bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moral Commitment in Intimate Committed Relationships
Authors: Pope Amber L. , Cashwell Craig S.
Published: December 2012

The purpose of this study was to examine how a prominent framework of commitment, Johnson’s Tripartite Model, fits within the context of cohabiting same-sex and opposite-sex partnerships to test the applicability of the model to diverse types of relationships. Specifically, this study sought to operationalize the dimension of moral commitment, or the extent to which one feels obligated to stay in a relationship, as this construct has yet to be developed in intimate relationships outside of the marital context. The results provide support for Johnson’s Tripartite Model and provide researchers and counselors with a conceptualization of moral commitment from partners in cohabiting same-sex and opposite-sex relationships.
Is Altered BDNF Biosynthesis a General Feature in Patients with Cognitive Dysfunctions?
Authors: Carlino Davide , De Vanna Maurizio , Tongiorgi Enrico
Published: December 2012

Severe cognitive deficits are a frequent outcome of both neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. In the attempt to define new clinical biomarkers, current research trends aim at the identification of common molecular features in these pathologies rather than searching for differences. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has attracted great interest as possible biomarker because of its key role in synaptic remodeling during cognitive processes. BDNF undergoes proteolytic processing and studies in animal models have highlighted that different forms of learning and memory require either the proBDNF precursor or the mature BDNF form. Significantly, an altered expression of BDNF forms was found in postmortem brains and serum from patients with schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease and mood disorders. Based on these studies, this review puts forward the hypothesis that abnormalities in proBDNF or mBDNF biosynthesis may correspond to different cognitive dysfunctions in these brain diseases, while the role of truncated BDNF remains unknown.
Cyclooxygenase-1 Mediated Platelet Reactivity in Young Male Smokers
Authors: Loke Wai Mun , Sing Karen Lam Mok , Lee Chung-Yung J. , Chong Wan Ling , Chew Soh Eng , Huang Huiwen , Looi Woan Foon , Quek Amy M. L. , Lim Erle C. H. , Seet Raymond Chee Seong
Published: December 2012

Background: The purpose of this study is to investigate the acute and chronic effects of cigarette smoking on cyclooxygenase- 1(COX-1)-mediated platelet reactivity among cigarette smokers. Methods: The levels of collagen-induced platelet aggregation, platelet COX-1 activity, and expressions were compared between smokers and age-matched nonsmokers. In smokers, the acute effects of cigarette smoking were assessed by repeating these measurements an hour after smoking. Results: Twenty-five smokers and age-matched nonsmokers (all men; mean age, 29 years) were studied. Collagen-induced platelet aggregation and plasma/urinary thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and 11-dehydroxythromboxane B2 levels were higher in cigarette smokers compared to nonsmokers. Greater expression of platelet COX-1 was observed in smokers than in nonsmokers. Among smokers, collagen-induced platelet aggregation correlated positively with platelet volume and circulating nicotine and cotinine concentrations. The levels of plasma/urinary TXB2 were significantly increased an hour after cigarette smoking. Conclusion: Cigarette smoking aggravates COX-1-mediated platelet reactivity in young, otherwise healthy, smoking men.
Voter Ideology, Economic Factors, and State and Local Tax Progressivity
Authors: Foster John M.
Published: December 2012

This study examines the relationship between voter ideology and the distribution of tax burdens across income groups using state and local data, aggregated at the state level, for 1995, 2002, and 2007. I find that average voter liberalism is positively related to subnational tax progressivity. However, the effects are economically insignificant. A state’s ethnic demographic context appears to be more important. The ethnic congruence between the poor and the nonpoor is positively related to progressivity and the effects are economically significant. The tension between ethnic groups, measured with an index of residential segregation, is inversely related to progressivity. The effects are larger in magnitude than those of average voter liberalism. It is possible that the ethnic demographic context reflects aspects of voter preferences that are not captured by measures of voter ideology.
Violence- and alcohol-related acute healthcare visits in Greenland
Authors: Nexøe Jørgen , Wilche Julie Præst , Niclasen Birgit , Kjeldsen Ann Birkekær , Færgemann Christian , Munck Anders , Lauritsen Jens Martin
Published: December 2012

Aims: The aim of this study was to describe emergency admissions in Greenland’s healthcare system, and the extent to which admissions were associated with alcohol abuse or violence. Furthermore, we aimed to test whether data on emergencies in Greenland could be registered in a reliable way by simple means. Methods: Registration of all emergencies presented in 15 out of 17 of Greenland’s health districts in the period 21 May to 7 June 2010. Results: In the 17-day registration period, 2403 emergencies were registered. In 10% of cases the patients were clinically alcohol intoxicated. When reason for presentation were mental or social problems, attempted suicide, accidents, or violence, 24, 50, 15, and 59% respectively were intoxicated. Alcohol intoxication was statistically significantly more often associated with advanced treatment (e.g. evacuation, hospitalisation, or follow up by doctor or nurse). Conclusions: This study confirms that violence- and alcohol-related emergencies put a considerable strain on Greenland’s healthcare system. Due to the short observation period, we have not been able to describe the actual extent of the problem in detail, nor was it possible to estimate whether this problem is more pronounced in Greenland than in other countries, for example Denmark.
Slow food versus fast food: A Zimbabwean case study of hotelier perspectives
Authors: Mkono Muchazondida
Published: December 2012

