bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Flow-Triggered Adaptive Servo-Ventilation Compared With Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure With Coexisting Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Cheyne-Stokes Respiration
Authors: Kasai Takatoshi , Usui Yasuhiro , Yoshioka Toru , Yanagisawa Naotake , Takata Yoshifumi , Narui Koji , Yamaguchi Tetsu , Yamashina Akira , Momomura Shin-ich
Published: November 2009

Background—

In patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), the presence of sleep-disordered breathing, including either obstructive sleep apnea or Cheyne-Stokes respiration-central sleep apnea, is associated with a poor prognosis. A large-scale clinical trial showed that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) did not improve the prognosis of such patients with CHF, probably because of insufficient sleep-disordered breathing suppression. Recently, it was reported that adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) can effectively treat sleep-disordered breathing. However, there are no specific data about the efficacy of flow-triggered ASV for cardiac function in patients with CHF with sleep-disordered breathing. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of flow-triggered ASV to CPAP in patients with CHF with coexisting obstructive sleep apnea and Cheyne-Stokes respiration-central sleep apnea.

Methods and Results—

Thirty-one patients with CHF, defined as left ventricular ejection fraction <50% and New York Heart Association class ≥II, with coexisting obstructive sleep apnea and Cheyne-Stokes respiration-central sleep apnea, were randomly assigned to either CPAP or flow-triggered ASV. The suppression of respiratory events, changes in cardiac function, and compliance with the devices during the 3-month study period were compared. Although both devices decreased respiratory events, ASV more effectively suppressed respiratory events (ΔAHI [apnea-hypopnea index], −35.4±19.5 with ASV; −23.2±12.0 with CPAP,
P
<0.05). Compliance was significantly greater with ASV than with CPAP (5.2±0.9 versus 4.4±1.1 h/night,
P
<0.05). The improvements in quality-of-life and left ventricular ejection fraction were greater in the ASV group (ΔLVEF [left ventricular ejection fraction], +9.1±4.7% versus +1.9±10.9%).

Conclusions—

These results suggest that patients with coexisting obstructive sleep apnea and Cheyne-Stokes respiration-central sleep apnea may receive greater benefit from treatment with ASV than with CPAP.
Renal and Hepatic Function Improve in Advanced Heart Failure Patients During Continuous-Flow Support With the HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Russell Stuart D. , Rogers Joseph G. , Milano Carmelo A. , Dyke David B. , Pagani Francis D. , Aranda Juan M. , Klodell Charles T. , Boyle Andrew J. , John Ranjit , Chen Leway , Massey H. Todd , Farrar David J. , Conte John V.
Published: November 2009

Background—

The effects of continuous blood flow and reduced pulsatility on major organ function have not been studied in detail.

Methods and Results—

We evaluated renal (creatinine and blood urea nitrogen) and hepatic (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and total bilirubin) function in 309 (235 male, 74 female) advanced heart failure patients who had been supported with the HeartMate II continuous-flow left ventricular assist device for bridge to transplantation. To determine whether patients with impaired renal and hepatic function improve over time with continuous-flow left ventricular assist device support or whether there are any detrimental effects in patients with normal organ function, we divided patients into those with above-normal and normal laboratory values before implantation and measured blood chemistry over time during left ventricular assist device support. There were significant improvements over 6 months in all parameters in the above-normal groups, with values in the normal groups remaining in the normal range over time. Mean blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine in the above-normal groups decreased significantly from 37±14 to 23±10 mg/dL (
P
<0.0001) and from 1.8±0.4 to 1.4±0.8 mg/dL (
P
<0.01), respectively. There were decreases in aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase in the above-normal groups from 121±206 and 171±348 to 36±19 and 31±22 IU (
P
<0.001), respectively. Total bilirubin for the above-normal group was 2.1±0.9 mg/dL at baseline; after an acute increase at week 1, it decreased to 0.9±0.5 mg/dL by 6 months (
P
<0.0001). Both renal and liver values from patients in the normal groups remained normal during support with the left ventricular assist device.

Conclusions—

The HeartMate II continuous-flow left ventricular assist device improves renal and hepatic function in advanced heart failure patients who are being bridged to transplantation, without evidence of detrimental effects from reduced pulsatility over a 6-month time period.

Clinical Trial Registration Information—

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00121472.
Smoking, Clopidogrel, and Mortality in Patients With Established Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Berger Jeffrey S. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Steinhubl Steven R. , Shao Mingyuan , Steg P. Gabriel , Montalescot Gilles , Hacke Werner , Fox Keith A. , Lincoff A. Michael , Topol Eric J. , Berger Peter B.
Published: November 2009

Background—

Smoking increases platelet aggregability and the degree of platelet inhibition by clopidogrel on ex vivo platelet function tests. Whether smoking status affects the relationship between clopidogrel and clinical outcomes is unknown.

