bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MALT1 Protease: A New Therapeutic Target in B Lymphoma and Beyond?
Authors: McAllister-Lucas Linda M. , Baens Mathijs , Lucas Peter C.
Published: August 2011

The identification of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation 1 (MALT1) as a gene that is perturbed in the B-cell neoplasm MALT lymphoma, already more than a decade ago, was the starting point for an intense area of research. The fascination with MALT1 was fueled further by the observation that it contains a domain homologous to the catalytic domain of caspases and thus, potentially, could function as a protease. Discoveries since then initially revealed that MALT1 is a key adaptor molecule in antigen receptor signaling to the transcription factor NF-κB, which is crucial for lymphocyte function. However, recent discoveries show that this function of MALT1 is not restricted to lymphocytes, witnessed by the ever-increasing list of receptors from cells within and outside of the immune system that require MALT1 for NF-κB activation. Yet, a role for MALT1 protease activity was shown only recently in immune signaling, and its importance was then further strengthened by the dependency of NF-κB–addicted B-cell lymphomas on this proteolytic activity. Therapeutic targeting of MALT1 protease activity might, therefore, become a useful approach for the treatment of these lymphomas and, additionally, an effective strategy for treating other neoplastic and inflammatory disorders associated with deregulated NF-κB signaling. Clin Cancer Res; 17(21); 6623–31. ©2011 AACR.
Calcification in Major Vessel Beds Relates to Vascular Brain Disease
Authors: Bos Daniel , Ikram M. Arfan , Elias-Smale Suzette E. , Krestin Gabriel P. , Hofman Albert , Witteman Jacqueline C.M. , van der Lugt Aad , Vernooij Meike W.
Published: August 2011

Objective—

Calcification in atherosclerotic plaques is a novel marker of atherosclerosis and is related to cardiovascular disease. However, its relationship with cerebrovascular disease has not been investigated extensively. We investigated the relationship between calcification in various vessel beds outside the brain and imaging markers of vascular brain disease.

Methods and Results—

A total of 885 community-dwelling people (mean age, 66.7 years) underwent computed tomography of the coronary arteries, aortic arch, and extracranial and intracranial carotid arteries to assess arterial calcification. Brain magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed to assess cerebral infarcts, microbleeds, and white matter lesions (WMLs). Calcification in each vessel bed was associated with presence of cerebral infarcts and with larger WML volume. The most prominent associations were found between intracranial carotid calcification and WML volume and between extracranial carotid calcification and infarcts. Adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors or ultrasound carotid plaque scores did not change these results. No associations were found between calcification and cerebral microbleeds.

Conclusion—

Arterial calcification in major vessel beds is associated with vascular brain disease on magnetic resonance imaging. Most notably, larger intracranial carotid calcification load relates to larger WML volumes, and larger extracranial carotid calcification load relates to the presence of cerebral infarcts, independently of ultrasound carotid plaque score. This suggests that calcification of atherosclerotic plaque yields other information in addition to merely the presence of plaques, providing novel insights into the etiology of vascular brain disease.
Slingshot Isoform-Specific Regulation of Cofilin-Mediated Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Migration and Neointima Formation
Authors: Torres Rebecca A. , Drake Douglas A. , Solodushko Viktoriya , Jadhav Rashmi , Smith Erika , Rocic Petra , Weber David S.
Published: August 2011

Objective—

We hypothesized that cofilin activation by members of the slingshot (SSH) phosphatase family is a key mechanism regulating vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration and neoinitima formation following vascular injury.

Methods and Results—

Scratch wound and modified Boyden chamber assays were used to assess VSMC migration following downregulation of the expression of cofilin and each SSH phosphatase isoform (SSH1, SSH2, and SSH3) by small interfering RNA (siRNA), respectively. Cofilin siRNA greatly attenuated the ability of VSMC migration into the “wound,” and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)–induced migration was virtually eliminated versus a 3.5-fold increase in nontreated VSMCs, establishing a critical role for cofilin in VSMC migration. Cofilin activation (dephosphorylation) was increased in PDGF-stimulated VSMCs. Thus, we assessed the role of the SSH family of phosphatases on cofilin activation and VSMC migration. Treatment with either SSH1 or SSH2 siRNA attenuated cofilin activation, whereas SSH3 siRNA had no effect. Only SSH1 siRNA significantly reduced wound healing and PDGF-induced VSMC migration. Both SSH1 expression (4.7-fold) and cofilin expression (3.9-fold) were increased in balloon injured versus noninjured carotid arteries, and expression was prevalent in the neointima.

Conclusion—

These studies demonstrate that the regulation of VSMC migration by cofilin is SSH1 dependent and that this mechanism potentially contributes to neointima formation following vascular injury in vivo.
Cerebral Small Vessel Disease and Risk of Death, Ischemic Stroke, and Cardiac Complications in Patients With Atherosclerotic Disease
Authors: Conijn Mandy M.A. , Kloppenborg Raoul P. , Algra Ale , Mali Willem P.Th.M. , Kappelle L. Jaap , Vincken Koen L. , van der Graaf Yolanda , Geerlings Mirjam I. ,   for the SMART Study Group
Published: August 2011

Background and Purpose—

Cerebral small vessel disease may be related to vascular and nonvascular pathology. We assessed whether lacunar infarcts and white matter lesions on MRI increased the risk of vascular and nonvascular death and future vascular events in patients with atherosclerotic disease.

