bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of Care for In-Hospital Stroke
Authors: Cumbler Ethan , Murphy Paul , Jones William J. , Wald Heidi L. , Kutner Jean S. , Smith Don B.
Published: December 2010

Background and Purpose—

Approximately 4% to 17% of all adult strokes have onset in the hospital. Previous research indicates significant in-hospital evaluation delays and lower adherence to some measures of quality care compared to out-of-hospital strokes.

Methods—

Quality of care for in-hospital ischemic strokes compared to stroke with out-of-hospital onset was examined using cohort analysis of a statewide stroke database maintained by the Colorado Stroke Alliance.

Results—

One-hundred sixteen in-hospital strokes were compared to 4946 out-of-hospital strokes. Patients with in-hospital strokes were significantly more likely to have history of coronary artery disease (36.7% vs 26.5%;
P
=0.02), and in-hospital strokes were more severe (NIHSS score 9.5 vs 7.0;
P
=0.01). Time to brain imaging was not significantly different (54 minutes vs 43 minutes;
P
=0.13) between groups. Patients with in-hospital stroke were significantly more likely to have documentation of stroke education (90.4% vs 73.1%;
P
=0.0002) and assessment for rehabilitation (67.7% vs 45.2%;
P
<0.0001). Total deficit-free care defined as adherence to all Get With the Guidelines Stroke (GWTG-Stroke) measures was better for in-hospital strokes compared to strokes in the community (52.8% vs 32.3%;
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—

Adherence to GWTG-Stroke performance measures was better for in-hospital strokes in this statewide registry. Variability in reporting by participating hospitals suggests in-hospital strokes are under-recognized or under-reported. In-hospital stroke evaluation times remain more than twice the recommended benchmark of 25 minutes, representing an opportunity for process improvement.
Association Between Obesity and Mortality After Acute First-Ever Stroke
Authors: Vemmos Konstantinos , Ntaios George , Spengos Konstantinos , Savvari Paraskevi , Vemmou Anastasia , Pappa Theodora , Manios Efstathios , Georgiopoulos George , Alevizaki Maria
Published: December 2010

Background and Purpose—

Limited data exist concerning obesity and survival in patients after acute stroke. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between obesity and survival in patients with acute first-ever stroke.

Methods—

Patients were prospectively investigated based on a standard diagnostic protocol over a period of 16 years. Evaluation was performed on admission, at 7 days, at 1, 3, and 6 months after discharge, and yearly thereafter for up to 10 years after stroke. The study patients were divided into 3 groups according to body mass index (BMI): normal weight (<25 kg/m
2
), overweight (25–29.9 kg/m
2
), and obese (≥30 kg/m
2
). Overall survival during follow-up was the primary end point. The secondary end point was the overall composite cardiovascular events over the study period.

Results—

Based on our inclusion criteria, 2785 patients were recruited. According to BMI, 1138 (40.9%) patients were of normal weight, 1113 (41.0%) were overweight, and 504 (18.1%) were obese. NIHSS score on admission (mean, 11.28±8.65) was not different among the study groups. Early (first week) survival in obese (96.4%; 95% CI, 94.8%–97.9%) and overweight patients (92.8%; 95% CI, 91.2%–94.4%) was significantly higher compared to that of normal-weight patients (90.2%; 95% CI, 88.4%–92.0%). Similarly, 10-year survival was 52.5% (95% CI, 46.4%–58.6%) in obese, 47.4% (95% CI, 43.5%–51.3%) in overweight, and 41.5% (95% CI, 39.7%–45.0%) in normal-weight patients (log-rank test=17.7;
P
<0.0001). Overweight (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.71–0.94) and obese patients (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.59–0.86) had a significantly lower risk of 10-year mortality compared to normal-weight patients after adjusting for all confounding variables.

Conclusions—

Based on BMI estimation, obese and overweight stroke patients have significantly better early and long-term survival rates compared to those with normal BMI.
Comparative Effectiveness of Hemostatic Therapy in Experimental Warfarin-Associated Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Illanes Sergio , Zhou Wei , Schwarting Sönke , Heiland Sabine , Veltkamp Roland
Published: December 2010

Background and Purpose—

Intracerebral hemorrhage associated with oral anticoagulants has a poor prognosis. Current treatment guidelines are based on case series and plausibility only, and a common consensus on effective hemostatic therapy is missing. We compared the effectiveness of diverse hemostatic approaches in a mouse model of warfarin-associated intracerebral hemorrhage.

Methods—

Male C57BL/6 mice received anticoagulant treatment with warfarin (0.4 mg/kg for 3 days). Intracerebral hemorrhage was induced by striatal injection of collagenase, and 30 minutes later, mice received an intravenous injection of saline (200 μL n=15), prothrombin complex concentrate (100 U/kg, n=10), fresh-frozen plasma (200 μL, n=13), recombinant human Factor VII activated (3.5 mg/kg, n=8 and 10 mg/kg, n=8), or tranhexamic acid (400 mg/kg, n=12). Intracerebral hemorrhage volume was quantified on T2-weighted images after 24 hours.

