bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Family conflict from the perspective of adult child caregivers
Authors: Kwak Minyoung , Ingersoll-Dayton Berit , Kim Jeungkun
Published: January 2012

This study examines how care recipient impairment and family conflict affect adult children caregivers’ stress. A particular focus is on how the gender of the adult child moderates the relationships among care recipient impairment, family conflict, and caregiver stress. Based on a nationally representative sample of 861 adult child caregivers, structural equation modeling indicates that family conflict mediates the relationship between care recipient impairment and caregiver stress. In addition, gender plays a key moderator role; that is, the relationship between care recipient impairment and family conflict is stronger for caregiving sons than for caregiving daughters. Overall, however, adult sons and daughters experience the stress process similarly.
35% CO2 sensitivity in social anxiety disorder
Authors: Schutters Sara IJ , Viechtbauer Wolfgang , Knuts Inge J , Griez Eric JL , Schruers Koen RJ
Published: January 2012

The 35% carbon dioxide (CO2) challenge is a well-established model of panic. This study aimed to investigate 35% CO2 sensitivity in patients with social anxiety disorder (SAD) compared with patients with panic disorder (PD) and normal controls. First, a 35% CO2 challenge was conducted including 16 patients with generalized SAD, 16 with PD and 16 normal subjects. Outcome was assessed by a Visual Analogue Scale for Fear (VAS-F) and the Panic Symptom List (PSL). Second, meta-analyses of fear and panic scores were performed, including data from the present experiment and from previous 35% CO2 challenge studies in patients with SAD. The present 35% CO2 challenge found equal increases in VAS-F and PSL in patients with SAD compared with normal controls, whereas the CO2 response in patients with PD was significantly stronger than in controls. The meta-analyses confirmed the experimental data from this study, and in addition showed an intermediate panic rate in SAD patients, in between that of normal controls and patients with PD. In conclusion, neither our experiment nor the meta-analyses found evidence for a similarly exaggerated 35% CO2 sensitivity in SAD and PD, suggesting that the pathogenesis of SAD is different from PD, although patients with SAD may be slightly more sensitive than non-anxious controls.
Concentration of torsional shear stresses in axisymmetric bars with deep periodic grooves
Authors: Castagnetti Davide , Dragoni Eugenio
Published: January 2012

The torsional stresses in round bars with deep periodic grooves are calculated by means of the formal analogy between the elastic problem and an auxiliary thermal problem. The analogy allows demanding three-dimensional analyses to be replaced with light two-dimensional analyses, easily implemented on general-purpose finite element packages. Following Neuber’s equivalence concept, the stress concentration in each periodically grooved bar is independently calculated by referring to a single groove of like geometry but lesser depth. Neuber’s approach predicts very closely the reference numerical results if supplemented with a heuristic depth correction function formerly developed by the authors for shallow periodic notches under torsion.
Thrombocytopenia in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Wang Helena L. , Aguilera Claudine , Knopf Kevin B. , Chen Tze-Ming Benson , Maslove David M. , Kuschner Ware G.
Published: January 2012

Thrombocytopenia is a common laboratory finding in critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Potential etiologies of thrombocytopenia are myriad, ranging from acute disease processes and concomitant conditions to exposures and drugs. The mechanism of decreased platelet counts can also be varied: laboratory measurement may be spurious, platelet production may be decreased, or platelet destruction or sequestration may be increased. In addition to evaluation for the cause of thrombocytopenia, the clinician must also guard against spontaneous bleeding due to thrombocytopenia, prophylax against bleeding resulting from an invasive procedure performed in the setting of thrombocytopenia, and treat active bleeding related to thrombocytopenia.
Novel probabilistic dynamic safety metric formulations for flight path determination
Authors: Sarigul-Klijn Nesrin , White Anthony
Published: January 2012

This article details a novel method for the determination of safe flight paths dynamically following an in-flight distress event. The method is based on probabilistic safety metrics which also include the touchdown and evacuation/rescue phases after landing. Two case studies simulating in-flight distress events, one from the west and the other from the east coast are presented using these formulations for a quantitative analysis. It is found that the nearest landing sites are not always the safest ones showing the benefits of the newly developed safety metrics. Finally, the path safety levels are plotted as a function of mission safety probability values using innovative polar plots that provide useful information to pilots.
Optimal linear attitude estimator and its recursive algorithm via geometric analysis
Authors: Gong Deren , Shao Xiaowei , Li Wei , Duan Dengping
Published: January 2012

