bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevention of Traditional NSAID-Induced Small Intestinal Injury: Recent Preliminary Studies Using Capsule Endoscopy
Authors: Fujimori Shunji , Takahashi Yoko , Seo Tsuguhiko , Gudis Katya , Ehara Akihito , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Mitsui Keigo , Yonezawa Masaoki , Tanaka Shu , Tatsuguchi Atsushi , Sakamoto Choitsu
Published: June 2010

Capsule endoscopy and balloon endoscopy, advanced modalities that now allow for full investigation of the entire small intestine, have revealed that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause a variety of abnormalities in the small intestine. Traditional NSAIDs can induce small intestinal injuries in over 50% of patients. Several studies have shown that the preventive effect of proton pump inhibitors does not extend to the small intestine, suggesting that concomitant therapy may be required to prevent small intestinal side effects associated with traditional NSAIDs use. Recently, several randomized controlled trials used capsule endoscopy to evaluate the preventive effect of certain drugs on NSAID-induced small intestinal injuries. These studies show that misoprostol and rebamipide have a preventive effect for NSAID-induced small intestinal mucosal injuries. However, these studies included only a small series of healthy volunteers and tested short-term NSAID treatment. Therefore, further extensive studies are clearly required to ascertain the beneficial effect of these drugs.
Challenges in Staging Systems for Colorectal Cancer: Clinical Significance of Metastatic Lymph Node Number in Colorectal Cancer and Mesorectal Extension in Rectal Cancer
Authors: Akagi Yoshito , Fukushima Takanaru , Mizobe Tomoaki , Shiratsuchi Ichitaro , Ryu Yasuhiko , Yoshida Takefumi , Ishibashi Nobuya , Kinugasa Tetsushi , Shirouzu Kazuo
Published: June 2010

In many countries, treatment for cancer is performed based on staging systems in which the degree of cancer development is defined objectively. A common staging system is thus needed to compare outcomes. The staging system for colorectal cancer in Japan has been made to enhance consistency with the TNM classification, and the categorization of metastatic lymph nodes and depth of invasion have been revised in recent years. Although these are important factors that determine disease stage, relationships between each factor and recurrence have shown differing prognoses. In our retrospective study, the prognosis of a group with only one metastatic lymph node was significantly better compared to a group with ≧2 metastatic lymph nodes. In addition, rectal cancer with mesorectal extension >5 mm showed low relapse-free survival rates and high recurrence rates. The validity of staging systems should thus be inspected from various perspectives.
MicroRNAs and Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Matsushima Kayoko , Isomoto Hajime , Kohno Shigeru , Nakao Kazuhiko
Published: June 2010

Esophageal cancer is a common cause of cancer death worldwide. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the most predominant type. Certain microRNAs (miRNAs) function in tumorgenesis involved in important biological and pathologic processes. To reveal miRNAs’ signatures of ESCC, we analyzed miRNAs extracted from ESCC cell lines with the microRNA microarray. The significant alterations were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR using miRNAs extracted from cell lines or patients’ esophageal biopsy tissues. We found that miR-205 and miR-10a were significantly altered in cellular expression, and might be specific for ESCC with potential roles in the pathogenesis. As a result of function studies in miR-205, alterations in miR-205 expression could modulate the phenotype of epithelial cells towards epithelial-mesenchymal transition characterized by reduced abundance of E-cadherin, that is the ESCC-specific miRNA target and inhibit translationally a representative E-cadherin repressor, ZEB1 and ZEB2. Similarly, miR-10a is reported as a tumor suppressor by controlling cell migration/invasion, as it can target homeobox genes. These results provide insight into the potential mechanisms of ESCC in the pathogenesis. This review also includes a comprehensive overview of the relationship between miRNAs and ESCC.
Progressive Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Normal Vestibular Function in a Dutch DFNB7/11 Family with a Novel Mutation in TMC1
Authors: de Heer Anne-Martine R. , Collin Rob W.J. , Huygen Patrick L.M. , Schraders Margit , Oostrik Jaap , Rouwette Myrthe , Kunst Henricus P.M. , Kremer Hannie , Cremers Cor W.R.J.
Published: June 2010

In a Dutch family with autosomal recessive hearing loss, genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis mapped the genetic defect to the DFNB7/11 locus. A novel homozygous A-to-G change in the TMC1 gene was detected near the splice donor site of intron 19 (c.1763+3A→G) segregating with the hearing loss in this family. One of the 6 transmembrane domains and the actual TMC channel domain are predicted to be absent in the mutant protein. The sensorineural hearing impairment in this DFNB7/11 family has a postlingual onset. Audiometric analysis initially showed a steeply downward-sloping threshold configuration. The progressive phenotype in this family resembles the phenotype previously described for families with dominant TMC1 mutations (DFNA36) rather than that of families with recessive TMC1 mutations (DFNB7/11) which invariably cause severe-to-profound prelingual hearing impairment.
Mast Cell Infiltration Is Involved in Renal Interstitial Fibrosis in a Rat Model of Protein-Overload Nephropathy
Authors: Li Ying , Zhou Letiang , Liu Fuyou , Peng Youming , Li Jun , Sun Lin , Duan Shaobin , Ling Guanghui , Chen Xin , Jiang Wenling , Xia Yuncheng
Published: June 2010