Methods and Results—

We evaluated the relationship between smoking status (current smoker, former smoker, or never-smoker) and treatment with clopidogrel on the risk of all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality among the 12 152 participants from the CHARISMA (Clopidogrel for High Atherothrombotic Risk and Ischemic Stabilization, Management, and Avoidance) trial who had established cardiovascular disease. Current smoking was associated with an increase in all-cause (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.85 to 3.60), cardiovascular (HR 2.26, 95% CI 1.48 to 3.45), and cancer (HR 3.56, 95% CI 1.96 to 6.46) mortality compared with never smoking. The impact of clopidogrel on mortality differed by smoking status (
P
for interaction=0.018 for current smokers). Among current smokers, clopidogrel was associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.94); clopidogrel did not reduce all-cause mortality among former smokers (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.19) or never-smokers (HR 1.14, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.58). A similar pattern was noted for cardiovascular mortality. As expected, no relationship was observed between clopidogrel and cancer mortality by smoking status. The risk of bleeding appeared to differ according to smoking status; randomized clopidogrel was associated with a significantly increased risk of severe or moderate bleeding (HR 1.62,
P
=0.04) among current smokers but a smaller and nonsignificant increase among never-smokers (HR 1.31,
P
=0.15).

Conclusions—

Clopidogrel therapy may be more effective in current smokers, but it may also confer a greater bleeding risk than in nonsmokers. Further studies are needed to investigate this possibility.
Angina Symptoms Are Associated With Mortality in Older Women With Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Berecki-Gisolf Janneke , Humphreyes-Reid Lindy , Wilson Andrew , Dobson Annette
Published: November 2009

Background—

Angina symptoms have been reported to predict mortality in men. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between angina symptoms and mortality in women.

Methods and Results—

In 2004, 873 older participants in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health with self-reported ischemic heart disease participated in a nested substudy. Women were 77 to 83 years of age; 165 (19%) died during the 4.5-year follow-up. Angina symptoms were established with Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) scores for physical limitation, angina frequency, angina stability, and disease perception. Proportional hazards modeling was used to examine the relationship of SAQ score differences with mortality. Physical limitation scores were associated with mortality, with hazard ratios of 1.1, 1.9, and 3.4 for mild, moderate, and severe versus minimal limitations, respectively (
P
<0.001). Angina frequency scores were also associated with death, with hazard ratios of 1.2, 1.2, and 4.8 for mild, moderate, and severe versus minimal angina frequency, respectively (
P
<0.001). Age (hazard ratio 1.1, 95% confidence interval 1.0 to 1.2), pulmonary disease (hazard ratio 1.6, 95% confidence interval 1.2 to 2.3), and kidney disease (hazard ratio 1.7, 95% confidence interval 1.1 to 2.5) were statistically significantly associated with mortality in a multivariable model of clinical predictors. In a combined model with SAQ scores and clinical predictors, SAQ scores for physical limitation and angina stability remained statistically significantly associated with mortality.

Conclusions—

In older women with ischemic heart disease, angina symptoms assessed by use of SAQ scores for physical limitations and angina frequency were associated with mortality; SAQ scores may therefore prove to be a useful tool for risk assessment in this patient group.
Evidence for the Importance of Adiponectin in the Cardioprotective Effects of Pioglitazone
Authors: Li Ping , Shibata Rei , Unno Kazumasa , Shimano Masayuki , Furukawa Mayuko , Ohashi Taiki , Cheng Xianwu , Nagata Kohzo , Ouchi Noriyuki , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: November 2009

The favorable effects of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ ligand pioglitazone on glucose metabolism are associated with an increase in the fat-derived hormone adiponectin in the bloodstream. A recent clinical trial, Prospective Pioglitazone Clinical Trial in Macrovascular Events, demonstrated that pioglitazone improved cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the functional role of adiponectin in cardioprotection by pioglitazone has not been examined experimentally. Here we investigated the effect of pioglitazone on angiotensin II (Ang II)–induced cardiac hypertrophy and assessed the potential contribution of adiponectin to the action of pioglitazone on the heart. Wild-type or adiponectin-deficient mice were treated with pioglitazone as food admixture at a concentration of 0.01% for 1 week followed by 2 weeks of infusion with Ang II at 3.2 mg/kg per day. Ang II infusion in wild-type mice resulted in exacerbated myocyte hypertrophy and increased interstitial fibrosis, which were accompanied by elevated phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and expression of transforming growth factor-β1 in the heart. Treatment of wild-type mice with pioglitazone attenuated cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation, and transforming growth factor-β1 expression in response to Ang II. Pioglitazone also increased the plasma adiponectin level and phosphorylation of cardiac AMP-activated protein kinase in wild-type mice in the presence of Ang II. The suppressive effects of pioglitazone on Ang II–induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis were diminished in adiponectin-deficient mice. Furthermore, pioglitazone had no effects on the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and AMP-activated protein kinase in the Ang II–infused heart of adiponectin-deficient mice. These data provide direct evidence that pioglitazone protects against Ang II–induced pathological cardiac remodeling via an adiponectin-dependent mechanism.
Global Circulation in an Axially Symmetric Shallow-Water Model, Forced by Off-Equatorial Differential Heating
Authors: Adam Ori , Paldor Nathan
Published: November 2009

