bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Helicobacter pylori and gastritis: Untangling a complex relationship 27 years on
Authors: Tan Victoria P Y , Wong Benjamin C Y
Published: January 2011

Since its' introduction by Warren and Marshall 27 years ago, Helicobacter pylori (HP) has become the linchpin in our understanding of important gastric conditions including gastritis, intestinal metaplasia (IM), gastric/duodenal ulcers (GU/DU), Mucosal Associated Lymphoid Tumour (MALToma) and gastric cancer. Initially named Campylobacter pyloridis, it was re‐named HP when biochemical and genetic characterization of the organism showed that it was not a member of the Campylobacter genus. The finding in 1983 was seminal. It is now recognized that HP is the most common chronic human bacterial infection and it is the most common cause of gastritis. It is strongly implicated in the development of peptic ulcer disease and gastric neoplasms. In the years since its' discovery, much headway has been made in the understanding of this ubiquitous organism that had remained elusive, with much work focused on eradication, in part driven by pharmaceutical research and development. Standard triple therapy emerged to eradicate HP. However, with the emergence of HP resistance, newer regimes have been put forth that include quadruple therapy, sequential therapy and a dizzying array of other combinations bent on eradicating HP. Much less is known about the natural history of HP, the different faces of HP internationally, HP eradication and its effect on gastritis, IM, GU/DU and gastric cancer. This review will address the changing face of HP in 2011.
Elcatonin is effective for lower back pain and the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease in elderly osteoporotic patients with kyphosis
Authors: Yamane Yuko , Yamaguchi Toru , Tsumori Michihiro , Yamauchi Mika , Yano Shozo , Yamamoto Masahiro , Honda Chie , Kinoshita Yoshikazu , Sugimoto Toshitsugu
Published: January 2011

Aim:  Elderly osteoporotic patients with kyphosis tend to be frequently accompanied by the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) such as heartburn and acid reflux. Elcatonin, which is effective for lower back pain of osteoporosis, has a physiological action of reducing gastric acid. We examine whether or not this drug would alleviate GERD symptoms as well as lower back pain in patients with osteoporosis.

Methods:  Elcatonin was administrated at a dose of 20 units once weekly for 3 months. The visual analog scale (VAS) and the frequency scale for the symptoms of GERD (FSSG) were used to evaluate lower back pain and GERD symptoms, respectively.

Results:  Both VAS and FSSG scores significantly decreased after 1, 2 and 3 months of elcatonin administration (at least P < 0.001). Even after the cessation of elcatonin, both scores remained significantly low for an extra 1 and 3 months, respectively. These beneficial effects were also observed in non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) or GERD drug users.

Conclusion:  The present findings suggest that elcatonin could improve the symptoms of GERD as well as osteoporosis‐invoked back pain in elderly patients with kyphosis, and that these effects are long‐lasting and independent of NSAID or GERD drugs. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2011; 11: 215–220.
The prevalence of menstrual pain and associated risk factors among Iranian women
Authors: Tavallaee Mahkam , Joffres Michel R. , Corber Stephen J. , Bayanzadeh Mana , Rad Mahnaz Mahmoudi
Published: January 2011

Aim:  To estimate the prevalence of dysmenorrhea in Iranian women and investigate associated risk factors.

Material & Methods:  In a cross‐sectional study in Tehran, Iran in 2007, 381 women (81% response rate, age 16–56 years) were selected through a stratified random sample of 22 different districts and completed a questionnaire about dysmenorrhea. Descriptive statistics, spearman rank correlation statistic, and ordinal logistic regression models were used. Confounding and effect‐modification were explored for each association.

Results:  The prevalence of no, mild, moderate, and severe menstrual pain was 10%, 41%, 28%, and 22%, respectively. Older age and high intake of fruits and vegetables were protective factors for menstrual pain while women with family history of dysmenorrhea, higher stress and depression tended to have more severe pain. Body mass index, parity, smoking, and physical activity were not significantly associated with dysmenorrhea after controlling for potential confounding factors and effect modifiers.

Conclusion:  Menstrual pain is a common complaint in Iranian women. The inverse association between fruit and vegetable intake and dysmenorrhea, and reduction of stress and depression need to be further explored and considered in terms of recommendation to reduce dysmenorrhea.
Management of retained products of conception with marked vascularity
Authors: Kitahara Tomoko , Sato Yukiyasu , Kakui Kazuyo , Tatsumi Keiji , Fujiwara Hiroshi , Konishi Ikuo
Published: January 2011

Cases of retained products of conception (RPOC) with marked vascularity present a clinical challenge because simple dilation and curettage (D&C) can lead to life‐threatening hemorrhage. We describe here two cases of hypervascular RPOC that were successfully managed with two different approaches. Case 1: A 26‐year‐old woman with history of 3 D&Cs was transported to the emergency room for heavy vaginal bleeding 45 days after a spontaneous abortion. Diagnosis of RPOC with aneurysm‐like structure was considered and uterine artery embolization was performed. Four days after the uterine artery embolization, reduction of the vascularity of RPOC was confirmed on color Doppler ultrasonography and D&C was successfully carried out. Case 2: A 37‐year‐old woman with history of one cesarean section became pregnant after the regular menses. She underwent D&C for missed abortion at 8 weeks' gestation. Seven days after the D&C, sonographically heterogenous mass emerged in the vicinity of the previous cesarean scar. Thereafter, the mass gradually grew larger and diagnosis of hypervascular placental polyp was considered. As the amount of vaginal bleeding was small, expectant management was instituted. Sixty‐one days after the first D&C, reduction of the vascularity of RPOC was confirmed on color Doppler ultrasonography and D&C was successfully completed.
Improving surgical safety globally: pulse oximetry and the WHO Guidelines for Safe Surgery
Authors: Walker I.A. , Newton M. , Bosenberg A.T.
Published: January 2011

