bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sudanese library anxiety constructs
Authors: Abusin K.A. , Zainab A.N. , Noor Harun Abdul Karim
Published: August 2011

Library anxiety is manifested in the form of negative feelings, fear, stress, distress, confusion and has debilitating effects on students’ academic performance, which makes it a serious phenomenon for investigation. This study explores library anxiety amongst Sudanese university students and identifies factors that contribute to this phenomenon. The factors were identified using the diary approach collected from 51 third year undergraduate students who were taking the research method course at the Sudan University of Science and Technology for the first time. The analysis of diary entries revealed eight library constructs named Sudanese Library Anxiety Construct (SULAC). The constructs comprises Negative perceptions towards academic library environment, Negative perceptions towards library staff, Affective barriers, Negative perceptions towards peers, Negative perceptions towards library services, Negative perceptions towards library collections, Negative perceptions towards library regulations, and Cognitive barriers. Details of factors underlying each construct are described.
The effect of ICT on political development: a qualitative study of Iran
Authors: Pirannejad Ali
Published: August 2011

In the age of information revolution, information and communication technologies are penetrating all levels of societies and affecting the process of development in every country. In this era, the government and the people of each country have an important role in the strengthening or weakening of the process. This study examines the effect of ICT on political development in Iran, as an important component of the process of development. In order to explore the effect comprehensively, the government and the people are used as two critical groups which affect political development. This study uses the interview method and employs qualitative approaches such as grounded theory and narrative inquiry. Twenty-six government officials and policy makers of Iran, and 31 ordinary citizens of Tehran (the capital of Iran) were interviewed to investigate how ICT affects political development. The results were grouped into five categories: political empowerment and public control, as two factors which affect the political development of people; and capacity building, public service, and transparency as three elements which affect political development in government. The explanation of each factor regarding the effects of ICT on political development is discussed. In the end, some ideas for further research are presented.
Understanding mobile Internet continuance usage from the perspectives of UTAUT and flow
Authors: Tao Zhou
Published: August 2011

Users’ continuance usage is critical to mobile service providers’ success. Drawing on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and flow theory, this research identified the factors affecting mobile Internet continuance. We collected data in China and conducted data analysis with structural equation modeling. The results indicated that both factors of flow including perceived enjoyment and attention focus have strong effects on user satisfaction, which further affects continuance usage. In addition, performance expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions also affect continuance usage. The results imply that mobile service providers need to focus on both perspectives of user performance and experience to facilitate mobile Internet continuance usage.
From self-awareness to self-identification with visual impairment: a qualitative study with working age adults at a rehabilitation setting
Authors: Senra Hugo , Oliveira Rui Aragão , Leal Isabel
Published: August 2011

Objective: To explore the experience of vision loss, focusing on working age patients' self-awareness of impairment and self-identification with the impairment.

Design: A cross-sectional and qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews.

Setting: A specialized rehabilitation centre and a low vision unit at a public hospital.

Participants: A convenience sample of 38 patients between the ages of 20 and 65, with sight loss caused by a serious ophthalmological condition acquired after the age of 18, and doing their rehabilitation.

Main outcome measures: A semi-structured interview, addressing three core areas: the emotional impact of vision loss; adjustment; and social support. Interviews were transcribed, coded and analysed by two independent researchers.

Results: Seven themes emerged from interviews. Changes in patients' identity, achievement and future life projection arose as being the main transformations caused by vision loss. Self-awareness of impairment appeared associated with the patients' first contact with their loss, while self-identification with the impairment arose connected with the later embodiment process of the vision loss.

Conclusions: Patients’ self-awareness and self-perceptions of impairment appear to be two important milestones in the adjustment process to vision loss. Their assessment and monitoring over the rehabilitation period might help to promote impairment acceptance and rehabilitation outcomes.
Health system characteristics of quality care delivery: A comparative case study examination of palliative care for cancer patients in four regions in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Sussman Jonathan , Barbera Lisa , Bainbridge Daryl , Howell Doris , Yang Jinghao , Husain Amna , Librach S Lawrence , Viola Raymond , Walker Hugh
Published: August 2011

Background: A number of palliative care delivery models have been proposed to address the structural and process gaps in this care. However, the specific elements required to form competent systems are often vaguely described.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to explore whether a set of modifiable health system factors could be identified that are associated with population palliative care outcomes, including less acute care use and more home deaths.

Design: A comparative case study evaluation was conducted of ‘palliative care’ in four health regions in Ontario, Canada. Regions were selected as exemplars of high and low acute care utilization patterns, representing both urban and rural settings. A theory-based approach to data collection was taken using the System Competency Model, comprised of structural features known to be essential indicators of palliative care system performance. Key informants in each region completed study instruments. Data were summarized using qualitative techniques and an exploratory factor pattern analysis was completed.

Results: 43 participants (10+ from each region) were recruited, representing clinical and administrative perspectives. Pattern analysis revealed six factors that discriminated between regions: overall palliative care planning and needs assessment; a common chart; standardized patient assessments; 24/7 palliative care team access; advanced practice nursing presence; and designated roles for the provision of palliative care services.

