bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slightly Elevated High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) Concentrations Are Associated With Carotid Atherosclerosis in Women With Varying Degrees of Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Prahl Ulrica , Wikstrand John , Bergström Göran M. L. , Behre Carl Johan , Hulthe Johannes , Fagerberg Björn
Published: June 2010

We examined whether high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) ≥2.0 mg/L was associated with increased intima-media thickness (IMT), plaque burden, and plaque echolucency in carotid arteries. Women (n = 635) from a population sample of 64-year-old females with varying degrees of glucose tolerance underwent risk factor assessment, measurement of hsCRP, and ultrasound examinations of the carotid arteries. Participants with hsCRP levels ≥2.0 mg/L had elevated carotid bulb IMT independently of other cardiovascular risk factors compared with those with hsCRP <2.0 mg/L. The participants with plaques in the highhsCRP group had larger total plaque area compared to those with plaque in the lower hsCRP group. Plaque echolucency did not differ between groups. High-sensitivity CRP levels ≥2.0 mg/L were accompanied by elevated IMT in the carotid bulbs independently of other cardiovascular risk factors. Total plaque area was larger among women with plaques in the high hsCRP group versus the lower hsCRP group.
Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase and Angiotensinogen Gene Polymorphism in Coronary Artery Diseases in Egypt
Authors: Motawi Tarek , Shaker Olfat , Taha Mohamed , Sedrak Heba , Nabil Mai
Published: June 2010

Genetic factors contribute to the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). We studied 100 patients with CAD and 50 healthy individuals to assess the association of endothelial nitric oxide (eNOS) polymorphism (Glu298Asp) and angiotensinogen polymorphisms (M235T) and CAD in an Egyptian population. Serum nitric oxide (NO) and angiotensin I levels were also measured. The frequency of Glu298Asp and M235T polymorphisms were higher in the CAD group compared with controls. The mean level of NO was significantly lower (P < .05) while angiotensin I was significantly higher (P < .05) in patients CAD than in controls. The frequency of eNOS TT allele of M235T variant was significantly higher in patients with CAD (20% vs 6%). The frequency of angiotensinogen (AGT) TT and T allele in patients with CAD was significantly higher (P < .05) than in controls (22% vs 6%and 47% vs23%, respectively). Homozygosity for Glu298Asp and M235T polymorphisms may predispose to CAD.
Racism, Psychology, and Morality: Dialogue with Faucher and Machery
Authors: Garcia J.L.A.
Published: June 2010

I here respond to several points in Faucher and Machery’s vigorous and informative critique of my volitional account of racism (VAR). First, although the authors deem it a form of “implicit racial bias,” a mere tendency to associate black people with “negative” concepts falls short of racial “bias” or prejudice in the relevant sense. Second, such an associative disposition need not even be morally objectionable. Third, even for more substantial forms of implicit racial bias such as race-based fear or disgust, Faucher and Machery offer no account or explanation of when we should consider these racist, in whom, in what respect(s), or why. So, findings of implicit racial bias pose no clear objection to VAR. Fourth, because VAR allows not only racial hate, but also callous indifference, disdain, and other forms of racially driven disregard, to be racist,VAR is not “psychologically monist.” Fifth, as VAR allows racist attitudes to be immoral in more than one way, offending against both the moral virtues of benevolence and justice, VAR is not “morally monist” either. I also reveal problems with some of Faucher and Machery’s other claims: Faucher and Machery take too narrow a conception of the types of psychology that can contribute to understanding racism; the internal complexity of hatred, which they approvingly mention, is irrelevant to VAR’s truth and undermines part of their criticism of VAR; whether some forms of racial bias are “racial ills” is irrelevant to VAR, which only analyzes racism; over-attention to implicit racial bias may cloak or exacerbate some of our society’s racial ills, or even constitute a new one. I conclude by noting that Faucher and Machery are not just critics of VAR but also allies of VAR in important controversies against those who insist racism lies primarily in social structures and institutions.
Does God Matter? Religious Content and the Evaluation of Comforting Messages in the Context of Bereavement
Authors: Wilkum Kristi , MacGeorge Erina L.
Published: June 2010

Many people use religious belief and practice as a resource for coping with distress. However, the influence of religious content in comforting messages has yet to be examined. The current study was designed to examine how comforting messages that vary in person centeredness and incorporate different kinds of religious content are evaluated by people who vary in intrinsic religiosity and styles of religious coping. College students ( N = 312) were asked to imagine that a grandparent had died and to evaluate the perceived quality of comforting messages representing different levels of person centeredness and types of religious content. They also completed measures of intrinsic religiosity and religious coping style. Results indicate not only a preference for messages with deferring religious content (in which God is described as responsible for helping the individual cope with the loss) but also variation in evaluation as a function of intrinsic religiosity and religious coping style.
Communication With Significant Others About Weight Management: The Role of Confirmation in Weight Management Attitudes and Behaviors
Authors: Dailey René M. , Richards Andrea A. , Romo Lynsey Kluever
Published: June 2010

