bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lipoxin A4 and Its Analogue Suppress the Tumor Growth of Transplanted H22 in Mice: The Role of Antiangiogenesis
Authors: Chen Ying , Hao Hua , He Songqing , Cai Lei , Li Yongsheng , Hu Shunze , Ye Duyun , Hoidal John , Wu Ping , Chen Xiaoping
Published: August 2010

Tumor angiogenesis plays an essential role in carcinogenesis, cancer progression, and metastasis. Some studies indicate that lipoxins, endogenous anti-inflammatory lipid mediators, might be involved in tumor angiogenesis; however, the governing mechanisms are still unknown. In the present study, we examined the effects of exogenous lipoxin A4 (LXA4) in mouse hepatocarcinoma cell line (H22) and H22-bearing mice model. It was found that in H22 cells, LXA4 inhibited the production of vascular endothelial growth factor and reduced hypoxia-inducible factor-1α level. In addition, its analogue, BML-111, blocked the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in serum and tumor sections from H22-bearing mice. H&E staining and immunostaining with antibodies against CD34 revealed that BML-111 suppressed tumor-related angiogenesis in vivo, but LXA4 could not influence the proliferation of primary cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The tumor growth was also inhibited by BML-111. We also found that BML-111 enhanced the in situ apoptosis while inhibiting macrophage infiltration in tumor tissue. The results provide new evidence that LXA4 suppresses the growth of transplanted H22 tumor in mice through inhibiting tumor-related angiogenesis. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(8); 2164–74. ©2010 AACR.
Cisplatin Treatment Induces a Transient Increase in Tumorigenic Potential Associated with High Interleukin-6 Expression in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Poth Kim J. , Guminski Alexander D. , Thomas Gethin P. , Leo Paul J. , Jabbar Ibtissam A. , Saunders Nicholas A.
Published: August 2010

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is characterized by the 5-year survival rate of ∼50%. Despite aggressive surgical, radiation, and chemotherapeutic interventions, 30% to 40% of patients die from the development of recurrent or disseminated disease that is resistant to chemotherapy. As a model of recurrence, we examined the effects of cisplatin on the ability of head and neck cancer cells to initiate tumors in a xenotransplant model. HNSCC cells were treated in vitro with cisplatin at a concentration that elicited >99% cytotoxicity and assessed for tumorigenic potential in nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient mice. HNSCC cells that survived cisplatin treatment formed tumors in nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient mice more efficiently than nontreated cells. Cisplatin-resistant cells were characterized using clonal analysis, in vivo imaging, and transcriptomic profiling. Preliminary functional assessment of a gene, interleukin-6 (IL-6), highly upregulated in cisplatin-treated cells was carried out using clonogenicity and tumorigenicity assays. We show that cisplatin-induced IL-6 expression can contribute to the increase in tumorigenic potential of head and neck cancer cells but does not contribute to cisplatin resistance. Finally, through clonal analysis, we show that cisplatin-induced IL-6 expression and cisplatin-induced tumorigenicity are stochastically derived. We report that cisplatin treatment of head and neck cancer cells results in a transient accumulation of cisplatin-resistant, small, and IL-6–positive cells that are highly tumorigenic. These data also suggest that therapies that reduce IL-6 action may reduce recurrence rates and/or increase disease-free survival times in head and neck cancer patients, and thus, IL-6 represents a promising new target in HNSCC treatment. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(8); 2430–9. ©2010 AACR.
Dual Inhibition of Both the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor and erbB2 Effectively Inhibits the Promotion of Skin Tumors during Two-Stage Carcinogenesis
Authors: Kiguchi Kaoru , Kitamura Takuya , Moore Tricia , Rumi Mohammad , Chang Hsiang-Chun , Treece Devon , Ruffino Lynnsie , Connolly Kevin , DiGiovanni John
Published: August 2010

The erbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases are known to play important roles in normal epithelial development and epithelial neoplasia. Considerable evidence also suggests that signaling through the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays an important role in multistage skin carcinogenesis in mice; however, less is known about the role of erbB2. In this study, to further examine the role of both erbB2 and EGFR in epithelial carcinogenesis, we examined the effect of a dual erbB2/EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, GW2974, given in the diet on skin tumor promotion during two-stage carcinogenesis in wild-type and BK5.erbB2 mice. In BK5.erbB2 mice, erbB2 is overexpressed in the basal layer of epidermis and leads to heightened sensitivity to skin tumor development. GW2974 effectively inhibited skin tumor promotion by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate in wild-type and BK5.erbB2 mice, although a more marked effect was seen in BK5.erbB2 mice. In addition, this inhibitory effect was reversible when GW2974 treatment was withdrawn. GW2974 inhibited 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate–induced epidermal hyperproliferation, which correlated with reduced activation of both the EGFR and erbB2. These results support the hypothesis that both the EGFR and erbB2 play an important role in the development of skin tumors during two-stage skin carcinogenesis, especially during the tumor promotion stage. Furthermore, the marked sensitivity of BK5.erbB2 mice to the inhibitory effects of GW2974 during tumor promotion suggest greater efficacy for this compound when erbB2 is overexpressed or amplified as an early event in the carcinogenic process. Cancer Prev Res; 3(8); 940–52. ©2010 AACR.
The Incidence and Prevalence of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Cornutiu Gavril
Published: August 2010

