bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Prospective Analysis of 179 Type 2 Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior Repairs
Authors: Provencher Matthew T. , McCormick Frank , Dewing Christopher , McIntire Sean , Solomon Daniel
Published: March 2013

Background:

There is a paucity of type 2 superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP) surgical outcomes with prospective data.

Purpose:

To prospectively analyze the clinical outcomes of the arthroscopic treatment of type 2 SLAP tears in a young, active patient population, and to determine factors associated with treatment success and failure.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Over a 4-year period, 225 patients with a type 2 SLAP tear were prospectively enrolled. Two sports/shoulder-fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons performed repairs with suture anchors and a vertical suture construct. Patients were excluded if they underwent any additional repairs, including rotator cuff repair, labrum repair outside of the SLAP region, biceps tenodesis or tenotomy, or distal clavicle excision. Dependent variables were preoperative and postoperative assessments with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability (WOSI) scores and independent physical examinations. A failure analysis was conducted to determine factors associated with failure: age, mechanism of injury, preoperative outcome scores, and smoking. Failure was defined as revision surgery, mean ASES score below 70, or an inability to return to sports and work duties, which was assessed statistically with the Student t test and stepwise logarithmic regression.

Results:

There were 179 of 225 patients who completed the follow-up for the study (80%) at a mean of 40.4 months (range, 26-62 months). The mean preoperative scores (WOSI, 54%; SANE, 50%; ASES, 65) improved postoperatively (WOSI, 82%; SANE, 85%; ASES, 88) ( P < .01). The mean postoperative range of motion was 159° of flexion, 151° of abduction, and 51° of external rotation at the side, which was less than the mean preoperative range of motion (164° of flexion, 166° of abduction, and 56° of external rotation at the side). Of the 179 patients, 66 patients (36.8%) met failure criteria. Fifty patients elected revision surgery. Advanced age within the cohort (>36 years) was the only factor associated with a statistically significant increase in the incidence of failure. Those who were deemed failed had a mean age of 39.2 years (range, 29-45 years) versus those who were deemed healed with a mean age of 29.7 years (range, 18-36 years) ( P < .001). The relative risk for failure for patients older than 36 years was 3.45 (95% CI, 2.0-4.9).

Conclusion:

Arthroscopic SLAP repair provides a clinical and statistically significant improvement in shoulder outcomes. However, a reliable return to the previous activity level is limited; 37% of patients had failure, with a 28% revision rate. Age greater than 36 years was associated with a higher chance of failure. Additional work is necessary to determine the optimal diagnosis, indications, and surgical management for those with SLAP injuries.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Fatigue Failures in Knees Subjected to Repeated Simulated Pivot Landings
Authors: Lipps David B. , Wojtys Edward M. , Ashton-Miller James A.
Published: March 2013

Background:

It is not known whether the human anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is susceptible to fatigue failure as a result of repetitive loading or whether certain knee morphologic characteristics increase that risk.

Hypotheses:

The number of knee loading cycles required to fail an ACL by fatigue failure is unaffected by the magnitude of the external load delivered to the knee joint. Furthermore, sex, ACL cross-sectional area, and lateral tibial slope will not affect the number of loading cycles to ACL failure.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Knee pairs from 10 cadaveric donors (5 female) of similar age, height, and weight were imaged with 3-T magnetic resonance imaging to measure lateral tibial slope and ACL cross-sectional area. One knee from each pair was then subjected to repeated application of a load of 3 times body weight (3*BW), while the other knee was subjected to a 4*BW load, both involving impulsive compression force, knee flexion moment, and internal tibial torque combined with realistic trans-knee muscle forces. The resulting 3-dimensional tibiofemoral kinematics and kinetics were recorded, along with ACL relative strain and quadriceps, hamstring, and gastrocnemius muscle forces. The loading cycle was repeated until the ACL ruptured, a 3-mm increase in cumulative anterior tibial translation occurred, or a minimum of 50 trials was reached.

Results:

Eight of 10 knees failed under the 4*BW load (mean ± SD cycles to failure, 21 ± 18), while 5 of 10 knees failed under the 3*BW load (mean ± SD cycles to failure, 52 ± 10). Four knees exhibited a 3-mm increase in anterior tibial translation, 7 knees developed partial or complete visible ACL tears, and 2 knees developed complete ACL tibial avulsions. A Cox regression showed that the number of cycles to ACL failure was influenced by the simulated landing force ( P = .012) and ACL cross-sectional area ( P = .022). Donor sex and lateral tibial slope did not influence the number of cycles to ACL failure.

Conclusion:

The human ACL is susceptible to fatigue failure when pivot landings of 3*BW or more load the knee repeatedly within a short time span. An ACL with a smaller cross-sectional area is at greater risk for this type of failure.

