bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weight Goals, Perceptions, and Practices Among Hispanic and Anglo College Females
Authors: Shamaley-Kornatz Angelee , Smith Brenda , Tomaka Joe
Published: October 2007

This study explored the weight management practices, rates overweight and obesity, perceptions of body weight, and weight management goals in a large sample ( N = 467) of Hispanic ( n = 421) and Anglo ( n = 46) female college students on the U.S.-Mexico border. Women self-reported their height and weight, weight perceptions, and weight management goals and practices. About one third of the sample was overweight and many reported using weight management methods, most notably exercise and restraint dieting. The only significant difference between Anglos and Hispanics was for exercise, where Hispanics reported exercising more frequently. Although most weight control practices positively intercorrelated, exercise and restraint dieting were negatively correlated. Path analyses showed that weight perceptions and weight management goals mediated associations between body mass index and weight management practices. Results suggest that weight management interventions emphasize increasing exercise and controlling calories, together, as a means to achieve healthy weight.
Latino Immigrant Men's Perceptions of Depression and Attitudes Toward Help Seeking
Authors: Cabassa Leopoldo J.
Published: October 2007

Perceptions of depression, attitudes toward depression treatments, help-seeking preferences, and perceived barriers to care were examined in a sample of 56 Latino immigrant men recruited from a primary health care clinic. Each participant was presented a vignette depicting an individual with major depression. Men described the vignette as a debilitating condition caused by social stressors that would improve with time. Men preferred counseling over medications and reported misconceptions about antidepressants. Faith in God and seeking help from family members were seen as important help-seeking strategies. Structural and financial barriers were prevalent among this sample of men. Implications for improving depression care for Latino immigrant men are discussed.
Personality Correlates of Alcohol Consumption and Aggression in a Hispanic College Population
Authors: La Grange Linda , Hojnowski Natalya , Nesterova Svitlana
Published: October 2007

The authors examined the association between alcohol consumption and aggression from a personality trait perspective with 92 self-identified Hispanic college students. They partially replicated a study by Quigley, Corbett, and Tedeshi, which examined the relationships between desired image of power, alcohol expectancies, and alcohol-related aggression. Among male participants, impulsivity did not correlate with either alcohol consumption or frequency of fighting, whereas with females there was a strong positive correlation between impulsivity and alcohol consumption and a weak positive correlation between impulsivity and frequency of fighting. When the results were compared to those of Quigley et al., it was found that the Hispanic participants drank and fought less. The best predictor variable for male alcohol consumption was the desire to be viewed as “tough.” “Activity” was the primary predictor for female alcohol consumption.
Language Brokering, Autonomy, Parent-Child Bonding, Biculturalism, and Depression
Authors: Love Julia A. , Buriel Raymond
Published: October 2007

This study examines the relationship between language brokering, parent-child bonding, perceived autonomy, biculturalism, and depression for Mexican American adolescents. It was hypothesized that adolescent language brokers who reported a strong parent-child bond and high levels of psychological autonomy, privilege, and responsibility would also report lower levels of depression. Unlike previous research with language brokers, no gender differences were found in language brokering activity. For girls ( n = 141) and boys ( n = 105), language brokering for more people is positively related to depression. For girls, responsibility moderates the relationship between language brokering in different places and depression, that is, girls who language broker in more places, and also receive more responsibilities, report less depression. For boys, parent-child bonding and biculturalism are negatively related to depression. Results are discussed in the context of immigrant Latino family socialization.
Teenage Pregnancy Among Latinas
Authors: Doğan-Ateş Aysun , Carrión-Basham Carla Y.
Published: October 2007

This study investigated the role of three groups of risk and protective factors (e.g., individual, family, and extrafamilial) that are associated with teen pregnancy. Two groups of Latina adolescents (aged 15 to 19), nonpregnant/ nonparenting (NP; N = 48) and pregnant/parenting (P; N = 46), completed a demographic survey, an adolescent profile questionnaire, self-esteem, and locus of control scales. Findings revealed a group of protective factors related to each category: Significant group differences favoring the NP teens were obtained for the individual factors of higher grades and career aspirations, and family factors were related to living with biological parents and greater parental monitoring. Extrafamilial factors included variables related to greater participation in extracurricular activities and religious services, and having friends who model conventional behavior.
Canonical Analysis of University Presence and Industrial Comparative Advantage
Authors: Nagle Matthew
Published: October 2007