A new optimal linear attitude estimator is proposed for single-point attitude estimation using geometric approach, and a recursive optimal linear attitude estimator is developed through filtering noisy measurements. Dot and cross products are taken in order to eliminate the unknown parameters of relationships between measurements and Gibbs vector. The optimality criterion, which does not coincide with Wahba’s constrained criterion, yields linear attitude estimate. A prior rotation is adopted to avoid singularity which occurs when the principal angle is close to π. The recursive algorithm is achieved for the purpose of improving attitude accuracy using all past measurements. For long-term space missions, memory fading concept is introduced into recursive optimal linear attitude estimator. The optimal relative weighting is obtained through minimizing error propagation, and an efficient modification is proposed to significantly reduce the sudden increase of attitude error of recursive optimal linear attitude estimator in special cases. Numerical simulations show that the estimate of optimal linear attitude estimator is almost identical with that of the famous QUaternion ESTimator, and the accuracy provided by recursive optimal linear attitude estimator is over an order magnitude higher than that of optimal linear attitude estimator or QUaternion ESTimator in most cases.
Experimental research for flexible satellite dynamic simulation on three-axis air-bearing table
Authors: Liu Yingying , Zhou Jun , Chen Huanlong , Mu Xiaogang
Published: January 2012

This article presents a flexible satellite dynamic simulation method on three-axis air-bearing table where large flexible structures are not easy to construct due to gravitational effects. In this simulation method, the flexible dynamic characteristic is achieved by actively exerting flexible emulation moments on the platform. First, the differences between the dynamic models of the rigid three-axis air-bearing table and flexible satellite are illustrated. Then, direct flexible dynamic emulation and model tracking simulation approaches are presented. The system characteristic and stability of these approaches are further analysed. Next, simulation experiments on a three-axis air-bearing table demonstrate the feasibility of the model tracking simulation strategy. Experimental results indicate that the prominent flexible dynamic features of the satellite are implemented on the simulation system. Therefore, this emulation scheme provides an optional approach for air-bearing tables to achieve flexible dynamic characteristic without real structure configuration.
Levinas and hermeneutics on ethics and the Other
Authors: Harrist Steve , Richardson Frank C.
Published: January 2012

A number of prominent theoretical psychologists employ the ideas of the philosopher Emmanuel Levinas to address what they take to be a harmful scientism and serious ethical blind spots in modern psychology. We argue that while Levinas’s approach no doubt incorporates a powerful and invaluable turn to ethics, it seems cryptic, limited, and one-sided in some important respects. We illustrate some of the ways these limitations show up in theoretical psychology critiques and suggest that philosophical hermeneutics and the ideas of Mikhail Bakhtin present a fuller and more balanced picture of human agency without diluting the crucial insights conveyed by Levinas’s insistence on “ethics as first philosophy.”
Autoimmune Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants (ASIA) in the Middle East: morphea following silicone implantation
Authors: Kivity S , Katz M , Langevitz P , Eshed I , Olchovski D , Barzilai A
Published: January 2012

Morphea and other scleroderma-like skin conditions are occasionally linked with exposure to chemical compounds such as silicone. We treated a 56-year-old woman with generalized severe skin induration accompanied with systemic symptoms and peripheral eosinophilia, which appeared 2.5 years after breast silicone implantation and abdominal liposuction. Blood test results and histopathological examination of her skin suggested the diagnosis of morphea overlapping with eosinophilic fasciitis. Her skin disease was presumed to be an autoimmune reaction to silicone implantation. While the removal of the implants did not improve her illness, treatment with 1 mg/kg prednisone and PUVA bath was initiated, with some improvement. This patient illustrates an example of ASIA (Autoimmune Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants), as her disease appeared following exposure to an adjuvant stimulus, with ‘typical’, although not well-defined, autoimmune manifestations.
How Humanism Can Contribute to the Development and Uniqueness of Service Management
Authors: Sandoff Mette
Published: January 2012

Since the early 1980s, service management representatives have made an effort to distinguish service from manufacturing industries and highlight specific traits that characterize service industries. However, others have claimed that there is no need for such a distinction, and service would benefit from a clear technocratic thinking and standardization in order to improve quality, productivity and profitability. Service businesses are though personnel-intense and many encounters occur between managers, employees and customers. Using standards is not enough for this endeavour and managers are important as role models. Instead, it is argued that managers need ‘proper’ education to be able to meet that which does not follow patterns of rational reasoning and action. Humanism is introduced as an important aspect of future management education. Humanism can prepare managers to meet with those unique conditions and demands characterizing the personnel- and encounter-intense service sector.
Why Should I Be Ethical? Some Answers from Mahabharata
Authors: Manikutty Sankaran
Published: January 2012

The article seeks to answer the question: Why should I be ethical? For an answer, it examines Mahabharata, the ancient Indian epic. It seeks to explore the complex ethical issues posed by Mahabharata, how they are relevant to us as individuals and to us as managers and teachers of management in business schools and enables us to understand how possibly we could use the insights to better our lives and of those around us. Mahabharata’s central message, concludes the article, is that ethics is not for convincing anyone; it is about convincing oneself. Mahabharata tells us that ethics is what makes life meaningful, at the individual level, group level and at the level of society, and cannot be justified in a consequentialist framework.
How Indian and Western Teacher Trainees Differ in Their Perception about Values?
Authors: Kumar Girijesh , Pandey Jyoti
Published: January 2012