Clinical Relevance:

The results show that the human knee can only withstand a certain number of 3*BW or greater jump loading cycles within a short time period before the ACL will fail. Therefore, limiting the increase in the number and severity of pivot landing maneuvers performed over a week of training would make sense from an injury prevention viewpoint.
Clinical Outcomes of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Injection With Arthroscopic Treatment in Older Patients With Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus
Authors: Kim Yong Sang , Park Eui Hyun , Kim Yong Chan , Koh Yong Gon
Published: March 2013

Background:

The ideal treatment for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) is still controversial, especially in older patients. Recently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been suggested for use in the cell-based treatment of cartilage lesions.

Purpose:

To compare the clinical outcomes of MSC injection and arthroscopic marrow stimulation treatment with those of arthroscopic marrow stimulation treatment alone for the treatment of OLTs in older patients.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Among 107 patients with OLTs treated arthroscopically, only the patients older than 50 years (65 patients) were included in this study. Patients were divided into 2 groups: 35 patients (37 ankles) treated with arthroscopic marrow stimulation treatment alone (group A) and 30 patients (31 ankles) who underwent MSC injection along with arthroscopic marrow stimulation treatment (group B). Clinical outcomes were evaluated according to the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale, and the Roles and Maudsley score. The Tegner activity scale was used to determine outcomes in activity levels.

Results:

The mean VAS score in each group was significantly improved ( P < .05) from 7.2 ± 1.1 to 4.0 ± 0.7 in group A and from 7.1 ± 1.0 to 3.2 ± 0.9 in group B. The mean AOFAS score in each group was also significantly improved ( P < .05) from 68.0 ± 5.5 to 77.2 ± 4.8 in group A and from 68.1 ± 5.6 to 82.6 ± 6.4 in group B. There were significant differences in mean VAS and AOFAS scores between the groups at final follow-up (mean, 21.8 months; range, 12-44 months) ( P < .001). The Roles and Maudsley score showed significantly greater improvement in group B than in group A after surgery ( P = .040). The Tegner activity scale score was significantly improved in group B (from 3.5 ± 0.7 to 3.8 ± 0.7; P = .041) but not in group A (from 3.5 ± 0.8 to 3.6 ± 0.6; P = .645). Large lesion size (≥109 mm2) and the existence of subchondral cysts were significant predictors of unsatisfactory clinical outcomes in group A ( P = .04 and .03, respectively). These correlations were not observed in group B.

Conclusion:

Injection of MSCs with marrow stimulation treatment was encouraging in patients older than 50 years compared with patients treated with marrow stimulation treatment alone, especially when the lesion size was larger than 109 mm2 or a subchondral cyst existed. Although still in the early stages of application, MSCs may have great potential in the treatment of OLTs in patients older than 50 years, and more evaluations of its effect should be performed.
Religion, Discourse and Power: A Contribution towards a Critical Sociology of Religion
Authors: Hjelm Titus
Published: March 2013

This article discusses critical discourse analysis CDA) as a framework for a critical agenda in the sociology of religion. CDA uniquely brings together discursive and critical (broadly Marxist) approaches to religion, both of which have been underrepresented in current mainstream scholarship. The article argues that a CDA perspective has a lot to offer to the sociology of religion both by sensitizing scholars to the significance of discourse in creating hegemonic understandings of religion and religions in everyday social interaction dominated by the media; and by offering a framework through which to analyse the discursive construction, reproduction and transformation of inequality in the field of religion. The article discusses the concept of discourse and its different meanings, examines what being ‘critical’ means in the context of discourse analysis and constructs a framework for doing practical CDA. Finally, CDA is discussed as a foundation for a critical sociology of religion.
Reconstruction of Calcaneal Fracture Malunion With Osteotomy and Subtalar Joint Salvage
Authors: Yu Guang-Rong , Hu Sun-Jun , Yang Yun-Feng , Zhao Hong-Mou , Zhang Shi-Min
Published: March 2013

Background:

The goal of this study was to discuss the outcomes of treating calcaneal fracture malunion by restoring the subtalar joint with a reconstructive osteotomy.

Methods:

From May 2005 to November 2008, 24 patients (26 feet) with calcaneal malunions after a displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture were treated by osteotomy and autogenous bone graft. The subtalar joint was preserved. The mean time from initial injury to reconstructive operation was 5.7 months (95% confidence interval, 4.5-8.8 months). The displaced posterior facet was restored through a reconstructive osteotomy, whereas the bone defect in the calcaneus after reduction was filled with the exostosis that had been removed; iliac bone graft was used if necessary. All patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically at a minimum of 24 months. Twenty patients (21 feet) were followed for a mean of 34.2 months (29.0-39.4 months).

Results:

According to American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score, the average score was 85.9 points (95% confidence interval, 81.5-90.4 points), which was significantly higher than the preoperative assessment. Radiographs showed that Böhler’s angle, Gissane’s angle, talus declination angle, and width and height of calcaneus were improved to a great extent. Six patients had wound edge necrosis, and 2 had superficial infection. One patient required a subtalar fusion for subtalar arthritis at 2 years after surgery.

