bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Violence in Adulthood and Mental Health
Authors: Alvarez-del Arco Debora , del Amo Julia , Garcia-Pina Rocio , Garcia-Fulgueiras Ana Maria , Rodriguez-Arenas M. Angeles , Ibañez-Rojo Vicente , Díaz-del Peral Domingo , Jarrin Inma , Fernandez-Liria Alberto , Zunzunegui Maria Victoria , Garcia-Ortuzar Visitación , Mazarrasa Lucia , Llacer Alicia
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to describe perceived abuse in adult Spanish and Ecuadorian women and men and to assess its association with mental health.

A population-based survey was conducted in Spain in 2006. Data were taken from a probabilistic sample allowing for an equal number of men and women, Spaniards and Ecuadorians. Mental disorder was measured with the General Health Questionnaire-28. The nine questions on exposure to physical, sexual, and psychological abuse during the previous year were self-administered. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association between exposure to abuse and poor mental health, adjusting for potential confounders.

The sample was composed of 1,059 individuals aged 18 to 54, 104 of whom reported physical, psychological, or sexual abuse. Some 6% refused to answer the questions on abuse. Overall, reported abuse ranged from 13% in Ecuadorian women to 5% in Spanish men. Psychological abuse was the most frequent. Half the abused women, both Spanish and Ecuadorian, reported intimate partner violence (IPV), as did 22% of abused men. Poor mental health was found in 61% of abused Spanish women (adjusted Odds Ratio [ORa] = 5.1; 95% CI: 1.8-14.4), and 62% abused Ecuadorian women (ORa = 4; 95% CI: 2-7.9), in 36% of abused Spanish men (ORa = 3; 95% CI: 0.9-10.7) and in 30% abused Ecuadorian men (ORa = 2.8; 95% CI: 1-7.7).

Interpersonal violence is frequent in relations with the partner, the family, and outside the family, and it seriously affects the mental health. Ecuadorian women stand out as the most vulnerable group.
Parenting of Men With Co-Occurring Intimate Partner Violence and Substance Abuse
Authors: Stover Carla Smith , Easton Caroline J. , McMahon Thomas J.
Published: February 2013

No studies to date have compared parenting behaviors of men with co-occurring intimate partner violence (IPV) and substance abuse (SA) with community controls. This study was designed to document mediators of differences in parenting behavior of fathers and the emotional-behavioral problems of their children for men with co-occurring SA and IPV. The self-reported parenting (negative, positive and coparenting behaviors) and the child emotional-behavioral problems of 43 fathers with children aged 2 to 6 years with a recent history of SA + IPV were compared to a sample of 43 community control fathers with the same socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Fathers completed measures on their parenting behavior with a target child, coparenting behavior with the child’s mother, emotion regulation, romantic attachment, psychiatric symptoms, and the behavior of the target child. Men with co-occurring SA + IPV had significantly less positive coparenting and more negative parenting behaviors than community control fathers. Negative parenting and coparenting were mediated by the fathers’ avoidant attachment problems. SA + IPV fathers also reported more emotional and behavioral problems in their children. These poor child outcome differences between groups were mediated by the negative parenting behaviors of the fathers. These results suggest areas of potential focus in interventions with fathers who have co-occurring SA + IPV issues. Focus on attachment difficulties with his coparent, which may include affect regulation, coping with emotions, and communication skills training related to coparenting, may yield significant changes in parenting behaviors and ultimately child functioning.
Synthesis of scaling mechanisms for geometric figures with angulated-straight elements
Authors: Bai Guochao , Liao Qizheng , Li Duanling , Wei Shimin
Published: February 2013

Angulated-straight element is proposed by combining pantograph element and Hoberman element. It is prepared to construct scaling mechanisms for geometric figures. Angulated-straight element is a kind of scissor-like element that moves along a fixed angle in radial direction, coined radial-scaling element. To explore the advantages of this new element, scaling characteristics of the radial-scaling element are proposed, such as configurations, kinematic characteristics and scaling ratio. Scaling characteristics of hybrid-radial-scaling element are also investigated to enlarge the scaling ratio of radial-scaling element. All configurations of angulated-straight element are synthesized by a rotation method presented in this article. The kinematic characteristics and scaling ratios are analyzed and compared between angulated-straight element and Hoberman element. Synthesis methods of scaling mechanisms for geometric figures are presented by combining the geometric characteristics and design parameters of regular polygon and regular polyhedron. The result shows that shapes and combinations of linkages determine the scaling characteristics of the radial-scaling element. Scaling characteristics analysis of scaling elements is a useful basic theory for choosing and constructing scaling mechanisms. Types of scaling mechanism are enriched. These scaling mechanisms have a certain value of application.
Solving elastic deformation of some parallel manipulators with linear active legs using computer-aided design variation geometry
Authors: Lu Yi , Cong Cong , Liwei Chen , Wang Peng
Published: February 2013

