bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resistance exercise training influences skeletal muscle immune activation: a microarray analysis
Authors: Gordon Paul M. , Liu Dongmei , Sartor Maureen A. , IglayReger Heidi B. , Pistilli Emidio E. , Gutmann Laurie , Nader Gustavo A. , Hoffman Eric P.
Published: November 2011

The primary aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of training on the immune activation in skeletal muscle in response to an acute bout of resistance exercise (RE). Seven young healthy men and women underwent a 12-wk supervised progressive unilateral arm RE training program. One week after the last training session, subjects performed an acute bout of bilateral RE in which the trained and the untrained arm exercised at the same relative intensity. Muscle biopsies were obtained 4 h postexercise from the biceps brachii of both arms and assessed for global transcriptom using Affymetrix U133 plus 2.0 microarrays. Significantly regulated biological processes and gene groups were analyzed using a logistic regression-based method following differential (trained vs. untrained) gene expression testing via an intensity-based Bayesian moderated t-test. The results from the present study suggest that training blunts the transcriptional upregulation of immune activation by minimizing expression of genes involved in monocyte recruitment and enhancing gene expression involved in macrophage anti-inflammatory polarization. Additionally, our data suggest that training blunts the transcriptional upregulation of the stress response and the downregulation of glucose metabolism, mitochondrial structure, and oxidative phosphorylation, and it enhances the transcriptional upregulation of the extracellular matrix and cytoskeleton development and organization and the downregulation of gene transcription and muscle contraction. This study provides novel insight into the molecular processes involved in the adaptive response of skeletal muscle following RE training and the cellular and molecular events implicating the protective role of training on muscle stress and damage inflicted by acute mechanical loading.
Inflammation in utero exacerbates ventilation-induced brain injury in preterm lambs
Authors: Polglase Graeme R. , Nitsos Ilias , Baburamani Ana A. , Crossley Kelly J. , Slater Melanie K. , Gill Andrew W. , Allison Beth J. , Moss Timothy J. M. , Pillow J. Jane , Hooper Stuart B. , Kluckow Martin
Published: November 2011

Cerebral blood flow disturbance is a major contributor to brain injury in the preterm infant. The initiation of ventilation may be a critical time for cerebral hemodynamic disturbance leading to brain injury in preterm infants, particularly if they are exposed to inflammation in utero. We aimed to determine whether exposure to inflammation in utero alters cardiopulmonary hemodynamics, resulting in cerebral hemodynamic disturbance and related brain injury during the initiation of ventilation. Furthermore, we aimed to determine whether inflammation in utero alters the cerebral hemodynamic response to challenge induced by high mean airway pressures. Pregnant ewes received intra-amniotic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or saline either 2 or 4-days before preterm delivery (at 128 ± 1 days of gestation). Lambs were surgically instrumented for assessment of pulmonary and cerebral hemodynamics before delivery and positive pressure ventilation. After 30 min, lambs were challenged hemodynamically by incrementing and decrementing positive end-expiratory pressure. Blood gases, arterial pressures, and blood flows were recorded. The brain was collected for biochemical and histological assessment of inflammation, brain damage, vascular extravasation, hemorrhage, and oxidative injury. Carotid arterial pressure was higher and carotid blood flow was more variable in 2-day LPS lambs than in controls during the initial 15 min of ventilation. All lambs responded similarly to the hemodynamic challenge. Both 2- and 4-day LPS lambs had increased brain interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 mRNA expression; increased number of inflammatory cells in the white matter; increased incidence and severity of brain damage; and vascular extravasation relative to controls. Microvascular hemorrhage was increased in 2-day LPS lambs compared with controls. Cerebral oxidative injury was not different between groups. Antenatal inflammation causes adverse cerebral hemodynamics and increases the incidence and severity of brain injury in ventilated preterm lambs.
CXCR4 Activation Defines a New Subgroup of Sonic Hedgehog–Driven Medulloblastoma
Authors: Sengupta Rajarshi , Dubuc Adrian , Ward Stacey , Yang Lihua , Northcott Paul , Woerner B. Mark , Kroll Kirsten , Luo Jingqin , Taylor Michael D. , Wechsler-Reya Robert J. , Rubin Joshua B.
Published: November 2011

Medulloblastoma prognosis tends to be poor, despite aggressive therapy, but defining molecular subgroups may identify patients who could benefit from targeted therapies. This study used human gene array and associated clinical data to identify a new molecular subgroup of medulloblastoma characterized by coactivation of the Sonic hedgehog (SHH) and CXCR4 pathways. SHH–CXCR4 tumors were more common in the youngest patients where they were associated with desmoplastic histology. In contrast to tumors activating SHH but not CXCR4, coactivated tumors exhibited greater expression of Math1 and cyclin D1. Treatment with the CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 inhibited cyclin D1 expression and maximal tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistic investigations revealed that SHH activation stimulated CXCR4 cell surface localization and effector signaling activity, whereas SHH absence caused CXCR4 to assume an intracellular localization. Taken together, our findings define a new medulloblastoma subgroup characterized by a functional interaction between the SHH and CXCR4 pathways, and they provide a rationale to clinically evaluate combined inhibition of SHH and CXCR4 for medulloblastoma treatment. Cancer Res; 72(1); 122–32. ©2011 AACR.
5-Hydroxymethylcytosine Is Strongly Depleted in Human Cancers but Its Levels Do Not Correlate with IDH1 Mutations
Authors: Jin Seung-Gi , Jiang Yong , Qiu Runxiang , Rauch Tibor A. , Wang Yinsheng , Schackert Gabriele , Krex Dietmar , Lu Qiang , Pfeifer Gerd P.
Published: November 2011

