bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single‐Incision Transaxillary Robotic Thyroidectomy
Authors: Lin Ho‐Sheng , Folbe Adam J. , Carron Michael A. , Zuliani Giancarlo F. , Chen Wei , Yoo George H. , Mathog Robert H.
Published: September 2012

Objective

We reviewed our initial experience with robotic thy‐roidectomy to identify challenges and limitations of this new surgical approach when applied to a North American population.

Study Design

Case series.

Setting

Academic institution.

Subjects/Methods

Retrospective review of 18 consecutive robotic thyroid lobectomies performed from February 2010 to April 2012 involving 16 female patients. Two patients underwent robot‐assisted completion thyroidectomy a few months following the initial thyroid surgery, one for cancer and the other for goiter.

Results

Median age was 47.5 years (range, 18‐62 years), and median body mass index was 28.7 (range, 19.4‐44.5). Median thyroid nodule size was 2.9 cm (range, 1.1‐4.7 cm). All but 1 case (6%) was performed successfully via single axillary incision. There was no conversion to an open approach. Median operative time was 170 minutes (range, 95‐220 minutes), and median blood loss was 12.5 mL (range, 5‐75 mL). Complications occurred in 4 cases (22%) to include temporary vocal cord pareses (n = 3) and a postoperative hematoma that required exploration. Median hospital stay was 2 days (range, 1‐3 days).

Conclusion

Single‐incision transaxillary robotic thyroidectomy can be technically challenging in North American patients with a larger body frame due to difficulty in optimal placement of all 4 robotic instruments via a single axillary incision. All 3 cases of temporary vocal cord paresis occurred early in our experience and may have been due to our relative inexperience with this new approach and associated instrumentation. Other limitations include less than optimal visualization of the recurrent laryngeal nerve in the contralateral lobe as well as poor access to the substernal region.

Level of Evidence: 4
Auditory‐Perceptual Speech Outcomes and Quality of Life after Total Laryngectomy
Authors: Eadie Tanya L. , Day Adam M. B. , Sawin Devon E. , Lamvik Kristin , Doyle Philip C.
Published: September 2012

Objective

(1) To determine potential relationships between speech intelligibility, acceptability, and self‐reported quality of life (QOL) after total laryngectomy and (2) to determine whether relationships are stronger when QOL is measured by a head and neck cancer–specific or discipline‐specific QOL scale.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting

University‐based laboratory and speech clinic.

Subjects and Methods

Twenty‐five laryngectomized individuals completed disease‐specific (University of Washington Quality of Life; UW‐QOL) and discipline‐specific (Voice Handicap Index–10; VHI‐10) QOL scales. They also provided audio recordings that included the Sentence Intelligibility Test (SIT) and a reading passage. Thirty‐three listeners transcribed the SIT sentences to yield intelligibility scores. Fifteen additional listeners judged speech acceptability of the reading passage using rating scales.

Results

The QOL scores were moderate across the UW‐QOL physical (mean = 77.63) and social‐emotional (mean = 78.02) subscales and the VHI‐10 (mean = 17.91). Speech acceptability and intelligibility varied across the samples, with acceptability only moderately related to intelligibility (r = 0.41, P <. 05). Relationships were weak between ratings of intelligibility and self‐reported QOL (range, r = 0.00‐0.22) and weak to moderate between acceptability with QOL (range, r = 0.01‐0.46). The only statistically significant, but moderate, relationship was found between speech acceptability with the UW‐QOL speech subscore (r = 0.46, P <. 05).

Conclusion

Listeners’ ratings of speech acceptability and intelligibility were not strongly predictive of disease‐specific or voice‐related QOL, suggesting that listener‐rated and patient‐reported outcomes are complementary.
The development of computer science research in the People’s Republic of China 2000–2009: a bibliometric study
Authors: Xie Zhilong , Willett Peter
Published: September 2012

This paper reports a bibliometric study of the development of computer science research in the People’s Republic of China in the 21st century, using data from the Web of Science, Journal Citation Reports and CORE databases. Focusing on the areas of data mining, operating systems and web design, it is shown that whilst the productivity of Chinese research has risen dramatically over the period under review, its impact is still low when compared with established scientific nations such as the USA, the UK and Japan. The publication and citation data for China are compared with corresponding data for the other three BRIC nations (Brazil, Russian and India). It is shown that China dominates the BRIC nations in terms of both publications and citations, but that Indian publications often have a greater individual impact.
Are There Anthropometric Differences Between Autistic and Healthy Children?
Authors: Bauset Salvador Marí , Zazpe Itziar , Sanchis Amelia Marí , González Agustín Llopis , Suárez-Varela María Morales
Published: September 2012

Anthropometric development and growth were assessed in 2 groups of 6- to 9-year-olds: children with autism spectrum disorders and typically developing children. In a case-control study conducted in Valencia, Spain, we compared the body mass index (kg/m2) of 40 children with autism spectrum disorders (cases) and 113 typically developing children (controls) from the same area of residence. The sex- and age-adjusted odds ratios for being underweight in cases was 2.41 compared to controls. Furthermore, the body mass index distribution of the cases was significantly offset to lower values with respect to that of the controls ( P = .024). In particular, 20% of the cases had a body mass index below the fifth percentile versus just 8.85% of the controls. Our data suggest that the anthropometric development of children with autism spectrum disorders should be monitored as part of routine care.
Physical Domestic Violence and Subsequent Contraceptive Adoption Among Women in Rural India
Authors: Stephenson Rob , Jadhav Apoorva , Hindin Michelle
Published: September 2012