It has been a significant and challenging issue to determine the elastic deformation of parallel manipulators for their precision analysis and control. A new method is proposed and studied for solving the elastic deformation of some parallel manipulators with linear active legs using computer-aided design variation geometry. First, an original simulation mechanism of a parallel manipulator is constructed; each of the vectors in the force transformation matrix of the parallel manipulators is constructed by this simulation mechanism. The active/constrained wrench and their pose are determined based on the Newton–Euler formulation. Second, the elastic deformed dimensions of the active legs are determined based on the elastic deformation equation and the active/constrained wrench. Third, a new simulation mechanism of this parallel manipulator is constructed by replacing the original dimensions of active legs with the deformed dimensions of active legs and the elastic deformations of parallel manipulators are solved using the pose difference between the original and new simulation mechanisms. Finally, two parallel manipulators are illustrated and their elastic deformations are solved and verified by both analytic approach and finite element method.
(In)visible urban water networks: the politics of non-payment in Manila’s low-income communities
Authors: Cheng Deborah
Published: February 2013

The oft-purported goals of good urban water governance include universal coverage and low levels of water loss. However, such goals can be particularly challenging in large, metropolitan areas where infrastructure may be ageing or unknown. This paper clarifies the mechanisms through which urban infrastructure is made visible – and thus more governable – by examining the politics of non-payment in Manila and the techniques that the two private concessionaires use to reclaim lost revenues. While some customers from all income levels may evade payment, the mechanisms for payment recovery targeted at low-income consumers focus on increased policing and a transfer of responsibility towards communities and individuals and away from the concessionaires. In contrast, payment recovery targeted at high volume customers typically involves technical improvements and settlement of arrears. The differentiated treatment of the poor and non-poor thus has four failures: first, while visibility is directed at payment recovery, those that are unserved or underserved remain invisible through the propagation of aggregate statistics characterizing greater coverage and reductions in system losses; second, there is an asymmetry of treatment for non-payment in poor and non-poor areas, which can result in higher costs in poorer areas; third, the same processes that lead to greater coverage and reduced losses also reconfigure inequalities; and fourth, small water providers are increasingly becoming the policing arm of the utilities rather than competitive alternatives. Recognizing remaining inequalities in cities like Manila helps to highlight the situation for the underserved and allows us to re-imagine ways of achieving universal access.
N-Acetylcysteine prevents doxorubucine-induced cardiotoxicity in rats
Authors: Arıca V. , Demir İ.H. , Tutanc M. , Basarslan F. , Arıca S. , Karcıoglu M. , Öztürk H. , Nacar A.
Published: February 2013

This study is designed to observe the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on doxorubucine-induced cardiac toxicity in rats both histologically and biochemically. Totally 32 rats divided equally into four groups were studied. The first group received only 200 mg/kg NAC intraperitoneal (i.p.) once every 24 h for 5 days (group 1); the second group received 20 mg/kg doxorubucine (DOX) i.p. single dose plus NAC 200 mg/kg i.p. once every 24 h for 5 days (group 2); the third group received DOX 20 mg/kg DOX i.p. single dose (group 3) and the fourth group, which is also the control group, received saline (group 4). Following 24 h of the final dose, blood samples were drawn from a portal vein and heart tissue were obtained. Tissue thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were highest in the DOX group. In the DOX-treated rats, serum TBARS, NO, aspartate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase levels were highest when compared with other groups. Except for serum superoxide dismutase levels, all other parameters differed significantly between the DOX plus NAC group and the DOX group. In the DOX plus NAC group, general architecture was preserved better than the DOX group and myofibril loss was minimal compared with the DOX group. NAC demonstrated, both biochemically and histologically, to be effective in the prevention of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in rat models. Evaluation of NAC’s effect on DOX toxicity warrants further clinical trials on cancer patients.
The activity of the Ang/Tie-2 system in the brain that suffered acute carbon monoxide poisoning
Authors: Wang Suping , Liu Zanhua , Qu Jing , Wang Xiaoting
Published: February 2013

Acute carbon monoxide poisoning (ACMP) leads to significant toxicity of the central nervous system and heart, and even death, following it, some patients suffered delayed encephalopathy. Until now, no theory had explained it exactly. It was reported that neovascularization was found in acute ischemic brains and also that angiopoietins (Ang) play important roles in the process of angiogenesis, for example, the members of Ang family, Ang-1 and Ang-2 may promote angiogenesis by combining with endothelial-specific cell surface tyrosine kinase receptor Tie-2. Interestingly, some studies suggested that small vascular injury may play an important role in the pathogenesis of delayed encephalopathy after carbon monoxide poisoning. Does neovascularization also occur in the brains after ACMP? Do Ang also take part in the pathologic processes in the brains that suffered ACMP? People know little about it. In the present study, we showed that neovascularization also occurred in the brains that suffered ACMP, and there are two expression peaks of Ang-1, Ang-2 and Tie-2, respectively, in the mice brains on the 3rd day and the 7th day following ACMP, and draw a conclusion that the Ang/ Tie-2 system takes part in the pathologic processes in the brains that suffered ACMP by participating in neovascularization.
Predictors of renal relapse in Korean patients with lupus nephritis who achieved remission six months following induction therapy
Authors: Moon S-J , Park HS , Kwok S-K , Ju JH , Choi BS , Park K-S , Min J-K , Kim H-Y , Park S-H
Published: February 2013

