bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two Cases of Subfoveal Choroidal Neovascularization with Tubulointerstitial Nephritis and Uveitis Syndrome
Authors: Takemoto Yuko , Namba Kenichi , Mizuuchi Kazuomi , Ohno Shigeaki , Ishida Susumu
Published: December 2012

Purpose.

Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU) syndrome usually shows anterior segment intraocular inflammation, but severe posterior segment intraocular inflammation is rarely observed. We report 2 children with TINU syndrome complicated by subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV).

Methods.

Case reports.

Results.

Patients were a 12-year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy diagnosed with probable TINU syndrome on the basis of typical ocular findings and high value of urinary β2 microglobulin even though renal biopsy was not performed. The girl showed development of CNV with subretinal macular hemorrhage along with the exacerbation of anterior chamber inflammation in her left eye. Subretinal macular hemorrhage recurred frequently even with oral prednisolone; therefore, intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (IVB) was performed. After IVB, the subretinal proliferative tissue shrunk and subretinal hemorrhage has not recurred for 5 years. The boy showed subretinal hemorrhage from CNV with severe anterior chamber inflammation in his left eye. With oral prednisolone, anterior chamber inflammation and subretinal hemorrhage disappeared, but shrunken subretinal fibrosis in the macula remained. Final visual acuity was poor due to residual subretinal fibrosis in both cases.

Conclusions.

Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome has a potential to develop CNV that leads to severe visual loss; therefore, prompt anti-inflammatory therapy is required, and IVB should be regarded as a potential choice of treatment.
Percepção de Valor dos Consumidores de Serviços de Restaurantes: Um Estudo com Modelagem de Equações Estruturais
Authors: Rossi George Bedinelli Rossi Bedinelli , Silva Dirceu Da , Debessa Fernando Nogueira , Garcia Mauro Neves
Published: December 2012

Esta pesquisa objetivou a elaborao de um modelo que explicasse a percepo de valor de consumidores em restaurantes freqentados aos domingos na cidade de So Paulo. Foi realizada em duas fases: uma pesquisa exploratria tipo grupo de foco com dois grupos de oito elementos cada cujo para descobrir as principais variveis que influem na percepo de valor de consumidores. Gerando-se uma escala do tipo Likert, equilibrada e com ponto neutro, com sete nveis de concordncia. Esta foi submetida a cinco especialistas para validao terica e aplicada em uma amostra no probabilstica por julgamento de 360 consumidores. Em seguida (segunda fase), procedeu-se validao da escala pelo mtodo de Anlise Fatorial Confirmatria e construo e anlise de cinco modelos causais pelo mtodo de Modelagem de Equaes Estruturais. O modelo final com melhor ajuste mostrou que composto por PREO como a varivel endgena e AMBIENTE, ATENDIMENTO, COMIDA e LIMPEZA como as variveis exgenas. Tais concluses indicam a visualizao do processo decisrio de escolha de restaurante em duas fases: (1) onde escolhe uma com junto de restaurantes e (2) momento em que a varivel PREO assume o papel de definir o valor entregue por restaurante, o que animar a escolha. DOI: 10.5585/remark.v11i3.2291
O Consumo de Status e suas Relações com o Materialismo: Análise de Antecedentes
Authors: Grohmann Marcia Zampieri , Battistella Luciana Flores , Radons Daiane Lindner
Published: December 2012

O estudo apresenta como principal objetivo: identificar a relao do materialismo com antecedente do consumo de status (desdobrado em sociabilidade, consumo de status e funcionalidade). O argumento que serve de base para essa associao o de que os materialistas tendem a usar o dinheiro para aumentar seu status social (Christopher, Marel Carrol, 2004). Para medir o materialismo utilizou-se o modelo terico de Richins (2004) e para mensurar consumo de status foi usada a escala de Eastman, et al (1999). Atravs de uma pesquisa com 250 estudantes universitrios e com a utilizao da modelagem de equaes estruturais, comprovou-se a robustez do modelo que uniu os dois constructos (RMSEA= 0,055; RMR= 0,085; GFI = 0,916; IFI= 0,922; TLI = 0,903 e CFI= 0,920). Quanto s relaes, comprovou-se que o materialismo antecedente do comportamento social (=0,195), do consumo de status (=0,804) e da compra no funcional (=0,499). Portanto, conclui-se que o comportamento materialista um forte influenciador do consumo por status. DOI: 10.5585/remark.v11i3.2292
O Sentido do Tato e seus Impactos em Marketing: Análise do Desenvolvimento da Teoria
Authors: Brondino Pompeo Karin Ligia
Published: December 2012

