bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Corneal Neovascularization Model in Rabbits for Angiogenesis Research
Authors: Campos-Mollo Ezequiel , Pérez-Santonja Juan J. , Lledó-Riquelme Mariola , Ortega Pastor Elisa , Alió Jorge L.
Published: September 2010

Purpose: To evaluate a new experimental model of suture-induced corneal neovascularization (NV) for angiogenesis research. Methods: The new model was created in the right eye of 20 New Zealand rabbits using 5 interrupted silk sutures following an inverted triangle pattern. At different time points after suture placement, calibrated photographs were taken to quantify the corneal surface covered by the sutures (SCS) and the corneal NV response. At the end of the experiment, the corneas were processed for histological study. Results: Vascular sprouts were already observed on the 3rd day. On the 7th day, the mean corneal NV surface was 19.02 ± 4.65 mm2. On the 14th day, the mean corneal NV surface increased up to 28.96 ± 6.33 mm2, representing 112.18% of the SCS and 21.04% of the total corneal surface. Histological sections showed that the new vessels were located at the two anterior thirds of the corneal stroma with an intense inflammatory infiltration. Conclusion: Our results indicate that this experimental model is effective, reliable and reproducible to induce corneal NV for angiogenesis research.
Strategies of the Brazilian Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention Campaign (2003–2009)
Authors: Mastroianni-Kirsztajn Gianna , Bastos Marcus G. , Burdmann Emmanuel A.
Published: September 2010

In Brazil, as in the rest of the world, the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing. In order to alert the population, health professionals and authorities to this risk, in 2003, the Brazilian Society of Nephrology launched a CKD prevention campaign called ‘Previna-se’. In addition, since its onset, Brazil has participated in the World Kidney Day efforts and has developed several prevention strategies. Here, we summarize the main strategies adopted in this campaign (population screening, events and meetings, distribution of educational materials, routine report of estimated glomerular filtration rate) and our initial results, sharing practical experience that could be useful in other developing countries.
Accelerated Decline of GFR in Diabetic Nephropathy Predicted by Interferon Release Assay to Tuberculosis Antigens
Authors: Lane Catherine , Ashcroft Anthony , Bothamley Graham , Yaqoob Magdi M. , Fan Stanley L.-S.
Published: September 2010

Background: The QuantiFERON® test (QFT) is a diagnostic tool for active and latent tuberculosis (TB) infections. High rates of positivity to QuantiFERON® have been demonstrated in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetic patients. We performed a pilot study to investigate if QFT positivity in diabetic CKD patients predicted the rate of renal function decline. Methods: QFT was performed in 38 diabetic patients with CKD 4–5 not on dialysis. The rate of decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated. Results: 18/38 patients had a positive QFT. Patients with a positive QFT had a steeper decline in eGFR, compared with patients with a negative QFT. Ethnicity (a marker of risk of previous TB exposure), urine protein/creatinine ratio, use of ACE inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers and statins, serum C-reactive protein, vitamin D levels, HbA1c concentration and presenting GFR did not differ significantly. Conclusions: The finding in this small cohort needs to be replicated in a larger study because our study is susceptible to both type I and type II statistical error. We found that QFT positivity was associated with a more rapid rate of decline in GFR, but this association may be coincidental (with the difference in decline attributed to differences in the blood pressure or proteinuria of the two groups). Moreover, an association does not necessarily mean causality, although it would be interesting to speculate if we are identifying patients with latent TB who have an active interstitial nephritis. Another intriguing possibility is that this assay identifies patients with an immunological phenotype that predisposes to eGFR loss.
Coronary Artery Disease–Related Genetic Variant on Chromosome 10q11 Is Associated With Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Kiechl Stefan , Laxton Ross C. , Xiao Qingzhong , Hernesniemi Jussi A. , Raitakari Olli T. , Kähönen Mika , Mayosi Bongani M. , Jula Antti , Moilanen Leena , Willeit Johann , Watkins Hugh , Samani Nilesh J. , Lehtimäki Terho J. , Keavney Bernard , Xu Qingbo , Ye Shu
Published: September 2010

Objective—

To investigate whether chromosome 10q11.21 influences common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and atherosclerosis and whether it is associated with stromal cell–derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) plasma levels.

Methods and Results—

Variation on chromosome 10q11.21 has been consistently associated with coronary artery disease. The genetic variant lies upstream of the gene encoding SDF-1α. We genotyped 3 population cohorts (Bruneck [age range, 45 to 94 years; 50.0% men; n=738], Health2000 [age range, 46 to 76 years; 55.4% men; n=1237], and essential hypertension in families collected in the region of Oxford [HTO] [age range, 19 to 88 years; 47.9% men; n=770]) for single-nucleotide polymorphism
rs501120
at the 10q11.21 locus and conducted a meta-analysis in these cohorts to ascertain a relationship between the polymorphism and carotid IMT. The analysis showed that individuals with the
T/T
genotype had a significantly higher carotid IMT than individuals with the
C/T
or
C/C
genotype (pooled weighted mean difference, 23 μm [95% CI, 9 to 37 μm],
P
=0.0014 under a fixed-effects model; and 23 μm [95% CI, 6 to 41 μm],
P
=0.009 under a random-effects model). In the Bruneck cohort, in which data for carotid atherosclerosis and plasma SDF-1α levels were available, we observed an association of the
T/T
genotype with a higher burden of atherosclerosis and increased susceptibility to the development of atherosclerosis during a 5-year follow-up (multivariable odds ratio, 1.73 [95% CI, 1.18 to 2.52];
P
=0.005 for the recessive model) and an association between the
T/T
genotype and lower SDF-1α levels (2.62 ng/mL for
T/T
versus 2.74 ng/mL for
C/C
or
C/T
;
P
=0.023).

