bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La place de l’écran : Cinéma et intériorité dans la pratique narrative de Modiano
Authors: Nettelbeck Colin
Published: November 2012

Cette étude s’attachera à deux optiques simultanées, la première visant à mieux cerner le rôle et la signification du cinéma dans la création romanesque de Modiano, la seconde à situer l’œuvre de Modiano par rapport aux tensions, dans l’histoire culturelle française, entre cinéma et littérature comme formes d’expression artistique. Familier du cinéma et de ses techniques, Modiano, tout au long de son œuvre, les intègre dans sa pratique d’écrivain, tant sur le plan thématique que sur le plan stylistique. En nous demandant comment il convient d’interpréter cette présence, nous proposons que les romans les plus récents révèlent chez l’écrivain une volonté d’utiliser le cinéma en quelque sorte contre lui-même, pour monter une forme de résistance à la « société du spectacle » et pour défendre le lien d’intériorité et d’intimité qui se noue entre le romancier et ses lecteurs.
Entre chien et loup : Incertitude de l’apparence et écriture du silence dans les œuvres illustrées et les images textuelles de Patrick Modiano
Authors: Donadille Christian
Published: November 2012

L’image que le lecteur construit des personnages de Patrick Modiano laisse peu de traces dans le souvenir, semble même contribuer à l’effacement de l’histoire dans la mémoire. Auteur d’une œuvre écrite en apparence contre l’oubli mais qui débouche sur l’oubli, Modiano se positionne comme un écrivain du silence qui est d’abord un passeur d’images. Ainsi, les contrastes et plus généralement les choix de couleurs et les formes d’illustrations jouent un rôle essentiel dans l’apport au sens de ses textes. N’étant pas lui-même illustrateur, il parvient à inscrire son œuvre dans des styles graphiques qui, pour être différents, n’en contribuent pas moins à lui donner du sens, à l’enrichir. Commençant par une analyse de l’écriture photographique de Modiano dans Chien de printemps, nous montrons ensuite comment Modiano introduit l’illustration dans son œuvre, non simplement pour l’inscrire dans la littérature de jeunesse (les albums de Choura, Catherine Certitude) ou la bande dessinée ( Poupée blonde, Memory Lane), mais surtout pour fixer son univers imaginaire sous des formes d’expression graphiques (celles de Pierre Le-Tan, de Sempé, de Dominique Zehrfuss). Patrick Modiano s’empare d’une illustration – et de l’identité stylistique de l’artiste – afin d’ouvrir une fenêtre sur son œuvre, d’en dessiner lui-même certains contours, et de façon différente, de proposer un autre accès possible à sa réalité. Les dessins qui apparaissent dans les œuvres illustrées favorisent une concrétisation des grandes catégories de représentations (le flou, le tremblé, le contrasté, l’épuré, l’ombreux) qui structurent et nourrissent les atmosphères de ses récits. Les derniers romans, Dans le café de la jeunesse perdue et L’Horizon, sont également analysés ici.
The Associations Between Smoking and Occupational Categories
Authors: Kim Sungroul , Kim Junhyoung
Published: November 2012

The implementation of smoke-free policies for workplaces and their impacts have been far from satisfactory. We investigated smoking prevalence in various occupations using data (n = 9283) from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey collected from 2008 to 2010. Young adults who were working in the occupation categories of “service and sales,” “skilled agricultural, fishery, and forest workers,” and “crafts and machine operation” for men and “service and sales” for women showed 1.8 to 7.1 and 3.7 times higher ( P < .05) smoking prevalence compared with the reference (managers and professionals), respectively, and the highest prevalence among the 7 occupational categories that were studied. Drinking and stress level were positively associated with being current smokers. We provide quantitative evidence supporting clinicians and policy makers wishing to establish smoking-cessation programs in workplaces for young adults in South Korea, and evidence supporting the improvement of prevention by the concomitant reduction of risk factors.
Intensive-Dose Atorvastatin Regimen Halts Progression of Atherosclerotic Plaques in New-onset Unstable Angina With Borderline Vulnerable Plaque Lesions
Authors: Zhang Xin , Wang Hairong , Liu Shanshan , Gong Peihua , Lin Jie , Lu Jide , Qiu Jianping , Lu Xiaojiong
Published: November 2012

To compare the therapeutic effects of intensive versus moderate dosage of atorvastatin regimens in new-onset unstable angina with borderline lesions, 100 patients were randomized to receive either 80 mg/d or 20 mg/d atorvastatin for 9 months. Clinical symptoms, lipid profiles, and coronary stenosis (evaluated by coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound) were compared to their corresponding baselines within each group and between the 2 groups after 9 months of treatment. The results showed that (1) when compared to their corresponding baselines, both groups exhibited improvement in clinical symptoms, a significant decrease in total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP; P < .01) and a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C); (2) the improvement in clinical symptoms and the decrease in LDL-C and hs-CRP were significantly greater ( P < .01) in the intensive-dose group than in the moderate-dose group; (3) the mean plaque volume did not progress in the intensive-dose group but increased significantly ( P < .05) in the moderate-dose group. We conclude that compared to the moderate dose, the intensive-dose regimen significantly improves clinical symptoms, lowers LDL-C and hs-CRP, and halts the progression of borderline atherosclerotic plaques in patients with new-onset unstable angina.
Sex Offender Treatment Outcome, Actuarial Risk, and the Aging Sex Offender in Canadian Corrections
Authors: Olver Mark E. , Nicholaichuk Terry P. , Gu Deqiang , Wong Stephen C. P.
Published: November 2012

