bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dermoscopy and in vivo Reflectance Confocal Microscopy of a Congenital Nevus of the Nipple
Authors: Pastar Zrinjka , Massone Cesare , Ahlgrimm-Siess Verena , Koller Silvia , Mofarrah Ramin , Hofmann-Wellenhof Rainer
Published: June 2010

We report a 26-year-old male with a 4 mm diameter, asymmetric, irregularly pigmented and bordered, brown maculopapular lesion on the right nipple present since childhood with enlargement of the lesion within the last 3 months. Dermoscopy revealed a global globular pattern with the presence of focally light brown globules and irregular black globules in its centre. In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) revealed dense junctional and dermal melanocytic nests of different sizes and shapes that appeared as sharply demarcated round to oval reflective structures; cellular outlines of single melanocytes were not always detected. In the centre of the lesion within the upper dermis, irregularly shaped, homogeneously reflecting structures were observed. As a clear differentiation between clusters of melanophages and melanocytic nests could not be made with certainty, an excisional biopsy was performed to establish the diagnosis of compound nevus with features of congenital nevus. Therefore, to prove that dermoscopic globules correlated with melanophages, the correlation between dermoscopic RCM and histopathology was necessary.
In vitro and in vivo Activities of a New Lead Compound I2906 against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Lu Jingning , Yue Jun , Wu Jing , Luo Rusong , Hu Zhidong , Li Jianrong , Bai Yun , Tang Zhijiao , Xian Qiaoyang , Zhang Xuelian , Wang Honghai
Published: June 2010

Background: Due to the long duration of treatment and the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains, new antitubercular agents are urgently needed. I2906, as a novel lead, was screened and tested for efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Methods:To determine the efficacy of I2906,the minimum inhibitory concentrations against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and cytotoxicity were tested, and its in vivo activities were assessed by administering it to mice infected with M. tuberculosis H37Rv or multidrug-resistant strain. Results:Under in vitro conditions, I2906 showed excellent antimycobacterial activities and low cytotoxicity. In a murine model infected with M. tuberculosis H37Rv, the reductions on bacterial loads of both lungs and spleen were statistically significant (p < 0.05) between I2906-treated mice and untreated controls after 4 weeks. Further, the colony-forming unit counts in the lungs were dramatically lower (p < 0.05) than that of isoniazid-treated mice by the addition of I2906 after 8 weeks. Moreover, survival rate was increased by I2906 treatment. For multidrug-resistant strain infection, bacterial counts were reduced significantly in the lungs and spleen due to I2906 treatment in comparison with data from untreated controls (p < 0.05). Conclusions: I2906 displayed potential antimicrobial activities against M. tuberculosis H37Rv and drug-resistant strains in vitro and in vivo, and could improve efficacy of isoniazid in vivo.
Relationship between Metabolic Syndrome Components and Oxidative Stress in Elderly Community-Dwelling Mexicans
Authors: Sánchez-Rodríguez Martha A. , Martínez-Cruz Mauricio , Correa-Muñoz Elsa , Mendoza-Núñez Víctor Manuel
Published: June 2010

Aim: To determine the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) components and oxidative stress (OxS) in elderly community-dwelling Mexicans. Methods: We carried out a comparative cross-sectional study on 113 elderly subjects (≧60 years old); 50 of them did not have MetS and 63 did have MetS (based on Adult Treatment Panel III criteria). We measured total antioxidant status (TAS), plasma lipid peroxidation (LPO), antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and calculated the SOD/GPx ratio. High blood pressure (HBP) was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≧140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≧90 mm Hg. Results: We found a statistically significant increase in the percentage of cases of severe OxS in elderly subjects with MetS in comparison to healthy elderly (17 vs. 8%, OR: 7.33, 95% CI: 1.38–42.39; p < 0.01). It was observed that subjects with 5 MetS components had a 10-fold higher risk of developing OxS than subjects with 1 component (OR: 11.00, 95% CI: 1.72–115.17; p < 0.01). A positive correlation between SBP and LPO (r = 0.202, p < 0.05), and a negative correlation of SBP and DBP with TAS activity (r = –0.232, p < 0.05; r = –0.211, p < 0.05) were also observed. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that MetS is linked to severe OxS, that the number of metabolic syndrome components is a significant risk factor in the development of OxS, and that HBP is the most important metabolic syndrome component linked to OxS in the elderly.
Release of Satiety Hormones in Response to Specific Dietary Proteins Is Different between Human and Murine Small Intestinal Mucosa
Authors: Geraedts Maartje C.P. , Troost Freddy J. , Tinnemans Rik , Söderholm Johan D. , Brummer Robert-Jan , Saris Wim H.M.
Published: June 2010