An axially symmetric inviscid shallow-water model (SWM) on the rotating Earth forced by off-equatorial steady differential heating is employed to characterize the main features of the upper branch of an ideal Hadley circulation. The steady-state solutions are derived and analyzed and their relevance to asymptotic temporal evolution of the circulation is established by comparing them to numerically derived time-dependent solutions at long times. The main novel feature of the steady-state solutions of the present theory is the existence of a tropical region, associated with the rising branch of the Hadley circulation, which extends to about half the combined width of the Hadley cells in the two hemispheres and is dominated by strong vertical advection of momentum. The solutions in this tropical region are characterized by three conditions: (i) the meridional temperature gradient is very weak but drastically increases outside of the region, (ii) moderate easterlies exist only inside this region and they peak off the equator, and (iii) angular momentum is not conserved there. The momentum fluxes of the new solutions at the tropics differ qualitatively from those of existing nearly inviscid theories and the new flux estimates are in better agreement with both observations and axially symmetric simulations. As in previous nearly inviscid theories, the steady solutions of the new theory are determined by a thermal Rossby number and by the latitude of maximal heating.
Stratification and the Poverty of Progress in Post-Communist Latvian Capitalism
Authors: Eglitis Daina S. , Lāce Tana
Published: November 2009

The end of communism in Eastern Europe ushered in an era of markets and modernity. Post-communist capitalism has also wrought stratification with intensified upward and downward socio-economic mobility. Examining the case of Latvia, we offer an analysis of one of post-communist capitalism’s most apparent effects: the creation of a broad and diverse mass of economically disadvantaged inhabitants. While numerous writers have framed their analyses in terms of the ‘winners and losers’ of change, most research has treated these categories as exclusive entities and has paid little attention to the sociological relationship between them or the diversity within them. This work elaborates the relationship between the economically disadvantaged and both post-communist capitalism and the upper socio-economic rungs of society. As well, we offer three ideal-typical categories for description and analysis of post-communism’s economically disadvantaged masses.
Automatic Determination of Slub Yarn Geometrical Parameters Based on an Amended Similarity-based Clustering Method
Authors: Jihong Liu  , Zhenping Xie  , Weidong Gao  , Hongxia Jiang
Published: November 2009

An automatic method for characterizing the parameters of ring slub yarn is presented. Firstly, size parameters of slub yarn were measured by using a capacitance-type sensor, and data was expressed as voltage signals through a data acquisition card (DAQ) installed in a PC. Then the voltage signals of the slub yarn were transferred to a two-dimensional (2D) image. Consequently, the repetition pattern of the slub yarn was determined by analyzing the 2D image using cluster analyses with an amended similarity-based clustering method. The samples were produced using a practical slub yarn production system. Results were validated by comparison of measurement parameters with set parameters.
Moisture-responsive Fabrics Based on the Hygro Deformation of Yarns
Authors: Sarkar M.K. , He F.A. , Fan J.T.
Published: November 2009

Moisture-responsive fabrics have great potential in the development of smart clothing which can respond to changes in the physiological conditions of the wearer and environmental conditions so as to achieve maximum comfort. In this research, the reversible dimensional changes of hygroscopic yarns are utilized to develop responsive fabric structures which widen or narrow their openings depending on moisture content. Experiments showed that these novel fabrics exhibited improved air permeability at higher moisture content, which may be associated with body sweating or a hot, humid climate. The improved air permeability can enhance body cooling for better comfort.
Economic Growth and the Expansion of Urban Land in China
Authors: Xiangzheng Deng  , Jikun Huang  , Rozelle Scott , Uchida Emi
Published: November 2009

This paper aims to demonstrate the relationship between economic growth and the urban core area in order to help urban planners reach a better understanding of the pressures that are leading to changes in land use. Using a unique panel dataset with measures of China’s land use, it is shown that, during the late 1980s and 1990s, China’s urban land area rose significantly. Descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis are then used to identify the determinants of urban land use change. In addition to using more standard regression approaches such as ordinary least squares, the analysis is augmented with spatial statistical analysis. The analysis demonstrates the overwhelming importance of economic growth in the determination of urban land use. Overall, it is found that urban land expands by 3 per cent when the economy, measured by gross domestic product, grows by 10 per cent. It is also shown that the expansion of the urban core is associated with changes in China’s economic structure. If urban planners have access to forecasts of economic growth, using these results they should be able to have a better basis for planning the expansion of the built-up area in the urban core.
The Role of Community Technology Centers in Promoting Youth Development
Authors: London Rebecca A. , Pastor Manuel , Servon Lisa J. , Rosner Rachel , Wallace Antwuan
Published: November 2009