The present study is an examination of sex offender treatment outcome in a large national cohort of Canadian Federally incarcerated sex offenders followed up an average of 11.7 years postrelease. A brief actuarial risk scale (BARS), which predicted sexual and violent recidivism, was created for the purposes of the present study to control for risk-related differences between treated and untreated offenders. In total, 732 offenders were identified as having completed ( n = 625) or not attended ( n = 107) a sex offender treatment program and for whom sufficient information was available to complete the scale. Controlling for risk and individual differences in follow-up time using Cox regression survival analyses and an 8-year fixed follow-up period, treated sex offenders demonstrated significantly lower rates of violent, but not sexual, recidivism. When the treated and untreated groups were stratified by risk level, significant differences were observed only among moderate or high risk offenders. Some significant group differences also emerged on indicators of recidivism severity, with treated offenders demonstrating slower times to sexual reoffense and lower scores on a quantified metric of sexual and violent recidivism severity after controlling for risk. Differences in recidivism base rates between treated and untreated offenders were also larger in magnitude for younger offenders (i.e., under age 50 at release), than for older offenders; however, interactions between age and treatment were not found. The findings are consistent with the risk principle and have possible implications regarding the dynamic nature of sexual violence risk.
ADHD
Authors: Fabio Rosa Angela , Castriciano Claudia , Rondanini Alessia
Published: November 2012

Objective: Deficits in ADHD executive function (EF) task have been widely documented in a number of different studies. The aim of this work is to analyze the characteristics of auditory vigilance in ADHD and control subjects in two conditions: with and without interference. Method: in the first study the Merrill’s (1992) procedure on automaticity with the dual-task interference paradigm was used; in the second study the auditory test with automatic procedure was used. Results: The results of the study confirm that people with ADHD show deficits in auditory vigilance tests and become less careful when interference is introduced. Conclusion: Results were discussed in terms of a deficit in automaticity process.
Ageing Masculinities and “Muscle work” in Hollywood Action Film
Authors: Boyle Ellexis , Brayton Sean
Published: November 2012

In August 2010, the sixty-four-year-old Hollywood icon Sylvester Stallone premiered his latest project The Expendables, an action-adventure film starring a pantheon of “tough guys” from both past and present: Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dolph Lundgren, and Bruce Willis. To understand the resurrection of this vintage Hollywood cast, we take up the title theme of “expendability” within the climate of the economic recession of 2008 and map its representation of masculinity, physical labor, and ageing. We do this by looking at The Expendables as essentially a labor text. In doing so, we find a smorgasbord of working bodies and types of physical labor that reveal multiple intersections among discourses of masculinity, class, ageing, and race that simultaneously reflect the divisions of (physical) labor in the industries in which the stars work—Hollywood film and professional sports.
Increased iron accumulation occurs in the earliest stages of demyelinating disease: an ultra-high field susceptibility mapping study in Clinically Isolated Syndrome
Authors: Al-Radaideh Ali M , Wharton Samuel J , Lim Su-Yin , Tench Christopher R , Morgan Paul S , Bowtell Richard W , Constantinescu Cris S , Gowland Penny A
Published: November 2012

Objective:

To determine, using ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), whether changes in iron content occur in the earliest phases of demyelinating disease, by quantifying the magnetic susceptibility of deep grey matter structures in patients with Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) that is suggestive of multiple sclerosis (MS), as compared with age-matched healthy subjects.

Methods:

We compared 19 CIS patients to 20 age-matched, healthy controls. Scanning of the study subjects was performed on a 7T Philips Achieva system, using a 3-dimensional, T2*-weighted gradient echo acquisition. Phase data were first high-pass filtered, using a dipole fitting method, and then inverted to produce magnetic susceptibility maps. Region of interest (ROI) analysis was used to estimate magnetic susceptibility values for deep grey matter structures (caudate nucleus, putamen, globus pallidus, the thalamus and its pulvinar).

Results:

Significantly increased relative susceptibilities were found in the CIS group, compared with controls, for the caudate nucleus ( p = < 0.01), putamen ( p < 0.01), globus pallidus ( p < 0.01) and pulvinar ( p < 0.05). We found no significant nor consistent trends in the relationship between susceptibility and age for either the study controls or CIS patients, in any ROI ( r2 < 0.5; p > 0.05). In CIS patients, the time elapsed since the clinical event and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores were not correlated with iron levels in any ROI ( r2 < 0.5; p > 0.05); however, a moderate correlation ( r2 = 0.3; p < 0.01) was found between the T1 lesion load and the mean susceptibility of the caudate nucleus.