Results—

Mean hematoma volumes were 7.4±1.8 mm
3
in the nonwarfarin controls and 21.9±5.0 mm
3
in the warfarin group receiving saline. Prothrombin complex concentrate (7.5±2.3 mm
3
) and fresh-frozen plasma (8.7±2.1) treatment resulted in significantly smaller hematoma volume compared with saline. Recombinant human Factor VII activated (10 mg/kg: 14.7±3.4; 3.5 mg/kg: 15.0±6.8 mm
3
) and tranexamic acid (16.2±4.1 mm
3
) were less effective. Water content in the hemorrhagic hemisphere was similar in all groups except for tranexamic acid in which it was significantly increased.

Conclusions—

Prothrombin complex concentrate and fresh-frozen plasma effectively prevent hematoma growth in murine warfarin-associated intracerebral hemorrhage, whereas Factor VIIa was less effective. Tranexamic acid exacerbates perihematoma edema in this mouse warfarin-associated intracerebral hemorrhage model.
The Global Space-Based Inter-Calibration System
Authors: Goldberg M. , Ohring G. , Butler J. , Cao C. , Datla R. , Doelling D. , Gärtner V. , Hewison T. , Iacovazzi B. , Kim D. , Kurino T. , Lafeuille J. , Minnis P. , Renaut D. , Schmetz J. , Tobin D. , Wang L. , Weng F. , Wu X. , Yu F. , Zhang P. , Zhu T.
Published: December 2010

The Global Space-based Inter-Calibration System (GSICS) is a new international program to assure the comparability of satellite measurements taken at different times and locations by different instruments operated by different satellite agencies. Sponsored by the World Meteorological Organization and the Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites, GSICS will intercalibrate the instruments of the international constellation of operational low-earth-orbiting (LEO) and geostationary earth-orbiting (GEO) environmental satellites and tie these to common reference standards. The intercomparability of the observations will result in more accurate measurements for assimilation in numerical weather prediction models, construction of more reliable climate data records, and progress toward achieving the societal goals of the Global Earth Observation System of Systems. GSICS includes globally coordinated activities for prelaunch instrument characterization, onboard routine calibration, sensor intercomparison of near-simultaneous observations of individual scenes or overlapping time series, vicarious calibration using Earth-based or celestial references, and field campaigns. An initial strategy uses high-accuracy satellite instruments, such as the NASA Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) and the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT)'s Centre National d'Études Spatiales (CNES) Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI), as space-based reference standards for intercalibrating the operational satellite sensors. Examples of initial intercalibration results and future plans are presented. Agencies participating in the program include the Centre National d'Études Spatiales, China Meteorological Administration, EUMETSAT, Japan Meteorological Agency, Korea Meteorological Administration, NASA, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and NOAA.
Tornado Risk Analysis: Is Dixie Alley an Extension of Tornado Alley?
Authors: Dixon P. Grady , Mercer Andrew E. , Choi Jinmu , Allen Jared S.
Published: December 2010

The term “Tornado Alley” is a gross approximation of the most tornado-prone region in the United States. Depending on calculation methods, Tornado Alley can vary dramatically across the area between the Rocky and Appalachian Mountains. There is some evidence that multiple alleys of peak tornado activity exist around the country, including “Dixie Alley” in the Southeast. Therefore, we assess the spatial tornado risk and seek any regions of elevated tornado risk that are distinctly separate from the traditional Tornado Alley of the Great Plains. Results show there are no tornado risk areas statistically separate from Tornado Alley, but there are large portions of the Southeast that experience more tornadoes than the rest of the country. It appears that Tornado Alley and Dixie Alley are part of a single large region of high tornado risk with a relative minimum near the middle due to the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains. Placement of the maximum tornado density in Mississippi, along with other regions of relative maxima across the Southeast, may warrant modification of the traditional tornado risk map that focuses only on the Great Plains. Understanding such patterns is important for preparing the public and mitigating tornado hazards.
Analyzing the Impacts of Frequency and Severity of Forest Fire on the Recovery of Disturbed Forest using Landsat Time Series and EO-1 Hyperion in the Southern Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Numata Izaya , Cochrane Mark A. , Galvão Lênio S.
Published: December 2010

Estimation of fire impacts and forest recovery using remote sensing is difficult because of the heterogeneity of fire history (frequency, severity, and time since last fire) across burned forest landscapes. The authors analyzed impacts of fire frequency and severity within recovering forests in the Amazon region using remote sensing. A multispectral Landsat time series dataset was used to reconstruct the fire history from 1990 to 2002 in a portion of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Five narrowband vegetation indices were then calculated from a hyperspectral Earth Observing One (EO-1) Hyperion image for spectral analysis of physiological characteristics of fire-disturbed forests and their recovery. A total of 30% of the forests burned during the study period, with 72% burned once, 24% burned twice, and less than 4% burned three times. In terms of severity, 70% of burned forest was lightly burned, 21.1% was moderately burned, and 9.1% was severely burned. Analyses of spectral indices [normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), carotenoid reflectance index (CRI), and photochemical reflectance index (PRI)] showed that those related to canopy greenness and pigment contents can discriminate between burned forests and undisturbed forest for the first 3 years after forest fire, whereas the effectiveness of canopy water content indices [normalized difference water index (NDWI) and normalized difference infrared index (NDII)] varied from 1 to 3 years, depending on the fire severity. Despite the relatively low signal-to-noise ratios of Hyperion imagery, we show that narrowband-derived indices provide useful information for monitoring degraded forests beyond what is currently possible with Landsat. This illustrates the great potential for environmental monitoring using satellite-borne hyperspectral sensors, such as the Hyperspectral Infrared Imager (HyspIRI), which have better signal-to-noise ratios.
The Impact of Dropwindsonde Observations on Typhoon Track Forecasts in DOTSTAR and T-PARC
Authors: Chou Kun-Hsuan , Wu Chun-Chieh , Lin Po-Hsiung , Aberson Sim D. , Weissmann Martin , Harnisch Florian , Nakazawa Tetsuo
Published: December 2010

