bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlates of Support for Community-Police Partnerships in Policing among Nigerian and US College Students
Authors: Lambert Eric , Wu Yuning , Elechi O. Oko , Jiang Shanhe
Published: September 2012

While there is a growing body of research on people’s views of community policing, there have been a very few cross-national studies, especially concerning nonwestern countries. In order to compare and contrast students’ views on community policing partnerships, 274 Nigerian and 484 U.S. college students were surveyed. Ordinary least squares regression analysis of the data revealed that the majority of respondents supported a partnership between the community and the police, with the Nigerian students reporting slightly higher levels of support than their U.S. counterparts. Both attachment to conventional society and general confidence in the police were positively related to students’ support for community policing partnerships in both nations. A belief that the police should be civil, a perception that the police were effective, and support for community oversight of the police were significant predictors of support for community policing partnerships among the U.S. students but not the Nigerian students. A perception that crime was a problem, a view that the public should support the police, and academic level had nonsignificant associations with community policing partnership support for both groups of students. Gender had a significant relationship with support for community policing partnerships among the Nigerian students (men were higher in their support), while age had a positive association among the U.S. students. Punitive orientation had a significant negative association with attitudes toward community policing among the U.S. students but was not a significant predictor among the Nigerian students.
Interobserver Reliability of the Chest Radiograph in Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Sverzellati Nicola , De Filippo Massimo , Quintavalla Marta , Randi Giorgia , Franco Fabio , Cobelli Rocco , Valentino Massimo , Rossi Cristina , Colombi Davide , Zompatori Maurizio
Published: September 2012

This study was sought to evaluate the interobserver agreement for interpreting the chest radiograph of patients with suspected acute pulmonary embolism (PE). The chest radiographs of 300 patients with clinically suspected acute PE were reviewed by 4 radiologists. Observers assessed the chest radiographic abnormalities and classified the chest radiograph as normal or abnormal. We found that the overall interobserver agreement was good for the exclusion of any pleural or parenchymal abnormality (k = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.56-0.64) but fair (k = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.17-0.40) between junior radiologists when evaluating supine chest radiographs. The level of interobserver agreement for the interpretation of the chest radiograph as consistent or not with PE was fair (k = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.19-0.29), regardless of the observer experience. In conclusion, chest radiography may be reliably used for targeting patients with suspected acute PE for different subsequent diagnostic investigations.
Accuracy of Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) in Administrative Data
Authors: Goldman L. Elizabeth , Chu Philip W. , Osmond Dennis , Bindman Andrew
Published: September 2012

This article evaluates the accuracy of reporting do not resuscitate (DNR) orders in administrative data for use in risk-adjusted hospital assessments. We compared DNR reporting by 48 California hospitals in 2005 patient discharge data (PDD) with gold-standard assessments made by registered nurses (RNs) who reabstracted 1,673 records of patients with myocardial infarction, pneumonia, or heart failure. The PDD agreed with the RN reabstraction in 1,411 (84.3%) cases. The administrative data did not reflect a DNR order in 71 of 512 records where the RN indicated there was (14% false negative rates), and reflected a DNR order in 191 of 1,161 records where the RN indicated there was not (16% false positive rate). The accuracy of DNR was more problematic for patients who died, suggesting that hospital-reported DNR is problematic for capturing patient preferences for resuscitation that can be used for risk-adjusted outcomes assessments.
Organizational Transformation
Authors: Lee Shoou-Yih Daniel , Weiner Bryan J. , Harrison Michael I. , Belden C. Michael
Published: September 2012

Health care organization leaders and policy makers seeking ways to reform the delivery of health care have become increasingly interested in transformational change. To foster understanding of how organizational transformation occurs and to stimulate further research, we report findings from a systematic review of empirical research on transformational change in the health care and non–health care literature, with a focus on the antecedents, processes (or paths), and outcomes of transformational change. Fifty-six studies, of which 13 were in health care, met our selection criteria. With one exception, all were published since 1990, indicating the recent upsurge of interest in this area. Limited differences were found between health care and non–health care studies. Available research documents the multiplicity of factors affecting change and the complexity of their interactions, but less information is available about the processes of transformational change than about its antecedents and consequences. Research and practice implications are discussed.
The Right Tool Is What They Need, Not What We Have
Authors: Zikmund-Fisher Brian J.
Published: September 2012

While patients often receive risk information, exactly what constitutes being “informed” about health risks is often unclear. Patients have specific needs, such as avoiding being surprised by a possible outcome and making complex risk trade-off decisions. Yet all risk information is not equally informative for those needs. In this article, I present a taxonomy of seven risk concepts that vary in their inherent precision and evaluability. Congruent with the “less is more” concept, I argue that risk communications should use formats that are tailored to message recipients’ specific informational needs. Simpler formats can be used when patients only need to order risks, while more complex numerical probability statements will be necessary when patients need to assess differences in risk magnitude and put those differences into meaningful context. Selecting need-congruent formats when designing communications about risks to patients is a novel approach that may better support patients’ health care decision making.
A Validation Study of the Missouri Alliance for Home Care Fall Risk Assessment Tool
Authors: Calys Mary , Gagnon Kendra , Jernigan Stephen
Published: September 2012