The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has grown progressively over the past 100 years. The present study monitored the evolution of AD incidence in relation to several factors known as favoring it, in a county in Romania, between 1980 and 2006. The annual incidence of AD in our clinic over a period of 27 years was determined along with 17 hereditary, medical, sociodemographic and environmental parameters. The results show a relatively steady curve until 1994, followed by a doubling of the incidence with a tendency to continuous growth. During this period, none of the known pathogenic factors – medical, psychological or sociodemographic – suffered any mathematically significant transformation. The only significant change for this population was the access to industrialized and preserved food and fizzy drinks which came from the western world, immediately after the borders had opened (1989). Therefore, the cause of the increased AD incidence must be looked for in food hygiene, and we must accept the notion of an ecologically caused disease.
Experimental Peritoneal Sclerosis Models Should Not Be Based on Chlorhexidine Gluconate Anymore
Authors: Vlijm Anniek , Sampimon Denise E. , de Graaff Marijke , Struijk Dirk G. , Krediet Raymond T.
Published: August 2010

Background/Aims: Currently available rodent models of peritoneal sclerosis are not based on clinically relevant factors: renal failure in combination with exposure to bioincompatible fluids. Our aim was to develop a chronic peritoneal infusion model of peritoneal sclerosis in rats with renal failure. Methods: Male Wistar rats underwent a catheter implantation and a 70% nephrectomy. They were randomly divided into three peritoneal infusion groups: chlorhexidine gluconate/ethanol (CGE) + Dianeal (Baxter Healthcare, Castlebar, Ireland), CGE + buffer (Physioneal without glucose; Baxter, Nivelles, Belgium) and Dianeal alone. After 8 weeks a peritoneal permeability test was performed and omental tissue was obtained for morphometrics. Results: The CGE + Dianeal group (n = 6) and CGE + buffer (n = 6) group showed high peritoneal clearances of small solutes and proteins, ultrafiltration failure, impaired free water transport, severe fibrosis and high vessel counts, but the groups did not differ significantly. The Dianeal group (n = 6) showed significantly lower clearances of small solutes and proteins, normal ultrafiltration and sodium sieving, and significantly lower fibrosis scores and vessel counts. Conclusions: Abnormalities seen in peritoneal sclerosis can be induced in a peritoneal infusion model in rats with renal failure. However, the addition of a bioincompatible dialysis solution had no contributing role, probably because the effects were overruled by those of CGE.
Characterization of Static and Dynamic Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Patients With Heart Failure With a Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Prasad Anand , Hastings Jeffrey L. , Shibata Shigeki , Popovic Zoran B. , Arbab-Zadeh Armin , Bhella Paul S. , Okazaki Kazunobu , Fu Qi , Berk Martin , Palmer Dean , Greenberg Neil L. , Garcia Mario J. , Thomas James D. , Levine Benjamin D.
Published: August 2010

Background—

Congestive heart failure in the setting of a preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction is increasing in prevalence among the senior population. The underlying pathophysiologic abnormalities in ventricular function and structure remain unclear for this disorder. We hypothesized that patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) would have marked abnormalities in LV diastolic function with increased static diastolic stiffness and slowed myocardial relaxation compared with age-matched healthy controls.

Methods and Results—

Eleven highly screened patients (4 men, 7 women) aged 73±7 years with HFPEF were recruited to participate in this study. Thirteen sedentary healthy controls (7 men, 6 women) aged 70±4 years also were recruited. All subjects underwent pulmonary artery catheterization with measurement of cardiac output, end-diastolic volumes, and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures at baseline; cardiac unloading (lower-body negative pressure or upright tilt); and cardiac loading (rapid saline infusion). The data were used to define the Frank-Starling and LV end-diastolic pressure-volume relationships. Doppler echocardiographic data (tissue Doppler velocities, isovolumic relaxation time, propagation velocity of early mitral inflow , E/A-wave ratio) were obtained at each level of cardiac preload. Compared with healthy controls, patients with HFPEF had similar LV contractile function and static LV compliance but reduced LV chamber distensibility with elevated filling pressures and slower myocardial relaxation as assessed by tissue Doppler imaging.