Aims: The present study investigated the relationship between mast cells (MCs) and the protein expression of stem cell factor (SCF) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in the regions of renal interstitial fibrosis with protein-overload nephropathy, in order to provide a good animal model to study the mechanism of renal fibrosis induced by proteinuria. Methods: 60 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into a bovine serum albumin (BSA) group and a control group. The intensity of MCs infiltration was examined by toluidine blue and chymase and tryptase staining. The protein expression of SCF and TGF-β1 was respectively examined by immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining. Results: Severe proteinuria was induced in rats of the BSA group. Expression of SCF and TGF-β1 was detected in the tubular and the interstitial cells. The number of MCs positively correlated with the severity of interstitial lesions and the expression of SCF and TGF-β1. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that in protein-overload nephropathy, MCs infiltrated into the kidney, and the expression of SCF and TGF-β1 gradually increased. They might play important roles in the development of renal interstitial fibrosis, but the underlying mechanism needs to be further studied.
Current Understanding of Ozone Use for Disinfecting Hemodialysis Water Treatment Systems
Authors: Tarrass Faissal , Benjelloun Meryem , Benjelloun Omar
Published: June 2010

Background: Water treatment systems are susceptible to microbial contaminations and periodical disinfection procedures are mandatory to obtain results requested from international standards. According to the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, ozone is the most effective method to destroy microorganisms, and to prevent, reduce or remove the biofilm. This study aims to review the literature on the application of ozone in the disinfection of water treatment systems for hemodialysis. Methods: Data were obtained from databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane, EMBASE, and others). Results: Ozone is quite effective in killing bacteria and degrading endotoxins and biofilm, with efficacy being concentration- and time-dependent. However, being a strong oxidant, appropriately compatible materials should be used. Also ozone production should be monitored and its level in ambient air should also be checked periodically to maintain a contamination air standard of 0.1 ppm. Conclusion: Ozone appears to be promising in hemodialysis. However, further investigations are necessary to approve its wider use.
Improving Volume Status by Comprehensive Dietary and Dialytic Sodium Management in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Penne E. Lars , Levin Nathan W. , Kotanko Peter
Published: June 2010

Chronic volume overload is highly prevalent in chronic hemodialysis patients and leads to hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy and increased hospitalization and mortality rates. Volume overload is caused primarily by a positive sodium balance and can be improved by sodium restriction. The main sources of sodium excess are a high-sodium diet in the interdialytic period and a positive sodium balance during dialysis. Here we discuss different approaches to achieve neutral or negative sodium balance, including reducing dietary sodium intake, individualizing dialysate sodium prescription, abandonment of sodium profiling, and reducing saline infusion for treatment of intradialytic symptoms and as part of dialyzer rinsing and priming procedures. All of these approaches should be combined for a maximal reduction of volume overload.
Pioglitazone Versus Glimepiride on Coronary Artery Calcium Progression in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Davidson Michael H. , Beam Craig A. , Haffner Steven , Perez Alfonso , D'Agostino Ralph , Mazzone Theodore
Published: June 2010

Objective—

To compare coronary artery calcium (CAC) progression between 2 treatment groups, pioglitazone versus glimepiride.

Methods and Results—

The CHICAGO (Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Atherosclerosis Using Pioglitazone) study demonstrated that pioglitazone significantly decreased carotid intima-media thickness progression compared with glimepiride in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The CAC level was determined at baseline and at the end of 72 weeks of treatment in the pioglitazone (n=146) and glimepiride (n=153) treatment groups using electron beam computed tomography. There was no difference in CAC progression between the treatment groups. By using backward and forward selection models, age, race/ethnicity, and baseline apolipoprotein B level predicted CAC progression. There was no relationship between carotid intima-media thickness and CAC progression during the study.

Conclusion—

There was no difference in CAC progression in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with pioglitazone or glimepiride. Age, race/ethnicity, and baseline apolipoprotein B level predicted CAC progression in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Endothelial Shear Stress
Authors: Duivenvoorden Raphaël , VanBavel Ed , de Groot Eric , Stroes Erik S.G. , Disselhorst Jonathan A. , Hutten Barbara A. , Laméris Johan S. , Kastelein John J.P. , Nederveen Aart J.
Published: June 2010

Background—

Low endothelial shear stress (ESS) elicits endothelial dysfunction. However, the relationship between ESS and arterial remodeling and arterial stiffness is unknown in humans. We developed a 3.0-T MRI protocol to evaluate the contribution of ESS to arterial remodeling and stiffness.

