bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Presence/Absence of a Nasogastric Tube in the Same Person on Incidence of Aspiration
Authors: Fattal Michael , Suiter Debra M. , Warner Heather L. , Leder Steven B.
Published: August 2011

Objective

To determine what effect, if any, the presence or absence of a nasogastric (NG) tube in the same person had on the incidence of anterograde aspiration.

Design

Case series with planned data collection.

Setting

Large, urban, tertiary care teaching hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Referred sample of 62 consecutively enrolled adult inpatients for fiber‐optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Group 1 (n = 21) had either small‐bore (n = 13) or large‐bore (n = 8) NG tubes already in place and had a FEES first with the NG tube in place and a second FEES after NG tube removal. Group 2 (n = 41) did not have an NG tube and had a FEES first without an NG tube and a second FEES after placement of a small‐bore NG tube. Time between FEES was approximately 5 minutes. Patients were tested with thin liquid and puree food consistencies. Occurrence of aspiration for each consistency dependent on the presence or absence of an NG tube was recorded.

Results

There were no significant differences (P >. 05) in aspiration status for both liquid and puree consistencies in the same person dependent on presence or absence of either a small‐bore or large‐bore NG tube.

Conclusions

Since objective swallowing evaluation (eg, FEES) can be performed with an NG tube in place, it is not necessary to remove an NG tube to evaluate for aspiration. Similarly, there is no contraindication to leaving an NG tube in place to supplement oral alimentation until nutritional requirements are achieved.
British Cultural Studies, Active Audiences and the Status of Cultural Theory
Authors: Jin Huimin
Published: August 2011

British cultural studies, represented perhaps chiefly by the so-called Birmingham School, is much marked by its strong orientation towards the application of grounded theory in the analysis of concrete cases, rather than the development of abstract Theory with a Capital T (in Stuart Hall’s words). As a leading figure of the Birmingham School and a key representative of the active audience model in television studies, or broadly, media studies, David Morley stands at a point where this trend was set, as is evidenced in this interview. Questioned by Huimin Jin, Morley puts his audience studies into the contexts of British cultural studies, postmodernism, Marxism, social movements, and so on; and in doing so, he shows the ambiguity, and subtlety of his concepts of how to best theorize the active audience. Only by this method, Jin believes, could Morley launch his version of audience studies, which aims not to invent a general theory of media effects, but to use an interdisciplinary range of theories to explore how people actually respond to a TV programme; and only by this approach to audience studies, furthermore, could Morley develop a theory of the audience’s activity, which is embedded in the course of their everyday life and that cannot be thoroughly colonized by discourses. Cultural studies, wherever it is conducted, therefore, Morley suggests, has to construct modes of analysis that are relevant to its own conditions of production in a particular place, at a particular time. This is the tradition, as we know it, but also the future, as Morley envisages, of cultural studies.
Family Values, Social Capital and Contradictions of American Modernity
Authors: Webb Philip
Published: August 2011

Contemporary American social and political discourses have integrated concerns about family values into the realm of debates about the associational life of social capital. In these discussions, theoretical and historical confusions about the relations between family and civil society run rampant. In this article, I first bring theoretical clarity to these social structures and the type of relations upon which they are predicated and, second, briefly historicize the relationships between an American idea of family and civil society. By tracing changes in popular understandings of family and civil society, I demonstrate that the modern family values movement spurns its Victorian roots by maintaining the nostalgic language for a life and family of old built around a Christian home, while embracing means and institutions, and even more importantly, a form of family, which belies the nostalgia. The family has now become an institution or association which can be sustained through instrumental interventions; it is no longer to do with the organic relations of sentiment remaining from some long-faded Gemeinschaft. The family and the Christian home ideal, which were at the center of American critiques of modernization, have ceased to be.
The electrochemical performance of carbon-aerogel-based nanocomposite anodes compound with graphites for lithium-ion cells
Authors: Dayong Guan  , Jun Shen  , Nianping Liu  , Guangming Wu  , Bin Zhou  , Zhihua Zhang  , Xingyuan Ni
Published: August 2011

Carbon aerogels are nanostructure porous carbon materials that are derived via a sol—gel process with resorcinol and formaldehyde and subsequent pyrolysis of the precursor aerogels. Due to their high surface area, electrically conducting network, and chemical inertness, carbon aerogels can be considered ideal electrodes in rechargeable batteries. In this article, nanocomposite carbon anodes were prepared using carbon aerogels powders and graphite powders and the compound powders and binder, separately. With different carbon anodes and with lithium metal foil as the cathode, half-cells were made. Electrochemical measurements of the lithium intercalation properties for carbon aerogels were performed under high-purity argon in a glove box. The model cells showed that the initial charge capacity is 1135 mAh/g, and nanocomposite carbon anodes revealed better properties. This was due to the carbon aerogels’ electrically conducting network in order to provide good access of Li+ ions and electrons to active material.
The sources of inelastic behavior of Glass Fibre/Vinylester non-crimp fabric [±45]s laminates
Authors: Giannadakis K. , Mannberg P. , Joffe R. , Varna J.
Published: August 2011

