maria A , Nery Márcia , Queiroz Márcia , Dib Sérgio A , Vendramini Márcio F , Azevedo Mirela J , Canani Luis H , Parisi Maria C , Pavin Elizabeth J , Giannella-Neto Daniel , Corrêa-Giannella Maria L
Published: September 2011

Background

Oxidative stress is recognized as a major pathogenic factor of cellular damage caused by hyperglycemia. NOX/NADPH oxidases generate reactive oxygen species and NOX1, NOX2 and NOX4 isoforms are expressed in kidney and require association with subunit p22phox (encoded by the CYBA gene). Increased expression of p22phox was described in animal models of diabetic nephropathy. In the opposite direction, glutathione is one of the main endogenous antioxidants whose plasmatic concentrations were reported to be reduced in diabetes patients. The aim of the present investigation was to test whether functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes involved in the generation of NADPH-dependent O2
•- (-675 T → A in CYBA, unregistered) and in glutathione metabolism (-129 C → T in GCLC [rs17883901] and -65 T → C in GPX3 [rs8177412]) confer susceptibility to renal disease in type 1 diabetes patients.

Methods

401 patients were sorted into two groups according to the presence (n = 104) or absence (n = 196) of overt diabetic nephropathy or according to glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimated by Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation: ≥ 60 mL (n = 265) or < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (n = 136) and were genotyped.

Results

No differences were found in the frequency of genotypes between diabetic and non-diabetic subjects. The frequency of GFR < 60 mL/min was significantly lower in the group of patients carrying CYBA genotypes T/A+A/A (18.7%) than in the group carrying the T/T genotype (35.3%) (P = 0.0143) and the frequency of GFR < 60 mL/min was significantly higher in the group of patients carrying GCLC genotypes C/T+T/T (47.1%) than in the group carrying the C/C genotype (31.1%) (p = 0.0082). Logistic regression analysis identified the presence of at least one A allele of the CYBA SNP as an independent protection factor against decreased GFR (OR = 0.38, CI95% 0.14-0.88, p = 0.0354) and the presence of at least one T allele of the GCLC rs17883901 SNP as an independent risk factor for decreased GFR (OR = 2.40, CI95% 1.27-4.56, p = 0.0068).

Conclusions

The functional SNPs CYBA -675 T → A and GCLC rs17883901, probably associated with cellular redox imbalances, modulate the risk for renal disease in the studied population of type 1 diabetes patients and require validation in additional cohorts.
Upregulation of CYP 450s expression of immortalized hepatocyte-like cells derived from mesenchymal stem cells by enzyme inducers
Authors: Sa-ngiamsuntorn Khanit , Wongkajornsilp Adisak , Kasetsinsombat Kanda , Duangsa-ard Sunisa , Nuntakarn Lalana , Borwornpinyo Suparerk , Akarasereenont Pravit , Limsrichamrern Somchai , Hongeng Suradej
Published: September 2011

Background

The strenuous procurement of cultured human hepatocytes and their short lives have constrained the cell culture model of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) induction, xenobiotic biotransformation, and hepatotoxicity. The development of continuous non-tumorous cell line steadily containing hepatocyte phenotypes would substitute the primary hepatocytes for these studies.

Results

The hepatocyte-like cells have been developed from hTERT plus Bmi-1-immortalized human mesenchymal stem cells to substitute the primary hepatocytes. The hepatocyte-like cells had polygonal morphology and steadily produced albumin, glycogen, urea and UGT1A1 beyond 6 months while maintaining proliferative capacity. Although these hepatocyte-like cells had low basal expression of CYP450 isotypes, their expressions could be extensively up regulated to 80 folds upon the exposure to enzyme inducers. Their inducibility outperformed the classical HepG2 cells.

Conclusion

The hepatocyte-like cells contained the markers of hepatocytes including CYP450 isotypes. The high inducibility of CYP450 transcripts could serve as a sensitive model for profiling xenobiotic-induced expression of CYP450.
Evaluating complex interventions and health technologies using normalization process theory: development of a simplified approach and web-enabled toolkit
Authors: May Carl R , Finch Tracy , Ballini Luciana , MacFarlane Anne , Mair Frances , Murray Elizabeth , Treweek Shaun , Rapley Tim
Published: September 2011

Background

Normalization Process Theory (NPT) can be used to explain implementation processes in health care relating to new technologies and complex interventions. This paper describes the processes by which we developed a simplified version of NPT for use by clinicians, managers, and policy makers, and which could be embedded in a web-enabled toolkit and on-line users manual.