Methods—

Brain MRI was performed in 1309 patients with atherosclerotic disease from the Second Manifestations of ARTerial disease-Magnetic Resonance (SMART-MR) study. Infarcts were scored visually and volumetric assessment of white matter lesion was performed. Patients were followed for a median of 4.5 years (range, 0.2 to 7.1 years) for death, ischemic stroke, and ischemic cardiac complications.

Results—

Cox regression models showed that presence of lacunar infarcts (n=229) increased the risk of vascular (hazard ratio, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.4 to 4.9) and nonvascular death (hazard ratio, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.3 to 5.3), adjusted for age, sex, vascular risk factors, nonlacunar infarcts, and white matter lesion. These risks were similar for patients with silent lacunar infarcts. White matter lesion volume (relative to total intracranial volume) increased the risk of vascular death (hazard ratio per milliliter increase, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.05) and white matter lesions in the upper quintile compared with lower quintiles increased risk of ischemic stroke (hazard ratio, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.3 to 4.9).

Conclusions—

Cerebral small vessel disease, with or without a history of cerebrovascular disease, is associated with increased risk of death and ischemic stroke in patients with atherosclerotic disease.
In-Hospital Medical Complications, Length of Stay, and Mortality Among Stroke Unit Patients
Authors: Ingeman Annette , Andersen Grethe , Hundborg Heidi H. , Svendsen Marie L. , Johnsen Søren P.
Published: August 2011

Background and Purpose—

The relationship between in-hospital stroke-related medical complications and clinical outcome remains unclear. We examined whether medical complications were associated with length of stay (LOS) and mortality among stroke unit patients.

Methods—

Using population-based Danish medical registries, we performed a follow-up study among all patients with acute stroke admitted to stroke units in 2 counties between 2003 and 2009 (n=13 721). Data regarding in-hospital medical complications, including pneumonia, urinary tract infection, pressure ulcer, falls, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and severe constipation together with LOS and mortality were prospectively registered.

Results—

Overall, 25.2% of patients (n=3453) experienced 1 or more medical complications during hospitalization. The most common complications were urinary tract infection (15.4%), pneumonia (9.0%), and constipation (6.8%). Median LOS was 13 days (25th and 75th quartiles, 5 and 33). All medical complications were associated with longer LOS. The adjusted relative LOS extension ranged from 1.80 (95% CI, 1.54–2.11) for pneumonia to 3.06 (95% CI, 2.67–3.52) for falls. Patients with 1 or more complications had an increased 1-year mortality rate (adjusted mortality rate ratio [MRR], 1.20; 95% CI, 1.04–1.39). The association was mainly because of pneumonia, which was associated with higher mortality both after 30 days (adjusted MRR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.31–1.93) and 1 year (adjusted MRR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.45–2.14).

Conclusions—

In-hospital medical complications were associated with longer LOS and some, in particular pneumonia, also with an increased mortality among patients with acute stroke.
Revised and Updated Recommendations for the Establishment of Primary Stroke Centers
Authors: Alberts Mark J. , Latchaw Richard E. , Jagoda Andy , Wechsler Lawrence R. , Crocco Todd , George Mary G. , Connolly E.S. , Mancini Barbara , Prudhomme Stephen , Gress Daryl , Jensen Mary E. , Bass Robert , Ruff Robert , Foell Kathy , Armonda Rocco A. , Emr Marian , Warren Margo , Baranski Jim , Walker Michael D. ,   for the Brain Attack Coalition
Published: August 2011

Background and Purpose—

The formation and certification of Primary Stroke Centers has progressed rapidly since the Brain Attack Coalition's original recommendations in 2000. The purpose of this article is to revise and update our recommendations for Primary Stroke Centers to reflect the latest data and experience.

Methods—

We conducted a literature review using MEDLINE and PubMed from March 2000 to January 2011. The review focused on studies that were relevant for acute stroke diagnosis, treatment, and care. Original references as well as meta-analyses and other care guidelines were also reviewed and included if found to be valid and relevant. Levels of evidence were added to reflect current guideline development practices.

Results—

Based on the literature review and experience at Primary Stroke Centers, the importance of some elements has been further strengthened, and several new areas have been added. These include (1) the importance of acute stroke teams; (2) the importance of Stroke Units with telemetry monitoring; (3) performance of brain imaging with MRI and diffusion-weighted sequences; (4) assessment of cerebral vasculature with MR angiography or CT angiography; (5) cardiac imaging; (6) early initiation of rehabilitation therapies; and (7) certification by an independent body, including a site visit and disease performance measures.

