bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renal Microvascular Disease Determines the Responses to Revascularization in Experimental Renovascular Disease
Authors: Chade Alejandro R. , Kelsen Silvia
Published: June 2010

Background—

Percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA) is the most frequent therapeutic approach to resolving renal artery stenosis (RAS). However, renal function recovers in only 30% of the cases. The causes of these poor outcomes are still unknown. We hypothesized that preserving the renal microcirculation distal to RAS will improve the responses to PTRA.

Methods and Results—

RAS was induced in 28 pigs. In 14, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-165 0.05 μg/kg was infused intrarenally (RAS+VEGF). Single-kidney function was assessed in all pigs in vivo using ultrafast CT after 6 weeks. Observation of half of the RAS and RAS+VEGF pigs was completed. The other half underwent PTRA and repeated VEGF, and CT studies were repeated 4 weeks later. Pigs were then euthanized, the stenotic kidney removed, renal microvascular (MV) architecture reconstructed ex vivo using 3D micro-CT, and renal fibrosis quantified. The degree of RAS and hypertension were similar in RAS and RAS+VEGF. Renal function and MV density were decreased in RAS but improved in RAS+VEGF. PTRA largely resolved RAS, but the improvements of hypertension and renal function were greater in RAS+VEGF+PTRA than in RAS+PTRA, accompanied by a 34% increase in MV density and decreased fibrosis.

Conclusions—

Preservation of the MV architecture and function in the stenotic kidney improved the responses to PTRA, indicating that renal MV integrity plays a role in determining the responses to PTRA. This study indicates that damage and early loss of renal MV is an important determinant of the progression of renal injury in RAS and instigates often irreversible damage.
The moderating effects of polychronicity and achievement striving on the relationship between task variety and organization-based self-esteem of mid-level managers in China
Authors: Chun Hui  , Lee Cynthia , Xiongying Niu
Published: June 2010

Employees’ organization-based self-esteem (OBSE), defined as ‘the degree to which an individual believes him/herself to be capable, significant, and worthy as an organizational member’ (Pierce and Gardner, 2004: 593), can be increased by giving them tasks that fit their dispositions. The primary purpose of our study is to examine combinations, instead of individual dispositions separately, on OBSE. Specifically, to increase OBSE, we propose that giving employees who prefer to handle multiple tasks simultaneously (people who are polychronic) more task variety. This effect will be stronger for employees with high motivation to achieve (achievement striving). The hypotheses were tested using data collected from 260 middle managers and their immediate supervisors in three Chinese organizations. We found that offering more task variety to polychronic employees with high levels of achievement striving resulted in the highest levels of OBSE.
A Heideggerian Development of Scotus’s Christology: Why Christ Is Not a Human Person
Authors: Dillard Peter S.
Published: June 2010

John Duns Scotus offers a double negation theory of why the singularized human nature assumed by Christ is not a human person. However, for reasons discussed in this study, Scotus’s double negation theory is unsatisfactory. To fill the lacuna in Scotus’s account of human personhood, I explore convergences between Martin Heidegger’s fundamental ontology of Dasein and Scotus’s metaphysics of essential order. Heidegger’s ontological analysis allows for a more satisfying explanation of a human person as a kind of intrinsic ‘nullity’ that can also be reconciled with Christian theology. I also consider how this Heideggerian development of Scotus’s Christology might be extended to divine persons, and I defend it from certain objections.
Reliability and Perceived Pedagogical Utility of a Weighted Music Performance Assessment Rubric
Authors: Latimer Marvin E. , Bergee Martin J. , Cohen Mary L.
Published: June 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability and perceived pedagogical utility of a multidimensional weighted performance assessment rubric used in Kansas state high school large-group festivals. Data were adjudicator rubrics ( N = 2,016) and adjudicator and director questionnaires ( N = 515). Rubric internal consistency was moderately high (.88). Dimension reliability ranged from moderately low ( W = .47) to moderate ( W = .77). Total score reliability was moderately high ( W = .80) and rating reliability was moderate ( W = .72). Findings suggested that reliability on the whole was within the range of previously researched music performance assessment tools. Questionnaire results suggested that the rubric provided a better instrument for justifying ratings and more detailed descriptions of what constituted acceptable performances than previously researched nonrubric forms; hence, adjudicators and directors perceived the rubric as possessing improved pedagogical utility.
Mentoring in the Context of Latino Youth’s Broader Village During Their Transition From High School
Authors: Sánchez Bernadette , Esparza Patricia , Berardi Luciano , Pryce Julia
Published: June 2010

The aims of this study were to examine the mentoring and social network experiences of Latino youth during the high school transition. A mixed-methods approach was used to examine participants’ natural mentoring relationships before and after the transition along with the broader social networks of youth. A total of 32 Latino participants completed quantitative surveys before the high school transition and then participated in qualitative interviews 1 year later. Having a mentor at Time 1 predicted having a mentor at Time 2. Findings revealed three mentoring groups: participants with mentors at both time points, participants with a mentor at one time point, and nonmentored participants. Participants who had mentors at both time points had rich and varied social networks, whereas participants in the other two groups had limited social networks with little support. Implications and future directions for mentoring research and programs are discussed.
Intentions of Older Homebound Women About Maintaining Proximity to a Cane or Walker and Using It at Home
Authors: Porter Eileen J. , Matsuda Sandy , Benson Jacquelyn J.
Published: June 2010

