bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Blood Biomarkers of Human Urinary Bladder Cancer
Authors: Osman Iman , Bajorin Dean F. , Sun Tung-Tien , Zhong Hong , Douglas Diah , Scattergood Joseph , Zheng Run , Han Mark , Marshall K. Wayne , Liew Choong-Chin
Published: June 2006

Purpose: Recent data indicate that cDNA microarray gene expression profile of blood cells can reflect disease states and thus have diagnostic value. We tested the hypothesis that blood cell gene expression can differentiate between bladder cancer and other genitourinary cancers as well as between bladder cancer and healthy controls.

Experimental Design: We used Affymetrix U133 Plus 2.0 GeneChip (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA) to profile circulating blood total RNA from 35 patients diagnosed with one of three types of genitourinary cancer [bladder cancer (n = 16), testicular cancer (n = 10), and renal cell carcinoma (n = 9)] and compared their cDNA profiles with those of 10 healthy subjects. We then verified the expression levels of selected genes from the Affymetrix results in a larger number of bladder cancer patients (n = 40) and healthy controls (n = 27).

Results: Blood gene expression profiles distinguished bladder cancer patients from healthy controls and from testicular and renal cancer patients. Differential expression of a combined set of seven gene transcripts (insulin-like growth factor–binding protein 7, sorting nexin 16, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 6, and cathepsin D, chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 2, nell-like 2, and tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 7) was able to discriminate bladder cancer from control samples with a sensitivity of 83% (95% confidence interval, 67-93%) and a specificity of 93% (95% confidence interval, 76-99%).

Conclusion: We have shown that the gene expression profile of circulating blood cells can distinguish bladder cancer from other types of genitourinary cancer and healthy controls and can be used to identify novel blood markers for bladder cancer.
In vitroandIn vivoAntitumor Activity of the Novel Derivatized Polyvinyl Alcohol-Based Polymer P10(4)
Authors: Raffaghello Lizzie , Zuccari Guendalina , Carosio Roberta , Orienti Isabella , Montaldo Paolo G.
Published: June 2006

Purpose: The major limitation to successful chemotherapy of neuroblastoma is the toxicity of traditional antitumor drugs. Hence, less toxic and more effective drugs are to be found, and novel formulations of conventional compounds allowing a more favorable biodistribution should be sought for. In an attempt to pursue this task, we recently synthesized an amphiphilic polymer based on a polyvinyl alcohol backbone [P10(4)].

Experimental Design: The cytotoxic activity of P10(4) was evaluated both in vitro on neuroblastoma and melanoma cell lines and in vivo in pseudometastatic neuroblastoma models. Apoptosis was assessed by morphology, cytofluorimetric analysis of DNA content, and DNA fragmentation assay. Caspases activation was investigated by kits specific for caspase-1, caspase-2, caspase-3, caspase-4, caspase-6, caspase-7, caspase-8, caspase-9, caspase-10, and caspase-13. Colony formation was evaluated by soft agar assay.

Results: P10(4) exerted a potent cytotoxic activity on different neuroblastoma and melanoma cell lines through induction of both extrinsic and intrinsic caspase cascades and subsequent apoptosis. Moreover, the clonogenic potential of cells that survived P10(4) treatment was strongly reduced. Next, we tested the effects of P10(4) in nude mice injected with both a human and a murine neuroblastoma cell lines i.v. P10(4) significantly increased the life span and the long-term survival of treated mice over controls. No side effects were observed, even at doses higher than those used for therapeutic purposes.

Conclusions: Our data suggest that P10(4) holds promise as an anticancer compound and, because of its lack of interaction with DNA, is unlikely to give rise to drug resistance.
Serial Plasma Osteopontin Levels Have Prognostic Value in Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Bramwell Vivien H.C. , Doig Gordon S. , Tuck Alan B. , Wilson Sylvia M. , Tonkin Katia S. , Tomiak Anna , Perera Francisco , Vandenberg Theodore A. , Chambers Ann F.
Published: June 2006

Purpose: Osteopontin is a malignancy-associated protein measurable in blood and tumor tissue. To evaluate its prognostic value in advanced disease, we conducted a prospective clinical study measuring serial osteopontin plasma levels in women with metastatic breast cancer throughout the course of their disease.

Experimental Design: One hundred fifty-eight women with newly diagnosed metastatic breast cancer were enrolled in the study. Plasma osteopontin was measured using our validated ELISA, at baseline and every 3 to 12 weeks during and after therapy until death. Multivariate time-dependent survival analyses were conducted using models that right censored patient outcomes 3, 6, and 12 months after the last known osteopontin measurement.

Results: Osteopontin was measured in 1,378 samples (median, 9 per patient). Ninety-nine patients had elevated baseline osteopontin (median, 177 ng/mL; range, 1-2,648 ng/mL). In univariate analysis, elevated baseline osteopontin was associated with short survival (P = 0.02). In a multivariate model incorporating standard prognostic factors, baseline osteopontin was significantly associated with survival duration (relative risk, 1.001; P = 0.038). Metastasis-free interval, visceral metastases, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status 2 to 4 also retained significance. In a multivariate model incorporating standard prognostic factors and changes in sequential osteopontin levels, an osteopontin increase of >250 ng/mL at any time was the variable with the most prognostic value for poor survival (relative risk, 3.26; P = 0.0003), and poor Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status also retained significance.