Conclusions:

Restoring the subtalar joint with a reconstructive osteotomy and autogenous bone graft was an effective treatment method for selected calcaneal fracture malunions. It reconstructed calcaneal morphology and preserved the subtalar joint.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
The Function of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in Thalamus and Cortex
Authors: Sherman S. Murray
Published: March 2013

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are found throughout thalamus and cortex and are clearly important to circuit behavior in both structures, and so considering only participation of ionotropic glutamate receptors (e.g., [R,S]-α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid [AMPA] and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors [NMDA] receptors) in glutamatergic processing would be an unfortunate oversimplification. These mGluRs are found both postsynaptically, on target cells of glutamatergic afferents, and presynaptically, on various synaptic terminals themselves, and when activated, they produce prolonged effects lasting at least hundreds of msec to several sec and perhaps longer. Two main types exist: activation of group I mGluRs causes postsynaptic depolarization, and group II, hyperpolarization. Both types are implicated in synaptic plasticity, both short term and long term. Their evident importance in functioning of thalamus and cortex makes it critical to develop a better understanding of how these receptors are normally activated, especially because they also seem implicated in a wide range of neurological and cognitive pathologies.
Contribution of cortical and white matter lesions to cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Papadopoulou Athina , Müller-Lenke Nicole , Naegelin Yvonne , Kalt Gabriela , Bendfeldt Kerstin , Kuster Pascal , Stoecklin Markus , Gass Achim , Sprenger Till , Radue Ernst Wilhelm , Kappos Ludwig , Penner Iris-Katharina
Published: March 2013

Background:

Cortical lesions (CLs) have been reported to be a better predictor for cognitive impairment than white matter (WM) lesions in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

Objectives:

The objectives of this article are to investigate the contribution of CLs and WM lesions to cognitive impairment in 91 patients with MS and clinically isolated syndrome, and to test potential associations of CLs and WM lesions with fatigue and depression.

Methods:

Lesions were scored and segmented on 3D double inversion recovery sequences, according to their location (cortical, WM). Normalised grey matter volume was also determined. Cognitive performance was assessed with the SDMT and PASAT-3, fatigue with the FSMC and depression with the German version of the CES-D.

Results:

CL volume did not correlate with fatigue or depression, but correlated significantly with both neuropsychological outcome measures: PASAT-3 ( r = −0.275, p = 0.009) and SDMT ( r = −0.377, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analyses with age, WM lesions, CLs and GM volume as independent variables, however, did not reveal CL volume as a significant predictor of neuropsychological outcomes, whereas WM lesion volume significantly predicted SDMT and by trend PASAT performance.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest a role of WM lesions in the development of cognitive deficits, especially information-processing speed, which may be higher than previously assumed.

Abbreviations:

CES-D: Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (ADS-L: Allgemeine Depressions Skala-L, German version of CES-D), CIS: clinically isolated syndrome, CL: cortical lesion, DIR: double inversion recovery, EDSS: Expanded Disability Status Scale, FSMC: fatigue scale for motor and cognitive functions, GM: grey matter, MRI: magnetic resonance imaging, MS: multiple sclerosis, PASAT-3: paced auditory serial addition test 3s, PPMS: primary progressive multiple sclerosis, RRMS: relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis, SDMT: symbol digit modalities test, SPM: statistical parametric mapping, SPMS: secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, WM: white matter
Residential segregation and obesity among a national sample of Hispanic adults
Authors: Corral Irma , Landrine Hope , Zhao Luhua
Published: March 2013

We explored the role of residential segregation in obesity among a national sample of Hispanics for the first time. Data on the 8785 Hispanic adults in the 2000 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were linked to 2000 census data on the segregation of 290 metropolitan statistical areas. Multilevel modeling revealed that after controlling for individual-level variables, the odds of being obese for Hispanics residing in high-segregated metropolitan statistical areas were 26.4 percent higher than for those residing in low-segregated metropolitan statistical areas. This segregation effect might be mediated by the obesogenic features (e.g. paucity of recreational facilities and abundance of fast-food outlets) of segregated Hispanic neighborhoods.
Mark of Cain
Authors: Ray Larry
Published: March 2013

Violence presents a paradox. There is evidence that violence is universal in all in human societies. However, in writing mostly from the standpoint of relatively peaceful social spaces, violence often appears exceptional, and a product of the breakdown of integrating social institutions and conventions. Norbert Elias persuasively identified growing thresholds of repugnance towards violence with the transition to modernity, although understanding the balance between formalization and informalization poses some critical questions about his thesis. The discussion begins with these as a means of opening a broader discussion of theories of violence which are developed through a critical analysis of Girard’s and Gans’ theories. It is argued that these may offer a way of addressing the informalization problem in a context of mimetic consumption desires in a context of apparent but false equalization in contemporary societies.
Competing institutional logics in the development and implementation of integrated treatment for concurrent disorders in Ontario: A case study
Authors: Novotná Gabriela
Published: March 2013

Rising health care costs have increased scrutiny on the performance of mental health and substance use services. The specifics of these human service organizations’ institutional environments make evaluating their organizational performance a challenging task. This study, based on 27 semi-structured interviews, document analyses and non-participant observation at two treatment programs, explored how two different institutional logics – managerial strategies striving for treatment effectiveness and client-centered care – guide the implementation of integrated treatment for concurrent disorders in Ontario, Canada.