Renal relapse in patients with lupus nephritis (LN) is a risk factor for poor renal function. Therefore, there is a need to identify clinical and serological risk factors for renal relapse. A total of 108 patients with LN were enrolled in this study. All the subjects had achieved complete remission or partial remission following six months of induction therapy. We retrospectively analyzed their clinical and laboratory indices, final renal function, and kidney biopsy findings. The median follow-up period after LN diagnosis was 81 months. Renal relapse had occurred in 36 patients; it occurred in 38% and 46% of patients within five and 10 years after achievement of renal remission, respectively. There was no difference between the relapsed rate in patients with complete remission and that in those with partial remission. Clinical variables at LN onset and renal biopsy findings in the patients with sustained remission and relapsed patients were also not different. The probability of renal relapse was significantly higher in patients with an earlier age of onset of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (≤ 28 years versus >28 years; HR 7.308, P = 0.001), seronegativity for anti-Ro antibody (seronegativity versus seropositivity; HR 3.514, P = 0.007), and seropositivity for anti-dsDNA antibody at six months after initiation of induction therapy (HR 8.269, P = 0.001). Our study demonstrated that early onset of SLE, seronegativity for anti-Ro antibody and increased anti-dsDNA antibody following six months of induction therapy independently predict renal relapse among the LN patients.
Discussing homosexuality on association football fan message boards: A changing cultural context
Authors: Cleland Jamie
Published: February 2013

This article presents the findings of a discourse analysis carried out on 48 association football (soccer) message boards from across the United Kingdom concerning fans’ views towards the presence of gay footballers. It draws on over 3000 anonymous posts to examine whether hegemonic or more inclusive forms of masculinity existed. The overall findings are that, despite evidence of heteronormativity and some orthodox views towards homosexuality, a majority of supporters demonstrate more inclusivity through the rejection of posts that they feel have pernicious homophobic intent. Rather than avoiding any contestation of these orthodox posts, fans frequently challenge them and suggest that on-the-field performance is what is valued the most.
The Effect of Continuous Infusion Loop Diuretics in Patients With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure With Hypoalbuminemia
Authors: Bleske Barry E. , Clark Megan M. , Wu Audrey H. , Dorsch Michael P.
Published: February 2013

Purpose:

Hypoalbuminemia is believed to decrease diuretic effectiveness and contribute to diuretic resistance that is observed in patients with nephrotic syndrome. Hypoalbuminemia is also seen in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). However, the role of hypoalbuminemia on the effectiveness of continuous infusion diuretics in patients with ADHF is not known.

Methods:

To evaluate hypoalbuminemia (albumin ≤3 g/dL) and diuretic effectiveness, we performed a retrospective study in 162 patients admitted to a tertiary care center for treatment of ADHF over a 3-year period. All patients received continuous infusion diuretic for at least a 2-day time period.

Results:

A total of 33 patients were determined to have hypoalbuminemia. Average net urine output over a 2-day study period was similar between patients with and without hypoalbuminemia (−1462 ± 1734 vs −1233 ± 1560 mL, P = .46, respectively). In addition, diuretic doses (furosemide equivalent/24 hours) were similar between the 2 groups (788 ± 671 vs 778 ± 713 mg, P = .91, respectively) as was baseline serum creatinine (1.6 ± 0.6 vs 1.6 ± 0.6 mg/dL, P = .5, respectively).

Conclusion:

Overall, hypoalbuminemia did not decrease the diuretic effectiveness when measured by the net urine output in patients receiving continuous infusion diuretics for the treatment of ADHF.
Young children’s perspectives of ideal physical design features for hospital-built environments
Authors: Lambert Veronica , Coad Jane , Hicks Paula , Glacken Michele
Published: February 2013

Recently, increased recognition has been attributed to the requirement to include the views of child patients in the planning of new health care services so that contemporary buildings can be designed to enhance future experience. This is important, especially since the voices of young children are so often under-represented or represented through adult proxies. The purpose of this article is to share young children’s perspectives of what constitutes ideal physical design features for hospital-built environments. Using a participatory art-based approach, data were collected from 55 children (aged five–eight years) across three children’s hospitals in Ireland. Emergent findings revealed three broad themes: personal space, physical environment and access. This study is important for nurses, clinicians and environmental designers because it outlines what a supportive child health care environment should constitute. Hospital environments need to be constructed not just to be child friendly, but to also respect children’s right to dignity, privacy, family support and self-control.
Raising the curtain: Exploring dancers’ perceptions of obligation through the psychological contract lens
Authors: Stanway Alicia R , Bordia Sarbari , Fein Erich C
Published: February 2013

The current study takes an exploratory approach to investigate which situational factors influence perceptions of psychological contracts, as well as the content that comprises psychological contracts in the dance training industry. Semi-structured interviews ( n = 10) were conducted with students enrolled in a higher education institution in Australia. Results indicated that intending dancers take several factors into consideration when contemplating a professional dance career: natural progression of skill, employment opportunities, location, and peer recommendation. In addition, intending dancers have several perceived institutional obligations: skill development, quality of teachers and training, and networking opportunities. The current article adds novel insights to dance education literature by considering the trainee–institution relationship through the psychological contract lens. It is anticipated that the findings will assist future research that seeks to incorporate student perceptions into dance curriculum development.
Broadly Neutralizing Antibody Responses in a Subset of HIV-1-Infected Individuals in Chennai, India
Authors: Hussain Syed Iqbal , Panneerselvam Nandagopal , Solomon Suniti , Solomon Sunil S. , Adam Kaavya , Chandrasekaran Ezhilarasi , Montefiori David C. , Pachamuthu Balakrishnan
Published: February 2013