Conclusions: The four palliative care regional ‘systems’ examined using our model were found to be in different stages of development. This research further informs health system planners on important features to incorporate into evolving palliative care systems.
Methodological issues in a before-after study design to evaluate the Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying Patientin hospital
Authors: Costantini Massimo , Di Leo Silvia , Beccaro Monica
Published: August 2011

Background: In 2006, as the first step of a 3-year research programme to assess the Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying Patient (LCP) in hospital, the original LCP documentation was translated and piloted in four Italian hospital wards in Genoa. The primary aim was to evaluate the feasibility of LCP implementation in the Italian context. The secondary aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the LCP with an uncontrolled before–after design.

Aim: The aim of the study was to discuss and critically evaluate the methodological issues in designing and interpreting the results of the before–after study design.

Setting/participants: All cancer deaths which occurred in four hospital wards (three general medicine and one respiratory disease) 4 months before and 4 months after LCP implementation (2 months for the respiratory disease ward) were registered. Caregivers were interviewed after the patient’s death using the Toolkit After-Death Bereaved Family Member Interview.

Results: A total of 111 cancer deaths were identified (63 before and 48 after) and 79 caregivers (71.2%) were interviewed (46 before and 33 after). The analyses on number and characteristics of the patients, interviewed caregivers, compliance and modality of assessment showed significant differences before and after. A remarkable internal correlation coefficient for all of the Toolkit scales within the four hospital wards was observed.

Conclusions: This analysis confirms the high risk of selection and information bias inherent the uncontrolled before– after study design. The high internal correlation strongly suggests that clustering should be taken into account in this kind of study.
Parent-Child Agreement in the Reporting of Headaches in a National Sample of Adolescents
Authors: Nakamura Erin F. , Cui Lihong , Lateef Tarannum , Nelson Karin B. , Merikangas Kathleen R.
Published: August 2011

The aim of this article is to assess the concordance between parent and adolescent headache ratings in a representative sample of 6483 US adolescents (aged 13-18 years). Headaches were assessed using modified criteria from the International Headache Society’s International Classification of Headache Disorders, Second Edition. Caregiver report was based on a self-administered questionnaire. Overall concordance between caregivers and adolescents on the presence or absence of headaches was quite low (κ = 0.39). Female caregivers were twice as likely as male caregivers to report headaches in their offspring. Positive endorsement of headaches in offspring by caregivers was associated with adolescent-reported chronic headaches, longer headache duration, and photophobia or phonophobia. These findings suggest that relying solely on parent report may result in an underestimate of the true prevalence of headaches in the general population. In addition, collecting information from both parents and adolescents could be critical to effective treatment and prevention of the severe consequences of migraine.
Contrasting Views on Physicians in Tobit and Sirach
Authors: Chrysovergi Maria
Published: August 2011

This article examines the complex medical situation that lies behind two opposing attitudes about the consultation of physicians and the use of medicines found in the books of Tobit and Sirach. The thesis of this article is that Tob. 2.10 reflects a situation that has emerged due to the experimental stage of pharmacology during the third and second centuries BCE. Sirach 38.1-15, being an indirect response to Tobit’s criticism of secular medicine, attempts to reconcile the medical arts with the biblical belief that God is the only healer (Exod. 15.26). By means of discussion on bodily treatment, both authors venture to construct medical consciousness among the Jewish circles of Second Temple period.
Low-thrust trajectory design as a constrained global optimization problem
Authors: Yam C H , Lorenzo D D , Izzo D
Published: August 2011

The design of a spacecraft trajectory can be formulated as a global optimization task. The complexity of the resulting problem depends greatly on the final target planet, the chosen spacecraft intermediate route, and the type of engine and power system available on-board. Few attempts have been made to directly use a global optimization framework to design trajectories that make use of low-thrust propulsion because of the large scale and extreme complexity of the resulting non-linear programming problem. The presence of non-convex constraints, in particular, requires the use of solvers able to deal with such an added complexity. Here, the Sims–Flanagan transcription method is proposed to model the low-thrust trajectory design as a constrained global optimization problem. Then, two different solvers are applied: basin hopping and simulated annealing with adaptive neighbourhood. Both algorithms are hybridized with a local search. Two different interplanetary trajectories are considered: an Earth–Earth–Jupiter transfer with a nuclear electric propulsion spacecraft inspired by the Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter and a transfer to Mercury inspired by the BepiColombo mission. For both problems, the proposed approach proves to be able to explore automatically the vast solution space, producing a large number of trajectories in a large range of final mass and flight times, proving the possibility to apply global optimization techniques directly to the low-thrust problem.
Neither government nor community alone: A test of state-centered models of generalized trust
Authors: Robbins Blaine G.
Published: August 2011