Older persons are typically classified as “users” or “nonusers” of walking devices. Little is known about their experience of maintaining proximity to the walking device or the consistency with which they use it. The authors addressed those gaps in this longitudinal, phenomenological study with 40 women (aged 85-98). With regard to maintaining proximity to the device, the experience was structured by “keeping track of my cane,” “keeping the cane handy,” “transitioning between keeping track of the cane and keeping it handy,” and “keeping the walker handy so I can use it.” Despite stated intentions to the contrary, few women consistently walked with a device. The experience was characterized by “walking with it unless . . . ” and “judging whether I need it to walk in this situation.” Rather than assuming that clients use a cane or walker consistently, practitioners should explore intentions to maintain proximity to it and individualize interventions accordingly.
Autobiography and Selfhood in the Practice of Adult Learning
Authors: Michelson Elana
Published: June 2010

This article problematizes the role of autobiographical narratives in adult learning and suggests that the life histories produced by adult learners in our classrooms are, in important senses, fictions. Rather than being the free expressions of experience and selfhood, students’ narratives are multiply overdetermined, both by the cultural frames that are available to them and by the conditions of story-telling in our classrooms. These include the values and assumptions that underlie our practices, the aspects of self that are called into being by the narratives we elicit, and the conventions of character and plot within which our students are taught to write Thus for all our valorizing of individuality and uniqueness, there are only some stories we allow our students to tell and only some forms of selfhood we allow to emerge in the process of telling them.
Concurrent and Long-Term Impact of Intimate Partner Violence on Employment Stability
Authors: Crowne Sarah Shea , Juon Hee-Soon , Ensminger Margaret , Burrell Lori , McFarlane Elizabeth , Duggan Anne
Published: June 2010

Previous research suggests that experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) may negatively affect employment outcomes. This study explores the relationship between IPV and employment stability both concurrently and longitudinally among a sample of 512 predominantly Asian American and Pacific Islander young women living in Hawaii. Women in this study were identified as being at risk of child maltreatment. About half of women indicated that their current relationship status was married or living together. More than two-thirds of women had graduated from high school and half had worked in the past year. The study explored the concurrent association of IPV and employment by assessing them simultaneously over a 12 month time period. The study examined the longitudinal impact of IPV by analyzing violence at two time points as predictors of unstable employment 6 to 8 years later. The study also explored the mediating effects of depression. Study results demonstrated both concurrent and longitudinal negative associations of IPV with employment stability. Women who experienced violence were more likely to be experiencing unstable employment concurrently. Women who experienced IPV at one point in time had lower levels of employment stability six years later. This decrease was partially mediated by experiencing depressive symptoms. Women who identified their primary ethnicity as Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander were much more likely to experience unstable employment than Asian American women. More research is needed to explore the roles of mental health, race and ethnicity, and types of violence in the relationship between IPV and employment.
Politicians and the News Media: How Elite Attacks Influence Perceptions of Media Bias
Authors: Smith Glen R.
Published: June 2010

When political elites receive unfavorable news coverage, a common strategy is to attack the source. Past research suggests that attacks on the news media increase perceptions of media bias, but it remains unclear how this occurs. Using two experiments, the author examines how attacks on the news media increase perceptions of bias. For the experiments, all participants read news articles about elected officials, but some read an attack on the source. The author also manipulated the direction of the attack (liberal or conservative bias) and its placement before or after the article. The results suggest that elite attacks increase perceptions of bias in the news source, and this occurs even when the attack is read following the article. In addition, attacks were effective when they came from politicians in both parties, suggesting that Republicans and Democrats are able to influence perceptions of bias. In conclusion, the author argues that elite attacks are likely to benefit the attackers but weaken democratic accountability.
Clinical implications of cognitive function in bipolar disorder
Authors: Sudhir Kumar C.T. , Frangou Sophia
Published: June 2010

In recent years there has been increased interest in cognitive function in bipolar disorder (BD) as a means of understanding and exploring biological mechanisms relating to predisposition, disease expression and outcome. Despite significant methodological differences between studies we can begin to discern meaningful patterns from existing data. The evidence reviewed suggests that: (a) premorbid cognitive dysfunction is not a dominant feature of BD; in contrast to other severe psychiatric conditions, enhanced cognitive function may be a risk marker for BD; (b) in BD patients with established syndromal disease, trait-related cognitive impairment is reliably seen in the speed of information processing, verbal learning and memory and response inhibition; (c) cognitive function appears to remain stable post-disease onset in the majority of patients although the risk of dementia in old age is increased; (d) cognitive impairment is a key predictor of functional outcome in BD. These findings underscore the importance of cognition in BD as a marker of neural integrity across all phases of the illness and as a therapeutic target in disability reduction.
Bilateral downregulation of Nav1.8 in dorsal root ganglia of rats with bone cancer pain induced by inoculation with Walker 256 breast tumor cells
Authors: Miao Xue-Rong , Gao Xiao-Fei , Wu Jing-Xiang , Lu Zhi-Jie , Huang Zhang-Xiang , Li Xiao-Qing , He Cheng , Yu Wei-Feng
Published: June 2010

Background

Rapid and effective treatment of cancer-induced bone pain remains a clinical challenge and patients with bone metastasis are more likely to experience severe pain. The voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.8 plays a critical role in many aspects of nociceptor function. Therefore, we characterized a rat model of cancer pain and investigated the potential role of Nav1.8.

