bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Danish version of ‘The COPD self‐efficacy scale’: translation and psychometric properties
Authors: Emme Christina , Mortensen Erik L. , Rydahl‐Hansen Susan , Østergaard Birte , Phanareth Klaus
Published: January 2012

Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; 26; 615–623

Danish version of ‘The COPD self‐efficacy scale’: translation and psychometric properties

The aim of the study was to translate ‘The COPD self‐efficacy scale’ (CSES) into Danish and to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Danish version (CSES‐DK). CSES enables assessment of self‐efficacy in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The scale consists of 34 items, describing situations which may cause dyspnoea in patients with COPD. The CSES was translated into Danish using a standard forward–backward translation procedure. To estimate the reliability, measurements of internal consistency and repeatability were applied. The validity of the Danish version was evaluated by examining the associations between the CSES‐DK score and socio‐demographic variables (age, gender, education, disease severity and self‐rated health). Factor analysis was conducted to compare the internal structure of the Danish version and the American source version. The study included 151 patients with COPD, recruited from three outpatient clinics. Estimates of reliability were in accordance with the original version of CSES (Cronbach’s α = 0.97, test‐retestr = 0.82, p < 0.001). Significant correlations were obtained between the CSES‐DK total score and vocational training and education (r = 0.27, p = 0.001), disease severity (r = −0.27, p = 0.001) and self‐rated health (r = −0.41, p < 0.001), indicating construct validity. Five factors were extracted from both versions of CSES. However, in the CSES‐DK, only one factor concerns emotions, whereas two factors describing emotions were obtained for the original scale. Furthermore, important discrepancies exist with respect to the direction of the scoring of CSES. In some studies, a high score indicates high self‐efficacy, whereas it indicates low self‐efficacy in other studies, which complicates the comparison of studies. The Danish version of CSES showed acceptable measurements of reliability and validity. Potential limitations of the scale were identified, and discrepancies exist between the factor structure of the original and Danish version. Consequently, more studies of the factor structure should be conducted on both the original CSES and the translated versions of the instrument.
The patient satisfaction with nursing care quality: the psychometric study of the Serbian version of PSNCQ questionnaire
Authors: Milutinović Dragana , Simin Dragana , Brkić Nina , Brkić Silvija
Published: January 2012

Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; 26; 598–606

The patient satisfaction with nursing care quality: the psychometric study of the Serbian version of PSNCQ questionnaire

Introduction:  Patient satisfaction with nursing is the most important predictor of patients’ overall satisfaction with their hospital care. According to the Law of Health Care of Republic of Serbia monitoring of patients’ satisfaction with hospital service is mandatory; however, the questionnaire applied to that purpose includes only several questions directly addressing the nursing care issue.

Aim:  The aim of the present study was to evaluate psychometric properties of the Serbian version Patient Satisfaction Nursing Care Quality Questionnaire (PSNCQQ) and explore patients’ satisfaction of nursing care they received and assess the relationship between patient satisfaction and patient characteristics.

Methods:  This cross‐sectional study included a sample population of 240 patients who were discharged from surgical clinics of the Clinical Center of Vojvodina in Novi Sad. The PSNCQQ was translated into Serbian according to standard procedures for forward and backward translation. Factor analysis was used to determine the construct validity, and predictive validity of the questionnaire was previously assessed. Cronbach’s α coefficient and item analysis was conducted to evaluate reliability of the scale.

Results:  The Serbian version Patient Satisfaction Nursing Care Quality Questionnaire (PSNCQQ) showed a one‐factor structure, Cronbach’s α reliability coefficient was excellent 0.94 and was similar across hospital categories. The correlation coefficient between 19 items and the total scale was high, and ranged from 0.56 to 0.76. Patients’ age, educational level and previous hospitalization period were important factors that affected their satisfaction with nursing care.

Conclusion:  The study provides a new tool for measuring patient satisfaction with nursing care in Serbia that may present a useful instrument for nursing care managers in improving the nursing care process.
Brachial artery hyperaemic blood flow velocity in relation to established indices of vascular function and global atherosclerosis
Authors: Järhult Susann J. , Hansen Tomas , Ahlström Håkan , Johansson Lars , Sundström Johan , Lind Lars
Published: January 2012

Background:  Systolic to diastolic blood flow velocity (SDFV) ratio in the brachial artery recently proved to be related to cardiovascular risk and carotid atherosclerosis. We hypothesized that the SDFV ratio was related to established markers of vascular function and global atherosclerosis.

Methods:  Established markers of endothelial function in forearm resistance vessels, flow‐mediated vasodilation and arterial stiffness were assessed in the Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS) study including 1016 individuals aged 70. Whole‐body magnetic resonance angiography was performed in a random 306 of the participants. Atherosclerotic lesions were summarized in a total atherosclerotic score (TAS). Before and during hyperaemia of the brachial artery, systolic and diastolic blood flow velocities were measured by Doppler.

Results:  The SDFV ratio was positively related to endothelium‐independent vasodilatation, while inverse relations were found to flow‐mediated dilation, common carotid artery distensibility and the stroke volume to pulse pressure ratio. Endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation and total peripheral resistance index were not significantly related to the SDFV ratio. The SDFV ratio (P = 0·015) and the blood flow increase (BFI) during hyperaemia (P = 0·020) were both significantly related to TAS after gender adjustment. When adjusted for the Framingham risk score, both the SDFV ratio (P = 0·057) and BFI (P = 0·078) lost somewhat in significance.

