bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Descriptions of the Restoration of Israel in Ezekiel
Authors: Ganzel Tova
Published: March 2010

This article focuses on the descriptions of Israel’s restoration scattered throughout the book of Ezekiel against the background of traditional prophetic portrayals of national redemption. This investigation aims to analyze the various unique motifs found in the restoration prophecies and their function in each particular occurrence. Consideration of these prophecies demonstrates a literary progression within the book of Ezekiel, and also reflects the uniqueness of Ezekiel’s descriptions of the restoration of Israel.
African Migration as the Search for a Wonderful World: An Emerging Trans-global Security Threat?
Authors: Obi Cyril I.
Published: March 2010

This article critically analyses the framing of African migration in hegemonic global security discourses as a source of transnational threats to developed and stable parts of the world. Such concerns have increased since 9/11 and the inception of the Global War on Terror, and are likely to grow in the wake of the global financial meltdown. It explores the globalization-migration-development nexus as it relates to how Africa has become an object of securitization based more on the manipulation of fear, than on reality. This underscores the point that the perception of “illegal” African migration as a threat to Europe’s southern borders is constructed and deliberately exaggerated for political ends. Thus, the article argues that the barriers designed to reduce or prevent African migration in a ‘borderless world’, have more to do with hegemonic politics, and less to do with any real danger. It also discusses the ramifications of the securitization of Africa is relation to the ways it is feeding into international support for the military and policing capacity of African states. This, in some regards, is taking place at the immense social cost of popularly-rooted democratization, social development and sustainable peace in the continent - thereby increasing the threats facing African people.
Classifying African Christianities: Past, Present, and Future: Part One
Authors: Kollman Paul
Published: March 2010

This two-part article examines the practice of classifying African Christianities, looking at past and current approaches in order to make suggestions for the future. Noting advances in such classification from the disciplines of African church history and the anthropology of Christianity, it proposes a generational approach to African Christian communities. After reviewing past approaches and identifying their shortcomings, part one shows how Pentecostalism has disrupted such classifications further, prompting the late church historian Ogbu Kalu’s assertion of continuity within African Christianities through a longstanding pattern of revivalism. Kalu helpfully emphasizes African initiatives in Christian creativity and detects similarities over time in Christianity’s appeal to Africans. Yet he also relies on a problematic essentialist approach to Africa and, by foregrounding Pentecostals and African Independent (or Initiated) Churches, continues a trend that overlooks other African Christians. The challenge lies in developing classifications that include all African Christians, using concepts that generate insight-producing comparisons.
Identities, Subjectivities and Language in Juvenile Alcohol Issues
Authors: Cortese Giuseppina
Published: March 2010

This study looks at changing styles of alcohol consumption and the spread of underage drinking as a crucial nexus in discourse, dialectically involving economic, political and socio-cultural issues with ethical implications. Using an ad hoc corpus of print and web-distributed materials, and examining textual features within a framework of language as social action, the study explores how this discursive nexus is deployed in the dynamics of subject positioning on alcohol issues, highlighting different stances in the representations of the alcohol scenario with particular emphasis on the depiction and evaluation of 'young alcohol'. Notions of alcohol configured as traits of social and collective identity appear largely stereotyped and quite immune from change. Conversely, representations of alcohol within the corporate culture of the alcohol business are driven by the need to mask and protect vested interests, which leads to hybrid and dynamic forms of promotional discourse posited as a new “self-regulating ethos”. At the same time, these powerful subjectivities resist and actively oppose political measures against alcohol as a risk factor.
Social Integration and Health
Authors: Ramirez-Valles Jesus , Kuhns Lisa M. , Campbell Richard T. , Diaz Rafael M.
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this study is to contribute to the conceptual understanding and practical application of social integration theory to health behaviors. We test whether community involvement in AIDS and GLBT organizations moderates the relationship of racial and homosexual stigmata to sexual risk behavior among gay and bisexual men and transgender persons of Latin American origin or descent. We use structural equation modeling to analyze data from a sample of 643 individuals recruited via respondent-driven sampling. Among those not involved in community organizations, homosexual and racial stigmata are related to sexual activity under the influence of alcohol and drugs, which is linked to sexual risk behavior. Among the involved group, the stigmata are not linked to sexual activity under the influence of alcohol and drugs, or to sexual risk behavior. The moderating role of community involvement seems to be more salient in those currently involved than those ever involved.
Household Income during Childhood and Young Adult Weight Status
Authors: Schmeer Kammi K.
Published: March 2010