The typhoon surveillance program Dropwindsonde Observations for Typhoon Surveillance near the Taiwan Region (DOTSTAR) has been conducted since 2003 to obtain dropwindsonde observations around tropical cyclones near Taiwan. In addition, an international field project The Observing System Research and Predictability Experiment (THORPEX) Pacific Asian Regional Campaign (T-PARC) in which dropwindsonde observations were obtained by both surveillance and reconnaissance flights was conducted in summer 2008 in the same region. In this study, the impact of the dropwindsonde data on track forecasts is investigated for DOTSTAR (2003–09) and T-PARC (2008) experiments. Two operational global models from NCEP and ECMWF are used to evaluate the impact of dropwindsonde data. In addition, the impact on the two-model mean is assessed.

The impact of dropwindsonde data on track forecasts is different in the NCEP and ECMWF model systems. Using the NCEP system, the assimilation of dropwindsonde data leads to improvements in 1- to 5-day track forecasts in about 60% of the cases. The differences between track forecasts with and without the dropwindsonde data are generally larger for cases in which the data improved the forecasts than in cases in which the forecasts were degraded. Overall, the mean 1- to 5-day track forecast error is reduced by about 10%–20% for both DOTSTAR and T-PARC cases in the NCEP system. In the ECMWF system, the impact is not as beneficial as in the NCEP system, likely because of more extensive use of satellite data and more complex data assimilation used in the former, leading to better performance even without dropwindsonde data. The stronger impacts of the dropwindsonde data are revealed for the 3- to 5-day forecast in the two-model mean of the NCEP and ECMWF systems than for each individual model.
Dietary Sensitivities and ADHD Symptoms: Thirty-five Years of Research
Authors: Stevens Laura J. , Kuczek Thomas , Burgess John R. , Hurt Elizabeth , Arnold L. Eugene
Published: December 2010

Artificial food colors (AFCs) have not been established as the main cause of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but accumulated evidence suggests that a subgroup shows significant symptom improvement when consuming an AFC-free diet and reacts with ADHD-type symptoms on challenge with AFCs. Of children with suspected sensitivities, 65% to 89% reacted when challenged with at least 100 mg of AFC. Oligoantigenic diet studies suggested that some children in addition to being sensitive to AFCs are also sensitive to common nonsalicylate foods (milk, chocolate, soy, eggs, wheat, corn, legumes) as well as salicylate-containing grapes, tomatoes, and orange. Some studies found “cosensitivity” to be more the rule than the exception. Recently, 2 large studies demonstrated behavioral sensitivity to AFCs and benzoate in children both with and without ADHD. A trial elimination diet is appropriate for children who have not responded satisfactorily to conventional treatment or whose parents wish to pursue a dietary investigation.
Football-Related Injuries Among 6- to 17-Year-Olds Treated in US Emergency Departments, 1990-2007
Authors: Nation Adam D. , Nelson Nicolas G. , Yard Ellen E. , Comstock R. Dawn , McKenzie Lara B.
Published: December 2010

Football is one of the most popular youth sports in the United States despite the high rate of injuries. Previously published studies have investigated football-related injuries that occurred in organized play but have excluded those that occurred during unorganized play. Through use of the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database, cases of football-related injuries were identified for analysis. Sample weights were used to calculate national estimates. An estimated 5 252 721 children and adolescents 6 to 17 years old were treated in US emergency departments for football-related injuries. The annual number of cases increased by 26.5% over the 18-year study period. The 12- to 17-year-old age group accounted for 77.8% of all injuries and had nearly twice the odds of sustaining a concussion. The findings suggest the need for increased prevention efforts to lower the risk of football-related injury in children and adolescents.
The Maratha Brahmin model in south India
Authors: Washbrook David
Published: December 2010

Many of the social groups who acquired scribal skills in the early modern period went on to acquire western education in the colonial period, and to lead the growth of the professions and the development of science and technology even into the postcolonial era. Yet, especially for Brahmins, the transition in both the early modern and modern epochs was never easy and raised awkward questions about the relationship between their ‘religious’ and ‘secular’ identities, about the nature of the different ‘knowledges’ which they possessed. This article argues that, for the transition in southern India, developments among Brahmin communities in Maharashtra from the fifteenth century were crucial. They established an acceptable model of secular Brahmin behaviour, which, if not without difficulty, eventually came to establish itself as normative across the South.
Adrenergic Signaling in Human Oral Keratinocytes and Wound Repair
Authors: Steenhuis P. , Huntley R.E. , Gurenko Z. , Yin L. , Dale B.A. , Fazel N. , Isseroff R.R.
Published: December 2010