Conclusion:  The SDFV ratio was related to established markers of both vasodilation and arterial compliance, and to global atherosclerosis. Future larger studies have to evaluate whether the SDFV ratio is related to global atherosclerosis independently of traditional risk factors.
Identification of endometriosis‐related genes by representational difference analysis of cDNA
Authors: Chen Qi , Zhang ChiYuan , Chen YingHan , Lou Jie , Wang DanBo
Published: January 2012

Background

Accumulated evidence reveals that abnormally expressed genes in eutopic endometrium of endometriosis play a critical role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.

Aims

Identification of endometriosis‐related genes for further revealing the pathogenesis of endometriosis and offering the basis for developing the molecular‐targeted diagnosis and therapy of endometriosis.

Methods

Forty women with endometriosis and forty control women without endometriosis during their secretory phase were selected for this study. cDNA representational difference analysis (cDNA‐RDA) was performed to screen the up‐regulated genes in eutopic endometrium samples of endometriosis (n = 10) compared with the controls (n = 10). To validate the results, MAT2A, the most abundantly expressed gene, was selected to detect mRNA and protein levels between eutopic endometrium of endometriosis (n = 40) and controls (n = 40) using immunohistochemistry, real‐time fluorescent quantitative PCR and Western blotting.

Results

Ten up‐regulated genes were identified in eutopic endometria of endometriosis compared with controls. Among these genes, COX‐2, BRAF, NRAS and CFL1 have already been reported to be associated with the endometriosis in previous studies. MAT2A, SEPT9, ATAD3A and CADM2 have been reported to be involved in other diseases but not in endometriosis. NAA15 and CCDC21 have not reported in any diseases. Further study showed that MAT2A protein was localised in both endometrial glandular and stromal cells. Compared with controls, the mRNA and protein levels of MAT2A were significantly higher in eutopic endometrium of endometriosis (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

cDNA‐RDA can be used to effectively identify the endometriosis‐related genes, which can provide novel experimental data and further understand the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
Edwin L. Herr: Preeminent Scholar, Leader, Advocate, and Mentor
Authors: Engels Dennis W.
Published: January 2012

This profile celebrates and chronicles selected themes and highlights of the ideas, scholarly accomplishments, leadership, humanity, and work ethic of Edwin L. Herr, one of the major forces in the counseling profession, for purposes of archiving elements of his history and stimulating continuity of his ideas, achievements, and dedication.
SkinExplorerTM: a new high‐tech platform to interact inside the skin by immersive virtual 3D cutaneous environment
Authors: Vazquez‐Duchêne M. D. , Kraemer P. , Saugnier N. , Levy B. , Mine S. , Jeanmaire C. , Freis O. , Pauly G. , Rathjens A.
Published: January 2012

Background

The confocal laser scanning microscope allows performing acquisition of several histological sections with precise visual morphological landmarks and their reconstruction. A powerful and modern confocal microscope enables to quickly reconstruct virtual 3D models.

Objective

The main goal was to develop a new platform to reconstruct complex mosaic serial data, interact with it in an immersive 3D environment, and give to the observers a feeling of ‘presence’ inside the skin.

Method

We have developed novel methods that transform the data into alternative representation, well‐suited to explore cutaneous structures in detail and to observe fields of data from different points of view. This new way of data reconstruction in volume requires optimization of intensities, automatic matching algorithms and depth alignment.

Results and conclusion

The new platform – SkinExplorerTM evolves as a 3D exploration prototype. This technology provides an immersive virtual environment to explore cutaneous microstructures. Several serial histological sections can be matched by stacks, aligned in depth by sections and merged together to be visualized as a whole. All these time‐consuming steps have been dramatically speed‐up using rapid image processing. The advantages of using virtual reality technologies such as the ones used in the SkinExplorerTM platform are automatic matching, precise alignment, better data perception, lower memory requirement, and higher quantity of simultaneously displayed data. This platform can render volumetric data and isosurfaces, separately or both at the same time. Lighting and depth perception are enhanced using ‘Sphere Mapping’, ‘Ambient Occlusion’, and ‘Halo’ methods when displaying iso‐surfacic volume models with high complexity depth. The assets of the platform are to interpret complex three‐dimensional data, to observe and explore 3D virtual models, and to show effects of cosmetic treatments.
Correlation of serum procalcitonin with the severity of skin and skin structure infections – a pilot study
Authors: Eder Johanna , Hlavin Gerald , Haushofer Alexander , Trubert‐Exinger Doris , Trautinger Franz
Published: January 2012

Background: Procalcitonin (PCT) is a specific biomarker for early detection of bacterial infections. While the usefulness of procalcitonin in severe conditions such as sepsis is well established, its relevance in the diagnosis and prognosis of localized cutaneous bacterial infections is unknown. Our aim was to initially evaluate if PCT is a useful parameter for predicting the severity of skin and skin structure infections (SSSI). Furthermore, the correlation of PCT levels with C‐reactive protein (CRP), leukocyte counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and body temperature was investigated.

Patients and Methods: Serum PCT, routine laboratory parameters, and body temperature were regularly examined in 50 consecutive patients with SSSI requiring inpatient intravenous antibiotic treatment. Patients were classified into 2 groups according to the guidelines developed by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) as having either an uncomplicated (SSSI) or a complicated skin and skin structure infection (cSSSI).