Conclusion—

The coronary heart disease–related variant at the 10q11.21 locus is associated with carotid IMT and atherosclerosis.
Changes in Mitral Annular Geometry and Dynamics With β-Blockade in Patients With Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease
Authors: Ennis Daniel B. , Rudd-Barnard Gabriel R. , Li Bo , Fonseca Carissa G. , Young Alistair A. , Cowan Brett R. , Stewart Ralph A.H.
Published: September 2010

Background—

Remodeling of the mitral annulus contributes to progression of mitral regurgitation (MR). In patients with moderate-to-severe MR, short-term treatment with β-blockers has been shown to increase left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic and end-systolic volume, and this could deleteriously increase mitral valve annular dimensions. The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of a short duration of β-blocker treatment on mitral annular dimensions and dynamics in patients with MR due to primary degenerative valve disease.

Methods and Results—

Twenty-five patients with moderate-to-severe degenerative MR and normal LV systolic function were studied in a double-blind crossover experiment using a β1-selective adrenergic blocker and placebo administered for 14±3 days. Cardiac MRI images were acquired after each treatment period to quantify mitral annular dimensions. At end diastole, there was no change in annular area (1659±331 versus 1632±299 mm
2
;
P
<0.19), annular perimeter (154.3±16.4 versus 152±13.9 mm;
P
<0.13), septal-lateral (SL) dimension (38.0±5 versus 39.0±4.5 mm;
P
<0.15), or annular height (9.8±3.8 versus 9.5±2.5 mm;
P
<0.53). β-blockade resulted in significant end-diastole decreases in commissure-commissure dimension (48.9±4.6 versus 47.2±4.0 mm;
P
<0.01) and eccentricity (1.3±0.2 versus 1.2±0.1;
P
<0.01). At end systole (ES), β-blockade conferred a small, but significant decrease in annular perimeter (161.0±19.3 versus 156.8±16.9 mm;
P
<0.04) and eccentricity (1.2±0.1 versus 1.1±0.1;
P
<0.02), and the SL dimension significantly increased (41.5±5.7 versus 43.0±5.3 mm;
P
<0.03). Commissure-commissure dimension, annular area, and annular height at ES were not significantly different.

Conclusions—

Despite significant increases in LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volume, short-term β-blocker treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe MR reduced or preserved all mitral annular dimensions except SL at ES.
Feedback Control Through cGMP-Dependent Protein Kinase Contributes to Differential Regulation and Compartmentation of cGMP in Rat Cardiac Myocytes
Authors: Castro Liliana R.V. , Schittl Julia , Fischmeister Rodolphe
Published: September 2010

Rationale:

We have shown recently that particulate (pGC) and soluble guanylyl (sGC) cyclases synthesize cGMP in different compartments in adult rat ventricular myocytes (ARVMs).

Objective:

We hypothesized that cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) exerts a feedback control on cGMP concentration contributing to its intracellular compartmentation.

Methods and Results:

Global cGMP levels, cGMP-phosphodiesterase (PDE) and pGC enzymatic activities were determined in purified ARVMs. Subsarcolemmal cGMP signals were monitored in single cells by recording the cGMP-gated current (
I
CNG
) in myocytes expressing the wild-type rat olfactory cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel. Whereas the NO donor
S
-nitroso-
N
-acetyl-penicillamine (SNAP) (100 μmol/L) produced little effect on
I
CNG
, the response increased 2-fold in the presence of the PKG inhibitors KT5823 (50 nmol/L) or DT-2 (2 μmol/L). The effect of KT5823 was abolished in the presence of the nonselective cyclic nucleotide PDE inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxantine (IBMX) (100 μmol/L) or the selective cGMP-PDE5 inhibitor sildenafil (100 nmol/L). PKG inhibition also potentiated the effect of SNAP on global cGMP levels and fully blocked the increase in cGMP-PDE5 activity. In contrast, PKG inhibition decreased by ≈50% the
I
CNG
response to ANP (10 and 100 nmol/L), even in the presence of IBMX. Conversely, PKG activation increased the
I
CNG
response to ANP and amplified the stimulatory effect of ANP on pGC activity.

