bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
End-of-Life Issues in Caring for Patients With Dementia
Authors: Coleman Albert M. E.
Published: June 2011

The number of people suffering with dementia is increasing in the general population and the trend is projected to continue as people live longer, especially in countries with developed economies. The most common cause of dementia (among the many other causes) is Alzheimer’s dementia, which is considered a terminal illness. The disease could eventually lead to death, or death could occur as a consequence of co-morbid physical complications. The problem of end of life (EOL) care for patients suffering from dementia though spoken of and written about, does not get the attention and system support as for example patients suffering from cancer receive. Many reasons have been advanced for the current state of affairs where EOL issues for patients suffering from dementia are concerned. This article attempts to revisit the issues, and the reasons, that may contribute to this. Some guidelines on palliative management in cases of patients suffering from severe dementia exist; the evidence base for these guidelines though is relatively weak. The ethical and legal issues that may influence or impact on the decision to initiate the palliative care pathway in the management of EOL issues for dementia patients in the terminal or end stage of the illness is highlighted. Initiatives by the department of health in England and Wales, and other bodies with interest in dementia issues and palliative care in the United Kingdom to ensure good and acceptable EOL pathways for patients with dementia are mentioned.
Ethics and Palliative Care
Authors: Carter Brian S. , Wocial Lucia D.
Published: June 2011

Over the past 30 years, and increasingly over the past decade, palliative care services characteristically address the complexity of communication, decision making, and management of end-of-life issues for patients and families of all ages. Clinical ethics services have a parallel 30-plus year history in the United States—so much so that some have offered that clinical ethics has “cut its teeth” on issues attendant to the beginning and end of life. The authors propose considerations necessary in determining the appropriateness of consultation with palliative care, clinical ethics, or both, and when either may be necessary but perhaps not sufficient for patient and family management. A resolution for any encountered tension and identification of common or overlapping domains for both consultants is presented.
How Much Power and Speed Is Measured in This Test?
Authors: Partchev Ivailo , De Boeck Paul , Steyer Rolf
Published: June 2011

An old issue in psychological assessment is to what extent power and speed each are measured by a given intelligence test. Starting from accuracy and response time data, an approach based on posterior time limits (cut-offs of recorded response time) leads to three kinds of recoded data: time data (whether or not the response precedes the cut-off), time-accuracy data (whether or not a response is correct and precedes the cut-off), and accuracy data (as time-accuracy data, but coded as missing when not preceding the time cut-off). Each type of data can be modeled as binary responses. Speed and power are investigated through the effect of posterior time limits on two main aspects: (a) the latent variable that is measured: whether it is more power-related or more speed-related; (b) how well the latent variable (of whatever kind) is measured through the item(s). As empirical data, we use responses and response times for a verbal analogies test. The main findings are that, independent of the posterior time limit, basically the same latent speed trait was measured through the time data, and basically the same latent power trait was measured through the accuracy data, while for the time-accuracy data the nature of the latent trait moved from power to speed when the posterior time limit was reduced. It was also found that a reduction of the posterior time limit had no negative effect on the reliability of the latent trait measures (of whatever kind).
Clarifying the Construct of Perfectionism
Authors: Stairs Agnes M. , Smith Gregory T. , Zapolski Tamika C. B. , Combs Jessica L. , Settles Regan E.
Published: June 2011

The construct of perfectionism is related to many important outcome variables. However, the term perfectionism has been defined in many different ways, and items comprising the different existing scales appear to be very different in content. The overarching aim of the present set of studies was to help clarify the specific unidimensional personality constructs that contribute to perfectionistic behavior. First, trained raters reliably sorted items from existing measures of perfectionism into nine dimensions. An exploratory factor analysis, followed by a confirmatory factor analysis on an independent sample, resulted in a 9-scale, 61-item measure, called the Measure of Constructs Underlying Perfectionism. The nine scales were internally consistent and stable across time, and they were differentially associated with relevant measures of personality in theoretically meaningful ways.
One-Year Test-Retest Reliability of the Inventory of Statements about Self-Injury (ISAS)
Authors: Glenn Catherine R. , Klonsky E. David
Published: June 2011

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a growing public health problem among adolescents and young adults. The Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury (ISAS) is a self-report measure designed to assess NSSI behaviors and functions. The current study examines the one-year test—retest reliability of the ISAS in a sample of young adult self-injurers. Results indicate that the ISAS behavioral and functional scales demonstrate good stability over one year. For the behavioral scales, test—retest correlations ranged from .52 (biting) to .83 (burning), with a median of .68. For the functional scales, test—retest correlations were .60 for the superordinate intrapersonal functions scale and .82 for the superordinate interpersonal functions scale. Regarding individual functions, test—retest correlations ranged from .35 (affect regulation) to .89 (peer bonding), with a median of .59. Findings suggest the ISAS has good test—retest reliability and contributes to the growing literature on the psychometric properties of the ISAS.
A Comparison of Agreeableness Scores From the Big Five Inventory and the NEO PI-R: Consequences for the Study of Narcissism and Psychopathy
Authors: Miller Joshua D. , Gaughan Eric T. , Maples Jessica , Price Joanna
Published: June 2011