Methods

Adult female Wistar rats were used for the study. Cancer pain was induced by inoculation of Walker 256 breast carcinosarcoma cells into the tibia. After surgery, mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia and ambulation scores were evaluated to identify pain-related behavior. We used real-time RT-PCR to determine Nav1.8 mRNA expression in bilateral L4/L5 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) at 16-19 days after surgery. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to compare the expression and distribution of Nav1.8 in L4/L5 DRG between tumor-bearing and sham rats. Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) against Nav1.8 were administered intrathecally at 14-16 days after surgery to knock down Nav1.8 protein expression and changes in pain-related behavior were observed.

Results

Tumor-bearing rats exhibited mechanical hyperalgesia and ambulatory-evoked pain from day 7 after inoculation of Walker 256 cells. In the advanced stage of cancer pain (days 16-19 after surgery), normalized Nav1.8 mRNA levels assessed by real-time RT-PCR were significantly lower in ipsilateral L4/L5 DRG of tumor-bearing rats compared with the sham group. Western-blot showed that the total expression of Nav1.8 protein significantly decreased bilaterally in DRG of tumor-bearing rats. Furthermore, as revealed by immunofluorescence, only the expression of Nav1.8 protein in small neurons down regulated significantly in bilateral DRG of cancer pain rats. After administration of antisense ODNs against Nav1.8, Nav1.8 protein expression decreased significantly and tumor-bearing rats showed alleviated mechanical hyperalgesia and ambulatory-evoked pain.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that Nav1.8 plays a role in the development and maintenance of bone cancer pain.
Insulin-like growth factor II mRNA binding protein 3 (IMP3) is overexpressed in prostate cancer and correlates with higher Gleason scores
Authors: Ikenberg Kristian , Fritzsche Florian R , Zuerrer-Haerdi Ursina , Hofmann Irina , Hermanns Thomas , Seifert Helge , Müntener Michael , Provenzano Maurizio , Sulser Tullio , Behnke Silvia , Gerhardt Josefine , Mortezavi Ashkan , Wild Peter , Hofstädter Ferdinand , Burger Maximilian , Moch Holger , Kristiansen Glen
Published: June 2010

Background

The oncofetal protein insulin-like growth factor II mRNA binding protein 3 (IMP3) is an important factor for cell-migration and adhesion in malignancies. Recent studies have shown a remarkable overexpression of IMP3 in different human malignant neoplasms and also revealed it as an important prognostic marker in some tumor entities. To our knowledge, IMP3 expression has not been investigated in prostate carcinomas so far.

Methods

Immunohistochemical stainings for IMP3 were performed on tissue microarray (TMA) organized samples from 507 patients: 31 normal prostate tissues, 425 primary carcinomas and 51 prostate cancer metastases or castration-resistant prostate cancers (CRPC). IMP3 immunoreactivity was semiquantitatively scored and correlated with clinical-pathologic parameters including survival.

Results

IMP3 is significantly stronger expressed in prostate carcinomas compared to normal prostate tissues (p < 0.0001), but did not show significant correlation with the pT-stage, the proliferation index (MIB1), preoperative serum PSA level and the margin status. Only a weak and slightly significant correlation was found with the Gleason score and IMP3 expression failed to show prognostic significance in clinico-pathological correlation-analyses.

Conclusions

Although IMP3 is overexpressed in a significant proportion of prostate cancer cases, which might be of importance for novel therapeutic approaches, it does not appear to possess any immediate diagnostic or prognostic value, limiting its potential as a tissue biomarker for prostate cancer. These results might be corroborated by the fact, that two independent tumor cohorts were separately reviewed.
Assessment of adverse effects in clinical studies of antipsychotic medication: survey of methods used
Authors: Pope Alison , Adams Clive , Paton Carol , Weaver Tim , Barnes Thomas R. E.
Published: June 2010

Background

Clinical studies of antipsychotic medication are a primary source of data on the nature of, and relative liability for, adverse effects, relevant to prescribing decisions in clinical practice.

Aims

To identify how safety and tolerability data were collected and reported in recent clinical studies of antipsychotics.

Method

A survey was conducted of all 167 eligible studies published between 2002 and 2007 on the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group register.

Results

Extrapyramidal side-effects (EPS) and weight gain were most frequently assessed. A minority of reports addressed metabolic abnormalities, aversive subjective experiences and sexual dysfunction. Published rating scales were frequently used to evaluate EPS, but systematic methods were rarely applied to other treatment-emergent problems. The definition of individual adverse effects and the manner of reporting were inconsistent.