The base 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) was recently identified as an oxidation product of 5-methylcytosine in mammalian DNA. Here, using sensitive and quantitative methods to assess levels of 5-hydroxymethyl-2′-deoxycytidine (5hmdC) and 5-methyl-2′-deoxycytidine (5mdC) in genomic DNA, we investigated whether levels of 5hmC can distinguish normal tissue from tumor tissue. In squamous cell lung cancers, levels of 5hmdC were depleted substantially with up to 5-fold reduction compared with normal lung tissue. In brain tumors, 5hmdC showed an even more drastic reduction with levels up to more than 30-fold lower than in normal brain, but 5hmdC levels were independent of mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase-1. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis indicated that 5hmC is remarkably depleted in many types of human cancer. Importantly, an inverse relationship between 5hmC levels and cell proliferation was observed with lack of 5hmC in proliferating cells. The data therefore suggest that 5hmdC is strongly depleted in human malignant tumors, a finding that adds another layer of complexity to the aberrant epigenome found in cancer tissue. In addition, a lack of 5hmC may become a useful biomarker for cancer diagnosis. Cancer Res; 71(24); 7360–5. ©2011 AACR.
Sorcin Induces a Drug-Resistant Phenotype in Human Colorectal Cancer by Modulating Ca2+ Homeostasis
Authors: Maddalena Francesca , Laudiero Gabriella , Piscazzi Annamaria , Secondo Agnese , Scorziello Antonella , Lombardi Valentina , Matassa Danilo Swann , Fersini Alberto , Neri Vincenzo , Esposito Franca , Landriscina Matteo
Published: November 2011

The Ca2+-binding protein sorcin regulates intracellular calcium homeostasis and plays a role in the induction of drug resistance in human cancers. Recently, an 18 kDa mitochondrial isoform of sorcin was reported to participate in antiapoptosis in human colorectal cancer (CRC), but information remains lacking about the functional role of the more abundant 22 kDa isoform of sorcin expressed in CRC. We found the 22 kDa isoform to be widely expressed in human CRC cells, whether or not they were drug resistant. Its upregulation in drug-sensitive cells induced resistance to 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan, whereas its downregulation sensitized CRC cells to these chemotherapeutic agents. Sorcin enhances the accumulation of Ca2+ in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), preventing ER stress, and, in support of this function, we found that the 22 kDa isoform of sorcin was upregulated under conditions of ER stress. In contrast, RNAi-mediated silencing of sorcin activated caspase-3, caspase-12, and GRP78/BiP, triggering apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway. Our findings establish that CRC cells overexpress sorcin as an adaptive mechanism to prevent ER stress and escape apoptosis triggered by chemotherapeutic agents, prompting its further investigation as a novel molecular target to overcome MDR. Cancer Res; 71(24); 7659–69. ©2011 AACR.
Iron Deprivation Suppresses Hepatocellular Carcinoma Growth in Experimental Studies
Authors: Ba Qian , Hao Miao , Huang He , Hou Junmei , Ge Shichao , Zhang Zhuzhen , Yin Jun , Chu Ruiai , Jiang Hualiang , Wang Fudi , Chen Kaixian , Liu Hong , Wang Hui
Published: November 2011

Purpose: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related death, and iron overload is a significant risk factor in the development of HCC. In this study, we investigated the potential application of depriving iron by a novel iron chelator, thiosemicarbazone-24 (TSC24), in HCC treatment.

Experimental Design: Two HCC cell lines and HFE knockout (HFE−/−) mice were used to determine iron chelation efficiency of TSC24. The anticancer effects of TSC24 on HCC were analyzed in vitro and in athymic xenograft mouse models.

Results: Treatment with TSC24 significantly decreased the cellular iron concentration in hepatoma cells and the serum iron concentration in HFE−/− mice by blocking iron uptake and interfering with normal regulation of iron levels. Moreover, the viability of HCC cell lines was reduced by TSC24. Confirming the mechanism of the agent, this decrease in viability could be partially rescued by addition of exogenous iron. TSC24 also suppressed tumor growth in athymic mice bearing human HCC xenografts in a concentration-dependent manner, without apparent toxicity in parallel with a decrease in the serum iron level. Further studies revealed that TSC24 efficiently triggered cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in Hep3B and HepG2 cell lines.

