bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sphenoid Sinus Metastasis as the Presenting Manifestation of a Prostatic Adenocarcinoma: Case Report and Overview of the Literature
Authors: Puche-Sanz I. , Vázquez-Alonso F. , Flores-Martín J. F. , Almonte-Fernández H. , Cózar-Olmo J. M.
Published: November 2012

Although a metastatic presentation of an occult prostatic adenocarcinoma is not uncommon, the majority of these patients present with bone metastasis affecting the axial skeleton. Cranial metastases to the paranasal sinuses are extremely rare. A 56-year-old man presented with loss of vision and numbness of the right side of the face. Computed tomography (CT) scan and cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a mass invading the sphenoid sinus. The patient underwent surgery to remove the lesion, and the histopathological examination suggested metastasis of an adenocarcinoma, with positive staining to prostatic specific antigen (PSA). However, serum PSA was 4 ng/mL, and the patient did not report any lower urinary tract symptoms or bone pain. Transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy revealed prostatic adenocarcinomas with a Gleason score of 8 [4 + 4]. The subsequent treatment consisted of radiotherapy and androgen deprivation, followed by first- and second-line chemotherapy (docetaxel and cabazitaxel) when the disease progressed. The patient achieved a good response with the last cycle of cabazitaxel and after a 5-year followup is currently alive. Cranial metastases of prostate adenocarcinoma are rare, and there is currently no standard treatment for these patients. Whenever possible, surgery combined with radiotherapy and hormonotherapy is the recommended option.
Determination of Retinol, α‐Tocopherol, Lycopene, and β‐Carotene in Human Plasma Using HPLC with UV‐Vis Detection: Application to a Clinical Study
Authors: Kand’ár Roman , Novotná Pavla , Drábková Petra
Published: November 2012

A method is described here for the simultaneous determination of retinol, α‐tocopherol, lycopene, and β‐carotene in human plasma. The effectiveness of various protein precipitants and extraction solvents was tested. After adequate sample preparation, the samples were injected directly into the HPLC system. The separation was realized on an analytical reversed‐phase column with a UV‐Vis detection. The analytical performance of this method was satisfactory. The intraassay and interassay coefficients of variation were below 10%. The recoveries were as follows: 97.0% (CV 2.4%) for retinol, 94.6% (CV 1.7%) for α‐tocopherol, 91.9% (CV 3.6%) for lycopene, and 93.9% (CV 4.2%) for β‐carotene. The levels of selected fat‐soluble vitamins in plasma of patients with cardiovascular disease were measured and discussed.
Targeting C4-Demethylating Genes in the Cholesterol Pathway Sensitizes Cancer Cells to EGF Receptor Inhibitors via Increased EGF Receptor Degradation
Authors: Sukhanova Anna , Gorin Andrey , Serebriiskii Ilya G. , Gabitova Linara , Zheng Hui , Restifo Diana , Egleston Brian L. , Cunningham David , Bagnyukova Tetyana , Liu Hanqing , Nikonova Anna , Adams Gregory P. , Zhou Yan , Yang Dong-Hua , Mehra Ranee , Burtness Barbara , Cai Kathy Q. , Klein-Szanto Andres , Kratz Lisa E. , Kelley Richard I. , Weiner Louis M. , Herman Gail E. , Golemis Erica A. , Astsaturov Igor
Published: November 2012

Persistent signaling by the oncogenic EGF receptor (EGFR) is a major source of cancer resistance to EGFR targeting. We established that inactivation of 2 sterol biosynthesis pathway genes, SC4MOL (sterol C4-methyl oxidase–like) and its partner, NSDHL (NADP-dependent steroid dehydrogenase–like), sensitized tumor cells to EGFR inhibitors. Bioinformatics modeling of interactions for the sterol pathway genes in eukaryotes allowed us to hypothesize and then extensively validate an unexpected role for SC4MOL and NSDHL in controlling the signaling, vesicular trafficking, and degradation of EGFR and its dimerization partners, ERBB2 and ERBB3. Metabolic block upstream of SC4MOL with ketoconazole or CYP51A1 siRNA rescued cancer cell viability and EGFR degradation. Inactivation of SC4MOL markedly sensitized A431 xenografts to cetuximab, a therapeutic anti-EGFR antibody. Analysis of Nsdhl-deficient Bpa1H/+ mice confirmed dramatic and selective loss of internalized platelet-derived growth factor receptor in fibroblasts, and reduced activation of EGFR and its effectors in regions of skin lacking NSDHL.

Significance: This work identifies a critical role for SC4MOL and NSDHL in the regulation of EGFR signaling and endocytic trafficking and suggests novel strategies to increase the potency of EGFR antagonists in tumors. Cancer Discov; 3(1); 96–111. ©2012 AACR.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1
Staging of Mental Disorders: Systematic Review
Authors: Cosci Fiammetta , Fava Giovanni A.
Published: November 2012

