bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Historisk tidskrift för Finland
Authors: Beck Lassen Frank
Published: February 2010

Historisk tidskrift för Finland Vol. 92, nr. 1, 2007. Theme issue on conceptual history entitled: Concept, Language and History
The Two Faces of Contingency
Authors: Palonen Kari
Published: February 2010

The work of Pierre Rosanvallon is discussed here from the perspective of the conceptual history of “politics” (La Politique) and of “the political” (La Politique). In Rosanvallon's early work in the second half of the 1970s, there is a marked defence of the autonomy of politics, as a manifestation of contingency, against the language of “society,” then dominant in the social sciences and philosophy. Since the 1980s, Le Politique become a fashionable concept in French political thought, a phenomenon brought about by the reception of both Schmitt and Heidegger, in opposition to mere la politique. Although Rosanvallon can partly be linked to this fashion, he differs from his more philosophical colleagues in two respects: his concept of the political is more historically informed and he refrains from showing contempt for the activity of politics.
Validation of Point Spread Functions of CERES Radiometers by the Use of Lunar Observations
Authors: Priestley Kory J. , Thomas Susan , Smith G. Louis
Published: February 2010

The Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) scanning radiometers have been operating to make raster scans of the moon on a quarterly basis to validate the point response function for the three channels of flight models 1–4 aboard the Terra and Aqua spacecraft. Instrument pointing accuracy was verified by this method to 0.2° for the total channel of FM-3. The point response functions were computed from the lunar observations and were found to be nominal with the exception of the FM-2 window channel, which was found to have a region of high sensitivity. This anomaly is attributed to a delamination of the detector flake from the heat sink in that region. The influence of this anomaly is accounted for by the in-flight calibration and has no adverse effect on the application of the data.
Atmospheric Sensitivity to SST near the Kuroshio Extension during the Extratropical Transition of Typhoon Tokage*
Authors: Bond Nicholas A. , Cronin Meghan F. , Garvert Matthew
Published: February 2010

It is hypothesized that the tropical-to-extratropical transition of a cyclone in the western North Pacific can be sensitive to the underlying sea surface temperature (SST) distribution. This hypothesis was tested through a case study of Typhoon Tokage using a series of high-resolution simulations by the Weather Research Forecast (WRF) numerical weather prediction model. Simulations were carried out for a control SST distribution and for SST distributions with imposed warm and cold perturbations of 1.5°C maximum amplitude in the vicinity of the Kuroshio Extension. The simulations with the warm SST perturbation yielded a cyclone slightly weaker than in the control SST case about 2 days after transition. In contrast, the cold SST perturbation case yielded a cyclone with a central pressure 10 hPa lower than in the control case at the same point in the storm’s life cycle, apparently due to its more northward track and hence closer proximity to an approaching upper-level trough and perhaps in association with a stronger warm front. The effects of the regional SST on the simulated storms are manifested not just locally, but also cause substantial impacts on 500-hPa geopotential heights over much of the North Pacific basin. Retrospective analysis of meridional heat fluxes associated with these events using the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis was carried out for early fall (September–November) seasons with relatively warm and cool SST in the region of the imposed SST perturbations. Differences in the patterns of these fluxes between the warm and cool years are broadly consistent with the results from the warm versus cool SST simulations for Typhoon Tokage.
Apatite Containing Aspartic Acid for Selective Protein Loading
Authors: Uddin M. Hafiz , Matsumoto T. , Ishihara S. , Nakahira A. , Okazaki M. , Sohmura T.
Published: February 2010

Physico-chemical modifications of hydroxyapatite (HAp) materials are considered as pre-requisites for the development of new bioactive carrier materials for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. Since acidic amino acids have well-documented affinities to both HAp and basic proteins, HAp modified by aspartic acid (Asp, acidic amino acid) might be one of the candidate substrates for a basic protein carrier. Here, we synthesized HAp in the presence of various concentrations of Asp and observed that HAp crystallinity and other physico-chemical properties were effectively modulated. Detailed studies indicated that Asp was not incorporated in the HAp crystal lattice, but rather was trapped in HAp crystals. Protein adsorption studies indicated that the HAp particles modified by Asp had a selective loading capacity for basic protein. Therefore, HAp particles containing Asp might have potential in drug delivery applications, especially as the carrier of basic proteins including bFGF and BMP.
Explanation and Rationality Naturalized
Authors: Henderson David
Published: February 2010

Familiar accounts have it that one explains thoughts or actions by showing them to be rational. It is common to find that the standards of rationality presupposed in these accounts are drawn from what would be thought to be aprioristic sources. I advance an argument to show this must be mistaken. But, recent work in epistemology and on rationality takes a less aprioristic approach to such standards. Does the new (psychological or cognitive scientific) realism in accounts of rationality itself significantly improve the prospects for unproblematic forms of rationalizing explanation? Do earlier misgivings about rationalizing explanation ring hollow when the rationality to be attributed is “naturalized”? Answer: while explanation in terms of naturalized rationality would be free of one fatal flaw possessed by explanation in terms of rationality understood in the traditional fashion, it would yet have parallel flaws.
Distribution of Lenalidomide Into Semen of Healthy Men After Multiple Oral Doses
Authors: Chen Nianhang , Lau Henry , Choudhury Somesh , Wang Xiaomin , Assaf Mahmoud , Laskin Oscar L.
Published: February 2010