Conclusions: TSC24 is a potent iron chelator that suppresses human HCC tumor growth by disrupting iron homeostasis, reducing available iron, and triggering cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis, without apparent host toxicity at effective doses. Thus, TSC24 shows great potential for the treatment of HCC. Clin Cancer Res; 17(24); 7625–33. ©2011 AACR.
Antiviral Resistance Mutations and Genotype-Associated Amino Acid Substitutions in Treatment-Naïve Hepatitis B Virus-Infected Individuals from the Indian Subcontinent
Authors: Ismail A.M. , Samuel P. , Eapen C.E. , Kannangai R. , Abraham P.
Published: November 2011

Background/Aims: Antiviral resistance is a major challenge to the treatment currently available for hepatitis B virus (HBV). In this study, mutations that may affect the antiviral efficacy in treatment-naïve HBV-infected individuals were analyzed. Methods: Ninety-seven treatment-naïve HBV-infected individuals were included in this study. HBV reverse transcriptase (rt) domains were sequenced and nucleotide differences were compared to GenBank wild-type sequences. Furthermore, HBV genotypes, subgenotypes and subtypes were determined by analyzing surface gene sequences. Results: An adefovir-related rtI233V mutation was identified in 4 subjects. The rtS213T lamivudine and entecavir refractory mutant was presented in 3 individuals. Altogether, drug-related, atypical and novel HBVrt amino acid substitutions were seen in 73 positions. The HBV genotypes A, C, D and G were depicted in 15, 21, 60 and 1 individuals, respectively. There were 17 HBVrt amino acid substitutions that are associated with certain genotypes of HBV. Mutations in HBVrt corresponded to established surface gene mutations in 9 patients. Conclusion: This data shows that antiviral-resistant HBV strains do exist in treatment-naïve individuals in this region. Further studies are essential to characterize the role of HBVrt amino acid substitutions in response to anti-HBV therapy.
In vitro Inhibition of Porcine Hemagglutinating Encephalomyelitis Virus Replication with siRNAs Targeting the Spike Glycoprotein and Replicase Polyprotein Genes
Authors: Lan Yungang , Lu Huijun , Zhao Kui , He Wenqi , Chen Keyan , Wang GaiLi , Song Deguang , Gao Feng
Published: November 2011

Objective: The specific effect of RNA interference on the replication of porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus (PHE-CoV) was explored. Methods: Four species of small interfering RNA (siRNA), targeting different regions of the PHE-CoV spike glycoprotein and replicase polyprotein genes, were prepared by in vitro transcription. After transfection of PK-15 cells with each of the siRNAs followed by infection with PHE-CoV, the cytopathic effect (CPE) was examined by phase-contrast microscope, and viral proliferation within cells was examined by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy, hemagglutination (HA) test, TCID50 assay and real-time RT-PCR. Results: Examination of CPE demonstrated that the four siRNAs were capable of protecting cells against PHE-CoV invasion with very high specificity and efficiency. At 48 h post-infection, only a few siRNA-treated cells were positive for viral antigen staining, whereas most untreated virus-infected cells were positive. Transfection with siRNAs also suppressed the production of infectious virus by up to 18- to 32-fold as assessed by a HA test and 93- to 494-fold as assessed by TCID50 assay. Furthermore, treatment with siRNAs caused a 53–91% reduction in the viral genome copy number as assessed by real-time RT-PCR. Conclusion: These results suggested that the four species of siRNAs can efficiently inhibit PHE-CoV genome replication and infectious virus production.
Antioxidant Status of Bilirubin and Uric Acid in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Fuhua Peng , Xuhui Deng , Zhiyang Zhou , Ying Jiang , Yu Yang , Feng Tan , Jia Liu , Lijia Gu , Xueqiang Hu
Published: November 2011

Oxidative stress and changes in antioxidant status have been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and free radicals can cause considerable damage to the acetylcholine receptors. 388 individuals, including 97 patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), 135 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and 156 healthy controls, were assessed for serum levels of bilirubin and uric acid (UA), in order to determine the levels of these natural antioxidants in the serum. We found that serum UA levels in patients with MG were significantly lower (266.03 ± 93.09 µmol/l) compared with those of the healthy control group (338.87 ± 107.10 µmol/l, p = 0.001). However, there was no significant difference of serum UA levels between patients with MG and those with MS (p = 0.071). We also found that serum levels of total, direct and indirect bilirubin in patients with MG were significantly lower, compared with those in the healthy control group, whether male or female. From this study, we conclude that serum levels of bilirubin and UA are lower in MG patients.
Effect of Gender and Menstrual Cycle on Immune System Response to Acute Mental Stress: Apoptosis as a Mediator
Authors: Pehlivanoglu Bilge , Bayrak Sibel , Gurel Esin Ileri , Balkanci Zeynep Dicle
Published: November 2011

