bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postexposure aerosolized heparin reduces lung injury in chlorine-exposed mice
Authors: Zarogiannis Sotirios G. , Wagener Brant M. , Basappa Susanna , Doran Stephen , Rodriguez Cilina A. , Jurkuvenaite Asta , Pittet Jean Francois , Matalon Sadis
Published: July 2014

Chlorine (Cl2) is a highly reactive oxidant gas that, when inhaled, may cause acute lung injury culminating in death from respiratory failure. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that exposure of mice to Cl2causes intra-alveolar and systemic activation of the coagulation cascade that plays an important role in development of lung injury. C57Bl/6 mice were exposed to Cl2(400 for 30 min or 600 ppm for 45 min) in environmental chambers and then returned to room air for 1 or 6 h. Native coagulation (NATEM) parameters such as blood clotting time and clot formation time were measured in whole blood by the viscoelastic technique. D-dimers and thrombin-anti-thrombin complexes were measured in both plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) by ELISA. Our results indicate that mice exposed to Cl2gas had significantly increased clotting time, clot formation time, and D-dimers compared with controls. The thrombin-anti-thrombin complexes were also increased in the BALF of Cl2exposed animals. To test whether increased coagulation contributed to the development of acute lung injury, mice exposed to Cl2and returned to room air were treated with aerosolized heparin or vehicle for 20 min. Aerosolized heparin significantly reduced protein levels and the number of inflammatory cells in the BALF at 6 h postexposure. These findings highlight the importance of coagulation abnormities in the development of Cl2-induced lung injury.
Exercise training can attenuate the inflammatory milieu in women with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Perandini Luiz A. , Sales-de-Oliveira Diego , Mello Suzana B. V. , Camara Niels O. , Benatti Fabiana B. , Lima Fernanda R. , Borba Eduardo , Bonfa Eloisa , Sá-Pinto Ana L. , Roschel Hamilton , Gualano Bruno
Published: July 2014

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation. This study sought to assess the effects of an exercise training program on cytokines and soluble TNF receptors (sTNFRs) in response to acute exercise in SLE women. Eight SLE women and 10 sex-, age-, and body mass index-comparable healthy controls (HC) participated in this study. Before and after a 12-wk aerobic exercise training program, cytokines and sTNFRs were assessed at rest and in response to single bouts of acute moderate/intense exercise. HC performed the acute exercise bouts only at baseline. After the exercise training program, there was a decrease in resting TNFR2 levels ( P = 0.025) and a tend to reduction interleukin (IL)-10 levels ( P = 0.093) in SLE. The resting levels of IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α after the exercise training in SLE reached HC levels ( P > 0.05). In response to a single bout of acute moderate exercise, the area under the curve (AUC) of IL-10 was significantly reduced after the exercise training program in SLE ( P = 0.043), and the AUC of IL-10, IL-6, TNF-α, and sTNFR1 of SLE approached control values ( P > 0.05). In response to a single bout of acute intense exercise, the AUC of IL-10 was significantly reduced in SLE ( P = 0.015). Furthermore, the AUC of sTNFR2 tended to decrease after exercise training program in SLE ( P = 0.084), but it did not reach control values ( P = 0.001). An aerobic exercise training program attenuated the inflammatory milieu in SLE women, revealing a novel homeostatic immunomodulatory role of exercise in an autoimmunity condition.
Natural Killer Cells Eradicate Galectin-1–Deficient Glioma in the Absence of Adaptive Immunity
Authors: Baker Gregory J. , Chockley Peter , Yadav Viveka Nand , Doherty Robert , Ritt Michael , Sivaramakrishnan Sivaraj , Castro Maria G. , Lowenstein Pedro R.
Published: July 2014

Natural killer (NK) cells safeguard against early tumor formation by destroying transformed target cells in a process referred to as NK immune surveillance. However, the immune escape mechanisms used by malignant brain tumors to subvert this innate type of immune surveillance remain unclear. Here we show that malignant glioma cells suppress NK immune surveillance by overexpressing the β-galactoside–binding lectin galectin-1. Conversely, galectin-1–deficient glioma cells could be eradicated by host NK cells before the initiation of an antitumor T-cell response. In vitro experiments demonstrated that galectin-1–deficient GL26-Cit glioma cells are ∼3-fold more sensitive to NK-mediated tumor lysis than galectin-1–expressing cells. Our findings suggest that galectin-1 suppression in human glioma could improve patient survival by restoring NK immune surveillance that can eradicate glioma cells. Cancer Res; 74(18); 5079–90. ©2014 AACR.
Is the “3+3” Dose-Escalation Phase I Clinical Trial Design Suitable for Therapeutic Cancer Vaccine Development? A Recommendation for Alternative Design
Authors: Rahma Osama E. , Gammoh Emily , Simon Richard M. , Khleif Samir N.
Published: July 2014

Purpose: Phase I clinical trials are generally conducted to identify the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) or the biologically active dose (BAD) using a traditional dose-escalation design. This design may not be applied to cancer vaccines, given their unique mechanism of action. The FDA recently published “Guidance for Industry: Clinical Considerations for Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines.” However, many questions about the design of cancer vaccine studies remain unanswered.

Experimental Design: We analyzed the toxicity profile in 239 phase I therapeutic cancer vaccine trials. We addressed the ability of dose escalation to determine the MTD or the BAD in trials that used a dose-escalation design.