Background: The staging method, whereby a disorder is characterized according to its seriousness, extension, development and features, is attracting increasing attention in clinical psychology and psychiatry. The aim of this systematic review was to critically summarize the tools that are available for reproducing and standardizing the clinical intuitions that are involved in a staging formulation. Methods: A comprehensive research was conducted on the MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE and Cochrane databases from inception to May 2012. The following search terms were used: ‘stage/staging’ AND ‘psychiatric disorder/mental disorder/schizophrenia/mood disorder/anxiety disorder/substance use disorder/eating disorder’. Results: A total of 78 studies were identified for inclusion in the review. We discussed studies addressing or related to the issue of staging in a number of mental disorders (schizophrenia, unipolar depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, substance use disorders, anorexia and bulimia nervosa). The literature indicates that disorders have a longitudinal development or a treatment history that can be categorized according to stages. We proposed staging formulations for the above-mentioned psychiatric disorders. Conclusion: Staging models offer innovative assessment tools for clinical psychologists and psychiatrists. Characterizing each stage of an illness demarcates major prognostic and therapeutic differences among patients who otherwise seem to be deceptively similar since they share the same psychiatric diagnosis. A stage 0 to denote an at-risk condition does not appear to be warranted at the current state of research.
Challenges and Implications for Biomedical Research and Intervention Studies in Older Populations: Insights from the ELDERMET Study
Authors: Cusack Siobhán , O'Toole Paul W. ,   on behalf of the ELDERMET consortium
Published: November 2012

Older people constitute a growing proportion of the worldwide population. Despite this, older people are often excluded from clinical research and are generally underrepresented in intervention studies. This severely restricts the ability to generalise outcomes from research involving younger populations, which may impact on the progression of knowledge and the development of best practice guidelines for the care of older people. This opinion piece outlines the challenges and practical difficulties experienced and overcome by the ELDERMET project. The ELDERMET project has recruited almost 500 subjects, aged 65 years and older, across a range of health states from the very frail to the very fit, half of whom have been studied at multiple time points. All ELDERMET subjects have participated in an extensive protocol and supplied multiple biological sample types. The challenges and obstacles faced by both researchers in recruiting older subjects and older people engaging with research and intervention studies are set out. Strategies are discussed for: the recruitment and retention of older subjects; recruiting subjects with physical or cognitive impairment; recruitment from specific locations; collecting accurate and robust data, particularly from subjects with mild to severe cognitive impairment; intervention product design, delivery and compliance. Practical and realistic solutions for maximising the engagement of older people with research and intervention studies are offered. The increased benefit brought by the generalisation and application of research and intervention outcomes to older populations is discussed.
Transcriptome Analysis for Notch3 Target Genes Identifies Grip2 as a Novel Regulator of Myogenic Response in the Cerebrovasculature
Authors: Fouillade Charles , Baron-Menguy Céline , Domenga-Denier Valérie , Thibault Christelle , Takamiya Kogo , Huganir Richard , Joutel Anne
Published: November 2012

Objective—

Notch3 is critically important for the structure and myogenic response of distal arteries, particularly of cerebral arteries. However, signaling pathways acting downstream of Notch3 remain largely unknown.

Methods and Results—

Transcriptome analysis using tail arteries of Notch3-null mice identified a core set of 17 novel Notch3-regulated genes confirmed in tail or brain arteries. Postnatal deletion of RBP-Jκ in smooth muscle cells recapitulated the structural, functional, and molecular defects of brain arteries induced by Notch3 deficiency. Transient in vivo blockade of the Notch pathway with γ-secretase inhibitors uncovered, in addition to
Notch3
, 6 immediate responders, including the voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.5, which opposes to myogenic constriction of brain arteries, and the glutamate receptor–interacting protein 2 (Grip2) with no previously established role in the cerebrovasculature. We identified a vascular smooth muscle cell isoform of
Grip2
. We showed that Notch3–RBP-Jκ specifically regulates this isoform. Finally, we found that cerebral arteries of Grip2 mutant mice, which express an N-terminally truncated Grip2 protein, exhibited selective attenuation of pressure-induced contraction.

Conclusion—

Our data provide insight into how Notch3 signals in the brain arteries, establishing the postnatal requirement of smooth muscle RBP-Jκ in this context. Notch3-regulated transcriptome provides potential for modulating myogenic response in the cerebrovasculature.
Arterial and Venous Endothelia Display Differential Functional Fractalkine (CX
3
CL1) Expression by Angiotensin-II
Authors: Rius Cristina , Piqueras Laura , González-Navarro Herminia , Albertos Fernando , Company Chantal , López-Ginés Concha , Ludwig Andreas , Blanes Jose-Ignacio , Morcillo Esteban J. , Sanz Maria-Jesus
Published: November 2012

Objective—

Angiotensin-II (Ang-II) promotes the interaction of mononuclear cells with arterioles and neutrophils with postcapillary venules. To investigate the mechanisms underlying this dissimilar response, the involvement of fractalkine (CX
3
CL1) was explored.

Methods and Results—

Enhanced CX
3
CL1 expression was detected in both cremasteric arterioles and postcapillary venules 24 hours after Ang-II intrascrotal injection. Arteriolar leukocyte adhesion was the unique parameter significantly reduced (83%) in animals lacking CX
3
CL1 receptor (CX
3
CR1). Human umbilical arterial and venous endothelial cell stimulation with 1 μmol/L Ang-II increased CX
3
CL1 expression, yet neutralization of CX
3
CL1 activity only significantly inhibited Ang-II–induced mononuclear cell–human umbilical arterial endothelial cell interactions (73%) but not with human umbilical venous endothelial cells. The use of small interfering RNA revealed the involvement of tumor necrosis factor-α in Ang-II–induced CX
3
CL1 upregulation and mononuclear cell arrest. Nox5 knockdown with small interfering RNA or pharmacological inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinases1/2, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and nuclear factor-κB also abolished these responses. Finally, when human umbilical arterial endothelial cells were costimulated with Ang-II, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferon-γ, CX
3
CL1 expression and mononuclear cell adhesiveness were more pronounced than when each stimulus was provided alone.