This study examines the relationship between male to female physical domestic violence and contraceptive adoption among women in four economically and culturally distinct areas of India. Data from India’s 1998-1999 National Family Health Survey–2 and a follow-up survey in 2002-2003 for which the same women in four states were reinterviewed are analyzed. The focus of the analysis is on how baseline exposure to physical domestic violence is associated with the intersurvey adoption of contraception. Women who experience physical violence from their husbands are significantly less likely to adopt contraception in the intersurvey period, although this relationship varies by State. This study builds upon previous work by using an indicator of physical domestic violence exposure that is measured before contraceptive adoption, thus allowing the identification of how exposure to violence shapes the adoption of contraception. The results demonstrate that for women living in Bihar and Jharkhand there is a clear negative relationship between physical domestic violence and a woman’s adoption of contraception; this relationship was not found for women in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. The results point to the need to include domestic violence screening and referral services into family planning services.
Low friction, elastomer-containing copolyimides
Authors: Wohl Christopher J. , Chen Lillian , Lin Yi , Connell John W.
Published: September 2012

Novel copoly(imide butadiene)s and copoly(imide butadiene acrylonitrile)s were synthesized from amine-terminated butadiene oligomers, amine-terminated butadiene acrylonitrile oligomers, and aromatic dianhydrides and diamines. The copoly(amide acid)s were synthesized in a mixture of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone and toluene and were subsequently cast into thin films. The films were cyclodehydrated under a nitrogen atmosphere with a final cure at 250°C to minimize thermal degradation of the aliphatic components. Free-standing films of the copolymers exhibited reduced optical transparency, mechanical properties, water contact angle values, and sliding coefficients of friction when compared with homopolyimide films. These results indicated both bulk and surface phase segregation. Surface phase segregation was observed using atomic force microscopic imaging and was related to insufficient elastomer wetting of the casting surface. The detailed results of this study are discussed herein.
Psychological measurement between physics and statistics
Authors: Sijtsma Klaas
Published: September 2012

This contribution discusses the physical perspective on psychological measurement represented by additive conjoint measurement and the statistical perspective represented by item response theory, and argues that both fail to adequately address the real measurement problem in psychology: this is the absence of well-developed theories about psychological attributes. I argue that the two perspectives leave psychology out of the equation and by doing so come up with proposals for psychological measurement that are fruitless. Only the rigorous development of attribute theories can lead to meaningful measurement. I provide two examples of the measurement of theoretically well-developed attributes and suggest future directions for psychological measurement.
Experimental evaluation of parameter identification schemes on a direct-drive robot
Authors: Chávez-Olivares César A , Reyes-Cortés Fernando , González-Galván Emilio J , Mendoza-Gutiérrez Marco O , Bonilla-Gutiérrez Isela
Published: September 2012

The dynamic and friction parameters of a robot are used in advanced control schemes, and their accuracy significantly affects their performance. These parameters can also be used for a realistic simulation. In principle, the numerical value of the parameters could be obtained via computer-aided design analysis but inevitable assembly and manufacturing errors exist. Direct measurement is not a realistic option because the complex nature of the system would involve an intense time-consuming effort. Alternatively, we can deduce the values of the parameters by observing the natural response of the system under appropriate experimental conditions, that is, by using identification schemes. This article presents the experimental evaluation of five identification schemes used to obtain the dynamic and friction parameters of a two-degree-of-freedom, direct-drive robot. We assume that the dynamic and friction parameters are totally unknown but, by design, the dynamic model is fully known. We consider the schemes based on the dynamic regression model, filtered-dynamic regression model, supplied-energy regression model, power regression model, and filtered-power regression model. The article presents a comparison between experimental and simulated robot responses, which enable us to verify the accuracy of each regression model.
Use of Effective Project Communication Principles in an Overseas IT Project: A Case of Wipro Technologies
Authors: Rajhans Kirti , Shah Mona N.
Published: September 2012

This case deals with the specialties involved in project management (PM) communication. It purports that project communication has some nuances of emphasis that differentiate it from general business communication. PM has emerged from the discipline of Operations Management (OM), a branch of management science dealing with the hardcore scientific practices in executing work. Thus, like OM, PM quantifies, systematizes and documents almost all actions.

Therefore Project Communication (PC) too follows standardized procedures and manuals, as PM operates within constraints of budgets and deliveries, like in Operations Management. There is little scope for rework. It is even more acute in case of overseas projects, where challenges like differences in organization and project culture, time zones, language, technology and distance, etc. add to the enormous complexity. Thus, PC entails accuracy and systematic handling of communication networks. Constituent members in the network must follow strict documentation procedures. The project manager should display sophistication in handling interpersonal communication problems. In fact, he must even anticipate probable pitfalls and take proactive efforts to avoid them later in the process.