Access to safe surgery should be considered as part of the basic human right for health, but unfortunately, this ideal is far from being reached in many low‐income countries. Pulse oximetry is recommended as a minimum standard of monitoring by all anesthesia organizations that have set standards, yet around 78 000 operating theaters worldwide lack this essential monitor. The WHO Safe Surgery Saves Lives Program has identified evidence‐based guidelines for safe surgery that are applicable in any setting, and the Global Pulse Oximetry Program will help improve access to pulse oximetry in countries where it is not available. However, these initiatives are just a start; capacity, infrastructure, trained healthcare providers and access to essential drugs, and equipment for anesthesia and surgery need to become a public health priority in many low‐income countries.
Suitability and calibration of a rebound tonometer to measure IOP in rabbit and pig eyes
Authors: Löbler Marian , Rehmer Annelie , Guthoff Rudolf , Martin Heiner , Sternberg Katrin , Stachs Oliver
Published: January 2011

Objective  To utilize the Icare tonometer TAO1 for intraocular pressure (IOP) determination in experimental animals. To calculate true IOP calibration functions for rabbit and porcine eyes.

Animals  Enucleated eyes of 3‐year‐old healthy experimental rabbits (New Zealand white), and healthy 1 year old experimental pigs (Deutsche Landrasse) were used for the determination of IOP.

Procedures  Manometric (Geuder GmbH, Heidelberg/Germany) and rebound tonometry (Icare tonometer TAO1, Icare, Helsinki/Finland) were used to record IOP in enucleated animal eyes (rabbit n = 2, pig n = 3).

Results  The Icare tonometer TAO1 measurements underestimated true IOP by 37–60% in rabbit eyes and 17–63% in porcine eyes. IOP values obtained by both rebound and manometric tonometry for rabbit and porcine eyes followed a linear regression curve. Linear functions were calculated to correct the Icare tonometer TAO1 measurements to true IOP for both rabbit (p = 1.4244pic + 4.2421) and porcine eyes (p = 1.0799pic + 5.8557).

Conclusions  The Icare tonometer TAO1 can be utilized for IOP determination in rabbit and porcine eyes when measured values are corrected with the appropriate linear function.
In vivoconfocal microscopy of equine fungal keratitis
Authors: Ledbetter Eric C. , Irby Nita L. , Kim Sung G.
Published: January 2011

Objective To describein vivocorneal confocal microscopy of horses with fungal keratitis and correlate findings with clinical, histopathological, and microbiological evaluations of clinical cases and anex vivoexperimental equine fungal keratitis model.

Animals studied A total of 12 horses with naturally‐acquired fungal keratitis andex vivoequine corneas experimentally infected with clinical fungal isolates.

Procedures Horses with naturally‐acquired fungal keratitis were examined with a modified Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II and Rostock Cornea Module. Confocal microscopy images of clinical isolates ofAspergillus fumigatus,Fusarium solani, andCandida albicanswere obtained by examination ofin vitrocultures and experimentally infectedex vivoequine corneas.

Results Non‐specificin vivocorneal confocal microscopic findings in horses with fungal keratitis included leukocyte infiltrates, activated keratocytes, anterior stromal dendritic cell infiltrates, and vascularization. Linear, branching, hyper‐reflective structures that were 2–6 μm in width and 200 to >400 μm in length were detected in all horses with filamentous fungal keratitis. Round to oval hyper‐reflective structures that were 2–8 μm in diameter were detected in a horse with yeast fungal keratitis. Thein vivoconfocal microscopic appearance of the organisms was consistent with fungal morphologies observed during examination ofin vitrocultures and infectedex vivoequine corneas.

Conclusions In vivocorneal confocal microscopy is a rapid and non‐invasive method of diagnosing fungal keratitis in the horse. This imaging technique is useful for both ulcerative and non‐ulcerative fungal keratitis, and is particularly advantageous for confirming the presence of fungi in deep corneal stromal lesions.
Investigations on the conjunctival goblet cells and on the characteristics of glands associated with the eye in the guinea pig
Authors: Gasser Karin , Fuchs‐Baumgartinger Andrea , Tichy Alexander , Nell Barbara
Published: January 2011

Objective  To investigate the distribution and density of conjunctival goblet cells (GC) and to study the anatomy and microscopic characteristics of glands associated with the eye in the guinea pig.

Procedures  Twenty‐five guinea pigs were used. Meibomian gland openings were counted using biomicroscopy. Conjunctiva, eyelids and glands were embedded in glycol methacrylate and paraffin. Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), periodic acid Schiff’s reaction (PAS) and Alcian blue (AB).

