bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of the Clinical Features of ANCA-Positive and ANCA-Negative Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Patients
Authors: Nozu Tomoko , Kondo Mitsuko , Suzuki Kazuo , Tamaoki Jun , Nagai Atsushi
Published: December 2008

Background: The existence of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-positive pulmonary fibrosis (PF) has recently been recognized. Objectives: The aim of this study was to clarify whether there is any difference in the clinical features between ANCA-positive PF and ANCA-negative PF. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out on 53 patients with idiopathic PF whose myeloperoxidase (MPO)- and proteinase 3 (PR3)-ANCA levels were measured. After dividing the patients into ANCA-positive and ANCA-negative PF, we compared their symptoms, pulmonary function tests, chest CT findings, bronchoalveolar lavage findings, the effects of therapy and survival rates. Results: 17 of the 53 patients with idiopathic PF were MPO-ANCA-positive, 2 were PR3-ANCA-positive and 34 were negative for both ANCA types. Lactate dehydrogenase was lower in ANCA-positive PF than in ANCA-negative PF. However, there was no significant difference in the symptoms, lung function tests, CT findings and bronchoalveolar lavage findings. Corticosteroid therapy tended to be more effective in ANCA-positive PF, but the overall survival rate in ANCA-positive PF was not different from that in ANCA-negative PF. However, the low-titer (<50 EU) group showed better survival than the high-titer (≥50 EU) group in ANCA-positive PF. ANCA titers of the patients who developed microscopic polyangiitis were higher than of those who did not develop it in ANCA-positive PF. Conclusions: Our studies showed little difference in the clinical features between ANCA-positive and ANCA-negative PF. However, it may be important to measure ANCA when idiopathic PF is diagnosed, because a high titer of ANCA suggests a poor prognosis and the association with microscopic polyangiitis.
Adenosine A1 and A3 Receptor Agonists Inhibit Nonadrenergic, Noncholinergic Relaxations in the Guinea Pig Isolated Trachea
Authors: Dellabianca Antonio , Faniglione Marisa , De Angelis Stefano , Tonini Stefano , Balestra Barbara , Colucci Mario , Cervio Marila , Clavenzani Paolo , Chiocchetti Roberto , De Giorgio Roberto , Candura Stefano M.
Published: December 2008

Background: Adenosine affects the tone and reactivity of airways by activating specific membrane receptors, named A1, A2a, A2b and A3. It affects cellular activities either directly by regulating membrane ion exchanges and polarization, or indirectly by modifying neurotransmitter release. Objectives: We assessed the effect of A1 and A3 receptor activation on electrically induced nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) relaxations in the guinea pig isolated trachea and the localization of A1 and A3 receptors in tracheal inhibitory neurons. Methods: NANC responses at 3 Hz were evaluat- ed in the presence of 2-chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA), a selective A1 agonist, and 2-chloro-N6-(3-iodobenzyl)-adenosine-5′-N-methyluronamide (Cl-IB-MECA), a selective A3 agonist, before and after the administration of 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX), a selective A1 antagonist, or 9-chloro-2-(2-furanyl)-5-((phenylacetyl)amino[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c])quinazoline (MRS 1220), a selective A3 antagonist, respectively. For immunohistochemistry, tissues were exposed to antibodies to HuC/D, a general neuronal marker, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), and A1 or A3 adenosine receptors and processed by indirect immunofluorescence. Results: CCPA (10 nM–3 μM) inhibited NANC relaxations. DPCPX (10 nM) failed to antagonize the effect of CCPA, but inhibited per se NANC relaxations (range 0.1–100 nM). CCPA (10 nM–10 μM) contracted unstimulated tracheal preparations, an effect antagonized by 10 nM DPCPX, with a pKB value of 8.43. Cl-IB-MECA (10 nM–3 μM) inhibited NANC relaxations through a mechanism antagonized by MRS 1220 (100 nM). A1- and A3-positive neurons containing nNOS were detected in tracheal sections. Conclusions: Enogenous adenosine may induce airway hyperresponsiveness by inhibiting NANC relaxations via A1 and A3 receptors.
The RIFLE Score Increases the Accuracy of Outcome Prediction in Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Undergoing Open Lung Biopsy
Authors: Lin Chan-Yu , Kao Kuo-Chin , Tian Ya-Chung , Jenq Chang-Chyi , Chang Ming-Yang , Chen Yung-Chang , Fang Ji-Tseng , Huang Chung-Chi , Tsai Ying-Huang , Yang Chih-Wei
Published: December 2008

Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common diagnosis in intensive care units (ICUs) and is frequently correlated with acute kidney injury (AKI). Objectives: To investigate the outcomes of critically ill patients with ARDS and to shed light on the association between prognosis and risk of renal failure, injury to kidney, failure of kidney function, loss of kidney function and end-stage renal failure (RIFLE) classification. Methods: This retrospective study investigated the medical records of 60 critically ill patients with ARDS who underwent open lung biopsy (OLB) in 2 medical intensive care units of a tertiary care hospital from December 1999 to May 2005. Results: The overall mortality rate was 55% (33/60). The increase in mortality was progressive and significant (χ2 for trend, p < 0.001) with increasing severity of the RIFLE classification. The Glasgow coma scale, alveolar-arterial O2 tension difference and maximum RIFLE (RIFLEmax) score for days 1 and 3 in the ICU and on the day of OLB were independent predictors of hospital mortality by forward conditional logistic regression. Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test results demonstrate that RIFLEmax has a good fit. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and RIFLEmax score indicate good discriminative power (AUROC 0.750 ± 0.063, p = 0.001). Cumulative survival rates at the 6-month follow-up following hospital discharge differed significantly (p < 0.05) for non-AKI versus RIFLEmax-risk, RIFLEmax-injury and RIFLEmax-failure patients. Conclusion: In patients with ARDS undergoing OLB, the use of the RIFLE score improves prediction of outcome.
National Registries of Systemic Treatment for Psoriasis and the European ‘Psonet’ Initiative
Authors: Lecluse L.L.A. , Naldi L. , Stern R.S. , Spuls P.I.
Published: December 2008

About 11 million people suffer from psoriasis in Europe. This chronic condition may have a dramatic impact on quality of life. About 20% of patients may need systemic treatment to effectively control their disease activity. The introduction of biological agents greatly increased the options of systemic therapies for psoriasis. However, clinical experience with newer systemic therapies is relatively limited, and available data are mostly derived from short-term phase III trials. Except for PUVA and ciclosporin, long-term safety data from formal postmarketing studies are also largely lacking conventional treatment options. Registries provide one mechanism to monitor the long-term safety and effectiveness of treatment in the ‘natural environment’. Several European countries have established registries to collect data on systemic psoriasis treatment. Even though different in some aspects of study design and monitoring, the registries share a number of common features: they include all the biological drugs and sometimes all the licensed systemic agents for psoriasis, and they observe the patients for a defined period of time irrespective of the drug given. Combining the results from these registries would increase their power and impact. We are developing an international collaboration called ‘Psonet’ that will perform a joint analysis of data from 9 individual national psoriasis registries.
Lack of association between aspirin responsiveness and seven candidate gene haplotypes in patients with symptomatic vascular disease
Authors: Williams Shirley , Nugent Diane , Harrison Paul , Segal Helen , Syed Anila , Rothwell Peter , Kunicki Thomas
Published: December 2008

We studied the effect of prophylactic aspirin (ASA) ingestion on platelet function in 463 patients with stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA) or acute coronary disease (ACD), using the Platelet Function Analyzer-100 (PFA-100). We correlated ASA responsiveness with haplotypes of seven candidate genes, selected for their documented role in platelet function, namely, the genes for integrins α2β1and αIIbβ3 (ITGA2, ITGA2B, and ITGB3), platelet glycoproteins Ibα and VI (GPIBA and GP6), the purinergic receptor P2Y1 (P2RY1), and prostaglandin H synthase 1 (PTGS1 = COX1). Non-responsiveness to ASA was defined as the failure of prior ASA ingestion to prolong the PFA-100 closure time (CT) when blood was perfused through cartridges coated with collagen plus epinephrine (CEPI-CT). ASA non-responsiveness was observed in 114 of 463 patients (24.6 %), but was not associated with haplotypes of any of the seven candidate genes. There was also no association between any haplotypes and the CT when blood was perfused through cartridges coated with collagen plus ADP (CADP-CT). The ASA non-responsive cohort had significantly increased whole blood platelet counts (p = 0.03) and plasma von Willebrand Factor antigen levels (p<0.001), which likely contributes to resistance to the inhibitory effects of ASA in the PFA-100.
High long-term absolute risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism in patients with hereditary deficiencies of protein S, protein C or antithrombin
Authors: Brouwer Jan-Leendert , Lijfering Willem , Kate Min Ki ten , Kluin-Nelemans Hanneke , Veeger Nic , van der Meer Jan
Published: December 2008

Hereditary deficiencies of protein S, protein C and antithrombin are known risk factors for first venous thromboembolism. We assessed the absolute risk of recurrence, and the contribution of concomitant thrombophilic defects in a large cohort of families with these deficiencies. Annual incidence of recurrence was estimated in 130 deficient patients, with separate estimates for those with each of protein S, protein C, and antithrombin deficiency, and in eight non-deficient patients with prior venous thromboembolism. All patients were also tested for factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A, high levels of factors VIII, IX and XI, and hyperhomocysteinemia. There were 81 recurrent events among 130 deficient patients. Median follow-up was 4.6 years. Annual incidences (95% confidence interval) of recurrent venous thromboembolism were 8.4% (5.8–11.7) for protein S deficiency, 6.0% (3.9–8.7) for protein C deficiency, 10.0% (6.1–15.4) for antithrombin deficiency, and overall 7.7% (6.1–9.5). Relative risk of recurrence in patients with a spontaneous versus provoked first event was 1.5 (0.95–2.3). Cumulative recurrence rates at 1, 5 and 10 years were 15%, 38% and 53%. Relative risk of recurrence with concomitant defects was 1.4 (0.7–2.6) (1 defect) and 1.4 (0.8–2.7) (≥2 defects). Annual incidence was 1.0% (0.03–5.5) in eight non-deficient patients. Annual incidence of major bleeding in deficient patients on oral anticoagulant treatment was 0.5% (0.2–1.0). We conclude that patients with a hereditary protein S, protein C or antithrombin deficiency appear to have a high absolute risk of recurrence. This risk is increased after a first spontaneous event, and by concomitance of other thrombophilic defects.
Validity and clinical utility of the simplified Wells rule for assessing clinical probability for the exclusion of pulmonary embolism
Authors: Gibson Nadine , Gerdes Victor , Büller Harry , Wells Philip , Perrier Arnaud , Gal Grégoire Le , Douma Renée
Published: December 2008