Lenalidomide is a thalidomide analog and an immunomodulatory drug with demonstrated efficacy in various hematological malignancies. The distribution of lenalidomide into semen was evaluated in healthy subjects. Twenty‐four male subjects were randomized into 4 equal groups for semen collection. All subjects received lenalidomide 25 mg once daily for 4 days. After the last dose, a single semen sample was collected from subjects, at approximately 2, 24, 72, and 168 hours for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, and serial blood sampling was performed for 24 hours in all groups. The mean lenalidomide concentration in semen was 478 ng/mL at 2 hours and 10.0 ng/mL at 24 hours, which was higher than was the corresponding drug concentration in plasma (219 ng/mL at 2 hours and undetectable at 24 hours) but roughly paralleled the time course in plasma for drug elimination. The mean amount of lenalidomide was 1379 ng/ejaculate at 2 hours and 35 ng/ejaculate at 24 hours. The maximal drug content in a single ejaculate was <2000 ng (<0.01% of the daily 25‐mg dose). Lenalidomide was undetectable in semen at 72 and 168 hours. Therefore, lenalidomide is essentially eliminated from seminal reservoirs by 72 hours postdose.
Divestiture and Firm Performance: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lee Donghun , Madhavan Ravi
Published: February 2010

While numerous empirical studies have examined the relationship between corporate divestiture and subsequent firm performance, inconsistent findings persist, suggesting the need for a quantitative synthesis and an examination of potential moderating effects. The authors conduct a meta-analysis of the divestiture-performance relationship, encompassing 650 effect sizes from 94 studies. Results indicate that across studies, corporate divestiture does positively impact subsequent performance. The analysis also suggests statistically significant moderating effects of type of performance measure, transaction format, transaction intent, and firm’s resource level. While providing a quantitative synthesis of current empirical findings, the authors call for further research to surface additional moderators to refine the knowledge concerning the link between corporate divestiture and subsequent performance.
Psychometric Properties of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale: Overall and Across Demographic Groups Living Within the United States
Authors: Sinclair Samuel J. , Blais Mark A. , Gansler David A. , Sandberg Elisabeth , Bistis Kimberly , LoCicero Alice
Published: February 2010

The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to evaluate the scaling assumptions and component structure of and present normative data for the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) using a sample of US adults (N = 503), both overall and across demographic subgroups and (b) to provide new data regarding the relationship between the two RSES subcomponents of self-competence (SC) and self-liking (SL), and other demographic and clinical variables. As hypothesized, all psychometric tests supported the underlying structure of the RSES. Overall RSES scores varied significantly across age, racial and ethnic, education, employment status, income, and marital status groups. Furthermore, differences between SC and SL were also found across groups differing in gender, age, employment status, and marital status groups. The implications and limitations of this study are discussed, with an emphasis on clinical relevance.
Quantitative and qualitative assessment of solfège in a Brazilian higher educational context
Authors: Teixeira Dos Santos Regina Antunes , Del-Ben Luciana
Published: February 2010

This article reports on the feasibility of using the assessment criteria for solfège proposed by Davidson, Scripp, and Meyaard as a way to assess a group of Brazilian undergraduate students. The experiment was carried out in 2003, with 16 first-year students in a variety of majors, each with different levels of previous music experience. The average age of the students was 20 years old. Students’ performances of solfège were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed according to the criteria proposed by Davidson and colleagues. Through the analysis, we found aspects that were not predicted by the authors. The criteria of Davidson and colleagues for quantitative and qualitative assessment were then adapted to our context and enlarged. An individual assessment form was also introduced. The results suggest that the qualitative criteria provided guidelines to the students for improving and fostering their approach to music reading procedures. Qualitative criteria also provided a consistent means of self-assessment for the students’ vocal performance.
The talent development of a musically gifted adolescent in Singapore
Authors: Ho Pauline S.K. , Chong Sylvia N.Y.
Published: February 2010

Using Gagné’s Differentiated Model of Giftedness and Talent (DMGT) as a conceptual model, this study investigated the factors that influenced the talent development process of a musically gifted adolescent in Singapore. Five macro themes emerged as key catalysts that impacted the adolescent’s talent growth: (1) natural abilities; (2) early musical experiences; (3) empowerment and motivation for success; (4) support from significant others; and (5) cultural knowledge and values. This article elucidates that musicians have access to a wealth of cultural knowledge and values that are potentially valuable to improving young musicians’ participation with and motivation in developing their musical potential. The richness of one’s cultural origins and backgrounds, which is rarely brought to the fore, are important as it affects the way a musically gifted child is ‘nurtured and socialized’. It is suggested that music educators re-examine home—school relationships to foster links between their teaching strategies and students’ lives, for a rewarding musical development process.
Simulation in perfusion: where do we go from here?
Authors: Fernandez Adam
Published: February 2010

Simulation is a common training modality used in aviation, the nuclear industry and by many medical specialties. The adoption of simulation by introductory perfusion education for beginning students and continuing medical education by cardiovascular perfusion has not kept pace with other fields and this paper explores issues connected with simulation in other professions, including training as it currently exists, access to simulator technology, and what could be achieved by utilizing simulator technology.
Understanding the Developing Role of Global Health Partnerships on Access to Medication: An STS Perspective
Authors: Zisuh Ngoasong Michael
Published: February 2010

