bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Power Relations in Supervision: Preferred Practices According to Social Workers
Authors: Hair Heather J.
Published: April 2014

Concerns are growing that attention to risk aversion and the use of bureaucratic approaches in human service organizations constrain social work supervision to an administrative function rather than attending to the practice needs of social workers. This article explores how long-standing concepts of positional and expert power of supervisors can be reconstructed to resist the pressures of the current sociopolitical, economic landscape. A mixed method study about postdegree supervision using a Web survey provides evidence of 636 social workers’ experiences of power relations during supervision and what they say they need from supervisors to nurture a collaborative, critically reflective exchange of knowledge and decision making. The article concludes with implications for supervision practice and suggestions for future research.
Repairing Alliance Ruptures in the Mandatory Reporting of Child Maltreatment: Perspectives from Social Work
Authors: Tufford Lea
Published: April 2014

Mandatory reporting of child maltreatment presents a challenging clinical issue for social workers who find themselves obligated to report the maltreatment while managing an often discordant therapeutic alliance with the family. The betrayal and anger felt by families following the report may result in the discontinuation of treatment or negatively impact further clinical work. Registered social workers participated in an online survey examining how they maintain the therapeutic alliance in the face of mandatory reporting. Results showed numerous strategies employed before and following the disclosure of reportable material. Practice principles for clinicians are suggested.
Strategies for Incorporating Spirituality as Part of Recovery-Oriented Practice: Highlighting the Voices of those with a Lived Experience
Authors: Starnino Vincent R.
Published: April 2014

Spirituality has received attention as a potential recovery-enhancing resource for people with psychiatric disabilities, yet practice guidelines for addressing spirituality among this population remain underdeveloped. This article presents the perspectives of those with the lived experience of serious mental illness regarding what constitutes effective practice for addressing spirituality. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 18 adults with psychiatric disabilities who had diverse spiritual beliefs. Participants recommended a variety of provider strategies ranging from nondirective (e.g., effective listening) to increasingly directive (e.g., recommending spiritual readings). Participants also expressed the need for providers to be able to address spiritually related challenges, including spiritual abuse, stigma, and delusions with religious content. The study is relevant for recovery-oriented social workers and related mental health professionals.
Safe Third Country Agreement: Closing the Doors on Refugee Women Seeking Protection
Authors: Haynes Janet M.
Published: April 2014

This article examines the shortcomings of the Safe Third Country Agreement between Canada and the United States in protecting refugee women from rape, torture, and domestic violence. It also outlines efforts that benefit all refugee women, particularly women of color seeking protection in Canada and the United States. The article concludes that social workers, lawyers, medical and health care workers, nongovernmental organizations, and immigration advocates should collectively lobby to change the existing refugee processes that disqualify and refuse protection to bona fide refugee women of color. The recommendations involve convening a standing committee to review decisions that deny protection to refugee women survivors of violence. Also, social work research on the determination process can identify how legal and cultural representation can benefit refugee women.
Commercial Laboratory Testing of Excision Repair Cross-Complementation Group 1 Expression in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Schneider Jeffrey G. , Farhadfar Nosha , Sivapiragasam Abirami , Geller Matthew , Islam Shahidul , Selbs Elena
Published: April 2014

Introduction.

Excision repair cross-complementation group 1 (ERCC1) expression by non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been reported to predict resistance to platinum-based therapies. On this basis, several commercial laboratories have offered ERCC1 testing to facilitate clinical decision making, but the reliability of such assays has recently been called into question.

Methods.

First, three large commercial laboratories were queried for their cumulative ERCC1 test results in NSCLC patients to compare their independent rates of ERCC1 expression. Second, identical tumor blocks from individual NSCLC patients underwent round-robin analysis to evaluate interlaboratory concordance for ERCC1 expression. Third, a retrospective review of medical records from NSCLC patients identified those who were both highly responsive and resistant to platinum-based chemotherapies. Tumor blocks from these patients were then used in a gold standard analysis to determine individual laboratory sensitivity and specificity for ERCC1 results.

Results.

Significant differences were observed in independent laboratory ERRC1 expression rates (Clarient 70% vs. Genzyme 60% vs. Third Laboratory 44%, p < .0001 for all two-way comparisons). Only 4 of 18 tumors examined in round-robin analysis were fully concordant (κ ≤ 0.222 for all two-way comparisons). In preselected platinum responsive and resistant specimens, none of these three commercially marketed laboratory assays achieved a specificity of greater than 50%.

Conclusion.