This article explores whether household income at different stages of childhood is associated with weight status in early adulthood in a nutrition transition setting (a developing country with both underweight and overweight populations). I use multinomial logistic regression to analyze prospective, longitudinal data from Cebu, Philippines. Results suggest that increasing prenatal income is associated with lower risk of being underweight at age 21, while increasing income during childhood is associated with an increased risk of being overweight at age 21. When gender differences are considered, prenatal income has an important protective effect against the risk of being overweight for girls. For boys, prenatal income has little effect on overweight status, but early childhood income increases their risk of becoming overweight. For both boys and girls, income in mid-childhood (ages 9–12) is associated with a particularly high risk of becoming overweight by age 21, net of earlier income. These results suggest that, in this nutrition transition setting, childhood income operates through complex developmental and behavioral mechanisms to affect early adult overweight status; and that increasing household income after birth may do little to prevent underweight status in early adulthood.
Body Weight and Health from Early to Mid-Adulthood
Authors: Zajacova Anna , Burgard Sarah A.
Published: March 2010

We analyze the influence of body weight in early adulthood, and changes in weight over time, on self-rated health as people age into middle adulthood. While prior research has focused on cross-sectional samples of older adults, we use longitudinal data from the NHANES I Epidemiologic Follow-up Study and double-trajectory latent growth models to study the association between body mass index (BMI) and self-rated health trajectories over 20 years. Results indicate that high BMI in early adulthood and gaining more weight over time are both associated with a faster decline in health ratings. Among white women only, those with a higher BMI at the baseline also report lower initial self-rated health. A small part of the weight-health association is due to sociodemographic factors, but not baseline health behaviors or medical conditions. The findings provide new support for the cumulative disadvantage perspective, documenting the increasing health inequalities in a cohort of young adults.
Cultural Health Capital
Authors: Shim Janet K.
Published: March 2010

In this article, I propose and define the new concept of cultural health capital, based on cultural capital theories, to help account for how patient-provider interactions unfold in ways that may generate disparities in health care. I define cultural health capital as the repertoire of cultural skills, verbal and nonverbal competencies, attitudes and behaviors, and interactional styles, cultivated by patients and clinicians alike, that, when deployed, may result in more optimal health care relationships. I consider cultural health capital alongside existing frameworks for understanding clinical interactions, and I argue that the concept of cultural health capital offers theoretical traction to help account for several dynamics of unequal treatment. These dynamics include the often nonpurposeful, habitual nature of culturally-mediated interactional styles; their growing importance amidst sociocultural changes in U.S. health care; their direct and indirect effects as instrumental as well as symbolic forms of capital; and their ability to account for the systematic yet variable relationship between social status and health care interactions.
Sizing up Peers
Authors: Mueller Anna S. , Pearson Jennifer , Muller Chandra , Frank Kenneth , Turner Alyn
Published: March 2010

Using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health and multi-level modeling, we examine the role of social comparison with schoolmates in adolescent girls’ weight control. Specifically, we focus on how girls’ own weight control is influenced by the body sizes and weight-control behaviors of their schoolmates. Our findings suggest that comparisons with similar others (in this case, girls of a similar body size) appear to have the strongest association with individual girls’ reports of trying to lose weight. For example, the odds that an overweight girl is engaged in weight control increase substantially when many overweight girls in her school are also trying to lose weight. This study highlights how schools play an important role in shaping girls’ decisions to practice weight control and demonstrates how social comparison theory improves our understanding of how health behaviors are linked to social contexts.
Expanding the boundaries of an information service
Authors: Sheahan Mark
Published: March 2010

The range of interesting jobs, and accompanying job titles, in the information world has increased dramatically. In this issue’s column we hear from the British Library’s first Inventor in Residence about the work he does to encourage innovation.
Ignorance management
Authors: Rivinus Chris
Published: March 2010

This article examines the underlying requirements for successful Knowledge Management. The basic building blocks of operational excellence, namely transparency, accountability, appropriate experience and managing through metrics, must be in place for any Knowledge Management programme to realize its potential. The article also points out that an honest evaluation of your company’s ability to achieve transparency and assign appropriate accountability and metrics can be extremely powerful.
Reputation management
Authors: Brown Rob
Published: March 2010

In the days before credit cards and bank accounts, a person’s reputation depended on their ability to repay debt. At its core was trust and confidence. A good reputation ‘went before you’ and was earned rather than created. In today’s highly competitive world of low trust, low loyalty and access to information, reputations can be made or mauled overnight. As a result, the realm of reputation management has exploded, particularly in the online world. This article will explain exactly what a reputation is, define the various aspects of reputation management and offer several tips and strategies to help you build your own personal reputation.
Effects of structure and serial position on memory errors in musical performance
Authors: Mishra Jennifer
Published: March 2010