The current study employed a confirmation perspective to examine the relationship between communication with significant others and individuals’ weight management. Confirmation was conceptualized as consisting of two components—acceptance and challenge. In Study 1, 413 participants (aged 18-66) completed a survey assessing their diet and exercise behaviors as well as interactions with a significant other about weight management. As predicted, the combination of acceptance and challenge from significant others was related to the highest levels of body self-esteem, eating and exercise self-efficacy, and healthy eating behaviors beyond the individual effects of acceptance and challenge. In Study 2, 161 participants (aged 18-62) rated the effectiveness of messages varying in acceptance and challenge. Messages higher in both acceptance and challenge were rated as more effective in motivating healthy behaviors than messages primarily higher in either acceptance or challenge or lower in both. Overall, both studies suggest the contribution of one component of confirmation was enhanced by the presence of the other component in predicting weight management attitudes and behaviors.
Communicating the Right Emotion to Generate Help for Connected Versus Unconnected Others
Authors: Faseur Tine , Geuens Maggie
Published: June 2010

This study investigated the effectiveness of positive versus negative and of other-focused versus mixed- (ego- and other-) focused feelings evoked in advertisements promoting help for connected versus unconnected needy people. Results showed that when help is asked for people to whom respondents feel connected, positive (vs. negative) and mixed-focused (vs. other-focused) feelings led to more positive ad evaluations and increased respondents’ helping intentions. When help was needed for unconnected people, the negative ads were most effective. Furthermore, it was investigated whether the effect of other-focused versus mixed-focused feelings on ad evaluations and helping intentions was mediated by people’s motivation to help.
Over- and under-convergent step responses in fractional-order transfer functions
Authors: Tavakoli-Kakhki Mahsan , Haeri Mohammad , Mohammad Saleh Tavazoei
Published: June 2010

In this paper we highlight a remarkable difference between the step responses of a classical second-order transfer function and its fractional-order counterpart. It can be easily shown that the step response of a stable classical second-order transfer function crosses its final value infinitely over time. In contrast, it is illustrated here that the step responses of a fractional-order counterpart of the classical second-order model possess only a finite number of such crossovers. In other words, for such a system one can find a specific time instant after which the step response is over or under-convergent to its final value. This property interprets some phenomena observed in the real-world and should be considered during the design of the control system.
The First-Time Adult-Onset Offender
Authors: Harris Patricia M.
Published: June 2010

Preoccupation of criminologists with juvenile-onset criminal careers overshadows the fact that offenders who begin their criminal careers in adulthood comprise a substantial portion of adult offender populations. Little is known about adult-onset offenders, generally, and even less about first-time adult-onset offenders. Using a large sample of adult felons on probation supervision, this study explores differences between first and repeat offenders. With respect to risk factors at intake, timing of rearrest, and frequency and nature of supervision failures over 3 years, first-time adult-onset participants exhibited statistically significant differences in relation to both repeat adult-onset and juvenile persistent offenders, with largest differences occurring in analyses involving the latter. With respect to risk factors at intake and rearrest, events in adulthood played a more dominant role among first-time adult-onset offenders compared with other groups, where criminal lifestyle factors were in greater evidence. The article concludes with a discussion of community supervision practices to prevent the progression of the first-time adult-onset offender’s criminal career, social reforms to assist this group, and avenues for relevant future research.
Examining Retention and Contingent Faculty Use in a State System of Public Higher Education
Authors: Jaeger Audrey J. , Eagan M. Kevin
Published: June 2010

In many cases, state systems of higher education are not only challenged to address decreasing state budgets but are also asked to increase student retention and other measures of student success. The increased use of contingent faculty may help economically, but this trend may have unintended consequences. This research used logistic regression methods to examine six institutions within a public higher education system for the effects of contingent faculty use on first-year student retention. A thorough examination of other traditional variables used in retention studies is also provided. Results are reported by institutional type via Carnegie classification. Most notably, high levels of exposure to part-time faculty in the first year of college are consistently found to negatively affect student retention to the second year. These findings have implications for both policy and practice in the use of contingent faculty across institutional types.
Power and sample size calculations for longitudinal studies estimating a main effect of a time-varying exposure
Authors: Basagaña Xavier , Xiaomei Liao  , Spiegelman Donna
Published: June 2010

Existing study design formulas for longitudinal studies assume that the exposure is time invariant or that it varies in a manner that is controlled by design. However, in observational studies, the investigator does not control how exposure varies within subjects over time. Typically, a large number of exposure patterns are observed, with differences in the number of exposed periods per participant and with changes in the cross-sectional mean of exposure over time. This article provides formulas for study design calculations that incorporate these features for studies with a continuous outcome and a time-varying exposure, for cases where the effect of exposure on the response is assumed to be constant over time. We show that incorrectly using the formulas for time-invariant exposure can produce substantial overestimation of the required sample size. It is shown that the exposure mean, variance and intraclass correlation are the only additional parameters needed for exact solutions for the required sample size, if compound symmetry of residuals can be assumed, or to a good approximation if residuals follow a damped exponential correlation structure. The methods are applied to several examples. A publicly available programme to perform the calculations is provided.
Does Political Identity Matter in Rural Borrowing? Evidence from a Field Survey
Authors: Banerjee Tanmoyee , Roy Malabika , Ghosh Chandralekha
Published: June 2010