Methods and Results—

Fifteen young (aged 26±3 years) and 15 older (aged 57±3 years) healthy volunteers as well as 15 patients with cardiovascular disease (aged 63±10 years) were enrolled. Phase-contrast MRI of the common carotid arteries was used to derive ESS data from the spatial velocity gradients close to the arterial wall. ESS measurements were performed on 3 occasions and showed excellent reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.79). Multiple linear regression analysis accounting for age and blood pressure revealed that ESS was an independent predictor of the following response variables: carotid wall thickness (regression coefficient [b], −0.19 mm
2
per N/m
2
;
P
=0.02), lumen area (b, −15.5 mm
2
per N/m
2
;
P
<0.001), and vessel size (b, −24.0 mm
2
per N/m
2
;
P
<0.001). Segments of the artery wall exposed to lower ESS were significantly thicker than segments exposed to higher ESS within the same artery (
P
=0.009). Furthermore, ESS was associated with arterial compliance, accounting for age, blood pressure, and wall thickness (b, −0.003 mm
2
/mm Hg per N/m
2
;
P
=0.04).

Conclusions—

Our carotid MRI data show that ESS is an important determinant of arterial remodeling and arterial stiffness in humans. The data warrant further studies to evaluate use of carotid ESS as a noninvasive tool to improve the understanding of individual cardiovascular disease risk and to assess novel drug therapies in cardiovascular disease prevention.
PHLPP-1 Negatively Regulates Akt Activity and Survival in the Heart
Authors: Miyamoto Shigeki , Purcell Nicole H. , Smith Jeffrey M. , Gao Tianyan , Whittaker Ross , Huang Katherine , Castillo Rene , Glembotski Chris C. , Sussman Mark A. , Newton Alexandra C. , Brown Joan Heller
Published: June 2010

Rationale:

The recently discovered PHLPP-1 (PH domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase-1) selectively dephosphorylates Akt at Ser473 and terminates Akt signaling in cancer cells. The regulatory role of PHLPP-1 in the heart has not been considered.

Objective:

To test the hypothesis that blockade/inhibition of PHLPP-1 could constitute a novel way to enhance Akt signals and provide cardioprotection.

Methods and Results:

PHLPP-1 is expressed in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) and in adult mouse ventricular myocytes (AMVMs). PHLPP-1 knockdown by small interfering RNA significantly enhances phosphorylation of Akt (p-Akt) at Ser473, but not at Thr308, in NRVMs stimulated with leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). The increased phosphorylation is accompanied by greater Akt catalytic activity. PHLPP-1 knockdown enhances LIF-mediated cardioprotection against doxorubicin and also protects cardiomyocytes against H
2
O
2
. Direct Akt effects at mitochondria have been implicated in cardioprotection and mitochondria/cytosol fractionation revealed a significant enrichment of PHLPP-1 at mitochondria. The ability of PHLPP-1 knockdown to potentiate LIF-mediated increases in p-Akt at mitochondria and an accompanying increase in mitochondrial hexokinase-II was demonstrated. We generated PHLPP-1 knockout (KO) mice and demonstrate that AMVMs isolated from KO mice show potentiated p-Akt at Ser473 in response to agonists. When isolated perfused hearts are subjected to ischemia/reperfusion, p-Akt in whole-heart homogenates and in the mitochondrial fraction is significantly increased. Additionally in PHLPP-1 KO hearts, the increase in p-Akt elicited by ischemia/reperfusion is potentiated and, concomitantly, infarct size is significantly reduced.

Conclusions:

These results implicate PHLPP-1 as an endogenous negative regulator of Akt activity and cell survival in the heart.
Small Molecule Disruption of Gβγ Signaling Inhibits the Progression of Heart Failure
Authors: Casey Liam M. , Pistner Andrew R. , Belmonte Stephen L. , Migdalovich Dmitriy , Stolpnik Olga , Nwakanma Frances E. , Vorobiof Gabriel , Dunaevsky Olga , Matavel Alessandra , Lopes Coeli M.B. , Smrcka Alan V. , Blaxall Burns C.
Published: June 2010

Rationale:

Excess signaling through cardiac Gβγ subunits is an important component of heart failure (HF) pathophysiology. They recruit elevated levels of cytosolic G protein–coupled receptor kinase (GRK)2 to agonist-stimulated β-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs) in HF, leading to chronic β-AR desensitization and downregulation; these events are all hallmarks of HF. Previous data suggested that inhibiting Gβγ signaling and its interaction with GRK2 could be of therapeutic value in HF.

Objective:

We sought to investigate small molecule Gβγ inhibition in HF.

Methods and Results:

We recently described novel small molecule Gβγ inhibitors that selectively block Gβγ-binding interactions, including M119 and its highly related analog, gallein. These compounds blocked interaction of Gβγ and GRK2 in vitro and in HL60 cells. Here, we show they reduced β-AR–mediated membrane recruitment of GRK2 in isolated adult mouse cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, M119 enhanced both adenylyl cyclase activity and cardiomyocyte contractility in response to β-AR agonist. To evaluate their cardiac-specific effects in vivo, we initially used an acute pharmacological HF model (30 mg/kg per day isoproterenol, 7 days). Concurrent daily injections prevented HF and partially normalized cardiac morphology and GRK2 expression in this acute HF model. To investigate possible efficacy in halting progression of preexisting HF, calsequestrin cardiac transgenic mice (CSQ) with extant HF received daily injections for 28 days. The compound alone halted HF progression and partially normalized heart size, morphology, and cardiac expression of HF marker genes (GRK2, atrial natriuretic factor, and β-myosin heavy chain).