The purpose of the experiments reported in this article was to determine whether there is a predictable pattern to errors during a musical memorisation task. Based on previous literature, it was hypothesized that errors would not be evenly distributed throughout the piece, but recall would be preserved at structural boundaries. Twenty musicians in Experiment 1 memorised a 36-bar exercise, with nine phrases, then recalled the music on an instrument after a 25-minute retention interval. There was a significant main effect of phrase (1—9) on the number of errors made. The first and last phrases were performed more accurately, as were the two phrases beginning the second major section of the piece. Both serial position and structure influenced accuracy. In Experiment 2, 23 musicians performed a piece they had learned but not deliberately memorised on the piano (incidental memory task). The numbers of errors made in bars marked by the individual performers as structural, difficult, and musically important were calculated. More errors occurred on difficult bars and bars not considered structural. However, fewer errors occurred in difficult bars that occurred at structural boundaries and in bars that were not marked difficult whether or not they included structural boundaries.
When program notes don’t help: Music descriptions and enjoyment
Authors: Hellmuth Margulis Elizabeth
Published: March 2010

The widespread practice of including program notes for classical concerts assumes that extramusical information affects musical experience, but the psychological mechanisms underlying this process are little understood. In this study, 16 people without formal musical training heard excerpts from Beethoven String Quartets prefaced by either a dramatic description, a structural description, or no description. They were asked to rate their enjoyment of the music, and in a later stage, to recall excerpts and descriptions. Results showed a significant negative effect of description, suggesting that prefacing an excerpt with a text description reduces enjoyment of the music. In a second experiment, 11 new participants heard the same excerpts in the different description conditions, and were not asked to rate enjoyment until a second stage of the study. Results followed the same pattern as those in the first experiment, but did not rise to the level of significance. Conceptualizing listening by connecting it to linguistically named correlates (a practice fundamental to music training) may have more multifarious (and not always straightforwardly beneficial) effects on musical experience than commonly assumed.
When passion leads to excellence: the case of musicians
Authors: Bonneville-Roussy Arielle , Lavigne Geneviève L. , Vallerand Robert J.
Published: March 2010

This article investigates the relationship between passion and the attainment of an elite level of performance within a population of expert musicians. Furthermore, the mediational role of performance goals and deliberate practice between passion and performance is also explored. Results of the path analysis showed that harmonious passion predicted the use of mastery goals, which in turn predicted the use of deliberate practice and a higher level of performance. On the other hand, obsessive passion positively predicted approach and avoidance goals with both having a direct negative impact on performance attainment. Consistent with previous research on passion, results also showed that harmonious, but not obsessive passion, was a positive predictor of subjective well-being. These results suggest the existence of two different pathways linking passion and elite performance, the harmonious passion path being the most adaptive.
Intrinsic Risk Factors for Hamstring Injuries Among Male Soccer Players
Authors: Engebretsen Anders Hauge , Myklebust Grethe , Holme Ingar , Engebretsen Lars , Bahr Roald
Published: March 2010

Background: Strain injuries of the posterior thigh are common in soccer. It seems that previous injury and age are important risk factors, but the literature is limited. This study was conducted to see if we could identify intrinsic risk factors for hamstring injuries among male soccer players.

Hypothesis: We hypothesized that previous hamstring injuries, reduced function scores, abnormalities on a clinical examination, high maximum sprint speed, poor hamstring strength, or low hamstring/quadriceps ratio can predict increased risk of new hamstring injuries.

Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods: A total of 508 players representing 31 amateur teams were tested during the 2004 preseason for potential risk factors for hamstring injury through a questionnaire on previous injury and function score (Hamstring Outcome Score [HaOS]), a clinical examination of the hamstring, and specific hamstring relevant tests. Generalized estimating equations were used in univariate analyses to identify candidate risk factors, and factors with a P value of <.10 were then examined in a multivariate model.

Results: During the soccer season, 76 hamstring injuries, affecting 65 legs (61 players), were registered. Univariate analyses revealed previous acute hamstring injury (yes/no) (odds ratio [OR], 2.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.54-4.45), HaOS function score with all subscores except “Soreness” (OR for a 10-point difference in total score, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.08-1.54), age (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 0.96-1.63), and player position ( P = .09) as candidate predictors of high injury risk. In a multivariate analysis, the most important risk factor for injuries to the hamstring was previous acute hamstring injury (yes/no) (adjusted OR, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.19-4.03; P = .01).

Conclusion: In a multivariate analysis, previous acute hamstring injury was found to be a significant risk factor for new hamstring injuries. Previously injured players have more than twice as high a risk of sustaining a new hamstring injury.
The Skills Gap in Hospital Management
Authors: Pillay Rubin
Published: March 2010

A lack of management capacity has been identified as the key stumbling block to attaining the goals of health for all in South Africa. As part of the overall management development process, this research aimed to identify the skills important for health services management and to evaluate managers’ self-assessed proficiency in each of these skills. We also examined the impact of past training on perceived competency levels. A cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted among 404 hospital managers in the South African public and private sectors. Respondents were asked to rate the level of importance that each proposed competency had in their job and to indicate their proficiency in each skill.