This study is based on a primary survey conducted over two consecutive years in two villages in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, India. West Bengal has the unique feature of being under a single coalition government for the last 30 years. In this context, we examine the effect of different socioeconomic, political and demographic borrower characteristics on the probability of taking a loan from formal sources and the size of such loans taken. We find that political identity significantly affects the borrowers’ access to the formal loan market. Other factors that are significant in characterising the formal borrowers are occupational categories, landholding and religious status.
Implicit as Compared With Explicit Safety Procedures: The Experiences of Israeli Nurses
Authors: Drach-Zahavy Anat , Somech Anit
Published: June 2010

Approaches to nurses’ safety in health care organizations, including modifying individual behavior through enforced compliance with safety rules and mandatory participation in safety training, have been of only modest benefit in reducing injuries. Apparently, what matters is not the existence of guidelines, but their implementation. The aim of the present study was to explore nurses’ implicit safety theories concerning when to comply with safety rules. Using a multimethod approach, including semistructured interviews (perceptions), observations (real-time behavior), and documentary evidence from 15 nursing units (90 nurses), we found that nurses developed implicit rules for when and how to protect themselves. These included: (a) continue providing care for the patient even at the price of protecting yourself, (b) do not disturb other nurses’ work, (c) it cannot happen to me!, (d) be aware of recently occurring accidents, and (e) protect yourself when significant others are present. These implicit rules seemed to be reinforced by personal, social, and contextual factors at the unit, limiting the likelihood that the decision makers (nurses) would discover their fallacy.
Assessing Cross-National Invariance of the Three-Component Model of Organizational Commitment: A Six-Country Study of European University Faculty
Authors: Eisinga Rob , Teelken Christine , Doorewaard Hans
Published: June 2010

This study examined cross-national invariance of Meyer and Allen’s three-component model of organizational commitment using samples of university faculty from six European countries. The analysis revealed strict factorial measurement invariance of affective, continuance, and normative organizational commitment constructs (AC, CC, and NC, respectively). While the samples failed to differ in AC and CC, substantial cross-national differences were found for NC. Results showed an invariant zero correlation between AC and CC, and NC associated positively with affective and continuance components. Procedural justice predicted AC and less strongly NC, but it had no effect on CC. A positive link with job performance was found for AC, a negative one for CC, and no association for NC. Results by and large support the generalizability of the tripartite organizational commitment model to the European context.
Delay in Thrombolysis of Massive and Submassive Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Yang Wang  , Yuanhua Yang  , Chen Wang  , Zhuang Ma  , Chen Qiu  , Hua Wu  , Jin Zhang  , Xiaoyun Hu  , Zhenguo Zhai  , Wanmu Xie  , Changting Liu  ,   Recombinant Streptokinase versus Urokinase in Pulmonary Embolism in China (RESUPEC) investigators
Published: June 2010

Objective: To report the time of delay in thrombolysis of massive and submassive pulmonary embolism (PE). Methods: We enrolled 83 consecutive patients with massive and submassive PE from 8 hospitals between June 2006 and March 2009. We recorded the delay between symptom onset and thrombolysis. The clinical findings related to early thrombolysis (delay ≤2 days) were analyzed. Results: Median of the delay in thrombolysis was 8 days with 82% over 2 days, 53% over 7 days, and 6% over 25 days. Compared to the late thrombolysis (delay >2 days), patients with early thrombolysis more frequently had murmurs at the tricuspid area (26.7% vs 6.1%, P = .053), less frequently had cough (20% vs 59.7%, P = .005) and increased P2 (pulmonic component of second heart sound; 33.3% vs 61.2%, P = .049), and more patients were thrombolysed in off-hours (86.7% vs 57.4%, P = .034). Conclusion: The time of delay in thrombolysis is too long and the symptoms and signs between early and late thrombolysis groups may differ.
A Prospective Trial Showing the Safety of Adjusted-Dose Enoxaparin for Thromboprophylaxis of Pregnant Women With Mechanical Prosthetic Heart Valves
Authors: Chitsike Rufaro Saeed  , Frank Jacobson Barry , Pravin Manga , Rhemtula Haroun Aziz  , Serasheini Moodley , Gabrielle Dominique Toweel
Published: June 2010

Objective: To determine whether dosage adjustment of enoxaparin during pregnancy, to maintain a peak anti-Xa of 1.0 to 1.2 U/mL, is safe for women with mechanical prosthetic heart valves (MPHV). Design: A prospective observational study. Setting: This study was performed at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital from 2007 to 2009. Population: Fifteen women with MPHVs. Methods: Women were treated with enoxaparin with dosage adjustment to achieve a peak anti-Xa of 1.0 to 1.2 U/ mL. Main Outcome Measures: Main outcomes measured were prosthetic valve thrombosis, bleeding, and maternal mortality. Results: There was no maternal mortality. None of the women developed valvular thrombosis during pregnancy. In all, 2 women developed epistaxis and another developed spotting per vaginum. Conclusion: Our data show that enoxaparin may be administered safely during pregnancy to pregnant women with MPHV when there is dosage adjustment throughout pregnancy to maintain an anti-Xa of 1.0 to 1.2 U/mL.
Should Orthopedic Outpatients With Lower Limb Casts be Given Deep Vein Thrombosis Prophylaxis?
Authors: Thomas S. , Van Kampen M.
Published: June 2010