The recently introduced simplified Wells rule for the exclusion of pulmonary embolism (PE) assigns only one point to the seven variables of the original Wells rule. This study was performed to independently validate the simplified Wells rule for the exclusion of PE. We retrospectively calculated the prevalence of PE in the “unlikely” probability categories of the original Wells (cut-off ≤4) and the simplified Wells rule (cut-off ≤1) in 922 consecutive patients with clinically suspected PE from a multicenter cohort study. We compared the three-month incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with an unlikely probability and a normal D-dimer test using both scores, and the proportion of patients with this combination (clinical utility). The proportion of patients categorized as PE “unlikely” was similar using the original (78%) and the simplified (70%) Wells rule. The prevalence of PE was 13% (95% confidence interval [CI], 11–16%) and 12% (95%CI, 9.7–15%) for the original Wells and simplified Wells “unlikely” categories, respectively. None of the patients with PE “unlikely” and a normal D-dimer test experienced VTE during three-month follow-up. The proportions of patients in whom further tests could safely be withheld based on PE “unlikely” and a normal D-dimer test was 28% (95%CI, 25–31%) using the original and 26% (95%CI, 24–29%) using the simplified Wells rule. In this external retrospective validation study, the simplified Wells rule appeared to be safe and clinically useful, although prospective validation remains necessary. Simplification of the Wells rule may enhance the applicability.
The technique of measuring thrombin generation with fluorogenic substrates: 3. The effects of sample dilution
Authors: Wagenvoord Rob , Hemker Coen , Smedt Erik De
Published: December 2008

Assessing the clotting function inevitably brings about dilution of plasma. With the existing techniques of thrombin generation (TG) measurement, dilution ranges from 2:3 to 1:8. However, the possibility that dilution alters procoagulant and anticoagulant pathways differently has not been examined. We investigated the effects of dilution on the thrombin generation process and found that the anticoagulant pathways are far more affected by dilution than the procoagulant pathways. That is, when prothrombin and antithrombin concentrations are kept constant, dilution of plasma does not significantly affect tissue factor (TF)-driven thrombin generation. We demonstrate that dilution of plasma slows down the inhibitory activity of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) to a greater extent when compared with the down regulation by diluting procoagulant factors. Dilution of plasma has also a negative effect on the participation of the anti-haemophiliac factors VIII and IX in TG driven by contact activation or low TF concentration. We also investigated the effect of dilution on the participation of the anticoagulant system that consists of thrombomodulin, protein C and protein S (APC system). We found that plasma dilution causes a loss of sensitivity towards TM and APC. Furthermore, at high dilutions (> 1:12) a second wave of prothrombinase-activity was observed that could be attributed to the suppression of protein S-dependent inhibition. In conclusion, the mechanism of TG is profoundly disturbed by plasma dilution. As a consequence, the less a plasma sample is diluted, the better a TG experiment represents the physiological process.
Variants of Folate Metabolism Genes and the Risk of Conotruncal Cardiac Defects
Authors: Goldmuntz Elizabeth , Woyciechowski Stacy , Renstrom Daniel , Lupo Philip J. , Mitchell Laura E.
Published: December 2008

Background—

Although congenital heart defects (CHD) are the most common and serious group of birth defects, relatively little is known about the causes of these conditions and there are no established prevention strategies. There is evidence suggesting that the risk of CHD in general, and conotruncal and ventricular septal defects in particular, may be related to maternal folate status as well as genetic variants in folate-related genes. However, efforts to establish the relationships between these factors and CHD risk have been hampered by a number of factors including small study sample sizes and phenotypic heterogeneity.

Methods and Results—

The present study examined the relationships between variation in 9 folate-related genes and a subset of CHD phenotypes (ie, conotruncal defects, perimembranous and malalignment type ventricular septal defects, and isolated aortic arch anomalies) in a cohort of >700 case-parent triads. Further, both maternal and embryonic genetic effects were considered. Analyses of the study data confirmed an earlier reported association between embryonic genotype for
MTHFR
A1298C and disease risk (unadjusted
P
=0.002).

