bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Religion and attitudes concerning euthanasia
Authors: Sikora Joanna
Published: February 2009

What was the influence of religious identity, beliefs and practices on attitudes to euthanasia in Australia during the 1990s? To address this question I analyse data from national representative surveys and find that denomination, church attendance and beliefs in personal God all made a difference to attitudes to voluntary and non-voluntary euthanasia in unique ways. Moreover, the acceptance of a scientific outlook, comprising elements of Darwinism and modern cosmology, enhanced support for the right to `easy death' amongst the non-religious. Formal education did not directly polarize attitudes to this issue, but it raised the likelihood of accepting a scientific cosmology. A scientific outlook, in turn, strengthened the belief that, in some circumstances, the deliberate taking of life should be allowed. But even as levels of education increased and both church attendance and the intensity of religious beliefs declined, Australian churchgoers and worshippers maintained their fervent opposition to euthanasia.
`I'd forgotten about me in all of this'
Authors: Broom Alex
Published: February 2009

Drawing on in-depth interviews with Australian cancer patients, this article examines their experiences of utilizing complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) within disease and treatment processes. Results illustrate the complex and often contradictory roles played by CAM within patients' therapeutic trajectories. On the one hand, their accounts illustrate the liberating and positive impacts of CAM engagement, including perceived increases in feelings of control, power and individual autonomy within therapeutic processes. However, the interviews also revealed problematic notions of self-healing and hyper-positivity engendered in much CAM practice, involving the imposition of restrictive notions of self-discipline on these cancer patients. On the basis of the results it is argued that CAM sociology must refocus on the grassroots experiences of different patient groups, rather than grandiose notions of wider socio-cultural shifts in therapeutic practice.
Generation X-pendable
Authors: Alston Margaret , Kent Jenny
Published: February 2009

Many small communities across the vast interior of Australia are under pressure from ongoing rural restructuring and a long-running drought. Socioeconomic indicators suggest that rural people are significantly disadvantaged by comparison with their urban counterparts. While these factors are evident, less well understood are the circumstances of rural and remote young people. In this article we draw on research conducted in 2001 and 2004 on the employment and educational experiences of young people in these communities. Using Reimer's typology of relations associated with social exclusion — market, bureaucratic, associative and communal — we indicate that rural and remote young people are experiencing rising levels of social exclusion. Their access to education and employment is restricted through no fault of their own, and is in fact, obstructed by government policy. The need for sensitive policy to increase the social inclusion of young people in rural and remote areas is evident.
Privileging the near and dear?
Authors: Tholen Berry
Published: February 2009

Many studies have analysed the relation between the self understandings of citizenship or identity of western states on the one hand and national integration and immigration policies on the other. As migration regulation in recent years has shifted to a considerable extent to the European level, it seems appropriate to address issues of migration and identity also in that context. The central question of this article is whether European Union (EU) immigration policies that privilege people from some countries over others — because of special cultural, ethnic or historical ties — can be justified. Criteria for evaluation are developed and the EU visa regulations are put to the test.
Brown picket fences
Authors: Agius Vallejo Jody , Lee Jennifer
Published: February 2009

In 2000, Latinos superseded blacks as the largest racial/ethnic minority group in the US, comprising nearly 13 percent of the US population, and by 2050, demographers estimate that their population will have reached 25 percent. Given the size and growth of the Latino population, an important sociological concern is the extent to which the adult children of Latino immigrants incorporate into the US social structure. Focusing on the largest ethnic Latino group, Mexicans (and specifically, the Mexican middle class), this article studies one aspect of the incorporation process — the extent to which they `give back' to co-ethnics. Based on 40 face-to-face, in-depth interviews with 1.5- and second-generation middle-class Mexicans, the study finds that those who grew up poor and achieved middle-class status within one generation exhibit a collectivist orientation, and `give back' to poorer kin, co-ethnics and the larger ethnic community. By contrast, those who grew up in middle-class households adopt an individualistic orientation, and display patterns of giving back that closely resemble those of white, middle-class nuclear families.
A critique of symbolic ethnicity
Authors: Anagnostou Yiorgos
Published: February 2009

This article undertakes a critical analysis of symbolic ethnicity, an influential sociological paradigm of white ethnicity in the US. It highlights a fundamental contradiction that is present in the work of one of its most influential proponents, sociologist Mary Waters: the simultaneous affirmation and negation of the operation of choice in the making of ethnic identities, followed by the methodological neglect of the cultural production of identity. The article argues that this methodological oversight embeds symbolic ethnicity in a wider discourse on choice as a constitutive element of American identity. Also, it shows how the privileging of choice makes it possible to achieve a vision of American multiculturalism based on the dialectical synthesis of two historically competing ideologies: the concept of America as a melting pot and a cultural mosaic. Showing that symbolic ethnicity conflates culture, identity and ancestry, and noting that it undervalues the social valence of white ethnicity, the article concludes with a discussion of how to recover ethnic identity analytically as an enduring, politically significant disposition and practice.
Sharpening P-spline signal regression
Authors: Li Bin , Marx Brian D.
Published: February 2009