Results: The rate of grade 3/4 vaccine-related systemic toxicities was 1.25 adverse events per 100 patients and 2 per 1,000 vaccines. Only two of the 127 dose-escalation trials reported vaccine-related dose limiting toxicities, both of which used bacterial vector vaccines. Out of the 116 trials analyzed for the dose–immune response relationship, we found a statistically significant dose–immune response correlation only when the immune response was measured by antibodies (P < 0.001) or delayed type hypersensitivity (P < 0.05). However, the increase in cellular immune response did not appear further sustainable with the continued increase in dose.

Conclusions: Our analysis suggests that the risks of serious toxicities with therapeutic cancer vaccines are extremely low and that toxicities do not correlate with dose levels. Accordingly, the conventional dose-escalation design is not suitable for cancer vaccines with few exceptions. Here, we propose an alternative design for therapeutic cancer vaccine development. Clin Cancer Res; 20(18); 4758–67. ©2014 AACR.
Urinary Composition During Decongestive Treatment in Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Verbrugge Frederik H. , Nijst Petra , Dupont Matthias , Penders Joris , Tang W.H. Wilson , Mullens Wilfried
Published: July 2014

Background—

The urinary composition, including sodium (Na
+
) and chloride (Cl
−
) concentrations, might provide useful information in addition to urine output during decongestive treatment in heart failure.

Methods and Results—

Consecutive patients with heart failure (n=61), ejection fraction ≤45%, worsening symptoms, and scheduled treatment with intravenous loop diuretics were included. Patients received protocol-driven therapy until complete decongestion, assessed clinically and by echocardiography. Three consecutive 24-hour urinary collections were performed. With 2 mg (1–4 mg), 1 mg (0–2 mg), and 1 mg (0–1 mg) bumetanide administered in bolus during consecutive 24-hour intervals, in addition to combinational diuretic therapy in ≈70% and both oral spironolactone and vasodilators in ≈90%, euvolemia was reached, often within 24 hours. Urine output was higher during the first when compared with the second or third 24-hour interval (2700 versus 1550 or 1375 mL, respectively;
P
<0.001), but this was no longer significant after correction for diuretic dose (
P
=0.263), indicating preserved diuretic efficiency during the study. In contrast, urinary Na
+
and Cl
−
excretion both decreased significantly, even after correction for diuretic dose (
P
=0.040 and 0.004, respectively), leading to decreasing urinary concentrations with progressive decongestion. After reaching euvolemia, lower urinary Na
+
/Cr and Cl
−
/Cr ratios were both associated with urine output ≤1500 mL (area under the curve, 0.830 and 0.826, respectively;
P
<0.001 for both), in contrast to plasma N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide levels that were not (area under the curve, 0.515;
P
=0.735)

Conclusions—

The urinary composition during progressive decongestion in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction is characterized by a drop in urinary Na
+
and Cl
−
concentrations. The urinary Na
+
/Cr or Cl
−
/Cr ratio might provide insightful information to titrate diuretic therapy.
Developmental Heterogeneity of Cardiac Fibroblasts Does Not Predict Pathological Proliferation and Activation
Authors: Ali Shah R. , Ranjbarvaziri Sara , Talkhabi Mahmood , Zhao Peng , Subat Ali , Hojjat Armin , Kamran Paniz , Müller Antonia M.S. , Volz Katharina S. , Tang Zhaoyi , Red-Horse Kristy , Ardehali Reza
Published: July 2014

Rationale:

Fibrosis is mediated partly by extracellular matrix–depositing fibroblasts in the heart. Although these mesenchymal cells are reported to have multiple embryonic origins, the functional consequence of this heterogeneity is unknown.

Objective:

We sought to validate a panel of surface markers to prospectively identify cardiac fibroblasts. We elucidated the developmental origins of cardiac fibroblasts and characterized their corresponding phenotypes. We also determined proliferation rates of each developmental subset of fibroblasts after pressure overload injury.

Methods and Results:

We showed that Thy1
+
CD45
−
CD31
−
CD11b
−
Ter119
−
cells constitute the majority of cardiac fibroblasts. We characterized these cells using flow cytometry, epifluorescence and confocal microscopy, and transcriptional profiling (using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and RNA-seq). We used lineage tracing, transplantation studies, and parabiosis to show that most adult cardiac fibroblasts derive from the epicardium, a minority arises from endothelial cells, and a small fraction from Pax3-expressing cells. We did not detect generation of cardiac fibroblasts by bone marrow or circulating cells. Interestingly, proliferation rates of fibroblast subsets on injury were identical, and the relative abundance of each lineage remained the same after injury. The anatomic distribution of fibroblast lineages also remained unchanged after pressure overload. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis demonstrated that Tie2-derived and Tbx18-derived fibroblasts within each operation group exhibit similar gene expression profiles.

Conclusions:

The cellular expansion of cardiac fibroblasts after transaortic constriction surgery was not restricted to any single developmental subset. The parallel proliferation and activation of a heterogeneous population of fibroblasts on pressure overload could suggest that common signaling mechanisms stimulate their pathological response.
Improvement in Quality of Life After Catheter Ablation for Paroxysmal Versus Long‐standing Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: A Prospective Study With 3‐Year Follow‐up
Authors: Bulková Veronika , Fiala Martin , Havránek Štěpán , Šimek Jan , Škňouřil Libor , Januška Jaroslav , Špinar Jindřich , Wichterle Dan
Published: July 2014

Background

Changes in quality of life (QoL) after catheter ablation for long‐standing persistent atrial fibrillation (
LSPAF
) are not well described. We sought to compare QoL improvement after catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (
PAF
) versus that after
LSPAF
.