Prior to the last three years, hotels dominated the tourist food market in the resort town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. However, in recent years, fast food restaurants have begun penetrating the resort. Facing the threat of losing market share, hoteliers have been panicking and hotels are waging a war against the new entrants. Victoria Falls has thus become, to a significant extent, a ‘slow food versus fast food’ battleground. This study adopts hermeneutic phenomenology to investigate how this plays out from the viewpoints of the decision makers in this battle, namely, hotel food and beverage managers. The underlying objective is to explore how the contemporary slow food–fast food contention is enacted in an African case study context.
Designing a better weather display
Authors: Ware Colin , Plumlee Matthew D
Published: December 2012

Weather maps commonly display several variables at once, usually a subset of the following: atmospheric pressure, surface wind speed and direction, surface temperature, cloud cover, and precipitation. Most often, a single variable is mapped separately and occasionally two are shown together. But sometimes there is an attempt to show three or four variables with a result that is difficult to interpret because of visual interference between the graphical elements. As a design exercise, we set the goal of finding out if it is possible to show three variables (two 2D scalar fields and one 2D vector field) simultaneously so that values can be accurately read using keys for all variables, a reasonable level of detail is shown, and important meteorological features stand out clearly. Our solution involves employing three perceptual “channels”: a color channel, a texture channel, and a motion channel in order to perceptually separate the variables and make them independently readable. We describe a set of interactive weather displays, which enable users to view two meteorological scalar fields of various kinds and a field showing wind patterns. To evaluate the method, we implemented three alternative representations each simultaneously showing temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind speed, and direction. Both animated and static variants of our new design were compared to a conventional solution and a glyph-based solution. The evaluation tested the abilities of participants both to read values using a key and to see meteorological patterns in the data. Our new scheme was superior, especially in the representation of wind patterns using the motion channel. It also performed well enough in the representation of pressure using the texture channel to suggest it as a viable design alternative.
Making judgements about students making work: Lecturers’ assessment practices in art and design
Authors: Orr Susan , Bloxham Sue
Published: December 2012

This research study explores the assessment practices in two higher education art and design departments. The key aim of this research was to explore art and design studio assessment practices as lived and experienced by art and design lecturers. This work draws on two bodies of pre-existing research. Firstly this study adopted methodological approaches that have been employed to good effect to explore assessment in text based subjects (think aloud) and moderation mark agreement (observation). Secondly the study builds on existing research into the assessment of creative practice. By applying thinking aloud methodologies in a creative practice assessment context the authors seek to illuminate the ‘in practice’, rather than espoused, assessment approaches adopted. The analysis suggests that lecturers in the study employed three macro conceptions of quality to support the judgement process, namely the demonstration of significant learning over time, the demonstration of effective studentship and the presentation of meaningful art/design work.
Microcirculatory vasomotor changes are associated with severity of peripheral neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Sun Pi-Chang , Kuo Cheng-Deng , Chi Lin-Yang , Lin Hong-Da , Wei Shun-Hwa , Chen Chen-Sheng
Published: December 2012

Systemic microvascular complications are related to the presence of diabetic neuropathy. This study investigated the associations of blood flow oscillations with peripheral neuropathy in 25 controls and 3 diabetic groups including clinical (24), subclinical (27) and without neuropathy (26). Laser Doppler skin perfusion was transformed into three low-frequency subintervals corresponding to endothelial, neurogenic and myogenic vasomotor controls. The average vasomotion was significantly reduced in clinical neuropathy group and characterized by endothelial and neural but not smooth muscle–related changes. The normalized spectrums revealed a relative increase of myogenic and decrease of neurogenic activity in subclinical neuropathy group. The myogenic component showed a statistically inverse correlation with postural fall in systolic blood pressure (r = −0.32, p < 0.01). The diabetic patients with decreased low-frequency vasomotor responses were associated with increased odds ratio of peripheral neuropathy [odds ratio = 3.51 (95% confidence interval = 1.19–10.31), p = 0.02]. This study elucidated possible interaction between impaired microvascular flow motion and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The vasomotor changes of skin microcirculation could be detected even in the absence of overt cardiovascular dysfunction.
Technology-Assisted Versus Clamp-Crush Liver Resection
Authors: Alexiou Vangelis G. , Tsitsias Thomas , Mavros Michael N. , Robertson Gavin S. , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: December 2012