We propose two variations of P-spline signal regression: space-varying penalization signal regression (SPSR) and additive polynomial signal regression (APSR). SPSR uses space-varying roughness penalty according to the estimated coefficients from the partial least-squares (PLS) regression, while APSR expands the linear basis to polynomial bases. SPSR and APSR are motivated in the following two scenarios, respectively: (i) some region(s) of the regressor channels contain more useful information for prediction than others and (ii) the relationship between the response and regressor channels is highly nonlinear. We also extend the methods to the generalized linear regression setting. As illustration, we apply the methods to two published data sets showing highly competitive performance.
Participant Observation and Phased Assertion as Research Strategies in the Canadian Arctic
Authors: Collings Peter
Published: February 2009

Participant observation is the basic and defining research strategy for cultural anthropologists, a useful tool for building rapport, establishing trust, and gaining an understanding of culture as experienced by its members. This article uses the author's experience working in an Inuit community in Canada to explore another use of participant observation: the acquisition of communicative competence. In small, bounded communities such as those in the Canadian Arctic, the development and display of cultural and communicative competence is necessary to overcome apathy and sometimes hostility toward researchers. Furthermore, establishment of these abilities allows for the use of phased assertion as an interview probe. Phased assertion works not only as a data collection technique, it reinforces communicative competence and improves informant rapport.
Social capital and citizenship lessons in England
Authors: Kisby Ben
Published: February 2009

This article examines the impact of the concept of social capital on the citizenship education initiative in England through its influence on the normative content of the policy, as embodied in the report of the Advisory Group on Citizenship (AGC) — which was one of the immediate causes of the inclusion of citizenship in the National Curriculum in 2002. It argues that the policy is underpinned by what it describes as a hybrid `republican—communitarian' model of citizenship (the model implicitly advanced by the US political scientist Robert Putnam in his work on social capital), which emphasizes the value of political participation by citizens and the extent to which this participation is reliant on community membership. The article argues that the model of citizenship advanced by the AGC embodies crucial tensions between its republican and communitarian elements and by its being situated within the context of an uncritical acceptance of the boundaries prescribed by neo-liberal economic orthodoxy, which necessarily undermines the community attachments that the citizenship education policy seeks to promote.
Pneumocystis murina colonization in immunocompetent surfactant protein A deficient mice following environmental exposure
Authors: Linke Michael J , Ashbaugh Alan D , Demland Jeffery A , Walzer Peter D
Published: February 2009

Background

Pneumocystis spp. are opportunistic pathogens that cause pneumonia in immunocompromised humans and animals.Pneumocystiscolonization has also been detected in immunocompetent hosts and may exacerbate other pulmonary diseases. Surfactant protein A (SP-A) is an innate host defense molecule and plays a role in the host response toPneumocystis.

Methods

To analyze the role of SP-A in protecting the immunocompetent host fromPneumocystiscolonization, the susceptibility of immunocompetent mice deficient in SP-A (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice toP. murinacolonization was analyzed by reverse-transcriptase quantitative PCR (qPCR) and serum antibodies were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Detection ofP. murinaspecific serum antibodies in immunocompetent WT and KO mice indicated that the both strains of mice had been exposed toP. murinawithin the animal facility. However, P.murinamRNA was only detected by qPCR in the lungs of the KO mice. The incidence and level of the mRNA expression peaked at 8–10 weeks and declined to undetectable levels by 16–18 weeks. When the mice were immunosuppressed,P. murinacyst forms were also only detected in KO mice.P. murinamRNA was detected inSCIDmice that had been exposed to KO mice, demonstrating that the immunocompetent KO mice are capable of transmitting the infection to immunodeficient mice. The pulmonary cellular response appeared to be responsible for the clearance of the colonization. More CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells were recovered from the lungs of immunocompetent KO mice than from WT mice, and the colonization in KO mice depleted CD4+ cells was not cleared.

Conclusion

These data support an important role for SP-A in protecting the immunocompetent host fromP. murinacolonization, and provide a model to studyPneumocystiscolonization acquired via environmental exposure in humans. The results also illustrate the difficulties in keeping mice from exposure toP. murinaeven when housed under barrier conditions.
Sds22, a PP1 phosphatase regulatory subunit, regulates epithelial cell polarity and shape [Sds22 in epithelial morphology]
Authors: Grusche Felix A , Hidalgo Cristina , Fletcher Georgina , Sung Hsin-Ho , Sahai Erik , Thompson Barry J
Published: February 2009

Background

How epithelial cells adopt their particular polarised forms is poorly understood. In a screen for genes regulating epithelial morphology in Drosophila, we identified sds22, a conserved gene previously characterised in yeast.

Results

In the columnar epithelia of imaginal discs or follicle cells, mutation of sds22 causes contraction of cells along their apical-basal axis, resulting in a more cuboidal morphology. In addition, the mutant cells can also display altered cell polarity, forming multiple layers in follicle cells and leaving the epithelium in imaginal discs. In yeast, sds22 encodes a PP1 phosphatase regulatory subunit. Consistent with this, we show that Drosophila Sds22 binds to all four Drosophila PP1s and shares an overlapping phenotype with PP1beta9c. We also show that two previously postulated PP1 targets, Spaghetti Squash and Moesin are hyper-phosphorylated in sds22 mutants. This function is shared by the human homologue of Sds22, PPP1R7.