Findings

Treatment services for concurrent disorders have been pressured to adopt more business-like, performance-oriented rationales that are part of corporatist institutional paradigms including, for example, the spread of managerial strategies focused on developing strong performance culture. Such development, however, can conflict with the principles of client-centered, comprehensive care that social workers and other helping professions adhere to. In this regard, the clash of different rationalities brings inconsistencies to the process of developing and implementing integrated treatments for concurrent disorders.

Applications

Despite the ideological commitment to comprehensive, individually-tailored and continuous treatment for concurrent disorders, there has been tension between such commitment and the emphasis on abbreviated, manual-based, routinized treatments associated with cost-containment and resource efficiency. This, however, can have serious consequences for treatment planning and treatment delivery, the client-clinician relationship and the displacement of client-centered care by program-centered approaches.
Readiness of boards of trustees in non-profit and voluntary sector organisations to meet the adult care ‘personalisation agenda’: A case study of a single English county
Authors: Donovan Ben , Gilbert Tony , Moran Beth , Stanley Selwyn , Barnett Samantha , Hocking Dave
Published: March 2013

In a multi-method assessment of non-profit and voluntary sector governance in Cornwall, England, 65 chairpersons of organisations completed a Board Self-Assessment Questionnaire (BSAQ) to identify the level at which the board was functioning. They also commented on their awareness of the Westminster Government's personalisation agenda. In addition, semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 17 board representatives from seven organisations to explore organisational support needs in respect of meeting the Adult Care ‘personalisation agenda’.

Findings

Board members who reported good awareness of the personalisation agenda also self-assessed themselves as scoring higher than other respondents on the six BSAQ factors. Multiple regression analysis indicated that 47% of the variation in personalisation agenda preparedness was accounted for by organisations’ BSAQ scores. Qualitative data highlighted a number of important issues that may impact on the successful development of the personalisation agenda. These included the difficulty voluntary boards have in attracting trustees with appropriate experience, blurring of roles where trustees take on multiple roles some with operational commitments and communication difficulties with the local authority that results in board members stating that they are not sure of what is expected.

Applications

While the study focussed on a single county the demographic of non-profit and voluntary sector organisations are not dissimilar from other areas which provide some basis for generalisability. Findings also resonate with previous studies of the sector. This suggests that local authorities and adult social care departments have considerable challenges to ensure the readiness of organisations in the sector and the robustness of governance delivered via trustees.
Civic practice: A new professional paradigm for social work
Authors: Harington Philip RJ , Beddoe Liz
Published: March 2013

• Summary:

Economic rationalism has had an impact upon the position of many professions in Western society. Drawing on New Zealand material this article argues that neoliberal targeting of professions’ capacity to capture domains of service and their funding has fuelled deprofessionalization, but also created space for alternative domains of practice. A case for a civic model of social work practice is argued.

• Findings:

Debates about the nature of professions flourish in current literature. An exploration of the features of the social work profession suggests three types: heroic, altruistic and civic. The development of civic practice in social work is suggested, presupposing a reframing of the role and focus of the profession toward social inquiry applied to the rights and needs of citizens.

• Application:

The contribution of this article is to explore a move forward in the de-professionalization debates and to propose a civic social work grounded in advocacy and critical social inquiry.
Weight control: key to managing ‘diabesity’
Authors: Haslam David
Published: March 2013

A link between obesity and type 2 diabetes has been noted for millennia, and particularly in more recent centuries, with the global obesity epidemic drawing it to modern attention. The evidence associating obesity with deteriorating glycaemic control, the development of type 2 diabetes and negative influence on its pathogenesis is increasing, as is the focus on the co-existence of the conditions – namely ‘diabesity’. The pharmacological therapies for type 2 diabetes which are weight neutral or facilitate weight loss are metformin, the more recently introduced agents which target the incretin system and dapagliflozin, the sodium-glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. These therapies are appropriate for the treatment of diabesity since they reduce hyperglycaemia and concomitantly address the underlying pathology of weight control.
High Self-Esteem Prospectively Predicts Better Work Conditions and Outcomes
Authors: Kuster Farah , Orth Ulrich , Meier Laurenz L.
Published: March 2013