Methods and Results

A total of 261
PAF
and 126
LSPAF
ablation recipients were prospectively followed for arrhythmia recurrence, QoL, hospital stay, and sick leave. In
PAF
versus
LSPAF
groups, 1.3±0.6 versus 1.6±0.7 procedures were performed per patient (
P
<0.00001) during a 3‐year follow‐up. Good arrhythmia control was achieved in 86% versus 87% of patients (
P
=0.69) and in 69% versus 69% of patients not receiving antiarrhythmic drugs (
P
=0.99). The baseline QoL was better in the
PAF
than in the
LSPAF
group (European Quality of Life Group instrument self‐report questionnaire visual analog scale: 66.4±14.2 versus 61.0±14.2,
P
=0.0005; European Quality of Life Group 3‐level, 5‐dimensional descriptive system: 71.4±9.2 versus 67.7±13.8,
P
=0.002). Postablation 3‐year increase in QoL was significant in both groups (all
P
<0.00001) and significantly lower in
PAF
versus
LSPAF
patients (visual analog scale: +5.0±14.5 versus +10.2±12.8,
P
=0.001; descriptive system: +5.9±14.3 versus +9.3±13.9,
P
=0.03). In multivariate analysis,
LSPAF
, less advanced age, shorter history of
AF
and good arrhythmia control were consistently associated with postablation 3‐year improvement in QoL. Days of hospital stay for cardiovascular reasons and days on sick leave per patient/year were significantly reduced in both groups.

Conclusions

Patients with
LSPAF
had worse baseline QoL. The magnitude of QoL improvement after ablation of
LSPAF
was significantly greater compared with after ablation of
PAF
, particularly when good arrhythmia control was achieved without the use of antiarrhythmic drugs.
Circulating Myeloid‐Related Protein–8/14 is Related to Thromboxane‐Dependent Platelet Activation in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome, With and Without Ongoing Low‐Dose Aspirin Treatment
Authors: Santilli Francesca , Paloscia Leonardo , Liani Rossella , Di Nicola Marta , Di Marco Massimo , Lattanzio Stefano , La Barba Sara , Pascale Silvia , Mascellanti Marco , Davì Giovanni
Published: July 2014

Background

Platelet activation is involved in acute coronary syndromes (
ACS
). Incomplete suppression by low‐dose aspirin treatment of thromboxane (
TX
) metabolite excretion (urinary 11‐dehydro‐
TXB
2
) is predictive of vascular events in high‐risk patients. Myeloid‐related protein (
MRP
)‐8/14 is a heterodimer secreted on activation of platelets, monocytes, and neutrophils, regulating inflammation and predicting cardiovascular events. Among platelet transcripts,
MRP
‐14 has emerged as a powerful predictor of
ACS
.

Methods and Results

We enrolled 68 stable ischemic heart disease (
IHD
) and 63
ACS
patients, undergoing coronary angiography, to evaluate whether
MRP
‐8/14 release in the circulation is related to
TX
‐dependent platelet activation in
ACS
and
IHD
patients and to residual
TX
biosynthesis in low‐dose aspirin–treated
ACS
patients. In
ACS
patients, plasma
MRP
‐8/14 and urinary 11‐dehydro‐
TXB
2
levels were linearly correlated (
r
=0.651,
P
<0.001) but significantly higher than those in
IHD
patients (
P
=0.012,
P
=0.044) only among subjects not receiving aspirin. In aspirin‐treated
ACS
patients,
MRP
‐8/14 and 11‐dehydro‐
TXB
2
were lower versus those not receiving aspirin (
P
<0.001) and still significantly correlated (
r
=0.528,
P
<0.001). Higher 11‐dehydro‐
TXB
2
significantly predicted higher
MRP
‐8/14 in both all
ACS
patients and
ACS
receiving aspirin (
P
<0.001, adj
R
2
=0.463 and adj
R
2
=0.497) after multivariable adjustment. Conversely, plasma
MRP
‐8/14 (
P
<0.001) and higher urinary 8‐iso‐prostaglandin F
2α
(
P
=0.050) levels were significant predictors of residual, on‐aspirin,
TX
biosynthesis in
ACS
(adjusted
R
2
=0.384).

Conclusions

Circulating
MRP
‐8/14 is associated with
TX
‐dependent platelet activation in
ACS
, even during low‐dose aspirin treatment, suggesting a contribution of residual
TX
to
MRP
‐8/14 shedding, which may further amplify platelet activation. Circulating
MRP
‐8/14 may be a target to test different antiplatelet strategies in
ACS
.
Adult Moyamoya Disease in an Urban Center in the United States Is Associated With a High Burden of Watershed Ischemia
Authors: Zafar Sahar F. , Bershad Eric M. , Gildersleeve Kasey L. , Newmark Michael E. , Calvillo Eusebia , Suarez Jose I. , Venkatasubba Rao Chethan P.
Published: July 2014