The non-linear and time-dependent stress—strain response of NCF [±45]s laminates in tension is studied. Testing methodology is suggested to separate and quantify the effect of damage development, non-linear viscoelastic effects, and viscoplasticity on the inelastic response. This is achieved by decomposition of viscoelastic and viscoplastic response, both of them being affected by microdamage accumulated during the service life. Material model based on Schapery’s work on viscoelasticity and Zapas viscoplastic function with added damage terms is presented and used. Simulation is performed and validated with constant stress rate tensile tests, identifying the non-linear viscoelasticity and viscoplasticity as the major sources of the non-linear response.
EVOH-based nanocomposites prepared by simple saponification method
Authors: Sang Shin Lee  , Kyu Ryn Kim  , Han Sien-Ho , Yeun Sug Jeong  , Kim Mal-Nam , Park Eun-Soo
Published: August 2011

The nanocomposite powders of poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol)/Na+-montmorillonite (EVOH/MMT) and EVOH/Loess were prepared by a solution-precipitation and saponification method. EVA/toluene/nanoclay suspensions were precipitated and saponified in ethanol/KOH solution in a heterogeneous manner. Tensile properties, morphology, and thermal behavior of the prepared nanocomposites have been evaluated using UTM, SEM, and DSC, respectively. The tensile strength and elongation at break of EVA/MMT-50% and EVA/Loess-50% nanocomposites were significantly increased up to 1 h saponification time and thereafter gradually decreased. At 1 h saponification time, the tensile strength of EVA/ Loess-50% nanocomposite was increased by 5.4-fold to 14.7 MPa, whereas EVA/MMT-50% increased the tensile strength by 2.2-fold to 10.4 MPa compared to the un-saponified one. With the increase in saponification time, melting and crystallization peak temperature of both nanocomposites was shifted at a higher temperature. The antibacterial activity of saponified EVA/MMT-50% and EVA/Loess-50% powders was also determined by shake flask test against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Among the nanocomposites used in this study, EVA/MMT-50%-6 h exhibited strong antibacterial activity against the two kinds of bacteria.
The Study of Factor Structure and Reliability of an Abbreviated School Climate Survey
Authors: Ding Cody , Liu Ying , Berkowitz Marvin
Published: August 2011

The concept of school climate has been an important variable in research on quality of school life and student learning. One of the challenges in such a research effort is to develop instruments that could effectively and efficiently measure the construct. The purpose of the current study was to examine the factor structure and reliability of an abbreviated version of the Developmental Study Center’s School Climate Survey. Based on data from a comprehensive character education project implemented in an urban school district in 2007 ( n = 5,914), 2008 ( n = 5,874) and 2009 ( n = 5,149), results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) revealed a seven-factor structure across 3 years, indicating a stable factor structure of the abbreviated form. The scales in the abbreviated form demonstrated similar reliability to those of the original form.
Factors That Contribute to the Improvement in Maternal Parenting After Separation From a Violent Husband or Partner
Authors: Fujiwara Takeo , Okuyama Makiko , Izumi Mayuko
Published: August 2011

The authors test the hypothesis that separation from a violent husband or partner improves maternal parenting in Japan and examine how childhood abuse history (CAH), experience of domestic violence (DV), mental health problems, husband or partner’s child maltreatment, and other demographic factors affect maternal parenting after such separation. A self-administered questionnaire survey is conducted for mothers ( n = 304) and their children ( n = 498) staying in 83 mother-child homes in Japan to assess the mothers’ CAH, DV experiences, current mental health problems, and exposure to a husband or partner’s child maltreatment. The authors also assess maternal poor parenting (physical and psychological abuse, neglect, no playing, and no praise) before and after admission into the mother-child homes. The total poor parenting score (specifically for neglect, no playing, and no praise) significantly reduces after separation from a violent husband or partner ( p = .001, paired t test). However, scores for psychological abuse significantly increase after admission ( p < .001, paired t test). CAH, DV, and mental health problems are not associated with a reduced total poor parenting score after admission. Husband or partner’s child maltreatment is independently significantly associated with a reduced maternal poor parenting score: A 10% increase in such maltreatment is associated with a 5% reduction in the poor parenting score after separation. Marital status also contributes to the score reduction: The reduction is less in married or divorced mothers than in those who did not marry the partner. Mother-child homes might be useful for improving maternal parenting. Further study is needed to elucidate the mechanism of the impact of separation from a violent husband or partner on maternal parenting.
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners’ Perceptions of the Revictimization of Rape Victims
Authors: Maier Shana L.
Published: August 2011

While Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner programs have improved the treatment of rape victims by offering more compassionate and thorough treatment, SANEs believe victims continue to face revictimization by the medical, criminal justice and legal systems. The purpose of this research is to explore SANEs’ perceptions of the revictimization of rape victims by the police, legal system and medical system. Data from interviews with 39 Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners from four East Coast states reveal that most SANEs believe that the medical, criminal justice, and legal systems wield the power to revictimize rape victims. SANEs were more likely to cite the criminal justice system as a source of revictimization, followed by the medical system and legal system. According to SANEs, police contribute to victims’ distress through failure to ask questions in a sensitive manner, failure to proceed with investigations, and by asking victim-blaming questions. Revictimization by the legal system results when charges are never filed, cases are postponed or dropped, plea bargains are unsatisfactory, and victims’ character and credibility are questioned. Revictimization by the medical system is marked by long waits for medical attention.
“We Rule the Base Because We’re Few”
Authors: Hauser Orlee
Published: August 2011

Informed by gendered organizational theory, I discuss “lone girls” in Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF), that is, women serving in bases where the majority of soldiers are men. I argue that the IDF’s military structure pushes these token women into traditional gendered behavior. Contrary to basic tenets of gendered organizational logic, many of these women find that doing gender in traditional ways is empowering. They manipulate gender and femininity to their advantage as IDF soldiers, as a means of attaining a sense of organizational belonging when other paths are blocked. Thus, lone girls benefit from their army experiences on an individual level. On a collective level, though, their presence on male-dominated bases does little to strengthen the position of women in the IDF and in Israeli society in general. Rather, it serves to reinforce traditional gender expectations for men and women.
Disciplining Corpulence
Authors: Czerniawski Amanda M.
Published: August 2011

In this ethnographic study of plus-size fashion models in New York City, I build on previous research that has only examined the staged performance of fat and, instead, focus attention on the “backstage” aesthetic labor process. Using participant observations and interviews, I document an intensive aesthetic labor process, whereby these models continually developed their bodies according to the demands of their fashion employers. Their actions, as part of an aesthetic labor process involving affective, emotional, and physical labor, only served to reify normative imperatives involving female bodies. As aesthetic laborers subject to fashion’s gaze, they engaged in a range of bodily disciplines that relied on thin aesthetics. Consequently, their bodies became both subjects and objects, managed through self-surveillance and corporal discipline. I draw on these findings to highlight a nuanced aesthetic labor process that, rather than challenging discursive constructions of fatness to create a new “fat aesthetic,” reproduced normative imperatives involving female bodies that further perpetuated their sense of disembodiment.
Knock, Knock; Who’s There?
Authors: Heiss Sarah N. , Carmack Heather J.
Published: August 2011

The entry of new members into an organization can be a time of uncertainty and creativity for both newcomers and veterans. This study explored how humor communication was used by members of a human service organization to negotiate the entry of newcomers. Humor was frequently utilized by all members to manage stress and uncertainty while making sense of job expectations, organizational culture, and organizational affiliations. Additionally, many members marked moments of identification with the organization through their ability to use and interpret humor in the organization successfully. Together, newcomers and veterans used humor to co-construct the organizational norms and expectations.
Reflexivity in Practice
Authors: Norander Stephanie , Harter Lynn M.
Published: August 2011

This article focuses on the efforts of an international nongovernmental organization (NGO) based in Sweden. KtK (Kvinna till Kvinna) partners with local women’s organizations in postconflict societies to carry out “peace work.” Drawing upon postcolonial feminist theory and field work, the authors explore how KtK strives to practice reflexivity in its relationships with partners. Through these organizing practices, women who have been marginalized before, during, and after conflict struggle together to resist misrepresentations, reclaim spaces for political action, and reconfigure the meanings of sustainability by focusing on long-term networking and relationships. The authors’ analysis points to the struggles and opportunities of international organizing driven by feminist ideals and goals for peace and reconstruction.
Process of Normalization in Families With Children Affected by Hemophilia
Authors: Emiliani Francesca , Bertocchi Sabrina , Potì Silvia , Palareti Laura
Published: August 2011

To understand the normalization process in families with hemophiliac children, and to explore the impact of two different therapeutic regimes on it (on-demand therapy and prophylaxis), we conducted a two-phase study using semistructured interviews. In the course of the first phase, we interviewed 13 parents belonging to 10 families with hemophiliac children in on-demand therapy. In the second phase, 5 years later, we repeated the interviews with three families who began prophylaxis at different times. We analyzed the interviews using text analysis software. The results show very different representations of hemophilia and daily life. Normalization processes involve the overcoming of a divided conception of life, and encourage the integration of care practices within daily life. Moreover, in our article we suggest that although prophylaxis facilitates the recovery of a regular family routine, it alone cannot produce normalization.
Irrational Beliefs and Test Anxiety in Turkish School Adolescents
Authors: Boyacioglu Nur , Kucuk Leyla
Published: August 2011

The purpose of this descriptive and correlational study was to determine the extent to which irrational beliefs of students in early adolescents predict test anxiety. The study sample consisted of 557 students recruited from primary schools in Turkey. The Irrational Beliefs Scale for Adolescents (IBS-A) and the Test Anxiety scale were used as data-collection instruments. As a result of this study, there was a positive, significant correlation between mean scores on the Text Anxiety scale and total score, and the three subscale (demand for success, demand for comfort, and demand for respect) scores on the IBS-A. It was also found that demand for comfort and success are more statistically significant predictors of test anxiety levels of the students compared to demand for respect.
Online Solutions to Support Needs and Preferences of Parents of Children With Asthma and Allergies
Authors: Stewart Miriam , Letourneau Nicole , Masuda Jeffrey R. , Anderson Sharon , McGhan Shawna
Published: August 2011