We examined the reciprocal prospective relations between self-esteem and work conditions and outcomes, including justice at work, support at work, work stressors, job satisfaction, job success, and counterproductive work behavior. Data came from two independent longitudinal studies, including five assessments over an 8-month period ( N = 663, age 16–62 years) and three assessments over a 2-year period ( N = 600, age 22–51 years), respectively. Across both studies, high self-esteem prospectively predicted better work conditions and outcomes, whereas nearly all of the reverse effects (i.e., work conditions and outcomes predicting self-esteem) were nonsignificant. The results held for both male and female participants. If future research supports the causality of the self-esteem effects, interventions aimed at improving self-esteem might be useful in increasing an individual’s well-being and success at work, which consequently might be beneficial for employers.
Is percentage theatre utilisation data an accurate predictor of cost-effectiveness and performance in urology?
Authors: Modgil V , Gordon K , Mak D , Liu S , Gommersall L
Published: March 2013

Objective:

The current economic and political climate demands a focus on efficiency and productivity, whilst delivering quality, across all aspects of the National Health Service (NHS). Operative theatres act as a critical, yet costly resource. The Audit Commission employs the use of percentage theatre utilisation as a principal measure of NHS operating theatre service and efficiency performance. We analysed theatre utilisation data in a five-consultant, high turnover, urology department within a NHS University Teaching Hospital. Our aim was to examine the relationship between theatre utilisation data, cost effectiveness and income generated.

Patients and methods:

Data on the usage of a dedicated urology theatre was collected over 251 hours for a full calendar month. A total of 176 consecutive procedures were performed. Linear regression analysis was performed to assess the correlation between number of operating hours, cases per hour, utilisation percentages and income generated.

Results:

There was no correlation between percentage theatre utilisation and income ( R2=0.0191, p=0.82). No relationship was identified between percentage theatre utilisation and total number of cases performed ( R2=0.0001, p=0.99). Although there appeared to be a positive correlation between the number of cases performed and income generated, this was not statistically significant ( R2=0.725, p=0.067). Furthermore, there was no association between the number of cases performed per hour and income generated ( R2=0.3184, p=0.32).

Conclusion:

Our data identifies no correlation between percentage theatre utilisation, income generated and number of cases performed. Utilisation percentages are not a reliable performance indicator when used in isolation, and therefore should be used as part of a more global picture when assessing cost effectiveness and efficiency performance.
Urban Youth’s Perspectives on Asthma and Asthma Management
Authors: Simon Lisa
Published: March 2013

Background. Education is widely recognized as a valuable contribution to asthma management. Asthma’s high incidence in urban areas and the documented challenges that poor urban families face in managing asthma make effective education particularly important. However, its potential is undercut when the educational content is not relevant to learners’ experiences with, and beliefs about, asthma. This article focuses on urban adolescents’ understandings of asthma with the goal of identifying directions for more effective and relevant asthma education. Method. This qualitative study employed a culturally relevant stance with the goal of accessing participants’ beliefs and theories about asthma and asthma management. Ongoing focus group meetings with urban adolescents were used as well as semistructured one-on-one interviews. Findings. Data demonstrated that participants understood asthma triggers and symptoms. Data trends also identified participants’ belief that asthma is a condition that cannot be controlled, a view that conflicts with asthma therapy goals. Discussions. Because participants’ understandings were grounded in their experiential knowledge, top-down, information-focused education is unlikely to be effective in changing participants’ beliefs. These findings highlight the necessity for educational approaches that assess what learners already know about asthma, their experiences with the condition, and the understandings they have formulated about asthma. Educators can then build on learners’ knowledge in ways that effectively teach important information about this complex condition.
Extracellular protein disulfide isomerase regulates ligand-binding activity of αMβ2 integrin and neutrophil recruitment during vascular inflammation
Authors: Hahm Eunsil , Li Jing , Kim Kyungho , Huh Sungjin , Rogelj Snezna , Cho Jaehyung
Published: March 2013

Key Points

This work is the first identification of a neutrophil surface thiol isomerase regulating adhesive function of αMβ2 integrin. PDI is required for neutrophil recruitment during vascular inflammation and its isomerase activity is critical for the regulatory effect.
Targeting B-cell anergy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Apollonio Benedetta , Scielzo Cristina , Bertilaccio Maria Teresa Sabrina , ten Hacken Elisa , Scarfò Lydia , Ranghetti Pamela , Stevenson Freda , Packham Graham , Ghia Paolo , Muzio Marta , Caligaris-Cappio Federico
Published: March 2013

Key Points

A sizable fraction of CLL patients is characterized by the expansion of clonal B cells with anergic features. The constitutive biochemical signature of B-cell anergy can be efficiently targeted in CLL for therapeutic purposes.
Homomorphisms and derivations in induced fuzzy "Equation missing" -algebras
Authors: Azadi Kenary Hassan , Ghirati Mojtaba , Park Choonkil , Eshaghi Gordji Madjid
Published: March 2013

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Personality traits in chronic daily headache patients with and without psychiatric comorbidity: an observational study in a tertiary care headache center
Authors: Rausa Marialuisa , Cevoli Sabina , Sancisi Elisa , Grimaldi Daniela , Pollutri Gabriella , Casoria Michela , Grieco Daniela , Bisi Alberto , Cortelli Pietro , Pozzi Euro , Pierangeli Giulia
Published: March 2013

Background

Previous studies suggest that patients with Chronic Daily Headache (CDH) have higher levels of anxiety and depressive disorders than patients with episodic migraine or tension-type headache. However, no study has considered the presence of psychiatric comorbidity in the analysis of personality traits. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity and specific personality traits in CDH patients, exploring if specific personality traits are associated to headache itself or to the psychiatric comorbidity associated with headache.