Results: No significant correlation could be detected between the length of inpatient antibiotic treatment and PCT on days 1, 2, 3, and the maximum value on these days. The same result was found when uncomplicated SSSI and complicated SSSI (cSSSI) were evaluated separately. However, PCT levels were significantly higher in the latter. Furthermore, PCT levels showed a significant correlation with CRP, leukocyte count, ESR, and body temperature.

Conclusion: PCT might be a useful additional tool for initial diagnosis and monitoring of patients with SSSI.
Follow‐up of a child with congenital chloride diarrhoea caused by a novel mutation
Authors: Dechant Markus‐Johann , Wedenoja Satu , Höglund Pia , Prange‐Schmidt Susanne , Zimmer Klaus‐Peter , Heckmann Matthias
Published: January 2012

Congenital chloride diarrhoea (CLD) is a rare autosomal recessive disease with chronic secretory diarrhoea and a need for lifelong salt replacement therapy. We describe a male newborn of consanguineous parents with CLD. Postnatally, frequent watery diarrhoea and electrolyte disturbances were noted from the day 8 of his life. At molecular level, a homozygous mutation was detected in the solute carrier family 26 member A3 gene (SLC26A3), confirming the clinical diagnosis of CLD.

Conclusion:  The relatively late onset of persistent clinical and laboratory signs may demonstrate a new clinical course of CLD. These findings support the need of a tight follow‐up and monitoring if such a diagnosis is considered.
Auto‐immune cholangiopathy in a juvenile patient with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Noble‐Jamieson Gabriele , Jayne David , Hook Elizabeth
Published: January 2012

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multi‐system inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of auto‐antibodies. Liver enzyme abnormalities are common but clinical liver dysfunction with jaundice is rare. We report a juvenile female patient with SLE who developed jaundice 9 months after her initial presentation. Further investigations including liver biopsy and magnetic resonance cholangio‐pancreatography revealed two likely pathologies for her liver dysfunction; amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid induced cholestasis and auto‐immune cholangiopathy. The hyperbilirubinaemia resolved spontaneously 3 months after exposure to amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid; however, the elevation in Alanine transaminase and Gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase persisted until intensive immunosuppressive therapy achieved complete remission.

Conclusion:  We report a rare case of a juvenile patient with SLE and auto‐immune cholangiopathy. The use of cholangio‐pancreatography as part of the diagnostic work‐up achieved the final diagnosis.
The Costs and Consequences of Multi‐lateral Policies Against Price Spikes  Kosten und Folgen multilateraler Politikmaßnahmen zur Bekämpfung von Preisspitzen  Les coûts et conséquences des politiques multilatérales contre les haux niveaux de prix
Authors: Thompson Wyatt , Matthey Holger , Tallard Gregoire
Published: January 2012

summary

The Costs and Consequences of Multi‐lateral Policies Against Price Spikes

Startling volatility in food commodity prices leads policymakers to reconsider their policy options, with widespread interest in buffer stocks and targeted consumer subsidies, including among G8 and G20 leaders who committed themselves to action. Stored grains would be released in the event of severe price increases, thus relieving pressure on commodity markets and decreasing prices. As we show, the downside of stocks large enough to temper a surge in world rice prices are high prices during the stock building phase. Direct and targeted aid to affected consumers is very effective at helping selected consumers. Any consumer subsidy encourages demand by lowering prices for its beneficiaries, but their ability to sustain their commodity purchases drives prices even higher so other consumers suffer even more. In choosing between these two options, the decision is whether to shift the burden of a price spike to other years, or to other consumers – at taxpayer cost. Additional challenges are to identify targeted consumers, set public stock rules and avoid displacement of private stocks. Current discussions about how to mitigate price surges should weigh the benefits of alternative policies against their budgetary costs and unintended consequences to design optimal responses to potential price surges.
Profit Seeking vs. Survival Seeking: An Analytical Study of Supplier's Behavior and Buyer's Subsidy Strategy
Authors: Wei Mike Mingcheng , Yao Tao , Jiang Bin , Young Scott T.
Published: January 2012

Supplier default is common in emerging markets. Suppliers under the threat of default have different objectives from profit‐seeking companies. This paper analytically tests how profit‐seeking or survival‐seeking behavior, single‐period or two‐period consideration, and buyer's subsidy influence the supplier's and buyer's final utilities. The results show that under single‐period consideration, the supplier's survival‐seeking strategy in fact drives more start‐ups or small suppliers out of business when the competition becomes severe; under two‐period consideration, no matter which strategy (profit‐seeking or survival‐seeking) the supplier selects, the second‐period price and profit are always higher than those of the first period. Furthermore, we find that providing subsidy is an effective way for buyer to keep suppliers’ competition at a certain level on the behalf of buyer's interest. By numerically estimating the benefits associated with the cost of subsidy, we provide a basis for understanding the cost–benefit analysis of buyer's subsidy strategy.
Genome Sequence of Benzo(a)pyrene-Degrading Bacterium Novosphingobium pentaromativorans US6-1
Authors: Luo Yuan Rong , Kang Sung Gyun , Kim Sang-Jin , Kim Mi-Ree , Li Nan , Lee Jung-Hyun , Kwon Kae Kyoung
Published: January 2012