Conclusions—

Based on the evidence, several elements of Primary Stroke Centers are particularly important for improving the care of patients with an acute stroke. Additional elements focus on imaging of the brain, the cerebral vasculature, and the heart. These new elements may improve the care and outcomes for patients with stroke cared for at a Primary Stroke Center.
Intercomparison of High-Resolution Precipitation Products over Northwest Europe
Authors: Kidd C. , Bauer P. , Turk J. , Huffman G. J. , Joyce R. , Hsu K.-L. , Braithwaite D.
Published: August 2011

Satellite-derived high-resolution precipitation products (HRPP) have been developed to address the needs of the user community and are now available with 0.25° × 0.25° (or less) subdaily resolutions. This paper evaluates a number of commonly available satellite-derived HRPPs covering northwest Europe over a 6-yr period. Precipitation products include the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA), the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) morphing (CMORPH) technique, the CPC merged microwave technique, the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) blended technique, and the Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks (PERSIANN) technique. In addition, the Geosynchronous Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) precipitation index (GPI) and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF) operational forecast model products are included for comparison. Surface reference data from the European radar network is used as ground truth, supported by the Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC) precipitation gauge analysis and gauge data over the United Kingdom. Measures of correlation, bias ratio, probability of detection, and false alarm ratio are used to evaluate the products. Results show that satellite products generally exhibit a seasonal cycle in correlation, bias ratio, probability of detection, and false alarm ratio, with poorer statistics during the winter. The ECMWF model also shows a seasonal cycle in the correlation, although the results are poorer during the summer, while the bias ratio, probability of detection, and false alarm ratio are consistent through all seasons. Importantly, all the satellite HRPPs underestimate precipitation over northwest Europe in all seasons.
Children With Partial IgA Deficiency
Authors: Shakkottai Aarti , Bupathi Krishnaveni , Patel Ankit P. , Chalom Elizabeth , Chamarthi Suneetha , Lehman Thomas J. A. , Peterson Margaret G.E. , Gaur Sunanda , Moorthy Lakshmi N.
Published: August 2011

Literature is lacking on partial IgA deficiency. In this study, the authors propose to describe the clinical manifestations of patients with partial IgA deficiency. Methods. The authors conducted a retrospective chart review of 13 patients with partial IgA deficiency followed at the pediatric rheumatology clinic at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. They looked for the presence of rashes, joint pain, joint swelling, and morning stiffness. The authors also examined charts for a history of frequent infections, allergies, and the presence of elevated antinuclear antibody. Results. Eleven out of the 13 patients complained of joint pain, joint swelling, or morning stiffness. Six patients carried a diagnosis of a definitive rheumatic disease. Four patients suffered from frequent infections and 2 patients reported allergies. Conclusion. Partial IgA deficiency appears to be associated with rheumatic diseases and complaints of joint pain, joint swelling, and morning stiffness. A larger study is needed to confirm these results.
Family Functioning and Coping Styles in Families of Children With Cancer and HIV Disease
Authors: Martin Staci , Calabrese Sarah K. , Wolters Pamela L. , Walker Katherine A. , Warren Katherine , Hazra Rohan
Published: August 2011

Disease-specific characteristics of pediatric illnesses may influence the functioning of families and the coping responses they enact. This study compared family functioning and coping styles within and between 2 different medical groups: families of children with cancer (n = 44) and HIV disease (n = 65). Most caregivers reported healthy family functioning, and no between-group differences in functioning emerged. However, with regard to coping, more reliance on social support was indicated among the cancer group. Also, the HIV group largely sought support from family, whereas both family and nonfamily support were sought among the cancer group. Better functioning was related to reframing, an active coping style, within the cancer group and passive coping within the HIV group. Thus, coping strategies and their implications for family functioning vary by condition. Researchers should avoid combining various illness groups indiscriminately. Likewise, clinicians should be sensitive to disease-specific factors when helping families learn to cope with illness-related stressors.
Detours on the Road to Diagnosis of Graves Disease
Authors: Sims Emily K. , Eugster Erica A. , Nebesio Todd D.
Published: August 2011

Objectives. The aims of this study were to determine the frequency at which spurious diagnoses and unnecessary treatment occurs prior to the diagnosis of Graves disease (GD) and to evaluate the economic consequences of these events. Methods. Retrospective chart review of children diagnosed with GD. Results. A total of 76 children (61 girls) aged 11.9 ± 3.8 years were identified. In all, 17 (22.4%) were referred to other subspecialists prior to diagnosis of GD. Six were hospitalized, and 2 visited emergency rooms. A total of 15 (19.7%) underwent nonthyroid-related studies. Estimated cost of testing and procedures ranged from $49 to $14 000. Twelve (15.8%) were diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and 16 (21.1%) were started on medications for other conditions prior to diagnosis of GD. Conclusions. Evaluation and treatment for presumed other disorders are common in children with GD. A high index of suspicion for hyperthyroidism by primary care providers may help to avoid clinical detours that may be costly and delay diagnosis.
Filling with the Spirit as Dynamic Relationship
Authors: Williams David T.
Published: August 2011