Conclusions: This is the first study to show that in women with metastatic breast cancer, increases in osteopontin levels over time are strongly associated with poor survival. Sequential monitoring of osteopontin may have use in making treatment decisions for these patients.
Preclinical Assessment ofFHITGene Replacement Therapy in Human Leukemia Using a Chimeric Adenovirus, Ad5/F35
Authors: Pichiorri Flavia , Trapasso Francesco , Palumbo Tiziana , Aqeilan Rami I. , Drusco Alessandra , Blaser Bradley W. , Iliopoulos Dimitrios , Caligiuri Michael A. , Huebner Kay , Croce Carlo M.
Published: June 2006

Purpose: Expression of the FHIT protein is lost or reduced in most solid tumors and a significant fraction of hematopoietic malignancies. Adenovirus 5 (Ad5) virus or adeno-associated viral vectors have been used to study the tumor suppressor function of FHIT in solid tumors, but these tools have not been effective in leukemias. We have generated a chimeric FHIT-containing adenovirus composed of Ad5 and the group B adenovirus called F35 with which we have been able to efficiently infect hematopoietic cells.

Experimental Design: Infection efficiency of Ad5/F35-FHIT and Ad5/F35-GFP viruses was tested in leukemia cell lines that lacked FHIT expression, and biological effects of successful infection were assessed. An acute myelogenous leukemia, a chronic myelogenous leukemia, and four acute lymphoblastic leukemia human cell lines were examined as well as two EBV-transformed B lymphoblastoid cell lines that expressed endogenous FHIT.

Results: Two of four acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell lines, Jurkat and MV4;11, which were efficiently infected with Ad5/F35-FHIT, underwent growth suppression and massive induction of apoptosis without apparent activation of caspase-8 or caspase-2 and late activation of caspase-3. Treatment of infected cells with caspase-9 and caspase-3 inhibitors partially blocked FHIT-induced apoptosis. The two remaining infected acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell lines, Molt-3 and RS4;11, were apparently unaffected. Restoration of FHIT expression in the chronic myelogenous leukemia K562 cell line and the acute myelogenous leukemia KG1a cell line also induced apoptosis but at later time points than seen in the acute lymphoblastic leukemia Jurkat and MV4;11 cell lines. I.v. injection of Ad5/F35-FHIT-infected Jurkat cells resulted in abrogation of tumorigenicity in the NOD/SCID xenogeneic engraftment model.

Conclusion: FHIT restoration in some FHIT-deficient leukemia cells induces both antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects involving the intrinsic caspase apoptotic pathway.
The High Frequency of De novo Promoter Methylation in Synchronous Primary Endometrial and Ovarian Carcinomas
Authors: Furlan Daniela , Carnevali Ileana , Marcomini Barbara , Cerutti Roberta , Dainese Emanuele , Capella Carlo , Riva Cristina
Published: June 2006

Purpose: The methylation status of hMLH1, CDKN2A, and MGMT was investigated in a panel of synchronous cancers of the ovary and endometrium, fulfilling the clinicopathologic criteria for independent primary tumors to define the possible role of epigenetic mechanisms in the development of these cancers.

Experimental Design: Bisulfite-converted DNA from 31 tumors (13 endometrial and 18 ovarian carcinomas) and from matched normal tissue of 13 patients was analyzed by a methylation-specific PCR assay at the CpG-rich 5′ regions of all three genes. In all tumors, we also investigated the presence of microsatellite instability and hMLH1 immunohistochemical expression in relation to hMLH1 hypermethylation status.

Results: Methylation of hMLH1, CDKN2A, and MGMT was detected in 39%, 41%, and 48% of endometrial and ovarian tumors, respectively. hMLH1 hypermethylation was observed in all tumors of five patients, and it was invariably associated with loss of hMLH1 protein and presence of microsatellite instability. CDKN2A and MGMT methylation was randomly detected among both endometrial (45% and 24% of cases, respectively) and ovarian carcinomas (39% and 39% of cases, respectively). Concordant methylation at two or three genes was observed in 35% of cases.

Conclusions: Epigenetic inactivation of hMLH1, CDKN2A, and MGMT may be a common and early event in the development of synchronous primary endometrial and ovarian carcinomas and may qualify as a marker of a field cancerization encompassing the ovary and endometrium. Detection of MGMT hypermethylation may be useful to define a set of gynecologic malignancies with a specific sensitivity to alkylating chemotherapy.
Vaccination of Colorectal Cancer Patients with Modified Vaccinia Ankara Delivering the Tumor Antigen 5T4 (TroVax) Induces Immune Responses which Correlate with Disease Control: A Phase I/II Trial
Authors: Harrop Richard , Connolly Noel , Redchenko Irina , Valle Juan , Saunders Mark , Ryan Matthew G. , Myers Kevin A. , Drury Noel , Kingsman Susan M. , Hawkins Robert E. , Carroll Miles W.
Published: June 2006

Purpose: The highly attenuated strain of vaccinia virus, modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA), encoding the tumor antigen 5T4 (termed TroVax), has been evaluated in an open-label phase I/II study in colorectal cancer patients. The primary objectives were to assess the safety and immunogenicity of ascending doses of TroVax and to determine the biodistribution of the vector.

