bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antitumor activity of CTFB, a novel anticancer agent, is associated with the down-regulation of nuclear factor-κB expression and proteasome activation in head and neck squamous carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Skvortsov Sergej , Skvortsova Ira , Stasyk Taras , Schiefermeier Natalia , Neher Andreas , Gunkel Andreas R. , Bonn Guenther K. , Huber Lukas A. , Lukas Peter , Pleiman Christopher M. , Zwierzina Heinz
Published: June 2007

This study aimed to characterize the antitumor activity of 5-Chloro-N-{2-[2-(4-chloro-phenyl)-3-methyl-butoxy]-5-trifluoromethyl-phenyl}-2-hydroxy-benzamide (CTFB), a novel anticancer agent, in head and neck cancer cell lines, FaDu, SCC-25 and cisplatin-resistant CAL-27. CTFB was generated as a result of an extensive medicinal chemistry effort on a lead compound series discovered in a high-throughput screen for inducers of apoptosis. All cell lines showed significant growth delay in response to CTFB treatment at a concentration of 1 μmol/L with 17.16 ± 2.08%, 10.92 ± 1.22%, and 27.03 ± 1.86% of cells surviving at 120 h in FaDu, CAL-27, and SCC-25, respectively. To define proteins involved in the mechanism of action of CTFB, we determined differences in the proteome profile of cell lines before and after treatment with CTFB using two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis followed by computational image analysis and mass spectrometry. Eight proteins were found to be regulated by CTFB in all cell lines. All these proteins are involved in cytoskeleton formation and function and/or in cell cycle regulation. We showed that CTFB-induced cell growth delay was accompanied by cell cycle arrest at the G0-G1 phase that was associated with the up-regulation of p21/WAF1 and p27/Kip1 expression and the down-regulation of cyclin D1. Furthermore, we showed that activity of CTFB depended on the down-regulation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and NF-κB p65 phosphorylated at Ser536. The level of proteasome activity correlated with the response to CTFB treatment, and the down-regulation of NF-κB is accompanied by enhanced proteasome activity in all investigated head and neck cancer cell lines. In this report, we show that CTFB reveals multiple effects that lead to delayed cell growth. Our data suggest that this compound should be studied further in the treatment of head and neck cancer. [Mol Cancer Ther 2007;6(6):1898–908]
Determinants of sensitivity to lovastatin-induced apoptosis in multiple myeloma
Authors: Wong W. Wei-Lynn , Clendening James W. , Martirosyan Anna , Boutros Paul C. , Bros Christina , Khosravi Fereshteh , Jurisica Igor , Stewart A. Keith , Bergsagel P. Leif , Penn Linda Z.
Published: June 2007

Statins, commonly used to treat hypercholesterolemia, have been shown to trigger tumor-specific apoptosis in certain cancers, including multiple myeloma (MM), a plasma cell malignancy with poor prognosis. In this article, we show that of a panel of 17 genetically distinct MM cell lines, half were sensitive to statin-induced apoptosis and, despite pharmacodynamic evidence of drug uptake and activity, the remainder were insensitive. Sensitive cells were rescued from lovastatin-induced apoptosis by mevalonate, geranylgeranyl PPi, and partially by farnesyl PPi, highlighting the importance of isoprenylation. Expression profiling revealed that Rho GTPase mRNAs were differentially expressed upon lovastatin exposure in sensitive cells, yet ectopic expression of constitutively active Rho or Ras proteins was insufficient to alter sensitivity to lovastatin-induced apoptosis. This suggests that sensitivity involves more than one isoprenylated protein and that statins trigger apoptosis by blocking many signaling cascades, directly or indirectly deregulated by the oncogenic lesions of the tumor cell. Indeed, clustering on the basis of genetic abnormalities was shown to be significantly associated with sensitivity (P = 0.003). These results suggest that statins may be a useful molecular targeted therapy in the treatment of a subset of MM. [Mol Cancer Ther 2007;6(6):1886–97]
Gam1-associated alterations of drug responsiveness through activation of apoptosis
Authors: Wu Fangting , Chiocca Susanna , Beck William T. , Mo Yin-Yuan
Published: June 2007

An early gene product, Gam1, encoded by the avian adenovirus CELO, is an inhibitory protein for the sumoylation machinery, which has been implicated in regulating a variety of cellular pathways. In this study, we found that Gam1 effectively suppressed both constitutive and inducible sumoylation and caused significant cell growth inhibition. This Gam1-mediated cell growth inhibition was associated with induction of apoptosis. In particular, Gam1 induced caspase-3 activity as detected by immunostaining and Western blot. Of interest, like the Ubc9 dominant-negative mutant, Gam1 also sensitized cells to DNA-damaging agents such as topotecan and doxorubicin and non–DNA-damaging agents such as paclitaxel and vincristine. Taken together, our findings suggest that activation of the caspase pathways is at least in part responsible for the increased apoptosis in Gam1-expressing cells and, thus, contributes to the growth inhibition and enhanced chemosensitivity. [Mol Cancer Ther 2007;6(6):1823–30]
Suppression of cervical carcinoma cell growth by intracytoplasmic codelivery of anti-oncoprotein E6 antibody and small interfering RNA
Authors: Courtête Jérôme , Sibler Annie-Paule , Zeder-Lutz Gabrielle , Dalkara Deniz , Oulad-Abdelghani Mustapha , Zuber Guy , Weiss Etienne
Published: June 2007