Results  Highest GC densities were found in the bulbar and palpebral region of the nasal conjunctiva (GC index: 13.7–16.4%). Lowest GC densities (GC index: 0.0–1.0%) were found in 3/4 limbal regions (nasal and temporal upper eyelid, temporal lower eyelid). Guinea pigs have 27.1 ± 3.0 (mean ± SD) meibomian gland openings in the upper lid and 25.7 ± 2.3 in the lower lid. Difference between upper and lower lid was significant (P = 0.037). Two subconjunctival sebaceous glands occur temporal to each eye. The Harderian gland is very large. In the lacrimal gland three different cell types were distinguished both according to the cell structure and histochemical staining.

Conclusions  Goblet cell densities are lower in guinea pigs than in dogs and horses. Positive staining with PAS and AB could be an indication that mucins are produced in the lacrimal gland. If so, they may contribute to the mucin layer of the tear film. Both the extraordinarily large Harderian gland and the subconjunctival sebaceous glands produce lipids and may contribute to the lipid layer of the tear film.
Primary lacrimal gland adenocarcinoma of the third eyelid in a horse
Authors: Mathes Rachel L. , Paige Carmichael Karen , Peroni John , Anthony Moore Phillip
Published: January 2011

A 5‐year‐old Draft Horse gelding presented for evaluation of a large, fleshy, ulcerated third eyelid mass OD of 3 weeks duration. Complete ophthalmic examination, ocular ultrasound and skull radiographs revealed a large soft‐tissue mass involving the entire third eyelid OD and extending into the ventral right orbit to the level of the globe equator. No other abnormalities were noted on physical or ophthalmic examination. Surgical removal via exenteration was performed 3 months after initial presentation. A lacrimal adenocarcinoma of the third eyelid was diagnosed based on histopathology. Concurrent asymptomatic intra‐ductal and intra‐acinarDemodex caballiparasites were found in the eyelid sebaceous glands, likely as an incidental finding. No tumor recurrence or metastasis has occurred 12 months after excision. To the author’s knowledge, this case is the first reported primary lacrimal adenocarcinoma in a horse. Complete surgical excision was curative.
Mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma of the third eyelid conjunctiva in a dog
Authors: Hong Il‐Hwa , Bae Sun‐Hee , Lee Sang‐Gwan , Park Jin‐Kyu , Ji Ae‐Ri , Ki Mi‐Ran , Han Seon‐Young , Lee Eun‐Mi , Kim Ah‐Young , You Sang‐Young , Kim Tae‐Hwan , Jeong Kyu‐Shik
Published: January 2011

A 4‐year‐old, neutered female Cocker Spaniel was presented to the veterinary clinic for protrusion of the left third eyelid. When the third eyelids from both eyes were everted, lobulated masses were present on the bulbar surface. The left third eyelid had a larger protrusion. There was no apparent associated ocular or systemic involvement. The tumor of left third eyelid was removed and referred for histological examination. Histologically, there were proliferations of lymphoid follicles surrounded by lymphoid cells forming a marginal zone. Those lymphoid cells occasionally infiltrated into conjunctival epithelium. A few apoptotic bodies with karyopyknotic and karyorrhexic nuclei were observed in the germinal center of lymphoid follicles. Mitotic figures were rare. On immunohistochemistry, tumor cells expressed CD79a but not CD3. A diagnosis of extranodal marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) of the third eyelid was established based on the histological and immunophenotypical features. At the 1‐year follow‐up, there was no evidence of recurrence of the mass at the area of excision of the left third eyelid and the remaining tumor of the right third eyelid was still a similar size. The dog still showed no significant findings, except those of the tumor, and no evidence of systemic involvement. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of MALT lymphoma of the third eyelid in a dog.
Deriving efficient frontiers for effort allocation in the management of invasive species*
Authors: Cacho Oscar J. , Hester Susan M.
Published: January 2011

Invasive species cause significant losses through their effect on agriculture, human health and the environment. Their importance has increased with time owing to globalisation, as the spread of invasive species is facilitated by the increased movement of people, cargo and genetic material around the world. There is a vast literature on the economics of invasive species and their management. Here, we contribute to this literature by applying a spatio‐temporal model to the allocation of surveillance resources. We focus on three questions regarding resource allocation to control a newly discovered invasion: the budget, which determines the amount of search effort available; the duration of the control program; and the allocation of surveillance and control in time and space. We also explore the complementary role of passive surveillance by members of the public. We derive efficient frontiers for effort allocation that represent the trade‐off between cost and probability of eradication after inefficient strategies have been eliminated. We use the results to illustrate how to evaluate whether introduction of passive surveillance is desirable based on cost and eradication probability. We conclude by discussing the implications of our findings in the design of control programs.
The Role of Narratives in Migration Policy-Making: A Research Framework
Authors: Boswell Christina , Geddes Andrew , Scholten Peter
Published: January 2011