Conclusion:

CIS patients showed an increased iron accumulation, as measured using susceptibility mapping of the deep grey matter, suggesting that iron changes did occur at the earlier stages of CIS disease.
Forging links with the self to combat implicit bias
Authors: Woodcock Anna , Monteith Margo J.
Published: November 2012

Two experiments examined whether Whites’ implicit biases toward Blacks could be reduced by conditioning links between Blacks and the self. Via a computer-mediated experience, White participants were assigned to the same (minimal) group as several Black individuals and practiced classifying photographs as “MY GROUP” or “OTHER GROUP.” Subsequent performance on implicit prejudice and stereotyping measures was compared to a control condition and another condition involving extensive counterstereotype conditioning. Across experiments, the link to self strategy significantly reduced implicit prejudice, relative to the control condition, and to the same extent as the counterstereotype conditioning condition. Process dissociation analyses revealed that these effects corresponded with a reduction in the automatic activation of biased associations. Counterstereotype conditioning also reduced implicit stereotyping, but the link-to-self strategy did not. These findings extend prior work on the reduction of implicit biases and highlight the importance of comparing implicit bias strategies across different types of bias measures.
Reactions to gender egalitarian men: Perceived feminization due to stigma-by-association
Authors: Rudman Laurie A. , Mescher Kris , Moss-Racusin Corinne A.
Published: November 2012

Gender egalitarian men are vital for women’s progress, yet attitudes toward and beliefs about them are underinvestigated. In three experiments, women liked gender egalitarian men more so than men did, but both genders stigmatized them as more feminine, weak, and likely to be gay, compared with control male targets. This was true even when the gender egalitarian was an actual presidential candidate for the American Psychological Association (Experiment 3). We examined whether stigmatization was due to (a) gender egalitarians’ presumed affiliations with women and/or gay men (stigma-by-association); (b) the gay male feminist stereotype; or (c) a threat to men’s gender identity. Results supported stigma-by-association, but only for affiliations with women (not gay men). The gay male feminist stereotype was robust, but did not account for stigmatization, and men’s reactions to male gender egalitarians were independent of their gender identity. Implications of these findings for gender equality are discussed.
Sense of coherence, food selection and leisure time physical activity in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Ahola Aila J. , Mikkilä Vera , Saraheimo Markku , Wadén Johan , MäkimaTtila Sari , Forsblom Carol , Freese Riitta , Groop Per-Henrik
Published: November 2012

Background: Successful management of type 1 diabetes depends on the self-care practices. Sense of coherence has been associated with various measures of lifestyle choices. We aimed to study the associations between sense of coherence and self-care practices in patients with type 1 diabetes. We hypothesized that patients with weak sense of coherence have less prudent food choices and lower physical activity. Methods: Cross-sectional data from 1104 patients (44% men, mean age 45±12 years) from the FinnDiane Study were available. Sense of coherence, dietary intake, and leisure time physical activity were evaluated using self-reported questionnaires. Diet score was calculated based on the degree to which food choices complied with dietary guidelines. Weekly metabolic equivalent hours were calculated by multiplying the activity duration by the activity- and intensity-specific metabolic equivalent. Results: The sense of coherence score correlated positively both with the diet score and the weekly metabolic equivalent hours. Those in the lowest sense of coherence tertile had both the lowest diet scores and the lowest weekly metabolic equivalent hours values. Among women, the sense of coherence score was associated with the diet score when adjusted for age, socioeconomic status, received dietary guidance, and nephropathy status. The sense of coherence score independently predicted the metabolic equivalent hours value in men. Conclusions: A higher sense of coherence score predicted more prudent food choices in women and higher physical activity in men. In the future, the health consequences associated with a weak sense of coherence should be studied prospectively. Also, the possibility to use the sense of coherence questionnaire as a screening instrument to identify patients who could benefit from intensified counseling should be investigated.
The impact of alcohol in pedestrian trauma
Authors: Dultz Linda A , Frangos Spiros G
Published: November 2012

Across the globe, alcohol plays a major role in traffic-related injuries. It impairs the motor and cognitive coordination of drivers leading to motor vehicle collisions, which severely or fatally injure individuals across cultures and socioeconomic spectra. Although most public health initiatives have focused on driver intoxication, there is a high prevalence of alcohol use among pedestrians who are struck by motor vehicles, especially in collisions involving pedestrian fatalities. Alcohol use by pedestrians impairs judgment and coordination leading to risky street-crossing behaviors. Intoxication influences medical management by disrupting the reliability of the physical examination often necessitating expensive imaging modalities to rule out injuries. Alcohol abuse continues to impede traffic safety injury prevention efforts. This article reviews alcohol’s notorious role in traffic safety and pedestrian trauma.
Successful repair of an isolated osteochondral fracture of the patella presenting with locking of the knee
Authors: Khan SK , Dowen D , Asaad SS
Published: November 2012

A 15-year-old boy presented with a locked knee after a football injury. Sudden valgus impact to the planted right leg caused a patellar osteochondral fracture diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging. The 2.5-cm fragment had avulsed off the medial facet without damage to the medial retinaculum or the medial patellofemoral ligament. The fracture was stabilised with headless compression screws. It had healed at 8 weeks, with the patient being able to bear full weight, and with a full range of active knee movement. At 4 months, he had returned to playing football for his school team.