The present case depicts the efficient communication practices which Nitish followed for Wipro’s overseas project. His success is an outcome of following good interpersonal communication while adhering to the communication plan and the project framework.
The Employee Strike at University of Health Sciences, Lahore–Punjab
Authors: Qureshi Zafar I. , Mahmood Hassan
Published: September 2012

This case traces the series of events that led to the crippling employee strike faced by the University of Health Sciences in 2009–2010. Instigated by a somewhat ambiguously worded directive from the Punjab Government (under whose aegis the UHS functions) regarding the regularization of contract employees, the misunderstanding snowballed into a full-fledged revolt by the majority of the UHS contractual staff against the university management. This led to the university finally having to relieve 65 per cent of its work force from employment.

This case narrates in detail how these events came to pass. It also presents a brief overview of the UHS organizational structure; its decision-making dynamics; and the institutional context in which it functions. A brief outline of the university VC’s leadership style is also presented.
TeleSehat: A Telemedicine Start up
Authors: Farooq Bilal , Hassan Syed Zahoor
Published: September 2012

This case illustrates the use of innovation process by the technology company Comcept to build a profitable telemedicine start up in Pakistan called TeleSehat. Previous efforts in this area had been rudimentary and philanthropic. The case highlights the market need for telemedicine in the country, and provides an account of the innovative technology products, clinical processes and awareness campaigns developed by the company. It provides a good background to discuss the challenges and risks that the company faces, as it looks to form strategic partnerships to transition from its start up stage towards becoming profitable.
Differences Between Weekday and Weekend Levels of Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity in Thai Adolescents
Authors: Konharn Kurusart , Santos Maria Paula , Ribeiro José Carlos
Published: September 2012

Attempts to reduce the decline in physical activity (PA) in adolescence have been the focus of many public health interventions. This study aimed to (1) determine differences in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) levels between weekdays and weekends and (2) identify adolescents meeting current PA guidelines (PAG). To meet these objectives, 186 Thai adolescents aged 13 to 18 years were asked to wear an ActiGraph accelerometer for 7 consecutive days. The results showed that MVPA levels were significantly higher in boys than girls on both weekdays ( P < .01) and weekends ( P < .05). MVPA was higher during weekdays compared with weekend days. Additionally, MVPA levels tend to decline with increasing age during adolescence. The results also showed statistically significant differences between genders in the proportion of adherence to PAG for youth. This study highlights the need to take weekend-weekday differences into account when developing PA interventions for adolescents.
Condom Use Among Sexually Active Rural High School Adolescents Personal, Environmental, and Behavioral Predictors
Authors: Haley Tammy , Puskar Kathryn , Terhorst Lauren , Terry Martha Ann , Charron-Prochownik Denise
Published: September 2012

Adolescents who engage in unprotected intercourse are at risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection (STI). Although adolescents in rural areas participate in levels of sexual risk taking similar to that of nonrural youth, few data are available identifying factors that influence condom use among rural adolescents. The purpose of this study is to determine the predictive value of selected personal, environmental, and behavioral factors for condom use among rural adolescents in grades 9–12. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among sexually active youth ( N = 613), ages 14–19, in three rural school districts in the Northeast. Using logistic regression, identified predictors for condom use include personal standards (odds ratio [OR] = 2.45; confidence interval [CI]: [2.39, 6.47]), condom use goals (OR = 1.32; CI [1.21, 1.45]), condom use at first intercourse (OR = 3.93; CI [2.39, 6.47]) and male gender. School nurses are encouraged to incorporate identified predictors of condom use when considering interventions promoting safer sexual behaviors among rural youth.
Modelling of elastohydrodynamic lubrication and fatigue of rough surfaces: The effect of lambda ratio
Authors: Sharif KJ , Evans HP , Snidle RW
Published: September 2012

The article describes a numerical model for the analysis of elastohydrodynamic lubrication under conditions in which the nominal lubricant film thickness is small compared to the roughness present on the surfaces (lambda ratio less than unity). These conditions occur in most types of gear tooth contacts and in many other heavily loaded machine elements. In these situations, lubrication occurs at the roughness asperity level (micro-elastohydrodynamic lubrication), and in extreme cases ‘mixed’ lubrication behaviour occurs in which momentary solid contacts between the surfaces take place. In both micro-elastohydrodynamic lubrication and mixed lubrication regimes high, localised pressures are applied cyclically to asperity features as they move through the nominal contact leading to fatigue at the asperity level, which culminates in micropitting wear. Results of the modelling show the effect of lambda ratio in lubricated gear tooth contacts, and demonstrate the transition from full-film to micro-elastohydrodynamic lubrication and mixed lubrication, and the consequences in terms of predicted fatigue damage.
Sexting as media production: Rethinking social media and sexuality
Authors: Hasinoff Amy Adele
Published: September 2012

