bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bone marrow and tumor cell colony-forming units and human tumor xenograft efficacy of noncamptothecin and camptothecin topoisomerase I inhibitors
Authors: Kurtzberg Leslie S. , Battle Traci , Rouleau Cecile , Bagley Rebecca G. , Agata Naoki , Yao Min , Schmid Steven , Roth Stephanie , Crawford Jennifer , Krumbholz Roy , Ewesuedo Reginald , Yu Xian-Jie , Wang Fei , LaVoie Edmond J. , Teicher Beverly A.
Published: October 2008

Topoisomerase I (TopoI), an established anticancer target, is an enzyme producing a single-strand DNA break during transcription. Several noncamptothecin TopoI inhibitors have been identified. One of these, ARC-111, was compared with two clinically used camptothecins, topotecan and irinotecan/SN-38. In mouse and human bone marrow colony formation [colony-forming units granulocyte-macrophage (CFU-GM)] assays, the IC90 values were 519 and 331 nmol/L for topotecan and SN-38 mouse CFU-GM and were 19 and 26 nmol/L for human CFU-GM, giving mouse to human differentials of 28- and 13-fold. ARC-111 produced IC90 values of 28 nmol/L in mouse and 6.2 nmol/L in human CFU-GM, thus only a 4.5-fold differential between species. Human bone marrow CFU-GM was more sensitive to topotecan than were several human cancer cell lines, but ARC-111 cytotoxicity was similar for human bone marrow CFU-GM and the seven human tumor cell lines tested. In HCT-116 xenografts, tumor growth delays (TGD) were 17 days for irinotecan and 20 days for ARC-111. In HT-29 xenografts, the TGD was 9 days for both irinotecan and ARC-111. Both ARC-111 and docetaxel had a TGD of 21 days in NCI-H460 xenografts, and both ARC-111 and gemcitabine had a TGD of 7 days in MiaPaCa2 xenograft. Current TopoI inhibitors have broad antitumor activity in human tumor xenografts that is not achieved in the clinic. This may be due to greater sensitivity of human bone marrow than mouse to the cytotoxicity of these agents. It may be possible to achieve similar levels of ARC-111 in patients as in mice allowing improved antitumor activity. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(10):3212–22]
Distribution and bioactivity of the Ret-specific D4 aptamer in three-dimensional collagen gel cultures
Authors: Vento Maria Teresa , Iuorio Marco , Netti Paolo A. , Ducongè Frederic , Tavitian Bertrand , Franciscis Vittoriode , Cerchia Laura
Published: October 2008

The success of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in cancer therapy prompted intensive research efforts addressed to the development of new specific diagnostics and therapeutics. Targeting large transmembrane molecules, including receptor tyrosine kinases, is a major pharmacologic challenge. The D4 RNA-aptamer, isolated applying the Systematic Evolution of Ligand by Exponential Enrichment procedure on living cells, has been proven a specific inhibitor of the human receptor tyrosine kinase Ret. In our attempts to generate new powerful probes for in vivo applications, in the present study, we addressed the ability of D4 to preserve its biological activity in cells embedded in three-dimensional collagen gels. These matrices provide a microenvironment mimicking the cell organization as seen in vivo, thus representing a suitable tool to approach the use of the aptamer in vivo. By taking advantage of transformed fibroblasts expressing Ret as a model system, we showed that the cells maintain normal phenotype and growth patterns when cultured in three-dimensional matrices and that the D4 aptamer preserves its ability to inhibit Ret on the surface of the cells embedded in collagen. Because the biological activity of RNA aptamers is largely dictated by their folded structure, the results indicate that a folded conformation of D4 responsible of its inhibiting function is preserved in the three-dimensional constructs, thus supporting its use in tumors in vivo. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(10):3381–8]
Asparagine synthetase is a predictive biomarker ofl-asparaginase activity in ovarian cancer cell lines
Authors: Lorenzi Philip L. , Llamas Jenny , Gunsior Michele , Ozbun Laurent , Reinhold William C. , Varma Sudhir , Ji Helen , Kim Hijoo , Hutchinson Amy A. , Kohn Elise C. , Goldsmith Paul K. , Birrer Michael J. , Weinstein John N.
Published: October 2008

We recently used RNA interference to show that a negative correlation of l-asparaginase (l-ASP) chemotherapeutic activity with asparagine synthetase (ASNS) expression in the ovarian subset of the NCI-60 cell line panel is causal. To determine whether that relationship would be sustained in a larger, more diverse set of ovarian cell lines, we have now measured ASNS mRNA expression using microarrays and a branched-DNA RNA assay, ASNS protein expression using an electrochemiluminescent immunoassay, and l-ASP activity using an MTS assay on 19 human ovarian cancer cell lines. Contrary to our previous findings, l-ASP activity was only weakly correlated with ASNS mRNA expression; Pearson's correlation coefficients were r = -0.21 for microarray data and r = -0.39 for the branched-DNA RNA assay, with just the latter being marginally statistically significant (P = 0.047, one-tailed). ASNS protein expression measured by liquid-phase immunoassay exhibited a much stronger correlation (r = -0.65; P = 0.0014, one-tailed). We conclude that ASNS protein expression measured by immunoassay is a strong univariate predictor of l-ASP activity in ovarian cancer cell lines. These findings provide rationale for evaluation of ASNS protein expression as a predictive biomarker of clinical l-ASP activity in ovarian cancer. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(10):3123–8]
An Autocrine VEGF/VEGFR2 and p38 Signaling Loop Confers Resistance to 4-Hydroxytamoxifen in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Aesoy Reidun , Sanchez Betzabe Chavez , Norum Jens Henrik , Lewensohn Rolf , Viktorsson Kristina , Linderholm Barbro
Published: October 2008