Conclusions:

These data suggest a promising therapeutic role for small molecule inhibition of pathological Gβγ signaling in the treatment of HF.
MicroRNAs Induced During Ischemic Preconditioning
Authors: Lee Soon-Tae , Chu Kon , Jung Keun-Hwa , Yoon Hye-Jin , Jeon Daejong , Kang Kyoung-Mook , Park Ki-Ho , Bae Eun-Kee , Kim Manho , Lee Sang Kun , Roh Jae-Kyu
Published: June 2010

Background and Purpose—

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are single-stranded short RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by either degradation or translational repression of mRNA. Although miRNAs control a number of conditions and diseases, few neuroprotective miRNAs have been described. In this study, we investigated neuroprotective miRNAs induced early in ischemic preconditioning.

Methods—

Ischemic preconditioning or focal cerebral ischemia was induced in mice by transient occlusion of the middle cerebral artery for 15 or 120 minutes. We prepared RNA samples from the ischemic cortex at 3 or 24 hours after the onset of ischemia. Selective miRNAs then were synthesized and transfected into Neuro-2a cells before oxygen–glucose deprivation.

Results—

We detected a total of 360 miRNAs. Two miRNA families, miR-200 and miR-182, were selectively upregulated at 3 hours after ischemic preconditioning. Transfections of some of these were neuroprotective in in vitro ischemia. Among them, miR-200b, miR-200c, and miR-429 targeted prolyl hydroxylase 2 and had the best neuroprotective effect.

Conclusion—

Two miRNA families, miR-200 and miR-182, were upregulated early after ischemic preconditioning and the miR-200 family was neuroprotective mainly by downregulating prolyl hydroxylase 2 levels. These miRNAs may be useful in future research and therapeutic applications.
Retinal Microvascular Signs and 10-Year Risk of Cerebral Atrophy
Authors: Kawasaki Ryo , Cheung Ning , Mosley Thomas , Islam Amirul F.M. , Sharrett A. Richey , Klein Ronald , Coker Laura H. , Knopman David S. , Shibata Dean K. , Catellier Diane , Wong Tien Y.
Published: June 2010

Background and Purpose—

Cerebral atrophy, detected as ventricular enlargement or sulcal widening on MRI, is recognized as a risk factor for vascular dementia or Alzheimer disease. However, its underlying pathophysiology is not known. We examined whether retinal microvascular assessment could provide predictive information on the risk of ventricular enlargement and sulcal widening on MRI.

Methods—

A prospective, population-based study was conducted of 810 middle-aged persons without clinical stroke or MRI infarcts. All participants had a first cranial MRI and retinal photography in 1993 to 1995 and returned for a repeated MRI in 2004 to 2006 (median follow-up of 10.5 years). Retinal photographs were graded for presence of retinopathy and retinal microvascular abnormalities, and MRI images were graded for ventricular size and sulcal size according to standardized protocols. Ventricular enlargement and sulcal widening were defined as an increase in ventricular size or sulcal size of ≥3 of 10 grades between baseline and follow-up.

Results—

After adjusting for age, gender, and cardiovascular risk factors, retinopathy and arteriovenous nicking at baseline were associated with 10-year ventricular enlargement (OR and 95% CI: 2.03, 1.20 to 4.42 for retinopathy and 2.19, 1.23 to 3.90 for arteriovenous nicking). Retinal signs were not associated with 10-year sulcal widening.

Conclusions—

Retinopathy and arteriovenous nicking are predictive of long-term risk of ventricular enlargement, but not of sulcal widening, independent of cardiovascular risk factors. These data support a microvascular etiology for subcortical but not cortical cerebral atrophy.
Preswing Knee Flexion Assistance Is Coupled With Hip Abduction in People With Stiff-Knee Gait After Stroke
Authors: Sulzer James S. , Gordon Keith E. , Dhaher Yasin Y. , Peshkin Michael A. , Patton James L.
Published: June 2010

Background and Purpose—

Stiff-knee gait is defined as reduced knee flexion during the swing phase. It is accompanied by frontal plane compensatory movements (eg, circumduction and hip hiking) typically thought to result from reduced toe clearance. As such, we examined if knee flexion assistance before foot-off would reduce exaggerated frontal plane movements in people with stiff-knee gait after stroke.

Methods—

We used a robotic knee orthosis to assist knee flexion torque during the preswing phase in 9 chronic stroke subjects with stiff-knee gait on a treadmill and compared peak knee flexion, hip abduction, and pelvic obliquity angles with 5 nondisabled control subjects.

Results—

Maximum knee flexion angle significantly increased in both groups, but instead of reducing gait compensations, hip abduction significantly increased during assistance in stroke subjects by 2.5°, whereas no change was observed in nondisabled control subjects. No change in pelvic obliquity was observed in either group.