A retrospective review ( n = 2,247) was conducted from July 1st to October 1st 2010 to determine validity of the Missouri Alliance for Home Care Fall Risk Assessment Tool (MAHC-10). Fall risk was identified by a MAHC-10 score ≥ 4. Two sample t test, chi-square, logistic regression, and ROC curve analyses were performed. Fallers (6.35 ± 1.7, n = 195) and nonfallers (5.70 ± 1.9, n = 2,052) had significantly different ( p = .011) MAHC-10 scores. The MAHC-10 cutoff score of 4 demonstrated 96.9% sensitivity and 13.3% specificity; however, ROC curve analyses revealed a cutoff score of 6 maximized combined sensitivity and specificity. The MAHC-10 is valid for fall risk screening in the home health setting; however, a cutoff score of 6 may more accurately predict fall risk.
Attachment and Autonomy Problems in Adults With ADHD
Authors: Koemans Rosalien G. , van Vroenhoven Susanne , Karreman Annemiek , Bekker Marrie H.J.
Published: September 2012

Objective: Attachment security and autonomy were examined in adults with ADHD. Insecure attachment and autonomy problems were expected to be negatively associated with general psychological functioning. Method: Questionnaires were administered (Relationship Questionnaire, Autonomy-Connectedness Scale, Brief Symptom Inventory) in 84 late-diagnosed adults with ADHD. Results: Only 18% of participants were securely attached, as opposed to 59% in the normal population. Concerning autonomy, participants scored below average on self-awareness, above average on sensitivity to others, and average on capacity to manage new situations compared with the normal population. The preoccupiedly attached group reported more problems in psychological functioning than the secure and dismissive group. Sensitivity to others and capacity to manage new situations were associated with psychological functioning; self-awareness was not. Attachment security and autonomy contributed to general psychological functioning. Conclusion: Attachment and autonomy problems do exist in adults with ADHD and contribute negatively to their psychological functioning.
Brief report: Effect of dietary restraint on fruit and vegetable intake following implementation intentions
Authors: Troop Nicholas A
Published: September 2012

This study explored whether the effects of implementation intentions on increasing fruit and vegetable intake were moderated by dietary restraint. In total, 208 participants were randomly allocated to control or implementation intention conditions where they were asked to write down when, where and how they would increase their fruit and vegetable intake. Implementation intentions increased fruit and vegetable intake but only in participants scoring low (not high) on rigid dietary restraint. Motives underlying fruit and vegetable consumption may be different for restrained and unrestrained eaters. Efforts to increase their intake may need to be tailored, for example, through motivational rather than situational cues.
Relation between comparative risk, absolute risk, and worry: The role of handedness strength
Authors: Rose Jason P , Nagel Barbara
Published: September 2012

Research is mixed regarding whether comparative or absolute risk perceptions are most associated with important outcomes (e.g. worry). The current research examined the role of individual differences in organizational brain structure and connectivity—assessed via handedness strength—in moderating these effects. Strong handers and mixed handers made comparative and absolute risk estimates for contracting a sexually transmitted disease or sexually transmitted infection and also indicated their worry. Additionally, participants indicated whether they received testing for sexually transmitted diseases or sexually transmitted infections. For strong handers, absolute risk perceptions were generally more associated with worry and testing behaviors, whereas for mixed handers, comparative risk perceptions were more associated.
Feasibility of Transumbilical Flexible Endoscopic Preperitoneoscopy (FLEPP) and Its Utility for Inguinal Hernia Repair
Authors: Dhumane Parag , Donatelli Gianfranco , Chung Hyunsoo , Dallemagne Bernard , Marescaux Jacques
Published: September 2012

Background and study aims. Various NOTES (natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery) hernia repair techniques have been described. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a transumibilically introduced conventional double-channel flexible endoscope for performing preperitoneoscopy (FLEPP, flexible endoscopic preperitoneoscopy technique) and to perform totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia meshplasty in an animal model. Material and methods. The study was done in 2 steps on 8 swines weighing 25 to 30 kg each: (1) establishing feasibility of preperitoneal dissection of the inguinal region using a conventional double-channel flexible gastroscope and making bed for mesh placement and (2) placement of a polypropylene mesh in the inguinal region to cover the myopectineal orifice. Results. The flexible endoscope provided good vision and maneuverability to identify preperitoneal structures—namely, the arcuate line, insertion of rectus abdominis on pubis symphysis, inferior epigastric vessels, deep inguinal ring, spermatic cord, pubic symphysis, and psoas muscle—without causing any damage to any of the structures. The spermatic cord could be dissected to identify the vas deference. A 9 × 7 cm2 oval mesh was successfully placed over the myopectineal orifice of Fruchaud with good overlap. Average time required for the complete FLEPP procedure (including mesh placement) was 55 minutes (range 45-90 minutes). Conclusions. This study demonstrates, for the first time, the feasibility of the transumbilical FLEPP technique and its utility for performing TEP inguinal hernia repair with prosthetic mesh placement in a swine model.
Exercise Effects on Two Men With Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Authors: Karper William B.
Published: September 2012