Conclusions—

These results represent the most comprehensive and powerful analysis of the relationship between CHD and folate-related genes reported to date, and provide additional evidence that, similar to neural tube defects, this subset of CHD is folate related.
Dominant Party Regimes and the Commitment Problem
Authors: Reuter Ora John , Remington Thomas F.
Published: December 2008

This article analyzes the formation of a stable dominant party in an authoritarian regime as a commitment problem between two sides: the ruler and other elites. After defining a dominant party regime and outlining the costs and benefits that such a regime entails for each side, the authors examine the efforts made in Russia to establish United Russia as a dominant party and argue that the Kremlin and regional elites have overcome their commitment problem through mutual investment in the United Russia party. In contrast to previous party-of-power projects, United Russia represents an equilibrium arrangement between the federal center and other political and economic elite actors.
Recruiting Urban Latina Adolescents and Their Families
Authors: Zayas Luis H. , Hausmann-Stabile Carolina , Pilat Allyson M.
Published: December 2008

Recruiting research samples within vulnerable populations can be challenging, especially due to geographic dispersal and the services accessed, as well as hesitation related to legal status and stigma. Public health, however, requires sustained recruitment efforts. We describe challenges and solutions in recruiting urban adolescent Latinas who had attempted suicide. Procedures for recruitment and human subject protections were established, yet logistic obstacles emerged. Program directors failed to support the research; therapists were slow to identify subjects and to meet inclusionary criteria; numbers of prospective participants were lower than originally calculated; girls and parents were hard to reach; and interview appointments were missed. From challenges came solutions: to use fewer agencies, do better participant surveillance, monitor staff participation, and build rapport and relationships with staff. In-service research training to develop agency research infrastructure generated support among providers and administrators. Our experience may be helpful to other researchers conducting studies with similar populations.
Game-Theoretic Approach to Competition Dynamics in Tourism Supply Chains
Authors: Yang Shu , Huang George Q. , Song Haiyan , Liang Liang
Published: December 2008

This article considers two tourism supply chains (TSCs). Each TSC is assumed to consists of three sectors with the following service providers—a theme park operator, accommodation providers, and tour operators. Game theory is used to investigate the cooperation and competition between these two TSCs, between the three sectors within each TSC, and between the enterprises within each sector when configuring and marketing package holidays. Several important findings are obtained. First, a larger membership in each of the TSC sectors strengthens the sector's overall capacity and intensifies the internal competition, thus reducing members' profits while other sectors benefit from this internal competition. Second, decision makers of the two competing TSCs should adopt appropriate product differentiation strategies by carefully positioning their package holiday products to optimize their performance. Third, the theme park would benefit from integration with the accommodation provider. There exists a win-win situation in which the performances of both TSCs could be improved, if the integration adequately increases the TSCs' preference.
The Construction of Author Voice by Editorial Board Members
Authors: Tardy Christine M. , Matsuda Paul Kei
Published: December 2008

Studies of blind manuscript review have illustrated that readers often form impressions of or speculate about unknown authors' identities in the manuscript review task. In this article, the authors extend that work by examining the discursive and nondiscursive features that play a role in readers' active construction of author voice. Through a survey completed by 70 editorial board members of six journals in applied linguistics and rhetoric and composition, the authors identify quantitative and qualitative trends in reviewers' practices regarding voice construction. Findings indicate that many readers do build impressions of an author's identity when reviewing anonymous manuscripts and that the rhetorical nature of the review task may lead readers to attend more to some discursive features than to others.
Positioned by Reading and Writing
Authors: Karlsson Anna-Malin
Published: December 2008

In the research project Literacy Practices in Working Life, the role played by reading and writing in common nonacademic occupations in Sweden was investigated. The results highlight not only some typical ways of using writing to frame units of work but also differences reflecting the main focus of work (“people” or “things”) and overall organizing principles. This article deals with patterns in the use of writing, which may be related to modern ways of organizing work (efficiency and flexibility, personal responsibility, identification with the company, etc.). Case studies show a range of literacy practices—running from extensive and rather complicated uses of writing connected with individual responsibility to very restricted and dependent uses of reading and writing governed by a top-down organization. Examples illustrate how emerging ways of governing work through written discourse, related to the new, knowledge-based work order, create very different roles for workers.
Each One Teach One
Authors: Nelson Christoph Julie
Published: December 2008

Scholars of adult basic literacy curricular materials have argued that the skill-based, deficit-oriented approach of many such materials denies the interests and motivations of adult learners. Exploring why these kinds of curricular materials are prevalent in adult basic literacy education, this article focuses on the case of ProLiteracy, a nongovernmental adult basic literacy organization that grew out of missionary Frank Laubach's work in the 1930s to convert illiterate adults to Christianity and a belief in American-style capitalism. This article argues that the legacy of Laubach's evangelism continues to affect adult literacy instruction in the United States today, through the content of many of the materials in the ProLiteracy catalogue, as well as through the volunteer-based one-to-one tutoring model's positioning of low-literacy adults.
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Topiramate and Sodium Valproate in Pediatric Migraine
Authors: Ünalp Aycan , Uran Nedret , Öztürk Aysel
Published: December 2008