Conclusions—

In this small, highly screened patient population with hemodynamically confirmed HFPEF, increased end-diastolic static ventricular stiffness relative to age-matched controls was not a universal finding. Nevertheless, patients with HFPEF, even when well compensated, had elevated filling pressures, reduced distensibility, and increased diastolic wall stress compared with controls. In contrast, LV relaxation as assessed by tissue Doppler variables appeared consistently impaired in patients with HFPEF.
Interhospital Transfers Among Medicare Beneficiaries Admitted for Acute Myocardial Infarction at Nonrevascularization Hospitals
Authors: Iwashyna Theodore J. , Kahn Jeremy M. , Hayward Rodney A. , Nallamothu Brahmajee K.
Published: August 2010

Background—

Patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who are admitted to hospitals without coronary revascularization are frequently transferred to hospitals with this capability, yet we know little about the basis for how such revascularization hospitals are selected.

Methods and Results—

We examined interhospital transfer patterns in 71 336 AMI patients admitted to hospitals without revascularization capabilities in the 2006 Medicare claims using network analysis and regression models. A total of 31 607 (44.3%) AMI patients were transferred from 1684 nonrevascularization hospitals to 1104 revascularization hospitals. Median time to transfer was 2 days. Median transfer distance was 26.7 miles, with 96.1% within 100 miles. In 45.8% of cases, patients bypassed a closer hospital to go to a farther hospital that had a better 30-day risk standardized mortality rates. However, in 36.8% of cases, another revascularization hospital with lower 30-day risk-standardized mortality was actually closer to the original admitting nonrevascularization hospital than the observed transfer destination. Adjusted regression models demonstrated that shorter transfer distances were more common than transfers to the hospitals with lowest 30-day mortality rates. Simulations suggest that an optimized system that prioritized the transfer of AMI patients to a nearby hospital with the lowest 30-day mortality rate might produce clinically meaningful reductions in mortality.

Conclusions—

More than 40% of AMI patients admitted to nonrevascularization hospitals are transferred to revascularization hospitals. Many patients are not directed to nearby hospitals with the lowest 30-day risk-standardized mortality, and this may represent an opportunity for improvement.
Neighborhood-Based Verification of Precipitation Forecasts from Convection-Allowing NCAR WRF Model Simulations and the Operational NAM
Authors: Clark Adam J. , Gallus William A. , Weisman Morris L.
Published: August 2010

Since 2003 the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) has been running various experimental convection-allowing configurations of the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) for domains covering a large portion of the central United States during the warm season (April–July). In this study, the skill of 3-hourly accumulated precipitation forecasts from a large sample of these convection-allowing simulations conducted during 2004–05 and 2007–08 is compared to that from operational North American Mesoscale (NAM) model forecasts using a neighborhood-based equitable threat score (ETS). Separate analyses were conducted for simulations run before and after the implementation in 2007 of positive-definite (PD) moisture transport for the NCAR-WRF simulations. The neighborhood-based ETS (denoted 〈ETS〉r) relaxes the criteria for “hits” (i.e., correct forecasts) by considering grid points within a specified radius r. It is shown that 〈ETS〉r is more useful than the traditional ETS because 〈ETS〉r can be used to diagnose differences in precipitation forecast skill between different models as a function of spatial scale, whereas the traditional ETS only considers the spatial scale of the verification grid. It was found that differences in 〈ETS〉r between NCAR-WRF and NAM generally increased with increasing r, with NCAR-WRF having higher scores. Examining time series of 〈ETS〉r for r = 100 and r = 0 km (which simply reduces to the “traditional” ETS), statistically significant differences between NCAR-WRF and NAM were found at many forecast lead times for 〈ETS〉100 but only a few times for 〈ETS〉0. Larger and more statistically significant differences occurred with the 2007–08 cases relative to the 2004–05 cases. Because of differences in model configurations and dominant large-scale weather regimes, a more controlled experiment would have been needed to diagnose the reason for the larger differences that occurred with the 2007–08 cases. Finally, a compositing technique was used to diagnose the differences in the spatial distribution of the forecasts. This technique implied westward displacement errors for NAM model forecasts in both sets of cases and in NCAR-WRF model forecasts for the 2007–08 cases. Generally, the results are encouraging because they imply that advantages in convection-allowing relative to convection-parameterizing simulations noted in recent studies are reflected in an objective neighborhood-based metric.
Are Lipid Ratios Less Susceptible to Change With Systemic Inflammation Than Individual Lipid Components in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Authors: Toms Tracey E. , Panoulas Vasileios F. , Douglas Karen M. J. , Nightingale Peter , Smith Jacqueline P. , Griffiths Helen , Sattar Naveed , Symmons Deborah P. M. , Kitas George D.
Published: August 2010

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) associates with excess cardiovascular risk and there is a need to assess that risk. However, individual lipid levels may be influenced by disease activity and drug use, whereas lipid ratios may be more robust. A cross-sectional cohort of 400 consecutive patients was used to establish factors that influenced individual lipid levels and lipid ratios in RA, using multiple regression models. A further longitudinal cohort of 550 patients with RA was used to confirm these findings, using generalized estimating equations. Cross-sectionally, higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels correlated with lower levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ([HDL-C] P ≤ .015), whereas lipid ratios did not correlate with CRP. The findings were broadly replicated in the longitudinal data. In summary, the effects of inflammation on individual lipid levels may underestimate lipid-associated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in RA, thus lipid ratios may be more appropriate for CVD risk stratification in RA.
Conflict, Context, Concreteness: Koselleck and Schmitt on Concepts
Authors: Pankakoski Timo
Published: August 2010