Background

Adult moyamoya disease is rare in the United States, and patients mostly present with cerebral ischemia. However, clinical and neurodiagnostic correlates of ischemia are not well known in this population. We sought to characterize the clinical and radiographic features of moyamoya disease in a large urban center in the United States, with a focus on angiographic and neuroimaging patterns of ischemia.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively reviewed charts of consecutive adult moyamoya disease patients evaluated at 2 centers in Houston, Texas from January 2002 to December 2011. We reviewed all available cerebral angiograms and neuroimaging studies to evaluate the Suzuki grades, presence of intracranial hemorrhage or ischemia, infarct patterns, and vascular territory distribution. Our analysis was mainly descriptive. We identified 31 adults with moyamoya disease who met our inclusion criteria. The female‐to‐male ratio was 2.4:1. The majority of patients were white, followed by Hispanic, black, and Asian. Most presented with ischemia (61%), followed by headaches, and intracranial hemorrhage. Of the 22 patients with available neuroimaging, 72.7% had ischemic findings, with the vast majority having a watershed pattern (81.3%).

Conclusions

We observed a high burden of ischemia, mostly watershed pattern on neuroimaging in our adult moyamoya disease patients. Long‐term monitoring of adult moyamoya disease patients in the United States would be useful to better understand the natural history of this condition.
Consumption and prey size selection of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans by different juvenile stages of freshwater fish
Authors: Weber Sebastian , Weber Sebastian , Traunspurger Walter
Published: July 2014

Meiofauna, and nematodes in particular, play an essential role in the diet of certain juvenile freshwater fish. However, the specific consumption and prey size selection of fishes on nematodes is largely unrecognised. In this study, the effects of different juvenile stages of widely distributed common European freshwater fish, gudgeon (Gobio gobio), roach (Rutilus rutilus), ninespine stickleback (Pungitius pungitius), and two strains of common carp (Cyprinus carpio(scaled) andC. carpio(mirror)), on abundances of the nematodeCaenorhabditis eleganswere investigated in controlled laboratory experiments with a known number of prey. Gudgeon, carp (scaled), and carp (mirror) consumed significant amounts of nematodes, whereas the roach and ninespine stickleback did not. Both strains of common carp reduced nematode abundance dependent on the size of the fish, with smaller fish causing a greater reduction than medium-size or large fish, although fish of all sizes fed significantly on nematodes of all size classes (<0.5, 0.5-1.0 and >1.0 mm). While the gudgeon also reduced nematode abundance dependent on the size of the fish, with increasing body length there was a dietary shift towards larger nematode size classes (0.5-1.0 and >1.0 mm). Morphometric analysis of the branchial basket indicated that the mesh width of gudgeon and both strains of common carp, but not of roach and ninespine stickleback, is suitable for feeding on specific size classes of nematodes. Together, the results showed that nematodes are used as a food source for different juvenile stages of certain species of freshwater fish.
Meloidogyne lopezi n. sp. (Nematoda: Meloidogynidae), a new root-knot nematode associated with coffee (Coffea arabica L.) in Costa Rica, its diagnosis and phylogenetic relationship with other coffee-parasitising Meloidogyne species
Authors: Humphreys-Pereira Danny A. , Humphreys-Pereira Danny A. , Flores-Chaves Lorena , Humphreys-Pereira Danny A. , Flores-Chaves Lorena , Gómez Melissa , Humphreys-Pereira Danny A. , Flores-Chaves Lorena , Gómez Melissa , Salazar Luis , Humphreys-Pereira Danny A. , Flores-Chaves Lorena , Gómez Melissa , Salazar Luis , Gómez-Alpízar Luis , Humphreys-Pereira Danny A. , Flores-Chaves Lorena , Gómez Melissa , Salazar Luis , Gómez-Alpízar Luis , Elling Axel A.
Published: July 2014

Coffee (Coffea arabica L. cv. Catuai) seedlings with abundant small root galls caused by an unknown root-knot nematode were found in southern Costa Rica. Morphology, esterase and malate dehydrogenase isozyme phenotypes and DNA markers differentiated this nematode from known Meloidogyne spp. A new species, M. lopezi n. sp., with common name Costa Rican root-knot nematode, is suggested. Meloidogyne lopezi n. sp. is distinguished from other coffee-associated Meloidogyne spp. by size of female lips and stylet, male body length and stylet and second-stage juvenile body and tail morphology. The region of the mitochondrial genome between COII and 16S rRNA showed a unique amplicon size of 1370 bp, and digestions with restriction enzymes HinfI, AluI, DraI and DraIII revealed characteristic PCR-RFLP patterns that differed from the tropical root-knot nematode species M. arabicida, M. incognita, M. izalcoensis, M. javanica and M. paranaensis. Characterisation of the protein-coding map-1 gene and phylogenetic analyses suggested that M. lopezi n. sp. might reproduce by mitotic parthenogenesis. Phylogenies estimated using Bayesian analyses based on the region between the COII and 16S rRNA mitochondrial genes, as well as the 18S and 28S ribosomal nuclear genes, indicated that M. lopezi n. sp. is closely related to other tropical Meloidogyne spp. that infect coffee, especially M. arabicida, M. izalcoensis and M. paranaensis from Central and South America. Isozyme analyses and PCR-RFLP of the COII-16S rRNA mitochondrial gene region enable a clear diagnostic differentiation between these species.
Improving suppression of Meloidogyne spp. by Purpureocillium lilacinum strain 251
Authors: Parajuli Gita , Parajuli Gita , Kemerait Robert , Parajuli Gita , Kemerait Robert , Timper Patricia
Published: July 2014

