bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individual working lives through the lens of the capability approach: evaluation of policies and items for debate
Authors: Abbatecola Emanuela , Lefresne Florence , Verd Joan Miquel , Vero Josiane
Published: January 2012

The aim of this concluding article is to bring together the ideas and arguments of the articles that make up this issue so as to present some conclusions and recommendations. The article emphasizes important lessons from this special issue, underlining how Europe has lost its way over recent years by imposing the market as the primary mechanism for social and economic organization. It presents some recommendations and priorities for future debates on the employment and social policy agenda.

L’objectif de cet article de conclusion est de rassembler les idées et les arguments des articles qui constituent ce numéro spécial et de présenter ainsi quelques conclusions et recommandations. L’article met en lumière les leçons importantes que l’on peut tirer de ce numéro spécial, en soulignant comment l’Europe a fait fausse route au cours des dernières années en imposant le marché comme mécanisme essentiel d’organisation sociale et économique. Il présente également certaines pistes d’action et priorités pour des débats à venir sur l’agenda de l’emploi et de la politique sociale.

Dieser abschließende Beitrag fasst die Ideen und Argumente der vorhergehenden Artikel zusammen und präsentiert einige Schlussfolgerungen und Empfehlungen. Der Beitrag unterstreicht wichtige Befunde dieser Themenausgabe und betont, dass Europa in den vergangenen Jahren vom richtigen Weg abgekommen ist, indem es den Markt als grundlegenden Mechanismus für die Sozial-und Wirtschaftsordnung durchgesetzt hat. Er unterbreitet ebenfalls Empfehlungen und Schwerpunkte für künftige Debatten im Bereich Beschäftigung und Sozialpolitik.
Flexible employment, poverty and the household
Authors: Lehweß-Litzmann René
Published: January 2012

This article analyses the coincidence of employment flexibility and poverty, using micro data from the European Union Survey on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC). It is shown that – contrary to the ideal of flexicurity – workers with no employment flexibility in their trajectories are still privileged in all of the countries examined. The household and the state are discussed as important conversion factors (circumstances which influence how individuals can use their resources) and stress is laid on the analytical and political need to consider them in the present context. The household and the state co-determine the individual’s capability to offer flexible work on the market, i.e. the chance to deviate from standard employment without exposing oneself to a high risk of poverty.

Cet article analyse la concomitance entre la flexibilité de l’emploi et la pauvreté en utilisant des micro-données tirées des statistiques de l’Union européenne sur les revenus et les conditions de vie (EU-SILC). Il apparaît que – contrairement à l’idéal de flexicurité – les travailleurs qui n’ont pas subi de flexibilité de l’emploi durant leur parcours professionnel restent des travailleurs privilégiés dans tous les pays étudiés. Les ménages et l’Etat sont considérés comme d’importants facteurs de conversion (c’est-à-dire des circonstances qui influencent la manière dont les gens peuvent utiliser leurs ressources) et l’accent est mis sur le besoin analytique et politique de les considérer dans leur contexte actuel. Les ménages et l’Etat codéterminent la capacité d’offrir un travail flexible sur le marché, c’est-à-dire la possibilité de s’écarter d’un emploi standard sans s’exposer à un risque élevé de pauvreté.

In diesem Artikel wird auf der Datengrundlage der Statistik der Europäischen Union über Einkommen und Lebensbedingungen (EU-SILC) das gemeinsame Auftreten von Erwerbsflexibilität und Armut untersucht. Es wird gezeigt, dass nicht flexibel Beschäftigte – entgegen dem Flexicurity-Ideal – immer noch privilegiert sind, und zwar in allen untersuchten Ländern. Der Haushalt und der Staat werden als wichtige Umwandlungsfaktoren (Umstände, die beeinflussen, wie Individuen ihre Ressourcen nutzen können) diskutiert und es wird die analytische und politische Notwendigkeit betont, sie in dem vorliegenden Zusammenhang zu berücksichtigen. Haushalt und Staat bedingen die Verwirklichungschance, flexible Arbeit auf dem Markt anzubieten, d.h. die Möglichkeit, von Standarderwerbstätigkeit abzuweichen, ohne sich einem hohen Armutsrisiko auszusetzen.
Cultural Safety in New Zealand and the United States
Authors: Doutrich Dawn , Arcus Kerri , Dekker Lida , Spuck Janet , Pollock-Robinson Catherine
Published: January 2012

Cultural safety emerged in Aotearoa, New Zealand as a nursing response to bicultural interactions between indigenous Maori and other New Zealanders. The purpose of this research is to describe the meaning and experience of cultural safety as depicted by nurses in New Zealand and to illustrate the potential for this to inform U.S. nursing education and practice. This interpretive hermeneutic study explored cultural safety as described by 12 experienced nurses who were selected through snowball and purposive sampling. Audiotaped interviews were conducted after ethics approval. Interpretive analysis uncovered five themes that are described with data and paradigm cases. Cultural safety considers the perspective of the patient as the norm in contrast to the culture of health care. Understanding historical power differences and personal biases can help challenge victim-blaming responses by health care providers. Incorporating these understandings into reflective practice enhances the possibility of culturally safe learning for students and culturally safe care for patients.
Foundation Concepts of Global Community Health Promotion and Education
Authors: Hou Su-I
Published: January 2012