Background/Aims: We aimed to explore the immunological outcomes of short-term mental stress in apoptosis in peripheral lymphocytes and variations by gender and hormonal status of the individuals together with possible mediators of this interaction. Methods: Acute mental stress (computerized Stroop color-word interference and cold pressor tests) was applied to men (n = 17) and women (n = 16, in both follicular and luteal phases). Heart rate and blood pressure were monitored throughout the test and after the test until baseline values were recorded. Blood samples were drawn for measuring cortisol and nitric oxide (NO) levels and flow-cytometric cell counting before and after the test. Results: Activation of the stress system was ascertained by increased heart rate, blood pressure and serum cortisol levels after the test. Relative to baseline values, acute mental stress altered the distribution of T and natural killer cells. There was a significant decrease in T helper/T cytotoxic-suppressor cell ratio and an increase in apoptotic T helper cell percentage irrespective of gender or menstrual cycle phase. An increased number of natural killer cells was detected in women, whereas it was decreased in men. After stress induction, serum NO levels remained the same in women and increased in men. Although a correlation was not found between immune system changes and NO levels, glucocorticoids seem to have a role in the observed differences. Conclusion: Acute mental stress triggers apoptotic T helper cell loss which was associated with stress system activation, and sex steroids affect the pattern of stress-related immune cell distribution.
Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia: A Longitudinal Study (DEMPARK)
Authors: Balzer-Geldsetzer Monika , Braga da Costa Ana Sofia Ferreira , Kronenbürger Martin , Schulz Jörg B. , Röske Sandra , Spottke Annika , Wüllner Ullrich , Klockgether Thomas , Storch Alexander , Schneider Christine , Riedel Oliver , Wittchen Hans-Ulrich , Seifried Carola , Hilker Rüdiger , Schmidt Nele , Witt Karsten , Deuschl Günther , Mollenhauer Brit , Trenkwalder Claudia , Liepelt-Scarfone Inga , Gräber-Sultan Susanne , Berg Daniela , Gasser Thomas , Kalbe Elke , Bodden Maren , Oertel Wolfgang H. , Dodel Richard
Published: November 2011

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative motor disorder. However, non-motor complications frequently alter the course of the disease. A particularly disabling non-motor symptom is dementia. Methods/Design: The study is designed as a multicentre prospective, observational cohort study of about 700 PD patients aged 45–80 years with or without dementia and PD-mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The patients will be recruited in eight specialized movement disorder clinics and will be followed for 36 months. Information about the patients’ functional status will be assessed at baseline and 6-/12- month intervals. In addition, 120 patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) will be included. Well-established standardized questionnaires/tests will be applied for detailed neuropsychological assessment. In addition, patients will be asked to participate in modules including volumetric MRI, genetic parameters, and neuropsychology to detect risk factors, early diagnostic biomarkers and predictors for dementia in PD. Results: The study included 604 PD patients by March 2011; 56.3% were classified as having PD alone, with 30.6% of patients suffering from PD-MCI and 13.1% from PD with dementia. The mean age of the cohort was 68.6 ± 7.9 years, with a mean disease duration of 6.8 ± 5.4 years. There was a preponderance of patients in the earlier Hoehn and Yahr stages. Conclusion: The main aim of the study is to characterize the natural progression of cognitive impairment in PD and to identify factors which contribute to the evolution and/or progression of the cognitive impairment. To accomplish this aim we established a large cohort of PD patients without cognitive dysfunction, PD patients with MCI, and PD patients with dementia, to characterize these patients in a standardized manner, using imaging (serial structural MRI), genetic and proteomic methods in order to improve our understanding of the course of the PD process and the development of cognitive dysfunction and dementia in this disease. The inclusion of the DLB patients will start in the second quarter of 2011 in the BMBF-funded follow-up project LANDSCAPE.
Management of Patients with Transient Ischemic Attack Is Safe in an Outpatient Clinic Based on Rapid Diagnosis and Risk Stratification
Authors: Hörer Sabine , Schulte-Altedorneburg Gernot , Haberl Roman L.
Published: November 2011

Background: Transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients are at high risk of short-term stroke, myocardial infarction and vascular death. Stroke risk is reduced by immediate treatment initialization. Stroke unit treatment is recommended for TIA patients. We established an outpatient TIA clinic to address the question whether outpatient evaluation of suspected TIA is safe. Methods: TIA workup included cerebral imaging, duplex sonography, transcranial Doppler screening for patent foramen ovale, electrocardiography, blood tests, ABCD2 score and ankle-brachial index within one day. TIA patients received secondary prophylaxis immediately. TIA patients fulfilling predefined criteria for high early stroke risk (ABCD2 score ≧4 points and TIA within 72 h, symptomatic stenosis, newly detected atrial fibrillation, recurrent TIA) were referred to the stroke unit. The remaining patients were discharged home. 90-day telephone follow-up was obtained. Results: 123 consecutive patients with suspected TIA (53 male, age 59 ± 17.2 years) were prospectively evaluated. TIA or minor stroke was diagnosed in 69 (56%), and TIA mimics in 54 (44%) patients. Median time from symptom onset to presentation was 48 h (1 h to 3 months). Patients with TIA/minor stroke presented significantly more frequently with ABCD2 score ≧4 points (p = 0.021). Twelve patients (9.8%) were admitted to the stroke unit. There were 2 strokes during follow-up. The stroke rate was 1.6% within all patients, and 2.9% within the subgroup of patients with TIA/minor stroke, compared to 5.7% predicted by the ABCD2 score. Other vascular end points were not found. Conclusion: Based on risk stratification, outpatient evaluation of TIA is safe. TIA mimics are frequent.
Development of a Novel, Nearly Insoluble Antiadhesive Membrane
Authors: Mukai T. , Kamitani S. , Shimizu T. , Fujino M. , Tsutamoto Y. , Endo Y. , Hanasawa K. , Tani T.
Published: November 2011