A classic controversy within the institutionalist literature has yet to be resolved. Does the state either render or erode generalized trust? The crowding out perspective contends that trust decays as a result of the state. The political-institutional perspective maintains that the state molds an environment where trust can grow. Using hierarchical generalized linear models with data from the World Values Survey and other sources, this article directly tests these competing arguments and demonstrates strong support for the political-institutional perspective. Although apparatuses of the state — specifically the public allocation of resources and legal property rights institutions — directly and positively influence generalized trust, these effects are not mediated by voluntary associations or income inequality. Instead, this article reveals that property rights institutions moderate and amplify the positive effect of voluntary associations on generalized trust. I discuss the theoretical implications of the results while exploring limitations and avenues for future research.
Apples and Oranges
Authors: Lee Louis C. , Reines H. David , Sheridan Michael J. , Farmer Barbara E. , Martin John , Duan Michael
Published: August 2011

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) is used by the American College of Surgeons to measure and report surgical quality and outcomes. Premier’s Quality Manager (QM) generates expected outcomes from patient charts. The authors compared observed NSQIP morbidity and mortality outcomes with those predicted by QM. NSQIP data for 1919 patients were entered into QM. The discriminatory accuracy of the QM model was assessed using the C statistic (1.0 implies perfect discrimination, and 0.5 implies no discrimination). NSQIP and QM both identified 51 deaths (C statistic, 0.91). NSQIP identified 478 postoperative occurrences, whereas QM predicted 714 patients with at least 1 complication; 223 of these were subclassified as patients with at least 1 morbid complication (C statistic, 0.83). QM did not perform as well in predicting the observed NSQIP morbidities. Surgical leaders and hospital administrators must critically evaluate products before adopting programs designed to improve patient outcomes or making decisions regarding physician practice.
Development of the Environmental Strategies Instrument to Measure Adolescent Alcohol Prevention–Related Outcomes in Community Settings
Authors: Cervantes Richard C. , Goldbach Jeremy , Yeung Albert , Rey Antonio
Published: August 2011

Recently, evidence-based community policy approaches to preventing substance use and alcohol abuse, called environmental strategies, have gained in popularity. The environmental survey instrument (ESI) was developed to evaluate perceptions around drinking and related problems. Specifically, the authors were interested in assessing community perceptions about prevention practices. The 53-item self-report survey tool collects data on alcohol consumption patterns and risky behaviors such as drinking-while-intoxicated (DWI) rates. Data from the ESI collected through phone survey methods in 2008 were used for scale development analysis. The α for the total 53 subscale items on the ESI was .73. Overall, the results from the correlation matrix showed high levels of statistical significance with many items reporting p values less than .001. Additionally, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to examine the conceptual linkage across items in the instrument subscales. The EFA showed a link between previously theorized intervening variables and statistically derived factors. The results of the ESI study were encouraging, and findings from it can help inform future research on measurement of environmental strategies.
Experiences of teacher reflection: Reggio inspired practices in the studio
Authors: Parnell Will
Published: August 2011

A teacher educator phenomenologically researches with two studio teachers, creating a dynamic of three reflective practitioners making meaning of their time in the studios. They are reflective practitioners as they claim to practice learning and teaching in reflection, action and reflective action. In their team of three, they explore the question: How can reflective practices help us make meaning of our experiences in the early childhood studio? This team ventures to find meaning in their reflective studio encounters as they work together to reflect back on their experiences in a school’s studios. Working with small groups of children in two studios, these teacher researchers co-learn with children, in one studio about making family faces and the other about creating birds and nests. They bring together their trails and traces of learning – their documentation – to collaborate on reflecting back their experiences and make meaning of them to move forward in their work. In reflecting, problems arise with collaboration which leads to solutions of risking to listen, moving beyond comfort zones and more reflection.
The effects of a volunteer mentoring programme on reading outcomes among eight- to nine-year-old children: A follow up randomized controlled trial
Authors: Miller Sarah , Connolly Paul , Maguire Lisa K
Published: August 2011

This article presents the findings of a randomized controlled trial evaluation of the effects of a revised version of the volunteer mentoring programme, Time to Read. Participating children received two 30-minute mentoring sessions per week from volunteer mentors who carried out paired reading activities with the children. The current trial involved 512 children aged eight to nine years from 50 primary schools. The programme was found to be effective in improving decoding skills (d=+.15), reading rate (d=+.22) and reading fluency (d=+.14) and there was some evidence of a positive effect in relation to the children’s aspirations for the future (d=+.11). However, no evidence was found of the programme having an effect on reading comprehension or reading confidence and enjoyment of reading. The article concludes by suggesting that mentoring programmes using non-specialist volunteers can be effective in improving foundational reading skills but would appear to be less effective in terms of improving higher-order skills such as comprehension. The article also suggests that such programmes are likely to be most effective if concentrating on core reading activities rather than attempting to address reading outcomes indirectly through improving children’s confidence or wider enjoyment of reading.
“Lost Our Lease”
Authors: Vandenbroek L. Matthew
Published: August 2011

This article advances a bounded rationality approach to account for a fundamental challenge in the study of voting behavior; finding a model that allows voters to be driven by both affective partisan attachments and rational issue considerations. Voters choose candidates they feel will perform best on the issues, but on the issues about which they care most, and on the issues as they see them. Party identification acts as the crucial bound on individual rationality, canalizing attention to issues either owned by or successfully leased by their own party and biasing expectations of issue handling. My empirical analysis of the 2008 presidential election shows the recession was a powerful predictor of defection, but rather than valence—was the economy better or worse—what mattered was the level of importance an individual placed on the economy.
Breast Cancer in Men
Authors: Ravi Akkamma , Bang Heejung , Karsif Karen , Nori Dattatreyudu
Published: August 2011