Experimental Design: TroVax was given to 22 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Seventeen patients received doses of TroVax ranging from 5 × 107 up to 5 × 108 plaque-forming units at 0, 4, and 8 weeks and were considered to be evaluable for assessment of immunologic responses. Both antibody and cellular responses specific for the tumor antigen 5T4 and the viral vector were monitored throughout the study.

Results: TroVax was well tolerated in all patients with no serious adverse events attributed to vaccination. Of 17 evaluable patients, 16 showed 5T4-specific cellular responses whereas 14 had detectable antibody levels following vaccination. TroVax was able to boost 5T4-specific immune responses in the presence of MVA neutralizing antibodies. Periods of disease stabilization ranging from 3 to 18 months were observed in five patients, all of whom mounted 5T4-specific immune responses. Furthermore, statistical analysis showed a positive association between the development of a 5T4 (but not MVA) antibody response and patient survival or time to disease progression.

Conclusion: These data indicate that vaccination with TroVax is safe and well tolerated and that immune responses to 5T4 can be induced without any evidence of autoimmune toxicity. Furthermore, 5T4-specific antibody responses correlate with evidence of disease control.
Identification of ROBO1 as a Novel Hepatocellular Carcinoma Antigen and a Potential Therapeutic and Diagnostic Target
Authors: Ito Hirotaka , Funahashi Shin-ichi , Yamauchi Naoko , Shibahara Junji , Midorikawa Yutaka , Kawai Shigeto , Kinoshita Yasuko , Watanabe Akira , Hippo Yoshitaka , Ohtomo Toshihiko , Iwanari Hiroko , Nakajima Atsushi , Makuuchi Masatoshi , Fukayama Masashi , Hirata Yuichi , Hamakubo Takao , Kodama Tatsuhiko , Tsuchiya Masayuki , Aburatani Hiroyuki
Published: June 2006

Purpose: Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary malignancy of the liver and accounts for as many as one million deaths annually worldwide. The present study was done to identify new transmembrane molecules for antibody therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Experimental Design: Gene expression profiles of pooled total RNA from three tissues each of moderately differentiated and poorly differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma were compared with those of normal liver, noncancerous liver tissue in hepatocellular carcinoma patients, 30 normal tissue samples, and five fetal tissue samples. Target genes up-regulated specifically in hepatocellular carcinoma were validated by immunohistochemical analysis and complement-dependent cytotoxicity assay using monoclonal antibodies generated against target molecules.

Results: The human homologue of the Drosophila Roundabout gene, axon guidance receptor homologue 1, ROBO1/DUTT1, a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, was highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma, whereas it showed only a limited distribution in normal tissues. On immunohistochemical analysis using a newly generated anti-ROBO1 monoclonal antibody, positive signals were observed in 83 of 98 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (84.7%). The mAb B2318C induced complement-dependent cytotoxicity in ROBO1-expressing cell lines and in the liver cancer cell line PLC/PRF/5. Strikingly, the ectodomain of ROBO1 was detected not only in the culture medium of liver cancer cell lines (PLC/PRF/5, HepG2, etc.) but also in sera from hepatocellular carcinoma patients (6 of 11).

Conclusions: This is the first report that ROBO1 is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma and shed into serum in humans. These observations suggest that ROBO1 is a potential new serologic marker for hepatocellular carcinoma and may represent a new therapeutic target.
A Concise History of the Cancer and Leukemia Group B
Authors: Schilsky Richard L. , McIntyre O. Ross , Holland James F. , Frei Emil
Published: June 2006

A formal National Cancer Institute Clinical Trials Cooperative Group Program was conceived in 1955 when Dr. Sidney Farber, Mary Lasker, and others approached Congress with a proposal to increase support for studies of chemotherapy of cancer. In response, Congress awarded US $5 million to the National Cancer Institute to establish the Chemotherapy National Service Center. The founders of the Cancer and Leukemia Group B, James Holland and Emil (Tom) Frei, III, envisioned that successful chemotherapy for leukemia and other hematologic malignancies could be expeditiously realized through carefully designed clinical trials executed uniformly as a cooperative effort among several institutions. In 1956, the group was designated the Acute Leukemia Group B by the Chemotherapy National Service Center Clinical Studies Panel, and Frei was elected chairman. In the ensuing 50 years, the Cancer and Leukemia Group B has expanded to national and even international membership, and its research programs have expanded to include all of the common adult solid tumors and hematologic malignancies in a multidisciplinary effort to improve the outcomes for patients with cancer and to better understand the biology of malignant disease.
The Cancer and Leukemia Group B Oncology Nursing Committee (1983-2006): A History of Passion, Commitment, Challenge, and Accomplishment
Authors: Smith Ellen Lavoie , Skosey Consuelo , Armer Jane , Berg Deborah , Cirrincione Constance , Henggeler Mary
Published: June 2006

The Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) Oncology Nursing Committee (ONC) was initially established in 1983 as a working group with the specific aim of promoting protocol compliance through collaboration, communication, and education to enhance the scientific goals of the Group. Due to the efforts of its members, the committee gained full committee status. ONC members now serve as principal investigators and coinvestigators on research studies, continue to sponsor biannual educational sessions individually and in concert with other CALGB committees, and continue to develop tools to enlighten patients about their disease and the clinical trial process. The ONC, an administrative group of 12 members, provides leadership within CALGB. Although ONC members have always acted as liaisons to the disease and modality committees, three positions have recently been designated specifically for doctorally prepared nurse scientists. Since its inception, general nurse membership within the group has more than doubled to a total of more than 500 members.
The Cancer and Leukemia Group B Respiratory Committee
Authors: Vokes Everett E. , Perry Michael C. , Kindler Hedy L. , Green Mark R.
Published: June 2006

The Cancer and Leukemia Group B Respiratory Committee has a 30-year track record of clinical investigation in patients with small-cell lung cancer and non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and mesothelioma. The most widely recognized contributions of the Committee include the early confirmation of the role of concurrent chemoradiotherapy in LD-SCLC, the effect of combination chemotherapy followed by radiation in stage III NSCLC, the introduction of third-generation agents into concurrent chemoradiation for stage III disease, the prospective demonstration of the benefit of treating older (70 years old) and poorer performance status (performance status = 2) patients with first-line combinations for stage IV disease, and the development of the “Herndon prognostic index” to normalize patient characteristics and outcomes in sequential phase II trials of new agents in patients with mesothelioma. Many other contributions have also emerged from the Committee's clinical trials and correlative science programs. We look forward to making additional critical contributions during future decades of Cancer and Leukemia Group B Respiratory Committee research.
Optimization of a Gene Analysis Application
Authors: Wade Bruce A. , Ghosh Krishnendu , Tonellato Peter J.
Published: June 2006

MetaGene is a software environment for gene analysis developed at the Bioinformatics Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin. In this work, a new neural network optimization module is developed to enhance the prediction of gene features developed by MetaGene. The input of the neural network consists of gene feature predictions from several gene analysis engines used by MetaGene. When compared, these predictions are often in conflict. The output from the neural net is a synthesis of these individual predictions taking into account the degree of conflict detected. This optimized prediction provides a more accurate answer when compared to the default prediction of MetaGene or any single prediction engine’s solution.
Investigations of Nonlinear Forces in Metal Cutting
Authors: Stone Emily , Askari Abe , Tat Hong
Published: June 2006

During chatter in metal cutting the tool vibration would cause a variation in “effective” rake angle of the cutter, generating a force variation that depends on penetration rate: a kind of process damping. This effect is examined for forces computed both from a theoretical Merchant-type model, and from a numerical database of forces for metal cutting constructed from a suite of AdvantEdge simulations. Since the tool can potential vibrate at any angle relative to the workpiece, the forces for varying angle of vibration were computed, and the dynamic stability consequences considered. It is found that the two models lead to similar forces for varying vibration angle, at least through first order. Depending on the vibration angle the force will either increase or decrease with both chip load and penetration rate, reflecting the difference in the effect on the chipload and cutting speed with varying vibration direction. Second order terms in penetration rate were different in the two formulations, possibly a result of approximations used in the calculations involved in the Merchant formulation. Dynamically this means that the linear stability of each vibration angle is the similar for the two models, while the differences in nonlinear terms results in differences in the type Hopf bifurcation observed upon loss of stability.
Mixed Discontinuous Finite Element Methods for Multiphase Flow in Porous Media
Authors: Chen Hongsen , Chen Zhangxin , Huan Guanren
Published: June 2006

In this paper we present an application of mixed discontinuous finite element methods to the simulation of two phase immiscible flow in porous media. The partial differential system describing this flow is written in terms of an elliptic equation for a global pressure and a parabolic equation for a saturation. Both of these two equations are solved using the mixed discontinuous finite element methods. Numerical results are presented for P0, P1, and P2 discontinuous elements. The P0 results are very close to thoseb generated by the standard finite difference method, while the P1 and P2 results seem more accurate.
A Block Implicit Advanced Step-point (BIAS) Algorithm for Stiff Differential Systems
Authors: Psihoyios G.
Published: June 2006

In this paper we propose a new block implicit multistep algorithm, which has been constructed with the aim to successfully tackle the numerical solution of stiff ordinary differential equations. In order to maximise the chances of producing a good new scheme, the first mandatory step is to ensure it incorporates very good theoretical properties. A rather detailed account of the new methods is presented and the properties of the algorithm will be discussed in some detail. In the near future we will also have the opportunity to evaluate the implementation potential of the scheme in a future paper.
Biculturalism and Cognitive Complexity
Authors: Benet-Martínez Verónica , Lee Fiona , Leu Janxin
Published: June 2006

