bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arthroscopic and Magnetic Resonance Image Appearance and Reconstruction of the Anterior Talofibular Ligament in Cases of Apparent Functional Ankle Instability
Authors: Takao Masato , Innami Ken , Matsushita Takashi , Uchio Yuji , Ochi Mitsuo
Published: April 2008

Background

Many patients report feeling functional ankle instability, despite having no clinically demonstrable lateral instability.

Hypothesis

Some patients who experience functional instability of the ankle have substantial abnormalities of the anterior talofibular ligament despite having apparently normal lateral laxity in clinical examination.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Fourteen patients who had functional ankle instability after sprain, despite having no clinically demonstrable lateral instability, were included in this study. All subjects underwent standard stress radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ankle arthroscopy. These patients were treated with anatomical reconstruction of the anterior talofibular ligament.

Results

Arthroscopic assessment revealed 3 cases with no ligamentous structure with scar tissue, 9 cases with partial ligament tears and scar tissue on the disrupted anterior talofibular ligament fiber, and 2 cases of abnormal course of the ligament at the fibular or talar attachment. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the following: 5 cases of discontinuity of the anterior talofibular ligament, 2 cases of narrowing of the anterior talofibular ligament, 4 cases of high-intensity lesion in the anterior talofibular ligament, and 3 normal cases. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle Hindfoot scale score was 66.2 ± 3.2 points at preoperation and 92.3 ± 4.4 points 2 years after surgery.

Conclusion

All patients in this study with functional ankle instability, despite their having no demonstrable abnormal lateral laxity, had morphologic ligamentous abnormality on arthroscopic assessment.
Mary Addison Hamilton, Australia's first lady of numbers
Authors: Cooper Kathie
Published: April 2008

The name Mary Addison Hamilton (Addie) does not appear in any of the recorded histories of the accounting profession in Australia even though there is ample evidence to suggest that she is deserving of such a place. Addie was one of the first women to achieve membership of one of Australia's recognized professional accounting bodies and, thereby, one of the first in the British Empire. This distinction was achieved in the early twentieth century, when restriction of women entering the professions was common. In addition, Addie achieved a permanent position in the public sector at a time when Australian women were traditionally denied such positions. This article is a celebration and acknowledgment of the achievements of this remarkable woman who worked tirelessly as a clerk in the public service while using her accounting skills to train new accountants and assist a number of charitable and not-for-profit organizations.
The origins of auditor liability to third parties under United States common law
Authors: Baker C. Richard , Prentice Deborah
Published: April 2008

This article traces the origins of auditor liability to third parties under United States common law, with a particular emphasis on the role of Benjamin Cardozo as Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals in the period from 1917 to 1932. Prior to the Ultramares decision, written by Chief Judge Cardozo in 1931, auditors were relatively shielded from liability against lawsuits brought by third parties (those who are not the client). In the Ultramares decision, Cardozo opened the door to a possible expansion of auditor liability to third parties through the introduction of a relatively new theory of law, that is that an auditor's negligence was heedless to such an extent that it was equivalent to fraud (that is, gross negligence). Subsequent to Ultramares, it appeared likely that the liability of auditors for negligent acts would be extended beyond their clients to the third parties who rely upon audited financial statements. However, because Ultramares has been interpreted in various ways in different jurisdictions, there has been ambiguity about the exact parameters of auditor liability to third parties under common law. Nevertheless, the Ultramares decision can be identified as the first instance in the United States where the courts opened up the possibility for third parties to sue auditors for negligent acts that were perceived to be so flagrant as to be equivalent to fraud.
Prediction of Patient Survival by Healthcare Professionals in a Specialist Palliative Care Inpatient Unit: A Prospective Study
Authors: Twomey Feargal , O'Leary Norma , O'Brien Tony
Published: April 2008

Accurate prognostication is an enormous challenge for professionals caring for patients with advanced disease. Few studies have compared the prognostic accuracy of different professional groups within a hospice setting. The aim of this study was to compare the ability of 5 professional groups to estimate the survival of patients admitted to a specialist palliative care unit. No group accurately predicted the length of patient survival more than 50% of the time. Nursing and junior medical staff were most accurate while care assistants were least accurate. When in error, senior clinical staff tended to under-estimate survival. Independent mobility on admission was the only variable predictive of length of survival. Thus, professional groups differ in their prognostic accuracy. An awareness of a group's propensity to over- or under-estimate prognosis should be incorporated into future work on prognostication models.
Why Opioids and Sedatives May Prolong Life Rather Than Hasten Death After Ventilator Withdrawal in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Bakker Jan , Jansen Tim C. , Lima Alex , Kompanje Erwin J. O.
Published: April 2008

The process of death in patients in whom cardiorespiratory support is withdrawn is related to the occurrence of tissue hypoxia that results from an imbalance between the demand for oxygen and the delivery of oxygen to the organs. Limiting the demand for oxygen may thus delay the occurrence of tissue hypoxia. Because the demand for oxygen increases significantly after ventilator withdrawal and because sedatives and opioids are known to decrease the demand for oxygen in patients with cardiorespiratory distress, these agents might thus actually prolong life rather than hasten death.
Youth With Disabilities in the Criminal Justice System
Authors: Hagner David , Malloy JoAnne M. , Mazzone Melanie W. , Cormier Gail M.
Published: April 2008