Conclusions:

PKG activation in adult cardiomyocytes limits the accumulation of cGMP induced by NO donors via PDE5 stimulation but increases that induced by natriuretic peptides. These findings support the paradigm that cGMP is not uniformly distributed in the cytosol and identifies PKG as a key component in this process.
Increased Blood–Brain Barrier Permeability on Perfusion CT Might Predict Malignant Middle Cerebral Artery Infarction
Authors: Bektas Hesna , Wu Tzu-Ching , Kasam Mallikarjunarao , Harun Nusrat , Sitton Clark W. , Grotta James C. , Savitz Sean I.
Published: September 2010

Background and Purpose—

Perfusion CT has been used to assess the extent of blood–brain barrier breakdown. The purpose of this study was to determine the predictive value of blood–brain barrier permeability measured using perfusion CT for development of malignant middle cerebral artery infarction requiring hemicraniectomy (HC).

Methods—

We retrospectively identified patients from our stroke registry who had middle cerebral artery infarction and were evaluated with admission perfusion CT. Blood–brain barrier permeability and cerebral blood volume maps were generated and infarct volumes calculated. Clinical and radiographic characteristics were compared between those who underwent HC versus those who did not undergo HC.

Results—

One hundred twenty-two patients (12 HC, 110 no HC) were identified. Twelve patients who underwent HC had developed edema, midline shift, or infarct expansion. Infarct permeability area, infarct cerebral blood volume area, and infarct volumes were significantly different (
P
<0.018,
P
<0.0211,
P
<0.0001,
P
<0.0014) between HC and no HC groups. Age (
P
=0.03) and admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (
P
=0.0029) were found to be independent predictors for HC. Using logistic regression modeling, there was an association between increased infarct permeability area and HC. The OR for HC based on a 5-, 10-, 15-, or 20-cm
2
increase in infarct permeability area were 1.179, 1.390, 1.638, or 1.932, respectively (95% CI, 1.035 to 1.343, 1.071 to 1.804, 1.108 to 2.423, 1.146 to 3.255, respectively).

Conclusion—

Increased infarct permeability area is associated with an increased likelihood for undergoing HC. Because early HC for malignant middle cerebral artery infarction has been associated with better outcomes, the infarct permeability area on admission perfusion CT might be a useful tool to predict malignant middle cerebral artery infarction and need for HC.
The Involvement of Posterior Parietal Cortex in Feature and Conjunction Visuomotor Search
Authors: Lane Alison R. , Smith Daniel T. , Schenk Thomas , Ellison Amanda
Published: September 2010

Successful interaction with the environment often involves the identification and localization of an item. Right posterior parietal cortex (rPPC) is necessary for the completion of conjunction but not feature visual search, regardless of the attentional requirements. One account for this dissociation is that the rPPC is primarily involved in processing spatial information. For target identification, conjunction tasks require that spatial information is used to determine if features occur at the same location, whereas feature search does not require such a process. This account suggests that if the requirement to localize the target is made explicit, then rPPC may also be necessary for feature search. This was examined using TMS and by manipulating the response mode: Participants were either required to press a button indicating the presence/absence of the target or else had to point to the target. TMS over rPPC did not disrupt performance of the feature task when a button press was required but significantly increased response time and movement time for the same task in the pointing condition. Conjunction search in both response conditions was significantly impaired by TMS. Performance on a task that required pointing to a target in the absence of distractors and thus did not involve visual search was unaffected by rPPC stimulation. We conclude that rPPC is involved in coding and representing spatial information and is therefore crucial when the task requires determining whether two features spatially co-occur or when search is combined with explicit target localization via a visuomotor transformation.
Causal Role of the Sensorimotor Cortex in Action Simulation: Neuropsychological Evidence
Authors: Tomasino Barbara , Skrap Miran , Rumiati Raffaella Ida
Published: September 2010

Interest in sensorimotor cortex involvement in higher cognitive functions has recently been revived, although whether the cortex actually contributes to the simulation of body part movements has not yet been established. Neurosurgical patients with selective lesions to the hand sensorimotor representation offer a unique opportunity to demonstrate that the sensorimotor cortex plays a causal role in hand action simulations. Patients with damage to hand representation showed a selective deficit in simulating hand movements compared with object movements (Experiment 1). This deficit extended to objects when the patients imagined moving them with their own hands while maintaining the ability to visualize them rotating in space (Experiment 2). The data provide conclusive evidence for a causal role of the sensorimotor cortex in the continuous update of sensorimotor representations while individuals mentally simulate motor acts.
Class and Work Autonomy in 21 Countries
Authors: Edlund Jonas , Grönlund Anne
Published: September 2010

Autonomy, or the extent to which employees can control their own work, is a central theme in debates on organizational flexibility and labour market stratification. Predictions of upskilling and autonomy, for manual workers too, have been a striking component in visions of post-Fordism and post-industrialism. The two main comparative labour market theories — the varieties of capitalism school and the power resources approach — suggest that both the level and the distribution of autonomy vary across production contexts, either because of national differences in skill requirements or because of the varying strength of organized labour. The objective of the article, based on the 2004 European Social Survey, is to test these two hypotheses by examining national variation regarding mean levels and class differences in autonomy among 21 countries. The main conclusion is that both mean levels and class differences in autonomy have much more to do with the strength of organized labour than with the skill requirements of production. The analysis also questions a central element of the varieties of capitalism theory, namely the notion of national production strategies based on differences in skill specificity.
Economic Vulnerability among Low-Educated Europeans
Authors: Gesthuizen Maurice , Scheepers Peer
Published: September 2010