Technology transfer is a key component in the relationship between high-technology economic development and university knowledge production. Modeling the relationship between the output of universities and the economic growth resulting from that output, however, can be problematic. The primary issue stems from defining the scope of technology transfer and from accounting for the technical capacity of regions to absorb academic innovation. This article uses canonical correlation analysis to study this relationship via labor concentrations in high-technology industry and university R&D in areas relevant to those industries. The results indicate that moderately strong relationships do exist, most notably between computer and electronic equipment industries and academic R&D in engineering, life, and physical sciences. Recommendations include a stronger specification of human capital and regional economy interactions as predictive factors in the theory and several policy directives if such relationships exist at the local level.
Permanently Failing Organizations? Small Business Recovery After September 11, 2001
Authors: Graham Leigh T.
Published: October 2007

Small businesses in Lower Manhattan after September 11, 2001, paint a telling portrait of vulnerability after disasters. This qualitative analysis of recovery for small retail and service firms with 50 or fewer employees is based on ethnographic fieldwork, interviews, and documentary research from September 2001 through 2005. A postdisaster emphasis on place-based assistance to firms conflicted with macro-level redevelopment plans for Lower Manhattan. Small business recovery was impeded as aid programs responded to a new sense of urgency, attachment to place, and prestorm conceptions of the neighborhood at the expense of addressing community-wide economic changes accelerated by the disaster. Ingredients for effective programmatic response to the shifting environment and recovery needs of small businesses include (a) long-range planning assistance and relocation options, (b) intelligence on all redevelopment initiatives that affect firms' recovery, and (c) a blend of grants and loans that acknowledges realistic disbursement schedules of private versus public monies.
Learning Through Business Games
Authors: Fortmüller Richard
Published: October 2007

The didactic function of business games is often seen only in the development of sociocommunicative competences and general problem-solving strategies. An equally important aspect of business games lies in the acquirement of technical and problem-oriented knowledge, which is the focus of this article. Moreover, this knowledge dimension is further elaborated and justified based on four areas of learning objectives seen from learning—theoretical and from didactic points of view: (a) the definition of these structures of knowledge that (cognitive—psychologically seen) correspond to the respective areas of the learning objective; (b) referring to cognitive learning theories, the degree to which knowledge can be acquired, through which learning processes will be assessed; and (c) which conditions are suitable to trigger the respective learning processes. Didactic analyses based on these assumptions deal with the question of how these learning conditions can be implemented in business games.
Propensity Score Matching Strategies for Evaluating the Success of Child and Family Service Programs
Authors: Barth Richard P. , Shenyang Guo  , McCrae Julie S.
Published: October 2007

This article presents propensity score matching as a method to implement randomized conditions to analyze service effects using nonexperimental data. Most social work research is challenged to implement randomized clinical trials, whereas administrative and survey data are often available and can provide valuable information about services received under naturalistic conditions. This article discusses the assumptions of this method and the analytic steps involved; and it presents three examples of the approach, demonstrating that it is possible to approximate the conditions of a randomized controlled trial, and when selection bias is reduced, investigators can have more confidence in their findings.
Obesity and Poverty: Are Food Stamps to Blame?
Authors: Kupillas Lauren M. , Nies Mary A.
Published: October 2007

Sixty-six percent of adults in the United States are overweight, and 32% of Americans are obese. Although poverty is usually associated with being underfed and underweight, in the United States, the paradoxical relationship between poverty and overweight exists. This article examines the relationship between Food Stamp Program (FSP) participation, food choices, and overweight status. This article examines the practicality of an individual in New York adhering to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommendations for a diet rich in whole grains, lean meats, fruits, and vegetables on a FSP budget. The authors concluded that a diet that consists of more processed, high-calorie foods is significantly more agreeable with a FSP budget than a diet that meets USDA recommendations.
The Global Emergence of Advanced Practice Nurses in Providing Home and Community Health Care Services
Authors: Schober Madrean
Published: October 2007

Organizations, health systems, and interested individuals globally are assessing and investigating issues related to community health care services, home health management, and advanced nursing practice. Scarcity of financial and human resources has motivated health care policy makers to rise to the challenge to explore skill mix in the health care workforce in the hope of improving multidisciplinary collaboration in the provision of care for the world's populations. Nurses with advanced knowledge and skills are at the forefront of providing health care in home-based and community settings. This article describes the extent of this global phenomenon as it relates to advanced nursing practice and identifies a variety of international strategies utilized to introduce advanced practice nurses into health care systems.
Journey to the Motherland: Assessing Capacity for the Prevention of HIV Mother-to-Child Transmission in South Africa
Authors: Rose Molly A. , Schaal Mary G. , Doherty Ann
Published: October 2007

