bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intramural Hematoma Detection by Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging in Intracranial Vertebral Artery Dissection
Authors: Kim Tae-Won , Choi Hyun Seok , Koo Jaseong , Jung So Lyung , Ahn Kook-Jin , Kim Bum-soo , Shin Yong Sam , Lee Kwang Soo
Published: October 2013

Background: The radiologic diagnosis of vertebral artery dissection (VAD) depends on characteristic intraluminal findings on angiography and intramural hematoma or a double-lumen sign on high-resolution vessel wall imaging. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of intramural hematoma sign on susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) in VAD. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed SWI, phase map images and brain computed tomography (CT) of the consecutive patients who suffered an ischemic stroke in the vertebral artery territory from August 2010 to July 2012. We divided the patients into 2 groups: the VAD group and the nondissection group. VAD was diagnosed by conventional catheter angiographic findings (aneurysmal dilatation, pearl-and-string or tapered steno-occlusion) and pathognomonic findings such as intramural hematoma or a double-lumen sign on the source images of TOF-MRA, high-resolution T1-weighted MRI or high-resolution T2-weighted MRI. Intramural hematoma sign was considered positive if the patient had an eccentric or concentric hypointense signal lesion in the vertebral artery on SWI, a corresponding hyperintense signal on phase map and no evidence of calcification on the brain CT, suggesting blood products other than calcification. Two experienced neuroradiologists blinded to clinical information and angiographic findings were asked to judge for the presence of intramural hematoma sign on SWI. The accuracy of intramural hematoma sign on SWI was evaluated. Phase value, demographic and clinical data were compared between the VAD and the nondissection groups. Results: Thirty-nine patients were included: 10 in the VAD group and 29 in the non-dissection group. Among the VAD group cases, intramural hematoma sign on SWI was positive in 9 of the 10 VAD cases and in 1 out of the 29 cases in the nondissection group. The intramural hematoma sign on SWI was significantly associated with VAD (p < 0.001), and showed sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 96.6%. Mean phase values of intramural hematomas (n = 9) were all positive and those of calcified lesions (n = 13) were all negative (0.45 radian vs. -0.42 radian, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The intramural hematoma sign on SWI was significantly associated with VAD and the phase map values were higher in intramural hematomas when compared with atherosclerotic calcifications.
Factors Associated with Early Recanalization Failure following Intravenous rt-PA Therapy for Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Koga Masatoshi , Arihiro Shoji , Miyashita Fumio , Yamamoto Haruko , Yamada Naoaki , Nagatsuka Kazuyuki , Minematsu Kazuo , Toyoda Kazunori
Published: October 2013

Background: Although intravenous recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) therapy can be effective for ischemic stroke, a considerable percentage of patients do not receive any benefit as a result of early recanalization failure. We aimed to investigate the factors associated with early recanalization failure following intravenous rt-PA therapy. Methods: Patients with acute ischemic stroke and internal carotid artery (ICA) or middle cerebral artery occlusion on initial magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) who received intravenous rt-PA therapy within 3 h of stroke onset and underwent follow-up MRA within 8 h after treatment were enrolled. Baseline characteristics, stroke features, onset to treatment time, initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, initial Alberta Stroke Programme Early CT Score on diffusion-weighted imaging-ASPECTS (Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score), the presence of ICA or M1 origin (the residual length <5 mm) (ICA/M1 origin occlusion), initial vital signs, and laboratory findings were recorded. Early recanalization on the follow-up MRA within 8 h was evaluated by modified Mori grade: grade 0, no reperfusion; grade 1, movement of thrombus; grade 2, partial recanalization, and grade 3, complete recanalization. Results: Seventy subjects (35 women, 77 ± 12 years) were enrolled. The median (interquartile range: IQR) NIHSS score was 18 (12.5-24), and the mean onset to treatment time was 141 ± 54 min. ICA was occluded in 29%, M1 origin in 17%, M1 middle in 13%, M1 distal in 26% and M2 in 15%. The median (IQR) pretreatment diffusion weighted imaging-ASPECTS was 8 (6-9), and follow-up time of MRA was 65 min (59-70) after rt-PA therapy. Thirty-two subjects (46%) showed modified Mori grade 0; 10 (14%), grade 1; 9 (13%), grade 2, and 19 (27%), grade 3. Multivariate analyses revealed ICA/M1 origin occlusion (OR 3.71, 95% CI 1.03-14.87, p = 0.044), and C-reactive protein (per 0.1-mg/dl increment, OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.03-1.44, p = 0.013) were independently associated with subjects with no recanalization (grade 0-1), whereas age (per years old, OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.86-0.99, p = 0.014) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (per 1-mg/dl increment, OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.89-0.98, p = 0.004) were inversely associated with those. Conclusion: ICA/M1 origin occlusion and C-reactive protein were positively and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was negatively associated with early recanalization failure.
Corporate Ownership, Political Connections and M&A: Empirical Evidence from China
Authors: Liu Ningyue , Wang Liming , Zhang Min
Published: October 2013