Conclusion

Sds22 is a conserved PP1 phosphatase regulatory subunit that controls cell shape and polarity.
Bead-probe complex capture a couple of SINE and LINE family from genomes of two closely related species of East Asian cyprinid directly using magnetic separation
Authors: Tong Chaobo , Guo Baocheng , He Shunping
Published: February 2009

Background

Short and long interspersed elements (SINEs and LINEs, respectively), two types of retroposons, are active in shaping the architecture of genomes and powerful tools for studies of phylogeny and population biology. Here we developed special protocol to apply biotin-streptavidin bead system into isolation of interspersed repeated sequences rapidly and efficiently, in which SINEs and LINEs were captured directly from digested genomic DNA by hybridization to bead-probe complex in solution instead of traditional strategy including genomic library construction and screening.

Results

A new couple of SINEs and LINEs that shared an almost identical 3'tail was isolated and characterized in silver carp and bighead carp of two closely related species. These SINEs (34 members), designated HAmo SINE family, were little divergent in sequence and flanked by obvious TSD indicated that HAmo SINE was very young family. The copy numbers of this family was estimated to 2 × 105 and 1.7 × 105 per haploid genome by Real-Time qPCR, respectively. The LINEs, identified as the homologs of LINE2 in other fishes, had a conserved primary sequence and secondary structures of the 3'tail region that was almost identical to that of HAmo SINE. These evidences suggest that HAmo SINEs are active and amplified recently utilizing the enzymatic machinery for retroposition of HAmoL2 through the recognition of higher-order structures of the conserved 42-tail region. We analyzed the possible structures of HAmo SINE that lead to successful amplification in genome and then deduced that HAmo SINE, SmaI SINE and FokI SINE that were similar in sequence each other, were probably generated independently and created by LINE family within the same lineage of a LINE phylogeny in the genomes of different hosts.

Conclusion

The presented results show the advantage of the novel method for retroposons isolation and a pair of young SINE family and its partner LINE family in two carp fishes, which strengthened the hypotheses containing the slippage model for initiation of reverse transcription, retropositional parasitism of SINEs on LINEs, the formation of the stem loop structure in 3'tail region of some SINEs and LINEs and the mechanism of template switching in generating new SINE family.
Protein secretion systems in bacterial-host associations, and their description in the Gene Ontology
Authors: Tseng Tsai-Tien , Tyler Brett M , Setubal João C
Published: February 2009

Protein secretion plays a central role in modulating the interactions of bacteria with their environments. This is particularly the case when symbiotic bacteria (whether pathogenic, commensal or mutualistic) are interacting with larger host organisms. In the case of Gram-negative bacteria, secretion requires translocation across the outer as well as the inner membrane, and a diversity of molecular machines have been elaborated for this purpose. A number of secreted proteins are destined to enter the host cell (effectors and toxins), and thus several secretion systems include apparatus to translocate proteins across the plasma membrane of the host also. The Plant-Associated Microbe Gene Ontology (PAMGO) Consortium has been developing standardized terms for describing biological processes and cellular components that play important roles in the interactions of microbes with plant and animal hosts, including the processes of bacterial secretion. Here we survey bacterial secretion systems known to modulate interactions with host organisms and describe Gene Ontology terms useful for describing the components and functions of these systems, and for capturing the similarities among the diverse systems.
Common and contrasting themes in host cell-targeted effectors from bacterial, fungal, oomycete and nematode plant symbionts described using the Gene Ontology
Authors: Torto-Alalibo Trudy , Collmer Candace W , Lindeberg Magdalen , Bird David , Collmer Alan , Tyler Brett M
Published: February 2009

A wide diversity of plant-associated symbionts, including microbes, produce proteins that can enter host cells, or are injected into host cells in order to modify the physiology of the host to promote colonization. These molecules, termed effectors, commonly target the host defense signaling pathways in order to suppress the defense response. Others target the gene expression machinery or trigger specific modifications to host morphology or physiology that promote the nutrition and proliferation of the symbiont. When recognized by the host's surveillance machinery, which includes cognate resistance (R) gene products, defense responses are engaged to restrict pathogen proliferation. Effectors from diverse symbionts may be delivered into plant cells via varied mechanisms, including whole organism cellular entry (viruses, some bacteria and fungi), type III and IV secretion (in bacteria), physical injection (nematodes and insects) and protein translocation signal sequences (oomycetes and fungi). This mini-review will summarize both similarities and differences in effectors and effector delivery systems found in diverse plant-associated symbionts as well as how these are described with Plant-Associated Microbe Gene Ontology (PAMGO) terms.
Association between TCF7L2gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a large Human Genome Epidemiology (HuGE) review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tong Yu , Lin Ying , Zhang Yuan , Yang Jiyun , Zhang Yawei , Liu Hengchuan , Zhang Ben
Published: February 2009

Background

Transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) has been shown to be associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2MD) in multiple ethnic groups in the past two years, but, contradictory results were reported for Chinese and Pima Indian populations. The authors then performed a large meta-analysis of 36 studies examining the association of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with polymorphisms in theTCF7L2gene in various ethnicities, containing rs7903146 C-to-T (IVS3C>T), rs7901695 T-to-C (IVS3T>C), a rs12255372 G-to-T (IVS4G>T), and rs11196205 G-to-C (IVS4G>C) polymorphisms and to evaluate the size of gene effect and the possible genetic mode of action.