Foundation Concepts of Global Community Health Promotion and Education provides a solid introduction on underlying concepts in the global health promotion and education field. It also addresses professional competencies and preparation with both entry and advanced level responsibilities geared to the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) with a global viewpoint. Topics are logically sequenced with sufficient background as well as terminology definitions to orient public health and community health students and practitioners. At the end of each chapter, the author includes helpful summaries, conceptual learning, reflective thinking, as well as enhanced readings and relevant websites as additional resources to broaden the educational learning experience. Global resources for health and related careers are also provided, along with a timely e-portfolio section. The book is a comprehensive and well-written resource for faculty and students interested in the global community health promotion and education profession.
Infantile Anorexia
Authors: Klein Catherine J. , Jacobovits Tova G. , Siewerdt Frank , Beker Leila T. , Kantor Mark A. , Sahyoun Nadine R. , Chatoor Irene
Published: January 2012

Eating disorders among young children are not well characterized. Diet and growth data were collected from toddlers (1-3 years old) at the time of diagnosis of infantile anorexia (IA) and up to 1 year after family counseling. Children (n = 62) were underweight (≤ −2 z-score weight-for-age). Boys (n = 34) had a greater ( P = .04) mean (standard error) weight-for-age percentile than girls (n = 28) and less evidence of wasting ( z-score weight-for-length = −1.8 (0.14) vs −2.3 (0.17), respectively; P = .04). After counseling, girls demonstrated better linear growth than boys (4.14 (0.18) vs 3.47 (0.18) cm/6 months, respectively; P < .002). Significant catch-up in length-for-age was observed across genders and diagnoses of 1.4 (2.07) growth percentiles and 0.13 (0.05) z-scores on the normal curve in 6 months ( P = .019). Head circumference correlated with dietary protein ( r = .23, P = .03), calcium ( r = .32, P = .004), and zinc ( r = .36, P = .001). Girls met or exceeded dietary reference intakes for energy, protein, iron, zinc, vitamin A, and calcium, and boys improved intake of these nutrients ( P < .05) but boys with IA fell short of recommended energy intake. Many children with IA reached tolerable upper intake levels for zinc and vitamin A, which warrants concern. These are the first data published on diet and growth among children with IA.
BAZF, a novel component of cullin3-based E3 ligase complex, mediates VEGFR and Notch cross-signaling in angiogenesis
Authors: Ohnuki Hidetaka , Inoue Hirofumi , Takemori Nobuaki , Nakayama Hironao , Sakaue Tomohisa , Fukuda Shinji , Miwa Daisuke , Nishiwaki Eiji , Hatano Masahiko , Tokuhisa Takeshi , Endo Yaeta , Nose Masato , Higashiyama Shigeki
Published: January 2012

Angiogenic homeostasis is maintained by a balance between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Notch signaling in endothelial cells (ECs). We screened for molecules that might mediate the coupling of VEGF signal transduction with down-regulation of Notch signaling, and identified B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia/lymphoma6-associated zinc finger protein (BAZF). BAZF was induced by VEGF-A in ECs to bind to the Notch signaling factor C-promoter binding factor 1 (CBF1), and to promote the degradation of CBF1 through polyubiquitination in a CBF1-cullin3 (CUL3) E3 ligase complex. BAZF disruption in vivo decreased endothelial tip cell number and filopodia protrusion, and markedly abrogated vascular plexus formation in the mouse retina, overlapping the retinal phenotype seen in response to Notch activation. Further, impaired angiogenesis and capillary remodeling were observed in skin-wounded BAZF−/− mice. We therefore propose that BAZF supports angiogenic sprouting via BAZF-CUL3-based polyubiquitination-dependent degradation of CBF1 to down-regulate Notch signaling.
Membrane-bound human SCF/KL promotes in vivo human hematopoietic engraftment and myeloid differentiation
Authors: Takagi Shinsuke , Saito Yoriko , Hijikata Atsushi , Tanaka Satoshi , Watanabe Takashi , Hasegawa Takanori , Mochizuki Shinobu , Kunisawa Jun , Kiyono Hiroshi , Koseki Haruhiko , Ohara Osamu , Saito Takashi , Taniguchi Shuichi , Shultz Leonard D. , Ishikawa Fumihiko
Published: January 2012

In recent years, advances in the humanized mouse system have led to significantly increased levels of human hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) engraftment. The remaining limitations in human HSC engraftment and function include lymphoid-skewed differentiation and inefficient myeloid development in the recipients. Limited human HSC function may partially be attributed to the inability of the host mouse microenvironment to provide sufficient support to human hematopoiesis. To address this problem, we created membrane-bound human stem cell factor (SCF)/KIT ligand (KL)–expressing NOD/SCID/IL2rgKO (hSCF Tg NSG) mice. hSCF Tg NSG recipients of human HSCs showed higher levels of both human CD45+ cell engraftment and human CD45+CD33+ myeloid development compared with NSG recipients. Expression of hSCF/hKL accelerated the differentiation of the human granulocyte lineage cells in the recipient bone marrow. Human mast cells were identified in bone marrow, spleen, and gastrointestinal tissues of the hSCF Tg NSG recipients. This novel in vivo humanized mouse model demonstrates the essential role of membrane-bound hSCF in human myeloid development. Moreover, the hSCF Tg NSG humanized recipients may facilitate investigation of in vivo differentiation, migration, function, and pathology of human mast cells.
Mature erythrocyte membrane homeostasis is compromised by loss of the GATA1-FOG1 interaction
Authors: Hasegawa Atsushi , Shimizu Ritsuko , Mohandas Narla , Yamamoto Masayuki
Published: January 2012