The results of commercial laboratory testing for ERCC1 are inconsistent and unreliable. Better validation and postmarketing surveillance should be mandated before tumor biomarker assays are allowed to enter the clinical arena.
STAT3 Inhibitors: Finding a Home in Lymphoma and Leukemia
Authors: Munoz Javier , Dhillon Navjot , Janku Filip , Watowich Stephanie S. , Hong David S.
Published: April 2014

The Janus kinase (JAK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway is an active mediator of cytokine signaling in the pathogenesis of solid and hematologic malignancies. The seven-member STAT family is composed of latent cytoplasmic transcription factors that are activated by phosphorylation intertwined in a network with activation that ultimately leads to cell proliferation. An activated kinase enzyme phosphorylates one STAT factor or more, which shuttle to the nucleus to regulate gene expression, promoting cell survival. Somatic STAT3 mutations have been recently reported in large granular lymphocytic leukemia, aplastic anemia, and myelodysplastic syndrome. Furthermore, the relationship between BCL6 and STAT3 in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, particularly on the activated B-cell subtype, needs to be further explored. The search for therapeutic STAT3 inhibitors that abrogate the JAK/STAT pathway is currently under way. Targeting the STAT pathway, which seems to be critical in tumorigenesis, is promising for multiple malignancies including lymphoma and leukemia. In this paper, we review mechanisms of action, failures, and successes of STAT3 inhibitors.
Predicting significant contract risks at the tender evaluation stage
Authors: Samuel Don
Published: April 2014

This paper presents a mathematical model for predicting the significant potential contract risks at the tender evaluation stage for construction projects in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The author demonstrates that statistical tools such as Monte Carlo simulation, linear/logistic regression and the programme evaluation and review technique can be used to predict correctly the significant potential contract risks, namely: price risk; schedule risk; quality risk; health, safety and welfare risk; and logistics risk. The author has incorporated these tools in the mathematical model in order to assess the total risk of each submitted tender in a tender evaluation process. The author is of the view that the tenderer with the lowest overall risk should be awarded the contract as compared to the historical method of awarding tenders – that is, use of the highest score. The analysis of 126 data sets is presented along with emerging trends and results.
Briefing: Educating new engineers about risk: the risk education network
Authors: Stacey Nicola
Published: April 2014

The construction industry needs engineering graduates who can maximise opportunity and minimise losses (injuries to workers or the public, property or environmental damage, financial, personal or corporate reputation). To do this, graduates need to appreciate and fulfil their professional responsibilities to manage risk as enshrined in legislation and professional codes of conduct. Engineering graduates need sufficient understanding of the tools and techniques for risk assessment and management. A growing online community, known as the risk education network, is sharing and developing good practice in the teaching of risk, and would welcome your input. You are also invited to make use of, and contribute to, an associated online repository of teaching resources.
Managing Dissonance: Implications for Therapeutic Practice With Partner Violence
Authors: Lawrence Jane A.
Published: April 2014

In the United Kingdom, “domestic violence” services are predominantly segregated and therapeutic interventions offered mainly to either female “survivors/victims” or male “perpetrators.” Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 20 U.K. practitioners with the aim of deconstructing their understandings and approach to therapeutic practice using a thematic analysis. Their practices were found to be mainly informed by the gender paradigm, reflecting assumptions that men’s abusive behavior was instrumental and chosen, whereas women behaved aggressively primarily in retaliation or defense. When negotiating sensitive, potentially dilemmatic issues, such as women revealing abusive behavior or men speaking about victimization, participants differed in the extent to which they experienced, or showed awareness of, cognitive dissonance. Those participants who took a gender perspective tended to scapegoat male “perpetrators” and excuse the behavior of female “victims,” whereas those who took a gender-inclusive approach were more likely to speak about the motivation of both partners and other contributory factors maintaining the problem. The findings support the view that domestic violence services in the United Kingdom have been slow to respond to calls by researchers to bring more psychological theory and relational awareness to understandings of intimate partner violence (IPV) and its practices.
Associations of Women’s Substance Dependency Symptoms With Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Feingold Alan , Capaldi Deborah M.
Published: April 2014

Associations of substance dependencies and experiences with intimate partner violence (IPV) were examined in a community sample of 146 female participants in a longitudinal study of couples. The women with a history of dependence on hard drugs (but not alcohol, cannabis, or sedatives) were more likely to also have perpetrated IPV. However, only women dependent on cocaine were more likely to have been a victimized by their male partners. Psychological IPV was found to be more stable across time than physical IPV, but associations of substance abuse with IPV did not vary by IPV type. Findings were compared with results from a prior study of men’s substance abuse and IPV that also found associations between dependence on hard drugs (but not alcohol dependence alone) and perpetration of IPV.
Preliminary Validation of the ODARA for Female Intimate Partner Violence Offenders
Authors: Hilton N. Zoe , Popham Suzanne , Lang Carol , Harris Grant T.
Published: April 2014