Conclusions

The way in which safety and tolerability data are collected and reported in clinical studies does not allow for fair and meaningful comparison of the relative risk profiles of individual antipsychotic drugs.
The National Dementia Strategy: innovation or reiteration
Authors: Hilton Claire
Published: June 2010

The National Dementia Strategy is based on constructive ideas to develop services for people with dementia, their families and carers. However, it is likely that this new strategy will have little impact because it is neither adequately funded nor mandatory. This opinion is based on patterns of implementation of healthcare policy in the UK over many years, especially that relating to the mental health needs of older people.
Solution-focused psychiatry
Authors: Bakker Jan Martijn , Bannink Fredrike P. , Macdonald Alasdair
Published: June 2010

Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) can be widely implemented in psychiatric practice as a short form of psychotherapy that reinforces the client's autonomy and focuses on what the client wants instead of on the problem. It was developed by an iterative process of removal from existing therapy of any features not found to promote good outcomes for the attenders. Research indicates that SFBT is effective and cost-efficient, and when used in practice makes the psychiatrist's work more satisfying. It can be used as a primary intervention, for example during crisis intervention, as a formal psychotherapy and as an addition to pharmacotherapy.
The experience of a smoke-free policy in a medium secure hospital
Authors: Shetty Abhijeeth , Alex Rajesh , Bloye Darran
Published: June 2010

Aims and method

A Trust-wide smoke-free policy was introduced in March 2007. This service evaluation retrospectively reviewed the outcome by focusing on recorded changes in behaviour, incidents and prescribing.

Results

The majority of patients (89%) smoked before the smoke-free policy. There was no significant change in the rate of clinical incidents or the use of tranquillising medication at 3 months and 12 months post-implementation. Clozapine serum levels were raised significantly, necessitating dose reduction in 17% of patients. Fifty-four per cent of patients used nicotine replacement therapy and a small minority continued this treatment for 12 months.

Clinical implications

Despite initial concerns there were no significant problems in implementation of the smoke-free policy. This was assisted by extensive preparation, education, patient advocacy and access to treatment beforehand.
A Fair Deal for mental health includes local rehabilitation services
Authors: Killaspy Helen , Meier Richard
Published: June 2010

Lack of policy for mental health rehabilitation services has led to disinvestment and expansion of out-of-area placements in in-patient, nursing and residential care settings in the independent sector. Although a minority provide very specialist services that cannot be provided locally, and many provide good-quality care, there are significant concerns about the lack of rehabilitation focus in some of those services, poor links with local care managers and the social dislocation caused by being placed many miles from home. Additionally, out-of-area placements cost more than local rehabilitation services. There is, therefore, a compelling case for all individuals with complex mental health problems to have access to local rehabilitation services in order to expedite their recovery and social inclusion. The Faculty of Rehabilitation and Social Psychiatry of the Royal College of Psychiatrists has recently published a service template to guide commissioners and service providers in the UK in the kinds of rehabilitation services they need to provide locally.
α2β1 integrin controls association of Rac with the membrane and triggers quiescence of endothelial cells
Authors: Cailleteau Laurence , Estrach Soline , Thyss Raphael , Boyer Laurent , Doye Anne , Domange Barbara , Johnsson Nils , Rubinstein Eric , Boucheix Claude , Ebrahimian Teni , Silvestre Jean-Sebastien , Lemichez Emmanuel , Meneguzzi Guerrino , Mettouchi Amel
Published: June 2010

Integrin receptors and their extracellular matrix ligands provide cues to cell proliferation, survival, differentiation and migration. Here, we show that α2β1 integrin, when ligated to the basement membrane component laminin-1, triggers a proliferation arrest in primary endothelial cells. Indeed, in the presence of strong growth signals supplied by growth factors and fibronectin, α2β1 engagement alters assembly of mature focal adhesions by α5β1 and leads to impairment of downstream signaling and cell-cycle arrest in the G1 phase. Although the capacity of α5β1 to signal for GTP loading of Rac is preserved, the joint engagement of α2β1 interferes with membrane anchorage of Rac. Adapting the ‘split-ubiquitin’ sensor to screen for membrane-proximal α2 integrin partners, we identified the CD9 tetraspanin and further establish its requirement for destabilization of focal adhesions, control of Rac subcellular localization and growth arrest induced by α2β1 integrin. Altogether, our data establish that α2β1 integrin controls endothelial cell commitment towards quiescence by triggering a CD9-dependent dominant signaling.
Membrane assembly modulates the stability of the meiotic spindle-pole body
Authors: Mathieson Erin M. , Schwartz Cindi , Neiman Aaron M.
Published: June 2010

Spore formation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is driven by de novo assembly of new membranes termed prospore membranes. A vesicle-docking complex called the meiosis II outer plaque (MOP) forms on the cytoplasmic faces of the spindle-pole bodies at the onset of meiosis II and serves as the initiation site for membrane formation. In this study, a fluorescence-recovery assay was used to demonstrate that the dynamics of the MOP proteins change coincident with the coalescence of precursor vesicles into a membrane. Proteins within the MOP exchange freely with a soluble pool prior to membrane assembly, but after membranes are formed they remain stably within the MOP. By contrast, constitutive spindle-pole-body proteins display low exchange in both conditions. The MOP component Ady4p plays a role in maintaining the integrity of the MOP complex, but this role differs depending on whether the MOP is associated with docked vesicles or a fully formed membrane. These results suggest an architectural rearrangement of the MOP coincident with vesicle fusion.
Ag–TiO2/Clay Composite Photocatalyst for the Oxidation–Cyclization of 1,2-Diamine Compounds with Propylene Glycol or Alcohols
Authors: Selvam Kaliyamoorthy , Annadhasan Mari , Velmurugan Rengasamy , Swaminathan Meenakshisundaram
Published: June 2010