GATA1 plays essential roles in erythroid gene expression. The N-terminal finger of GATA1 (GATA1-Nf) is important for association with FOG1. Substitution mutations in GATA1-Nf, such as GATA1V205M that diminish the GATA1-FOG1 association, have been identified in human thrombocytopenia and anemia cases. A mouse model of human thrombocytopenia has been established using a transgenic complementation rescue approach; GATA1-deficient mice were successfully rescued from embryonic lethality by excess expression of GATA1V205G, but rescued adult mice suffered from severe thrombocytopenia. In this study, we examined GATA1-deficient mice rescued with GATA1V205G at a comparable level to endogenous GATA1. Mice rescued with this level of GATA1V205G rarely survive to adulthood. Rescued newborns suffered from severe anemia and jaundice accompanied with anisocytosis and spherocytosis. Expression of Slc4a1, Spna1, and Aqp1 genes (encoding the membrane proteins band-3, α-spectrin, and aquaporin-1, respectively) were strikingly diminished, whereas expression of other canonical GATA1-target genes, such as Alas2, were little affected. Lack of these membrane proteins provoked perturbation of membrane skeleton. Importantly, the red cells exhibited increased reactive oxygen species accumulation. These results thus demonstrate that the loss of the GATA1-FOG1 interaction causes a unique combination of membrane protein deficiency and disturbs the function of GATA1 in maintaining erythroid homeostasis.
A guide to the translation of the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) strategy into improved care
Authors: Boulet Louis-Philippe , FitzGerald J. Mark , Levy Mark L. , Cruz Alvaro A. , Pedersen Soren , Haahtela Tari , Bateman Eric D.
Published: January 2012

In 1995, the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) published an evidence-based workshop report as a guide to clinicians managing asthma patients, and has updated it annually to ensure that recommendations remain current. Although the report has been widely disseminated and influenced clinical practice and research, its major objective, of forming the basis for local and national initiatives to improve services for asthma patients, remains to be achieved. Over recent years, the science of guideline implementation has progressed, and encouraging examples of successful asthma programmes have been published. This report is intended to draw on this experience and assist with the translation of asthma guideline recommendations into quality programmes for patients with asthma using current knowledge translation principles. It also provides examples of successful initiatives in various socioeconomic settings.
Factors associated with mental disorders in long-settled war refugees: refugees from the former Yugoslavia in Germany, Italy and the UK
Authors: Bogic Marija , Ajdukovic Dean , Bremner Stephen , Franciskovic Tanja , Galeazzi Gian Maria , Kucukalic Abdulah , Lecic-Tosevski Dusica , Morina Nexhmedin , Popovski Mihajlo , Schützwohl Matthias , Wang Duolao , Priebe Stefan
Published: January 2012

Background

Prevalence rates of mental disorders are frequently increased in long-settled war refugees. However, substantial variation in prevalence rates across studies and countries remain unexplained.

Aims

To test whether the same sociodemographic characteristics, war experiences and post-migration stressors are associated with mental disorders in similar refugee groups resettled in different countries.

Method

Mental disorders were assessed in war-affected refugees from the former Yugoslavia in Germany, Italy and the UK. Sociodemographic, war-related and post-migration characteristics were tested for their association with different disorders.

Results

A total of 854 war refugees were assessed (≥255 per country). Prevalence rates of mental disorders varied substantially across countries. A lower level of education, more traumatic experiences during and after the war, more migration-related stress, a temporary residence permit and not feeling accepted were independently associated with higher rates of mood and anxiety disorders. Mood disorders were also associated with older age, female gender and being unemployed, and anxiety disorders with the absence of combat experience. Higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were associated with older age, a lower level of education, more traumatic experiences during and after the war, absence of combat experience, more migration-related stress, and a temporary residence permit. Only younger age, male gender and not living with a partner were associated with substance use disorders. The associations did not differ significantly across the countries. War-related factors explained more variance in rates of PTSD, and post-migration factors in the rates of mood, anxiety and substance use disorder.

Conclusions

Sociodemographic characteristics, war experiences and post-migration stressors are independently associated with mental disorders in long-settled war refugees. The risk factors vary for different disorders, but are consistent across host countries for the same disorders.
Canonical transient receptor potential channels in diabetes
Authors: Graham Sarabeth , Yuan Joseph P , Ma Rong
Published: January 2012

Canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) channel proteins have been identified as downstream molecules in a G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathway and are involved in a variety of cell functions due to their ability to regulate intracellular calcium signaling. TRPC channel physiology has been an increasingly interesting and relevant topic over the last decade, and the outcomes from various studies have advanced our understanding of TRPC function in the normal state. Recently, attention has turned to whether or not TRPC proteins are implicated in diseases. Emerging evidence suggests a significant contribution of several isoforms of TRPC proteins to cardiovascular as well as renal diseases. This review focuses on the implication of TRPC proteins as they pertain to diabetes. We summarize the recent findings by other investigators as well as ourselves and additionally discuss the important role of TRPC proteins in the development of various diabetic complications, such as diabetic nephropathy and diabetic vasculopathy. The underlying mechanisms which contribute to these complications are also outlined. Lastly, we elaborate on the role of TRPC proteins as a potential therapeutic target for treating diabetes-associated diseases.
Rationalization and prediction of selective decoding of pseudouridine-modified nonsense and sense codons
Authors: Parisien Marc , Yi Chengqi , Pan Tao
Published: January 2012