Strategies to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV have successfully affected pediatric HIV infections in many developed countries, but not as dramatically in developing countries. This article presents the findings and perspectives of a team of public health nurses who visited and assessed capacity of selected antenatal clinics across South Africa to successfully implement and evaluate HIV prevention of maternal-to-child transmission programs conducted for a private nongovernmental organization. Through development and implementation of a needs-assessment tool, the clinics were systematically assessed by observation and interviews. Consistently, three additional areas of concern, other than HIV, were reported by the people interviewed. These concerns were hunger, poverty, and the need for home-based care.
Identifying Cross-Channel Dissynergies for Multichannel Service Providers
Authors: Falk Tomas , Schepers Jeroen , Hammerschmidt Maik , Bauer Hans H.
Published: October 2007

In this article, the authors propose that in a multichannel environment, evaluative conflicts (dissynergies) between service channels exist. Building on status quo bias theory, they develop a model that relates offline channel satisfaction to perceptions about a new self-service channel. Data were collected from 639 customers currently using offline investment banking. Results show that offline channel satisfaction reduces the perceived usefulness and enhances the perceived risk of the online channel. These inhibiting effects represent a status quo bias. Trust in the bank shows both adoption-enhancing effects and an adoption-inhibiting effect. Finally, the negative relationship between offline channel satisfaction and perceived usefulness is significantly stronger for men, older people, and less experienced Internet users. This study has both theoretical and managerial relevance as it helps to understand consumer behavior in multichannel environments and provides implications for the design of multichannel service strategies.
Understanding Customer Switching Behavior in a Liberalizing Service Market
Authors: Wieringa Jaap E. , Verhoef Peter C.
Published: October 2007

In recent decades, many service markets have been liberalized, which means incumbent service firms face new competitors and must address customer switching—which from a public policy perspective, is necessary to ensure that liberalization succeeds. In this article, the authors conduct an exploratory study in which they investigate determinants of customer switching in the liberalizing Dutch energy market. Their results suggest that relationship quality, switching costs, and current demand for products and services from the energy supplier (e.g., usage rate, number of contracts) represent important determinants for all customers. In a subsequent analysis that accounts for customer heterogeneity, the results indicate a large inertia segment (71%) but a relatively small (6%) disloyal segment. The authors discuss implications for both incumbent service firms (former monopolists) and public policy officials.
A Hierarchical Model of Health Service Quality
Authors: Dagger Tracey S. , Sweeney Jillian C. , Johnson Lester W.
Published: October 2007

This research developed and empirically validated a multidimensional hierarchical scale for measuring health service quality and investigated the scale's ability to predict important service outcomes, namely, service satisfaction and behavioral intentions. Data were collected from a qualitative study and three different field studies of health care patients in two different health care contexts: oncology clinics and a general medical practice. Service quality was found to conform to the structure of the hierarchical model in all three samples. The research identified nine subdimensions driving four primary dimensions, which in turn were found to drive service quality perceptions. The primary dimensions were interpersonal quality, technical quality, environment quality, and administrative quality. The subdimensions were interaction, relationship, outcome, expertise, atmosphere, tangibles, timeliness, operation, and support. The findings also support the hypothesis that service quality has a significant impact on service satisfaction and behavioral intentions and that service quality mediates the relationship between the dimensions and intentions.
Recovery Voice and Satisfaction After Service Failure
Authors: Karande Kiran , Magnini Vincent P. , Tam Leona
Published: October 2007

Past research studies on service failures and recovery have conceptualized “voice” in terms of customers having an opportunity to air complaints after failures occur. In contrast, the authors introduce the concept of recovery voice , which entails a service provider asking a customer (after a failure has occurred) what the firm can do to rectify the problem. In a scenario-based experiment carried out in an airline setting and in a hotel setting with 216 and 208 participants, respectively, it was found that customers perceived greater procedural justice when offered recovery voice, which resulted in higher overall postfailure satisfaction. It was shown that perceived procedural justice mediated the effect of recovery voice on overall satisfaction. Furthermore, recovery voice had a greater impact on perceived procedural justice for established customers with long transaction histories than for new ones with short transaction histories. Managerial and research implications based on these findings are also presented.
Rekindling the Fire of Transformative Education
Authors: Osterhold Helge M. , Rubiano Elizabeth Husserl , Nicol David
Published: October 2007

A growing consensus is emerging among transformative educators about the need for an integral education that incorporates all human dimensions—body, vital, heart, mind, and spirit—into the learning and inquiry processes. This article presents a case study of a graduate-level course as an example of an integral and participatory approach to transformative learning with potential implications for the future direction of integral education. The course's aim was to inquire individually and collectively into collaboratively formulated spiritual questions, using methods that encouraged integral ways of knowing. After describing the course and summarizing its multidimensional learning outcomes, the authors conclude that it is in the intentional integration of all human attributes in the inquiry process where lie immense possibilities of expanding the fruits and span of transformative education in the academia.
Conflict Resolution and Transformative Pedagogy
Authors: Fetherston Betts , Kelly Rhys
Published: October 2007