Aim: This study was undertaken to assess the incidence of symptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in orthopedic outpatients who are treated with lower limb casts and were not on any DVT prophylaxis. Material and Method: We retrospectively analyzed the incidence of DVT in a district general hospital over a 1-year period. The names of the patients with proven DVT were cross-checked from the outpatient plaster register to identify those who had lower limb cast treatment and not on any DVT prophylaxis. Results: There were 381 patients who have had lower limb casts and treated as outpatients. In all, 7 patients developed DVT during the period of cast immobilization as outpatients and of these 4 patients were detected to have an associated pulmonary embolism. Discussion: Incidence of DVT among patients with lower limb casts varies. At present, there is no clear guideline on the DVT prophylaxis for those outpatients who are at risk. Our results show that even though the proven DVTs were low, the potential of developing a pulmonary embolism in these patients is high and should be prevented. Conclusion: Risk stratification could be beneficial to identify high-risk patients. Deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis should be discussed for those orthopedic outpatients who are at high-risk of developing thrombosis during immobilization and treatment with lower limb casts. This article emphasis the need for a uniform national guideline in the management of such patients.
Antisocial Behavioral Syndromes and Additional Psychiatric Comorbidity in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among U.S. Adults: Results From Wave 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions
Authors: Goldstein Risë B. , Compton Wilson M. , Grant Bridget F.
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND: Despite the relatively high prevalence of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), associations of ASPD with clinical presentation of PTSD, including additional comorbidity, have not been investigated. OBJECTIVE: To present nationally representative findings on associations of DSM-IV ASPD versus syndromal adult antisocial behavior without conduct disorder before age 15 with additional psychiatric disorders among U.S. adults with PTSD. METHOD: Face-to-face interviews using the Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule- DSM-IV version in the Wave 2 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions ( n = 34,653). RESULTS: After adjustment for sociodemographics and additional comorbidity, both antisocial syndromes were significantly associated with bipolar I, attention-deficit/hyperactivity, substance use, and paranoid, schizoid, histrionic, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders among respondents with PTSD. Odds of major depressive and generalized anxiety disorders were significantly reduced among men with ASPD. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions targeting PTSD may require attention to co-occurring antisociality and additional comorbidity.
Clothes Encounter: Patient Perception of Nursing Attire in a Behavioral Health Unit
Authors: Miller Tracy , Mann Nancy , Grim Rodney D.
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND: In an acute behavioral health unit, patients’ perceptions of nurses can be influenced by the type of clothing they wear. OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to determine if mental health patients had preferences related to nursing attire, to determine if patient preference varied with age, and to determine if nursing attire affected patients’ thoughts on approachability, competence, and professionalism. STUDY DESIGN: A six-question survey was distributed to patients who met specific criteria between August and December 2008. RESULTS: Overall, patients did not have a preference for the type of attire worn by staff. Identification of nurses was a concern for many. More than half of the respondents indicated approachability was not affected by attire; however, 29% said that street clothes made the nurse less approachable. Attire did not affect patient perception of competence or professionalism. CONCLUSION: As behavioral health care changes, staff attire may need to be reconsidered.
An Interinstitutional Academic Collaborative Partnership to End Health Disparities
Authors: Logan Barbara N. , Davis Leroy , Parker Veronica G.
Published: June 2010

Much has been published in the health care literature describing partnerships between academic institutions and community or health care agencies that are designed to improve health outcomes in medically underserved populations. However, little has been published regarding partnerships between minority- and majority-serving academic institutions with this same aim. Key principles of collaborative partnerships are used in a descriptive analysis of the development, functions, and benefits of such an interinstitutional academic partnership that was formed to reduce and ultimately eliminate health disparities in rural South Carolina. Lessons learned from the partnership parallel other human relationships where mutual respect and trust, open and clear communication, and shared decision and problem solving are important for building and sustaining partnerships.
Comparison of Weights for Meta-Analysis of r and d Under Realistic Conditions
Authors: Brannick Michael T. , Yang Liu-Qin , Cafri Guy
Published: June 2010

We compared unit, sample size, and inverse variance weighting procedures for estimating the overall mean and random-effects variance component (REVC) in random-effects meta-analysis under realistic conditions for both r and d. Root mean square error and average absolute error of estimation were used to compare weighting schemes via Monte-Carlo simulation. For r, unit weights worked surprisingly well, and sample size weights worked best overall. For d, unit weights worked poorly, and inverse variance weights worked best overall. Discussion focuses on the meta-analyst’s choice of weights, possible explanations for the differences across types of effect size, and implications for meta-analytic inferences in organizational research.
The Role of Parent Brand Quality for Service Brand Extension Success
Authors: Völckner Franziska , Sattler Henrik , Hennig-Thurau Thorsten , Ringle Christian M.
Published: June 2010