While it is clear that all Christians have received the Holy Spirit, many traditions, especially the Pentecostal, insist that there is an experience subsequent to conversion. While the work of the Spirit in justification enables a relationship to Christ, a second experience is enlivening, and primarily related to sanctification. This may be understood in terms of “filling”, which can be simultaneous with conversion, but should be repeated.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Dabigatran Etexilate, an Oral Direct Thrombin Inhibitor, With Coadministration of Digoxin
Authors: Stangier Joachim , Stähle Hildegard , Rathgen Karin , Roth Willy , Reseski Kathrin , Körnicke Thomas
Published: August 2011

This study evaluated the potential impact of concomitant digoxin on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of dabigatran etexilate, a novel oral direct thrombin inhibitor. Healthy volunteers (n = 23) received 150 mg dabigatran etexilate twice daily on days 1 to 3 and once on day 4 in 1 period. Digoxin was given in another period as a loading dose of 0.5 mg early on day 1 and 0.25 mg in the evening of day 1 and on the mornings of days 2 to 4. In a third treatment period, dabigatran etexilate together with digoxin was given on days 1 to 4. Exposure to dabigatran was not significantly altered with concomitant digoxin—the maximum concentration (Cmax,ss) and area under the concentration‐time curve at steady state over 1 dosing interval (AUCτ,ss) of dabigatran with and without digoxin were essentially unchanged. The pharmacokinetic profile of digoxin also remained unchanged in the presence of dabigatran etexilate. Dabigatran's anticoagulant effect, assessed by blood coagulation time assays, was not influenced by digoxin. Dabigatran etexilate and digoxin can be coadministered without the need for dose adjustment of either drug.
Responses to childhood trauma: An international perspective
Authors: Little Steven G. , Akin-Little Angeleque
Published: August 2011

Children throughout the world are exposed to traumatic events such as sexual or physical abuse, severe accidents, cancer or other life threatening illness, natural or man-made disasters, war, terrorism, the sudden death of a parent or close friend or relative, among other things. Recently, natural disasters have caused property damage and loss of life in locations throughout the world. This special issue summarizes interventions that have been used in the aftermath of traumatic events in diverse locations throughout the world. These include Greece (earthquakes, fires, and the H1N1 virus outbreak), Indonesia (earthquake), China (earthquake), Sri Lanka (tsunami), and the United States (hurricanes). In addition, a general discussion of empirically-based treatment approaches for children is provided. The amount and severity of childhood trauma is an issue that should concern school psychologists across the globe and the importance of including a diverse global perspective in designing and implementing interventions is stressed.
Pharmaconutrition for the Obese, Critically Ill Patient
Authors: Hurt Ryan T. , Frazier Thomas H. , McClave Stephen A. , Cave Matt C.
Published: September 2011

Obesity is an epidemic that affects approximately 30% of the adult population in the United States. The prevalence of obesity in the critically ill seems to correlate with the rise in obesity in the general population. Delivery of standard enteral nutrition (EN) to patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) has been shown to decrease infectious complications. Obese ICU patients may be at increased risk for infections, ICU length of stay, and ventilation requirements compared to the nonobese. Pharmaconutrition has been shown to decrease many of these negative ICU outcomes. Because of obesity‐associated increased ICU risk, provision of certain pharmaconutrients should be considered in obese patients requiring EN therapy. This review examines the evidence for specific nutrients such as green tea, curcumin, sulforaphane, poly‐unsaturated fatty acids, L‐arginine, L‐citrulline, L‐leucine, protein, probiotics, magnesium, medium‐chain triglycerides, and zinc for the treatment of obesity. These nutrients could potentially be added to current EN formulas or provided as supplements.
Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Complication Rates and Compliance With the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Guidelines for the Management of Antithrombotic Therapy
Authors: Lozoya‐González Diego , Pelaez‐Luna Mario , Farca‐Belsaguy Alberto , Salceda‐Otero Juan C. , Vazquéz‐Ballesteros Edgar
Published: August 2011

Background: The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has published recommendations in regards to anticoagulant (AC) and antiplatelet (AP) therapy management during endoscopic procedures. So far, no study has assessed either ASGE recommendation compliance during percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement or procedure‐associated complication rates as related to the observance of these recommendations. The aims of this study were to compare the incidence and type of complications during PEG placement in patients receiving or not receiving AC and/or AP therapy and to determine the compliance with ASGE's AC and AP management guidelines. Methods: Medical files of patients who underwent PEG placement from January 2004 to December 2008 were reviewed. Clinical and procedure‐related data were recorded. Patients were separated into 1 of 2 groups: patients under AP and/or AC therapy prior to PEG placement (n = 51) and a control group of patients (n = 40) not receiving any AP and/or AC treatment at least 6 months prior to the procedure. Results: A total of 91 patients (51 cases) were included. Groups were comparable in demographics and clinical characteristics. No differences in the frequency and type of complications were found between groups. ASGE's recommendations were not followed in any of these patients. Conclusions: Overall PEG placement complication rate was 13.7%. AP therapy may be safely discontinued closer to the time of endoscopic procedure than the time currently recommended by the ASGE guidelines.
Effects of Walking Speed and Results of Timed Get-Up-and-Go Tests on Quality of Life and Social Participation in Elderly Individuals With a History of Osteoporosis-Related Fractures
Authors: Ekström Henrik , Dahlin-Ivanoff Synneve , Elmståhl Sölve
Published: August 2011