Cervical cancer is caused by high-risk types of human papillomaviruses (HPV) that encode the E6 and E7 oncogenes. Silencing of E6 gene expression in HPV-positive cell lines by transfection of small interfering RNA (siRNA) with cationic lipids restores the dormant p53 tumor suppressor pathway. Because cationic lipids can also be used for intracytoplasmic delivery of proteins, we tested whether the delivery of monoclonal antibodies that bind to HPV16 E6 and neutralize its biological activity in vitro could restore p53 function in tumor cells. Here, we show that the 4C6 antibody is efficiently delivered into the cell cytoplasm using a lipidic reagent used for siRNA transfection. The delivery of 4C6 resulted in the nuclear accumulation of p53 protein in CaSki and SiHa cells but not in HeLa cells. Furthermore, the antibody-mediated p53 response was dramatically increased when a peptide corresponding to the 4C6 epitope and bearing a COOH-terminal cysteine residue was added to the transduction mixture. We found that a fraction of the added peptides were dimers that allowed the formation of antibody polymers adsorbed onto the lipidic matrix. With this system, the proliferation of CaSki and SiHa cells was strongly diminished, but no apoptosis was detectable. Remarkably, cell growth was almost totally suppressed by the addition of E6-specific siRNA to the transduction complex. The results indicate that the activity of E6 oncoprotein can be down-regulated in vivo by lipid-mediated antibody delivery and that antibodies and siRNA act synergistically when codelivered. This novel targeting strategy is simple to implement and may find therapeutic applications. [Mol Cancer Ther 2007;16(5):1728–35]
New transition state–based inhibitor for human ornithine decarboxylase inhibits growth of tumor cells
Authors: Wu Fang , Grossenbacher Doris , Gehring Heinz
Published: June 2007

Pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP)–dependent ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is the key enzyme in polyamine synthesis. ODC is overexpressed in many tumor cells and thus a potential drug target. Here we show the design and synthesis of a coenzyme-substrate analogue as a novel precursor inhibitor of ODC. Structural analysis of the crystal structure of human ODC disclosed an additional hydrophobic pocket surrounding the ε-amino group of its substrate ornithine. Molecular modeling methods showed favorable interactions of the BOC-protected pyridoxyl-ornithine conjugate, termed POB, in the active site of human ODC. The synthesized and purified POB completely inhibited the activity of newly induced ODC activity at 100 μmol/L in glioma LN229 and COS7 cells. In correlation with the inhibition of ODC activity, a time-dependent inhibition of cell growth was observed in myeloma, glioma LN18 and LN229, Jurkat, COS7, and SW2 small-cell lung cancer cells if DNA synthesis and cell number were measured, but not in the nontumorigenic human aortic smooth muscle cells. POB strongly inhibited cell proliferation not only of low-grade glioma LN229 cells in a dose-dependent manner (IC50 ∼50 μmol/L) but also of high-grade glioblastoma multiforme cells. POB is much more efficient in inhibiting proliferation of several types of tumor cells than α-dl-difluoromethylornithine, the best known irreversible inhibitor of ODC. [Mol Cancer Ther 2007;6(6):1831–9]
Orphan G protein–coupled receptor GPR56 plays a role in cell transformation and tumorigenesis involving the cell adhesion pathway
Authors: Ke Ning , Sundaram Roshni , Liu Guohong , Chionis John , Fan Wufang , Rogers Cheryl , Awad Tarif , Grifman Mirta , Yu Dehua , Wong-Staal Flossie , Li Qi-Xiang
Published: June 2007

GPR56 is an orphan G protein–coupled receptor, mutations of which have recently been associated with bilateral frontoparietal polymicrogyria, a rare neurologic disease that has implications in brain development. However, no phenotype beyond central nervous system has yet been described for the GPR56-null mutations despite abundant GPR56 expression in many non–central nervous system adult tissues. In the present study, we show that higher GPR56 expression is correlated with the cellular transformation phenotypes of several cancer tissues compared with their normal counterparts, implying a potential oncogenic function. RNA interference–mediated GPR56 silencing results in apoptosis induction and reduced anchorage-independent growth of cancer cells via increased anoikis, whereas cDNA overexpression resulted in increased foci formation in mouse fibroblast NIH3T3 cell line. When GPR56 silencing was induced in vivo in several xenograft tumor models, significant tumor responses (including regression) were observed, suggesting the potential of targeting GPR56 in the development of tumor therapies. The expression profiling of GPR56-silenced A2058 melanoma cell line revealed several genes whose expression was affected by GPR56 silencing, particularly those in the integrin-mediated signaling and cell adhesion pathways. The potential role of GPR56 in cancer cell adhesion was further confirmed by the observation that GPR56 silencing also reduced cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix, which is consistent with the observed increase in anoikis and reduction in anchorage-independent growth phenotypes. The oncogenic potential and apparent absence of physiologic defects in adult human tissues lacking GPR56, as well as the targetable nature of G protein–coupled receptor by small molecule or antibody, make GPR56 an attractive drug target for the development of cancer therapies. [Mol Cancer Ther 2007;6(6):1840–50]
Mismatched nucleotides as the lesions responsible for radiosensitization with gemcitabine: a new paradigm for antimetabolite radiosensitizers
Authors: Flanagan Sheryl A. , Robinson Blaine W. , Krokosky Christina M. , Shewach Donna S.
Published: June 2007