A interao ttil com um produto, com pessoas ou com outros elementos presentes no ambiente de compra envolve, alm da resposta fsica, uma resposta psicolgica. O interesse da academia e do mercado em relao s caractersticas do sentido do tato e seu resultado no comportamento do consumidor crescente. Embora presentes desde a dcada de 1980, os estudos relacionados ao sentido do tato e suas consequncias e aplicaes para o marketing comearam a apresentar maior volume e melhor entendimento das suas caractersticas nos ltimos dez anos trata-se, portanto, de um tema ainda debutante do ponto de vista da construo terica. Este artigo tem por objetivo analisar o desenvolvimento da teoria sobre o tato em marketing, desenvolvendo uma breve descrio da evoluo das descobertas sobre o tema e apresentando uma anlise crtica sobre essa evoluo terica, usando os seis critrios sugeridos por Sheth, Gardner e Garrett (1988): estrutura, especificao, possibilidade de teste, suporte emprico, riqueza e simplicidade. A teoria sobre o tato em marketing recebeu nesta anlise uma avaliao positiva. Esta pesquisa pode oferecer como contribuio: (1) aos gestores, uma extrao sumarizada do conhecimento existente sobre o tema; e (2) para os pesquisadores interessados no tema, uma viso ampla sobre o desenvolvimento da teoria, assim como um guia para a principal bibliografia disponvel e um mapeamento sobre os achados e possveis espaos para pesquisa. DOI: 10.5585/remark.v11i3.2293
Valores Associados à Compra de Automóvel por Jovens no Ceará: Um Estudo sob a Ótica da Cadeia de Meios-Fim
Authors: Nunes Natália De Sena , Pinto Liliane Araujo , Murakami Luiz Carlos , Pimenta Márcio Lopes
Published: December 2012

O setor automotivo enfrenta um ambiente competitivo e, por isso, precisa implementar estratgias de diferenciao para que o consumidor prefira uma empresa em detrimento a outra. A fim de alcanar atingir o seu objetivo, as organizaes devem criar estratgias que podem ser traadas atravs da conquista de um pblico especfico, o jovem. Para conquistar esse pblico, porm, deve-se buscar entender o que os motiva a adquirir um veculo, quais so os valores por trs da compra de um determinado automvel, para que a empresa possa oferecer realmente um carro que o cliente procura. Esse, portanto, o objetivo desta pesquisa, que analisada sob a tica da teoria de meios-fim, to importante para a identificao de atributos, consequncias e valores envolvidos na relao do jovem e o automvel. DOI: 10.5585/remark.v11i3.2298
Customer Lifetime Value: Análise do Valor do Cliente em uma Operadora de Telefonia Celular – O Caso Vivo
Authors: Ferreira Jorge Brantes , Freitas Angilberto Sabino de , Giovannini Cristiane Junqueira
Published: December 2012

O objetivo deste trabalho avaliar o valor do cliente para uma empresa de telefonia celular, no caso a VIVO, com base nos modelos de valorao de clientes (CLV - Customer Lifetime Value), buscando analisar como o setor de telefonia celular do Brasil avalia seus clientes e qual impacto que isso poderia ter em aes de reteno de clientes, preferencialmente os de alto valor. Com base no relatrio anual da empresa e em dados coletados internamente, desenvolveram-se os clculos pertinentes ao CLV, com o intuito de compreender como a poltica de subsdios de aparelhos da empresa pode ser estruturada em torno do conhecimento do valor do cliente. Os resultados do estudo de caso deixam claras as diferenas de valor entre cada segmento de clientes, mostrando que a viso de valor e gerenciamento do cliente presente na literatura um passo importante para uma melhor gesto estratgica do valor da firma. DOI: 10.5585/remark.v11i3.2352
Estudo Etnometodológico da Cocriação de Valor no Ensino Superior Privado de Administração com Base na Lógica Dominante do Serviço em Marketing
Authors: Brambilla Flávio Régio , Damacena Cláudio
Published: December 2012

Cocriao de valor prtica imperativa no ambiente do servio. Em certos casos uma condio de qualidade, e em outros, imprescindvel, como na educao. Entender a educao como encontro de servio no significa reduzir a importncia desta atividade. Diferenciar mercantilizao da educao de uma educao conduzida dentro da Lgica Dominante do Servio pertinente, visto que no entendimento deste estudo, os parmetros educacionais histricos so carregados de vis, qual pode ser substitudo por mtricas de qualidade, em parmetros concretos, com vistas maior qualidade de contedo possvel. Com base na Teoria da Autodeterminao e motivao acadmica dos alunos de graduao, o estudo busca identificar o ponto do ensino privado no qual o estudante como consumidor direcionado a uma realidade mais prxima da ideal para aprendizagem, onde o estudante um cocriador no locus educacional. Por interveno de Etnometodologia, atravs da tcnica de Vignettes, identificou-se como cocriao de valor se adapta ao setor de ensino. Os resultados destacam o papel da autodeterminao como elemento central para cocriao, atravs da motivao intrnseca (desejo de aprender) em sua tnue relao com motivao extrnseca (avaliao). Tambm que os estudantes podem ou no estar dispostos cocriar, o que se manifesta em trs comportamentos (os alunos que desejam interao, os que no interagem por falta de estmulo, e aqueles que no gostam do trabalho coletivo). O entendimento dos estudantes investigados sobre o que constitui valor limitado aos aspectos de utilitariedade, ao encontro de outros estudos desenvolvidos com estudantes de Administrao e reas afins no Brasil. DOI: 10.5585/remark.v11i3.2369
Emoções e Satisfação de Compra em Situação de Crowding: Uma Abordagem Capital Versus Interior
Authors: Quezado Izabelle , Da Costa Rômulo Bernardino Lopes , Peñaloza Verónica , Barboza Maruza Vieira
Published: December 2012