Silver-loaded TiO2 (Ag–TiO2) and acidic clay (K10 montmorillonite) composite photocatalyst has been successfully applied for the light-induced conversion of o-phenylenediamine (OPD) and its derivatives to substituted benzimidazoles with various alcohols in acetonitrile using UV-A and solar light. The influence of the various photocatalysts, solvents, and substituents on the yield and selectivity of the products has been investigated. The mechanism of photocatalysis is proposed. Loading silver on TiO2 enhances product yield and selectivity both in UV and solar light. In the presence of primary alcohols, 2-aminothiophenol forms only disulfide and hence Ag–TiO2/clay can be used as a green catalyst for the synthesis of disulfides.
Selenium-Catalyzed Deoxygenative Reduction of Aliphatic Nitro Compounds with Carbon Monoxide
Authors: Nishiyama Yutaka , Ikeda Sadatatsu , Nishida Hiroaki , Umeda Rui
Published: June 2010

A reduction method of aliphatic nitro compounds to oximes using carbon monoxide was developed. When aliphatic nitro compounds were treated with carbon monoxide in the presence of a selenium catalyst, the corresponding oximes were formed in moderate to good yields.
Glucose meters: evaluation of the new formulation measuring strips from Roche (Accu-Chek) and Abbott (MediSense)
Authors: Dimeski G , Jones B W , Tilley V , Greenslade M N , Russell A W
Published: June 2010

Background

Both Roche and Abbott have released new glucose meter strips. They supply the entire Australian hospital market. The present study compared the performance of the new strips utilizing various specimen types (capillary, venous lithium heparin whole blood, venous lithium heparin plasma and serum) and evaluated how well they comply with the International Standards Organization (ISO) 15197 criteria.

Methods

The study included imprecision, patient comparison and interference studies. Participants with and without diabetes were recruited to evaluate the performance of various specimen types against the Beckman DxC800 glucose method. The strips were tested for different interferences: galactose, maltose, lactose, Icodextrin, Intragam, paracetamol, sodium, ascorbic acid, variable strip storage temperature, haematocrit, haemolysis and lipaemia.

Results

The imprecision of the two strips was ∼5% or less, except for the Abbott strip at very low values (1.4 mmol/L), ∼7%. In total, 78% and 84%, respectively, of the results from the finger prick capillary specimens with the Roche (Accu-Chek Performa meter) and Abbott (Optium Xceed meter) strips, not 95% or greater as recommended by the ISO guideline, were within the recommended limits compared with reference plasma estimation on laboratory analysers. Galactose, ascorbic acid, haematocrit and sodium on the Roche and ascorbic acid and haematocrit on the Abbott strip continue to interfere to a variable degree with the glucose measurement.

Conclusion

Analytically small differences exist between the glucose meter strips. The most significant analytical difference with the strips was at low glucose levels when compared with laboratory analyses and this may be of clinical importance. The impact of some of the interferences is variable between the two strips. Individuals, health-care professionals and health-care institutions should consider these data when selecting glucose meters for the management of people with diabetes mellitus.
Anticholinergic Use in Children and Adolescents After Initiation of Antipsychotic Therapy
Authors: Hong Irene Seunghyun , Bishop Jeffrey R
Published: June 2010

Background:

Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are thought to have a lower likelihood of inducing extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) than are first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs). Clinical observations suggest that younger patients may be more sensitive to SGA-associated EPS than are adults and require therapy with anticholinergic agents.

Objective:

To determine the proportion of patients 5–18 years of age who received anticholinergic therapy during the initial stages of antipsychotic treatment, as well as to compare anticholinergic utilization across patients receiving aripiprazole, risperidone, and quetiapine. SGAs previously identified as the most commonly prescribed at the academic institution studied.

Methods:

Patients 5–18 years of age who were initiating a course of an antipsychotic between January 1, 2005, and September 1, 2008, were identified in a retrospective review of prescription and medical records. Data on demographic characteristics, antipsychotic and anticholinergic utilization, indications, diagnoses, and concomitant medications were collected from the medical record. Only the first therapeutic course of an antipsychotic identified was analyzed. Anticholinergic utilization at antipsychotic initiation and after 30 days was assessed.

Results:

A total of 235 antipsychotic treatment courses were identified. Of these, 152 patients met our inclusion criteria. Anticholinergic utilization at any time during the first 30 days of treatment was identified in 32 patients (21%), while EPS was documented for 12 patients (8%). FGA or polypharmacy (simultaneous use of ≥2 scheduled antipsychotic) use versus SGA use (OR 18.98; 95% CI 4.74 to 75.95) was the primary characteristic significantly associated with anticholinergic utilization within 30 days after initiation. Of the most commonly used SGAs, risperidone was the drug with which anticholinergics were most frequently prescribed (p = 0.03).