A stop or nonsense codon is an in-frame triplet within a messenger RNA that signals the termination of translation. One common feature shared among all three nonsense codons (UAA, UAG, and UGA) is a uridine present at the first codon position. It has been recently shown that the conversion of this uridine into pseudouridine (Ψ) suppresses translation termination, both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, decoding of the pseudouridylated nonsense codons is accompanied by the incorporation of two specific amino acids in a nonsense codon-dependent fashion. Ψ differs from uridine by a single N1H group at the C5 position; how Ψ suppresses termination and, more importantly, enables selective decoding is poorly understood. Here, we provide molecular rationales for how pseudouridylated stop codons are selectively decoded. Our analysis applies crystal structures of ribosomes in varying states of translation to consider weakened interaction of Ψ with release factor; thermodynamic and geometric considerations of the codon-anticodon base pairs to rank and to eliminate mRNA-tRNA pairs; the mechanism of fidelity check of the codon-anticodon pairing by the ribosome to evaluate noncanonical codon-anticodon base pairs and the role of water. We also consider certain tRNA modifications that interfere with the Ψ-coordinated water in the major groove of the codon-anticodon mini-helix. Our analysis of nonsense codons enables prediction of potential decoding properties for Ψ-modified sense codons, such as decoding ΨUU potentially as Cys and Tyr. Our results provide molecular rationale for the remarkable dynamics of ribosome decoding and insights on possible reprogramming of the genetic code using mRNA modifications.
Now IT's Personal: Offshoring and the Shifting Skill Composition of the U.S. Information Technology Workforce
Authors: Tambe Prasanna , Hitt Lorin M.
Published: January 2012

We combine new information technology (IT) offshoring and IT workforce microdata to investigate how the use of IT offshore captive centers is affecting the skill composition of the U.S. onshore IT workforce. The analysis is based on the theory that occupations involving tasks that are “tradable,” such as tasks that require little personal communication or hands-on interaction with U.S.-based objects, are vulnerable to being moved offshore. Consistent with this theory, we find that firms that have offshore IT captive centers have 8% less of their onshore IT workforce involved in tradable occupations; those without offshore captive centers have increased the proportion of onshore employment in these same occupations by 3%. In addition, we find that hourly IT workers (e.g., IT contractors) are disproportionately employed in tradable jobs, and their onshore employment is 2%–3% lower in firms with offshore captive centers. These findings persist after considering different measures of employment composition, including controls for human capital, firm performance, domestic outsourcing, and whether firms choose to build or buy software. Instrumental variables and corroborating regressions suggest that our estimates are conservative—the magnitude of the effect generally rises after accounting for reverse causality and measurement error.

This paper was accepted by by Chris Forman, guest department editor.
Reconceptualizing Stars: Scientist Helpfulness and Peer Performance
Authors: Oettl Alexander
Published: January 2012

It is surprising that the prevailing performance taxonomy for scientists (star versus nonstar) focuses only on individual output and ignores social behavior, because innovation is often characterized as a communal process. To develop a deeper understanding of the mechanisms by which scientists influence the productivity of others, I expand the traditional taxonomy of scientists that focuses solely on productivity and add a second, social dimension: helpfulness to others. Using a combination of academic paper publications and citations to capture scientist productivity and the receipt of academic paper acknowledgments to measure helpfulness, I examine the change in publishing output of the coauthors of 149 scientists that die. Coauthors of highly helpful scientists that die experience a decrease in output quality but not output quantity. Meanwhile, the deaths of high productivity scientists that are not highly helpful do not influence their coauthors' output. In addition, scientists who are helpful with conceptual feedback (critique and advice) have a larger impact on the performance of their coauthors than scientists who provide help with material access, scientific tools, or technical work. Within the context of evaluating scientific productivity, it may be time to update our conceptualization of a “star.”

This paper was accepted by Lee Fleming, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Does Open‐air Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds near a Plastic Recycling Factory Cause Health Effects?
Authors: Yorifuji Takashi , Noguchi Miyuki , Tsuda Toshihide , Suzuki Etsuji , Takao Soshi , Kashima Saori , Yanagisawa Yukio
Published: January 2012

Does Open‐air Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds near a Plastic Recycling Factory Cause Health Effects?: Takashi YORIFUJI, et al. Department of Human Ecology, Okayama University Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science—

Objectives

After a plastic reprocessing factory began to operate in August 2004, the residents around the factory in Neyagawa, Osaka, Japan, began to complain of symptoms. Therefore, we conducted an exposure assessment and a population‐based epidemiological study in 2006.

Methods

To assess exposure, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and total VOCs were measured at two locations in the vicinity of the factory. In the population‐based study, a total of 3,950 residents were targeted. A self‐administered questionnaire was used to collect information about subjects' mucocutaneous or respiratory symptoms. Using logistic regression models, we compared the prevalence of symptoms in July 2006 by employing the farthest area from the factory as a reference, and prevalence odds ratios (PORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated.