Esta pesquisa investiga o comportamento do consumidor em condio de alta densidade de loja, relacionando percepo de crowding, emoes e satisfao do consumidor em duas cidades, com diferentes aspectos culturais. A partir de uma pesquisa quantitativa com 401 consumidores em ambiente real de varejo, os resultados mostram, conforme esperado, a influncia da varivel cultura nos construtos relacionados. Na cidade de interior, onde a aglomerao encarada de forma positiva, a percepo de crowding foi menor e a satisfao de compra e emoes positivas maiores. Na capital, onde os aspectos negativos da alta densidade so mais intensos, houve maior percepo de crowding, menor satisfao de compra e mais emoes negativas. DOI: 10.5585/remark.v11i3.2371
Dimensões e Determinantes da Satisfação de Alunos em uma Instituição de Ensino Superior
Authors: Alcântara Valderí De Castro , Luiz Gilberto Venâncio , Ferreira Ana Cristina , Silva Teodoro Sâmara Ayeska
Published: December 2012

Diversos trabalhos acadmicos buscam validar atributos, dimenses e constructos da satisfao de alunos em Instituies de Ensino Superior. Dentro deste escopo, o presente trabalho tem por objetivo mensurar o nvel de satisfao dos alunos de uma Instituio de Ensino Superior, extrair dimenses latentes e identificar os determinantes dessa satisfao. A pesquisa foi realizada em um campus recm implantado e os dados foram coletados atravs de uma escala de avaliao contendo 31 variveis. A amostra foi de 139 alunos (p=0,50; e=0,08; 1-=0,95) e a escala obteve um Coeficiente de Cronbach de 0,92. Utilizou-se para extrair dimenses e sumarizar os dados a Anlise Fatorial Exploratria (extrao dos componentes principais) com rotao ortogonal Varimax. O procedimento extraiu seis fatores que explicam 59,04% da variabilidade total: Atitudes dos professores (eigenvalue=4,60), Fatores extraclasse (eigenvalue=3,99), Suporte s atividades universitrias (eigenvalue=3,40), Mtodo de ensino (eigenvalue=3,01), Capacitao dos professores (eigenvalue=1,69) e Atividades Acessrias (eigenvalue=1,61). De forma geral, a maior mdia foi encontrada nas dimenso Capacitao dos professores e a menor em Fatores extraclasse. O escore geral de satisfao foi de 50,07% (baixo) indicando a necessidade de melhoria em diversas reas da instituio. O modelo de Regresso Linear Mltipla (R2=0,97) foi significativo ao nvel de 1% de probabilidade. A dimenso Atitudes dos professores foi a que mais contribuiu para o nvel de satisfao dos alunos. DOI: 10.5585/remark.v11i3.2444
Editorial
Authors: De Lamônica Freire Otávio Bandeira
Published: December 2012

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Kinematically Redundant Parallel Haptic Device with Large Workspace
Authors: Kim Han Sung
Published: December 2012

In this paper, a kinematically redundant parallel haptic device with large workspace is presented. The haptic device has a similar kinematic structure to the well-known Delta manipulator. However, it has a special arrangement of actuators and one redundant actuator added to the third leg. The proposed haptic device has essentially 4-DOF, however, only three translational DOF are used for 3-DOF positioning and force reflection, and one rotational DOF by the redundant actuator is used to increase well-conditioned workspace. If the redundant actuator's angle is controlled to follow x and y position, the haptic device has a large cylindrical workspace and can maintain good kinematic and statics performance over the whole workspace. The kinematics and workspace are analysed, and the optimal design method of finding minimum link lengths to satisfy prescribed workspace is presented. Finally, the prototype haptic device and control experiment result are presented.
Kinesiology-Based Robot Foot Design for Human-Like Walking
Authors: Kwon SangJoo , Park Jinhee
Published: December 2012

Compared with the conventional flat foot, the flexible foot is advantageous in implementing human-like walking and much reduces energy consumption. In this paper, from an anatomical and kinesiological point of view, a flexible foot with toes and heels is investigated for a bipedal robot and three critical design parameters for walking stability are drawn, which include stiffness of toes and heels, frontal toe position, and ankle joint position. In addition, a human-like walking trajectory compatible with the flexible foot is proposed by mimicking a human walking pattern. First of all, the zero moment point (ZMP) trajectory continuously moves forward without stopping, even in the single support phase. Secondly, the centre of mass (CoM) trajectory includes vertical motion similar to that seen in human beings. Thirdly, the ankle trajectory follows the rotational motion of a human foot while being lifted from and landing on the ground. Through the simulation study, it is shown that the suggested design parameters can be applied as useful indices for the mechanical design of biped feet; interestingly, the vertical motion of the centre of mass tends to compensate for the transient response in the initial walking step.
Use of Immunohistochemistry in Routine Workup of Prostate Needle Biopsies: A Tertiary Academic Institution Experience
Authors: Watson Kristalee , Wang Cheng , Yilmaz Asli , Bismar Tarek A. , Trpkov Kiril
Published: December 2012

Context.—Diagnostic use of immunohistochemistry has been extensively studied in prostate needle biopsy, but its use in routine practice and the quality assurance and associated cost have not been previously addressed.

Objective.—To examine the routine use of immunohistochemistry in prostate biopsies in a tertiary academic institution.

Design.—We reviewed reports of 748 consecutive prostate biopsies and we evaluated the turnaround times, the final diagnosis on individual specimens, the intradepartmental consultation rates, and the associated costs.