Methods

An observational, cross-sectional study. Ninety-four CDH patients with and without medication overuse were included in the study and assessed by clinical psychiatric interview and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) as diagnostic tools. Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) were afterwards administered. Patients with and without psychiatric comorbidity were compared. Further analyses were made by splitting the whole group according to the headache diagnosis and the presence or not of medication overuse.

Results

Psychiatric comorbidity was detected in 44 patients (46.8%) (group A) and was absent in the remaining 50 patients (53.2%) (group B). Mood and anxiety disorders were the most frequently diagnosed (43.6%).

In the overall group, mean scores of MMPI-2 showed a high level in the so-called neurotic triad; in particular the mean score in the Hypochondriasis subscale was in the pathologic area (73.55 ± 13.59), while Depression and Hysteria scores were moderate but not severe (62.53 and 61.61, respectively). In content scales, score in Health Concern was also high (66.73).

Group A presented higher scores compared to Group B in the following MMPI-2 subscales: Hypochondriasis (p = .036), Depression (p = .032), Hysteria (p < .0001), Hypomania (p = .030). Group B had a high score only in the Hypochondriasis subscale. No significant differences were found between chronic migraine (CM)-probable CM (pCM) plus probable medication overuse headache (pMOH) and chronic tension-type headache (CTTH)-probable CTTH (pCTTH) plus pMOH patients or between patients with and without drug overuse.

Conclusions

The so-called “Neurotic Profile” reached clinical level only in CDH patients with psychiatric comorbidity while a high concern about their general health status was a common feature in all CDH patients.
GenePainter: a fast tool for aligning gene structures of eukaryotic protein families, visualizing the alignments and mapping gene structures onto protein structures
Authors: Hammesfahr Björn , Odronitz Florian , Mühlhausen Stefanie , Waack Stephan , Kollmar Martin
Published: March 2013

Background

All sequenced eukaryotic genomes have been shown to possess at least a few introns. This includes those unicellular organisms, which were previously suspected to be intron-less. Therefore, gene splicing must have been present at least in the last common ancestor of the eukaryotes. To explain the evolution of introns, basically two mutually exclusive concepts have been developed. The introns-early hypothesis says that already the very first protein-coding genes contained introns while the introns-late concept asserts that eukaryotic genes gained introns only after the emergence of the eukaryotic lineage. A very important aspect in this respect is the conservation of intron positions within homologous genes of different taxa.

Results

GenePainter is a standalone application for mapping gene structure information onto protein multiple sequence alignments. Based on the multiple sequence alignments the gene structures are aligned down to single nucleotides. GenePainter accounts for variable lengths in exons and introns, respects split codons at intron junctions and is able to handle sequencing and assembly errors, which are possible reasons for frame-shifts in exons and gaps in genome assemblies. Thus, even gene structures of considerably divergent proteins can properly be compared, as it is needed in phylogenetic analyses. Conserved intron positions can also be mapped to user-provided protein structures. For their visualization GenePainter provides scripts for the molecular graphics system PyMol.

Conclusions

GenePainter is a tool to analyse gene structure conservation providing various visualization options. A stable version of GenePainter for all operating systems as well as documentation and example data are available at http://www.motorprotein.de/genepainter.html.
The interaction of Kinesin-1 with its adaptor protein JIP1 can be regulated via proteins binding to the JIP1-PTB domain
Authors: Satake Tomoko , Otsuki Karin , Banba Yumi , Suenaga Jun , Hirano Hisashi , Yamanaka Yuko , Ohno Shigeo , Hirai Syu-ichi
Published: March 2013

Background

The regulatory mechanisms of motor protein-dependent intracellular transport are still not fully understood. The kinesin-1-binding protein, JIP1, can function as an adaptor protein that links kinesin-1 and other JIP1-binding “cargo” proteins. However, it is unknown whether these “cargo” proteins influence the JIP1–kinesin-1 binding.

Results

We show here that JIP1–kinesin-1 binding in Neuro2a cells was dependent on conserved amino acid residues in the JIP1-phosphotyrosine binding (PTB) domain, including F687. In addition, mutation of F687 severely affected the neurite tip localization of JIP1. Proteomic analysis revealed another kinesin-1 binding protein, JIP3, as a major JIP1 binding protein. The association between JIP1 and JIP3 was dependent on the F687 residue in JIP1, and this association induced the formation of a stable ternary complex with kinesin-1. On the other hand, the binding of JIP1 and JIP3 was independent of kinesin-1 binding. We also show that other PTB binding proteins can interrupt the formation of the ternary complex.