To explore the possible cognitive consequences of biculturalism, the authors examine the complexity of cultural representations in monocultural and bicultural individuals. Study 1 found that Chinese American biculturals' free descriptions of both American and Chinese cultures are higher in cognitive complexity than that of Anglo-American monoculturals, but the same effect was not apparent in descriptions of culturally neutral entities (landscapes). With the same procedures, Study 2 found that the cultural representations of biculturals with low levels of Bicultural Identity Integration (BII; or biculturals with conflicted cultural identities) are more cognitively complex than that of biculturals with high BII (biculturals with compatible cultural identities). This article shows that cultural frame switching and BII have meaningful cognitive consequences; furthermore, it suggests that exposure to more than one culture may increase individuals' ability to detect, process, and organize everyday cultural meaning, highlighting the potential benefits of multiculturalism.
Ethnic Group Differences in Lay Philosophies of Behavior in the United States
Authors: Bauman Christopher W. , Skitka Linda J.
Published: June 2006

This study tested whether national representative samples of Asians, Blacks, Hispanics, and Whites in the United States varied in their endorsements of dispositionist, situationist, and interactionist lay philosophies of behavior. Results were generally inconsistent with a lay philosophy of behavior account for ethnic differences in attribution tendencies. Specifically, Asians, Blacks, and Hispanics more strongly endorsed a dispositionist lay philosophy of behavior than did Whites. The only other ethnic group difference the authors found was that Blacks endorsed a situationist lay philosophy of behavior more strongly than did Whites. Endorsements of an interactionist lay philosophy did not differ across ethnic groups. Results also revealed that age, income, and education had more consistent and sometimes larger effects than ethnic category on endorsement of different lay philosophies of behavior. Implications are discussed.
Faithfully Fit Forever
Authors: White James A. , Drechsel Janet , Johnson Jenna
Published: June 2006

Older adults are at risk for numerous acute and chronic health conditions. Many of these conditions can be prevented or better managed by participation in health promotion and wellness programming. The social support found through involvement in a faith community makes this setting an ideal place for offering health promotion and wellness programming. This article includes a description of an innovative, faith-based, community-based wellness program titled Faithfully Fit Forever (FFF). The Cardiac Rehabilitation and Parish Nursing Departments at MeritCare Health System, Fargo, North Dakota, developed FFF in 2000. FFF is a holistic health improvement program that embraces the interconnection between mind, body, and spirit. It is led by laypeople (many are parish nurses) who are members of the individual religious community. The program includes 30 to 40 minutes of exercise, health education time, and devotional time promoting spiritual and emotional health.
Continued Psychometric Evaluation of an Intuition Instrument for Nursing Students
Authors: Smith Anita Joel
Published: June 2006

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a revised intuition instrument developed for nursing students. Method: Principal component factor analysis was used to establish construct validity, and the Cronbach’s alpha was used to examine reliability. Findings: Statistical analysis resulted in a 26-item intuition instrument with 6 factors accounting for 62% of the variance. The factors were labeled as Feelings That Reassure (27.7%), Spiritual Connections (10.9%), Feelings That Alert (8.4%), Feelings That Forewarn (5.8%), Physical Sensations That Alert (4.7%), and Reading Physical Cues (4.2%). Eigenvalues ranged from 1.100 to 7.225, and factor loadings ranged from .572 to .848. The overall Cronbach’s alpha was .89 with a range of .73 to .85 for each factor. Conclusions: The 26-item intuition instrument showed evidence of construct validity and reliability. Implications: The intuition instrument can serve as a stimulus to foster students’ intuitive abilities.
Holistic Nurses and the New Mexico Board of Nursing
Authors: Hess Darlene R. , Everett Geneie , Tuchmann Leslie , Dossey Barbara M.
Published: June 2006

A Subcommittee on Integrative Practices was created in response to a request from the New Mexico Board of Nursing for assistance in addressing the public’s questions about the use of complementary and alternative modalities (CAM) therapies. The Subcommittee reviewed key holistic nursing documents including the American Holistic Nurses Association Standards of Practice, AHNA Core Curriculum, and Holistic Nursing: A Handbook for Practice as well as information from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. A World Café process was utilized to explore the purpose and goals of the Subcommittee and to derive a language that would unify and promote understanding of integrative nursing practice. Accomplishments, including the presentation of A Hundred Medicines: Honoring Many Paths professional conference, are described.
Fathers’ Role Model Perceptions
Authors: Masciadrelli Brian P. , Pleck Joseph H. , Stueve Jeffrey L.
Published: June 2006