In 2007, an article was published in this journal about the effects of exercise on two older men with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). This new article is an update on how exercise has affected them during a 4-year period since 2007. Results suggest that both these men still function at approximately the same levels (physically and psychosocially) as reported in 2007. This is viewed as a positive finding, because even with all of their FMS symptoms, these two men managed to maintain their functional capacity. It is hard for most older people without FMS to remain motivated enough to accomplish this. Because it is difficult to find specifically published data on men (vs. women) with FMS, this long-term information on these two men is important for professionals who are involved in exercise programming for men with FMS and for those interested in studying exercise effects on men with FMS.
Symptomatic therapy in multiple sclerosis: the role of cannabinoids in treating spasticity
Authors: Leussink Verena Isabell , Husseini Leila , Warnke Clemens , Broussalis Erasmia , Hartung Hans-Peter , Kieseier Bernd C.
Published: September 2012

A large proportion of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have spasticity, which has a marked impact on their quality of life. Anecdotal evidence suggests a beneficial effect of cannabis on spasticity as well as pain. Recently, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have confirmed the clinical efficacy of cannabinoids for the treatment of spasticity in patients with MS. Based on these data, nabiximols (Sativex), a 1:1 mix of Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol extracted from cloned Cannabis sativa chemovars, received approval for treating MS-related spasticity in various countries around the globe. In this article we review the current understanding of cannabinoid biology and the value of cannabinoids as a symptomatic treatment option addressing spasticity in patients with MS.
White matter dementia
Authors: Filley Christopher M.
Published: September 2012

White matter dementia (WMD) is a syndrome introduced in 1988 to highlight the potential of cerebral white matter disorders to produce cognitive loss of sufficient severity to qualify as dementia. Neurologists have long understood that such a syndrome can occur, but the dominance of gray matter as the locus of higher function has strongly directed neurobehavioral inquiry to the cerebral cortex while white matter has received less attention. Contemporary neuroimaging has been crucial in enabling the recognition of white matter abnormalities in a host of disorders, and the correlation of these changes with cognitive performance. Comprising about half the brain, white matter is prominently or exclusively involved in well over 100 disorders, in each of which white matter dysfunction can potentially cause or contribute to dementia. Neuropsychological findings from ten categories of white matter disorder lead to a convergence of findings that document remarkable neurobehavioral commonality among the dementias produced. More recently, the syndrome of mild cognitive dysfunction (MCD) has been introduced to expand the concept of WMD by proposing a precursor syndrome related to early white matter neuropathology. WMD and MCD inform the understanding of how white matter contributes to normal and abnormal cognition, and the specific neuroanatomic focus of these syndromes may enhance the diagnosis and treatment of many disabling disorders that do not primarily implicate the cerebral cortex. Forming essential connections within widely distributed neural networks, white matter is critical for rapid and efficient information transfer that complements the information processing of gray matter. As neuroimaging continues to advance, further information on white matter structure can be expected, and behavioral neurology will play a central role in elucidating the functional significance of these emerging data. By emphasizing the contribution of myelinated systems to higher function, the study of white matter and cognition represents investigation of the basic neuroscience of human behavior.
An Osteochondral Lesion in the Distal Fibula
Authors: Riaz Osman , Boyce Cam Nick , Shenolikar Aneil
Published: September 2012

Osteochondral lesions of the talus are well-recognized clinical entities; however, this report illustrates a rare case of an osteochondral defect in the distal fibula. A 15-year-old male was referred to the orthopaedic services with a 9-month history of persistent ankle pain following an initial inversion injury. Plain X-ray was unremarkable but magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography revealed an osteochondral lesion at the level of the fibular physeal scar. The patient underwent an ankle arthroscopy where an unstable chondral flap was debrided and the associated fissure decompressed. The patient made an uneventful recovery and returned to normal sporting activities, symptom free. This diagnosis should be considered in patients presenting with chronic ankle pain particularly with a history of an inversion injury. The purpose of this report is to raise awareness of this condition.

Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV, Case study
Test-Retest Reliability of the Win-Track Platform in Analyzing the Gait Parameters and Plantar Pressures During Barefoot Walking in Healthy Adults
Authors: Ramachandra Preetha , Maiya Arun G. , Kumar Pratap
Published: September 2012

The Win-Track platform is an instrument used to measure plantar pressures and gait parameters during barefoot walking. The objective of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of the system in assessing plantar pressures and temporal gait variables between 1-step and 3-step gait protocols. A total of 30 healthy participants (18 women and 12 men; age 23.7 ± 4.75 years) were recruited for the study. The 1-step gait protocol exhibited good reliability in terms of single stance, step duration and swing duration of the left foot; stride duration of the right foot; stride length; and step length of the right foot, with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) ranging from 0.75 to 0.88. The 3-step gait protocol showed good reliability, with ICC values ranging between 0.75 and 0.90 in cadence; step duration of the right foot; double-stance duration and swing duration of the right foot; stride length of the right foot; step length and gait cycle length of the right and the left foot; and the area covered by the first, second, and third foot. The authors concluded that the Win-Track platform provided reliable plantar pressures and temporal gait measures, and the 3-step gait protocol showed better reliability compared with the 1-step gait protocol.