This paper examines the impact of political connections on corporate mergers and acquisitions (M&As) behavior using data from companies listed in Chinese equity markets during the period 1998 to 2010. Our empirical results indicate that firms with political connections have a greater probability of engaging in M&As and tend to engage in larger-scale M&As. The impact of political connections on corporate M&As is mainly realized via government intervention in state-owned enterprises (SOEs). The paper also investigates the impact of political connections on M&A performance, demonstrating a significantly negative impact when SOEs are involved but a significantly positive impact when non-SOEs are involved. The findings of this paper suggest that the political connections of Chinese listed firms have a strong influence on M&A activities and performance.
International Stock Price Co-movement
Authors: Hirayama Kenjiro , Tsutsui Yoshiro
Published: October 2013

Two possible causes of international stock price co-movement are examined: the existence of global common shocks and portfolio adjustments by international investors. Empirical analyses indicate that the former explains a significant part of the co-movement and the latter is unlikely to play an important role. We extend the analysis to intra-day high-frequency data. For example, when the Tokyo Stock Exchange begins its daily trading at 9:00 A.M. Japan Standard Time (JST), stock prices in Tokyo exhibit responses to preceding changes in New York. An analysis with minute-byminute data indicates that Tokyo's response to New York dissipates within about six minutes after opening. On the other hand, when the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) opens at 9:30 A.M. Eastern Standard Time (EST), its response to Tokyo dissipates within 14 minutes. Thus, the movement of stock prices is transmitted rapidly across countries. Finally real-time simultaneous interactions between Shanghai (Shenzhen) and Tokyo are analyzed for a 30-minute period in the morning and a 60-minute period in the afternoon. Investors in Tokyo are watching stock prices in Shanghai, but not vice versa. Tight regulations on Chinese investors to prevent them from holding foreign stocks may be the reason why they do not pay any attention to stock price movements in Tokyo.
A new species of the genus Sonotetranychus (Acari: Tetranychidae) from New Zealand
Authors: YI TIAN-CI , ZHANG ZHI-QIANG
Published: October 2013

The genus Sonotetranychus consisted of seven species prior to this study. Sonotetranychus menziesii sp. nov., collected on Nothofagus menziesii and N. fusca from New Zealand, is described based on females, protonymphs, deutonymphs and a male. An updated key to the species of Sonotetranychus is provided.
The taxonomic value of the structures for the insertion of the stylet muscles in the Eutardigrada, and description of a new genus
Authors: PILATO GIOVANNI
Published: October 2013

The new genus Dastychius has been instituted for the species Isohypsibius improvisus Dastych, 1984. It has claws of the Isohypsibius type, rigid buccal tube without ventral lamina and with ridge-shaped apophyses for the insertion of the stylet muscles; peribuccal lamellae absent; peribuccal papulae seem to be present but the datum should be confirmed; pharyngeal bulb with apophyses and placoids, lunules present in the known species; smooth eggs laid in the exuvium. The apophyses for the insertion of the stylet muscles have some peculiarities that justify the institution of a new genus. They are long, uninterrupted ridges tailing off caudally almost reaching the stylet supports; at almost a quarter of their length they have an incision and a septum never noted in other genera of Eutardigrada. In the author’s opinion it is possible to hypothesize that all the structures for the insertion of the stylet muscles recognizable in the Eutardigrada may be derived from long ridge-shaped apophyses (but without incision and septum). The comparison of the shape of the apophyses for the insertion of the stylet muscles in the Eutardigrada seems to indicate that this character has taxonomic value at level of genus but not at family level.
A new giant Atractus (Serpentes: Dipsadidae) from Ecuador, with notes on some other large Amazonian congeners
Authors: SCHARGEL WALTER E. , LAMAR WILLIAM W. , PASSOS PAULO , VALENCIA JORGE H. , CISNEROS-HEREDIA DIEGO F. , CAMPBELL JONATHAN A.
Published: October 2013

We describe a new species of Atractus from Cordillera de los Guacamayos in the Andes of Ecuador. This new species is the largest known species of Atractus, reaching almost 120 cm in total length with a robust habitus. We also use multivariate statistical analyses of morphometric data to look into the taxonomic confusion involving other large, banded/blotched, species of Atractus in Western Amazonia. We show that A. snethlageae has a widespread distribution in Amazonia and has been repeatedly confused with A. major in Ecuador owing to its color polymorphism. Our multivariate statistical analyses support previous suggestions to recognize A. snethlageae as a distinct species relative to A. flammigerus. Taxonomic accounts are provided for both A. major and A. snethlageae including detailed color pattern descriptions. We also find that there are no valid morphological differences to support recognizing A. arangoi as a separate species from A. major; consequently we synonymize the former name with the latter.
Namalycastis occulta n. sp. and a new record of N. borealis (Polychaeta: Nereididae: Namanereidinae) from the Northwestern Caribbean Sea
Authors: CONDE-VELA VÍCTOR MANUEL
Published: October 2013