Children of current generation needs to be cherished and nurtured as per future perspectives. Teachers’ own broad context of values put immense influence for value inculcation in students. The present study aims to analyze the perception of Indian and Western teacher trainees about values and the result drawn that Honesty, responsibility, respect for all and equality values have been most frequently cited by both Indian and Western trainees. On cultural issues category, Indian trainees preferred environmental issue while their counterparts to economic climate issue. Assembly and discussion, using good example and reward, have been suggested as useful teaching strategies for value inculcation by both groups of trainees.
‘A splendid effort!’ Print media reporting of England’s women’s performance in the 2009 Cricket World Cup
Authors: Biscomb Kay , Griggs Gerald
Published: January 2012

The representation of female athletes by the British print media has been an area for close scrutiny since the mid-1990s. This article examines the representation of England’s Women’s performance at the 2009 Cricket World Cup. Using a qualitative content analysis of 29 articles from seven newspapers over the duration of the tournament, results show that the main themes emerging were: description of play, performance, celebration, media coverage and women’s sport. These results are discussed in the context of changing trends since the 1990s. Concurring with previous authors we acknowledge that trends have changed in terms of what is reported but not in terms of how much is reported.
Psychiatric gadfly: in search of Reginald Ellery
Authors: Kaplan Robert M
Published: January 2012

Objective: To explore the life and contributions of Reginald Spencer Ellery (1897–1955), one of the most eminent psychiatrists in Australia between the wars.

Conclusions: Ellery pioneered malariotherapy and psychoanalysis, mixed with leading intellectuals, including Max Harris, John and Sunday Reed, was a member of the Communist Party, wrote poetry and published widely on a wide range of topics. Ellery was talented, innovative, driven and highly energetic, managing a range of activities aside from his work without difficulty. While his writing talent was questioned by some, there is no doubting his influence on painters such as Albert Tucker and Sidney Nolan and his standing in the intellectual life of Melbourne. Ellery was uncompromising in his public stand on issues such as communism and psychoanalysis, but by the end of his life he was deeply disillusioned. Ellery’s autobiography, The Cow Jumped Over the Moon, confirms the impression of a restless and creative mind reluctant to be constrained by conventional orthodoxy, the most eminent Australian psychiatrist of his time. His diverse achievements and talent, now largely forgotten, deserve recognition from a profession that is rapidly losing its links with the historical past.
Establishing sensory-based approaches in mental health inpatient care: a multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Chalmers Angela , Harrison Sophie , Mollison Kade , Molloy Noel , Gray Kelly
Published: January 2012

Objective: To reflect upon the implementation of sensory-based approaches within the environment of a psychiatric inpatient unit.

Method: A literature review on sensory modulation within psychiatric inpatient care, including seclusion and restraint reduction initiatives, was conducted. A variety of sensory-based principles were planned, developed and implemented over a 3-year period. Preliminary data regarding sensory room use and acute arousal ratings within the high-dependency area were analysed.

Results: Preliminary sensory room data showed a significant reduction in patient distress levels, as per consumer and clinician ratings, and that the majority of sensory room sessions were conducted by nursing staff. A significant reduction was also found for acute arousal ratings, pre to post, for the HDU engagement program. Several issues were uncovered throughout implementation of the sensory-based strategies.

Conclusions: Findings indicate the importance of cultural change, compared with simply an environmental change, giving all staff and consumers the confidence to utilise a variety of sensory-based methods during times of need. Further Australian research is required to explore the positive contribution sensory modulation can potentially make across the spectrum of psychiatric settings.
An examination of Māori tamariki (child) and taiohi (adolescent) traumatic brain injury within a global cultural context
Authors: Elder Hinemoa
Published: January 2012

Objective: This paper provides a pragmatic review of the literature to describe the size and shape of Māori tamariki (child) and taiohi (adolescent) traumatic brain injury (TBI) and highlight issues pertinent to psychiatrists. A review of the literature describing cultural aspects of international TBI research further contextualises these findings.

Methodology: Literature searches using the words indigenous, ethnic, culture, native, native American, native Alaskan, native Hawaiian, Māori, aboriginal, traumatic brain injury, rehabilitation, paediatric, disparities and epidemiology were undertaken. Reference lists were also examined.

Results: The literature is adult-centric and selected papers are summarised. Significant gaps in the literature were found. Recent local epidemiological studies describe Māori tamariki and taiohi as being significantly over-represented in TBI populations, with poorer outcomes including higher mortality rates. International research shows evidence of ‘minority’ culture being a risk factor for certain causes of injury and a differential rehabilitation service response.

Conclusions: These findings are important for psychiatrists working with Māori. They underscore the importance of asking effectively about possible TBI history. Implications for future research to address literature gaps are evident. Kaupapa Māori rangahau (research) could be used to explore application of tikanga Māori (cultural lore) in prevention, rehabilitation and psychiatric management.
Are psychiatric Crisis Assessment and Treatment team clinicians on the psychotherapy front line?
Authors: Monshat Kaveh , Bosanac Peter , Khorsen Gail , Gaynor Nick , Nittoli Silvana , Castle David
Published: January 2012

Objective: There is limited data on the psychological interventions used by Crisis Assessment and Treatment (CAT) team clinicians, even though practice guidelines stipulate part of their role to be the provision of counselling. This study aimed to catalogue and categorise the range of psychotherapeutic interventions utilised by clinicians of a CAT team operating within a metropolitan area.