Radiation sensitization by 2′,2′-difluoro-2′-deoxycytidine (dFdCyd) has correlated with dATP depletion [dFdCDP-mediated inhibition of ribonucleotide reductase (RR)] and S-phase accumulation. We hypothesized that radiosensitization by dFdCyd is due to nucleotide misincorporations in the presence of deoxynucleotide triphosphate pool imbalances, which, if not repaired, augments cell death following irradiation. The ability of dFdCyd to produce misincorporations was measured as pSP189 plasmid mutations in hMLH1-deficient [mismatch repair (MMR) deficient] and hMLH1-expressing (MMR proficient) HCT116 cells. Only MMR-deficient cells showed a significant increase in nucleotide misincorporations (2- to 3-fold increase; P ≤ 0.01) after radiosensitizing concentrations of dFdCyd ± 5 Gy radiation, which persisted for at least 96 h. dFdCyd (10 nmol/L) did not radiosensitize MMR-proficient HCT116 or A549 cells, but following small interfering RNA–mediated suppression of hMLH1, this concentration produced excellent radiosensitization (radiation enhancement ratios = 1.6 ± 0.1 and 1.5 ± 0.1, respectively; P < 0.05) and a 2.5-fold increase in mutation frequency in A549 cells. Cytosine arabinoside (1-β-d-arabinofuranosylcytosine), which can be incorporated into DNA but does not inhibit RR, failed to radiosensitize MMR-deficient cells or increase mutation frequency in the MMR-deficient and MMR-proficient cells. However, the RR inhibitor hydroxyurea radiosensitized MMR-deficient cells and increased nucleotide misincorporations (≥5-fold increase; P < 0.05), thus further implicating the inhibition of RR as the mechanism underlying radiosensitization by dFdCyd. These data showed that the presence and persistence of mismatched nucleotides is integral to radiosensitization by dFdCyd and suggest a role for hMLH1 deficiency in eliciting the radiosensitizing effect. [Mol Cancer Ther 2007;6(6):1858–68]
Oscillatory Neural Networks with Self-Organized Segmentation of Overlapping Patterns
Authors: Burwick Thomas
Published: June 2007

Temporal coding is considered with an oscillatory network model that generalizes the Cohen-Grossberg-Hopfield model. It is assumed that the frequency of oscillating units increases with stronger and more coherent input. We refer to this mechanism as acceleration. In the context of Hebbian memory, synchronization and acceleration take complementary roles, and their combined effect on the storage of patterns is profound. Acceleration implies the desynchronization that is needed for self-organized segmention of two overlapping patterns. The superposition problem is thereby solved even without including competition couplings. With respect to brain dynamics, we point to analogies with oscillation spindles in the gamma range and responses to perceptual rivalries.
Matching Faces
Authors: Sporer Siegfried Ludwig , Trinkl Barbara , Guberova Elena
Published: June 2007

Numerous studies have demonstrated an out-group processing deficit for faces of other ethnic groups (“cross-race effect” or “own-race bias”). Most studies have employed Blacks, Asians, and Whites. This study employed a perceptual matching task to investigate the out-group processing deficit with 128 Turkish and 128 Austrian children between the ages of 10 and 15 years studying Turkish and German faces. Participants were required to match a face (in three-quarter view) to the corresponding face in a 2 × 5 matrix of faces (in frontal view). As predicted from Sporer's in-group/out-group model of face processing, there was an asymmetric interaction between ethnicity of participants and ethnicity of faces. Turkish children were faster in matching Turkish faces than were Austrian children, whereas there was no difference for German faces. Older children matched faces faster than younger children. Practical implications for matching of faces to photographs on identification cards or when searching for targets of other ethnic groups are discussed.
Conceptualizations of Forgiveness
Authors: Kadima Kadiangandu Joachim , Gauché Mélanie , Vinsonneau Geneviève , Mullet Etienne
Published: June 2007

The present study investigates the cross-cultural differences in conceptualizations of forgiveness, using a modified version of the Conceptualizations of Forgiveness Scale. In the Congolese (collectivistic) culture, forgiveness was expected to be mainly conceived as an “interpersonal” construct, and in the French (individualistic) culture as an “intrapersonal” process. The findings supported these views. The Congolese more than the French conceived forgiveness as aimed at reconciling with the offender and extensible to people outside the offended—offender dyad.
Parental Influence On Union Formation Preferences Among Turkish, Moroccan, and Dutch Adolescents in the Netherlands
Authors: De Valk Helga A.G. , Liefbroer Aart C.
Published: June 2007