In Reinhart Koselleck’s history of concepts, the general orientation that concepts are to be understood in their proper contexts is intertwined with the assumption that they are manifestations of particular political conflicts. The essay shows that the dense compound of context and conflict in Koselleck’s thought springs from Carl Schmitt’s political theory and also forms an important point of continuity between Koselleck’s early work and his later methodological writings. The formalized assumption of conflict, somewhat problematically, binds Koselleckian conceptual history to a particular conception of politics, one that sees politics ultimately as struggle and conflict. Once the historical-theoretical contingency of this conception is recognized, it becomes both possible and necessary to reassess the role of conflict in the methodology of conceptual history.
Determination of alcohol content in water alcohol hydrates using near-infrared spectroscopy and segmentation regression model
Authors: Jin X.D. , Zhao Z.M. , Zhang L. , Yu X.L.
Published: August 2010

This paper puts forward a measurement method of alcohol content in the mixture of water and alcohol based on near-infrared spectroscopy and segmentation regression model. The wavelengths, which are 1580, 2081 and 2309 nm, are picked out as three characteristic absorption wavelengths of alcohol, whereas 1206, 1456 and 1936 nm are picked out as three characteristic absorption wavelengths of water. The characteristic absorbance has a linear relationship to the alcohol concentration in the sample according to the principle of Lambert. Multiple linear regression equations 1 and 2 are built respectively based on the characteristic absorbance of alcohol and water, and the alcohol concentration is calculated using these two equations. However, the representative characteristic of overtone and combination absorption will change as the concentration of composing component changes so that the measuring effects of different regression equations, which are built by characteristic absorption values of different component, are different in the measurement of different concentration samples. In order to improve the prediction accuracy, this paper adopts the segmentation regression model equation to calculate the alcohol concentration in the sample, ie, we use equation 2 to calculate the alcohol concentration for the low alcohol content samples and use equation 1 to calculate the alcohol concentration for the samples of alcohol concentration between 50% and 70%; on the other hand, we use the mean calculation of equations 1 and 2 as prediction for the high alcohol concentration samples. The adoption of the regression model equation can reduce the mean prediction error for the samples in different alcohol concentrations without increasing the complexity of the equation. Nevertheless, we need to obtain the approximate value of alcohol concentration first in order to determine the distribution range of alcohol concentration.
Ethical Reflection Must Always be Measured
Authors: Braun Kathrin , Herrmann Svea Luise , Könninger Sabine , Moore Alfred
Published: August 2010

The article analyses what we term governmental ethics regimes as forms of scientific governance. Drawing from empirical research on governmental ethics regimes in Germany, Franceand the UK since the early 1980s, it argues that these governmental ethics regimes grew out of the technical model of scientific governance, but have departed from it in crucial ways. It asks whether ethics regimes can be understood as new ‘‘technologies of humility’’ (Jasanoff) and answers the question with a ‘‘yes, but’’. Yes, governmental ethics regimes have incorporated features that go beyond technologies of prediction and control, but the overcoming of the technical model also bears some ambivalence that needs to be understood. The article argues that governmental ethics regimes can be understood as a form of ‘‘reflexive government’’ (Dean) in that the commitment to techno-scientific innovation is stabilized not through an elitist, technocratic exclusion of non-scientific actors and knowledges or a depreciation of normative and emotional dimensions, but through their inclusion, involvement and mobilization.
Responses to Work Complexity: The Novice to Expert Effect
Authors: Burger Jeri L. , Parker Karen , Cason Linda , Hauck Sheila , Kaetzel Denise , O'Nan Cathy , White Ann
Published: August 2010

The purpose of this study was to explore the differences in how advanced beginners, competent, and expert nurses prioritize and reprioritize patient care. This qualitative study had a purposive sample of 23 nurses on cardiac/ telemetry units at five hospitals. Four themes emerged from the data: cognitive strategies, communication, integration of roles, and response to the work environment. As the nurses progressed in expertise, they were better able to organize, more effectively deal with interruptions, anticipate patient needs, integrate varied nursing roles into their work, and communicate effectively. The significance of this study is the identification of factors that affect the nurse’s ability to work productively in today’s care environment. It increases understanding of the graduate nurses’ perception and response to the complexity and work of nursing. An understanding of these factors provides the basis for further research to understand and promote transition of nurses from advanced beginner to expert.
Connectedness in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Register M. Elizabeth , Scharer Kathleen M.
Published: August 2010