In this article, we pose the question: To what extent does a lack of individual resources and of access to high quality resources in one’s core social network explain why low-educated people are likely to experience economic vulnerability? Additionally, we explain cross-national differences in the risk that the low-educated run in terms of economic vulnerability. Multi-level models estimated for 22 countries of the European Social Survey show that a lack of labour market success and partner’s resources explain why the low-educated are likely to suffer from economic vulnerability. Next, we find a number of determinants to explain why the low-educated are better off in some countries than in others, i.e. cross-national variation in access of the low-educated group to high quality social resources, beliefs about the productivity of the group as a whole, structural labour market conditions and welfare state arrangements. In so far as welfare states can influence the contexts in which their (low-educated) citizens live, to a great extent they can also reduce economic vulnerability among the low-educated.
Collective Closure?
Authors: Horst Maja
Published: September 2010

Developments in biotechnology have sparked off a number of social controversies during the past decades and it has been common to understand public debate as a necessary prerequisite for the ability to deal with these controversies. This is particularly true in the case of Denmark, where public debate has been taking place for more than 25 years; the article uses the Danish example to argue that controversies about biotechnology intersect with fundamental political discussions about order and control in today’s knowledge society. Inspired by cultural theory and the work of Mary Douglas, it is proposed that arguments about biotechnology are justified by reference to particular articulations of social order. Her four notions of social order are identified in the analysis of a sample of arguments from four major Danish newspapers. On the basis of this typology, the article examines the broad discursive consensus in favour of public debate and participatory exercises regarding the social responses to biotechnology. Simultaneously, however, it points to inherent tensions in expectations towards public debate and its role in the creation of solutions to controversies over science and technology.
Validation of the Developmental Work Personality Model and Scale
Authors: O'Sullivan Deirdre , Strauser David
Published: September 2010

The construct of work personality has been linked to the development of effective work behaviors and overall vocational adjustment for individuals with disabilities. One conceptualization of work personality that has received consideration in the rehabilitation research literature is the construct of developmental work personality (DWP). The primary strengths of the DWP model are that it is grounded in developmental, learning, and work theories that have been widely validated with multiple populations in a variety of contexts and that the model is designed to explain components of the work personality, described by Neff as being “semi-autonomous.” The purpose of this study is to provide evidence of the psychometric properties of the DWP scale in samples of persons eligible to receive vocational rehabilitation services. The results of this three-phase study reveal empirically defined factors of the scale that correspond to the DWP model, adequate convergent validity measures, and adequate to good internal and temporal reliability coefficients in a sample of students. Recommendations for best use of the model and scale are included.
Effect of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone on Intestinal Absorption and Body Composition in Children With Short Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Goulet Olivier , Dabbas‐Tyan Myriam , Talbotec Cécile , Kapel Nathalie , Rosilio Myriam , Souberbielle Jean‐Claude , Corriol Odile , Ricour Claude , Colomb Virginie
Published: September 2010

This prospective study aimed to establish the effect of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) on intestinal function in children with short bowel syndrome (SBS). Eight children with neonatal SBS were included. All were dependent on parenteral nutrition (PN) for >3 years (range, 3.8–11.6 years), with PN providing >50% of recommended dietary allowance for age (range, 50%–65%). The subjects received rhGH (Humatrope) 0.13 mg/kg/d subcutaneously over a 12‐week period. The follow‐up was continued over a 12‐month period after rhGH discontinuation. Clinical and biological assessments were performed at baseline, at the end of the treatment period, and 12 months after the end of treatment. No side effects related to rhGH were observed. PN requirements were decreased in all children during the course of rhGH treatment. Between baseline and the end of treatment, significant increases were observed in concentrations (mean ± standard deviation) of serum insulin‐like growth factor 1 (103.1 ± 49.9 µg/L vs 153.5 ± 82.2 µg/L; P < .01), serum insulin‐like growth factor–binding protein 3 (1.7 ± 0.6 mg/L vs 2.5 ± 0.9 mg/L; P < .001), and plasma citrulline (16.5 ± 14.8 µmol/L vs 25.2 ± 18.3 µmol/L; P < .05). A median 54% increase in enteral intake (range, 10%–244%) was observed (P < .001) and net energy balance improved significantly (P < .002). It was necessary for 6 children to be maintained on PN or restarted after discontinuation of rhGH treatment, and they remained on PN until the end of the follow‐up period. A 12‐week high‐dose rhGH treatment allowed patients to decrease PN, but only 2 patients could be definitively weaned from PN. Indications and cost‐effectiveness of rhGH treatment for SBS pediatric patients need further evaluation.
Computer‐Assisted Glucose Regulation During Rapid Step‐Wise Increases of Parenteral Nutrition in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Hoekstra Miriam , Schoorl Michiel A. , van der Horst Iwan C. C. , Vogelzang Mathijs , Wietasch J. K. Götz , Zijlstra Felix , Nijsten Maarten W. N.
Published: September 2010