Level of Evidence: Diagnostic, Level IV
Analyzing primary Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells to capture the molecular and cellular pathogenesis of classical Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Tiacci Enrico , Döring Claudia , Brune Verena , van Noesel Carel J. M. , Klapper Wolfram , Mechtersheimer Gunhild , Falini Brunangelo , Küppers Ralf , Hansmann Martin-Leo
Published: September 2012

The pathogenesis of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), the most common lymphoma in the young, is still enigmatic, largely because its Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg (HRS) tumor cells are rare in the involved lymph node and therefore difficult to analyze. Here, by overcoming this technical challenge and performing, for the first time, a genome-wide transcriptional analysis of microdissected HRS cells compared with other B-cell lymphomas, cHL lines, and normal B-cell subsets, we show that they differ extensively from the usually studied cHL cell lines, that the lost B-cell identity of cHLs is not linked to the acquisition of a plasma cell-like gene expression program, and that Epstein-Barr virus infection of HRS cells has a minor transcriptional influence on the established cHL clone. Moreover, although cHL appears a distinct lymphoma entity overall, HRS cells of its histologic subtypes diverged in their similarity to other related lymphomas. Unexpectedly, we identified 2 molecular subgroups of cHL associated with differential strengths of the transcription factor activity of the NOTCH1, MYC, and IRF4 proto-oncogenes. Finally, HRS cells display deregulated expression of several genes potentially highly relevant to lymphoma pathogenesis, including silencing of the apoptosis-inducer BIK and of INPP5D, an inhibitor of the PI3K-driven oncogenic pathway.
Imputation reliability on DNA biallelic markers for drug metabolism studies
Authors: Mijatovic Vladan , Iacobucci Ilaria , Sazzini Marco , Xumerle Luciano , Mori Antonio , Pignatti Pier Franco , Martinelli Giovanni , Malerba Giovanni
Published: September 2012

Background

Imputation is a statistical process used to predict genotypes of loci not directly assayed in a sample of individuals. Our goal is to measure the performance of imputation in predicting the genotype of the best known gene polymorphisms involved in drug metabolism using a common SNP array genotyping platform generally exploited in genome wide association studies.

Methods

Thirty-nine (39) individuals were genotyped with both Affymetrix Genome Wide Human SNP 6.0 (AFFY) and Affymetrix DMET Plus (DMET) platforms. AFFY and DMET contain nearly 900000 and 1931 markers respectively. We used a 1000 Genomes Pilot + HapMap 3 reference panel. Imputation was performed using the computer program Impute, version 2. SNPs contained in DMET, but not imputed, were analysed studying markers around their chromosome regions. The efficacy of the imputation was measured evaluating the number of successfully imputed SNPs (SSNPs).

Results

The imputation predicted the genotypes of 654 SNPs not present in the AFFY array, but contained in the DMET array. Approximately 1000 SNPs were not annotated in the reference panel and therefore they could not be directly imputed. After testing three different imputed genotype calling threshold (IGCT), we observed that imputation performs at its best for IGCT value equal to 50%, with rate of SSNPs (MAF > 0.05) equal to 85%.

Conclusions

Most of the genes involved in drug metabolism can be imputed with high efficacy using standard genome-wide genotyping platforms and imputing procedures.
Genome-wide gene expression profiling of introgressed indica rice alleles associated with seedling cold tolerance improvement in a japonica rice background
Authors: Zhang Fan , Huang Liyu , Wang Wensheng , Zhao Xiuqin , Zhu Linghua , Fu Binying , Li Zhikang
Published: September 2012

Background

Rice in tropical and sub-tropical areas is often subjected to cold stress at the seedling stage, resulting in poor growth and yield loss. Although japonica rice is generally more cold tolerant (CT) than indica rice, there are several favorable alleles for CT exist in indica that can be used to enhance CT in rice with a japonica background. Genome-wide gene expression profiling is an efficient way to decipher the molecular genetic mechanisms of CT enhancement and to provide valuable information for CT improvement in rice molecular breeding. In this study, the transcriptome of the CT introgression line (IL) K354 and its recurrent parent C418 under cold stress were comparatively analyzed to explore the possible CT enhancement mechanisms of K354.

Results

A total of 3184 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 195 transcription factors, were identified in both lines under cold stress. About half of these DEGs were commonly regulated and involved in major cold responsive pathways associated with OsDREB1 and OsMyb4 regulons. K354-specific cold-induced genes were functionally related to stimulus response, cellular cell wall organization, and microtubule-based movement processes that may contribute to increase CT. A set of genes encoding membrane fluidity and defensive proteins were highly enriched only in K354, suggesting that they contribute to the inherent CT of K354. Candidate gene prediction based on introgressed regions in K354 revealed genotype-dependent CT enhancement mechanisms, associated with Sir2, OsFAD7, OsWAK112d, and programmed cell death (PCD) related genes, present in CT IL K354 but absent in its recurrent parent C418. In K354, a number of DEGs were co-localized onto introgressed segments associated with CT QTLs, providing a basis for gene cloning and elucidation of molecular mechanisms responsible for CT in rice.