Despite being significantly correlated, there is evidence to suggest that the scales measuring Agreeableness from the Big Five Inventory (BFI) and the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO PI-R) do not capture identical constructs. More specifically, NEO PI-R Agreeableness contains content related to “honesty and humility” that is not contained by the BFI. In a sample of undergraduates ( N = 290), the authors compared the correlations between these two measures of Agreeableness with traits from the HEXACO-PI-R as well as measures of narcissism, narcissistic personality disorder, and psychopathy. As expected, the two scores were significantly correlated but NEO PI-R Agreeableness manifested stronger correlations with the domains/facets of Honesty-Humility, narcissism/NPD, and aspects of psychopathy; these differences appear to be due primarily to the inclusion of the NEO PI-R facets of Straightforwardness and Modesty. These differences have important implications for the assessment and conceptualization of personality and personality disorder.
H2O2
Authors: Rice Margaret E.
Published: June 2011

Increasing evidence implicates hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as an intracellular and intercellular signaling molecule that can influence processes from embryonic development to cell death. Most research has focused on relatively slow signaling, on the order of minutes to days, via second messenger cascades. However, H2O2 can also mediate subsecond signaling via ion channel activation. This rapid signaling has been examined most thoroughly in the nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) pathway, which plays a key role in facilitating movement mediated by the basal ganglia. In DA neurons of the substantia nigra, endogenously generated H2O2 activates ATP-sensitive K+ (K-ATP) channels that inhibit DA neuron firing. In the striatum, H2O2 generated downstream from glutamatergic AMPA receptor activation in medium spiny neurons acts as a diffusible messenger that inhibits axonal DA release, also via K-ATP channels. The source of dynamically generated H2O2 is mitochondrial respiration; thus, H2O2 provides a novel link between activity and metabolism via K-ATP channels. Additional targets of H2O2 include transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. In contrast to the inhibitory effect of H2O2 acting via K-ATP channels, TRP channel activation is excitatory. This review describes emerging roles of H2O2 as a signaling agent in the nigrostriatal pathway and basal ganglia neurons.
Exploring the Intersection of Partner Stalking and Sexual Abuse
Authors: Logan TK , Cole Jennifer
Published: June 2011

This study examined a range of sexually abusive acts women with protective orders against violent partners experienced using three groups: (a) women who never experience stalking or rape by the violent partner; (b) women who experienced stalking but who had never been raped by the violent partner; and (c) women who were stalked and raped by the violent partner. Findings suggest that women in violent relationships experienced a wide range of sexually abusive experiences and that there is a significant association of partner stalking and partner sexual abuse beyond rape. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
A Qualitative Analysis of Sexual Victimization Narratives
Authors: Rinehart Jenny K. , Yeater Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2011

The current study examined qualitatively 78 sexual victimization narratives to (a) investigate variability within Sexual Experiences Survey (SES) categories to determine whether these events shared contextual features, (b) investigate variability between SES categories to determine whether these events were contextually distinct, and (c) identify emerging contextual features of victimization experiences. Results revealed considerable variation in both within- and between-SES severity categories. Qualitative analysis also identified several emerging contextual features of victimization narratives, such as the after-party situation. Findings suggest that qualitative research may expose contextual variability in sexual victimization experiences not currently captured by quantitative measures of sexual victimization.
Victimization in Off-Street Sex Industry Work
Authors: O'Doherty Tamara
Published: June 2011

The victimization experienced by street-based sex workers has led many observers to argue that prostitution is inherently dangerous. However, street-based workers form the minority of sex workers in Canada. Can their experiences validly be generalized to other types of prostitution? The research presented in this article examines whether female off-street sex workers face the same degree of victimization as female street-based sex workers in Vancouver, British Columbia. The results of a victimization survey examining interpersonal violence and other forms of victimization indicate that although violence and exploitation do occur in the off-street industry, some women sell sex without experiencing violence.
Premigration Persecution, Postmigration Stressors and Resources, and Postmigration Mental Health
Authors: Norris Anne E. , Aroian Karen J. , Nickerson David M.
Published: June 2011

Background: Competing theories exist regarding the importance of premigration trauma as compared with postmigration stressors and resources with respect to the risk to immigrant mental health. Objective: To examine how type of premigration trauma, postmigration stressors, and postmigration resources differentially predict posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) symptomatology in Arab immigrant women who have been exposed to premigration trauma. Design: Descriptive, using multinomial logistic regression to explain membership in one of four groups: (a) PTSD only ( n = 14), (b) MDD ( n = 162), (c) comorbid PTSD–MDD ( n = 148), and (d) subclinical symptoms ( n = 209). Results: Parameter estimates for postimmigration-related stressors (as measured by the Demands of Immigration [DI]) indicated that a unit increase in DI scores was associated with a nearly 16-fold increase in the likelihood of being in the comorbid relative to the subclinical group, and a nearly 2.5-fold increase in the likelihood of being in the comorbid relative to the MDD-only group ( p < .05). Odds ratios for social support, age, and type of premigration trauma ranged between 0.95 and 1.95 and only differentiated between subclinical and comorbid PTSD–MDD groups ( p < .05). Conclusion: Postmigration stressors exert substantive effects on immigrant mental health outcomes. Nursing interventions are needed to reduce immigration-related stressors. Screening Arab immigrant women for depression and PTSD is important, given the high levels observed in this community-based sample.
Students’ motivation to study music: The South Korean context
Authors: Seog Moonjoo , Hendricks Karin S. , González-Moreno Patricia A.
Published: June 2011