Conclusion—

These results suggest that Ang-II induces functional CX
3
CL1 expression in arterial but not in venous endothelia. Thus, targeting endothelial CX
3
CL1–mononuclear leukocyte CX
3
CR1 interactions may constitute a new therapeutic strategy in the treatment of Ang-II–associated cardiovascular diseases.
Heritability of Venous Biomechanics
Authors: Molnár Andrea Àgnes , Tárnoki Àdám Domonkos , Tárnoki Dávid László , Kulcsár Zoltán , Littvay Levente , Garami Zsolt , Préda István , Kiss Róbert Gábor , Bérczi Viktor , Lannert Àgnes , Monos Emil , Nádasy György László
Published: November 2012

Objective—

Altered venous biomechanics may contribute to the pathogenesis of venous diseases, and their heritability is less known.

Methods and Results—

Seventy-eight monozygotic twin pairs (aged 42.4±16.8 years) and 24 same-sex dizygotic twin pairs (aged 50.5±16.1 years) were examined. Anteroposterior and mediolateral diameters of the common femoral vein were measured by ultrasonography. Measurements were made both in supine and in standing body positions, with or without controlled forced expiration (Valsalva test). High correlation of diameter, capacity, and distensibility values was found between twin pairs. The univariate heritability (A), shared (C), and unshared (E) environmental effects model has shown 39.3% genetic component of the variance of low pressure, 37.9% of high-pressure venous capacity, and 36.4% of maximal capacity changes, even after elimination of sex, age, and body weight effects. Bivariate Cholesky analysis revealed substantial covariance of inherited body weight and venous capacity components (57.0%–81.4%).

Conclusion—

Femoral vein capacity and elasticity depend ≈30% to 40% on genetic factors, and this value in the standing body position can reach 50%. A relatively high genetic covariance was found between weight and femoral vein capacity and elasticity. Our work might yield some new insights into the inheritance of venous diseases that are associated with altered venous biomechanics and help elucidate the involved genes.
Sodium, Blood Pressure, and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Whelton Paul K. , Appel Lawrence J. , Sacco Ralph L. , Anderson Cheryl A.M. , Antman Elliott M. , Campbell Norman , Dunbar Sandra B. , Frohlich Edward D. , Hall John E. , Jessup Mariell , Labarthe Darwin R. , MacGregor Graham A. , Sacks Frank M. , Stamler Jeremiah , Vafiadis Dorothea K. , Van Horn Linda V.
Published: November 2012

Recent reports of selected observational studies and a meta-analysis have stirred controversy and have become the impetus for calls to abandon recommendations for reduced sodium intake by the US general population. A detailed review of these studies documents substantial methodological concerns that limit the usefulness of these studies in setting, much less reversing, dietary recommendations. Indeed, the evidence base supporting recommendations for reduced sodium intake in the general population remains robust and persuasive. The American Heart Association is committed to improving the health of all Americans through implementation of national goals for health promotion and disease prevention, including its recommendation to reduce dietary sodium intake to <1500 mg/d.
Conversion of Cardiovascular Conference Abstracts to Publications
Authors: Fosbøl Emil L. , Fosbøl Philip L. , Harrington Robert A. , Eapen Zubin J. , Peterson Eric D.
Published: November 2012

Background—

The transition of scientific knowledge from discovery into practice is less than ideal. A key step in this translation occurs when presentations from major meetings are published in peer-reviewed literature, yet the completeness and speed of this process are not known. We performed a systematic and automated evaluation of rates, timing, and correlates of publication from scientific abstracts presented at 3 major cardiovascular conferences.

Methods and Results—

Using an automated computer algorithm, we searched the ISI Web of Science to identify peer-reviewed publications of abstracts presented at the American Heart Association (AHA), American College of Cardiology (ACC), and European Society of Cardiology (ESC) scientific sessions from 2006 to 2008. We compared abstract publication rates and journal impact factor between the 3 meetings using multivariable logistic regression modeling. From 2006 to 2008, 11 365, 5005, and 10 838 abstracts were presented at the AHA, ACC, and ESC meetings, respectively. Overall, 30.6% of presented abstracts were published within 2 years of the conference; ranging from 34.5% for AHA to 29.5% for ACC to 27.0% for ESC (
P
<0.0001). Five years after conference presentation in 2005, these rates had risen slightly to 49.7% for AHA, 42.6% for ACC, and 37.6% for ESC (
P
<0.0001). After adjustment for abstract characteristics and contributing countries, abstracts presented at the AHA meeting remained more likely for publication relative to the ESC (adjusted odds ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.16–1.34) and the ACC (adjusted odds ratio, 1.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.11–1.29). Median impact factors for subsequent publications varied from 4.8 (interquartile range, 3.8–10.1) for AHA to 4.0 (interquartile range, 3.1–7.5) for ACC and 3.9 (quartile 1–3, 2.5–5.8) for ESC (
P
for difference between groups <0.01). Clinical science and population science were less likely to be published compared with basic science.