Background: Early delivery of calories is important in critically ill patients, and the administration of parenteral nutrition (PN) is sometimes required to achieve this goal. However, PN can induce acute hyperglycemia, which is associated with adverse outcome. We hypothesized that initiation of PN using a rapid “step‐up” approach, coupled with a computerized insulin‐dosing protocol, would result in a desirable caloric intake within 24 hours without causing hyperglycemia. Methods: In our surgical intensive care unit (ICU), glucose is regulated by a nurse‐centered computerized glucose regulation program. When adequate enteral feeding was not possible, PN was initiated according to a simple step‐up rule at an infusion rate of 10 mL/h (approximately 10 kcal/h) and subsequently increased by steps of 10 mL/h every 4 hours, provided glucose was <10 mmol/L, until the target caloric intake (1 kcal/kg/h) was reached. All glucose levels and insulin doses were collected during the step‐up period and for 24 hours after achieving target feeding. Results: In all 23 consecutive patients requiring PN, mean intake was 1 kcal/kg/h within 24 hours. Of the 280 glucose samples during the 48‐hour study period, mean ± standard deviation glucose level was 7.4 ± 1.4 mmol/L. Only 4.5% of glucose measurements during the step‐up period were transiently ≥10 mmol/L. After initiating PN, the insulin requirement rose from 1.1 ± 1.5 units/h to 2.9 ± 2.5 units/h (P < .001). Conclusions: This proof of concept study shows that rapid initiation of PN using a step‐up approach coupled with computerized glucose control resulted in adequate caloric intake within 24 hours while maintaining adequate glycemic control.
Plasma Levels of Conjugated Bile Acids in Newborns After a Short Period of Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: D'Apolito Oceania , Pianese Pierluigi , Salvia Gennaro , Campanozzi Angelo , Pettoello‐Mantovani Massimo , Russo Antonio Dello , Corso Gaetano
Published: September 2010

Background: Patients receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) frequently exhibit liver dysfunction. The authors previously reported that plant sterols of lipid emulsions added to the nutritional solution of newborns receiving PN accumulate in plasma and cell membranes and may contribute to the development of cholestasis. Conjugated bile acids (BA) have been shown to be useful markers of cholestasis. Plasma levels of several BA in newborns were quantified after administration of PN for less than 2 weeks. Methods: Plasma samples from 15 healthy control infants (CN), 22 patients who had received PN for 3–15 days (T1), and 9 patients scheduled to receive PN (T0) were analyzed. After a simple extraction procedure, plasma BA were analyzed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry using a quantitative isotope dilution method. Results: The concentrations of BA did not differ significantly between controls and patients before PN (CN vs T0), with the exception of glycocholic acid (GCA; 2.30 ± 2.60 µM vs 7.29 ± 5.39 µM, respectively). There was a significant difference in several BA between controls and patients after PN (2.30 ± 2.60 µM vs 7.61 ± 6.46 µM for GCA, respectively; 4.02 ± 3.49 µM vs 11.88 ± 11.05 µM for taurocholic acid [TCA], respectively; and 4.81 ± 3.49 µM vs 13.58 ± 12.22 µM for taurochenodeoxycholic + taurodeoxycholic + tauroursodeoxycholic acids [TCDCA+TDCA+TUDCA], respectively). Conclusions: In newborns receiving PN, a short period of PN is associated with an early increase of some conjugated BA. These results suggest that GCA, TCA, and TCDCA+TDCA+TUDCA levels could be used as early markers of PN‐related cholestasis.
Forgiveness and forgiving communication in dating relationships: An expectancy-investment explanation
Authors: Guerrero Laura K. , Bachman Guy F.
Published: September 2010

In the present study we examined how expectancy violations theory (EVT) and the investment model (IM) work together to predict forgiveness and forgiving communication. Participants completed questionnaires before and following a relational transgression. Victims reported more forgiveness if they previously rated their relationship as high in quality, made greater relational investments, and perceived the transgression as less negative. Motivation to retaliate was associated with less investment and the perception that the partner had inflicted hurt intentionally. Distinct profiles of EVT and IM variables were related to each form of forgiving communication — nonverbal displays, explicit forgiveness, conditional forgiveness, discussion, and minimization — suggesting that an expectancy— investment theoretical framework is useful in predicting reactions to transgressions
Misattributions contributing to empathic (in)accuracy during parent-adolescent conflict discussions
Authors: Sillars Alan , Smith Traci , Koerner Ascan
Published: September 2010