As part of an international mapping exercise to investigate students’ motivation to study music as compared to other school subjects, this study examined South Korean students’ perceptions of subject value, competence and task difficulty, based on the expectancy-value theoretical framework. A sample of 2671 students was drawn from 11 schools (grades 5—12). The results suggest a decline across school levels in students’ perceptions of the value of music, and an increase across school levels in perceptions of task difficulty and parental expectations of effort in test-driven school subjects (i.e., mathematics, Korean, science). These trends among South Korean student motivational profiles may demonstrate the impact of high-stakes college entrance examinations. Students reported high parental expectations for student success in rigorous academic subjects, which might have negatively influenced students’ values towards non-tested subjects such as music, art and physical education (P.E.). However, the high ranking of interest in music as a subject, along with relatively stable reported interest in music over time, suggests that South Korean students have a notable interest in music learning, but it is likely that the emphasis on examinations in South Korea may minimize the potential for exploration or expansion of this interest.
Networks of third-party interveners and civil war duration
Authors: Aydin Aysegul , Regan Patrick M.
Published: June 2011

With growing attention to peace-building in civil wars, scholars have increasingly focused on the role that international and regional organizations play in conflict resolution. Less attention has been paid to unilateral interventions undertaken by third-party states without the explicit consent of organizations and to the impact of unilateralism on how long civil wars last. In this article, we claim that unilateral interventions exert a cumulative impact on civil wars depending on interveners’ interrelations. States with a cooperative rapport have an easier time in bringing civil wars to an end though they act unilaterally and follow their interests in the civil war environment, whereas states that compete for influence over war combatants prolong the fighting. Analysis results from post-1945 civil wars support our expectations and show that interveners supporting opposing sides of the war increase war duration. On the other hand, third-party states bandwagoning on the same side of a civil war are effective in stopping the fighting only when the intervening parties share similar preferences.
At the Papini hotel: On pragmatism in the study of international relations
Authors: Franke Ulrich , Weber Ralph
Published: June 2011

Pragmatism is ever more popular amongst those who study international relations. Its emphasis on practice is generally acknowledged as a defining characteristic. There is, however, a general tension within pragmatist thought concerning practice, for pragmatism may emphasize the theorizing of practice. It is, then, distinguished from other theories in International Relations (IR) such as neo-realism or constructivism as a contender in their midst. We delineate a pragmatist theory of IR in the first part of this article, but insist on going beyond merely establishing the next paradigm, for pragmatism may also emphasize the practice of theorizing. Theories are, then, considered different tools useful for dealing with the social world. This will be corroborated in the second part by a close reading of William James. Finally, we submit that instead of a paradigm war, a metaphor such as that of the Papini hotel is needed in IR — a metaphor that accounts for theory competition without neglecting the limitations set by the practice of theorizing itself.
The democratic peace and the new evolution of an old idea
Authors: Hayes Jarrod
Published: June 2011

Since the democratic peace was ‘rediscovered’ in the 1970s, the phenomenon has become a mainstream research agenda. Significant attention and page space has been dedicated to large- N statistical tests of the phenomenon. Indeed, the methodological composition of the field is significantly tilted toward quantitative studies, creating significant lacunae in our understanding of the underlying mechanisms that generate the democratic peace. The central argument in this review is that academics need to pay much greater attention to the underlying mechanisms of the democratic peace, and in the process of doing so, the democratic peace has the potential to expand into a much more significant field of study: democratic security.
Politicization of ethnicity in party manifestos
Authors: Protsyk Oleh , Garaz Stela
Published: June 2011

In this article we present a content analysis framework for textual analysis of programmatic documents with the goal of identifying party positions on the ethnic dimension of political competition. The proposed approach allows for evaluation and comparison of how party systems in multi-ethnic states process ethno-cultural claims and demands. Our method of content analysis of party programmatic texts provides adequate granularity by which to capture the subtleties of ethno-cultural political rhetoric. It also addresses some of the misclassification and measurement problems raised in the literature with respect to the dominant Comparative Manifesto Project (CMP) approach to textual analysis. We demonstrate how estimates generated by our method for human-based coding constitute an improvement on the CMP’s estimates of party positions on ethno-cultural issues.
Why there is (almost) no Christian Democracy in post-communist Europe
Authors: Grzymala-Busse Ann
Published: June 2011