This study first examines union formation preferences of Turkish, Moroccan, and Dutch adolescents. Second, the study shows how and to what extent parents are of influence on these preferences. Hypotheses are derived from cross-cultural psychology and theories on intergenerational transmission. Self-reported data of approximately 19,000 Dutch, 460 Turkish, and 400 Moroccan adolescents 11 to 23 years of age are used to test the hypotheses. Youth with a Turkish and Moroccan background, particularly those with a strong ethnic identification, more often prefer marriage than Dutch youth. Unmarried cohabitation (before marriage) is most popular among Dutch adolescents, but substantial proportions of immigrant youth also prefer this type of relationship. In addition, both parental characteristics and characteristics of the parent—child relationship are of major influence for adolescents' union formation preferences. The process of intergenerational transmission is found to be largely comparable among all groups.
Parents' Goals and Values for Children
Authors: Suizzo Marie-Anne
Published: June 2007

Parents' long-term goals and values for their children vary across U.S. ethnic groups. Researchers have found that ethnic minority groups tend to promote interdependence, and European Americans tend to promote independence, yet evidence of both orientations has also been found within each ethnic group. To compare both the similarities and variations between ethnic groups, this study used a multiethnic questionnaire measuring multiple dimensions of each orientation. A sample of 343 parents from four ethnic groups completed a parental goals questionnaire, and exploratory factor analysis suggested five scales: tradition and conformity, relatedness, benevolence and prosocial, agency and self-direction, and power and achievement. All groups highly valued dimensions of both independence and interdependence, and ethnicity explained differences in all five scales, controlling for parental education level. Using an ecocultural perspective that views parent—child relationships within multiple intersecting ecologies, this study provides evidence for the coexistence of dimensions of independence and interdependence in parents' cultural models in the United States.
The Effectiveness of Community Service Sentences Compared to Traditional Fines for Low-Level Offenders
Authors: Bouffard Jeffrey A. , Muftić Lisa R.
Published: June 2007

Relatively little research in the United States has examined the effectiveness of community service (CS) sentences among adult offenders, despite use of this alternative sanction for nearly 40 years. What little research exists, primarily from Europe, suggests that CS may not yield significant reductions in recidivism when compared to incarceration; however, much of this research suffers from important methodological limitations. This study employs a more rigorous evaluation design and a more appropriate comparison sample of offenders sentenced to pay traditional monetary fines. Results reveal that those who participate in CS sentences are less likely to experience post-program recidivism, controlling for several initial group differences. Limitations of the design and suggestions for future research are also discussed.
Harmony Behind Bars
Authors: Vezzola Mark A.
Published: June 2007

As prison populations swell across the country, lawmakers and prison officials must face difficult questions concerning how to accommodate growing numbers of inmates. Aside from where to house them and what kind of medical care to provide, decision makers must also consider the constitutional rights of prisoners to practice their religion behind bars as guaranteed under the First Amendment. This is no simple task, however. Native American spirituality comes in many forms, ranging from traditional ceremonies such as the Sun Dance to organizations modeled after Christian sects. But which ceremonies and practices are permissible for Native Americans to practice behind bars remains unclear. Courts have applied various tests to balance these interests with the security concerns of individual prisons, leaving many Native prisoners without a spiritual outlet, which is neither constitutional nor constructive. This article assesses the health of Native American spirituality in prison and reports its well-being in various jurisdictions.
The PICTS Fear-of-Change Scale
Authors: Walters Glenn D. , Geyer Matthew D.
Published: June 2007

The construct validity of the Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles's Fear-of-Change scale (FOC) was evaluated by correlating it with scales from the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI). As expected, the FOC displayed a positive association with the PAI Anxiety (ANX) scale and negative associations with the PAI Positive Impression Management and Treatment Rejection scales among 136 male inmates. The FOC also forged a stronger relationship with the ANX's Cognitive subscale than with the Affective or Physiological subscales. It was further surmised that a subgroup of 54 participants retested after 3 months of program participation witnessed significant FOC gains. An independent sample of 239 medium-security male inmates participated in a second study in which significant FOC accretions were found in offenders who discontinued programming but not in offenders who continued or graduated. A third study conducted on 46 nonprogram participants effectively ruled out the alternative hypothesis that FOC scores rise in nonprogram offenders.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Massachusetts Correctional Facilities
Authors: Samuelson Marlene , Carmody James , Kabat-Zinn Jon , Bratt Michael A.
Published: June 2007

Mindfulness-based stress-reduction courses were offered in drug units in six Massachusetts Department of Corrections prisons. A total of 1,350 inmates completed the 113 courses. Evaluation assessments were held before and after each course, and highly significant pre- to post-course improvements were found on widely accepted self-report measures of hostility, self-esteem, and mood disturbance. Improvements for women were greater than those for men, and improvements were also greater for men in a minimum-security, pre-release facility than for those in four medium-security facilities. The results encourage further study and wider use of mindfulness-based stress reduction in correctional facilities.
Power and Goal Pursuit
Authors: Guinote Ana
Published: June 2007

Powerful individuals more easily acquire desired outcomes compared to powerless individuals. The authors argue that these differences can partly be attributed to self-regulation. The effects of power on the ability to act in a goal-consistent manner were analyzed across different phases of goal pursuit. Study 1 examined goal setting, Study 2 focused on the initiation of goal-directed action, Study 3 examined persistence and flexibility, and Study 4 assessed responses to good opportunities for goal pursuit and the role of implementation intentions. Consistently across studies, power facilitated prioritization and goal-consistent behavior. Power had, however, independent effects from implementation intentions. Consequences for performance are discussed.
Primary versus Single-Stage Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Autologous Hamstring Tendon Grafts
Authors: Weiler Andreas , Schmeling Arno , Stöhr Ivonne , Kääb Max J. , Wagner Michael
Published: June 2007

Background

There is a low level of evidence about clinical results after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) revision reconstruction using autologous hamstring tendon grafts.