The nereidid polychaete genus Namalycastis Hartman, 1959 has been recorded almost exclusively in non-marine environments. This genus includes species having four pairs of tentacular cirri, and its species mainly differ by the relative size of dorsal cirri in posterior chaetigers. Namalycastis occulta n. sp. is described based upon non-mature and mature specimens collected in the intertidal from Chetumal Bay, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Its distinctive features are the lack of notopodial spinigers, eyes, and teeth in the mandibles. Namalycastis borealis Glasby was found in Tamalcab Island, Chetumal Bay and it is the first record for Mexico. Analyses of the intraspecific variability, a key to the known species in the Grand Caribbean region, and commentaries about some taxonomic topics are also included.
Comparative description of larvae of the European species of Distoleon Banks: D. annulatus (Klug, 1834) and D. tetragrammicus (Fabricius, 1798) (Neuroptera, Myrmeleontidae)
Authors: ACEVEDO FERNANDO , MONSERRAT VÍCTOR J. , BADANO DAVIDE
Published: October 2013

The third instar larva of Distoleon annulatus (Klug, 1834) is described for the first time and compared with the larva of the other known species of the genus in Europe: D. tetragrammicus (Fabricius, 1798). Diagnostic characters of the larvae of the genus Distoleon, as well as the interspecific differences, are provided and illustrated. Larvae of Distoleon appear to be morphologically conservative and they are mainly recognized by means of the pigmentation pattern.
Comparison of Biodegradable and Titanium Fixation Systems in Maxillofacial Surgery
Authors: van Bakelen N.B. , Buijs G.J. , Jansma J. , de Visscher J.G.A.M. , Hoppenreijs Th.J.M. , Bergsma J.E. , Stegenga B. , Bos R.R.M.
Published: October 2013

Biodegradable osteosynthesis could reduce/delete the problems associated with titanium plate removal. The aim of the present study was to compare the clinical performance in the first 2 post-operative years between a biodegradable and a titanium system in oral and maxillofacial surgery. The multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) was performed in the Netherlands from December 2006 to July 2009. Included were 230 patients who underwent a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) and/or a Le Fort-I osteotomy and those treated for fractures of the mandible, maxilla, or zygoma. The patients were randomly assigned to a titanium group (KLS Martin) or to a biodegradable group (Inion CPS). Plate removal was necessary in 16 of the 134 patients (11.9%) treated with titanium and in 21 of the 87 patients (24.1%) treated with the biodegradable system within the first 2 post-operative years [ p = .016, HR biodegradable (95% CI) = 2.2 (1.1-4.2), HR titanium = 1]. Occlusion, VAS, and MFIQ scores showed that both groups had good mandibular function and were (almost) free of pain 1 and 2 years post-operatively ( http://controlled-trials.com ISRCTN 44212338).
Militarizing the Community: Hindu Mahasabha’s Initiative (1915–1940)
Authors: Jha Bhuwan Kumar
Published: October 2013

The All-India Hindu Mahasabha, founded in 1915, advocated physical and military regeneration of the Hindu community. This initiative formed an indivisible part of the larger goal of Hindu sangathan. Gradually, as this idea became more sharp and aggressive, there was a fervent appeal for militarization of the Hindu youth. This appeal also made a subtle reference to the supposed organic unity and militant outlook of the Muslim community. Marathi leaders of the Mahasabha, led by B.S. Moonje, were frontrunners in this initiative. Moonje made special efforts to found the first military school at Nasik in 1937, devoted exclusively to the training of Hindu boys. This school was also envisioned as a feeder school for future recruitment to the armed forces. Building on this spirit, the Hindu Mahasabha also established Ram Sena or the Hindu national militia.
Caring about migrant care workers: From private obligations to transnational social welfare?
Authors: Boccagni Paolo
Published: October 2013

This article makes a case for investigating the needs of migrant women as transnational mothers, and the sources of social support accessible to them. Much has been written on migrants’ homebound commitments and obligations in terms of transnational caregiving, care chains, and the like. Less analysed are the consequences on their personal needs and demands, which are out of synch with the territorially-based social welfare provision of either sending or receiving countries. Building on my fieldwork with Ecuadorian care workers in Italy, I explore migrant women’s constructions of their care needs and the limited social support they rely upon in host and home societies, as well as in the ‘intermediate space’ of their cross-border care practices. Overall, the prospects for their indirect needs for care to emerge as a public issue are contentious and uncertain. By delving into them, though, critical light is shed on the ambivalences and tensions inherent in migrants’ practice of care, at many levels: concerning its gendered bases, its elusive boundaries and the overload of affections and expectations which it typically bears.
Nudging into subjectification: Governmentality and psychometrics
Authors: Cromby John , Willis Martin E.H.
Published: October 2013

The current age of ‘austerity’ is associated with neoliberal ideology. Neoliberalism can be understood as a form of governmentality – a way of reconfiguring selves and the social order in accord with the demands of market economies. A recent UK policy initiative by the Coalition government’s Behavioural Insights Team required benefit claimants to submit to online psychometric testing. We examine this policy in some detail, arguing that this use of psychometric testing is flawed, unethical, and unlikely to help claimants to find work. Our analysis of the test procedure and its results suggests that the policy functions primarily as a means whereby benefit claimants can be ‘nudged’ towards acceptance of the precepts of neoliberal subjectivities.
When Tissue Antigens and Antibodies Get Along
Authors: Ramos-Vara J. A. , Miller M. A.
Published: October 2013