The purpose of this study was to examine the processes involved with connectedness in community-dwelling older adults, which the authors contend is quality of life from a generative perspective. Using a grounded theory approach, 12 older adults were interviewed using a semistructured interview guide. The tape-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim, categories were created to code the data, and themes were extracted. Four processes involved with connectedness in older adults were identified: (a) having something to do, (b) having relationships, (c) having a stake in the future, and (d) having a sense of continuity. Various aspects of spirituality were also apparent in each of the four processes. This study suggests that connectedness provides older adults with a mechanism to engage life in meaningful, positive, and purposeful ways.
Henipavirus: A Review of Laboratory Animal Pathology
Authors: Williamson M. M. , Torres-Velez F. J.
Published: August 2010

The genus Henipavirus contains two members—Hendra virus (HeV) and Nipah virus (NiV)—and each can cause fatal disease in humans and animals. HeV and Niv are currently classified as biosafety level 4, and NiV is classified as a category C priority pathogen. The aim of this article is to discuss the pathology of laboratory animal models of henipavirus infection and to assess their suitability as animal models for the development and testing of human therapeutics and vaccines. There has been considerable progress in the development of animal models for henipavirus disease. Suitable animal models include the golden hamster, ferrets, cats, and pigs, which develop disease resembling that observed in humans. Guinea pigs are a less reliable model for henipavirus disease, but they do develop henipavirus-induced encephalitis. Because human efficacy studies with henipaviruses are not permitted, animal studies are critical for the development of antiviral therapeutics and vaccines. Current research indicates that passive immunotherapy using monoclonal antibodies is protective of ferrets against NiV infection and that passive immunotherapy using NiV antibodies protects hamsters from HeV. Recombinant vaccines have been used to protect cats and pigs against NiV infection. Ribavirin and 6-aza-uridine were able to delay but not prevent NiV-induced mortality in hamsters. Further research is needed to develop a model and therapy for late-onset henipavirus encephalitis.
Effect of matrix modification by natural rubber on the performance of silk-reinforced polypropylene composites
Authors: Shubhra Quazi TH , Saha M. , Alam AKMM , Beg MDH , Khan Mubarak A
Published: August 2010

Silk fiber-reinforced polypropylene (PP) matrix composites were prepared by compression molding. Tensile strength, tensile modulus, bending strength, bending modulus, impact strength (IS), and hardness of the prepared composite (20 wt%) were found to be 54.7 MPa, 1826.2 MPa, 58.3 MPa, 3750.7 MPa, 17.6 kJ/m2, and 95, respectively. To improve the biodegradable character of the composite, natural rubber (NR) was blended (10, 25, and 50 wt%) with PP using extruder, and thin films were prepared by heat press for composite fabrication. Silk fiber-reinforced blended PP plus NRbased composites (20 wt% fiber) were fabricated and characterized. It was found that the mechanical properties of the composites decreased with the increase of NR in PP but IS improved significantly. The IS improved by 48% when 25% NR was incorporated in PP for the silk-based composites. The water uptake property of the composites was investigated. Degradation of all the composites was studied using simulating weathering, thermal degradation, and soil degradation tests. The study makes it clear that mechanical properties of silk/PP composites are greater than those of silk/PP plus NR composites. But silk/PP plus NR composites are more degradable than silk/PP composites, that is, silk/PP composites retain their strength for a longer period than silk/PP plus NR composites.
Recent Legal Developments: Maryland v. Shatzer: Revisiting Reinterviewing After Invoking Miranda’s Right to Counsel
Authors: Ross Darrell L. , Joline Myers Jill
Published: August 2010

A unanimous Supreme Court modified its previously strict holding forbidding reinterviewing a suspect after he invoked his right to counsel under Miranda. An initial request for an attorney no longer means that police can never reinitiate questioning. Questioning may be resumed when a suspect has returned to his normal life for some time before the later attempted interrogation. Once a break in custody occurs that is of sufficient duration to dissipate its coercive effects, it is permissible for detectives to reapproach suspects to inquire whether there is a change of heart regarding interrogation without counsel. Adequate breaks in custody suitably attenuate the inherently compelling and coercive pressures that existed during the original custodial interrogation. This decision militates against the finite Edwards presumption of an involuntary waiver of rights.
Self-Transcendence and Spiritual Well-Being in the Amish
Authors: Sharpnack Patricia A. , Quinn Griffin Mary T. , Benders Alison M. , Fitzpatrick Joyce J.
Published: August 2010

Self-transcendence, the ability to expand one’s relationship to others and the environment, has been found to provide hope which helps a person adapt and cope with illness. Spiritual well-being, the perception of health and wholeness, can boost self-confidence and self esteem. The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to describe the relationship between self-transcendence and spiritual well-being in adult Amish. A random sample of Old Order Amish was surveyed by postal mail; there were 134 respondents. Two valid and reliable questionnaires were used to measure the key variables. The participants had high levels of self-transcendence and spiritual well-being and there was a statistically significant positive relationship between the two variables. The findings from this study will increase nurses’ awareness of the holistic nature of the Amish beliefs and assist nurses in serving this population. Additional research is needed to develop further understanding of the study variables among the Amish.
Dynamics of Family Economic Hardship and the Progression of Health Problems of Husbands and Wives During the Middle Years: A Perspective From Rural Mid-West
Authors: Wickrama K.A.S. , Hwa Kwag Kyung , Lorenz Federick O. , Conger Rand D. , Surjadi Florensia F.
Published: August 2010