Compared to its West European counterparts, post-communist Christian Democracy is notable for its lack of success. Even in the most religious of post-communist democracies, no Christian Democratic (CD) party has claimed a plurality of the electorate. At the same time, there is a considerable range in average electoral support from 1990 to 2010, i.e. from 0.7 percent in Estonia to as high as 18.4 percent in Slovakia. The most successful CD parties have arisen in Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Lithuania, and (with qualifications) in Macedonia. The reasons for this success lie not in popular religiosity, state–church conflict or alliances between CD parties and churches. Instead, where parties can point to a history of nation and state-building in the inter-war period, they receive an initial electoral boost from this historical legacy. Yet even these favourable historical reputations have transitory effects: by the second or third elections, the impact of inter-war support rapidly faded.
The immigration issue and anti-immigrant party success in Sweden 1970-2006
Authors: Dahlström Carl , Esaiasson Peter
Published: June 2011

Electoral success of anti-immigrant parties varies considerably across Western Europe. This article contributes to research on this important matter by analysing which current theories that accounts for the failure of anti-immigrant parties in one national context, Sweden. It draws on an unusually rich set of data to trace important processes from the 1970s up to 2006. It shows that the failure of anti-immigrant parties is not explained by low citizen demand for anti-immigrant policies. The article does however find clear support for party strategy theories. More specifically, in accordance with important strands of this literature, it is found that a dismissive issue strategy has been effective in reducing support for anti-immigrant parties. There is also support for the expectation that established parties to the right are more inclined to pursue anti-immigrant policies than parties to the left.
Consequences of the 2008 financial crisis for intergroup relations
Authors: Becker Julia C. , Wagner Ulrich , Christ Oliver
Published: June 2011

Why do societal crises often lead to intergroup conflict? We propose that the interplay of unspecific threat and causal attributions differentially predicts increases in ethnic prejudice and anti-Semitism. We tested this hypothesis in the context of the 2008 financial crisis. The results of Study 1 ( N = 890) demonstrated on the basis of representative survey data that threat elicited by the financial crisis was related with ethnic prejudice once the cause was attributed to immigrants, whereas it was related with anti-Semitism once the cause of the crisis was attributed to bankers and speculators. In Study 2 ( N = 157), we experimentally manipulated threat and type of causal attributions and replicated the results of Study 1. Moreover, we found that regardless of the threat manipulation, participants did not respond with increased prejudice against out-groups if a system-level explanation for the crisis, namely the economic system, was salient.
Culture and gender inequality
Authors: Kinias Zoe , Kim Heejung S.
Published: June 2011

Previous research linking perceptions of gender inequality and psychological well-being were considered in light of the proposition that people from different cultures differ in their beliefs about how justifiable gender inequality is, and this research investigated these differences and their psychological consequences using cross-cultural comparisons. The results show that Hong Kong Chinese women saw gender inequality as less unjust (Study 1) and less unfair (Study 2) and valued gender equality less (Study 2) than European American women did. Gender inequality caused anger (Study 1) and predicted reduced life satisfaction (Study 2) more among European American women than among Hong Kong Chinese women. Implications for cross-cultural tolerance are discussed.
Social information as a cue for tacit coordination
Authors: De Kwaadsteniet Erik W. , Homan Astrid C. , Van Dijk Eric , Van Beest Ilja
Published: June 2011

Whereas earlier research on tacit coordination has mainly demonstrated how people use environmental information to achieve coordination success, the present research investigates how people tacitly coordinate their decisions by using information about the people they have to coordinate with (i.e., social information). We demonstrate that when people have to tacitly match their decisions, they focus on the characteristics they share with one another to achieve coordination success (Study 1). By contrast, when mismatching is required, people focus on interpersonal differences as a basis for coordination (Study 2). Moreover, we show that social information only facilitates coordination when there is a clear association between such information and the available choice options (Study 3). Finally, in matching situations, people prefer co-players who are similar to themselves, whereas, in mismatching situations, people prefer dissimilar co-players (Study 4). These results provide converging evidence that social information can serve as an effective cue for tacit coordination.
Suicide online: Portrayal of website-related suicide by the New Zealand media
Authors: Thom Katey , Edwards Gareth , Nakarada-Kordic Ivana , McKenna Brian , O’Brien Anthony , Nairn Raymond
Published: June 2011

Media reporting can impact negatively or positively on suicidal behaviour. Specific reporting methods such as the use of sensationalism can influence suicidal behaviour. This paper presents the findings from a study that aimed to provide an in-depth examination of New Zealand mainstream news items in which websites played a role in suicide. We used framing analysis to interpret the role online technology plays in the reporting of the suicide event. The findings indicate that news items were primarily framed in such a way so that the role of online technology was often overemphasised at the expense of the suicide events themselves. While websites were characteristically framed as ‘enablers’ or ‘preventers’ of suicide, the contribution of mental wellbeing to suicide was largely marginalised in the news media reports. The paper concludes by considering the implications of these framings for existing media studies of suicide and the media’s role in suicide prevention.
Effects of a Motor and Multisensory-Based Approach on Residents with Moderate-to-Severe Dementia
Authors: Cruz Joana , Marques Alda , Barbosa Ana L. , Figueiredo Daniela , Sousa Liliana
Published: June 2011