Methods

Literature-based searching was conducted to collect data and three methods, that is, fixed-effects, random-effects and Bayesian multivariate mete-analysis, were performed to pool the odds ratio (OR). Publication bias and study-between heterogeneity were also examined.

Results

The studies included 35,843 cases of T2DM and 39,123 controls, using mainly primary data. For T2DM and IVS3C>T polymorphism, the BayesianORfor TT homozygotes and TC heterozygotes versus CC homozygote was 1.968 (95% credible interval (CrI): 1.790, 2.157), 1.406 (95%CrI: 1.341, 1.476), respectively, and the population attributable risk (PAR) for the TT/TC genotypes of this variant is 16.9% for overall. For T2DM and IVS4G>T polymorphism, TT homozygotes and TG heterozygotes versus GG homozygote was 1.885 (95%CrI: 1.698, 2.088), 1.360 (95%CrI: 1.291, 1.433), respectively. FourORs among these two polymorphisms all yielded significant between-study heterogeneity (P < 0.05) and the main source of heterogeneity was ethnic differences. Data also showed significant associations between T2DM and the other two polymorphisms, but with low heterogeneity (P> 0.10). PooledORs fit a codominant, multiplicative genetic model for all the four polymorphisms ofTCF7L2gene, and this model was also confirmed in different ethnic populations when stratification of IVS3C>T and IVS4G>T polymorphisms except for Africans, where a dominant, additive genetic mode is suggested for IVS3C>T polymorphism.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis demonstrates that four variants ofTCF7L2gene are all associated with T2DM, and indicates a multiplicative genetic model for all the four polymorphisms, as well as suggests theTCF7L2gene involved in near 1/5 of all T2MD. Potential gene-gene and gene-environmental interactions by which common variants in theTCF7L2gene influence the risk of T2MD need further exploration.
Community based yoga classes for type 2 diabetes: an exploratory randomised controlled trial
Authors: Skoro-Kondza Lana , Tai Sharon See , Gadelrab Ramona , Drincevic Desanka , Greenhalgh Trisha
Published: February 2009

Background

Yoga is a popular therapy for diabetes but its efficacy is contested. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of researching community based yoga classes in Type 2 diabetes with a view to informing the design of a definitive, multi-centre trial

Methods

The study design was an exploratory randomised controlled trial with in-depth process evaluation. The setting was two multi-ethnic boroughs in London, UK; one with average and one with low mean socio-economic deprivation score. Classes were held at a sports centre or GP surgery. Participants were 59 people with Type 2 diabetes not taking insulin, recruited from general practice lists or opportunistically by general practice staff. The intervention group were offered 12 weeks of a twice-weekly 90-minute yoga class; the control group was a waiting list for the yoga classes. Both groups received advice and leaflets on healthy lifestyle and were encouraged to exercise.

Primary outcome measure was HbA1c. Secondary outcome measures included attendance, weight, waist circumference, lipid levels, blood pressure, UKPDS cardiovascular risk score, diabetes-related quality of life (ADDQoL), and self-efficacy. Process measures were attendance at yoga sessions, self-reported frequency of practice between taught sessions, and qualitative data (interviews with patients and therapists, ethnographic observation of the yoga classes, and analysis of documents including minutes of meetings, correspondence, and exercise plans).

Results

Despite broad inclusion criteria, around two-thirds of the patients on GP diabetic registers proved ineligible, and 90% of the remainder declined to participate. Mean age of participants was 60 +/- 10 years. Attendance at yoga classes was around 50%. Nobody did the exercises regularly at home. Yoga teachers felt that most participants were unsuitable for 'standard' yoga exercises because of limited flexibility, lack of basic fitness, co-morbidity, and lack of confidence. There was a small fall in HbA1c in the yoga group which was not statistically significant and which was not sustained six months later, and no significant change in other outcome measures.

Conclusion

The benefits of yoga in type 2 diabetes suggested in some previous studies were not confirmed. Possible explanations (apart from lack of efficacy) include recruitment challenges; practical and motivational barriers to class attendance; physical and motivational barriers to engaging in the exercises; inadequate intensity and/or duration of yoga intervention; and insufficient personalisation of exercises to individual needs. All these factors should be considered when designing future trials.