Catecholamines are present in saliva, but their influence on oral epithelium is not understood. Because psychological stress increases salivary catecholamines and impairs oral mucosal wound healing, we sought to determine if epithelial adrenergic signaling could link these two findings. We found that cultured human oral keratinocytes (HOK) express the α2B- and β2-adrenergic receptors (ARs). Exposure of HOK to either epinephrine or the β-AR agonist, isoproterenol, reduced migratory speed and decreased in vitro scratch wound healing. Incubation with the β-AR antagonist timolol reversed the catecholamine-induced effects, indicating that the observed response is mediated by β-AR. Epinephrine treatment decreased phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) ERK1/2 and p38; these decreases were also reversed with timolol. Cultured HOK express enzymes of the epinephrine synthetic pathway, and generate epinephrine. These findings demonstrate that stress-induced elevations of salivary catecholamines signal through MAPK pathways, and result in impaired oral keratinocyte migration required for healing.
Time Series Model to Predict Burden of Viral Respiratory Illness on a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Spaeder Michael C. , Fackler James C.
Published: December 2010

Background. In the United States, viral respiratory infections are a leading cause of illness and hospitalization in young children. Caring for children with severe viral respiratory illness can have a substantial impact on resource utilization in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The objective was to build a robust model that captures the periodicity of severe pediatric viral respiratory illness and forecasts the incidence of viral respiratory illness in the PICU. Methods. This was a retrospective time series analysis in a PICU at a quaternary care children’s hospital. Patients were less than 18 years of age with laboratory-confirmed respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, parainfluenza, or adenovirus infection on or during admission from October 2002 to September 2008. Time series modeling techniques were to used to model viral incidence, using maximum likelihood estimation to identify model parameters. Results. A total of 289 patients were included in the analysis. An autoregressive model of order 10 that included an exogenous variable of community viral incidence from the previous month was able to explain and predict viral incidence in the PICU. A limitation of the study was that it included a single institution. Conclusions. The identified model, derived from historical data from both a PICU and the local community, produced accurate 1-month and 3-month forecasts of severe viral respiratory illness presentation to the PICU. These results suggest that time series models may be useful tools in forecasting the burden of severe viral respiratory illness at the institutional level, helping institutions make decisions to optimize the distribution of resources.
Integrating Technical Communication Into China’s English Major Curriculum
Authors: Han Yu
Published: December 2010

Previous research has suggested the need for developing technical communication education in Chinese universities. Following this suggestion, this article examines the possibility of integrating technical communication into China’s English major curriculum. Based on findings from two universities, the article discusses the design of China’s English major curriculum and Chinese teacher and student perspectives on technical communication. The author suggests that China’s English for Specific Purposes (ESP) education provides a promising home for integrating technical communication and that this integration can enhance China’s current ESP education. The author presents three integration models and discusses questions for future research.
Opposition through the back door in the transposition of EU directives
Authors: Thomson Robert
Published: December 2010

Are member states less likely to transpose a European Union directive correctly if they disagreed with the directive at the decision-making stage? Existing research provides mixed answers to this question. Most of this research does not consider the role of the enforcement agent, the European Commission, and uses aggregate measures. By contrast, this study considers the impact of the Commission, and focuses on specific provisions in directives. It combines detailed information on states’ disagreement with each provision at the decision-making stage and the quality of national transposition of each provision. The descriptive analysis shows that protracted non-compliance in national transposition is a rare event. The explanatory analysis indicates that states’ policy preferences significantly affect the likelihood of transposition problems, and that this is conditioned by the behaviour of the Commission.
Practice and payment: Determinants of candidate list position in European Parliament elections
Authors: Gherghina Sergiu , Chiru Mihail
Published: December 2010

This article fills a gap in the literature by explaining list composition and placement of candidates in closed PR (proportional representation) settings. Focusing on the case of Romania in the European elections of June 2009, we rely on an original data set including the sociodemographics, career history and wealth of all 215 candidates from the Romanian parties’ parliamentary lists. The results of our rank-ordered logistic regression indicate that at both the national and the party level the political competitors favour previous political experience and wealth of the candidates in establishing their final list order. Marginal effects of support from successful local branches, gender, age and education are also visible for various political parties.
Supranational identity, democratic attitudes, and political participation: The EU and Moldova
Authors: Kennedy Ryan
Published: December 2010

Individuals self-categorize within an international context, and this supranational identity shapes expectations for their own political system. Those individuals in postCommunist countries who believe that their country’s primary international orientation should be towards the European Union have a more participatory view of politics and are more politically active. This study develops a social identity explanation of political behavior, and tests the explanation utilizing maximum likelihood and non-parametric matching methods in a 2004 survey of political attitudes in Moldova. Moldova’s patchwork of identities, mixed historical legacy, and salience of supranational association make it an excellent case for study. The analysis finds strong support for the effect of supranational identity across a wide range of attitudes and activities.
Restorative justice: Linking the law with health
Authors: Donaldson Caitlyn
Published: December 2010