Methods

Between 2006 and 2010 we undertook four tasks. (i) We presented NPT to potential and actual users in multiple workshops, seminars, and presentations. (ii) Using what we discovered from these meetings, we decided to create a simplified set of statements and explanations expressing core constructs of the theory (iii) We circulated these statements to a criterion sample of 60 researchers, clinicians and others, using SurveyMonkey to collect qualitative textual data about their criticisms of the statements. (iv) We then reconstructed the statements and explanations to meet users' criticisms, embedded them in a web-enabled toolkit, and beta tested this 'in the wild'.

Results

On-line data collection was effective: over a four week period 50/60 participants responded using SurveyMonkey (40/60) or direct phone and email contact (10/60). An additional nine responses were received from people who had been sent the SurveyMonkey form by other respondents. Beta testing of the web enabled toolkit produced 13 responses, from 327 visits tohttp://www.normalizationprocess.org. Qualitative analysis of both sets of responses showed a high level of support for the statements but also showed that some statements poorly expressed their underlying constructs or overlapped with others. These were rewritten to take account of users' criticisms and then embedded in a web-enabled toolkit. As a result we were able translate the core constructs into a simplified set of statements that could be utilized by non-experts.

Conclusion

Normalization Process Theory has been developed through transparent procedures at each stage of its life. The theory has been shown to be sufficiently robust to merit formal testing. This project has provided a user friendly version of NPT that can be embedded in a web-enabled toolkit and used as a heuristic device to think through implementation and integration problems.
A novel gas ionization sensor using Pd nanoparticle-capped ZnO
Authors: Wang Hongjun , Zou Changwei , Tian Canxin , Zhou Lin , Wang Zesong , Fu Dejun
Published: September 2011

A novel gas ionization sensor using Pd nanoparticle-capped ZnO (Pd/ZnO) nanorods as the anode is proposed. The Pd/ZnO nanorod-based sensors, compared with the bare ZnO nanorod, show lower breakdown voltage for the detected gases with good sensitivity and selectivity. Moreover, the sensors exhibit stable performance after more than 200 tests for both inert and active gases. The simple, low-cost, Pd/ZnO nanorod-based field-ionization gas sensors presented in this study have potential applications in the field of gas sensor devices.
Radiation induced temporal lobe necrosis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a review of new avenues in its management
Authors: Chen Jing , Dassarath Meera , Yin Zhongyuan , Liu Hongli , Yang Kunyu , Wu Gang
Published: September 2011

Temporal lobe necrosis (TLN) is the most debilitating late-stage complication after radiation therapy in patients with nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). The bilateral temporal lobes are inevitably encompassed in the radiation field and are thus prone to radiation induced necrosis. The wide use of 3D conformal and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in the treatment of NPC has led to a dwindling incidence of TLN. Yet, it still holds great significance due to its incapacitating feature and the difficulties faced clinically and radiologically in distinguishing it from a malignancy. In this review, we highlight the evolution of different imaging modalities and therapeutic options. FDG PET, SPECT and Magnetic Spectroscopy are among the latest imaging tools that have been considered. In terms of treatment, Bevacizumab remains the latest promising breakthrough due to its ability to reverse the pathogenesis unlike conventional treatment options including large doses of steroids, anticoagulants, vitamins, hyperbaric oxygen and surgery.
Chinese herbal extracts of Rubia cordifolia and Dianthus superbus suppress IgE production and prevent peanut-induced anaphylaxis
Authors: López-Expósito Iván , Castillo Alexandra , Yang Nan , Liang Banghao , Li Xiu-Min
Published: September 2011

Background

Peanut allergy is characterized by increased levels of peanut-specific IgE in the serum of most patients. Thus, the most logical therapy would be to inhibit the IgE production by committed B-cells. This study aims to investigate the unreported anti-IgE effects of Chinese herbal extracts of Rubia cordifolia (Qiancao) and Dianthus superbus (Qumai).

Methods

Seventy herbal extracts were tested for their ability to reduce IgE secretion by a human B-cell line. Those with the lowest inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) values were tested in a mouse model of peanut-anaphylaxis. Anaphylactic scores, body temperature, plasma histamine and peanut-specific-immunoglobulins were determined.