A conceptual framework for studying the role of global health partnerships (GHPs) in determining policy practices on access to medication is presented. Although GHPs are of a practical nature, they are implicitly theory informed. The narratives used by GHP partners in relating to access to medication have theoretical origins. Building on the theoretical literature on models and the notion of embodied knowledge found in science and technology studies, GHPs are conceptualized as models that mediate between theory and practice. The proposed framework can be used to investigate the role of theory in the creation of GHP models and how the models shape global and national policy practices. A social constructivist approach is suggested as a suitable method for empirical analysis.
Cognition-Enhancing Drugs: Can We Say No?
Authors: Pasquale Frank
Published: February 2010

Normative analysis of cognition-enhancing drugs frequently weighs the liberty interests of drug users against egalitarian values. Yet those who would refuse to engage in neuroenhancement may well find their liberty to do so limited in a society where such drugs are widespread. To the extent that unvarnished emotional responses are world-disclosive, neurocosmetics also threaten to foist faulty data upon all their users. This essay examines underappreciated liberty-based and epistemic rationales for regulating cognition-enhancing drugs.
Breast Cancer Patients’ Treatment Expectations after Exposure to the Decision Aid Program Adjuvant Online: The Influence of Numeracy
Authors: Lipkus Isaac M. , Peters Ellen , Kimmick Gretchen , Liotcheva Vlayka , Marcom Paul
Published: February 2010

The decision aid called ‘‘Adjuvant Online’’ (Adjuvant! for short) helps breast cancer patients make treatment decisions by providing numerical estimates of treatment efficacy (e.g., 10-y relapse or survival). Studies exploring how patients’ numeracy interacts with the estimates provided by Adjuvant! are lacking. Pooling across 2 studies totaling 105 women with estrogen receptor—positive, early-stage breast cancer, the authors explored patients’ treatment expectations, perceived benefit from treatments, and confidence of personal benefit from treatments. Patients who were more numerate were more likely to provide estimates of cancer-free survival that matched the estimates provided by Adjuvant! for each treatment option compared with patients with lower numeracy (odds ratios of 1.6 to 2.4). As estimates of treatment efficacy provided by Adjuvant! increased, so did patients’ estimates of cancer-free survival (0.37 > rs > 0.48) and their perceptions of treatment benefit from hormonal therapy (rs = 0.28) and combined therapy (rs = 0.27). These relationships were significantly more pronounced for those with higher numeracy, especially for perceived benefit of combined therapy. Results suggest that numeracy influences a patient’s ability to interpret numerical estimates of treatment efficacy from decision aids such as Adjuvant!.
The Role of Somatotopy and Body Posture in the Integration of Texture Across the Fingers
Authors: Roberts Roberta D. , Humphreys Glyn W.
Published: February 2010

In two experiments, we investigated the automatic integration of touch across the fingers. Participants made judgments about the roughness of sequences of textures presented to one finger while simultaneously feeling textures of varying roughness with another finger (the distractor digit) on the same hand. Integration across digits was evident when the thumb and index finger were used together, whereas there was a general disruption of attention when the thumb and little finger were used together. In addition, interference was greater when the distractor digit was above the touched surface than when it was below the touched surface. These results suggest that there is integration of information across fingers when people feel textures, but that this integration pattern does not conform to a spread of activation across somatosensory maps.
Perpetually Toiling for Others
Authors: Mandal Amal
Published: February 2010

Economic compulsions coerce the vast majority of poor women workers to perform strenuous manual labour for survival. This is a report on the conditions that are debasing and discriminatory of women workers in brick production.
‘Articulating the unsaid’ via and-prefaced formulations of others’ talk
Authors: Bolden Galina B.
Published: February 2010

This article provides a conversation analytic description of a previously unstudied conversational action: ‘articulating the unsaid’ via and-prefaced formulations of other people’s talk. Contributing to the extant research on formulations and on interactional functions of discourse markers, the article shows that and-prefaced formulations accomplish a distinct conversational action that has the following features: these formulations are assertions about the addressee’s domain of knowledge that perform a repair operation in the form of a request for confirmation; they articulate a ‘missing’ element of the addressee’s preceding talk (which is, typically, an extended informing turn); what is being formulated is claimably inferable from the prior talk; moreover, such formulations extend the addressee’s course of action on his/her behalf. The article describes compositional and sequential features of and-prefaced formulations and how they shape interactional trajectories of in-progress courses of action.
Towards a conversational culture? How participants establish strategies for co-ordinating chat postings in the context of in-service training
Authors: Nilsen Mona , Mäkitalo Åsa
Published: February 2010

Within the research field of computer-mediated communication (CMC), extensive attention has been paid to the differences between CMC and spoken conversation, particularly in terms of sequential structure. In this study, the aim is to analyse how participants maintain continuity and handle discontinuities in institutionally arranged, computer-mediated communication. The empirical material consists of chat log files from in-service training courses for professionals in the food production industry. In the chat sessions we analysed, participants initially had some problems in co-ordinating their postings, that is, keeping track of the discussion’s threading.We also found, however, that methods for co-ordinating postings rather quickly were established among the participants. Two methods for making recognizable how postings were to be read were common in the material: 1) the use of personal names to address a specific participant, and 2) recycling part of the content of a previous posting or reformulating the content in the posting addressed in recognizable ways. We also found an emerging norm in their interaction: that of waiting for one’s turn.
Children’s participation and the familial moral order in family therapy
Authors: Hutchby Ian , O'Reilly Michelle
Published: February 2010