Objective. To review the published evidence on technology-assisted liver resection regarding operative time, intraoperative bleeding, mortality, hospital stay, postoperative bile leak, and other outcomes. Method. A systematic review of clinical studies comparing liver resection using vessel sealing systems (VSSs—LigaSure), Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator (CUSA), or radiofrequency dissecting sealer (RFDS) with the conventional clamp-crushing technique (CC) was performed. Data for each modality were synthesized and individually compared with CC with the methodology of meta-analysis. Result. In all, 8 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 7 nonrandomized studies evaluating 1539 patients were included. Compared with CC, the VSS group (3 RCTs and 3 nonrandomized studies) had significantly lower blood loss by a mean of 109 mL (weighted mean difference [WMD] = −109; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −192, −26; data on 494 patients), lower risk for postoperative bile leak by 63% (odds ratio [OR] = 0.37; CI = 0.17, 0.78; 559 patients), and shorter total hospital stay by 2 days (WMD = −2.04; CI = −3.08, −1; 340 patients); no difference was noted for liver parenchyma transection time and mortality. No difference was noted between CUSA (4 RCTs and 1 nonrandomized study) or RFDS (3 RCTs and 3 nonrandomized studies) versus CC for any of the studied outcomes. Conclusion. Of the 3 modalities used in liver resection (VSS, CUSA, and RFDS), only VSS appeared to offer significant benefit over standard CC. However, the generalization of our findings is limited by the scarcity and clinical heterogeneity of the published studies. Large, well-designed and implemented RCTs are warranted to further investigate the usefulness of novel modalities used in liver resection.
Stages and Evaluation of Surgical Innovation
Authors: Heikens Joost T. , Gooszen Hein G. , Rovers Maroeska M. , van Laarhoven Cees J.H.M.
Published: December 2012

Aim. So far, not many clinical examples that follow the IDEAL (Idea, Development, Evaluation, Assessment, and Long-term study) recommendations for evaluating and reporting surgical innovation and adoption are available. Methods. In this article, all IDEAL stages will be described for a recent surgical innovation, the ileo neorectal anastomosis (INRA), a procedure restoring intestinal continuity after colectomy. Results. INRA showed that the technique of small-bowel transposition with a vascular pedicle is feasible, with good long-term results. From the patient’s point of view, no distinct advantage for INRA was found, with morbidity and functional results being in range with the gold standard ileal pouch anal anastomosis. Conclusion. The adoption of the IDEAL recommendations—that is, by performing evidence-based surgical studies—will improve surgical science, with the consequence that progress in surgical care continues and interventions become safer and more efficient and allow a better quality of life in surgical patients.
Objective Assessment of Skills Acquisition During Laparoscopic Surgery Courses
Authors: Sarker Shah-Jalal , Telfah Muwaffaq Mezeil , Onuba Louisa , Patel Bijendra P.
Published: December 2012

Background. The aim of this prospective study is to objectively assess the acquisition of skills of trainees attending laparoscopic surgery courses. Methods. Thirty-four junior surgical trainees had their laparoscopic skills assessed before and after attending 1 of 3 separate runs of 3-day core skills in laparoscopic surgery course. Nine control trainees were also included who did not attend the course. Three virtual tasks (camera navigation, hand–eye coordination, and 2-handed maneuver) were used from a virtual reality simulator (Simbionix) for assessment. Camera navigation was assessed by completion time and maintenance of horizontal view, whereas the other 2 tasks were assessed by completion time, path length (both hands), and the number of movements (both hands). A composite score of overall performance was calculated by combining all the 12 parameters. Results. The course significantly ( P < 0.001) improved 91% of the junior trainees’ precourse laparoscopic skills. Around 70% to 85% of the participants had improvement in skills in all the parameters following the course. The significant improvements were seen in 10 out of 12 task-specific parameters ( P ≤ .004) except path length of the left hand. No significant improvement in skills was seen in any 1 of the 12 parameters for the control participants except for a slight reduction in performance matrics. Foundation and core trainees had acquired significantly ( P = .02) more skills (23% improvement) than the specialist trainees (8% improvement). Overall acquired skills did not differ significantly in terms of age, sex, or dominant hand of trainees. Conclusion. Objective validated methods can be used to demonstrate course efficacy in addition to providing participants with an insight into their skills. Junior trainees with little or no previous experience benefit the most from such courses irrespective of their age, sex, and dominant hand.
Insufficient Joint Forces of First-Generation Articulating Instruments for Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Surgery
Authors: Jeong Chang Wook , Kim Sung Hoon , Kim Hyung Tae , Jeong Seong Jin , Hong Sung Kyu , Byun Seok-Soo , Lee Sang Eun
Published: December 2012