Results

Rubia cordifolia and Dianthus superbus inhibited the in vitro IgE production by a human B-cell line in a dose-dependent manner and the in vivo IgE production in a murine model of peanut allergy without affecting peanut-specific-IgG1 levels. After challenge, all mice in the sham groups developed anaphylactic reactions and increased plasma histamine levels. The extract-treated mice demonstrated significantly reduced peanut-triggered anaphylactic reactions and plasma histamine levels.

Conclusion

The extracts of Rubia cordifolia and Dianthus superbus inhibited the IgE production in vivo and in vitro as well as reduced anaphylactic reactions in peanut-allergic mice, suggesting potentials for allergy treatments.
Are all antipsychotic drugs the same?
Authors: Leucht Stefan , Davis John M.
Published: September 2011

The classification system of atypical and typical antipsychotics has created a lot of confusion and might be abandoned. Nevertheless, to say that all drugs are the same and that therefore it does not matter which drug is given is wrong. Both typical and atypical antipsychotics differ in side-effects, mechanisms of action, cost and efficacy. The available choice of antipsychotics should be adapted to individual patients in a shared decision-making process.
How do we know when research from one setting can be useful in another? A review of external validity, applicability and transferability frameworks
Authors: Burchett Helen , Umoquit Muriah , Dobrow Mark
Published: September 2011

Objective:

To review published frameworks that included criteria for the assessment of external validity, applicability and transferability in their assessment of health research.

Methods:

Five databases were searched for articles relating to the assessment of external validity or applicability and transferability in health research. A coding framework was developed inductively and used to assess which types of criteria were included in the frameworks.

Results:

Thirty-eight articles describing 25 frameworks were identified. Eleven focused solely on the assessment of applicability and transferability; 14 presented more general decision-making or evidence appraisal frameworks. The criteria were synthesized into four main categories: setting, intervention, outcomes and evidence. None of the frameworks covered all the criteria identified. A major limitation was the lack of empirical data used to develop many frameworks and the apparent lack of assessment of their perceived utility.

Conclusion:

A validated framework of applicability and transferability would help those aiming to encourage research use, as well as those conducting research. Greater understanding of applicability and transferability could help to encourage the appropriate use of research and the development of research that is more useful.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm treatment: minimally invasive fast-track surgery and endovascular technique
Authors: Moniaci D , Brustia P , Renghi A , Casella F , De Simeis L , Guzzardi G , Fossaceca R , Gramaglia L
Published: September 2011

In our department we started a program in order to offer a mini-invasive approach to all patients affected by abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), trying to offer this option also to patients not eligible for endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) due to unfavorable anatomy, age under 65 years and aorto-iliac occlusive disease, considering nowadays EVAR is the gold-standard for the mini-invasive treatment of AAAs. The aim of this study was to compare endovascular versus fast-track surgical treatment in patients undergoing elective surgery for AAAs. We wanted to verify if it was possible to be totally mini-invasive in the treatment of AAAs. A total of 128 patients were chosen for the study. Ninety-four patients were enrolled in the OPEN group and 34 were enrolled in the EVAR group. This study demonstrates that minimally invasive treatment with the fast-track protocol may be a valid alternative to EVAR.
Advances in assessment and management of carotid body tumors
Authors: Avgerinos Efthimios D , Moulakakis Konstantinos , Brountzos Elias , Giannakopoulos Triantafillos G , Lazaris Andreas M , Koumarianou Anna , Geronikola-Trapali Xenia , Ptohis Nikolas , Papapetrou Anastasios , Liapis Christos D
Published: September 2011

Evolving technology has the potential to alter the overall management of carotid body tumors (CBTs). We review our 35-year experience emphasizing on novel modalities available in the evaluation and treatment of CBTs. Medical records of 27 CBT patients between 1975 and 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. The study cohort has been arbitrarily divided into two groups: the early years' group A (18 patients, 1975–1998) and the later years' group B (9 patients, 1999–2009). The most common presenting symptom was a painless lateral neck mass (89%). Octreotide scintigraphy and genetic testing were routinely used for group B. In two cases, octreotide scintigraphy was coupled with intraoperative radiolocalization of the lesion. Preoperative embolization was performed in four CBTs. Among group B patients, five were pretreated via a covered stent placement in the external carotid artery (ECA). Twenty-three patients (24 CBTs) were eventually operated upon. One cardiovascular death, one permanent vocal cord paralysis and six transient cranial nerve injuries account for a 4.4% 30-day mortality and a 30.4% morbidity with no significant differences among groups. In conclusion, appropriate use of new techniques in CBT management has improved diagnostic accuracy and early detection without clearly affecting overall outcome in our study cohort.
Peripheral vascular reconstruction using deep vein graft for critically ill patients
Authors: Yie Kilsoo , Kim Keun-Woo , Kang Seong-Sik , Na Chan-Young
Published: September 2011