Results.—Immunohistochemistry evaluation was required for 39.4% of biopsies and 12% of blocks (average 1.8 blocks/case). The biopsies with immunohistochemistry were signed out 1.7 workdays later (8.6 versus 6.9 days). The diagnostic breakdown for individual blocks evaluated by immunohistochemistry was Cancer 47.7%; Atypical, Suspicious 10.8%; Small Atypical Glands Adjacent to High-Grade Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia 6.9%; High-Grade Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia 12.4%; and Benign 22.2%. Diagnoses of Cancer or Atypical, Suspicious (Atypical, Suspicious + Small Atypical Glands Adjacent to High-Grade Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia) were rendered in 65.4% of individual blocks assessed by immunohistochemistry. Immunohistochemistry aided in establishing limited cancer (≤10% of core) in 69.3% of cases and in 74% of single-core–positive biopsies. Departmental consultation was performed in 18.3% of biopsies and immunohistochemistry was used in 68% of these cases. Both immunohistochemistry and consultation were performed in 55.8% of Atypical, Suspicious cases. The average immunohistochemistry cost per biopsy was $22.34 and the estimated annual cost for prostate biopsy immunohistochemistry in our laboratory was $33 420.64.

Conclusions.—Immunohistochemistry is frequently used in our prostate biopsy practice to establish or confirm a limited Cancer diagnosis, to better resolve diagnostic ambiguity, or for quality assurance. The data provided herein can be used for comparisons with other prostate biopsy practices.
Use of a Synthetic Xeno-Free Culture Substrate for Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Induction and Retinal Differentiation
Authors: Tucker Budd A. , Anfinson Kristin R. , Mullins Robert F. , Stone Edwin M. , Young Michael J.
Published: December 2012

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a proprietary xeno-free synthetic culture surface could be used to aid in the production and subsequent retinal-specific differentiation of clinical-grade induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). iPSCs were generated using adult somatic cells via infection with either a single cre-excisable lentiviral vector or four separate nonintegrating Sendai viruses driving expression of the transcription factors OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and c-MYC. Retinal precursor cells were derived via targeted differentiation of iPSCs with exogenous delivery of dkk-1, noggin, insulin-like growth factor-1, basic fibroblast growth factor, acidic fibroblast growth factor, and DAPT. Phase contrast microscopy, immunocytochemistry, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were used to determine reprogramming efficiency, pluripotency, and fate of undifferentiated and differentiated iPSCs. Following viral transduction, cells underwent prototypical morphological changes resulting in the formation of iPSC colonies large enough for manual isolation/passage at 3–4 weeks postinfection. Both normal and disease-specific iPSCs expressed markers of pluripotency and, following transplantation into immune-compromised mice, formed teratomas containing tissue comprising all three germ layers. When subjected to our established retinal differentiation protocol, a significant proportion of the xeno-free substrate-derived cells expressed retinal cell markers, the number of which did not significantly differ from that derived on traditional extracellular matrix-coated dishes. Synthetic cell culture substrates provide a useful surface for the xeno-free production, culture, and differentiation of adult somatic cell-derived iPSCs. These findings demonstrate the potential utility of these surfaces for the production of clinical-grade retinal neurons for transplantation and induction of retinal regeneration.
Injection of Vessel-Derived Stem Cells Prevents Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Promotes Angiogenesis and Endogenous Cardiac Stem Cell Proliferation in mdx/utrn−/− but Not Aged mdx Mouse Models for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Chun Ju Lan , O'Brien Robert , Song Min Ho , Wondrasch Blake F. , Berry Suzanne E.
Published: December 2012

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common form of muscular dystrophy. DMD patients lack dystrophin protein and develop skeletal muscle pathology and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Approximately 20% succumb to cardiac involvement. We hypothesized that mesoangioblast stem cells (aorta-derived mesoangioblasts [ADMs]) would restore dystrophin and alleviate or prevent DCM in animal models of DMD. ADMs can be induced to express cardiac markers, including Nkx2.5, cardiac tropomyosin, cardiac troponin I, and α-actinin, and adopt cardiomyocyte morphology. Transplantation of ADMs into the heart of mdx/utrn−/− mice prior to development of DCM prevented onset of cardiomyopathy, as measured by echocardiography, and resulted in significantly higher CD31 expression, consistent with new vessel formation. Dystrophin-positive cardiomyocytes and increased proliferation of endogenous Nestin+ cardiac stem cells were detected in ADM-injected heart. Nestin+ striated cells were also detected in four of five mdx/utrn−/− hearts injected with ADMs. In contrast, when ADMs were injected into the heart of aged mdx mice with advanced fibrosis, no functional improvement was detected by echocardiography. Instead, ADMs exacerbated some features of DCM. No dystrophin protein, increase in CD31 expression, or increase in Nestin+ cell proliferation was detected following ADM injection in aged mdx heart. Dystrophin was observed following transplantation of ADMs into the hearts of young mdx mice, however, suggesting that pathology in aged mdx heart may alter the fate of donor stem cells. In summary, ADMs delay or prevent development of DCM in dystrophin-deficient heart, but timing of stem cell transplantation may be critical for achieving benefit with cell therapy in DMD cardiac muscle.
Anti-Idiotype Antibodies in Cancer Treatment
Authors: M.M. Soldevilla  , A. Lopez-Diaz de Cerio  , S. Inoges  , F. Pastor  , H. Villanueva  , M. Bendandi
Published: December 2012