Once focused mainly on the characterization of neoplasms, immunohistochemistry (IHC) today is used in the investigation of a broad range of disease processes with applications in diagnosis, prognostication, therapeutic decisions to tailor treatment to an individual patient, and investigations into the pathogenesis of disease. This review addresses the technical aspects of immunohistochemistry (and, to a lesser extent, immunocytochemistry) with attention to the antigen-antibody reaction, optimal fixation techniques, tissue processing considerations, antigen retrieval methods, detection systems, selection and use of an autostainer, standardization and validation of IHC tests, preparation of proper tissue and reagent controls, tissue microarrays and other high-throughput systems, quality assurance/quality control measures, interpretation of the IHC reaction, and reporting of results. It is now more important than ever, with these sophisticated applications, to standardize the entire IHC process from tissue collection through interpretation and reporting to minimize variability among laboratories and to facilitate quantification and interlaboratory comparison of IHC results.
Circadian Phase and Its Relationship to Nighttime Sleep in Toddlers
Authors: LeBourgeois Monique K. , Carskadon Mary A. , Akacem Lameese D. , Simpkin Charles T. , Wright Kenneth P. , Achermann Peter , Jenni Oskar G.
Published: October 2013

Circadian phase and its relation to sleep are increasingly recognized as fundamental factors influencing human physiology and behavior. Dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) is a reliable marker of the timing of the circadian clock, which has been used in experimental, clinical, and descriptive studies in the past few decades. Although DLMO and its relationship to sleep have been well documented in school-aged children, adolescents, and adults, very little is known about these processes in early childhood. The purpose of this study was 1) to describe circadian phase and phase angles of entrainment in toddlers and 2) to examine associations between DLMO and actigraphic measures of children’s nighttime sleep. Participants were 45 healthy toddlers aged 30 to 36 months (33.5 ± 2.2 months; 21 females). After sleeping on a parent-selected schedule for 5 days (assessed with actigraphy and diaries), children participated in an in-home DLMO assessment involving the collection of saliva samples every 30 minutes for 6 hours. Average bedtime was 2015 ± 0036 h, average sleep onset time was 2043 ± 0043 h, average midsleep time was 0143 ± 0038 h, and average wake time was 0644 ± 0042 h. Average DLMO was 1929 ± 0051 h, with a 3.5-hour range. DLMO was normally distributed; however, the distribution of the bedtime, sleep onset time, and midsleep phase angles of entrainment were skewed. On average, DLMO occurred 47.8 ± 47.6 minutes (median = 39.4 minutes) before bedtime, 74.6 ± 48.0 minutes (median = 65.4 minutes) before sleep onset time, 6.2 ± 0.7 hours (median = 6.1 hours) before midsleep time, and 11.3 ± 0.7 hours before wake time. Toddlers with later DLMOs had later bedtimes ( r = 0.46), sleep onset times ( r = 0.51), midsleep times ( r = 0.66), and wake times ( r = 0.65) (all p < 0.001). Interindividual differences in toddlers’ circadian phase are large and associated with their sleep timing. The early DLMOs of toddlers indicate a maturational delay in the circadian timing system between early childhood and adolescence. These findings are a first step in describing the fundamental properties of the circadian system in toddlers and have important implications for understanding the emergence of sleep problems and the consequences of circadian misalignment in early childhood.
Hypercalcemia in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Maier Joshua D. , Levine Steven N.
Published: October 2013

Hypercalcemia may be seen in a variety of clinical settings and often requires intensive management when serum calcium levels are dramatically elevated. All of the many etiologies of mild hypercalcemia can lead to severe hypercalcemia. Knowledge of the physiologic mechanisms involved in maintaining normocalcemia and basic pathophysiology is essential for making a timely diagnosis and hence prompt institution of etiology-specific therapy. The development of new medications and critical reviews of traditional therapies have changed the treatment paradigm for severe hypercalcemia, calling for a more limited role for aggressive isotonic fluid administration and furosemide and an expanded role for calcitonin and the bisphosphonates. Experimental therapies such as denosumab show promise.
Pilot Study on the Impact of Evidence-Based Data on Oncology Pharmacists’ Perceptions
Authors: Renet Sophie , Lebel Denis , Prot-Labarthe Sonia , Therrien Roxane , Bourdon Olivier , Bussières Jean-François
Published: October 2013

Objectives:

The main objective was to evaluate whether the level of agreement of oncology hospital pharmacists with statements on their impact is influenced by the presence or absence of evidence-based data. The secondary objective was to evaluate the relative importance of evidence-based data among factors that may have contributed to oncology pharmacy practice evolution.

Methods:

Oncology pharmacists’ answered a Web questionnaire to measure their level of agreement with statements regarding their impact. Respondents answered the questionnaire before (pre) and after (post) being informed whether supporting evidence was available for each statement. Respondents were also asked to rank all of the factors in order of their perceived contribution to oncology pharmacy practice evolution.