Although substantial differences between product quality and service quality have spurred service research for the past 30 years, studies of brand extension success drivers in a services context measure the core driver of parent brand quality, using scales developed for fast moving consumer goods (FMCG). This study instead assesses parent brand quality with a context-specific measure, drawn from service quality research, and analyzes the relative effects of key brand extension success drivers for services. Partial least squares (PLS) modeling offers diagnostic information about the impact of three dimensions of perceived parent brand quality on the perceived service quality of an extension product, a key success metric for service brand extensions. In contrast with previous studies, the dominant success driver is parent brand quality rather than the perceived fit between the parent brand and the extension. Moreover, all three dimensions of parent brand quality constitute distinct drivers that should be considered when managers assess the chances of service brand extension success, with outcome quality having the strongest impact on service brand extension success. An importance performance analysis of the PLS estimates for 27 hypothetical service extensions demonstrates the diagnostic value of this approach and charts a ‘‘priority map’’ for managerial decisions.
Multi-stage approach for structural damage identification using modal strain energy and evolutionary optimization techniques
Authors: Srinivas V. , Ramanjaneyulu K. , Jeyasehar C. Antony
Published: June 2010

Deterioration and degradation of aging structures is a major concern worldwide. It is often necessary to evaluate the integrity of such structural systems. Early detection and eventual quantification of damage are important for improved safety, to prevent potential catastrophic events, and to extend the service life by repairing/retrofitting the components of the structure. Different methodologies have been proposed in the literature for the identification and localization of damage based on optimization techniques and modal-based approaches. The main drawback in using the optimization approach based on evolutionary algorithms is that it requires the evaluation of the objective function for the total population in each generation. As this is computationally intensive, in this study, a multi-stage approach has been proposed. In this, at first, localization of the damage was achieved so as to reduce the number of parameters of the objective function in the optimization approach. These identified damaged elements were analyzed further for exact identification and quantification of the damage using genetic algorithm (GA)-based optimization approach. To demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed hybrid approach, numerical studies have been carried out on selected structures. The approach of using modal strain energy change ratio to identify damage at first-stage identification is found to be very useful in reducing the objective function parameters in the optimization method. This multi-stage approach is found to be very efficient in the exact identification and quantification of damage in structures. The proposed approach could be used for identifying damage in large-scale structures.
Co-Construction as a Facilitative Factor in Supporting the Personal Narratives of Children Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Authors: Solomon-Rice Patti , Soto Gloria
Published: June 2010

Adult co-construction with children who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) has been found to facilitate child communicative competence in general, but few studies have examined adult co-construction during the telling of personal narratives. This study explored the use of adult co-constructive strategies during personal storytelling with a child who used AAC. Case study discourse analysis methodology was utilized to analyze the types of co-construction strategies employed and the effectiveness of these co-construction strategies during an intervention session with a speech-language pathologist and a child who used AAC. The study concluded that use of child-centered co-construction strategies, including elicitation, question asking, prompts, positive praise, repetitions, and modeling of vocabulary and grammar, might be a facilitative factor in supporting the personal narratives of children who use AAC. Clinical implications for using child-centered co-construction during dyadic exchanges with children who use AAC are discussed.
Local Food: A Social Movement?
Authors: Starr Amory
Published: June 2010

This article analyzes the development of “local food” institutions from a social movements perspective. Over the last decade, institutions that “shorten the links” between producer and consumer have developed through a diverse collaboration of many social sectors (farmers, agronomic experts, retailers, chefs, food writers, and several distinct consumer sectors). Some agronomists and rural sociologists critical of the globalization and industrialization of agriculture have recognized this development as heralding Polanyian “reembedding” of market exchanges in social relations. This article analyzes whether and how local food is a social movement, using new social movement theory as an analytic framework.
Basic Science Review Section: Statin Therapy—Part II: Clinical Considerations for Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Sadowitz Benjamin , Seymour Keri , Costanza Michael J. , Gahtan Vivian
Published: June 2010

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, commonly known as statins, are the medical treatment of choice for hypercholesterolemia. In addition to achieving a therapeutic decrease in serum cholesterol levels, statin therapy appears to promote pleiotropic effects that are independent of changes in serum cholesterol. These cholesterol lowering and pleiotropic effects are beneficial not only for the coronary circulation, but for the myocardium and peripheral arterial system as well. Patients receiving statin therapy must be carefully monitored, however, as statins potentially have harmful side effects and drug interactions. This article is part II of a 2-part review, and it focuses on the clinical aspects of statin therapy in cardiovascular disease.
Setting the Standards for Reporting Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Soong Chee V. , Dasari Bobby V. M. , Loan William , Hannon Ray , Lee Bernard , Lau Louis , Thompson Matthew
Published: June 2010