Background: Sodium hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose (HA/CMC) is difficult to use in a moist environment because of its susceptibility to moisture. Methods: We developed the three-layered nDM-14R membrane. The surface layers are composed of 1-lactide, glycolide and e-caprolactone copolymers. HA/CMC and nDM-14R were used in all these studies. (1) The central region of 1 × 10 cm specimens (n = 5) was moistened for 0, 5, 10, 20, 30 or 60 s, after which the tensile strength was determined; (2) one side of specimens of 1 × 10 cm (n = 5) was moistened with agar gel for 5, 10, 15 or 30 s, after which the adhesion strength was determined, and (3) Rat cecum (n = 10) was scratched, 3 × 3 cm specimens were placed on the scratched area, and adhesions were evaluated on postoperative day 14. Results and Conclusion: (1) The tensile strength of nDM-14R after contact for 10–30 s was greater than that of HA/CMC. (2) The adhesive strength of HA/CMC after contact for 5–10 s was greater than that of nDM-14R. (3) Adhesion scores in treatment groups were significantly lower than in the control group. The results suggest that nDM-14R has the same antiadhesive effect and allows easier placement under moist conditions than HA/CMC.
Adventitial Delivery of an Allogeneic Bone Marrow–Derived Adherent Stem Cell in Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Penn Marc S. , Ellis Stephen , Gandhi Sanjay , Greenbaum Adam , Hodes Zachary , Mendelsohn Farrell O. , Strasser David , Ting Anthony E. , Sherman Warren
Published: November 2011

Rationale:

MultiStem is an allogeneic bone marrow–derived adherent adult stem cell product that has shown efficacy in preclinical models of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In this phase I clinical trial in patients with first ST-elevation–myocardial infarction (STEMI), we combine first-in-man delivery of MultiStem with a first-in-coronary adventitial delivery system to determine the effects of this system on left ventricular function at 4 months after AMI.

Objective:

Test the effects of adventitial delivery of Multistem in the peri-infarct period in patients with first STEMI.

Methods and Results:

This study was a phase I, open-label, dose-escalating registry control group study. Nineteen patients received MultiStem (20 million, n=6; 50 million, n=7; or 100 million, n=6) and 6 subjects were assigned to the registry control group. Two to 5 days after AMI, we delivered MultiStem to the adventitia of the infarct-related vessel in patients with first-time STEMI. All patients underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention with resulting Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction grade 3 flow and with ejection fraction (EF) ≤45% as determined by echocardiogram or left ventriculogram within 12 hours of primary percutaneous coronary intervention. The cell product (20 million, 50 million, or 100 million) was well tolerated, and no serious adverse events were deemed related to MultiStem. There was no increase in creatine kinase-MB or troponin associated with the adventitial delivery of MultiStem. In patients with EF determined to be ≤45% by a core laboratory within 24 hours before the MultiStem injection, we observed a 0.9 (n=4), 3.9 (n=4), 13.5 (n=5), and 10.9 (n=2) percent absolute increases in EF in the registry, 20 million, 50 million, and 100 million dose groups, respectively. The increases in EF in the 50 million and 100 million groups were accompanied by 25.4 and 8.4 mL increases in left ventricular stroke volume.

Conclusions:

In this study, the delivery of MultiStem to the myocardium in patients with recent STEMI was well tolerated and safe. In patients who exhibited significant myocardial damage, the delivery of ≥50 million MultiStem resulted in improved EF and stroke volume 4 months later. These findings support further development of MultiStem in patients with AMI and they validate the potential of a system for delivery of adult stem cells at any time after primary percutaneous coronary intervention.
Smoking Cessation 1 Year Poststroke and Damage to the Insular Cortex
Authors: Suñer-Soler Rosa , Grau Armando , Gras Maria Eugenia , Font-Mayolas Sílvia , Silva Yolanda , Dávalos Antonio , Cruz Verónica , Rodrigo Joana , Serena Joaquín
Published: November 2011

Background and Purpose—

Hospitalization as a result of stroke provides an opportunity to stop smoking that is often not taken up. The present study analyzes sociodemographic, psychological, and lesion-related variables to identify associated factors for smoking cessation during the first year after stroke.

Methods—

We conducted a prospective longitudinal study with a 1-year follow-up of a cohort of 110 patients with acute stroke who were smokers at the time of diagnosis and were admitted consecutively between January 2005 and July 2007.

Results—

On hospital release, 69.1% had given up smoking but at 1 year, only 40% had stopped smoking. Of the 110 patients, 27 (24.5%) had an acute stroke lesion in the insular cortex, of which 19 (70.3%) were nonsmokers at 1 year. Strongly associated factors in giving up smoking were the location of the lesion in the insular cortex (OR, 5.42; 95% CI, 1.95–15.01;
P
=0.001) and having the intention of giving up before the stroke, comparing precontemplating patients (without intention of giving up in the near future) with contemplating and prepared patients (intention of stopping in the near future; OR, 7.29; 95% CI, 1.89–28.07;
P
=0.004).