Conclusions:

Anticholinergic prescribing exceeded the incidence of EPS, as documented in the medical record (21% vs 8%), and differed across individual medications and antipsychotic class. Utilization of FGAs or polypharmacy was a key predictor of anticholinergic use.
Management of Hypertension in Renal Transplant Patients: A Comprehensive Review of Nonpharmacologic and Pharmacologic Treatment Strategies
Authors: Dunn Brianne L , Teusink Ashley C , Taber David J , Hemstreet Brian A , Uber Lynn A , Weimert Nicole A
Published: June 2010

Objective:

To review the guidelines and literature for the treatment of hypertension in renal transplant patients and to provide guidance to practitioners in the selection of appropriate nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment options.

Data Sources:

A PubMed search (January 1948–March 2010) was performed using the search terms hypertension, antihypertensive agents, blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease, in combination with renal transplant and kidney transplant. The search was limited to articles published in English. All relevant peer-reviewed original studies, meta-analyses, guidelines, consensus statements, and review articles were examined. In addition, reference citations from publications identified were reviewed.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

All literature found was evaluated for inclusion. Review articles as well as prospective and retrospective original research articles were reviewed.

Data Synthesis:

Hypertension after solid organ transplantation is a problem commonly encountered in patients during their posttransplantation clinic visits. Effective management of these patients' hypertension is crucial, as hypertension left untreated may lead to increased morbidity and mortality as well as graft loss. The unique, multifactorial etiology of hypertension in this population makes treatment choices more challenging compared to treatment of a nontransplant patient. Therefore, to guide practitioners in this process, we developed a hypertension management protocol, taking into account the unique considerations faced in the adult renal transplant population. The review guides practitioners from the initial assessment of patients' hypertension through the evaluation and selection of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment options and provides information about the discontinuation of certain antihypertensive medications. It also provides a concise, but comprehensive review of the major antihypertensive drug classes and economic considerations.

Conclusions:

The management of hypertension in posttransplantation patients is challenging and complicated, yet necessary to prevent morbidity, mortality, and graft loss for these patients. Therapy should be individualized based on patient assessment, response to previous therapy, and economic considerations.
Discriminant validity and interaction between perceived organizational support and perceptions of organizational politics: A temporal analysis
Authors: Lee Jaewon , Peccei Riccardo
Published: June 2010

We used two‐wave panel data based on a sample of 137 employees from a small Korean manufacturing company to examine first the discriminant validity of, and then the interaction between perceived organizational support (POS) and perceptions of organizational politics (POP). We focused on the relationships between POS, POP, and three employee work‐related outcomes, affective organizational commitment, intention to stay, and individually oriented organizational citizenship behaviour (OCBI). Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that POS and POP were distinct constructs. Moreover, time‐lagged LISREL estimates showed that POS and POP were differentially related to the three outcomes in a theoretically predictable way. POP did not moderate the relationship between POS and either affective commitment or intention to stay. POS, however, significantly moderated the POP–OCBI relationship. The implications of the results for POS and POP theory and research are discussed.
Effect of amine ligand, copper/amine ratio, and pH on copper adsorption into wood
Authors: Lee Myung Jae , Cooper Paul
Published: June 2010

To measure the chemical adsorption capacity of wood for copper (Cu) and amine in Cu-amine solution, Cu was formulated with different ratios of mono- (Mea), di- (Dea), tri- (Tea) ethanolamine, ethylenediamine (En) and ammonia (Am), and the Cu adsorption was compared with the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.). The chemisorption capacity of the wood for Cu was highly pH dependant and varied with ligand types investigated in this study. Although wood chemisorption capacity increases with pH, high amine ratio Cu-ethanolamine complexes showed very limited adsorption at high pH owing to competition with free ethanolamine in combination with the formation of uncharged ion complexes. During Cu-Mea treatment, negligible Cu2+ was converted to Cu+ and no significant delignification was detected even at very high Mea ratios. Cu appeared to be adsorbed as if it were singly charged, even though most of the complexes present are 2+ charged. The three ethanolamine ligands generally showed similar adsorption tendencies, although their pH dependencies differed. Cu in En was much less adsorbed at intermediate pH compared with the CEC, but had higher adsorption at high pH. Cu in Am also showed higher adsorption at high pH compared with Mea and the [Cu(NH3)(H2O)5]2+ form of Cu might be fixed in wood.
Abnormal cardiac contractility in long-term exogenous subclinical hyperthyroid patients as demonstrated by two-dimensional echocardiography speckle tracking imaging
Authors: Abdulrahman Randa M , Delgado Victoria , Ng Arnold C T , Ewe See Hooi , Bertini Matteo , Holman Eduard R , Hovens Guido C , Pereira Alberto M , Romijn Johannes A , Bax Jeroen J , Smit Johannes W
Published: June 2010

Background

Subclinical hyperthyroidism is associated with cardiovascular morbidity. Recent advances in echocardiography imaging have allowed sophisticated evaluation of myocardial tissue properties.

Objective

To investigate the myocardial effects of long-term exogenous subclinical hyperthyroidism using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography imaging (2D-STE).

Design

Prospective, single-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized trial of 6 months duration with two parallel groups.