Background/Aim: High protein diets are the most effective to stimulate cholecystokinin (CCK) and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) release; however, which proteins are the most potent is not known. Here, the effects of specific dietary proteins on intestinal CCK and GLP-1 release were examined. Methods: Duodenal biopsies of 10 healthy male subjects and 10 male rats were taken and placed in an Ussing chamber system. The biopsies were exposed on the luminal side to buffer, egg protein, codfish protein, ovomucoid, pea protein, and wheat protein. After an exposure time of 2 h, samples were taken from the serosal side. Results: Pea protein and wheat protein increased CCK and GLP-1 release in human duodenal tissue, while codfish protein only increased CCK release. No elevated levels of CCK and GLP-1 were found after exposure of rat tissue to different proteins. Conclusion: Pea and wheat protein are the most potent stimulators of CCK and GLP-1 release in human duodenal tissue, and may therefore be good dietary additives in weight management.
Indication for a New Lipolytic Enzyme Family: Isolation and Characterization of Two Esterases from a Metagenomic Library
Authors: Bayer Sally , Kunert Anja , Ballschmiter Meike , Greiner-Stoeffele Thomas
Published: June 2010

We have isolated several novel esterase genes from a sheep rumen metagenomic library using the activity-based cluster screening approach as a highly efficient screening technology. The two most remarkable esterase genes, designated estGK1 and estZ3, were further examined. Sequence analysis of estGK1 and estZ3 revealed that they encoded proteins covering 322 and 317 amino acids, respectively. Both proteins were biochemically characterized. EstGK1 and EstZ3 have only minor overall sequence similarity to known esterases. We propose that, together with other hypothetical enzymes, they constitute a new family of lipolytic enzymes. EstGK1 harbors the catalytic serine in the conserved pentapeptide GHSQG, which is typical for lipases, whereas EstZ3 and several other hypothetical proteins contain the pentapeptide SHSQG, a new variation of the conserved motif in lipolytic enzyme families.
Anterior Corpus Callosotomy in Patients with Intractable Generalized Epilepsy and Mental Retardation
Authors: Liang Shuli , Li Anmin , Jiang Hong , Meng Xiaoluo , Zhao Ming , Zhang Jiwu , Sun Yajing
Published: June 2010

Aims: To prospectively study outcomes of anterior corpus callosotomy (aCCT) in patients with refractory generalized epilepsy (RGE) and mental retardation (MR), and estimate the effect of preoperative Wechsler Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FIQ) on surgical outcomes. Methods: Selected patients with RGE were divided into a moderate MR group (MoMR), mild MR group (MiMR) and no MR group (NMR), and all of them were treated with aCCT. Seizure outcomes were evaluated at the 1-year follow-up (1FU) and 2-year follow-up (2FU), and changes of quality of life (QOL) and IQ were tested at 2FU. Results: Seizure control did not differ by group or follow-up period. Most seizure reduction was achieved in atonic or tonic seizures with 76–80% reduction at 1FU and 81–87% at 2FU; myoclonic epilepsy was the least likely to respond. QOL changes differed among groups, and 53.2% of total patients showed postoperative QOL improvement: 75% in the MoMR group, 65% in the MiMR group and 21.1% in the NMR group. No significant group difference was seen in FIQ change, although average postoperative performance IQ (PIQ) improvement in patients with MR exceeded 4 points. Conclusion: aCCT can reduce seizures and is a safe surgical procedure. Low IQ does not affect seizure outcome and can be associated with a good surgical outcome in PIQ and QOL improvement.
Clinical Performance of Two Visual Scoring Systems in Detecting and Assessing Activity Status of Occlusal Caries in Primary Teeth
Authors: Braga M.M. , Ekstrand K.R. , Martignon S. , Imparato J.C.P. , Ricketts D.N.J. , Mendes F.M.
Published: June 2010

This study aimed to compare the clinical performance of two sets of visual scoring criteria for detecting caries severity and assessing caries activity status in occlusal surfaces. Two visual scoring systems – the Nyvad criteria (NY) and the ICDAS-II including an adjunct system for lesion activity assessment (ICDAS-LAA) – were compared using 763 primary molars of 139 children aged 3–12 years. The examinations were performed by 2 calibrated examiners. A subsample (n = 50) was collected after extraction and histology with 0.1% red methyl dye was performed to validate lesion depth and activity. The reproducibility of the indices was calculated (kappa test) and ROC analysis was performed to assess their validity and related parameters were compared using McNemar’s test. The association between the indices and with the histological examination was evaluated using Spearman’s correlation coefficient (rs). Visual criteria showed excellent reproducibility both regarding severity (NY: 0.94; ICDAS-II: 0.91) and activity (NY: 0.90; LAA: 0.91). The NY and LAA showed good association in caries activity assessment (rs = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.86–0.89; p < 0.001). Nevertheless, considering only cavitated lesions, this association was not significant (p > 0.05). Concerning the severity, both indices presented similar validity parameters. At D2 threshold, the sensitivity was higher for NY (NY = 0.87; ICDAS = 0.61, p < 0.05). Regarding activity status, NY showed higher specificities and accuracies. In conclusion, NY and ICDAS-II criteria are comparable and present good reproducibility and validity to detect caries lesions and estimate their severities, but the LAA seems to overestimate the caries activity assessment of cavitated lesions compared to NY.
Regulatory T Cells Protect Mice Against Coxsackievirus-Induced Myocarditis Through the Transforming Growth Factor β–Coxsackie-Adenovirus Receptor Pathway
Authors: Shi Yu , Fukuoka Masahiro , Li Guohua , Liu Youan , Chen Manyin , Konviser Michael , Chen Xin , Opavsky Mary Anne , Liu Peter P.
Published: June 2010

Background—

Coxsackievirus B3 infection is an excellent model of human myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy. Cardiac injury is caused either by a direct cytopathic effect of the virus or through immune-mediated mechanisms. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an important role in the negative modulation of host immune responses and set the threshold of autoimmune activation. This study was designed to test the protective effects of Tregs and to determine the underlying mechanisms.