The great saphenous veins are gaining wide popularity as acceptable native vascular grafts, but in terms of flow capacity, their small caliber may be unsuitable for immediate replacement of arterial flow. Ten peripheral vascular or central venous reconstructions were performed using superficial femoral vein free grafts for re-establishment of immediate high-flow patency. Seven of the patients were men with a mean age of 61.5 ± 17.9 years (range, 21–81 years). The majority of the patients were of preoperative or intraoperative critically ill statuses in that they had extensive infection ( n = 5), bleeding ( n = 4), renal failure ( n = 3) or hepatic failure ( n = 1). The mean preoperative physiology score of the vascular POSSUM was 24.1 ± 8.8 (range, 15–37), and the mean operative severity score was 18.4 ± 4.9 (range, 10–26). All patients survived and recovered from systemic infection or critical hemodynamic instability. During the mean 28.9 months of follow-up, complications such as aneurysmal dilation, recurrent infection, graft stenosis/occlusion, lower limb edema and other clinical problems that required attention were not observed. In conclusion, we determined that deep veins can be applied as ideal graft conduits for reconstructing the major peripheral vessels under complicated conditions in select patients.
Crystal structures of hydrazones, 2-(1,3-benzothiazolyl)-NH—N=CH—Ar, prepared from arenealdehydes and 2-hydrazinyl-1,3-benzothiazole
Authors: Nogueira Antônio , Vasconcelos Tatyana R. A. , Wardell James L. , Wardell Solange M. S. V.
Published: September 2011

Structures of hydrazones, [1: 2-(1,3-benzothiazolyl)-NH—N=CH—C6H3—XY], prepared from arenecarbäaldehydes and 2-hydrazinyl-1,3-benzothiazole, are reported. Compounds include unsolvated species, (1: X = 4-Cl, 4-Br, 4-NMe2; Y = H), [1: X,Y = 2,4-Me2, 2,4-(OMe)2], and solvated ones, [(1: X = 4-OH; Y = H) · H2O], [(1: X = 3-OMe; Y = 4-OH) · H2O], and [(1: X = 2-OH; Y = 5-NO2) · DMSO]. The solvated compound, [(1: X = 2-OH; Y = 5-NO2) · DMSO], exists in the imino form in contrast to the (E)-2-(1,3-benzothiazolyl)-NH—N=CH—Ar form exhibited by the other compounds. Common intermolecular interactions in the non-solvated compounds, (1: X = 4-Cl, 4-Br, 4-NMe2; Y = H) and [1: X,Y = 2,4-Me2, 2,4-(OMe)2], are strong dimer forming N—H · · · N hyädrogen bonds and weaker π · · · π interactions. The latter involve the benzothazole rings, except in [1: X,Y = 2,4-(OMe)2], where the π · · · π interactions involve thiazole and C6H3(OMe)2 rings. The dimer forming N—H · · · N intermolecular hydrogen bonds and π · · · π stacking interactions persist in the hydrate, [(1: X = 3-OMe; Y = 4-OH) · H2O], but not in the other solvates, [(1: X = 4-OH; Y = H) · H2O] and [(1: X = 2-OH; Y = 5-NO2) · DMSO]. For [(1: X = 4-OH; Y = H) · H2O], the important direct links between [(1: X = 4-OH; Y = H) are chain forming O—H · · · N hydrogen bonds, supplemented by π · · · π interactions. For all solvated compounds, the solvate molecules are involved in indirect links between the hydrazone molecules. In the case of [(1: X = 2-OH; Y = 5-NO2) · DMSO], present in the imino form, a network of rings is generated from the hydrogen bonding interactions of the DMSO solvate with the N—H and N—O(nitro) moieties of (1: X = 2-OH; Y = 5-NO2).