This article reports on original research designed to track the impact on student learning and development of fundamental pedagogical changes—from tradition to critical pedagogy—in undergraduate conflict resolution teaching in the Department of Peace Studies, University of Bradford. Using grounded theory methodology, the authors researched the transformative learning potential of the pedagogy. They found broad support for the pedagogy on student learning and development grounds in relation to the praxeological challenges of peacebuilding and conflict resolution work many of their students will expect to do after graduation. Out of the data emerged four clusters of learning experience that support transformative learning theory, particularly the role of disruption in learning and the importance of critical reflection, but that also, in a preliminary way, suggest some gaps in our current levels of understanding of transformative learning as praxis.
Chromosomal lesions and uniparental disomy detected by SNP arrays in MDS, MDS/MPD, and MDS-derived AML
Authors: Gondek Lukasz P. , Tiu Ramon , O'Keefe Christine L. , Sekeres Mikkael A. , Theil Karl S. , Maciejewski Jaroslaw P.
Published: October 2007

Using metaphase cytogenetics (MC), chromosomal abnormalities are found in only a proportion of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). We hypothesized that with new precise methods more cryptic karyotypic lesions can be uncovered that may show important clinical implications. We have applied 250K single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) arrays (SNP-A) to study chromosomal lesions in samples from 174 patients (94 MDS, 33 secondary acute myeloid leukemia [sAML], and 47 myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative disease [MDS/MPD]) and 76 controls. Using SNP-A, aberrations were found in around three-fourths of MDS, MDS/MPD, and sAML (vs 59%, 37%, 53% by MC; in 8% of patients MC was unsuccessful). Previously unrecognized lesions were detected in patients with normal MC and in those with known lesions. Moreover, segmental uniparental disomy (UPD) was found in 20% of MDS, 23% of sAML, and 35% of MDS/MPD patients, a lesion resulting in copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity undetectable by MC. The potential clinical significance of abnormalities detected by SNP-A, but not seen on MC, was demonstrated by their impact on overall survival. UPD involving chromosomes frequently affected by deletions may have prognostic implications similar to the deletions visible by MC. SNP-A–based karyotyping shows superior resolution for chromosomal defects, including UPD. This technique further complements MC to improve clinical prognosis and targeted therapies.
Use of epoetin and darbepoetin in patients with cancer: 2007 American Society of Hematology/American Society of Clinical Oncology clinical practice guideline update
Authors: Rizzo J. Douglas , Somerfield Mark R. , Hagerty Karen L. , Seidenfeld Jerome , Bohlius Julia , Bennett Charles L. , Cella David F. , Djulbegovic Benjamin , Goode Matthew J. , Jakubowski Ann A. , Rarick Mark U. , Regan David H. , Lichtin Alan E.
Published: October 2007