Transition-age students with disabilities under the jurisdiction of the juvenile justice system face serious transition and rehabilitation challenges as they reenter the community from youth detention. This article presents the initial outcomes of a demonstration project utilizing the Rehabilitation, Empowerment, Natural supports, Education and Work (RENEW) transition model, a service design that has been successful for nonadjudicated youth with emotional disabilities. Of 33 project participants, ages 14 to 17 at project entry, 67.7% successfully reengaged with education or employment following their release from detention. The results of a qualitative investigation are reported based on interviews with key stakeholders about the factors differentiating successful and unsuccessful outcomes. Implications for refinement of the intervention model with this population are discussed.
Associative learning of pictures and words by low-functioning children with autism
Authors: Preissler Melissa Allen
Published: April 2008

This research investigates whether children with autism learn picture, word and object relations as associative pairs or whether they understand such relations as referential. In Experiment 1, children were taught a new word (e.g. `whisk') repeatedly paired with a novel picture. When given the picture and a previously unseen real whisk and asked to indicate a whisk, children with autism, unlike typically developing peers matched on receptive language, associated the word with the picture rather than the object. Subsequent experiments respectively confirmed that neither a bias for selecting pictures nor perseverative responding accounted for these results. Taken together, these results suggest that children with autism with cognitive difficulties are learning picture—word and picture—object relations via an associative mechanism and have difficulty understanding the symbolic nature of pictures.
Mechanisms of Action in the Inverse Relationship Between Mindfulness and Psychological Distress
Authors: Coffey Kimberly A. , Hartman Marilyn
Published: April 2008

Both dispositional mindfulness and mindfulness-based interventions have been found to be associated with less psychological distress. The current study investigated three mechanisms by which mindfulness might exert its beneficial effects: emotion regulation, nonattachment, and reduced rumination. Correlational self-report data were collected from two independent, nonclinical samples of undergraduates. Structural equation modeling was then used to test the role of these three mechanisms in mediating the relationship between mindfulness and a psychological distress factor, consisting of measures for depressive and anxious symptomatology. The model was respecified based on the first sample and retested in the second sample. Results confirmed an inverse relationship between mindfulness and psychological distress. Furthermore, emotion regulation, nonattachment, and rumination significantly mediated this relationship.
Uninformed Complementary and Alternative Supplement Use: A Risky Behavior for Cardiovascular Patients
Authors: Bristol Mirar N. , Sonnad Seema S. , Guerra Carmen
Published: April 2008

Growing use of complementary and alternative supplements (CAS) is of concern because of the potential for herb—drug interaction among cardiovascular patients. Literary searches were conducted on PubMed to identify reports of extent and purpose of CAS use, disclosure of use by patients, physician knowledge, and possible drug—CAS interactions for cardiovascular patients. Additional published studies were located through the Web sites of various organizations. Further searches of case reports, case series, controlled trials, and laboratory evidence were performed for each of the top 10 CAS and their possible cardiovascular drug interactions. More research is needed to understand supplement—drug interactions, particularly in terms of how this potentially affects patients taking cardiovascular drugs. With this lack of research and clarity on supplement—dug interactions and the underreporting of CAS use by many patients, physician education is also in need of improvement.
Well Played
Authors: Davidson Drew
Published: April 2008

This article engages in an in-depth close reading of the game Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time to parse out various meanings to be found in the experience of playing the game. The experience is approached from the perspective of its narrative development and its game design. This enables an analysis of the relationship between the game's story and its game play. Sequences in the game are analyzed in detail to illustrate and interpret how these various components of a game can come together to create a fulfilling playing experience unique to this medium.
From Maverick to Mafia to MBA
Authors: Bernhard Bo J. , Green Michael S. , Lucas Anthony F.
Published: April 2008

This article presents a historical analysis of three eras in the history of Las Vegas gaming industry leadership: a maverick era, a mafia era, and an MBA era. Within each period, the article highlights the roles of key figures that shaped the industry's evolving landscape. The second section examines management applications that emerged from each of these periods, with a focus on four areas: (1) operating principles, (2) government relations, (3) “backlash management,” and (4) the ways in which the mythologies of these eras have actually been used in the selling of the city itself. The article concludes by summarizing the successes and failures of this evolution.
Meta-analysis of genome-wide linkage studies of asthma and related traits
Authors: Denham Samuel , Koppelman Gerard H , Blakey John , Wjst Matthias , Ferreira Manuel A , Hall Ian P , Sayers Ian
Published: April 2008

Background

Asthma and allergy are complex multifactorial disorders, with both genetic and environmental components determining disease expression. The use of molecular genetics holds great promise for the identification of novel drug targets for the treatment of asthma and allergy. Genome-wide linkage studies have identified a number of potential disease susceptibility loci but replication remains inconsistent. The aim of the current study was to complete a meta-analysis of data from genome-wide linkage studies of asthma and related phenotypes and provide inferences about the consistency of results and to identify novel regions for future gene discovery.