Many families of children with asthma and allergies experience support deficits and isolation. However, support interventions have not been designed to meet their needs. Consequently, parents’ intervention preferences were elicited, and an online peer support group intervention was designed based on these preferences and piloted in the study described. In-depth interviews with 44 parents elicited preferences for support interventions for both children and parents. Many said they felt alone and wanted support from others in similar situations. Based on the parents’ preferences for accessible online peer support groups, a pilot online intervention was designed and implemented. Parents received information and reassurance from other parents in peer support sessions. Parents appreciated the accessibility and anonymity of the online support group. This innovative online peer support intervention, informed by parents’ preferences, could be adapted and tested in intervention trials and guide programs and practice for families affected by asthma, allergies, and other chronic conditions.
The Medicare Policy of Payment Adjustment for Health Care-Associated Infections
Authors: Hartmann Christine W. , Hoff Timothy , Palmer Jennifer A. , Wroe Peter , Dutta-Linn M. Maya , Lee Grace
Published: August 2011

In 2008, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services introduced a new policy to adjust payment to hospitals for health care-associated infections (HAIs) not present on admission. Interviews with 36 hospital infection preventionists across the United States explored the perspectives of these key stakeholders on the potential unintended consequences of the current policy. Responses were analyzed using an iterative coding process where themes were developed from the data. Participants’ descriptions of unintended impacts of the policy centered around three themes. Results suggest the policy has focused more attention on targeted HAIs and has affected hospital staff; relatively fewer systems changes have ensued. Some consequences of the policy, such as infection preventionists having less time to devote to HAIs other than those in the policy or having less time to implement prevention activities, may have undesirable effects on HAI rates if hospitals do not recognize and react to potential time and resource gaps.
Contested Homes
Authors: Shadar Hadas , Orr Zvika , Maizel Yael
Published: August 2011

Professionals possess an authoritative and monopolistic position that rests on their exclusive knowledge and is reinforced by their normative ideology. However, in hegemonic processes professionals often serve also as “traditional intellectuals,” or agents who preserve the interests of those in power. This article focuses on a critical moment in which a threat is posed to both the professional status of architects and the established hegemonic order. By examining the professional architects’ reaction to this double threat, this article will show that the professionals attempted to protect the old social structure and hegemonic ideology, while neglecting their exclusive knowledge and tools as professionals and diminishing their professional status. This process will be examined by analyzing the conduct of discourse of Israeli architects in reaction to the partial privatization of urban planning and the freedom given to individuals to design their own homes during the 1980s.
Listeners prefer the laughs of children with autism to those of typically developing children
Authors: Hudenko William J. , Magenheimer Michael A.
Published: August 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of laugh sounds produced by 8- to 10-year-old children with and without autism on naïve listeners, and to evaluate if listeners could distinguish between the laughs of the two groups. Results showed that listeners rated the laughs of children with autism more positively than the laughs of typically developing children, and that they were slightly above chance levels at judging which group produced the laugh. A subset of participants who reported listening for “uncontrolled” or “longer” laughs were significantly better at discriminating between the laughs of the two groups. Our results suggest that the laughs of children with autism have the potential to promote the formation of relationships.
Shall we do this together? Social gaze influences action control in a comparison group, but not in individuals with high-functioning autism
Authors: Schilbach Leonhard , Eickhoff Simon B. , Cieslik Edna C. , Kuzmanovic Bojana , Vogeley Kai
Published: August 2011

Perceiving someone else’s gaze shift toward an object can influence how this object will be manipulated by the observer, suggesting a modulatory effect of a gaze-based social context on action control. High-functioning autism (HFA) is characterized by impairments of social interaction, which may be associated with an inability to automatically integrate socially relevant nonverbal cues when generating actions. To explore these hypotheses, we made use of a stimulus-response compatibility paradigm in which a comparison group and patients with HFA were asked to generate spatially congruent or incongruent motor responses to changes in a face, a face-like and an object stimulus. Results demonstrate that while in the comparison group being looked at by a virtual other leads to a reduction of reaction time costs associated with generating a spatially incongruent response, this effect is not present in the HFA group. We suggest that this modulatory effect of social gaze on action control might play an important role in direct social interactions by helping to coordinate one’s actions with those of someone else. Future research should focus on these implicit mechanisms of interpersonal alignment (‘online’ social cognition), which might be at the very heart of the difficulties individuals with autism experience in everyday social encounters.
The association of autism diagnosis with socioeconomic status
Authors: Thomas Pauline , Zahorodny Walter , Peng Bo , Kim Soyeon , Jani Nisha , Halperin William , Brimacombe Michael
Published: August 2011

Background: In 2007 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a higher prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in New Jersey, one of the wealthiest states in the United States, than in other surveillance regions.

Objective: To examine the association of socioeconomic status (SES) with ASD prevalence.