Frequent migraine headaches can have a significant impact on disability, prompting the need for early recognition and treatment. The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy of topiramate and sodium valproate for the prevention of pediatric migraine, retrospectively. Mean monthly migraine frequency, intensity, and duration in the 28 patients treated with topiramate decreased from 15.3 ± 10.1 to 4.4 ± 5.5 episode, from 6.8 ± 1 to 3.2 ± 1, and from 10.2 ± 9.4 to 2.4 ± 3.1 hours, respectively. Headache disability improved with a reduction of Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment score from 36 ± 29.5 to 4.6 ± 6.5 ( P < .05). Similarly, mean monthly headache frequency, headache intensity, headache duration, and Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment score in the 20 patients treated with sodium valproate decreased from 20.1 ± 10.2 to 6.6 ± 8.6, from 7.1 ± 1 to 3.4 ± 2.1, from 7 ± 12 to 1.4 ± 2.5 hours, and from 20.5 ± 16.1 to 5.5 ± 9.2, respectively ( P < .05). In conclusion, valproate and topiramate seem to be able to manage successfully childhood migraine without substantial differences in efficacy.
Botulinum Toxin Type A with Oral Baclofen Versus Oral Tizanidine: A Nonrandomized Pilot Comparison in Patients with Cerebral Palsy and Spastic Equinus Foot Deformity
Authors: Dai Alper I. , Wasay Mohammad , Awan Safia
Published: December 2008

The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of baclofen versus tizanidine as adjuvant treatment of botulinum toxin type A botulinum toxin type A in the management of children with spasticity. Thirty children with gastrocnemius spasticity were retrospectively reviewed at Gaziantep University Hospital, Gaziantep, Turkey. All patients were treated with localized botulinum toxin injections and baclofen or tizanidine for spasticity and were followed at 2- to 4-week intervals and evaluated for a total of 12 weeks; 17 children (57%) received baclofen and 13 (43%) received tizanidine. The mean score of Gross Motor Functional Measurement (76.63 ± 5.88 vs 68.17 ± 1.99; P < .001) and caregiver questionnaire scores (70.23 ± 4.76 vs 66.59 ± 3.53; P = .03) for the tizanidine group were significantly higher as compared with the baclofen group. This study suggests that combination of botulinum toxin type A with oral tizanidine is more effective with fewer side effects than combination of botulinum toxin type A and oral baclofen for spastic cerebral palsy.
Cerebellar Hypoplasia, Continuous Spike-waves During Sleep, and Neuropsychological and Behavioral Disorders
Authors: Parmeggiani Antonia , Posar Annio , Scaduto Maria Cristina
Published: December 2008

We describe 3 patients with different degrees of cerebellar hypoplasia and continuous spike-waves during sleep: the more extensive the cerebellar hypoplasia, the more compromised the neuropsychological abilities and behavior. Cerebellar hypoplasia is a risk factor for epilepsy and/or neuropsychological and psychiatric disorders. Epilepsy is also strongly associated with familial antecedents for seizures, as previously reported. The cerebellum is implicated in controlling epileptic seizures and in regulating motor, cognitive, and emotional functions with a topographic organization. The association between cerebellar hypoplasia and continuous spike-waves during sleep has never been reported. We suggest that continuous spike-waves during sleep may further compromise neuropsychological and behavioral features that are associated with cerebellar hypoplasia.
Evolution of Anterior Fontanel Size in Normal Infants in the First Year of Life
Authors: Pedroso Fleming Salvador , Rotta Newra , Quintal Aline , Giordani Giovana
Published: December 2008

To analyze cranial growth and size of anterior fontanel during the first year of life, we undertook a cohort study with a sample of 33 infants assessed at birth and reexamined at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, and 12 months. Examination included assessment of head circumference, anterior fontanel size, anteroposterior distance, biauricular distance, and cephalic index. All infants were neurologically normal. Mean size of the anterior fontanel at birth was 1.77 cm2 and, in disagreement with literature data, fontanel size increased up to 2 months of age; fontanel was closed at 1 year for 27.3% of infants. Significant differences in cranial anthropometry were not found in relation to method of delivery (vaginal or cesarean section), gender and gestational age. Our results indicate the need to reevaluate anthropometric examination data and to establish patterns of normality, particularly for miscegenated populations that have not been widely investigated.
Comparison in Obstetric Management on Infants With Transient and Persistent Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy
Authors: Mollberg Margareta , Lagerkvist Anna-Lena , Johansson Urban , Bager Börje , Johansson Annika , Hagberg Henrik
Published: December 2008

The outcome of obstetric brachial plexus palsy depends on the severity of the lesion of the nerve fibers. The aim of the prospective study is to evaluate if differences in force used in downward traction on the fetal head correlate to the number of nerve roots affected. At final neurological examination at 18 months of age, complete neurological recovery occurred in 80 of 98 children (82%). Downward traction of the fetal head was applied more often and with greater force in the group with persistent damage. There was a significant correlation between the force used to the number of nerve roots affected. The risk of persistent obstetric brachial plexus palsy at age 18 months depended on obstetric management and increased significantly with increasing force used in downward traction of the fetal head.
Modelling Growth Strategy in Small Entrepreneurial Business Organisations
Authors: Majumdar Satyajit
Published: December 2008

Growth is understood variously by entrepreneurs, and their attitudes influence the goals and ambitions concerning growth. Their actions in this regard depend on the contextual conditions. In this article a model on growth strategy in small entrepre-neurial organisations is presented and three propositions are made: (1) attitudes and vision of the entrepreneurs drive growth of small organisations, (2) entrepreneurs of small organisations conduct early search for strategic fit in the market and the environment, and (3) entrepreneurs of small organisations persist in their search for better fit in the market. The model reflects strategic and entrepreneurial dimensions of growth. The propositions can be tested in specific industry settings. First, the dimensions of growth as understood by the entrepreneurs should be analysed and then the process of finding a fit between the industry and its market opportunities should be mapped out to arrive at a robust strategy framework.
Factor Structure and Measurement Invariance of the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire Across the Adult Life Span
Authors: Rast Philippe , Zimprich Daniel , Van Boxtel Martin , Jolles Jellemer
Published: December 2008

The Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ) is designed to assess a person's proneness to committing cognitive slips and errors in the completion of everyday tasks. Although the CFQ is a widely used instrument, its factor structure remains an issue of scientific debate. The present study used data of a representative sample ( N = 1,303, 24-83 years of age) from the Maastricht Aging Study (MAAS) to test and compare factor solutions for the CFQ previously reported in the literature by means of confirmatory factor analysis of ordered categorical variables. A three-factor model of the CFQ from an exploratory factor analysis was tested for increasing levels of measurement invariance across six age groups. Factor (co-)variances remained stable across the age groups, mean differences were observed for the factor Forgetfulness with higher means for older participants, and the factor Distractibility where participants older than 60 years of age had lower means.
Family Health Nurse Project—An Education Program of the World Health Organization
Authors: Murray Ian
Published: December 2008

This article outlines the delivery of the Family Health Nurse Education Programme of the World Health Organization (WHO) at the University of Stirling, Scotland, from 2001 to 2005. The program was part of the WHO European Family Health Nurse pilot project. The curriculum outlined by the WHO Curriculum Planning Group detailed the broad thrust of the Family Health Nurse Education Programme and was modified to be responsive to the context in which it was delivered, while staying faithful to general principles and precepts. The Family Health Nurse Education Programme is described in its evolving format over the two phases of the project; the remote and rural context occurred from 2001 to 2003, and the modification of the program for the urban phase of the project occurred during 2004 and 2005. The conceptual framework that was foundational to the development of the curriculum to prepare family health nurses will be described.
Cultural Construals of Destructive versus Constructive Leadership in Major World Niches
Authors: Van de Vliert Evert , Einarsen Ståle
Published: December 2008

The common part of leadership culture in a country's organizations is conceptualized here as an adaptation to the non-cultural environment. This society-level study shows that middle managers from 61 societies in 58 countries hold different views on destructive versus constructive leadership profiles depending on the harshness of thermal climate and the degree of collective wealth. The cognitive contrast between more destructive autocratic and self-protective leadership components and more constructive team-oriented and charismatic leadership components is construed as small in harsh/poor environments (e.g. China, Kazakhstan), moderate in temperate climates irrespective of collective wealth (e.g. New Zealand, Zambia), and large in harsh/rich environments (e.g. Canada, Finland). These society-level construals of leadership shed new light on the cross cultural generalizability of theories of people-oriented and task-oriented leadership. In addition, they uncover and clarify the inhibition of managers in richer countries with more demanding climates to complement prosocial with antisocial behavior toward subordinates when appropriate.
Cross Cultural Trespass
Authors: De Maria William
Published: December 2008

The African Union and the African Development Bank estimate that corruption costs African economies more than US$148 billion dollars each year. This leads to a loss of 50% in tax revenue, increases the cost of African goods by as much as 20% and eats away 25% of Africa's GDP. Little wonder that fighting African corruption has become serious business. One weapon being used in the battle is the anti-corruption agency. These are new features on the African governance landscape and are usually instigated and resourced by transnational agencies with a `development' brief. Yet so little is known about their functionality. This article, for the first time, brings all African anti-corruption agencies into a mega case study. Using a novel mix of data approaches the article identifies serious program failure across all anti-corruption agencies. The African anti-corruption project is crafted offshore, in social and economic contexts that are not sufficiently replicated in the African experience, and for purposes connected more to international commerce than human rights. The study contributes to a significant intellectual conflict in cross cultural management research concerned with the pros and cons of a universal management model. It does this by demonstrating causation between program failure and the ubiquitous application of a culture-free universal management model to the highly complex issue of African corruption. In practical terms the article offers designers of anti-corruption programs an alternative way of thinking about African corruption.
Rethinking Social Identity Theory in International Encounters
Authors: Lauring Jakob
Published: December 2008

In a globalized business environment, interaction across linguistic boundaries is becoming a normal part of everyday life. In these encounters language differences may affect the formation of social identities among organization members. While studies based on Social Identity Theory perceive the link between identity and language to be linear, this article takes a different approach. By drawing on anthropological theories on ethnic identity it is argued that the relation between language and social identity is negotiated in interaction. In the empirical analysis the article focuses on the encounter between expatriates and local employees of a Danish subsidiary in England. The findings show that identity making may be actualized by competition for resources and recognition. This can be done by investing certain objects such as the symbolic application of language with certain identifications. It is finally argued that the processes by which identifications develop can cause both polarization and accommodation in the relation between groups and individuals.
Effect of Gd substitution on structural and magnetic properties of Zn–Cu–Cr ferrites prepared by novel rheological technique
Authors: Jiang J. , Yang Y.-M.
Published: December 2008