Purpose. The aim of this study was to review the clinical presentation and to evaluate prognostic factors, treatment modalities, outcome, and second malignancy in male breast cancer patients. A chart review was conducted of all men treated for breast cancer between January 1991 and December 2007. Cox proportional hazards regression model and Kaplan–Meier curve were used to determine prognostic factors and plot survival probabilities. Invasive carcinoma was diagnosed in 22 patients and ductal carcinoma in situ in 7 patients. With mortality as the endpoint, tumor size indicated hazard ratio (HR) of 1.5 for each 1-cm increase in tumor size ( p = .03). Overall stage and increased age were associated with increased risk of mortality (HR = 2.1, p = .055; HR = 1.09 for a 1-year increase in age, p = .08, respectively). Adjuvant radiation therapy yielded an HR of 0.1 ( p = .058), indicating a favorable association with the survival. Advanced age, higher stage, and increasing tumor size were unfavorable to survival in male breast carcinoma. The benefit of adjuvant radiation therapy should be addressed in future collaborative studies.
Tyrosine nitration limits stretch-induced CD40 expression and disconnects CD40 signaling in human endothelial cells
Authors: Wagner Andreas H. , Hildebrandt Anke , Baumgarten Sebastian , Jungmann Andreas , Müller Oliver J. , Sharov Victor S. , Schöneich Christian , Hecker Markus
Published: August 2011

Hemodynamic forces are important effectors of endothelial cell phenotype and function. Because CD40-CD154 interactions between endothelial cells and mononuclear leukocytes or activated platelets play an important role in vascular dysfunction, we investigated the effects of cyclic stretch on CD40 expression in human cultured endothelial cells. Short-term stretch transiently up-regulated CD40 expression while long-term stretch resulted in a distinct decline in CD40 protein which was prevented by inhibition of the 20S proteasome or scavenging of peroxynitrite. Tyrosine nitration of CD40 also occurred under static conditions on addition of authentic peroxynitrite, and according to mass spectrometry analysis Tyr-82 but not Tyr-31 was its target in the native protein. Immunofluorescence analysis of endothelial cells transduced with a control or Tyr-82 to Ala mutated AAV9-CD40-eGFP expression construct confirmed a peroxynitrite-dependent redistribution of the protein from the cell membrane to the cytoplasm, which was prevented by methyl-β-cyclodextrin. Moreover, CD154-stimulated IL-12p40 and E-selectin expression markedly decreased after exposure to authentic peroxynitrite or cyclic stretch, respectively. Coimmunoprecipitation demonstrated a decreased binding of TRAF2 and TRAF6 to the CD40 protein after tyrosine nitration. Through this posttranslational oxidative modification of an important costimulatory molecule, endothelial cells are able to quickly adapt to unfavorable hemodynamics and maintain their anti-inflammatory phenotype.
IL-12 selectively programs effector pathways that are stably expressed in human CD8+ effector memory T cells in vivo
Authors: Chowdhury Fatema Z. , Ramos Hilario J. , Davis Laurie S. , Forman James , Farrar J. David
Published: August 2011

CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes play a major role in defense against intracellular pathogens, and their functions are specified by antigen recognition and innate cytokines. IL-12 and IFN-α/β are potent “signal 3” cytokines that are involved in both effector and memory cell development. Although the majority of effector cells are eliminated as inflammation resolves, some survive within the pool of memory cells and retain immediate effector function. In this study, we demonstrate that IL-12 instructs a unique program of effector cell differentiation that is distinct from IFN-α/β. Moreover, effector memory (TEM) cells within peripheral blood display many common attributes of cells differentiated in vitro in response to IL-12, including proinflammatory cytokine secretion and lytic activity. A pattern of IL-12–induced genes was identified that demarcate TEM from central memory cells, and the ontologies of these genes correlated precisely with their effector functions. Further, we uncovered a unique program of gene expression that was acutely regulated by IL-12 and reflected in stable gene expression patterns within TEM, but not T central memory cells in vivo. Thus, this study directly links a selective set of IL-12–induced genes to the programming of effector functions within the stable population of human CD8+ TEM cells in vivo.
How I treat patients who mobilize hematopoietic stem cells poorly
Authors: To L. Bik , Levesque Jean-Pierre , Herbert Kirsten E.
Published: August 2011