Methods

The rank based genome-scan meta-analysis (GSMA) method was used to combine linkage data for asthma and related traits; bronchial hyper-responsiveness (BHR), allergen positive skin prick test (SPT) and total serum Immunoglobulin E (IgE) from nine Caucasian asthma populations.

Results

Significant evidence for susceptibility loci was identified for quantitative traits including; BHR (989 pedigrees, n = 4,294) 2p12-q22.1, 6p22.3-p21.1 and 11q24.1-qter, allergen SPT (1,093 pedigrees, n = 4,746) 3p22.1-q22.1, 17p12-q24.3 and total IgE (729 pedigrees, n = 3,224) 5q11.2-q14.3 and 6pter-p22.3. Analysis of the asthma phenotype (1,267 pedigrees, n = 5,832) did not identify any region showing genome-wide significance.

Conclusion

This study represents the first linkage meta-analysis to determine the relative contribution of chromosomal regions to the risk of developing asthma and atopy. Several significant results were obtained for quantitative traits but not for asthma confirming the increased phenotype and genetic heterogeneity in asthma. These analyses support the contribution of regions that contain previously identified asthma susceptibility genes and provide the first evidence for susceptibility loci on 5q11.2-q14.3 and 11q24.1-qter.
Binning sequences using very sparse labels within a metagenome
Authors: Chan Chon-Kit Kenneth , Hsu Arthur L , Halgamuge Saman K , Tang Sen-Lin
Published: April 2008

Background

In metagenomic studies, a process called binning is necessary to assign contigs that belong to multiple species to their respective phylogenetic groups. Most of the current methods of binning, such as BLAST, k-mer and PhyloPythia, involve assigning sequence fragments by comparing sequence similarity or sequence composition with already-sequenced genomes that are still far from comprehensive. We propose a semi-supervised seeding method for binning that does not depend on knowledge of completed genomes. Instead, it extracts the flanking sequences of highly conserved 16S rRNA from the metagenome and uses them as seeds (labels) to assign other reads based on their compositional similarity.

Results

The proposed seeding method is implemented on an unsupervised Growing Self-Organising Map (GSOM), and called Seeded GSOM (S-GSOM). We compared it with four well-known semi-supervised learning methods in a preliminary test, separating random-length prokaryotic sequence fragments sampled from the NCBI genome database. We identified the flanking sequences of the highly conserved 16S rRNA as suitable seeds that could be used to group the sequence fragments according to their species. S-GSOM showed superior performance compared to the semi-supervised methods tested. Additionally, S-GSOM may also be used to visually identify some species that do not have seeds.

The proposed method was then applied to simulated metagenomic datasets using two different confidence threshold settings and compared with PhyloPythia, k-mer and BLAST. At the reference taxonomic level Order, S-GSOM outperformed all k-mer and BLAST results and showed comparable results with PhyloPythia for each of the corresponding confidence settings, where S-GSOM performed better than PhyloPythia in the ≥ 10 reads datasets and comparable in the ≥ 8 kb benchmark tests.

Conclusion

In the task of binning using semi-supervised learning methods, results indicate S-GSOM to be the best of the methods tested. Most importantly, the proposed method does not require knowledge from known genomes and uses only very few labels (one per species is sufficient in most cases), which are extracted from the metagenome itself. These advantages make it a very attractive binning method. S-GSOM outperformed the binning methods that depend on already-sequenced genomes, and compares well to the current most advanced binning method, PhyloPythia.
Gene Ontology annotations: what they mean and where they come from
Authors: Hill David P , Smith Barry , McAndrews-Hill Monica S , Blake Judith A
Published: April 2008

To address the challenges of information integration and retrieval, the computational genomics community increasingly has come to rely on the methodology of creating annotations of scientific literature using terms from controlled structured vocabularies such as the Gene Ontology (GO). Here we address the question of what such annotations signify and of how they are created by working biologists. Our goal is to promote a better understanding of how the results of experiments are captured in annotations, in the hope that this will lead both to better representations of biological reality through annotation and ontology development and to more informed use of GO resources by experimental scientists.
DNA from extinct giant lemurs links archaeolemurids to extant indriids
Authors: Orlando Ludovic , Calvignac Sébastien , Schnebelen Céline , Douady Christophe J , Godfrey Laurie R , Hänni Catherine
Published: April 2008

Background

Although today 15% of living primates are endemic to Madagascar, their diversity was even greater in the recent past since dozens of extinct species have been recovered from Holocene excavation sites. Among them were the so-called "giant lemurs" some of which weighed up to 160 kg. Although extensively studied, the phylogenetic relationships between extinct and extant lemurs are still difficult to decipher, mainly due to morphological specializations that reflect ecology more than phylogeny, resulting in rampant homoplasy.