While debates on migration policy often revolve around rival values and interests, they also invoke knowledge claims about the causes, dynamics and impacts of migration. Such claims are best conceptualised as ‘policy narratives’, setting out beliefs about policy problems and appropriate interventions. Narratives are likely to be more successful where they meet three criteria: they are cognitively plausible, dramatically or morally compelling and, importantly, they chime with perceived interests. Increasingly, such narratives are also expected to draw on expert knowledge, although knowledge is often deployed to legitimise particular actors or preferences rather than to enhance the cognitive plausibility of the narrative. The series of articles in this issue explore how narratives are developed, codified, revised and diffused in policy debates and policy-making. We hope that they contribute not just to understanding migration policy, but also to wider debates on the role of ideas and knowledge in public policy.
Success factors for innovation management in networks of small and medium enterprises
Authors: Rese Alexandra , Baier Daniel
Published: January 2011

Because firms today operate in increasingly turbulent and complex environments, they need to be more proactive and innovative. Networks are gaining in importance, especially for small and medium enterprises with limited resources as R&D cooperations or cooperations along the value chain seem to be the only way to succeed with technologically challenging and promising but also expensive and risky product innovations. One of the key problems of these networks, however, is the question of how to plan, organize and control the innovation processes that are distributed over several partners. Theoretically derived and empirically proven success factors could help as much here as in the traditional success/failure discussion of new product development within firms. This paper discusses the effects of such factors, which partly derive from the traditional success/failure discussion within firms (e.g. market potential, product advantage, technological synergy, proficiency of technological or marketing activities) but also factors derived from recent network research (e.g. trust or dependence on partners). Their effect on new product performance is discussed on the basis of a comprehensive survey with 271 participating networks. The results confirm the traditional success factors, especially the product advantage and proficiency factors. But they also show that network‐related success factors (especially network cohesion and organization) are of similar major importance.
The Online Theology Classroom: Strategies for Engaging a Community of Distance Learners in a Hybrid Model of Online Education
Authors: Hege Brent A. R.
Published: January 2011

One factor contributing to success in online education is the creation of a safe and vibrant virtual community and sustained, lively engagement with that community of learners. In order to create and engage such a community instructors must pay special attention to the relationship between technology and pedagogy, specifically in terms of issues such as course design, social presence, specially tailored assignments, learner expectations, and objectives, and facilitation of sustained engagement with the course material, fellow learners, and the instructor. Several strategies for accomplishing this goal are presented here based on the author's experiences teaching second‐career students in hybrid introductory theology courses at a mainline denominational seminary.
Additional Responses to Hugh Heclo's On Thinking Institutionally
Authors: Lincoln Timothy D. , Fennell Robert C.
Published: January 2011

Issue 13:3 of this journal (July 2010) included a “Conversation” on Hugh Heclo's recent publication On Thinking Institutionally (Paradigm Publishers, 2008) with a book review by Robert Fennell and responses by Richard Ascough, Tat‐siong Benny Liew, Michael McLain, and Lynne Westfield. Here we publish two additional responses to this same book. In the first essay Timothy D. Lincoln draws lessons from the specific “small world” of religion departments and theological schools. In the second essay Robert C. Fennell reminds us that we have an always‐already‐invested status within institutions. We should therefore think from the inside of institutions, to help shape them to express our highest callings.
Responses to the AAR‐Teagle White Paper: “The Religious Studies Major in a Post‐9/11 World”
Authors: Webster Jane S. , Buckley James J. , Jensen Tim , Floyd‐Thomas Stacey
Published: January 2011

In October 2008 The American Academy of Religion published the findings of an eighteen month study (conducted with funding from the Teagle Foundation) on “The Religious Studies Major in a Post–9/11World: New Challenges, New Opportunities.” Re‐published here, this AAR‐Teagle White Paper provides the opportunity for four respondents to raise issues and questions about the teaching of religion in their own institutional contexts. First, Jane Webster describes how the White Paper's “five characteristics of the religion major” find expression in her biblical literature course. Then James Buckley suggests some of the general level teaching issues provoked by the study and analyzes how well the White Paper aligns with how the teaching of religion is conceived in his Catholic university context. Tim Jensen draws comparisons between the White Paper and the higher education structures and goals from his university context in Denmark, raising questions about what motivates students to major in religious studies, the “utility” of a religious studies major, and whether students' religious and spiritual concerns ought to enter the classroom. And finally Stacey Floyd‐Thomas finds surprising similarities between the state of the religion major and the various crises facing contemporary North American theological education.
The effect of a structured story reading intervention, story retelling and higher order thinking for English language and literacy acquisition
Authors: Cruz de Quirós Ana M. , Lara‐Alecio Rafael , Tong Fuhui , Irby Beverly J.
Published: January 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of structured story reading intervention, Story reTelling and higher order thinking for English Language and Literacy Acquisition (STELLA), delivered to 38 Hispanic English language learners (ELL) placed in an enhanced transitional bilingual programme over 2 years from first to second grade as compared with 34 control students placed in a typical practice transitional bilingual programme during the same time period. Both treatment and comparison ELL students' retellings of two stories in Spanish and English were measured by five story elements. Findings were that (a) students receiving intervention outperformed their comparison peers in all five story elements in English and Spanish of both stories; (b) students showed stronger ability in their native language in four of five story elements; and (c) students performed at a higher level in the narrative‐informational story than a narrative story in both languages. Educational implications are discussed.
French Feminists and Pacifism, 1889–1914: The Evolution of New Visions
Authors: Cooper Sandi E.
Published: January 2011

This article addresses two main issues. First, in what ways did the development of a pacifist platform among French women working against the patriarchal assumptions of their world shape a different discourse than the dominant male‐managed peace societies—then the largest on the European continent before World War I. Secondly, how did the progressive members of the French feminist–pacifist community distance themselves from the presumably unchallenged, national enthusiasm for war in 1914, and what impact did that war have on postwar women’s movements.
Growth cone morphology and spreading are regulated by a dynamin‐cortactin complex at point contacts in hippocampal neurons
Authors: Kurklinsky Svetlana , Chen Jing , McNiven Mark A.
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 117, 48–60.