Recent data suggest that the digital divide between White and minority youth persists, particularly in terms of home access to computers and the Internet. Community technology centers (CTCs) are an important alterative access point, especially for low-income youth of color. Such institutions, however, do much more, providing not just access, but general youth development, including the opportunity for youth to voice their stories, contribute to community-building, and expand networks. The authors use qualitative data collected at five CTCs nationwide to examine the ways that youth engage in CTCs and link these activities to a youth development framework.The authors draw lessons for future CTC practice, highlighting the importance of both bonding and bridging social capital in thinking through future programming.
The Effect of Cumulative Risk on Paternal Engagement: Examining Differences Among Adolescent and Older Couples
Authors: Farrie Danielle , Lee Yookyong , Fagan Jay
Published: November 2009

This study examined the association between fathers’ and mothers’ risk factors and paternal engagement 1 and 3 years postbirth. Distinguishing between new and persistent risk factors, we tested whether cumulative risk has unique effects on couples where one or both parents are adolescents at birth. Results indicated that although fathers’ and mothers’ risk factors affected levels of paternal engagement with 1-year-olds, these effects did not differ among couples with at least one adolescent and older couples. However, when the child was 3, fathers’ risk factors were stronger predictors of decreased engagement for couples with at least one adolescent partner, but mothers’ risk factors increased engagement only for adolescent fathers with older mothers. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.
Gender Is an Important Determinant of the Disposition of the Loop Diuretic Torasemide
Authors: Werner Ulrike , Werner Dierk , Heinbüchner Svetlana , Graf Bernhard , Ince Hüseyin , Kische Stefan , Thürmann Petra , König Jörg , Fromm Martin F. , Zolk Oliver
Published: November 2009

Signals from pharmacovigilance studies indicate that women are at higher risk for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) due to diuretics. Despite the long‐term use of torasemide, there are few studies investigating gender differences of torasemide pharmacokinetics in the hospital setting. Therefore, torasemide pharmacokinetics were investigated in 90 patients (45 women, 45 men) during steady‐state conditions. Torasemide elimination was significantly reduced in women compared with men (eg, body‐weight‐normalized area under the concentration‐time curve: 42.1 ± 20.4 vs 30.9 ± 10.3 kg•h/L; P < .001). Among the investigated genetic factors [SLC22A11(OAT4), SLCO1B1(OATP1B1), CYP2C9], only the SLCO1B1c.521T>C polymorphism had a significant influence on torasemide pharmacokinetics. Using cell lines expressing OATP1B1, the authors identified torasemide as OATP1B1 substrate (Km= 6.2 μM) with a significant reduction of uptake by the 521C‐variant. Taken together, gender differences in torasemide pharmacokinetics are likely to contribute to a higher rate of ADRs in women, which has, for example, been observed in a German Pharmacovigilance Project with 66% of hospitalizations due to torasemide ADRs occurring in women.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of a Chimeric/Humanized Anti‐CD3 Monoclonal Antibody, Otelixizumab (TRX4), in Subjects With Psoriasis and With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Wiczling Paweł , Rosenzweig Michael , Vaickus Louis , Jusko William J.
Published: November 2009

Otelixizumab is an aglycosylated chimeric/humanized monoclonal antibody (mAb) directed to human CD3ε. This report describes population pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling of serum otelixizumab concentrations, changes in CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell counts, and modulation and saturation of CD3/T‐cell receptors (TCR) (determined by flow cytometry) after IV administration of otelixizumab in subjects with either type 1 diabetes or psoriasis. Otelixizumab PK were monoexponential with Michaelis‐Menten elimination. Nonlinearity was manifested at high concentrations (Km= 0.968 μg/mL). Lymphocyte dynamics were captured by an indirect response model simplified to direct inhibition. In diabetic subjects, the otelixizumab serum concentration producing a 50% decrease in peripheral blood counts was 0.0187 μg/mL for CD4+ T cells and 0.0120 μg/mL for CD8+ T cells. Corresponding values for psoriatic subjects were much lower: 0.000533 for CD4+ T cells and 0.000269 μg/mL for CD8+ T cells. Total (sum of unbound and otelixizumab‐bound) CD3/TCR was approximately equal to unbound CD3/TCR, suggesting that there were few otelixizumab‐(CD3/TCR) complexes at the T‐cell surface. Down‐modulation of CD3/TCR was described by direct inhibition. Otelixizumab concentrations producing 50% reduction in free CD3/TCR sites was similar for diabetes and psoriasis, 0.0144 and 0.0162 μg/mL. Integrated PK/PD models were successfully applied to assess otelixizumab PK and diverse PD responses.
Flowing Performance, Microstructures, and Fracture Toughness of Dynamically Vulcanized PP/EPDM Blends
Authors: Huang Hui-Juan , Wei Yang  , Xie Bang-Hu , Li Qing-Guo , Yang Ming-Bo
Published: November 2009