Results

Ancient DNA recovered from subfossils recently supported a sister relationship between giant "sloth" lemurs and extant indriids and helped to revise the phylogenetic position of Megaladapis edwardsi among lemuriformes, but several taxa – such as the Archaeolemuridae – still await analysis. We therefore used ancient DNA technology to address the phylogenetic status of the two archaeolemurid genera (Archaeolemur and Hadropithecus). Despite poor DNA preservation conditions in subtropical environments, we managed to recover 94- to 539-bp sequences for two mitochondrial genes among 5 subfossil samples.

Conclusion

This new sequence information provides evidence for the proximity of Archaeolemur and Hadropithecus to extant indriids, in agreement with earlier assessments of their taxonomic status (Primates, Indrioidea) and in contrast to recent suggestions of a closer relationship to the Lemuridae made on the basis of analyses of dental developmental and postcranial characters. These data provide new insights into the evolution of the locomotor apparatus among lemurids and indriids.
Hidden layers of human small RNAs
Authors: Kawaji Hideya , Nakamura Mari , Takahashi Yukari , Sandelin Albin , Katayama Shintaro , Fukuda Shiro , Daub Carsten O , Kai Chikatoshi , Kawai Jun , Yasuda Jun , Carninci Piero , Hayashizaki Yoshihide
Published: April 2008

Background

Small RNA attracts increasing interest based on the discovery of RNA silencing and the rapid progress of our understanding of these phenomena. Although recent studies suggest the possible existence of yet undiscovered types of small RNAs in higher organisms, many studies to profile small RNA have focused on miRNA and/or siRNA rather than on the exploration of additional classes of RNAs.

Results

Here, we explored human small RNAs by unbiased sequencing of RNAs with sizes of 19–40 nt. We provide substantial evidences for the existence of independent classes of small RNAs. Our data shows that well-characterized non-coding RNA, such as tRNA, snoRNA, and snRNA are cleaved at sites specific to the class of ncRNA. In particular, tRNA cleavage is regulated depending on tRNA type and tissue expression. We also found small RNAs mapped to genomic regions that are transcribed in both directions by bidirectional promoters, indicating that the small RNAs are a product of dsRNA formation and their subsequent cleavage. Their partial similarity with ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) suggests unrevealed functions of ribosomal DNA or interstitial rRNA. Further examination revealed six novel miRNAs.

Conclusion

Our results underscore the complexity of the small RNA world and the biogenesis of small RNAs.
Multiple expressed MHC class II loci in salmonids; details of one non-classical region in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Harstad Håvard , Lukacs Morten F , Bakke Hege G , Grimholt Unni
Published: April 2008

Background

In teleosts, the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I and class II molecules reside on different linkage groups as opposed to tetrapods and shark, where the class I and class II genes reside in one genomic region. Several teleost MHC class I regions have been sequenced and show varying number of class I genes. Salmonids have one major expressed MHC class I locus (UBA) in addition to varying numbers of non-classical genes. Two other more distant lineages are also identifyed denoted L and ZE. For class II, only one major expressed class II alpha (DAA) and beta (DAB) gene has been identified in salmonids so far.

Results

We sequenced a genomic region of 211 kb encompassing divergent MHC class II alpha (Sasa-DBA) and beta (Sasa-DBB) genes in addition to NRGN, TIPRL, TBCEL and TECTA. The region was not linked to the classical class II genes and had some synteny to genomic regions from other teleosts. Two additional divergent and expressed class II sequences denoted DCA and DDA were also identified in both salmon and trout. Expression patterns and lack of polymorphism make these genes non-classical class II analogues. Sasa-DBB, Sasa-DCA and Sasa-DDA had highest expression levels in liver, hindgut and spleen respectively, suggestive of distinctive functions in these tissues. Phylogenetic studies revealed more yet undescribed divergent expressed MHC class II molecules also in other teleosts.

Conclusion

We have characterised one genomic region containing expressed non-classical MHC class II genes in addition to four other genes not involved in immune function. Salmonids contain at least two expressed MHC class II beta genes and four expressed MHC class II alpha genes with properties suggestive of new functions for MHC class II in vertebrates. Collectively, our data suggest that the class II is worthy of more elaborate studies also in other teleost species.
Expression profile of the entire family of AdhesionG protein-coupled receptors in mouse and rat
Authors: Haitina Tatjana , Olsson Fredrik , Stephansson Olga , Alsiö Johan , Roman Erika , Ebendal Ted , Schiöth Helgi B , Fredriksson Robert
Published: April 2008

Background

The Adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are membrane-bound receptors with long N termini. This family has 33 members in humans. Several Adhesion GPCRs are known to have important physiological functions in CNS development and immune system response mediated by large cell surface ligands. However, the majority of Adhesion GPCRs are still poorly studied orphans with unknown functions.