Female perpetrators of assault against dating, cohabiting, or marital partners (intimate partner violence [IPV]) recidivate less than their male counterparts. Risk assessment instruments, though, have been developed almost exclusively on men. In a prospective, masked 9-year follow up of 30 female IPV offenders incarcerated in a correctional treatment institution within one decade, the base rate of IPV recidivism was 23%. The Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA) predicted IPV recidivism, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area = .724, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [0.503, 0.944], but recidivism rates differed significantly from rates based on male samples. Gender-modified items did not improve prediction. We recommend further research with larger samples to seek improved recidivism estimates among female IPV offenders, but in the interim, we suggest the ODARA can be used to apportion intervention resources for female IPV perpetrators.
One Size Does Not Fit All in Treatment of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Cantos Arthur L. , O’Leary K. Daniel
Published: April 2014

A critical examination is needed of the often mandated one-size-fits-all Duluth intervention for male perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV). The underlying philosophy of Duluth-based interventions is evaluated as well as the treatment outcome literature for this intervention. There is very little evidence to justify the current legal system practice of mandating all perpetrators to psychological interventions addressing power and control issues. A literature review of scientific findings with IPV perpetrators and the issues that need to be taken into consideration in developing alternative evidence-based interventions are presented. The evidence seems to favor heterogeneity and not homogeneity with respect to both type of perpetrator and type of violence. Assessment and treatment suggestions are made to address this evidence-based heterogeneity and a call is made to those responsible to stop perpetuating the practice of mandating all perpetrators to attend a single intervention for which there is very limited evidence of effectiveness. About two-thirds of male perpetrators of IPV cease being physically aggressive against their partners if they are assigned to a probation officer, but there is minimal evidence that the addition of a Duluth-based intervention makes perpetration less likely.
Trends in Children's Video Game Play: Practical but Not Creative Thinking
Authors: Hamlen Karla R.
Published: April 2014

Prior research has found common trends among children's video game play as related to gender, age, interests, creativity, and other descriptors. This study re-examined the previously reported trends by utilizing principal components analysis with variables such as creativity, general characteristics, and problem-solving methods to determine factors that predict greater time spent playing video games among children. Fourth- and fifth-grade students ( N = 118) reported their video game play habits and took a creativity assessment. Principal components analysis revealed factors that predict a child will play video games for greater amounts of time. While previous results showed that video game play does not lower children's creativity, results of this analysis build on these results to show that the most creative children do not tend to play video games as often; other characteristics associated with greater video game play include familiarity with gaming, greater practical but less creative problem-solving strategies, and being less likely to be learning academic content. Implications of these findings are discussed.
An Analysis of Java Programming Behaviors, Affect, Perceptions, and Syntax Errors among Low-Achieving, Average, and High-Achieving Novice Programmers
Authors: Rodrigo Ma. Mercedes T. , Andallaza Thor Collin S. , Castro Francisco Enrique Vicente G. , Armenta Marc Lester V. , Dy Thomas T. , Jadud Matthew C.
Published: April 2014

In this article we quantitatively and qualitatively analyze a sample of novice programmer compilation log data, exploring whether (or how) low-achieving, average, and high-achieving students vary in their grasp of these introductory concepts. High-achieving students self-reported having the easiest time learning the introductory programming topics. In a quantitative analysis, though, high-achieving and average students were: 1) more effective at debugging (on average, as quantified by Jadud's Error Quotient (EQ)) than low-achieving students; and 2) were least confused, as quantified using Lee's confusion metric. However, the differences in EQ and confusion between groups were not statistically significant. This implied that all groups struggled with programming to similar extents. This finding was further supported by was used to delineate two sets of variables. The results indicate that preference for autonomy in computer science learning positively predicts selfefficacy in learning computer science with the strongest coefficient. Computer science learner preference for teacher control is also a positive predictor. However, preference for participation in managing the computer class and preference for depending on the teacher did not play a significant role in the students' self-efficacy in learning computer science.
User Acceptance of Mobile Technology: A Campus-Wide Implementation of Blackboard's Mobile™ Learn Application
Authors: Chen Baiyun , Sivo Stephen , Seilhamer Ryan , Sugar Amy , Mao Jin
Published: April 2014

Mobile learning is a fast growing trend in higher education. This study examined how an extended technology acceptance model (TAM) could evaluate and predict the use of a mobile application in learning. A path analysis design was used to measure the mediating effects on the use of Blackboard's Mobile™ Learn application in coursework ( N = 77). The results indicate that the hypothesized model was a strong fit, χ2 (8, N = 77) = 6.84, p = 0.55. Perceived resources, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and attitude were found to be significant determinants of users' acceptance of mobile application technology. The findings of this research have implications for educational leaders, mobile application designers, course instructors, and instructional technologists who want to understand why students adopt mobile learning, how to devise practical methods for integrating mobile applications into curriculum, and ways to evaluate of the acceptance and usability of the mobile learning systems.
Enhancing the Learning Achievements and Attitudes of Taiwan Vocational School Students in Accounting with the Dynamic Assessment System
Authors: Shih Ju-Ling , Ku David Tawei , Hung Su-Huan
Published: April 2014

