bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The History of the Discovery of Vitamin D and Its Daughter Steroid Hormone
Authors: Norman Anthony W.
Published: November 2012

It is largely through historical accident in the interval of 1920–1940 that vitamin D3 became classified as a vitamin rather than as a steroid hormone. The formal definition of a vitamin is that it is a trace dietary constituent required to produce the normal function of a physiological process or processes. The emphasis here is on trace and the fact that the vitamin must be supplied regularly in the diet; this implies that the body is unable to metabolically synthesize the vitamin in question. However, the ultraviolet exposure of 7-dehydrocholesterol present in the skin results in the photochemical production of vitamin D3. Thus, vitamin D3 becomes a true vitamin only when the animal or human does not have regular access to sunlight or ultraviolet light. Under normal physiological circumstances, all mammals, including humans, can generate, via ultraviolet exposure of 7-dehydrocholesterol present in the skin, adequate quantities of vitamin D3 to meet their nutritionally defined requirements. There is a vibrant historical record beginning in 1650 and culminating in 1963 concerned with the determination of the chemical structures of vitamin D3 and vitamin D2. A surprising aspect concerning vitamin D3 is that it is itself biologically inert. There are no known essential biological actions or contributions that rely specifically on the molecule vitamin D3. While chemists had certainly appreciated the strong structural similarity between the vitamins D and other steroids, this correlation was never widely acknowledged in the biological, clinical, or nutritional sciences until 1965–1970. The biological role of vitamin D3 is to serve as a substrate for the liver 25-hydroxylase which produces 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3]. 25(OH)D3 in turn serves as the substrate for the kidney proximal tubule 25(OH)D3-1α-hydroxylase enzyme which produces the steroid hormone 1α,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 [1α,25(OH)2D3].
A History of Vitamin E
Authors: Niki Etsuo , Traber Maret G.
Published: November 2012

Vitamin E (α-tocopherol) was discovered nearly 100 years ago because it was required to prevent fetal resorption in pregnant, vitamin E-deficient rats fed lard-containing diets that were easily oxidizable. The human diet contains eight different vitamin E-related molecules synthesized by plants; despite the fact that all of these molecules are peroxyl radical scavengers, the human body prefers α-tocopherol. The biological activity of vitamin E is highly dependent upon regulatory mechanisms that serve to retain α-tocopherol and excrete the non-α-tocopherol forms. This preference is dependent upon the combination of the function of α-tocopherol transfer protein (α-TTP) to enrich the plasma with α-tocopherol and the metabolism of non-α-tocopherols. α-TTP is critical for human health because mutations in this protein lead to severe vitamin E deficiency characterized by neurologic abnormalities, especially ataxia and eventually death if vitamin E is not provided in large quantities to overcome the lack of α-TTP. α-Tocopherol serves as a peroxyl radical scavenger that protects polyunsaturated fatty acids in membranes and lipoproteins. Although specific pathways and specific molecular targets have been sought in a variety of studies, the most likely explanation as to why humans require vitamin E is that it is a fat-soluble antioxidant.
The Discovery of Thiamin
Authors: Carpenter Kenneth J.
Published: November 2012

Thiamin deficiency was long known as ‘beriberi’ in English and ‘kakké’ in Japan and China. The cause of beriberi was attributed to miasmas rising from wet soil and later to an unknown infectious organism. Systematic studies of beriberi began in the Dutch East Indies in the 1880s. Cornelis Pekelharing and Cornelis Winkler investigated beriberi in the Dutch East Indies and thought that they had isolated a micrococcus that was responsible for the disease. Christiaan Eijkman observed that chickens fed white rice developed a leg paralysis or ‘polyneuritis’, whereas chickens fed brown (unpolished) rice did not. Gerrit Grijns succeeded Eijkman in the beriberi studies in Java and concluded correctly that there were unknown substances in foods that were needed for the peripheral nervous system. In 1926, Barend Jansen and Willem Donath isolated and crystallized a substance that cured polyneuritis in pigeons. Robert Williams synthesized thiamin in 1936.
The Discovery of Vitamin B12
Authors: Scott John M. , Molloy Anne M.
Published: November 2012