This research examined the content of self-reported thoughts and thoughts attributed to others during video-assisted recall of parent—adolescent conflict discussions. We hypothesized that parents and adolescents tend to frame family conflicts differently and thereby misattribute certain thoughts to one another. Coded thoughts revealed that parents over-attributed negative and avoidance thoughts to adolescents, overlooked admissions by adolescents, and over-attributed agreement to their spouse, relative to the thoughts that others reported for self. Conversely, adolescents over-attributed controlling thoughts to parents. Parents and adolescents focused on different aspects of the discussions, with parents thinking more about interaction processes and adolescents thinking more about content issues. Both seemed to lack meta-awareness of this difference.
The roles of autonomy-connectedness and attachment styles in depression and anxiety
Authors: Bekker Marrie H.J. , Croon Marcel A.
Published: September 2010

The present study examined how autonomy—connectedness and attachment styles relate to depression and anxiety among 69 clients at a primary mental health care institution and 105 non-clients. We expected poor autonomy—connectedness (i.e., low self-awareness, low capacity for managing new situations, and high sensitivity to others) and insecure attachment to predict depression and anxiety. Clients, compared with non-clients, differed on all study variables. Anxious attachment was a strong predictor of depression and anxiety. Both sensitivity to others and capacity for managing new situations directly predicted anxiety; and, like self-awareness, had indirect effects, via anxious attachment, on both anxiety and depression. Results underscore the importance of autonomy—connectedness (in addition to insecure attachment) in treating anxiety and depression.
Library exceptions in the copyright laws of Ibero-American countries
Authors: Fernández-Molina Juan Carlos , Chaves Guimarães José Augusto
Published: September 2010

The development of the digital setting has made it absolutely necessary to revise copyright legislation as a whole, including the exceptions that benefit libraries and similar institutions. Unfortunately, adaptation to the new technological reality is not taking place satisfactorily in most countries — the predominating trend is a refortification of copyright as opposed to user interests, and the maintenance of a certain pre-digital philosophy. In the case of Ibero-America the problem is twofold: aside from obsolescence or a lack of adaptation to the new technological setting, there are countries that have not yet included library-related exceptions in the national laws. Moreover, these happen to be developing countries, whose needs and interests do not coincide with those of the richer nations who paved the path to be followed by international treaties and copy- or copyright agreements. This study looks into the situation of exceptions to copyright to benefit libraries in the countries constituting Ibero-America, with a comparative analysis of the most significant characteristics of their national laws. It is concluded that it is crucial for these countries to take advantage of the options offered through the WIPO Copyright Treaty of 1996 and the results of the WIPO Development Agenda to update their legislation, in order that copyright will be respected, while at the same time making it easier for libraries to continue carrying out their social function in an adequate manner, always with the understanding of the developmental context of these countries.
Participatory communication for local government in South Africa: a study of the Kungwini Local Municipality
Authors: Msibi Futhi , Penzhorn Cecilia
Published: September 2010

Participatory communication, focusing on the active involvement of the people in all stages of development projects, is crucial for sustainable development. South Africa acknowledges the importance of following a participatory communication approach for development, and policies and strategies both on national as well as local government level support this resolve. This article discusses a study which aimed at ascertaining to what extent local government follows accepted participatory communication principles and practices to communicate with the community. The investigation focused on the Kungwini Local Municipality. Interviews with relevant role players were conducted, meetings between the municipality and the community were observed, and documents used by the municipality to communicate with the community were studied. Results indicate that the participatory communication approach is appreciated as being critical for development at local government level and is being successfully applied by the local municipality. Some challenges for further practical implementation of participatory communication were identified, and recommendations for addressing them are offered.
Individual breathlessness trajectories do not match summary trajectories in advanced cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: results from a longitudinal study
Authors: Bausewein Claudia , Booth Sara , Gysels Marjolein , Kühnbach Robert , Haberland Birgit , Higginson Irene J
Published: September 2010

Breathlessness is a distressing symptom in advanced disease. Little is known about the trajectories of this symptom over time and towards death. This study aimed to describe and compare the summary and individual trajectories of breathlessness and overall symptom burden over time and towards the end of life following patients with advanced cancer or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in inpatient and outpatient health care settings in Germany. The modified Borg Scale, Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale Short Form and Palliative Outcome Scale were used as outcome measures. Data were collected at baseline and then monthly over six months or until death. Forty-nine cancer and 60 COPD patients were included. Both groups had similar demographics. Thirty out of the 49 cancer and 6/60 COPD patients died, 7/49 cancer and 20/60 COPD patients dropped out due to physical deterioration or questionnaire fatigue. In cancer patients, breathlessness increased towards death. In COPD patients, breathlessness increased over time. Twenty-one cancer and 43 COPD patients provided data for individual breathlessness trajectories. These revealed wide individual variations with four different patterns: fluctuation, increasing, stable and decreasing breathlessness. Symptom trajectories on the population level reflecting the whole group mask individual variation, which is reflected in distinct symptom trajectories with different patterns.
Can the global uptake of palliative care innovations be improved? Insights from a bibliometric analysis of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System
Authors: Cummings Greta , Biondo Patricia D , Campbell David , Stiles Carla , Fainsinger Robin , Muise Melanie , Hagen Neil
Published: September 2010