Objectives: To investigate the relationships between physical performance, quality of life (QoL), and social participation among elderly men and women with a history of osteoporosis-related fractures. Method: The study was a population-based cross-sectional study including 155 participants aged 60 to 93 years from the Swedish longitudinal investigation, “Good Aging in Skåne.” The participants had suffered fracture of the vertebrae, hip, pelvis, or ankle. Physical performance was expressed as walking speed (WS) and timed get-up-and-go (TUG). QoL was measured as using the Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and Life Satisfaction (LS) scales. Social participation was defined as taking part in social, cultural, and leisure activities. Results: Lower WS and/or TUG were associated with lower HRQoL, lower LS, and a reduction in social participation, after adjustment for confounding factors. Discussion: Measurements of WS and TUG could be used to determine QoL and social participation in elderly people having sustained fractures.
Health Insurance in India—A Study of Provider’s Perceptions in Delhi & the NCR
Authors: Kumar Rohit , Rangarajan K. , Ranganathan Nagarajan
Published: August 2011

This study examines the Indian health insurance market by empirically observing the provider’s perceptions and its relationship with the insured, the insurer and the third party administrators (TPAs). The study tries to find out the awareness level among the insured population and their attitude towards treatment cost. It then examines the role of TPAs and the impact of cashless services on the cost of treatment by studying a few cost drivers. Apart from studying the provider’s per-ceptions it also tries to look at some of the evidence of moral hazards and that of fraudulent activity. The findings suggest that the awareness level regarding policy terms and condition is low among the insured population and most of them do not care for the cost of treatment. The providers increase their rates quite frequently and prefer the middle income group for extending cashless benefits. The TPA model has not been successful in bringing down the claim cost but has helped in providing unbiased services including cashless benefits. The price structure of healthcare services are linked to the room rent category and most of the insured patients, who are more demanding, prefer staying in higher category rooms. The concept of cost-sharing by the insured will help tackle this issue to some degree. The Indian health insurance market is not immune from supply-side moral hazards and fraudulent activities and there is a need to craft different strategies to tackle them. There exists an opportunity for the insurance companies to build long-term relationships with the preferred healthcare providers by using technology and by understanding each other’s roles in serving the common client.
Newer Perspectives on the Burden of HIV/AIDS on Medical Expenditures of Individuals and Households
Authors: Falleiro Savio P. , Noronha Silvia M.
Published: August 2011

That HIV/AIDS contributes towards severe economic hardships on individuals/households (HH) is well known. The objective of the present article, besides documenting the different economic implications of HIV/AIDS on medical expenditures of individuals/HHs, is to find through a comparative analysis if the expenses of HIV-positive respondents were significantly higher compared to those of all members from the control group of non-HIV/AIDS HHs taken together. On account of the peculiar nature and constraints involved, the study attempts the above through use of non-parametric tools of Chisquare and Mann–Whitney U. Findings reveal significant hardships faced by HIV/AIDS HHs, despite respondents opting more for free treatment; considering details of only one person per HH; often getting assistance from others like NGOs; and often not seeking treatment due to financial impediments—all unlike the control group.
Supervision and Quality Control Measures in Annual Sentinel Surveillance for HIV Infection in India
Authors: Bhattacharya M. , Jaiswal V. , Joon V.
Published: August 2011

The National Institute of Health and Family Welfare (NIHFW) has been entrusted by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) to undertake monitoring and supervision of annual Sentinel Surveillance (ASS) activity in India since 1998, to ensure that the data obtained are valid. Earlier Regional coordinating teams cooperated with NIHFW in this task. From 2006 onwards, NACO identified five regional institutes covering all the states and Union Territories and Central team members consisting of experts from various organisations for the monitoring and supervision of the ASS cycle to ensure quality control of both epidemiological data collection and HIV testing (NACO 2006a and b). We describe here the process of quality control and observations of the ASS rounds held from 2005 to 2007. The performance of a majority of sites was satisfactory. The testing laboratories usually adhered to standard operating procedures (SOPs). Lacunae observed during the supervisory visits have been enumerated along with the recommendations for the future surveillance rounds.
Gaming the Game
Authors: Frank Anders
Published: August 2011

A risk associated with the use of games in training and education is that players “game the game,” instead of focusing on their learning goals. The term gamer mode is proposed to describe this attitude. A player with a gamer-mode attitude strives to achieve goals that are optimal for winning the game, but suboptimal with respect to educational objectives. In this study of cadets playing an educational wargame to learn ground warfare tactics, the author examined occurrences of gamer mode. The results show that gamer mode on and off emerged in all analyzed sessions. Cadets’ understanding of the wargame was different from what the instructors expected. This study discusses why it is important to avoid situations where the gamer mode emerges and also speculates on the sources that generate this attitude—the game itself, the educational setting, and the participants’ previous experiences.
The Relationship Between Cancer Pain and Quality of Life in Patients Newly Admitted to Wuhan Hospice Center of China
Authors: Deng Di , Fu Ling , Zhao Yun Xiong , Wu Xin , Zhang Gong , Liang Chen , Xie Cong Hua , Zhou Yun Feng
Published: August 2011