The discovery of vitamin B12, the elucidation of its role in metabolism, and the effects and treatment of its deficiency occurred in distinct phases over more than 100 years, and it was the subject of two separate Nobel Prizes. The valuable contribution of clinical reports and studies of patients with pernicious anemia throughout the 19th century resulted in enough clinical definition to allow Minot and Murphy to put together the first hallmark study on treatment of the condition, leading them to a Nobel Prize. These researchers were not the first to suggest that an inadequacy of nutrients was the cause of pernicious anemia, but their particular input was a carefully designed intervention in well-characterized pernicious anemia patients, of a special diet containing large amounts of liver. They found consistent improvement in the clinical and blood status of all subjects, most of whom remained on remission indefinitely. After the successful intervention studies, the next advance was made by Castle who discovered that a gastric component, which he called intrinsic factor, was missing in pernicious anemia. Many years later, intrinsic factor was found to be a glycoprotein that formed a complex with vitamin B12, promoting its absorption through ileal receptors. The vitamin was isolated by two groups simultaneously and was crystallized and characterized in the laboratory of Dorothy Hodgkin, contributing to her Nobel Prize in 1964. Subsequently, the various biochemical roles of vitamin B12 were elucidated, including its important interaction with folate and their common link with megaloblastic anemia. Many of the early clinical studies recognized that vitamin B12 deficiency also caused a severe neuropathy leading to paralysis and death, while post mortem analysis demonstrated spinal cord demyelination. Vitamin B12 is still the subject of intense research and, in particular, its role in preventing these irreversible neurological lesions remains unclear.
MicroRNAs Regulate the Pathogenesis of CVB3-Induced Viral Myocarditis
Authors: Zhang Qinghua , Xiao Zonghui , He Feng , Zou Jizhen , Wu Sha , Liu Zhewei
Published: November 2012

Aims: To evaluate the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathogenesis of Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3)-induced viral myocarditis. Methods: We detected miRNA expression profiling by microarray utilizing a mouse model on day 4 after CVB3 infection. Then we validated differentially expressed miRNAs using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We predicted target genes using miRNA target prediction databases and assessed them using mRNA microarray and qualitative reverse transcription PCR measurements. By analyzing the target function of differentially expressed miRNAs, we initially explored the regulating role of miRNAs in viral myocarditis. Results: We found five differentially expressed miRNAs that are involved in regulating several important innate immune and antiviral pathways such as the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, cytokine- cytokine receptor interaction, MAPK signaling pathway, JAK-STAT signaling pathway, and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Conclusion: miRNAs regulate the pathogenesis of viral myocarditis. This study may provide a new perspective and a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of viral myocarditis that may help with the development of novel therapies against CVB3 infection.
Clinical and Functional Relevance of Melanocortin-4 Receptor Variants in Obese German Children
Authors: Melchior Christin , Schulz Angela , Windholz Jan , Kiess Wieland , Schöneberg Torsten , Körner Antje
Published: November 2012

Background: Variants in the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) gene are the most frequent cause of monogenic obesity. The relevance of MC4R variations with respect to clinical phenotype and biochemical function remains controversial. Methods: We sequenced the MC4R gene in 510 overweight/obese children. The clinical phenotype was assessed in a case-control setting matched for age, gender, puberty and body mass index. Identified MC4R variants were functionally characterized in vitro. Results: The frequency of MC4R variants was 5.3%, with functionally relevant mutations (D90N, V103I/S127L, R165W, G181D) occurring in 1.2% (confidence interval 0.26–2.15) of our sample. 4.1% were carriers of variants (Y35Y, V103I, T112M, M200V, I251L) with preserved receptor function in vitro. We did not detect large heterozygous deletions by multiple-ligand probe amplification assay. There were no differences in anthropometric or metabolic parameters between children with loss-of-function mutations and noncarriers. Carriers of the V103I or I251L variant had higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and HbA1c levels than matched noncarriers of MC4R variants. Conclusions: In our data set of childhood obesity in central Germany, we identified functionally relevant mutations in the MC4R gene in only 1.2% of the children. There were no major significant phenotypic differences between obese children with and without MC4R mutations. Hence, the diagnosis of genetically caused obesity due to MC4R mutation should be made with caution.
Nitric Oxide Activates IL-6 Production and Expression in Human Renal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Demirel Isak , Vumma Ravi , Mohlin Camilla , Svensson Lovisa , Säve Susanne , Persson Katarina
Published: November 2012

Background/Aims: Increased nitric oxide (NO) production or inducible form of NO synthase activity have been documented in patients suffering from urinary tract infection (UTI), but the role of NO in this infection is unclear. We investigated whether NO can affect the host response in human renal epithelial cells by modulating IL-6 production and mRNA expression. Methods: The human renal epithelial cell line A498 was infected with a uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strain and/or the NO donor DETA/NO. The IL-6 production and mRNA expression were evaluated by ELISA and real-time RT-PCR. IL-6 mRNA stability was evaluated by analyzing mRNA degradation by real-time RT-PCR. Results: DETA/NO caused a significant (p < 0.05) increase in IL-6 production. Inhibitors of p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 signaling, but not JNK, were shown to significantly suppress DETA/NO-induced IL-6 production. UPEC-induced IL-6 production was further increased (by 73 ± 23%, p < 0.05) in the presence of DETA/NO. The IL-6 mRNA expression increased 2.1 ± 0.17-fold in response to DETA/NO, while the UPEC-evoked increase was pronounced (20 ± 4.5-fold). A synergistic effect of DETA/NO on UPEC-induced IL-6 expression was found (33 ± 7.2-fold increase). The IL-6 mRNA stability studies showed that DETA/NO partially attenuated UPEC-induced degradation of IL-6 mRNA. Conclusions: NO was found to stimulate IL-6 in renal epithelial cells through p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 signaling pathways and also to increase IL-6 mRNA stability in UPEC-infected cells. This study proposes a new role for NO in the host response during UTI by modulating the transcription and production of the cytokine IL-6.
Estrogen Receptor–Mediated Regulation of MicroRNA Inhibits Proliferation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Zhao Jin , Imbrie Gregory A. , Baur Wendy E. , Iyer Lakshmanan K. , Aronovitz Mark J. , Kershaw Tanya B. , Haselmann Greta M. , Lu Qing , Karas Richard H.
Published: November 2012