Involving institutionalized people with dementia in their routines may be challenging, particularly in advanced stages of the disease. Motor and multisensory stimulation may help to maintain or improve residents’ remaining abilities such as communication and self-care. This study examines the effects of a motor and multisensory-based approach on the behavior of 6 residents with moderate-to-severe dementia. A single-group, pre- and post test design was conducted. Motor and multisensory stimulation strategies were implemented in residents’ morning care routines by staff, after the provision of training and assistance. Twelve video recordings of morning care (6 pre- and 6 post interventions) were coded for the type of residents’ behavior. Results showed a tendency toward improvements in residents’ levels of caregiver-direct gaze, laughing and engagement, and a reduction of closed eyes, during morning care. The introduction of a motor and multisensory-based approach in care routines may improve residents’ engagement and attention to the environment.
Systems Modeling in Integrative Oncology
Authors: Lawenda Brian D. , Friedenthal Sanford A. , Sagar Stephen M. , Bardwell Wayne , Block Keith I. , Mills Paul J.
Published: June 2011

Systems modeling provides an integrated framework to capture and analyze diverse and multidisciplinary data in a standardized manner. The authors present the Integrative Oncology Systems Model (IOSM) to help assess the impact of behavior modification and various therapeutic interventions on cancer development and progression and the resultant effect on survival and quality of life outcomes.
Gypenosides Suppress Growth of Human Oral Cancer SAS Cells In Vitro and in a Murine Xenograft Model
Authors: Lu Kung-Wen , Chen Jung-Chou , Lai Tung-Yuan , Yang Jai-Sing , Weng Shu-Wen , Ma Yi-Shih , Lin Hui-Yi , Wu Rick Sai-Chuan , Wu King-Chuen , Wood W. Gibson , Chung Jing-Gung
Published: June 2011

Purpose. Gypenosides (Gyp) are the major components of Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino. The authors investigated the effects of Gyp on cell morphology, viability, cell cycle distribution, and induction of apoptosis in human oral cancer SAS cells and the determination of murine SAS xenograft model in vivo. Experimental design. Flow cytometry was used to quantify the percentage of viable cells; cell cycle distribution; sub-G1 phase (apoptosis); caspase-3, -8, and -9 activity; reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, intracellular Ca2+ determination; and the level of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Western blotting was used to examine levels of apoptosis-associated proteins, and confocal laser microscopy was used to examine the translocation of proteins in cells. Results. Gyp induced morphological changes, decreased the percentage of viable cells, caused G0/G1 phase arrest, and triggered apoptotic cell death in SAS cells. Cell cycle arrest induced by Gyp was associated with apoptosis. The production of ROS, increased intracellular Ca2+ levels, and the depolarization of ΔΨm were observed. Gyp increased levels of the proapoptotic protein Bax but inhibited the levels of the antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl. Gyp also stimulated the release of cytochrome c and Endo G. Translocation of GADD153 to the nucleus was stimulated by Gyp. Gyp in vivo attenuated the size and volume of solid tumors in a murine xenograft model of oral cancer. Conclusions. Gyp-induced cell death occurs through caspase-dependent and caspase-independent apoptotic signaling pathways, and the compound reduced tumor size in a xenograft nu/nu mouse model of oral cancer.
Nomilin Inhibits Metastasis via Induction of Apoptosis and Regulates the Activation of Transcription Factors and the Cytokine Profile in B16F-10 Cells
Authors: Pratheeshkumar Poyil , Raphael Tharakan J. , Kuttan Girija
Published: June 2011

Nomilin is a triterpenoid present in common edible citrus fruits with putative anticancer properties. In this study, the authors investigated the antimetastatic potential of nomilin and its possible mechanism of action. Metastasis was induced in C57BL/6 mice through the lateral tail vein using highly metastatic B16F-10 melanoma cells. Administration of nomilin inhibited tumor nodule formation in the lungs (68%) and markedly increased the survival rate of the metastatic tumor–bearing animals. These results correlated with the biochemical parameters and histopathological analysis. Nomilin showed an inhibition of tumor cell invasion and activation of matrix metalloproteinases. Treatment with nomilin induced apoptotic response, characterized by an increase in the sub-G1 fraction of cells with chromatin condensation and membrane blebbing, a typical ladder of DNA fragmentation, and detection of apoptotic cells by TUNEL assay. Nomilin treatment also exhibited a downregulated Bcl-2 and cyclin-D1 expression and upregulated p53, Bax, caspase-9, caspase-3, p21, and p27 gene expression in B16F-10 cells. Proinflammatory cytokine production and gene expression were found to be downregulated in nomilin-treated cells. The study also reveals that nomilin could inhibit the activation and nuclear translocation of antiapoptotic transcription factors such as nuclear factor (NF)-κB, CREB, and ATF-2 in B16F-10 cells.
The Chiropractic Care of Patients With Cancer
Authors: Alcantara Joel , Alcantara Joey D. , Alcantara Junjoe
Published: June 2011