Novosphingobium pentaromativorans
US6-1 showed a good ability to degrade high-molecular-weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. We report the draft genome sequence of strain US6-1, which contains a main chromosome (5,096,413 bp, G+C content of 63.1%) and two plasmids (188,476 and 60,085 bp). The majority of the aromatic-hydrocarbon-degrading genes are encoded in the larger plasmid.
ARN-509: A Novel Antiandrogen for Prostate Cancer Treatment
Authors: Clegg Nicola J. , Wongvipat John , Joseph James D. , Tran Chris , Ouk Samedy , Dilhas Anna , Chen Yu , Grillot Kate , Bischoff Eric D. , Cai Ling , Aparicio Anna , Dorow Steven , Arora Vivek , Shao Gang , Qian Jing , Zhao Hong , Yang Guangbin , Cao Chunyan , Sensintaffar John , Wasielewska Teresa , Herbert Mark R. , Bonnefous Celine , Darimont Beatrice , Scher Howard I. , Smith-Jones Peter , Klang Mark , Smith Nicholas D. , De Stanchina Elisa , Wu Nian , Ouerfelli Ouathek , Rix Peter J. , Heyman Richard A. , Jung Michael E. , Sawyers Charles L. , Hager Jeffrey H.
Published: January 2012

Continued reliance on the androgen receptor (AR) is now understood as a core mechanism in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), the most advanced form of this disease. While established and novel AR pathway–targeting agents display clinical efficacy in metastatic CRPC, dose-limiting side effects remain problematic for all current agents. In this study, we report the discovery and development of ARN-509, a competitive AR inhibitor that is fully antagonistic to AR overexpression, a common and important feature of CRPC. ARN-509 was optimized for inhibition of AR transcriptional activity and prostate cancer cell proliferation, pharmacokinetics, and in vivo efficacy. In contrast to bicalutamide, ARN-509 lacked significant agonist activity in preclinical models of CRPC. Moreover, ARN-509 lacked inducing activity for AR nuclear localization or DNA binding. In a clinically valid murine xenograft model of human CRPC, ARN-509 showed greater efficacy than MDV3100. Maximal therapeutic response in this model was achieved at 30 mg/kg/d of ARN-509, whereas the same response required 100 mg/kg/d of MDV3100 and higher steady-state plasma concentrations. Thus, ARN-509 exhibits characteristics predicting a higher therapeutic index with a greater potential to reach maximally efficacious doses in man than current AR antagonists. Our findings offer preclinical proof of principle for ARN-509 as a promising therapeutic in both castration-sensitive and castration-resistant forms of prostate cancer. Cancer Res; 72(6); 1494–503. ©2012 AACR.
Prevalence of Atopy and Allergic Diseases in Korean Children: Associations with a Farming Environment and Rural Lifestyle
Authors: Lee S.Y. , Kwon J.W. , Seo J.H. , Song Y.H. , Kim B.J. , Yu J. , Park K.S. , Kim H. , Kim E.J. , Lee J.S. , Hong S.J.
Published: January 2012

Background: The results of recent studies suggest that factors in rural environments may protect against the development of allergic diseases, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of allergic diseases, to establish if this prevalence is influenced by migration from rural to urban areas and to identify environmental risk factors associated with these diseases. Methods: A cross-sectional study of children aged 9–12 years from a rural village, a rural town and an urban city in Korea was conducted. Demographic and disease-related information was obtained via a detailed questionnaire, and skin prick tests were performed. Results: There were significant differences in lifestyle and environmental factors between children from the rural village, the rural town and the urban children. The prevalence of allergic diseases and atopy was higher in urban children. A lower prevalence of allergic diseases and atopy was associated with farming parents, contact with farm animals during pregnancy, owning pets or a stable, breast-feeding and having older siblings. A comparison of rural village and rural town children revealed no evidence of an association of allergic diseases and atopy with farming parents, contact with farm animals during pregnancy or owning a stable. On the other hand, having older siblings and antibiotic use during infancy were significantly associated with allergic diseases and atopy in these children. Conclusions: Protective factors associated with a farming environment and/or rural lifestyle may influence the prevalence of allergic diseases and atopy in Korean children.
Induction of Specific Th1 Responses and Suppression of IgE Antibody Formation by Vaccination with Plasmid DNA Encoding Cyn d 1
Authors: Huang Ching-Feng , Chu Chia-Hsiang , Wu Chia-Chao , Chang Zo-Nan , Chue Fung-Lin , Peng Ho-Jen
Published: January 2012

Background: DNA vaccines encoding allergens have been developed to prevent or to treat specific IgE responses. Objective: To evaluate the potential preventive and therapeutic effect of DNA vaccines encoding Cyn d 1 alone or combined with different adjuvants on specific allergies. Methods: Recombinant plasmid Cyn d 1 (pCyn d 1) was constructed by insertion of Cyn d 1 cDNA into the vector pcDNA3. BALB/c mice were injected with pCyn d 1 alone or plus adjuvants such as bupivacaine, bestatin, liposome, or CpG. Control mice were treated with pcDNA3 or PBS. They were boosted 3 weeks later and then sensitized twice with recombinant Cyn d 1 and alum. Their serum antibody responses and cytokine profiles of spleen cells were studied. Adoptive transfer of spleen cells of pCyn d 1-vaccinated mice was also performed. Results: Vaccination of mice with pCyn d 1 induced Th1 responses characterized by IgG2a responses and spleen cell secretion of interferon-γ. Vaccination with pCyn d 1 not only prevented the induction of specific IgE responses but also suppressed ongoing IgE responses. The mice receiving untreated, CD4+- or CD8+-depleted spleen cells from pCyn d 1-vaccinated mice all had suppression of IgE responses. Conclusion: This study confirms the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of DNA vaccines encoding Bermuda grass pollen allergen Cyn d 1 on specific IgE responses. Both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are crucial for the immunomodulatory effect of pCyn d 1 on specific IgE responses.
Expression and Characterization of Natural-Like Recombinant Der p 2 for Sublingual Immunotherapy
Authors: Bordas-Le Floch Véronique , Bussières Laetitia , Airouche Sabi , Lautrette Aurélie , Bouley Julien , Berjont Nathalie , Horiot Stéphane , Huet Axelle , Jain Karine , Lemoine Pierrick , Chabre Henri , Batard Thierry , Mascarell Laurent , Baron-Bodo Véronique , Tourdot Sophie , Nony Emmanuel , Moingeon Philippe
Published: January 2012