Identification of broadly neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) generated during the course of HIV-1 infection is essential for effective HIV-1 vaccine design. The magnitude and breadth of neutralizing activity in the sera from 46 antiretroviral treatment–naive HIV-1 clade C-infected individuals was measured in a single round infection assay using TZM-bl cells and multisubtype panel of env-pseudotyped viruses. Higher levels of NAb response (NAb titer 500 to >40 000) were measured in these patients against tier 1 and tier 2 viruses. The average magnitude of the NAb responses of chronically infected individuals against heterologous viruses was consistently higher than the response observed from individuals with long-term nonprogressor ( P = .086). To conclude, high titers of HIV-1 cross-neutralizing activity were observed in the sera from a subset of HIV-1-infected individuals in Chennai, India. Additional studies of the epitopes recognized by these antibodies may facilitate the discovery of an effective vaccine immunogen.
Predictors of Clinical Progression in HIV-1-Infected Adults Initiating Combination Antiretroviral Therapy with Advanced Disease in the Asia-Pacific Region
Authors: Byakwaga H. , Petoumenos K. , Ananworanich J. , Zhang F. , Boyd M. A. , Sirisanthana T. , Li P. C. K. , Lee C. , Mean C. V. , Saphonn V. , Omar S. F. S. , Pujari S. , Phanuphak P. , Lim P. L. , Kumarasamy N. , Chen Y. M. A. , Merati T. P. , Sungkanuparph S. , Ditangco R. , Oka S. , Tau G. , Zhou J. , Law M. G. , Emery S.
Published: February 2013

The majority of HIV-infected patients in developing countries commences combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) with advanced disease. We examined predictors of disease progression in patients initiating cART with CD4 count ≤200 cells/mm3 in the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database. The main outcome measure was progression to either an AIDS-defining illness or death occurring 6 months after initiation of cART. We used survival analysis methods. A total of 1255 patients contributed 2696 person years of follow-up; 73 were diagnosed with AIDS and 9 died. The rate of progression to the combined end point was 3.0 per 100 person years. The factors significantly associated with a higher risk of disease progression were Indian ethnicity, infection through intravenous drug use, lower CD4 count, and hemoglobin ≤130 g/dL at 6 months. In conclusion, measurements of CD4 count and hemoglobin at month 6 may be useful for early identification of disease progression in resource-limited settings.
Mucosal Excision and Suturing for Obesity and GERD
Authors: Légner András , Tsuboi Kazuto , Stadlhuber Rudolf , Yano Fumiaki , Halvax Peter , Hunt Brandon , Penka Wayne , Filipi Charles J.
Published: February 2013

Background. Suture and staple-based endoluminal devices for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obesity have failed to demonstrate long-term efficacy. Objective. To demonstrate the feasibility of mucosal excision and full-thickness suture apposition of the excision beds to create sufficient scar tissue formation at the gastroesophageal junction for the intraluminal treatment of GERD or obesity. Design. Survival animal experiments. Patients. Seven mongrel dogs. Interventions. Under general endotracheal anesthesia, a Barostat test was performed on 4 dogs. A mucosal excision device was introduced through the esophagus into the proximal stomach. Two to 4 mucosal excisions were performed on all dogs at or just below the gastroesophageal junction and the mucosal pieces were removed. After hemostasis, an intraluminal suturing instrument was introduced and either 2 or 4 sutures were placed through the excision beds to bring them into apposition. These were tied and the suture strands cut. All dogs were survived for 2 months. End-term endoscopies were performed, and a repeat Barostat procedure was performed on the animals undergoing an antireflux procedure. After euthanasia the stomachs were explanted, examined, photographed, and sectioned for histologic examination. Results. All dogs survived without complication. In the 4 GERD dogs, the Barostat studies demonstrated a significant decrease in gastroesophageal junction compliance. In the 3 dogs undergoing the obesity procedure, the gastric outlet apposition to a 6-mm endoscope was satisfactory with full insufflation and the desired scarring was seen on histologic examination. Conclusion. It is possible to create adequate gastroesophageal junction scarring for the treatment of GERD and obesity. A clinical pilot study will be initiated.
Stereophotogrammetry-Based Facial Depth Measurements
Authors: Jayaratne Yasas S. N. , Deutsch Curtis K. , Zwahlen Roger A.
Published: February 2013