To evaluate the relationship between pain and quality of life (QoL) in patients newly admitted to Wuhan Hospice Center, China. A total of 1,634 patients were analyzed in this retrospective study. A Numerical Rating Scale and Chinese-QoL instrument were used to assess pain score and QoL, respectively. Most patients experienced moderate to severe pain, which significantly impaired QoL. The pain was significantly correlated with appetite, mood, sleep, fatigue, pain intensity, daily activity, side effect, general appearance, and support from family. But there was no correlation with support from society, understanding of cancer, or attitude toward treatment. In our study, the relationship between pain and QoL was found to be reciprocal. The staff can offer a multidisciplinary care perspective for improving hospice care for this special group of population.
Clinical scales in progressive MS: predicting long-term disability
Authors: Bosma Libertje VAE , Kragt Jolijn J , Knol Dirk L , Polman Chris H , Uitdehaag Bernard MJ
Published: August 2011

Background: To determine which short-term changes on clinical scales including the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW), 9-Hole Peg test (9HPT) and Guy’s Neurological Disability Scale (GNDS) are most predictive of long-term outcome of disability as rated by the EDSS in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods: From a longitudinal database, all progressive patients, both primary (PP) and secondary (SP), were selected on the basis of at least two complete examinations being available within a time interval of 1–2 years (short-term change). All patients who fulfilled the selection criteria were invited for a third visit after an interval of at least 3 years (long-term outcome). We used ordinal logistic regression to see which early changes were most predictive of the long-term EDSS.

Results: 181 patients fulfilled the selection criteria. Early change on EDSS and T25FW were the best predictors of long-term EDSS; both were significant predictors in a ‘single predictor’ model. Early EDSS change was a slightly stronger single predictor (R2 0.38, Wald χ2 42.65, p < 0.001) compared with early T25FW change (R2 0.27, Wald χ2 12.35, p < 0.001). Adding early T25FW change to early EDSS change in a ‘combined predictor’ model improved prediction ( p = 0.036).

Conclusion: Both early change on EDSS and T25FW predict long-term EDSS with comparable strength. Early change on T25FW adds significant independent information and improves the prediction model with early EDSS change only. Therefore we support the use of early T25FW examinations in future clinical trials in progressive MS.
Calling and texting (too much): Mobile maintenance expectations, (over)dependence, entrapment, and friendship satisfaction
Authors: Hall Jeffrey A. , Baym Nancy K.
Published: August 2011

This article uses dialectical theory to examine how mobile phone use in close friendships affects relational expectations, the experiences of dependence, overdependence, and entrapment, and how those experiences affect relational satisfaction. Results suggest that increased mobile phone use for the purpose of relational maintenance has contradictory consequences for close friendships. Using mobile phones in close relationships increased expectations of relationship maintenance through mobile phones. Increased mobile maintenance expectations positively predicted dependence, which increased satisfaction, and positively predicted overdependence, which decreased satisfaction. Additionally, entrapment, the guilt and pressure to respond to mobile phone contact, uniquely predicted dissatisfaction. The results are interpreted in relation to the interdependent dialectical tensions of friendship, media entrapment, and the logic of perpetual contact.
An appraisal of Shmuel Noah Eisenstadt’s global historical sociology
Authors: Spohn Willfried
Published: August 2011

Shmuel N. Eisenstadt was one of the great sociologists of the second half of the twentieth century and a major visionary for the sociological challenges of the twenty-first century. As I claim, his overall work should be understood as a life-long critical conversation with the classical modernization paradigm from a heterodox and peripheral point of view — reflecting the Holocaust experience of European modernity as well as the precarious construction of a modern society in Israel. As such, his oeuvre can be viewed as an alternative, neo-Weberian synthesis of classical sociology to mainstream sociology. To demonstrate this claim, I firstly reconstruct Eisenstadt’s heterodox theory of modernity, emphasizing the tensions, contradictions and paradoxes of global modernity. Secondly, I highlight the contours of his comparative-civilizational, multiple modernities approach that has materialized in numerous path-breaking analyses of several civilizations — not only of Western but particularly of non-Western civilizational complexes. Thirdly, I emphasize the innovative research direction of his civilizational analysis for the new field of world history. Fourthly, I show also his innovative research direction in the recently growing area of the sociology of globalization and world society. Taken together, I see Shmuel Eisenstadt’s oeuvre as one of the great inspirations for a global historical sociology of the twenty-first century.
S.N. Eisenstadt: A sociological giant
Authors: Robertson Roland
Published: August 2011