Tamoxifen, a partial estrogen receptor antagonist, is part of the standard treatment of both primary and advanced breast cancers. However, significant proportions of breast cancers are either de novo resistant or develop tamoxifen resistance during the course of treatment through mechanisms which have been only partly characterized. We have previously found that high vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) expression and concomitant high p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activity within breast cancers predict a poor outcome for tamoxifen-treated patients. Here, we have molecularly dissected how VEGF/VEGFR2 and p38 are linked, and contribute to tamoxifen resistance within breast cancer using a MCF-7 BC cell model with different 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT) responsiveness. We report that MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines with tamoxifen resistance have increased secretion of VEGF and increased signaling through VEGFR2 compared with parental MCF-7 cells. 4-OHT treatment caused the ablation of VEGF secretion in parental MCF-7 cells, whereas in the tamoxifen-resistant subline, a VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling loop was still evident upon treatment. Increased basal levels of total and phosphorylated p38 were observed in tamoxifen-resistant cells. Pharmacologic inhibition of p38 reduced the proliferation of both tamoxifen-responsive and tamoxifen-resistant cells and showed an additive growth-inhibitory effect in combination with 4-OHT. A connection between VEGF/VEGFR2 and p38 signaling was identified by VEGF and VEGFR2 knockdown, which equally reduced both the total and the active forms of p38 in tamoxifen-resistant cells. Taken together, our results suggest that decreased sensitivity to 4-OHT is caused by a death-protecting VEGF/VEGFR2 and p38 growth factor loop in breast cancer cells. Inhibition of these signaling pathways may be beneficial to overcome tamoxifen resistance. (Mol Cancer Res 2008;6(10):1630–8)
Bone Morphogenetic Protein-9 Induces Apoptosis in Prostate Cancer Cells, the Role of Prostate Apoptosis Response-4
Authors: Ye Lin , Kynaston Howard , Jiang Wen G.
Published: October 2008

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) have been implicated in the development of bone metastases in prostate cancer. In this study, we investigated the role which BMP-9 played in prostate cancer and found that the expression of BMP-9 was decreased or absent in prostate cancer, particularly in the foci of higher grade disease. We further investigated the influence of BMP-9 on the biological behaviors of prostate cancer cells. The forced overexpression of BMP-9 prevented the in vitro growth, cell-matrix adhesion, invasion, and migration of prostate cancer cells. We also elucidated that BMP-9 induced apoptosis in PC-3 cells through the up-regulation of prostate apoptosis response-4. Among the receptors which have been implicated in the signaling of BMP-9, BMPR-IB and BMPR-II have also been implicated in the development and progression of prostate cancer. Knockdown of BMPR-IB or BMPR-II using respective hammerhead ribozyme transgenes could promote cell growth in vitro. We also found that BMPR-II is indispensable for the Smad-dependent signal transduction by BMP-9 in PC-3 cells, in which Smad-1 was phosphorylated and translocated from the cytoplasm into the nuclei. Taken together, BMP-9 inhibits the growth of prostate cancer cells due to the induced apoptosis, which is related to an up-regulation of prostate apoptosis response-4 through a Smad-dependent pathway. BMP-9 could also prevent the migration and invasiveness of prostate cancer. This suggests that BMP-9 may function as a tumor suppressor and apoptosis regulator in prostate cancer. (Mol Cancer Res 2008;6(10):1594–1606)
Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Evaluation in Open-Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Polo Vicente , Larrosa Jose M. , Ferreras Antonio , Mayoral Francesca , Pueyo Victoria , Honrubia Francisco M.
Published: October 2008

Purpose: To determine the optimum criteria for optical coherence tomography (OCT) to discriminate best between healthy and glaucomatous eyes. Design: A prospective cross-sectional study. Methods: In total, 164 eyes selected from clinical practice were included in this study. These were classified into 98 healthy and 66 glaucomatous eyes, depending on the intraocular pressure, appearance of the optic disc and standard automated perimetry results. Only 1 eye per subject was randomly included. The retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) was evaluated by means of OCT (Stratus OCT 3000). The sensitivity and specificity values of different diagnostic criteria (4 abnormal quadrants and 1–5 abnormal clock-hours) were calculated with different probability levels (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01). Results: The criterion with the best sensitivity-specificity balance was the presence of ≥2 hour positions with an RNFL thickness outside of the 95% confidence interval (CI; sensitivity = 77.2%, specificity = 91.9%). For the 99% CI, the best criterion was the presence of at least 1 abnormal hour position (sensitivity = 71.2%, specificity = 91%). Regarding retinal quadrants, the presence of at least 1 quadrant with RNFL thickness outside of the CI was the criterion that best discriminated the existence of glaucomatous damage. Conclusions: The definition of diagnostic criteria based on OCT structural parameters may improve its diagnostic ability. The highest diagnostic ability was provided by the presence of at least 2 hour positions or RNFL average thickness outside the 95% CI.
Transconjunctival 20-Gauge Vitrectomy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Aguni Jonathan Seiji , Meyer Carsten H. , Rodrigues Eduardo B.
Published: October 2008