The fracture behavior of polypropylene/ethylene—propylene— diene terpolymer (100/8) blends with different microstructure was investigated using the essential work of fracture approach. Ethylene—propylene—diene terpolymer and dicumyl peroxide were mixed in a single-screw extruder at 140°C, and the crosslinking reaction had hardly taken place at this temperature. Then the reactive extrusion of ethylene—propylene—diene terpolymer and polypropylene was performed on a twin-screw extruder at a temperature range of 160—210°C and ethylene—propylene—diene terpolymer was crosslinked in this process. Various crosslinking density of ethylene—propylene—diene terpolymer in polypropylene/ethylene—propylene—diene terpolymer (100/8) blends was obtained by varying the concentration of dicumyl peroxide. With increasing dicumyl peroxide concentration, melt flow rate of the blends gradually increased but the increasing trend was slowed up. The degradation reaction of polypropylene was markedly restrained by adopting such a processing method. From the result of scanning electron microscopy, the size of ethylene—propylene—diene terpolymer particles was reduced and a more uniform particle size distribution was obtained. The existence of polypropylene/ ethylene—propylene—diene terpolymer graft copolymer was demonstrated by differential scanning calorimetry and the negative effect of the graft copolymer on the crystalline rate of polypropylene macromolecules which were grafted onto ethylene—propylene—diene terpolymer chains was validated. The specific essential work of fracture (we) increased markedly with increasing dicumyl peroxide concentration for the blends prepared. When the concentration of dicumyl peroxide was 0.3 wt% of ethylene—propylene—diene terpolymer content, the value of we of the dynamic vulcanized blends was about 165% as that of polypropylene/ethylene—propylene—diene terpolymer simple blends or polypropylene, while the specific plastic work (βwp) was still larger than that of polypropylene.
Building a taxonomy of a firm’s knowledge assets: A perspective of durability and profitability
Authors: Li Sheng-Tun , Tsai Ming-Hong , Lin Chinho
Published: November 2009

Managing their knowledge assets is an imperative issue for most organizations in pursuit of competitive advantage in the knowledge-based economy. Previous researchers have proposed a number of valuable taxonomies for classifying an organization’s knowledge assets. However, once knowledge assets are classified by such taxonomies as a particular type, they do not change type over time. Arguably, however, business contexts are swiftly changing, and knowledge assets may have to be constantly adapted to play new roles, and so a taxonomy capable of reflecting the changing relations between knowledge assets and environmental conditions is needed. This article proposes such a taxonomy which utilizes durability and profitability as dimensions. This taxonomy allows knowledge assets to change type in the light of the new condition. Additionally, it has the characteristics of demonstrating the alignment of assets with organizational strategies, and of being widely applicable in the for-profit sector.
Design of the IL-HUMASS survey on information literacy in higher education: A self-assessment approach
Authors: Pinto Maria
Published: November 2009

The IL-HUMASS survey on information literacy has been designed, based on and aimed to be applied to a population of students, teachers and librarians holding various degrees in social sciences and humanities at Spanish and Portuguese universities. The case-study method, experts’ opinions, and a literature review were used to prepare an initial version that was refined through student focus groups, interviews with librarians, and academics’ reports. A final version contained 26 items grouped into four categories (information search, assessment, processing and communication/dissemination) and three self-reporting dimensions (motivation, self-efficacy and favourite source of learning). The self-reporting nature of the IL-HUMASS survey involves a self-assessment approach that has until now been proposed rarely and only in a limited way. This will enable a better understanding of user groups through a mixed analysis including two quantitative dimensions (motivation and self-efficacy) and one qualitative dimension (the preferred source of learning).
Examining identity and organizational citizenship behaviour in computer-mediated communication
Authors: Ho Kyoung Shin  , Kyung Kyu Kim
Published: November 2009

Virtual communities are centred upon computer-mediated communication, with participants interacting to provide specific knowledge to each other that enables them to perform common functions, to learn from each other and to build upon their collective knowledge. Without the existence of rich knowledge bases, computer-mediated virtual communities are of limited value. Therefore, the significance of member-generated knowledge cannot be over-emphasized. In this paper, our goal is to examine the roles of identity and organizational citizenship behaviour in facilitating knowledge transfer in computer-mediated communication contexts such as virtual communities. Our findings support the assertion that self-presentation and organizational citizenship behaviour are crucial determinants of important community outcomes. We concluded that self-presentation could be a key variable for contributing knowledge in online communities. This study has important implications for academic researchers and practitioners who seek to understand why community members share their knowledge with strangers in online communities.
In Vivo Evaluation of Autologous Cartilage Fragment-Loaded Scaffolds Implanted into Equine Articular Defects and Compared with Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation
Authors: Frisbie David D. , Lu Y. , Kawcak Christopher E. , DiCarlo E. F. , Binette F. , McIlwraith C. Wayne
Published: November 2009

Background

Current autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) techniques require 2 surgical procedures: 1 for cell harvest and 1 for reimplantation of cultured cells. A 1-step procedure is more desirable.