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of theoretically important dimensions of stability and change in economic hardship during early middle years on decade-long health problems of husbands and wives. Method: The study used prospective data collected from 360 middle-aged husbands and wives during a 12-year period. The variables included self-reported economic hardship (22 items), mental and physical health, and physical impairment. Results: The results supported the hypothesis that the dynamics of family economic hardship (in terms of stability and change) during the early middle years contribute to subsequent onset of health problems of middle-aged husbands and wives. These health problems in turn progress as an interrelated process through intrahealth-domain continuities, cross-health domain proliferations, and dyadic associations as they pass through midlife. Discussion: A better understanding of these processes may aid in the formation and effective implementation of health promotion programs for middle-aged husbands and wives.
Teratogenic effects of HESA-A, a natural anticancer product from Iran, in mice
Authors: Moallem SA , Ahmadi A. , Moshafi M. , Taghavi MM
Published: August 2010

HESA-A is a natural product containing herbal and marine animal substances, which has been patented in Iran. It has shown antioxidant, cytotoxic and anticancer effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the teratogenic effects of HESA-A in mice. HESA-A (50, 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) was administered orally to pregnant mice on days 6 to 14 of gestation. Mouse reproductive developmental toxicity study was performed according to the ICH guideline. Embryos from the treated dam were sectioned and studied for external morphological abnormalities and skeletal malformations. HESA-A at two doses (400 and 800 mg/kg) slowed weight gain of pregnant mice. These two doses of HESA-A led to reduction in uterus weight (17% and 20% for the 400 and 800 mg/kg doses, respectively), increase in post-implantation resorption (150% and 200%, respectively), reduction in fetus weight (22% and 32%, respectively) and crown-lump length (15% and 19%, respectively). HESA-A at 400 and 800 mg/kg doses caused mild external and skeletal malformation significantly higher than the normal saline group. However, higher doses caused embryo malformations such as short limbs, spinal abnormalities, dermal cysts, microphtalmia and cleft palate. According to this study, only higher doses of HESA-A, which are 20 to 40 times higher than the usual therapeutic doses based on body surface conversion, may cause embryonic toxicity. This provides a reasonable safety margin for the use of HESA-A in pregnancy. Mechanisms of these abnormalities are not clear and need to be determined.
Uncovering the Lived Experience of Well-Being
Authors: Healey-Ogden Marion J. , Austin Wendy J.
Published: August 2010

The words well-being, health, and wellness are commonly used in an interchangeable manner by health care professionals and the lay public. We undertook a hermeneutic phenomenological study of well-being and discovered a soulful strength and a rhythmic flow to this lived experience. There is a letting go that is experienced as a tension and rhythmic interchange, as in breathing. Harmony and balance lie at its foundation. Well-being requires a personal drive to exist. It is not experienced through purposeful means; rather, it is experienced in a self-forgetful way, in the free space where life unfolds and where people come to see their worlds in different ways. The results of this research suggest the experience of well-being holds a significant place within nursing practice for clients and for nurses.
Alternative View of Health Behavior: The Experience of Older Korean Women
Authors: Yang Jin Hyang , Yang Bok Sun
Published: August 2010

In this study we explored the perspectives of older Korean women on the principles and meanings of health behavior. Participants were 12 women age 65 and older, with no serious illnesses requiring hospitalization, who were living independently. We used an interpretative phenomenological approach for data collection and analysis. Seven themes emerged: (a) eating well in accordance with one’s physical requirements; (b) maintaining one’s inherited health; (c) controlling one’s illness properly; (d) maintaining good relationships with close relatives and friends; (e) being modest and free from greed; (f) staying in harmony with nature; and (g) regaining energy and vitality. These experiences were mainly based on the traditional Korean concept of health promotion, “food is medicine,” rather than on Western concepts of health promotion. In providing optimal geriatric nursing care for Korean older women, the results will be significant because they are based on older women’s traditional Korean perspectives of health promotion rather than existing perspectives of Western medicine.
Policing Views From Around the Globe: An Exploratory Study of the Views of College Students From Bangladesh, Canada, Nigeria, and the United States
Authors: Lambert Eric G. , Shanhe Jiang  , Khondaker Mahfuzul I. , Oko Elechi O. , Baker David N. , Tucker Kasey A.
Published: August 2010

Although many forces influence how the police operate and how the public views them, cross-national studies on attitudes of the police are rare; therefore, this exploratory study, which examined the views of trust in police and police civility among a convenience sample of 1,425 students from five universities in four different nations, was conducted. U.S. respondents had the highest views of trust in police and police civility, whereas Bangladeshi and Nigerian college students had the lowest levels; Canadian views were in between the other nations. Social perspectives, history of policing, and sociopolitical structure are salient factors that may contribute to differing views in different countries.
Family Nursing Research for Practice: The Finnish Perspective
Authors: Åstedt-Kurki Päivi
Published: August 2010