We investigate how the computerized dynamic assessment system improves the learning achievements of vocational high school students studying accounting. Our experiment was conducted under the one-group pretest-posttest design of 34 junior students. The questionnaire results were analyzed to determine student-learning attitudes and reactions toward “self-knowledge of accounting,” “dynamic assessment system design,” “dynamic assessment system learning effects,” and “user satisfaction.” The results show that the continuous assessments designed for the accounting course using error identification, feedback, and guidance greatly assist in building student-learning concepts. However, certain students are either unfamiliar with using computers or refuse guided instructions for learning, which leads to little performance improvement. Nearly 85.3% of the participants consider that this system is worth recommending.
Social Robots vs. Computer Display: Does the Way Social Stories are Delivered Make a Difference for Their Effectiveness on ASD Children?
Authors: Pop Cristina A. , Simut Ramona E. , Pintea Sebastian , Saldien Jelle , Rusu Alina S. , Vanderfaeillie Johan , David Daniel O. , Lefeber Dirk , Vanderborght Bram
Published: April 2014

Background and Objectives:

The aim of this exploratory study is to test whether social stories presented by a social robot have a greater effect than ones presented on a computer display in increasing the independency in expressing social abilities of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Although much progress has been made in developing interventions to improve social skills of children with ASD, a number of unresolved problems still remain. Social robots received increased attention as assisting tools for improving social skills on children with ASD.

Methods:

Twenty children with ASD (age between 4 and 9 years old) were randomly allocated to three groups: control group ( n = 7), computer-presented social stories ( n = 6), and robot assisted therapy ( n = 7).

Results:

Overall, our data indicate that using the social robot to implement social story intervention was more effective for improving the independency of expressing social abilities for the participants, than the computer screen.

Limitations:

Future studies should include a bigger sample size, more intervention sessions, and a follow-up session in order to see if the effect persists in time.

Conclusions:

The preliminary outcomes of this exploratory research provide empirical bases for further investigations regarding the effectiveness of robot assisted therapy in improving social skills for children with autism through future randomized clinical trials.
Exploring Badging for Peer Review, Extended Learning and Evaluation, and Reflective/Critical Feedback within an Online Graduate Course
Authors: O'Connor Eileen A. , McQuigge Amy
Published: April 2014

The use of digital badges for peer-credentialing web-shared work offers the promise of extending classroom learning beyond explicit course objectives and evaluations. This pilot study of peer-awarded badges examines the results of an online graduate course where students voted on and evaluated the web-shared work of their colleagues on different criteria than used by the instructor, encouraging critical review of colleagues, extending student learning in lateral ways, and suggesting activities for later course work. Although voting was anonymous, student evaluation results were quite consistent across the class and students appeared to have extended their perspective on course content areas (emerging technologies in this case) through the process of peer review. Students expressed warm, cordial communications within the course that may have been enhanced by learning about the personal and professional interests of colleagues through this peer-review process.
Deep Learning through Reusable Learning Objects in an MBA Program
Authors: Rufer Rosalyn , Adams Ruifang Hope
Published: April 2014

It has well been established that it is important to be able to leverage any organization's processes and core competencies to sustain its competitive advantage. Thus, one learning objective of an online MBA is to teach students how to apply the VRIO (value, rarity, inimitable, operationalized) model, developed by Barney and Hesterly (2006), in order to identify an optimum strategy. However, students in the program have had difficulty in understanding this model, partially because of the traditional pedagogy used in online teaching. This case study demonstrates how reusable learning objects (RLO) can facilitate knowledge in an online learning environment. The RLO developed and applied here, was able to enhance student learning through interaction and subsequent deep learning.
Are MOOCs a Solution or a Symptom?
Authors: Pence Harry E.
Published: April 2014

Despite the lack of a viable business model and very high student attrition rates, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have become the current obsession in higher education. Even so, there is still no broad agreement about what a MOOC actually is. Although the current MOOC format(s) may not be a solution to our problems, they may be a symptom of the changing demand for higher education. Many of the students who take MOOCs are currently employed and wish to either learn new skills or solidify their current position. This suggests that colleges and universities need to develop new models for education that are more convenient and useful for today's potential students.
Building Steam in Design-Related Technology
Authors: Maldonado Elaine , Pearson Karen R.
Published: April 2014

TECH-FIT is a National Science Foundation initiative at FIT, part of the State University of New York. An institution with over 85% female students, this interdisciplinary, design-related STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) project sought to increase inclusion and student performance in STEM. Building on new and existing online teaching and learning resources, goals were achieved through faculty development and innovative curriculum, supported by research-based pedagogies and innovative technology.
Using Robotics to Improve Retention and Increase Comprehension in Introductory Programming Courses
Authors: Pullan Marie
Published: April 2014