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of a novel technique for a ‘transconjunctival 20-gauge vitrectomy’ (T20V). Methods: In total, 12 eyes of 12 consecutive patients were included in a prospective study. The mean age was 58 years (range: 38–74 years); 4 patients were male and 8 were female. The T20V was indicated when short-duration vitrectomy was envisioned: macular surgery for macular hole and epiretinal membrane therapy, moderate vitreous hemorrhage due to retina vein occlusions or diabetic retinopathy, or neurotomy for central retinal vein occlusion. Results: The average time for each procedure was 35 ± 30 min (SD). The preoperative visual acuity ranged from 20/200 to hand motions, while postoperative vision was between 20/30 and counting fingers. The average intraocular pressure changed from 16.1 ± 5.6 mm Hg preoperatively to 15.8 ± 8.1 mm Hg in the first postoperative day, and 17.8 ± 9.4 mm Hg 1 week after surgery – these differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Subjective postoperative pain and foreign body sensation at postoperative day 1 and week 1 were mild to moderate. The chemosis observed 1 h after surgery was minimal, and disappeared quickly during the 1-week follow-up. Conclusion: The T20V is suitable to perform short-duration vitrectomy surgery, and has a low rate of ocular complications, similar to 25- or 23-gauge sutureless vitrectomy systems.
Intravitreal Bevacizumab (Avastin) for Choroidal Neovascularization in Angioid Streaks: A Case Series
Authors: Donati M. Carla , Virgili Gianni , Bini Alessandro , Giansanti Fabrizio , Rapizzi Emilio , Giacomelli Giovanni , Menchini Ugo
Published: October 2008

Background: Intravitreal (IV) bevacizumab (Avastin®, Roche), initially used for the off-label treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), has extended itself to treat various ocular pathologies such as choroidal neovascularization not associated to AMD. Methods: IV bevacizumab 1,25 mg (Avastin) was used in the treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in 6 eyes of 5 patients with angioid streaks. All cases had a history of photodynamic treatment (PDT) or laser treatment and all showed progressive worsening despite the use of these therapies. Results: After injection patients were followed up at nearly 2-month intervals. IV Avastin was repeated in case of recurrence. Three eyes were treated combining PDT and IV Avastin. Cases were followed up for 7–14 months. All patients needed more IV injections. Five out of 6 eyes showed an improvement of BCVA and a slight reduction of leakage and size with FA. Conclusion: This small series suggests that IV Avastin might be useful in the treatment of CNV due to AS.
Foveal Thickness Can Predict Visual Outcome in Patients with Persistent Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Authors: Furuta Minoru , Iida Tomohiro , Kishi Shoji
Published: October 2008

Aims: To evaluate relationships between visual prognosis and foveal thickness measured by optical coherence tomography in patients with unilateral persistent central serous chorioretinopathy. Methods: Fifteen eyes of fifteen patients with symptoms for more than 6 months were evaluated on visual acuity and foveal thickness before and after foveal reattachment. Results: Mean age was 49.7 years (range 34–69), symptoms prolonged for 21.8 months (7–36), logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR) was 0.27 (decimal visual acuity 0.53). After foveal reattachment, LogMAR was 0.16 (0.69). Final foveal thickness (mean 109 μm) was thinner than that of initial presentation (151 μm) and unaffected fellow eye (144 μm). Thicker initial foveal thickness compared with fellow eyes had good visual prognosis of 1.0 or more (p = 0.0046). Final visual acuity correlated with initial (r = –0.73) and final (r = –0.81) foveal thickness. Conclusions: Foveal thickness can be a factor predictive of visual outcome in patients with persistent central serous chorioretinopathy.
The Molecular Interactions between Filtered Proteins and Proximal Tubular Cells in Proteinuria
Authors: Baines Richard J. , Brunskill Nigel J.
Published: October 2008

Proteinuria is associated with progressive chronic kidney disease and poor cardiovascular outcomes. Exposure of proximal tubular epithelial cells to excess proteins leads to the development of proteinuric nephropathy with tubular atrophy, interstitial inflammation and scarring. Numerous signalling pathways are activated in proximal tubular epithelial cells under proteinuric conditions resulting in gene transcription, altered growth and the secretion of inflammatory and profibrotic mediators. Megalin, the proximal tubular scavenger receptor for filtered macromolecules, has intrinsic signalling functions and may also link albumin to growth factor receptor signalling via regulated intramembrane proteolysis. It now seems that endocytosis is not always a prerequisite for albumin-evoked alterations in proximal tubular cell phenotype. Recent evidence shows the presence of other potential receptors for proteins, such as the neonatal Fc receptor and CD36, in the proximal tubular epithelium.
Intravitreal Bevacizumab versus Triamcinolone Acetonide for Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Jonas Jost B. , Ihloff Anna K. , Harder Bjoern , Kreissig Ingrid , Schlichtenbrede Frank , Libondi Teodosio , Spandau Ulrich H.M. , Vossmerbaeumer Urs
Published: October 2008