Trial registration

National Research Register (1410) and Current Controlled Trials (ISRCTN63637211).
Quantitation of alpha-linolenic acid elongation to eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid as affected by the ratio of n6/n3 fatty acids
Authors: Harnack Kerstin , Andersen Gaby , Somoza Veronika
Published: February 2009

Background

Conversion of linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) to their higher chain homologues in humans depends on the ratio of ingested n6 and n3 fatty acids.

Design and methods

In order to determine the most effective ratio with regard to the conversion of ALA to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), human hepatoma cells were incubated with varying ratios of [13C] labeled linoleic acid ([13C]LA)- and alpha-linolenic acid ([13C]ALA)-methylesters. Regulative cellular signal transduction pathways involved were studied by determinations of transcript levels of the genes encoding delta-5 desaturase (D5D) and delta-6 desaturase (D6D), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c). Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MEK1) and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 1 (MEKK1) were also examined.

Results

Maximum conversion was observed in cells incubated with the mixture of [13C]LA/[13C]ALA at a ratio of 1:1, where 0.7% and 17% of the recovered [13C]ALA was converted to DHA and EPA, respectively. Furthermore, differential regulation of enzymes involved in the conversion at the transcript level, dependent on the ratio of administered n6 to n3 fatty acids in human hepatocytes was demonstrated.

Conclusion

Formation of EPA and DHA was highest at an administered LA/ALA ratio of 1:1, although gene expression of PPARα, SREBP-1c and D5D involved in ALA elongation were higher in the presence of ALA solely. Also, our findings suggest that a diet-induced enhancement of the cell membrane content of highly unsaturated fatty acids is only possible up to a certain level.
Correlational Analysis for Identifying Genes whose Regulation Contributes to Chronic Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Persson Anna-Karin , Gebauer Mathias , Jordan Suzana , Metz-Weidmann Christiane , Schulte Anke M , Schneider Hans-Christoph , Ding-Pfennigdorff Danping , Thun Jonas , Xu Xiao-Jun , Wiesenfeld-Hallin Zsuzsanna , Darvasi Ariel , Fried Kaj , Devor Marshall
Published: February 2009

Background

Nerve injury-triggered hyperexcitability in primary sensory neurons is considered a major source of chronic neuropathic pain. The hyperexcitability, in turn, is thought to be related to transcriptional switching in afferent cell somata. Analysis using expression microarrays has revealed that many genes are regulated in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) following axotomy. But which contribute to pain phenotype versus other nerve injury-evoked processes such as nerve regeneration? Using the L5 spinal nerve ligation model of neuropathy we examined differential changes in gene expression in the L5 (and L4) DRGs in five mouse strains with contrasting susceptibility to neuropathic pain. We sought genes for which the degree of regulation correlates with strain-specific pain phenotype.

Results

In an initial experiment six candidate genes previously identified as important in pain physiology were selected for in situ hybridization to DRG sections. Among these, regulation of the Na+ channel α subunit Scn11a correlated with levels of spontaneous pain behavior, and regulation of the cool receptor Trpm8 correlated with heat hypersensibility. In a larger scale experiment, mRNA extracted from individual mouse DRGs was processed on Affymetrix whole-genome expression microarrays. Overall, 2552 ± 477 transcripts were significantly regulated in the axotomized L5DRG 3 days postoperatively. However, in only a small fraction of these was the degree of regulation correlated with pain behavior across strains. Very few genes in the “uninjured” L4DRG showed altered expression (24 ± 28).

Conclusion

Correlational analysis based on in situ hybridization provided evidence that differential regulation of Scn11a and Trpm8 contributes to across-strain variability in pain phenotype. This does not, of course, constitute evidence that the others are unrelated to pain. Correlational analysis based on microarray data yielded a larger “look-up table” of genes whose regulation likely contributes to pain variability. While this list is enriched in genes of potential importance for pain physiology, and is relatively free of the bias inherent in the candidate gene approach, additional steps are required to clarify which transcripts on the list are in fact of functional importance.
Ten years of major equestrian injury: are we addressing functional outcomes?
Authors: Ball Jill E , Ball Chad G , Mulloy Robert H , Datta Indraneel , Kirkpatrick Andrew W
Published: February 2009

Background

Horseback riding is considered more dangerous than motorcycle riding, skiing, automobile racing, football and rugby. The integral role of rehabilitation therapy in the recovery of patients who have sustained a major horse-related injury is previously not described. The goals of this paper were to (1) define the incidence and pattern of severe equestrian trauma, (2) identify the current level of in-patient rehabilitation services, (3) describe functional outcomes for patients, and (4) discuss methods for increasing rehabilitation therapy in this unique population.

Methods and results

A retrospective review of the trauma registry at a level 1 center (1995–2005) was completed in conjunction with a patient survey outlining formal in-hospital therapy. Forty-nine percent of patients underwent in-patient rehabilitation therapy. Injuries predictive of receiving therapy included musculoskeletal and spinal cord trauma. Previous injury while horseback riding was predictive of not receiving therapy. The majority (55%) of respondents had chronic physical difficulties following their accident.