Hypothesis

Anterior cruciate ligament revision reconstruction improves knee stability but shows inferior results for functional and subjective outcome and knee stability compared with primary reconstruction.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods

Between October 1997 and July 2005, 166 single-stage or 2-stage revision ACL reconstructions were done using different graft types. One hundred twenty-four cases underwent a single-stage revision reconstruction with autologous hamstring tendon grafts. At the time of data analysis, 67 cases fulfilled the criteria of minimum 2-year follow-up. Five patients were lost to follow-up (follow-up rate, 91%). Four patients (6%) who experienced graft rupture were counted as failures but not subjected to further detailed analysis. Because of loss to follow-up and exclusion criteria (n = 12), 50 patients were included in the study. For a comparative matched-group analysis, patients with a primary hamstring tendon graft ACL reconstruction were selected out of a database with minimum 2 years’ follow-up (N = 284). Patients were followed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scores, KT-1000 arthrometer testing, and additional functional tests.

Results

Four of 62 available patients (6.5%) in the revision group experienced graft failure, which was comparable to 16 of 284 (5.6%) in the primary reconstruction group. When the 2 matched groups of 50 patients were further compared, postoperative IKDC results showed no significant differences between groups. The manual maximum KT-1000 arthrometer side-to-side difference was 2.1 ± 1.6 mm for the revision group and 2.2 ± 1.1 mm for the primary reconstruction group. The Lysholm score was significantly better in the primary reconstruction group (P = .014). The incidence of postoperative positive pivot-shift test results was not significantly different. The primary reconstruction group showed significantly less extension deficits. Functional testing revealed significantly better results for the primary reconstruction group for stair climbing, squatting, knee bending, and duck walk.

Conclusions

In our patient series, primary ACL reconstruction showed significantly better results in Lysholm score, although the IKDC score and objective knee stability showed no significant difference between the groups. Thus, parameters other than measurable knee stability must be responsible for the inferior results of the revision reconstruction group.
Calibrating Canadian Universities
Authors: Cramer Kenneth M. , Page Stewart
Published: June 2007

A summary and update on recent research by the authors and others concerning rankings of Canadian universities is presented. Some specific data are reported in regard to the 2005 and 2006 ranking data published by Maclean's magazine. Some criticisms and difficulties with the use of rank-based data are outlined with regard to the issues of university selection and the interpretation of commonly used ranking indices. Also, aside from statistical and related matters, several implications of ranking exercises for the personal and academic welfare of Canadian students, at all educational levels, are described.
Elementary School Students' Perceptions of Overweight Peers
Authors: Tillman Tracey , Kehle Thomas J. , Bray Melissa A. , Chafouleas Sandra M. , Grigerick Sarah
Published: June 2007

Obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States. Children who are overweight tend to participate in fewer activities, to withdraw from social situations, and to be less physically active than their normal-weight peers. Additionally, they have lower self-image and often suffer from depression. Research on children's perceptions of overweight peers has been sparse, with the few completed studies tending to focus on adolescents. In the current study, participants were asked to listen to four stories, two involving females and two involving males. Following each story, the children were presented with obese and nonobese target pictures and asked to match the two gender-specific pictures of children with the “nice” and “mean” characters from the story. Results show an overall main effect, indicating that the number of “nice” responses given to nonobese target figures was significantly greater than the number given to obese target figures. No gender effects were observed.
Effects of School-Based Interventions on Secondary School Students with High and Low Risks for Antisocial Behaviour
Authors: Wright Robin , John Lindsay , Livingstone Anne-Marie , Shepherd Nicole , Duku Eric
Published: June 2007

This article describes the methodology and program effects of a multicomponent model of interventions designed to prevent antisocial behaviour in secondary school students. Interventions included cooperative learning, classroom management, and peer tutoring, mentoring, and mediation. Data from the Secondary Schools Demonstration Project (SSDP) implemented in Ontario, Canada, schools were analyzed to assess whether the interventions had similar and/or differential effects on groups of students with low and high risks for antisocial behaviour. The study involved a two-group matched comparison before-and-after design. Data were collected at baseline for all ninth-grade students (average age 14 years) in the four schools, and from a subsample of the students at follow-up. The findings showed that the interventions generated similar improvements in the low and high-risk groups of youth. However, the positive effects were slightly more pronounced in the low-risk youth. The discussion proposes future directions for research and practice.
Adapting the Concept of Explanatory Models of Illness to the Study of Youth Violence
Authors: Biering Páll
Published: June 2007