Idiotypes, that is the collections of any immunoglobulin’s specific epitopes, have been historically used in different ways for cancer treatment as immunotherapy tools. Inherently, the way they are actually employed mostly depends on the type of tumor cell target. The first such attempts consisted in the administration of monoclonal, anti-idiotype antibodies to patients with B-cell-lymphoma. They were able to show clinical activity, but were later abandoned due to both logistical constrains and the emergence of idiotype variants which could escape their action. Later, idiotype antibodies were also used as vaccines to stimulate the patient’s immune system against the same type of tumors, a setting in which our group has provided the first formal proof of principle of clinical benefit associated with the use of a human cancer vaccine. Several approaches to enhance the efficacy of these idiotype vaccines have been described in recent years, some of them with encouraging results. Meanwhile, new emerging immunotherapeutic strategies have been developed to target idiotypes mimicking idiotype-unrelated, tumor-associated or tumor-specific antigens displayed by several types of solid tumors. The results from those studies seem to support the concept of a decreased self-tolerance against these antigens when vaccination is successful. Of course, it remains of capital importance to better define what successful vaccination means. For instance, it is not clear whether the induction of an idiotype-specific humoral and/or cellular response needs to be documented to imply clinical efficacy or whether the latter may be achieved even when the former cannot be formally demonstrated. All in all, due to the wide application potential of idiotype-based immunotherapy, by means of this review we intend to cover both main achievements and open questions respectively obtained and still been faced by this experimental line of clinical research.
Expression of p63 in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung and its Diagnostic Significance: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bibo Wang  , Yiping Han  , Jiajie Zang
Published: December 2012

Introduction: The expression of p63 has been studied in various tumor types, including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Methods and Results: Twenty-five trials met the inclusion criteria with a total of 1,193 patients. The overall positive proportion of p63 was 91.5% (95% CI, 86.3-94.8). Both histological and cytological methods of obtaining specimens showed a high expression of p63 in SCC at 89.8% (95% CI, 81.9-94.5) and 88.7% (95% CI, 80.9-93.6). The p63 positive proportion of the well or moderately differentiated subgroups was 92.7% (95% CI, 77.9-97.9) compared to the poorly differentiated subgroup at 86.9% (95% CI, 61.6-96.5). When using >1% of p63 immunoreactive cells as the positive standard, both sensitivity and specificity at 0.91 (95% CI, 0.86-0.94) and 0.80 (95% CI, 0.75-0.85), respectively, were acceptable. When using >10% and >50% standards, sensitivities of 0.92 (95% CI, 0.90-0.94) and 0.82 (95% CI, 0.78-0.85) and specificities of 0.84 (95% CI, 0.82-0.86) and 0.92(95% CI, 0.90-0.94) were shown. Conclusions: In SCC, there is a high expression of p63, which has no association with the histological or cytological methods used to obtain specimens or the degree of differentiation of the specimens. Even when only a small amount of cells were stained (>1%) as the positive standard, the sensitivity and specificity of p63 were maintained at a high level. We suggest that >50% of immunoreactive cells be used as the positive standard to achieve proper sensitivity and specificity.
Recent Advances in Cancer Vaccines - An Update
Authors: Sandhiya Selvarajan  , Melvin George  , Suresh Kumar S.  , Steven Aibor Dkhar
Published: December 2012

Cancer related deaths have shown a progressive increase over the past decade and the newer cases of cancers are estimated to rise in 2030. The current treatment modalities available for cancer are highly toxic, impair quality of life and develop resistance with course of time. Thus, there is a growing necessity for the prevention and cure of cancer related morbidity and mortality. One of the promising approaches for cancer prevention could be immunization with specific vaccines. The latest advances in immunology have led to the development of effective cancer vaccines to enhance immunity against tumour cells. Moreover, the occurrence of cancer with infectious agents like Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Human Papilloma virus (HPV) as well as their prevention with specific cancer vaccines has further confirmed the role of immunotherapy in cancer. Though prophylactic vaccines are found to be more successful in cancer prevention, in the present scenario most of the vaccines under development are therapeutic cancer vaccines. Cancer vaccines stimulate the immune system and attack specific cancer cells without harming the normal cells. The major cancer vaccines under development to target tumour cells includes antigen vaccines, whole cell tumour vaccines, dendritic cell vaccine, viral vectors, DNA vaccines and idiotype vaccines. Apart from this, measures to produce patient-specific cancer vaccines from patients own tumour cells and a "universal" vaccine to provide immunity against cancer cells of any origin are being investigated. Hence this review gives an overview of various strategies involved in the development of cancer vaccines and the currently approved vaccines available for the prevention of cancer.
The Dual Role Played by p21 May Influence the Apoptotic or Anti-Apoptotic Fate in Cancer
Authors: Maria Teresa Piccolo  , Stefania Crispi
Published: December 2012