The fungus Purpureocillium lilacinum (syn. Paecilomyces lilacinus) is marketed for control of plant-parasitic nematodes in several countries. Our objectives in this study were to determine whether suppression of Meloidogyne spp. by P. lilacinum strain 251 was affected by the crop plant and whether growing winter cover crops such as rye and crimson clover would improve suppression of M. incognita on cotton by the fungus. All experiments were conducted in a glasshouse using non-sterilised field soil. To determine the relative efficacy of P. lilacinum on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), peanut (Arachis hypogaea) and maize (Zea mays), four concentrations of P. lilacinum (NemOut™) were applied in furrow: 336, 252, 168 and 0 g ha−1. Although the fungus reduced numbers of eggs of Meloidogyne spp. on all crops, percentage suppression was lower on maize than on cotton and peanut at all inoculum levels of P. lilacinum. When rye and crimson clover were grown in pots for 30 days and then killed with a herbicide prior to applying P. lilacinum and M. incognita and planting cotton, the fungus failed to suppress numbers of nematode eggs when the surface residues of the cover crops were removed. However, when the residues were left on the soil surface, percentage suppression (49% for clover and 63% for rye) was greater than when the soil was left fallow (36%). The residues could have created conditions that were more conducive than bare soil to the fungus, such as lower soil temperatures and increase moisture retention.
Efficacy of two entomopathogenic nematode species as potential biocontrol agents against the rosaceae longhorned beetle, Osphranteria coerulescens, under laboratory conditions
Authors: Sharifi Shervin , Sharifi Shervin , Karimi Javad , Sharifi Shervin , Karimi Javad , Hosseini Mojtaba , Sharifi Shervin , Karimi Javad , Hosseini Mojtaba , Rezapanah Mohammadreza
Published: July 2014

Rosaceae longhorned beetle, Osphranteria coerulescens, is an important pest of fruit trees that attacks all fruit trees belonging to the family Rosaceae in cold regions of Iran. The potential efficacy of two species of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN), Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and Steinernema carpocapsae, against last instar larvae of this pest was tested under laboratory conditions. In plate assays, the larvae were susceptible to both EPN species but were more susceptible to S. carpocapsae (65.0-97.5% mortality) than H. bacteriophora (42.5-87.8%). Both nematode species were able to penetrate and reproduce within O. coerulescens larvae, but reproduction rate for H. bacteriophora was higher than those of S. carpocapsae; however, the penetration rate for S. carpocapsae was greater than H. bacteriophora. In a migration test on agar plate, S. carpocapsae showed negligible attraction to the pest or to Galleria mellonella cues. However, H. bacteriophora was strongly attracted to the sector of Petri dishes containing larvae. In a test using apricot tree branches, both species of EPN passed from mass frass of O. coerulescens larvae in the tip of the branches, penetrated into the larval galleries, and located and killed the larvae of O. coerulescens in their natural habitat deep inside the branches. Our findings provide the first insight into the biocontrol efficacy of EPN against O. coerulescens larvae, and highlight their potential for the control of this pest. Field experiments are needed to evaluate their potential under the environmental conditions in which rosaceae longhorned beetle larvae are found.
The Implementation of a Clinical Toolkit and Adolescent Depression Screening Program in Primary Care
Authors: Libby Jonathan M. , Stuart-Shor Eileen , Patankar Almas
Published: July 2014

Problem/Background. Adolescent depression is a growing problem for today’s society with only 30% receiving services. Aim and Methods. The aim of this project was to increase identification and treatment of depressed adolescents, and comfort levels of primary care providers with the implementation of a depression-screening program and use of a clinical depression toolkit within a primary care setting. Setting. The setting was a private pediatric practice in central Maine. Results. Over an 8-week period, 266 adolescents were screened. Twelve adolescents (4.5%) received a diagnosis of depression and 11 received treatment within 8 days. Survey results showed a significant increase in providers’ feelings of comfort and accountability. Conclusion. This project demonstrates that it is feasible to implement a depression screening and treatment program in primary care. It demonstrates that primary care providers can increase their comfort and feelings accountability in treating depression in primary care, thus increasing access for this monumental and potential catastrophic problem.
Multiple Oppressions and the Mental Health of Sexual Minority Latina/o Individuals
Authors: Velez Brandon L. , Moradi Bonnie , DeBlaere Cirleen
Published: July 2014

This study investigated the additive and interactive relations of two forms of external oppression (racist discrimination and heterosexist discrimination) and internalized oppression (internalized racism and internalized heterosexism) with psychological distress, life satisfaction, and self-esteem in a sample of 173 sexual minority Latina/o adults. A combination of external and internalized oppressions was associated uniquely with psychological distress whereas the two internalized oppressions were linked uniquely with life satisfaction and self-esteem. The Racist discrimination × Internalized racism, Racist discrimination × Internalized heterosexism, and Heterosexist discrimination × Internalized racism interactions each accounted for unique variance in self-esteem. Specifically, low internalized racism protected self-esteem at low levels of racist discrimination, low internalized heterosexism protected self-esteem at high levels of racist discrimination, and low internalized racism protected self-esteem at high levels of heterosexist discrimination. Thus, multiple forms of oppression contribute additively and interactively to mental health in this population.
Does the Mexican War on Organized Crime Mediate the Impact of Fear of Crime on Daily Routines?
Authors: Vilalta Carlos J.
Published: July 2014