Purpose

A 1-step surgical procedure using autologous cartilage fragments on a polydioxanone scaffold, or CAIS (cartilage autograft implantation system), in a clinically relevant defect (15-mm diameter) within equine femoral trochlea was compared with a 2-step ACI technique as well as with empty defects and defects with polydioxanone foam scaffolds alone.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Ten skeletally mature horses were used. Articular cartilage from the lateral trochlea of the femur was harvested arthro-scopically (n 5 5), and chondrocytes were cultured on small intestinal submucosa to produce ACI constructs. The CAIS procedure had cartilage harvested during defect creation to prepare minced cartilage on polydioxanone-reinforced foam. The ACI and CAIS constructs were placed in defects using polydioxanone/polyglycolic acid staples. Defects were examined arthroscopically at 4, 8, and 12 months and with gross, histological, and immunohistochemical examination at 12 months.

Results

Arthroscopic, histologic, and immunohistochemistry results show superiority of both implantation techniques (ACI and CAIS) compared with empty defects and defects with polydioxanone foam alone, with CAIS having the highest score.

Conclusion

This is the first demonstration of long-term healing with strenuous exercise using ACI and CAIS in a critically sized defect.

Clinical Relevance

Given these results with the CAIS procedure, testing in human patients is the next logical step (a phase 1 human clinical study has proceeded from this work).
Positive Effect of Alendronate on Subchondral Bone Healing and Subsequent Cartilage Repair in a Rabbit Osteochondral Defect Model
Authors: Nishitani Kohei , Shirai Takaaki , Kobayashi Masahiko , Kuroki Hiroshi , Azuma Yoshiaki , Nakagawa Yasuaki , Nakamura Takashi
Published: November 2009

Background

Cartilage and subchondral bone have recently been considered an osteochondral unit. The treatment of osteo-chondral lesions is still challenging, but better subchondral bone repair may result in higher quality repaired cartilage.

Hypotheses

Alendronate accelerates bone formation in osteochondral defects and affects the quality of the repaired cartilage.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Osteochondral defects were made on the left trochleas of 50 rabbits, which were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: control, ALN (weekly subcutaneous injection of 0.14 mg/mL alendronate), and ALN-S (alendronate injection in the first 8 weeks only). They were evaluated at 4, 8, 24, and 52 weeks. Bone repair was evaluated with microcomputed tomography and histologic evaluation. Cartilage repair was evaluated with ultrasound and histologic analyses.

Results

At 4 weeks, the defects were filled, and cartilage-like repair tissue was observed in the ALN group, whereas the defects were incompletely filled in the control group. Alendronate treatment enhanced early bone formation and mineralization in the osteochondral defect for the first 8 weeks. The continuous injection of alendronate for 24 weeks resulted in delayed bone remodeling, but the rabbits in the ALN-S group showed good integrity of the subchondral bone plate, without delayed remodeling. At 52 weeks, the ALN-S group had a columnar arrangement of chondrocytes that had less fibrillation and looked superior to those in the ALN and control groups. Ultrasound analysis showed better quality of repaired cartilage of the ALN and ALN-S group than the control group.

Conclusion

Alendronate accelerated bone formation without inhibiting its mineralization but thereafter inhibited bone remodeling in an osteochondral defect. The withdrawal of alendronate at 8 weeks avoided the delayed remodeling and showed better sub-chondral bone repair. At 52 weeks, better subchondral bone repair resulted in better cartilage quality. Clinical Relevance: Alendronate administered in the early period accelerates bone formation and improves the quality of the repaired cartilage.
Treatment Selection in Articular Cartilage Lesions of the Knee
Authors: Bekkers Joris E. J. , Inklaar Melanie , Saris Daniël B. F.
Published: November 2009

Background

Several treatment options are available to repair articular cartilage lesions of the knee; however, evidence-based parameters for treatment selection are lacking.

Purpose

To identify parameters for valid treatment selection in the repair of articular cartilage lesions of the knee.

Study Design

Systematic review.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in the databases EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane collaboration. The retrieved articles were screened for relevance on title and abstract followed by a full-text study quality appraisal of the remaining articles. Eventually, a total of 4 randomized controlled trials were included.

Results

Lesion size, activity level, and age were the influencing parameters for the outcome of articular cartilage repair surgery. Lesions greater than 2.5 cm2 should be treated with sophisticated techniques, such as autologous chondrocyte implantation or osteochondral autologous transplantation, while microfracture is a good first-line treatment option for smaller (<2.5 cm2) lesions. Patients who are active show better results after autologous chondrocyte implantation or osteochondral autologous transplantation when compared with microfracture. Younger patients (<30 years) seem to benefit more from any form of cartilage repair surgery compared with those over 30 years of age.