Background: Recombinant allergens with a native conformation represent an alternative to natural extracts for immunotherapy and diagnostic purposes. Methods: We produced the Der p 2 mite allergen in Pichia pastoris and Escherichia coli. After purification by cation exchange chromatography, recombinant molecules were compared to their natural counterpart based upon structural (disulfide bonds, secondary structure, thermal stability) and immunological properties (antibody reactivity, basophil and T cell activation, tolerance induction in a murine sublingual immunotherapy model). Results: The Der p 2.0101 isoform was confirmed to be prevalent in Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus extracts. It was then produced as a secreted molecule in P. pastoris or refolded from E. coli inclusion bodies. The yeast-expressed rDer p 2 molecule exhibits a natural-like disulfide bridge distribution and secondary structure, whereas the E. coli-derived rDer p 2 presents some heterogeneity in cysteine bonds and a lower stability following thermal stress. The two recombinant as well as natural Der p 2 molecules exhibit comparable IgE recognition and activate basophil and CD4+ T cells. Sublingual immunotherapy of nDer p 2- sensitized mice using either one of the rDer p 2 molecules efficiently decreases airway hyperresponsiveness as well as Th2 responses. Conclusions: Natural and recombinant Der p 2 molecules produced in P. pastoris and E. coli exhibit comparable immunological properties despite distinct structural features. Natural-like cysteine pairing is a critical parameter to identify stable, well-folded and homogenous proteins appropriate for immunotherapy and diagnostic purposes.
Prognostic Factors for a Favourable Long-Term Outcome from an Integrative Psychotherapeutic Nursing Home Programme
Authors: Bakker Ton J.E.M. , Duivenvoorden Hugo J. , van der Lee Jacqueline , Olde Rikkert Marcel G.M. , Beekman Aartjan T.F. , Ribbe Miel W.
Published: January 2012

Background/Aims: The prevalence of multiple psychiatric symptoms (MPS) in psychogeriatric patients is about 80%. MPS have negative effects on caregivers; 70–80% of caregivers are moderately to heavily burdened. We tested an integrative psychotherapeutic programme (IRR) focused on MPS as well as caregiver burden. To develop decision rules in indicating IRR, prognostic potentialities of diagnostic and functional baseline variables for a favourable outcome of IRR were identified. Methods: Patients with a DSM-IV classification of dementia, amnestic disorders or other cognitive disorders were followed in a randomised controlled trial, comparing IRR (n = 81) with usual nursing home care (n = 87). Assessments at T1 (intake) and T2 (6 months’ follow-up). Results: In the combined prognostic models Alzheimer dementia showed significant prognostic qualities for improvement on NPI sum severity (OR 3.01), IRR on general burden and competence of caregiver (OR 2.29 and 3.34). Cognitive functions had low prognostic value. Conclusion: Prognostic modelling of positive change on severity of MPS and caregiver burden was feasible. Applying three decision rules, all resulted in IRR as indicated intervention. It seems justified to refer psychogeriatric patients suffering from a broad range of cognitive function disorders, specifically patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type, to the IRR programme.
Revealing the Latent Mobilization Capability of the Staphylococcal Bacteriocinogenic Plasmid pRJ9
Authors: Coutinho Bruna Gonçalves , Coelho Marcus Lívio Varella , Ceotto Hilana , Bastos Maria do Carmo de Freire
Published: January 2012

Plasmid pRJ9 is a non-self-mobilizable bacteriocinogenic plasmid from Staphylococcus aureus. Despite this feature, DNA sequencing and RT-PCR experiments showed that it presents a Mob region with three genes (mobCAB), transcribed as an operon. In silico analysis of the Mob proteins encoded by pRJ9 showed that they present all the conserved functional features reported until present as being essential for plasmid mobilization. Moreover, they showed a high identity to Mob proteins encoded by mobilizable plasmids from Staphylococcus spp., especially to those encoded by plasmid pRJ6, which presents four mob genes (mobCDAB). A putative oriT region was also found upstream of the pRJ9 mob operon. pRJ9 could only be successfully mobilized by pGO1 when pRJ6 was present in the same strain. Further experiments showed that the pRJ9 oriT can be recognized by the pRJ6 Mob proteins, confirming its functionality. As pRJ9 does not possess a mobD gene while pRJ6 does, the absence of this gene was believed to be responsible for its lack of mobilization. However, conjugation experiments with a donor strain carrying also mobD cloned into an S. aureus vector showed that pRJ9 does not become mobilized even in the presence of the protein MobD encoded by pRJ6. Therefore, the reasons for pRJ9 failure to be mobilized are presently unknown.
Troponin I Levels and Postoperative Myocardial Infarction following Renal Transplantation
Authors: Shroff G.R. , Akkina S.K. , Miedema M.D. , Madlon-Kay R. , Herzog C.A. , Kasiske B.L.
Published: January 2012