Purpose: To update the American Society of Clinical Oncology/American Society of Hematology (ASCO/ASH) recommendations for the use of epoetin. The guideline was expanded to address use of darbepoetin and thromboembolic risk associated with these agents. Method: An Update Committee (“Committee”) reviewed and analyzed data published since 2002 through July 2007. MEDLINE and the Cochrane Collaboration Library databases were searched. Recommendations: For patients with chemotherapy-associated anemia, the Committee continues to recommend initiating an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) as hemoglobin (Hb) approaches, or falls below, 10 g/dL, to increase Hb and decrease transfusions. ESA treatment continues to be recommended for patients with low-risk myelodysplasia for similar reasons. There is no evidence showing increased survival as a result of ESA treatment. Conclusive evidence is lacking that, absent clinical circumstances necessitating earlier treatment, initiating ESAs at Hb levels greater than 10 g/dL either spares more patients from transfusion or substantially improves their quality of life. Starting doses and dose modifications based on response or lack thereof should follow the package insert. Continuing ESAs beyond 6 to 8 weeks in the absence of response, assuming appropriate dose increase has been attempted in nonresponders as per US Food and Drug Administration–approved label, does not seem to be beneficial, and ESA therapy should be discontinued. The Committee recommends monitoring iron stores and supplementing iron intake for ESA-treated patients. ESAs should be used cautiously with chemotherapy, or in clinical states, associated with elevated risk for thromoembolic complications. The Committee also cautions against ESA use for patients with cancer who are not receiving chemotherapy, since recent trials report increased thromboembolic risks and decreased survival under these circumstances.
TROY, a Novel Member of the Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily in the Central Nervous System
Authors: MORIKAWA YOSHIHIRO , HISAOKA TOMOKO , KITAMURA TOSHIO , SENBA EMIKO
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  Using a signal sequence trap method, we isolated TROY, a novel member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF), from a mouse brain cDNA library. TROY mRNA is strongly expressed in brain and embryo. In situ hybridization analysis of the embryo showed that TROY mRNA was exclusively expressed in the epithelium of many tissues, including neuroepithelium. In the developing central nervous system, TROY mRNA was strongly expressed in the ventricular and subventricular zones, which contain neuronal and glial precursors during mouse embryogenesis that are both region‐specific and stage‐dependent. In addition, TROY mRNA was expressed in the developing olfactory bulb from embryonic day (E) 13.5 to neonate. Next, we focused on the detailed cellular characterization of TROY‐expressing cells in the developing olfactory system. TROY mRNA was first detected in the olfactory nerve layer (ONL) of the olfactory bulb at E13.5 and was expressed most intensely in the inner ONL (ONL‐i) during late embryogenesis. In the postnatal olfactory bulb, TROY‐expressing cells were also detected in the glomerular layer (GL) and ONL‐i. TROY was intensely expressed in olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) of the ONL‐i, which are positive for neuropeptide Y (NPY), but negative for S‐100 or p75 low‐affinity nerve growth factor receptor. Furthermore, TROY was also detected in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)‐positive glial cells of the ONL‐i and GL. Thus, TROY was expressed in some specific subsets of glial cells in the olfactory bulb, including OECs, and may play some roles in the developing and adult olfactory system.
Increasing Use of Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy for Breast Cancer Patients: A Trend Toward More Aggressive Surgical Treatment
Authors: Tuttle Todd M. , Habermann Elizabeth B. , Grund Erin H. , Morris Todd J. , Virnig Beth A.
Published: October 2007

Purpose

Many patients with unilateral breast cancer choose contralateral prophylactic mastectomy to prevent cancer in the opposite breast. The purpose of our study was to determine the use and trends of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy in the United States.

Patients and Methods

We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database to review the treatment of patients with unilateral breast cancer diagnosed from 1998 through 2003. We determined the rate of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy as a proportion of all surgically treated patients and as a proportion of all mastectomies.

Results

We identified 152,755 patients with stage I, II, or III breast cancer; 4,969 patients chose contralateral prophylactic mastectomy. The rate was 3.3% for all surgically treated patients; 7.7%, for patients undergoing mastectomy. The overall rate significantly increased from 1.8% in 1998 to 4.5% in 2003. Likewise, the contralateral prophylactic mastectomy rate for patients undergoing mastectomy significantly increased from 4.2% in 1998 to 11.0% in 2003. These increased rates applied to all cancer stages and continued to the end of our study period. Young patient age, non-Hispanic white race, lobular histology, and previous cancer diagnosis were associated with significantly higher rates. Large tumor size was associated with a higher overall rate, but with a lower rate for patients undergoing mastectomy.

Conclusion

The use of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy in the United States more than doubled within the recent 6-year period of our study. Prospective studies are needed to understand the decision-making processes that have led to more aggressive breast cancer surgery.
Cancer Care Ontario and American Society of Clinical Oncology Adjuvant Chemotherapy and Adjuvant Radiation Therapy for Stages I-IIIA Resectable Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer Guideline
Authors: Pisters Katherine M.W. , Evans William K. , Azzoli Christopher G. , Kris Mark G. , Smith Christopher A. , Desch Christopher E. , Somerfield Mark R. , Brouwers Melissa C. , Darling Gail , Ellis Peter M. , Gaspar Laurie E. , Pass Harvey I. , Spigel David R. , Strawn John R. , Ung Yee C. , Shepherd Frances A.
Published: October 2007

Purpose

To determine the role of adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy in patients with completely resected stage IA-IIIA non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

The Cancer Care Ontario Program in Evidence-Based Care and the American Society of Clinical Oncology convened a Joint Expert Panel in August 2006 to review the evidence and draft recommendations for these therapies.

Results

Available data support the use of adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy in completely resected NSCLC; however, the strength of the data and consequent recommendations vary by disease stage. Adjuvant radiation therapy appears detrimental to survival in stages IB and II, with a possible modest benefit in stage IIIA.