Background. The current articulating instruments used in laparoendoscopic single-site surgery do not appear to provide the joint forces required. Thus, we measured the joint forces of first-generation articulating laparoscopic instruments. To compare these forces with those necessary in the surgical context, we evaluated the forces sufficient to produce secure surgical ties in an animal model. Methods. The articulating instruments tested were Laparo-Angle (Cambridge Endoscopic Devices Inc, Framingham, MA), RealHand (Novare Surgical Systems Inc, Cupertino, CA), and Roticulator (Covidien Inc, Mansfield, MA). For each, we measured the angle between the end-effector and the shaft in proportion to the articulating force using a push–pull gauge. Two fixed-position configurations of the instruments were predetermined: the neutral and the fully articulated positions. The forces required to secure surgical ties for the ureter, renal artery, and renal vein were evaluated using kidneys harvested from a female pig. Results. The bending forces required to bend from the neutral position to 30° were 5.6 ± 1.2 and 4.7 ± 1.0 N with the Laparo-Angle and RealHand, respectively. Furthermore, the slippage forces in the fully articulated state were 1.8 ± 0.3, 1.6 ± 0.2, and 1.5 ± 0.2 N in the above order. In contrast, the mean forces to produce surgical ties of the ureter, renal artery, and renal vein were 14.5 ± 2.3, 11.5 ± 0.8, and 10.3 ± 2.3 N, respectively. Conclusion. The joint forces of first-generation articulating instruments for laparoendoscopic single-site surgery are not sufficient to meet the usual operative needs. Improved articulating instruments with greater articulating forces should be developed.
Assessing the usefulness of health data linkage in obtaining adverse event data in a randomised controlled trial of oral and implant naltrexone in the treatment of heroin dependence
Authors: Kelty Erin , Ngo Hanh , Hulse Gary
Published: December 2012

Background

The completeness of self-reported serious adverse events (SAEs) in clinical trials can be reduced by inaccuracies in subject reporting and lost to follow-up.

Purpose

This study assesses the usefulness of a health data linkage system in obtaining SAE data in a randomised controlled study of oral and implant naltrexone.

Methods

SAEs were collected from 68 heroin-dependent subjects during a randomised controlled trial of oral and implant naltrexone with follow-up to 26 weeks. Patient self-report data were cross-matched against hospital and emergency department (ED) attendances for the same period using a health data linkage system.

Results

A total of 29 hospital admissions and 74 ED attendances were identified using health data linkage. Of these, 12 (41.4%) hospital admissions and 50 (67.7%) of ED attendances had not been reported as SAE in the randomised controlled trial. In subjects participating in the trial at the time of the event, there was a 1.25-fold increase in the number of hospital admissions and a 2.25-fold increase in the number of ED attendances recorded using data linkage. Overall (including withdrawn subjects or those lost to follow-up), there was a 1.71-fold increase in hospital admission and a 3.09-fold increase in ED attendance recorded.

Limitations

The use of data linkage should not be used as a replacement for thorough follow-up, as the datasets can take substantial periods to update, making them a poor substitute for real-time follow-up. Additionally, some SAEs such as life-threatening events that do not involve ED or hospital attendance may be overlooked as would SAEs that occurred outside the dataset’s range, for example, interstate or overseas.

Conclusions

Health data linkage can be used to effectively reduce the extent of missing health data in a clinical trial.
Hygrothermal simulations of foundations: Part 1: Soil material properties
Authors: Pallin Simon , Kehrer Manfred
Published: December 2012

Deep basements, crawl spaces and slab on grade are typical foundations in residential buildings in North America. The foundation of a house is a somewhat invisible and at sometimes ignored component of the building. Appropriate foundation design and construction practice must not only include thermal performance, but also design for a durable and safe hygrothermal performance.

A hygrothermal simulation tool can be used to evaluate and predict the hygrothermal behavior of an insulated foundation constructions, in cooperation with the surrounding soil. Though, further development of the tool might first be needed and validated to fulfill the prerequisites. Transient hygrothermal simulation tools have existed in Building Science for more than 20 years, but are mainly used for building envelope simulation above ground. A lot of knowledge already exists in Soil Science concerning the variation of the soil material properties in relation to soil texture, moisture content etc. However, Soil Science uses these properties for other purpose and with different modeling approaches, hence a conversion is needed.

This paper studies the existing knowledge of soil properties, converted to apply for simulation in Building Science. Further, the soil properties are implemented in a transient hygrothermal simulation tool, studying the applicability for modeling soil temperature and moisture flow. Finally the results are compared with measurement and followed by a discussion of further investigations and development needed.
A review of the use of frovatriptan in the treatment of menstrually related migraine
Authors: Allais Gianni , Benedetto Chiara
Published: December 2012

Menstrual migraine (MM) is a highly prevalent condition associated with considerable disability. Migraine attacks occur exclusively around the menstrual period in approximately 10% of women with migraine, that is, pure menstrual migraine, while at least 50% of them also experience migraine at other times of the month, that is, menstrually related migraine (MRM). The therapeutic approach to patients with MRM is based on treatment of the attack, or prophylactic strategies. Triptans are recommended as first-line treatments for moderate to severe migraine attacks, including MM. Frovatriptan is one of the newest triptans. Its high affinity for 5-HT1B/1D receptors and long half-life contribute to its distinctive clinical effect, characterized by a more sustained and prolonged effect than other triptans. Indeed, frovatriptan proved to be effective in treating the acute attack, but was particularly effective in the short-term preventive therapy of MM. In addition, frovatriptan is one of the safest triptans, with the lowest risk of treatment-emergent adverse events. Following extensive evidence from randomized pharmacological trials, frovatriptan has now gained a grade A recommendation from the guidelines for short-term prophylaxis of MM. Recent post-hoc analyses of direct comparative trials also suggest that frovatriptan might have an important role in the acute treatment of MRM. In these studies, frovatriptan showed pain relief and pain-free rates similar to those of zolmitriptan, rizatriptan, and almotriptan, but with significantly lower recurrence rates. More well-designed, randomized, prospective studies, specifically enrolling women with MM, will be needed in the near future to confirm the efficacy of frovatriptan in this migraine subtype.
Recent advances in the treatment of familial amyloid polyneuropathy
Authors: Adams David
Published: December 2012