This article examines discourse practices surrounding children’s participation, non-participation, and the ‘moral order’ of the family in the setting of family therapy consultations. The analysis focuses on two central issues. First, the relationship between therapists’ questions, the speaker selection techniques built into those questions, and the responses produced by family members. Second, the relationship between turn-taking and the linguistic features of person deixis in disputes that emerge around children’s orientation to implicit accusations in the talk of other participants about them. The findings reveal how a familial ‘moral order’ is often at the root of how children’s competence as participants is managed by the parents, the therapist, and the children themselves.
An Observational Study of the Pattern of HIV Infection in a Specified Rural Area of India With Special Reference to Migratory Laborers
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Subhalakshmi , Talukdar Arunangshu , Pradip Kumar Mitra  , Ghosh Sambuddha , Maji Dipankar
Published: February 2010

Objective: Determination of the pattern of HIV/AIDS in patients attending voluntary confidential counseling and testing center (VCCTC) and prevention of parent-to-child transmission (PPTCT) center of a low-prevalence district of Eastern India. To find out high-risk group and interventional strategy for prevention. Method: Cross-sectional exploratory secondary data analysis from the VCCTC and PPTCT register. Result: Of the 1348 participants, 160 (11.86%) adults were HIV seropositive. Prevalence in males and females was 9.8% and 20.7%, respectively. Among 22 (1.63%) seropositive children, transmission was vertical in 18 (81.8%). Seventy-one (88.75%) positive adult males were migratory goldsmiths working in Mumbai and other big cities. They were clustered in a particular locality (Daspur). Conclusion: Goldsmiths migrated from Daspur to big cities are the bridge populations who are responsible for higher prevalence of HIV in their families and locality. Interventional strategies targeted at this high-risk group are suggested.
Type 2 Diabetes Risk Reduction in Overweight and Obese Adults Through Multidisciplinary Group Sessions: Effects of Meeting Attendance
Authors: Melanson Kathleen J. , Lowndes Joshua
Published: February 2010

This study evaluated the importance of attendance in a commercial weight loss program for type 2 diabetes risk reduction in normoglycemic men (n = 8) and women (n = 53) aged 25 to 50 years (38.7 ± 6.0 years), with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 to 35 kg/m2 (31.6 ± 2.3 kg/m2). The single-group 24-week intervention consisted of food, activity, and behavior modification plans within weekly meetings. Weight, waist circumference, meeting attendance, and glucose handling were measured before and after. Relationships between meeting attendance and outcomes were analyzed via Pearson correlation. Quartiles for meeting attendance were calculated (quartile 1: 30.0% ± 10.4%; quartile 2: 52.1% ± 5.8%; quartile 3: 65.5% ± 3.8%; quartile 4: 82.4% ± 4.6%), and between-group differences were assessed via 1-way analysis of variance. Meeting attendance was correlated with decreases in weight, BMI, and waist circumference (r = 0.476, 0.492, and 0.455; P = .002, .001, and .003, respectively). Quartile 1 lost significantly less weight than quartile 4 (—1.0 ± 3.5 kg vs —6.70 ± 3.58 kg). In quartiles 3 and 4, fasting insulin and HOMA-IR decreased (both P < .05), but not in quartiles 1 and 2. Fasting glucose decreased in all groups (P < .001), and glucose AUC decreased in quartiles 2, 3, and 4 (P < .001). Commercially available programs with weekly group meetings can be effective in reducing type 2 diabetes risk for overweight and obese adults, but attendance is critical.
Apoptosis induced by JAK2 inhibition is mediated by Bim and enhanced by the BH3 mimetic ABT-737 in JAK2 mutant human erythroid cells
Authors: Will Britta , Siddiqi Tanya , Jordà Meritxell Alberich , Shimamura Takeshi , Luptakova Katarina , Staber Philipp B. , Costa Daniel B. , Steidl Ulrich , Tenen Daniel G. , Kobayashi Susumu
Published: February 2010

The activating mutation JAK2 V617F plays a central role in the pathogenesis of polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and primary myelofibrosis. Inhibition of JAK2 activity leads to growth inhibition and apoptosis in cells with mutated JAK2. However, the proapoptotic proteins involved in JAK2 inhibition-induced apoptosis remain unclear. In this study, we show that JAK2 inhibition-induced apoptosis correlated with up-regulation of the nonphosphorylated form of the BH3-only protein Bim in hematopoietic cell lines bearing JAK2 mutations. Knockdown of Bim dramatically inhibited apoptosis induced by JAK2 inhibition, which was reversed by the BH3 mimetic agent ABT-737. In addition, ABT-737 enhanced the apoptosis induced by JAK2 inhibition in JAK2 V617F+ HEL and SET-2 cells. The combination of JAK inhibitor I and ABT-737 reduced the number of erythroid colonies derived from CD34+ cells isolated from JAK2 V617F+ polycythemia vera patients more efficiently than either drug alone. These data suggest that Bim is a key effector molecule in JAK2 inhibition-induced apoptosis and that targeting this apoptotic pathway could be a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with activating JAK2 mutations.
Allo-HLA reactivity of virus-specific memory T cells is common
Authors: Amir Avital L. , D'Orsogna Lloyd J. A. , Roelen Dave L. , van Loenen Marleen M. , Hagedoorn Renate S. , de Boer Renate , van der Hoorn Menno A. W. G. , Kester Michel G. D. , Doxiadis Ilias I. N. , Falkenburg J. H. Frederik , Claas Frans H. J. , Heemskerk Mirjam H. M.
Published: February 2010