Objective—

Estradiol (E2) regulates gene transcription by activating estrogen receptor-α and estrogen receptor-β. Many of the genes regulated by E2 via estrogen receptors are repressed, yet the molecular mechanisms that mediate E2-induced gene repression are currently unknown. We hypothesized that E2, acting through estrogen receptors, regulates expression of microRNAs (miRs) leading to repression of expression of specific target genes.

Methods and Results—

Here, we report that E2 significantly upregulates the expression of 26 miRs and downregulates the expression of 6 miRs in mouse aorta. E2-mediated upregulation of one of these miRs, miR-203, was chosen for further study. In cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), E2-mediated upregulation of miR-203 is mediated by estrogen receptor-α (but not estrogen receptor-β) via transcriptional upregulation of the primary miR. We demonstrate that the transcription factors Zeb-1 and AP-1 play critical roles in mediating E2-induced upregulation of miR-203 transcription. We show further that miR-203 mediates E2-induced repression of Abl1, and p63 protein abundance in VSMC. Finally, knocking-down miR-203 abolishes E2-mediated inhibition of VSMC proliferation, and overexpression of miR-203 inhibits cultured VSMC proliferation, but not vascular endothelial cell proliferation.

Conclusion—

Our findings demonstrate that E2 regulates expression of miRs in the vasculature and support the estrogen receptors-dependent induction of miRs as a mechanism for E2-mediated gene repression. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate that miR-203 contributes to E2-induced inhibition of VSMC proliferation and highlight the potential of miR-203 as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of proliferative cardiovascular diseases.
Pioglitazone Slows Progression of Atherosclerosis in Prediabetes Independent of Changes in Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Saremi Aramesh , Schwenke Dawn C. , Buchanan Thomas A. , Hodis Howard N. , Mack Wendy J. , Banerji MaryAnn , Bray George A. , Clement Stephen C. , Henry Robert R. , Kitabchi Abbas E. , Mudaliar Sunder , Ratner Robert E. , Stentz Frankie B. , Musi Nicolas , Tripathy Devjit , DeFronzo Ralph A. , Reaven Peter D.
Published: November 2012

Objective—

To determine whether changes in standard and novel risk factors during the Actos Now for Prevention of Diabetes trial explained the slower rate of carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) progression with pioglitazone treatment in persons with prediabetes.

Methods and Results—

CIMT was measured in 382 participants at the beginning and up to 3 additional times during follow-up of the Actos Now for Prevention of Diabetes trial. During an average follow-up of 2.3 years, the mean unadjusted annual rate of CIMT progression was significantly (
P
=0.01) lower with pioglitazone treatment (4.76×10
–3
mm/year; 95% CI: 2.39×10
–3
–7.14×10
–3
mm/year) compared with placebo (9.69×10
–3
mm/year; 95% CI: 7.24×10
–3
–12.15×10
–3
mm/year). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting and 2-hour glucose, HbA
1c
, fasting insulin, Matsuda insulin sensitivity index, adiponectin, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels improved significantly with pioglitazone treatment compared with placebo (
P
<0.001). However, the effect of pioglitazone on CIMT progression was not attenuated by multiple methods of adjustment for traditional, metabolic, and inflammatory risk factors and concomitant medications, and was independent of changes in risk factors during pioglitazone treatment.

Conclusion—

Pioglitazone slowed progression of CIMT, independent of improvement in hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and systemic inflammation in prediabetes. These results suggest a possible direct vascular benefit of pioglitazone.
Association Between Interleukin-6 Levels and First-Ever Cerebrovascular Events in Patients With Vascular Risk Factors
Authors: Miwa Kaori , Tanaka Makiko , Okazaki Shuhei , Furukado Shigetaka , Sakaguchi Manabu , Mochizuki Hideki , Kitagawa Kazuo
Published: November 2012

Objective—

The objective of this study was to examine the association of inflammatory markers with risk of first-ever cerebrovascular events (CVEs), while simultaneously evaluating subclinical vascular disease.