Background: The relationship of routine postoperative troponin I (TnI) monitoring in kidney transplant recipients and in-hospital myocardial infarction (MI) is not known. Methods: This observational study evaluated the prevalence of abnormal postoperative TnI (Ortho Clinical Diagnostics assay) in 376 consecutive kidney or kidney/pancreas transplant recipients. In-hospital MI was adjudicated using the universal definition. Rates of death and coronary revascularizations at 1 year were studied. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of abnormal TnI. Results: Ninety-five (25%) recipients had abnormal TnI (>0.04 ng/ml) following transplantation. Abnormal TnI levels were more common in older (mean age: 52.2 ± 13.4 vs. 48.3 ± 13.2 years, p = 0.01), diabetic (57.9 vs. 45.6%, p = 0.04), and prior coronary artery disease (31.6 vs. 20.3%, p = 0.02) patients. In-hospital MI occurred in 6 patients (1.6%). All subsequent in-hospital cardiovascular events occurred in the abnormal postoperative TnI group; most in those with TnI levels >1 ng/ml. Previous coronary artery disease was the only independent predictor of a postoperative TnI level >1 ng/ml in multivariate analysis (odds ratio 4.61, 95% confidence interval 1.49–14.32). At 1 year there was no significant difference in death (3.2 vs. 1.8%, p = 0.42) and borderline significant difference in coronary revascularization (5.3 vs. 1.4%, p = 0.049) in abnormal versus normal TnI groups. Conclusions: In-hospital MI was infrequent, but abnormal TnI highly prevalent following renal transplantation. Normal TnI levels following renal transplantation had a high negative predictive value in excluding patients likely to develop subsequent postoperative MI. The role of a higher TnI cut-off for screening for postoperative MI in high-risk subgroups deserves future prospective evaluation.
A history of early stent thrombosis is associated with prolonged clot lysis time
Authors: Pankiw-Bembenek Oksana , Zalewski Jaroslaw , Goralczyk Tadeusz , Undas Anetta
Published: January 2012

It has been demonstrated that formation of compact plasma fibrin clots resistant to plasmin-mediated lysis characterises patients following instent thrombosis (IST). The relationship between defective fibrinolysis, reflected as prolonged clot lysis time (CLT) and IST is unclear. We sought to investigate whether patients with acute and subacute IST have impaired fibrinolytic capacity. We studied 41 definite IST patients, including 15 with acute and 26 with subacute IST experienced 2–73 months prior to enrollment, versus 41 controls matched for demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, concomitant treatment and angiographic/stent parameters. CLT, reflecting lysis of a tissue factor-induced plasma clot by exogenous tissue plasminogen activator, together with plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) antigen and activity, thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) antigen and activity, thrombomodulin (TM), plasminogen and α2-antiplasmin (α2AP) were measured. There were no inter-group differences in angiographic parameters, indication to the first PCI, culprit vessel or a type of stent. Patients with IST had 11% longer CLT (p=0.005) and 13% higher PAI-1 antigen (p=0.04) compared to controls. There were positive correlations in both groups between CLT and PAI-1 antigen and TAFI activity (all p<0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that CLT (odds ratio [OR]=1.04 per 1 minute, 95% CI 1.01–1.08, p=0.02) and platelet count (OR=1.01 per 1,000/μl, 95% CI 1.00–1.02, p=0.034) were independent predictors of IST (R2=0.28, p<0.05). Concluding, impaired fibrinolytic potential, that is in part determined by plasma PAI-1 antigen and TAFI activity, characterises patients with a history of acute and subacute IST, which might help identify patients at higher risk of IST.
Molecular imaging of matrix metalloproteinases in atherosclerotic plaques
Authors: Lenglet Sébastien , Thomas Aurélien , Chaurand Pierre , Galan Katia , Mach François , Montecucco Fabrizio
Published: January 2012

Ischaemic stroke and myocardial infarction often result from the sudden rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque. The subsequent arterial thrombosis occluding the vessel lumen has been widely indicated as the crucial acute event causing peripheral tissue ischaemia. A complex cross-talk between systemic and intraplaque inflammatory mediators has been shown to regulate maturation, remodeling and final rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes (released by several cell subsets within atherosclerotic plaques), which favour atherogenesis and increase plaque vulnerability. Thus, the assessment of intraplaque levels and activity of MMP might be of pivotal relevance in the evaluation of the risk of rupture. New imaging approaches, focused on the visualisation of inflammation in the vessel wall and plaque, may emerge as tools for individualised risk assessment and prevention of events. In this review, we summarize experimental findings of the currently available invasive and noninvasive imaging techniques, used to detect the presence and activity of MMPs in atherosclerotic plaques.
Hyperamylinemia Contributes to Cardiac Dysfunction in Obesity and Diabetes
Authors: Despa Sanda , Margulies Kenneth B. , Chen Le , Knowlton Anne A. , Havel Peter J. , Taegtmeyer Heinrich , Bers Donald M. , Despa Florin
Published: January 2012

Rationale:

Hyperamylinemia is common in patients with obesity and insulin resistance, coincides with hyperinsulinemia, and results in amyloid deposition. Amylin amyloids are generally considered a pancreatic disorder in type 2 diabetes. However, elevated circulating levels of amylin may also lead to amylin accumulation and proteotoxicity in peripheral organs, including the heart.