Results:

A total of 64 questionnaires were obtained. Respondents reported a high level of agreement with statements regarding their impact on oncology pharmacy practice (mean agreement of 95.9% pre vs 93.8% post). A statistically significant diminution in the level of agreement was observed for 3 statements after respondents were informed that no supporting evidence was available for these statements. Respondents assigned a high importance to factors related to the perception of positive outcomes of pharmaceutical activities on patient safety, health care costs, and clinical results but a low importance to the use of evidence-based data.
Cooperative diagnostics for distributed large-scale dimensional metrology systems based on triangulation
Authors: Franceschini Fiorenzo , Maisano Domenico , Mastrogiacomo Luca
Published: October 2013

In the field of large-scale dimensional metrology, new distributed systems based on different technologies have blossomed over the last decade. They generally include (1) some targets to be localized and (2) a network of portable devices, distributed around the object to be measured, which is often bulky and difficult to handle. The objective of this article is to present some diagnostic tests for those distributed large-scale dimensional metrology systems that perform the target localization by triangulation. Three tests are presented: two global tests to detect the presence of potential anomalies in the system during measurements and one local test aimed at isolating any faulty network device(s). This kind of diagnostics is based on the cooperation of different network devices that merge their local observations, not only for target localization but also for detecting potential measurement anomalies. Tests can be implemented in real time, without interrupting or slowing down the measurement process. After a detailed description of the tests, some practical applications on Mobile Spatial coordinate Measuring System-II (MScMS-II) – a distributed large-scale dimensional metrology system based on infrared photogrammetric technology, recently developed at DIGEP-Politecnico di Torino – are presented.
Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate exposure impairs insulin receptor and glucose transporter 4 gene expression in L6 myotubes
Authors: Rajesh P , Balasubramanian K
Published: October 2013

Di(2-ethyl hexyl)-phthalate (DEHP) is an endocrine disrupter and is the most abundantly used phthalate derivative, which is suspected to be an inevitable environmental exposure contributing to the increasing incidence of type-2 diabetes in humans. Therefore, the present study was designed to address the dose-dependent effects of DEHP on insulin signaling molecules in L6 myotubes. L6 myotubes were exposed to different concentrations (25, 50, and 100 μM) of DEHP for 24 h. At the end of exposure, cells were utilized for assessing various parameters. Insulin receptor and glucose transporter4 (GLUT4) gene expression, insulin receptor protein concentration, glucose uptake and oxidation, and enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants were significantly reduced, but glutamine fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase, nitric oxide, lipid peroxidation, and reactive oxygen species levels were elevated in a dose-dependent manner in L6 myotubes exposed to DEHP. The present study in turn shows the direct adverse effect of DEHP on the expression of insulin receptor and GLUT4 gene, glucose uptake, and oxidation in L6 myotubes suggesting that DEHP exposure may have a negative influence on insulin signaling.
Octanal-induced inflammatory responses in cells relevant for lung toxicity
Authors: Song M-K , Lee H-S , Choi H-S , Shin C-Y , Kim Y-J , Park Y-K , Ryu J-C
Published: October 2013

Inhalation is an important route of aldehyde exposure, and lung is one of the main targets of aldehyde toxicity. Octanal is distributed ubiquitously in the environment and is a component of indoor air pollutants. We investigated whether octanal exposure enhances the inflammatory response in the human respiratory system by increasing the expression and release of cytokines and chemokines. The effect of octanal in transcriptomic modulation was assessed in the human alveolar epithelial cell line A549 using oligonucleotide arrays. We identified a set of genes differentially expressed upon octanal exposure that may be useful for monitoring octanal pulmonary toxicity. These genes were classified according to the Gene Ontology functional category and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis to explore the biological processes related to octanal-induced pulmonary toxicity. The results show that octanal affects the expression of several chemokines and inflammatory cytokines and increases the levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-8 released. In conclusion, octanal exposure modulates the expression of cytokines and chemokines important in the development of lung injury and disease. This suggests that inflammation contributes to octanal-induced lung damage and that the inflammatory genes expressed should be studied in detail, thereby laying the groundwork for future biomonitoring studies.
Influence of Perceptions on School Nurse Practices to Prevent Childhood Obesity
Authors: Quelly Susan B.
Published: October 2013

Comprehensive childhood obesity prevention (COP) strategies should include increasing school nurse involvement. This study was conducted to determine the influence of key school nurse perceptions (self-efficacy, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers) on participation in COP practices at the individual child and school level. Florida registered nurse (RN) school nurses ( n = 171) anonymously completed online or paper questionnaires. Linear regression analyses identified a model of self-efficacy with perceived benefits and barriers that explained 12% and 9.1% ( p < .001) of variance in child-level and school-level COP practices, respectively. Self-efficacy explained the most variance in both models ( p < .001). Mediation testing identified perceived barriers as a partial mediator of the influence of self-efficacy on child-level practices. These findings support interventions and policy changes to increase self-efficacy and reduce perceived barriers to promote school nurse involvement in preventing childhood obesity.
Evaluation as work in progress: Stories of shared learning and development
Authors: Fletcher Gillian , Dyson Suzanne
Published: October 2013

Culture change programs that attempt to identify, challenge, and change inequities and discrimination represent major challenges for evaluators: these are shifting sands, subject to many external factors that cannot be accounted for or measured using ‘objective’ measures. Yet, effective, methodologically coherent evaluation of such projects is essential for both ethical and pragmatic reasons. This article reports on the evaluation of two programs from Victoria, Australia, that use sport as a vehicle for building cultures of respect. The methodology that underpinned both evaluations is described and the authors discuss the challenges (and benefits) experienced during the evaluation process. These challenges and benefits can be summarized under two main headings: relationships and expectations. Effective relationships based on trust led to open and frank communication, and this was essential to manage the multiple and often contradictory expectations that often accompany large, complex evaluation projects.
The uses of cognitive training technologies in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Wass Sam V , Porayska-Pomsta Kaska
Published: October 2013