Conclusions—

Of patients with stroke who were smokers, only 4 of 10 patients had stopped smoking 1 year after admission. Our results show that the variables best predicting smoking cessation in patients with a stroke diagnosis 1 year after hospital discharge are insular damage and the prestroke intention to stop.
National Mosaic and Multi-Sensor QPE (NMQ) System: Description, Results, and Future Plans
Authors: Zhang Jian , Howard Kenneth , Langston Carrie , Vasiloff Steve , Kaney Brian , Arthur Ami , Van Cooten Suzanne , Kelleher Kevin , Kitzmiller David , Ding Feng , Seo Dong-Jun , Wells Ernie , Dempsey Chuck
Published: November 2011

The National Mosaic and Multi-sensor QPE (Quantitative Precipitation Estimation), or “NMQ”, system was initially developed from a joint initiative between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Severe Storms Laboratory, the Federal Aviation Administration's Aviation Weather Research Program, and the Salt River Project. Further development has continued with additional support from the National Weather Service (NWS) Office of Hydrologic Development, the NWS Office of Climate, Water, and Weather Services, and the Central Weather Bureau of Taiwan. The objectives of NMQ research and development (R&D) are 1) to develop a hydrometeorological platform for assimilating different observational networks toward creating high spatial and temporal resolution multisensor QPEs for f lood warnings and water resource management and 2) to develop a seamless high-resolution national 3D grid of radar reflectivity for severe weather detection, data assimilation, numerical weather prediction model verification, and aviation product development.

Through about ten years of R&D, a real-time NMQ system has been implemented (http://nmq.ou.edu). Since June 2006, the system has been generating high-resolution 3D reflectivity mosaic grids (31 vertical levels) and a suite of severe weather and QPE products in real-time for the conterminous United States at a 1-km horizontal resolution and 2.5 minute update cycle. The experimental products are provided in real-time to end users ranging from government agencies, universities, research institutes, and the private sector and have been utilized in various meteorological, aviation, and hydrological applications. Further, a number of operational QPE products generated from different sensors (radar, gauge, satellite) and by human experts are ingested in the NMQ system and the experimental products are evaluated against the operational products as well as independent gauge observations in real time.

The NMQ is a fully automated system. It facilitates systematic evaluations and advances of hydrometeorological sciences and technologies in a real-time environment and serves as a test bed for rapid science-to-operation infusions. This paper describes scientific components of the NMQ system and presents initial evaluation results and future development plans of the system.
On Safari in Policy-Land
Authors: Kiparsky Michael
Published: November 2011

No abstract available.
(Re) Considering Cattle Farming in Southern Africa under a Changing Climate
Authors: Archer van Garderen E. R. M.
Published: November 2011

Scientists in southern Africa and elsewhere focusing on climate change and agriculture are increasingly demonstrating how livestock, as a highly climate sensitive sector, may be affected by climate change. The Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) observes, for example, that “Projected increased temperature, combined with reduced precipitation in some regions (e.g., Southern Africa) would lead to increased loss of domestic herbivores during extreme events in drought-prone areas” (Easterling et al.). Response and policy discussions around climate change and agriculture in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region have, however, thus far tended to focus far more on staple crops. The latest projected future temperatures for southern Africa show a clear increase across most models. Further, temperatures in exceedance of tested livestock comfort thresholds are indicated for the future, particularly for those months of most concern to cattle farmers. Enabling adaptation in the livestock sector should thus be a significant focus of a country’s response to climate change, particularly in countries where the livestock sector is a critical component of the formal and informal economy. Although innovations are often a primary component of livestock adaptation plans under design, it is now recognized that longstanding approaches to the management of livestock may well have valuable lessons for future adaptation. Such approaches include the reintroduction of genetically diverse and resilient breeds, as well as increased support and incentives for those farmers planning and undertaking such approaches.
Physical Activity in Youth With Well-Controlled Versus Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Guillory Ivan K. , Cullen Karen W. , Thompson Deborah , Watson Kathy B.
Published: November 2011

Purpose. Type 2 diabetes increases risk of chronic disease. The recommendations are for youth to attain at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity (PA). Fewer than 20% achieve this goal. This study examines differences between blood glucose control and PA in youth with type 2 diabetes. Methods. A1c levels and PA were tested in youth 9 to 17 years old with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes during clinic visits. Average daily minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was calculated. Differences in MVPA were investigated. Results. Slightly more than half of youth had well-controlled diabetes. All engaged in less PA than recommended. Youth with well-controlled diabetes engaged in slightly less MVPA than those whose diabetes was not in control. There were no significant differences in minutes of MVPA by gender, race, or diabetes control. Conclusions. It is necessary to identify ways to increase PA among youth with type 2 diabetes.
Gender differences in the psychological impact of tsunami
Authors: Viswanath Biju , Maroky Ami S. , Math Suresh B. , John John P. , Cherian Anish V. , Girimaji Satish C. , Benegal Vivek , Hamza Ameer , Chaturvedi Santosh K.
Published: November 2011

Aim:

The aim of this observational study was to explore gender-related differences in psychiatric morbidity during the initial three months following the December 2004 earthquake and tsunami involving the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India.