Normally, such a fracture occurs due to sheering force on the patella against the femur during the relocation phase of an acute patellar dislocation. In this case, the patella may have subluxed and then reduced spontaneously, without causing a true dislocation or damage to the medial soft tissue restraints. The energy dissipated at contact with the femur would however be sufficient to sheer the fragment off the patella. We believe this is the first report of successful repair of an osteochondral patellar fracture sustained by this mechanism.
Everyone’s a winner (almost): Bargaining success in the Council of Ministers of the European Union
Authors: Cross James P
Published: November 2012

This paper examines member state bargaining success in legislative negotiations in the European Union. Bargaining success is thought to be determined by factors attributable to intervention behaviour, relative policy positions and power. Intervention relates to a member state’s efforts to make its position known over the course of negotiations, relative policy positions relate to a member state’s position in the policy space under negotiation relative to other actors’ positions, and power refers to the size of the member state. New measures for bargaining success are introduced that account for the saliency of the legislative proposals under consideration. The results presented suggest that there are more winners than losers when measuring bargaining success.
A property rights approach to strategy
Authors: de Avila Monteiro Guilherme Fowler , Zylbersztajn Décio
Published: November 2012

This article is about how resources can be conceptualized as bundles of attributes for which one can assign economic property rights. Strategic considerations are deliberately incorporated into the analysis through the assessment of the activities of capture and protection of property rights, along with the examination of the institutional environment. These basic elements combine in order to design an approach to strategy. In developing this approach, the authors identify four key questions for structuring the strategy formulation process of the firm. The analytical framework is illustrated through a particular case: the collection of royalties on the genetically modified (GM) technology in soybean seeds.
Bettor Belief in the “Hot Hand”
Authors: Paul Rodney J. , Weinbach Andrew P. , Humphreys Brad
Published: November 2012

The “Hot Hand” hypothesis in gambling markets—belief that teams on winning streaks will continue winning—appears to exist in the National Basketball Association (NBA), but not the National Football League (NFL). Past research assumed that bookmakers set point spreads to balance betting volume on games. Recent research shows persistent imbalanced betting in most betting markets, suggesting point spreads may not fully reflect bettor preferences. We find significant increases in bets on teams on winning streaks against the spread in the NFL, suggesting that perceived “hot hand” effects exist in betting on NFL games. Betting with or against streaks does not earn profits for bettors.
Atmospheric pressure plasma treatment and breathability of polypropylene nonwoven fabric
Authors: Jinka Sudheer , Behrens Rachel , Korzeniewski Carol , Singh Vinitkumar , Arunachalam Appachi , Parameswaran Siva , Coimbatore Gopal , Kendall Ronald , Wolf Rory , Ramkumar Seshadri
Published: November 2012

Atmospheric pressure plasma treatment is a surface modification technique, which can be used for surface finishing and pretreatment of textiles using a broad range of reactive gases. In this study, atmospheric pressure plasma was created using a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen and was applied to polypropylene spunbond fabric. Physical properties like moisture vapor transport, pore size distribution and tensile strength were evaluated to understand the effect of the plasma treatment on spunbond polypropylene. Chemical composition of the fabric before and after plasma treatment was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The spectra showed that oxygen and nitrogen containing groups were generated on the surface of the plasma-treated fabric. Scanning electron microscope was used to observe the surface morphology of the substrate. It is evident from the capillary flow porometer results, pore size increased after plasma treatment resulting in enhanced moisture vapor transport rate. No significant decrease in breaking load was observed after the plasma treatment.
Application of low modulus polymeric fibers in engineered cementitious composites
Authors: Halvaei Mana , Jamshidi Masoud , Latifi Masoud
Published: November 2012

Nowadays, the advantages of staple fibers applied as reinforcement in cementitious composites are well known. The fiber to cement interfacial interactions influences mechanical properties of composites. Engineered cementitious composites are cement-based composites which are made of cement binder, small size sands, fillers, high modulus fibers, and supplementary cementing materials. They have improved tensile and flexural properties in comparison to normal concretes. To achieve these properties, high modulus fibers such as carbon, steel, and polyvinyl alcohol fibers have been used in engineered cementitious composites. In this research, low modulus polymeric fibers such as nylon 66, acrylic, and polypropylene were used as substitute of high modulus reinforcing fibers in engineered cementitious composite. The low modulus fibers were characterized carefully for physical–mechanical properties. The flexural behavior (flexural strength and flexural toughness) of the engineered cementitious composite specimens from this article was studied using a three-point bending test method. The results were compared to engineered cementitious composite containing polyvinyl alcohol. It was found that low modulus fibers caused considerable improvement in flexural behavior but results were lower than composites containing polyvinyl alcohol fiber. It was also found that these fibers are suitable choices for producing low price, acceptable performance engineered cementitious composites for usual applications in construction industry.
Direct Thrombin Inhibitors’ Potential Efficacy in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Rami Bou Khalil
Published: November 2012