Methods: Information on eight-year-olds with ASD from four counties was abstracted from school and medical records. US Census 2000 provided population and median household income data.

Results: 586 children with ASD were identified: autism prevalence was 10.2/1000, higher in boys than girls (16 vs. 4/1000); higher in white and Asian non-Hispanics than in black non-Hispanics and Hispanics (12.5, 14.0, 9.0, and 8.5/1000, respectively); and higher (17.2/1000 (95% CI 14.0–21.1)) in tracts with median income >US$90,000 than in tracts with median income ≤US$30,000 (7.1 (95% CI 5.7–8.9)). Number of professional evaluations was higher, and age at diagnosis younger, in higher income tracts ( p < .001), but both measures spanned a wide overlapping range in all SES levels. In multivariable models race/ethnicity did not predict ASD, but the prevalence ratio was 2.2 (95% CI 1.5–3.1) when comparing highest with lowest income tracts.

Conclusions: In the US state of New Jersey, ASD prevalence is higher in wealthier census tracts, perhaps due to differential access to pediatric and developmental services.
Comparisons of Indoor Air Quality and Thermal Comfort Quality between Certification Levels of LEED-Certified Buildings in USA
Authors: Lee Young S.
Published: August 2011

This study investigated whether indoor air quality (IAQ) and thermal comfort quality that were measured by occupants’ environmental satisfaction and their perceived job performance in personal workspaces of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified buildings were associated with the rating level of the LEED certification. This was to find the evidence whether the work environment of LEED-certified buildings with a higher certification level could also achieve higher IAQ and thermal comfort from occupants’ evaluation. In this study, both occupants’ environmental satisfaction and perceived job performance in IAQ and thermal comfort quality from 15 LEED-certified buildings were compared between four building groups based on the LEED certification levels. This study found that there was a positive correlation between the two to some degree from the ANOVA tests at 95% confidence intervals. This study also examined whether the level of environmental satisfaction and perceived job performance in IAQ and thermal comfort quality was related to the level of their satisfaction with the overall building quality. It was found that perceived job performance enhanced by IAQ was positively associated with their satisfaction with the overall building quality from the Pearson correlation coefficient analysis.
Performance of Light Redirection Systems in Model Buildings Under Typical Sky and Building Obstruction Conditions Encountered in Hong Kong
Authors: Li D.H.W. , Tsang E.K.W. , Edmonds I.R.
Published: August 2011

In Hong Kong, many buildings are high-rise blocks constructed close to each other resulting in severe sky obstructions, more particularly for rooms at the lower floors. Innovative daylighting technologies that transport natural light from outside towards the inner part of deep plan rooms are appropriate devices to improve daylight uniformity and visual comfort. Good visual effects and less lighting energy use may result if proper designs are employed. This paper studies the performance of light redirection systems via scale model under real sky conditions. The results demonstrate that laser cut panels can generally increase the interior daylight in the rear of the scale model room, improve the daylight uniformity and have the potential to reduce the electric lighting energy use.
Liver lipid content is reduced in rat given 7-day administration of angiotensin II
Authors: Ishizaka Nobukazu , Hongo Makiko , Sakamoto Aiko , Saito Kan , Furuta Kyoko , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: August 2011

Activation of the renin–angiotensin system may be involved in the development of hepatic steatosis, a condition that is associated with insulin resistance. We showed that in rats, angiotensin II induced accumulation of triglycerides in the renal tubular and cardiac cells, although it significantly reduced the weight of the rats. Here we investigated the liver lipid content of rats given long-term angiotensin II administration. Angiotensin II (0.7 mg/kg/day) was infused into the rats for 7 days via an osmotic minipump. Some rats also received hydralazine or losartan concomitantly. It was shown that angiotensin II reduced oil red O-stainable lipid droplets (6% of the control value) and liver triglyceride content (angiotensin II: 4.6 ± 0.8 µg/mg, control: 11.7 ± 1.1 µg/mg). Both of these phenomena were blocked by losartan, but not by hydralazine. Angiotensin II infusion reduced the expression and activity of AMP-activated protein kinase. In addition, angiotensin II decreased the mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α and genes related to β-oxidation, although mRNA expression of genes related to lipogenesis were not affected. Angiotensin II reduced triglyceride content in the liver, unlike in the kidney or heart, via an AT1 receptor-dependent mechanism.
Association between genetic polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme and diabetic nephropathy: a meta-analysis comprising 26,580 subjects
Authors: Wang Furu , Fang Qiaoqiao , Yu Ningle , Zhao Deyu , Zhang Yimei , Wang Jin , Wang Quan , Zhou Xianfeng , Cao Xingjiang , Fan Xiangyong
Published: August 2011

Introduction: The effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme ( ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism on risk of diabetic nephropathy (DN) is still conflicting. The present meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the overall risk of this polymorphism associated with DN in different groups.

Materials and methods: A predefined search was performed on 14,108 DN cases and 12,472 controls from 63 published studies by searching electronic databases and reference lists of relevant articles.