Conclusions—

Hip abduction increased when stroke subjects received assistive knee flexion torque at foot-off. These findings are in direct contrast to the traditional belief that pelvic obliquity combined with hip abduction is a compensatory mechanism to facilitate foot clearance during swing. Because no evidence suggested a voluntary mechanism for this behavior, we argue that these results were most likely a reflection of an altered motor template occurring after stroke.
College Residence and Academic Performance: Who Benefits From Living on Campus?
Authors: López Turley Ruth N. , Wodtke Geoffrey
Published: June 2010

Although previous research suggests that living on campus promotes a variety of desirable academic outcomes by enhancing students’ involvement and engagement with their institutions, research on academic performance frequently ignores the possibility that different groups of students are differentially affected by their living environments. Furthermore, previous studies tend to rely on students from a few large public research universities rather than a broad range of institutions, which precludes any analysis of institutional differences in the impact of residence. Using a sample of 1st-year students from the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS), this study found that, for most students in most institutions, the type of residence during college does not have a significant effect on 1st-year academic performance. However, among Black students, those who live on campus have significantly higher GPAs than similar students at the same institution who live off campus with family. Among students attending liberal arts institutions, those who live on campus also have significantly higher GPAs than comparable students at the same institution who live off campus with family.
‘I would rather wait for you than believe that you are not coming at all’: Revolutionary love in a post-revolutionary time
Authors: Marasco Robyn
Published: June 2010

This article examines the return of love in contemporary critical theory. While recent attempts to make sense of a politicized concept of love have focused on its reconciliatory promise for our age, this article considers love as a discourse of edification for a frustrated political subject, one whose radical hopes have been forged in waiting. Those who want to resist the idea that the revolutionary horizon has for ever receded can be easily tempted and sometimes blindly seduced by the force of love. As an upbuilding discourse, the political appeal to love betrays a profound religiosity and a frustrated longing for transcendence, but it functions, also, to feminize political subjectivity, rendering it passive and wholly derivative of the dominant order. Marx’s attack on communist lovesickness and Beauvoir’s portrait of the grande amoureuse provide touchstones for a feminist critique of love, one that refuses its seductions without wholly dispensing with its critical and utopian dimension. Other critical theorists, notably Walter Benjamin and Theodor Adorno, intimate how love furnishes, not the affective grounds for political practice, but the recollection of a poetics of thinking.
Role accumulation theory and prisoner reintegration: The pursuit of transformative social roles
Authors: Martinez Damian J.
Published: June 2010

Former prisoners encounter many challenges upon release from prison, accompanied by ample suggestions as to what they should do to manage and/ or conquer those challenges. Yet, the actual process of interaction between former prisoners and their pursuits of transformative roles have not been guided by a theoretical lens. In particular, little is known about the underlying rationale and process of directing former prisoners into and selecting positive social roles to reduce criminality, increase community safety, and lead them on a pro-social path. Offering an underlying theoretical framework for understanding this process, this article examines role accumulation theory as it pertains to the prisoner reentry and reintegration process. It argues that this is a relevant lens through which to guide appropriate measures and mechanisms to assist with the acquisition and accumulation of non-criminal social roles for former prisoners. In so doing, the article presents an analysis of role accumulation theory, a description and argument for its utility, and an application and interpretation of the theory using examples from the author’s own research. Finally, it offers suggestions and insights into modifying the theory to remain appropriate for practitioners dealing with prisoner reentry and reintegration.
Work-based distance learning for probation practice: Doing the job properly
Authors: Dominey Jane
Published: June 2010

This article argues that work-based distance learning can be an appropriate model for probation training, but only if certain principles of teaching, quality assurance, organisation and resourcing are adhered to. It identifies key aspects of work-based distance learning and highlights the factors that must be in place if the model is to produce knowledgeable, competent and motivated practitioners.
Surgical treatment of tricuspid valve endocarditis: a single-centre experience
Authors: Capoun R. , Thomas M. , Caputo M. , Asimakopoulos G.
Published: June 2010

Objectives: We describe our ten-year experience with surgery for isolated tricuspid valve (TV) infective endocarditis. Methods: Data were collected through a retrospective patient record review. Between 1999 and 2009, 13 (4.6%) patients had isolated TV surgery. The mean age was 40+/-15 years and there were nine male patients and 4 female patients. Eight (61%) patients were previous intravenous drug users. Indications for surgery included severe TV regurgitation (n=5), uncontrolled infection (n=4), septic pulmonary emboli (n=3) and TV stenosis (n=1). Staphylococcus aureus (n=3) and gram negative organisms (n=2) were isolated pre-operatively. Eleven patients had replacement surgery while two valves were repaired. Results: There were no hospital deaths. Post-operative complications included new atrial fibrillation (n=5), re-operation (n=2), permanent pacemaker (n=2), and renal dialysis (n=1). Five (38%) patients died during the follow-up period. Cause of death was cardiac related in four patients. Actuarial survival was 63.1% at 3 years and 50.4% at 5 years. One patient developed recurrent TV endocarditis. There were no further cases of prosthetic valve failure. TV regurgitation remained trivial in both repaired valves. Conclusions: Surgery for isolated TV endocarditis is often associated with previous intravenous drug use. The procedure can be performed with acceptable hospital morbidity and no mortality. Late mortality is high, despite the young age of the patients.
Specific requirements for bloodless cardiopulmonary bypass in neonates and infants; a review
Authors: Golab Hanna D , Takkenberg Johanna JM , Bogers Ad JJC
Published: June 2010