A novel rheological technique was developed to synthesise Gd substituted Zn–Cu–Cr ferrites, Zn0·6Cu0·4Cr0·5GdxFe1·5−xO4 ( x=0·00, 0·02, 0·04, 0·06, 0·08) powders. The effects of the Gd substitution on the structural and magnetic properties of the as prepared Zn–Cu–Cr ferrites were investigated. The microstructure, morphology and magnetic properties of the materials were characterised by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and vibrating sample magnetometer. It was shown that the as prepared materials exhibited the single phase spinel structure. The lattice parameters increased while the crystallite sizes decreased with increasing Gd content. The magnetic properties of the as prepared materials were strongly affected by Gd content. The saturation magnetisation decreased, while coercivity increased with increasing Gd content.
Oncogenic Kras-induced leukemogeneis: hematopoietic stem cells as the initial target and lineage-specific progenitors as the potential targets for final leukemic transformation
Authors: Zhang Jing , Wang Jing , Liu Yangang , Sidik Harwin , Young Ken H. , Lodish Harvey F. , Fleming Mark D.
Published: December 2008

KRAS is often mutated in human hematopoietic malignancies, including juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) and T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (TLL/L). However, the exact role and function of oncogenic KRAS mutations in the initiation and progression of JMML and TLL/L remain elusive. Here, we report the use of a mouse bone marrow transplantation model to study oncogenic Kras-induced leukemogenesis. We show that as the first genetic hit, oncogenic Kras mutations initiate both JMML and TLL/L, but with different efficiencies. Limiting dilution analyses indicated that an oncogenic Kras mutation alone is insufficient to produce frank malignancy. Instead, it cooperates with additional subsequent genetic event(s). Moreover, transplantation of highly purified hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and myeloid progenitors identified HSCs as the primary target for the oncogenic Kras mutation. Karyotypic analysis further indicated that secondary genetic hit(s) target lineage-specific progenitors rather than HSCs for terminal tumor transformation into leukemic stem cells. Thus, we propose the cellular mechanism underlying oncogenic Kras-induced leukemogenesis, with HSCs as the primary target by the oncogenic Kras mutations and lineage-committed progenitors as the final target for cancer stem cell transformation. Our model might be also applicable to other solid tumors harboring oncogenic Kras mutations.
Organochlorine exposure, immune gene variation, and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Colt Joanne S. , Rothman Nathaniel , Severson Richard K. , Hartge Patricia , Cerhan James R. , Chatterjee Nilanjan , Cozen Wendy , Morton Lindsay M. , De Roos Anneclaire J. , Davis Scott , Chanock Stephen , Wang Sophia S.
Published: December 2008

Organochlorine exposure was linked to non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) risk. To determine whether this relation is modified by immune gene variation, we genotyped 61 polymorphisms in 36 immune genes in 1172 NHL cases and 982 controls from the National Cancer Institute–Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (NCI-SEER) study. We examined 3 exposures with elevated risk in this study: PCB180 (plasma, dust measurements), the toxic equivalency quotient (an integrated functional measure of several organochlorines) in plasma, and α-chlordane (dust measurements, self-reported termiticide use). Plasma (100 cases, 100 controls) and dust (682 cases, 513 controls) levels were treated as natural log-transformed continuous variables. Unconditional logistic regression was used to calculate β coefficients and odds ratios, stratified by genotype. Associations between all 3 exposures and NHL risk were limited to the same genotypes for IFNG (C−1615T) TT and IL4 (5′-UTR, Ex1-168C>T) CC. Associations between PCB180 in plasma and dust and NHL risk were limited to the same genotypes for IL16 (3′-UTR, Ex22+871A>G) AA, IL8 (T−251A) TT, and IL10 (A−1082G) AG/GG. This shows that the relation between organochlorine exposure and NHL risk may be modified by particular variants in immune genes and provides one of the first examples of a potential gene-environment interaction for NHL.
ReplicationDomain: a visualization tool and comparative database for genome-wide replication timing data
Authors: Weddington Nodin , Stuy Alexander , Hiratani Ichiro , Ryba Tyrone , Yokochi Tomoki , Gilbert David M
Published: December 2008

Background

Eukaryotic DNA replication is regulated at the level of large chromosomal domains (0.5–5 megabases in mammals) within which replicons are activated relatively synchronously. These domains replicate in a specific temporal order during S-phase and our genome-wide analyses of replication timing have demonstrated that this temporal order of domain replication is a stable property of specific cell types.

Results

We have developed ReplicationDomain http://www.replicationdomain.org as a web-based database for analysis of genome-wide replication timing maps (replication profiles) from various cell lines and species. This database also provides comparative information of transcriptional expression and is configured to display any genome-wide property (for instance, ChIP-Chip or ChIP-Seq data) via an interactive web interface. Our published microarray data sets are publicly available. Users may graphically display these data sets for a selected genomic region and download the data displayed as text files, or alternatively, download complete genome-wide data sets. Furthermore, we have implemented a user registration system that allows registered users to upload their own data sets. Upon uploading, registered users may choose to: (1) view their data sets privately without sharing; (2) share with other registered users; or (3) make their published or "in press" data sets publicly available, which can fulfill journal and funding agencies' requirements for data sharing.