Organized crime and drug cartel violence are major problems in some Latin American countries. This study examines the relationship between fear of crime and daily routines. It fills a gap in the international literature by testing the mediating effect of the war on organized crime (WOC) in Mexico. Integrating conventional individual and neighborhood characteristics with a local context variable, such as the intensity of the WOC and drug violence, provides a more complete view for understanding fear of crime in this country. Based on a national victimization survey, it was found that respondents in areas gravely affected by the WOC and drug violence were also more negatively affected in their daily routines after controlling for a set of classic correlates of fear of crime and perceived risk of victimization. However, no evidence was found to support that the current WOC mediates the relationship of fear of crime and perceived risk of victimization with daily routines.
Arrested Development? Comparing Educational Leadership Students With National Norms on Moral Reasoning
Authors: Greer Jennifer L. , Searby Linda J. , Thoma Stephen J.
Published: July 2014

Purpose: The public expects school leaders to be moral exemplars, yet prior research indicates that teachers and, more recently, school principals may score lower than other career groups on a widely used measure of moral reasoning, the Defining Issues Test. Moreover, little empirical research has been conducted on educators during leadership preparation in graduate school. The purpose of this research was to create a baseline profile for moral reasoning in educational leadership/administration graduate students in one Southern state and to compare their scores with a composite national average for graduate students across disciplines to see if educational interventions are needed. Research Design: In the summer of 2012, the updated Defining Issues Test–2 was offered via e-mail as an online questionnaire to 539 master’s, educational specialist, and doctoral students in the five advanced-track schools in the study state. The questionnaire also gathered data on the students’ demographics and the virtual test-taking environment. Findings: Complete data for 113 respondents (a 21% response rate) show that the educational leadership/administration graduate students prefer a maintaining norms schema when solving moral problems. In fact, participants scored significantly lower ( M = 30) on postconventional (advanced) moral thinking than the national norm for graduate students across disciplines ( M = 41) and a historical average for graduate students ( M = 53) on the Defining Issues Test. Conclusions: Researchers urge evidenced-based educational interventions for this group—specifically, Rest’s four-component model, which addresses all four moral psychological processes: sensitivity, judgment, motivation, and character. They also recommend beginning ethics instruction with professional identity development. Classification: This is an empirical study.
Predictive Displays for a Process-Control Schematic Interface
Authors: Yin Shanqing , Wickens Christopher D. , Helander Martin , Laberge Jason C.
Published: July 2014

Objective:

Our objective was to examine the extent to which increasing precision of predictive (rate of change) information in process control will improve performance on a simulated process-control task.

Background:

Predictive displays have been found to be useful in process control (as well as aviation and maritime industries). However, authors of prior research have not examined the extent to which predictive value is increased by increasing predictor resolution, nor has such research tied potential improvements to changes in process control strategy.

Method:

Fifty nonprofessional participants each controlled a simulated chemical mixture process (honey mixer simulation) that simulated the operations found in process control. Participants in each of five groups controlled with either no predictor or a predictor ranging in the resolution of prediction of the process.

Results:

Increasing detail resolution generally increased the benefit of prediction over the control condition although not monotonically so. The best overall performance, combining quality and predictive ability, was obtained by the display of intermediate resolution. The two displays with the lowest resolution were clearly inferior.

Conclusion:

Predictors with higher resolution are of value but may trade off enhanced sensitivity to variable change (lower-resolution discrete state predictor) with smoother control action (higher-resolution continuous predictors).

Application:

The research provides guidelines to the process-control industry regarding displays that can most improve operator performance.
Changing perception into reality: Canada in Africa
Authors: Hornsby David J
Published: July 2014

Canadians tend to perceive Canada’s historic engagement and influence in Africa in ways very much disconnected from reality. Canada’s self-image as a humane internationalist country deeply engaged with Africa relies on an idealized version of history. Nevertheless, there have been times when the reality of Canadian foreign policy engagement with Africa has been much closer to that ideal than it is now. This paper seeks to contribute to the debate on Canada–Africa relations by building greater understanding of Canada’s position in Africa. It tackles the question of Canada’s engagement with Africa by analyzing three broad aspects of a possible relationship between a developed country and developing region: the economic, developmental, and trans-societal. Analysis of these three areas of interaction provides insight into what could be done to renew or reinvigorate Canada’s engagement with Africa.
The seven-decade quest to maximize Canada’s continental shelf
Authors: Riddell-Dixon Elizabeth
Published: July 2014

For Canada, establishing sovereignty over its continental shelf resources has been a law of the sea priority since the Second World War. Large quantities of oil, gas, and minerals are contained in the seabed; hence, there is a strong economic imperative to establish coastal state jurisdiction. Historically, instead of taking unilateral actions, as many coastal states have, Canada has preferred multilateral channels. At the First and Second Conferences on the Law of the Sea, the Seabed Committee, and the Third Conference on the Law of the Sea, which produced the Convention on the Law of the Sea, Canada was a strong, effective advocate of coastal state rights. The convention’s provisions are highly advantageous to coastal states. Canada has incorporated these rights into its legislation, ratified the convention, spent over a decade mapping the seabed, and, in December 2013, filed a submission with the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.
A Computational Model of Cognitive Maps
Authors: Dornschneider Stephanie , Henderson Nick
Published: July 2014