Results

In this study we performed the extensive tissue localization analysis of the entire Adhesion GPCR family in rat and mouse. By applying the quantitative real-time PCR technique we have produced comparable expression profile for each of the members in the Adhesion family. The results are compared with literature data and data from the Allen Brain Atlas project. Our results suggest that the majority of the Adhesion GPCRs are either expressed in the CNS or ubiquitously. In addition the Adhesion GPCRs from the same phylogenetic group have either predominant CNS or peripheral expression, although each of their expression profile is unique.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that many of Adhesion GPCRs are expressed, and most probably, have function in CNS. The related Adhesion GPCRs are well conserved in their structure and interestingly have considerable overlap in their expression profiles, suggesting similarities among the physiological roles for members within many of the phylogenetically related clusters.
Potential role of miR-9 and miR-223 in recurrent ovarian cancer
Authors: Laios Alexandros , O'Toole Sharon , Flavin Richard , Martin Cara , Kelly Lynne , Ring Martina , Finn Stephen P , Barrett Ciara , Loda Massimo , Gleeson Noreen , D'Arcy Tom , McGuinness Eamonn , Sheils Orla , Sheppard Brian , O' Leary John
Published: April 2008

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression by binding to target mRNAs. miRNAs have not been comprehensively studied in recurrent ovarian cancer, yet an incurable disease.

Results

Using real-time RT-PCR, we obtained distinct miRNA expression profiles between primary and recurrent serous papillary ovarian adenocarcinomas (n = 6) in a subset of samples previously used in a transcriptome approach. Expression levels of top dysregulated miRNA genes, miR-223 and miR-9, were examined using TaqMan PCR in independent cohorts of fresh frozen (n = 18) and FFPE serous ovarian tumours (n = 22). Concordance was observed on TaqMan analysis for miR-223 and miR-9 between the training cohort and the independent test cohorts. Target prediction analysis for the above miRNA "recurrent metastatic signature" identified genes previously validated in our transcriptome study. Common biological pathways well characterised in ovarian cancer were shared by miR-9 and miR-223 lists of predicted target genes. We provide strong evidence that miR-9 acts as a putative tumour suppressor gene in recurrent ovarian cancer. Components of the miRNA processing machinery, such as Dicer and Drosha are not responsible for miRNA deregulation in recurrent ovarian cancer, as deluded by TaqMan and immunohistochemistry.

Conclusion

We propose a miRNA model for the molecular pathogenesis of recurrent ovarian cancer. Some of the differentially deregulated miRNAs identified correlate with our previous transcriptome findings. Based on integrated transcriptome and miRNA analysis, miR-9 and miR-223 can be of potential importance as biomarkers in recurrent ovarian cancer.
Pruritus is a common feature in sheep infected with the BSE agent
Authors: Konold Timm , Bone Gemma , Vidal-Diez Alberto , Tortosa Raul , Davis Andrew , Dexter Glenda , Hill Peter , Jeffrey Martin , Simmons Marion M , Chaplin Melanie J , Bellworthy Susan J , Berthelin-Baker Christine
Published: April 2008

Background

The variability in the clinical or pathological presentation of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) in sheep, such as scrapie and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), has been attributed to prion protein genotype, strain, breed, clinical duration, dose, route and type of inoculum and the age at infection. The study aimed to describe the clinical signs in sheep infected with the BSE agent throughout its clinical course to determine whether the clinical signs were as variable as described for classical scrapie in sheep. The clinical signs were compared to BSE-negative sheep to assess if disease-specific clinical markers exist.

Results

Forty-seven (34%) of 139 sheep, which comprised 123 challenged sheep and 16 undosed controls, were positive for BSE. Affected sheep belonged to five different breeds and three different genotypes (ARQ/ARQ, VRQ/VRQ and AHQ/AHQ). None of the controls or BSE exposed sheep with ARR alleles were positive. Pruritus was present in 41 (87%) BSE positive sheep; the remaining six were judged to be pre-clinically infected. Testing of the response to scratching along the dorsum of a sheep proved to be a good indicator of clinical disease with a test sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 98% and usually coincided with weight loss. Clinical signs that were displayed significantly earlier in BSE positive cases compared to negative cases were behavioural changes, pruritic behaviour, a positive scratch test, alopecia, skin lesions, teeth grinding, tremor, ataxia, loss of weight and loss of body condition. The frequency and severity of each specific clinical sign usually increased with the progression of disease over a period of 16–20 weeks.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that BSE in sheep presents with relatively uniform clinical signs, with pruritus of increased severity and abnormalities in behaviour or movement as the disease progressed. Based on the studied sheep, these clinical features appear to be independent of breed, affected genotype, dose, route of inoculation and whether BSE was passed into sheep from cattle or from other sheep, suggesting that the clinical phenotype of BSE is influenced by the TSE strain more than by other factors. The clinical phenotype of BSE in the genotypes and breed studied was indistinguishable from that described for classical scrapie cases.
Essential role of platelet activation via protease activated receptor 4 in tissue factor-initiated inflammation
Authors: Busso Nathalie , Chobaz-Péclat Veronique , Hamilton Justin , Spee Pieter , Wagtmann Nicolai , So Alexander
Published: April 2008

Introduction

Tissue factor (TF) activation of the coagulation proteases enhances inflammation in animal models of arthritis and endotoxemia, but the mechanism of this effect is not yet fully understood – in particular, whether this is primarily due to fibrin formation or through activation of protease activated receptors (PARs).