Methods and Results—

We enrolled 464 outpatients who had vascular risk factors without any preexisting cardiovascular disease. We examined the presence of silent lacunar infarction (SLI) by magnetic resonance imaging; carotid intima-media thickness by ultrasound; and measured high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-18 at baseline, and assessed their associations with CVEs using Cox proportional hazards models of 4.8±2.6 years follow-up. We further calculated measures of reclassification and discrimination. In age- and sex-adjusted analysis, IL-6, but neither high-sensitivity C-reactive protein nor IL-18, was associated with CVEs. The association remained significant after adjustment for conventional risk factors, intima-media thickness, and SLI (hazard ratios: 1.80, per 1-SD increase in log IL-6,
P
=0.03). Compared with the patients with below median IL-6 without SLI, those with above median IL-6 and SLI had a higher risk of CVEs (hazard ratios: 4.14,
P
=0.0014). The combination of IL-6 and SLI resulted in the net reclassification improvement of 14.3% (
P
=0.04), and the integrated discrimination improvement gain of 2.1% (
P
=0.05).

Conclusion—

IL-6 levels were independently associated with CVEs and could improve reclassification in those with SLI.
Design of a garment-based sensing system for breathing monitoring
Authors: Guo Li , Berglin Lena , Wiklund Urban , Mattila Heikki
Published: November 2012

The long-term monitoring of biophysiological signals requires new types of sensor systems that are wearable and at the same time convenient for the users. This paper describes the design of a novel garment-based sensing system for the long-term monitoring of breathing rhythm. The system concept was realized in a prototype garment, integrated with coated piezoresistive sensors. The prototype garment was tested by five subjects, and compared with a standard piezoelectric respiratory belt. Each signal was quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated in the time and frequency domain to make sure that no medical and diagnostic information was lost. The results showed a good agreement between the garment-based sensors and the standard reference, where errors occurred only when the breathing rate was extremely high. The garment-based sensor system could also distinguish the predominance breathing compartment (chest versus abdominal breathing). The system could detect a 10 s pause in breathing, which could be of importance in studies of sleep apnea. A garment-based sensing system maintains the accuracy of the signal quality without reducing the comfort for the user. It makes possible long-term ambulatory monitoring and has home-based healthcare applications.
Finite element simulation of projectile perforation through a ballistic fabric
Authors: Sun Danmei , Chen Xiaogang , Lewis Eluned , Wells Garry
Published: November 2012

A finite element (FE) model is developed to simulate the ballistic impact of a flat-faced cylindrical projectile onto a flexible plain woven fabric made from Kevlar. The geometric model of the fabric was made by an in-house CAD programme known as UniverWeave© on the specification of actual structural parameters of a fabric. Commercial software package ABAQUS was used to simulate the projectile–fabric impact process assuming that the constituent yarns are elastic and plastic when loaded. Comparison between the experimental and the simulated results revealed that the developed model for projectile–fabric impact using ABAQUS/Explicit is effective to simulate the ballistic impact process with high accuracy. The dynamic mechanisms of the impacted fabric were studied. It showed that the projectile lost its velocity quickly at the beginning and then decreased slowly. The cone formed in the backface of the impacted fabric is virtually linear with respect to time. The cone radius increased rapidly at the very beginning of the impact and less significant afterwards. A smaller cone base radius was found to correspond to a higher velocity impacted fabric. It also has been found that the main forms of energy absorption are the kinetic energy of the cone, the plastic and elastic energy of the impacted fabric. Furthermore, it is believed that a specified fabric can be designed and engineered against a certain level of threat based on the finding that there exist a specific impact energy under which the fabric absorbs maximum projectile impact energy.
Citizen, Soldier, or Citizen-Soldier? Negotiating Identity in the US National Guard
Authors: Vest Bonnie M.
Published: November 2012

This study examines the construction of US Army National Guard members’ dual identities as soldiers and civilians and posits processes, including behavioral practice, spatial displacement, and narrativity, which soldiers use to reconcile these potentially contradictory identities to develop an understanding of themselves as “citizen-soldiers.” Ethnographic evidence gathered from in-depth interviews suggests that for National Guard members who have never experienced deployment, the two identities of civilian and soldier are mostly separated. However, after experiencing deployment and reintegration, soldier and civilian identities become more intertwined and individuals must reorganize their identity according to different conceptions; integrating on a more permanent basis two different cultural modes of being. In light of the National Guard’s increased participation in deployments post-9/11, this reorganization of identity is contributing to a shift in the meaning of “citizen-soldiery” in the current US context.
The Bronx in Australia
Authors: Birdsall-Jones Christina
Published: November 2012

This paper contributes to the literature on the stigmatization of Australian public housing tenants and to the literature on Australian housing metaphors, explaining the usage of “the Bronx” as a means of stigmatizing country town and suburban localities dominated by public housing. It compares four Australian situations where the marginalization of the poor is expressed through the typification of the area in which they live as “the Bronx” by local usage, the media or both, comparing these with a fifth situation that matched the signal characteristics of this typification but escaped being so labeled. An examination of the Bronx’s (New York City) history shows the development of its reputation as a metaphor for the urban ghetto. The results of qualitative fieldwork undertaken in the Western Australian towns of Kalgoorlie, Carnarvon, and Broome are compared with media representations of analogous stigmatizations in New South Wales.
Stats on the Cheap
Authors: Hartnett Jessica L.
Published: November 2012