Background: To compare an intravitreal high-dose injection of triamcinolone acetonide with an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab for the treatment of progressive exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Method: The comparative nonrandomized retrospective clinical interventional study included 305 patients with progressive AMD, divided into a bevacizumab group of 36 patients (1.5 mg bevacizumab) and a triamcinolone group of 269 patients (about 20 mg triamcinolone). All patients were consecutively included, in the first phase of the study for triamcinolone, and in the second phase of the study for bevacizumab. The mean follow-up was 8.5 ± 6.8 months (2–35.7 months). Results: In the bevacizumab group, best visual acuity increased significantly (p < 0.001) by 3.2 ± 3.4 Snellen lines, with 25 (69%) eyes and 21 (58%) eyes, improving by at least 2 and 3 Snellen lines, respectively. In the triamcinolone group, the visual acuity change was not statistically significant for any specific follow-up examination within the first 3 months. The maximal increase in visual acuity, the visual acuity change at 2 months after injection and the percentage of patients with an improvement by at least 2 and 3 Snellen lines were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in the bevacizumab group than in the triamcinolone group. Intraocular pressure increased significantly (p < 0.001) in the triamcinolone group and did not change significantly (p = 0.47) in the bevacizumab group. Conclusion: In exudative AMD, intravitreal bevacizumab (1.5 mg) compared with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (about 20 mg) results in a higher improvement of visual acuity and does not markedly influence intraocular pressure within 2 months after injection.
Impact of Impaired Executive Function on Gait Stability
Authors: Allali Gilles , Assal Frederic , Kressig Reto W. , Dubost Veronique , Herrmann Francois R. , Beauchet Olivier
Published: October 2008

Background: Executive dysfunction contributes to gait changes, but the precise mechanisms are still poorly understood. Dual-task-related gait changes depend in part on the capacity to appropriately allocate attention between tasks performed simultaneously and are mainly related to executive deficits. This study aimed to describe the impact of dysexecutive function on gait stability in subjects with dementia using dual tasking. Methods: Mean values and coefficients of variation of stride time while only walking and while walking and backward counting (dual tasking) were measured using the GAITRite® System in 18 subjects with dementia and impaired executive function (IEF), in 16 subjects with dementia and intact executive function, and in 22 nondemented subjects as controls. Results: Stride time, and particularly its variability, significantly increased while performing dual tasking (p < 0.05). IEF was related to both stride time and stride time variability during walking only and to even more gait changes, while dual tasking compared to nondemented subjects and demented subjects without IEF. Conclusions: These findings confirm the role of executive function in dual tasking, but also strongly suggest their importance for gait stability.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type II: Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings
Authors: Solopova Alina , Wisser Josef , Huisman Thierry A.G.M.
Published: October 2008

We describe the prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in a 25-week-old fetus with proven osteogenesis imperfecta type II. Fetal MRI findings are correlated with prenatal ultrasonography, conventional x-ray fetography and postpartal findings. Fetal MRI proves to be superior to conventional fetography in the evaluation of the skeletal findings. The high soft tissue resolution, the large field of view and the multiplanar imaging make it possible to study the non-ossified fetal skeleton in detail. Compared to prenatal ultrasonography, fetal MRI gives important additional information about the expected lung functionality by estimating fetal lung volume and signal intensity and rules out possible additional abnormalities of major fetal organs. These parameters may serve as valuable, additional prognostic markers in the prenatal diagnostic work-up.
Attitude of the Population of German Origin in the South East of Spain toward Living Kidney Donation
Authors: Ríos Antonio , Martínez-Alarcón Laura , Sánchez José , Jarvis Nicholas , Guzmán Dolores , Parrilla Pascual , Ramírez Pablo
Published: October 2008

Background: There is an increasing population of German origin living in the South East of Spain. Objective: To analyze the attitude toward living kidney donation in this population subgroup. Methods: A sample of German residents in the South East of Spain was taken randomly (n = 250) (November 2005–April 2006). Attitude was evaluated using a validated questionnaire. The survey was self-administered and completed anonymously. The control group comprised native Spanish citizens (n = 500). Results: The questionnaire completion rate was 87% (n = 218). Most respondents (92%, n = 201) are in favor of living-related donation. The following variables are related to attitude to donation: (1) marital status of the respondent (p = 0.002); (2) level of education (p < 0.001); (3) attitude toward cadaveric donation (p = 0.005); (4) having had previous experience with the donation and transplantation process (p < 0.001); (5) the respondent’s religion (p = 0.002); (6) the risk that they believe is involved in living kidney donation (p = 0.001), and (7) concern about ‘mutilation’ that could be caused by living donation (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Attitude toward related living kidney donation of German residents in the South East of Spain is favorable and is closely related to attitude toward cadaveric donation, fear of the after-effects of this type of donation and religious attitude.
Upregulation of β3-Adrenergic Receptor mRNA in Human Colon Cancer: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Perrone Maria Grazia , Notarnicola Maria , Caruso Maria Gabriella , Tutino Valeria , Scilimati Antonio
Published: October 2008