Background. Orthognathic surgery leads to alteration of the spatial relationship of the mandible and maxilla resulting changes in the degree of facial projection. Traditional 2-dimensional cephalometry and photographic techniques do not provide data on facial depth. Though stereophotogrammetry can be used as a noninvasive method for evaluating facial depth, the unavailability of ethnicity-specific norms hinder its routine use in clinical practice. The objectives of this study were to ( a) generate an analytic scheme suitable for evaluating facial depth using stereophotogrammetry and ( b) create normative data for the facial depth measurements for young Hong Kong Chinese adults. Methods. Stereophotographic images from 41 male and 45 female ethnic Chinese young adults without facial deformities were analyzed. Facial depth measurements were performed based on standard anthropometric landmarks, with the aid of 3dMDVultus software. Results. All facial depth measurements were found in absolute terms to be significantly higher in males. In contrast, the upper face, maxillary, and sublabial depth indices were significantly higher in females, whereas no significant gender differences emerged for lower facial and maxillomandibular indices. Conclusions. A novel method of using stereophotographic images for quantifying facial depth was evaluated. Normative facial depth measurements for young Hong Kong Chinese adults were established. This gender-specific database can be used as a reference in the diagnosis, treatment planning, or evaluation of outcomes after surgical correction of facial deformities.
Studying subtle acts of leadership
Authors: Karp Tom
Published: February 2013

In this article, a research team studied acts of leadership in order to explore the phenomenon. It is argued that leadership in organisations is a social process, which may be understood as a series of interaction processes where someone assumes leadership by taking and earning a right to lead. We conclude that the dynamics of processes leading to unstable or uncertain situations in organisations create a need for leadership and provide the context for leadership, and that acts of taking leadership are a function of a time-limited right to lead granted to those assuming leadership by those who choose to follow, and we imply that willpower may be an important vehicle in such acts. Finally, we argue that there is a tendency to oversell the very idea of leadership, as acts of leadership, when practised in accordance with its definitions, are far more rare, subtle and fragile than frequently suggested by popular theories and concepts.
Situated knowledge: A Foucauldian reading of ancient and modern classics of leadership thought
Authors: Wilson Suze
Published: February 2013

This paper aims to provoke reflection and debate on researcher assumptions and the potential functions and consequences of truth claims made about leadership. A Foucauldian approach informs this comparative case study of key Classical Greek and transformational leadership texts, aiming to unsettle what we normally take for granted about leadership so as to enhance our capacity to explore new ways of thinking. Initially I address what is said about leaders, followers and their relationship in each case, after which I consider the historical context of these ideas, their potential effects for leader and follower subjectivity and their wider social function. The paper then identifies continuities and discontinuities in thinking, suggesting social context has a greater effect than is normally understood in shaping what is sayable and thinkable in respect of leadership, and revealing that leadership may possess mutable ontological foundations.
Authentic leadership, creativity, and innovation: A multilevel perspective
Authors: Černe Matej , Jaklič Marko , Škerlavaj Miha
Published: February 2013

This study aims to propose and empirically test a multilevel model of cross-level interactions between authentic leadership and innovation at the team level, and perception of support for innovation and creativity at the individual level. We use data from 23 team leaders and 289 team members in a Slovenian manufacturing and processing firm engaged in producing innovative products and customer solutions and conduct a multilevel analysis using hierarchical linear modelling (HLM). The results indicate that whereas perceived team leaders’ authentic leadership directly influences team members’ individual creativity and team innovation, the impact of self-ascribed team leaders’ authentic leadership was not significant. In addition to that, the relationship between team leaders’ authenticity and creativity is mediated by perception of support for innovation. Using a multilevel approach, this is the first study to our knowledge to quantitatively examine the relationship between authentic leadership and creativity and innovation. In addition, unlike previous research on related topics that relied solely on one source of information, we examine authentic leadership with empirical data gathered from both team leaders and their employees.
Demos as an explanatory lens in teacher educators’ elusive search for social justice
Authors: Oikonomidoy Eleni M , Brock Cynthia H , Obenchain Kathryn M , Pennington Julie L
Published: February 2013

Borrowing insights from the Ancient Greek ideal conceptions of a democratic civic space (demos), this article examines the applicability of this framework to four teacher educators’ journey to implement social justice in their programs. It is proposed that the three constitutive dimensions of demos (freedom of speech, equality to vote and hold office, and equality against the law) could provide explanatory lenses to bottom-up collaborative projects in teacher education and beyond, through the illumination of both successes and failures.
City of lights? The waning elitism of US correspondents in Paris between 1998 and 2010
Authors: Merle Patrick F
Published: February 2013

This qualitative study presents findings from in-depth interviews conducted with US foreign correspondents based in France in 1998 and in 2010. This longitudinal research investigated differences in the sociodemographic profiles of an elite group of reporters and attempted to discern the evolution of journalistic practices at two distinct time periods. Results suggested an overall waning elitism among correspondents, an erosion of Paris’s international news value for US media, as well as the deontological threat posed by the Internet for a comprehensive and thorough foreign coverage. Overall, through the longitudinal analysis of Paris-based correspondents, this study presents the gradual neglect of France by American media.
Clinical and anti-inflammatory effects of ultra-short preseasonal vaccine to Parietaria in asthma
Authors: Scichilone Nicola , Scalici Vincenza , Arrigo Rita , Bellia Vincenzo
Published: February 2013

Objective:

The ultra-short course preseasonal allergy vaccine, containing the adjuvant monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL), is effective in treating allergic symptoms; however, the efficacy in controlling asthmatics symptoms has not been fully demonstrated. We aimed at evaluating whether the ultra-short preseasonal course of immunotherapy contributes to asthma control.