Conclusions—

One third of abstracts were translated into publications by 2 years after presentation and less than one half by 5 years after presentation. Our findings suggest that efforts to understand the barriers to publication and to facilitate the rapid dissemination of new knowledge are needed to speed up the transition of scientific discovery into clinical practice.
Venous Thromboembolism Risk in Ischemic Stroke Patients Receiving Extended-Duration Enoxaparin Prophylaxis: Results From the EXCLAIM Study
Authors: Turpie Alexander G.G. , Hull Russell D. , Schellong Sebastian M. , Tapson Victor F. , Monreal Manuel , Samama Meyer-Michel , Chen Min , Yusen Roger D. ,   for the EXCLAIM Investigators
Published: November 2012

Background and Purpose—

The optimal duration of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in acute stroke patients is unknown. This subanalysis of the Extended Prophylaxis for Venous ThromboEmbolism in Acutely Ill Medical Patients With Prolonged Immobilization (EXCLAIM) study investigated extended-duration thromboprophylaxis with enoxaparin, compared with placebo following standard-duration enoxaparin, in ischemic stroke patients.

Methods—

Acutely ill medical patients with recently reduced mobility received open-label enoxaparin 40 mg for 10±4 days, and they were then randomized to double-blind enoxaparin 40 mg daily or placebo for further 28±4 days. Venous thromboembolism incidence (symptomatic/asymptomatic deep-vein thrombosis, symptomatic/fatal pulmonary embolism) up to day 28 after randomization and major bleeding rates up to 48 h after the last dose of study treatment were reported.

Results—

In total, 389 of 5963 (6.5%) randomized patients had ischemic stroke: 198 received extended-duration prophylaxis and 191 placebo. Extended-duration prophylaxis reduced venous thromboembolism incidence versus placebo (2.4% versus 8.0%; absolute risk difference, −5.6%; 95% CI, −10.5% to −0.7%), but it was associated with an increase in major bleeding (1.5% versus 0% in enoxaparin and placebo groups; absolute risk difference, +1.5%; 95% CI, −0.2% to 3.2%).

Conclusion—

Extended-duration thromboprophylaxis with enoxaparin was associated with reduced venous thromboembolism risk and increased major bleeding in the subgroup of patients with ischemic stroke in the EXCLAIM study.

Clinical Trial Registration Information—

URL:
http://clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique Identifier: NCT00077753.
Physical Activity Prevents Progression for Cognitive Impairment and Vascular Dementia
Authors: Verdelho Ana , Madureira Sofia , Ferro José M. , Baezner Hansjörg , Blahak Christian , Poggesi Anna , Hennerici Michael , Pantoni Leonardo , Fazekas Franz , Scheltens Philip , Waldemar Gunhild , Wallin Anders , Erkinjuntti Timo , Inzitari Domenico
Published: November 2012

Background and Purpose—

We aimed to study if physical activity could interfere with progression for cognitive impairment and dementia in older people with white matter changes living independently.

Methods—

The LADIS (Leukoaraiosis and Disability) prospective multinational European study evaluates the impact of white matter changes on the transition of independent elderly subjects into disability. Subjects were evaluated yearly during 3 years with a comprehensive clinical protocol and cognitive assessment with classification of cognitive impairment and dementia according to usual clinical criteria. Physical activity was recorded during the clinical interview. MRI was performed at entry and at the end of the study.

Results—

Six hundred thirty-nine subjects were included (74.1±5 years old, 55% women, 9.6±3.8 years of schooling, 64% physically active). At the end of follow-up, 90 patients had dementia (vascular dementia, 54; Alzheimer disease with vascular component, 34; frontotemporal dementia, 2), and 147 had cognitive impairment not dementia. Using Cox regression analysis, physical activity reduced the risk of cognitive impairment (dementia and not dementia: β=−0.45,
P
=0.002; hazard ratio, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.48–0.85), dementia (β=−0.49,
P
=0.043; hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.38–0.98), and vascular dementia (β=−0.86,
P
=0.008; hazard ratio, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.22–0.80), independent of age, education, white matter change severity, medial temporal atrophy, previous and incident stroke, and diabetes.

Conclusions—

Physical activity reduces the risk of cognitive impairment, mainly vascular dementia, in older people living independently.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Symptomatic Middle Cerebral Artery Stenosis
Authors: Miao Zhongrong , Jiang Lidan , Wu Hao , Bao Yuhai , Jiao Liqun , Li Shenmao , Wu Jian , Hua Yang , Li Yan , Zhu Junlei , Zhu Fengshui , Liu Xuezong , Ling Feng
Published: November 2012

Background and Purpose—

To investigate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTAS) for symptomatic middle cerebral artery stenosis compared with standard medical treatment in a low-risk Chinese population.

Methods—

A prospective, randomized, controlled, single-center clinical trial was conducted comparing PTAS with medical treatment for symptomatic middle cerebral artery stenosis (≥70%). Patients were enrolled according to 1:1 enroll ratio (PTAS: medical). The PTAS group received stenting or balloon angioplasty, whereas the medical treatment group received standard medical treatment (aspirin 100mg plus clopidogrel 75mg/d), and all the patients were under strict control of the risk factors. The end point events were any kind of ipsilateral stroke or transient ischemic attack, or death from any origin during 1-year follow-up.