Many of the responses to teen sexting are ineffective and unjust: authorities sometimes blame the victims of nonconsensual sexting, use harsh child pornography laws against minors, and give teenagers the advice to simply abstain. While some scholars champion girls’ media production practices, mass media coverage of girls’ social media use since the early 2000s emphasizes concerns that girls are creating and sharing sexual content. In this paper, I illustrate and challenge common concerns about the negative effect of digital and mobile media on how girls communicate and who they can communicate with. I argue that thinking about sexting as media production would encourage researchers to pay more attention to the opportunities of social media as well as the risks. Thinking about consensual sexting as an act of media authorship also pushes models of media production to better account for the privacy rights of people who create social media content.
Use of Integra® Dermal Regeneration Template in excision and reconstruction of pre-tibial necrobiosis lipoidica: a case report
Authors: Gilmour Adam , Shah Alia , Telfer John RC
Published: September 2012

Integra® Dermal Regeneration Template has become a useful tool for the reconstructive surgeon, particularly in the area of burn care if there is a lack of autograft or the harvesting of autograft may be deleterious to the patients’ condition. However the scope of the Integra template extends far beyond that of burn surgery. We report our experience in the use of the template in the treatment of an ulcerating pre-tibial necrobiosis lipoidica defect. We believe this provides a more robust reconstruction and stable graft recipient site.
Health and Wellness Programming in Faith-Based Organizations
Authors: Bopp Melissa , Fallon Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2012

Introduction. Most of the U.S. population is affiliated with faith-based organizations (FBOs) and regularly attends services. Health and wellness activities (HWA) delivered through FBOs have great potential for reach, but the number of FBOs offering health programs and the characteristics of these programs are currently unknown. The purpose of this study was to better understand rates, characteristics, and factors influencing faith-based HWA across the United States. Method. Faith leaders ( N = 844) completed an online survey assessing faith leader demographics and health, FBO demographics (e.g., denomination, size, location, diversity), and details of HWA within their FBO. Results. Respondents were primarily White (93%), male (72%), middle-aged (53.2 ± 12.1 years), and affiliated with Methodist (42.5%) or Lutheran (20.2%) denominations. Although most faith leaders report meeting physical activity recommendations (56.5%), most were overweight/obese (77.4%), did not meet fruit and vegetable recommendations (65.9%), and had been diagnosed with 1.25 ± 1.36 chronic diseases. Respondents reported offering 4.8 ± 3 HWA within their FBO over the past 12 months. Most common HWA included clubs/teams related to physical activity (54.8%), individual-level health counseling (54%), and providing health/wellness pamphlets. Leaders cited a lack of lay leadership (48.1%) and financial resources for staff time (47.8%) as the most common barriers to HWA. An increase in interest/awareness in health topics from FBO members was the most common facilitator for HWA (66.5%). Conclusion. Although faith-based HWA are prevalent nationally, types of HWA and the factors influencing HWA are dependent on FBO characteristics. Future faith-based interventions should consider existing capabilities and moderating factors for HWA.
The Ketogenic Diet–Induced Weight Gain With Decreased Energy Consumption
Authors: Olmez Inan , Montgomery Mary , James Kaitlin Campbell , Pina-Garza Jesus Eric
Published: September 2012

The ketogenic diet (KD) has been used to improve seizure control in patients who have intractable epilepsy. It typically stimulates energy metabolism and, thus, calorie requirements, raising the concern of growth impairment among children. We have identified 3 patients who paradoxically gained weight over time with decreased daily calorie requirements while on the KD. Although the exact mechanism for this unexpected side effect is unknown, it is likely related to improved seizure control.
Who Uses Groups to Transcend the Limits of the Individual Self? Exploring the Effects of Interdependent Self-Construal and Mortality Salience on Investment in Social Groups
Authors: Routledge Clay , Juhl Jacob , Vess Matthew , Cathey Christie , Liao Jiangqun
Published: September 2012

Terror management theory posits that people identify with and invest in culturally derived social groups, in part, to attach the self to something more permanent than one’s physical existence. Accordingly, research demonstrates that reminders of mortality (mortality salience) increase investment in culturally derived in-groups. The current research extends this analysis by examining whether amplified in-group investment following mortality salience is primarily characteristic of people who define the self in terms of social groups (interdependent self-construal). Three studies provided support for this assertion. Mortality salience increased: identification with one’s nation among Chinese (high interdependence culture) but not American (low interdependence culture) participants (Study 1); positivity toward one’s university for students with high, but not low, interdependent self-construal (Study 2); and willingness to self-sacrifice for one’s religious group among participants induced to adopt an interdependent (vs. independent) self-construal (Study 3).
Analysis for relative motion in ultrasonic welding of aluminium sheet
Authors: Sasaki T , Watanabe T , Hosokawa Y , Yanagisawa A
Published: September 2012

Ultrasonic welding of pure aluminium sheets was observed with a high speed video camera. The dynamic vibration behaviours of a welding tip and aluminium sheets were analysed using the digital image correlation method. The welding process consisted of the following three stages. First, the upper specimen in contact with the weld tip vibrated. The formation of partially welded regions was confirmed at this stage. Second, the vibration amplitude of the upper specimen decreased, while friction between the weld tip and the upper specimen increased. Growth of the partially bonded region was confirmed in the second stage. Third, the welding part began to plastically deform owing to the clamping force. The joint strength reached its maximum value at the third stage. The analysis demonstrated that the relative motion between the weld tip and the upper specimen predominantly affected the increase in joint strength.
Effects of Zn/Sn mass ratio on microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg–Zn–Sn–Al–Ca alloys
Authors: Pan X Q , Chen J H , Yan H G , Su B , Wei J Y , Fan C
Published: September 2012