In this review, we focus on research that has used technology to provide cognitive training – i.e. to improve performance on some measurable aspect of behaviour – in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. We review technology-enhanced interventions that target three different cognitive domains: (a) emotion and face recognition, (b) language and literacy, and (c) social skills. The interventions reviewed allow for interaction through different modes, including point-and-click and eye-gaze contingent software, and are delivered through diverse implementations, including virtual reality and robotics. In each case, we examine the evidence of the degree of post-training improvement observed following the intervention, including evidence of transfer to altered behaviour in ecologically valid contexts. We conclude that a number of technological interventions have found that observed improvements within the computerised training paradigm fail to generalise to altered behaviour in more naturalistic settings, which may result from problems that people with autism spectrum disorders experience in generalising and extrapolating knowledge. However, we also point to several promising findings in this area. We discuss possible directions for future work.
Analysing how law shapes journalism in Central and Eastern Europe: The case of the 2008 Slovak Press Act
Authors: Belakova Nikola
Published: October 2013

This article investigates the operation of the contested reply and correction provisions of the 2008 Slovak Press Act and their influence on journalism. I argue that apart from the ‘law-on-the-books’, we need to examine the interactions between the media, policymakers and judges in order to explain how law shapes journalism in the public spheres of Central and Eastern European democracies. Such interactions are based on the interests and experiences of the actors and conditioned by their particular historical, structural, cultural and international contexts. Our analysis thus needs to take them all into account when assessing the role of legislation.
De Novo delayed onset hypothermia secondary to therapeutic doses of risperidone in bipolar affective disorder
Authors: Perera M. A. Lasitha , Yogaratnam Jegan
Published: October 2013

The commonly reported side effects related to risperidone include dizziness, nausea, weight gain, sleep disturbances, and sexual dysfunction. A rather rare and very much less documented side effect of risperidone is hypothermia: traditionally defined as a drop in core body temperature below 35°C (95°F). We report a case of a 75-year-old woman who had been treated for bipolar affective disorder for nearly 3 years with risperidone went on to develop hypothermia which was reversed with the withdrawal of the offending drug. This case is unique as it reported a rare but potentially serious side effect occurring after a prolonged administration of risperidone contrary to the previous reports in which hypothermia occurred only a few hours or days after the administration of risperidone and occurred in a patient who was diagnosed as having bipolar affective disorder as opposed to schizophrenia, the most common psychiatric disorder associated with previously reported hypothermia. The authors would like to emphasize the importance of this idiosyncratic potentially life-threatening adverse effect of risperidone-induced hypothermia to all clinicians, which occurs regardless of the duration of drug intake, in order to help them identify the condition early and treat it effectively.
The Sporting Paratext, Reception, and the Male Domain in CBS’s “One Shining Moment”
Authors: Oates Thomas P. , Vogan Travis
Published: October 2013

Since 1987 CBS has ended its television coverage of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament with “One Shining Moment,” a sentimental highlight package that reflects on and celebrates the event. In 2010, CBS commissioned the popular vocalist Jennifer Hudson to sing “One Shining Moment’s” featured song, which had previously only been performed by men—most notably the R&B crooner Luther Vandross. Hudson’s performance elicited a flood of derision from critics and fans. In response, CBS reinstated Vandross’ version the following year. Building on Jonathan Gray’s theorization of media “paratexts”—the ancillary content that surrounds primary media texts—this essay considers how responses to Hudson’s 2010 performance and CBS's reaction to them secure the NCAA tournament as a male preserve while shoring up gendered anxieties about its commercialization. This instance of paratextual production, reception, and revision constructs “One Shining Moment” as a media ritual that can only be authentically conveyed and understood by men. It demonstrates sporting paratexts’ potential to reinforce and reconfigure sport’s cultural meanings and illuminates the impact that exchanges between audiences and industries can have on this contested process.
A Shift in Set
Authors: Frederick Evan L. , Burch Lauren M. , Blaszka Matthew
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this study was to determine whether agenda setting was present on Twitter during the 2012 London Olympics. In order to analyze the presence of agenda setting, tweets from the @London2012 account and tweets containing #London2012 were analyzed. The @London2012 account served as the news outlet, while tweets containing #London2012 served as the unit of analysis to determine whether agenda setting was present. A content analysis of these tweets revealed significant differences between the two groups in terms of tweet focus, sports mentioned, and countries mentioned, suggesting no agenda setting presence on Twitter. Additionally, the primary affiliation of individuals utilizing #London2012 was laypeople, which aligned with previous Twitter-specific research. The implications of these and other findings will be discussed further.
Acrolein exposure suppresses antigen-induced pulmonary inflammation
Authors: Spiess Page C , Kasahara David , Habibovic Aida , Hristova Milena , Randall Matthew J , Poynter Matthew E , van der Vliet Albert
Published: October 2013