Objective:

To test whether amylin accumulates in the heart of obese and type 2 diabetic patients and to uncover the effects of amylin accumulation on cardiac morphology and function.

Methods and Results:

We compared amylin deposition in failing and nonfailing hearts from lean, obese, and type 2 diabetic humans using immunohistochemistry and Western blots. We found significant accumulation of large amylin oligomers, fibrils, and plaques in failing hearts from obese and diabetic patients but not in normal hearts and failing hearts from lean, nondiabetic humans. Small amylin oligomers were even elevated in nonfailing hearts from overweight/obese patients, suggesting an early state of accumulation. Using a rat model of hyperamylinemia transgenic for human amylin, we observed that amylin oligomers attach to the sarcolemma, leading to myocyte Ca
2+
dysregulation, pathological myocyte remodeling, and diastolic dysfunction, starting from prediabetes. In contrast, prediabetic rats expressing the same level of wild-type rat amylin, a nonamyloidogenic isoform, exhibited normal heart structure and function.

Conclusions:

Hyperamylinemia promotes amylin deposition in the heart, causing alterations of cardiac myocyte structure and function. We propose that detection and disruption of cardiac amylin buildup may be both a predictor of heart dysfunction and a novel therapeutic strategy in diabetic cardiomyopathy.
The Ganthārambhakathās of Upasena's Saddhammapajjotikā and Vajirabuddhi's Vajirabuddhitīkā
Authors: Kieffer-Pülz Petra
Published: January 2012

The introduction to the oldest Vinaya subcommentary of the Theravādins, Vajirabuddhi's undated Vajirabuddhitīkā (after the 7th, before the 12th centuries) has a parallel in Upasena's Saddhammapajjotikā, a commentary on the Niddesa (877 AD). A detailed comparison of this otherwise not transmitted passage that describes and defines a perfect speaker (vatta) makes it plain that the text of the Saddhammapajjotikā as it has come down to us is heavily corrupted. It, furthermore, made probable that the Vajirabuddhitīkā borrowed this passage from the Saddhammapajjotikā before the corruption of the latter. Thus we have the 9th century AD as a terminus post quem for the origin of the Vajirabuddhitīkā.
When and Where is a Monk No Longer a Monk? On Communion and Communities in Indian Buddhist Monastic Law Codes
Authors: Clarke Shayne
Published: January 2012

Indian Buddhist monks and nuns who commit pārājika offences are generally deemed to be asamvāsa ("not in communion"). In this paper I question the simplistic equation of asamvāsa with "expulsion." I discuss the case of a matricide monk who, having been expelled, went down the road and set up a new monastery. I use this example to throw light on local and translocal aspects of Buddhist monastic ordination, suggesting that asamvāsa may refer not to a loss of communion from the Sangha of the Four Quarters, but from a specific, local monastic community.
A Manual on Nāropa's Six Yogas by sPyan snga Nyer gnyis pa (1386–1434): Tucci Tibetan Collection 1359
Authors: Sernesi Marta
Published: January 2012

Text 1359 of the Tucci Tibetan Collection (IsIAO) is a manual on the Six Yogas of Nāropa titled dPal na ro'i chos drug gi khrid yig bde chen gsal ba'i 'od zer stong ldan, authored by the abbot of gDan sa mthil, sPyan snga bSod nams rgyal mtshan dpal bzang po (1386–1434). It is a blockprint of 168 folios decorated by 80 beautiful illustrations on the margins, which offers a picture of a unique moment in the political and religious history of Central Tibet. This paper situates the work within the author's oeuvre, and attempts a reconstruction of the context of production of the blockprint. It argues that the latter was prepared in the first half of the 15th century, as part of a wider production of texts and art objects, under the auspices of the Phag mo gru ruling family, the lHa gzigs Rlangs, to which the author belonged.
Review Article: The Buddhist Monuments of Kabul
Authors: Filigenzi Anna
Published: January 2012

This work by G. Fussman is to be welcomed as a vademecum for all future researches in Afghanistan. Scholars and students will find here an analytical collection of data, those provided by the old scientific literature, those extracted from the Author's personal experience, and those newly available thanks to recent archaeological work in the area. An analytical reconstruction of the original appearance, building technique and dating of the monuments is attempted with the sharp insight of someone who is not only well acquainted with Buddhist architecture, but moreover endowed with a sense of “territorial” archaeology, which means attention to relevant questions such as environmental, economic, and cultural constants and changes. Thus, the comprehensive reading of the evidence spread across the whole of the territory under scrutiny, and the sharply focused examination of the single issues, always accompanied by comparisons and connections, not only add to our knowledge but also prompt us to enlarge our focus and try the way for further research.
A Digambara Jain Samskāra in the Early Seventeenth Century: Lay Funerary Ritual according to Somasenabhattāraka's Traivarnikācāra
Authors: Dundas Paul
Published: January 2012

This paper examines the description of the funeral ritual to be performed for a lay Digambara Jain which is provided by Somasenabhattāraka in his Traivarnikācāra , written in Maharashtra in 1610. This description represents the fullest textual account hitherto available of premodern Jain mortuary ceremonial for a non-renunciant. Despite Jainism's consistent rejection of brahmanical śrāddha ceremonies intended to nourish deceased ancestors, Somasenabhattāraka clearly regards the performance of these as a necessary component of post-funerary commemoration. The paper focusses on Somasenabhattāraka's references to árāddha and the ancestors and suggests how categories deriving from brahman ritual ideology were maintained in a devalorised form in the Digambara Jain context.
Western Explorations into Eastern Spiritual Worlds
Authors: Yoshimizu Chizuko
Published: January 2012