Conclusion

Rehabilitation therapy is significantly underutilized following severe equestrian trauma. Increased therapy services should target patients with brain, neck and skull injuries. Improvements in the initial provision, and follow-up of rehabilitation therapy could enhance functional outcomes in the treatment resistant Western equestrian population.
A pilot study on acute inflammation and cancer: a new balance between IFN-γ and TGF-β in melanoma
Authors: Ma Yue-mei , Sun Tao , Liu Yi-xin , Zhao Nan , Gu Qiang , Zhang Dan-fang , Qie Shuo , Ni Chun-sheng , Liu Yi , Sun Bao-cun
Published: February 2009

Recent data have redefined the concept of inflammation as a critical component of tumor progression. However, there has been little development on cases where inflammation on or near a wound and a tumor exist simultaneously. Therefore, this pilot study aims to observe the impact of a wound on a tumor, to build a new mouse tumor model with a manufactured surgical wound representing acute inflammation, and to evaluate the relationship between acute inflammation or wound healing and the process of tumor growth. We focus on the two phases that are present when acute inflammation influences tumor. In the early phase, inhibitory effects are present. The process that produces these effects is the functional reaction of IFN-γ secretions from a wound inflammation. In the latter phase, the inhibited tumor is made resistant to IFN-γ through the release of TGF-β to balance the inflammatory factor effect on the tumor cells. A pair of cytokines IFN-γ/TGF-β established a new balance to protect the tumor from the interference effect of the inflammation. The tumor was made resistant to IFN-γ through the release of TGF-β to balance the inflammatory effect on the tumor cells. This balance mechanism that occurred in the tumor cells increased proliferation and invasion.In vitroandin vivoexperiments have confirmed a new view of clinical surgery that will provide more detailed information on the evaluation of tumors after surgery. This study also provides a better understanding of the relationship between tumor and inflammation, as well as tumor cell attacks on inflammatory factors.
Prognostic impact of human epidermal growth factor-like receptor 2 and hormone receptor status in inflammatory breast cancer (IBC): analysis of 2,014 IBC patient cases from the California Cancer Registry
Authors: Zell Jason A , Tsang Walter Y , Taylor Thomas H , Mehta Rita S , Anton-Culver Hoda
Published: February 2009

Introduction

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is an aggressive form of breast cancer associated with overexpression of Her2/Neu (human epidermal growth factor-like receptor 2 (HER2)) and poor survival. We investigated survival differences for IBC patient cases based on hormone receptor status and HER2 receptor status using data from the California Cancer Registry, as contrasted with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC), metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and non-T4 breast cancer.

Methods

A case-only analysis of 80,099 incident female breast cancer patient cases in the California Cancer Registry during 1999 to 2003 was performed, with follow-up through March 2007. Overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BC-SS) were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier methods and Cox proportional hazards ratios.

Results

A total of 2,014 IBC, 1,268 LABC, 3,059 MBC, and 73,758 non-T4 breast cancer patient cases were identified. HER2+ was associated with advanced tumor stage (P < 0.0001). IBC patient cases were more likely to be HER2+ (40%) and less likely to be hormone receptor-positive (HmR+) (59%) compared with LABC (35% and 69%, respectively), MBC (35% and 74%), and non-T4 patient cases (22% and 82%). HmR+ status was associated with improved OS and BC-SS for each breast cancer subtype after adjustment for clinically relevant factors. In multivariate analysis, HER2+ (versus HER2-) status was associated with poor BC-SS for non-T4 patient cases (hazards ratio = 1.16, 95% confidence interval 1.05 to 1.28) and had a borderline significant association with improved BC-SS for IBC (hazards ratio = 0.82, 95% confidence interval = 0.68 to 0.99).

Conclusions

Despite an association with advanced tumor stage, HER2+ status is not an independent adverse prognostic factor for survival among IBC patient cases.
Noncanonical frizzled signaling regulates cell polarity of growth plate chondrocytes
Authors: Li Yuwei , Dudley Andrew T.
Published: February 2009

Bone growth is driven by cell proliferation and the subsequent hypertrophy of chondrocytes arranged in columns of discoid cells that resemble stacks of coins. However, the molecular mechanisms that direct column formation and the importance of columnar organization to bone morphogenesis are not known. Here,we show in chick that discoid proliferative chondrocytes orient the division plane to generate daughter cells that are initially displaced laterally and then intercalate into the column. Downregulation of frizzled (Fzd) signaling alters the dimensions of long bones and produces cell-autonomous changes in proliferative chondrocyte organization characterized by arbitrary division planes and altered cell stacking. These defects are phenocopied by disruption of noncanonical effector pathways but not by inhibitors of canonical Fzd signaling. These findings demonstrate that the regulation of cell polarity and cell arrangement by noncanonical Fzd signaling plays important roles in generating the unique morphological characteristics that shape individual cartilage elements.
Klf4 reverts developmentally programmed restriction of ground state pluripotency
Authors: Guo Ge , Yang Jian , Nichols Jennifer , Hall John Simon , Eyres Isobel , Mansfield William , Smith Austin
Published: February 2009

Mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells derived from pluripotent early epiblast contribute functionally differentiated progeny to all foetal lineages of chimaeras. By contrast, epistem cell (EpiSC) lines from post-implantation epithelialised epiblast are unable to colonise the embryo even though they express the core pluripotency genes Oct4, Sox2 and Nanog. We examined interconversion between these two cell types. ES cells can readily become EpiSCs in response to growth factor cues. By contrast, EpiSCs do not change into ES cells. We exploited PiggyBac transposition to introduce a single reprogramming factor, Klf4, into EpiSCs. No effect was apparent in EpiSC culture conditions, but in ground state ES cell conditions a fraction of cells formed undifferentiated colonies. These EpiSC-derived induced pluripotent stem (Epi-iPS) cells activated expression of ES cell-specific transcripts including endogenous Klf4, and downregulated markers of lineage specification. X chromosome silencing in female cells, a feature of the EpiSC state, was erased in Epi-iPS cells. They produced high-contribution chimaeras that yielded germline transmission. These properties were maintained after Cre-mediated deletion of the Klf4transgene, formally demonstrating complete and stable reprogramming of developmental phenotype. Thus, re-expression of Klf4 in an appropriate environment can regenerate the naïve ground state from EpiSCs. Reprogramming is dependent on suppression of extrinsic growth factor stimuli and proceeds to completion in less than 1% of cells. This substantiates the argument that EpiSCs are developmentally, epigenetically and functionally differentiated from ES cells. However, because a single transgene is the minimum requirement to attain the ground state, EpiSCs offer an attractive opportunity for screening for unknown components of the reprogramming process.
Kinetoplastid guide RNA biogenesis is dependent on subunits of the mitochondrial RNA binding complex 1 and mitochondrial RNA polymerase
Authors: Hashimi Hassan , Čičová Zdeňka , Novotná Lucie , Wen Yan-Zi , Lukeš Julius
Published: February 2009

The mitochondrial RNA binding complex 1 (MRB1) is a recently discovered complex of proteins associated with the TbRGG1 and TbRGG2 proteins in Trypanosoma brucei. Based on the phenotype caused by down-regulation of these two proteins, it was proposed to play an unspecified role in RNA editing. RNAi silencing of three newly characterized protein subunits, guide RNA associated proteins (GAPs) 1 and 2 as well as a predicted DExD/H-box RNA helicase, show they are essential for cell growth in the procyclic stage. Furthermore, their down-regulation leads to inhibition of editing in only those mRNAs for which minicircle-encoded guide (g) RNAs are required. However, editing remains unaffected when the maxicircle-encoded cis-acting gRNA is employed. Interestingly, all three proteins are necessary for the expression of the minicircle-encoded gRNAs. Moreover, down-regulation of a fourth assayed putative MRB1 subunit, Nudix hydrolase, does not appear to destabilize gRNAs, and down-regulation of this protein has a general impact on the stability of maxicircle-encoded RNAs. GAP1 and 2 are also essential for the survival of the bloodstream stage, in which the gRNAs become eliminated upon depletion of either protein. Immunolocalization revealed that GAP1 and 2 are concentrated into discrete spots along the mitochondrion, usually localized in the proximity of the kinetoplast. Finally, we demonstrate that the same mtRNA polymerase known to transcribe the maxicircle mRNAs may also have a role in expression of the minicircle-encoded gRNAs.
Billerud Optimizes Its Bleaching Process Using Online Optimization
Authors: Flisberg Patrik , Rönnqvist Mikael , Nilsson Stefan
Published: February 2009

Billerud, a Swedish company with four integrated pulp and paper mills, serves specific packaging-market segments. In 2000, the process-engineering department at Billerud's mill in Skärblacka sought to improve the mills' bleaching process. It contacted Linköping University, which collaborated with Eurocon Automation AB to develop a decision-support system, OptCab. Eurocon Automation AB now offers OptCab as a general tool in the market. Its core is an online optimization system that dynamically updates a process description and optimizes the bleaching control process. The system, which has been fully operational since 2004, has provided numerous benefits to Billerud. Chemical use has decreased by approximately 10 percent, saving approximately two million euros since its installation; the environmental impact has also been reduced; and the brightness quality of paper that the mill produces is more uniform and stable. Moreover, OptCab requires less operator time, freeing the operators for development and analysis work.
Histopathologic Analysis of Sixteen Autopsy Cases of Chronic Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis and Comparison With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis/Usual Interstitial Pneumonia
Authors: Akashi Takumi , Takemura Tamiko , Ando Noboru , Eishi Yoshinobu , Kitagawa Masanobu , Takizawa Touichirou , Koike Morio , Ohtani Yoshio , Miyazaki Yasunari , Inase Naohiko , Yoshizawa Yasuyuki
Published: February 2009