Graft-versus-host disease and graft rejection are major complications of allogeneic HLA-mismatched stem cell transplantation or organ transplantation that are caused by alloreactive T cells. Because a range of acute viral infections have been linked to initiating these complications, we hypothesized that the cross-reactive potential of virus-specific memory T cells to allogeneic (allo) HLA molecules may be able to mediate these complications. To analyze the allo-HLA reactivity, T cells specific for Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, varicella zoster virus, and influenza virus were tested against a panel of HLA-typed target cells, and target cells transduced with single HLA molecules. Eighty percent of T-cell lines and 45% of virus-specific T-cell clones were shown to cross-react against allo-HLA molecules. The cross-reactivity of the CD8 and CD4 T-cell clones was directed primarily against HLA class I and II, respectively. However, a restricted number of CD8 T cells exhibited cross-reactivity to HLA class II. T-cell receptor (TCR) gene transfer confirmed that allo-HLA reactivity and virus specificity were mediated via the same TCR. These results demonstrate that a substantial proportion of virus-specific T cells exert allo-HLA reactivity, which may have important clinical implications in transplantation settings as well as adoptive transfer of third-party virus-specific T cells.
Correlating cellular and molecular signatures of mucosal immunity that distinguish HIV controllers from noncontrollers
Authors: Loke P'ng , Favre David , Hunt Peter W. , Leung Jacqueline M. , Kanwar Bittoo , Martin Jeffrey N. , Deeks Steven G. , McCune Joseph M.
Published: February 2010

HIV “controllers” are persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus, type I (HIV) who maintain long-term control of viremia without antiviral therapy and who usually do not develop the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). In this study, we have correlated results from polychromatic flow cytometry and oligonucleotide expression arrays to characterize the mucosal immune responses of these subjects in relation to untreated HIV+ persons with high viral loads and progressive disease (“noncontrollers”). Paired peripheral blood and rectosigmoid biopsies were analyzed from 9 controllers and 11 noncontrollers. Several cellular immune parameters were found to be concordant between the 2 compartments. Compared with noncontrollers, the mucosal tissues of controllers had similar levels of effector T cells and fewer regulatory T cells (Tregs). Using principal component analysis to correlate immunologic parameters with gene expression profiles, transcripts were identified that accurately distinguished between controllers and noncontrollers. Direct 2-way comparison also revealed genes that are significantly different in their expression between controllers and noncontrollers, all of which had reduced expression in controllers. In addition to providing an approach that integrates flow cytometry datasets with transcriptional profiling analysis, these results underscore the importance of the sustained inflammatory response that attends progressive HIV disease.
Differences in school environment, school policy and actions regarding overweight prevention between Dutch schools. A nationwide survey
Authors: Scholtens Salome , Middelbeek Lideke , Rutz Suzanne I , Buijs Goof , Bemelmans Wanda JE
Published: February 2010

Background

Schools are regarded as an important setting for the prevention of overweight. This study presents a nationally representative picture of the obesogenity of the school environment, the awareness of schools regarding overweight, and actions taken by the schools aiming at overweight prevention. In addition, differences between school levels were studied.

Methods

In 2006-2007, questionnaires were sent to all Dutch secondary schools (age group 12-18 years). Prevalences of the outcome variables were calculated for the schools in total and by school level. The association between school level and outcome variables were analysed by a log linear regression.

Results

Unhealthy foods and drinks are widely available at secondary schools. One third of the schools indicated that overweight has increased among students and half of the schools agreed that schools were (co)responsible for the prevention of overweight. Only 3% of the schools have a policy on overweight prevention. Small differences were observed between vocational education schools and higher education schools. The presence of vending machines did not differ by school level, but at vocational education schools, the content of the vending machines was less healthy.

Conclusion

This study describes the current situation at schools which is essential for the development and evaluation of future overweight prevention policies and interventions. In general, secondary schools are not actively involved in overweight prevention and the nutritional environment at most schools could be improved. The small differences between school levels do not give reason for a differential approach for a certain school level for overweight prevention.
Neoadjuvant multidrug chemotherapy including High-Dose Methotrexate modifies VEGF expression in Osteosarcoma: an immunohistochemical analysis
Authors: Rossi Barbara , Schinzari Giovanni , Maccauro Giulio , Scaramuzzo Laura , Signorelli Diego , Rosa Michele A , Fabbriciani Carlo , Carlo Barone
Published: February 2010

Background

Angiogenesis plays a role in the progression of osteosarcoma, as well as in other mesenchymal tumors and carcinomas, and it is most commonly assessed by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression or tumor CD31-positive microvessel density (MVD). Tumor VEGF expression is predictive of poor prognosis, and chemotherapy can affect the selection of angiogenic pattern. The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical and prognostic significance of VEGF and CD31 in osteosarcoma, both at diagnosis and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, in order to identify a potential role of chemotherapy in angiogenic phenotype.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 16 patients with high grade osteosarcoma. In each case archival pre-treatment biopsy tissue and post-chemotherapy tumor specimens were immunohistochemically stained against CD31 and VEGF, as markers of angiogenic proliferation both in newly diagnosed primary osteosarcoma and after multidrug chemotherapy including high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX). The correlation between clinicopathological parameters and the degree of tumor VEGF and CD31 expression was statistically assessed using the χ2test verified with Yates' test for comparison of two groups. Significance was set atp< 0,05.