Restorative justice conferences brings victims of crime face to face with their offenders in a controlled environment, enabling victims to ask questions, receive apologies and explain the true impact of the crime against them. Caitlyn Donaldson asks whether this may offer a way to tackle the negative mental health impact that crime has on its victims
Arts on Prescription: A review of practice in the UK
Authors: Bungay Hilary , Clift Stephen
Published: December 2010

The current levels of psychosocial distress in society are significant, as evidenced by the number of prescribed antidepressants and the numbers of working days lost as a result of stress and anxiety. There is a growing body of evidence that active involvement in creative activities provides a wide range of benefits, including the promotion of well-being, quality of life, health and social capital. In the UK there are currently a number of projects operating that offer Arts on Prescription for people experiencing mental health problems and social isolation. The purpose of such schemes is not to replace conventional therapies but rather to act as an adjunct, helping people in their recovery through creativity and increasing social engagement. Although the schemes are varied in their approaches and settings, the common theme is that there is a referral process and creative activities take place in the community facilitated by artists rather than therapists. This paper explores whether such schemes can be part of the solution to the current challenge of mental ill-health, and looks at the evidence supporting the value of such schemes which may influence government, funders and healthcare professionals to implement Arts on Prescription more widely.
Policy and action for cancer prevention
Authors: Beck Kirsty , Thompson Rachel
Published: December 2010

Kirsty Beck, Science and Policy Project Manager, and Dr Rachel Thompson, Science Programme Manager (Nutrition), at the World Kirsty Beck, Science and Policy Project Manager, and Dr Rachel Thompson, Science Programme Manager (Nutrition), at the World Cancer Research Fund International, highlight the importance of addressing health inequalities in the fight against cancer
Healthy universities: Shaping the future
Authors: Cawood Jennie , Dooris Mark , Powell Sue
Published: December 2010

Jennie Cawood, from the English National Healthy University Network at the University of Central Lancashire, along with Mark Dooris, Director of the Healthy Settings Development Unit at the University of Central Lancashire, and Sue Powell, Head of Academy for Health and Well-Being at Manchester Metropolitan University, argue that the higher education sector offers an ideal setting for promoting health and well-being
Lifting the Fog - bringing clarity to public health
Authors: Stewart Antony
Published: December 2010

Antony Stewart, Professor in Public Health at Staffordshire University gives his view on public health today — and argues that, rightly or wrongly, evidence of clinical efficacy is not enough to guarantee implementation
Health Professionals’ Preparation for Supporting Children and Parents Affected by Asthma and Allergies
Authors: Stewart Miriam , McGhan Shawna , Watt Susan , Anderson Sharon , Masuda Jeffrey R. , Letourneau Nicole , Sharpe Heather M.
Published: December 2010

Although social support originates from sources both informal (eg, family, peers) and formal (eg, health professionals), most reported research focuses on informal support providers. The perspectives and learning needs of health professionals as potential support providers for children and families affected by asthma and allergies form a gap in the reported research. The objective of this study was to assess health professionals’ learning needs and preferences pertinent to the support and education of children with asthma and allergies. A 26-item online survey and qualitative interviews (n, 10) elicited information from health professionals about the perceived support and educational needs of children with asthma and allergies, experience and challenges working with children, health professionals’ educational needs regarding support of children, and continuing education needs and barriers. Health professionals believed that children needed professional education, support, and strategies to reduce the effects of asthma and allergies on their lifestyle. Time (66.0%) and cost (80.9%) were significant barriers to non-Web-based education, but only 14.6% rated time and cost a barrier to Web-based education. Family or work commitments were slightly greater obstacles for non-Web-based education (63.8%) than for Web-based education (51.2%). Although these health professionals were interested in learning from and connecting with their peers, promoting peer support for children with asthma and allergies received a lower rating on their list of educational needs. This needs assessment study confirms that health professionals have limited time, funds, and options for asthma- and allergy-related professional development activities. It validates the need and value of Web-based education with access to an instructor, experts, and group discussions, and it supports the inclusion of asthma-specific information and practical skills for teaching children and for addressing challenges when teaching. Exposure to and understanding of the value of incorporating peer support and social support into existing health programs may be limited.
Immature erythroblasts with extensive ex vivo self-renewal capacity emerge from the early mammalian fetus
Authors: England Samantha J. , McGrath Kathleen E. , Frame Jenna M. , Palis James
Published: December 2010