The results of this study show that both the public and private sector managers rated competencies related to ‘people management’, ‘self-management’ and ‘task-related skills’ highest, followed by ‘strategic planning’ and ‘health delivery’, respectively. The largest differences between mean importance rating and mean skill rating for public sector managers were for people management skills, task-related skills and self-management skills. The largest deficits for private sector managers were for people management skills, self-management skills and health delivery skills. Informal management development programmes were found to be more valuable in improving management skills. These findings reflect the reality of the local health service environment and the needs of health managers. It will be useful in the conceptualisation, design and delivery of health management programmes aimed at enhancing current and future management and leadership capacity in the health sector in South Africa.
Low-income Parents’ Decisions about Medical Treatment
Authors: Katrak Homi
Published: March 2010

Many low-income households in developing countries cannot afford the high costs of medical treatment. They often resort to cost-saving, but risky options for their treatment. The article uses data published in earlier studies in India to analyse the treatment decisions of low-income households. We compare parents’ decisions about their children’s treatment with those about their own treatment.

The analysis shows that parents often adopt a cost-saving (and risk-taking) attitude about their own treatment, relative to that for their children. This difference is found even when the parents and children have the same sickness profiles and also, when the parents have a higher incidence of serious sicknesses. There is a need for policies to increase affordable access to medicines. These include poverty alleviation and competition/regulation to reduce prices of medicines.
“We Need to Get You Focused”: General Practitioners’ Representations of Chronic Low Back Pain Patients
Authors: MacNeela Pádraig , Gibbons Andrea , McGuire Brian , Murphy Andrew
Published: March 2010

Although subject to considerable research from perspectives including general practitioners, patients, and perspective guidelines, chronic low back pain (CLBP) continues to be a common but contentious condition in primary care. We used medical consultation records, critical incident interviews, and a think-aloud problem-solving task to examine how general practitioners applied professional knowledge of the condition, especially in relation to psychosocial care. Using qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis, we identified a pragmatic, goal-focused approach to patients, a schema based on biomedical knowledge and tacit theories of motivation. The doctors’ expectations for CLBP included uncertainty over symptoms and doubts over patient credibility, which helped to explain an autonomous rather than collaborative approach to managing back pain patients. The findings are discussed in light of social representations theory, self-determination, and research on the therapeutic relationship.
The Pedagogy of Momus Technologies: Facebook, Privacy, and Online Intimacy
Authors: van Manen Max
Published: March 2010

Through cable and wireless connections at home and at work, through Wi-Fi networks and wireless spots in hotels, coffee shops, and town squares, we are indeed connected to each other. But what is the phenomenology of this connection? Technologies of expression such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and other social networking technologies increasingly become like Momus windows of Greek mythology, revealing one’s innermost thoughts for all to see. They give access to what used to be personal, secret, and hidden in the lives of its users, especially the young. In this article I explore the pedagogy of Momus effects of social networking technologies in the way they may alter young people’s experience of privacy, secrecy, solitude, and intimacy. In addition, I examine the forms of contact afforded by instant messaging and texting on wireless mobile technologies such as the cell phone (and its wireless hybrids) for the way young people are and stay in touch with each other, and how intimacies and inner lives are attended to.
Using the Theory of Planned Behavior to Predict Mothers’ Intentions to Vaccinate Their Daughters Against HPV
Authors: Askelson Natoshia M. , Campo Shelly , Lowe John B. , Smith Sandi , Dennis Leslie K. , Andsager Julie
Published: March 2010

This study assessed mothers’ intentions to vaccinate their daughters against human papillomavirus (HPV) using the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Experience with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), beliefs about the vaccine encouraging sexual activity, and perception of daughters’ risk for HPV were also examined for a relationship with intention. A random sample of mothers in a rural, Midwestern state were mailed a survey with questions pertaining to the intention to vaccinate. Attitudes were the strongest predictor of mothers’ intentions to vaccinate, but intentions were not high. Subjective norms also influence intention. Mothers’ risk perceptions, experience with STIs, and beliefs about the vaccine encouraging sexual activity were not related to intention. Mothers’ perceptions of the daughters’ risks for HPV were surprisingly low. This research provides a foundation for designing interventions to increase HPV vaccination rates. Further research should explore ways to influence mothers’ attitudes and to uncover the referent groups mothers refer to for vaccination behavior.
Commendations, Conversations, and Life-Changing Realizations: Teaching and Practicing Family Nursing
Authors: Moules Nancy J. , Johnstone Hillary
Published: March 2010