Conclusion

Adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy is recommended for routine use in patients with stages IIA, IIB, and IIIA disease. Although there has been a statistically significant overall survival benefit seen in several randomized clinical trials (RCTs) enrolling a range of people with completely resected NSCLC, results of subset analyses for patient populations with stage IB disease were not significant, and adjuvant chemotherapy in stage IB disease is not currently recommended for routine use. To date, very few patients with stage IA NSCLC have been enrolled onto RCTs of adjuvant therapy; adjuvant chemotherapy is not recommended in these cases. Evidence from RCTs demonstrates a survival detriment for adjuvant radiotherapy with limited evidence for a reduction in local recurrence. Adjuvant radiation therapy appears detrimental to survival in stage IB and II, and may possibly confer a modest benefit in stage IIIA.
American Society of Clinical Oncology 2007 Update of Recommendations for the Use of Tumor Markers in Breast Cancer
Authors: Harris Lyndsay , Fritsche Herbert , Mennel Robert , Norton Larry , Ravdin Peter , Taube Sheila , Somerfield Mark R. , Hayes Daniel F. , Bast Robert C.
Published: October 2007

Purpose

To update the recommendations for the use of tumor marker tests in the prevention, screening, treatment, and surveillance of breast cancer.

Methods

For the 2007 update, an Update Committee composed of members from the full Panel was formed to complete the review and analysis of data published since 1999. Computerized literature searches of MEDLINE and the Cochrane Collaboration Library were performed. The Update Committee's literature review focused attention on available systematic reviews and meta-analyses of published tumor marker studies. In general, significant health outcomes (overall survival, disease-free survival, quality of life, lesser toxicity, and cost-effectiveness) were used for making recommendations.

Recommendations and Conclusions

Thirteen categories of breast tumor markers were considered, six of which were new for the guideline. The following categories showed evidence of clinical utility and were recommended for use in practice: CA 15-3, CA 27.29, carcinoembryonic antigen, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, urokinase plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, and certain multiparameter gene expression assays. Not all applications for these markers were supported, however. The following categories demonstrated insufficient evidence to support routine use in clinical practice: DNA/ploidy by flow cytometry, p53, cathepsin D, cyclin E, proteomics, certain multiparameter assays, detection of bone marrow micrometastases, and circulating tumor cells.
Electrochemical Deposition of Well-ordered Single-crystal PbTe Nanowire Arrays
Authors: Liu Weifeng , Cai Weili , Yao Lianzeng
Published: October 2007

Thermoelectric PbTe nanowire arrays have successfully been fabricated by dc electrodeposition in conjunction with porous anodic alumina templates prepared via a two-step anodization process. X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and selected-area electron diffraction results indicate that the as-deposited samples are single crystal with a NaCl-type structure. The morphology and the structure of PbTe nanowires have been investigated using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results show that the PbTe nanowire arrays have a high-filling rate and in large area are dense and continuous.
New Hybrid TiO2 Nano-structured Materials for Lanthanides Separation
Authors: Rahal Raed , Daniele Stéphane , Pellet-Rostaing Stéphane , Lemaire Marc
Published: October 2007

New nano-structured hybrid EDTA- or DTPA/TiO2 materials were synthesized and were applied to the selective lanthanum(III)/gadolinium(III) separation in aqueous solutions.
In Situ and Ex Situ Monitoring of Oxygen Absorption in YBaCo4O7+δ
Authors: Valkeapää Markus , Karppinen Maarit , Motohashi Teruki , Liu Ru-Shi , Chen Jin-Ming , Yamauchi Hisao
Published: October 2007

Oxygen absorption in YBaCo4O7+δ was studied by in situ XRD and by XANES spectroscopy. Unit cell of 10.875×10.168×12.788 Å3 (Pnna) was found for the oxygenated phase. XANES shows that oxygen absorption increases the number of different crystallographic sites for Co.
Synthesis of 3-Amino-substituted N-Alkylindazoles via Palladium(II)-catalyzed Intramolecular N-Arylation of Tosylhydrazines
Authors: Suryakiran N , Prabhakar P , Venkateswarlu Y
Published: October 2007

An efficient synthesis of 3-amino-substituted N-alkyl indazoles is described. Reaction of readily available o-halo aryl hydrazines with palladium(II) acetate and cupper(I) iodide in the presence of a base afforded the corresponding 3-substituted N-tosylindazoles in excellent yields. These products were further functionalized after detosylation with Na–Hg, followed by alkylation to afford 3-amino-substituted N-alkylindazoles.
Frozen 1,3-Alternate Conformation of Exhaustively Methylated Azacalix[4]arene in Solution: Successful Immobilization by Small but yet Sufficiently Bulky O-Methyl Group
Authors: Tsue Hirohito , Ishibashi Koichi , Tokita Satoshi , Matsui Kazuhiro , Takahashi Hiroki , Tamura Rui
Published: October 2007