The treatment of familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) requires a multidisciplinary approach, mainly neurological and cardiological. It includes specific treatments to stop the progression of systemic amyloidogenesis, the symptomatic treatment of the peripheral and autonomic neuropathy and the treatment of organs severely involved by amyloidosis (heart, eyes, kidneys). First-line specific treatment of met30 transthyretin (TTR) FAP is liver transplantation, which allows suppression of the main source of mutant TTR, to stop the progression of the neuropathy in 70% of cases in the long term and to double the median survival. In cases of severe renal or cardiac insufficiency, a combined kidney–liver or heart–liver transplantation can be discussed. Tafamidis (Vyndaqel) is a novel specific stabilizer of TTR which, in the very early stages of met30 TTR FAP, slows the progress of peripheral neuropathy. This drug should be proposed in cases of stage 1 symptomatic polyneuropathy. Other innovative medicines have been developed by biopharmaceutical companies to block the hepatic production of mutant and wild type TTR which are harmful in late-onset FAP (> 50 years old), including RNA interference therapeutics and antisense oligonucleotides, and to remove the amyloid deposits (monoclonal antibody antiserum amyloid P). Clinical trials should first assess patients with late onset FAP or non-met30 TTR FAP who are less responsive to liver transplantation or in case of significant progression of the neuropathy with Vyndaqel. Initial cardiac assessment and periodic cardiac investigations are important for patients with FAP because of the frequency of cardiac impairment, which is responsible for the high rate of mortality. Prophylactic pacemaker treatment should be discussed. Symptomatic treatments are required to improve patients’ quality of life. Familial screening of people with TTR mutation and regular follow up are essential. Appropriate clinical examination and complementary investigations are vital for the early detection of disease onset and to start specific therapy as soon as possible.
Udenafil: efficacy and tolerability in the management of erectile dysfunction
Authors: Kang Sung Gu , Kim Je Jong
Published: December 2012

Udenafil is a potent novel phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor approved for use in Korea. Udenafil has unique properties, with a Tmax of 1.0–1.5 h and a T1/2 of 11–13 h (a relatively rapid onset and a long duration of action). Therefore, both on-demand and once-daily use of udenafil have been reported. Udenafil’s efficacy and tolerability have been evaluated in several studies, and recent and continuing studies have demonstrated udenafil’s promise in both dosing regimens. Presently, tadalafil is the only FDA-approved drug for daily dosing, but udenafil can be used as a once-daily dose for erectile dysfunction patients who cannot tolerate tadalafil due to phosphodiesterase subtype selectivity. Udenafil as an on-demand or once-daily dose is effective and tolerable, but more studies are needed in patients of other ethnicities and with comorbid conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and benign prostate hyperplasia.
Teen Dating Abuse
Authors: Freeman Sally Ann , Rosenbluth Barri , Cotton Laura
Published: December 2012

Teen dating abuse, also known as teen dating violence, is a significant public health issue. Adolescents with a history of dating abuse may struggle academically and experience increased risk for serious injury or even death. They may engage in risky sexual behavior, substance abuse, and unhealthy dieting and exhibit suicidal behaviors. School nurses may be the first adults that teens confide in when experiencing dating abuse and may lack the knowledge and skills to intervene with teens involved in unhealthy dating relationships. Beginning in 2008, Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin, Texas, partnered with SafePlace (a local nonprofit that serves survivors of sexual and domestic violence) to address dating abuse. This collaboration is part of Start Strong Austin, one of 11 communities nationwide participating in the Start Strong: Building Healthy Teen Relationships Initiative funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The Start Strong model employs innovative strategies in education, community engagement, policy change, and social marketing to prevent dating abuse before it starts.
Cultural Differences in Attitudes Toward Action and Inaction
Authors: Zell Ethan , Su Rong , Li Hong , Ho Moon-Ho Ringo , Hong Sungjin , Kumkale Tarcan , Stauffer Sarah D. , Zecca Gregory , Cai Huajian , Roccas Sonia , Arce-Michel Javier , de Sousa Cristina , Diaz-Loving Rolando , Botero Maria Mercedes , Mannetti Lucia , Garcia Claudia , Carrera Pilar , Cabalero Amparo , Ikemi Masatake , Chan Darius , Bernardo Allan , Garcia Fernando , Brechan Inge , Maio Greg , Albarracín Dolores
Published: December 2012