Methods: Self-report, episode of care data was collected regarding clinicians’ views of the type of psychotherapeutic intervention they employed and details of what they discussed with patients, and location and duration of interventions.

Results: Thirty-two care episodes were catalogued. On average, clinicians spent 74% of their total contact time with patients engaged in psychological interventions. A wide range of strategies, drawn from a broad theoretical base, was used. Aside from general approaches aiding engagement, interventions could be classified into the following categories: meta-strategy (‘treatment about the treatment’), ‘critical’, ‘practical’, specific psychotherapeutic (cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and others), and supportive.

Conclusions: Clinicians saw themselves as spending the majority of patient contact time engaged in psychological interventions drawn from a broad theoretical base. Observational studies of what clinicians actually do and empirical investigation of the efficacy thereof may have implications for clinician training and supervision.
The Meeting Genre Across Cultures
Authors: Köhler Tine , Cramton Catherine Durnell , Hinds Pamela J.
Published: January 2012

The current study examines cross-cultural differences in norms for meetings. Following Eisenhardt, we used a broad set of conceptual dimensions for analyzing meetings as a genre of organizational communication (Yates & Orlikowski) to guide a within- and cross-case analysis of meetings in two cultures. Our goal was to discover the possible existence of patterns and interpretations within cultures, and contrasts and explanations across cultures. Data from three different data sets were analyzed encompassing a total of 10 teams each with German and U.S. American subgroups. Findings show that Germans and U.S. Americans have different expectations and practices concerning the purpose, content, structure, and timing of meetings, and the roles of participants. The underlying meaning of these differences is explored. Theoretical and practical contributions of the work are discussed.
Qualitative Research With Small Connected Communities
Authors: Damianakis Thecla , Woodford Michael R.
Published: January 2012

Qualitative researchers have a dual mission: to generate knowledge through rigorous research and to uphold ethical standards and principles. Qualitative researchers often conduct studies with small connected communities in which relationships exist among community members. When engaging such communities, researchers might face ethical issues in upholding confidentiality standards while they work to achieve their dual mandate. Qualitative scholars have paid little attention to the ethical challenges that might arise in this context. Drawing on our experiences conducting studies with such communities, we expand the dialogue concerning qualitative research ethics by making explicit conceptual and practical tensions that emerge at various stages of the research process; articulating our respective reflective processes; and exploring issues associated with strategies for upholding confidentiality. We conclude with lessons learned to guide researchers who might face similar challenges.
Methadone as Social Control
Authors: Harris Julie , McElrath Karen
Published: January 2012

Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is an intervention used to treat opioid (heroin) dependence. Several investigators have found that MMT is effective in reducing heroin use and other behaviors; however, a disproportionate number of MMT clients leave treatment prematurely. Moreover, MMT outcome variables are often limited in terms of their measurement. Utilizing an integrated theoretical framework of social control and stigma, we focused on the experiences of methadone maintenance from the perspective of clients. We pooled interview data from four qualitative studies in two jurisdictions and found linkages between social control and institutional stigma that serve to reinforce “addict” identities, expose undeserving customers to the public gaze, and encourage clients to be passive recipients of treatment. We discuss the implications for recovery and suggest recommendations for change.
Stressed Out and Overcommitted! The Relationships Between Time Demands and Family Rules and Parents’ and Their Child’s Weight Status
Authors: Hearst Mary O. , Sevcik Sarah , Fulkerson Jayne A. , Pasch Keryn E. , Harnack Lisa J. , Lytle Leslie A.
Published: January 2012

Objective.

This study aimed to determine the relationship between parent time demands and presence and enforcement of family rules and parent/child dyad weight status.

Method.

In dyads of one child/parent per family ( N = 681 dyads) in Twin Cities, Minnesota, 2007-2008, height and weight were measured, and a survey of demographics, time demands, and family rules–related questions was taken. Parent/child dyads were classified into four healthy weight/overweight categories. Multivariate linear associations were analyzed with SAS, testing for interaction by work status and family composition ( p < .10).

Results.

In adjusted models, lack of family rules and difficulty with rule enforcement were statistically lower in dyads in which the parent or child was healthy weight compared with dyads in which the parent and child were both overweight (difference in family rules scores = 0.49, p = .03; difference in rule enforcement scores = 1.09, p ≤ .01). Of parents who worked full-time, healthy weight dyads reported lower time demands than other dyads (difference in time demands scores = 1.44, p = .01).

Conclusions.