The effects of the Zn/Sn mass ratio on microstructure and mechanical properties of the as cast and the as rolled Mg– xZn– ySn–2Al–0·2Ca ( x+ y = 9 wt-) alloys have been investigated by optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, SEM and mechanical testing to explore the feasibility of developing a heat treatable high strength wrought Mg alloy by water cooling copper mould casting under pressure plus plastic forming. The as cast alloys are characteristic of divorced eutectics and are composed of four phases, i.e. α-Mg, Mg32(Al, Zn)49, Mg51Zn20 and Mg2Sn. The alloy with the lower Zn/Sn mass ratio contains a higher amount of the Mg2Sn phase and a lower fraction of the Zn containing phases. The as cast Mg–4·5Zn–4·5Sn–2Al–0·2Ca alloy is characteristic of the finer grain size and the fewer amount of the intermetallic compounds at grain boundaries, showing a fairly good roll forming ability and the optimal combined mechanical properties, with the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield tensile strength (YTS) and elongation to rupture (El) of 243 MPa, 170 MPa and 13·9 respectively. Solution treatment can improve the roll forming ability of the Mg–Zn–Sn–Al–Ca alloys to a large extent. The as rolled Mg–4·5Zn–4·5Sn–2Al–0·2Ca alloy exhibits the well balanced mechanical properties among the three alloys. The alloy prepared by direct rolling exhibits UTS, YTS and El of 351 MPa, 245 MPa and 7·1 respectively, while that prepared by solution rolling exhibits UTS, YTS and El of 406 MPa, 285 MPa and 6·6 respectively. Solution rolling has a more obvious strengthening effect on the Mg–Zn–Sn–Al alloys than direct rolling. The as investigated Mg–4·5Zn–4·5Sn–2Al–0·2Ca alloy is a promising candidate for future commercial applications in the Mg–Zn–Sn system.
Semaphorin 6A regulates angiogenesis by modulating VEGF signaling
Authors: Segarra Marta , Ohnuki Hidetaka , Maric Dragan , Salvucci Ombretta , Hou Xu , Kumar Anil , Li Xuri , Tosato Giovanna
Published: September 2012

Formation of new vessels during development and in the mature mammal generally proceeds through angiogenesis. Although a variety of molecules and signaling pathways are known to underlie endothelial cell sprouting and remodeling during angiogenesis, many aspects of this complex process remain unexplained. Here we show that the transmembrane semaphorin6A (Sema6A) is expressed in endothelial cells, and regulates endothelial cell survival and growth by modulating the expression and signaling of VEGFR2, which is known to maintain endothelial cell viability by autocrine VEGFR signaling. The silencing of Sema6A in primary endothelial cells promotes cell death that is not rescued by exogenous VEGF-A or FGF2, attributable to the loss of prosurvival signaling from endogenous VEGF. Analyses of mouse tissues demonstrate that Sema6A is expressed in angiogenic and remodeling vessels. Mice with null mutations of Sema6A exhibit significant defects in hyaloid vessels complexity associated with increased endothelial cell death, and in retinal vessels development that is abnormally reduced. Adult Sema6A-null mice exhibit reduced tumor, matrigel, and choroidal angiogenesis compared with controls. Sema6A plays important roles in development of the nervous system. Here we show that it also regulates vascular development and adult angiogenesis.
Conditioning regimens for allotransplants for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: myeloablative or reduced intensity?
Authors: Bacher Ulrike , Klyuchnikov Evgeny , Le-Rademacher Jennifer , Carreras Jeanette , Armand Philippe , Bishop Michael R. , Bredeson Christopher N. , Cairo Mitchell S. , Fenske Timothy S. , Freytes Cesar O. , Gale Robert Peter , Gibson John , Isola Luis M. , Inwards David J. , Laport Ginna G. , Lazarus Hillard M. , Maziarz Richard T. , Wiernik Peter H. , Schouten Harry C. , Slavin Shimon , Smith Sonali M. , Vose Julie M. , Waller Edmund K. , Hari Parameswaran N.
Published: September 2012

The best conditioning regimen before allogeneic transplantation for high-risk diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) remains to be clarified. We analyzed data from 396 recipients of allotransplants for DLBCL receiving myeloablative (MAC; n = 165), reduced intensity (RIC; n = 143), or nonmyeloablative conditioning (NMAC; n = 88) regimens. Acute and chronic GVHD rates were similar across the groups. Five-year nonrelapse mortality (NRM) was higher in MAC than RIC and NMAC (56% vs 47% vs 36%; P = .007). Five-year relapse/progression was lower in MAC than in RIC/NMAC (26% vs 38% vs 40%; P = .031). Five-year progression-free survival (15%-25%) and overall survival (18%-26%) did not differ significantly between the cohorts. In multivariate analysis, NMAC and more recent transplant year were associated with lower NRM, whereas a lower Karnofsky performance score (< 90), prior relapse resistant to therapy, and use of unrelated donors were associated with higher NRM. NMAC transplants, no prior use of rituximab, and prior relapse resistant to therapy were associated with a greater risk of relapse/progression. In conclusion, allotransplantation with RIC or NMAC induces long-term progression-free survival in selected DLBCL patients with a lower risk of NRM but with higher risk of lymphoma progression or relapse.
A prospective study of circulating adipokine levels and risk of multiple myeloma
Authors: Hofmann Jonathan N. , Liao Linda M. , Pollak Michael N. , Wang Ye , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Baris Dalsu , Andreotti Gabriella , Lan Qing , Landgren Ola , Rothman Nathaniel , Purdue Mark P.
Published: September 2012