Patients and methods

Totally 25 patients with a history of differentiated thyroid carcinoma on long-term TSH-suppressive levothyroxine (l-T4) substitution were randomized to persistent TSH-suppressive l-T4 substitution (low-TSH group) or restoration of euthyroidism. Additionally 40 euthyroid controls were studied.

Results (proposal)

At baseline, the group of patients showed normal left ventricular (LV) systolic function but impaired diastolic function as assessed with conventional echocardiographic parameters. Importantly, 2D-STE analysis demonstrated the presence of subclinical LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction with impaired circumferential and longitudinal strain and strain rate at the isovolumic relaxation time. After restoration of euthyroidism, a significant improvement in LV systolic and diastolic function as assessed with 2D-STE strain was observed.

Conclusion

Prolonged subclinical hyperthyroidism leads to systolic and diastolic dysfunction, which is reversible after restoration of euthyroidism. 2D-STE is a more sensitive technique to evaluate subtle changes in LV performance of these patients.
Reduction in Gastroenteritis With the Use of Pentavalent Rotavirus Vaccine in a Primary Practice
Authors: Bégué Rodolfo E. , Perrin Keith
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVES:

Pentavalent rotavirus (RV) vaccine (RV5) was licensed in 2006 and recommended for routine childhood immunization. A significant decrease in the number of RV hospitalizations has been described. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of RV5 on acute gastroenteritis (AGE) seen in a primary practice.

METHODS:

In July 2004, surveillance was initiated among children who were younger than 5 years and seen in a large pediatric practice in New Orleans for those who presented AGE, as determined by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes. Primary care physician office visits, emergency department visits, and hospital admissions were identified by review of records. RV testing was performed only on those who were seen at the hospital.

RESULTS:

Approximately 16 000 children who were younger than 5 years were followed in the practice during each year. For 2006–2007, 2007–2008, and 2008–2009, 11.1%, 40.3%, and 45.6% of age-eligible children, respectively, received ≥1 dose of RV5. As compared with 2004–2005 (before RV5), in 2007–2009, there was a significant decrease in all-cause AGE office visits (23%) and hospitalizations (50%). RV-positive cases (emergency department visits or hospitalizations) decreased by 67%. The decrease in RV-positive cases was more evident among children who were younger than 2 years (81%), with a strong trend among those who were aged 2 to <5 years (41%).

CONCLUSIONS:

Increased use of RV5 in a pediatric practice was associated with fewer AGE office visits and hospitalizations. The reduction was specific for RV-positive AGE and seen among children who were targeted for immunization as well as older groups, suggesting a herd-immunity effect.
Mean intrasellar pressure, visual field, headache intensity and quality of life of patients with pituitary adenoma
Authors: Pereira-Neto Aldo , Borba André Meireles , Mello Paulo Andrade de , Naves Luciana Ansanelli , Araújo Jr Antônio Santos de , Casulari Luis Augusto
Published: June 2010

Intrasellar pressure (ISP) measurement technique has recently opened a new line of research in neuroendocrinology. The absolute and mean ISP values were investigated in 25 patients consecutively operated at the Brasilia University Hospital (DF). These data were correlated with serum prolactin levels, number of visual quadrant affected, tumor size, quality of life (measured through the SF-36 scale) and graded headache (measured through the HIT-6 scale). No correlation was observed. The p values were 0.887; 0.137; 0.892; 0.812 and 0.884; respectively. The HIT-6 values were inversely and moderately correlated with total RAND SF-36 and its mental and physical dimensions.
Valsalva maneuver procedures in the diagnosis of right-to-left shunt by contrast-enhanced transcranial doppler using agitated saline solution with blood as a contrast agent
Authors: Lange Marcos Christiano , Zétola Viviane Flumignan , Piovesan Elcio Juliato , Werneck Lineu César
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVE: To compare two different timings for the performance of the Valsalva maneuver (VM) using an infusion of agitated saline solution with blood as contrast agent (CA) to right-to-left shunt (RLS) screening. METHOD: 42 patients were submitted to a standardized contrast-enhanced transcranial doppler (cTCD) to screen for right-to-left shunt (RLS). cTCD technique was done with two different moments of the VM: [1] the CA injection during the VM (CAduringVM test); [2] the CA injection before the VM (CApreVM test). RESULTS: Positive MCA tests were observed in 47 (56%) CAduringVM tests and in 50 (59.5%) CApreVM tests, p=0.64. There was an almost perfect agreement for the positive tests between the CAduringVM and CApreVM test, r s=0.829 (95% CI 0.61-1.00, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that there is no significant difference in the results of RLS screening by cTCD when two different moments of VM were done.
Tuberculum sellae meningiomas: surgical considerations
Authors: Landeiro José Alberto , Gonçalves Mariangela Barbi , Guimarães Rodrigo Dias , Klescoski João , Correa Jorge Luiz Amorim , Lapenta Mário Alberto , Maia Orlando
Published: June 2010