Methods and Results—

Carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester–labeled Tregs or naïve CD4
+
T cells were injected intravenously once every 2 weeks 3 times into mice. The mice were then challenged with intraperitoneal coxsackievirus B3 immediately after the last cell transfer. Transfer of Tregs showed higher survival rates than transfer of CD4
+
T cells (
P
=0.0136) but not compared with the PBS injection group (
P
=0.0589). Interestingly, Tregs also significantly decreased virus titers and inflammatory scores in the heart. Transforming growth factor-β and phosphorylated AKT were upregulated in Tregs-transferred mice and coxsackie-adenovirus receptor expression was decreased in the heart compared with control groups. Transforming growth factor-β decreased coxsackie-adenovirus receptor expression and inhibited coxsackievirus B3 infection in HL-1 cells and neonatal cardiac myocytes. Splenocytes collected from Treg-, CD4
+
T-cell–, and PBS-treated mice proliferated equally when stimulated with heat-inactivated virus, whereas in the Treg group, the proliferation rate was reduced significantly when stimulated with noninfected heart tissue homogenate.

Conclusions—

Adoptive transfer of Tregs protected mice from coxsackievirus B3–induced myocarditis through the transforming growth factor β–coxsackie-adenovirus receptor pathway and thus suppresses the immune response to cardiac tissue, maintaining the antiviral immune response.
Temporal Trends in the Use of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery in New York State and Ontario
Authors: Ko Dennis T. , Tu Jack V. , Samadashvili Zaza , Guo Helen , Alter David A. , Cantor Warren J. , Hannan Edward L.
Published: June 2010

Background—

Healthcare reform initiatives in the United States have rekindled debate about the role of government regulation in the healthcare system. Although New York State (NYS) historically has had twice as many coronary revascularizations performed as Ontario, the relative evolution of coronary revascularization patterns in both jurisdictions over time is unknown.

Methods and Results—

We conducted an observational study comparing the temporal trends of cardiac invasive procedures use in NYS and Ontario using population-based data from 1997 to 2006 stratified by procedure indication. For nonacute myocardial infarction patients, the age- and sex-adjusted rate of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was 2.3 times (95% confidence interval, 2.2 to 2.5) greater in NYS than in Ontario in 2004 to 2006. In contrast, population-based rates of coronary artery bypass grafting among nonacute myocardial infarction patients were not significantly different. For acute myocardial infarction patients, differences in coronary revascularization rates between NYS and Ontario narrowed substantially over time. In 2004 to 2006, the relative ratio was 1.3 times higher for PCI (95% confidence interval, 1.2 to 1.5) and 1.4 times higher (95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 1.8) for coronary artery bypass grafting in NYS relative to Ontario. However, a larger relative gap (relative ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.7 to 2.3) was observed among acute myocardial infarction patients undergoing emergency PCIs in NYS compared with Ontario.

Conclusions—

The market-oriented financing approach in NYS is associated with markedly higher rates of PCI procedures for both discretionary indications (eg, PCI in nonacute myocardial infarction patients) and emergent indications (eg, primary PCI) compared with the government-funded single-payer system in Ontario.
Impact of Bed Rest on Conduit Artery Remodeling
Authors: van Duijnhoven Noortje T.L. , Green Daniel J. , Felsenberg Dieter , Belavý Daniel L. , Hopman Maria T.E. , Thijssen Dick H.J.
Published: June 2010

Physical inactivity is a potent stimulus for vascular remodeling, leading to a marked decrease in conduit artery diameter. However, little is known about the impact of physical inactivity on artery wall thickness or wall:lumen ratio or the potential of exercise countermeasures to modify artery wall thickness. The purpose of the study was to examine the impact of 60 days of bed rest, with or without exercise countermeasures, on carotid and superficial femoral artery wall thickness. Eighteen men were assigned to bed rest (second Berlin Bed Rest Study) and randomly allocated to control, resistive exercise, or resistive vibration exercise. Both exercise countermeasures were applied 3 times per week while the subjects were in the supine position on the bed. Sonography was used to examine baseline diameter and wall thickness of the carotid and femoral arteries. Bed rest decreased diameter of the superficial femoral artery (
P
=0.001) but not the carotid artery (
P
=0.29). Bed rest induced a significant increase in carotid and superficial femoral artery wall thickness (
P
=0.007 and 0.03) and wall:lumen ratio (
P
=0.009 and 0.001). Exercise prevented the increase in wall thickness of the carotid artery. In addition, exercise partly prevented the increased wall:lumen ratio in the superficial femoral artery. In conclusion, 8 weeks of bed rest resulted in ≈20% increase in conduit artery wall thickness. Exercise countermeasures completely (carotid artery) or partly (superficial femoral artery) abolished the increase in wall thickness. These findings suggest that conduit artery wall thickness, a vascular characteristic associated previously with atherosclerosis, can rapidly adapt to physical inactivity and exercise in humans.
Religious Economy or Organizational Field?
Authors: Wilde Melissa J. , Geraty Kristin , Nelson Shelley L. , Bowman Emily A.
Published: June 2010