Conclusions

Genome-wide gene expression analysis revealed that genotype-specific cold induced genes and genes with higher basal expression in the CT genotype contribute jointly to CT improvement. The molecular genetic pathways of cold stress tolerance uncovered in this study, as well as the DEGs co-localized with CT-related QTLs, will serve as useful resources for further functional dissection of the molecular mechanisms of cold stress response in rice.
Clock-controlled mir-142-3p can target its activator, Bmal1
Authors: Tan Xiaochao , Zhang Peng , Zhou Lan , Yin Bin , Pan Hui , Peng Xiaozhong
Published: September 2012

Background

microRNAs (miRNAs) are shown to be involved in the regulation of circadian clock. However, it remains largely unknown whether miRNAs can regulate the core clock genes (Clock and Bmal1).

Results

In this study, we found that mir-142-3p directly targeted the 3’UTR of human BMAL1 and mouse Bmal1. The over-expression (in 293ET and NIH3T3 cells) and knockdown (in U87MG cells) of mir-142-3p reduced and up-regulated the Bmal1/BMAL1 mRNA and protein levels, respectively. Moreover, the expression level of mir-142-3p oscillated in serum-shocked NIH3T3 cells and the results of ChIP and luciferase reporter assays suggested that the expression of mir-142-3p was directly controlled by CLOCK/BMAL1 heterodimers in NIH3T3 cells.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that mir-142-3p can directly target the 3’UTR of Bmal1. In addition, the expression of mir-142-3p is controlled by CLOCK/BMAL1 heterodimers, suggesting a potential negative feedback loop consisting of the miRNAs and the core clock genes. These findings open new perspective for studying the molecular mechanism of circadian clock.
Effect of vitamin-D analogue on albuminuria in patients with non-dialysed chronic kidney disease stage 4–5: a retrospective single center study
Authors: Jørgensen Hanne Skou , Winther Simon , Povlsen Johan Vestergaard , Ivarsen Per
Published: September 2012

Background

The vitamin D receptor activator paricalcitol has been shown to reduce albuminuria. Whether this is a unique property of paricalcitol, or common to all vitamin D analogues, is unknown. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of alfacalcidol on proteinuria, measured as 24 hour (24 h) albuminuria, in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 4–5 being treated for secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT).

Methods

A retrospective single-center study including adult patients with CKD 4–5, undergoing treatment for sHPT with alfacalcidol, with macroalbuminuria in minimum one 24 h urine collection. Patients were identified in a prospectively collected database of all patients with S-creatinine > 300 μM or creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min. The observation period was from 1st of January 2005 to 31st of December 2009. Phosphate binders and alfacalcidol were provided to patients free of charge.

Results

A total of 146 macroalbuminuric patients were identified, and of these, 59 started alfacalcidol treatment during the observation period. A 12% reduction in 24 h albuminuria was seen after starting treatment. In 19 patients with no change in renin-angiotensin-aldosteron-system (RAAS) inhibition, the reduction in albuminuria was 16%. The reduction remained stable over time (9%) in a subgroup of patients (n = 20) with several urine collections before and after the start of alfacalcidol-treatment.

Conclusion

The present study supports experimental and clinical data on antiproteinuric actions of activated vitamin D analogues, and suggests that this may be a class-effect.
Content validity and test-retest reliability of patient perception of intensity of urgency scale (PPIUS) for overactive bladder
Authors: Notte Sherilyn M , Marshall Thomas S , Lee Misun , Hakimi Zalmai , Odeyemi Isaac , Chen Wen-Hung , Revicki Dennis A
Published: September 2012

Background

The Patient Perception of Intensity of Urgency Scale (PPIUS) is a patient-reported outcome instrument intended to measure the intensity of urgency associated with each urinary or incontinence episode. The objectives of this study were to assess the content validity, test-retest reliability, and acclimation effect of the PPIUS in overactive bladder (OAB) patients.

Methods

Patients undergoing treatment for OAB were recruited to participate in a non-interventional study by completing a three-day micturition diary including the PPIUS for three consecutive weeks. Following completion of the three-week study, participants from two select sites also completed a cognitive interview to assess their comprehension of the PPIUS.

Results

Thirty-nine participants successfully completed the three-week test-retest study; twelve of these participants completed the cognitive interview. Test-retest reliability was high based on intra-class correlation coefficient of 0.95. Among stable patients, the difference between the mean ratings of any two weeks was non-significant. Among the twelve interview participants, nine found it simple to choose a PPIUS rating for each of their micturition episodes and most found the urgency rating definitions consistent with their urgency experiences.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated content validity based on qualitative interviews, and excellent test-retest reliability among stable patients. In addition, no acclimation effect was observed among stable patients. These findings support the use of the PPIUS as a reliable measure of urgency in both clinical trial and real life settings. The validity of PPIUS could be further established with future studies investigating the relationship between discretely graded urgency and incontinence continuum.
Red wine and component flavonoids inhibit UGT2B17 in vitro
Authors: Jenkinson Carl , Petroczi Andrea , Naughton Declan P
Published: September 2012

Background

The metabolism and excretion of the anabolic steroid testosterone occurs by glucuronidation to the conjugate testosterone glucuronide which is then excreted in urine. Alterations in UGT glucuronidation enzyme activity could alter the rate of testosterone excretion and thus its bioavailability. The aim of this study is to investigate if red wine, a common dietary substance, has an inhibitory effect on UGT2B17.