Methods

We induced extravascular inflammation by injection of recombinant soluble murine TF (sTF1–219) in the hind paw. The effects of thrombin inhibition, fibrinogen and platelet depletion were evaluated, as well as the effects of PAR deficiency using knockout mice deficient for each of the PARs.

Results

Injection of soluble TF provoked a rapid onset of paw swelling. Inflammation was confirmed histologically and by increased serum IL-6 levels. Inflammation was significantly reduced by depletion of fibrinogen (P < 0.05) or platelets (P = 0.015), and by treatment with hirudin (P = 0.04) or an inhibitor of activated factor VII (P < 0.001) compared with controls. PAR-4-deficient mice exhibited significantly reduced paw swelling (P = 0.003). In contrast, a deficiency in either PAR-1, PAR-2 or PAR-3 did not affect the inflammatory response to soluble TF injection.

Conclusion

Our results show that soluble TF induces acute inflammation through a thrombin-dependent pathway and both fibrin deposition and platelet activation are essential steps in this process. The activation of PAR-4 on platelets is crucial and the other PARs do not play a major role in soluble TF-induced inflammation.
Cancer Survivors’ Adherence to Lifestyle Behavior Recommendations and Associations With Health-Related Quality of Life: Results From the American Cancer Society's SCS-II
Authors: Blanchard Christopher M. , Courneya Kerry S. , Stein Kevin
Published: April 2008

Purpose

To examine the prevalence and clustering of physical activity (PA), fruit and vegetable consumption (5-A-Day), and smoking across six major cancer survivor groups and to identify any associations with health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods

A total of 9,105 survivors of six different cancers completed a national cross-sectional survey that included the lifestyle behavior questions and the RAND-36 Health Status Inventory.

Results

Only a minority of cancer survivors were meeting the 5-A-Day (14.8% to 19.1%) or PA (29.6% to 47.3%) recommendations, whereas most were meeting the smoking recommendation (82.6% to 91.6%). In terms of the lifestyle behavior clusters, only 5% of cancer survivors were meeting all three recommendations. Analyses of covariance generally showed higher HRQoL in survivors who were meeting versus not meeting each lifestyle behavior recommendation with the strongest associations emerging for PA. Trend analyses showed a steep positive association between the number of lifestyle behavior recommendations being met and HRQoL for breast (P < .001), prostate (P < .001), colorectal (P < .001), bladder (P < .001), uterine (P < .001), and skin melanoma (P < .001) cancer survivors.

Conclusion

Few cancer survivors are meeting the PA or 5-A-Day recommendations, and even fewer are meeting all three lifestyle recommendations. The association between the current lifestyle recommendations and HRQoL in cancer survivors appears to be cumulative. Interventions to increase PA and fruit and vegetable consumption and reduce smoking are warranted and may have additive effects on the HRQoL of cancer survivors.
Double-Blind Randomized Phase II Study of the Combination of Sorafenib and Dacarbazine in Patients With Advanced Melanoma: A Report From the 11715 Study Group
Authors: McDermott David F. , Sosman Jeffrey A. , Gonzalez Rene , Hodi F. Stephen , Linette Gerald P. , Richards Jon , Jakub James W. , Beeram Muralidhar , Tarantolo Stefano , Agarwala Sanjiv , Frenette Gary , Puzanov Igor , Cranmer Lee , Lewis Karl , Kirkwood John , White J. Michael , Xia Chenghua , Patel Kiran , Hersh Evan
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This phase II study evaluated the efficacy and safety of sorafenib plus dacarbazine in patients with advanced melanoma.

Patients and Methods

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study enrolled chemotherapy-naïve patients with stage III (unresectable) or IV melanoma. A total of 101 patients received placebo plus dacarbazine (n = 50) or sorafenib plus dacarbazine (n = 51). On day 1 of a 21-day cycle, patients received intravenous dacarbazine 1,000 mg/m2 for a maximum of 16 cycles. Oral sorafenib 400 mg or placebo was administered twice a day continuously. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS) by independent assessment. Secondary and tertiary end points included time to progression (TTP), response rate, and overall survival (OS).

Results

Median PFS in the sorafenib plus dacarbazine arm was 21.1 weeks versus 11.7 weeks in the placebo plus dacarbazine arm (hazard ratio [HR], 0.665; P = .068). There were statistically significant improvements in PFS rates at 6 and 9 months, and in TTP (median, 21.1 v 11.7 weeks; HR, 0.619) in favor of the sorafenib plus dacarbazine arm. No difference in OS was observed (median, 51.3 v 45.6 weeks in the placebo plus dacarbazine and sorafenib plus dacarbazine arms, respectively; HR, 1.022). The regimen was well tolerated and had a manageable toxicity profile.