Methods:

There were 12,784 survivors sheltered across 74 relief camps with 4,684 displaced survivors in Port Blair and 8,100 non-displaced survivors in Car-Nicobar Island. All persons who accessed mental health assistance within the camps constituted the study sample. Diagnoses were made by qualified psychiatrists using the ICD-10. There were 475 patients: 188 (40%) men and 287 (60%) women.

Results:

There were significant gender differences in terms of displacement. There were significantly higher levels of panic disorder, unspecified anxiety disorder and somatic complaints in the displaced women while the non-displaced population showed more adjustment disorder.

Conclusions:

Displacement was a significant factor in the manifestations of observed pathology. Displaced women had greater psychiatric morbidity. In addition, the fact that adjustment disorder (a self-limiting disorder form of psychopathology) was more prevalent in the non-displaced group may be a reflection of the findings of overall lesser morbidity in non-displaced women. Hence, women may have to be rehabilitated in their own habitats after major disasters.
The Effects of Digital Media on Political Knowledge and Participation in Election Campaigns
Authors: Dimitrova Daniela V. , Shehata Adam , Strömbäck Jesper , Nord Lars W.
Published: November 2011

While the majority of previous research suggests there are positive relationships between digital media use and political participation and knowledge, most studies have relied on cross-sectional surveys and have thus not been able to firmly establish the chain of causality. Also, there is little research investigating use of different forms of digital media and their relative effects on political participation and knowledge. This study examines (a) the effects of digital media use on political participation and knowledge and (b) whether different forms of digital media use affect people differently. Drawing on two representative panel surveys, the study demonstrates that there are only weak effects of digital media use on political learning, but that the use of some digital media forms has appreciable effects on political participation.
Chongqing
Authors: Huang Philip C. C.
Published: November 2011

Chongqing’s experience suggests that while Janos Kornai is surely correct about shortage in a planned economy, he is mistaken that market signals may only be employed under an economic regime of private property. Chongqing has called instead on government-owned firms, and their market earnings and appreciation, to fund social equity programs and infrastructural construction. This “third hand” is different from Adam Smith’s “invisible” first hand, which, on the basis of rational individuals pursuing their own interests, supposedly generates a self-regulating and optimizing market economy; it is also different from the second hand, by which the state engages in a variety of interventions in order to perfect the functioning of such a market economy. Its main actors are state-owned and not privately owned enterprises but, unlike earlier state enterprises, it strives not for the profit of the enterprise but rather for social equity and public benefit. It in fact at once challenges and utilizes the other two hands. Though state-owned, in the context of China’s current political-economic system and the globalized economy, this third hand does not behave like a monopoly; rather, it must compete against the other two hands, and not only against other localities within China but also other nations and economic entities outside China. Only if it succeeds in driving economic development under such competition can it become a “model” with wider application in China as a whole. And only thus can it, in a globalized economy dominated by capitalism, establish equitable development as a realistic alternative. Thanks to the Chongqing “experiment,” the question is no longer just a theoretical or ideological one, but one of observable and evolving realities.
Translating the Theoretical Into Practical
Authors: Weeks Cristal E. , Kanter Jonathan W. , Bonow Jordan T. , Landes Sara J. , Busch Andrew M.
Published: November 2011

Functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP) provides a behavioral analysis of the psychotherapy relationship that directly applies basic research findings to outpatient psychotherapy settings. Specifically, FAP suggests that a therapist’s in vivo (i.e., in-session) contingent responding to targeted client behaviors, particularly positive reinforcement of a client’s effective behavior, should be a powerful mechanism of change. However, much of the previous literature on FAP has been theoretical, broadly defining FAP techniques rather than explicating them with the precision necessary for replication and training. In this article, the authors explicate a logical framework for turn-by-turn interactions between the client and therapist that may guide research, training, and dissemination of FAP. This molecular behavioral description of the events of the proposed logical interaction lends itself to microprocess research methodology, and a discussion of potential hypotheses to explore follows. Prescriptive, direct guidance for the application of FAP for training and dissemination purposes is given.
Reflecting on the Father
Authors: Krampe Edythe M. , Newton Rae R.
Published: November 2011

The researchers examined childhood family structure, age, and race/ethnicity as correlates of paternal relationships using the Father Presence Questionnaire. The sample consisted of 788 adult women aged 18 to 88 years from ethnically diverse backgrounds. The most consistent finding was the effect of family structure on participants’ evaluations of their paternal relationships. Father absence because of divorce or separation produced less favorable evaluations on every scale and within every racial/ethnic category; however, when father’s absence was attributable to death before 18 years, a consistent pattern of extremely positive evaluations resulted. The influence of race/ethnicity on women’s evaluations of paternal relationships interacted with family structure. Among those living with both biological parents, non-Hispanic Whites gave the most positive ratings of their paternal relationships; among those not living with their biological father, African Americans had more favorable ratings than other ethnic categories. Increasing age tended to produce less favorable evaluations of father.
Intrinsic Motivation and Employee Attitudes
Authors: Cho Yoon Jik , Perry James L.
Published: November 2011