This article embeds a piece of reflective writing and analysis from an undergraduate nursing student about the integration of course content to practice in the nursing of families. Surrounding the reflection of the student, the course professor discusses the content, intent, history, and delivery of the family nursing course and examines how the theory taught is necessarily mirrored in the way it is taught and the ways that students are invited into experiencing and “practicing” the skills, philosophies, theories, and beliefs of nursing families well.
Precision and Rhetoric in Media Reporting About Contamination in Farmed Salmon
Authors: Amberg Shannon M. , Hall Troy E.
Published: March 2010

This study examined how health risks and benefits are presented in newsprint stories about contamination in farmed salmon. Following recent research, the quality of information was captured as the level of numerical and contextual precision. The authors supplemented and critiqued this analysis with an examination of rhetorical markers of certainty and magnitude. In a census of 83 stories focusing on two research studies, most statements presented information in a qualitative format, deemed to be the least informative for readers, although most stories contained a limited amount of high-precision information, generally as guidelines for consumers. However, journalists’ rhetorical practices conveyed conflicting interpretations of the same data, leading to inconclusive messages about risks and benefits. Even highly precise numeric data were often presented in ways that were likely to confuse readers. Results illustrate a need to go beyond analyzing precision levels when studying how the media present scientific research with implications for consumer health, as rhetorical formulations change the meaning of risk statements.
The Natural
Authors: Drummond Murray
Published: March 2010

Stories about individual’s lives in relation to sport, and the body have intrigued me. This is due in part to my significant involvement in sport throughout my life and its central role in shaping my masculine identity. I have been particularly interested in autoethnographies as a means through which such stories are conveyed. It is the intense personal meaning that has captivated me most. I often contemplated the capacity to tell my story of a life so heavily invested in sport. The following article is an autoethnography of my body involved in elite level sport. I use a life historical approach to articulate the way in which my body became the focus of my existence within sport and how this impacted my masculine identity. This is a story about my life, and my body in sport. I invite the reader to share my story in the desire that it will elicit a similar response to those engendered in me when I am engaged with a meaningful story.
‘My Mum’s Story’
Authors: Parker Jacqueline , Young Alys , Rogers Katherine
Published: March 2010

The following paper concerns culturally Deaf people, who are Sign Language users, and who develop dementia. A first person narrative account from a Deaf daughter of her Deaf mother’s dementia (‘My Mum’s Story’) is the main focus of the paper. It is preceded by a Foreword designed to equip the reader with the background to Sign Language and Deaf culture, in order better to contextualize the significance of dementia and its effects for this community. Both pieces, from different perspectives, focus on: the problematic nature of recognizing dementia amongst Deaf people; the paucity of appropriate diagnostic, care and support services; the different considerations for Deaf people approaching dementia as patient or carer; the challenges to service providers and researchers. The first person account was originally produced in BSL (British Sign Language) and translated for written publication purposes.
The concept of green care farms for older people with dementia
Authors: de Bruin Simone , Oosting Simon , van der Zijpp Akke , Enders-Slegers Marie-José , Schols Jos
Published: March 2010

In the Netherlands community-dwelling older people with dementia can attend regular day care services (RDCS). Since approximately 2000, farms (so-called ‘green care farms’) also offer day care. The present study introduces the concept of green care farms for older people with dementia. We further provide an integrative framework for the expected health benefits of day care at green care farms (GCF) for older people with dementia. We present an overview of evidence for dementia related interventions that correspond with the current developments in health care (i.e. environmental, activity-based and psychosocial interventions), and that are relevant for day care. We subsequently focus on the differences between day care at GCF and RDCS with regard to these interventions, and describe the integrative framework for the expected health benefits of GCF for older people with dementia. We conclude that at GCF interventions are naturally integrated in the environment. They are present simultaneously and continuously, which is more difficult to realize in RDCS. We hypothesize that GCF have more health benefits for older people with dementia than RDCS.
What intact social cognition and social behavior reveal about cognition in the moderate stage of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Sabat Steven R. , Gladstone Caroline M.
Published: March 2010

This case study describes a person in the moderate stage of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and examines her intact social cognition and healthy, appropriate social behavior as reflected by the existence of Kitwood and Bredin’s indicators of relative well-being. The subject of the study was observed over the course of four months at an adult day center. Findings (1) reveal that an apparent dissociation exists between cognitive function as measured by standardized assessments and cognitive function as revealed in social situations, and (2) call into question the notions that (a) cognitive losses, as measured by neuropsychological tests, cause defective social behavior and (b) standard tests are, generalizable ways of measuring different aspects of cognitive function. The meaning of these findings for practitioners and other caregivers is discussed. Further research is required to elucidate the degree to which the present findings may be generalized.
Mapping Mixed Methods Research: Methods, Measures, and Meaning
Authors: Wheeldon J.
Published: March 2010