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an interstitial lung disease caused by the inhalation of organic substances and certain inorganic chemicals. The histopathologic features of chronic HP (CHP) have not been studied extensively. We examined the pathologic characteristics of 16 autopsy cases of clinically confirmed CHP and compared them with 11 cases of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis/usual interstitial pneumonia (IPF/UIP). To clarify the exact intralobular location of the fibrotic lesions, we conducted 3-dimensional reconstruction of fibrosis of CHP and IPF/UIP. Granuloma was not detected in any CHP case. Similar to IPF/UIP, honeycombing lesions were found dominantly in the lower lobes in most CHP cases; upper lobe dominance and asymmetrical distribution of honeycomb lesions were more frequent in CHP than in IPF/UIP. In all lungs affected by CHP, centrilobular fibrosis was outstanding, often connecting to the perilobular areas in the appearance of “bridging fibrosis,” which was clearly demonstrated by 3-dimensional imaging. Centrilobular and bridging fibrosis were significantly more conspicuous in CHP than IPF/UIP; however, considerable overlap was found. It is important to thoroughly explore the possibility of antigen exposure in cases of lungs with UIP with centrilobular fibrosis to discriminate CHP from IPF/UIP.
The role of perceived parental socialization practices in school adjustment among Norwegian upper secondary school students
Authors: Studsrød Ingunn , Bru Edvin
Published: February 2009

Background Lack of adjustment or school failure is a concern to educators, educational and school psychologists as well as parents, but few studies have focused on school adjustment during late adolescence. Moreover, studies have yet to explore associations between parenting and school adjustment among upper secondary school students.

Aim The primary objective of this study is to explore the relative and unique influence of parental support, behavioural control and psychological control (overprotection and autonomy granting) in school adjustment among upper secondary school students.

Sample The sample consisted of 564 students (15–18 years of age) in vocational and general educational courses from one upper secondary school in western Norway.

Method The study was conducted as a survey. All data were based on adolescent reports, except for absence data, which were provided by the school.

Results The results showed that perceived parental practices accounted for moderate, but statistically significant amounts of variance in different aspects of school adjustment.

Conclusions The findings indicate that perceived parental socialization practices are only moderately associated with school adjustment among upper secondary school students. This probably reflects the fact that the influence of specific parenting practices declines as children and young adolescents mature into late adolescent students.
Assessing different aspects of pretend play within a play setting: Towards a standardized assessment of pretend play in young children
Authors: Frahsek Stefanie , Mack Wolfgang , Mack Christina , Pfalz‐Blezinger Charlotte , Knopf Monika
Published: February 2009

The present study suggests a method with which to assess the interrelations between different types of pretend play. In contrast to standard methods in this area, the various types of pretend play were measured within an interactive play scenario. The pretend play tasks were included in a semi‐structured play sequence and presented to young children between 24 and 30 months of age (N=30). Self‐ and doll‐directed pretence, object substitution, pretence with realistic objects, and self‐initiated pretend play, as well as the understanding that an object had been given two identities was tested. The capacity for dual representation was assessed by asking for the real and pretend identity of an object. Age differences were found in the overall score for elicited pretence but not for all items separately. Individual items also differed in difficulty and thus are of potential use for assessing intraindividual differences in pretend play. Findings are discussed in the context of current theories and methods concerning the development and assessment of pretend play.
Two instructional designs for dialogic citizenship education: An effect study
Authors: Schuitema Jaap , Veugelers Wiel , Rijlaarsdam Gert , ten Dam Geert
Published: February 2009

Background Despite the renewed interest in citizenship education, relatively little is known about effective ways to realize citizenship education in the classroom. In the literature on citizenship education, dialogue is considered to be a crucial element. However, there is very little, if any, empirical research into the different ways to stimulate dialogue.

Aim The main aim of this study is to arrive at an understanding of how citizenship education can be integrated in history classes. The focus is on the effect of a dialogic approach to citizenship education on students' ability to justify an opinion on moral issues.

Sample Four hundred and eighty‐two students in the eighth grade of secondary education.

Methods Two curriculum units for dialogic citizenship education were developed and implemented. The two curriculum units differed in the balance between group work and whole‐class teaching. Students' ability to justify an opinion was assessed by means of short essays written by students on a moral issue. The effectiveness of both curriculum units was compared with regular history classes.

Results Students who participated in the lessons for dialogic citizenship education were able to justify their opinion better than students who participated in regular history lessons. The results further show a positive effect of the amount of group work involved.

Conclusion The results of this study indicate that a dialogic approach to citizenship education as an integral part of history classes helps students to form a more profound opinion about moral issues in the subject matter. In addition, group work seems to be a more effective method to implement dialogue in the classroom than whole‐class teaching.
An Improved Rotating Cylinder Test Design for Laboratory Measurement of Erosion in Clayey Soils
Authors: Lim Seok San , Khalili Nasser
Published: February 2009

An improved Rotating Cylinder Test (RCT) device is designed and manufactured for laboratory measurement of erosion in clay soils. The improved device provides for a rapid and practical procedure for sample assembly and allows testing cylindrical samples 100 mm in height and 100 mm in diameter. It also provides the ability for direct and accurate measurement of hydraulic shear stress and erosion rate. The improved RCT apparatus has been calibrated using dummy samples to isolate the torque applied to the soil surface. A control program has been developed to operate the RCT and record test data for analysis. Sample preparation for compacted clay soils has been discussed for both saturated and unsaturated states. Typical erosion test results are presented for a clay soil.