Conclusions

The formation of the JIP1–kinesin-1 complex depends on the protein binding-status of the JIP1 PTB domain. This may imply a regulatory mechanism of kinesin-1-dependent intracellular transport.
A variance component based multi-marker association test using family and unrelated data
Authors: Wang Xuefeng , Morris Nathan J , Zhu Xiaofeng , Elston Robert C
Published: March 2013

Background

Incorporating family data in genetic association studies has become increasingly appreciated, especially for its potential value in testing rare variants. We introduce here a variance-component based association test that can test multiple common or rare variants jointly using both family and unrelated samples.

Results

The proposed approach implemented in our R package aggregates or collapses the information across a region based on genetic similarity instead of genotype scores, which avoids the power loss when the effects are in different directions or have different association strengths. The method is also able to effectively leverage the LD information in a region and it can produce a test statistic with an adaptively estimated number of degrees of freedom. Our method can readily allow for the adjustment of non-genetic contributions to the familial similarity, as well as multiple covariates.

Conclusions

We demonstrate through simulations that the proposed method achieves good performance in terms of Type I error control and statistical power. The method is implemented in the R package “fassoc”, which provides a useful tool for data analysis and exploration.
SMART – Sunflower Mutant population And Reverse genetic Tool for crop improvement
Authors: Kumar Anish PK , Boualem Adnane , Bhattacharya Anjanabha , Parikh Seema , Desai Nirali , Zambelli Andres , Leon Alberto , Chatterjee Manash , Bendahmane Abdelhafid
Published: March 2013

Background

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is an important oilseed crop grown widely in various areas of the world. Classical genetic studies have been extensively undertaken for the improvement of this particular oilseed crop. Pertaining to this endeavor, we developed a “chemically induced mutated genetic resource for detecting SNP by TILLING” in sunflower to create new traits.

Results

To optimize the EMS mutagenesis, we first conducted a “kill curve” analysis with a range of EMS dose from 0.5% to 3%. Based on the observed germination rate, a 50% survival rate i.e. LD50, treatment with 0.6% EMS for 8 hours was chosen to generate 5,000 M2 populations, out of which, 4,763 M3 plants with fertile seed set. Phenotypic characterization of the 5,000 M2 mutagenised lines were undertaken to assess the mutagenesis quality and to identify traits of interest. In the M2 population, about 1.1% of the plants showed phenotypic variations. The sunflower TILLING platform was setup using Endo-1-nuclease as mismatch detection system coupled with an eight fold DNA pooling strategy. As proof-of-concept, we screened the M2 population for induced mutations in two genes related to fatty acid biosynthesis, FatA an acyl-ACP thioesterase and SAD the stearoyl-ACP desaturase and identified a total of 26 mutations.

Conclusion

Based on the TILLING of FatA and SAD genes, we calculated the overall mutation rate to one mutation every 480 kb, similar to other report for this crop so far. As sunflower is a plant model for seed oil biosynthesis, we anticipate that the developed genetic resource will be a useful tool to identify novel traits for sunflower crop improvement.
Rate of candidiasis among HIV-infected children in Spain in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (1997–2008)
Authors: Álvaro-Meca Alejandro , Jensen Julia , Micheloud Dariela , Díaz Asunción , Gurbindo Dolores , Resino Salvador
Published: March 2013

Background

Candidiasis is the most common opportunistic infection seen in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals. The aim of our study was to estimate the candidiasis rate and evaluate its trend in HIV-infected children in Spain during the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) compared to HIV-uninfected children.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective study. Data were obtained from the records of the Minimum Basic Data Set from hospitals in Spain. All HIV-infected children were under 17 years of age, and a group of HIV-uninfected children with hospital admissions matching the study group by gender and age were randomly selected. The follow-up period (1997–2008) was divided into three calendar periods: a) From 1997 to 1999 for early-period HAART; b) from 2000 to 2002 for mid-period HAART; and c) from 2003 to 2008 for late-period HAART.

Results

Among children with hospital admissions, HIV-infected children had much higher values than HIV-uninfected children during each of the three calendar periods for overall candidiasis rates (150.0 versus 6.1 events per 1,000 child hospital admissions/year (p < 0.001), 90.3 versus 3.1 (p < 0.001), and 79.3 versus 10.7 (p < 0.001), respectively) and for non-invasive Candida mycosis (ICM) rates (118.5 versus 3.8 (p < 0.001), 85.3 versus 2.3 (p < 0.001), and 80.6 versus 6.0 (p < 0.001), respectively). In addition, HIV-infected children also had higher values of ICM rates than HIV-uninfected children, except during the last calendar period when no significant difference was found (32.4 versus 1.2 (p < 0.001), 11.6 versus 0.4 (p < 0.001), and 4.6 versus 2.3 (p = 0.387), respectively). For all children living with HIV/AIDS, the overall candidiasis rate (events per 1,000 HIV-infected children/year) decreased from 1997–1999 to 2000–2002 (18.8 to 10.6; p < 0.001) and from 2000–2002 to 2003–2008 (10.6 to 5.7; p = 0.060). Within each category of candidiasis, both non-ICM and ICM rates experienced significant decreases from 1997–1999 to 2003–2008 (15.9 to 5.7 (p < 0.001) and 4.1 to 0.3 (p < 0.001), respectively).