This article explores how concept maps and mind maps can be used as data collection tools in mixed methods research to combine the clarity of quantitative counts with the nuance of qualitative reflections. Based on more traditional mixed methods approaches, this article details how the use of pre/post concept maps can be used to design qualitative interviews. As a more novel contribution, this article also explores how qualitative participant-generated mind maps can be used in multistage data collection to develop a mixed methods ‘‘salience score.’’ Although in many ways preliminary, this approach offers an initial means to consider on what basis a mixed methods measure could be conceived.
The importance of co-convictions in the prediction of dangerous recidivism: Blackmail and kidnapping as a demonstration study
Authors: Soothill Keith , Francis Brian , Liu Jiayi
Published: March 2010

Co-convictions are court convictions made at the same time as a more serious conviction. Their importance has been little recognized.We investigate their value using data on two separate serious crimes. Taking official conviction careers in England and Wales (1979—2001) for blackmail ( n = 5774) and kidnapping offenders ( n = 7291), we considered how much information on co-convictions is normally overlooked, and how knowledge of co-convictions contributes to predicting serious recidivism. We identified that co-convictions were pervasive, with 54 per cent of convictions for blackmail and 77 per cent for kidnapping having co-convictions. Co-convictions provided extra explanatory power in predicting the risk of a subsequent sexual or violent offence for both blackmail and kidnapping. For blackmail, most types of co-conviction were associated with a significantly raised relative risk, whereas for kidnapping, only co-convictions which were not acquisitive, sexual or violent had a significantly raised relative risk. We concluded that co-convictions are a useful measure of short-term specialization and are important when predicting serious recidivism.
High levels of placenta growth factor in sickle cell disease promote pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Sundaram Nambirajan , Tailor Anitaben , Mendelsohn Laurel , Wansapura Janaka , Wang Xunde , Higashimoto Tomoyasu , Pauciulo Michael W. , Gottliebson William , Kalra Vijay K. , Nichols William C. , Kato Gregory J. , Malik Punam
Published: March 2010

Pulmonary hypertension is associated with reduced nitric oxide bioavailability and early mortality in sickle cell disease (SCD). We previously demonstrated that placenta growth factor (PlGF), an angiogenic factor produced by erythroid cells, induces hypoxia-independent expression of the pulmonary vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 in pulmonary endothelial cells. Using a lentivirus vector, we simulated erythroid expression of PlGF in normal mice up to the levels seen in sickle mice. Consequently, endothelin-1 production increased, right ventricle pressures increased, and right ventricle hypertrophy and pulmonary changes occurred in the mice within 8 weeks. These findings were corroborated in 123 patients with SCD, in whom plasma PlGF levels were significantly associated with anemia, endothelin-1, and tricuspid regurgitant velocity; the latter is reflective of peak pulmonary artery pressure. These results illuminate a novel mechanistic pathway linking hemolysis and erythroid hyperplasia to increased PlGF, endothelin-1, and pulmonary hypertension in SCD, and suggest that strategies that block PlGF signaling may be therapeutically beneficial. This trial was registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00011648.
Hedgehog regulates distinct vascular patterning events through VEGF-dependent and -independent mechanisms
Authors: Coultas Leigh , Nieuwenhuis Erica , Anderson Gregory A. , Cabezas Jorge , Nagy Andras , Henkelman R. Mark , Hui Chi-Chung , Rossant Janet
Published: March 2010

Despite the clear importance of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling in blood vascular development as shown by genetic analysis, its mechanism of action is still uncertain. To better understand the role of Hh in vascular development, we further characterized its roles in vascular development in mouse embryos and examined its interaction with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a well-known signaling pathway essential to blood vascular development. We found that VEGF expression in the mouse embryo depended on Hh signaling, and by using genetic rescue approaches, we demonstrated that the role of Hh both in endothelial tube formation and Notch-dependent arterial identity was solely dependent on its regulation of VEGF. In contrast, overactivation of the Hh pathway through deletion of Patched1 (Ptch1), a negative regulator of Hh signaling, resulted in reduced vascular density and increased Delta-like ligand 4 expression. The Ptch1 phenotype was independent of VEGF pathway dysregulation and was not rescued when Delta-like ligand 4 levels were restored to normal. These findings establish that Hh uses both VEGF- and Notch-dependent and -independent mechanisms to pattern specific events in early blood vascular development.
High frequency of Machado-Joseph disease identified in Southeastern Chinese kindreds with spinocerebellar ataxia
Authors: Gan Shi-Rui , Shi Sheng-Sheng , Wu Jian-Jun , Wang Ning , Zhao Gui-Xian , Weng Sheng-Tong , Murong Shen-Xing , Lu Chuan-Zhen , Wu Zhi-Ying
Published: March 2010

Background

Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), caused by a CAG repeat expansion located in exon10 of theATXN3gene, is now regarded as one of the most common spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) in the world. The relative frequency of MJD among SCA has previously been estimated at about 50% in the Chinese population and has been reported to be related to the frequency of large normal alleles in some populations. Taq polymerase has been used for PCR in nearly all studies reported previously.