This study explores the feasibility of adapting Kleinman's concept of explanatory models of illness to the study of youth violence and is conducted within the hermeneutic tradition. Data were collected by interviewing 11 violent adolescents, their parents, and their caregivers. Four types of explanatory models representing the adolescent girls', the adolescent boys', the caregivers', and the parents' understanding of youth violence are found; they correspond sufficiently to Kleinman's concept and establish the feasibility of adapting it to the study of youth violence. The developmental nature of the parents' and adolescents' models makes it feasible to study them by means of hermeneutic methodology. There are some clinically significant discrepancies between the caregivers' and the clients' explanatory models; identifying such discrepancies is an essential step in the process of breaking down barriers to therapeutic communications. Violent adolescents should be encouraged to define their own explanatory models of violence through dialogue with their caregivers.
Denial, Minimization, Partner Blaming, and Intimate Aggression in Dating Partners
Authors: Scott Katreena , Straus Murray
Published: June 2007

Although countering denial, minimization, and externalization of blame is a key component of most interventions for individuals who have been abusive in their intimate relationships, these attributions have only seldom been the focus of empirical investigation. Using a sample of 139 male and female university students, this study examined the associations between self-reported minimizing and blaming attributions and the perpetration of physical, sexual, and psychological aggression against an intimate partner. For men, minimization of conflict and partner blame were associated with self-reported perpetration of intimate partner aggression, even after controlling for socially desirable responding and relationship satisfaction. In contrast, women's aggression was associated only with partner blame. Discussion focuses on overlap with similar areas of research, gender differences in minimization and blaming, and on potential directions for further empirical work on the associations of intimate aggression, relationship dissatisfaction, and attribution.
Abuse Behavior Inventory
Authors: Zink Therese , Klesges Lisa M. , Levin Linda , Putnam Frank
Published: June 2007

This study determines a clinical cutting score for the 29-item Abuse Behavior Inventory (ABI) developed by Shepard and Campbell (1992) to measure both physical and psychological abuse experiences. The authors report on a sample of 392 White and African American women from primary care waiting rooms, who completed the ABI and the revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2). An ABI cutoff score of 10 maximizes validity and produces a sensitivity of 77% and a specificity of 81% compared to the CTS2. Cronbach's alpha is .92 for the entire scale, .91 for the psychological subscale, and .86 for the physical subscale. Correlation between the ABI and CTS2 is .76, with subscale correlations of .74 between ABI psychological and CTS2 verbal aggression, and .71 between ABI physical and CTS2 physical aggression, injury, and sexual coercion.
He Sends Rain Upon the Wicked
Authors: Schreck Christopher J. , Burek Melissa W. , Clark-Miller Jason
Published: June 2007

This research investigates low religiosity as a predictor of violent victimization. The theoretical framework the authors present here posits that religiosity should help structure daily activities in such a way as to (a) limit exposure to offenders by encouraging contact with peers who are less deviant, (b) lessen one's target suitability by inhibiting grievance-causing delinquent activity, and (c) enhance guardianship by fostering stronger bonds with parents and school. Thus, although researchers expect religion to be a bivariate predictor of violent victimization, its influence should be indirect. The authors investigate these claims using two waves from the public-use version of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). The results indicate that religiosity is a correlate of violent victimization. Consistent with these theoretical claims, the effect of religiosity is not direct, but instead occurs indirectly primarily through its influence on self-reported delinquency and peer deviance.
Revictimizing the Victims?
Authors: Hlavka Heather R. , Kruttschnitt Candace , Carbone-López Kristin C.
Published: June 2007

Research on women's experiences of interpersonal violence has grown dramatically and, as a result, the ethical issues surrounding this research are a concern. Although regulatory procedures ensure that research participants are protected from undue risk, little is known about the impact of victimization research on participants. In this study, the authors examine the differences in the abilities of a “vulnerable” population (142 incarcerated women) to complete interviews about the extent and nature of their violent experiences. Using quantitative and qualitative analysis, the authors assess whether the prevalence and incidence of women's victimization experiences, other stressful life events, and personal backgrounds are related to response rates to specific questions and completion rates. The authors find that the cumulative effect of violence over the life course has a significant relationship to women's disclosure of sensitive issues and that providing multiple avenues for disclosure of prior victimization is critical for facilitating a positive outcome for research participants.
The Use and Acceptance of Sexually Aggressive Tactics in College Men
Authors: Warkentin Jennifer B. , Gidycz Christine A.
Published: June 2007

This study extended the findings of Cleveland, Koss, and Lyon's (1999) research on rape tactics to a sample of college men by examining the use and acceptance of sexually aggressive tactics. Participants included 297 male undergraduate students who filled out instruments assessing for a history of sexual aggression and other personality characteristics. In addition, a measure was created to assess acceptance of sexually aggressive tactics, the Sexual Strategies Questionnaire, and a principal components analysis indicated the presence of two components: overt and covert tactics. Although the overt and covert tactics are comparable to those found by Cleveland and colleagues, the former may provide a greater level of discrimination between general and tactical alcohol usage. Finally, a regression analysis demonstrated that a history of sexually aggressive behavior and increased hypergender ideology were found to predict acceptance of sexually aggressive tactics. Directions for future research are discussed.
ISHAPE: new rapid and accurate software for haplotyping
Authors: Delaneau Olivier , Coulonges Cédric , Boelle Pierre-Yves , Nelson George , Spadoni Jean-Louis , Zagury Jean-François
Published: June 2007

Background

We have developed a new haplotyping program based on the combination of an iterative multiallelic EM algorithm (IEM), bootstrap resampling and a pseudo Gibbs sampler. The use of the IEM-bootstrap procedure considerably reduces the space of possible haplotype configurations to be explored, greatly reducing computation time, while the adaptation of the Gibbs sampler with a recombination model on this restricted space maintains high accuracy. On large SNP datasets (>30 SNPs), we used a segmented approach based on a specific partition-ligation strategy. We compared this software, Ishape (Iterative Segmented HAPlotyping by Em), with reference programs such as Phase, Fastphase, and PL-EM. Analogously with Phase, there are 2 versions of Ishape: Ishape1 which uses a simple coalescence model for the pseudo Gibbs sampler step, and Ishape2 which uses a recombination model instead.