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease with no available disease-modifying drugs. However, it has been postulated that neurovascular damage is a primary occurrence in this disease. Neurovascular damage is the result of the presence of cardiovascular risk factor generating hypoxia, oxidative stress, and metabolic changes that activate the endothelial cells of the brain microvasculature in order to respond to the stress by the development of angiogenesis. This endothelial activation could lead to a secretion of many proinflammatory cytokines and growth factors, such as thrombin. Heparin and related oligosaccharides have been shown to be efficient in the improvement of symptoms of AD. Their efficacy may be limited by their nonselective inhibitory effect of thrombin’s activity. Direct thrombin inhibitors, such as dabigatran, might be efficient in the treatment of patients with AD because of their high selectivity for thrombin’s activity inhibition while having a safer side effects profile than heparin.
Increased expression of the androgen receptor with p300 and interleukin-6 coactivators compensate for oligonucleotide suppression of bcl-2: no increased CREB binding protein or interleukin-4 expression
Authors: Rubenstein Marvin , Hollowell Courtney M.P. , Guinan Patrick
Published: November 2012

Background:

Antisense oligonucleotides (oligos) have been employed against in vivo and in vitro prostate cancer models targeting growth regulatory proteins. While most oligos have targeted growth factors or their receptors, others have been directed against inhibitors of apoptosis and mediators of androgen action. We previously evaluated a set of oligos which targeted and comparably suppressed the expression of the apoptosis inhibitor protein bcl-2. LNCaP cells adapted to this restoration of apoptosis with suppression of caspase 3 (an apoptosis promoter) and an enhanced expression of the androgen receptor (AR), suggesting an increased sensitivity to androgens.

Methods and results:

In a continuation of this study, we evaluated the expression of AR coactivators p300, its homolog CREB binding protein (CREBBP) and cytokines interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-6, finding p300 and IL-6 similarly enhanced.

Conclusions:

LNCaP cells are hormone sensitive and untreated cells express minimal p300 activity. Therefore, the enhanced expression which followed oligo treatment makes its induction more impressive and implies a pattern of gene expression more associated with later stage (androgen insensitive) disease. This suggests that oligo treatment directed against bcl-2 can be evaded through compensatory changes in AR expression and some coactivators, promoting tumor growth, and may promote transformation of the tumor to a more aggressive phenotype.
Intake of Key Pregnancy Nutrients in Midwest Adolescents of Childbearing Potential
Authors: Hanson Corrine , Anderson-Berry Ann , Lyden Elizabeth , Rafferty Karen , Armas Laura , Elliott Elizabeth , Dudley Elizabeth , Lappe Joan M.
Published: November 2012

Background. Nutrient intake in the preconception period can have profound effects on pregnancy outcomes. Pregnancy during adolescence is often unplanned and associated with lower rates of prenatal care. Poor baseline nutrition status could contribute to poor pregnancy outcomes. Design A secondary analysis of data obtained from 2 randomized controlled trials conducted from 1997 to 2007 was performed with the objective of quantifying intakes of folate, vitamin D, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)—nutrients potentially affecting pregnancy outcomes in adolescent girls of childbearing age. Participants. Two cohorts of girls living in a metropolitan area were analyzed. The first group, a sample of 64 healthy 9-year-old girls, was followed for 10 years. The second, a similar cohort of 134 healthy girls, was followed for 8 years. Information about nutrient intake from food sources was collected and analyzed during the times the participants were 14 to 19 years old, considered years of potential pregnancy. Statistical analysis. Nutrient intakes of folate, vitamin D, and PUFAs were compared with dietary reference intake values. Nutrient intakes were considered repeated measures and fit with a linear mixed-effect model to evaluate the change over time. Results. High proportions of participants had nutrient intakes from food sources below the estimated average requirement for folate and vitamin D. At some ages, intake of PUFAs was less than half of the adequate intake. Conclusion. Health care professionals should be aware that adolescent girls with childbearing potential may have inadequate intakes of nutrients, potentially affecting pregnancy outcomes.
Recent advances in treating multiple sclerosis: efficacy, risks and place in therapy
Authors: Jeffery Douglas R.
Published: November 2012

The development of new pharmacologic agents for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) and advances in testing for exposure to the JC virus have led to changes in the treatment of MS. In addition several new agents are in late stage development for MS and their entry onto the market will provide additional treatment options. In 2012 and in early 2013, it is likely that both terifunomide and BG-12 will be approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of relapsing forms of MS. The therapeutic environment has already changed and is likely to change rapidly over the next several years. Fingolimod was the first oral agent approved for the treatment of MS and this agent is now widely used in patients intolerant of injections and the side effects associated with the older platform therapies. In many settings it is also used a first-line agent. Owing to the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, natalizumab had previously been reserved for patients with active disease who were intolerant of first-line agents or patients who were worsening despite standard therapy. With the availability of JC virus antibody testing, natalizumab is now being used as a first-line agent in patients negative for JC virus antibodies. Teriflunomide and BG-12 will become available in the next year. Both agents have suitable efficacy and a favorable safety and tolerability profile. There are advantages and disadvantages associated with all of the oral agents. In this article we summarize the clinical trial results regarding the efficacy and safety of the oral agents and discuss the changes that are already taking place in the therapeutic landscape for MS.
Qigong Exercise in Patients With Fibromyalgia
Authors: Liu Wen , Zahner Laura , Wang Yunxia
Published: November 2012