Neuronal growth cone (GC) migration and targeting are essential processes for the formation of a neural network during embryonic development. Currently, the mechanisms that support directed motility of GCs are not fully defined. The large GTPase dynamin and an interacting actin‐binding protein, cortactin, have been localized to GCs, although the function performed by this complex is unclear. We have found that cortactin and the ubiquitous form of dynamin (Dyn) 2 exhibit a striking co‐localization at the base of the transition zone of advancing GCs of embryonic hippocampal neurons. Confocal and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopies demonstrate that this basal localization represents point contacts. Exogenous expression of wild‐type Dyn2 and cortactin leads to large, exceptionally flat, and static GCs, whereas disrupting this complex has no such effect. We find that excessive GC spreading is induced by Dyn2 and cortactin over‐expression and substantial recruitment of the point contact‐associated, actin‐binding protein α‐actinin1 to the ventral GC membrane. The distributions of other point contact proteins such as vinculin or paxillin appear unchanged. Immunoprecipitation experiments show that both Dyn2 and cortactin reside in a complex with α‐actinin1. These findings provide new insights into the role of Dyn2 and the actin cytoskeleton in GC adhesion and motility.
NF‐κB signaling inhibits ubiquitin carboxyl‐terminal hydrolase L1 gene expression
Authors: Wang Ruitao , Zhang Mingming , Zhou Weihui , Ly Philip T. T. , Cai Fang , Song Weihong
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 116, 1160–1170.

Ubiquitin carboxyl‐terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH‐L1) is a deubiquitinating enzyme that plays a regulatory role in targeting proteins for proteasomal degradation. UCH‐L1 is highly expressed in neurons and has been demonstrated to promote cell viability and maintain neuronal integrity. Reduced UCH‐L1 levels have been observed in various neurodegenerative diseases, and expression of UCH‐L1 can rescue synaptic dysfunction and memory deficits in Alzheimer’s Disease model mice. However, the mechanisms regulating UCH‐L1 expression have not been determined. In this study, we cloned a 1782 bp of the 5′ flanking region of the human UCH‐L1 gene and identified a 43 bp fragment containing the transcription start site as the minimal region necessary for promoter activity. Sequence analysis revealed several putative regulatory elements including NF‐κB, NFAT, CREB, NRSF, YY1, AP1, and STAT in the UCH‐L1 promoter. A functional NF‐κB response element was identified in the UCH‐L1 promoter region. Expression of NF‐κB suppressed UCH‐L1 gene transcription. In the RelA knockout system where NF‐κB activity is ablated, UCH‐L1 expression was significantly increased. Furthermore, activation of NF‐κB signaling by the inflammatory stimulator lipopolysaccharide and TNFα resulted in a decrease of UCH‐L1 gene expression by inhibiting its transcription. As NF‐κB is an important signaling module in inflammatory response, our study suggests a possibility that inflammation might compromise neuronal functions via the interaction of NF‐κB and UCH‐L1. A better understanding of the NF‐κB‐regulated UCH‐L1 transcription will provide insights to the role of inflammatory responses in Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Senescence‐associated intrinsic mechanisms of osteoblast dysfunctions
Authors: Kassem Moustapha , Marie Pierre J.
Published: January 2011

Human aging is associated with bone loss leading to bone fragility and increased risk of fractures. The cellular and molecular causes of age‐related bone loss are current intensive topic of investigation with the aim of identifying new approaches to abolish its negative effects on the skeleton. Age‐related osteoblast dysfunction is the main cause of age‐related bone loss in both men and women beyond the fifth decade and results from two groups of pathogenic mechanisms: extrinsic mechanisms that are mediated by age‐related changes in bone microenvironment including changes in levels of hormones and growth factors, and intrinsic mechanisms caused by the osteoblast cellular senescence. The aim of this review is to provide a summary of the intrinsic senescence mechanisms affecting osteoblastic functions and how they can be targeted to abolish age‐related osteoblastic dysfunction and bone loss associated with aging.
Worries in expectant parents: Its relation with perinatal well‐being and relationship satisfaction
Authors: BIEHLE SUSANNE N. , MICKELSON KRISTIN D.
Published: January 2011

Although much has been written about the impact of pregnancy on expectant parents, less is known about the worries couples experience during pregnancy. Sex differences in worries and the link between self and coparent worries on perinatal well‐being and relationship satisfaction in 104 primiparous couples were examined. It was found not only do expectant mothers and fathers worry about different things, but also type of worry is related to different outcomes. Moreover, using structural equation modeling, childbirth worries and worry frequency indirectly predict lower relationship satisfaction through worse well‐being. However, coparent's worries did not significantly relate to their partner's perinatal well‐being or relationship satisfaction. This study suggests the importance of examining perinatal worries in parents, as well as the dyadic interaction between coparents.
How I manage my patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Colombo Massimo , Sangiovanni Angelo
Published: January 2011