Background and Significance: Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide and accounted for 7.4 million deaths in 2004. By 2030, deaths from cancer have been estimated at 12 million with 30% being preventable. Complementary and alternative medicine remains popular among cancer patients; particularly with chiropractic services. However, the nature of the chiropractic clinical encounter and its reported benefits remains to be fully investigated. Towards these efforts, we begin with a systematic review of the literature on the chiropractic care of patients with cancer. Methods: The following electronic databases were searched: MANTIS [1965-2010]; Index to Chiropractic Literature [1984-2010]; Pubmed [1966-2010]; Medline [1965-2010] EMBASE [1974-2010], AMED [1975-2010], CINAHL Plus [1965-2010], Alt-Health Watch [1965-2010] and PsychINFO [1965-2010]. Key words used were “cancer” and “neoplasm” in Boolean combination with “chiropractic.” Primary investigation/reports in peer-reviewed English journals involving chiropractic care were reviewed. Results: Our review revealed 60 case reports, 2 case series, 21 commentaries, 2 survey studies, and 2 literature reviews. The case reports were diagnostic with commentaries highlighting the importance of recognizing the patient presenting with NMS complaints due to an underlying neoplasm. The chiropractic clinical encounter prior to cancer diagnosis and subsequent medical referral is poorly characterized in the literature. Conclusion: Patients with cancer seek the care of chiropractors. The literature does not reflect or describe the totality of the chiropractic clinical encounter. We encourage further research in this field.
Effectiveness of Hybrid Assistive Neuromuscular Dynamic Stimulation Therapy in Patients With Subacute Stroke
Authors: Shindo Keiichiro , Fujiwara Toshiyuki , Hara Joji , Oba Hideki , Hotta Fujiko , Tsuji Tetsuya , Hase Kimitaka , Liu Meigen
Published: June 2011

Background and objective. Hybrid assistive neuromuscular dynamic stimulation (HANDS) therapy was devised to facilitate the use of the hemiparetic upper extremity in daily life by combining assistive neuromuscular electrical stimulation, referred to as the integrated volitional electrical stimulator (IVES), with a splint. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of HANDS therapy for patients with subacute stroke. Methods. The participants were 24 inpatients receiving rehabilitation for hemiparetic stroke within 60 days of onset. Entry criteria included inability to individuate finger extension. Patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups. The HANDS group (n = 12) used the IVES combined with a wrist splint for 8 hours a day for 3 weeks, and the control group (n = 12) wore a wrist splint alone. All patients received the same daily dose and length of standard poststroke multidisciplinary rehabilitation. Outcome measures were the upper extremity portion of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), and Motor Activity Log-14 (MAL). Results. In all, 10 patients in each group completed the interventions. Compared with the control group, the HANDS group showed significantly greater gains in distal (wrist/hand) portion of the FMA ( P < .01) and improvement of the ARAT ( P < .05). The gains in the MAL did not differ. No adverse effects occurred and the HANDS therapy was well accepted. Conclusion. HANDS therapy in addition to conventional therapy may improve hand function in patients with moderate to severe hand impairment during early rehabilitation.
Binomial Real Option Pricing for Restaurant Menu Analysis
Authors: Yang Chih-Yun , Chang Te-Yi
Published: June 2011

Numerous researchers have proposed methods to improve the profitability of restaurant menus. The profit-analysis techniques that have been proposed generally assess menu items according to popularity as against comparative contribution margin or a similar scheme that theoretically allows managers to apply a portfolio adjustment approach or simply to replace items that are low in profitability. However, none of the analytical models discussed in the literature consider the element of time, which is an essential consideration in planning for menu item replacement. This study uses a real option pricing model to construct time-axis profiles of menu items and to analyze their potential profitability given varying time constraints. The analysis applies a binomial real option pricing model, as applied to actual data, and a real option pricing model was used to compare the advantages and benefits of different menu items. A comparison of the binomial model’s results with those of other menu analysis models found that the time-based model was more effective in determining how to construct a menu portfolio.
Structural Bias in Cross-National Perspective
Authors: van Dalen Arjen
Published: June 2011

The battle for media attention is an integral part of political conflicts. Because of structural bias in the news, government generally dominates this battle for media attention. This article argues, first, that the attention for government and parliament in the news reflects the power balance in the political system and, second, that this relation is moderated by cross-national differences in journalistic cultures, in particular the importance of conflict framing. Content analysis of newspaper and television coverage in Denmark, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Spain ( N = 1,306 stories) shows that because of the universal news value of political power, attention for government and parliament reinforces differences of political power of these institutions, both within countries and cross-nationally. However, in pragmatic journalistic cultures, the dominance of government is weakened by journalists’ search for conflict. In countries where the news value of conflict is more important (Denmark and the United Kingdom), stories about government more often include oppositional voices than in countries where conflict is a less important news value (Spain).
An innovative pneumatic mini-valve actuated by SMA Ni-Ti wires
Authors: Tiboni M , Borboni A , Mor M , Pomi D
Published: June 2011