Introduction: Reported mortality rates for endovascular repair (EVR) of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) vary from 0% to 50%. Selection bias, inaccurate reporting, and lack of uniform reporting standards are responsible for this significant discrepancy. Material and Methods: Existing literature about the classification/reporting systems of rAAA is reviewed. A standard way of reporting rAAA based on the physiological, radiological, and operative findings is proposed. Conclusion: The proposed system attempts to provide a universal language of communicating the severity of rupture, address the reporting bias, and allow comparing the outcomes of rAAA.
Genomic instability after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation is frequent in oral mucosa, particularly in patients with a history of chronic graft-versus-host disease, and rare in nasal mucosa
Authors: Khan Faisal M. , Sy Sarah , Louie Polly , Ugarte-Torres Alejandra , Berka Noureddine , Sinclair Gary D. , Stewart Douglas A. , Russell James A. , Storek Jan
Published: June 2010

Genomic instability (GI) of cells may lead to their malignant transformation. Carcinoma after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) frequently involves some (eg, oral) but not other (eg, nasal) epithelia. We examined GI in oral and nasal mucosal specimens from 105 subjects, including short-term (7-98 days, n = 32) and long-term (4-22 yrs, n = 25) allogeneic HCT survivors. Controls included autologous HCT survivors (n = 11), patients treated with chemotherapy without HCT (n = 9) and healthy controls (n = 27). GI was detected in 60% oral versus only 4% nasal specimens in long-term allogeneic HCT survivors (P < .001). None of the controls showed GI. In oral specimens, GI was significantly associated with history of oral chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). We conclude that GI after HCT is frequent in some (oral) but rare in other (nasal) epithelia. This may explain why some epithelia (especially those involved with cGVHD) are prone to develop cancer.
Cytogenetic and molecular diagnostic characterization combined to postconsolidation minimal residual disease assessment by flow cytometry improves risk stratification in adult acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Buccisano Francesco , Maurillo Luca , Spagnoli Alessandra , Del Principe Maria Ilaria , Fraboni Daniela , Panetta Paola , Ottone Tiziana , Consalvo Maria Irno , Lavorgna Serena , Bulian Pietro , Ammatuna Emanuele , Angelini Daniela F. , Diamantini Adamo , Campagna Selenia , Ottaviani Licia , Sarlo Chiara , Gattei Valter , Del Poeta Giovanni , Arcese William , Amadori Sergio , Lo Coco Francesco , Venditti Adriano
Published: June 2010

A total of 143 adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with available karyotype (K) and FLT3 gene mutational status were assessed for minimal residual disease (MRD) by flow cytometry. Twenty-two (16%) patients had favorable, 115 (80%) intermediate, and 6 (4%) poor risk K; 19 of 129 (15%) carried FLT3-ITD mutation. Considering postconsolidation MRD status, patients with good/intermediate-risk K who were MRD− had 4-year relapse-free survival (RFS) of 70% and 63%, and overall survival (OS) of 84% and 67%, respectively. Patients with good- and intermediate-risk K who were MRD+ had 4-year RFS of 15% and 17%, and OS of 38% and 23%, respectively (P < .001 for all comparisons). FLT3 wild-type patients achieving an MRD− status, had a better outcome than those who remained MRD+ (4-year RFS, 54% vs 17% P < .001; OS, 60% vs 23%, P = .002). Such an approach redefined cytogenetic/genetic categories in 2 groups: (1) low-risk, including good/intermediate K-MRD− with 4-year RFS and OS of 58% and 73%, respectively; and (2) high risk, including poor-risk K, FLT3-ITD mutated cases, good/intermediate K-MRD+ categories, with RFS and OS of 22% and 17%, respectively (P < .001 for all comparisons). In AML, the integrated evaluation of baseline prognosticators and MRD improves risk-assessment and optimizes postremission therapy.
Aurora B is dispensable for megakaryocyte polyploidization, but contributes to the endomitotic process
Authors: Lordier Larissa , Chang Yunhua , Jalil Abdelali , Aurade Frédéric , Garçon Loïc , Lécluse Yann , Larbret Frédéric , Kawashima Toshiyuki , Kitamura Toshio , Larghero Jérôme , Debili Najet , Vainchenker William
Published: June 2010

Polyploidization of megakaryocytes (MKs), the platelet precursors, occurs by endomitosis, a mitotic process that fails at late stages of cytokinesis. Expression and function of Aurora B kinase during endomitosis remain controversial. Here, we report that Aurora B is normally expressed during the human MK endomitotic process. Aurora B localized normally in the midzone or midbody during anaphase and telophase in low ploidy megakaryocytes and in up to 16N rare endomitotic MKs was observed. Aurora B was also functional during cytokinesis as attested by phosphorylation of both its activation site and MgcRacGAP, its main substrate. However, despite its activation, Aurora B did not prevent furrow regression. Inhibition of Aurora B by AZD1152-HQPA decreased cell cycle entry both in 2N to 4N and polyploid MKs and induced apoptosis mainly in 2N to 4N cells. In both MK classes, AZD1152-HQPA induced p53 activation and retinoblastoma hypophosphorylation. Resistance of polyploid MKs to apoptosis correlated to a high BclxL level. Aurora B inhibition did not impair MK polyploidization but profoundly modified the endomitotic process by inducing a mis-segregation of chromosomes and a mitotic failure in anaphase. This indicates that Aurora B is dispensable for MK polyploidization but is necessary to achieve a normal endomitotic process.
How I treat autoimmune hemolytic anemias in adults
Authors: Lechner Klaus , Jäger Ulrich
Published: June 2010