Family experiences of time demands and use of family rules are related to the weight status of parents and children within families.
Effect of pimobendan on the clinical outcome and survival of cats with non-taurine responsive dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Hambrook Lydia E , Bennett Peter F
Published: January 2012

This retrospective study was designed to assess the effect of pimobendan on the median survival time (MST) of cats with non-taurine responsive dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Thirty-two client-owned cats with a left ventricular internal dimension at end systole (LVIDs) >14 mm, a fractional shortening (FS) <28% and a lack of response to taurine therapy were included over a 9-year period (2001–2010). These cats were divided into pimobendan (n=16) and non-pimobendan (n=16) treatment groups. All cats received standard treatment with frusemide, taurine and benazepril or enalapril. Nine cats in the non-pimobendan group also received digoxin. The MST of the pimobendan group (49 days; range 1 to >502 days) was four times that of the non-pimobendan group (12 days; 1 to 244 days). The difference in survival between the two groups was statistically significant ( P = 0.048). Hypothermia and FS <20% were associated with a poor prognosis. No adverse effects to pimobendan were noted.
Gastrointestinal small-cell lymphoma with gall bladder involvement in a cat
Authors: Baxter Katie J , Hill Richard C , Parfitt Shannon L , Berry Clifford R , Heskett Travis W , Sheppard Barbara J
Published: January 2012

A 13-year-old female spayed domestic shorthair cat presented for investigation of decreased appetite and increased serum liver enzyme concentrations. An abdominal ultrasound revealed multiple sessile hyperechoic structures along the luminal aspect of the gall bladder wall and a mildly enlarged liver with hyperechoic nodules. Cholecystectomy was performed and biopsies were obtained by laparotomy. Histopathologic examination with immunohistochemistry was consistent with a diagnosis of small-cell lymphoma of T cells within the gall bladder, liver and small intestine. Clonality testing confirmed the diagnosis. The cat remains clinically stable 23 months after institution of treatment with prednisolone, chlorambucil and ursodeoxycholic acid. This is the first report of small-cell lymphoma in the gall bladder of a cat.
Unilateral forelimb partial aphalangia in a kitten
Authors: Macrì Francesco , Lanteri Giovanni , Rapisarda Giuseppe , Marino Fabio
Published: January 2012

Congenital limb deformities are rarely reported in the cat. The macroscopic and radiographic features of aphalangia are described in a 2-month-old male kitten showing a shortened limb that ended, at the level of the carpus, in a stump without digits. A nail was present at the level of the first phalanx and on the palmar surface only two footpads were present. The radiographs showed an absence of phalanges. The first metacarpal and the proximal and distal phalanges of digit 1 were present. The deformed metacarpal bones were reduced in length; the carpal bones were incompletely ossified. This defect is a rare condition in many animal species. To the author’s knowledge, the congenital fore limb deformity described here is the first documented case in a cat.
Where species meet and mingle: endemic human-virus relations, embodied communication and more-than-human agency at the Common Cold Unit 1946–90
Authors: Greenhough Beth
Published: January 2012

Epidemics such as HIV/AIDS and H5N1 provide compelling arguments for restricting meetings and minglings between humans and viruses. Geographers have begun to address these spaces of bio(in)security, highlighting how epidemics actively reconfigure social and spatial relations as humans seek to respond to viral threats. This approach offers an important route for geographers to intervene in contemporary biopolitical debate, but such analyses are also defined through the epidemic spaces they study. In contrast, this paper explores the more endemic spaces of human-virus relations and focuses on ontological politics: the materialities of human and viral bodies, the socio-material worlds they inhabit and the ways in which they respond to each other’s presence and agency. Taking inspiration from more-than-human and animal geographies, and the work of Donna Haraway, this paper examines the UK’s Common Cold Research Unit (CCU) where humans and viruses were encouraged to meet and mingle so scientists could study the common cold. Two key arguments are made. First, that focusing on how scientists sought to accommodate viruses at the CCU draws attention to the risks and benefits for both humans and viruses of reconfiguring relations between them. Second, echoing recent moves in health geography towards embodied understandings of health and disease, a case for recognizing how human-virus relations are cultured through embodied communication. I conclude that rather than seeing viruses as an external threat to be eradicated, we might recognize how we have learned and are learning to live endemically with our viral companions.
Generalizability Theory Analysis of CBM Maze Reliability in Third- Through Fifth-Grade Students
Authors: Mercer Sterett H. , Dufrene Brad A. , Zoder-Martell Kimberly , Harpole Lauren Lestremau , Mitchell Rachel R. , Blaze John T.
Published: January 2012

Despite growing use of CBM Maze in universal screening and research, little information is available regarding the number of CBM Maze probes needed for reliable decisions. The current study extends existing research on the technical adequacy of CBM Maze by investigating the number of probes and assessment durations (1-3 min) needed for reliable relative (e.g., rank-ordering students) and absolute (e.g., comparing a specific score to a cutoff) decisions. Nine CBM Maze probes were administered to 272 students in third through fifth grades. Results suggested that the number of probes needed for reliable relative and absolute decisions varied by grade, with assessments in fifth grade exhibiting the highest reliability (at least two probes needed for both types of decisions). In addition, declining gains in reliability appeared to occur as assessment duration increased. Implications of the findings for universal screening and future research are discussed.
Endovascular Repair for Left Common Iliac Artery Occlusion Following Blunt Trauma Without Associated Bony Injury: Image in Vascular Surgery
Authors: Poon Henrietta , Patel Abhilashaben , Vijay Santhosh , Downing Richard
Published: January 2012

Common iliac artery injury (CIAI), commonly associated with pelvic fractures may present with a potentially fatal combination of haemorrhage and limb ischaemia. We report a case of isolated CIAI from blunt trauma without bony injury treated successfully using endovascular repair.
Prospective Predictors of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Authors: Pappas Evangelos , Wong-Tom Wing M.
Published: January 2012

Context: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common overuse injuries.