Conformational flexibility of exhaustively methylated azacalix[4]arene in solution has been investigated. Relaxation time measurements revealed that its 1,3-alternate conformation was inflexible even in solution. Intramolecular small annulus plays a central role in suppressing the conformational inversion by the small but yet sufficiently bulky O-methyl groups. Without regard to the small anulus, the azacalix[4]arene has a room to selectively accommodate potassium ion in the cavity.
Single Molecular Imaging of a micro-Brownian Motion and a Bond Scission of a Supramolecular Chiral π-Conjugated Polymer as a Molecular Bearing Driven by Thermal Fluctuations
Authors: Shinohara Ken-ichi , Kodera Noriyuki , Ando Toshio
Published: October 2007

The micro-Brownian motion of a single polymer chain was directly measured by high-speed (rapid-scan) AFM on a mica substrate under an aqueous solution at room temperature. The diffusion constant was 1.3×10−14 m2/s, which is a basic property of a molecular bearing at a solid–liquid interface. The molecule was a micrometer-long supramolecular chain in which π-conjugated polyrotaxane was coupled by a π–π interaction. Bond scission of this supramolecular chain was directly observed, and the dynamic folding behavior of a single polymer chain was also imaged.
Improvement of Catalyst Activity in the Ru-catalyzed Dimerization of Acrylonitrile by Using Diphenyl Ether as a Solvent
Authors: Kashiwagi Kohichi , Sugise Ryoji , Shimakawa Toshihiro , Matuura Tunao
Published: October 2007

For the catalyst system of ruthenium and carboxylic acid, which is useful for the efficient tail-to-tail dimerization of acrylonitrile, the TON increases as the ruthenium catalyst concentration is decreased. Furthermore, the addition of aromatic solvents of equal volume to that of acrylonitrile improves the catalyst activity. Especially, the use of diphenyl ether leads to a 1.7 time improvement of the TON.
Four Pimarane Diterpenes from Marine Fungus: Chloroform Incorporated in Crystal Lattice for Absolute Configuration Analysis by X-ray
Authors: Yoshida Sanae , Kito Keijiro , Ooi Takashi , Kanoh Kaneo , Shizuri Yoshikazu , Kusumi Takenori
Published: October 2007

Separation of the ethyl acetate extract of marine fungus Cryptosphaeria eunomia var. eunomia afforded a new pimarane-type diterpene 1 together with known compounds, 2, 4, and 5, whose absolute configurations were unknown. During recrystallization experiments using chloroform, compounds 1, 2, and 5 gave crystals suitable for X-ray analyses, which revealed that the crystals incorporated chloroform molecules in the crystal lattices. Based on the intense anomalous scattering by chlorine, the absolute configurations of 1, 2, and 5 were unambiguously determined.
Urinary protein 1/Clara cell 16 concentrations and lung functions in male subjects with pneumoconiosis
Authors: Kotani Kazuhiko , Kawabata Isao , Mu Haosheng , Kurozawa Youichi , Itoh Yoshihisa
Published: October 2007

Background: Protein 1 (P1)/Clara cell 16 kDa protein (CC16, previously named CC10), a potentially immunosuppressive protein secreted by non-ciliated cells of the tracheobronchial epithelium, has been found to be a new useful lung-specific biomarker in several pathological lung conditions. Particularly, urinary P1 (uP1) may reflect the altered lung functions in pneumoconiosis.

Methods: We investigated the relationship between uP1 values and lung functions in 31 non-smoking pneumoconiotic males (mean age 73 years) with a history of dust exposure work in shipbuilding. The protein was measured using an originally prepared enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay system. The forced expiratory volume in 1 s % (FEV1.0%) and % vital capacity (%VC) were tested with a spirometer.

Results: The mean values of uP1 were 4.62 ± 4.82 (mean ± standard deviation) ng/mol creatinine. A univariable correlation test showed a significant positive correlation between uP1 and %VC ( r = 0.356, P = 0.049). Also, a multiple regression analysis, when adjusted for age, disease duration, FEV1.0% and %VC, showed a significant correlation of uP1 with %VC ( β = 0.467, P = 0.030).