Several college majors, outside of computer science, require students to learn computer programming. Many students have difficulty getting through the programming sequence and ultimately change majors or drop out of college. To deal with this problem, active learning techniques were developed and implemented in a freshman programming logic and design course with the support of a 5-year $2-million Title III “Strengthening Institutions” grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This course includes a robotic component allowing students to own their learning and to collaborate in authentic and productive ways in the classroom. This article discusses the preliminary work and results from that course.
Development of a Knowledge Base for Incorporating Technology into Courses
Authors: Rath Logan
Published: April 2014

This article discusses a project resulting from the request of a group of faculty at The College at Brockport to create a website for best practices in teaching and technology. The project evolved into a knowledge base powered by WordPress. Installation and configuration of WordPress resulted in the creation of custom taxonomies and post types, selection, and detailed customization of the theme to mimic the look and feel of The College at Brockport. A subset of solutions was created to show the power of categories, tags, and other taxonomies.
Stemming the Tide of Academic Dishonesty in Higher Education: It Takes a Village
Authors: Aaron Lynn S. , Roche Catherine M.
Published: April 2014

Universities stand for truth and knowledge. Academic integrity is the ideal we hold up to our students and ourselves. It's based on respect for the work we do and respect for the work of others. The current state of academic dishonesty on campus is a threat to the morality of the students, the integrity of their grades, and the reputation of our institutions of higher education. This article explores issues surrounding academic integrity with an eye toward considering what can be done. It discusses the breadth and types of cheating (including plagiarism), the impact of technology, ways to prevent or limit its occurrence, and ways faculty might respond when it occurs. The discussion is enriched by the results of two surveys about academic integrity conducted in late 2012 and early 2013—one of faculty and one of students. Results reveal and compare the concerns and suggestions of both groups.
Evaluating Goals in Worker Health Protection Using a Participatory Design and an Evaluation Checklist
Authors: Ahonen Emily Q. , Zanoni Joseph , Forst Linda , Ochsner Michele , Kimmel Louis , Martino Carmen , Ringholm Elisa , Rodríguez Eric , Kader Adam , Sokas Rosemary
Published: April 2014

Spanish-speaking immigrant workers in construction are considered hard to reach and at high risk for work-related injury and fatality. This evaluation study describes the use of participatory methods and an evaluation checklist to consider a health and safety (H&S) training program for these workers. A previously developed training manual and model were disseminated to eight worker centers (WCs) through participatory research collaboration. It incorporated H&S training for workers while strengthening the role of WCs as sources for leadership development and worker empowerment. Design, delivery, reaction, application, and extension were assessed through individual interviews with participants, trained trainers, and center staff and through observation of training sessions and partner debriefs; pre- and post-training tests assessed participant learning. Results indicate moderate learning and application by participants and strong evidence for structural gains in and among WCs. We conclude that such partnerships and models are valuable tools for collaborating with hard-to-reach workers.
Workplace Safety and Health Improvements through a Labor/Management Training and Collaboration
Authors: Mahan Bruce , Morawetz John , Ruttenberg Ruth , Workman Rick
Published: April 2014

Seven hundred thirty-nine workers at Merck's Stonewall plant in Elkton, Virginia, have a safer and healthier workplace because four of them were enthusiastic about health and safety training they received from the union's training center in Cincinnati, Ohio. What emerged was not only that all 739 plant employees received OSHA 10-hour General Industry training, but that it was delivered by “OSHA-authorized” members of the International Chemical Workers Union Council who worked at the plant. Merck created a new fulltime position in its Learning and Development Department and filled it with one of the four workers who had received the initial training. Strong plant leadership promoted discussions both during the training, in evaluation, and in newly energized joint labor-management meetings following the training. These discussions identified safety and health issues needing attention. Then, in a new spirit of trust and collaboration, major improvements occurred.
Residential Building Stakeholders' Attitudes and Beliefs regarding Nail Gun Injury Risks and Prevention
Authors: Albers James T. , Hudock Stephen D. , Lowe Brian D.
Published: April 2014

Pneumatic nail guns are ubiquitous at residential construction sites across the United States. These tools are noted for the traumatic injuries that can occur from their operation. Different trigger mechanisms on these tools are associated with different levels of risk. Residential building subcontractors and workers, both native-born and immigrant, were brought together in focus groups to discuss their attitudes and beliefs regarding risk factors for nail gun injury as well as barriers to the adoption of safer technology. Participants' comments are organized first by influences on traumatic injury occurrence or prevention and later by sociotechnical system category. Participants attributed influences on injury risk to personal and external causation factors in all sociotechnical system categories; however, participants more frequently described influences on injury prevention as related to workers' behaviors, rather than to external factors. A discussion of these influences with respect to attribution theory and sociotechnical models of injury causation is presented.
The Discipline of Ergonomics in Cuba within the Occupational Health Framework: Background and Trends
Authors: Torres Yaniel , Rodríguez Yordán , Viña Silvio
Published: April 2014