p21 is a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor that is activated in response to different stress stimuli and could act as cell cycle suppressor. p21 can bind and inhibit cyclin-dependent kinase/cyclin complexes to mediate growth arrest in G1 and G2 phases. This condition enables DNA repair and suggests that p21 could have a role of tumour suppressor. p21 is one of the transcriptional targets of p53, a protein up-regulated after cellular stress stimuli. Besides the classical p53-dependent activation, p21 transcription can be achieved by other regulators as Sp1, STAT and AP2 in a p53-independent manner. Depending on cell type and cellular conditions p21 can have anti-apoptotic or pro-apoptotic functions being involved either in tumourigenesis or in tumour suppression. The function exerted is based on subcellular localization. In the nucleus p21 inhibits proliferation by blocking the cyclin dependent kinases while in the cytoplasm it acts inhibiting pro-apoptotic protein determining cell death inhibition. The different subcellular localization is related to different prognostic role of p21 in cancer and the cellular context in which it is expressed determines if it can be considered as a specific therapeutic target or as a marker of poor prognosis. This review focuses on the recent understanding of the functions of p21 with particular attention to the dual role detected in cancer where p21 can act as tumour suppressor promoting apoptosis or as oncogene preventing it.
Increasing the Tumoricidal Activity of Daunomycin-pHPMA Conjugates Using Vitamin B12 as a Targeting Agent
Authors: Gregory Russell-Jones  , Kirsten McTavish  , John McEwan  , Bruce Thurmond
Published: December 2012

Many different types of tumour have previously been shown to over-express cell-surface receptors involved in the uptake of Vitamin B12 (VB12). We have examined the potential of using VB12 as a targeting agent for the delivery of pHPMA-conjugated daunomycin in four murine tumour models. VB12-targeted-duanomycin-HPMA conjugates were found to increase both the number of survivors and the survival time of tumour-bearing mice. The data indicate that VB12 may be highly effective in enhancing the efficacy of polymer-bound cytotoxins, particularly in those tumours that over-express receptors involved in vitamin B12 uptake.
Peritoneal Carcinomatosis with Displaced IUCD
Authors: Pankaj Deka  , Amal Chandra Kataki  , Debabrata Barmon  , Bibhuti Bhushan Borthakur  , Sushruta Shrivastava
Published: December 2012

Abstract: Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) has been widely used as a safe, economic, effective and reversible method of contraception. IUCDs are generally well accepted with good compliance but complications sometime occur. Uterine perforation is a rare complication with an incidence of one in 1000 procedures. Whether a displaced IUCD in the peritoneum can lead to carcinogenesis is a matter of debate. We report a case of peritoneal carcinomatosis with displaced Lippes loop. A 70 year female with ascites who was diagnosed as peritoneal carcinomatosis and administered two cycle of chemotherapy presented to this institution for further management. She was evaluated, administered four more cycles of chemotherapy and taken for exploratory laparotomy. At laparotomy a Lippes loop was found adherent to the colon and omentum. Total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy, total omentectomy and transverse colon resection with end to end anastomosis was done. Post operative histopathology showed adenocarcinoma in colon and omentum located around the loop. Uterus, ovaries and rest of the bowel were free of disease. She received two more cycles of chemotherapy after operation. She has completed follow up of 6 weeks after completion of treatment with clinically no evidence of disease.
Second Look Proactive Surgery for Colon Cancer with Peritoneal Carcinomatosis
Authors: Halkia Evgenia  , Spiliotis John  , Sugarbaker Paul
Published: December 2012

Second look surgery in patients with colorectal cancer has always been, a controversial subject. The surgical literature suggests benefit in a re operation, where a limited extent of cancer is discovered and then resected with negative surgical margins. This paper seeks to identify the clinical factors that predispose to the recurrence of a primary colorectal cancer and the benefit of a second look surgery. It represents the attitude of a new treatment strategy in cases that the patient develops peritoneal metastasis at the initial operation and after an adjuvant treatment with systemic chemotherapy. We also discuss the intra-operative criteria, especially after the initial operation, in order to propose a therapeutic algorithm in the management of advanced colorectal disease.
Stochastic National Income
Authors: Wei Taoyuan
Published: December 2012

Abstract: How can national income be adjusted to indicate welfare improvement if the future is uncertain? The present paper extends the definition of national income to stochastic settings on the basis of discounted utilitarian welfare function. Real interest rate of consumption is redefined so that real national income can be interpreted as the expected present value of real interest on future national consumption. A stochastic one-good model is used to illustrate the application of the stochastic real national income. It turns out that under uncertainty real national income may be decreasing even though captial stock is constant or increasing over time.
Assessing the Impact of Dairy Policies on Farm-Level Profits in Dairy Farms in Bangladesh: Benchmarking for Rural Livelihoods Improvement Policy
Authors: Uddin M.M. , Sultana M.N. , Bruermer B. , Peters K.J.
Published: December 2012

Abstract: The objective of this study was to benchmark the set of dairy supporting policies on farm level profit in small-scale dairy farmers and also analyse how improved dairy support services and adoption of technologies enhance rural livelihoods. This study applies the International Farm Comparison Network (IFCN) method. The data were analysed by utilizing the extended version of TIPI-CAL (Technology Impact Policy Impact Calculations) model (TIPI-CAL software version 5.1). The improved dairy support services: marketing access (IM-MKS), veterinary services (IM-VHS), feeding and nutritional services (IM-FNS), community based fodder production system (CB-FPS), national breeding programme (NL-BRP) showed the highest impact on milk yield, entrepreneur's profit and household income in all three production systems compared with its base line farms. The extensive and traditional systems were responding more to the proposed policies to increase the entrepreneur's profits compared with intensive production systems. Adoption of policy increases the daily household income above the absolute poverty line (1US$/day). This study results could be useful for prioritizing the policies on delivery of support services and technology and are expected to be helpful as a benchmark to implement the 'draft policy proposal' by the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (MOFL) in Bangladesh.
Economic Openness and Growth in China and India: A Comparative Study
Authors: Yin Fengbao , Hamori Shigeyuki
Published: December 2012