Objective: Tumor cell proliferation and migration, as well as metastasis formation, can be affected by several neurotransmitters, which therefore seem to be involved in the most important aspects of the malignant phenotype. In particular, modified β-adrenergic functions seem to be associated with proliferative alterations of numerous cancer cell lines. Pharmacological modulation of β-adrenoceptors (β-ARs) affects tumor cell growth in several experimental systems, and inhibition of metastasis formation by β-AR antagonists in in vivo models has recently been reported. Initial epidemiological studies have provided evidence that β-blockers can reduce cancer incidence, thus suggesting a possible role also in cancer prevention. Methods: Colorectal mucosa and cancer tissue were obtained from 41 patients. Specimens were taken within 1 h after the surgical procedure and stored at –80°C until assayed. The gene expression of β1-, β2- and β3-ARs in cancer tissue and normal surrounding mucosa was measured by real-time PCRs. Results: Comparable levels of β1- and β2-AR mRNA were found to be expressed in normal mucosa and cancer tissues. A significant difference in β3-AR mRNA levels between normal mucosa and cancer tissues was found, with β3-AR mRNA expression being twice as high in cancer tissue than normal mucosa. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that β3-AR mRNA is upregulated in human colon cancer, thus suggesting the possible involvement of β3-AR in malignant transformation in the human colon.
Validation of TRMM Precipitation Radar through Comparison of Its Multiyear Measurements with Ground-Based Radar
Authors: Liao Liang , Meneghini Robert
Published: October 2008

A procedure to accurately resample spaceborne and ground-based radar data is described and then is applied to the measurements taken from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) precipitation radar (PR) and the ground-based Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D or WSR) for the validation of the PR measurements and estimates. Through comparisons with the well-calibrated, nonattenuated WSR at Melbourne, Florida, for the period 1998–2007, the calibration of the PR aboard the TRMM satellite is checked using measurements near the storm top. Analysis of the results indicates that the PR, after taking into account differences in radar reflectivity factors between the PR and WSR, has a small positive bias of 0.8 dB relative to the WSR, implying a soundness of the PR calibration in view of the uncertainties involved in the comparisons. Comparisons between the PR and WSR reflectivities are also made near the surface for evaluation of the attenuation-correction procedures used in the PR algorithms. It is found that the PR attenuation is accurately corrected in stratiform rain but is underestimated in convective rain, particularly in heavy rain. Tests of the PR estimates of rainfall rate are conducted through comparisons in the overlap area between the TRMM overpass and WSR scan. Analyses of the data are made both on a conditional basis, in which the instantaneous rain rates are compared only at those pixels at which both the PR and WSR detect rain, and an unconditional basis, in which the area-averaged rain rates are estimated independently for the PR and WSR. Results of the conditional rain comparisons show that the PR-derived rain is about 9% greater and 19% less than the WSR estimates for stratiform and convective storms, respectively. Overall, the PR tends to underestimate the conditional mean rain rate by 8% for all rain categories, a finding that conforms to the results of the area-averaged rain (unconditional) comparisons.
Disparities in the Educational Success of Immigrants: An Assessment of the Immigrant Effect for Asians and Latinos
Authors: Harris Angel L. , Jamison Kenneth M. , Trujillo Monica H.
Published: October 2008

This study employs nationally representative data to determine how immigrants from the largest immigrant groups within the United States (i.e., Asians and Latinos) compare to whites on a wide range of educational outcomes. The authors also examine the extent to which socioeconomic background and immigrant characteristics explain racial/ethnic difference in academic outcomes. In addition, this study includes analyses that omit whites and compare immigrants to their nonimmigrant counterparts. Previous studies typically use whites as a basis for comparison, which the authors argue may not be appropriate for isolating the immigrant effect on scholastic outcomes. Findings show Asian immigrants have better educational outcomes than whites, which is accounted for by their immigrant characteristics. In contrast, Mexican and Puerto Rican immigrants have lower educational outcomes than whites, most of which is explained by socioeconomic background. Furthermore, findings illustrate the importance of employing the proper reference group for immigration scholars.
Educational Hopes, Documented Dreams: Guatemalan and Salvadoran Immigrants' Legality and Educational Prospects
Authors: Menjívar Cecilia
Published: October 2008

This article focuses on the effects of an ambivalent legal status on Salvadoran and Guatemalan immigrants' experiences with the U.S. educational system, focusing on how liminal legality shapes access to educational opportunities and immigrants' perceptions of these opportunities. Drawing on the segmented assimilation framework and on thirty-four in-depth interviews conducted with Guatemalan and Salvadoran immigrants in Phoenix, Arizona, the author argues that an ambiguous legal status molds views and perceptions of educational prospects and, as such, is central in determining immigrants' place in the educational system. While waiting for their statuses to become regular, they dream of higher education—dreams that are for the most part unattainable. Their legality, while not the only determining factor, does exacerbate and facilitate other conditioning circumstances, such as financial difficulties, family separations, and so on, that also impinge on their educational prospects. This case highlights the importance of immigration policies in shaping assimilation in critical ways.
It Matters a Hole Lot
Authors: Duffy Sean , Verges Michelle
Published: October 2008