The current research examined whether nations differ in their attitudes toward action and inaction. It was anticipated that members of dialectical East Asian societies would show a positive association in their attitudes toward action/inaction. However, members of non-dialectical European-American societies were expected to show a negative association in their attitudes toward action/inaction. Young adults in 19 nations completed measures of dialectical thinking and attitudes toward action/inaction. Results from multi-level modeling showed, as predicted, that people from high dialecticism nations reported a more positive association in their attitudes toward action and inaction than people from low dialecticism nations. Furthermore, these findings remained after controlling for cultural differences in individualism-collectivism, neuroticism, gross-domestic product, and response style. Discussion highlights the implications of these findings for action/inaction goals, dialecticism, and culture.
Management of imatinib-resistant patients with chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Bhamidipati Pavan Kumar , Kantarjian Hagop , Cortes Jorge , Cornelison A. Megan , Jabbour Elias
Published: December 2012

Since its approval in 2001 for frontline management of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), imatinib has proven to be very effective in achieving high remission rates and improving prognosis. However, up to 33% of patients will not achieve optimal response. This has led researchers to develop new second- and third-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors. In this article, we review the mechanisms of resistance, recommendations for monitoring, assessment of milestones, and management options for patients with CML who are resistant to imatinib therapy. We further explain the potential pitfalls that can lead to unnecessary discontinuation, the prognosis of patients whose condition fails to respond to treatment, and the upcoming therapies.
Pharmacologic stabilization of HIF-1α increases hematopoietic stem cell quiescence in vivo and accelerates blood recovery after severe irradiation
Authors: Forristal Catherine E. , Winkler Ingrid G. , Nowlan Bianca , Barbier Valerie , Walkinshaw Gail , Levesque Jean-Pierre
Published: December 2012

Key Points

HIF-1α protein stabilization increases HSC quiescence in vivo. HIF-1α protein stabilization increases HSC resistance to irradiation and accelerates recovery.
Induction of megakaryocyte differentiation drives nuclear accumulation and transcriptional function of MKL1 via actin polymerization and RhoA activation
Authors: Smith Elenoe C. , Teixeira Alexandra M. , Chen Rachel C. , Wang Lin , Gao Yuan , Hahn Katherine L. , Krause Diane S.
Published: December 2012

Key Points

RhoA-induced actin polymerization promotes nuclear accumulation of MKL1 and transcriptional activation. Thrombopoietin activates nuclear accumulation of MKL1 and transcriptional activation in primary megakarocytes.
Anti-CD22–chimeric antigen receptors targeting B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Haso Waleed , Lee Daniel W. , Shah Nirali N. , Stetler-Stevenson Maryalice , Yuan Constance M. , Pastan Ira H. , Dimitrov Dimiter S. , Morgan Richard A. , FitzGerald David J. , Barrett David M. , Wayne Alan S. , Mackall Crystal L. , Orentas Rimas J.
Published: December 2012

Key Points

We have created a new highly active chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) specific for CD22. The design of new CARs may benefit more from target antigen epitope selection than from optimizing affinity.
Mast cell leukemia
Authors: Georgin-Lavialle Sophie , Lhermitte Ludovic , Dubreuil Patrice , Chandesris Marie-Olivia , Hermine Olivier , Damaj Gandhi
Published: December 2012

Mast cell leukemia (MCL) is a very rare form of aggressive systemic mastocytosis accounting for < 1% of all mastocytosis. It may appear de novo or secondary to previous mastocytosis and shares more clinicopathologic aspects with systemic mastocytosis than with acute myeloid leukemia. Symptoms of mast cell activation—involvement of the liver, spleen, peritoneum, bones, and marrow—are frequent. Diagnosis is based on the presence of ≥ 20% atypical mast cells in the marrow or ≥ 10% in the blood; however, an aleukemic variant is frequently encountered in which the number of circulating mast cells is < 10%. The common phenotypic features of pathologic mast cells encountered in most forms of mastocytosis are unreliable in MCL. Unexpectedly, non-KIT D816V mutations are frequent and therefore, complete gene sequencing is necessary. Therapy usually fails and the median survival time is < 6 months. The role of combination therapies and bone marrow transplantation needs further investigation.
The myth of the second remission of acute leukemia in the adult
Authors: Forman Stephen J. , Rowe Jacob M.
Published: December 2012