Transplantation with 2-5 × 106 mobilized CD34+cells/kg body weight lowers transplantation costs and mortality. Mobilization is most commonly performed with recombinant human G-CSF with or without chemotherapy, but a proportion of patients/donors fail to mobilize sufficient cells. BM disease, prior treatment, and age are factors influencing mobilization, but genetics also contributes. Mobilization may fail because of the changes affecting the HSC/progenitor cell/BM niche integrity and chemotaxis. Poor mobilization affects patient outcome and increases resource use. Until recently increasing G-CSF dose and adding SCF have been used in poor mobilizers with limited success. However, plerixafor through its rapid direct blockage of the CXCR4/CXCL12 chemotaxis pathway and synergy with G-CSF and chemotherapy has become a new and important agent for mobilization. Its efficacy in upfront and failed mobilizers is well established. To maximize HSC harvest in poor mobilizers the clinician needs to optimize current mobilization protocols and to integrate novel agents such as plerixafor. These include when to mobilize in relation to chemotherapy, how to schedule and perform apheresis, how to identify poor mobilizers, and what are the criteria for preemptive and immediate salvage use of plerixafor.
Vascular endothelial growth factor–induced elimination of the type 1 interferon receptor is required for efficient angiogenesis
Authors: Zheng Hui , Qian Juan , Carbone Christopher J. , Leu N. Adrian , Baker Darren P. , Fuchs Serge Y.
Published: August 2011

Angiogenesis is stimulated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and antagonized by type 1 interferons, including IFN-α/β. On engaging their respective receptors (VEGFR2 and IFNAR), both stimuli activate protein kinase D2 (PKD2) and type 1 IFNs require PKD2 activation and recruitment to IFNAR1 to promote the phosphorylation-dependent ubiquitination, down-regulation, and degradation of the cognate receptor chain, IFNAR1. Data reveal that PKD2 activity is dispensable for VEGF-stimulated down-regulation of VEGFR2. Remarkably, VEGF treatment promotes the recruitment of PKD2 to IFNAR1 as well as ensuing phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and degradation of IFNAR1. In cells exposed to VEGF, phosphorylation-dependent degradation of IFNAR1 leads to an inhibition of type 1 IFN signaling and is required for efficient VEGF-stimulated angiogenesis. Importance of this mechanism for proangiogenic or antiangiogenic responses in cells exposed to counteracting stimuli and the potential medical significance of this regulation are discussed.
Phylogenetic and experimental characterization of an acyl-ACP thioesterase family reveals significant diversity in enzymatic specificity and activity
Authors: Jing Fuyuan , Cantu David C , Tvaruzkova Jarmila , Chipman Jay P , Nikolau Basil J , Yandeau-Nelson Marna D , Reilly Peter J
Published: August 2011

Background

Acyl-acyl carrier protein thioesterases (acyl-ACP TEs) catalyze the hydrolysis of the thioester bond that links the acyl chain to the sulfhydryl group of the phosphopantetheine prosthetic group of ACP. This reaction terminates acyl chain elongation of fatty acid biosynthesis, and in plant seeds it is the biochemical determinant of the fatty acid compositions of storage lipids.

Results

To explore acyl-ACP TE diversity and to identify novel acyl ACP-TEs, 31 acyl-ACP TEs from wide-ranging phylogenetic sources were characterized to ascertain their in vivo activities and substrate specificities. These acyl-ACP TEs were chosen by two different approaches: 1) 24 TEs were selected from public databases on the basis of phylogenetic analysis and fatty acid profile knowledge of their source organisms; and 2) seven TEs were molecularly cloned from oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), coconut (Cocos nucifera) and Cuphea viscosissima, organisms that produce medium-chain and short-chain fatty acids in their seeds. The in vivo substrate specificities of the acyl-ACP TEs were determined in E. coli. Based on their specificities, these enzymes were clustered into three classes: 1) Class I acyl-ACP TEs act primarily on 14- and 16-carbon acyl-ACP substrates; 2) Class II acyl-ACP TEs have broad substrate specificities, with major activities toward 8- and 14-carbon acyl-ACP substrates; and 3) Class III acyl-ACP TEs act predominantly on 8-carbon acyl-ACPs. Several novel acyl-ACP TEs act on short-chain and unsaturated acyl-ACP or 3-ketoacyl-ACP substrates, indicating the diversity of enzymatic specificity in this enzyme family.

Conclusion

These acyl-ACP TEs can potentially be used to diversify the fatty acid biosynthesis pathway to produce novel fatty acids.
Genome-wide association analysis of thirty one production, health, reproduction and body conformation traits in contemporary U.S. Holstein cows
Authors: Cole John B , Wiggans George R , Ma Li , Sonstegard Tad S , Lawlor Thomas J , Crooker Brian A , Van Tassell Curtis P , Yang Jing , Wang Shengwen , Matukumalli Lakshmi K , Da Yang
Published: August 2011

Background

Genome-wide association analysis is a powerful tool for annotating phenotypic effects on the genome and knowledge of genes and chromosomal regions associated with dairy phenotypes is useful for genome and gene-based selection. Here, we report results of a genome-wide analysis of predicted transmitting ability (PTA) of 31 production, health, reproduction and body conformation traits in contemporary Holstein cows.