In the late 1990s, the development of a standardized staging system for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (Barcelona clinical liver cancer) using evidence‐based data made it possible to stratify HCC patients to receive appropriate treatment with substantial clinical benefit. In the past, treatment failures were often because of faulty staging of tumour disease. This was the case for hepatic resection, as patient survival after surgery was endangered by tumour recurrence (70% at 5 years) as well as the risk of unresolved post‐surgical hepatic decompensation, a complication that can be avoided by restricting resection to patients with low portal hypertension and normal serum bilirubin. It was also true for liver transplantation, whose outcome clearly improved when stringent patient selection criteria were adopted based on the volume and number of tumour nodules and venous invasion (so‐called Milan criteria), resulting in <15% risk of tumour recurrence and a 75% 5‐year survival rate. Switching from an empirical to an evidence‐based patient selection approach improved the outcome of local ablation therapies, mainly because ideal candidates were identified, resulting in>50% 5‐year survival rates, similar to those obtained with hepatic resection. While the prognosis is still poor in patients with advanced HCC, the recent availability of multikinase inhibitors has generated hope for improving survival in these patients.
Impact of hepatitis B therapy on the long‐term outcome of liver disease
Authors: Liaw Yun‐Fan
Published: January 2011

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a dynamic series of interactions between HBV, hepatocytes and the patient's immune system. HBV replication is the key motor of disease progression, including the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV elimination or suppression can reduce the risk of or slow the progression of liver disease. Studies have shown that a finite course of conventional interferon‐α (IFN) therapy provides long‐term benefit for achieving a cumulative response as well as reducing the progression of fibrosis and the development of cirrhosis and/or HCC. Long‐term therapy with nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs) may also improve fibrosis or reverse advanced fibrosis as well as reduce disease progression and the development of HCC. The problems associated with drug resistance can be overcome by the timely use of rescue NUCs without cross‐resistance. The outcome with pegylated IFN (PEG‐IFN) and newer NUCs may be even better because of more effective treatment and/or a low risk of resistance. However, the treatment outcomes still need to be improved, and more effective, safe and affordable anti‐HBV agents/strategies are needed.
Treatment of HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B patients with nucleos(t)ide analogues
Authors: Papatheodoridis George V.
Published: January 2011

Current agents used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) can be classified into interferons‐α (IFN‐α: standard or pegylated) and nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs). NUCs are now used in most CHB patients for several reasons. They can be given to all CHB patients, even those with contraindications to IFN‐α. NUCs are more convenient to use (one oral tablet daily) than IFN‐α (subcutaneous injections) and are well tolerated with a good safety profile, while IFN‐α has frequent and potentially severe side effects and worsens the patient's quality of life. All NUCs are potent anti‐hepatitis B virus agents (all except adefovir are more potent than IFN‐α) with entecavir and tenofovir being the most potent. Most importantly NUCs all have minimal risk of resistance during long‐term monotherapy. Prolongation of entecavir or tenofovir monotherapy maintains and slightly increases the initially high virological remission rates (67–76% of HBeAg‐positive and 90–93% of HBeAg‐negative patients) and this is expected to result in improved long‐term outcomes. The need for long‐term, perhaps indefinite, treatment is the main limitation of NUCs and the finite duration (48 weeks) the main advantage of IFN‐α. However, only a minority of IFN‐α‐treated patients achieve durable sustained off‐treatment responses (HBeAg‐positive: 30–35%, HBeAg‐negative: 20–25%), while NUCs may be safely discontinued in HBeAg‐positive patients with stable HBeAg seroconversion. Because there will always be concerns for safety and family planning issues with long‐term therapy, NUCs should be used judiciously and should not be prescribed in young CHB patients with mild liver disease.
Using the prone position for ventilated patients with respiratory failure: a review
Authors: Wright Angie D , Flynn Maria
Published: January 2011

Aims: This review explored the evidence relating to prone positioning in ventilated patients diagnosed with respiratory failure, including acute lung injury (ALI) or adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Background: Mortality rates for ventilated patients with ALI or ARDS are high, and there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that the position these patients are nursed in may influence clinical outcomes. However, there are no guidelines to inform nursing practice in positioning these patients.

Method: Medline, Scopus, Cinahl and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for original research reports or systematic reviews of evidence between 2000 and 2009. Reference lists of retrieved papers were hand searched and included studies were analysed using the Critical Appraisal and Skills Programme framework. A narrative data synthesis considered the strengths and limitations of studies, and findings were collated and interpreted.

Results: Application of the search strategy identified a systematic review, currently underway, which has not yet reported and 14 relevant studies eligible for inclusion in this review. Analysis showed considerable variation in study design, but suggests that PaO2/FiO2 ratio, incidence of VAP and mortality may be positively affected by prone positioning.