It has been hypothesized that the observed excess risk of multiple myeloma (MM) among obese persons could be the result of altered circulating levels of adipokines, polypeptide hormones with pro- and anti-inflammatory properties secreted by adipose tissue. We investigated whether circulating levels of leptin, total adiponectin, and high molecular weight adiponectin are associated with subsequent MM risk among 174 MM patients and 348 controls within the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial. Inverse associations with MM were observed for total adiponectin (highest quartile vs lowest: odds ratio = 0.49; 95% CI = 0.26-0.93, Ptrend = .03) and high molecular weight adiponectin (0.44; 0.23-0.85, Ptrend = .01). These associations remained after restricting to MM patients diagnosed ∼ 8 years or more after blood collection. Leptin levels were not associated with MM risk. The results of this study, to our knowledge the first prospective investigation of circulating adipokines and MM, suggest that adiponectin may play an important role in obesity-related myelomagenesis.
Human red blood cells at work: identification and visualization of erythrocytic eNOS activity in health and disease
Authors: Cortese-Krott Miriam M. , Rodriguez-Mateos Ana , Sansone Roberto , Kuhnle Gunter G. C. , Thasian-Sivarajah Sivatharsini , Krenz Thomas , Horn Patrick , Krisp Christoph , Wolters Dirk , Heiß Christian , Kröncke Klaus-Dietrich , Hogg Neil , Feelisch Martin , Kelm Malte
Published: September 2012

A nitric oxide synthase (NOS)–like activity has been demonstrated in human red blood cells (RBCs), but doubts about its functional significance, isoform identity and disease relevance remain. Using flow cytometry in combination with the nitric oxide (NO)–imaging probe DAF-FM we find that all blood cells form NO intracellularly, with a rank order of monocytes > neutrophils > lymphocytes > RBCs > platelets. The observation of a NO-related fluorescence within RBCs was unexpected given the abundance of the NO-scavenger oxyhemoglobin. Constitutive normoxic NO formation was abolished by NOS inhibition and intracellular NO scavenging, confirmed by laser-scanning microscopy and unequivocally validated by detection of the DAF-FM reaction product with NO using HPLC and LC-MS/MS. Using immunoprecipitation, ESI-MS/MS-based peptide sequencing and enzymatic assay we further demonstrate that human RBCs contain an endothelial NOS (eNOS) that converts L-3H-arginine to L-3H-citrulline in a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent fashion. Moreover, in patients with coronary artery disease, red cell eNOS expression and activity are both lower than in age-matched healthy individuals and correlate with the degree of endothelial dysfunction. Thus, human RBCs constitutively produce NO under normoxic conditions via an active eNOS isoform, the activity of which is compromised in patients with coronary artery disease.
Transcriptomic analysis of peritoneal cells in a mouse model of sepsis: confirmatory and novel results in early and late sepsis
Authors: Bhatty Minny , Fan Ruping , Muir William M , Pruett Stephen B , Nanduri Bindu
Published: September 2012

Background

The events leading to sepsis start with an invasive infection of a primary organ of the body followed by an overwhelming systemic response. Intra-abdominal infections are the second most common cause of sepsis. Peritoneal fluid is the primary site of infection in these cases. A microarray-based approach was used to study the temporal changes in cells from the peritoneal cavity of septic mice and to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for this subset of sepsis patients.

Results

We conducted microarray analysis of the peritoneal cells of mice infected with a non-pathogenic strain ofEscherichia coli. Differentially expressed genes were identified at two early (1 h, 2 h) and one late time point (18 h). A multiplexed bead array analysis was used to confirm protein expression for several cytokines which showed differential expression at different time points based on the microarray data. Gene Ontology based hypothesis testing identified a positive bias of differentially expressed genes associated with cellular development and cell death at 2 h and 18 h respectively. Most differentially expressed genes common to all 3 time points had an immune response related function, consistent with the observation that a few bacteria are still present at 18 h.

Conclusions

Transcriptional regulators like PLAGL2, EBF1, TCF7, KLF10 and SBNO2, previously not described in sepsis, are differentially expressed at early and late time points. Expression pattern for key biomarkers in this study is similar to that reported in human sepsis, indicating the suitability of this model for future studies of sepsis, and the observed differences in gene expression suggest species differences or differences in the response of blood leukocytes and peritoneal leukocytes.
Characterization of EssB, a protein required for secretion of ESAT-6 like proteins in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Chen Yi-Hsing , Anderson Mark , Hendrickx Antoni PA , Missiakas Dominique
Published: September 2012

Background

Staphylococcus aureussecretes EsxA and EsxB, two small polypeptides of the WXG100 family of proteins. Genetic analyses have shown that production and secretion of EsxA and EsxB require an intact ESAT-6 Secretion System (ESS), a cluster of genes that is conserved in many Firmicutes and encompassesesxAandesxB. Here, we characterize EssB, one of the proteins encoded by the ESS cluster. EssB is highly conserved in Gram-positive bacteria and belongs to the Cluster of Orthologous Groups of protein COG4499 with no known function.