A miniaturized cardiopulmonary bypass circuit enables the safe performance, in selected pediatric patients, of bloodless open heart surgery. As the latest survival rates in neonatal and infant cardiac surgery have become satisfactory, investigators have concentrated upon the improvement of existing procedures. Institutional guidelines and multidisciplinary efforts undertaken in the pre- and postoperative periods are of great importance, concerning bloodless CPB and should be seriously pursued by all involved caregivers.

This review reflects upon the selective, most relevant requirements for success of asanguinous neonatal and infant CPB: acceptable level of hemodilution during the CPB, patient preoperative hematocrit value and volume of CPB circuit. We present an assessment of practical measures that were also adapted in our institution to achieve an asanguinous CPB for neonatal and infant patients.
Experienced emotional burden in caregivers: psychometric properties of the Involvement Evaluation Questionnaire in caregivers of brain injured patients
Authors: Geurtsen Gert J , Meijer Ron , van Heugten Caroline M , Martina Juan D , Geurts Alexander CH
Published: June 2010

Objective: To examine the psychometric properties (internal consistency, discriminant validity, and responsiveness) of the Involvement Evaluation Questionnaire for Brain Injury measuring emotional burden in caregivers of patients with chronic acquired brain injury.

Design: Inception cohort study.

Subjects: Caregivers of chronic acquired brain injury patients.

Main measures: Besides the Involvement Evaluation Questionnaire for Brain Injury, the Family Assessment Device and the General Health Questionnaire were used.

Methods: Ninety-eight caregivers filled out all questionnaires, of which 41 caregivers did this twice, before and after the persons they cared for had started a residential community reintegration programme. Cronbach’s alpha and Intra class Correlation Coefficient were calculated for internal consistency. Pearson correlation coefficients were used for discriminant validity and Intra class Correlation Coefficient and Cohen’s d were calculated to determine responsiveness.

Results: The internal consistency of the Involvement Evaluation Questionnaire for Brain Injury was good (α = 0.73—0.84; Intra class Correlation Coefficient = 0.69—0.76). As expected, low correlations were found between the Involvement Evaluation Questionnaire for Brain Injury and either the General Health Questionnaire (r = 0.11—0.40) or the Family Assessment Device subscales (r = —0.29—0.19). Regarding responsiveness of the Involvement Evaluation Questionnaire for Brain Injury, a moderate effect size was found (Cohen’s d = 0.36) while the Intra class Correlation Coefficient was good (0.80).

Conclusions: The Involvement Evaluation Questionnaire for Brain Injury measures the experienced emotional burden in caregivers of patients with chronic acquired brain injury and seems to be a promising new instrument with good internal consistency, discriminant validity and responsiveness.
Repairing of seismically damaged RC exterior beam—column connection using CFRP
Authors: Vatani-Oskouei Asghar
Published: June 2010

In this study, a simple method using a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer sheet for repairing concrete beam—column connection damaged by cyclic loading is presented. In this regard, cyclic loading was applied to the tip of the beam of two full-scale beam—column exterior connection specimens. The specimens’ features were accorded with seismic details suggested by the current reinforced concrete codes. At the last step of loading which was more than maximum design load (about 1.1 times), specified by the mentioned codes, many cracks were observed in the specimens. Only the cracks of the first specimen were epoxy injected. The results indicated that epoxy injection was not effective in restoring full strength of the specimen. The load-carrying capacities in positive and negative moment regions of the first and second repaired specimens were increased by about 17% and 32%, respectively, compared to the original ones.
Nutrition Considerations Surrounding Restorative Proctocolectomy
Authors: Buckman Sara A. , Heise Charles P.
Published: June 2010

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch–anal anastomosis has become the surgical treatment of choice for patients with ulcerative colitis and familial polyposis coli syndromes. Pouch construction uses the distal 30‐40 cm of ileum, and there exists a potential for postoperative nutrition consequences. These include vitamin B12 deficiency, iron deficiency, bile acid malabsorption, and abnormalities of trace elements, fluids, and electrolytes. Patients who have undergone an ileal pouch–anal anastomosis procedure often describe specific food sensitivities that may require diet alteration, even more so than do patients with permanent ileostomy. There may be roles for postoperative probiotic supplementation in an attempt to decrease the rate of “pouchitis” and appropriate preoperative nutrition support to minimize the risk of perioperative complications.
Nutrition and Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Pappas Sam , Krzywda Elizabeth , Mcdowell Nadine
Published: June 2010