Clinical research is undertaken to improve care for palliative patients, but little is known about how to support the broad uptake of resultant innovations. The objectives of this paper are to: (1) explore the uptake of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System throughout the global palliative care community through the lens of a bibliometric review – a research method that maps out the journey of new knowledge uptake by evaluating where key articles are cited in published literature; (2) construct hypotheses on attributes of the global community of palliative care learners; and (3) make inferences on approaches that could improve knowledge transfer. While preliminary, results of the study suggest several specific approaches that could support widespread uptake of innovations in palliative care: targeting publication in high impact, international journals; explicitly focusing on how the innovation is applied to best practice; encouraging additional research to expand on early studies; consciously targeting key professional groups and organizations to promote discussion in the grey literature; and early translation and promotion within multiple languages.
Ciliary ganglioplegic migraine: Migraine-related prolonged mydriasis
Authors: Barriga FJ , de Silanes C López , Gili P , Pareja JA
Published: September 2010

Background: Transient, unilateral mydriasis has been reported in migraine patients, and this has been regarded as a possible co-morbidity between migraine and Adie’s tonic pupil. Mydriasis that outlasts the duration of migraine attacks is rare.

Methods: Through an eight-year period we have studied all patients referred to our neurological clinic because of migraine attack with mydriasis. All the patients underwent thorough neurologic and ophthalmologic examinations including MRI of the brain and testing of the pupil response to ocular instillation of dilute pilocarpine (0.125%).

Results: Seven women and two men, with a mean age of 33.8 ± 12.3 years (range: 19–52) were included. The patients presented during one hemicranial migraine attack with an ipsilateral mydriasis that persisted for a mean of three months, while migraine headaches remained with their typical episodic course. In all the patients a cholinergic supersensitivity in the symptomatic pupil was demonstrated, thus pointing to a dysfunction of the ipsilateral ganglionic parasympathetic fibers.

Conclusions: Synchronous co-localization of the features suggests a pathogenic link between the pupil dysfunction and migraine, rather than a simultaneous coexistence of two independent disorders. Likely explanations include a latent Adie’s pupil that could have been triggered during a particular migraine attack; a ciliar ganglionic lesion/dysfunction produced by the migrainous process; an ophthalmoplegic migraine with selective parasympathycoparesis; or an episodic ciliar ganglionitis with migrainous features. Ciliary ganglioplegic migraine is proposed as a nominal term pointing to the possible anatomic source of the migrainous-related pupil dysfunction; the pathogenesis remains unknown.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Arthroscopic Evaluation of Cartilage Lesions
Authors: Spahn Gunter , Klinger Hans Michael , Baums Mike , Hoffmann Martin , Plettenberg Holger , Kroker Anne , Hofmann Gunther O.
Published: September 2010

Background

Mechanical tests to grade cartilage damage are limited by the instruments used and by the ability to access all areas of cartilage within a joint. Better methods to diagnose cartilage injury or degeneration are needed.

Purpose/Hypothesis

To detect the interobserver variance of arthroscopic cartilage grading by subjective judgment using the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) score and by objective measurement using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. We hypothesized that objective measurement of cartilage lesions by NIR spectroscopy will yield more valid results than routine grading using the ICRS score.

Study Design

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods

Fifteen patients undergoing arthroscopic knee operations were evaluated by 4 experienced arthroscopists independently. The cartilage lesions within the medial knee compartment were estimated by each observer using the ICRS grade and by measurements with a special arthroscopic NIR spectroscopy probe.

Results

The ICRS grading had a poor interobserver agreement, with a mean Fleiss kappa index of κ = 0.173. Only in 10% (6 of 60) of judged cartilage areas did all 4 surgeons grade the cartilage areas with the same result. In 17 areas (28.3%), the surgeons had a variance of 2 or more grades. In the remaining cases, the surgeons varied within 1 grade. The objective NIR spectroscopy-obtained measurements of cartilage resulted in a significant correlation within the observers of R = 0.885 ± 0.036 (P < .001).

Conclusion

Our results of interobserver evaluation in real-time arthroscopic cartilage grading suggest that this subjective grading is not satisfactory. This study emphasizes the need for objective measurement techniques for arthroscopic cartilage grading. Near-infrared spectroscopy has a good interobserver correlation. Thus, this method could be developed in the future as a precise method of measuring cartilage lesions.
In Vivo Stability and Clinical Comparison of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Low or High Femoral Tunnel Positions
Authors: Seon Jong Keun , Park Sang Jin , Lee Keun Bae , Seo Hyoung Yeon , Kim Myung Sun , Song Eun Kyoo
Published: September 2010

Background: Several biomechanical studies have supported placing the femoral tunnel at a low position (10 or 2 o’clock) to achieve anterior and rotational knee stabilities after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, no firm consensus has been reached regarding the merits and demerits of ACL reconstruction using a low femoral tunnel versus a high femoral tunnel (11 or 1 o’clock).

Hypothesis: A low femoral tunnel position during ACL reconstruction provides better intraoperative stability (especially, rotational stability) and clinical outcomes than does a high femoral tunnel position.

Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence 2.

Methods: Sixty-two patients who underwent ACL reconstruction were equally allocated to low and high femoral tunnel groups; 58 were followed up for a minimum of 2 years (29 in the each group). After reconstruction and using a navigation system, the authors compared intraoperative anterior, internal rotational, and external rotational stabilities at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of knee flexion and compared clinical outcomes, including Lysholm knee scores, Tegner activity scores, Lachman and pivot-shift test findings, and radiographic stabilities at final follow-up visits.

Results: The low group showed significantly better intraoperative internal rotational stability at 0° and 30° of flexion but not at other angles (60° and 90°). Intraoperatively, no significant intergroup differences were found for anterior and external rotational stabilities at any flexion angle. Furthermore, clinical outcomes, including Lysholm knee and Tegner activity scores, showed no significant differences between the 2 groups at final follow-up visits ( P > .05), and Lachman and pivot-shift test stability results and radiological stability data obtained at final follow-up were not significantly different between the 2 groups ( P > .05).

Conclusion: The low femoral tunnel group showed better internal rotational stability at time zero during ACL reconstruction but similar anterior and external rotational stabilities. No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in terms of clinical outcomes and stabilities after a minimum follow-up of 2 years.
Age Differences in Long-Term Patterns of Change in Alcohol Consumption Among Aging Adults
Authors: Shaw Benjamin A. , Krause Neal , Liang Jersey , McGeever Kelly
Published: September 2010

Objectives: To estimate patterns of long-term, within-person, changes in alcohol consumption among adults of different ages and assess key predictors of alcohol-use patterns over time. Method: Data came from 3,617 adults, interviewed up to four times between 1986 and 2002. Multilevel multinomial logit models estimated the odds of abstinence and heavy drinking relative to moderate drinking. Results: The odds of abstinence increased and the odds of heavy drinking decreased during the study period. Older adults experienced faster increases in abstinence than younger adults. However, data extrapolations suggest that current younger adults are more likely to be abstinent and less likely to be heavy drinkers during late life than current older adults. Time-varying health, social, and lifestyle factors account for some of these patterns. Discussion: Drinking behavior in our aging population appears to be on a relatively promising course, perhaps reflecting the effectiveness of public health efforts.
The altruism of pre-adolescent children’s perspectives on ‘worry’ and ‘happiness’ in Australia and England
Authors: Sargeant Jonathon
Published: September 2010

This article presents the perspectives of Australian and English children on the broad terms worry, happy and change. Utilizing a qualitative methodology, the study engaged with pre-adolescent children (‘tweens’) on the issues affecting them in the modern world. Participants were drawn from a large regional secondary school in Eastern Australia and a comparable regional secondary school in England. Students completed an open-ended questionnaire. In both contexts, many of the children identified specific personal and predominantly social priorities. In their responses, the children tended towards features in their lives that reflected the high importance of individual relationships. The factors that give rise to the identified importance of the family relationship reveal their prioritization of the conditions in their lifeworld. The children demonstrated an acute and sophisticated knowledge of their local community and the global world. They identified local and global issues as they impacted on them personally.
Caged golden canaries: Childhood, privacy and subjectivity in contemporary urban China
Authors: Naftali Orna
Published: September 2010

This study explores two aspects of the privatization of childhood in contemporary urban China: the emergent discourse on children’s privacy and children’s growing seclusion within the home. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork, the author describes urban caregivers’ engagement with the issue of children’s privacy, and argues that we are now witnessing a transformation in Chinese notions of childhood, privacy and subjectivity. The result of a complex interaction between official discourses, demographic changes and economic forces, this transformation is also a product of the persistent influence of Confucian values, and the unique childhood experiences of a particular generation of urban Chinese parents.
Parochial geographies: Growing up in divided Belfast
Authors: Leonard Madeleine
Published: September 2010

This article explores the ways in which teenagers occupy and manage space in one divided community in Northern Ireland. Drawing on stories, maps and focus group discussions with 80 teenagers, from an interface area in Belfast, the article reveals their perceptions and experiences of divided cities, as risky landscapes. Teenagers respond to these risks in various ways, at times reiterating traditional sectarian prejudices and at times demonstrating resilience in coping with growing up in a risky location. In the process, young people develop strategies of resistance, which at times support, and at times undermine, the wider ideologies underpinning ethnic conflict in Northern Ireland.
How post-apartheid children express their identity as R citizens D
Authors: Joubert Ina , Ebersöhn Liesel , Eloff Irma
Published: September 2010

Children in South Africa are educated to identify with democratic values and democracy in post-apartheid society. As yet, we have no empirical evidence on their views on and identification with the new South African democracy. When given an opportunity to express their life experiences, the 9-year-old child citizens of this case study revealed their democratic identity on various levels. These children expressed a weak identification with democracy on the local level but a strong identification with democracy on the national level. The authors argue that the weak identification on the local level may influence the children’s identification with democracy negatively. It is the key finding of this study that a lack of democratic identification may endanger the sustainability of the South African democracy into the future.