Why do some individuals pick up arms as opposed to others who live under the same conditions? Environmental and group theories fail to differentiate between these individuals. In response, we apply the cognitive mapping approach and model violence as decisions based on chains of beliefs about various types of factors, including state aggression, access to violent groups, religion, and personal characteristics. Based on a double-paired comparison, data are constructed from ethnographic interviews with Muslim and non-Muslim individuals engaging in violent and nonviolent activity in authoritarian and democratic states—Egypt and Germany. The analysis develops a computational model formalizing the cognitive maps into Bayesian networks. In 477,604 runs, the model (1) identifies the beliefs connected to decisions, (2) traces inference chains antecedent to decisions, and (3) explores counterfactuals. This suggests that both violent and nonviolent activities are responses to state aggression, and not to Islam, group access, or personal characteristics.
Manufacturing Dissent
Authors: Butcher Charles , Svensson Isak
Published: July 2014

A growing research field examines the conditions under which major nonviolent resistance campaigns—that is, popular nonviolent uprisings for regime or territorial change—are successful. Why these campaigns emerge in the first place is less well understood. We argue that extensive social networks that are economically interdependent with the state make strategic nonviolence more feasible. These networks are larger and more powerful in states whose economies rely upon organized labor. Global quantitative analysis of the onset of violent and nonviolent campaigns from 1960 to 2006 (NAVCO), and major protest events in Africa from 1990 to 2009 (SCAD) shows that the likelihood of nonviolent conflict onset increases with the proportion of manufacturing to gross domestic product. This study points to a link between modernization and social conflict, a link that has been often hypothesized, but, hitherto, unsupported by empirical studies.
Investigation and fabrication of multifunctional metal composite knitted fabrics
Authors: Yu Zhi-Cai , Zhang Jian-Fei , Lou Ching-Wen , Lin Jia-Horng
Published: July 2014

Two types of crisscross-section polyester (CSP)/antibacterial nylon (AN)/stainless steel, multifunctional metal hybrid yarns were produced using a hollow spindle spinning machine. The core yarns were both stainless steel wires. One type used an AN filament as inner wrapped yarn and CSP as the outer wrapped yarn, and the other type had the opposite composition. Furthermore, a circular knitting machine was successfully used to fabricate metal composite knitted fabrics with the hybrid yarns. Results indicated that wrapping numbers affected wicking behavior and drying capability. Electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (EMSE) measurements showed that fabrics with varied lamination angles provided better EMSE than the parallel arrangement. The optimum EMSE measured in this study would reach up to –35 dB within the low-frequency range of 50–425 MHz and nearly –20 dB within the high-frequency range of 300 KHz to 1.47 GHz for a fabric with 0°/45°/90°/–45°/0°/45° lamination angles. Finally, the antibacterial activity of the produced metal composite fabric was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria according to the AATCC 90-2011 standard.
The Inherence Heuristic as a Source of Essentialist Thought
Authors: Salomon Erika , Cimpian Andrei
Published: July 2014

Humans are essentialists: They believe hidden “essences” underlie membership in natural and social kinds. Although essentialism has well-established implications for important societal issues (e.g., discrimination), little is known about its origins. According to a recent proposal, essentialism emerges from a broader inherence heuristic—an intuitive tendency to explain patterns in terms of the inherent properties of their constituents (e.g., we have orange juice for breakfast [pattern] because citrus aromas [inherent feature] wake us up). We tested two predictions of this proposal—that reliance on the inherence heuristic predicts endorsement of essentialist beliefs, even when adjusting for potentially confounding variables (Studies 1 and 2), and that reducing reliance on the inherence heuristic produces a downstream reduction in essentialist thought (Studies 3 and 4). The results were consistent with these predictions and thus provided evidence for a new theoretical perspective on the cognitive underpinnings of psychological essentialism.
Influences of Patient Age on Deep Neck Infection: Clinical Etiology and Treatment Outcome
Authors: Chi Tzu‐Hang , Tsao Yuan‐Heng , Yuan Chien‐Han
Published: July 2014

Objectives

To analyze the differences in clinical features, etiology, treatment modalities, and microbiology of the deep neck infections between the elderly and the adults.

Study Design

Cases series.

Setting

Single hospital.

Subjects and Methods

A retrospective review was performed on patients older than 18 years of age with diagnosis of deep neck infection from January 2008 to December 2012. A total of 148 patients were enrolled in this study, including 32 elderly (older than 65 years of age) and 116 adults who aged between 18 and 65. Data collected included age, gender, clinical presentations, etiology, treatment modalities, and microbiology.

Results

Odontogenic and salivary origin were the most common sources of infection for the elderly group, whereas the odontogenic and tonsillar origin were the most common sources of deep neck infections in the adult group. Compared to the adult group, the elderly group had significantly higher ratio with multiple spaces involved (53.1% vs 30.2%, P =. 016), complication (15.6% vs 4.3%, P =. 024), and surgical interventions (75.0% vs 38.8%, P <. 001), in addition to longer hospital stay (11.1 ± 7.2 days vs 8.2 ± 4.5 days, P =. 029).