Conclusion

Sorafenib plus dacarbazine was well tolerated in patients with advanced melanoma and yielded an encouraging improvement in PFS. Based on these findings, additional studies with the combination are warranted in this patient population.
Periostin Is Expressed in Pericryptal Fibroblasts and Cancer-associated Fibroblasts in the Colon
Authors: Kikuchi Yoshinao , Kashima Takeshi G. , Nishiyama Takashi , Shimazu Kazuhiro , Morishita Yasuyuki , Shimazaki Masashi , Kii Isao , Horie Hisanaga , Nagai Hideo , Kudo Akira , Fukayama Masashi
Published: April 2008

Periostin is a unique extracellular matrix protein, deposition of which is enhanced by mechanical stress and the tissue repair process. Its significance in normal and neoplastic colon has not been fully clarified yet. Using immunohistochemistry and immunoelectron microscopy with a highly specific monoclonal antibody, periostin deposition was observed in close proximity to pericryptal fibroblasts of colonic crypts. The pericryptal pattern of periostin deposition was decreased in adenoma and adenocarcinoma, preceding the decrease of the number of pericryptal fibroblasts. Periostin immunoreactivity appeared again at the invasive front of the carcinoma and increased along the appearance of cancer-associated fibroblasts. ISH showed periostin signals in cancer-associated fibroblasts but not in cancer cells. Ki-67–positive epithelial cells were significantly decreased in the colonic crypts of periostin−/- mice (∼0.6-fold) compared with periostin+/+ mice. In three-dimensional co-culture within type I collagen gel, both colony size and number of human colon cancer cell line HCT116 cells were significantly larger (∼1.5-fold) when cultured with fibroblasts derived from periostin+/+ mice or periostin-transfected NIH3T3 cells than with those from periostin−/- mice or periostin–non-producing NIH3T3 cells, respectively. Periostin is secreted by pericryptal and cancer-associated fibroblasts in the colon, both of which support the growth of epithelial components.
Comparison of ASTM and CIPAC Suspension Methods
Authors: Costello Lauren , Lindner Greg
Published: April 2008

Suspension testing is a standard way of characterizing the effectiveness of dispersants in wet or dry formulations. In a suspensibility test, a measured amount of material is diluted in hard water and given a specified amount of time to settle. The settled material is recovered and used to calculate the amount of material that remained suspended, yielding a suspension percentage. Different organizations use slightly different methods to conduct this characterization, and there are few studies which allow the experimentalist to correlate results between methods. The objective of this work is to compare two standard suspension tests, ASTM and CIPAC (Collaborative International Pesticides Analytical Council) and determine their correlation, if one exists. While similar, the methods vary by a few factors including the initial volume fraction of the material and the means of recovering the settled material. Several formulations of copper (II) hydroxide, dispersed with varying amounts of acrylic polymer, were dried and sieved into granule solids and powder solids. Suspension properties were tested using both methods. Resultant suspension percentages for each formula were charted, CIPAC results versus ASTM results. The coefficient of determination (R2) for the suspension percentages of the granule and powder solids was found to be 0.976 and 0.984, respectively. The granular solids showed a one-to-one relationship (slope=1) between results generated by these methods while the powder solids did not, y=0.56+0.37. The driver for this skew may be due to different particle volume fractions between the tests, a parameter which has the potential to affect viscosity in a predictable manner and which is represented mathematically by the Krieger-Dougherty equation.
Peer Victimization, Depression, and Suicidiality in Adolescents
Authors: Klomek Anat Brunstein , Marrocco Frank , Kleinman Marjorie , Schonfeld Irvin Sam , Gould Madelyn S.
Published: April 2008

The association between specific types of peer victimization with depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts among adolescents was examined. A self‐report survey was completed by 2,342 high‐school students. Regression analyses indicated that frequent exposure to all types of peer victimization was related to high risk of depression, ideation, and attempts compared to students not victimized. Infrequent victimization was also related to increased risk, particularly among females. The more types of victimization the higher the risk for depression and suicidality among both genders. Specific types of peer victimization are a potential risk factor for adolescent depression and suicidality. It is important to assess depression and suicidality among victimized students in order to develop appropriate intervention methods.
Reading in Spanish and English: A Comparative Study of Processing Strategies
Authors: Pritchard Robert , O'Hara Susan
Published: April 2008

Do proficient, bilingual readers of Spanish and English use different strategies when reading passages written in each language? Are there differences in the frequency with which proficient, bilingual readers of Spanish and English use particular strategies when reading these passages? Are there patterns in the manner in which the subjects use the strategies to construct interpretations of the passages? If so, do the patterns vary across passages?