Conclusion

Lesion size, activity level, and patient age are factors that should be considered in selecting treatment of articular cartilage lesions of the knee. In addition, these factors are a step toward evidence-based, instead of surgeon-preferred, treatment of articular cartilage lesions of the knee.
Effects of Immigration and Age on Health of Older People in the United States
Authors: Wakabayashi Chizuko
Published: November 2009

Following cumulative advantage/disadvantage theory and drawing longitudinal data from the 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, and 2006 Health and Retirement Studies, this article examined the relationship between immigration experience and health transitions in late life among non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Mexicans in the United States. The results revealed that the timing of migration in the life course helped determine the ways in which individual health transitions would be associated with their aging process, and the pathways would be complex and vary based on the health outcomes and gender of the immigrants. For example, among women, the later-life immigrants would face most disadvantageous health trajectories as they aged with respect to activities of daily living limitations. The results suggested that the timing of U.S. immigration would affect the degree to which immigrants could take advantage of economic opportunities to accumulate financial resources that would benefit health later in life.
A Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community: Views From Providers and Residents
Authors: Bronstein Laura , Gellis Zvi D. , Kenaley Bonnie L.
Published: November 2009

Maximizing quality of life for older adults poses challenges for formal service providers. One strategy to identify and address factors influencing health/mental health and promoting autonomy of community-dwelling older people is through a Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NNORC), a community development model of formal and informal home and community-based support. This article uses qualitative methods to report on critical themes generated from an initial evaluation of an NNORC using individual interviews with community partners that developed the program and Resident Council members living in the NNORC community. Findings reveal the need to support older adults aging in place, the importance of informal systems of care, access to trustworthy concrete service providers, and improved models of collaboration.
Title VII and Disparate-Treatment Discrimination Versus Disparate-Impact Discrimination
Authors: Peffer Shelly L.
Published: November 2009

In June 2009, the Supreme Court decided the employment discrimination case of Ricci v. DeStefano . In a 5-4 decision, the Court held that the City of New Haven, Connecticut, discriminated against White and Hispanic firefighters based on their race in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, when it refused to certify exam results that could have resulted in promotions for the firefighters. The case attempted to clarify what the Court saw as a conflict between two provisions of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act— disparate-treatment discrimination and disparate-impact discrimination. Unfortunately, the Court’s decision and reasoning may cause even more confusion and questions in the area of employment discrimination leaving both public and private employers to ask themselves difficult questions regarding their employment practices and procedure.
Oxidative stress and homocysteine metabolism in patients with lupus nephritis
Authors: Moroni G. , Novembrino C. , Quaglini S. , De Giuseppe R. , Gallelli B. , Uva V. , Montanari V. , Messa P. , Bamonti F.
Published: November 2009

The objective of this study was to compare oxidative status and homocysteinemia in patients with lupus nephritis (LN) and in controls. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reactive oxygen species (ROS), homocysteine and related vitamins were measured in 68 patients with LN and in 50 controls. LN patients had lower TAC (p = 0.05) and higher ROS and homocysteinemia (p = 0.01) than controls. TAC, significantly lower in active than in quiescent LN (p = 0.01), was correlated with albuminemia (p = 0.02), inversely with proteinuria (p = 0.01) and anti-DNA antibodies (p = 0.004). ROS values, higher both in active and in inactive LN, correlated with age (p = 0.02), C-reactive protein (CRP) (p = 0.0005) and inversely with prednisone dosage (p = 0.05). At multivariate analysis, CRP (p = 0.04) and age (p = 0.005) were independent ROS predictors. Homocysteine, higher in active than in quiescent LN (p = 0.016) and in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies (p=0.05), correlated with serum creatinine (p = 0.00001) and proteinuria (p = 0.015). At multivariate analysis serum creatinine (p = 0.006) and active nephritis (p = 0.003) were independent predictors of hyperhomocysteinemia. Patients with LN showed impaired oxidative status, even without clinical signs of renal activity. ROS production may be counterbalanced by adequate antioxidant capacity in some patients with quiescent LN. The association of hyperhomocysteinemia and antiphospholipid antibodies positivity may increase the risk of cardiovascular and/or thrombotic events in LN patients. Lupus (2010) 19, 65—72.
A Correlational Study of the Relationship Between a Coordinated School Health Program and School Achievement: A Case for School Health
Authors: Vinciullo Frances M. , Bradley Beverly J.
Published: November 2009

The study was conducted to determine whether there is a relationship between the Coordinated School Health Program (CSHP) and student academic performance. Data were collected from schools and the community for three reports for 50 states and the District of Columbia (DC). The School Health Policies and Programs Survey (SHPPS), the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), and the U.S. Census 2000 Profile were used to study the relationships among three parameters: (a) The intervention called a CSHP: (b) Student achievement; and (c) Rate of poverty in each state. A stepwise regression analysis was conducted, controlling for poverty using state-level data. Components of a CSHP had statistically significant relationships with academic achievement. Students in states with policies promoting students' health demonstrated higher academic scores and higher rates of high school completion.
Intimate Partner Homicide by Presence or Absence of a Self-Destructive Act
Authors: Liem Marieke , Roberts Darryl W.
Published: November 2009