Background

Adverse health effects of tobacco smoke arise partly from its influence on innate and adaptive immune responses, leading to impaired innate immunity and host defense. The impact of smoking on allergic asthma remains unclear, with various reports demonstrating that cigarette smoke enhances asthma development but can also suppress allergic airway inflammation. Based on our previous findings that immunosuppressive effects of smoking may be largely attributed to one of its main reactive electrophiles, acrolein, we explored the impact of acrolein exposure in a mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) by intraperitoneal injection with the adjuvant aluminum hydroxide on days 0 and 7, and challenged with aerosolized OVA on days 14–16. In some cases, mice were also exposed to 5 ppm acrolein vapor for 6 hrs/day on days 14–17. Lung tissues or brochoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) were collected either 6 hrs after a single initial OVA challenge and/or acrolein exposure on day 14 or 48 hrs after the last OVA challenge, on day 18. Inflammatory cells and Th1/Th2 cytokine levels were measured in BALF, and lung tissue samples were collected for analysis of mucus and Th1/Th2 cytokine expression, determination of protein alkylation, cellular thiol status and transcription factor activity.

Results

Exposure to acrolein following OVA challenge of OVA-sensitized mice resulted in markedly attenuated allergic airway inflammation, demonstrated by decreased inflammatory cell infiltrates, mucus hyperplasia and Th2 cytokines. Acrolein exposure rapidly depleted lung tissue glutathione (GSH) levels, and induced activation of the Nrf2 pathway, indicated by accumulation of Nrf2, increased alkylation of Keap1, and induction of Nrf2-target genes such as HO-1. Additionally, analysis of inflammatory signaling pathways showed suppressed activation of NF-κB and marginally reduced activation of JNK in acrolein-exposed lungs, associated with increased carbonylation of RelA and JNK.

Conclusion

Acrolein inhalation suppresses Th2-driven allergic inflammation in sensitized animals, due to direct protein alkylation resulting in activation of Nrf2 and anti-inflammatory gene expression, and inhibition of NF-κB or JNK signaling. Our findings help explain the paradoxical anti-inflammatory effects of cigarette smoke exposure in allergic airways disease.
Whole genome methylation array analysis reveals new aspects in Balkan endemic nephropathy etiology
Authors: Staneva Rada , Rukova Blaga , Hadjidekova Savina , Nesheva Desislava , Antonova Olga , Dimitrov Plamen , Simeonov Valeri , Stamenov Georgi , Cukuranovic Rade , Cukuranovic Jovana , Stefanovic Vladislav , Polenakovic Momir , Dimova Ivanka , Hlushchuk Ruslan , Djonov Valentin , Galabov Angel , Toncheva Draga
Published: October 2013

Background

Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) represents a chronic progressive interstitial nephritis in striking correlation with uroepithelial tumours of the upper urinary tract. The disease has endemic distribution in the Danube river regions in several Balkan countries.

DNA methylation is a primary epigenetic modification that is involved in major processes such as cancer, genomic imprinting, gene silencing, etc. The significance of CpG island methylation status in normal development, cell differentiation and gene expression is widely recognized, although still stays poorly understood.

Methods

We performed whole genome DNA methylation array analysis on DNA pool samples from peripheral blood from 159 affected individuals and 170 healthy individuals. This technique allowed us to determine the methylation status of 27 627 CpG islands throughout the whole genome in healthy controls and BEN patients. Thus we obtained the methylation profile of BEN patients from Bulgarian and Serbian endemic regions.

Results

Using specifically developed software we compared the methylation profiles of BEN patients and corresponding controls and revealed the differently methylated regions. We then compared the DMRs between all patient-control pairs to determine common changes in the epigenetic profiles.

SEC61G, IL17RA, HDAC11 proved to be differently methylated throughout all patient-control pairs. The CpG islands of all 3 genes were hypomethylated compared to controls. This suggests that dysregulation of these genes involved in immunological response could be a common mechanism in BEN pathogenesis in both endemic regions and in both genders.

Conclusion

Our data propose a new hypothesis that immunologic dysregulation has a place in BEN etiopathogenesis.
In vitro anti-Herpes simplex virus activity of crude extract of the roots of Nauclea latifolia Smith (Rubiaceae)
Authors: Donalisio Manuela , Nana Huguette Magnifouet , Ngono Ngane Rosalie Annie , Gatsing Donatien , Tiabou Tchinda Alembert , Rovito Roberta , Cagno Valeria , Cagliero Cecilia , Boyom Fabrice Fekam , Rubiolo Patrizia , Bicchi Carlo , Lembo David
Published: October 2013

Background

Nauclea latifolia Smith, a shrub belonging to the family Rubiaceae is a very popular medicinal plant in Cameroon and neighboring countries where it is used to treat jaundice, yellow fever, rheumatism, abdominal pains, hepatitis, diarrhea, dysentery, hypertension, as well as diabetes. The ethno-medicinal use against yellow fever, jaundice and diarrhea prompted us to investigate on the antiviral activity of the root bark of N. latifolia. In this study, HSV-2 was chosen as a viral model because of its strong impact on HIV transmission and acquisition.