Results—

The enrollment was stopped after 70 patients were enrolled from August 2007 to December 2010, with a 30-day rate of end point events of 8.3% versus 5.9% (
P
=0.69) for PTAS and medical group, respectively, and 1-year rate of end point events of 19.4% versus 17.6% (
P
=0.85), respectively. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the 2 groups. The mean follow-up time, which was ongoing, was 9.9 ± 3.9 and 9.7 ± 4.4 months, respectively. Among the risk factors, hypertension was the independent related to the outcome (
P
=0.015).

Conclusions—

This study showed that endovascular treatment is as safe but not better than medical treatment for symptomatic middle cerebral artery stenosis in a low-risk Chinese population. History of hypertension increases the risk of recurrent ischemic events.
Early Insulin Glycemic Control Combined With tPA Thrombolysis Reduces Acute Brain Tissue Damages in a Focal Embolic Stroke Model of Diabetic Rats
Authors: Fan Xiang , Ning MingMing , Lo Eng H. , Wang Xiaoying
Published: November 2012

Background and Purpose—

Therapeutic effects of early insulin glycemic control for poststroke hyperglycemia in combination with tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) thrombolytic therapy have not yet been studied but are of great clinical interest. In this study, we tested the effects of insulin plus tPA combination in a model of focal embolic stroke in Type I diabetic rats.

Methods—

Streptozotocin was used to produce Type I diabetes in male Wistar rats for 6 weeks and then embolic focal strokes were induced. All rats were treated with insulin or saline at 1 hour followed by tPA or saline at 1.5 hour after stroke. Mortality, infarction, hemispheric swelling, hemorrhagic transformation, and perfusion defects were examined at 24 hours after stroke. Total plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 antigen and activity levels were measured before stroke and 1.5, 3, and 6 hours after stroke by ELISA.

Results—

Early insulin glycemic control alone or tPA thrombolysis alone had no significant effects on ischemic infarction. However, early insulin glycemic control combined with tPA significantly reduced brain infarction and swelling, ameliorated tPA-associated hemorrhagic transformation, and improved plasma perfusion at 24 hours after stroke. We also found that the combination significantly decreased plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 antigen level at 6 hours and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity at 1.5 and 6 hours after stroke.

Conclusions—

Early insulin glycemic control may be beneficial in combination with tPA thrombolysis for ischemic stroke with diabetes mellitus or poststroke hyperglycemia.
Where Does Political Polarization Come From? Locating Polarization Within the U.S. Climate Change Debate
Authors: Fisher Dana R. , Waggle Joseph , Leifeld Philip
Published: November 2012

How do we understand political polarization within the U.S. climate change debate? This article unpacks the different components of the debate to determine the source of the political divide that is so noted in the mainstream media and academic literatures. Through analysis of the content of congressional hearings on the issue of climate change, we are able to explain political polarization of the issue more fully. In particular, our results show that, contrary to representations in the mainstream media, there is increasing consensus over the science of the issue. Discussions of the type of policy instrument and the economic implications of regulating carbon dioxide emissions, however, continue to polarize opinion. This article concludes by exploring how these findings help us understand more recent political events around climate change.
Borrowing From Professional Theatre Training to Build Essential Skills in Organization Development Consultants
Authors: Stager Jacques Leslie
Published: November 2012

This article explores the relationship between the interpersonal skills required by professional actors and those required by organization development (OD) practitioners. The objective is not to turn OD practitioners into actors but rather to indicate what might be a useful source of skill development for OD professionals. Although the end uses for the skill sets diverge, the skills themselves seem similar if not the same, especially the foundational skills of self-awareness, listening, and observing. Traditional methods of learning interpersonal skills may only address traditional OD problems that require diagnostic, positivistic control of behavior change. However, acting training such as improvisational techniques may develop more advanced skills such as reciprocity and collaborating, which are needed to practice dialogic forms of OD grounded in postmodern premises of shared meaning making, multiple realities, and collaborative solutions as proposed by Bushe and Marshak.
Succeeding in the Face of Stereotype Threat
Authors: Leitner Jordan B. , Jones James M. , Hehman Eric
Published: November 2012

Two experiments examined Engagement Regulation, the systematic increase or decrease of self-esteem engagement in a domain following positive or negative outcomes, respectively. We hypothesized that, under threat, more positive outcomes increase engagement, and greater engagement augments the influence of subsequent outcomes on self-esteem and performance. Female participants completed an initial math test, received bogus feedback, and then completed a second test. Results indicated that more positive feedback evoked greater engagement and that this relationship was strongest under stereotype threat (Study 1). Under stereotype threat, engagement interacted with subsequent feedback, such that greater engagement to positive feedback increased performance, but greater engagement to negative feedback decreased self-esteem and performance (Study 2). Together, these findings suggest that Engagement Regulation facilitates self-esteem maintenance and positive performance under stereotype threat.
The Importance of the Number of Reflux Episodes in the Diagnosis of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease
Authors: Fusconi Massimo , De Virgilio Armando , Conte Michela , Colicchio Maria Giovanna , Gallo Andrea , Greco Antonio , Ralli Giovanni , de Vincentiis Marco
Published: November 2012

Objective

The aim of this study is to evaluate the sensitivity parameters of the percentage of time the pH is <4 and >7, as well as the total number of laryngopharyngeal reflux episodes in 24 hours, in patients with suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux disease.