Although the majority of adult patients with both acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myelogenous leukemia achieve remission with upfront chemotherapy, many patients still suffer relapse. Often, the strategy is proposed of treating patients with relapsed leukemia into a second remission (CR2) and then proceeding to allogeneic transplantation as the definitive curative approach. However, the long-term outcomes of such a strategy are poor: the 5-year overall survival from first relapse for patients with acute leukemia is only approximately 10%. This Perspective highlights the fact that most patients do not achieve CR2 and therefore never really have an opportunity for a potential curative therapy. Although patients who undergo transplantation after relapse may be cured, those who do not achieve CR2 are rarely candidates for transplantation; therefore, the overall outcome for patients who relapse is dismal. There is therefore an urgent need not only for more effective upfront therapy to prevent relapse, but also for the development of therapies that can serve as effective bridging treatments between relapse and transplantation. We suggest that more optimal use of minimal residual disease detection during first remission may also improve the chances for successful transplantation therapy via earlier reinduction therapy, allowing transplantation before overt relapse.
Phase 1 study of pomalidomide MTD, safety, and efficacy in patients with refractory multiple myeloma who have received lenalidomide and bortezomib
Authors: Richardson Paul G. , Siegel David , Baz Rachid , Kelley Susan L. , Munshi Nikhil C. , Laubach Jacob , Sullivan Daniel , Alsina Melissa , Schlossman Robert , Ghobrial Irene M. , Doss Deborah , Loughney Nora , McBride Laura , Bilotti Elizabeth , Anand Palka , Nardelli Lisa , Wear Sandra , Larkins Gail , Chen Min , Zaki Mohamad H. , Jacques Christian , Anderson Kenneth C.
Published: December 2012

Key Points

Pomalidomide with/without dexamethasone has promising activity and manageable toxicity in relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma patients.
Telomere length in mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Jebaraj Billy Michael Chelliah , Kienle Dirk , Lechel André , Mertens Daniel , Heuberger Maria , Ott German , Rosenwald Andreas , Barth Thomas F. E. , Möller Peter , Zenz Thorsten , Döhner Hartmut , Stilgenbauer Stephan
Published: December 2012

Key Points

Telomere length in MCL is variable but does not correlate with disease characteristics and survival.
Peptidoglycan: a post-genomic analysis
Authors: Cayrou Caroline , Henrissat Bernard , Gouret Philippe , Pontarotti Pierre , Drancourt Michel
Published: December 2012

Background

To derive post-genomic, neutral insight into the peptidoglycan (PG) distribution among organisms, we mined 1,644 genomes listed in the Carbohydrate-Active Enzymes database for the presence of a minimal 3-gene set that is necessary for PG metabolism. This gene set consists of one gene from the glycosyltransferase family GT28, one from family GT51 and at least one gene belonging to one of five glycoside hydrolase families (GH23, GH73, GH102, GH103 and GH104).

Results

None of the 103 Viruses or 101 Archaea examined possessed the minimal 3-gene set, but this set was detected in 1/42 of the Eukarya members (Micromonas sp., coding for GT28, GT51 and GH103) and in 1,260/1,398 (90.1%) of Bacteria, with a 100% positive predictive value for the presence of PG. Pearson correlation test showed that GT51 family genes were significantly associated with PG with a value of 0.963 and a p value less than 10-3. This result was confirmed by a phylogenetic comparative analysis showing that the GT51-encoding gene was significantly associated with PG with a Pagel’s score of 60 and 51 (percentage of error close to 0%). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the GT51 gene history comprised eight loss and one gain events, and suggested a dynamic on-going process.

Conclusions

Genome analysis is a neutral approach to explore prospectively the presence of PG in uncultured, sequenced organisms with high predictive values.
Identification and characterization of gene-based SSR markers in date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.)
Authors: Zhao Yongli , Williams Roxanne , Prakash C S , He Guohao
Published: December 2012

Background

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is an important tree in the Middle East and North Africa due to the nutritional value of its fruit. Molecular Breeding would accelerate genetic improvement of fruit tree through marker assisted selection. However, the lack of molecular markers in date palm restricts the application of molecular breeding.

Results

In this study, we analyzed 28,889 EST sequences from the date palm genome database to identify simple-sequence repeats (SSRs) and to develop gene-based markers, i.e. expressed sequence tag-SSRs (EST-SSRs). We identified 4,609 ESTs as containing SSRs, among which, trinucleotide motifs (69.7%) were the most common, followed by tetranucleotide (10.4%) and dinucleotide motifs (9.6%). The motif AG (85.7%) was most abundant in dinucleotides, while motifs AGG (26.8%), AAG (19.3%), and AGC (16.1%) were most common among trinucleotides. A total of 4,967 primer pairs were designed for EST-SSR markers from the computational data. In a follow up laboratory study, we tested a sample of 20 random selected primer pairs for amplification and polymorphism detection using genomic DNA from date palm cultivars. Nearly one-third of these primer pairs detected DNA polymorphism to differentiate the twelve date palm cultivars used. Functional categorization of EST sequences containing SSRs revealed that 3,108 (67.4%) of such ESTs had homology with known proteins.

Conclusion

Date palm EST sequences exhibits a good resource for developing gene-based markers. These genic markers identified in our study may provide a valuable genetic and genomic tool for further genetic research and varietal development in date palm, such as diversity study, QTL mapping, and molecular breeding.
Hypertriglyceridemic-waist phenotype predicts diabetes: a cohort study in Chinese urban adults
Authors: Zhang Meilin , Gao Yuxia , Chang Hong , Wang Xuan , Liu Dongmei , Zhu Zongjian , Huang Guowei
Published: December 2012

Background

Hypertriglycedemic-waist (HTGW) phenotype is a simple and inexpensive screening parameter to identify people at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. We evaluated whether the HTGW phenotype predicts prediabetes and diabetes in Chinese urban adults.