Methods

The crude extract under study was prepared by maceration of air-dried and powdered roots barks of N. latifolia in CH2Cl2/MeOH (50:50) mixture for 48 hours, then it was subjected to filtration and evaporation under vacuum. A phytochemical analysis of the crude extract was performed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with a photodiode array and mass spectrometry (HPLC-PDA-ESI-qMS). The anti-HSV-2 activity was assayed in vitro by plaque reduction and virus yield assays and the major mechanism of action was investigated by virucidal and time of addition assays. Data values were compared using the Extra sum of squares F test of program GraphPad PRISM 4.

Results

The main components detected in the extract belong to the class of indole alkaloids characteristic of Nauclea genus. Strictosamide, vincosamide and pumiloside were tentatively identified together with quinovic acid glycoside. N. latifolia crude extract inhibited both acyclovir sensitive and acyclovir resistant HSV-2 strains, with IC50 values of 5.38 μg/ml for the former and 7.17 μg/ml for the latter. The extract was found to be most active when added post-infection, with IC50 of 3.63 μg/ml.

Conclusion

The results of this work partly justify the empirical use of N. latifolia in traditional medicine for the treatment of viral diseases. This extract could be a promising rough material for the development of a new and more effective modern anti-HSV-2 medication also active against acyclovir-resistant HSV-2 strains.
Current drivers and geographic patterns of HIV in Lesotho: implications for treatment and prevention in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Coburn Brian J , Okano Justin T , Blower Sally
Published: October 2013

Background

The most severe HIV epidemics worldwide occur in Lesotho, Botswana and Swaziland. Here we focus on the Lesotho epidemic, which has received little attention. We determined the within-country heterogeneity in the severity of the epidemic, and identified the risk factors for HIV infection. We also determined whether circumcised men in Lesotho have had a decreased risk of HIV infection in comparison with uncircumcised men. We discuss the implications of our results for expanding treatment (current coverage is only 60%) and reducing transmission.

Methods

We used data from the 2009 Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey, a nationally representative survey of 3,849 women and 3,075 men in 9,391 households. We performed multivariate analysis to identify factors associated with HIV infection in the sexually active population and calculated age-adjusted odds ratios (aORs). We constructed cartographic country-level prevalence maps using geo-referenced data.

Results

HIV is hyperendemic in the general population. The average prevalence is 27% in women and 18% in men, but shows substantial geographic variation. Throughout the country prevalence is higher in urban centers (31% in women; 21% in men) than in rural areas (25% in women; 17% in men), but the vast majority of HIV-infected individuals live in rural areas. Notably, prevalence is extremely high in women (18%) and men (12%) with only one lifetime sex partner. Women with more partners have a greater risk of infection: aOR 2.3 (2 to 4 partners), aOR 4.4 (≥5 partners). A less substantial effect was found for men: aOR 1.4 (3 to 6 partners), aOR 1.8 (≥7 partner). Medical circumcision protected against infection (aOR 0.5), traditional circumcision did not (aOR 0.9). Less than 5% of men in Lesotho have been medically circumcised; approximately 50% have been circumcised using traditional methods.

Conclusions

There is a substantial need for treatment throughout Lesotho, particularly in rural areas where there is the greatest burden of disease. Interventions aimed at reducing the number of sex partners may only have a limited effect on reducing transmission. Substantially increasing levels of medical circumcision could be very effective in reducing transmission, but will be very difficult to achieve given the current high prevalence of traditional circumcision.
Initiation and continuation of randomized trials after the publication of a trial stopped early for benefit asking the same study question: STOPIT-3 study design
Authors: Prutsky Gabriela J , Domecq Juan Pablo , Erwin Patricia J , Briel Matthias , Montori Victor M , Akl Elie A , Meerpohl Joerg J , Bassler Dirk , Schandelmaier Stefan , Walter Stephen D , Zhou Qi , Coello Pablo Alonso , Moja Lorenzo , Walter Martin , Thorlund Kristian , Glasziou Paul , Kunz Regina , Ferreira-Gonzalez Ignacio , Busse Jason , Sun Xin , Kristiansen Annette , Kasenda Benjamin , Qasim-Agha Osama , Pagano Gennaro , Pardo-Hernandez Hector , Urrutia Gerard , Murad Mohammad Hassan , Guyatt Gordon
Published: October 2013

Background

Randomized control trials (RCTs) stopped early for benefit (truncated RCTs) are increasingly common and, on average, overestimate the relative magnitude of benefit by approximately 30%. Investigators stop trials early when they consider it is no longer ethical to enroll patients in a control group. The goal of this systematic review is to determine how investigators of ongoing or planned RCTs respond to the publication of a truncated RCT addressing a similar question.

Methods/design

We will conduct systematic reviews to update the searches of 210 truncated RCTs to identify similar trials ongoing at the time of publication, or started subsequently, to the truncated trials ('subsequent RCTs’). Reviewers will determine in duplicate the similarity between the truncated and subsequent trials. We will analyze the epidemiology, distribution, and predictors of subsequent RCTs. We will also contact authors of subsequent trials to determine reasons for beginning, continuing, or prematurely discontinuing their own trials, and the extent to which they rely on the estimates from truncated trials.

Discussion

To the extent that investigators begin or continue subsequent trials they implicitly disagree with the decision to stop the truncated RCT because of an ethical mandate to administer the experimental treatment. The results of this study will help guide future decisions about when to stop RCTs early for benefit.