This paper considers the work of Shmuel Noah Eisenstadt mainly in the perspective of the author’s specific encounters with his work, in the course of which Eisenstadt’s work is compared with that of Talcott Parsons. There are several aspects of this programme. First, brief attention is given to the biographies of Eisenstadt and Parsons; second, their styles and approaches to sociological analysis are compared and contrasted; third, the subject of their somewhat different approaches to what I will call globality is raised, against the background of Eisenstadt’s great reliance on the later work of Karl Jaspers and the somewhat problematic issue of civilization(s). The discussion of Eisenstadt’s deployment of Jaspers’ insights is explored with particular reference to the former’s Japanese Civilization. Often regarded as the graveyard of comparative sociology, Eisenstadt’s attempt to place Japan in a comparative context is, in a number of respects, the consummation of his life’s work, though he had many years yet to live. The paper concludes with a question concerning whether global consciousness has superseded, or transcended, the contrast between differential modernization and global civilization.
Trouble in mind
Authors: Kelly Frances , Russell Marcia , Wallace Lee
Published: August 2011

This article considers the ways in which entry-level graduate students in the discipline of English begin to understand themselves as researchers within a particular disciplinary formation. Analysing data from student and staff reflections on the experience of undertaking a supervised research project, we argue that the ontological shifts and identity transformations that occur at doctoral level are also observable in the transition from undergraduate coursework to graduate research but only in the right conditions. We compare participant accounts of two supervised research projects that, although offered within the framework of a single fourth-year unit, created very different opportunities for transformative learning. This comparison of graduate research experiences raises a number of questions about threshold concepts in English and cognate disciplines, particularly those that have been transformed by the encounter with theory.
Closed Incision Management With Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (CIM)
Authors: Wilkes Robert Peyton , Kilpad Deepak V. , Zhao Yabin , Kazala Richard , McNulty Amy
Published: August 2011

A novel closed incision management with negative pressure wound therapy (CIM) has been developed for convenient use with closed incisions that has the potential to be beneficial for patients at risk for postoperative complications. Incisions are typically under lateral tension. This study explored the biomechanical mechanisms by which integrity of the incisional closure is enhanced by CIM. CIM was hypothesized to affect local stresses around closed incisions in a beneficial manner. Finite element analyses (FEA) indicated that application of CIM decreased the lateral stresses ~50% around the incision and changed the direction of the stresses to a distribution that is typical of intact tissue. Bench evaluations corroborated findings that CIM significantly increased the force required to disrupt the closed incision by ~50% as compared with closure alone. In conclusion, using 2 FEAs and bench modeling, CIM was shown to reduce and normalize tissue stresses and bolster appositional forces at the incision.
Nothing Is As Practical As a Good Theory
Authors: Donsbach Wolfgang , Brade Anne-Marie
Published: August 2011

The demands brought on public relations (PR) by management can only be met by more evidence-based procedures. Of course, single and subjective experiences are also a form of “evidence” but they are of a different kind and of a different quality because they often are not measurable, not quantifiable, and not repeatable. Thus, they are nontheoretical in a sense as described above. This article takes a look at what communication research can offer to PR practice. Three main services are discussed: (1) modeling the field and its variables, (2) providing methods for the measurement of PR effectiveness, and (3) measuring PR effectiveness and its quality.
JAM-B regulates maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow
Authors: Arcangeli Marie-Laure , Frontera Vincent , Bardin Florence , Obrados Elodie , Adams Susanne , Chabannon Christian , Schiff Claudine , Mancini Stephane. J. C. , Adams Ralf H. , Aurrand-Lions Michel
Published: August 2011

In adult mammals, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) reside in the bone marrow (BM) and are maintained in a quiescent and undifferentiated state through adhesive interactions with specialized microenvironmental niches. Although junctional adhesion molecule-C (JAM-C) is expressed by HSCs, its function in adult hematopoiesis remains elusive. Here, we show that HSCs adhere to JAM-B expressed by BM stromal cells in a JAM-C dependent manner. The interaction regulates the interplay between HSCs and BM stromal cells as illustrated by the decreased pool of quiescent HSCs observed in jam-b deficient mice. We further show that this is probably because of alterations of BM stromal compartments and changes in SDF-1α BM content in jam-b−/− mice, suggesting that JAM-B is an active player in the maintenance of the BM stromal microenvironment.
Regulation of memory B-cell survival by the BH3-only protein Puma
Authors: Clybouw Cyril , Fischer Silke , Auffredou Marie Thérèse , Hugues Patricia , Alexia Catherine , Bouillet Philippe , Raphael Martine , Leca Gérald , Strasser Andreas , Tarlinton David M. , Vazquez Aimé
Published: August 2011