This article explores the national factors that predict bishops’ votes on two of the most contentious issues at the Second Vatican Council. Using data obtained from the Vatican Secret Archive, analyses demonstrate that rational choice oriented theory in the sociology of religion that focuses on competition is limited. While competition is important to religious leaders’ actions, its effects can be understood only in relation to other crucial characteristics of the social environment within which leaders operate. These characteristics, which we derive from Neo-Institutional Theory (NIT), shape leaders’ interests and often lead them to prioritize concerns about their institutions’ legitimacy over the concerns about efficiency and growth rational choice theorists assume are predominant. Most NIT studies examine the population of firms within one organizational field. Because we hold firm constant and examine how variation in the type of organizational field (supplied by the more than 100 countries in our analyses) predicts firm leaders’ actions, this study represents a unique test of NIT.
Reduced High-Density Lipoprotein Level is Linked to Worse Ankle Brachial Index and Peak Oxygen Uptake in Postmenopausal Women With Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Mauer Karin , Exaire J. Emilio , Stoner Julie A. , Guthery Leslie D. , Montgomery Polly S. , Gardner Andrew W.
Published: June 2010

Women with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) have more limited physical function than men but the mechanisms involved are not clear. We determined whether alterations in lipid components, such as decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), are associated with worsening intermittent claudication (IC) in postmenopausal women with PAD. Our cross-sectional cohort study included 69 postmenopausal women with IC (Fontaine stage II). A treadmill test was used to measure initial claudication distance (ICD), absolute claudication distance (ACD), peak oxygen uptake, and ankle systolic blood pressure. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol correlated with ankle brachial index ([ABI]; R = .29, P = .019). No other lipid profile components were associated with exercise performance and hemodynamic measures. Among women with HDL-C <50 mg/dL (n = 43), the median peak oxygen uptake level was significantly lower (P = .021) relative to women with normal HDL-C >50 mg/dL (n = 26). Lower HDL-C levels are associated with worse ABI and decreased peak oxygen uptake in postmenopausal women with PAD.
Safe and Effective Treatment of Early Suprahepatic Inferior Vena Caval Outflow Compromise Following Orthotopic Liver Transplantation Using Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty and Stent Placement
Authors: Tasse Jordan , Borge Marc , Pierce Kenneth , Brems John
Published: June 2010

Purpose: To describe the safety and efficacy of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stent placement in patients presenting with suprahepatic inferior vena cava (IVC) outflow compromise in the early postoperative period following orthotopic liver transplantation. Methods and Results: Between October 2002 and April 2009, 3 patients presented with IVC outflow compromise in the first 2 months following orthotopic liver transplantation. All 3 underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stent placement without complication and showed significant clinical improvement at short and intermediate term follow-up. Conclusion: Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and Gianturco stent placement is a safe and effective treatment for IVC outflow compromise in the early postoperative period following orthotopic liver transplantation.
Bringing Afrocentricity to the Funnies: An Analysis of Afrocentricity Within Aaron McGruder’s The Boondocks
Authors: Tyree Tia C. M. , Krishnasamy Adrian
Published: June 2010

Cartoonist Aaron McGruder entered the syndicated comic strip arena in 1998. As an African American, McGruder’s social commentary, political criticism, and jokes have a perspective on America unlike White syndicated cartoonists. Yet one cannot assume that his comic strip is Afrocentric simply because McGruder is African American. The authors of this work attempt to determine if McGruder—through his characters—speaks from an Afrocentric perspective. More specifically, the authors analyzed McGruder’s comic strips to determine if the principles and concepts of Afrocentricity, including the 10 principles of nommo, were present within the comic strip. It was determined through The Boondocks , he speaks of resistance, liberation, peace, harmony, and does so in the “language” of African Americans—Ebonics. He places African Americans at the center of his discourse and gauges the external world through the lens of his young African American characters.
A Community-based RCT for Oral Cancer Screening with Toluidine Blue
Authors: Su W.W.-Y. , Yen A.M.-F. , Chiu S.Y.-H. , Chen T.H.-H.
Published: June 2010

Early detection of oral premalignant lesions (OPMLs) by visual inspection with toluidine blue has not been addressed. We conducted a community-based randomized controlled trial to assess whether using toluidine blue as an adjunctive tool for visual screening had a higher detection rate of OPMLs and could further reduce the incidence of oral cancer. In 2000, in Keelung, we randomly assigned a total of 7975 individuals, aged 15 years or older and with high-risk oral habits, to either the toluidine-blue-screened (TBS) group or the visual screening group. Results showed 5% more oral premalignant lesions and 79% more oral submucous fibrosis detected in the TBS group than in the control group. After a five-year follow-up ascertaining oral cancer development through linkage to the National Cancer Registry, the incidence rate in the TBS group (28.0 x 10−5) was non-significantly 21% lower than that in the control group (35.4 x 10−5).
Accessibility and Residential Land Values: Some Tests with New Measures
Authors: Giuliano Genevieve , Gordon Peter , Qisheng Pan  , Park JiYoung
Published: June 2010