This article examines whether specialized lids on waste receptacles affect recycling compliance in public settings. Thirty waste receptacles were assigned to a lids-present and lids-absent condition, and the number of recyclable items found in recycling and waste bins served as the dependent measure. Results indicated the presence of specialized recycling container lids increased the beverage-recycling rate by 34%, which suggests that perceptual affordances of specialized container lids improve recycling compliance. Possible underlying mechanisms and implications for institutions seeking to promote recycling as an environmentally responsible behavior are discussed.
The Factors Inhibiting Gentrification in Areas with Little Non-market Housing: Policy Lessons from the Toronto Experience
Authors: Walks Alan , August Martine
Published: October 2008

This paper examines the factors that have limited gentrification in two Toronto neighbourhoods which have below-average proportions of public housing and which have traditionally acted as immigrant reception areas. The first failed to gentrify despite the existence of gentrification nearby, whereas gentrification stalled in the second in the early 1980s. Analysis of the historical reasons behind this suggests ways in which policy could intervene to limit the spread of gentrification in the absence of support for local affordable housing. These include the maintenance of areas of working-class employment, different approaches to nuisance uses and environmental externalities, a housing stock not amenable to gentrifiers' tastes and state encouragement of non-market and ethnic sources of housing finance. However, the Toronto experience also highlights the importance of policy in a negative way, as changes in municipal policy which run counter to these prescriptions are now resulting in the gentrification of these two neighbourhoods.
Are There Limits to Gentrification? The Contexts of Impeded Gentrification in Vancouver
Authors: Ley David , Dobson Cory
Published: October 2008

This paper examines conditions that impede inner-city gentrification. Several factors emerge from review of a scattered literature, including the role of public policy, neighbourhood political mobilisation and various combinations of population and land use characteristics that are normally unattractive to gentrifiers. In a first phase of analysis, some of these expectations are tested with census tract attributes against the map of gentrification in the City of Vancouver from 1971 to 2001. More detailed qualitative field work in the Downtown Eastside and Grandview-Woodland, two inner-city neighbourhoods with unexpectedly low indicators of gentrification, provides a fuller interpretation and reveals the intersection of local poverty cultures, industrial land use, neighbourhood political mobilisation and public policy, especially the policy of social housing provision, in blocking or stalling gentrification.
The State and New-build Gentrification in Central Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Visser Gustav , Kotze Nico
Published: October 2008

The objective of this investigation is to assess the relevance and potential of current international trends in the study of gentrification in the contemporary South African urban context. Against the backdrop of `new' gentrification experiences and debates it is argued that recent developments in the central-city districts of large South African cities present numerous opportunities for `new' gentrification processes to emerge as a central part of urban regeneration. Moreover, it is contended that specific state policies and interventions focused on inner-city regeneration underpin new forms of gentrification in South Africa.
Third-wave Gentrification in New Zealand: The Case of Auckland
Authors: Murphy Laurence
Published: October 2008

New Zealand's engagement with neo-liberalism since the mid 1980s has resulted in a profound transformation of its economy and society. As part of this process, new urban governance structures aligned with more entrepreneurial state activities have helped to fashion a dramatic revalorisation of inner-city areas. Under supportive planning conditions, considerable inflows of real estate capital have produced a set of spatially distinct and socially polarised residential outcomes. This paper reviews the nature of urban change in New Zealand under neo-liberalism and, in particular, examines the character of waterfront development in Auckland. It is argued that the creation of Viaduct Harbour represents third-wave, new-build gentrification. The `celebration' of this form of waterfront development holds significant implications for the future evolution of gentrification in New Zealand.
Leukodepletion and aprotinin improve clinical outcome after extracorporeal circulation
Authors: Gott John Parker
Published: October 2008

Most cardiac operations involve the use of extracorporeal circulation with its attendant systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Many anti-inflammatory strategies hold promise for reducing the associated morbidity of cardiopulmonary bypass. The application of pharmacological and mechanical strategies to control this inflammatory response now has demonstrable clinical benefit. The additional costs of these successful strategies are offset by the economic savings and improved quality of care.
Systemic leukocyte filtration during cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Fabbri Alessandro , Manfredi Jacopo , Piccin Caterina , Soffiati Giuliano , Carta Maria Rosa , Gasparotto Edoardo , Nardon Giuseppe
Published: October 2008

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) induces a whole body inflammatory response leading to postoperative lung dysfunction. Activated leukocytes may play a role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary dysfunction. We evaluated postoperative lung function after the use of leukocyte-depleting filters incorporated in the extracorporeal circuit during CPB.

From November 1997 to March 2000, 40 patients underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting. Patients were randomly allocated to the leukocyte-depletion group (group F, 20 patients) or to the control group (group C, 20 patients).