Methods

Testosterone glucuronidation was assayed using human UGT2B17 supersomes with quantification of unglucuronidated testosterone over time using HPLC with DAD detection. The selected red wine was analyzed using HPLC; and the inhibitory effects of the wine and phenolic components were tested independently in a screening assay. Further analyses were conducted for the strongest inhibitors at physiologically relevant concentrations. Control experiments were conducted to determine the effects of the ethanol on UGT2B17.

Results

Over the concentration range of 2 to 8%, the red wine sample inhibited the glucuronidation of testosterone by up to 70% over 2 hours. The ethanol content had no significant effect. Three red wine phenolics, identified by HPLC analyses, also inhibited the enzyme by varying amounts in the order of quercetin (72%), caffeic acid (22%) and gallic acid (9%); using a ratio of phenolic:testosterone of 1:2.5. In contrast p-coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid had no effect on the UGT2B17. The most active phenolic was selected for a detailed study at physiologically relevant concentrations, and quercetin maintained inhibitory activity of 20% at 2 μM despite a ten-fold excess of testosterone.

Conclusion

This study reports that in anin vitrosupersome-based assay, the key steroid-metabolizing enzyme UGT2B17 is inhibited by a number of phenolic dietary substances and therefore may reduce the rate of testosterone glucuronidationin vivo. These results highlight the potential interactions of a number of common dietary compounds on testosterone metabolism. Considering the variety of foodstuffs that contain flavonoids, it is feasible that diet can elevate levels of circulating testosterone through reduction in urinary excretion. These results warrant further investigation and extension to a human trial to delineate the health implications.
Treatment outcome and toxicity of intensity-modulated (chemo) radiotherapy in stage III non-small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Govaert Stephanie LA , Troost Esther GC , Schuurbiers Olga CJ , de Geus-Oei Lioe-Fee , Termeer Ariën , Span Paul N , Bussink Johan
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to assess treatment outcome, and acute pulmonary and esophageal toxicity using intensity modulated (sequential/concurrent chemo)radiotherapy (IMRT) in locally advanced stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods and materials

Eighty-six patients with advanced stage NSCLC, treated with either IMRT only (66 Gy) or combined with (sequential or concurrent) chemotherapy were retrospectively included in this study. Overall survival and metastasis-free survival were assessed as well as acute pulmonary and esophageal toxicity using the RTOG Acute Radiation Morbidity Scoring Criteria.

Results

Irrespective of the treatment modality, the overall survival rate for patients receiving 66 Gy was 71% (±11%; 95% CI) after one year and 56% (±14%) after two years resulting in a median overall survival of 29.7 months. Metastasis-free survival was 73% (±11%) after both one and two years. There were no statistically significant differences between the treatment groups. Treatment related esophageal toxicity was significantly more pronounced in the concurrent chemoradiotherapy group (p = 0.013) with no differences in pulmonary toxicity.

Conclusions

This retrospective cohort study in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients shows that IMRT is an effective technique with acceptable acute toxicity, also when (sequentially or concomitantly) combined with chemotherapy.
Elucidation of the effect of ionic liquid pretreatment on rice husk via structural analyses
Authors: Ang Teck Nam , Ngoh Gek Cheng , Chua Adeline Seak May , Lee Min Gyu
Published: September 2012

Background

In the present study, three ionic liquids, namely 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIM]Cl), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([EMIM]OAc), and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium diethyl phosphate ([EMIM]DEP), were used to partially dissolve rice husk, after which the cellulose were regenerated by the addition of water. The aim of the investigation is to examine the implications of the ionic liquid pretreatments on rice husk composition and structure.

Results

From the attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform-infrared (ATR FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results, the regenerated cellulose were more amorphous, less crystalline, and possessed higher structural disruption compared with untreated rice husk. The major component of regenerated cellulose from [BMIM]Cl and [EMIM]DEP pretreatments was cellulose-rich material, while cellulose regenerated from [EMIM]OAc was a matrix of cellulose and lignin. Cellulose regenerated from ionic pretreatments could be saccharified via enzymatic hydrolysis, and resulted in relatively high reducing sugars yields, whereas enzymatic hydrolysis of untreated rice husk did not yield reducing sugars. Rice husk residues generated from the ionic liquid pretreatments had similar chemical composition and amorphousity to that of untreated rice husk, but with varying extent of surface disruption and swelling.