Conclusions: Evidence of the clinical benefits associated with prone positioning is inconclusive and provides little guidance for nursing practice. There is a need for further research into the clinical outcomes of prone positioning, and greater understanding of the practicalities of prone positioning critically ill patients is required.

Relevance to clinical practice: Nurses have a central role to play in the continual assessment and management of this patient group, including the position they are nursed in, not only to ensure the best clinical outcomes but also to provide care and comfort to the patient and their family. It is therefore important that their nursing practice and interventions are informed by the best available evidence.
Prevalence and trajectories of depressive symptoms in mothers of children with newly diagnosed epilepsy
Authors: Ferro Mark A. , Avison William R. , Campbell M. Karen , Speechley Kathy N.
Published: January 2011

Purpose:  To examine the prevalence, trajectories, and predictors of depressive symptoms (DS) in mothers of children with new‐onset epilepsy.

Methods:  A sample of 339 mothers was analyzed from the health‐related quality of life in children with epilepsy study assessed four times during the first 24 months after diagnosis. Mothers’ DS were measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Trajectories of DS were investigated using group‐based trajectory modeling, and maternal, child, and family factors were compared across groups using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and chi square tests. Multinomial logistic regression identified predictors of DS trajectories.

Key Findings:  A total of 258 mothers completed the study. Prevalence of depression ranged from 30–38% across four times within the first 24 months after their child’s diagnosis. Four trajectories of DS were observed: low stable (59%), borderline (25%), moderate increasing (9%), and high decreasing (7%). Using the low stable group as the reference group, the borderline group was younger, had worse family functioning, and fewer family resources; the moderate increasing group was younger, had children with cognitive problems, worse family functioning, and more family demands; and the high decreasing group had less education and children with lower quality of life.

Significance:  Risk for clinical depression is common among mothers of children with new‐onset epilepsy. These mothers are not homogenous, but consist of groups with different trajectories and predictors of DS. Child’s cognitive problems was the strongest predictor identified; epilepsy severity did not predict DS trajectory. Health care professionals should consider routinely assessing maternal depression during clinic visits for pediatric epilepsy.
Amphetamine‐associated seizures: Clinical features and prognosis
Authors: Brown J. William L. , Dunne John W. , Fatovic Daniel M. , Lee Judy , Lawn Nicholas D.
Published: January 2011

Forty‐four patients presenting with first‐ever seizure within 24 h of illicit use of amphetamine or related analogs (amphetamine‐associated seizures, AAS) were identified over 8 years. Patients with AAS were compared to control groups of other first‐ever seizure patients (provoked n = 126 and unprovoked n = 401). Cumulative probability of recurrence was calculated using Kaplan‐Meier analysis. Seizure recurrence and development of epilepsy were less likely in patients with AAS compared to provoked or unprovoked controls. Forty percent of patients with AAS had clinical risk factors for epilepsy, epileptiform abnormalities on electroencephalography (EEG), or an epileptogenic lesion on neuroimaging. Sleep deprivation was more frequently present in those with AAS. AAS likely relate to an intrinsic proconvulsant effect of these drugs combined with patient susceptibility and environmental factors.
A Modified Laryngoplasty Approach Promoting Ankylosis of the Cricoarytenoid Joint
Authors: Parente Eric J. , Birks Eric K. , Habecker Perry
Published: January 2011

Objective:To perform a modification to the standard laryngoplasty procedure in vivo that would result in ankylosis of the cricoarytenoid (CA) joint, and determine the stability provided to the abducted arytenoid in vitro.

Study Design:Experimental study.

Animals:Horses (n=8).

Methods:Horses were assigned to either control laryngoplasty (n=3) or modified laryngoplasty (5) procedure. Endoscopic upper airway evaluations were used to measure right:left quotients 1 day and 3 months postoperatively to assess maintenance of abduction. Horses were euthanatized 3 months after surgery and larynges collected for measurement of translaryngeal impedance and histologic evaluation of CA joint ankylosis. Each specimen was exposed to increasing negative pressure with the sutures intact or cut while translaryngeal impedance was recorded. Data were analyzed using ANOVA with significance set atP<.05.

Results:Loss of left arytenoid cartilage abduction at 3 months was greater in the control laryngoplasty group. Overall, impedance was significantly lower for the modified laryngoplasty group compared with the control laryngoplasty group and lower with the sutures intact than cut. Histologic evaluation of the joints confirmed fibrous bridging of the left CA joints of the modified laryngoplasty group.

Conclusions:A modified laryngoplasty approach promotes ankylosis of the CA joint and decreases the loss of abduction of the arytenoid.
Immunohistochemical and Histomorphometric Evaluation of Vascular Distribution in Intact Canine Cranial Cruciate Ligament
Authors: Hayashi Kei , Bhandal Jitender , Kim Sun Young , Rodriguez, Jr. Carlos O. , Entwistle Rachel , Naydan Diane , Kapatkin Amy , Stover Susan M.
Published: January 2011

Objectives:To (1) describe vascular distribution in the grossly intact canine cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) using immunohistochemical techniques specific to 2 components of blood vessels (factor VIII for endothelial cells, laminin for basement membrane); and (2) compare the vascularity in different areas of interest (craniomedial versus caudolateral bands; core versus epiligamentous regions; and proximal versus middle versus distal portions) in the intact normal canine CCL.