Methods

Normal and expanded alleles ofATXN3were detected via PCR using LA Taq DNA polymerase (better for GC-rich sequences) and denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in 150 normal individuals and 138 unrelated probands from autosomal dominant SCA families. To compare reaction efficiency, 12 MJD patients' expanded alleles were amplified with La Taq and Taq polymerase respectively in the same amplifying systems and reaction conditions.

Results

Normal alleles ranged from 12 to 42 CAG repeats. The most common allele contained 14 repeats with a frequency of 23.3%, which corroborates previous reports. The frequency of large normal alleles (>27 repeats) was 0.28, which was very high relative to previous reports. The frequency of MJD in SCA patients was 72.5%, which was significantly higher than those in previous reports about the Chinese and other Asian populations. This frequency was one of the highest reported worldwide, with only Portuguese and Brazilian populations exhibiting higher proportions. All 12 expanded alleles were amplified in PCR with La Taq polymerase, whereas only 2 expanded alleles were amplified with Taq polymerase.

Conclusion

We have first reported the highest relative frequency of MJD in Asia, and we attribute this high frequency to a more efficient PCR using LA Taq polymerase and hypothesized that large ANs may act as a reservoir for expanded alleles in the Southeastern Chinese population.
Long-term exposure of CdTe quantum dots on PC12 cellular activity and the determination of optimum non-toxic concentrations for biological use
Authors: Prasad Babu R , Nikolskaya Natalia , Connolly David , Smith Terry J , Byrne Stephen J , Gérard Valérie A , Gun'ko Yurii K , Rochev Yury
Published: March 2010

Background

The unique and tuneable photonic properties of Quantum Dots (QDs) have made them potentially useful tools for imaging biological entities. However, QDs though attractive diagnostic and therapeutic tools, have a major disadvantage due to their inherent cytotoxic nature. The cellular interaction, uptake and resultant toxic influence of CdTe QDs (gelatinised and non-gelatinised Thioglycolic acid (TGA) capped) have been investigated with pheochromocytoma 12 (PC12) cells. In conjunction to their analysis by confocal microscopy, the QD - cell interplay was explored as the QD concentrations were varied over extended (up to 72 hours) co-incubation times. Coupled to this investigation, cell viability, DNA quantification and cell proliferation assays were also performed to compare and contrast the various factors leading to cell stress and ultimately death.

Results

Thioglycolic acid (TGA) stabilised CdTe QDs (gel and non - gel) were co-incubated with PC12 cells and investigated as to how their presence influenced cell behaviour and function. Cell morphology was analysed as the QD concentrations were varied over co-incubations up to 72 hours. The QDs were found to be excellent fluorophores, illuminating the cytoplasm of the cells and no deleterious effects were witnessed at concentrations of ~10-9 M. Three assays were utilised to probe how individual cell functions (viability, DNA quantification and proliferation) were affected by the presence of the QDs at various concentrations and incubation times. Cell response was found to not only be concentration dependant but also influenced by the surface environment of the QDs. Gelatine capping on the surface acts as a barrier towards the leaking of toxic atoms, thus reducing the negative impact of the QDs.

Conclusion

This study has shown that under the correct conditions, QDs can be routinely used for the imaging of PC12 cells with minimal adverse effects. We have found that PC12 cells are highly susceptible to an increased concentration range of the QDs, while the gelatine coating acts as a barrier towards enhanced toxicity at higher QD concentrations.
Differential replication of avian influenza H9N2 viruses in human alveolar epithelial A549 cells
Authors: Lee Davy CW , Mok Chris KP , Law Anna HY , Peiris Malik , Lau Allan SY
Published: March 2010

Avian influenza virus H9N2 isolates cause a mild influenza-like illness in humans. However, the pathogenesis of the H9N2 subtypes in human remains to be investigated. Using a human alveolar epithelial cell line A549 as host, we found that A/Quail/Hong Kong/G1/97 (H9N2/G1), which shares 6 viral "internal genes" with the lethal A/Hong Kong/156/97 (H5N1/97) virus, replicates efficiently whereas other H9N2 viruses, A/Duck/Hong Kong/Y280/97 (H9N2/Y280) and A/Chicken/Hong Kong/G9/97 (H9N2/G9), replicate poorly. Interestingly, we found that there is a difference in the translation of viral protein but not in the infectivity or transcription of viral genes of these H9N2 viruses in the infected cells. This difference may possibly be explained by H9N2/G1 being more efficient on viral protein production in specific cell types. These findings suggest that the H9N2/G1 virus like its counterpart H5N1/97 may be better adapted to the human host and replicates efficiently in human alveolar epithelial cells.
Complications in colorectal surgery: risk factors and preventive strategies
Authors: Kirchhoff Philipp , Clavien Pierre-Alain , Hahnloser Dieter
Published: March 2010