Conclusions

The structural architecture of the regenerated cellulose and rice husk residues showed that they could be used for subsequent fermentation or derivation of cellulosic compounds. Therefore, ionic liquid pretreatment is an alternative in the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass in addition to the conventional chemical pretreatments.
Absence of dry season Plasmodium parasitaemia, but high rates of reported acute respiratory infection and diarrhoea in preschool-aged children in Kaédi, southern Mauritania
Authors: Touray Sunkaru , Bâ Hampâté , Bâ Ousmane , Koïta Mohamedou , Salem Cheikh B Ould Ahmed , Keïta Moussa , Traoré Doulo , Sy Ibrahima , Winkler Mirko S , Utzinger Jürg , Cissé Guéladio
Published: September 2012

Background

The epidemiology of malaria in the Senegal River Gorgol valley, southern Mauritania, requires particular attention in the face of ongoing and predicted environmental and climate changes. While “malaria cases” are reported in health facilities throughout the year, past and current climatic and ecological conditions do not favour transmission in the dry season (lack of rainfall and very high temperatures). Moreover, entomological investigations in neighbouring regions point to an absence of malaria transmission in mosquito vectors in the dry season. Because the clinical signs of malaria are non-specific and overlap with those of other diseases (e.g. acute respiratory infections and diarrhoea), new research is needed to better understand malaria transmission patterns in this region to improve adaptive, preventive and curative measures.

Methods

We conducted a multipurpose cross-sectional survey in the city of Kaédi in April 2011 (dry season), assessing three major disease patterns, including malaria. Plasmodium spp. parasite rates were tested among children aged 6–59 months who were recruited from a random selection of households using a rapid diagnostic test and microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood films. Acute respiratory infection and diarrhoea were the two other diseases investigated, administering a parental questionnaire to determine the reported prevalence among participating children.

Findings

No Plasmodium infection was found in any of the 371 surveyed preschool-aged children using two different diagnostic methods. Acute respiratory infections and diarrhoea were reported in 43.4% and 35.0% of the participants, respectively. About two thirds of the children with acute respiratory infections and diarrhoea required medical follow-up by a health worker.

Conclusions

Malaria was absent in the present dry season survey in the capital of the Gorgol valley of Mauritania, while acute respiratory infections and diarrhea were highly prevalent. Surveys should be repeated towards the end of rainy season, which will enhance our understanding of the potential changes in malaria transmission in a region known as ‘hot spot’ of predicted climate change.
Proinflammatory effects of malondialdehyde in lymphocytes
Authors: Raghavan Somasundaram , Subramaniyam Ganesan , Shanmugam Narkunaraja
Published: September 2012

MDA changed cytokine/chemokines mRNA profiles in lymphocytes; increased cytokines expression is via oxidative stress, p38MAPK, and PKC pathways.

Diabetes is an inflammatory disease promoted by alterations in immune cell function. Animal study indicates that T cells are important mediators of inflammation in diabetes. Lipid peroxidation by reactive oxygen species leads to the formation of highly reactive malondialdehyde (MDA), and extensive MDA is found in diabetes. However, the biological functions of MDA have not been studied yet. We hypothesized that increased MDA, as in diabetes, can regulate inflammatory cytokines via specific signaling pathways. This could then result in increased lymphocyte activation and skewing a particular inflammatory subset thereby exacerbates diabetes complications. Commercial cytokine antibody and RT2-PCR array profiling were performed with Jurkat T cells grown with or without MDA. Ingenuity pathways analysis (IPA) and pharmacological inhibitors were used for networks and signaling pathway identification, respectively. For validation, real-time PCR, RT-PCR, and Western blots were performed. MDA induced significant increases in 47 key proinflammatory molecules such as IL-25, IL-6, IL-8, ICAM-1, and light mRNA in Jurkat T cells and primary peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLCs). A significant 2-fold increase in serum MDA also correlated the increased IL-25 and IL-8 mRNA in PBLCs of diabetic patients. Pharmacological inhibitor studies showed that MDA induced its effect via p38MAPK and protein kinase C pathways. Furthermore, IPA uncovered 5 groups of inflammatory networks and placed our candidate genes in canonical IL-6 and NF-κB signaling pathways and also suggested 5 toxic lists and 3 major toxic functions, namely cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. These new results suggest that MDA can promote lymphocyte activation via induction of inflammatory pathways and networks.
Seismic properties of the Voisey’s Bay massive sulfide deposit: Insights into approaches to seismic imaging
Authors: Duff Deanne , Hurich Charles , Deemer Sharon
Published: September 2012