In the hematopoietic hierarchy, only stem cells are thought to be capable of long-term self-renewal. Erythroid progenitors derived from fetal or adult mammalian hematopoietic tissues are capable of short-term, or restricted (102- to 105-fold), ex vivo expansion in the presence of erythropoietin, stem cell factor, and dexamethasone. Here, we report that primary erythroid precursors derived from early mouse embryos are capable of extensive (106- to 1060-fold) ex vivo proliferation. These cells morphologically, immunophenotypically, and functionally resemble proerythroblasts, maintaining both cytokine dependence and the potential, despite prolonged culture, to generate enucleated erythrocytes after 3-4 maturational cell divisions. This capacity for extensive erythroblast self-renewal is temporally associated with the emergence of definitive erythropoiesis in the yolk sac and its transition to the fetal liver. In contrast, hematopoietic stem cell-derived definitive erythropoiesis in the adult is associated almost exclusively with restricted ex vivo self-renewal. Primary primitive erythroid precursors, which lack significant expression of Kit and glucocorticoid receptors, lack ex vivo self-renewal capacity. Extensively self-renewing erythroblasts, despite their near complete maturity within the hematopoietic hierarchy, may ultimately serve as a renewable source of red cells for transfusion therapy.
The impact of therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (AML) on outcome in 2853 adult patients with newly diagnosed AML
Authors: Kayser Sabine , Döhner Konstanze , Krauter Jürgen , Köhne Claus-Henning , Horst Heinz A. , Held Gerhard , von Lilienfeld-Toal Marie , Wilhelm Sibylla , Kündgen Andrea , Götze Katharina , Rummel Mathias , Nachbaur David , Schlegelberger Brigitte , Göhring Gudrun , Späth Daniela , Morlok Carina , Zucknick Manuela , Ganser Arnold , Döhner Hartmut , Schlenk Richard F. ,   for the German-Austrian AMLSG
Published: December 2010

To study the characteristics and clinical impact of therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML). 200 patients (7.0%) had t-AML and 2653 de novo AML (93%). Patients with t-AML were older (P < .0001) and they had lower white blood counts (P = .003) compared with de novo AML patients; t-AML patients had abnormal cytogenetics more frequently, with overrepresentation of 11q23 translocations as well as adverse cytogenetics, including complex and monosomal karyotypes, and with underrepresentation of intermediate-risk karyotypes (P < .0001); t-AML patients had NPM1 mutations (P < .0001) and FLT3 internal tandem duplications (P = .0005) less frequently. Younger age at diagnosis of primary malignancy and treatment with intercalating agents as well as topoisomerase II inhibitors were associated with shorter latency periods to the occurrence of t-AML. In multivariable analyses, t-AML was an adverse prognostic factor for death in complete remission but not relapse in younger intensively treated patients (P < .0001 and P = .39, respectively), relapse but not death in complete remission in older, less intensively treated patients (P = .02 and P = .22, respectively) and overall survival in younger intensively treated patients (P = .01). In more intensively treated younger adults, treatment-related toxicity had a major negative impact on outcome, possibly reflecting cumulative toxicity of cancer treatment.
Long-term use of vitamin K antagonists and incidence of cancer: a population-based study
Authors: Pengo Vittorio , Noventa Franco , Denas Gentian , Pengo Martino F. , Gallo Umberto , Grion Anna Maria , Iliceto Sabino , Prandoni Paolo
Published: December 2010

Whether long-term use of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) might affect the incidence of cancer is a longstanding hypothesis. We conducted a population-based study including all cancer- and thromboembolism-free patients of our health area; study groups were defined according to chronic anticoagulant use to VKA-exposed and control groups. Cancer incidence and cancer-related and overall mortality was assessed in both groups. 76 008 patients (3231 VKA-exposed and 72 777 control subjects) were followed-up for 8.2 (± 3.2) years. After adjusting for age, sex, and time-to-event, the hazard ratio of newly diagnosed cancer in the exposed group was 0.88 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.80-0.98; P < .015). VKA-exposed patients were less likely to develop prostate cancer, 0.69 (95% CI 0.50-0.97; P = .008). The adjusted hazard ratio for cancer-related and overall mortality was 1.07 (95% CI 0.92-1.24) and 1.12 (95% CI 1.05-1.19), respectively. These results support the hypothesis that anticoagulation might have a protective effect on cancer development, especially prostate cancer.
Post-transcriptional regulation in the myo1Δ mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Rivera-Ruiz Marielis E , Rodríguez-Quiñones José F , Akamine Pearl , Rodríguez-Medina José R
Published: December 2010

Background

Saccharomyces cerevisiae myosin type II-deficient (myo1 Δ) strains remain viable and divide, despite the absence of a cytokinetic ring, by activation of the PKC1-dependent cell wall integrity pathway (CWIP). Since the myo1 Δ transcriptional fingerprint is a subset of the CWIP fingerprint, the myo1 Δ strain may provide a simplified paradigm for cell wall stress survival.

Results

To explore the post-transcriptional regulation of the myo1 Δ stress response, 1,301 differentially regulated ribosome-bound mRNAs were identified by microarray analysis of which 204 were co-regulated by transcription and translation. Four categories of mRNA were significantly affected - protein biosynthesis, metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and unknown functions. Nine genes of the 20 CWIP fingerprint genes were post-transcriptionally regulated. Down and up regulation of selected ribosomal protein and cell wall biosynthesis mRNAs was validated by their distribution in polysomes from wild type and myo1Δ strains. Western blot analysis revealed accumulation of the phosphorylated form of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2α-P) and a reduction in the steady state levels of the translation initiation factor eIF4Gp in myo1Δ strains. Deletion of GCN2 in myo1Δ abolished eIF2αp phosphorylation, and showed a severe growth defect. The presence of P-bodies in myo1Δ strains suggests that the process of mRNA sequestration is active, however, the three representative down regulated RP mRNAs, RPS8A, RPL3 and RPL7B were present at equivalent levels in Dcp2p-mCh-positive immunoprecipitated fractions from myo1Δ and wild type cells. These same RP mRNAs were also selectively co-precipitated with eIF2α-P in myo1Δ strains.