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple) is the surgical procedure of choice for curative resection of pancreatic head, periampullary, and distal bile duct cancers. This procedure involves removal of the pancreatic head, duodenum, distal common bile duct, and sometimes the pylorus and gastric antrum. The 2 most common complications are pancreatic fistula and delayed gastric emptying. Preoperative nutrition status has been shown to influence surgical outcomes. This technically demanding operation involves an extensive surgical resection and alters digestive processes, which can influence nutrition long term. This review article identifies the surgical and nutrition consequences associated with pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Dietary Tyramine Restriction for Hospitalized Patients on Linezolid
Authors: Rumore Martha M. , Roth Marc , Orfanos Areti
Published: June 2010

Linezolid is a weak, reversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor. The current practice at most hospitals is to place patients receiving linezolid on a tyramine‐restricted diet. This process typically involves both the hospital's pharmacy department and the food and nutrition department. A literature search assessing the interaction between linezolid and tyramine was conducted, and the amount of tyramine in a typical unrestricted diet for a hospitalized patient was reviewed. Although patients receiving linezolid should avoid consuming large amounts of foods containing high concentrations of tyramine, such foods in large amounts are not components of meals for inpatients. Therefore, dietary tyramine restriction in hospitalized patients is not generally required.
Nutrition in Hepatic Encephalopathy
Authors: Chadalavada Rajagopal , Biyyani Raja Shekhar Sappati , Maxwell John , Mullen Kevin
Published: June 2010

Protein calorie malnutrition (PCM) is a well‐known complication of chronic liver disease (CLD). A major contribution to PCM in CLD is restriction of dietary protein intake. After many decades of injudicious reduction in dietary protein, cirrhotic patients are now prescribed appropriate amounts of protein. PCM in CLD is known to be associated with life‐threatening complications. In the general approach to these patients, the initial and most important step for the clinician is to recognize the extent of malnutrition. Most patients tolerate a normal amount of dietary protein without developing hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Oral branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs) have a limited role in HE. Patients who exhibit dietary protein intolerance originally were thought to be best treated with BCAA formulations. Mixed evidence has been reported in multiple studies. In keeping with other reports, this article shows that in animal protein–intolerant patients, even those with advanced cirrhosis, vegetable protein–based diets are well tolerated. Another approach to management of apparent dietary intolerance is to optimize HE treatment with available medications. This article reviews the causes of HE, minimal HE, and PCM; examines nutrition requirements and assessment; and discusses treatment options for malnutrition in HE.
Migration, immigration controls and the fashioning of precarious workers
Authors: Anderson Bridget
Published: June 2010

Immigration controls are often presented by government as a means of ensuring ‘British jobs for British workers’ and protecting migrants from exploitation. However, in practice they can undermine labour protections. As well as a tap regulating the flow of labour, immigration controls function as a mould, helping to form types of labour with particular relations to employers and the labour market. In particular, the construction of institutionalised uncertainty, together with less formalised migratory processes, help produce ‘precarious workers’ over whom employers and labour users have particular mechanisms of control.
Unemployment among immigrants in European labour markets: an analysis of origin and destination effects
Authors: Fleischmann Fenella , Dronkers Jaap
Published: June 2010

This article presents a multilevel analysis of 1363 male and female first- and second-generation immigrants’ unemployment rates. In addition to individual characteristics, the effects of macro-characteristics of 13 destination countries in the EU and of more than 100 origin countries of the immigrants are analysed. Immigrants are found to be more often unemployed in countries where natives have higher unemployment rates. Immigrants’ unemployment rates are lower in countries with a larger segment of low-status jobs, with higher immigration rates and with a higher GDP per capita. Destination countries’ integration policies and welfare state regimes do not affect the unemployment risk of immigrants. At the level of origin countries, immigrants from more politically stable and free, more developed and more wealthy societies are found to be less often unemployed. Immigrants coming from Islamic countries have higher rates of unemployment, while those originating from Western Europe are less likely to be unemployed.
State Infrastructure Banks and Borrowing Costs for Transportation Projects
Authors: Yusuf Juita-Elena , O'Connell Lenahan , Hackbart Merl , Gao Liu
Published: June 2010

State infrastructure banks (SIBs) are state-run revolving loan funds that offer financial assistance for transportation projects mainly through low-interest loans. This study examines the role of SIBs in transportation finance by investigating the extent to which SIBs provide lower cost borrowing than would be available through the municipal bond market. The authors use a two-step research approach: developing a predictive model to estimate the interest rate for the non-SIB financing alternative of municipal bond financing and then calculating the differential interest rate between SIB loans and municipal bonds. The authors also explore the impact of SIB goals, project type, state aid, and state—local equity on the size of the interest rate savings. The authors find that SIB loan interest rates are lower than those of comparable municipal bonds; the size of this interest rate savings is influenced by the SIB goals and state—local equity concerns.
Personal practical knowledge and identity in lesson planning conferences on a pre-service TESOL course
Authors: Morton Tom , Gray John
Published: June 2010