Results: In this meta-analysis, we found a significant association between the ACE I/D polymorphism and the risk of DN for all genetic models (ID versus II: odds ratio [OR] = 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.24; DD versus II: OR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.13–1.44; allele contrast: OR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.08–1.23; dominant model: OR = 1.18, 95% CI 1.07–1.31; and recessive model: OR = 1.18, 95% CI 1.08–1.30, respectively). In stratified analysis by ethnicity and DM type, we further found that the Asian group with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) showed a significant association for all genetic models (ID versus II: OR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.07–1.47; DD versus II: OR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.24–1.98; allele contrast: OR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.15–1.46; dominant model: OR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.10–1.69; and recessive model: OR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.15–1.56, respectively).

Conclusions: Our study suggested that the ACE I/D polymorphism may contribute to DN development, especially in the Asian group with T2DM.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Authors: Diaz Joseph A. , Slomka Teresa
Published: August 2011

Although colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, the burden of this disease could be dramatically reduced by increased utilization of screening. Evidence-based recommendations and guidelines from national societies recommend screening all average risk adults starting at age 50 years. However, the myriad screening options and slight differences in screening recommendations between guidelines may lead to confusion among patients and their primary care providers. In addition, varied colorectal cancer incidence and screening rates among different racial/ethnic groups, inconsistent screening recommendations based on family history and/or age, and increasing awareness of the role of nonadenomatous and nonpolypoid lesions also pose potential challenges to primary care providers when counseling patients. The goal of this review, therefore, is to briefly summarize the colorectal cancer screening guidelines issued by 3 major organizations, compare their recommendations, and address emerging issues in colorectal cancer screening.
Is there a BP benefit of changing the time of aspirin administration in treated hypertensive patients?
Authors: Dimitrov Yves , Baguet Jean-Philippe , Hottelart Carine , Marboeuf Philippe , Tartiere Jean-Michel , Ducher Michel , Fauvel Jean-Pierre
Published: August 2011

Background and design: The effects of aspirin on blood pressure (BP) are controversial and a chronopharmacological effect of aspirin on 24-hour BP was reported recently in otherwise untreated hypertensive patients. The study was designed to test the timing effect of aspirin dosing on 24-hour BP in treated hypertensive patients routinely taking aspirin for cardiovascular prevention.

Method and results: Seventy-five patients were randomized into two groups. One group was to receive aspirin in the evening then in the morning for 1 month and the other group in the morning then in the evening, following a cross-over design. The principal assessment criterion was 24-hour systolic BP (SBP) measured by 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM). Patients were aged 65 ± 9 years and had been hypertensive for 12 ± 10 years. They were all taking a mean of 2.8 antihypertensive drugs and did not modify their treatment throughout the study. Of the included subjects, 70% were men and 33% were diabetics. Mean 24-hour SBP values were clinically equivalent and were not statistically different, depending on whether the aspirin was taking in the morning or evening (128.3 ± 1.4 vs. 128.3 ± 1.4 mmHg, respectively). Neither was there any significant difference in diurnal and nocturnal SBP or in 24-hour, diurnal, and nocturnal diastolic BP (DBP).

Conclusion: It does not appear useful to advise patients with long-standing hypertension to modify timing of aspirin intake in order to reduce BP values.
Obesity, ergonomics and public health
Authors: Buckle Peter , Buckle Jessica
Published: August 2011

Obesity within today’s workforce is increasingly recognized as a challenge for both public health professionals and ergonomists. The two disciplines share a scientific, evidence-based approach to practice and now have the opportunity to address a common health issue, namely obesity. This paper shows, through an overview of the current literature, how and where obesity is impacting on the workplace and how the health of the workforce is being affected. Ergonomics and public health priorities have been mapped and challenges suitable for the application of existing knowledge and further research have been identified. Areas of common endeavour, for example how sedentary work may be exacerbating obesity, have been identified as candidate topics for joint activity by ergonomists and public health professionals.
Can worksite nutritional interventions improve productivity and firm profitability? A literature review
Authors: Jensen Jørgen Dejgård
Published: August 2011

Aims: This paper investigates whether and how worksite nutrition policies can improve employee productivity.

Methods: The questions are pursued through a literature review, including a systematic search of literature – combined with literature identified from backward references – on randomized controlled or quasi-experimental worksite intervention trials and observational cross-sectional studies. Studies were selected on the basis of topic relevance, according to publication title and subsequently according to abstract content. A quality appraisal of the studies was based on study design and clarity in definition of interventions, as well as environmental and outcome variables.

Results: The search identified 2,358 publications, 30 of which were found suitable for the review. Several of the reviewed studies suggest that diet-related worksite interventions have positive impacts on employees’ nutritional knowledge, food intake and health and on the firm’s profitability, mainly in terms of reduced absenteeism and presenteeism.