A three‐phase data analysis revealed that, whether reading Spanish or English texts, subjects drew upon an array of strategic processes to establish connections and integrate understandings. And, when they ran into difficulty, their use of metacognitive strategies often allowed the subjects to continue constructing meaning.
Using Scaffolding Techniques to Teach a Social Studies Lesson About Buddha to Sixth Graders
Authors: Vacca James Stephan
Published: April 2008

When scaffolding is done correctly, students are encouraged to develop their own creativity, motivation, and resourcefulness. How teachers interact with students and how students interact with one another as they complete a task is important to students' ability to perform the activity. This article shows how scaffolding can be effectively applied in the teaching of a lesson on Buddha to four sixth‐grade social studies classes. The author demonstrates that using scaffolding as an instructional technique helps model the desired learning strategies or tasks for the students throughout the lesson.
“There Ain't No Accounting for What Folks See in Their Own Mirrors”: Considering Colorism Within a Sharon Flake Narrative
Authors: Brooks Wanda , Browne Susan , Hampton Gregory
Published: April 2008

This article describes a study of both textual and reader response analyses ofThe Skin I'm Inby Sharon Flake. Because gender and race constitute central themes in the narrative, Black feminist thought and feminism undergirded the textual critique. Critics' reviews, scholarly articles, and published author interviews also supported the textual analysis. Data were triangulated with excerpts from female student responses to the text and, specifically, their interpretations of the metanarrative of colorism. Reader interpretations occurred during an after‐school book club with middle grade African American students. Findings revealed three ways in which readers identified with the story. These led to a discussion about whether and how the study's findings reflect current conversations in the literacy field about using stories pedagogically to examine and disrupt race‐ and gender‐based inequities.
Teaching Struggling Readers: Capitalizing on Diversity for Effective Learning
Authors: Compton‐Lilly Catherine
Published: April 2008

In order to meet the unique academic needs of each student it is important that teachers value the differences each child brings to the classroom. Literacy teachers routinely focus on academic differences such as known literacy items (i.e., knowing letters and words) and reading strategies (i.e., knowing how to solve difficulties in reading), but they do not always capitalize on other differences that can greatly affect learning such as differences in previous literacy experiences, differences in language and communicative practices, and differences in personal passions and interests. Responsive teaching involves recognizing and capitalizing upon the vast range of differences that students bring to classrooms. It is crucial that teachers attend to all of these differences.
Picture Book Power: Connecting Children's Literature and Mathematics
Authors: Shatzer Joyce
Published: April 2008

There once lived a wolf who loved to eat more than anything else in the world. As soon as he finished one meal, he began to think of the next. One day the wolf got a terrible craving for chicken stew. (Kasza, 16‐996, n.p.)

The author's experiences in using children's literature to engage her students in mathematics are described in this article. Using the book The Wolf's Chicken Stew, the author's class participated in an interactive read‐aloud, graphed favorite foods from the story, and finally followed a recipe to bake chocolate chip cookies. Reasons for making the literature/math connection with students are explored. Additional pieces of children's literature, both those with and without specific math content, are presented and examples of possible mathematics learning experiences are described. Steps teachers might take in helping children make literature/math connections are offered. They include choosing appropriate pieces of children's literature for read‐alouds, helping students actively make mathematics connections to those books, and providing authentic hands‐on exploration of literature/math connections.
My eSorts and Digital Extensions of Word Study
Authors: Zucker Tricia A. , Invernizzi Marcia
Published: April 2008

“My eSorts” is a strategy for helping children learn to read and spell in a socially motivated context. It is based on developmental spelling research and the word study approach to teaching phonics and spelling. “eSorting” employs digital desktop publishing tools that allow children to author their own electronic word sorts and then share these eSorts with their classmates at the classroom computer center. This article outlines the rationale for using digital extensions of word study and describes findings from a formative study that explored the effectiveness of eSorts with a group of first graders. The exploratory project suggests eSorts may help students solidify knowledge of spelling features while also fostering a positive attitude toward literacy.
Paint solvent to food additive: An environmental route of dehalogenation for 4-chlorobenzotrifluoride
Authors: Young Cora J , Biagi Rodolfo F. Gómez , Hurley Michael D , Wallington Timothy J , Mabury Scott A
Published: April 2008

In an effort to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in paint solvents, replacements containing non-VOC compounds have been proposed. One such compound is 4-chlorobenzotrifluoride (CBTF), for which environmental fate studies have not been conducted. The objective of the present study was to determine the products of the atmospheric oxidation of CBTF and the aqueous fate of these products. Smog chamber experiments were performed to measure the kinetics and mechanism of atmospheric oxidation. A rate constant of 2.22 (±0.30) × 10−13 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 was determined for the reaction of hydroxyl radicals with CBTF in 700 Torr of air at 296 K. Using offline sampling and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopic analysis, it was determined that 2-chloro-5-trifluoromethylphenol (o-CTFP) was the primary product of CBTF atmospheric oxidation. Aqueous photolysis of o-CTFP in deionized water proceeded at a rate of 1.3 (±0.1) × 10−4 s−1, corresponding to a half-life of 1.5 ± 0.1 h and a quantum yield of 6.6 (±0.4) × 10−4. The mechanism of photolysis was investigated using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, which suggested that degradation of o-CTFP occurred via photonucleophilic displacement of chlorine, followed by photoinduced hydrolysis of the trifluoromethyl group to yield 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (an approved food additive considered to be nontoxic).