Results

The concentration of total VOCs was higher in the vicinity of the factory. The prevalence of mucocutaneous and respiratory symptoms was the highest among the residents in the closest area to the factory. Some symptoms were significantly increased among the residents within 500 m of the factory compared with residents of an area 2800 m from the factory: e.g., sore throat (POR=3.2, 95% CI: 1.3–8.0), eye itch (POR=3.0, 95% CI: 1.5–6.0), eye discharge (POR=6.0, 95% CI: 2.3–15.9), eczema (POR=3.0, 95% CI: 1.1–7.9) and sputum (POR=2.4, 95% CI: 1.1–5.1).

Conclusions

Despite of the limitations of this study, these results imply a possible association of open‐air VOCs with mucocutaneous and respiratory symptoms. Because this kind of plasticre cycling factory only recently came into operation, more attention should be paid to the operation of plastic recycling factories in the environment.
Reactional state and nutritional profile among leprosy patients in the primary health care system, Greater Vitória, Espírito Santo State, Brazil
Authors: Montenegro Rosa Maria Natalli , Zandonade Eliana , Molina Maria Del Carmen Bisi , Diniz Lúcia Martins
Published: January 2012

Leprosy may present acute/subacute inflammatory processes (leprosy reactions). The study characterized the reactional states of patients at health clinics in Vitória, Espírito Santo State, Brazil, and associated them with sociodemographic factors and clinical/nutritional variables. between January and December 2009, longitudinal follow-up of patients with leprosy continued until leprosy reactions occurred or patients completed 6 months of multidrug therapy. Of the 151 patients participating, 78 (51.7%) were females, 48 (31.8%) had 5 to 8 years schooling, 93 (61.6%) worked and earned from 1 to 3 minimum wages, and 55 (36.4 %) had leprosy reactions, but with no statistical association to socioeconomic characteristics or nutritional status. However, absence of reaction was more common in the low-weight group, suggesting a trend in this group to protection from the reaction (p = 0.0906). The study found no association between nutritional status and leprosy reaction.
Os Centros de Referência em Saúde do Trabalhador e a notificação de acidentes de trabalho no Brasil
Authors: Galdino Adriana , Santana Vilma Sousa , Ferrite Silvia
Published: January 2012

Analisa-se como os Centros de Referência em Saúde do Trabalhador (CEREST) contribuem para as notificações de acidentes de trabalho graves e daqueles com exposição a material biológico, no Sistema de Informações de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN), Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Foram empregados dados do FormSUS e do SINAN, agregados para as áreas de cobertura dos CEREST. Foram obtidos dados válidos de 125 CEREST, 23 estaduais e 102 regionais. A maioria dos CEREST foi considerada implantada. O aumento da notificação de acidentes de trabalho graves foi maior quando a equipe era compatível com a demanda e se atendiam a demandas externas e da mídia. Para as exposições a material biológico, CEREST com boas instalações físicas, que atendiam a demandas da mídia e tinham capacitado pessoal da rede sentinela, apresentaram maior aumento da notificação. A infraestrutura, quantidade e capacitação de pessoal, além do atendimento a demandas externas, são importantes para o aumento das notificações e devem ser priorizados para reduzir a expressiva subnotificação dos acidentes de trabalho.
Patient and Facility Safety in Hemodialysis
Authors: Garrick Renee , Kliger Alan , Stefanchik Beth
Published: January 2012

Patient safety is the foundation of high-quality health care. More than 350,000 patients receive dialysis in the United States, and the safety of their care is ultimately the responsibility of the facility medical director. The medical director must establish a culture of safety in the dialysis unit and lead the quality assessment and performance improvement process. Several lines of investigation, including surveys of patients and dialysis professionals, have helped to identify important areas of safety risk in dialysis facilities. Among these are lapses in communication, medication errors, patient falls, errors in machine and membrane preparation, failure to follow established policies, and lapses in infection control. The quality assessment and performance improvement process should include a dedicated safety team to focus on specifically identified areas of risk and to establish outcome goals guided by best practices and agreed-upon measures of success. A safety questionnaire can be given to patients and staff and the responses evaluated to improve understanding of the prevailing attitudes and concerns about safety. By sharing these results, openly acknowledging the challenges, and using a blame-free root cause process to identify action plans, the facility can begin to establish a culture of safety.
Predictors of Estimated GFR Decline in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Preserved Kidney Function
Authors: Zoppini Giacomo , Targher Giovanni , Chonchol Michel , Ortalda Vittorio , Negri Carlo , Stoico Vincenzo , Bonora Enzo
Published: January 2012

Background and objectives

This study examined predictors of the annual decline in estimated GFR (eGFR) in patients with type 2 diabetes and preserved kidney function.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

In a prospective, observational cohort study, 1682 individuals with type 2 diabetes and baseline eGFR ≥60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (as estimated by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation) were followed for 10 years. Linear regression was used to estimate participants’ changes in eGFR over time.