Intimate partner homicide is not only the most common type of domestic homicide, but is also most prevalent in homicides followed by a self-destructive act (e.g., suicide or a suicide attempt). To date, very few studies have addressed this unique circumstance of intimate partner homicide, particularly in comparison to intimate partner homicides that are not followed by a self-destructive act. One possible reason for this lack of research might be that many consider homicide and suicide discrete phenomena, therefore devaluing the similarities that might exist between them. The “Currents of Lethal Violence” analogy describes homicide and suicide as two currents in a stream of lethal violence. We propose that intimate partner homicide followed by a self-destructive act mixes these currents. This study aims to assess the differences among intimate partner homicide perpetrators who did and did not commit a self-destructive act following the homicide. Descriptive and bivariate analyses of predictive variables were obtained from the records of 341 male intimate partner homicide perpetrators held at a Dutch forensic observation hospital between 1980 and 2006, of which 44 committed a self-destructive act following the offense. Perpetrators that attempted suicide were more likely to have a diagnosis of depressive illness and to have threatened suicide prior to the offense. Perpetrators in this group showed evidence of far-reaching dependency on the victim and a fear of abandonment. Further research into this area is necessary to elucidate this issue.
Stability and Change in Homicide Victim, Offender, and Event Characteristics in Chicago, 1900 and 2000
Authors: Gruenewald Jeff A. , Pridemore William Alex
Published: November 2009

This study took advantage of unique historical data to explore change and stability in homicide victim, offender, and event characteristics in Chicago between two time periods, 1898-1902 and 1998-2002. Data on Chicago homicides from 1898 to 1902 were extracted from the Chicago Police Department Homicide Record Index (compiled by the Chicago Historical Homicide Project), and data from 1998 to 2002 were taken from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Supplementary Homicide Report. Odds ratios were employed to compare homicide characteristics between time periods to examine change and stability on victim (sex, race, age), offender (sex, race), and event (type of weapon, victim—offender relationship, circumstance) characteristics. The results showed significant (a) increases in the proportion of victims who were Black and aged 15-29, the proportion of offenders who were female and Black, and the proportion of family, gun, and profit-motivated homicides and (b) decreases in stranger and argument-related homicides and in the proportion of victims who were female. This study contextualizes these results by discussing how demographic, structural, and cultural changes in Chicago over the course of the 20th century might have influenced stability and change in these characteristics.
Homicide Patterns and Public Housing: The Case of Louisville, KY (1989-2007)
Authors: Suresh Geetha , Vito Gennaro F.
Published: November 2009

This study examines the impact of the revitalization of low-income, public housing properties on homicide patterns. It tracks the movement of homicide clusters from the initial properties to those neighborhoods where public housing residents were displaced over a 19-year period in Louisville, Kentucky. The median-income level of residents and vacant housing emerged as important predictors of homicide clusters. This article concludes that low-income public housing and Section 8 housing properties provide an environment where homicides are likely to occur. This pattern remained in effect even when the nature of public housing changed.
Establishing the boundaries and building bridges
Authors: Williams Nombasa
Published: November 2009

Currently an ecological model for conceptualizing and capturing the refugee parenting experience is lacking. After an extensive review of the literature related to the usages of Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model of child development, a gap was found in knowledge and research centred on describing the environment of pre-resettlement (i.e. pre-flight, flight, migration, camp) contexts and their impact on refugee parents and carer experiences. The culture of the refugee parenting experience may be characterized by disruptions in and alterations to family structure and organization; values and norms; and gender roles. This paper begins by examining the definition and usages of existing ecological frameworks in the 20th and 21st century. Particular attention is drawn to the gaps in the existing literature and an ecological model is offered. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications for practice. The outcomes of this paper suggest the need for practitioners, policymakers and researchers to engage and develop culturally competent, relevant and appropriate interventions (i.e. reconciling differing beliefs and behaviours concerning child-rearing practices; affirming positive parenting practices of these families during engagement protocols and processes; adopting a strengths-based orientation) in the area of child protection whilst at the same time safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children within pre- and post-resettlement contexts.
Views of Specially-trained Child Welfare Social Workers
Authors: Morazes Jennifer L. , Benton Amy D. , Clark Sherrill J. , Jacquet Susan E.
Published: November 2009

This study explores the similarities and differences between those who choose to remain in public child welfare (stayers) and those who leave (leavers) in a sample of Title IV-E MSW graduates. Interview transcripts from a self-selected sample of 386 specially-trained, MSW-level child welfare workers were thematically coded to compare and contrast the motivations, perceptions and experiences of 304 stayers and 82 leavers over a 10-year data collection period. Results showed that dedication to children and families and social work values does not differ between stayers and leavers. Overall, respondents raised a central issue of disconnection between educational experiences and agency realities. While all participants acknowledged workload and stress as job challenges, stayers illustrated experiences that buffered job pressures, particularly encounters with supportive supervisors. Leavers tended not to experience these buffers, and expressed more difficulty in balancing their professional and personal lives.