Methods

Two thousand nine hundred and eight (2908) subjects including 1957 men and 951 women, aged 20 years and older, free of prediabetes and diabetes at baseline were enrolled in 2008 and followed for 3 years. Meanwhile, new cases of prediabetes and diabetes were identified via annual physical examination. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association of HTGW phenotype with the incidence of prediabetes and diabetes.

Results

One thousand five hundred and thirty-three (1533) new prediabetes and 90 new diabetes cases were diagnosed during the follow-up period. The accumulated incidence of prediabetes and diabetes was 52.7% and 3.1%, respectively. Compared with the normal waist normal triglyceride (NWNT) group, those in the HTGW group had higher incidence of prediabetes and diabetes for both men and women. The hazard ratio (HR) for developing prediabetes in the presence of HTGW phenotype at baseline was 1.51 (95% confidence interval [CI] =1.04-2.19) in women, not in men (HR=1.01; 95% CI = 0.82-1.24), after adjusting for age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol. The HR for developing diabetes were 4.46 (95% CI = 1.88-10.60) in men and 4.64 (95% CI = 1.20-17.97) in women for people who were HTGW phenotype at baseline, after adjusting for age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol.

Conclusions

The HTGW phenotype can be used as a simple screening approach to predict diabetes. By using this approach, it is possible to identify individuals at high-risk for diabetes, which is of great significance in reducing the incidence of diabetes among Chinese urban adults.
Risk factors for revision of primary total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review
Authors: Prokopetz Julian JZ , Losina Elena , Bliss Robin L , Wright John , Baron John A , Katz Jeffrey N
Published: December 2012

Background

Numerous papers have been published examining risk factors for revision of primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), but there have been no comprehensive systematic literature reviews that summarize the most recent findings across a broad range of potential predictors.

Methods

We performed a PubMed search for papers published between January, 2000 and November, 2010 that provided data on risk factors for revision of primary THA. We collected data on revision for any reason, as well as on revision for aseptic loosening, infection, or dislocation. For each risk factor that was examined in at least three papers, we summarize the number and direction of statistically significant associations reported.

Results

Eighty-six papers were included in our review. Factors found to be associated with revision included younger age, greater comorbidity, a diagnosis of avascular necrosis (AVN) as compared to osteoarthritis (OA), low surgeon volume, and larger femoral head size. Male sex was associated with revision due to aseptic loosening and infection. Longer operating time was associated with revision due to infection. Smaller femoral head size was associated with revision due to dislocation.

Conclusions

This systematic review of literature published between 2000 and 2010 identified a range of demographic, clinical, surgical, implant, and provider variables associated with the risk of revision following primary THA. These findings can inform discussions between surgeons and patients relating to the risks and benefits of undergoing total hip arthroplasty.
Violation of ethical principles in clinical research. Influences and possible solutions for Latin America
Authors: Cornejo Moreno Borys Alberto , Gómez Arteaga Gress Marissell
Published: December 2012

Background

Even though we are now well into the 21st century and notwithstanding all the abuse to individuals involved in clinical studies that has been documented throughout History, fundamental ethical principles continue to be violated in one way or another.

Discussion

Here are some of the main factors that contribute to the abuse of subjects participating in clinical trials: paternalism, improper use of informed consent, lack of strict ethical supervision, pressure exerted by health institutions to increase the production of scientific material, and the absence of legislation regarding ethics in terms of health care and research. Are researchers ready to respect fundamental ethical principles in light of the ample window of information provided by individual genomes, while defending the rights of the subjects participating in clinical studies as a major priority?

As one of the possible solutions to this problem, education regarding fundamental ethical principles is suggested for participants in research studies as an initial method of cognitive training in ethics, together with the promotion of ethical behavior in order to encourage the adoption of reasonable policies in the field of values, attitudes and behavior.
Why are the neurodegenerative disease-related pathways overrepresented in primary HIV-infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells: a genome-wide perspective
Authors: Zhou Li , Conceicao Viviane , Gupta Priyanka , Saksena Nitin K
Published: December 2012

We demonstrate for the first time that the genome-wide profiling of HIV-infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from HIV-patients free of neurologic disease show overrepresentation of neurodegenerative pathways (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, Huntington’s and Prion Disease, etc.) in genome-wide microarray analysis, which suggests that this genome-wide representation of neurodegenerative diseases-related pathways in PBMCs could possibly be a subcellular manifestation of neurologic interference by HIV. Further, the cell-tagging analysis attested this belief showing the large majority of genes tagged with cells of monocyte and macrophage lineage, which are implicated in neuronal dysfunction in both viral and non-viral neurodegenerative diseases. Together, these findings suggest that the genomic interference of HIV with neurodegenerative pathways is not by chance, but may be an early sign of HIV-mediated sub-genomic and sub-cellular manifestation of neurologic disease. Moreover, these findings signify the utility of PBMC and genome-wide mapping of the host gene expression as a powerful tool in predicting possible early events in neurologic deterioration in HIV patients.