Accessibility is a fundamental concept in theories of metropolitan spatial structure. Urban economic models explain urban structure as a function of access to jobs; accessibility is capitalised into land values, which in turn explain the population distribution. Studies of residential land values show that many factors contribute to the value of a given location: the characteristics of the housing unit, its location with respect to social and environmental amenities, as well as access to jobs, services and other economic opportunities. Empirical studies typically use job access as a proxy for more generalised access to economic activities. However, jobs represent many different activities, from retail shopping to heavy manufacturing, and the value of access to these activities may be positive or negative. In this paper, accessibility measures based on industry sectors have been developed, allowing the separating out of possible different effects. Their impacts are tested on residential land values using data from the Los Angeles region. A multilevel modelling approach is used in order to control for neighbourhood-level attributes common to multiple properties. It is found that the various access measures have different and significant effects on land values, but attributes of the dwelling unit, together with access to the coast, explain most of the variation. The multilevel model is confirmed; there is significant correlation among properties within the same neighbourhood.
Visitor Relationship Orientation of Destination Marketing Organizations
Authors: Pike Steven , Murdy Samantha , Lings Ian
Published: June 2010

The proposition underpinning this study is that engaging in meaningful dialogue with previous visitors represents an efficient and effective use of resources for a destination marketing organization (DMO), compared to above-the-line advertising in broadcast media. However, there has been a lack of attention in the tourism literature relating to destination switching, loyalty, and customer relationship management (CRM) to test such a proposition. This article reports an investigation of visitor relationship marketing orientation among DMOs. A model of CRM orientation, which was developed from the wider marketing literature and a prior qualitative study, was used to develop a scale to operationalize DMO—visitor relationship orientation. Owing to a small sample, the partial least squares method of structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. Although the sample limits the ability to generalize, the results indicate that the DMOs’ visitor orientation is generally responsive and reactive rather than proactive.
Moderating influence of organizational justice on the relationship between job insecurity and its outcomes: A multilevel analysis
Authors: Sora Beatriz , Caballer Amparo , Peiró José María , Silla Inmaculada , Gracia Francisco J
Published: June 2010

A great amount of research has illustrated the evident prevalence of job insecurity in working life and its harmful outcomes for employees and organizations. Some authors have identified factors that can reduce this negative influence. However, up until now, most of these factors have only been studied at an individual level, without taking into account the fact that contextual conditions can play a moderating role in organizations. Following this perspective, this article analyses the moderator role of organizational justice and organizational justice climate in the relationship between job insecurity and its outcomes. The study was carried out with a sample of 942 employees from 47 Spanish organizations and a subsample composed of 597 employees from 29 of these organizations. The results showed that both organizational justice and organizational justice climate moderated the relationship between job insecurity and job satisfaction and intention to leave the organization.
Comparative Advertising Wars: An Historical Analysis of Their Causes and Consequences
Authors: Beard Fred
Published: June 2010

This historical study contributes to the extensive literature on comparative advertising by examining the causes and consequences of comparative advertising wars; that is, when one advertiser responds to a direct or implied attack by another advertiser. Primary and secondary sources consist of articles published in historic and contemporary marketing and advertising trade journals, such as Printers’ Ink, Advertising & Selling, and Advertising Age. The findings reveal that well-publicized advertising wars occurred frequently between major U.S. advertisers throughout the twentieth century and into the twenty-first, and that they most often occurred in product and service markets characterized by intense competition. Many, if not most, advertisers’ principal motive for responding to a comparative advertising attack has been emotional rather than rational. The findings also reveal that advertising wars often became increasingly hostile, leading to negative consequences for all combatants, as well as a broad and negative social consequence in the form of potentially misleading advertising.
The Legacy of Charles C. Slater
Authors: Nason Robert W.
Published: June 2010

At 39 years of age, Dr. Charles C. Slater (Chuck) returned from industry to academic scholarship. In the next 15 years, until he finally succumbed to cancer in 1978, he accomplished what few scholars have in their lifetimes—the institutionalization of a branch of study. The Macromarketing Society, 30 years of the Journal of Macromarketing, and 34 years of the Macromarketing Conferences and their progeny all emerged as a result of his ability to excite other scholars to study and develop this field that he envisioned. He was a unique combination of visionary, enabler, and adventurer whose limitations even helped insure his legacy.
Correlation between TNF-alpha and IL-12p40-containing cytokines in silicosis
Authors: Slavov E. , Miteva L. , Prakova G. , Gidikova P. , Stanilova S.
Published: June 2010

The aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation between tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-12p40-containing cytokines, in silicosis patients and healthy donors exposed to silica dust, in an attempt to clarify the reason for variety of clinical outcomes between humans with similar exposure history. Serum levels of TNF-α, IL-12p40, IL-12p70 and IL-23 in total group of 62 silicosis patients, 24 healthy donors with similar exposure history like patients and 19 healthy donors without exposure were determined by enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The serum level of TNF-α was significantly higher in healthy donors exposed to SiO2(22.4 ± 11.1 pg/mL) in comparison with non-exposed healthy donors (14.8 ± 8.8 pg/mL; p = 0.022) and similar to that in silicosis patients. In total, group of silicosis patients significantly elevated levels of TNF-α (20.9 ± 12.9 vs. 14.8 ± 8.8 pg/mL; p = 0.047) and IL-12p40 (94.5 ± 51.6 pg/mL vs. 68.7 ± 26.2 pg/mL; p = 0.029) compared to non-exposed healthy donors were observed. In addition, a strong positive correlation between TNF-α and IL-23 levels (r = 0.678; p = 0.022) and between TNF-α and IL-12p70 levels (r = 0.75; p = 0.0003) was detected in the group of exposed healthy donors, while in the group of silicosis patients, a significant positive correlation was observed only between TNF-α and IL-12p40 (r = 0.434; p = 0.00048), in contrast to other IL-12p40 containing cytokines. In conclusion, we could assume that the elevated serum levels of TNF-α are associated with exposition to silica particles, while the elevation of both TNF-α and IL-12p40 is associated with silicosis development and severity. Additionally, the balance between IL-12p40-containing cytokines may also contribute to the silicosis progression.
Prolonged Electromyogram Biofeedback Improves Upper Extremity Function in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Bloom Rosemary , Przekop Allison , Sanger Terence D.
Published: June 2010

Biofeedback of muscle activity is commonly used as an adjunct to physical therapy, but it has not previously been used for long-term treatment of movement disorders. The authors hypothesized that chronic daily use of biofeedback of muscle electrical activity might promote improved use of the upper extremity in children with cerebral palsy and upper extremity motor deficits. They constructed a portable electromyography (EMG) unit that includes a surface EMG sensor and amplifier, microcontroller-based nonlinear signal processing, and vibration feedback of muscle activity. A total of 11 children ages 6 to 16 years, with cerebral palsy or acquired static brain injury, wore the device at least 5 hours per day for 1 month. Changes in upper extremity function were assessed using an individualized Goal Attainment Scale. Results showed significant clinical improvement in all 10 children who completed the study. These results suggest that further testing of prolonged surface EMG biofeedback is warranted.
Clinical Outcome and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Infants With Hypoglycemia
Authors: Çaksen Hüseyin , Güven Ahmet Sami , Yılmaz Cahide , Ünal Özkan , Başaranoğlu Murat , Sal Ertan , Kaya Avni
Published: June 2010

The authors examined clinical outcome and cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in infants with hypoglycemia to determine the effects of hypoglycemia on the developing brain. A total of 110 infants with hypoglycemia were included in the study. Of the patients, 36 were females and 74 were males. The age of the infants was between 1 day and 22 months. Of the 110 infants, 47 were preterm neonates, 40 were term neonates, and 23 were older than 28 days. No difference in serum glucose level was noted between symptomatic and asymptomatic infants. The most common observed abnormal findings were hyperintense lesions, encephalomalacia, and cerebral atrophy. Abnormal MRI findings were found in 4% of preterm infants, in 32.5% of term infants, and in 43.5% of older infants. Abnormal MRI findings were statistically significantly more common in symptomatic infants than in asymptomatic infants. Of the infants, 45.5% of hypoglycemic infants had cerebral palsy and/or cerebral palsy plus epilepsy.
Visual Feedback Reduces Co-contraction in Children With Dystonia
Authors: Young Scott J. , van Doornik Johan , Sanger Terence D.
Published: June 2010

Inappropriate muscle activation and co-contraction are important features in childhood dystonia, and clinical interventions are often targeted to reduce the excess muscle activation. Previous research has shown that visual biofeedback of muscle activity can help people to reduce excess muscle activation in a variety of motor disorders. To investigate the effectiveness of similar techniques for dystonia, we had participants perform a tracking task with and without visual feedback of co-contraction. Children with dystonia had greater levels of co-contraction than children without dystonia. Most importantly, individuals were able to reduce their co-contraction significantly when visual biofeedback was provided. These results indicate that children with dystonia are able to control co-contraction, at least to a certain extent, provided attention can be directed to the excess muscle activation. These results also suggest that methods of biofeedback focusing on inappropriate muscle activations might provide a clinical benefit for treatment of children with dystonia.
Changes of Urine Dihydroxyphenylglycol to Norepinephrine Ratio in Children With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Treated With Atomoxetine
Authors: Montoya Alonso , Escobar Rodrigo , García-Polavieja María J. , Lachno D. Richard , Alda José Ángel , Artigas Josep , Cardo Esther , García Marta , Gastaminza Xavier , Gilaberte Inmaculada
Published: June 2010

This study investigated changes in the urine dihydroxyphenylglycol to norepinephrine ratio in patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treated with atomoxetine. The possible relationship with clinical response was also explored. Newly ADHD diagnosed, treatment-naïve children or adolescents were double-blindly randomized (2:1) to atomoxetine (n = 28) or placebo (n = 13). The dihydroxyphenylglycol to norepinephrine ratio decreased in both groups, showing significantly greater changes with atomoxetine than with placebo at week 6 (-42% versus -14%; P = .001), when dosed at 1.2 mg/kg/day, than at week 2 (-20% versus -2%; P = .118) with a dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day. Although the significant dihydroxyphenylglycol to norepinephrine ratio decrease with atomoxetine indicated norepinephrine transporter blockade, no association with ADHD clinical response (ADHD Rating Scale-IV-Parent:Investigator) was found. Therefore, dihydroxyphenylglycol to norepinephrine ratio might be a useful pharmacodynamic/pharmacokinetic biomarker, although not sufficiently sensitive to predict clinical efficacy. It remains a possibility that this ratio might have value to facilitate personalized atomoxetine pharmacotherapy in ADHD patients.
Ethnography’s Capacity to Contribute to the Cumulation of Theory: A Case Study of Strong’s Work on Goffman
Authors: Hillyard Sam
Published: June 2010