Results

Expression of VEGF was positive in 11 cases/16 of cases at diagnosis. Moreover, 8 cases/16 untreated osteosarcomas were CD31-negative, but the other 8 showed an high expression of CD31. VEGF expression in viable tumor cells after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was observed in all cases; in particular, there was an increased VEGF expression (post-chemotherapy VEGF - biopsy VEGF) in 11 cases/16. CD31 expression increased in 11 cases/16 and decreased in 3 cases after chemotherapy. The data relating to the change in staining following chemotherapy appear statistically significant for VEGF expression (p< 0,05), but not for CD31 (p> 0,05).

Conclusions

Even if the study included few patients, these results confirm that VEGF and CD31 expression is affected by multidrug chemotherapy including HDMTX. The expression of angiogenic factors that increase microvessel density (MVD) can contribute to the penetration of chemotherapeutic drugs into the tumor in the adjuvant stage of treatment. So VEGF could have a paradoxical effect: it is associated with a poor outcome but it could be a potential target for anti-angiogenic therapy.
Training in childhood obesity management in the United States: a survey of pediatric, internal medicine-pediatrics and family medicine residency program directors
Authors: Wolff Margaret S , Rhodes Erinn T , Ludwig David S
Published: February 2010

Background

Information about the availability and effectiveness of childhood obesity training during residency is limited.

Methods

We surveyed residency program directors from pediatric, internal medicine-pediatrics (IM-Peds), and family medicine residency programs between September 2007 and January 2008 about childhood obesity training offered in their programs.

Results

The response rate was 42.2% (299/709) and ranged by specialty from 40.1% to 45.4%. Overall, 52.5% of respondents felt that childhood obesity training in residency was extremely important, and the majority of programs offered training in aspects of childhood obesity management including prevention (N = 240, 80.3%), diagnosis (N = 282, 94.3%), diagnosis of complications (N = 249, 83.3%), and treatment (N = 242, 80.9%). However, only 18.1% (N = 54) of programs had a formal childhood obesity curriculum with variability across specialties. Specifically, 35.5% of IM-Peds programs had a formal curriculum compared to only 22.6% of pediatric and 13.9% of family medicine programs (p < 0.01). Didactic instruction was the most commonly used training method but was rated as only somewhat effective by 67.9% of respondents using this method. The most frequently cited significant barrier to implementing childhood obesity training was competing curricular demands (58.5%).

Conclusions

While most residents receive training in aspects of childhood obesity management, deficits may exist in training quality with a minority of programs offering a formal childhood obesity curriculum. Given the high prevalence of childhood obesity, a greater emphasis should be placed on development and use of effective training strategies suitable for all specialties training physicians to care for children.
Elevated plasma free fatty acids increase cardiovascular risk by inducing plasma biomarkers of endothelial activation, myeloperoxidase and PAI-1 in healthy subjects
Authors: Mathew Manoj , Tay Eric , Cusi Kenneth
Published: February 2010

Background

CVD in obesity and T2DM are associated with endothelial activation, elevated plasma vascular inflammation markers and a prothrombotic state. We examined the contribution of FFA to these abnormalities following a 48-hour physiological increase in plasma FFA to levels of obesity and diabetes in a group of healthy subjects.

Methods

40 non-diabetic subjects (age = 38 ± 3 yr, BMI = 28 ± 1 kg/m2, FPG = 95 ± 1 mg/dl, HbA1c = 5.3 ± 0.1%) were admitted twice and received a 48-hour infusion of normal saline or low-dose lipid. Plasma was drawn for intracellular (ICAM-1) and vascular (VCAM-1) adhesion molecules-1, E-selectin (sE-S), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and total plasminogen inhibitor-1 (tPAI-1). Insulin sensitivity was measured by a hyperglycemic clamp (M/I).

Results

Lipid infusion increased plasma FFA to levels observed in obesity and T2DM and reduced insulin sensitivity by 27% (p = 0.01). Elevated plasma FFA increased plasma markers of endothelial activation ICAM-1 (138 ± 10 vs. 186 ± 25 ng/ml), VCAM-1 (1066 ± 67 vs. 1204 ± 65 ng/ml) and sE-S (20 ± 1 vs. 24 ± 1 ng/ml) between 13-35% and by ≥ 2-fold plasma levels of myeloperoxidase (7.5 ± 0.9 to 15 ± 25 ng/ml), an inflammatory marker of future CVD, and tPAI-1 (9.7 ± 0.6 to 22.5 ± 1.5 ng/ml), an indicator of a prothrombotic state (all p ≤ 0.01). The FFA-induced increase was independent from the degree of adiposity, being of similar magnitude in lean, overweight and obese subjects.