Results

Genome-wide association analysis identified a number of candidate genes and chromosome regions associated with 31 dairy traits in contemporary U.S. Holstein cows. Highly significant genes and chromosome regions include: BTA13's GNAS region for milk, fat and protein yields; BTA7's INSR region and BTAX's LOC520057 and GRIA3 for daughter pregnancy rate, somatic cell score and productive life; BTA2's LRP1B for somatic cell score; BTA14's DGAT1-NIBP region for fat percentage; BTA1's FKBP2 for protein yields and percentage, BTA26's MGMT and BTA6's PDGFRA for protein percentage; BTA18's 53.9-58.7 Mb region for service-sire and daughter calving ease and service-sire stillbirth; BTA18's PGLYRP1-IGFL1 region for a large number of traits; BTA18's LOC787057 for service-sire stillbirth and daughter calving ease; BTA15's CD82, BTA23's DST and the MOCS1-LRFN2 region for daughter stillbirth; and BTAX's LOC520057 and GRIA3 for daughter pregnancy rate. For body conformation traits, BTA11, BTAX, BTA10, BTA5, and BTA26 had the largest concentrations of SNP effects, and PHKA2 of BTAX and REN of BTA16 had the most significant effects for body size traits. For body shape traits, BTAX, BTA19 and BTA3 were most significant. Udder traits were affected by BTA16, BTA22, BTAX, BTA2, BTA10, BTA11, BTA20, BTA22 and BTA25, teat traits were affected by BTA6, BTA7, BTA9, BTA16, BTA11, BTA26 and BTA17, and feet/legs traits were affected by BTA11, BTA13, BTA18, BTA20, and BTA26.

Conclusions

Genome-wide association analysis identified a number of genes and chromosome regions associated with 31 production, health, reproduction and body conformation traits in contemporary Holstein cows. The results provide useful information for annotating phenotypic effects on the dairy genome and for building consensus of dairy QTL effects.
Effectiveness of a MF-59™-adjuvanted pandemic influenza vaccine to prevent 2009 A/H1N1 influenza-related hospitalisation; a matched case-control study
Authors: Steens Anneke , Wijnans Eleonora G , Dieleman Jeanne P , Sturkenboom Miriam CJM , van der Sande Marianne AB , van der Hoek Wim
Published: August 2011

Background

During the 2009 influenza A/H1N1 pandemic, adjuvanted influenza vaccines were used for the first time on a large scale. Results on the effectiveness of the vaccines in preventing 2009 influenza A/H1N1-related hospitalisation are scanty and varying.

Methods

We conducted a matched case-control study in individuals with an indication for vaccination due to underlying medical conditions and/or age ≥ 60 years in the Netherlands. Cases were patients hospitalised with laboratory-confirmed 2009 A/H1N1 influenza infection between November 16, 2009 and January 15, 2010. Controls were matched to cases on age, sex and type of underlying medical condition(s) and drawn from an extensive general practitioner network. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the vaccine effectiveness (VE = 1 - OR). Different sensitivity analyses were used to assess confounding by severity of underlying medical condition(s) and the effect of different assumptions for missing dates of vaccination.

Results

149 cases and 28,238 matched controls were included. It was estimated that 22% of the cases and 28% of the controls received vaccination more than 7 days before the date of onset of symptoms in cases. A significant number of breakthrough infections were observed. The VE was estimated at 19% (95%CI -28-49). After restricting the analysis to cases with controls suffering from severe underlying medical conditions, the VE was 49% (95%CI 16-69).

Conclusions

The number of breakthrough infections, resulting in modest VE estimates, suggests that the MF-59™ adjuvanted vaccine may have had only a limited impact on preventing 2009 influenza A/H1N1-related hospitalisation in this setting. As the main aim of influenza vaccination programmes is to reduce severe influenza-related morbidity and mortality from influenza in persons at high risk of complications, a more effective vaccine, or additional preventive measures, are needed.
Homelessness among a cohort of women in street-based sex work: the need for safer environment interventions
Authors: Duff Putu , Deering Kathleen , Gibson Kate , Tyndall Mark , Shannon Kate
Published: August 2011

Background

Drawing on data from a community-based prospective cohort study in Vancouver, Canada, we examined the prevalence and individual, interpersonal and work environment correlates of homelessness among 252 women in street-based sex work.

Methods

Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression using generalized estimating equations (GEE) was used to examine the individual, interpersonal and work environment factors that were associated with homelessness among street-based sex workers.

Results

Among 252 women, 43.3% reported homelessness over an 18-month follow-up period. In the multivariable GEE logistic regression analysis, younger age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.93; 95%confidence interval [95%CI] 0.93-0.98), sexual violence by non-commercial partners (aOR = 2.14; 95%CI 1.06-4.34), servicing a higher number of clients (10+ per week vs < 10) (aOR = 1.68; 95%CI 1.05-2.69), intensive, daily crack use (aOR = 1.65; 95%CI 1.11-2.45), and servicing clients in public spaces (aOR = 1.52; CI 1.00-2.31) were independently associated with sleeping on the street.

Conclusions

These findings indicate a critical need for safer environment interventions that mitigate the social and physical risks faced by homeless FSWs and increase access to safe, secure housing for women.
Effect of the Kinesio tape to muscle activity and vertical jump performance in healthy inactive people
Authors: Huang Chen-Yu , Hsieh Tsung-Hsun , Lu Szu-Ching , Su Fong-Chin
Published: August 2011

Background

Elastic taping applied on the triceps surae has been commonly used to improve the performance of lower extremities. However, little objective evidence has been documented. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of elastic taping on the triceps surae during a maximal vertical jump. It was hypothesized that elastic taping to the triceps surae would increase muscle activity and cause positive effect to jump height.