Motivation scholars have argued that intrinsic motivation is an important driver of employee attitudes. This research tests the influence of intrinsic motivation on employee attitudes and explores three factors conditioning the effects of intrinsic motivation: managerial trustworthiness, goal directedness, and extrinsic reward expectancy. The analysis demonstrates that intrinsic motivation is substantively associated with both employee satisfaction and turnover intention. It also reveals that the three conditional factors interact with intrinsic motivation. Managerial trustworthiness and goal directedness increase the leverage of intrinsic motivation on employee satisfaction, whereas extrinsic rewards expectancy decreases the leverage. With respect to turnover intention, the factors directly influence it rather than affect it indirectly through intrinsic motivation. The implications of the results for theory and managerial strategies for employee motivation are discussed.
Perceived Fairness of Performance Appraisals in the Federal Government
Authors: Kim Seok Eun , Rubianty Dian
Published: November 2011

Studies suggest that the success of the performance appraisal system may depend on how to manage employees’ perceptions of its fairness, not the system per se. Using the 2005 Merit Principles Survey, this study tests the efficacy of perceived fairness of performance appraisals as a key determinant of intrinsic motivation. The purpose of this article is twofold: (a) to identify factors of perceived fairness of performance appraisal and (b) to assess the differential impact of each factor of perceived fairness of performance appraisal on intrinsic motivation. An exploratory factor analysis generated three separate but interrelated notions of perceived fairness variables: distributive, procedural, and interactional fairness. Using these three perceived fairness variables, a hierarchical regression analysis was performed. The results showed that although all three perceived fairness variables positively associated with intrinsic motivation, they accounted for only 5% of variance in prediction. When control variables were added, only perceived procedural fairness appeared to positively affect intrinsic motivation. The results raise the question of the role of performance appraisals as a motivational tool for performance improvement. Nonetheless, managing perceived procedural fairness may still be a useful lever for enhancing intrinsic motivation.
Perceptions of Justice in Extrinsic Reward Patterns
Authors: Chen Hai Ming , Fu Peng Chuan
Published: November 2011

Effective extrinsic rewards foster a positive culture within organizations. The current study reviewed algorithmic/experiential reward patterns and perceptions of justice in four businesses to gain insight into the perceptions of employees with regard to justice. Results indicate that perceptions of justice vary according to patterns in extrinsic rewards. This study also discovered that employees perceive fairness according to characteristics specific to the organization and industry. Managers must understand how employees perceive justice to determine the most effective means with which to implement extrinsic rewards, according to two distinct patterns. Suggestions for practical implementation and future research are also provided.
The Nature and Determinants of Investments by Institutional Investors in the Indian Stock Market
Authors: Mukherjee Paramita , Roy Malabika
Published: November 2011

In India, the recent unprecedented rise in the capital market index is attributed to institutional investors like foreign institutional investors (FIIs) and domestic mutual funds. The nature of investments by FIIs has been examined in the literature, but that of mutual funds remains unexplored. This article tries to identify the possible determinants of the investment decision of mutual funds and compares the nature and determinants of their investment decisions to that of the FIIs. One of the most interesting findings is that mutual funds influence the decision of FIIs when they invest in equity and FIIs do exactly opposite to what mutual funds do. However, they both track international interest rates. Another remarkable finding suggests that mutual funds are more cautious when they invest in debt compared to equity. They look at so many factors in case of debt investment, but do not even look at the market return when they invest in equity.
Monitoring the Systematic and Unsystematic Risk in Dubai General Index
Authors: Eldomiaty Tarek Ibrahim , Charara Sahar , Mostafa Wael
Published: November 2011

Since stocks’ systematic and unsystematic risks are considered the basic requirements to form an investment risk profile, this article develops a discriminant model to monitor the systematic and unsystematic risk in the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) general index. Three sectors are addressed: banks, insurance firms and non-financial firms. In addition, a discriminant model is developed for the whole index. The results show that (a) the financial factors that affect systematic risk are profitability, liquidity, dividend policy and operating income, (b) the financial factors that affect unsystematic risk are operating income, dividend policy and liabilities. In general, the four discriminant models are characterised by high discriminatory power that ranges between 80 per cent and 90 per cent. This shows that the four discriminant models with their funda-mental financial contents can be fairly used for monitoring systematic and unsystematic risk in the DFM general index. Therefore, the answer is ‘yes’ to the question posed in the title of the article.
Somali Immigrant Women’s Health Care Experiences and Beliefs Regarding Pregnancy and Birth in the United States
Authors: Hill Nancy , Hunt Emmy , Hyrkäs Kristiina
Published: November 2011

Purpose: To describe Somali immigrant women’s health care experiences and beliefs regarding pregnancy and birth. Design: Four focus group interviews were conducted using a convenience sample of Somali women who were pregnant or had recently delivered. Qualitative thematic content analysis was used. Findings: Six major themes emerged: pregnancy as a natural experience for women, value and relevance of prenatal care, lack of control and familiarity with delivery in the United States, balancing the desire to breastfeed with practical concerns and barriers, discomfort with mental health issues, and challenges in the healthcare system. Discussion and Conclusions: Somali immigrant women perceive, interpret, and react to Western health practices from a perspective that includes their cultural, religious, and “scientific” beliefs. Implications for Practice and Research: Implications include cultural competency workshops. Educational materials and prenatal education sessions that support the women’s needs have been developed for this population and should be a focus of future research.