Results

During follow-up, 263 (15.6%) individuals had a rapid eGFR decline defined as >4.0% per year. Average eGFR decline was −5.8±3 and −0.6±2 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year in rapid decliners and nondecliners, respectively. Compared with normotensive, normoalbuminuric patients (−0.2±0.2 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year), those with hypertension (−1.0±0.1 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year), hemoglobin A1c≥7% (−1.0±0.1 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year), longer diabetes duration (−1.0±0.1 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year), obesity (−1.2±0.1 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year), insulin treatment (−1.5±0.1 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year), microalbuminuria (−1.3±0.2 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year), or macroalbuminuria (−2.7±0.4 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year) had significantly faster age-adjusted annual eGFR declines. Multivariable linear regression analyses revealed that albuminuria (P<0.001) was the strongest predictor of annual eGFR decline. Other independent predictors of annual eGFR decline were older age, hypertension, insulin treatment, and lower baseline eGFR.

Conclusions

Annual eGFR decline is predicted by multiple modifiable risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes and preserved kidney function.
Ten-Year Outcome after Rapid Discontinuation of Prednisone in Adult Primary Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Rizzari Michael D. , Suszynski Thomas M. , Gillingham Kristen J. , Dunn Ty B. , Ibrahim Hassan N. , Payne William D. , Chinnakotla Srinath , Finger Erik B. , Sutherland David E. R. , Kandaswamy Raja , Najarian John S. , Pruett Timothy L. , Kukla Aleksandra , Spong Richard , Matas Arthur J.
Published: January 2012

Background and objectives

Rapid discontinuation of prednisone after kidney transplantation potentially allows for minimization of steroid-related side effects. Although intermediate-term data with rapid discontinuation of prednisone have been promising, concern still exists regarding long-term outcomes. The 10-year experience is reported herein.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Between October 1, 1999 and December 31, 2010, 1241 adult primary kidney transplants (791 living donor and 450 deceased donor) were performed using a protocol in which prednisone is discontinued after postoperative day 5. The 10-year actuarial recipient and graft survival rates and prednisone-related side effects were studied.

Results

Ten-year actuarial patient survival was 71% for living donor transplants and 62% for deceased donor transplants; 10-year graft survival was 61% for living donor transplants and 51% for deceased donor transplants, and was comparable to 10-year Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients national data. Ten-year death-censored graft survival was 79% for living donor transplants and 80% for deceased donor transplants. Ten-year acute rejection rates were 25% for deceased donor transplants and 31% for living donor transplants; 10-year chronic rejection (interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy) rates were 39% for deceased donor transplants and 47% for living donor transplants. For nondiabetic recipients of living donor or deceased donor allografts, the incidence of new-onset diabetes was significantly lower than in historical controls on prednisone (P<0.001). We also found significantly reduced rates of cataracts, avascular necrosis, and cytomegalovirus infection in some subgroups.

Conclusions

Prednisone-related side effects can be minimized in a protocol incorporating rapid discontinuation of prednisone for maintenance immunosuppression. Ten-year patient and graft outcomes remain acceptable.
A new conservative finite difference scheme for Boussinesq paradigm equation
Authors: Kolkovska Natalia , Dimova Milena
Published: January 2012

A family of nonlinear conservative finite difference schemes for the multidimensional Boussinesq Paradigm Equation is considered. A second order of convergence and a preservation of the discrete energy for this approach are proved. Existence and boundedness of the discrete solution on an appropriate time interval are established. The schemes have been numerically tested on the models of the propagation of a soliton and the interaction of two solitons. The numerical experiments demonstrate that the proposed family of schemes is about two times more accurate than the family of schemes studied in [Kolkovska N., Two families of finite difference schemes for multidimensional Boussinesq paradigm equation, In: Application of Mathematics in Technical and Natural Sciences, Sozopol, June 21–26, 2010, AIP Conf. Proc., 1301, American Institute of Physics, Melville, 2010, 395–403].
EPR and optical properties of KYb(WO4)2 and KTb0.2Yb0.8(WO4)2 single crystals
Authors: Kaczmarek Slawomir , Macalik Lucyna , Fuks Hubert , Leniec Grzegorz , Skibiński Tomasz , Hanuza Jerzy
Published: January 2012

Well oriented KYb(WO4)2 and KTb0.2Yb0.8(WO4)2 single crystals have been investigated for their magnetic and optical properties using the Raman and EPR techniques. The registered EPR signal is dominated by three lines ascribed to ytterbium ions: one main and two satellites. Tb ions, although non-paramagnetic, distinctly modify magnetic properties of the KYb(WO4)2 single crystal. Basic parameters of the spin Hamiltonian, including Zeeman and hyperfine terms (g and A matrices) as well the spatial orientation between principal and crystallographic axes systems were determined for both crystals.
The effect of hyperosmolar stimuli and cyclophosphamide on the culture of normal rat urothelial cells in vitro
Authors: Juszczak Kajetan , Kaszuba-Zwoińska Jolanta , Chorobik Paulina , Ziomber Agata , Thor Piotr
Published: January 2012