This article summarizes the efforts of the Department of Nursing Science, University of Tampere, Finland, to advance knowledge about family nursing over the past 15 years. Definitions of family, family nursing, and family nursing science are offered. Programs of research include families’ experiences of care received in health care settings, family violence and child maltreatment, and the psychometric development of instruments to assess family functioning and family health. Research is currently examining the effectiveness of family nursing interventions. Recommendations are offered to strengthen collaboration between family nursing researchers, educators, and practitioners at the local level and initiate greater collaboration between family researchers at the interdisciplinary and international levels.
Mitogen-activated protein kinases p38 and ERK1/2 regulated control ofMycobacterium aviumreplication in primary murine macrophages is independent of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-10
Authors: Klug Kirsten , Ehlers Stefan , Uhlig Stefan , Reiling Norbert
Published: August 2010

In macrophages, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) are critical regulators of both, mycobacterial replication and mycobacteria-induced cytokine formation. To segregate direct effects of MAPK function on mycobacterial replication from indirect, cytokine-mediated effects, we studied the growth of Mycobacterium avium strains in wild-type and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α- or interleukin (IL)-10-deficient bone marrow-derived murine macrophages. Using specific inhibitors of the p38- and the ERK1/2-MAPK pathways, we found that the use of SB203580 always reduced, whereas the presence of PD98059 always promoted, bacterial replication of highly virulent and intermediately virulent M. avium strains, independent of endogenous TNF-α or IL-10. The exogenous addition of TNF-α to TNF-α-deficient and wild-type M. avium-infected macrophages overrode the replication-reducing effect of SB203580, but not the replication-promoting effect of PD98059. In summary, our data demonstrate that a proper balance of MAPK activity is essential for macrophage control of M. avium growth, and that the ratio of the cytokines TNF-α and IL-10 can additionally modulate replication. Our findings indicate a novel therapeutic avenue for treating mycobacterial infections in particular by stimulating ERK1/2 or activating ERK1/2-dependent mechanisms in infected macrophages.
Critical Success Factors for Small Hotel Businesses in Turkey: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Avcikurt Cevdet , Altay Huseyin , Oguzhan Ilban Mehmet
Published: August 2010

Small-scale businesses play a crucial role in the economies of many developing countries like Turkey. For this reason, it is important to identify critical success factors (CSFs) for successful operation of small-scale businesses in every industry. This study identifies the factors that are critical for success in small hotel businesses. It focuses on CSFs perceived by small hotel managers/owners.The study was undertaken in the Aegean region of Turkey among 155 small hotel businesses.The empirical results indicated that the main critical factors were efficient use of the internet, service quality, financial performance, and marketing. Factor analysis showed that the use of the internet was the most important factor for small hotels. There were some different perceptions among managers/owners as to CSFs, depending on their educational background and work experience. Based on these findings, recommendations for successful small hotel operations are presented.
An antibody against the colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor depletes the resident subset of monocytes and tissue- and tumor-associated macrophages but does not inhibit inflammation
Authors: MacDonald Kelli P. A. , Palmer James S. , Cronau Stephen , Seppanen Elke , Olver Stuart , Raffelt Neil C. , Kuns Rachel , Pettit Allison R. , Clouston Andrew , Wainwright Brandon , Branstetter Dan , Smith Jeffrey , Paxton Raymond J. , Cerretti Douglas Pat , Bonham Lynn , Hill Geoffrey R. , Hume David A.
Published: August 2010

The development of the mononuclear phagocyte system requires macrophage colony-stimulating factor (CSF-1) signaling through the CSF-1 receptor (CSF1R, CD115). We examined the effect of an antibody against CSF1R on macrophage homeostasis and function using the MacGreen transgenic mouse (csf1r-enhanced green fluorescent protein) as a reporter. The administration of a novel CSF1R blocking antibody selectively reduced the CD115+Gr-1neg monocyte precursor of resident tissue macrophages. CD115+Gr-1+ inflammatory monocytes were correspondingly increased, supporting the view that monocytes are a developmental series. Within tissue, the antibody almost completely depleted resident macrophage populations in the peritoneum, gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidney, and skin, but not in the lung or female reproductive organs. CSF1R blockade reduced the numbers of tumor-associated macrophages in syngeneic tumor models, suggesting that these cells are resident type macrophages. Conversely, it had no effect on inflammatory monocyte recruitment in models, including lipopolysaccharide-induced lung inflammation, wound healing, peritonitis, and severe acute graft-versus-host disease. Depletion of resident tissue macrophages from bone marrow transplantation recipients actually resulted in accelerated pathology and exaggerated donor T-cell activation. The data indicate that CSF1R signaling is required only for the maturation and replacement of resident-type monocytes and tissue macrophages, and is not required for monocyte production or inflammatory function.
In vivo RNAi-mediated silencing of TAK1 decreases inflammatory Th1 and Th17 cells through targeting of myeloid cells
Authors: Courties Gabriel , Seiffart Virginia , Presumey Jessy , Escriou Virginie , Scherman Daniel , Zwerina Jochen , Ruiz Gisela , Zietara Natalia , Jablonska Jadwiga , Weiss Siegfried , Hoffmann Andrea , Jorgensen Christian , Apparailly Florence , Gross Gerhard
Published: August 2010