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is a heterogeneous disease with respect to the type of the antibody involved and the absence or presence of an underlying condition. Treatment decisions should be based on careful diagnostic evaluation. Primary warm antibody autoimmune hemolytic anemias respond well to steroids, but most patients remain steroid-dependent, and many require second-line treatment. Currently, splenectomy can be regarded as the most effective and best-evaluated second-line therapy, but there are still only limited data on long-term efficacy and adverse effects. The monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody rituximab is another second-line therapy with documented short-term efficacy, but there is limited information on long-term efficacy and side effects. The efficacy of immunosuppressants is poorly evaluated. Primary cold antibody autoimmune hemolytic anemias respond well to rituximab but are resistant to steroids and splenectomy. The most common causes of secondary autoimmune hemolytic anemias are malignancies, immune diseases, or drugs. They may be treated in a way similar to primary autoimmune hemolytic anemias, by immunosuppressants or by treatment of the underlying disease.
Development of a sensitive non-radioactive protein kinase assay and its application for detecting DYRK activity in Xenopus laevis oocytes
Authors: Lilienthal Eva , Kolanowski Katharina , Becker Walter
Published: June 2010

Background

Although numerous non-radioactive methods are in use to measure the catalytic activity of protein kinases, most require specialized equipment and reagents and are not sufficiently sensitive for the detection of endogenous kinase activity in biological samples. Kinases of the DYRK family have important functions in developmental and pathophysiological processes in eukaryotic organisms including mammals. We aimed to develop a highly sensitive, low-tech assay suitable to determine the activity of DYRK family kinases in tissues or cells from diverse sources.

Results

Phosphorylation-site specific antibodies can be used to monitor the accumulation of the phosphorylated product in kinase assays. We present a modified configuration of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based kinase assay by using the phosphospecific antibody as the capture antibody. This assay format allowed the detection of small amounts of phosphopeptide in mixtures with an excess of the unphosphorylated substrate peptide (10 fmol phosphorylated peptide over a background of 50 pmol unphosphorylated peptide). Consequently, low substrate turnover rates can be determined. We applied this method to the measurement of endogenous DYRK1A activity in mouse heart tissue by immunocomplex kinase assay. Furthermore, we detected DYRK1-like kinase activity in Xenopus laevis oocytes and identified this kinase as a DYRK1 isoform distinct from the Xenopus DYRK1A ortholog.

Conclusion

We present a non-radioactive and highly sensitive method for the measurement of endogenous activities of DYRKs in biological samples. Xenopus laevis oocytes contain an active DYRK1-related protein kinase more similar to mammalian DYRK1B than DYRK1A.
Emergence and migration of trunk neural crest cells in a snake, the California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae)
Authors: Reyes Michelle , Zandberg Katrina , Desmawati Iska , de Bellard Maria E
Published: June 2010

Background

The neural crest is a group of multipotent cells that emerges after an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition from the dorsal neural tube early during development. These cells then migrate throughout the embryo, giving rise to a wide variety derivatives including the peripheral nervous system, craniofacial skeleton, pigment cells, and endocrine organs. While much is known about neural crest cells in mammals, birds, amphibians and fish, relatively little is known about their development in non-avian reptiles like snakes and lizards.

Results

In this study, we show for the first time ever trunk neural crest migration in a snake by labeling it with DiI and immunofluorescence. As in birds and mammals, we find that early migrating trunk neural crest cells use both a ventromedial pathway and an inter-somitic pathway in the snake. However, unlike birds and mammals, we also observed large numbers of late migrating neural crest cells utilizing the inter-somitic pathway in snake.

Conclusions

We found that while trunk neural crest migration in snakes is very similar to that of other amniotes, the inter-somitic pathway is used more extensively by late-migrating trunk neural crest cells in snake.
Analysis of the asymmetrically expressed Ablim1 locus reveals existence of a lateral plate Nodal-independent left sided signal and an early, left-right independent role for nodal flow
Authors: Stevens Jonathan , Ermakov Alexander , Braganca Jose , Hilton Helen , Underhill Peter , Bhattacharya Shoumo , Brown Nigel A , Norris Dominic P
Published: June 2010

Background

Vertebrates show clear asymmetry in left-right (L-R) patterning of their organs and associated vasculature. During mammalian development a cilia driven leftwards flow of liquid leads to the left-sided expression of Nodal, which in turn activates asymmetric expression of the transcription factor Pitx2. While Pitx2 asymmetry drives many aspects of asymmetric morphogenesis, it is clear from published data that additional asymmetrically expressed loci must exist.