There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to age, sex, weight, height, body surface area, haemoglobin and haematocrit levels, preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction, cooling temperature, aortic crossclamping and CBP duration. Blood samples were drawn preoperatively, at aortic declamping, 60 min after CPB, after arriving at the intensive care unit (ICU) and 24 h after the operation. We analysed blood cell count, elastase, interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) levels and continuous monitoring of arterial blood gases in the intensive care unit (ICU).

The analysis of total circulating white blood cells (WBCs) showed a significant reduction of WBCs in both groups soon after aortic declamping [from the right atrium: 6.4 109/l ± 1.4×109/l in group F vs 10.3 ± 1.8×109/l in group C (p<0.05); from the left atrium: 5.8 ± 1.3×109/l in group F vs 8.4 ± 1.9×109/l in group C (p<0.05)] and after 60 min of CPB [7.1 ± 2.2×109/l in group F vs 10.4 ± 1.8×109/l in group C (p<0.05)].

The analysis of circulating neutrophils showed similar findings in both groups.

Elastase levels increased during CPB in both groups with a peak at the end of CPB without significant difference between the two groups (group C: 260 ± 148 μg/l vs group F: 371 ± 68 μg/l). The decrease of plasmatic elestase levels was observed, for both groups, in the 24 h after CPB.

There was no difference in intubation time between the two groups (16.4 h for group C vs 11.2 h for group F).

Pulmonary function tested by pulmonary respiratory index [RI = partial pressure of oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2 x 100)] did not show significant difference between the two groups, either arriving in the ICU (group C RI 265 vs group F RI 322), or after 3 h (group RI 304 vs group F RI 305) or after 6 h (group C RI 292 vs group F RI 319).

Leukocyte-depleting filters reduce with blood cells count during CPB, but, in this study, WBC depletion did not significantly improve clinical conditions or laboratory finding.
Filtration of malignant cells: tumour cell depletion in an ex vivo model using a leukocyte adhesion filter
Authors: Frühauf N R , Dumpich O , Kaudel C P , Kasimir-Bauer S , Oldhafer K J
Published: October 2008

The clinical use of leukocyte adhesion filters is based on differentiated depletion of blood cells, although most of the mechanisms of filtration are still unclear. There is also evidence that leukocyte adhesion filters can remove disseminated tumour cells from patients’ blood.

The following proves this observation and consists of three parts: in the first part we analysed the depletion capacity of the LeucotrapWB filter medium (Pall®) in an employed small-scale model for the cell line HT29 (colorectal origin) in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution. A depletion rate of more than 99.6% for HT29 cells was seen. In the second part of the study, samples of whole blood were spiked with HT29 cells in a similar setting, showing comparable results. In the last part, defined cell suspensions of various human primary tumours were admixed to whole blood samples and afterwards filtrated in a scale-up model. Again, a nearly complete tumour cell reduction was seen after filtration.

Results show a significant tumour cell reduction and, for most cases, a complete depletion of tumour cells independently from quality and origin of the tumour tissue. These experiments and further investigation are supposed to help to reduce the risk of dissemination of tumour cells in patients undergoing oncological surgery.
Cell salvage and leucodepletion
Authors: Cross M H
Published: October 2008

Cell salvage has been used as a method of blood conservation for more than three decades. Although the principles and development of the Latham bowl had occurred in the 1960s, it was not until the early 1970s that washing of the concentrated red cells was introduced and a product that was universally acceptable was obtained. The last 25 years have seen little in the way of development of cell salvage, although significant refinement has taken place. Although the simple picture of cell salvage involves removal of the buffy coat, including platelets and leucocytes, in practice there are reports of great variation in the removal of these cells. Most recent studies suggest that there is very little removal of leucocytes by cell salvage. The leucocytes that remain in the red cell suspension following cell salvage have undergone significant morphological changes and the surface expression of leucocyte adhesion receptors increases dramatically during the process. There is little evidence that removal of these activated leucocytes has any significant clinical benefit. Although leucofiltration of blood before storage has been shown to be an extremely safe process, ‘bedside leucofiltration’, including leucofiltration of cell salvage blood, may not be without problems. Reports of hypotensive events while receiving blood products through a bedside leucocyte reduction filter have emerged during the last few years. This may be due to bradykinin production following platelet exposure to negatively charged leucocyte filters.
The Social Construction of Welfare Control
Authors: Kim Taekyoon
Published: October 2008

This article aims to track and examine the social construction of state—voluntary sector relationships in the mixed economy of welfare in Korea. Against the prevailing perception that welfare contributions of Korean voluntary organizations began with the emergence of civil society in the democratization period of the late 1980s, it is claimed that the Korean welfare system has always contained a mixture of welfare providers, in which the state and the voluntary sector have played different parts at different historical junctures, even if the power balance between the two sectors has been challenged and changed over time. The main analytical tools are based on the historical institutionalist approach with an emphasis on both how the state controlled and regulated the voluntary sector through institutional adaptations, and how the voluntary sector marshalled its collective action in response to state intervention. It is concluded that the historiography of the Korean welfare system can be rewritten by varying but subsequent phases of social control, which are socially constructed by the different combinations of political and economic power between the state and the voluntary sector: legitimization, mobilization, cooptation and accommodation.
Gender Differences in the Effects of Socioeconomic Background
Authors: Marks Gary N.
Published: October 2008