The concept of ergonomics was introduced in Cuba at the beginning of the 1970s. More than 40 years later, the prevailing approach to workers' health is still generally reactive rather than proactive, despite the commitment of the government to the subject. A factor influencing this issue is, generally, lack of recognition of the benefits of establishing ergonomic principles within most occupational activities. Recent progress to move occupational health practice toward a more preventive approach has been conducted, frequently with international support. The introduction of a set of Cuban standards proposing the necessity of ergonomic evaluations is an example of this progress. The main challenge for Cuban ergonomists is to transfer knowledge to occupational health practitioners in order to be in concordance with basic standards and regulations regarding ergonomics. The article offers a short description of the history of ergonomics and an overview of ergonomics practice in Cuba.
A Journey through 20 Years of Occupational Health and Safety in India
Authors: Patel Jagdish
Published: April 2014

Since 1992, the Peoples Training and Research Centre (PTRC) in Vadodara—founded by the author and his mentor Vijay Kanhere—has been a critical resource and key actor in the struggle to improve working conditions in India. Much of the PTRC's work has focused on occupational lung disease, particularly silicosis among agate craft workers. PTRC has brought medical services to workers, pressured industry sectors and associations to mitigate exposures (e.g., through ventilation), and been instrumental in legal action to bring financial recompense to victims. Faced with the reality that true prevention is in the hands of employers, PTRC's strategy has been to engage with and empower workers by educating them about hazards, safety practices, and their legal rights.
COSH Groups—Mobilizing Workers, Unions, and the Community for Health and Safety: An Interview with Joel Shufro
Authors: Kotelchuck David , Mooser Steve
Published: April 2014

An interview with Joel Shufro, Executive Director of the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health [NYCOSH], conducted shortly before he steps down after 34 years of service. Shufro discusses the recent history of the U.S. worker health and safety movement, including successes and failures of NYCOSH's efforts. He addresses some of the new issues COSH groups are facing as a result of declines in labor union density and the lack of effective government protection for large populations of workers, as well as assessing strategies that NYCOSH and other groups have adopted to strengthen and revive the U.S. health and safety movement.
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibition Slows Progression of Diabetic Nephropathy in Association With a Decrease in Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and an Increase in Autophagy
Authors: Zhang Ming-Zhi , Wang Yinqui , Paueksakon Paisit , Harris Raymond C.
Published: April 2014

Previous studies by us and others have reported renal epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) are activated in models of diabetic nephropathy. In the present study, we examined the effect of treatment with erlotinib, an inhibitor of EGFR tyrosine kinase activity, on the progression of diabetic nephropathy in a type 1 diabetic mouse model. Inhibition of renal EGFR activation by erlotinib was confirmed by decreased phosphorylation of EGFR and extracellular signal–related kinase 1/2. Increased albumin/creatinine ratio in diabetic mice was markedly attenuated by erlotinib treatment. Erlotinib-treated animals had less histological glomerular injury as well as decreased renal expression of connective tissue growth factor and collagens I and IV. Autophagy plays an important role in the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus, and impaired autophagy may lead to increased endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and subsequent tissue injury. In diabetic mice, erlotinib-treated mice had evidence of increased renal autophagy, as indicated by altered expression and activity of ATG12, beclin, p62, and LC3A II, hallmarks of autophagy, and had decreased ER stress, as indicated by decreased expression of C/EBP homologous protein, binding immunoglobulin protein, and protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, a key factor in the development of diabetic nephropathy and an inhibitor of autophagy, is inhibited by AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. Erlotinib-treated mice had activated AMPK and inhibition of the mTOR pathway, as evidenced by decreased phosphorylation of raptor and mTOR and the downstream targets S6 kinase and eukaryotic initiation factor 4B. Erlotinib also led to AMPK-dependent phosphorylation of Ulk1, an initiator of mammalian autophagy. These studies demonstrate that inhibition of EGFR with erlotinib attenuates the development of diabetic nephropathy in type 1 diabetes, which is mediated at least in part by inhibition of mTOR and activation of AMPK, with increased autophagy and inhibition of ER stress.
Task-Induced Brain Activity Patterns in Type 2 Diabetes: A Potential Biomarker for Cognitive Decline
Authors: Marder Thomas J. , Flores Veronica L. , Bolo Nicolas R. , Hoogenboom Wouter S. , Simonson Donald C. , Jacobson Alan M. , Foote Sarah E. , Shenton Martha E. , Sperling Reisa A. , Musen Gail
Published: April 2014