Conclusion

Compared to the adult group, the elderly patients with deep neck infection had more cases with multiple spaces involvement, complications, surgical interventions, and longer hospital stay. However, the outcome of the elderly group was the same as the adult group. Therefore, the benefits of aggressive management for deep neck infection should not be withheld from patients simply because of the old age.
Inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion due to squamous cell lung cancer
Authors: Kotoulas Christophoros , Panagiotou Ioannis , Tsipas Panteleimon , Koutoulakis Emmanouil
Published: July 2014

The syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone is a disorder of impaired water excretion caused by the inability to suppress secretion of antidiuretic hormone. It has been commonly associated with small cell carcinoma. The association of this syndrome with squamous cell lung carcinoma has rarely been reported, with only 4 cases over the past two decades in the English literature. We describe the case of a 75-year-old Caucasian male who developed the syndrome after a right pneumonectomy for down-staged squamous cell lung cancer previously treated with neoadjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
The euro crisis in metaphors and frames: Focus on the press in the Low Countries
Authors: Joris Willem , d’Haenens Leen , Van Gorp Baldwin
Published: July 2014

This study examines the frames used in reporting on the euro crisis. As far as the debt crisis is concerned, the media are the main source of information for European citizens. It is therefore interesting to carry out an in-depth content analysis of news coverage. The study looks into five dominant frames in Flemish (i.e. Dutch-speaking Belgium) and Dutch newspapers. War proved to be the most frequently used frame, followed by disease, natural disaster, construction and game. The prevalence of these frames was stable in both countries and from one type of newspaper to another.
Awareness of dementia by family carers of nursing home residents dying with dementia: A post-death study
Authors: Penders Yolanda WH , Albers Gwenda , Deliens Luc , Vander Stichele Robert , Van den Block Lieve ,   on behalf of EURO IMPACT, Van den Block Lieve , De Groote Zeger , Brearly Sarah , Caraceni Augusto , Cohen Joachim , Francke Anneke , Harding Richard , Higginson Irene , Kaasa Stein , Linden Karen , Miccenesi Guido , Onwuteaka-Philipsen Bregje , Pardon Koen , Pasman Roeline , Pautux Sophie , Payne Sheila , Deliens Luc
Published: July 2014

Background:

High-quality palliative care for people with dementia should be patient-centered, family-focused, and include well-informed and shared decision-making, as affirmed in a recent white paper on dementia from the European Association for Palliative Care.

Aim:

To describe how often family carers of nursing home residents who died with dementia are aware that their relative has dementia, and study resident, family carer, and care characteristics associated with awareness.

Design:

Post-death study using random cluster sampling.

Setting/participants:

Structured questionnaires were completed by family carers, nursing staff, and general practitioners of deceased nursing home residents with dementia in Flanders, Belgium (2010).

Results:

Of 190 residents who died with dementia, 53.2% of family carers responded. In 28% of cases, family carers indicated they were unaware their relative had dementia. Awareness by family carers was related to more advanced stages of dementia 1 month before death (odds ratio = 5.4), with 48% of family carers being unaware when dementia was mild and 20% unaware when dementia was advanced. The longer the onset of dementia after admission to a nursing home, the less likely family carers were aware (odds ratio = 0.94).

Conclusion:

Family carers are often unaware that their relative has dementia, that is, in one-fourth of cases of dementia and one-fifth of advanced dementia, posing considerable challenges for optimal care provision and end-of-life decision-making. Considering that family carers of residents who develop dementia later after admission to a nursing home are less likely to be aware, there is room for improving communication strategies toward family carers of nursing home residents.
Risk Factors and Imaging Characteristics of Childhood Stroke in China
Authors: Deng Yaxian , Wang Yilong , Yang Weili , Yu Yazhen , Xu Juanyu , Wang Yongjun , Gao Baoqin
Published: July 2014

There are scarce reports of childhood stroke from China. Our objective was to describe the clinical spectrum, risk factors, and imaging characteristics of childhood stroke in China. Using a hospital discharge database, children with stroke who were first admitted from 2002 to 2011 were retrospectively enrolled. We identified 478 first admissions with childhood stroke, including 229 cases of ischemic stroke and 249 hemorrhagic stroke. Boys accounted for more than 60% in all stroke types (62.2% for ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage for 66.2%). The leading cause was moyamoya for ischemic stroke and arteriovenous malformations for intracerebral hemorrhage. Hemiplegia and headache were the most common presenting features. Internal carotid artery and middle cerebral artery were the most involved arteries according to imaging examination in the ischemic stroke. A total of 8 patients died of intracerebral hemorrhage. The prevalence of hemorrhagic stroke was more than that of ischemic stroke. As Western countries, arteriopathy was the most common cause of childhood stroke.
The Relationship Between Visual Orienting Responses and Clinical Characteristics in Children Attending Special Education for the Visually Impaired
Authors: Kooiker Marlou J. G. , Pel Johan J. M. , van der Steen Johannes
Published: July 2014

We recently introduced a method based on quantification of orienting responses toward visual stimuli to assess the quality of visual information processing in children. In the present study, we examined the relationship between orienting responses and factors that are associated with visual processing impairments in current clinical practice. Response time and fixation quality to visual features such as form, contrast, motion, and color stimuli were assessed in 104 children from 1 to 12 years attending special education for the visually impaired. Using regression analysis, we investigated whether these parameters were affected by clinical characteristics of children. Response times significantly depended on stimulus type. Responses to high-contrast cartoons were significantly slower in children with a clinical diagnosis of cerebral visual impairment. Fixation quality was significantly affected by visual acuity and nystagmus. The results suggest that the quantitative measurement of orienting responses is strongly related to cerebral visual impairment in children.