The present article describes four free or inexpensive Internet-based activities that can be used to supplement statistics/research methods/general psychology classes. Each activity and subsequent homework assessment is described, as well as homework performance outcome and student opinion data for each activity.
Changing Students’ Stereotypes of Older Adults
Authors: Wurtele Sandy K. , Maruyama LaRae
Published: November 2012

Research suggests that university students tend to hold negative attitudes about older adults. However, there is some evidence to suggest that these ageist attitudes can be challenged and changed through curricular intervention. The current study was designed to determine whether the “Activities of Older Adults” exercise as part of a lifespan human development course could create positive changes in college students’ attitudes toward older adults. Results suggest that the activities exercise can reduce negative stereotypes, as measured by the Fraboni Scale of Ageism. As the number of people who turn 65 every day increases, there exists an urgent need for all members of society to possess an accurate knowledge about and positive attitude toward older adults.
Construction of an iterative method for solving generalized coupled Sylvester matrix equations
Authors: Dehghan Mehdi , Hajarian Masoud
Published: November 2012

Solving linear matrix equations has various applications in control theory, in engineering, in scientific computations and various other fields. By applying generalization of the Hermitian and skew-Hermitian splitting (GHSS) iteration and the hierarchical identification principle, we propose a gradient-based iterative method for finding the solution of the generalized coupled Sylvester matrix equations (including (coupled) Sylvester and Lyapunov matrix equations as special cases). We prove that the iterative solution consistently converges to the solution for any initial matrix. Some numerical examples and applications are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the method.
Modifying ethnic attitudes in young children
Authors: Johnson Philip Jai , Aboud Frances E.
Published: November 2012

Due to their sociocognitive limitations, children between the ages of 4 and 8 years tend to resist antibias messages from others. The purpose of this study was to examine if children would be more responsive to an antibias message as a function of the race of the communicator, the strength of the antibias message, and their ability to reconcile different perspectives. As children’s inferences of communicators’ attitudes constitute an unintended message, we assessed children’s inferences of communicators’ Black and White attitudes before and after the intervention. Children’s own attitudes and cognitive elaboration of the antibias message were assessed after the intervention. Very few children were able to reconcile different ethnic perspectives. Results further revealed that communicators were inferred to hold more positive attitudes after the intervention, but that this was largely due to an increase in the ingroup communicator’s inferred White attitudes and when the message was weak. Moreover, no difference was observed for children’s own attitudes and cognitive elaboration of the message. Results are discussed with respect to social cognitive barriers that result in children’s distortion or dismissal of antibias messages.
Gifted Students’ Perspectives on an Instructional Framework for School Improvement
Authors: Fisher Douglas , Frey Nancy
Published: November 2012

School improvement efforts often focus on students who perform below grade level. These improvement efforts typically focus on improving instruction, often through a framework and professional development. The question remains, how do students who are gifted and talented respond to this type of instruction? We observed 48 students in their classrooms, interviewed them, and then held focus groups to gain their perspectives on the instructional framework being implemented. The students suggested that teacher modeling was valuable, that group work should include accountability, and that homework should be reasonable. They had mixed views on the importance of a clearly stated learning target and did not experience any small group instruction. Recommendations for school improvement that are inclusive of students who are gifted are included.
A Leader’s Journey
Authors: Vogel Linda R.
Published: November 2012

This qualitative study examined the actions of district and school leaders in changing from a traditional age-based grade-level structure to a standards-based student grouping model in a Western school district. Based on interview, observation, and artifact data collected over 5 years, the findings identify specific leadership actions that advanced fundamental cultural, structural, and procedural changes in schools and classrooms across the district regarding student achievement of the state’s learning standards, as well as the challenges encountered in the change process. Because of the variance in size, diversity, and socioeconomic status of the three communities that comprised the school district, the findings address community and district contextual factors that promoted or impeded the change process.
Pulse Steroid Therapy Inhibits Murine Subglottic Granulation
Authors: Ghosh Ankona , Philiponis Genevieve , Lee Jennifer Y. , Leahy Kevin P. , Singhal Sunil , Cohen Noam A. , Mirza Natasha
Published: November 2012

Objective

Using a functional model of airway granulation tissue in subglottic stenosis, we investigated changes in inflammatory markers within granulation tissue in response to intraperitoneal dexamethasone injections. Changes in inflammatory markers will allow us to identify potential targets for immunological therapy.

Study Design

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee–approved animal study.

Setting

Philadelphia Veterans Administration Medical Center animal research facility.