Conclusions

An increase in plasma FFA within the physiological range observed in obesity and T2DM induces markers of endothelial activation, vascular inflammation and thrombosis in healthy subjects. This suggests that even transient (48-hour) and modest increases in plasma FFA may initiate early vascular abnormalities that promote atherosclerosis and CVD.
Ethnomedicine and ethnobotany of fright, a Caribbean culture-bound psychiatric syndrome
Authors: Quinlan Marsha B
Published: February 2010

Background

"Fright" is an English-speaking Caribbean idiom for an illness, or ethnomedical syndrome, of persistent distress. A parallel ethnopsychiatric idiom exists in the French Antilles as sésisma. Fright is distinct from susto among Hispanics, though both develop in the wake of traumatic events. West Indian ethnophysiology (ethnoanatomy) theorizes that an overload of stressful emotions (fear, panic, anguish or worry) causes a cold humoral state in which blood coagulates causing prolonged distress and increased risks of other humorally cold illnesses.

Methods

Qualitative data on local explanatory models and treatment of fright were collected using participant-observation, informal key informant interviews and a village health survey. Ethnobotanical and epidemiological data come from freelist (or "free-list") tasks, analyzed for salience, with nearly all adults (N = 112) of an eastern village in Dominica, and a village survey on medicinal plant recognition and use (N = 106).

Results

Along with prayer and exercise, three herbs are salient fright treatments: Gossypium barbadense L., Lippia micromera Schauer, and, Plectranthus [Coleus] amboinicus [Loureiro] Sprengel. The survey indicated that 27% of village adults had medicated themselves for fright. Logistic regression of fright suffering onto demographic variables of age, education, gender, parental status and wealth measured in consumer goods found age to be the only significant predictor of having had fright. The probability of having (and medicating for) fright thus increases with every year.

Conclusions

While sufferers are often uncomfortable recalling personal fright experiences, reporting use of medicinal plants is less problematic. Inquiry on fright medical ethnobotany (or phytotherapies) serves as a proxy measurement for fright occurrence. Cross-cultural and ethnopharmacology literature on the medicinal plants suggests probable efficacy in accord with Dominican ethnomedical notions of fright. Further, the cultural salience and beliefs about these medicines may give these medications extra psychoneuroimmune (i.e. mind-body) benefits, or placebo-like effects, for this stress-related folk illness.
Neurofibromatosis of the nipple-areolar area: a case series
Authors: Bongiorno Maria Rita , Doukaki Spyridoula , Aricò Mario
Published: February 2010

Introduction

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is an autosomal dominant disorder that occurs across all ethnic groups and affects approximately one in 4000 individuals. One of the most noticeable characteristics of the disease is the development of neurofibromas.

Case presentation

A total of 258 patients (131 women, 127 men) with neurofibromatosis type 1 were evaluated between 1994 and 2004 in our hospital's dermatology department. Nine patients (3.45%, 95% confidence limits 1.22 to 5.68) had neurofibromas of the breast. One of these nine patients presented with an extensive congenital plexiform neurofibroma in the outer quadrants of her right breast, extending to the nipple-areolar complex. Meanwhile, three patients had more than one neurofibroma on the nipple-areolar complexes. Three patients had a family history of neurofibroma. Over the years 1994 to 2004, the cutaneous lesions were not associated with any malignancies. Presenting symptoms were related to conditions such as increasing size of the mass, and associated loss of function and pain.

Conclusions

This study suggests that the changes are limited to particular subgroups. That neurofibromatosis is more prevalent in women (7 women and 2 men) suggests that being female could be a susceptibility factor for the development of neurofibromas of the nipple-areolar complexes. There are few reports in the literature describing breast carcinomas in association with von Recklinghausen disease. It has been speculated that the presence of multiple neurofibromas of the breast may obscure a breast mass at palpation, leading to a delay in clinical detection. We suggest that patients with neurofibromas of the breast have more rigorous clinical and mammographic screening of the breast during adulthood to determine the presence or absence of malignancies. The finding that both the neurofibromatosis type 1 gene and a breast cancer predisposition gene are located in close proximity on chromosome 17q makes the association of these two conditions intriguing.
Gene Expression Profiling Uncovers Molecular Classifiers for the Recognition of Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma Within Peripheral T-Cell Neoplasms
Authors: Piva Roberto , Agnelli Luca , Pellegrino Elisa , Todoerti Katia , Grosso Valentina , Tamagno Ilaria , Fornari Alessandro , Martinoglio Barbara , Medico Enzo , Zamò Alberto , Facchetti Fabio , Ponzoni Maurilio , Geissinger Eva , Rosenwald Andreas , Müller-Hermelink Hans Konrad , De Wolf-Peeters Christiane , Piccaluga Pier Paolo , Pileri Stefano , Neri Antonino , Inghirami Giorgio
Published: February 2010

Purpose

To unravel the regulatory network underlying nucleophosmin-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (NPM-ALK) –mediated lymphomagenesis of anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) and to discover diagnostic genomic classifiers for the recognition of patients with ALK-positive and ALK-negative ALCL among T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (T-NHL).