Cells from the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) act as systemic and local amplifiers that contribute to the progression of chronic inflammatory disorders. Transforming growth factor-β–activated kinase 1 (TAK1) is a pivotal upstream mitogen-activated protein kinase-kinase-kinase acting as a mediator of cytokine expression. It remains critical to determine in vivo the implication of TAK1 in controlling the innate immune system. Here, we describe a vehicle tailored to selectively deliver siRNAs into MPS cells after intravenous administration, and validate in vivo the potential of the RNAi-mediated TAK1 knock down for immunomodulation. In a mouse model of immune-mediated inflammatory disorder, we show that anti-TAK1 siRNA lipoplexes efficiently alleviate inflammation, severely impair the downstream c-Jun N-terminal kinase and nuclear factor-κB signaling pathways, and decrease the expression of proinflammatory mediators. Importantly, the systemic TAK1 gene silencing decreases the frequency of Th1 and Th17 cells, both mediating autoimmunity in experimental arthritis, demonstrating the immunomodulatory potential of TAK1. Finally, in vitro inhibition of TAK1 in myeloid cells decreases interferon-γ–producing T cells, suggesting that a delivery sys-tem able to target MPS cells and to silence TAK1 impacts on pathogenic T effector cells in autoimmunity.
Development and validation of a questionnaire to identify severe maternal morbidity in epidemiological surveys
Authors: Souza Joao P , Cecatti Jose G , Pacagnella Rodolfo C , Giavarotti Thaís M , Parpinelli Mary A , Camargo Rodrigo S , Sousa Maria H
Published: August 2010

Objective

to develop and validate a questionnaire on severe maternal morbidity and to evaluate the maternal recall of complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. Design: validity of a questionnaire as diagnostic instrument. Setting: a third level referral maternity in Campinas, Brazil. Population: 386 survivors of severe maternal complications and 123 women that delivered without major complications between 2002 and 2007.

Methods

eligible women were traced and interviewed by telephone on the occurrence of obstetric complications and events related to their treatment. Their answers were compared with their medical records as gold standard. Sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios plus their correspondent 95% confidence intervals were used as main estimators of accuracy. Main outcomes: diagnosis of severe maternal morbidity associated with past pregnancies, including hemorrhage, eclampsia, infections, jaundice and related procedures (hysterectomy, admission to ICU, blood transfusion, laparotomy, inter-hospital transfer, mechanical ventilation and post partum stay above seven days).

Results

Women did not recall accurately the occurrence of obstetric complications, especially hemorrhage and infection. The likelihood ratios were < 5 for hemorrhage and infection, while for eclampsia it almost reached 10. The information recalled by women regarding hysterectomy, intensive care unit admission and blood transfusion were found to be highly correlated with finding evidence of the event in the medical records (likelihood ratios ranging from 12.7-240). The higher length of time between delivery and interview was associated with poor recall.

Conclusion

Process indicators are better recalled by women than obstetric complication and should be considered when applying a questionnaire on severe maternal morbidity.
A systematic approach for the identification of novel, serologically reactive recombinant Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) antigens
Authors: Vizoso Pinto Maria G , Pfrepper Klaus-Ingmar , Janke Tobias , Noelting Christina , Sander Michaela , Lueking Angelika , Haas Juergen , Nitschko Hans , Jaeger Gundula , Baiker Armin
Published: August 2010

Background

Varicella-Zoster virus causes chickenpox upon primary infection and shingles after reactivation. Currently available serological tests to detect VZV-specific antibodies are exclusively based on antigens derived from VZV-infected cells.

Results

We present a systematic approach for the identification of novel, serologically reactive VZV antigens. Therefore, all VZV open reading frames were cloned into a bacterial expression vector and checked for small scale recombinant protein expression. Serum profiling experiments using purified VZV proteins and clinically defined sera in a microarray revealed 5 putative antigens (ORFs 1, 4, 14, 49, and 68). These were rearranged in line format and validated with pre-characterized sera.

Conclusions

The line assay confirmed the seroreactivity of the identified antigens and revealed its suitability for VZV serodiagnostics comparable to commercially available VZV-ELISA. Recombinant ORF68 (gE) proved to be an antigen for high-confidence determination of VZV serostatus. Furthermore, our data suggest that a serological differentiation between chickenpox and herpes zoster may be possible by analysis of the IgM-portfolio against individual viral antigens.