Subjects and Methods

Laryngotracheal complexes of donor mice underwent direct airway injury and were transplanted into subcutaneous tissue of 19 recipient mice in 2 groups: steroid treated and untreated, with sample sizes of 10 and 9, respectively. The steroid‐treated arm received intraperitoneal injection of dexamethasone for 3 weeks. Laryngotracheal complexes were then harvested, and granulation formation was measured. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)–β1 and interleukin (IL)–1 was quantified.

Results

At 3 weeks posttransplantation, there were statistically significant differences in observable granulation formation as well as mRNA expression of TGF‐β1 and IL‐1β in all groups within the steroid treated arm as compared with the untreated arm.

Conclusions

Systemic steroids have been used to prevent formation of granulation tissue and subglottic stenosis. However, the study of the immunologic markers and the corresponding changes with steroid treatment has not been well studied in animal models. Using a previously described novel murine model, we begin to delineate inflammatory markers that can be applied for potential therapeutic targets.
Dissolving long-term romantic relationships
Authors: Hogerbrugge Martijn J. A. , Komter Aafke E. , Scheepers Peer
Published: November 2012

Previous research on the dissolution of long-term romantic relationships has mostly focused on determinants that reflect either the characteristics of the individual partners or the characteristics of the relationship itself. The role of the social context in which couples are embedded has received less attention. This study assesses the association between three characteristics of the social context and the dissolution of long-term romantic relationships simultaneously: the prevalence of divorce in the network of the couple, the extent to which the networks of partners overlap each other, and the amount of social capital in the network of the couple. Using nationally representative panel data from the first and second waves of the Netherlands Kinship Panel Study, partial support was found for the link between the prevalence of divorce and network overlap on the one hand, and the likelihood to dissolve long-term romantic relationships on the other hand, among a sample of 3406 married and 648 unmarried cohabiting respondents. The association with social capital was found to differ between married and unmarried cohabiting respondents, as well as to depend upon the type of relationship the social capital is based in. These findings were interpreted to reflect differences in the symbolic meanings of marital and cohabiting relationships, and differences in types of social capital to which a person has access: relationship-specific versus non-relationship-specific social capital, with the former potentially impeding dissolution, and the latter potentially acting as an alternative to the relationship, thereby encouraging dissolution.
A meta-analytic review of relationship maintenance and its correlates
Authors: Ogolsky Brian G. , Bowers Jill R.
Published: November 2012

This meta-analysis examines the five factors from the Relational Maintenance Strategies Measure (RMSM, i.e., positivity, openness, assurances, social networks, and sharing tasks) and their associations with satisfaction, commitment, control mutuality, love, liking, and relationship duration. Across 35 studies ( N = 12,273 participants), results showed positive correlations between the maintenance factors and the relational correlates except relationship duration, which was negatively associated with positivity and assurances and unassociated with openness, social networks, and sharing tasks. Moderator analyses showed differences in effect sizes depending upon measure (i.e., RMSM or a revision), reporter (i.e., perceptions of partner’s maintenance or individuals’ own enactment of maintenance), and biological sex. Effect sizes were generally larger for women than men and when studies used the RMSM and perceptions of the partner’s maintenance.
Self-disclosure mediates the effects of gender orientation and homophobia on the relationship quality of male same-sex friendships
Authors: Morman Mark T. , Schrodt Paul , Tornes Michael J.
Published: November 2012

This study tested the degree to which self-disclosure mediates the effects of gender orientation and homophobia on relational satisfaction, closeness, and commitment in men’s same-sex friendships. Participants included 211 men from the southwest region of the US, who reported on either geographically close ( n = 107) or long distance same-sex friendships ( n = 104). Results indicated that self-disclosure mediates the positive effect of femininity on satisfaction, closeness, and commitment in men’s same-sex friendships. Self-disclosure also mediates the negative, indirect effects of homophobia on all three relational outcomes. Tests of structural invariance provided no evidence to suggest that the indirect effects of femininity and homophobia on all three relational outcomes vary as a function of geographic distance.
Insecure attachment predicts ambivalent social threat and reward perceptions in romantic relationships
Authors: MacDonald Geoff , Locke Kenneth D. , Spielmann Stephanie S. , Joel Samantha
Published: November 2012

Although theoretical perspectives on adult attachment forward relational ambivalence as a defining characteristic of at least some forms of insecurity, work demonstrating an ambivalent structure to the relational attitudes of insecure individuals has been rare. The current research examines the similarity and intensity of perceptions of social threat (i.e., concerns over rejection) and social reward (i.e., opportunities for intimacy) in romantic relationships. Using a sample of 1004 participants, evidence for relational ambivalence was found for both anxious and avoidant attachment. Individuals high in anxious attachment reported relatively similar and intense threat and reward perceptions, whereas individuals high in avoidant attachment showed evidence of similar, but not intense, threat and reward perceptions. Thus, the weighing of prospects for rejection and intimacy in romantic relationships arguably leads to what researchers traditionally think of as ambivalence for those high in attachment anxiety, but something more akin to indifference for those high in attachment avoidance. More broadly, this work provides a set of tools and methods for carefully examining ambivalence in close relationships.
Extending open innovation throughout the value chain by small and medium-sized manufacturers
Authors: Theyel Nelli
Published: November 2012