Study Design

Retrospective controlled study.

Setting

University hospital.

Subjects and Methods

The study was conducted on 46 patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux disease and 58 healthy controls. Patients and controls underwent 24 hours of dual‐probe pH monitoring of the distal and cervical esophagus. Patients completed a Reflux Symptom Index questionnaire and underwent esophageal manometry. Data concerning the percentage of time the pH was <4 and >7 and the number of reflux episodes registered at the cervical esophagus were collected and evaluated.

Results

The percentage of time the pH is <4 and the number of laryngopharyngeal reflux episodes seem to be a reliable diagnostic laryngopharyngeal reflux criterion reaching satisfactory sensitivity (81% and 83%, respectively). Although the pH >7 parameter appeared statistically different between the 2 groups (P <. 001), the sensitivity of the test appeared to be poor (55%).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates the importance of the absolute number of laryngopharyngeal reflux episodes in 24 hours in the diagnosis of patients with suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux, proposing it as a new diagnostic criterion.
Total Laryngectomy
Authors: Orosco Ryan K. , Weisman Robert A. , Chang David C. , Brumund Kevin T.
Published: November 2012

Objective

The management of advanced laryngeal cancer is evolving, with increasing use of chemoradiation as initial treatment. Recent reports confirm a decline in total laryngectomies (TLs) in the United States. A study was undertaken to evaluate national and regional trends in TLs performed over the most recent decade for which data were available and to use multivariate analysis to characterize these trends in more detail.

Study Design

Population‐based cohort study.

Setting

Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project–Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 1998 to 2008.

Subjects and Methods

All patients underwent radical or complete laryngectomy. Descriptive statistics and linear and multivariate regressions were performed on both raw case volumes and nationally extrapolated figures.

Results

In this nationally representative sample, 8288 TL cases met inclusion criteria between 1998 and 2008. The TL case volumes decreased by 27.3 per year (P =. 005) and showed increasing trends in high‐volume centers. The number of hospitals performing TLs decreased by 12.3 per year (P <. 0005). The South and Midwest showed higher case volumes even after controlling for multiple covariates.

Conclusion

Total laryngectomy cases are decreasing and concentrating into high‐volume centers. This study demonstrated unexplained regional variation in case volumes. These findings may affect patients, otolaryngology residency training, surgeons, and reimbursement.
Epidemic of Salmonellosis in Passerine Birds in Switzerland With Spillover to Domestic Cats
Authors: Giovannini S. , Pewsner M. , Hüssy D. , Hächler H. , Degiorgis M.-P. Ryser , Hirschheydt J. von , Origgi F. C.
Published: November 2012

A die-off of passerine birds, mostly Eurasian siskins ( Carduelis spinus), occurred in multiple areas of Switzerland between February and March 2010. Several of the dead birds were submitted for full necropsy. Bacteriological examination was carried out on multiple tissues of each bird. At gross examination, common findings were light-tan nodules, 1 to 4 mm in diameter, scattered through the esophagus/crop. Histologically, a necroulcerative transmural esophagitis/ingluvitis was observed. Bacterial cultures yielded Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium. At the same time, 2 pet clinics reported an unusual increase of domestic cats presented with fever, anorexia, occasionally dolent abdomen, and history of presumed consumption of passerine birds. Analysis of rectal swabs revealed the presence of S. Typhimurium in all tested cats. PFGE (pulsed field electrophoresis) analysis was performed to characterize and compare the bacterial isolates, and it revealed an indistinguishable pattern between all the avian and all but 1 of the feline isolates. Cloacal swabs collected from clinically healthy migrating Eurasian siskins (during autumn 2010) did not yield S. Typhimurium. The histological and bacteriological findings were consistent with a systemic infection caused by S. Typhimurium. Isolation of the same serovar from the dead birds and ill cats, along with the overlapping results of the PFGE analysis for all the animal species, confirmed a spillover from birds to cats through predation. The sudden increase of the number of siskins over the Swiss territory and their persistency during the whole winter of 2009–2010 is considered the most likely predisposing factor for the onset of the epidemic.
Do Video Games Promote Positive Youth Development?
Authors: Adachi Paul J. C. , Willoughby Teena
Published: November 2012

We argue that video game play may meet Larson’s (2000) criteria for fostering initiative in youth, and thus, may be related to positive outcomes such as flow, cooperation, problem solving, and reduced in-group bias. However, developmental and social psychologists examining adolescent video game use have focused heavily on how video games are related to negative outcomes, while neglecting potential positive outcomes. In this article we review the adolescent video game literature, examining both negative and positive outcomes, and suggest important directions for future research.
Relationship Churning in Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Halpern-Meekin Sarah , Manning Wendy D. , Giordano Peggy C. , Longmore Monica A.
Published: November 2012

We build on the emerging adulthood literature to examine two forms of relationship instability, reconciliations and sex with an ex; we term these forms of relationship churning. Analyzing recent data on emerging adult daters and cohabitors (n = 792), we find that nearly half report a reconciliation (a breakup followed by reunion) and over half of those who break up continue a sexual relationship (sex with an ex). We analyze individual demographic, social psychological, and relationship factors associated with reconciliations and sex with an ex. These findings showcase that emerging adult relationships are characterized by considerable uncertainty and add to our theoretical and empirical understanding of stability in romantic relationships in emerging adulthood.
Exploring moral distress in potential sibling stem cell donors
Authors: Begley Ann , Piggott Susan
Published: November 2012