Results

We tested the program on 2 types of real SNP datasets derived from Hapmap: adjacent SNPs (high LD) and SNPs spaced by 5 Kb (lower level of LD). In both cases, we tested 100 replicates for each size: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 80 SNPs. For adjacent SNPs Ishape2 is superior to the other software both in terms of speed and accuracy. For SNPs spaced by 5 Kb, Ishape2 yields similar results to Phase2.1 in terms of accuracy, and both outperform the other software.

In terms of speed, Ishape2 runs about 4 times faster than Phase2.1 with 10 SNPs, and about 10 times faster with 80 SNPs. For the case of 5kb-spaced SNPs, Fastphase may run faster with more than 100 SNPs.

Conclusion

These results show that the Ishape heuristic approach for haplotyping is very competitive in terms of accuracy and speed and deserves to be evaluated extensively for possible future widespread use.
Prognostic factors associated with the survival of oral and pharyngeal carcinoma in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Ping-Ho , Shieh Tien-Yu , Ho Pei-Shan , Tsai Chi-Cheng , Yang Yi-Hsin , Lin Ying-Chu , Ko Min-Shan , Tsai Pei-Chien , Chiang Shang-Lun , Tu Hung-Pin , Ko Ying-Chin
Published: June 2007

Background

In Taiwan, a distinct ethnic group variation in incidence and mortality rates has been suggested for most carcinomas. Our aim is to identify the role of prognostic factors associated with the survival of oral and pharyngeal carcinoma in Taiwan.

Methods

Taiwan Cancer Registry records of 9039 subjects diagnosed with oral and pharyngeal carcinoma were analyzed. The population was divided into three ethnic groups by residence, which were Taiwanese aborigines, Hakka and Hokkien communities. Five-year survival rates were estimated by Kaplan-Meier methods. Ethnic curves differed significantly by log-rank test; therefore separate models for Taiwanese aborigines, Hakka and Hokkien were carried out. The Cox multivariate proportional hazards model was used to examine the role of prognostic factors on ethnic survival.

Results

The five-year survival rates of oral and pharyngeal carcinoma were significantly poorer for Hokkien community (53.9%) and Taiwanese aborigines community (58.1%) compared with Hakka community (60.5%). The adjusted hazard ratio of Taiwanese aborigines versus Hakka was 1.07 (95%CI, 0.86–1.33) for oral and pharyngeal carcinoma mortality, and 1.16 (95%CI, 1.01–1.33) for Hokkien versus Hakka. Males had significantly poor prognosis than females. Subjects with tongue and/or mouth carcinoma presented the worst prognosis, whereas lip carcinoma had the best prognosis. Subjects with verrucous carcinoma had better survival than squamous cell carcinoma. Prognosis was the worst in elderly subjects, and subjects who underwent surgery had the highest survival rate.

Conclusion

Our study presented that predictive variables in oral and pharyngeal carcinoma survival have been: ethnic groups, period of diagnosis, gender, diagnostic age, anatomic site, morphologic type, and therapy.
Deficient supplies of drugs for life threatening diseases in an African community
Authors: Lufesi Norman N , Andrew Marit , Aursnes Ivar
Published: June 2007

Background

In Malawi essential drugs are provided free of charge to patients at all public health facilities in order to ensure equitable access to health care. The country thereby spends about 30% of the national health budget on drugs. In order to investigate the level of drug shortages and eventually find the reasons for the drugs shortages in Malawi, we studied the management of the drug supplies for common and life threatening diseases such as pneumonia and malaria in a random selection of health centres.

Methods

In July and August 2005 we visited eight out of a total of 37 health centres chosen at random in the Lilongwe District, Malawi. We recorded the logistics of eight essential and widely used drugs which according to the treatment guidelines should be available at all health centres. Five drugs are used regularly to treat pneumonia and three others to treat acute malaria. Out-of-stock situations in the course of one year were recorded retrospectively. We compared the quantity of each drug recorded on the Stock Cards with the actual stock of the drug on the shelves at the time of audit. We reviewed 8,968 Patient Records containing information on type and amount of drugs prescribed during one month.

Results

On average, drugs for treating pneumonia were out of stock for six months during one year of observation (median value 167 days); anti-malarial drugs were lacking for periods ranging from 42 to138 days. The cross-sectional audit was even more negative, but here too the situation was more positive for anti-malarial drugs. The main reason for the shortage of drugs was insufficient deliveries from the Regional Medical Store. Benzyl penicillin was in shortest supply (4% received). The median value for non-availability was 240 days in the course of a year. The supply was better for anti-malarial drugs, except for quinine injections (9 %). Only 66 % of Stock Card records of quantities received were reflected in Patient Records showing quantities dispensed.