Methods

Thirty-one healthy adults (19 males and 12 females with mean age, body weight and height for 25.3 ± 3.8 years old, 64.1 ± 6.2 kg, and 169.4 ± 7.3 cm, respectively) were recruited. All participants performed vertical jump tests prior to (without taping) and during elastic taping. Two elastic tapes, Kinesio tape and Mplacebo tape from two different manufacturers, were applied to the participants, respectively.

Results

The results showed that the vertical ground reaction force increased when Kinesio tape was applied even when the height of jump remained about constant. However, the height of the jump decreased, and there was no difference on the vertical ground reaction force in Mplacebo taping group. Although the EMG activity of medial gastrocnemius tended to increase in Kinesio taping group, we did not see differences in EMG activity for the medial gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior and soleus muscles in either group.

Conclusions

Based on the varied effects of Kinesio tape and Mplacebo tape, different intervention technique was suggested for specific purpose during vertical jump movement. Mplacebo tape was demanded for the benefits of stabilization, protection, and the restriction of motion at the ankle joint. On the other hand, the findings may implicate benefits for medial gastrocnemius muscle strength and push-off force when using Kinesio tape.
NH4
+ directed assembly of zinc oxide micro-tubes from nanoflakes
Authors: Yang Weiyi , Li Qi , Gao Shian , Shang Jian Ku
Published: August 2011

A simple precipitation process followed with the heat treatment was developed to synthesize ZnO micro-tubes by self-assembly of nanoflakes composed of nanoparticles. The resulting ZnO micro-tubes demonstrated excellent photocatalytic performance in degrading methylene blue (MB) under UV illumination. It was found that NH4
+ ion played a critical role in directing the assembly of the nanoflakes to form the micro-tube structure. A critical reaction ratio existed at or above which the ZnO micro-tubes could be obtained. For the mixtures of solutions of (NH4)2CO3 and zinc salt, the ratio ("Equation missing") was 2:1.
Methyl salicylate 2-O-β- D -lactoside, a novel salicylic acid analogue, acts as an anti-inflammatory agent on microglia and astrocytes
Authors: Lan Xi , Liu Rui , Sun Lan , Zhang Tiantai , Du Guanhua
Published: August 2011

Background

Neuroinflammation has been known to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Activation of microglia and astrocytes is a characteristic of brain inflammation. Epidemiological studies have shown that long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) delays the onset of AD and suppresses its progression. Methyl salicylate-2-O-β-D-lactoside (DL0309) is a new molecule chemically related to salicylic acid. The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of DL0309.

Findings

Our studies show that DL0309 significantly inhibits lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α; and the expression of the inflammation-related proteins iNOS, COX-1, and COX-2 by microglia and astrocytes. At a concentration of 10 μM, DL0309 prominently inhibited LPS-induced activation of NF-κB in glial cells by blocking phosphorylation of IKK and p65, and by blocking IκB degradation.

Conclusions

We demonstrate here for the first time that DL0309 exerts anti-inflammatory effects in glial cells by suppressing different pro-inflammatory cytokines and iNOS/NO. Furthermore, it also regulates the NF-κB signaling pathway by blocking IKK and p65 activation and IκB degradation. DL0309 also acts as a non-selective COX inhibitor in glial cells. These studies suggest that DL0309 may be effective in the treatment of neuroinflammatory disorders, including AD.
Rates of, and risk factors for, severe infections in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases receiving biological agents off-label
Authors: Díaz-Lagares Cándido , Pérez-Alvarez Roberto , García-Hernández Francisco J , Ayala-Gutiérrez María M , Callejas José Luis , Martínez-Berriotxoa Agustín , Rascón Javier , Caminal-Montero Luis , Selva-O'Callaghan Albert , Oristrell Joaquim , Hidalgo Carmen , Gómez-de-la-Torre Ricardo , Sáez Luis , Canora-Lebrato Jesús , Camps María-Teresa , Ortego-Centeno Norberto , Castillo-Palma María-Jesús , Ramos-Casals Manuel ,   the BIOGEAS Study Group
Published: August 2011

Introduction

The purpose of this observational study was to analyze the rates, characteristics and associated risk factors of severe infections in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases (SAD) who were treated off-label with biological agents in daily practice.

Methods

The BIOGEAS registry is an ongoing Spanish prospective cohort study investigating the long-term safety and efficacy of the off-label use of biological agents in adult patients with severe, refractory SAD. Severe infections were defined according to previous studies as those that required intravenous treatment or that led to hospitalization or death. Patients contributed person-years of follow-up for the period in which they were treated with biological agents.