Conclusions

Although the candidiasis rate still remains higher than in the general population (from 1997 to 2008), candidiasis diagnoses have decreased among HIV-infected children throughout the HAART era, and it has ceased to be a major health problem among children with HIV infection.
Immune response, antibody persistence, and safety of a single dose of the quadrivalent meningococcal serogroups A, C, W-135, and Y tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine in adolescents and adults: results of an open, randomised, controlled study
Authors: Borja-Tabora Charissa , Montalban Cecilia , Memish Ziad A , Van der Wielen Marie , Bianco Veronique , Boutriau Dominique , Miller Jacqueline
Published: March 2013

Background

The best strategy to protect individuals against meningococcal disease is to immunize against multiple serogroups. Immunogenicity, antibody persistence, and safety of the EU-licensed meningococcal ACWY-tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine (MenACWY-TT) were evaluated in healthy participants aged 11–55 years from the Philippines and Saudi Arabia.

Methods

In this phase IIb, open, controlled study, 500 participants were randomised (3:1) to receive one dose of MenACWY-TT or a licensed meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (Men-PS). Functional antibody responses against meningococcal serogroups A, C, W-135, and Y were assessed by a serum bactericidal antibody assay using rabbit complement (rSBA) at Month 0, Month 1, Year 1, Year 2, and Year 3. Vaccine response was defined as an rSBA titre ≥32 at Month 1 in participants who were seronegative (rSBA titre <8) pre-vaccination and as at least a four-fold increase in titre in participants who were seropositive pre-vaccination. Solicited symptoms were recorded up to Day 4, safety outcomes up to Month 6, and serious adverse events related to vaccination up to Year 3.

Results

Pre-specified criteria for non-inferiority of MenACWY-TT versus Men-PS were met in terms of rSBA vaccine response and incidence of grade 3 general symptoms. At Month 1, 82.7%–96.3% of MenACWY-TT and 69.7%–91.7% in Men-PS recipients had a vaccine response for each serogroup. At Year 3, ≥99.1% and ≥92.9% of MenACWY-TT recipients retained rSBA titres ≥8 and ≥128, respectively, as compared to ≥86.7% and ≥80.0% in the Men-PS group. Both vaccines had a clinically acceptable safety profile, although injection site redness and swelling were more frequent in MenACWY-TT recipients.

Conclusions

These results suggest that MenACWY-TT could protect adolescents and adults against meningococcal disease up to three years post-vaccination.

Trial registration

This study is registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/NCT00356369.
Severe imported falciparum malaria among adults requiring intensive care: a retrospective study at the hospital for tropical diseases, London
Authors: Marks Michael E , Armstrong Margaret , Suvari Muhiddin M , Batson Steve , Whitty Christopher J M , Chiodini Peter L , Bellinghan Geoff , Doherty Justin F
Published: March 2013

Background

Malaria is the commonest imported infection in the UK. Malaria requiring ICU admission has a reported mortality of up to 25%. The relationship between ethnicity, immunity, and risk of malaria is complex. The Malaria Score for Adults (MSA) and Coma Acidosis Malaria (CAM) score have recently been proposed to risk stratify patients with malaria.

Methods

Retrospective study of patients with WHO severe falciparum malaria admitted to ICU at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London, UK. The relationship between clinical variables and risk of death or a prolonged ICU stay were examined with logistic regression. The predictive value of the MSA and CAM score were calculated.

Results

124 patients were included. Cerebral malaria and acute kidney injury occurred earlier (median day 1) than acute respiratory distress syndrome (median day 3). Six patients had community acquired bacterial co-infection. Eight patients were co-infected with HIV, five of whom were newly diagnosed. The positive predictive value of a CAM score ≥2 or an MSA ≥5 for death were 12% and 22% respectively. Five patients died. No variable was significantly associated with risk of death. There were no significant differences between individuals raised in endemic countries compared to non-endemic countries.

Conclusions

Mortality in patients managed in a specialist centre was low. Patients who died succumbed to complications associated with a prolonged stay on ICU rather than malaria per se. The clinical usefulness of the MSA and CAM score was limited. Co-infection with HIV was relatively common but compared to studies in children, bacteraemia was uncommon. The relationship between ethnicity and immunity to severe disease is complex.