Conclusions: Well-targeted and efficiently implemented diet-related worksite health promotion interventions may improve labour productivity by 1%–2%. On larger worksites, such productivity gains are likely to more than offset the costs of implementing such interventions. These conclusions are subject to some uncertainty due to the relatively limited amount of literature in the field.
CD8+ T-cell reconstitution in recipients of umbilical cord blood transplantation and characteristics associated with leukemic relapse
Authors: Merindol Natacha , Champagne Martin A. , Duval Michel , Soudeyns Hugo
Published: August 2011

Recipients of umbilical cord blood (UCB) transplantation (UCBT) face a high risk of morbidity and mortality related to opportunistic infections (OI) and leukemic relapse. To understand the molecular basis of these UCBT-related complications, the characteristics of UCB-derived antigen-specific CD8+ T cells were examined in a group of pediatric UCBT recipients. Compared with the UCB graft inoculum and the late post-UCBT period (12-36 months), declining clonal diversity of UCB-derived CD8+ T cells specific for the Melan-A26-35 A27L peptide and high frequencies of PD-1-expressing CD8+ T cells were observed in the first 3 months after UCBT, a period during which OIs are most frequent. The CD8+ T-cell compartment predominantly comprised CD45RA+ CCR7− terminally differentiated effector-memory T cells until 6 months after UCBT, at which time the polyfunctionality of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells was reestablished. Finally, the frequency of PD-1+ CD8+ T cells was significantly higher in subjects who subsequently experienced leukemic relapse. This study informs the biologic properties of UCB-derived CD8+ T cells and provides a rationale for the characteristics of UCBT in terms of immune reconstitution and OI. These results also suggest that the elevated frequency of PD-1+ CD8+ T cells could be associated with leukemic relapse in pediatric UCBT recipients.
Characterization of in vivo-acquired resistance to macrolides of Mycoplasma gallisepticum strains isolated from poultry
Authors: Gerchman Irena , Levisohn Sharon , Mikula Inna , Manso-Silván Lucía , Lysnyansky Inna
Published: August 2011

The macrolide class of antibiotics, including tylosin and tilmicosin, is widely used in the veterinary field for prophylaxis and treatment of mycoplasmosis. In vitro susceptibility testing of 50 strains of M. gallisepticum isolated in Israel during the period 1997-2010 revealed that acquired resistance to tylosin as well as to tilmicosin was present in 50% of them. Moreover, 72% (13/18) of the strains isolated from clinical samples since 2006 showed acquired resistance to enrofloxacin, tylosin and tilmicosin. Molecular typing of the field isolates, performed by gene-target sequencing (GTS), detected 13 molecular types (I-XIII). Type II was the predominant type prior to 2006 whereas type X, first detected in 2008, is currently prevalent. All ten type X strains were resistant to both fluoroquinolones and macrolides, suggesting selective pressure leading to clonal dissemination of resistance. However, this was not a unique event since resistant strains with other GTS molecular types were also found. Concurrently, the molecular basis for macrolide resistance in M. gallisepticum was identified. Our results revealed a clear-cut correlation between single point mutations A2058G or A2059G in domain V of the gene encoding 23S rRNA (rrnA, MGA_01) and acquired macrolide resistance in M. gallisepticum. Indeed, all isolates with MIC ≥ 0.63 μg/mL to tylosin and with MIC ≥ 1.25 μg/mL to tilmicosin possess one of these mutations, suggesting an essential role in decreased susceptibility of M. gallisepticum to 16-membered macrolides.
Postconditioning inhibits myocardial apoptosis during prolonged reperfusion via a JAK2-STAT3-Bcl-2 pathway
Authors: Tian Yikui , Zhang Wenjuan , Xia Dachuan , Modi Paul , Liang Degang , Wei Minxin
Published: August 2011

Background

Postconditioning (PostC) inhibits myocardial apoptosis after ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. The JAK2-STAT3 pathway has anti-apoptotic effects and plays an essential role in the late protection of preconditioning. Our aim was to investigate the anti-apoptotic effect of PostC after prolonged reperfusion and the role of the JAK2-STAT3 pathway in the anti-apoptotic effect of PostC.

Methods

Wistar rats were subjected to 30 minutes ischemia and 2 or 24 hours (h) reperfusion, with or without PostC (three cycles of 10 seconds reperfusion and 10 seconds reocclusion at the onset of reperfusion). Separate groups of rats were treated with a JAK2 inhibitor (AG490) or a PI3K inhibitor (wortmannin) 5 minutes before PostC. Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze Bcl-2 protein levels after reperfusion. mRNA levels of Bcl-2 were detected by qRT-PCR. TTC staining was used to detect myocardial infarction size. Myocardial apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL staining. Western-blot was used to detect p-STAT3 and p-Akt levels after reperfusion.

Results

There was more myocardial apoptosis at 24 h vs 2 h after reperfusion in all groups. PostC significantly reduced myocardial apoptosis and elevated Bcl-2 levels at both 2 and 24 hours after reperfusion. PostC increased p-STAT3 and p-Akt levels after reperfusion. Administration of AG490 reduced p-STAT3 and p-Akt levels and attenuated the anti-apoptotic effect of PostC. Wortmannin also reduced p-Akt levels and attenuated the anti-apoptotic effect of PostC but had no effect on p-STAT3 levels. AG490 abrogated the up-regulation of Bcl-2 by PostC.