Results

A total of 344 patients with SAD treated with biological agents off-label were included in the Registry until July 2010. The first biological therapies included rituximab in 264 (77%) patients, infliximab in 37 (11%), etanercept in 21 (6%), adalimumab in 19 (5%), and 'other' agents in 3 (1%). Forty-five severe infections occurred in 37 patients after a mean follow-up of 26.76 months. These infections resulted in four deaths. The crude rate of severe infections was 90.9 events/1000 person-years (112.5 for rituximab, 76.9 for infliximab, 66.9 for adalimumab and 30.5 for etanercept respectively). In patients treated with more than two courses of rituximab, the crude rate of severe infection was 226.4 events/1000 person-years. A pathogen was identified in 24 (53%) severe infections. The most common sites of severe infection were the lower respiratory tract (39%), bacteremia/sepsis (20%) and the urinary tract (16%). There were no significant differences relating to gender, SAD, agent, other previous therapies, number of previous immunosuppressive agents received or other therapies administered concomitantly. Cox regression analysis showed that age (P = 0.015) was independently associated with an increased risk of severe infection. Survival curves showed a lower survival rate in patients with severe infections (log-rank and Breslow tests < 0.001).

Conclusions

The rates of severe infections in SAD patients with severe, refractory disease treated depended on the biological agent used, with the highest rates being observed for rituximab and the lowest for etanercept. The rate of infection was especially high in patients receiving three or more courses of rituximab. In patients with severe infections, survival was significantly reduced. Older age was the only significant predictive factor of severe infection.
The clinical and functional relevance of microparticles induced by activated protein C treatment in sepsis
Authors: Pérez-Casal Margarita , Thompson Victoria , Downey Colin , Welters Ingeborg , Wyncoll Duncan , Thachil Jecko , Toh Cheng Hock
Published: August 2011

Introduction

Activated protein C (APC) induces release of microparticles (MP) from primary physiological cells, which are found in patients undergoing treatment with recombinant human APC (rhAPC) for severe sepsis. We hypothesised that APC on these circulating MPs activate endothelial protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) to induce anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties that can improve patient outcome.

Methods

This was an experimental study on clinical samples in an intensive care setting, and included patients with severe sepsis who fulfilled criteria for treatment with rhAPC. The number of CD13+ MPs from the patients were analysed to determine their origin. They were also quantified for endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) and APC expression. Clinical relevance of these MPs were ascertained by comparing survival between the group receiving rhAPC (n = 25) and a control group of untreated patients (n = 25). MPs were also incubated with endothelial cells to analyse apoptotic gene expression, cytoprotection and anti-inflammatory effects.

Results

rhAPC treatment induced a significant increase in circulating MP-associated EPCR by flow cytometry (P < 0.05) and by quantitative ELISA (P < 0.005). APC expression also showed significant increases (P < 0.05). Numerically, CD13+ MPs were higher in rhAPC-treated survivors versus non-survivors. However, the number of non-survivors was low and this was not significantly different. APC on MPs was demonstrated to induce anti-apoptotic and endothelial barrier effects through the activation of endothelial PAR1.

Conclusions

rhAPC treatment in patients with sepsis significantly increases circulating EPCR + MPs. These MPs were noted to express APC, which has specific anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects, with a non-significant correlative trend towards survival. This suggests that MPs could disseminate APC function and activate endothelial PAR1 at distal vascular sites.
Abdominal Fat Accumulation in Adults Born Preterm Exposed Antenatally to Maternal Glucocorticoid Treatment Is Dependent on Glucocorticoid Receptor Gene Variation
Authors: Finken Martijn J. J. , Meulenbelt Ingrid , Dekker Friedo W. , Frölich Marijke , Walther Frans J. , Romijn Johannes A. , Slagboom P. Eline , Wit Jan M. ,   on behalf of the Dutch POPS-19 Collaborative Study Group
Published: August 2011

Context:

Preterm birth is associated with short stature, abdominal adiposity, insulin resistance, and hypertension, resembling effects of increased glucocorticoid bioactivity. Although antenatal glucocorticoid treatment does not substantially contribute to these associations, it is unknown whether genetic variants in the glucocorticoid receptor gene could modulate the effects of antenatal glucocorticoid treatment on the above phenotype.

Objective:

Our objective was to test the effects of the R23K and N363S variants, associated with decreased and increased sensitivity to cortisol, respectively, on the metabolic profile in adults born preterm of whom some had been treated with glucocorticoids antenatally and/or in the early postnatal phase.

Design and Participants:

This was a prospective follow-up study that included 263 19-year-olds born at a gestational age under 32 wk from the Dutch Project on Preterm and Small-for-Gestational-Age Infants cohort.

Setting:

This was a nationwide multicenter follow-up study.

Main Outcome Measures:

Adult height and body composition, fasting serum glucose, insulin and cholesterol levels, and blood pressure were evaluated.

Results:

At 19 yr of age, waist circumference was 1.67 ± 0.90 sd score in 363S carriers who had been treated antenatally with glucocorticoids (n = 4), which was much higher than that of the other groups (P for interaction = 0.03). A similar association was found for the waist-to-hip ratio sd score (P = 0.03). Similar associations were absent with the R23K polymorphism. There was no interaction between these genotypes and postnatal glucocorticoid treatment on serum levels of glucose, insulin, and cholesterol or blood pressure.

Conclusions:

In prematurely born individuals carrying the 363S variant, antenatal glucocorticoid treatment predisposes to abdominal adiposity at age 19 yr.