Methods:

Four subcutaneous injections of the active product (Pollinex Quattro) were administered, before the pollen season, to 20 Parietaria-sensitive mild, untreated asthmatics (M/F: 12/8; age: 38 ± 14 years). After the screening visit (visit 1), asthma control was assessed by the Asthma Control Test (ACT) immediately before the first (visit 2) and immediately after the last (visit 5) injections, as well as during the pollen season (visit 6). Bronchial and alveolar exhaled nitric oxide (NO) concentrations were also measured. Nine Parietaria-sensitive mild asthmatics (M/F: 3/6; age: 40 ± 12 years) served as untreated controls.

Results:

The ACT remained constant during allergen exposure in specific immunotherapy (SIT)-treated asthmatics (visit 2: 22 ± 3.2; visit 5: 23 ± 2.8; visit 6: 22 ± 3.6; analysis of variance [ANOVA], p = 0.47), whereas it dropped during pollen exposure in controls (visit 2: 20 ± 2.5; visit 5: 21 ± 2.8; visit 6: 16 ± 5.7; ANOVA, p = 0.01). The forced expiratory NO (FENO) values significantly increased during pollen exposure in both groups; however, the alveolar NO concentrations remained stable in SIT-treated asthmatics ( p = 0.11), whereas they doubled in controls ( p = 0.01).

Conclusions:

The current findings show that the preseasonal vaccine adjuvated with MPL contributes to the maintenance of control of asthma during the pollen season.
Pancreatic Tuberculosis Diagnosed with Endoscopic Ultrasound–Guided Fine Needle Aspiration
Authors: Sotoudehmanesh Rasoul , Khatibian Morteza , Zandi Abdollah , Shokri-Shirvani Javad , Yaghoobi Ali , Sotoudeh Masood , Mohammadnejad Mehdi
Published: February 2013

Pancreatic tuberculosis is very rare, especially in immunocompetent patients, and represents a diagnostic challenge. The clinical features in patients with pancreatic tuberculosis are usually nonspecific, and the radiologic features may mimic pancreatic malignancy or pancreatitis. We describe four cases with pancreatic tuberculosis mimicking carcinoma or pancreatic cyst on imaging. None of these patients was immunocompromised. Endoscopic ultrasound–guided fine needle aspiration demonstrated necrotizing granulomatous inflammation in these cases and acid-fast bacilli in two of them. We suggest that pancreatic tuberculosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of a pancreatic cystic or solid-cystic mass, especially in patients from a region where tuberculosis is endemic.
Uncovering the biology of multiple myeloma among African Americans: a comprehensive genomics approach
Authors: Baker Angela , Braggio Esteban , Jacobus Susanna , Jung Sungwon , Larson Dirk , Therneau Terry , Dispenzieri Angela , Van Wier Scott A. , Ahmann Gregory , Levy Joan , Perkins Louise , Kim Seungchan , Henderson Kimberly , Vesole David , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Jelinek Diane F. , Carpten John , Fonseca Rafael
Published: February 2013

Key Points

In this study, African American MM patients have a significantly lower frequency of IgH translocations than European American patients.
Emergence of novel domains in proteins
Authors: Toll-Riera Macarena , Albà M Mar
Published: February 2013

Background

Proteins are composed of a combination of discrete, well-defined, sequence domains, associated with specific functions that have arisen at different times during evolutionary history. The emergence of novel domains is related to protein functional diversification and adaptation. But currently little is known about how novel domains arise and how they subsequently evolve.

Results

To gain insights into the impact of recently emerged domains in protein evolution we have identified all human young protein domains that have emerged in approximately the past 550 million years. We have classified them into vertebrate-specific and mammalian-specific groups, and compared them to older domains. We have found 426 different annotated young domains, totalling 995 domain occurrences, which represent about 12.3% of all human domains. We have observed that 61.3% of them arose in newly formed genes, while the remaining 38.7% are found combined with older domains, and have very likely emerged in the context of a previously existing protein. Young domains are preferentially located at the N-terminus of the protein, indicating that, at least in vertebrates, novel functional sequences often emerge there. Furthermore, young domains show significantly higher non-synonymous to synonymous substitution rates than older domains using human and mouse orthologous sequence comparisons. This is also true when we compare young and old domains located in the same protein, suggesting that recently arisen domains tend to evolve in a less constrained manner than older domains.

Conclusions

We conclude that proteins tend to gain domains over time, becoming progressively longer. We show that many proteins are made of domains of different age, and that the fastest evolving parts correspond to the domains that have been acquired more recently.
Expectations, experiences and attitudes of patients and primary care health professionals regarding online psychotherapeutic interventions for depression: protocol for a qualitative study
Authors: Montero-Marín Jesús , Carrasco José Miguel , Roca Miquel , Serrano-Blanco Antoni , Gili Margalida , Mayoral Fermin , Luciano Juan V , Lopez-del-Hoyo Yolanda , Olivan Barbara , Collazo Francisco , Araya Ricardo , Baños Rosa , Botella Cristina , García-Campayo Javier
Published: February 2013

Background

In the year 2020, depression will cause the second highest amount of disability worldwide. One quarter of the population will suffer from depression symptoms at some point in their lives. Mental health services in Western countries are overburdened. Therefore, cost-effective interventions that do not involve mental health services, such as online psychotherapy programs, have been proposed. These programs demonstrate satisfactory outcomes, but the completion rate for patients is low. Health professionals’ attitudes towards this type of psychotherapy are more negative than the attitudes of depressed patients themselves. The aim of this study is to describe the profile of depressed patients who would benefit most from online psychotherapy and to identify expectations, experiences, and attitudes about online psychotherapy among both patients and health professionals that can facilitate or hinder its effects.