Fibromyalgia syndrome presents with widespread chronic pain and other symptoms. Approaches in alternative medicine offer promising results in managing fibromyalgia symptoms. Qigong exercise is a mind–body therapy originating in Chinese medicine that can benefit patients with fibromyalgia. We report 2 case studies of patients with fibromyalgia who completed a 6-week Qigong exercise program. In both cases, patients’ fibromyalgia symptoms improved after the Qigong exercise program. The patient in case 1 also experienced a drastic decline in the serial measurement of CA-125 (a biomarker for ovarian cancer) after the 6-week Qigong exercise. In case 2, the patient’s uncontrolled crying also significantly improved. These observations indicate that Qigong exercise can bring about wide-ranging benefits to patients with fibromyalgia.
Age and height dependence of lung clearance index and functional residual capacity
Authors: Lum Sooky , Stocks Janet , Stanojevic Sanja , Wade Angie , Robinson Paul , Gustafsson Per , Brown Meghan , Aurora Paul , Subbarao Padmaja , Hoo Ah-fong , Sonnappa Samatha
Published: November 2012

The lung clearance index (LCI) is more sensitive than spirometry in detecting abnormal lung function in children with cystic fibrosis. LCI is thought to be independent of age, but recent evidence suggests that the upper limit of normal is higher in infants and preschool children than in older subjects. This study examines whether LCI remains independent of body size throughout childhood.

Multiple-breath washout data from healthy children and adolescents were collated from three centres using the mass spectrometer system and the inert gas sulfur hexafluoride. Reference equations for LCI and functional residual capacity (FRC) were constructed using the LMS (lambda–mu–sigma) method.

Data were available from 497 subjects (2 weeks to 19 years of age) tested on 659 occasions. LCI was dependent on body size, decreasing in a nonlinear pattern as height increased. Changes were particularly marked in the first 5 years of life. Height, age and sex were all independent predictors of FRC. Minimal between-centre differences allowed unified reference equations to be developed.

LCI is not independent of body size. Although a constant upper normal limit would suffice for cross-sectional clinical assessments from 6 years of age, appropriate reference equations are essential for accurate interpretation of results during early childhood.
Resting heart rate is a predictor of mortality in COPD
Authors: Jensen Magnus Thorsten , Marott Jacob L. , Lange Peter , Vestbo Jørgen , Schnohr Peter , Nielsen Olav Wendelboe , Jensen Jan Skov , Jensen Gorm B.
Published: November 2012

The clinical significance of high heart rate in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is unexplored. We investigated the association between resting heart rate, pulmonary function, and prognosis in subjects with COPD.

16 696 subjects aged ≥40 years from the Copenhagen City Heart Study, a prospective study of the general population, were followed for 35.3 years, 10 986 deaths occurred. Analyses were performed using time-dependent Cox-models and net reclassification index (NRI).

Resting heart rate increased with severity of COPD (p<0.001). Resting heart rate was associated with both cardiovascular and all-cause mortality across all stages of COPD (p<0.001). Within each stage of COPD, resting heart rate improved prediction of median life expectancy; the difference between <65 bpm and >85 bpm was 5.5 years without COPD, 9.8 years in mild (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage I), 6.7 years in moderate (GOLD stage II) and 5.9 years in severe/very severe COPD (GOLD stage III/IV), (p<0.001). Resting heart rate significantly improved risk prediction when added to GOLD stage (categorical NRI 4.9%, p = 0.01; category less NRI 23.0%, p<0.0001) or forced expiratory volume in 1 s % predicted (categorical NRI 7.8%, p = 0.002; category less NRI 24.1%, p<0.0001).

Resting heart rate increases with severity of COPD. Resting heart rate is a readily available clinical variable that improves risk prediction in patients with COPD above and beyond that of pulmonary function alone. Resting heart rate may be a potential target for intervention in COPD.
Criteria for clinical stability in hospitalised patients with community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Aliberti Stefano , Zanaboni Anna Maria , Wiemken Tim , Nahas Ahmed , Uppatla Srinivas , Morlacchi Letizia Corinna , Peyrani Paula , Blasi Francesco , Ramirez Julio
Published: November 2012

The American Thoracic Society (ATS) and Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) suggested two sets of criteria in 2001 and 2007 to define clinical stability in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The present study aimed to evaluate the level of agreement between these two sets of criteria and how well they can predict clinical outcomes.