This article examines two related questions: (1) Are there gender differences in the influence of socioeconomic background on students' educational performance? and (2) Is student performance influenced more by the socioeconomic characteristics of the same-sex parent? Seven hypotheses are derived and tested using data from 30 countries on student performance in reading and mathematics. There is little or no gender difference in the effects of socioeconomic background on educational performance in almost all countries examined. In no country are all the hypotheses relating to the same-sex socialization model supported, although there is a tendency for father's socioeconomic characteristics and father's occupation to have a stronger impact among boys in some countries. There were very few instances where mother's characteristics were stronger among girls. In sum, there is only limited evidence to support the same-sex socialization model for educational performance.
Immobilization of copper flotation waste using red mud and clinoptilolite
Authors: Çoruh Semra
Published: October 2008

The flash smelting process has been used in the copper industry for a number of years and has replaced most of the reverberatory applications, known as conventional copper smelting processes. Copper smelters produce large amounts of copper slag or copper flotation waste and the dumping of these quantities of copper slag causes economic, environmental and space problems. The aim of this study was to perform a laboratory investigation to assess the feasibility of immobilizing the heavy metals contained in copper flotation waste. For this purpose, samples of copper flotation waste were immobilized with relatively small proportions of red mud and large proportions of clinoptilolite. The results of laboratory leaching demonstrate that addition of red mud and clinoptilolite to the copper flotation waste drastically reduced the heavy metal content in the effluent and the red mud performed better than clinoptilolite. This study also compared the leaching behaviour of metals in copper flotation waste by short-time extraction tests such as the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP), deionized water (DI) and field leach test (FLT). The results of leach tests showed that the results of the FLT and DI methods were close and generally lower than those of the TCLP methods.
Formulation of a landfill pollution potential index to compare pollution potential of uncontrolled landfills
Authors: Sharma Atul , Meesa Srikanth , Pant Somali , Alappat Babu J. , Kumar Dinesh
Published: October 2008

Generally speaking, landfilling is one of the prominent methods of waste disposal around the globe, but some under-developed and developing countries still continue to practice uncontrolled open dumping of waste. These uncontrolled landfills pose a relatively high threat to the various elements of the environment in comparison with the conventional engineered landfills that are used in many developed countries. However, some closed, un-engineered landfills do exist in developing countries. This paper presents a novel approach to compare the pollution potential of uncontrolled landfills using an index. The landfill pollution potential index (LPPI) has been developed using the Delphi technique and is an aggregation of six pollution indices that have already been developed for the quantification of different environmental elements. The LPPI is an increasing scale index, in which a higher index value indicates a higher pollution threat. The LPPI of a landfill in Delhi was calculated and the high LPPI value indicates that the respective landfill poses a significant threat to the environment. The LPPI can be used as an aid to diagnose a landfill's pollution potential relative to other landfills and therefore also to rank remediation investments.
Progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy associated with lupus and methotrexate overdose
Authors: Shprecher D , Frech T , Chin S , Eskandari R , Steffens J
Published: October 2008

Progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy (PML) is a CNS infection of oligodendrocytes by JC virus, which rarely occurs in lupus, and can be mistaken for antiphospholipid antibody syndrome or neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NSLE). This case of PML in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus on supra-therapeutic doses of methotrexate emphasises that CNS infection is an important diagnostic consideration before empiric treatment with immunosuppresants for NSLE.
Greater accrual damage in late-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: a long-term follow-up study
Authors: Appenzeller S , Pereira DA , Costallat LTL
Published: October 2008

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical differences and the pattern and extent of organ damage in late-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A nested case–control study was performed from patients with SLE followed in the Rheumatology Unit of the State University of Campinas between 1974 and 2005. Patients who developed SLE after the age of 49 were considered late-onset SLE. SLE patients with age <49 years, matched for sex, ethnicity, disease duration and organ damage at study entry were randomly chosen to compose the control group. Baseline and cumulative clinical manifestations, laboratory data, SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology-damage index (SDI) and mortality were compared between groups. At diagnosis and follow-up, late-onset group had lower SLEDAI scores when compared with younger age onset. Clinically, they presented less frequently arthritis ( P = 0.0002) and malar rash ( P = 0.02) and more frequently Raynaud’s phenomenon ( P = 0.002) and arterial hypertension ( P = 0.02) when compared with young onset at diagnosis. Late-onset SLE received lower total corticosteroid dose ( P < 0.001) and less frequently cyclophosphamide ( P = 0.01). During the study period, late-onset SLE had always lower SLEDAI scores ( P = 0.001). At study endpoint, late-onset SLE patients had significantly higher SDI scores ( P = 0.001) and a higher mortality rate when compared with younger onset group ( P < 0.01). In conclusion, late-onset SLE is milder on presentation and during course of disease, but patients have more organ damage and a higher rate of mortality than young onset SLE. Patients with late onset should be followed with close monitoring and early identification of complications is mandatory in this subgroup of patients with SLE.