Patients with type 2 diabetes demonstrate reduced functional connectivity within the resting state default mode network (DMN), which may signal heightened risk for cognitive decline. In other populations at risk for cognitive decline, additional magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities are evident during task performance, including impaired deactivation of the DMN and reduced activation of task-relevant regions. We investigated whether middle-aged type 2 diabetic patients show these brain activity patterns during encoding and recognition tasks. Compared with control participants, we observed both reduced 1) activation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during encoding and 2) deactivation of the DMN during recognition in type 2 diabetic patients, despite normal cognition. During recognition, activation in several task-relevant regions, including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and DMN regions, was positively correlated with HbA1c and insulin resistance, suggesting that these important markers of glucose metabolism impact the brain’s response to a cognitive challenge. Plasma glucose ≥11 mmol/L was associated with impaired deactivation of the DMN, suggesting that acute hyperglycemia contributes to brain abnormalities. Since elderly type 2 diabetic patients often demonstrate cognitive impairments, it is possible that these task-induced brain activity patterns observed in middle age may signal impending cognitive decline.
Akt-Dependent Phosphorylation of Hepatic FoxO1 Is Compartmentalized on a WD40/ProF Scaffold and Is Selectively Inhibited by aPKC in Early Phases of Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Sajan Mini P. , Acevedo-Duncan Mildred E. , Standaert Mary L. , Ivey Robert A. , Lee Mackenzie , Farese Robert V.
Published: April 2014

Initiating mechanisms that impair gluconeogenic enzymes and spare lipogenic enzymes in diet-induced obesity (DIO) are obscure. Here, we examined insulin signaling to Akt and atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) in liver and muscle and hepatic enzyme expression in mice consuming a moderate high-fat (HF) diet. In HF diet–fed mice, resting/basal and insulin-stimulated Akt and aPKC activities were diminished in muscle, but in liver, these activities were elevated basally and were increased by insulin to normal levels. Despite elevated hepatic Akt activity, FoxO1 phosphorylation, which diminishes gluconeogenesis, was impaired; in contrast, Akt-dependent phosphorylation of glycogenic GSK3β and lipogenic mTOR was elevated. Diminished Akt-dependent FoxO1 phosphorylation was associated with reduced Akt activity associated with scaffold protein WD40/Propeller/FYVE (WD40/ProF), which reportedly facilitates FoxO1 phosphorylation. In contrast, aPKC activity associated with WD40/ProF was increased. Moreover, inhibition of hepatic aPKC reduced its association with WD40/ProF, restored WD40/ProF-associated Akt activity, restored FoxO1 phosphorylation, and corrected excessive expression of hepatic gluconeogenic and lipogenic enzymes. Additionally, Akt and aPKC activities in muscle improved, as did glucose intolerance, weight gain, hepatosteatosis, and hyperlipidemia. We conclude that Akt-dependent FoxO1 phosphorylation occurs on the WD/Propeller/FYVE scaffold in liver and is selectively inhibited in early DIO by diet-induced increases in activity of cocompartmentalized aPKC.
Early Life Exposure to Maternal Insulin Resistance Has Persistent Effects on Hepatic NAFLD in Juvenile Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Thorn Stephanie R. , Baquero Karalee C. , Newsom Sean A. , El Kasmi Karim C. , Bergman Bryan C. , Shulman Gerald I. , Grove Kevin L. , Friedman Jacob E.
Published: April 2014

The origins of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may lie in early intrauterine exposures. Here we examined the maternal response to chronic maternal high-fat (HF) diet and the impact of postweaning healthy diet on mechanisms for NAFLD development in juvenile nonhuman primate (NHP) offspring at 1 year of age. Pregnant females on HF diet were segregated as insulin resistant (IR; HF+IR) or insulin sensitive (IS; HF+IS) compared with control (CON)-fed mothers. HF+IR mothers have increased body mass, higher triglycerides, and increased placental cytokines. At weaning, offspring were placed on a CON or HF diet. Only offspring from HF+IR mothers had increased liver triglycerides and upregulated pathways for hepatic de novo lipid synthesis and inflammation that was irreversible upon switching to a healthy diet. These juvenile livers also showed a combination of classical and alternatively activated hepatic macrophages and natural killer T cells, in the absence of obesity or insulin resistance. Our findings suggest that maternal insulin resistance, including elevated triglycerides, insulin, and weight gain, initiates dysregulation of the juvenile hepatic immune system and development of de novo lipogenic pathways that persist in vitro and may be an irreversible “first hit” in the pathogenesis of NAFLD in NHP.
Baseline Adiponectin Levels Do Not Influence the Response to Pioglitazone in ACT NOW
Authors: Tripathy Devjit , Clement Stephen C. , Schwenke Dawn C. , Banerji MaryAnn , Bray George A. , Buchanan Thomas A. , Gastaldelli Amalia , Henry Robert R. , Kitabchi Abbas E. , Mudaliar Sunder , Ratner Robert E. , Stentz Frankie B. , Musi Nicolas , Reaven Peter D. , DeFronzo Ralph A.
Published: April 2014

OBJECTIVE

Plasma adiponectin levels are reduced in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and other insulin-resistant states. We examined whether plasma adiponectin levels at baseline and after pioglitazone treatment in impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) subjects were associated with improved insulin sensitivity (SI) and glucose tolerance status.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 602 high-risk IGT subjects in ACT NOW were randomized to receive pioglitazone or placebo with a median follow-up of 2.4 years.