This paper presents a proof of concept study on an innovative pneumatic mini-valve. The novelty aspects lie in the creation of an actuation device based on wires formed from the shape memory alloy (SMA) Ni-Ti and in the shape of the body of valve, with its very limited dimensions being made possible by its construction using mouldable polymeric materials. The proposed device has the following advantages: easy assembly, compactness, silent functioning, bio-compatibility, low power activation, and it is cheap to produce. Extensive static and dynamic characterizations of the value are performed using a dedicated test rig. Several different valves were measured to ensure measurement reproducibility. The static characteristics of the SMA-based valve are equivalent to those of commercially available valves. A 10 ms activation time and a 90 ms seating time are obtained at a 30 per cent duty cycle and a 1.5Hz frequency.
Electrically conductive and optically transparent polyethylene terephthalate films coated with gold and silver by thermionic vacuum arc
Authors: Zafer Balbağ M. , Pat Suat
Published: June 2011

This study shows the morphology, physical, mechanical, and optical properties of conductive and transparent Ag and Au coated on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) by thermionic vacuum arc (TVA). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used for the morphology investigation. To determine the mechanical and physical properties, hardness, scratch resistance, adhesion tests, and friction coefficient were measured. Friction coefficients were determined to be 0.141, 0.233, and 0.245 for uncoated PET, Gold (Au)-coated PET and Silver (Ag)-coated PET, respectively. Electrical resistivity measurements were performed using the two-probe technique. Au was 40 Ω and Ag 7 Ω versus uncoated PET, which is nonconductive with electrical surface resistance value in the order of 1014—1018Ω. The Au- and Ag-coated PETs reflectance was approximately 50% at 550 nm. Transmittance values of the Au- and Ag-coated PET films were approximately 70% and 20% at 550 nm.
PR-domain–containing Mds1-Evi1 is critical for long-term hematopoietic stem cell function
Authors: Zhang Yi , Stehling-Sun Sandra , Lezon-Geyda Kimberly , Juneja Subhash C. , Coillard Lucie , Chatterjee Gouri , Wuertzer Charles A. , Camargo Fernando , Perkins Archibald S.
Published: June 2011

The Mds1 and Evi1 complex locus (Mecom) gives rise to several alternative transcripts implicated in leukemogenesis. However, the contribution that Mecom-derived gene products make to normal hematopoiesis remains largely unexplored. To investigate the role of the upstream transcription start site of Mecom in adult hematopoiesis, we created a mouse model with a lacZ knock-in at this site, termed MEm1, which eliminates Mds1-Evi1 (ME), the longer, PR-domain–containing isoform produced by the gene (also known as PRDM3). β-galactosidase–marking studies revealed that, within hematopoietic cells, ME is exclusively expressed in the stem cell compartment. ME deficiency leads to a reduction in the number of HSCs and a complete loss of long-term repopulation capacity, whereas the stem cell compartment is shifted from quiescence to active cycling. Genetic exploration of the relative roles of endogenous ME and EVI1 isoforms revealed that ME preferentially rescues long-term HSC defects. RNA-seq analysis in Lin−Sca-1+c-Kit+ cells (LSKs) of MEm1 documents near complete silencing of Cdkn1c, encoding negative cell-cycle regulator p57-Kip2. Reintroduction of ME into MEm1 LSKs leads to normalization of both p57-Kip2 expression and growth control. Our results clearly demonstrate a critical role of PR-domain–containing ME in linking p57-kip2 regulation to long-term HSC function.
Thrombogenicity and cardiovascular effects of ambient air pollution
Authors: Franchini Massimo , Mannucci Pier Mannuccio
Published: June 2011

Exposure to air pollution is associated with adverse effects on health. In particular, a strong epidemiologic association is observed between acute and chronic exposures to particulate matter and the occurrence of cardiovascular events, coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease and venous thromboembolism, especially among older people and people with diabetes and previous cardiovascular conditions. Multiple mechanisms have been postulated to cause the increase in atherothrombotic and thromboembolic events, including the activation by particulate matter of inflammatory pathways and hemostasis factors, production of reactive oxygen species through the oxidative stress pathway, alterations in vascular tone, and decreased heart rate variability (a marker of cardiac autonomic dysfunction and a predictor of sudden cardiac death and arrhythmias). Current knowledge on the biologic mechanisms and the clinical effect of short- and long-term exposure to particulate air pollutants is discussed, emphasizing that life expectancy improved significantly in sites where air pollutants were controlled.
CD39+Regulatory T cells suppress generation and differentiation of Th17 cells in human malignant pleural effusion via a LAP-dependent mechanism
Authors: Ye Zhi-Jian , Zhou Qiong , Zhang Jian-Chu , Li Xiao , Wu Cong , Qin Shou-Ming , Xin Jian-Bao , Shi Huan-Zhong
Published: June 2011

Background

Both regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T helper IL-17-producing cells (Th17 cells) have been found to be involved in human malignancies, however, the possible implication of Tregs in regulating generation and differentiation of Th17 cells in malignant pleural effusion remains to be elucidated.