Two books, one by M. Kapstein, the other a joint effort headed up by E. Steinkellner, raise questions of the study of Indian philosophy, Buddhism and Confucianism. Although the two books were published eight years apart, they share a comparative perspective of and a reflection on the possibility of philosophy in Asia and Buddhism. The present review article first offers general considerations on the aims of authors with a brief survey of each article contributed to the second book. It then addresses various issues raised by Kapstein's discussions.
Modern Western Magic and Theosophy
Authors: Tillett Gregory
Published: January 2012

Der Einfluss der Theosophischen Gesellschaft auf die Entwicklung der modernen westlichen Esoterik kann kaum überschätzt werden. Sowohl direkt als auch indirekt funktionierte die Theosophie als Katalysator und Quelle für fast alles in der westlichen Esoterik, das die Veröffentlichung der Lehren von Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831–1891) und die Gründung der Theosophischen Gesellschaft im Jahre 1875 folgte. Während der Einfluss der Theosophie auf die westliche Esoterik gut dokumentiert ist, wird sie weniger häufig als Vorläufer der westlichen Magie gesehen. Obwohl Blavatsky das bereitstellte, was man als die den rituellen Magie zugrundeliegenden esoterischen Philosophie betrachten könnte, lieferte Charles Webster Leadbeater (1854–1934) die mehr praktischen, und tatsächlich beliebteren und schmackhafteren, Erklärungen, wie und warum sie wirksam sein könnte. Seine Behauptung, dass rituelle Magie nicht einfach symbolisch oder psychologisch sei, sondern eine wirkliche Transformation der Teilnehmer und der äußeren Welt verursachte, hat die meisten modernen ritualmagischen Gruppen und Texte beeinflusst und ist da deutlich offenkundig. Es ist ein Theosophischer Einfluss aber nicht einer, der Blavatsky, oder die Theosophische Organisationen welche das, was oft 'Neo-Theosophie' genannt wird, ablehnen, erkennen würden.
EXCHANGE IN SILVER - A survey and evaluation of 25 issues
Authors: Verstraelen F.J.
Published: January 2012

When the Interuniversity Institute for Missiological and Ecumenical Research (IIMO) started in 1969 it was at any rate clear that each Department would have its own Documentation Section.

For the Department of Missiology, Leiden, it was however not immediately clear what type of documentation should be collected. Leiden University had at its disposal already many outstanding libraries concerned with Third World Studies and the nearby Hendrik Kraemer Institute at Oegstgeest had a very fine collection of missiological publications.

The Department of Missiology decided therefore to concentrate on collecting periodicals issued by Third World churches and study centres concerned with religion, especially Christianity and its involvement in the political, economic, social and cultural context of peoples.

From the beginning the main articles in the now about 250 periodicals to which the Department subscribes have been catalogued according to authors and subjects.

Right from the beginning it was also envisaged to present at least a selection of the material thus gathered to those who would be interested in it. The Bulletin EXCHANGE would become the chief means in realizing this aim.
Equality, Justice and Legitimacy in Selection
Authors: Clayton Matthew
Published: January 2012

The claim that the ideal of equality has a role to play in the critique of discrimination in employment and education has been rejected by a number of philosophers. Certain anti-egalitarians argue that the appeal to equality is redundant; others that egalitarianism misdirects us or fails to explain our special hostility towards discrimination. This article sketches an egalitarian conception of justice in selection and explains what is distinctive about such conceptions. Thereafter, it attempts to rebut the important objections that have been raised against egalitarian accounts of discrimination.
Intentions and Discrimination in Hiring
Authors: Lippert-Rasmussen Kasper
Published: January 2012

Fundamentally, intentions do not matter to the permissibility of actions, according to Thomas Scanlon (among others). Yet, discriminatory intentions seem essential to certain kinds of direct discrimination in hiring and firing, and appear to be something by virtue of which, in part at least, these kinds of discrimination are morally impermissible. Scanlon's account of the wrongness of discrimination attempts to accommodate this appearance through the notion of the expressive meaning of discriminatory acts and a certain view about how permissibility relates to the meaning of actions. This paper explores the scope, strengths and weaknesses of this account. Specifically, it challenges the view that discrimination reflecting hierarchical value judgments necessarily involves a wrong that renders such discrimination more objectionable than other forms.
Ценностные идеалы раннего русского либерализма
Authors: Шнейдер Константин Ильич
Published: January 2012

В представленной работе исследуется аксиология раннего русского либерализма середины XIX столетия. Автор рассматривает ранний русский либерализм в качестве единого интеллектуального феномена, окончательно сложившегося в общественной мысли России во второй половине 1850-х – первой половине 1860-х гг. Главной спецификой данной теоретической конструкции, по мнению автора, являлось соединение либеральных и консервативных ценностей, что стало результатом осмысленных попыток разработать национальную программу либерального переустройства общества. Основатели русского либерализма предлагали противоречивые версии либерализации в условиях и при помощи самодержавного, но потенциально просвещенного режима. Автор статьи обращает внимание на особенности концептуального восприятия отечественными либералами классического европейского либерального наследия и способы его адаптации на национальной почве. Акцент сделан на изучение различных коннотаций таких понятий как «свобода», «индивидуализм», «собственность», «власть» в российской либеральной среде.