Seismic methods offer significant potential advantages for minerals exploration over more traditional geophysical techniques because of the comparatively high resolution of seismic imaging. This is particularly true as minerals exploration is required to explore deeper to find resources. However, adaptation of seismic imaging techniques to the complex crystalline targets common in the mining environment requires a thorough understanding of the physical properties of the specific combination of ore and host rocks under consideration to choose an appropriate imaging technique. Analysis of the sulfide ores and associated host rocks from the Voisey’s Bay nickel-copper-cobalt deposit indicates that in the pyrrohotite-pentlandite-rich but pyrite-poor assemblage at Voisey’s Bay, seismic velocities are significantly lower ([Formula: see text]) than either the felsic or mafic host rocks ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]). This observation is in contrast with pyrite-rich massive sulfide ores that have velocities that are significantly higher than typical host rocks. The large velocity contrast between the Voisey’s Bay ores and their host rocks makes them good targets for tomographic imaging. However, due to the trade-off between the low velocities and high densities of the Voisey’s Bay sulfides, acoustic impedance contrasts can be quite modest making them less attractive for seismic reflection imaging. Detailed analysis of two different mineralized zones at Voisey’s Bay further demonstrated that, depending on the limiting signal-to-noise ratio, the choice of an effective seismic imaging technique is not universal across a mineral deposit and may be affected by subtle variations in sulfide mineralogy and by the structural/magmatic setting. Our analysis clearly indicated that knowledge of physical properties and geologic setting is critical to the choice of which seismic technique to apply in a given exploration setting.
An interpretation of surface and borehole seismic surveys for mine planning at the Millennium uranium deposit, northern Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Wood Garnet , O’Dowd Clare , Cosma Calin , Enescu Nicoleta
Published: September 2012

The Millennium uranium deposit is located within the Athabasca Basin, in northern Saskatchewan, Canada. The deposit is hosted within moderately dipping Paleoproterozoic gneisses that are unconformably overlain by more than 500 m of flat lying, porous Paleoproterozoic to late Mesoproterozoic Athabasca Group sandstones. The deposit is associated with the sandstone-basement unconformity, post-Athabasca structure, and hydrothermal alteration. These features combine to create a complex 3D hydrogeologic setting that presents challenges with respect to mine development, production, and safety. In 2007, as part of a prefeasibility study for potential mine development, a seismic program consisting of a 3D surface survey, vertical seismic profiling, moving source profiling, and side-scan surveys was undertaken to map the complex geology. The geometry and resolution of these different seismic surveys allowed for direct imaging of the geologic targets of interest, regardless of orientation and size. After integration with drill-defined geology, the program successfully imaged the location and character of the unconformity, the post-Athabasca structural setting at camp and deposit scales, and the alteration around the deposit. This information increased the understanding of geotechnical aspects of the geology hosting the deposit, and is currently being used to help minimize risk and costs associated with mine development. Seismic surveys are now viewed as an integral part of risk reduction associated with mining in the Athabasca Basin.
2D reflection seismic investigations at the Kevitsa Ni-Cu-PGE deposit, northern Finland
Authors: Koivisto Emilia , Malehmir Alireza , Heikkinen Pekka , Heinonen Suvi , Kukkonen Ilmo
Published: September 2012

In 2007, a 2D reflection seismic survey was conducted at the Kevitsa Ni-Cu-PGE (platinum group elements) deposit in northern Finland. The aims of the survey were to delineate the overall extent of the ore-bearing Kevitsa ultramafic intrusive complex, to study the seismic response of the disseminated ore deposit, to potentially find indications for new ore deposits, and to extract structural information at depth that may be associated with mineralization. In the processing sequence, specific focus was given to finding optimal CDP-line geometries for the crooked-line survey profiles and, due to highly variable bedrock velocities, to detailed velocity analysis. Our conventional processing sequence, involving prestack DMO corrections followed by poststack migration, resulted in high-quality images of the subsurface. First, the data were used to establish the shape and extent of the Kevitsa intrusion, thus providing an overall framework for future exploration in the area. In particular, the data suggest deeper, up to about 1.5 km depth, continuation of the intrusion than previously thought. Furthermore, the images reveal variable reflectivity characteristics within the intrusion from nonreflective to internally reflective. The Kevitsa deposit is located within a part of the intrusion which is associated with distinct, gently dipping reflectivity fabric down to a depth of about 1 km, spatially constrained within a restricted zone internal to the intrusion. This zone can be used as a guideline for the near-mine exploration efforts, and the reflectivity is dominantly associated with magmatic layering controlling the extent of the bulk of economic mineralization. The seismic data also reveal a complex pattern of faults, in particular a series of major fault and shear zones bracketing and crosscutting the Kevitsa intrusion as a whole. Additionally, our interpretation of the data indicates a possible shared origin of the Kevitsa intrusion and the nearby Satovaara intrusion.
Theoretical and experimental study of resonance of blobs in porous media
Authors: Hsu Shao-Yiu , Katz Joseph , Hilpert Markus
Published: September 2012

We theoretically and experimentally investigated the frequency response of blobs in porous media to an oscillatory pressure difference. (The term blob refers to a connected liquid mass that occupies one or more pores.) To predict the frequency response analytically, we formulated a simple model pore system consisting of a blob in a capillary tube. This model accounts for the frequency-dependent viscous pressure drops in the blob and the surrounding liquid and for the dynamic capillary pressure that occurs due to contact line pinning. By using the planar laser-induced fluorescence technique, we visualized the dynamic response of blobs in porous media. As predicted by our theory, air and liquid blobs surrounded by an immiscible liquid exhibited resonance in a capillary tube. Furthermore, we showed, for the first time, that a liquid blob in a sphere-packing medium exhibits resonance.