Highly concentrated urine may induce a harmful effect on the urinary bladder. Therefore, we considered osmolarity of the urine as a basic pathomechanism of mucosal damage. The influence of both cyclophosphamide (CYP) and hyperosmolar stimuli (HS) on the urothelium are not well described. The purpose was to evaluate the effect of CYP and HS on rat urothelial cultured cells (RUCC). 15 Wistar rats were used for RUCC preparation. RUCC were exposed to HS (2080 and 3222 mOsm/l NaCl) for 15 min and CYP (1 mg/ml) for 4 hrs. APC-labelled annexin V was used to quantitatively determine the percentage of apoptotic cells and propidium iodide (PI) as a standard flow cytometric viability probe to distinguish necrotic cells from viable ones. Annexin V-APC (+), annexin V-APC and PI (+), and PI (+) cells were analysed as apoptotic, dead, and necrotic cells, respectively. The results were presented in percentage values. The flow cytometric analysis was done on a FACSCalibur Flow Cytometer using Cell-Quest software. Treatment with 2080 and 3222 mOsm/l HS resulted in 23.7 ± 3.9% and 26.0 ± 1.5% apoptotic cells, respectively, 14.3 ± 1.4% and 19.4 ± 2.7% necrotic cells, respectively and 60.5 ± 1.4% and 48.6 ± 5.3% dead cells, respectively. The effect of CYP on RUCC was similar to the effect of HS. After CYP the apoptotic and necrotic cells were 23.1 ± 0.3% and 17.9 ± 7.4%, respectively. The percentage of dead cells was 57.7 ± 10.8%. CYP and HS induced apoptosis and necrosis in RUCC. 3222 mOsm/l HS had the most harmful effect based on the percentage of necrotic and apoptotic cells.
Differential fucosyltransferase IV expression in squamous carcinoma cells is regulated by promoter methylation
Authors: Li Hongyan , Tong Shaoming , Liu Jiwei , Han Li , Yang Xuesong , Hou Hesheng , Yan Qiu , Wang Xiao-Qi
Published: January 2012

Enhanced fucosyltransferase IV (FUT4) expression correlates with increased tumor malignancy in many carcinomas. However, little is known about the regulation of FUT4 expression, and whether FUT4 expression is influenced by the methylation status of the FUT4 promoter is unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that FUT4 expression is negatively correlated with the methylation degree of a CpG island in the FUT4 promoter, suggesting that the methylation status of FUT4 promoter regulates the expression of FUT4. The results indicate that manipulating the methylation status of the FUT4 promoter to regulate FUT4 expression may be a novel approach in the treatment of malignant tumors.
On the interfacial chemistry of aryl diazonium compounds in polymer science
Authors: Salmi Zakaria , Gam-Derouich Sarra , Mahouche-Chergui Samia , Turmine Mireille , Chehimi Mohamed
Published: January 2012

This review emphasises the role of aryl diazonium compounds as a new class of coupling agents for grafting polymer thin layers onto carbon, diamond, metals, metal oxides, alloys, semi-conductors, ceramics, and polymers. Physical and chemical methods are first reported for anchoring aryl layers to the surfaces, then the review concentrates on the modification of the above substrates by thin polymer films via a range of the “grafting from” and “grafting onto” strategies. Some applications are described which highlight the important role that diazonium salts will continue to play in the near future in the polymer and surface sciences.
Improved vector quantization scheme for grayscale image compression
Authors: Hu Y. , Chen W. , Lo C. , Chuang J.
Published: January 2012

This paper proposes an improved image coding scheme based on vector quantization. It is well known that the image quality of a VQ-compressed image is poor when a small-sized codebook is used. In order to solve this problem, the mean value of the image block is taken as an alternative block encoding rule to improve the image quality in the proposed scheme. To cut down the storage cost of compressed codes, a two-stage lossless coding approach including the linear prediction technique and the Huffman coding technique is employed in the proposed scheme. The results show that the proposed scheme achieves better image qualities than vector quantization while keeping low bit rates.
Clinically Important Differences for the Upper-Extremity Fugl-Meyer Scale in People With Minimal to Moderate Impairment Due to Chronic Stroke
Authors: Page Stephen J. , Fulk George D. , Boyne Pierce
Published: January 2012

Background

The upper-extremity portion of the Fugl-Meyer Scale (UE-FM) is one of the most established and commonly used outcome measures in stroke rehabilitative trials. Empirical work is needed to determine the amount of change in UE-FM scores that can be regarded as important and clinically meaningful for health professionals, patients, and other stakeholders.

Objective

This study used anchor-based methods to estimate the clinically important difference (CID) for the UE-FM in people with minimal to moderate impairment due to chronic stroke.

Method

One hundred forty-six individuals with stable, mild to moderate upper-extremity (UE) hemiparesis were administered the UE-FM before and after an intervention targeting their affected UEs. The treating therapists rated each participant's perceived amount of UE motor recovery on a global rating of change (GROC) scale evaluating several facets of UE movement (grasp, release, move the affected UE, perform 5 important functional tasks with the affected UE, overall UE function). Estimated CID of the UE-FM scores was calculated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve with the GROC scores as the anchor.

Results

The ROC curve analysis revealed that change in UE-FM scores during the intervention period distinguished participants who experienced clinically important improvement from those that did not based on the therapists' GROC scores. The area under the curve ranged from 0.61 to 0.70 for the different facets of UE movement.

Conclusions

The estimated CID of the UE-FM scores ranged from 4.25 to 7.25 points, depending on the different facets of UE movement.
Preoperative identification of the facial nerve in patients with large cerebellopontine angle tumors using high-density diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Roundy Neil , Delashaw Johnny B. , Cetas Justin S.
Published: January 2012

Object

Facial nerve paresis can be a devastating complication following resection of large (> 2.5 cm) cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumors. The authors have developed and used a new high-density diffusion tensor imaging (HD-DT imaging) method, aimed at preoperatively identifying the location and course of the facial nerve in relation to large CPA tumors. Their study objective was to preoperatively identify the facial nerve in patients with large CPA tumors and compare their HD-DT imaging method with a traditional standard DT imaging method and correlate with intraoperative findings.