Methods

A parallel qualitative design will be used in a randomised controlled trial on the efficiency of online psychotherapeutic treatment for depression. Through interviews and focus groups, the experiences of treated patients, their reasons for abandoning the program, the expectations of untreated patients, and the attitudes of health professionals will be examined. Questions will be asked about training in new technologies, opinions of online psychotherapy, adjustment to therapy within the daily routine, the virtual and anonymous relationship with the therapist, the process of online communication, information necessary to make progress in therapy, process of working with the program, motivations and attitudes about treatment, expected consequences, normalisation of this type of therapy in primary care, changes in the physician-patient relationship, and resources and risks. A thematic content analysis from the grounded theory for interviews and an analysis of the discursive positions of participants based on the sociological model for focus groups will be performed.

Discussion

Knowledge of the expectations, experiences, and attitudes of both patients and medical personnel regarding online interventions for depression can facilitate the implementation of this new psychotherapeutic tool. This qualitative investigation will provide thorough knowledge of the perceptions, beliefs, and values of patients and clinicians, which will be very useful for understanding how to implement this intervention method for depression.
In vitro and in vivo effects of standardized extract and fractions of Phaleria macrocarpa fruits pericarp on lead carbohydrate digesting enzymes
Authors: Ali Rabyah B , Atangwho Item J , Kuar Navneet , Ahmad Mariam , Mahmud Roziahanim , Asmawi Mohd Z
Published: February 2013

Background

One vital therapeutic approach for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus is the use of agents that can decrease postprandial hyperglycaemia by inhibiting carbohydrate digesting enzymes. The present study investigated the effects of bioassay-guided extract and fractions of the dried fruit pericarp of Phaleria macrocarpa, a traditional anti-diabetic plant, on α-glucosidase and α-amylase, in a bid to understand their anti-diabetic mechanism, as well as their possible attenuation action on postprandial glucose increase.

Methods

Methanol extract (ME), obtained by successive solvent extraction, its most effective liquid-liquid n-butanol fraction (NBF) and the flash column chromatographic sub-fraction (SFI), were evaluated for in vitro α-glucosidase (yeast) and α-amylase (porcine) activity inhibition. Furthermore, confirmatory in vivo tests were carried out in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (SDRs) using oral glucose, sucrose and starch tolerance tests.

Results

At the highest concentration employed (100 μg/ml), NBF showed highest inhibition against α-glucosidase (75%) and α-amylase (87%) in vitro (IC50 = 2.40 ± 0.23 μg/ml and 58.50 ± 0.13 μg/ml, respectively) in a dose-dependent fashion; an effect found to be about 20% higher than acarbose (55%), a standard α-glucosidase inhibitor (IC50 = 3.45 ± 0.19 μg/ml). The ME and SFI also inhibited α-glucosidase (IC50 = 7.50 ± 0.15 μg/ml and 11.45 ± 0.28 μg/ml) and α-amylase (IC50 = 43.90 ± 0.19 μg/ml and 69.80 ± 0.25 μg/ml), but to a lesser extent. In in vivo studies with diabetic rats, NBF and SFI effectively reduced peak blood glucose (PBG) by 15.08% and 6.46%, and the area under the tolerance curve (AUC) by 14.23% and 12.46%, respectively, after an oral sucrose challenge (P < 0.05); thereby validating the observed in vitro action. These reduction effects on PBG and AUC were also demonstrated in glucose and starch tolerance tests, but to a lesser degree.

Conclusions

These findings reveal that P. macrocarpa can attenuate hyperglycaemia in both in vitro and in vivo conditions by potently inhibiting carbohydrate hydrolysing enzymes, making it a viable plant for sourcing natural compounds for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
In pursuit of certainty: can the systematic review process deliver?
Authors: Saltman Deborah , Jackson Debra , Newton Phillip J , Davidson Patricia M
Published: February 2013

Background

There has been increasing emphasis on evidence-based approaches to improve patient outcomes through rigorous, standardised and well-validated approaches. Clinical guidelines drive this process and are largely developed based on the findings of systematic reviews (SRs). This paper presents a discussion of the SR process in providing decisive information to shape and guide clinical practice, using a purpose-built review database: the Cochrane reviews; and focussing on a highly prevalent medical condition: hypertension.

Methods

We searched the Cochrane database and identified 25 relevant SRs incorporating 443 clinical trials. Reviews with the terms ‘blood pressure’ or ‘hypertension’ in the title were included. Once selected for inclusion, the abstracts were assessed independently by two authors for their capacity to inform and influence clinical decision-making. The inclusions were independently audited by a third author.