Qualitative interview data are used to explore fathers’( N = 24) perceptions of their own fathers and others as influential parental role models and associations between fathers’ role model perceptions and their involvement with their own children. In fathers’ descriptions of their parental role models, three themes emerged: types of models that fathers identified as role models for them as parents, affective evaluations the fathers ascribed to the models, and content that the fathers perceived learning from the models. Highly involved fathers were more likely to cite peer parents than to specifically cite their own fathers as influential role models for them and infrequently cited their spouses as models. Low-involvement fathers more often attributed positive affective evaluations to their models than did highly involved fathers.
Cultural Capital and High School Bullies
Authors: Klein Jessie
Published: June 2006

This analysis of male peer hierarchies in schools argues that battles for cultural capital are a significant causal factor in the spate of school shootings across the United States between 1996 and 2002. The hallmarks of normalized masculinity—hypermasculine identification, athletics, fighting, distance from homosexuality, dominant relationships with girls, socioeconomic status, and disdain for academics—do not include alternative ways to build cultural capital when young men do not fit into rigid traditional social structures. Lacking such cultural capital, the perpetrators attempted to prove their masculinity through overwhelming violence—responses that in Michel Foucault’s theoretical framework, reinforced the very power structures they seemed to want to destroy. The analysis concludes with positive directions for change including pedagogical strategies.
Male Bonding around the Campfire
Authors: Koblitz Ann Hibner
Published: June 2006

The Hohokam people of central Arizona and their neighbors have long been of interest to archaeologists of the Southwest. The prevailing image of them has varied significantly over time. Lately there has been a shift among some scholars toward viewing the Hohokamas constantly embroiled in warfare. This article analyzes this trend in archaeological writing in terms of the modern American culture of aggressive masculinity. I argue that testosterone-driven fantasies appear to have influenced the theory formation of a significant group of archaeologists. On the basis of scant evidence, they have created a story of war and militarism that harmonizes well with early twenty-first century U.S. political culture. Whether this warlike image has much bearing on the actual lives and pursuits of indigenous Southwest populations of the eleventh through fifteenth centuries is, however, open to doubt.
The “Marlboro Men” of the Early Seventeenth Century
Authors: Roberts Benjamin B.
Published: June 2006

In the course of the early seventeenth century, smoking tobacco changed from being a vice of social outcasts to a common pastime enjoyed in all echelons of Dutch society. Among the first to experiment with tobacco were male youths. This article questions why young men started using tobacco and explores possible “smoking” role models that might have influenced them to take up smoking. The most likely candidates were soldiers and civic guards, who, in general, were considered macho men. Besides being heroes on the battlefield and protectors of cities, these models of manhood were renowned to youngsters for their drinking, womanizing, and smoking. In the eyes of male youths, these activities were important liminal rites that demarcated boyhood from manhood.
Disciplining Protest Masculinity
Authors: Walker Gregory Wayne
Published: June 2006

Protest masculinity is a gendered identity oriented toward a protest of the relations of production and the ideal type of hegemonic masculinity. To this point, protest masculinity has been conceived as a destructive, chaotic, and alienating sort of masculinity. This interpretation is incomplete, for it does not include efforts on the part of men to use protest masculinity for its integrative potential. This study is the product of ethnographic inquiry and documents skilled working-class men using methods of social control to discipline protest masculinity and orient it into a less destructive and more harmonious state. At the end of the analysis, I propose a grounded nomenclature to manage the theoretical concepts. “Anomic protest masculinity” is the unguided and destructive sort. “Disciplined protest masculinity” is the product of intensive social control and functions to increase solidarity among working-class men.
Russian students’ participation in and perceptions of a season of Sport Education
Authors: Hastie Peter A. , Sinelnikov Oleg A.
Published: June 2006

This study examined the participation and perceptions of a cohort of sixth-grade Russian students as they participated in a season of basketball that followed a Sport Education format. Thirty-seven students from two classes completed 18-lesson seasons. Throughout the initial skills practice sessions and practice games, as well as the formal competition phase, students of both genders and skill levels spent most of their lesson time actively engaged in motor tasks. The students also demonstrated significant competence in the officiating and coaching roles associated with the season. In interviews during and following the season, the students commented that they found the season to be particularly interesting, that they enjoyed having student coaches and that they developed significant team affiliation. Questionnaire data confirmed that students believed they had made significant gains in their skill and understanding of basketball. These findings are discussed within the context of self-determination theory.
A review of children’s fitness testing
Authors: Harris Jo , Cale Lorraine
Published: June 2006

This review has been prompted by concerns and anecdotal stories about low levels of fitness amongst today’s young people and the possible consequences of this for their current and future health. Solutions to the ‘problem’ have included proposals to fitness test children and to use this information to improve their health status. While there is no doubt that young people’s health and fitness are important issues, the authors consider it equally important that policy-makers and practitioners work from an informed base in order that any actions taken are relevant, meaningful and effective. This article summarizes the literature on children’s fitness testing which was reviewed as part of a feasibility study commissioned by the National Assembly for Wales conducted between October 2003 and March 2004. The specific aim of the study was to determine if there was a need and whether it was cost effective and practical to carry out a research project investigating the fitness levels of Welsh children. A key aspect of the methodology included a comprehensive review of the relevant literature to establish the key findings and issues associated with the fitness testing of children. A worldwide literature search (of papers published in the English language) was carried out using metalib (a multi-database research tool). This article focuses only on the main and consistent findings, trends and issues associated with: physical fitness and the associated health benefits in children, the physical fitness status of children, monitoring children’s physical fitness, and the role of children’s fitness testing in physical activity and fitness promotion.
Writing culture
Authors: Mutman Mahmut
Published: June 2006