Backround

Open or laparoscopic colorectal surgery comprises of many different types of procedures for various diseases. Depending upon the operation and modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors the intra- and postoperative morbidity and mortality rate vary. In general, surgical complications can be divided into intraoperative and postoperative complications and usually occur while the patient is still in the hospital.

Methods

A literature search (1980-2009) was carried out, using MEDLINE, PubMed and the Cochrane library.

Results

This review provides an overview how to identify and minimize intra- and postoperative complications. The improvement of different treatment strategies and technical inventions in the recent decade has been enormous. This is mainly attributable to the increase in the laparoscopic approach, which is now well accepted for many procedures. Training of the surgeon, hospital volume and learning curves are becoming increasingly more important to maximize patient safety, surgeon expertise and cost effectiveness. In addition, standardization of perioperative care is essential to minimize postoperative complications.

Conclusion

This review summarizes the main perioperative complications of colorectal surgery and influencable and non-influencable risk factors which are important to the general surgeon and the relevant specialist as well. In order to minimize or even avoid complications it is crucial to know these risk factors and strategies to prevent, treat or reduce intra- and postoperative complications.
mspecLINE: bridging knowledge of human disease with the proteome
Authors: Handcock Jeremy , Deutsch Eric W , Boyle John
Published: March 2010

Background

Public proteomics databases such as PeptideAtlas contain peptides and proteins identified in mass spectrometry experiments. However, these databases lack information about human disease for researchers studying disease-related proteins. We have developed mspecLINE, a tool that combines knowledge about human disease in MEDLINE with empirical data about the detectable human proteome in PeptideAtlas. mspecLINE associates diseases with proteins by calculating the semantic distance between annotated terms from a controlled biomedical vocabulary. We used an established semantic distance measure that is based on the co-occurrence of disease and protein terms in the MEDLINE bibliographic database.

Results

The mspecLINE web application allows researchers to explore relationships between human diseases and parts of the proteome that are detectable using a mass spectrometer. Given a disease, the tool will display proteins and peptides from PeptideAtlas that may be associated with the disease. It will also display relevant literature from MEDLINE. Furthermore, mspecLINE allows researchers to select proteotypic peptides for specific protein targets in a mass spectrometry assay.

Conclusions

Although mspecLINE applies an information retrieval technique to the MEDLINE database, it is distinct from previous MEDLINE query tools in that it combines the knowledge expressed in scientific literature with empirical proteomics data. The tool provides valuable information about candidate protein targets to researchers studying human disease and is freely available on a public web server.
Diagnostic value of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides and association with HLA-DRB1 shared epitope alleles in African rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Singwe-Ngandeu Madeleine , Finckh Axel , Bas Sylvette , Tiercy Jean-Marie , Gabay Cem
Published: March 2010

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to examine the diagnostic performance of autoantibodies against citrullinated peptides/proteins (ACPA) and to determine the prevalence of HLA-DRB1 shared epitope alleles (SE) in African patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Serum levels of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides antibodies (anti-CCP2, anti-CCP3), IgM and IgA rheumatoid factors (RF) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the serum of 56 consecutive RA patients regularly followed in the Rheumatology Unit of the School of Medicine, University of Yaoundé, Yaoundé, Cameroon. Genotyping of HLA-DRB1 alleles was performed by polymerase chain reaction and hybridization with sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes on microbeads arrays. Fifty-one patients with other inflammatory rheumatic diseases and 50 healthy individuals were included as controls.

Results

An anti-CCP2 assay showed the best diagnosis sensitivity (82%) and specificity (98%) with high positive predictive (PPV) (96%) and negative predictive values (NPV) (91%). Thirty percent of RA patients were carrying at least one copy of the HLA-DRB1 shared epitope (SE) compared to 10% and 14% of patients with other inflammatory rheumatic diseases and healthy individuals, respectively. The presence of the SE was associated with the production of ACPA.

Conclusions

Anti-CCP2 antibodies are useful markers of RA in African patients. In this cohort, the prevalence of the SE is higher in RA patients than in controls but lower than that reported in patient cohorts of European ancestry. The discrepancy between the high prevalence of ACPA-positive patients and the relatively low number of SE-positive cases suggest that, in addition to SE, other genetic factors control the development of ACPA in African RA patients.