This article discusses how ethnography can contribute toward the development of sociological theory. It uses a case study of one theoretical idea refined through ethnographic fieldwork—Phil Strong’s (1979; 1988) work on Erving Goffman’s theory of ceremony.The article argues that Strong effectively applied Goffman’s ideas to different settings and successfully extended Goffman’s ideas on ceremony. In doing so, Strong demonstrated how ethnography can be more productive in developing theoretical ideas, but this productivity relied on his personal enthusiasm for theory and fieldwork. Strong’s theoretical empiricism provides an exemplar of how theory and conceptual refinement can grow as a result of doing ethnography the right way.
Of Nuclear Missiles and Love Objects: The Humiliated Fury of Kevin Jones
Authors: Websdale Neil
Published: June 2010

This article reports the case of a young military police officer who murdered his fiancée. The dominant wisdom is that men kill their female partners as an expression of their power and control or because their power and control is ebbing. Employing a sociological imagination and Avery Gordon’s notion of haunting, the author draws on feminist and social psychological discourses to highlight the contextual importance of the power relations of gender and the central role of shame and humiliated fury in the killing. The contextual importance of power relations and the central role of shame and humiliated fury constitute necessary but not sufficient conditions for the commission of intimate-partner homicide because such killings also involve inexplicable forces. The author discusses some of the practical and theoretical implications of the findings.
Contested Communities in a Debate Over Dual-Language Education: The Import of “Public” Values on Public Policies
Authors: Dorner Lisa M.
Published: June 2010

This study examines how public debate can shape school district policy. Using qualitative methods and an interdisciplinary framework that weaves an interpretive approach to policy implementation with the language policy and planning literature, the analysis demonstrates that immigrant voices were mostly absent in a debate over a new dual-language program. Instead, English-dominant participants alluded to various “community” values and persuaded policy makers to implement dual-language classes throughout the district rather than in sites favored by policy advocates, including immigrant families. The article concludes that language policy implementation is a value-laden process in which public deliberation reflects dominant cultural “discourses,” which can shape what a policy ultimately becomes.
Late-Holocene diatom-inferred reconstruction of temperature variations of the West Greenland Current from Disko Bugt, central West Greenland
Authors: Krawczyk Diana , Witkowski Andrzej , Moros Matthias , Lloyd Jeremy , Kuijpers Antoon , Kierzek Agnieszka
Published: June 2010

The diatom flora from a high-resolution core collected from Disko Bugt, central West Greenland, records variations in surface water temperature for the late Holocene (1600—300 cal. BP). Our data support the existence of a previously identified anti-phase relationship between the surface water temperature from West Greenland and climate events recorded in the NE Atlantic and between surface and subsurface waters (identified from benthic foraminifera) of the West Greenland Current (WGC). The diatom flora record relatively cool surface water conditions during the end of the ‘Roman Warm Period’ and ‘Medieval Warm Period’ (MWP), and relatively warmer surface water conditions during the ‘Dark Ages Cold Period’ and ‘Little Ice Age’ (LIA). This is particularly pronounced during the MWP, experiencing the coldest conditions, and the LIA experiencing the warmest conditions through the whole sequence studied. The most likely explanation for this anti-phase relationship is linked to the flux of meltwater delivered to the WGC from sea ice and the Greenland ice sheet off the West Greenland margin. The generally warmer conditions of the MWP resulted in increased melting of sea ice and the Greenland ice sheet producing an increased meltwater flux and cooling of the surface waters of the WGC. In contrast, reduced meltwater flux during the relatively cold LIA resulted in reduced meltwater flux to the WGC, producing a relative warming of the surface waters recorded by the diatom flora.
Facing Existential Realities: Exploring Barriers and Challenges to Spiritual Nursing Care
Authors: Carr Tracy Jean
Published: June 2010

Although nurses of the past and present recognize the importance of spiritual care to health and healing, in practice and education, spiritual care dwells on the periphery of the profession. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the reasons behind this contradiction. Using the phenomenological approach, open-ended interviews were conducted with 29 individuals, including oncology nurses, patients and their families, chaplains, and hospital administrators. Their accounts reveal examples of how attitudes, beliefs, and practices of the larger organizational culture can shape the everyday lived experience of bedside nursing. Specifically, these influences tend to create a lived space that is uncaring, and a lived time that is “too tight.” Moreover, lived body is experienced as an object for technical intervention, and lived other is experienced from a distance rather than “up close and personal.” It was argued that, together, these existential experiences of lived time, space, body, and other create formidable barriers to spiritual nursing care.
The Business of Palliative Medicine—Part 6: Clinical Operations in a Comprehensive Integrated Program
Authors: Lagman Ruth L. , Walsh Declan , LeGrand Susan B. , Davis Mellar P.
Published: June 2010