Methods

The numbers of both CD39+Tregs and Th17 cells in malignant pleural effusion and peripheral blood from patients with lung cancer were determined by flow cytometry. The regulation and mechanism of Tregs on generation and differentiation of Th17 cells were explored.

Results

Both CD39+Tregs and Th17 cells were increased in malignant pleural effusion when compared with blood, and the numbers of CD39+Tregs were correlated negatively with those of Th17 cells. It was also noted that high levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TGF-β1 could be observed in malignant pleural effusion when compared the corresponding serum, and that pleural CD39+Tregs could express latency-associated peptide on their surface. When naïve CD4+T cells were cocultured with CD39+Tregs, Th17 cell numbers decreased as CD39+Treg numbers increased, addition of the anti-latency-associated peptide mAb to the coculture reverted the inhibitory effect exerted by CD39+Tregs.

Conclusions

Therefore, the above results indicate that CD39+Tregs inhibit generation and differentiation of Th17 cells via a latency-associated peptide-dependent mechanism.
Epithelial cell senescence impairs repair process and exacerbates inflammation after airway injury
Authors: Zhou Fang , Onizawa Shigemitsu , Nagai Atsushi , Aoshiba Kazutetsu
Published: June 2011

Background

Genotoxic stress, such as by exposure to bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and cigarette smoke, induces premature cell senescence. Recent evidence indicates that cellular senescence of various types of cells is accelerated in COPD patients. However, whether the senescence of airway epithelial cells contributes to the development of airway diseases is unknown. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that premature senescence of airway epithelial cells (Clara cells) impairs repair processes and exacerbates inflammation after airway injury.

Methods

C57/BL6J mice were injected with the Clara-cell-specific toxicant naphthalene (NA) on days 0, 7, and 14, and each NA injection was followed by a daily dose of BrdU on each of the following 3 days, during which regenerating cells were allowed to incorporate BrdU into their DNA and to senesce. The p38 MAPK inhibitor SB202190 was injected 30 minutes before each BrdU dose. Mice were sacrificed at different times until day 28 and lungs of mice were obtained to investigate whether Clara cell senescence impairs airway epithelial regeneration and exacerbates airway inflammation. NCI-H441 cells were induced to senesce by exposure to BrdU or the telomerase inhibitor MST-312. Human lung tissue samples were obtained from COPD patients, asymptomatic smokers, and nonsmokers to investigate whether Clara cell senescence is accelerated in the airways of COPD patients, and if so, whether it is accompanied by p38 MAPK activation.

Results

BrdU did not alter the intensity of the airway epithelial injury or inflammation after a single NA exposure. However, after repeated NA exposure, BrdU induced epithelial cell (Clara cell) senescence, as demonstrated by a DNA damage response, p21 overexpression, increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity, and growth arrest, which resulted in impaired epithelial regeneration. The epithelial senescence was accompanied by p38 MAPK-dependent airway inflammation. Senescent NCI-H441 cells impaired epithelial wound repair and secreted increased amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a p38 MAPK-dependent manner. Clara cell senescence in COPD patients was accelerated and accompanied by p38 MAPK activation.

Conclusions

Senescence of airway epithelial cells impairs repair processes and exacerbates p38 MAPK-dependent inflammation after airway injury, and it may contribute to the pathogenesis of COPD.
PAPC and the Wnt5a/Ror2 pathway control the invagination of the otic placode in Xenopus
Authors: Jung Barbara , Köhler Almut , Schambony Alexandra , Wedlich Doris
Published: June 2011

Background

Paraxial protocadherin (PAPC) plays a crucial role in morphogenetic movements during gastrulation and somitogenesis in mouse, zebrafish and Xenopus. PAPC influences cell-cell adhesion mediated by C-Cadherin. A putative direct adhesion activity of PAPC is discussed. PAPC also promotes cell elongation, tissue separation and coordinates cell mass movements. In these processes the signaling function of PAPC in activating RhoA/JNK and supporting Wnt-11/PCP by binding to frizzled 7 (fz7) is important.

Results

Here we demonstrate by loss of function experiments in Xenopus embryos that PAPC regulates another type of morphogenetic movement, the invagination of the ear placode. Knockdown of PAPC by antisense morpholinos results in deformation of the otic vesicle without altering otocyst marker expression. Depletion of PAPC could be rescued by full-length PAPC, constitutive active RhoA and by the closely related PCNS but not by classical cadherins. Also the cytoplasmic deletion mutant M-PAPC, which influences cell adhesion, does not rescue the PAPC knockdown. Interestingly, depletion of Wnt5a or Ror2 which are also expressed in the otocyst phenocopies the PAPC morphant phenotype.

Conclusions

PAPC signaling via RhoA and Wnt5a/Ror2 activity are required to keep cells aligned in apical-basal orientation during invagination of the ear placode. Since neither the cytoplasmic deletion mutant M-PAPC nor a classical cadherin is able to rescue loss of PAPC we suggest that the signaling function of the protocadherin rather than its role as modulator of cell-cell adhesion is required during invagination of the ear placode.