Results

Of the 25 SRs that formed the sample, 12 provided conclusive findings to inform a particular treatment pathway. The evidence-based approaches offer the promise of assisting clinical decision-making through clarity, but in the case of management of blood pressure, half of the SRs in our sample highlight gaps in evidence and methodological limitations. Thirteen reviews were inconclusive, and eight, including four of the 12 conclusive SRs, noted the lack of adequate reporting of potential adverse effects or incidence of harm.

Conclusions

These findings emphasise the importance of distillation, interpretation and synthesis of information to assist clinicians. This study questions the utility of evidence-based approaches as a uni-dimensional approach to improving clinical care and underscores the importance of standardised approaches to include adverse events, incidence of harm, patient’s needs and preferences and clinician’s expertise and discretion.
Eliminating the need of serum testing using low serum culture conditions for human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cell expansion
Authors: Wappler Jessica , Rath Björn , Läufer Tanja , Heidenreich Axel , Montzka Katrin
Published: February 2013

Background

The conventional expansion of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSC) for tissue engineering or (pre-) clinical investigation includes the use of 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). However, there exists immense lot-to-lot variability in FBS samples and time consuming as well as cost intensive lot pre-testing is essential to guarantee optimal hMSC proliferation and stem cells characteristics maintenance. Furthermore, lot-to-lot variability impedes the long-term consistency of research and comparability between research groups. Therefore, we investigated the use of defined, invariable, non-synthetic FBS in low serum culture conditions for isolation and expansion of hMSC.

Methods

hMSC were isolated from bone marrow in Panserin 401 supplemented with growth factors and 2% MSC-tested or non-tested, defined, invariable, non-synthetic FBS and further cultivated in vitro. The surface marker expression, differentiation capacity as well as cell proliferation and cytotoxicity was analyzed and compared between serum samples.

Results

Cells isolated and cultivated with low concentrations of MSC-tested or non-tested FBS demonstrated no differences in surface marker expression or differentiation capacity. Proliferation of hMSC was equal in medium supplemented with either serum with no indication of cell death.

Conclusions

The low serum concentration in Panserin 401 supplemented with growth factors enables the use of defined, invariable, non-synthetic FBS for the isolation and expansion of hMSC. The required hMSC characteristics like surface marker expression and differentiation capacity are maintained. Importantly, no differences in the cell proliferation could be detected. Therefore, using these low-serum culture conditions, the need for lot-to-lot pre-testing of FBS usually needed for optimal hMSC expansion is abolished leading to long-term consistency and comparability of results.
Successful treatment of an intrathoracic bronchogenic cyst in a Holstein-Friesian calf
Authors: Berchtold Beat , Meylan Mireille , Gendron Karine , Morath Ute , Rytz Ulrich , Lejeune Beatrice
Published: February 2013

A 5-½-month-old female Holstein-Friesian calf was presented with a history of recurring ruminal tympany and poor development. The absence of lung sounds on the right hemithorax suggested a right-sided intrathoracic pathology. Radiography and computed tomography revealed a large thin-walled cavernous lesion with a gas-fluid interface which almost completely filled the right thoracic cavity. Fluid aspirated from the lesion was clear, yellowish and odorless. These findings led to the diagnosis of a bronchogenic cyst. Thoracotomy was performed under general anesthesia. The cyst strongly adhered to the adjacent lung tissue. After removal of the free wall, the adjacent lung tissue was sealed using surgical stapling instruments, and the non-removable part of the wall was curetted and rinsed. The intensive postoperative management included antibiotic therapy, oxygen supplementation and regional lidocaine infusion. Anti-inflammatory drugs were administered for further pain control. The calf recovered well and was released from the clinic on postoperative day 11. Intra- or extrathoracic bronchogenic cysts result from abnormal budding during the embryonic development of the tracheobronchial system. Successful treatment of this calf despite the size of the lesion and the invasive character of the surgical intervention indicates that resection of bronchogenic cysts in cattle may be an option for valuable animals.
Real-time understanding of lignocellulosic bioethanol fermentation by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Ewanick Shannon M , Thompson Wesley J , Marquardt Brian J , Bura Renata
Published: February 2013

Background

A substantial barrier to commercialization of lignocellulosic ethanol production is a lack of process specific sensors and associated control strategies that are essential for economic viability. Current sensors and analytical techniques require lengthy offline analysis or are easily fouled in situ. Raman spectroscopy has the potential to continuously monitor fermentation reactants and products, maximizing efficiency and allowing for improved process control.

Results

In this paper we show that glucose and ethanol in a lignocellulosic fermentation can be accurately monitored by a 785 nm Raman spectroscopy instrument and novel immersion probe, even in the presence of an elevated background thought to be caused by lignin-derived compounds. Chemometric techniques were used to reduce the background before generating calibration models for glucose and ethanol concentration. The models show very good correlation between the real-time Raman spectra and the offline HPLC validation.

Conclusions

Our results show that the changing ethanol and glucose concentrations during lignocellulosic fermentation processes can be monitored in real-time, allowing for optimization and control of large scale bioconversion processes.