Objective: To assess the collective evidence of predisposing factors to PFPS.

Data Sources: MEDLINE (1960–June 2010), EMBASE (1980–June 2010), and CINAHL (1982–June 2010).

Study Selection: Studies were included if patients were asymptomatic at baseline testing (free of PFPS) and were prospectively followed for the development of the disorder. Only studies that assessed at least 1 variable that can be measured at a typical clinic were included. After duplicates were removed, 973 studies were assessed from their titles or abstracts, 20 from the full text, and from these, 7 met the inclusion criteria.

Data Extraction: Data were extracted for age, weight, height, sample size, patient type (military vs civilian), follow-up periods, diagnostic methods, and diagnostic criteria. Means and standard deviations were extracted for all outcome variables.

Results: Meta-analyses were performed for height, weight, leanness, Q angle, number of sit-ups, knee extension strength, and peak knee valgus angle during landing. Lower knee extension strength was the only variable that was predictive of PFPS ( P < 0.01). Other variables that were identified as predictive of PFPS by single studies were vertical jump, push-ups, knee flexion and hip abduction strength, thumb-to-forearm flexibility, quadriceps and gastrocnemius flexibility, genu varum, navicular drop, knee valgus moment at initial contact during landing, social support, and palliative reaction.

Conclusions: It appears that anthropometric variables are not associated with PFPS, while knee extension strength deficits appear to be predictors of PFPS.
Pilot Study
Authors: Heckman Carolyn J. , Fang Carolyn Y. , Jayo Ignacio
Published: January 2012

Background: Despite approval of a vaccine found to be very effective in preventing human papillomavirus infection and related cancers, many young people have not yet been vaccinated. Because health behaviors tend to co-occur, the purpose of the current study was to examine relationships among human papillomavirus vaccine uptake and other health behaviors among adolescents. Methods: Fifty-nine high school students completed a paper-and-pencil pilot survey regarding human papillomavirus vaccine knowledge and attitudes as well as human papillomavirus vaccination and other health behaviors. Results: The authors found that human papillomavirus vaccination was significantly associated with health-promoting behaviors among girls (eg, not smoking, P = .02), whereas vaccination willingness was associated with health risk behaviors among boys (eg, higher sugar diet, P = .03). Conclusions: Effective interventions to promote human papillomavirus vaccination among adolescents may benefit from a simultaneous focus on multiple health behaviors and/or health in general. Interventions tailored by gender may also be beneficial.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress mediating downregulated StAR and 3-beta-HSD and low plasma testosterone caused by hypoxia is attenuated by CPU86017-RS and nifedipine
Authors: Liu Gui-Lai , Yu Feng , Dai De-Zai , Zhang Guo-Lin , Zhang Can , Dai Yin
Published: January 2012

Background

Hypoxia exposure initiates low serum testosterone levels that could be attributed to downregulated androgen biosynthesizing genes such as StAR (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein) and 3-beta-HSD (3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) in the testis. It was hypothesized that these abnormalities in the testis by hypoxia are associated with oxidative stress and an increase in chaperones of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) and ER stress could be modulated by a reduction in calcium influx. Therefore, we verify that if an application of CPU86017-RS (simplified as RS, a derivative to berberine) could alleviate the ER stress and depressed gene expressions of StAR and 3-beta-HSD, and low plasma testosterone in hypoxic rats, these were compared with those of nifedipine.

Methods

Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, hypoxia for 28 days, and hypoxia treated (mg/kg, p.o.) during the last 14 days with nifedipine (Nif, 10) and three doses of RS (20, 40, 80), and normal rats treated with RS isomer (80). Serum testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured. The testicular expressions of biomarkers including StAR, 3-beta-HSD, immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein (Bip), double-strand RNA-activated protein kinase-like ER kinase (PERK) and pro-apoptotic transcription factor C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) were measured.

Results

In hypoxic rats, serum testosterone levels decreased and mRNA and protein expressions of the testosterone biosynthesis related genes, StAR and 3-beta-HSD were downregulated. These changes were linked to an increase in oxidants and upregulated ER stress chaperones: Bip, PERK, CHOP and distorted histological structure of the seminiferous tubules in the testis. These abnormalities were attenuated significantly by CPU86017-RS and nifedipine.