Methods

The authors prospectively studied 5 patients with large (> 2.5 cm) CPA tumors. All patients underwent preoperative traditional standard- and HD-DT imaging. Imaging results were correlated with intraoperative findings.

Results

Utilizing their HD-DT imaging method, the authors positively identified the location and course of the facial nerve in all patients. In contrast, using a standard DT imaging method, the authors were unable to identify the facial nerve in 4 of the 5 patients.

Conclusions

The HD-DT imaging method that the authors describe and use has proven to be a powerful, accurate, and rapid method for preoperatively identifying the facial nerve in relation to large CPA tumors. Routine integration of HD-DT imaging in preoperative planning for CPA tumor resection could lead to improved facial nerve preservation.
Endonasal management of sellar arachnoid cysts: simple cyst obliteration technique
Authors: McLaughlin Nancy , Vandergrift Alexander , Ditzel Filho Leo F. , Shahlaie Kiarash , Eisenberg Amalia A. , Carrau Ricardo L. , Cohan Pejman , Kelly Daniel F.
Published: January 2012

Object

Symptomatic sellar arachnoid cysts (ACs) have typically been treated via the transsphenoidal route. After sellar cyst wall fenestration, some authors have advocated cyst wall resection and increasing communication between the AC and suprasellar subarachnoid space (SAS). This study is a report of the authors' experience using a simplified approach to reinforce a defective diaphragma sellae or unseen arachnoid diverticulum by deliberately not enlarging the AC-SAS communication and obliterating the cyst cavity with adipose tissue followed by skull base reconstruction.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients who underwent an endonasal transsphenoidal obliteration of symptomatic ACs with a fat graft and skull base repair.

Results

Between July 1998 and September 2010, 8 patients with a sellar AC were identified (6 women and 2 men, mean age 57 years). Clinical presentation included headache, pituitary dysfunction, and visual dysfunction (4 patients each group). Maximal cyst diameter averaged 22 mm (range 15–32 mm). In all cases the sellar communication to the SAS was deliberately not enlarged. The endoscope was used for visualization in 8 of 9 procedures. Postoperatively, headache improved in all 4 patients, vision in all 4 patients, and partial resolution of endocrine dysfunction (hyperprolactinemia and/or recurrent hyponatremia) occurred in 3 (75%) of 4 patients. No new endocrinopathy, CSF leak, meningitis, or neurological deficits occurred. Two patients experienced cyst reaccumulation: 1 symptomatic recurrence was treated with reoperation at 43 months postsurgery, and 1 asymptomatic partial recurrence continued to be monitored at 29 months postsurgery.

Conclusions

Sellar ACs can be effectively treated using endonasal fenestration and obliteration with fat with resultant reversal of presenting symptoms in the majority of patients. This simplified technique of AC cavity obliteration without enlarging communication to the SAS has a low risk of CSF leakage, and in most cases appears to effectively disrupt cyst progression, although longer follow-up is required to monitor for cyst recurrence.
Characterization of cancer stem-like cells in chordoma
Authors: Aydemir Esra , Bayrak Omer Faruk , Sahin Fikrettin , Atalay Basar , Kose Gamze Torun , Ozen Mustafa , Sevli Serhat , Dalan Altay Burak , Yalvac Mehmet Emir , Dogruluk Turgut , Türe Uğur
Published: January 2012

Object

Chordomas are locally aggressive bone tumors known to arise from the remnants of the notochord. Because chordomas are rare, molecular studies aimed at developing new therapies are scarce and new approaches are needed. Chordoma cells and cancer stem-like cells share similar characteristics, including self-renewal, differentiation, and resistance to chemotherapy. Therefore, it seems possible that chordomas might contain a subpopulation of cancer stem-like cells. The aim of this study is to determine whether cancer stem-like cells might be present in chordomas.

Methods

In this study, the authors used gene expression analysis for common cancer stem-like cellmarkers, including c-myc, SSEA-1, oct4, klf4, sox2, nanog, and brachyury, and compared chordoma cells and tissues with nucleus pulposus tissues (disc degenerated nontumorigenic tissues). Differentiation through agents such as all-trans retinoic acid and osteogenic differentiation medium was induced to the chordoma cells. Additionally, U-CH1 cells were sorted via magnetic cell sorting for stem cell markers CD133 and CD15. After separation, positive and negative cells for these markers were grown in a nonadherent environment, soft agar, to determine whether the presence of these cancer stem-like cells might be responsible for initiating chordoma. The results were compared with those of untreated cells in terms of migration, proliferation, and gene expression by using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The results indicate that chordoma cells might be differentiating and committing into an osteogenic lineage when induced with the osteogenic differentiation agent. Chordoma cells that are induced with retinoic acid showed slower migration and proliferation rates when compared with the untreated cells. Chordoma cells that were found to be enriched by cancer stem-like cell markers, namely CD133 and CD15, were able to live in a nonadherent soft agar medium, demonstrating a self-renewal capability. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first time that cancer stem-like cell markers were also found to be expressed in chordoma cells and tissues.

Conclusions

Cancer stem-like cell detection might be an important step in determining the recurrent and metastatic characteristics of chordoma. This finding may lead to the development of new approaches toward treatments of chordomas.