RESULTS

Pioglitazone reduced IGT conversion to diabetes by 72% in association with improved β-cell function by 64% (insulin secretion/insulin resistance index) and increased tissue sensitivity by 88% (Matsuda index). In pioglitazone-treated subjects, plasma adiponectin concentration increased threefold from 13 ± 0.5 to 38 ± 2.5 μg/mL (P < 0.001) and was strongly correlated with the improvement in SI (r = 0.436, P < 0.001) and modestly correlated with glucose area under the curve during oral glucose tolerance test (r = 0.238, P < 0.005) and insulin secretion/insulin resistance index (r = 0.306, P < 0.005). The increase in adiponectin was a strong predictor of reversion to normal glucose tolerance and prevention of T2DM. In the placebo group, plasma adiponectin did not change and was not correlated with changes in glucose levels. There was an inverse association between baseline plasma adiponectin concentration and progression to diabetes in the placebo group but not in the pioglitazone group.

CONCLUSIONS

Baseline adiponectin does not predict the response to pioglitazone. The increase in plasma adiponectin concentration after pioglitazone therapy in IGT subjects is strongly related to improved glucose tolerance status and enhanced tissue sensitivity to insulin.
Involvement of Oxidative Stress–Induced DNA Damage, Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, and Autophagy Deficits in the Decline of β-Cell Mass in Japanese Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Mizukami Hiroki , Takahashi Kazunori , Inaba Wataru , Tsuboi Kentaro , Osonoi Sho , Yoshida Taro , Yagihashi Soroku
Published: April 2014

OBJECTIVE

Deficits of β-cells characterize the islet pathology in type 2 diabetes. It is yet to be clear how the β-cell loss develops in type 2 diabetes. We explored the implication of oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER)–induced stress, and autophagy deficit in the β-cell decline in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Pancreases from recent autopsy cases of 47 type 2 diabetic and 30 nondiabetic subjects were investigated on the islet structure with morphometric analysis. Volume densities of islet (Vi), β-cell (Vβ), and α-cell (Vα) were measured. To evaluate cell damage of endocrine cells, immunohistochemical expressions of oxidative stress–related DNA damage as expressed by γH2AX, ER stress–related cell damage as CCAAT/enhancer 1 binding protein-β (C/EBP-β), and autophagy deficit as P62 were semiquantified, and their correlations to islet changes were sought.

RESULTS

Compared with nondiabetic subjects, Vβ was reduced in diabetic subjects. Contrariwise, there was an increase in Vα. There was a significant link between reduced Vβ and increased HbA1c levels (P < 0.01) and a trend of inverse correlation between Vβ and duration of diabetes (P = 0.06). Expressions of γH2AX, P62, and C/EBP-β were all enhanced in diabetic islets, and reduced Vβ correlated with the intensity of γH2AX expression but not with C/EBP-β or P62 expressions. Combined expressions of γH2AX, P62, and C/EBP-β were associated with severe reduction of Vβ.

CONCLUSIONS

β-Cell deficit in type 2 diabetes was associated with increased oxidative stress and may further be augmented by autophagic deficits and ER stress.
Diabetes and Vascular Disease in Different Arterial Territories
Authors: Shah Binita , Rockman Caron B. , Guo Yu , Chesner Jaclyn , Schwartzbard Arthur Z. , Weintraub Howard S. , Adelman Mark A. , Riles Thomas S. , Berger Jeffrey S.
Published: April 2014

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between diabetes and different phenotypes of peripheral vascular disease (lower extremity peripheral artery disease [PAD], carotid artery stenosis [CAS], and abdominal aortic aneurysm [AAA]).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Prevalence of vascular disease was evaluated in 3,696,778 participants of the Life Line Screening survey between 2003 and 2008. PAD was defined as ankle-brachial pressure index <0.90 or prior revascularization, CAS as ≥50% stenosis or prior revascularization, and AAA as infrarenal aortic diameter ≥3 cm or prior repair. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were assessed using logistic regression modeling.

RESULTS

Diabetes mellitus was present in 10.8% of participants (n = 399,884). Prevalence of PAD, CAS, and AAA was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in participants with compared with those without diabetes. After multivariate adjustment for baseline demographics and clinical risk factors, a significant interaction existed between diabetes and vascular disease phenotype (P < 0.0001). Diabetes was associated with increased odds of PAD (OR 1.42 [95% CI 1.41–1.4]; P < 0.0001) and CAS (1.45 [1.43–1.47]; P < 0.0001) but decreased odds of AAA (0.86 [0.84–0.88]; P < 0.0001). The strength of association increased with increasing severity of disease in each vascular phenotype, and this association persisted in the population with asymptomatic vascular disease.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large population-based study, the association between diabetes and vascular disease differed according to vascular phenotype. Future studies exploring the mechanism for these vascular-specific differences are needed.