The medical care of individuals with advanced disease is complex and has historically been fragmented and suboptimal. Palliative medicine attempts to address these needs. The Harry R. Horvitz Center for Palliative Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic is an established comprehensive integrated program. Structured and seamless clinical operations are important to ensure the best delivery of high-quality medical care and continuity for those affected by life-limiting illness.
Perceived Teacher Acceptance, Parental Acceptance, Academic Achievement, and School Conduct of Middle School Students in the Mississippi Delta Region of the United States
Authors: Khan Shaila , Haynes Linden , Armstrong Alfredlene , Rohner Ronald P.
Published: June 2010

This study investigated the effects of perceived teacher acceptance as well as perceived maternal and paternal acceptance on the academic achievement and school conduct of 362 seventh-grade adolescents in the Mississippi Delta region of the United States. Results showed a significant correlation between perceived teacher acceptance and boys’ (but not girls’) overall grade point average (GPA). Perceived maternal acceptance (but not paternal acceptance) also correlated with boys’ GPA. Neither maternal nor paternal acceptance, however, was correlated with girls’ academic achievement. However, the more accepting both girls and boys perceived their teachers to be, the better behaved teachers reported the students to be. Finally, results of simple multiple regression analysis showed that perceived teacher acceptance contributed significantly and independently to variations in both school conduct and GPA among boys, but not girls.
Antiphospholipid Antibodies and Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Role in Portal Vein Thrombosis in Patients With and Without Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Amitrano Lucio , Ames Paul R. J. , Guardascione Maria Anna , Lopez Luis R. , Menchise Antonella , Brancaccio Vincenzo , Iannaccone Luigi , Balzano Antonio
Published: June 2010

The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) has been associated with portal vein thrombosis (PVT). This study explored the contribution of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) to PVT in cirrhotic and noncirrhotic patients. Patients and methods: A total of 50 patients with liver cirrhosis and PVT, 50 patients with liver cirrhosis without PVT, 50 consecutive PVT without liver cirrhosis, and 50 controls. aPL tests: lupus anticoagulants (LAs), immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-cardiolipin antibodies (aCL), IgG anti-beta-2-glycoprotein-I (β2GPI), and IgG β 2GPI-complexed with oxidized low-density lipoprotein antibodies (ox-LDL). Results: Lupus anticoagulants were negative in all patients. A titre of IgG aCL >40 IgG phospholipid units (GPL) was present in 2% of patients with liver cirrhosis and in none of the other groups. In all, 4% of patients with PVT without cirrhosis were positive for IgG β2GPI in the absence of any other positive aPL and labelled as primary APS. Conclusions: aPL play no role in PVT associated with liver cirrhosis but can be tested in idiopathic PVT.
Association of the C677T MTHFR Polymorphism With Homocysteine, Ox-LDL Levels, and Thiolactonase Activities in the Severity of Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Koubaa Nadia , Nakbi Amel , Hammami Sonia , Mehri Sounira , Attia Nabil , Ben Farhat Mohamed , Hammami Mohamed
Published: June 2010

Coronary artery diseases (CAD) are influenced by multiple genes of modest effect as the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T gene polymorphism, related to MTHFR activity and total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) concentration. This study was designed to evaluate tHcy, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (ox-LDL), high-sensibility C-reactive protein (Hs CRP) levels, and homocysteine thiolactonase (HTase) activities as new risk factors for CAD and to investigate an association between MTHFR polymorphism tHcy concentrations and coronary syndrome severity. Our results showed significantly higher levels of tHcy and ox-LDL in patients associated with lower HTase activities. These levels increased proportionally to disease severity. Total plasma Hcy levels were negatively correlated to HTase activities in patients where the TT genotype was significantly more frequent. In a multivariate analysis, tHcy level was the only independent factor affecting the coronary syndrome severity. High tHcy levels are associated with coronary syndrome severity and may be explained either by the elevated prevalence of TT genotype or by the diminished HTase activities.
Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis in 2 Children With Celiac Disease
Authors: Doğan Murat , Peker Erdal , Akbayram Sinan , Bektas Mehmet S. , Basaranoglu Murat , Cesur Yasar , Caksen Huseyin
Published: June 2010

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is an uncommon disease in childhood. In the largest study carried out so far, the incidence was 0.67 case per 100 000 children per year. A number of etiologies and risk factors have been so far identified for CVST in childhood, including head trauma, local and systemic infectious diseases, malignancies, and autoimmune diseases. Celiac disease (CD) is a disease of the small intestine caused by an immune response to ingested gluten. Epilepsy, bilateral occipital calcification, cerebellar ataxia, degenerative central nervous system disease, peripheric neuropathy, myopathy, and rarely stroke were defined as neurologic disorders. In this presentation, we report 2 cases (16-year-old boy and 2-year-old boy) with CD and CVST. We emphasized that CD can be investigated in patients with CVST even with the absence of gastrointestinal symptoms. Finally, we suggest that algorithm of CVST can be involved in the investigation of CD.