Conclusions

Quantitative analysis of ribosome-associated mRNAs and their polyribosome distributions suggests selective regulation of mRNA translation efficiency in myo1 Δ strains. Inhibition of translation initiation factor eIF2α (eIF2α-P) in these strains was by Gcn2p-dependent phosphorylation. The increase in the levels of eIF2α-P; the genetic interaction between GCN2 and MYO1; and the reduced levels of eIF4Gp suggest that other signaling pathways, in addition to the CWIP, may be important for myo1 Δ strain survival. Selective co-immunoprecipitation of RP mRNAs with eIF2α-P in myo1 Δ strains suggests a novel mode of translational regulation. These results indicate that post-transcriptional control is important in the myo1 Δ stress response and possibly other stresses in yeast.
Activating transcription factor-3 (ATF3) functions as a tumor suppressor in colon cancer and is up-regulated upon heat-shock protein 90 (Hsp90) inhibition
Authors: Hackl Christina , Lang Sven A , Moser Christian , Mori Akira , Fichtner-Feigl Stefan , Hellerbrand Claus , Dietmeier Wolfgang , Schlitt Hans J , Geissler Edward K , Stoeltzing Oliver
Published: December 2010

Background

Activating transcription factor-3 (ATF3) is involved in the complex process of cellular stress response. However, its exact role in cancer is discussed controversially because both tumor suppressive and oncogenic effects have been described. Here we followed-up on our previous observation that inhibition of Hsp90 may increase ATF3 expression and sought to determine the role of ATF3 in colon cancer.

Methods

Regulation of ATF3 was determined in cancer cells using signaling inhibitors and a heat-shock protein-90 (Hsp90) antagonist. Human HCT116 cancer cells were stably transfected with an ATF3-shRNA or a luciferase-shRNA expression plasmid and alterations in cell motility were assessed in migration assays. The impact of ATF3 down-regulation on cancer growth and metastasis were investigated in a subcutaneous tumor model, a model of hepatic tumor growth and in a model of peritoneal carcinomatosis. Human colon cancer tissues were analyzed for ATF3 expression.

Results

The results show that therapeutic Hsp90 inhibition substantially up-regulates the expression of ATF3 in various cancer cells, including colon, gastric and pancreatic cancer. This effect was evident bothin vitroandin vivo. RNAi mediated knock-down of ATF3 in HCT116 colon cancer cells significantly increased cancer cell migrationin vitro. Moreover, in xenogenic mouse models, ATF3 knock-down promoted subcutaneous tumor growth and hepatic metastasis, as well as peritoneal carcinomatosis. Importantly, ATF3 expression was lower in human colon cancer specimens, as compared to corresponding normal surrounding tissues, suggesting that ATF3 may represent a down-regulated tumor suppressor in colon cancer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ATF3 down-regulation in colon cancer promotes tumor growth and metastasis. Considering that blocking Hsp90 induces ATF3 expression, Hsp90 inhibition may represent a valid strategy to treat metastatic colon cancer by up-regulating this anti-metastatic transcription factor.
Efficacy of hyaluronic acid binding assay in selecting motile spermatozoa with normal morphology at high magnification
Authors: Petersen Claudia G , Massaro Fabiana C , Mauri Ana L , Oliveira Joao BA , Baruffi Ricardo LR , Franco Jose G
Published: December 2010

Background

The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the hyaluronic acid (HA) binding assay in the selection of motile spermatozoa with normal morphology at high magnification (8400x).

Methods

A total of 16592 prepared spermatozoa were selected and classified into two groups: Group I, spermatozoa which presented their head attached to an HA substance (HA-bound sperm), and Group II, those spermatozoa that did not attach to the HA substance (HA-unbound sperm). HA-bound and HA-unbound spermatozoa were evaluated according to the following sperm forms: 1-Normal morphology: normal nucleus (smooth, symmetric and oval configuration, length: 4.75+/-2.8 μm and width: 3.28+/-0.20 μm, no extrusion or invagination and no vacuoles occupied more than 4% of the nuclear area) as well as acrosome, post-acrosomal lamina, neck, tail, besides not presenting a cytoplasmic droplet or cytoplasm around the head; 2-Abnormalities of nuclear form (a-Large/small; b-Wide/narrow; c-Regional disorder); 3-Abnormalities of nuclear chromatin content (a-Vacuoles: occupy >4% to 50% of the nuclear area and b-Large vacuoles: occupy >50% of the nuclear area) using a high magnification (8400x) microscopy system.