Results

A L-R expression screen identified the cytoskeletally-associated gene, actin binding lim protein 1 (Ablim1), as asymmetrically expressed in both the node and left lateral plate mesoderm (LPM). LPM expression closely mirrors that of Nodal. Significantly, Ablim1 LPM asymmetry was detected in the absence of detectable Nodal. In the node, Ablim1 was initially expressed symmetrically across the entire structure, resolving to give a peri-nodal ring at the headfold stage in a flow and Pkd2-dependent manner. The peri-nodal ring of Ablim1 expression became asymmetric by the mid-headfold stage, showing stronger right than left-sided expression. Node asymmetry became more apparent as development proceeded; expression retreated in an anticlockwise direction, disappearing first from the left anterior node. Indeed, at early somite stages Ablim1 shows a unique asymmetric expression pattern, in the left lateral plate and to the right side of the node.

Conclusion

Left LPM Ablim1 is expressed in the absence of detectable LPM Nodal, clearly revealing existence of a Pitx2 and Nodal-independent left-sided signal in mammals. At the node, a previously unrecognised action of early nodal flow and Pkd2 activity, within the pit of the node, influences gene expression in a symmetric manner. Subsequent Ablim1 expression in the peri-nodal ring reveals a very early indication of L-R asymmetry. Ablim1 expression analysis at the node acts as an indicator of nodal flow. Together these results make Ablim1 a candidate for controlling aspects of L-R identity and patterning.
Reassessing the temporal evolution of orchids with new fossils and a Bayesian relaxed clock, with implications for the diversification of the rare South American genus Hoffmannseggella(Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae)
Authors: Gustafsson A Lovisa S , Verola Christiano F , Antonelli Alexandre
Published: June 2010

Background

The temporal origin and diversification of orchids (family Orchidaceae) has been subject to intense debate in the last decade. The description of the first reliable fossil in 2007 enabled a direct calibration of the orchid phylogeny, but little attention has been paid to the potential influence of dating methodology in obtaining reliable age estimates. Moreover, two new orchid fossils described in 2009 have not yet been incorporated in a molecular dating analysis. Here we compare the ages of major orchid clades estimated under two widely used methods, a Bayesian relaxed clock implemented in BEAST and Penalized Likelihood implemented in r8s. We then perform a new family-level analysis by integrating all 3 available fossils and using BEAST. To evaluate how the newly estimated ages may influence the evolutionary interpretation of a species-level phylogeny, we assess divergence times for the South American genus Hoffmannseggella (subfam. Epidendroideae), for which we present an almost complete phylogeny (40 out of 41 species sampled).

Results

Our results provide additional support that all extant orchids shared a most recent common ancestor in the Late Cretaceous (~77 million years ago, Ma). However, we estimate the crown age of the five orchid subfamilies to be generally (~1-8 Ma) younger than previously calculated under the Penalized Likelihood algorithm and using a single internal fossil calibration. The crown age of Hoffmannseggella is estimated here at ~11 Ma, some 3 Ma more recently than estimated under Penalized Likelihood.

Conclusions

Contrary to recent suggestions that orchid diversification began in a period of global warming, our results place the onset of diversification of the largest orchid subfamilies (Orchidoideae and Epidendroideae) in a period of global cooling subsequent to the Early Eocene Climatic Optimum. The diversification of Hoffmannseggella appears even more correlated to late Tertiary climatic fluctuations than previously suggested. With the incorporation of new fossils in the orchid phylogeny and the use of a method that is arguably more adequate given the present data, our results represent the most up-to-date estimate of divergence times in orchids.
Evolution of the CD163 family and its relationship to the bovine gamma delta T cell co-receptor WC1
Authors: Herzig Carolyn TA , Waters Ray W , Baldwin Cynthia L , Telfer Janice C
Published: June 2010

Background

The scavenger receptor cysteine rich (SRCR) domain is an ancient and conserved protein domain. CD163 and WC1 molecules are classed together as group B SRCR superfamily members, along with Spα, CD5 and CD6, all of which are expressed by immune system cells. There are three known types of CD163 molecules in mammals, CD163A (M130, coded for byCD163), CD163b (M160, coded for byCD163L1) and CD163c-α (CD163L1 or SCART), while their nearest relative, WC1, is encoded by a multigene family so far identified in the artiodactyl species of cattle, sheep, and pigs.

Results

We annotated the bovine genome and identified genes coding for bovine CD163A and CD163c-α but found no evidence for CD163b. Bovine CD163A is widely expressed in immune cells, whereas CD163c-α transcripts are enriched in the WC1+ γδ T cell population. Phylogenetic analyses of the CD163 family genes and WC1 showed that CD163c-α is most closely related to WC1 and that chicken and platypus have WC1 orthologous genes, previously classified as among their CD163 genes.

Conclusion

Since it has been shown that WC1 plays an important role in the regulation of γδ T cell responses in cattle, which, like chickens, have a high percentage of γδ T cells in their peripheral blood, CD163c-α may play a similar role, especially in species lacking WC1 genes. Our results suggest that gene duplications resulted in the expansion of CD163c-α-like and WC1-like molecules. This expanded repertoire was retained by species known as "γδ T cell high", but homologous SRCR molecules were maintained by all mammals.