Results

By generating an internal deletion inessB, we demonstrate that EssB is required for secretion of EsxA. We use a polyclonal antibody to identify EssB and show that the protein fractionates with the plasma membrane ofS. aureus. Yet, when produced inEscherichia coli,EssB remains mostly soluble and the purified protein assembles into a highly organized oligomer that can be visualized by electron microscopy. Production of truncated EssB variants in wild-typeS. aureusconfers a dominant negative phenotype on EsxA secretion.

Conclusions

The data presented here support the notion that EssB may oligomerize and interact with other membrane components to form the WXG100-specific translocon inS. aureus.
Identification and characterization of circadian clock genes in a native tobacco, Nicotiana attenuata
Authors: Yon Felipe , Seo Pil-Joon , Ryu Jae Yong , Park Chung-Mo , Baldwin Ian T , Kim Sang-Gyu
Published: September 2012

Background

A plant’s endogenous clock (circadian clock) entrains physiological processes to light/dark and temperature cycles. Forward and reverse genetic approaches in Arabidopsis have revealed the mechanisms of the circadian clock and its components in the genome. Similar approaches have been used to characterize conserved clock elements in several plant species. A wild tobacco, Nicotiana attenuata has been studied extensively to understand responses to biotic or abiotic stress in the glasshouse and also in their native habitat. During two decades of field experiment, we observed several diurnal rhythmic traits of N. attenuata in nature. To expand our knowledge of circadian clock function into the entrainment of traits important for ecological processes, we here report three core clock components in N. attenuata.

Results

Protein similarity and transcript accumulation allowed us to isolate orthologous genes of the core circadian clock components, LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL (LHY), TIMING OF CAB EXPRESSION 1/PSEUDO-RESPONSE REGULATOR 1 (TOC1/PRR1), and ZEITLUPE (ZTL). Transcript accumulation of NaLHY peaked at dawn and NaTOC1 peaked at dusk in plants grown under long day conditions. Ectopic expression of NaLHY and NaZTL in Arabidopsis resulted in elongated hypocotyl and late-flowering phenotypes. Protein interactions between NaTOC1 and NaZTL were confirmed by yeast two-hybrid assays. Finally, when NaTOC1 was silenced in N. attenuata, late-flowering phenotypes under long day conditions were clearly observed.

Conclusions

We identified three core circadian clock genes in N. attenuata and demonstrated the functional and biochemical conservation of NaLHY, NaTOC1, and NaZTL.
Cefditoren: Comparative efficacy with other antimicrobials and risk factors for resistance in clinical isolates causing UTIs in outpatients
Authors: Hatzaki Despina , Poulakou Garyphallia , Katsarolis Ioannis , Lambri Niki , Souli Maria , Deliolanis Ioannis , Nikolopoulos Georgios K , Lebessi Evangelia , Giamarellou Helen
Published: September 2012

Background

To investigate a possible role of Cefditoren, a recently marketed in Greece third-generation oral cephalosporin in urinary infections of outpatients.

Methods

During a multicenter survey of Enterobacteriaceae causing UTIs in outpatients during 2005–2007, Cefditoren MICs were determined by agar dilution method in a randomly selected sample of uropathogens. Susceptibility against 18 other oral/parenteral antimicrobials was determined according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute methodology.

Results

A total of 563 isolates (330 Escherichia coli, 142 Proteus mirabilis and 91 Klebsiella spp) was studied; MIC50/MIC90 of Cefditoren was 0.25/0.5 mg/L respectively, with 97.1% of the isolates being inhibited at 1 mg/L. All 12 strains producing ESBLs or AmpC enzymes were resistant to cefditoren. Susceptibility rates (%) for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, cefuroxime axetil, cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and fosfomycin were 93.1- 94.1- 96.8-93.1-71.9 and 92.8% respectively. Cefditoren MIC was significantly higher in nalidixic/ciprofloxacin non-susceptible strains; resistance to cefditoren was not associated with resistance to mecillinam, fosfomycin nitrofurantoin and aminoglycosides. Multivariate analysis demonstrated history of urinary infection in the last two weeks or three months as risk factors for cefditoren resistance.

Conclusions

Cefditoren exhibited enhanced in vitro activity against the most common uropathogens in the outpatient setting, representing an alternative oral treatment option in patients with risk factors for resistance to first-line antibiotics.
Stress associated gene expression in blood cells is related to outcome in radiotherapy treated head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Bøhn Siv K , Russnes Kjell M , Sakhi Amrit K , Thoresen Magne , Holden Marit , Moskaug JanØ , Myhrstad Mari C , Olstad Ole K , Smeland Sigbjørn , Blomhoff Rune
Published: September 2012

Background

We previously observed that a radiotherapy-induced biochemical response in plasma was associated with favourable outcome in head and neck squamous carcinoma cancer (HNSCC) patients. The aim of the present study was to compare stress associated blood cell gene expression between two sub-groups of HNSCC patients with different biochemical responses to radiotherapy.