Patients and Methods

The transcriptome of NPM-ALK–positive ALCL cell lines was characterized by silencing the expression of ALK or STAT3, a major effector of ALK oncogenic activity. Gene expression profiling (GEP) was performed in a series of systemic primary T-NHL (n = 70), including a set of ALK-positive and ALK-negative ALCL (n = 36). Genomic classifiers for ALK-positive and ALK-negative ALCL were generated by prediction analyses and validated by quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and/or immunohistochemistry.

Results

In ALCL cell lines, two thirds of ALK-regulated genes were concordantly dependent on STAT3 expression. GEP of systemic primary T-NHL significantly clustered ALK-positive ALCL samples in a separate subgroup, underscoring the relevance of in vitro ALK/STAT3 signatures. A set of genomic classifiers for ALK-positive ALCL and for ALCL were identified by prediction analyses. These gene clusters were instrumental for the distinction of ALK-negative ALCL from peripheral T-cell lymphomas not otherwise specified (PTCLs-NOS) and angioimmunoblastic lymphomas.

Conclusion

We proved that experimentally controlled GEP in ALCL cell lines represents a powerful tool to identify meaningful signaling networks for the recognition of systemic primary T-NHL. The identification of a molecular signature specific for ALCL suggests that these T-NHLs may represent a unique entity discernible from other PTCLs, and that a restricted number of genes can be instrumental for clinical stratification and, possibly, therapy of T-NHL.
Aspirin Intake and Survival After Breast Cancer
Authors: Holmes Michelle D. , Chen Wendy Y. , Li Lisa , Hertzmark Ellen , Spiegelman Donna , Hankinson Susan E.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

Animal and in vitro studies suggest that aspirin may inhibit breast cancer metastasis. We studied whether aspirin use among women with breast cancer decreased their risk of death from breast cancer.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study based on responses from 4,164 female registered nurses in the Nurses' Health Study who were diagnosed with stages I, II, or III breast cancer between 1976 and 2002 and were observed until death or June 2006, whichever came first. The main outcome was breast cancer mortality risk according to number of days per week of aspirin use (0, 1, 2 to 5, or 6 to 7 days) first assessed at least 12 months after diagnosis and updated.

Results

There were 341 breast cancer deaths. Aspirin use was associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer death. The adjusted relative risks (RRs) for 1, 2 to 5, and 6 to 7 days of aspirin use per week compared with no use were 1.07 (95% CI, 0.70 to 1.63), 0.29 (95% CI, 0.16 to 0.52), and 0.36 (95% CI, 0.24 to 0.54), respectively (test for linear trend, P < .001). This association did not differ appreciably by stage, menopausal status, body mass index, or estrogen receptor status. Results were similar for distant recurrence. The adjusted RRs were 0.91 (95% CI, 0.62 to 1.33), 0.40 (95% CI, 0.24 to 0.65), and 0.57 (95% CI, 0.39 to 0.82; test for trend, P = .03) for 1, 2 to 5, and 6 to 7 days of aspirin use, respectively.

Conclusion

Among women living at least 1 year after a breast cancer diagnosis, aspirin use was associated with a decreased risk of distant recurrence and breast cancer death.
Significant and Sustained Antitumor Activity in Post-Docetaxel, Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer With the CYP17 Inhibitor Abiraterone Acetate
Authors: Reid Alison H.M. , Attard Gerhardt , Danila Daniel C. , Oommen Nikhil Babu , Olmos David , Fong Peter C. , Molife L. Rhoda , Hunt Joanne , Messiou Christina , Parker Christopher , Dearnaley David , Swennenhuis Joost F. , Terstappen Leon W.M.M. , Lee Gloria , Kheoh Thian , Molina Arturo , Ryan Charles J. , Small Eric , Scher Howard I. , de Bono Johann S.
Published: February 2010

Purpose

The principal objective of this trial was to evaluate the antitumor activity of abiraterone acetate, an oral, specific, irreversible inhibitor of CYP17 in docetaxel-treated patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).

Patients and Methods

In this multicenter, two-stage, phase II study, abiraterone acetate 1,000 mg was administered once daily continuously. The primary end point was achievement of a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) decline of ≥ 50% in at least seven of 35 patients. Per an attained phase II design, more than 35 patients could be enrolled if the primary end point was met. Secondary objectives included: PSA declines of ≥ 30% and ≥ 90%; rate of RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors) responses and duration on study; time to PSA progression; safety and tolerability; and circulating tumor cell (CTC) enumeration.

Results

Docetaxel-treated patients with CRPC (N = 47) were enrolled. PSA declines of ≥ 30%, ≥ 50% and ≥ 90% were seen in 68% (32 of 47), 51% (24 of 47), and 15% (seven of 47) of patients, respectively. Partial responses (by RECIST) were reported in eight (27%) of 30 patients with measurable disease. Median time to PSA progression was 169 days (95% CI, 113 to 281 days). The median number of weeks on study was 24, and 12 (25.5%) of 47 patients remained on study ≥ 48 weeks. CTCs were enumerated in 34 patients; 27 (79%) of 34 patients had at least five CTCs at baseline. Eleven (41%) of 27 patients had a decline from at least five to less than 5 CTCs, and 18 (67%) of 27 had a ≥ 30% decline in CTCs after starting treatment with abiraterone acetate. Abiraterone acetate was well tolerated.

Conclusion

Abiraterone acetate has significant antitumor activity in post-docetaxel patients with CRPC. Randomized, phase III trials of abiraterone acetate are underway to define the future role of this agent.