Conclusion

ReplicationDomain is a novel and powerful tool to facilitate the comparative visualization of replication timing in various cell types as well as other genome-wide chromatin features and is considerably faster and more convenient than existing browsers when viewing multi-megabase segments of chromosomes. Furthermore, the data upload function with the option of private viewing or sharing of data sets between registered users should be a valuable resource for the scientific community.
Valproic acid induces differentiation and inhibition of proliferation in neural progenitor cells via the beta-catenin-Ras-ERK-p21Cip/WAF1 pathway
Authors: Jung Gyung-Ah , Yoon Ju-Yong , Moon Byoung-San , Yang Dong-Hwa , Kim Hyun-Yi , Lee Sang-Hun , Bryja Vitezslav , Arenas Ernest , Choi Kang-Yell
Published: December 2008

Background

Valproic acid (VPA), a commonly used mood stabilizer that promotes neuronal differentiation, regulates multiple signaling pathways involving extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and glycogen synthase kinase3β (GSK3β). However, the mechanism by which VPA promotes differentiation is not understood.

Results

We report here that 1 mM VPA simultaneously induces differentiation and reduces proliferation of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-treated embryonic day 14 (E14) rat cerebral cortex neural progenitor cells (NPCs). The effects of VPA on the regulation of differentiation and inhibition of proliferation occur via the ERK-p21Cip/WAF1 pathway. These effects, however, are not mediated by the pathway involving the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) but via the pathway which stabilizes Ras through β-catenin signaling. Stimulation of differentiation and inhibition of proliferation in NPCs by VPA occur independently and the β-catenin-Ras-ERK-p21Cip/WAF1 pathway is involved in both processes. The independent regulation of differentiation and proliferation in NPCs by VPA was also demonstrated in vivo in the cerebral cortex of developing rat embryos.

Conclusion

We propose that this mechanism of VPA action may contribute to an explanation of its anti-tumor and neuroprotective effects, as well as elucidate its role in the independent regulation of differentiation and inhibition of proliferation in the cerebral cortex of developing rat embryos.
Primate-specific spliced PMCHL RNAs are non-protein coding in human and macaque tissues
Authors: Schmieder Sandra , Darré-Toulemonde Fleur , Arguel Marie-Jeanne , Delerue-Audegond Audrey , Christen Richard , Nahon Jean-Louis
Published: December 2008

Background

Brain-expressed genes that were created in primate lineage represent obvious candidates to investigate molecular mechanisms that contributed to neural reorganization and emergence of new behavioural functions in Homo sapiens. PMCHL1 arose from retroposition of a pro-melanin-concentrating hormone (PMCH) antisense mRNA on the ancestral human chromosome 5p14 when platyrrhines and catarrhines diverged. Mutations before divergence of hylobatidae led to creation of new exons and finally PMCHL1 duplicated in an ancestor of hominids to generate PMCHL2 at the human chromosome 5q13. A complex pattern of spliced and unspliced PMCHL RNAs were found in human brain and testis.

Results

Several novel spliced PMCHL transcripts have been characterized in human testis and fetal brain, identifying an additional exon and novel splice sites. Sequencing of PMCHL genes in several non-human primates allowed to carry out phylogenetic analyses revealing that the initial retroposition event took place within an intron of the brain cadherin (CDH12) gene, soon after platyrrhine/catarrhine divergence, i.e. 30–35 Mya, and was concomitant with the insertion of an AluSg element. Sequence analysis of the spliced PMCHL transcripts identified only short ORFs of less than 300 bp, with low (VMCH-p8 and protein variants) or no evolutionary conservation. Western blot analyses of human and macaque tissues expressing PMCHL RNA failed to reveal any protein corresponding to VMCH-p8 and protein variants encoded by spliced transcripts.

Conclusion

Our present results improve our knowledge of the gene structure and the evolutionary history of the primate-specific chimeric PMCHL genes. These genes produce multiple spliced transcripts, bearing short, non-conserved and apparently non-translated ORFs that may function as mRNA-like non-coding RNAs.
High-throughput sequencing of Medicago truncatula short RNAs identifies eight new miRNA families
Authors: Szittya Gyorgy , Moxon Simon , Santos Dulce M , Jing Runchun , Fevereiro Manuel PS , Moulton Vincent , Dalmay Tamas
Published: December 2008

Background

High-throughput sequencing technology is capable to identify novel short RNAs in plant species. We used Solexa sequencing to find new microRNAs in one of the model legume species, barrel medic (Medicago truncatula).

Results

3,948,871 reads were obtained from two separate short RNA libraries generated from total RNA extracted fromM. truncatulaleaves, representing 1,563,959 distinct sequences. 2,168,937 reads were mapped to the availableM. truncatulagenome corresponding to 619,175 distinct sequences. 174,504 reads representing 25 conserved miRNA families showed perfect matches to known miRNAs. We also identified 26 novel miRNA candidates that were potentially generated from 32 loci. Nine of these loci produced eight distinct sequences, for which the miRNA* sequences were also sequenced. These sequences were not described in other plant species and accumulation of these eight novel miRNAs was confirmed by Northern blot analysis. Potential target genes were predicted for most conserved and novel miRNAs.

Conclusion

Deep sequencing of short RNAs fromM. truncatulaleaves identified eight new miRNAs indicating that specific miRNAs exist in legume species.