Conclusion

Downregulated StAR and 3-beta-HSD significantly contribute to low testosterone in hypoxic rats and is associated with ER stress which mediates testis damage caused by oxygen deprivation. CPU86017-RS is potential in ameliorating hypoxia-induced testicular injuries, possibly by its calcium antagonist effects on the testis.
A comparison study on feature selection of DNA structural properties for promoter prediction
Authors: Gan Yanglan , Guan Jihong , Zhou Shuigeng
Published: January 2012

Background

Promoter prediction is an integrant step for understanding gene regulation and annotating genomes. Traditional promoter analysis is mainly based on sequence compositional features. Recently, many kinds of structural features have been employed in promoter prediction. However, considering the high-dimensionality and overfitting problems, it is unfeasible to utilize all available features for promoter prediction. Thus it is necessary to choose some appropriate features for the prediction task.

Results

This paper conducts an extensive comparison study on feature selection of DNA structural properties for promoter prediction. Firstly, to examine whether promoters possess some special structures, we carry out a systematical comparison among the profiles of thirteen structural features on promoter and non-promoter sequences. Secondly, we investigate the correlations between these structural features and promoter sequences. Thirdly, both filter and wrapper methods are utilized to select appropriate feature subsets from thirteen different kinds of structural features for promoter prediction, and the predictive power of the selected feature subsets is evaluated. Finally, we compare the prediction performance of the feature subsets selected in this paper with nine existing promoter prediction approaches.

Conclusions

Experimental results show that the structural features are differentially correlated to promoters. Specifically, DNA-bending stiffness, DNA denaturation and energy-related features are highly correlated with promoters. The predictive power for promoter sequences differentiates greatly among different structural features. Selecting the relevant features can significantly improve the accuracy of promoter prediction.
Prevalence of diabetes among Han, Manchu and Korean ethnicities in the Mudanjiang area of China: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Feng Yan , Yang Yumei , Ma Xuesong , Chen Kaiting , Wu Nannan , Wang Dongmei , Li Pengjie , Wang Minnan , Li Qiang , Zhang Jinchao
Published: January 2012

Background

Rapid socioeconomic development resulting in changing lifestyles and life expectancy appears to be accompanied by an increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes. Genetic predisposition related to ethnicity is a major determinant of diabetes risk. This study investigates the prevalences of diabetes and prediabetes in different ethnic populations residing in the Mudanjiang area located in the northeast of China.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was carried out among Han, Manchu and Korean Chinese aged 20 years or older. Diabetes and prediabetes were diagnosed using standard oral glucose tolerance tests.

Results

The prevalence of diabetes in Manchu (8.39%) and Korean Chinese (9.42%) was significantly lower than that in Han (12.10%). The prevalence of prediabetes was 18.96%, 19.36% and 20.47% in Han, Manchu and Korean populations, respectively. Korean Chinese had a lower prevalence of isolated impaired fasting glucose and higher prevalence of isolated impaired glucose tolerance than the other two ethnic groups. Most patients with diabetes, especially ethnic minority patients, were undiagnosed. A multiple logistic regression analysis showed that age, family history of diabetes, control of diet, self-monitoring of weight, central obesity, increased heart rate, hypertension, elevated plasma triglyceride level, elevated plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and Han ethnicity were significantly associated with an increased risk of diabetes. Further, Manchu Chinese were found to have the lowest risk of diabetes.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that diabetes is a major public health problem in the Mudanjiang area of China. Ethnicity plays a role in the different prevalences of diabetes and prediabetes among the three ethnic groups. Diabetes is less prevalent among Manchu Chinese compared with Han and Korean Chinese.
Fluoride bioavailability in saliva and plaque
Authors: Naumova Ella A , Kuehnl Phillip , Hertenstein Philipp , Markovic Ljubisa , Jordan Rainer A , Gaengler Peter , Arnold Wolfgang H
Published: January 2012

Background

Different fluoride formulations may have different effects on caries prevention. It was the aim of this clinical study to assess the fluoride content, provided by NaF compared to amine fluoride, in saliva and plaque.

Methods

Eight trained volunteers brushed their teeth in the morning for 3 minutes with either NaF or amine fluoride, and saliva and 3-day-plaque-regrowth was collected at 5 time intervals during 6 hours after tooth brushing. The amount of collected saliva and plaque was measured, and the fluoride content was analysed using a fluoride sensitive electrode. All subjects repeated all study cycles 5 times, and 3 cycles per subject underwent statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test.

Results

Immediately after brushing the fluoride concentration in saliva increased rapidly and dropped to the baseline level after 360 minutes. No difference was found between NaF and amine fluoride. All plaque fluoride levels were elevated after 30 minutes until 120 minutes after tooth brushing, and decreasing after 360 minutes to baseline. According to the highly individual profile of fluoride in saliva and plaque, both levels of bioavailability correlated for the first 30 minutes, and the fluoride content of saliva and plaque was back to baseline after 6 hours.