Study Design:In vitro study.

Animals:Large, mature dogs (n=7) of breeds prone to CCL disease that were euthanatized for nonorthopedic conditions.

Methods:Intact CCL were collected from fresh canine cadavers free from stifle pathology. CCL tissue was processed for immunohistochemistry and stained for factor VIII and laminin. Vascular density was determined by histomorphometric analysis.

Results:Specific vascular staining was sparsely identified throughout the CCL; however, the proximal portion of the CCL appears to have a greater number of vessels than the middle or distal portion of the ligament.

Conclusions:The CCL is a hypovascular tissue and its vascular distribution is not homogeneous.
Nurse Staffing Levels and Teamwork: A Cross‐Sectional Study of Patient Care Units in Acute Care Hospitals
Authors: Kalisch Beatrice J. , Lee Kyung Hee
Published: January 2011

Purpose: To determine if nurse staffing predicts teamwork.

Design: A cross‐sectional, descriptive design with a sample of nursing staff (N= 2,545) on 52 patient care units in four hospitals was utilized.

Methods: The Nursing Teamwork Survey was utilized to collect data on the level of perceived nursing teamwork on each of the study units. In addition, nursing staffing data were collected for each study unit.

Findings: Higher levels of nurse staffing were related to better teamwork. Specifically, the greater the hours per patient day, the higher the level of overall teamwork on the unit (β= 0.417, p= .033). Also the greater the skill mix, the higher the level of overall teamwork on the unit (β= 0.436, p= .009).

Conclusions: Adequate levels of staffing are needed to ensure nursing teamwork.

Clinical Relevance: The ability to provide quality and safe care is associated with teamwork, which in turn requires adequate staffing.
Anthropology and the New Faculty Majority: Adjunct and Contingent Labor
Authors: Trevithick Alan
Published: January 2011

Keywords:
commentary, contingent labor, adjunct faculty, academic labor
Toward an Acoustemology of Muslim Citizenship in Kenya
Authors: Eisenberg Andrew J
Published: January 2011

Keywords:
commentary, acoustemology, Islam, Kenya, sound, space, Swahili coast
Presidential Incentive Program for Undergraduates Unveiled: Striving to Be Who We Are and Who We Want to Be
Authors: Dominguez Virginia R
Published: January 2011

Keywords:
association business, from the president, AAA membership, undergraduate membership, incentive program
Introducing the 2011 Executive Program Committee
Authors: Green Sarah
Published: January 2011

Keywords:
association business, 2011 annual meeting, 2011 AAA annual meeting
Guantánamo Detainees: Invisible Subjects, Legal Objects
Authors: Khalil Menna
Published: January 2011

Gretchen E Schafft is contributing editor of “Human Rights Forum,” the AAA Committee for Human Rights column in Anthropology News.

Keywords:
human rights forum, Guantánamo detainee, interrogation, incarceration
Fight for Survival: Cultural Identity in Modern Music
Authors: Brown LaDonna
Published: January 2011

Elizabeth Briody and Antonio Chavarria are contributing editors of “Anthropology Works,” the AAA Committee on Practicing, Applied and Public Interest Anthropology column in Anthropology News.

Keywords:
anthropology works, Chickasaw multimedia, Native American music, Chickasha Ahliha
Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum and Sudden Death
Authors: Combrinck Marais , Gilbert John D. , Byard Roger W.
Published: January 2011

Abstract:  Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a generalized connective tissue disorder in which there is calcification of elastic fibers within arteries, eyes, and skin. Characteristic features include yellow‐orange papular skin lesions, angioid streaks radiating out from the optic discs, and arterial calcification. The prevalence in the general population varies widely from 1/70,000 to 1/160,000. PXE has an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern and results from mutations in the ATP‐binding cassette transporter C6 (ABCC6) that has been mapped to 16p13.1. Over 300 loss‐of‐function mutations have been identified. Individuals with PXE may come to forensic attention because of sudden death involving accelerated coronary atherosclerosis with acute myocardial ischemia, systemic hypertension, mitral valve prolapse, restrictive cardiomyopathy, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and cerebral ischemia or hemorrhage. Because of the heritable nature of the disease, family counseling and screening are in order when previously unsuspected cases are encountered at autopsy.
The Effect of Weight on the Femur: A Cross‐Sectional Analysis*
Authors: Agostini Gina M. , Ross Ann H.
Published: January 2011

Abstract:  This study assessed whether obesity significantly affects femoral shape. Femora of 121 white men were divided into two weight classes based on body mass index (BMI) of the deceased. Five external anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) measurements were taken at consistent percentages of diaphyseal length. These were then subject to statistical tests. After controlling for age, multivariate statistics show a significant (p < 0.05) effect of BMI on the femur, with the greatest significance in ML measurements. T‐tests confirm these dimensions are significantly larger in the overweight (p < 0.05). The effect of BMI on size‐transformed and shape‐transformed variables was also evaluated, with ANOVA results showing a significant BMI effect on ML size (p < 0.05), but not shape. Significant size‐transformed ML variables were then subject to discriminate function analyses with a cross‐validation correction. Results show a correct classification rate of 88% in normal weight and 77% in overweight individuals.