Methods

Out of 87 patients (histologically verified), 10 biochemical ‘responders’ having a high relative increase in plasma oxidative damage and a concomitant decrease in plasma antioxidants during radiotherapy and 10 ‘poor-responders’ were selected for gene-expression analysis and compared using gene set enrichment analysis.

Results

There was a significant induction of stress-relevant gene-sets in the responders following radiotherapy compared to the poor-responders. The relevance of the involvement of similar stress associated gene expression for HNSCC cancer and radioresistance was verified using two publicly available data sets of 42 HNSCC cases and 14 controls (GEO GSE6791), and radiation resistant and radiation sensitive HNSCC xenografts (E-GEOD-9716).

Conclusions

Radiotherapy induces a systemic stress response, as revealed by induction of stress relevant gene expression in blood cells, which is associated to favourable outcome in a cohort of 87 HNSCC patients. Whether these changes in gene expression reflects a systemic effect or are biomarkers of the tumour micro-environmental status needs further study.

Trial registration

Raw data are available at ArrayExpress under accession number E-MEXP-2460.
Goldmann applanation tonometry compared with corneal-compensated intraocular pressure in the evaluation of primary open-angle Glaucoma
Authors: Ehrlich Joshua R , Radcliffe Nathan M , Shimmyo Mitsugu
Published: September 2012

Background

To better understand the role of corneal properties and intraocular pressure (IOP) in the evaluation of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG); and to determine the feasibility of identifying glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON) using IOP corrected and uncorrected for corneal biomechanics.

Methods

Records from 1,875 eyes of consecutively evaluated new patients were reviewed. Eyes were excluded if central corneal thickness (CCT) or Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA) measurements were unavailable. Presence or absence of GON was determined based on morphology of the optic disc, rim and retinal nerve fiber layer at the time of clinical examination, fundus photography and Heidelberg Retinal Tomography. Goldmann-applanation tonometry (GAT) in the untreated state was recorded and Goldmann-correlated (IOPg) and corneal-compensated IOP (IOPcc) were obtained using the ORA. Glaucomatous eyes were classified as normal or high-tension (NTG, HTG) using the conventional cutoff of 21 mm Hg. One eligible eye was randomly selected from each patient for inclusion.

Results

A total of 357 normal, 155 HTG and 102 NTG eyes were included. Among NTG eyes, IOPcc was greater than GAT (19.8 and 14.4 mm Hg; p < 0.001) and the difference between IOPcc and GAT was greatest for this subgroup of patients with NTG (p ≤ 0.01). The maximum combined sensitivity and specificity for detection of GON occurred at 20.9 mm Hg for GAT (59%, 90%) and 18.4 mm Hg for IOPcc (85%, 85%) and the area under the curve was greater for IOPcc (0.93 vs. 0.78; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

IOPcc may account for measurement error induced by corneal biomechanics. Compared to GAT, IOPcc may be a superior test in the evaluation of glaucoma but is unlikely to represent an effective diagnostic test.
A pharmacy led program to review anti-psychotic prescribing for people with dementia
Authors: Child Anne , Clarke Amy , Fox Chris , Maidment Ian
Published: September 2012

Background

Anti-psychotics, prescribed to people with dementia, are associated with approximately 1,800 excess annual deaths in the UK. A key public health objective is to limit such prescribing of anti-psychotics.

Methods

This project was conducted within primary care in Medway Primary Care Trust (PCT) in the UK. There were 2 stages for the intervention. First, primary care information systems including the dementia register were searched by a pharmacy technician to identify people with dementia prescribed anti-psychotics. Second, a trained specialist pharmacist conducted targeted clinical medication reviews in people with dementia initiated on anti-psychotics by primary care, identified by the data search.

Results

Data were collected from 59 practices. One hundred and sixty-one (15.3%) of 1051 people on the dementia register were receiving low-dose anti-psychotics. People with dementia living in residential homes were nearly 3.5 times more likely to receive an anti-psychotic [25.5% of care home residents (118/462) vs. 7.3% of people living at home (43/589)] than people living in their own homes (p < 0.0001; Fisher’s exact test). In 26 practices there was no-one on the dementia register receiving low-dose anti-psychotics.

Of the 161 people with dementia prescribed low-dose anti-psychotics, 91 were receiving on-going treatment from local secondary care mental health services or Learning Disability Teams. Of the remaining 70 patients the anti-psychotic was either withdrawn, or the dosage was reduced, in 43 instances (61.4%) following the pharmacy-led medication review.

Conclusions

In total 15.3% of people on the dementia register were receiving a low-dose anti-psychotic. However, such data, including the recent national audit may under-estimate the usage of anti-psychotics in people with dementia. Anti-psychotics were used more commonly within care home settings. The pharmacist-led medication review successfully limited the prescribing of anti-psychotics to people with dementia.