In a radical critical gesture, postmodern ethnography emphasizes the concepts of writing, narrative and dialogue against a merely scientific recording of facts. Interestingly, it does not question an outsider's accessibility to cultural space. Instead, ethnographic knowledge is grounded on a philosophical claim on the limited nature of native knowledge itself and is rearticulated by an inclusive gesture which involves the native voice in an authentic expression of diversity. This is a redemptive gesture which fails to interrogate the limit of knowledge and reproduces the conventional ethnographic demand that the other should speak up. Following a deconstructive reading, the article suggests that the ethnographic text should instead open itself to the limit and should remark the radical loss it implies as an ethical opening of and questioning by the other, because this is the limit where the name of ‘Man’ is inscribed as the name of the native informant.
Contact zones
Authors: Linke Uli
Published: June 2006

Much of the recent scholarship in anthropology and related disciplines suggests that attempts to theorize the operations of power under modern capitalism require us to rethink the state as a site of meaning production, emotional investment, and fantasy. But, moreover, as I argue here, modern states are not just imagined or discursive cultural regimes but also embodied forms. Political fields and national spaces have a visual, tactile, sensuous, and emotional dimension: the life of the state has a corporal grounding. My argument is centered on those sensually concrete spaces of power, where the machinations of state and the embodied subject collide: in these zones of contact, the political field assumes a somatosensory gestalt. By a focus on the entanglements of subjectivities, bodies, and states, my essay aims to contribute toward a new cultural analytics of political regimes.
Violent Behavior, Substance Use, and Other Delinquent Behaviors among Middle and High School Students
Authors: Rainone Gregory A. , Schmeidler James W. , Frank Blanche , Smith Robinson B.
Published: June 2006

Although many studies suggest that substance use and other delinquent or problem behaviors are related to youthful violence, few have assessed the unique contribution of each of these behaviors, and many have restricted their samples to high school students, neglecting middle school students. Findings obtained from multiple regression analysis of a statewide survey of both middle and high school students indicate that after other relevant variables (e.g., gender) were controlled, substance use, other nonviolent delinquent behaviors, and gang involvement were all about equally useful in explaining violent behavior among middle school students. However, among high school students, gang involvement was more useful than either substance use or other nonviolent delinquent behaviors. The findings would argue that although violence prevention efforts targeted at middle school students should stress an approach that addresses multiple problem behaviors, the deterrence of gang involvement should be emphasized in those efforts designed for high school students.
Simple conditioning with monospecific CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells for bone marrow engraftment and tolerance to multiple gene products
Authors: Gross David-Alexandre , Chappert Pascal , Leboeuf Marylene , Monteilhet Virginie , Van Wittenberghe Laetitia , Danos Olivier , Davoust Jean
Published: June 2006

A major impediment to gene replacement therapy is immune elimination of genetically modified cells. In principle, this can be dealt with by inducing a strong, specific, and enduring tolerance through engraftment of transgene-modified autologous bone marrow (BM). Because usual myeloablation and/or immunosuppression are risk factors in most pathologies, we assessed the potential of monospecific CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) to engraft minor-mismatched BM without preconditioning. We found that as few as 5 × 104 Tregs directed to the male DBY protein promote the engraftment of foreign male BM into sex-mismatched female hosts, establishing sustained chimerism in all hematopoeitic compartments. We achieved concomitantly strong tolerance to all foreign antigens expressed in the BM, likely occurring through induction of anergy and/or deletion of antidonor T cells. Chimerism was obtained in thymectomized mice too, underlining the major role of peripheral tolerance mechanisms in our system. This allowed us to engraft gene-modified tissues while preserving full immunocompetence to third-party antigens. Our results demonstrate that very few donor-specific Tregs are effective as the sole conditioning to induce mixed molecular chimerism and long-term tolerance to multiple foreign antigens.
Azithromycin increases phagocytosis of apoptotic bronchial epithelial cells by alveolar macrophages
Authors: Hodge S. , Hodge G. , Brozyna S. , Jersmann H. , Holmes M. , Reynolds P. N.
Published: June 2006

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with increased apoptosis and defective phagocytosis in the airway. As uncleared cells can undergo secondary necrosis and perpetuate inflammation, strategies to improve clearance would have therapeutic significance. There is evidence that the 15-member macrolide antibiotic azithromycin has anti-inflammatory properties. Its effects may be increased in the lung due to its ability to reach high concentrations in alveolar macrophages (AMs).

The present study investigated the effects of low-dose (500 ng·mL-1) azithromycin on the phagocytosis of apoptotic bronchial epithelial cells and neutrophils by AMs. Flow cytometry was applied to measure phagocytosis and receptors involved in AM recognition of apoptotic cells. Cytokines were investigated using cytometric bead array.