Conclusion

We conclude that for the eight index drugs the levels of supply are unacceptable. The main reason for the observed shortage of drugs at the health centres was insufficient deliveries from the Regional Medical Store. A difference between the information recorded on the Stock Cards at the health centres and that recorded in the Patient Records may have contributed to the overall poor drug supply situation. In order to ensure equitable access to life saving drugs, logistics in general should be put in order before specific disease management programmes are initiated.
LongSAGE analysis of skeletal muscle at three prenatal stages in Tongcheng and Landrace pigs
Authors: Tang Zhonglin , Li Yong , Wan Ping , Li Xiaoping , Zhao Shuhong , Liu Bang , Fan Bin , Zhu Mengjin , Yu Mei , Li Kui
Published: June 2007

Background

Obese and lean pig breeds show obvious differences in muscle growth; however, the molecular mechanism underlying phenotype variation remains unknown. Prenatal muscle development programs postnatal performance. Here, we describe a genome-wide analysis of differences in prenatal skeletal muscle between Tongcheng (a typical indigenous Chinese breed) and Landrace (a leaner Western breed) pigs.

Results

We generated transcriptome profiles of skeletal muscle from Tongcheng and Landrace pigs at 33, 65 and 90 days post coitus (dpc), using long serial analysis of gene expression (LongSAGE). We sequenced 317,115 LongSAGE tags and identified 1,400 and 1,201 differentially expressed transcripts during myogenesis in Tongcheng and Landrace pigs, respectively. From these, the Gene Ontology processes and expression patterns of these differentially expressed genes were constructed. Most of the genes showed different expression patterns in the two breeds. We also identified 532, 653 and 459 transcripts at 33, 65 and 90 dpc, respectively, that were differentially expressed between the two breeds. Growth factors, anti-apoptotic factors and genes involved in the regulation of protein synthesis were up-regulated in Landrace pigs. Finally, 12 differentially expressed genes were validated by quantitative PCR.

Conclusion

Our data show that gene expression phenotypes differ significantly between the two breeds. In particular, a slower muscle growth rate and more complicated molecular changes were found in Tongcheng pigs, while genes responsible for increased cellular growth and myoblast survival were up-regulated in Landrace pigs. Our analyses will assist in the identification of candidate genes for meat production traits and elucidation of the development of prenatal skeletal muscle in mammals.
The extra domain A of fibronectin stimulates murine mast cells via Toll-like receptor 4
Authors: Gondokaryono Srie Prihianti , Ushio Hiroko , Niyonsaba François , Hara Mutsuko , Takenaka Hiroshi , Jayawardana Sumanasiri T M , Ikeda Shigaku , Okumura Ko , Ogawa Hideoki
Published: June 2007

The activation of mast cells by extra domain A of fibronectin (FN-EDA), an endogenous ligand of TLR4, and its contribution to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in vivo were examined. FN-EDA, but no other domain of the fibronectin fragment, III11 (FN-III11) and III12 (FN-III12), stimulated bone marrow-derived murine mast cells (BMMCs) dose-dependently to secret cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β), similar to the pattern produced by LPS. FN-EDA-induced cytokine production was mediated by TLR4, as cytokine production by FN-EDA was absent in TLR4-deficient (TLR4−/−) BMMCs. We examined the roles of TLR4-mediated mast cell activation by this form of fibronectin fragment in the pathogenesis of RA in vivo. The injection of FN-EDA, but not FN-III11and FN-III12, to joints resulted in joint swelling of mice in vivo. Genetically mast cell-deficient WBB6F1-W/Wv mice exhibited significantly less swelling and cytokine production compared with mast cell-sufficient +/+ mice, suggesting that swelling and inflammatory cytokine production were partially dependent on tissue mast cells. Reduced swelling and cytokine production were recovered by the reconstitution of tissue mast cells by the injection of BMMCs from wild-type mice but not from TLR4−/− mice. Altogether, these results suggest that the TLR4-mediated activation of mast cells by endogenous ligand FN-EDA might contribute to the pathogenesis of RA through proinflammatory cytokine production.
Techniques for predicting the lifetimes of wave-swept macroalgae: a primer on fracture mechanics and crack growth
Authors: Mach Katharine J. , Nelson Drew V. , Denny Mark W.
Published: June 2007

Biomechanical analyses of intertidal and shallow subtidal seaweeds have elucidated ways in which these organisms avoid breakage in the presence of exceptional hydrodynamic forces imposed by pounding surf. However, comparison of algal material properties to maximum hydrodynamic forces predicts lower rates of breakage and dislodgment than are actually observed. Why the disparity between prediction and reality? Most previous research has measured algal material properties during a single application of force, equivalent to a single wave rushing past an alga. In contrast, intertidal macroalgae may experience more than 8000 waves a day. This repeated loading can cause cracks– introduced, for example, by herbivory or abrasion – to grow and eventually cause breakage, yet fatigue crack growth has not previously been taken into account. Here, we present methods from the engineering field of fracture mechanics that can be used to assess consequences of repeated force imposition for seaweeds. These techniques allow quantification of crack growth in wave-swept macroalgae, a first step towards considering macroalgal breakage in the realistic context of repeated force imposition. These analyses can also be applied to many other soft materials.