Abstract: This paper examines the Melo-Vogt hypotheses and compares the effects of economic openness in China and India. The two defining characteristics of this paper are the addition of a cross term containing the economic globalization index to the traditional import demand function model, and testing for cointegration between variables using Hansen's (1992) method that considers structural change. The results indicate that increasing economic openness has had a greater impact on the economy in China than in India.
Environmental Factors Affecting the Daily Functioning of Jordanian Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Hamed Razan
Published: December 2012

Occupational therapists must consider the hindering and facilitating effects of the environment on patients' functional performance when planning therapeutic interventions. The purpose of this study was to explore environmental factors that hinder, and available services that facilitate, the daily functioning of Jordanian individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) as perceived by the patients themselves. A sample of 103 Jordanian individuals with MS completed a questionnaire on hindering environmental factors and facilitative services. Factors and services were identified according to their description in the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Environmental factors that were reported by the participants to be most hindering to their daily functioning were stores and malls (74.2%), noise (87.1%), attitudes of immediate family (52.0%), and government policies and regulations (52.2%). Moreover, the participants reported that psychological services were the least available facilitative services in the community (83.8%). Weak-to-moderate but significant correlations were found between a number of demographic variables and perceived hindering factors. The study results indicate that hindering factors, facilitative services, and demographic variables should be given greater attention by rehabilitation practitioners (especially occupational therapists) when planning intervention programs for Jordanian individuals with MS.
Self-Reported Burden Among Caregivers of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Gupta Shaloo , Goren Amir , Phillips Amy L. , Stewart Michelle
Published: December 2012

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are chronic and progressive diseases that may impose a significant burden on caregivers and patients' immediate families. Extensive research shows MS and AD caregiver burden on physical and mental health, but no direct comparisons between MS and AD caregivers have been reported in the literature. The objective of this study was to examine the extent of MS caregiver burden compared with that of noncaregivers and AD caregivers. Data were obtained from the 2009 National Health and Wellness Survey administered online to a US representative adult sample (N = 75,000). Respondents reported health status, quality of life, work productivity, health-care utilization, and caregiver status. Multivariable regressions, adjusting for key characteristics (eg, age, gender, marital status, depression), were conducted to explore differences between MS caregivers (n = 215) and noncaregivers (n = 69,224) and between MS caregivers and AD caregivers (n = 1341). The results indicated that MS caregivers had significantly greater activity impairment (P = .01), poorer mental (P = .015) and physical (P = .002) health status, lower health utility scores (P = .002), and more traditional health-care provider visits (P < .001), emergency room (ER) visits (P < .001), and hospitalizations (P = .001) than noncaregivers, adjusting for covariates. After adjustments, MS caregivers had greater activity impairment (P = .044), more ER visits (P = .017), and more hospitalizations (P = .008) than AD caregivers. Significant work productivity differences were not observed across groups, possibly owing to fewer employed respondents. Thus, in this study, MS caregivers had significantly more burden than noncaregivers, and for some measures, even AD caregivers. The results reveal the hidden toll on those providing care for MS patients and highlight the need for health-care providers to recognize their burden so that appropriate measures can be implemented.
Recruiting for Caregiver Education Research
Authors: Preissner Katharine , Finlayson Marcia , Henkel Christin
Published: December 2012

Caregiver education programs can support participants in a role that is often challenging. Research is needed to determine the effectiveness of these programs; however, recruitment for such studies can be difficult. The objectives of this study were to explore 1) how multiple sclerosis (MS) caregivers respond to recruitment materials for a research study evaluating a caregiver education program, including aspects of the materials that encourage or discourage their interest in participation; and 2) what recommendations MS caregivers have for improving study recruitment advertising. Qualitative interviews were conducted with seven MS caregivers. Participants were asked about their reactions to advertisements for a pilot study intended to evaluate an MS caregiver education program. Participants were also asked to reflect on factors that would influence their decision to participate in the program and to provide suggestions to improve recruitment materials. Data were analyzed using a constant-comparative approach. Study findings indicated that the language and visual design of the advertisements influenced the participants' initial responses. Some caregivers first responded to the fact that the program was part of a research study, and these caregivers had overall negative responses to the advertising, such as concern that the program was being “tested.” Other caregivers first considered the personal relevance of the program. These caregivers had neutral-to-positive responses to the flyers and weighed the relevance of the program against the research and logistical aspects. Participants provided recommendations to improve the recruitment materials. While recruiting for caregiver education research can be challenging, piloting recruitment materials and using a variety of advertising options may improve response.
Differentiation of Neuromyelitis Optica from Multiple Sclerosis on Spinal Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Lalan Saurabh , Khan Majid , Schlakman Bruce , Penman Alan , Gatlin Joseph , Herndon Robert
Published: December 2012