Baseline phagocytosis was reduced in COPD subjects compared with controls. Azithromycin significantly improved the phagocytosis of epithelial cells or neutrophils by AMs from COPD subjects by 68 and 38%, respectively, often up to levels comparable with controls.

The increase in phagocytosis was partially inhibited by phosphatidylserine, implicating the phosphatidylserine pathway in the pro-phagocytic effects of azithromycin. Azithromycin had no effect on other recognition molecules (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, CD44, CD31, CD36, CD91, αvβ3 integrin). At higher doses, azithromycin decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Thus, low-dose azithromycin therapy could provide an adjunct therapeutic option in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Characterisation of guinea pig precision-cut lung slices: comparison with human tissues
Authors: Ressmeyer A. R. , Larsson A. K. , Vollmer E. , Dahlèn S. E. , Uhlig S. , Martin C.
Published: June 2006

Precision-cut lung slices (PCLS) allow comparison of the airway responses of different species under identical experimental conditions. The aim of this study was to establish and characterise PCLS from guinea pigs (GPs) and to compare them with human PCLS.

GP PCLS were prepared according to previously published procedures with the exception that the agarose solution and the initial incubation medium contained isoproterenol to avoidpost mortemairway contraction.

The median effective concentrations (EC50, expressed as nM) for agonist-induced bronchoconstriction in GP and human PCLS, respectively, were: leukotriene D4(1.8, 5.0); thromboxane (16, 1.3); serotonin (69, unresponsive); histamine (217, 2,170); and methacholine (231, 234). Allergen-induced bronchoconstriction of passively sensitised PCLS was attenuated by histamine or thromboxane-prostanoid receptor antagonists and was almost completely prevented by their combination with leukotriene receptor antagonists. Airways pre-contracted with methacholine were relaxed by the β-agonist salbutamol or the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine. Simultaneous studies of airways and vessels are possible with, for example, EC50values for endothelin-1 of 37 nM (pulmonary arteries), 10 nM (pulmonary veins) and 9.6 nM (airway).

When compared with previous findings in rat and mouse, these data show that guinea pig lungs are a more appropriate model for human airway pharmacology than lungs from rats or mice.
Computed tomography and pulmonary function abnormalities in sickle cell disease
Authors: Sylvester K. P. , Desai S. R. , Wells A. U. , Hansell D. M. , Awogbade M. , Thein S. L. , Greenough A.
Published: June 2006

The aim of this study was to determine whether patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) in steady state had pulmonary abnormalities seen on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and whether any abnormalities correlated with contemporaneously diagnosed lung function abnormalities. A subsidiary question was whether the results of a noninvasive measure of haemolysis (end-tidal carbon monoxide (ETCO) levels) correlated with pulmonary function abnormalities.

Thirty three patients with SCD, median (range) age 36 yrs (17–67 yrs) were examined. The degree of lobar volume loss and ground-glass opacification and prominence of central vessels on HRCT were quantitatively assessed. Pulmonary function was assessed by measurements of lung volumes, spirometry, gas transfer and oxygen saturation. ETCO levels were measured using an end-tidal CO monitor.

Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity and total lung capacity significantly correlated with HRCT findings, particularly lobar volume loss. ETCO levels significantly negatively correlated with FEV1, vital capacity measured using a plethysmograph, specific airway conductance and arterial oxygen saturation measured by pulse oxymetry.

In conclusion, the present results suggest that high-resolution computed tomography noninvasive assessment of haemolysis might be useful to identify sickle cell disease patients with respiratory function impairment.
Transforming growth factor-β type II receptor in pulmonary arteries of patients with very severe COPD
Authors: Beghe B. , Bazzan E. , Baraldo S. , Calabrese F. , Rea F. , Loy M. , Maestrelli P. , Zuin R. , Fabbri L. M. , Saetta M.
Published: June 2006

A mild-to-moderate increase in pulmonary arterial pressure is often associated with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a cytokine involved in the maintenance of integrity of vasculature. The aim of the study was to investigate whether the TGF-β pathway might be involved in the development of pulmonary hypertension associated with COPD.

Surgical specimens from 14 patients undergoing lung transplantation for very severe COPD (forced expiratory volume in one second 17±2% of the predicted value) and from seven donors were examined. The expression of TGF-β1 and TGF-β type II receptor (TGF-βRII), cell proliferation index and structural changes in pulmonary arteries were quantified immunohistochemically.

In severe COPD patients, increased expression of TGF-βRII was observed in both the tunica media and intima, which was associated with a normal proliferation index in both layers. Conversely, significant thickening of the tunica intima, which was not present in the tunica media, was observed, suggesting that mechanisms other than cell proliferation may be involved in intimal thickening.

In conclusion, in the pulmonary arteries of patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, there is upregulation of transforming growth factor-β type II receptor expression associated with a normal proliferation index. These findings suggest the activation of an antiproliferative pathway, which might explain the relatively low degree of pulmonary hypertension observed in these subjects.