This article reports a study of the discourse of shared lesson planning sessions in the early stages of a pre-service TESOL certificate course. The study focuses on ‘lesson planning conferences’ (LPCs), in which a teacher educator and a group of student teachers worked on one student teacher’s lesson plan. It describes the discursive practices through which lesson plans emerged and through which student teachers constructed personal practical knowledge and identity as they negotiated the process of becoming members of the community of practice of English language teachers. The study revealed the LPCs to be a dynamic and recursive process in which problems of instruction emerged and solutions were suggested. While the teacher educators produced more meanings related to personal practical knowledge, the student teachers had a substantial share in the discursive resources with which meanings were exchanged. The analysis also shows how participants engaged with the practice of planning for teaching through such discursive acts as producing directives, proposing actions, evaluating, articulating teaching principles and imagining classroom events.The article argues that — in spite of some limitations — shared lesson planning is a promising strategy for the construction of novice language teachers’ personal practical knowledge and professional identities.
Many fathers visit the child health care centre, but few take part in parents’ groups
Authors: Hallberg Ann-Christine , Beckman Anders , Håkansson Anders
Published: June 2010

Fathers are expected to play an increasing part in the care of children, but fathers are not automatically included in studies of early childhood. In this paper we present Swedish fathers’ experiences of child health care. In the study, a total of 237 out of 279 (85%) fathers of small children were telephone interviewed using a structured questionnaire. As many as 165 (70%) had visited the child health centre at some time — 91 (38%) regularly or quite often — and we found an association between visits to the child health centre and physician contacts on account of the child’s illness. A common feature throughout was the fathers’ positive view of the child health centre and its activities, with as many as 77 percent grading it as very good or good. Sixty-seven fathers (28%) had taken part in a parents’ group, and here there was a positive association with being a first-time father and knowing about the child’s birth weight and vaccinations. We conclude that professionals must find new ways to get fathers to come to child health care, and especially to parents’ groups.
New insights into the mechanisms of hematopoietic cell transformation by activated receptor tyrosine kinases
Authors: Toffalini Federica , Demoulin Jean-Baptiste
Published: June 2010

A large number of alterations in genes encoding receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), namely FLT3, c-KIT, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptors, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors, and the anaplastic large cell lymphoma kinase (ALK), have been found in hematopoietic malignancies. They have drawn much attention after the development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. RTK gene alterations include point mutations and gene fusions that result from chromosomal rearrangements. In both cases, they activate the kinase domain in the absence of ligand, producing a permanent signal for cell proliferation. Recently, this simple model has been refined. First, by contrast to wild-type RTK, many mutated RTK do not seem to signal from the plasma membrane, but from various locations inside the cell. Second, their signal transduction properties are altered: the pathways that are crucial for cell transformation, such as signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) factors, do not necessarily contribute to the physiologic functions of these receptors. Finally, different mechanisms prevent the termination of the signal, which normally occurs through receptor ubiquitination and degradation. Several mutations inactivating CBL, a key RTK E3 ubiquitin ligase, have been recently described. In this review, we discuss the possible links among RTK trafficking, signaling, and degradation in leukemic cells.
Species delineation using Bayesian model-based assignment tests: a case study using Chinese toad-headed agamas (genus Phrynocephalus)
Authors: Noble Daniel WA , Qi Yin , Fu Jinzhong
Published: June 2010

Background

Species are fundamental units in biology, yet much debate exists surrounding how we should delineate species in nature. Species discovery now requires the use of separate, corroborating datasets to quantify independently evolving lineages and test species criteria. However, the complexity of the speciation process has ushered in a need to infuse studies with new tools capable of aiding in species delineation. We suggest that model-based assignment tests are one such tool. This method circumvents constraints with traditional population genetic analyses and provides a novel means of describing cryptic and complex diversity in natural systems. Using toad-headed agamas of the Phrynocephalus vlangalii complex as a case study, we apply model-based assignment tests to microsatellite DNA data to test whether P. putjatia, a controversial species that closely resembles P. vlangalii morphologically, represents a valid species. Mitochondrial DNA and geographic data are also included to corroborate the assignment test results.

Results

Assignment tests revealed two distinct nuclear DNA clusters with 95% (230/243) of the individuals being assigned to one of the clusters with > 90% probability. The nuclear genomes of the two clusters remained distinct in sympatry, particularly at three syntopic sites, suggesting the existence of reproductive isolation between the identified clusters. In addition, a mitochondrial ND2 gene tree revealed two deeply diverged clades, which were largely congruent with the two nuclear DNA clusters, with a few exceptions. Historical mitochondrial introgression events between the two groups might explain the disagreement between the mitochondrial and nuclear DNA data. The nuclear DNA clusters and mitochondrial clades corresponded nicely to the hypothesized distributions of P. vlangalii and P. putjatia.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that assignment tests based on microsatellite DNA data can be powerful tools for distinguishing closely related species and support the validity of P. putjatia. Assignment tests have the potential to play a significant role in elucidating biodiversity in the era of DNA data. Nonetheless, important limitations do exist and multiple independent datasets should be used to corroborate results from assignment programs.