Results

No significant differences were obtained with respect to sperm morphological forms and the groups HA-bound and HA-unbound. 1-Normal morphology: HA-bound 2.7% and HA-unbound 2.5% (P = 0.56). 2-Abnormalities of nuclear form: a-Large/small: HA-bound 1.6% vs. HA-unbound 1.6% (P = 0.63); b-Wide/narrow: HA-bound 3.1% vs. HA-unbound 2.7% (P = 0.13); c-Regional disorders: HA-bound 4.7% vs. HA-unbound 4.4% (P = 0.34). 3. Abnormalities of nuclear chromatin content: a-Vacuoles >4% to 50%: HA-bound 72.2% vs. HA-unbound 72.5% (P = 0.74); b-Large vacuoles: HA-bound 15.7% vs. HA-unbound 16.3% (P = 0.36).

Conclusions

The findings suggest that HA binding assay has limited efficacy in selecting motile spermatozoa with normal morphology at high magnification.
Hepcidin induces HIV-1 transcription inhibited by ferroportin
Authors: Xu Min , Kashanchi Fatah , Foster Altreisha , Rotimi Jamie , Turner Willie , Gordeuk Victor R , Nekhai Sergei
Published: December 2010

Background

Physiological regulation of cellular iron involves iron export by the membrane protein, ferroportin, the expression of which is induced by iron and negatively modulated by hepcidin. We previously showed that iron chelation is associated with decreased HIV-1 transcription. We hypothesized that increased iron export by ferroportin might be associated with decreased HIV-1 transcription, and degradation of ferroportin by hepcidin might in turn induce HIV-1 transcription and replication. Here, we analyzed the effect of ferroportin and hepcidin on HIV-1 transcription.

Results

Expression of ferroportin was associated with reduced HIV-1 transcription in 293T cells and addition of hepcidin to ferroportin-expressing cells counteracted this effect. Furthermore, exposure of promonocytic THP-1 cells to hepcidin was associated with decreased ferroportin expression, increased intracellular iron and induction of reporter luciferase gene expression. Finally, exposure of human primary macrophages and CD4+ T cells to hepcidin and iron was also associated with induction of viral production.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the interplay between ferroportin-mediated iron export and hepcidin-mediated degradation of ferroportin might play a role in the regulation of HIV-1 transcription and may be important for understanding of HIV-1 pathogenesis.
The nanosilica hazard: another variable entity
Authors: Napierska Dorota , Thomassen Leen CJ , Lison Dominique , Martens Johan A , Hoet Peter H
Published: December 2010

Silica nanoparticles (SNPs) are produced on an industrial scale and are an addition to a growing number of commercial products. SNPs also have great potential for a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic applications in medicine. Contrary to the well-studied crystalline micron-sized silica, relatively little information exists on the toxicity of its amorphous and nano-size forms. Because nanoparticles possess novel properties, kinetics and unusual bioactivity, their potential biological effects may differ greatly from those of micron-size bulk materials. In this review, we summarize the physico-chemical properties of the different nano-sized silica materials that can affect their interaction with biological systems, with a specific emphasis on inhalation exposure. We discuss recentin vitroandin vivoinvestigations into the toxicity of nanosilica, both crystalline and amorphous. Most of thein vitrostudies of SNPs report results of cellular uptake, size- and dose-dependent cytotoxicity, increased reactive oxygen species levels and pro-inflammatory stimulation. Evidence from a limited number ofin vivostudies demonstrates largely reversible lung inflammation, granuloma formation and focal emphysema, with no progressive lung fibrosis. Clearly, more research with standardized materials is needed to enable comparison of experimental data for the different forms of nanosilicas and to establish which physico-chemical properties are responsible for the observed toxicity of SNPs.
Ethnobotanical survey in Canhane village, district of Massingir, Mozambique: medicinal plants and traditional knowledge
Authors: Ribeiro Ana , Romeiras Maria M , Tavares João , Faria Maria T
Published: December 2010

Background

Medicinal plants are used by 80% of people from developing countries to fulfill their primary health needs, occupying a key position on plant research and medicine. Taking into account that, besides their pharmaceutical importance, these plants contribute greatly to ecosystems' stability, a continuous documentation and preservation of traditional knowledge is a priority. The objective of this study was to organize a database of medicinal plants including their applications and associated procedures in Canhane village, district of Massingir, province of Gaza, Mozambique.

Methods

In order to gather information about indigenous medicinal plants and to maximize the collection of local knowledge, eleven informants were selected taking into account the dimension of the site and the fact that the vegetation presents a great homogeneity. The data were collected through intensive structured and semi-structured interviews performed during field research. Taxonomical identification of plant species was based on field observations and herbarium collections.

Results

A total of 53 plant species have been reported, which were used to treat 50 different human health problems. More than half of the species were used for stomach and intestine related disturbances (including major diseases such as diarrhea and dysentery). Additionally, four species with therapeutic applications were reported for the first time, whose potential can further be exploited. The great majority of the identified species was also associated with beliefs and myths and/or used as food. In general, the community was conscientious and motivated about conservational issues and has adopted measures for the rational use of medicinal plants.

Conclusions

The ethnomedicinal use of plant species was documented in the Canhane village. The local community had a rich ethnobotanical knowledge and adopted sound management conservation practices. The data compiled in this study show the social importance of the surveyed plants being a contribution to the documentation of PGR at the national and regional level.