Conclusions

Fluoride levels in saliva and plaque are interindividually highly variable. However, no significant difference in bioavailability between NaF and amine fluoride, in saliva, or in plaque was found.
Engineered Trx2p industrial yeast strain protects glycolysis and fermentation proteins from oxidative carbonylation during biomass propagation
Authors: Gómez-Pastor Rocío , Pérez-Torrado Roberto , Cabiscol Elisa , Ros Joaquim , Matallana Emilia
Published: January 2012

Background

In the yeast biomass production process, protein carbonylation has severe adverse effects since it diminishes biomass yield and profitability of industrial production plants. However, this significant detriment of yeast performance can be alleviated by increasing thioredoxins levels. Thioredoxins are important antioxidant defenses implicated in many functions in cells, and their primordial functions include scavenging of reactive oxygen species that produce dramatic and irreversible alterations such as protein carbonylation.

Results

In this work we have found several proteins specifically protected by yeast Thioredoxin 2 (Trx2p). Bidimensional electrophoresis and carbonylated protein identification from TRX-deficient and TRX-overexpressing cells revealed that glycolysis and fermentation-related proteins are specific targets of Trx2p protection. Indeed, the TRX2 overexpressing strain presented increased activity of the central carbon metabolism enzymes. Interestingly, Trx2p specifically preserved alcohol dehydrogenase I (Adh1p) from carbonylation, decreased oligomer aggregates and increased its enzymatic activity.

Conclusions

The identified proteins suggest that the fermentative capacity detriment observed under industrial conditions in T73 wine commercial strain results from the oxidative carbonylation of specific glycolytic and fermentation enzymes. Indeed, increased thioredoxin levels enhance the performance of key fermentation enzymes such as Adh1p, which consequently increases fermentative capacity.
Casein phosphopeptides drastically increase the secretion of extracellular proteins in Aspergillus awamori. Proteomics studies reveal changes in the secretory pathway
Authors: Kosalková Katarina , García-Estrada Carlos , Barreiro Carlos , Flórez Martha G , Jami Mohammad S , Paniagua Miguel A , Martín Juan F
Published: January 2012

Background

The secretion of heterologous animal proteins in filamentous fungi is usually limited by bottlenecks in the vesicle-mediated secretory pathway.

Results

Using the secretion of bovine chymosin in Aspergillus awamori as a model, we found a drastic increase (40 to 80-fold) in cells grown with casein or casein phosphopeptides (CPPs). CPPs are rich in phosphoserine, but phosphoserine itself did not increase the secretion of chymosin. The stimulatory effect is reduced about 50% using partially dephosphorylated casein and is not exerted by casamino acids. The phosphopeptides effect was not exerted at transcriptional level, but instead, it was clearly observed on the secretion of chymosin by immunodetection analysis. Proteomics studies revealed very interesting metabolic changes in response to phosphopeptides supplementation. The oxidative metabolism was reduced, since enzymes involved in fermentative processes were overrepresented. An oxygen-binding hemoglobin-like protein was overrepresented in the proteome following phosphopeptides addition. Most interestingly, the intracellular pre-protein enzymes, including pre-prochymosin, were depleted (most of them are underrepresented in the intracellular proteome after the addition of CPPs), whereas the extracellular mature form of several of these secretable proteins and cell-wall biosynthetic enzymes was greatly overrepresented in the secretome of phosphopeptides-supplemented cells. Another important 'moonlighting' protein (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase), which has been described to have vesicle fusogenic and cytoskeleton formation modulating activities, was clearly overrepresented in phosphopeptides-supplemented cells.

Conclusions

In summary, CPPs cause the reprogramming of cellular metabolism, which leads to massive secretion of extracellular proteins.
Community and household socioeconomic factors associated with pesticide-using, small farm household members' health: a multi-level, longitudinal analysis
Authors: Cole Donald C , Orozco Fadya A , Ibrahim Selahadin , Wanigaratne Susitha
Published: January 2012

Background

Longitudinal studies using multi-level models to examine health inequalities in lower and middle income countries (LMICs) are rare. We explored socio-economic gradients in health among small farm members participating in a pesticide-related health and agriculture program in highland Ecuador.

Methods

We profiled 24 communities through key informant interviews, secondary data (percent of population with unsatisfied basic needs), and intervention implementation indicators. Pre (2005) and post (2007) surveys of the primary household and crop managers included common questions (education, age, and the health outcome - digit span scaled 0-10)) and pesticide-related practice questions specific to each. Household assets and pesticide use variables were shared across managers. We constructed multi-level models predicting 2007 digit span for each manager type, with staged introduction of predictor variables.

Results

376 household managers (79% of 2005 participants) and 380 crop managers (76% of 2005 participants) had complete data for analysis. The most important predictor of 2007 digit span was 2005 digit span: β (Standard Error) of 0.31(0.05) per unit for household and 0.17(0.04) for crop managers. Household asset score was next most important: 0.14(0.06) per unit for household and 0.14(0.05) for crop managers. Community percent with unsatisfied basic needs was associated with reductions in 2007 digit span: -0.04(0.01) per percent for household and -0.03(0.01) for crop managers.

Conclusions

The important roles of life endowments and/or persistent neurotoxicity were exemplified by limited change in the health outcome. Gradients by household assets and community deprivation were indicative of ongoing, structural inequities within this LMIC.