In order to examine the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–based diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) versus multiple sclerosis (MS), we performed a retrospective, rater-blinded review of 29 cases of NMO and 30 cases of MS using the criteria of long (more than three vertebral levels), continuous lesions with a central cord location for NMO and more peripheral and patchy lesions for MS. Using these criteria, two raters were able to distinguish the two conditions with a good degree of confidence, particularly when the imaging was performed at the time of an acute cord attack. The sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of NMO were 86.2% and 93.3%, respectively, for Rater A and 96.4% and 78.6%, respectively, for Rater B, with a kappa value of 0.72. Thus there are significant differences in lesion characteristics that allow the distinction on spinal cord imaging between MS and NMO with a moderately high degree of confidence. The location of the lesion as evident on MRI of the spine can be regarded as a distinguishing diagnostic feature between MS and NMO.
Interdisciplinary Treatment of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis and Chronic Pain
Authors: Sullivan Amy Burleson , Scheman Judith , LoPresti Anthony , Prayor-Patterson Heather
Published: December 2012

The objective of this study was to examine the efficacy of an interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation program in a multiple sclerosis (MS) population by evaluating changes in mood, pain, and functioning. This descriptive study examined 20 patients with chronic pain and MS who were admitted to the Cleveland Clinic's Chronic Pain Rehabilitation Program (CPRP) between 2000 and 2009. At both admission to and discharge from the CPRP, measures of pain, depression, and functioning were obtained using a pain visual analogue scale (VAS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS), and the Pain Disability Index (PDI). Outcomes for the MS patients were compared with those of patients without MS who had participated in the same program. The results showed that MS patients who completed the CPRP reported dramatic decreases in pain and depression and an increase in daily functioning. The benefits received by MS patients from the program were similar to those received by patients without MS. Thus programs like the CPRP can result in significant improvements in pain, depression, and functioning among people with MS.
RECENT TSUNAMIS OBSERVED BY GPS BUOYS OFF THE PACIFIC COAST OF JAPAN
Authors: Kawai Hiroyasu , Satoh Makoto , Kawaguchi Koji , Seki Katsumi
Published: December 2012

This paper describes the overview of the 2010 Chilean and 2011 Tohoku Foreshock and Main Shock Tsunami profiles, which were acquired by GPS-mounted buoys at a spot of 100-400 m in water depth off the Pacific coast of Japan. In the case of the first crest on the 2011 Tohoku Main Shock Tsunami profile acquired off Kamaishi Port, the water level rose relatively slowly and quickly at the primary and subsequent parts, respectively, and consequently exceeded 6 m.
FREQUENCY-BASED HARBOR RESPONSE TO INCIDENT TSUNAMI WAVES IN AMERICAN SAMOA
Authors: Huang Ziyi , Lee Jiin-Jen
Published: December 2012

September 29, 2009 Samoa tsunami attacked Pago Pago Harbor, the major harbor in American Samoa. The original tsunami waves were greatly amplified when they propagated into the harbor, causing extensive inundations and thus fatalities and village damages. A frequency-based numerical model developed by Lee and Xing (2010) was utilized to investigate the mechanism of the amplification. The fundamental resonance mode of the harbor was identified as 18-minutes period based on the average water depth; the computed amplification factor, defined as the ratio of responded wave amplitude to incoming wave amplitude, was quite large on the fundamental mode at the interior of the harbor. Tidal gauge measurements of several other tsunami events in Pacific Ocean verified the simulation results and further corroborated the local response due to the topography and bathymetry of the harbor is responsible for the amplification of incoming waves. An unfounded speculation was discussed to interpret the distinguishing frequency distribution of wave spectral density in the Samoa tsunami event.
THE EFFECT OF TIDE LEVEL ON THE TSUNAMI RESPONSE OF COASTAL HARBORS
Authors: Lee Jiin-Jen , Huang Ziyi , Kou Zhiqing , Xing Xiuying
Published: December 2012

The tsunamis generated by the February 27, 2010 Chilean earthquake and the great Japan Tohoku earthquake on March 11, 2011 arrived at several Pacific Coast harbors when the tide levels were at low tides and persisted for several tidal cycles. Despite the significant difference in the recorded wave amplitude observed at Crescent City harbor between these two events, the energy spectrum as a function of frequency has been found to contain several spikes corresponding to the frequency range of 3×ã€–10ã€—^(-4)~10×ã€–10ã€—^(-4) Hz. This pattern in spectral density is different from several prior tsunamis observed and analyzed for Crescent City Harbor as presented by Lee, Xing and Magoon (2008). In the present study we present the reasons behind the differences in the response behavior associated with these two events. We prove that they are due to the effect of tide levels. We also show that in order to correctly decipher the resonant response characteristics to incident wave the response curves should be expressed as a function of the dimensionless wave number. The tsunami waves recorded at tide gauge station in San Diego Harbor (Southern California) are also analyzed and discussed.
EVALUATION OF CELERITY AND VELOCITY FOR TSUNAMI PROPAGATION INTO RIVERS
Authors: Roh Min , Tanaka Hitoshi , Aditaywan Mohammad Bagus , Mano Akira , Udo Keiko
Published: December 2012

Tsunami propagation into river is one of important real phenomenon. During this process, tsunami celerity and flow velocity are significant physical parameters to understand tsunami behaviors. However, the availability of observation was not sufficient in the 2011 off the Pacific Coast of Tohoku Tsunami, whereas several video data can be used to assess the physical parameters such as tsunami celerity and flow velocity. In this study, as a video image analysis method, Particle Image Velocimetry(PIV) and Particle Tracking Velocimetry(PTV) were used to estimate the tsunami flow velocity. Furthermore, the analysis result of video image data was verified by using the conservation equation. Tsunami physical parameter was successfully estimated by the comparison analysis.