This study assesses the adoption of open innovation practices during different value chain activities and measures its effect on product and process innovation. Based on a quantitative survey of 293 US small and medium-sized manufacturing companies the empirical research results suggest a broad use of open innovation practices with customers and suppliers throughout the firm’s value chain. Strong interrelationships between open innovation practices along with the varied impact of open innovation practices on product and process innovation performance are presented and discussed. Overall, the study expands the understanding of open innovation beyond its traditional research and development focus, and highlights the importance of a stronger focus on selection of practices and partners for the effectiveness of open innovation.
Neuropathic cancer pain: Prevalence, severity, analgesics and impact from the European Palliative Care Research Collaborative–Computerised Symptom Assessment study
Authors: Rayment Clare , Hjermstad Marianne J , Aass Nina , Kaasa Stein , Caraceni Augusto , Strasser Florian , Heitzer Ellen , Fainsinger Robin , Bennett Michael I ,   On behalf of the European Palliative Care Research Collaborative (EPCRC)
Published: November 2012

Background:

Neuropathic pain causes greater pain intensity and worse quality of life than nociceptive pain. There are no published data that confirm this in the cancer population.

Aim:

We hypothesised that patients with neuropathic cancer pain had more intense pain, experienced greater suffering and were treated with more analgesics than those with nociceptive cancer pain, and a neuropathic pain screening tool, painDETECT, would perform as well in those with cancer pain as is reported in those with non-cancer pain.

Design:

The data were obtained from an international cross-sectional observational study.

Setting/Participants:

A total of 1051 patients from inpatients and outpatients, with incurable cancer completed a computerised assessment on symptoms, function and quality of life. In all, 17 centres within eight countries participated. Medical data were recorded by physicians. Pain type was a clinical diagnosis recorded on the Edmonton Classification System for Cancer Pain.

Results:

Of the patients, 670 had pain: 534 with nociceptive pain, 113 with neuropathic pain and 23 were unclassified. Patients with neuropathic cancer pain were significantly more likely to be receiving oncological treatment, strong opioids and adjuvant analgesia and have a reduced performance status. They reported worse physical, cognitive and social function. Sensitivity and specificity of painDETECT for identifying neuropathic cancer pain was less accurate than when used in non-cancer populations.

Conclusions:

Neuropathic cancer pain is associated with a negative impact on daily living and greater analgesic requirements than nociceptive cancer pain. Validated assessment methods are needed to enable early identification of neuropathic cancer pain, leading to more appropriate treatment and reduced burden on patients.
Prognostic indicators of 6-month mortality in elderly people with advanced dementia: A systematic review
Authors: Brown Meghan A , Sampson Elizabeth L , Jones Louise , Barron Anna M
Published: November 2012

Background:

For end-of-life dementia patients, palliative care offers a better quality of life than continued aggressive or burdensome medical interventions. To provide the best care options to dementia sufferers, validated, reliable, sensitive, and accurate prognostic tools to identify end-of-life dementia stages are necessary.

Aim:

To identify accurate prognosticators of mortality in elderly advanced dementia patients consistently reported in the literature.

Design:

Systematic literature review.

Data sources:

PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO databases were searched up to September 2012. Reference lists of included studies were also searched. Inclusion criteria were studies measuring factors specifically related to 6-month outcome in patients diagnosed with dementia in any residential or health-care setting.

Results:

Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, five of which were set in the United States and two in Israel. Methodology and prognostic outcomes varied greatly between the studies. All but one study found that Functional Assessment Staging phase 7c, currently widely used to assess hospice admission eligibility in the United States, was not a reliable predictor of 6-month mortality. The most common prognostic variables identified related to nutrition/nourishment, or eating habits, followed by increased risk on dementia severity scales and comorbidities.

Conclusions:

Although the majority of studies agreed that the Functional Assessment Staging 7c criterion was not a reliable predictor of 6-month mortality, we found a lack of prognosticator concordance across the literature. Further studies are essential to identify reliable, sensitive, and specific prognosticators, which can be applied to the clinical setting and allow increased availability of palliative care to dementia patients.
Hospice experiences and approaches to support and assess family caregivers in managing medications for home hospice patients: A providers survey
Authors: Joyce Brian T , Lau Denys T
Published: November 2012

Background:

Hospice providers need to ensure that informal, unpaid caregivers can safely manage medications to alleviate pain and distressing symptoms in patients near the end of life.

Aim:

This study characterizes hospice providers’ self-reported experiences and approaches to helping caregivers’ medication management for home hospice patients.

Design:

Survey with mixed-method analysis.

Setting/Participants:

Surveys were administered to a convenience sample of 98 hospice providers (74 nurses, 6 physicians, 11 social workers, 7 chaplains) from 5 Chicago-based agencies in the United States.