In relation to the phenomenon of moral distress, this article presents two original perspectives. First, the literature to date reflects a focus on moral distress in an occupational context. In this article, however, the impact of moral distress on siblings is explored. Moral distress is considered in a particular context, stem cell donation, but there are clear insights and implications for wider practice, particularly in life-threatening contexts and situations where live donation enhances the potential for survival. Second, the article represents some progress in relation to creating conceptual clarity. It is suggested that in addition to external and internal moral constraints a further classification of constraint emerges, and that this is useful in teasing out the distinction between moral stress and moral distress. The insights drawn from exploring the experiences of these siblings should enhance the ability to pre-empt and ameliorate potential distress and, ultimately, reduce harm.
Transient amplitude behavior analysis of nonlinear power ultrasonic transducers with application to ultrasonic squeeze film levitation
Authors: Mojrzisch Sebastian , Wallaschek Jörg
Published: November 2012

In this article, force and self-excitation driving methods for ultrasonic transducers are compared with each other in sense of their transient amplitude behavior in the presence of nonlinearities. An equivalent circuit transducer model is simplified to a series oscillator. The simplified model is averaged by the Van der Pol method in order to reduce the system at hand to its amplitude dynamics. The transient amplitude behavior of both driving methods is presented in an analytical form. At high vibration amplitudes, the system’s natural frequency varies due to the nonlinear stiffness of the piezoelectric material and the vibration amplitude is likely to break down due to the jump phenomena. Therefore, the averaged models are extended by the nonlinear effects. From the amplitude behavior analysis of both systems, it follows that self-excitation is the preferable driving method in sense of obtaining a high operation bandwidth and a stable oscillation.
Physician Attitudes Toward Advanced Directives
Authors: Coleman Albert M. E.
Published: November 2012

Purpose: To review physician’s attitudes as well as the variables that may impact on physicians’ attitude toward advance directives (ADs). Method: Literature review of 17 published articles, covering the period 1989 to 2011. Findings: Physicians overall have a positive attitude toward patients’ AD. However, other factors affect this “general positive attitude.” These factors influence the attitude–behavior relationship of physicians, and hence their actual practice in relation to patients’ AD. Conclusion: The findings from this review are of importance in explaining the differences in the attitude of physicians toward AD and their compliance. This raises the issue of consideration of other ethical paradigms/theories in the clinical context other than the framework of “principlism-”based autonomy, on which AD leans on. This is important in light of the pluralism of ethical theories.
Finite-time stabilization of non-autonomous uncertain chaotic centrifugal flywheel governor systems with input nonlinearities
Authors: Aghababa Mohammad Pourmahmood , Aghababa Hasan Pourmahmood
Published: November 2012

The centrifugal flywheel governor is a mechanical device that automatically controls the speed of an engine and avoids the damage caused by an abrupt change of load torque. Recent research has discovered that this system exhibits very rich and complex dynamics such as chaos. In this paper, the problem of finite-time stabilization of non-autonomous chaotic centrifugal flywheel governor systems in the presence of model uncertainties, external disturbances, fully unknown parameters and input nonlinearities is studied. Appropriate adaptation laws are designed to undertake the system’s unknown parameters. Using the adaptation laws and finite-time control theory, a robust adaptive controller is derived to stabilize the non-autonomous uncertain centrifugal flywheel governor system with nonlinear control inputs in a given finite time. The finite-time stability and convergence of the closed-loop system are analytically proved. A numerical simulation is given to show the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed finite-time controller and to verify the theoretical results of the paper.
The role of men’s physical attractiveness in women’s perceptions of sexual risk: Danger or allure?
Authors: Lennon Carter A , Kenny David A
Published: November 2012

The rate of casual sexual encounters is increasing on college campuses. To decrease sexual risk behavior, information used to judge sexual risk in others needs to be identified. Women rated male targets on willingness to have unprotected sex with the target and likelihood that the target has a sexually transmitted infection. Physical attractiveness was the strongest predictor of ratings, accounting for all the target variance in willingness to have unprotected sex. However, risk factors reported by the target were inconsistent predictors of perceived sexual risk. Findings are discussed within the context of safer sex interventions for college students.
Sociology’s objects, objectivity and objectives
Authors: Harley Kirsten
Published: November 2012

In the late 19th and early 20th century steps were taken to establish academic sociology in the USA, England and Australia. In America the project was a success and the discipline was well established by 1945, yet in England and Australia it made nothing like the same progress. In England it struggled against the influential extramural social research movement, while in Australia sociology’s case was so poorly managed and presented that it was swamped by other disciplines, especially economics, and did not officially join the university system until 1959. The article examines these three attempts to institutionalize sociology before 1945 in terms of three themes of disciplinary coherence: theorization of ‘society’ as a broad object, entailing an attempt to locate sociology as the integrative social science; the quest for ‘scientific’ objectivity; and the practical objective of social reform. While present in all three countries, it was only in America that these themes were organized and presented in such a way as to successfully institutionalize sociology in the academy.
Nimesulide May Be More Efficient Than Allopurinol in Protecting Pancreas From Acute Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in an Animal Model
Authors: Apostolidis Dimosthenis , Ntinas Achilleas , Kardassis Dimitrios , Koulouris Nikolaos , Thomareis Olympia , Karayannopoulou Georgia , Vrochides Dionisios
Published: November 2012

Objective:

To determine the influence of allopurinol and nimesulide in the protection of the pancreas from acute ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 30 rabbits were divided into 3 groups, group A: acute I/R only; group B: allopurinol (30 mg/kg) was administered intravenously 10 minutes before ischemia; group C: nimesulide (50 mg/kg) was given intraperitoneally 20 minutes before ischemia. Neopterin and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were examined. Pancreatic biopsies were obtained for electron microscopy study.