A retrospective cohort study was carried out of 487 consecutive patients hospitalised with CAP. Level of agreement was tested using a survival curve analysis, while prediction of outcomes at 30-day follow-up was evaluated through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

A discrepancy between ATS 2001 and ATS/IDSA 2007 criteria in identifying clinical stability was detected in 62% of the patients. The median (interquartile range) time to clinical stability was 2 (1–4) days based on ATS 2001 and 3 (2–5) days based on ATS/IDSA 2007 criteria (p = 0.012). The daily distribution of patients who reached clinical stability evaluated with both sets was different (p = 0.002). The ROC analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.705 for the ATS 2001 criteria and 0.714 for ATS/IDSA 2007 criteria (p = 0.645).

ATS 2001 and ATS/IDSA 2007 criteria for clinical stability in hospitalised patients with CAP are clinically equivalent and both can be used in clinical practice as well as in clinical research.
Targeting iron uptake to controlPseudomonas aeruginosainfections in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Smith Daniel J. , Lamont Iain L. , Anderson Greg J. , Reid David W.
Published: November 2012

The aerobic Gram-negative bacteriumPseudomonas aeruginosais an opportunistic pathogen responsible for life-threatening acute and chronic infections in humans. As part of chronic infectionP. aeruginosaforms biofilms, which shield the encased bacteria from host immune clearance and provide an impermeable and protective barrier against currently available antimicrobial agents.

P. aeruginosahas an absolute requirement for iron for infection success. By influencing cell–cell communication (quorum sensing) and virulence factor expression, iron is a powerful regulator ofP. aeruginosabehaviour. Consequently, the imposed perturbation of iron acquisition systems has been proposed as a novel therapeutic approach to the treatment ofP. aeruginosabiofilm infection.

In this review, we explore the influence of iron availability onP. aeruginosainfection in the lungs of the people with the autosomal recessive condition cystic fibrosis as an archetypal model of chronicP. aeruginosabiofilm infection. Novel therapeutics aimed at disruptingP. aeruginosaare discussed, with an emphasis placed on identifying the barriers that need to be overcome in order to translate these promisingin vitroagents into effective therapies in human pulmonary infections.
Reduced neonatal lung function and wheezing illnesses during the first 5 years of life
Authors: van der Gugten Anne C. , Uiterwaal Cuno S.P.M. , van Putte-Katier Nienke , Koopman Marije , Verheij Theo J.M. , van der Ent Cornelis K.
Published: November 2012

Studies of reduced neonatal lung function and wheezing illnesses during childhood show conflicting results. The aim of our study was to assess the association between resistance (Rrs) and compliance (Crs) of the respiratory system by using the single occlusion technique (SOT) and prospectively collected wheezing illnesses during the first 5 years of life in a large birth cohort.

SOT was performed during natural sleep before the age of 2 months. Information about wheezing illnesses was collected from the electronic patient file.

549 infants had a successful SOT measurement and complete medical records. Every kPa·L−1·s−1increase inRrswas associated with 10% more consultations in the first 3 years of life. Every 10 mL·kPa−1increase inCrswas associated with a 14% reduction in consultations in the first 3 years of life, 27% in the fourth to fifth years of life, and a lower probability of having asthma at the age of 5 years (OR 0.66). Children with late-onset or persistent wheezing had significant lowerCrsvalues than their peers.

An increased neonatal resistance is associated with more wheezing illnesses during infancy, while a reduced neonatal compliance is associated with more wheezing illnesses during the first 5 years of life, a late-onset or persistent wheezing phenotype, and asthma.
The unique architecture and function of cellulose-interacting proteins in oomycetes revealed by genomic and structural analyses
Authors: Larroque Mathieu , Barriot Roland , Bottin Arnaud , Barre Annick , Rougé Pierre , Dumas Bernard , Gaulin Elodie
Published: November 2012

Background

Oomycetes are fungal-like microorganisms evolutionary distinct from true fungi, belonging to the Stramenopile lineage and comprising major plant pathogens. Both oomycetes and fungi express proteins able to interact with cellulose, a major component of plant and oomycete cell walls, through the presence of carbohydrate-binding module belonging to the family 1 (CBM1). Fungal CBM1-containing proteins were implicated in cellulose degradation whereas in oomycetes, the Cellulose Binding Elicitor Lectin (CBEL), a well-characterized CBM1-protein from Phytophthora parasitica, was implicated in cell wall integrity, adhesion to cellulosic substrates and induction of plant immunity.

Results

To extend our knowledge on CBM1-containing proteins in oomycetes, we have conducted a comprehensive analysis on 60 fungi and 7 oomycetes genomes leading to the identification of 518 CBM1-containing proteins. In plant-interacting microorganisms, the larger number of CBM1-protein coding genes is expressed by necrotroph and hemibiotrophic pathogens, whereas a strong reduction of these genes is observed in symbionts and biotrophs. In fungi, more than 70% of CBM1-containing proteins correspond to enzymatic proteins in which CBM1 is associated with a catalytic unit involved in cellulose degradation. In oomycetes more than 90% of proteins are similar to CBEL in which CBM1 is associated with a non-catalytic PAN/Apple domain, known to interact with specific carbohydrates or proteins. Distinct Stramenopile genomes like diatoms and brown algae are devoid of CBM1 coding genes. A CBM1-PAN/Apple association 3D structural modeling was built allowing the identification of amino acid residues interacting with cellulose and suggesting the putative interaction of the PAN/Apple domain with another type of glucan. By Surface Plasmon Resonance experiments, we showed that CBEL binds to glycoproteins through galactose or N-acetyl-galactosamine motifs.