We report our experience on the treatment of tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSMs) regarding the involvement of the optic canal and clinical outcomes. We reviewed 23 patients who were operated on between January 1997 and December 2008. The surgical approach was unilateral subfrontal supraorbital osteotomy in one piece. Attempts were made to improve visual function via extra/intradural unroofing of the optic canal, which released the optic nerve. Visual symptoms were present preoperatively in 21 patients, and two patients were asymptomatic. Visual acuity remained intact in 6 patients, improved in 10, was unchanged in 5 patients, and worsened in 2 patients. The postoperative visual field was normal or improved in 17 patients, unchanged in four patients, and worsened in two patients. The optic canal and clinoid were drilled extradurally in eight patients and intradurally in nine patients. Total resection of TSMs was achieved in 19 patients. Incomplete resection occurred in two patients. Decompression of the optic canal seemed to increase the visual outcome.
Perspective of the frontolateral craniotomies
Authors: Figueiredo Eberval Gadelha , Oliveira Arthur Maynart Pereira , Plese José Píndaro P , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen
Published: June 2010

The pterional craniotomy is one of the most frequently surgical approaches used in neurosurgery and currently it has become a mainsteam. It allows excellent microsurgical exposure of anterior and posterior regions of the arterial circle of Willis, supra and paraselar regions, the superior orbital fissure of sphenoid bone, cavernous sinus, orbit, temporal lobe, midbrain and the frontal lobe. Like others techniques, the pterional craniotomy presented disadvantages related to dissection of the temporal muscle. From the first fronto lateral craniotomy described by Dandy to expose the optic chiasm and the pituitary we pass through the Yasargil's classical description of craniotomy centered in fronto-temporal sylvian fissure until reaching the recent"minipterional craniotomy", modifications of the pterional craniotomy were proposed to reduce the extra cranial tissue trauma and reduce the area of craniotomy without affecting the exposure of surgical targets, thus improving their aesthetic and functional results. An historical analysis of the frontolateral approaches has demonstrated that they have evolved from larger craniotomies to smaller ones, however only the minipterional craniotomy is able to offer similar surgical exposure.
Observações citológicas em citrus: ll. variedades triplóides
Authors: Krug C. A. , Bacchi Osvaldo
Published: June 2010

No presente trabalho apresenta-se um breve resumo dos conhecimentos atuais sôbre a citologia do gênero Citrus; descrevem-se, a seguir, duas variedades triplóides de interêsse econômico. Admite-se que uma delas se tenha derivado da outra por meio de um "seedling" nucelar. Os caracteres morfológicos e citológicos dêstes triplóides são apresentados em detalhes. Chama-se a atenção para a importância da triploidia nos trabalhos de melhoramento das plantas cítricas.
Observações citológicas em coffea: VIII- poliembrionia
Authors: Mendes Antônio J. T.
Published: June 2010

Três fenômenos ligados ao desenvolvimento do embrião ocorrem no gênero Coffea : poliembrionia, sementes sem embrião e sacos embrionários duplos. Sementes com dois e três embriões foram encontradas em C. arabica, C. canephora, C. excelsa, C. liberica e um híbrido entre C. arabica e C. canephora. Em C. arabica var. bourbon verificou-se uma frequência de... 0,8% em 9.453 sementes examinadas. Sementes sem embrião foram encontradas, numa frequência de 1,2%, somente em C. arabica var. bourbon. Vários casos de formação de sacos embrionários duplos foram encontrados em C. arabica L., numa frequência de cerca de 2,27%.. A poliembrionia deve ser uma consequência dêste fenômeno. O exame citológíco feito em 72 plantas provenientes de sementes: poliembriônicas de C. arabica L., incluindo 3 trigêmeas, 48 gêmeas e 21 outras cujos pares não foram examinados, revelou que todas tinham o mesmo número de cromossômios (2n=44) que a planta-mãe. Em trabalho anterior havia sido revelada a ocorrência de plantas com 2n =22 na progênie de cafeeiros normalmente tetraplóides (2n = 44).. A presente investigação não conseguiu ligar o aparecimento de tais "di-haplóides" com a ocorrência da poliembrionia.
Dobras estruturais: ruptura generativa em grupos sobrepostos
Authors: Vedres Balázs , Stark David
Published: June 2010

Os grupos empresariais enfrentam um desafio duplo: reconhecer e implementar novas ideias. O presente artigo sugere que o empreendedorismo está mais relacionado com a geração de novos conhecimentos, por meio da recombinação de recursos, do que com a importação de ideias. Em contraste com a perspectiva "intermediação mais fechamento", enfocamos a sobreposição de estruturas coesas de grupos. Ao analisar processos de intercoesão de redes, identificamos uma topologia de rede distinta: a dobra estrutural. Os atores de uma dobra estrutural são membros de múltiplos grupos, o que facilita o acesso familiar a diversos recursos. Nosso conjunto de dados permite observar laços pessoais entre as 1.696 maiores empresas húngaras de 1987 a 2001. Primeiro, testamos se dobras estruturais contribuem para o desempenho de grupos. Segundo, como o empreendedorismo é um processo de ruptura generativa, testamos a contribuição das dobras estruturais para a instabilidade do grupo. Terceiro, passamos de métodos dinâmicos à análise histórica de redes, e demonstramos que a coerência é uma propriedade de genealogias entrelaçadas de coesão, construídas por meio de repetidas separações e reunificações.