Results:

The mean neopterin concentrations in group A are 3.56 ± 3.41, 7.74 ± 3.59, and 8.94 ± 2.86 ng/mL, respectively, in the stabilization, ischemia, and reperfusion phases; group B: 3.40 ± 3.03, 7.45 ± 8.89, and 10.64 ± 7.47 ng/mL; and group C: 3.41 ± 2.71, 5.67 ± 2.76, and 4.34 ± 2.87 ng/mL. The mean SOD concentrations in group A are 4.25 ± 1.79, 4.48 ± 1.60, and 5.57 ± 1.15 ng/mL; group B: 4.32 ± 0.81, 5.08 ± 1.10, and 4.45 ± 1.31 ng/mL; and group C: 4.10 ± 0.99, 5.23 ± 1.60, and 3.72 ± 1.30 ng/mL. Histopathology showed the least deterioration in group C.

Conclusion:

Nimesulide is more efficient than allopurinol in protecting pancreas from acute I/R injury.
Cervical Hematoma Following Carotid Endarterectomy is Morbid and Preventable
Authors: Comerota Anthony J. , DiFiore Richard , Tzilinis Argyrios , Chahwan Santiago
Published: November 2012

Objective:

Cervical hematoma (CH) following carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a serious complication. We reviewed 12 years of CEA for CH requiring operative evacuation to determine its impact on the patient outcome and relationship to perioperative pharmacotherapy.

Methods:

A total of 2643 CEAs were reviewed. In all, 57 CHs requiring operative evacuation were compared to all the patients for general characteristics and with a case-controlled cohort group for pharmacologic details.

Results:

The occurrence of CH was stable from 1994 to 1998 and then increased from 1999 to 2003. The CH increased operative mortality, neurologic complications, adverse cardiac events, and cranial nerve injury. Combined platelet inhibition and dextran alone increased the risk of CH. The CH rate dropped by 65% after the observations were reported to the vascular surgeons.

Conclusion:

The CH following CEA requiring operative evacuation is associated with increased postoperative mortality and cardiac and neurologic morbidity. Combined platelet inhibition, use of dextran, and elevated creatinine are causally related to CH. Physician awareness and modified pharmacotherapy have decreased the problem.
Effects of radiation on Blasius slip flow of oxide nanofluids with Merkin boundary condition
Authors: Khan Waqar A , Uddin Mohammad J , Ismail Ahmad I
Published: November 2012

The two-dimensional steady laminar forced convective boundary layer slip flow of oxide nanofluids past a radiating stationary semi-infinite flat plate is studied numerically. We assume that the plate is subjected to Newtonian heating (Merkin) boundary condition. The governing partial differential equations are converted into similarity equations using suitable similarity transformations. We chose three types of oxide nanofluids, namely, copper oxide, alumina, and titania and water as base fluid. The dimensionless friction factor, heat transfer rates, and the dimensionless velocity and temperature profiles are presented graphically and discussed. It is found that the controlling parameters strongly affect the fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics.
Encapsulation of factor IX–engineered mesenchymal stem cells in fibrinogen–alginate microcapsules enhances their viability and transgene secretion
Authors: Sayyar Bahareh , Dodd Megan , Wen Jianping , Ma Shirley , Marquez-Curtis Leah , Janowska-Wieczorek Anna , Hortelano Gonzalo
Published: November 2012

Cell microencapsulation holds significant promise as a strategy for cellular therapies; however, inadequate survival and functionality of the enclosed cells limit its application in hemophilia treatment. Here, we evaluated the use of alginate-based microcapsules to enhance the viability and transgene secretion of human cord blood–derived mesenchymal stem cells in three-dimensional cultures. Given the positive effects of extracellular matrix molecules on mesenchymal stem cell growth, we tested whether fibrinogen-supplemented alginate microcapsules can improve the efficiency of encapsulated factor IX–engineered mesenchymal stem cells as a treatment of hemophilia B. We found that fibrinogen-supplemented alginate microcapsules (a) significantly enhanced the viability and proliferation of factor IX–engineered mesenchymal stem cells and (b) increased factor IX secretion by mesenchymal stem cells compared to mesenchymal stem cells in nonsupplemented microcapsules. Moreover, we observed the osteogenic, but not chondrogenic or adipogenic, differentiation capability of factor IX–engineered cord blood mesenchymal stem cells and their efficient factor IX secretion while encapsulated in fibrinogen-supplemented alginate microcapsules. Thus, the use of engineered mesenchymal stem cells encapsulated in fibrinogen-modified microcapsules may have potential application in the treatment of hemophilia or other protein deficiency diseases.