Conclusion

PostC may reduce myocardial apoptosis during prolonged reperfusion via a JAK2-STAT3-Bcl-2 pathway. As a downstream target of JAK2 signaling, activation of PI3K/Akt pathway may be necessary in the protection of PostC.
The testis-specific Cα2 subunit of PKA is kinetically indistinguishable from the common Cα1 subunit of PKA
Authors: Vetter Maike M , Zenn Hans-M , Méndez Eva , van den Boom Heidrun , Herberg Friedrich W , Skålhegg Bjørn S
Published: August 2011

Background

The two variants of the α-form of the catalytic (C) subunit of protein kinase A (PKA), designated Cα1 and Cα2, are encoded by thePRKACAgene. Whereas Cα1 is ubiquitous, Cα2 expression is restricted to the sperm cell. Cα1 and Cα2 are encoded with different N-terminal domains. In Cα1 but not Cα2 the N-terminal end introduces three sites for posttranslational modifications which include myristylation at Gly1, Asp-specific deamidation at Asn2 and autophosphorylation at Ser10. Previous reports have implicated specific biological features correlating with these modifications on Cα1. Since Cα2 is not modified in the same way as Cα1 we tested if they have distinct biochemical activities that may be reflected in different biological properties.

Results

We show that Cα2 interacts with the two major forms of the regulatory subunit (R) of PKA, RI and RII, to form cAMP-sensitive PKAI and PKAII holoenzymes bothin vitroandin vivoas is also the case with Cα1. Moreover, using Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), we show that the interaction patterns of the physiological inhibitors RI, RII and PKI were comparable for Cα2 and Cα1. This is also the case for their potency to inhibit catalytic activities of Cα2 and Cα1.

Conclusion

We conclude that the regulatory complexes formed with either Cα1 or Cα2, respectively, are indistinguishable.
Temporal changes in HCV genotype distribution in three different high risk populations in San Francisco, California
Authors: Dias Paulo Telles , Hahn Judith A , Delwart Eric , Edlin Brian R , Martin Jeff , Lum Paula , Evans Jennifer , Kral Alex , Deeks Steve , Busch Michael P , Page Kimberly
Published: August 2011

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype (GT) has become an important measure in the diagnosis and monitoring of HCV infection treatment. In the United States (U.S.) HCV GT 1 is reported as the most common infecting GT among chronically infected patients. In Europe, however, recent studies have suggested that the epidemiology of HCV GTs is changing.

Methods

We assessed HCV GT distribution in 460 patients from three HCV-infected high risk populations in San Francisco, and examined patterns by birth cohort to assess temporal trends. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess factors independently associated with GT 1 infection compared to other GTs (2, 3, and 4).

Results

Overall, GT 1 was predominant (72.4%), however younger injection drug users (IDU) had a lower proportion of GT 1 infections (54.7%) compared to older IDU and HIV-infected patients (80.5% and 76.6%, respectively). Analysis by birth cohort showed increasing proportions of non-GT 1 infections associated with year of birth: birth before 1970 was independently associated with higher adjusted odds of GT 1: AOR 2.03 (95% CI: 1.23, 3.34). African-Americans as compared to whites also had higher adjusted odds of GT 1 infection (AOR: 3.37; 95% CI: 1.89, 5.99).

Conclusions

Although, HCV GT 1 remains the most prevalent GT, especially among older groups, changes in GT distribution could have significant implications for how HCV might be controlled on a population level and treated on an individual level.
Combined analysis of three genome-wide association studies on vWF and FVIII plasma levels
Authors: Antoni Guillemette , Oudot-Mellakh Tiphaine , Dimitromanolakis Apostolos , Germain Marine , Cohen William , Wells Philip , Lathrop Mark , Gagnon France , Morange Pierre-Emmanuel , Tregouet David-Alexandre
Published: August 2011

Background

Elevated levels of factor VIII (FVIII) and von Willebrand Factor (vWF) are well-established risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, in particular venous thrombosis. Although high, the heritability of these traits is poorly explained by the genetic factors known so far. The aim of this work was to identify novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that could influence the variability of these traits.

Methods

Three independent genome-wide association studies for vWF plasma levels and FVIII activity were conducted and their results were combined into a meta-analysis totalling 1,624 subjects.

Results

No single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) reached the study-wide significance level of 1.12 × 10-7that corresponds to the Bonferroni correction for the number of tested SNPs. Nevertheless, the recently discovered association ofSTXBP5,STX2,TC2NandCLEC4Mgenes with vWF levels and that ofSCARA5and STAB2 genes with FVIII levels were confirmed in this meta-analysis. Besides, among the fifteen novel SNPs showing promising association at p < 10-5with either vWF or FVIII levels in the meta-analysis, one located inACCN1gene also showed weak association (P= 0.0056) with venous thrombosis in a sample of 1,946 cases and 1,228 controls.

Conclusions

This study has generated new knowledge on genomic regions deserving further investigations in the search for genetic factors influencing vWF and FVIII plasma levels, some potentially implicated in VT, as well as providing some supporting evidence of previously identified genes.