Apoptosis is crucial for immune system homeostasis, including selection and survival of long-lived antibody-forming cells and memory cells. The interactions between proapoptotic and pro-survival proteins of the Bcl-2 family are critical for this process. In this report, we show that expression of the proapoptotic BH3-only Bcl-2 family member Puma was selectively up-regulated on in vitro activation with antigens or mitogens of both human and mouse B cells. Puma expression coincided in vivo, with the prosurvival Bcl-2 family member Mcl-1 within the germinal centers and its expression correlates with the germinal center like phenotype of Burkitt lymphoma. Experiments performed in Puma-deficient mice revealed that Puma is essential for apoptosis of mitogen-activated B cells in vitro and for the control of memory B-cell survival. In conclusion, using both human and murine models, our data show that Puma has a major role in the T cell– dependent B-cell immune response. These data demonstrate that Puma is a major regulator of memory B lymphocyte survival and therefore a key molecule in the control of the immune response.
Immunodetection of occult eosinophils in lung tissue biopsies may help predict survival in acute lung injury
Authors: Willetts Lian , Parker Kimberly , Wesselius Lewis J , Protheroe Cheryl A , Jaben Elizabeth , Graziano P , Moqbel Redwan , Leslie Kevin O , Lee Nancy A , Lee James J
Published: August 2011

Background

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a serious respiratory disorder for which therapy is primarily supportive once infection is excluded. Surgical lung biopsy may rule out other diagnoses, but has not been generally useful for therapy decisions or prognosis in this setting. Importantly, tissue and peripheral blood eosinophilia, the hallmarks of steroid-responsive acute eosinophilic pneumonia, are not commonly linked with ALI. We hypothesized that occult eosinophilic pneumonia may explain better outcomes for some patients with ALI.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry using a novel monoclonal antibody recognizing eosinophil peroxidase (EPX-mAb) was used to assess intrapulmonary eosinophil accumulation/degranulation. Lung biopsies from ALI patients (n =20) were identified following review of a pathology database; 45% of which (i.e., 9/20) displayed classical diffuse alveolar damage (ALI-DAD). Controls were obtained from uninvolved tissue in patients undergoing lobectomy for lung cancer (n =10). Serial biopsy sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and subjected toEPX-mAbimmunohistochemistry.

Results

EPX-mAbimmunohistochemistry provided a >40-fold increased sensitivity to detect eosinophils in the lung relative toH&Estained sections. This increased sensitivity led to the identification of higher numbers of eosinophils in ALI patients compared with controls; differences usingH&Estaining alone were not significant. Clinical assessments showed that lung infiltrating eosinophil numbers were higher in ALI patients that survived hospitalization compared with non-survivors. A similar conclusion was reached quantifying eosinophil degranulation in each biopsy.

Conclusion

The enhanced sensitivity ofEPX-mAbimmunohistochemistry uniquely identified eosinophil accumulation/degranulation in patients with ALI relative to controls. More importantly, this method was a prognostic indicator of patient survival. These observations suggest thatEPX-mAbimmunohistochemistry may represent a diagnostic biomarker identifying a subset of ALI patients with improved clinical outcomes.
Microsatellite isolation and marker development in carrot - genomic distribution, linkage mapping, genetic diversity analysis and marker transferability across Apiaceae
Authors: Cavagnaro Pablo F , Chung Sang-Min , Manin Sylvie , Yildiz Mehtap , Ali Aamir , Alessandro Maria S , Iorizzo Massimo , Senalik Douglas A , Simon Philipp W
Published: August 2011

Background

The Apiaceae family includes several vegetable and spice crop species among which carrot is the most economically important member, with ~21 million tons produced yearly worldwide. Despite its importance, molecular resources in this species are relatively underdeveloped. The availability of informative, polymorphic, and robust PCR-based markers, such as microsatellites (or SSRs), will facilitate genetics and breeding of carrot and other Apiaceae, including integration of linkage maps, tagging of phenotypic traits and assisting positional gene cloning. Thus, with the purpose of isolating carrot microsatellites, two different strategies were used; a hybridization-based library enrichment for SSRs, and bioinformatic mining of SSRs in BAC-end sequence and EST sequence databases. This work reports on the development of 300 carrot SSR markers and their characterization at various levels.

Results

Evaluation of microsatellites isolated from both DNA sources in subsets of 7 carrot F2 mapping populations revealed that SSRs from the hybridization-based method were longer, had more repeat units and were more polymorphic than SSRs isolated by sequence search. Overall, 196 SSRs (65.1%) were polymorphic in at least one mapping population, and the percentage of polymophic SSRs across F2 populations ranged from 17.8 to 24.7. Polymorphic markers in one family were evaluated in the entire F2, allowing the genetic mapping of 55 SSRs (38 codominant) onto the carrot reference map. The SSR loci were distributed throughout all 9 carrot linkage groups (LGs), with 2 to 9 SSRs/LG. In addition, SSR evaluations in carrot-related taxa indicated that a significant fraction of the carrot SSRs transfer successfully across Apiaceae, with heterologous amplification success rate decreasing with the target-species evolutionary distance from carrot. SSR diversity evaluated in a collection of 65 D. carota accessions revealed a high level of polymorphism for these selected loci, with an average of 19 alleles/locus and 0.84 expected heterozygosity.

Conclusions

The addition of 55 SSRs to the carrot map, together with marker characterizations in six other mapping populations, will facilitate future comparative mapping studies and integration of carrot maps. The markers developed herein will be a valuable resource for assisting breeding, genetic, diversity, and genomic studies of carrot and other Apiaceae.