Results:

Among respondents, 67% rated ensuring proper medication management as “most important” in hospice care delivery, and 33% reported frequently encountering caregivers with problems managing medications. To assess if caregivers had problems managing medications, two categories of approaches emerged from the data: prospective approaches and retrospective warning signs when a problem occurred (e.g. identifying medication nonadherence after observing a sudden patient health decline). Overall, 42% reported using at least one prospective approach, while 38% reported only retrospective signs. To help caregivers manage medications, three categories of approaches emerged: teaching to increase knowledge, supporting existing or simplifying medication management process, and counseling to overcome attitudinal barriers. Overall, 6% reported approaches from all three categories. About 28% frequently experienced difficulty teaching/supporting caregivers with medication management. As much as 47% believed that they would benefit “to a great extent” from additional resources to help caregivers.

Conclusions:

Supporting caregivers in medication management is considered important, yet challenging, to hospice providers. Additional resources may be needed to help providers consistently and effectively teach, support, and assess caregivers’ medication management.
A qualitative study: Professionals’ experiences of advance care planning in dementia and palliative care, ‘a good idea in theory but …’
Authors: Robinson Louise , Dickinson Claire , Bamford Claire , Clark Alexa , Hughes Julian , Exley Catherine
Published: November 2012

Background:

Advance care planning comprises discussions about an individual’s wishes for future care while they have capacity.

Aim:

To explore professionals’ experiences on the implementation of advance care planning in two areas of clinical care, dementia and palliative care.

Design:

Qualitative study, focus groups and individual interviews.

Setting:

North East of England.

Sample:

Ninety-five participants from one Primary Care Trust, two acute National Health Service Hospital Trusts, one Ambulance Trust, one Local Authority and voluntary organisations and the legal sector.

Results:

Fourteen focus groups and 18 interviews were held with 95 participants. While professionals agreed that advance care planning was a good idea in theory, implementation in practice presented them with significant challenges. The majority expressed uncertainty over the general value of advance care planning, whether current service provision could meet patient wishes, their individual roles and responsibilities and which aspects of advance care planning were legally binding; the array of different advance care planning forms and documentation available added to the confusion. In dementia care, the timing of when to initiate advance care planning discussions was an added challenge.

Conclusions:

This study has identified the professional, organisational and legal factors that influence advance care planning implementation; professional training should target these specific areas. There is an urgent need for standardisation of advance care planning documentation. Greater clarity is also required on the roles and responsibilities of different professional groups. More complex aspects of advance care planning may be better carried out by those with specialist skills and experience than by generalists caring for a wide range of patient groups with different disease trajectories.
Off-label prescribing in palliative care: A survey of independent prescribers
Authors: Culshaw Joseph , Kendall David , Wilcock Andrew
Published: November 2012

Background:

The ‘off-label’ use of a drug beyond the specifications of its Marketing Authorization is widespread in palliative care.It is legal, but there are implications for prescribers, outlined by regulatory bodies such as the General Medical Council. A previous survey suggested that few doctors in palliative medicine always follow these recommendations.

Aim:

To obtain a contemporary view of how medical and non-medical independent prescribers adhere to current regulatory guidance.

Design:

Selected doctor, nurse and all pharmacist members of www.palliativedrugs.com from the United Kingdom were invited to complete an online questionnaire. There were 332 respondents, a response rate of 9% based on number of e-mails delivered. Most worked within an inpatient hospice, although for nurses it was the community; there was a wide range of experience.

Results:

Few respondents (15%) reported that their services operated a policy on providing information about off-label use. Most (65%) would always make a clear record of the drug prescribed, and this was highest for doctors, with 39%–73% always operating in line with the ‘must do’ aspects of General Medical Council guidance. This proportion was lower for nurse (42%–55%) and pharmacist (0%–30%) responders in part because their guidance is based on the previous, less pragmatic General Medical Council guidance. Examples given for off-label use, together with general comments, provided additional insight into respondents’ practice.

Conclusions:

Compared to before and to nurse and pharmacist prescribers, doctors appear better able to adhere to their regulatory body guidance. Given that all the independent prescribers in palliative care can prescribe the same drugs, consistent regulatory guidance is required.
Identifying Risk Factors for Victimization Among Male Prisoners in Taiwan
Authors: Kuo Shih-Ya , Cuvelier Steven J. , Huang Yung-Shun
Published: November 2012

This study identified risk factors for prison victimization in Taiwan with an application of Western literature and assessed the extent of its applicability in an Eastern context. The sample was drawn from four male prisons located in Northern, Central, Southern, and Eastern Taiwan; a total of 1,181 valid surveys were collected. The results generally support the major findings of the extant Western studies. Crowding, however, was not significantly associated with the risk of victimization in any of the statistical models, which might be related to the different experiences and living conditions in the free community between Taiwanese and American inmates. This study generated clear policy implications, which may reduce prison victimization and engender a greater sense of well-being in the prison environment.