Conclusions

This study provides insight into the evolution and biological roles of CBM1-containing proteins from oomycetes. We show that while CBM1s from fungi and oomycetes are similar, they team up with different protein domains, either in proteins implicated in the degradation of plant cell wall components in the case of fungi or in proteins involved in adhesion to polysaccharidic substrates in the case of oomycetes. This work highlighted the unique role and evolution of CBM1 proteins in oomycete among the Stramenopile lineage.
A novel analytical method, Birth Date Selection Mapping, detects response of the Angus (Bos taurus) genome to selection on complex traits
Authors: Decker Jared E , Vasco Daniel A , McKay Stephanie D , McClure Matthew C , Rolf Megan M , Kim JaeWoo , Northcutt Sally L , Bauck Stewart , Woodward Brent W , Schnabel Robert D , Taylor Jeremy F
Published: November 2012

Background

Several methods have recently been developed to identify regions of the genome that have been exposed to strong selection. However, recent theoretical and empirical work suggests that polygenic models are required to identify the genomic regions that are more moderately responding to ongoing selection on complex traits. We examine the effects of multi-trait selection on the genome of a population of US registered Angus beef cattle born over a 50-year period representing approximately 10 generations of selection. We present results from the application of a quantitative genetic model, called Birth Date Selection Mapping, to identify signatures of recent ongoing selection.

Results

We show that US Angus cattle have been systematically selected to alter their mean additive genetic merit for most of the 16 production traits routinely recorded by breeders. Using Birth Date Selection Mapping, we estimate the time-dependency of allele frequency for 44,817 SNP loci using genomic best linear unbiased prediction, generalized least squares, and BayesCπ analyses. Finally, we reconstruct the primary phenotypes that have historically been exposed to selection from a genome-wide analysis of the 16 production traits and gene ontology enrichment analysis.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that Birth Date Selection Mapping utilizing mixed models corrects for time-dependent pedigree sampling effects that lead to spurious SNP associations and reveals genomic signatures of ongoing selection on complex traits. Because multiple traits have historically been selected in concert and most quantitative trait loci have small effects, selection has incrementally altered allele frequencies throughout the genome. Two quantitative trait loci of large effect were not the most strongly selected of the loci due to their antagonistic pleiotropic effects on strongly selected phenotypes. Birth Date Selection Mapping may readily be extended to temporally-stratified human or model organism populations.
Disability and schizophrenia: a systematic review of experienced psychosocial difficulties
Authors: Świtaj Piotr , Anczewska Marta , Chrostek Anna , Sabariego Carla , Cieza Alarcos , Bickenbach Jerome , Chatterji Somnath
Published: November 2012

Background

Schizophrenia is a significantly disabling disease that affects all major areas of life. There is a lack of comprehensive synthesis of research findings on the full extent of psychosocial difficulties (PSDs) experienced by people living with schizophrenia. This paper provides a systematic review of the literature concerning PSDs and their associated factors in schizophrenia. PSDs were conceptualized in accordance with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as disabilities, in particular impairments of mental functions, activity limitations and participation restrictions.

Methods

An electronic search using MEDLINE and PsychINFO plus a manual search of the literature was performed for qualitative and longitudinal studies published in English between 2005 and 2010 that examined PSDs in persons with schizophrenia. The ICF was used as a conceptual framework.

Results

A total of 104 papers were included. The most frequent PSDs addressed in the literature were not specific ones, directly linkable to the ICF categories of mental functions, activity limitations or participation restrictions, but broad areas of psychosocial functioning, such as psychopathological symptoms (53% of papers) or global disability and functioning (37%). Among mental functions, the most extensively studied were cognitive functions (27%) and emotional functions (27%). Within the domain of activities and participation, the most widely investigated were difficulties in relationships with others (31%) and employment (20%). Of the factors associated with the intensity or course of PSDs, the most commonly identified were treatment modalities (56%), psychopathological symptoms (26%), and socio-demographic variables (24%). Medication tended to improve the most relevant PSD, but at the same time was the only consistently reported determinant of onset of PSDs (emerging as unwanted side-effects).

Conclusions

The present review illustrates the remarkably broad scope and diversity of psychosocial areas affected in schizophrenia and shows how these areas are interconnected and how they interact with contextual factors. The need for a shift in focus of schizophrenia research is suggested – from an excessive reliance on global measures of psychopathology and disability for defining outcomes to the creation of profiles of specific PSDs that have a more direct bearing on the disabling experience and real-world functioning of patients and can serve to guide interventions and monitoring over time.