Conclusion: The results suggest that a decreased uP1, corroborated by a decreased %VC, may be the result of damage to secretory cells. Measurement of uP1 may become a possible index of fibrotic changes in pneumoconiosis.
A case study of mixed cryoglobulinaemia associated with peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Wheeler R D , Sharma H , Groves M , Wren D , Sheldon J
Published: October 2007

The clinical diagnosis of mixed cryoglobulinaemia is difficult due to heterogeneity in presentation. Symptoms include the classical triad of purpura, arthralgia and weakness, with one or more other organs involved. We discuss a case of cryoglobulinaemia that presented with sensory motor neuropathy and with features of mononeuritis multiplex syndrome, but which lacked other classical features. Laboratory testing revealed a profile typical of mixed cryoglobulins: immunoglobulin M (IgM) paraprotein, low fourth carbon (C4) and positive rheumatoid factor. Subsequent investigations failed to reveal an underlying infectious or neoplastic cause. This case demonstrates the need to include cryoglobulinaemia in the differential diagnosis for peripheral neuropathy, and the critical importance of using the correct collection procedure to isolate cryoglobulins.
A case with transient increases in serum S100A8/A9 levels implying acute inflammatory responses after pancreatic islet transplantation
Authors: Ikemoto Masaki , Matsumoto Shinichi , Egawa Hiroto , Okitsu Teru , Iwanaga Yasuhiro , Umemoto Shinji , Itoh Hiroshi , Murayama Hiroshi , Fujita Masatoshi
Published: October 2007

We investigated a patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus undergoing pancreatic islets transplantation. In this patient, we evaluated the clinical usefulness of serial measurement of serum S100A8/A9 complex levels for detecting acute inflammatory responses associated with rejection of transplanted pancreatic islets. The serum S100A8/A9 complex was a more sensitive marker for acute inflammation associated with islet transplant rejection than the serum C-reactive protein. Thus, the serial measurement of the serum S100A8/A9 complex concentration is useful for monitoring the patients with pancreatic islet transplantation.
Serum free light chains; the need to establish local reference intervals
Authors: Pattenden Rebecca J , Rogers Stephen Y , Wenham Philip R
Published: October 2007

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare The Binding Site serum free light chain assay on two analytical platforms; the Dade Behring BNII and the Olympus AU400. Reference intervals were subsequently established on each analyser.

Methods: In total, 112 serum samples routinely submitted to the laboratory for protein electrophoresis were used for the comparison study. Reference interval data was generated from 126 ostensibly healthy anonymous individuals.

Results: Serum free light chain results on the BNII and AU400 analysers are not directly comparable. The BNII produces results which are significantly higher than the AU400.

Conclusions: Laboratories using The Binding Site serum free light chain assay are strongly advised to establish local reference intervals.
Guidelines for the investigation and management of a reduced level of consciousness in children: implications for clinical biochemistry laboratories
Authors: Bowker R , Green A , Bonham J R
Published: October 2007

Whenever a child presents to hospital with a reduced level of consciousness, admitting clinicians have to decide the underlying cause rapidly so that the correct emergency treatment can be initiated. Unfortunately, the clinical presentations of many of the possible diagnoses are very similar. The diagnosis often results from investigations within the clinical biochemistry laboratory. In the past, clinicians have had limited guidance on which tests to request when presented with a child with a reduced level of consciousness. Guidelines have recently been developed relating to all aspects of management of the child in a coma. Due to a lack of evidence in the literature regarding the most appropriate first line tests for children with a reduced level of consciousness, a formal consensus process ('Delphi consensus') was performed using a large multidisciplinary panel of experts. The recommendations reached by this process include the list of initial ('core') tests to request for all children with a reduced level of consciousness (excluding those immediately after suffering a convulsion and those involved in obvious trauma). Depending upon the results of these 'core' tests and the clinical condition of the child, further tests may be requested later. The key point is that all the samples have been taken at the time of presentation to provide the best chance of reaching a diagnosis and correctly treating the child. The article reviews the recommended core investigations and further tests and discusses how individual laboratories can help to implement the guidelines jointly with their Emergency and Paediatric Departments.
Evaluation of immunoturbidimetric specific protein methods using the Architect ci8200: comparison with immunonephelometry
Authors: Denham Elizabeth , Mohn Barbara , Tucker Linda , Lun Andrea , Cleave Peter , Boswell D Ross
Published: October 2007

Background: Specific proteins have traditionally been analyzed using methodologies such as immunonephelometry on specialized analyzers. It is now possible to perform specific protein testing on clinical chemistry analyzers using immunoturbidimetry. Performance characteristics of turbidimetric assays for eight common specific proteins were evaluated against a nephelometric method.

Methods: The Abbott Architect ci8200 and the Beckman Immage were used to perform IgA, IgG, IgM, C3, C4, haptoglobin, and transferrin testing. Abbott, Sentinel and Roche reagents were used to perform CRP testing on the ci8200. The specific protein assays were evaluated for precision, linearity, limit of detection, functional sensitivity, method comparison, prozone, and workflow.

Results: Total precision for the immunoturbidimetric assays was consistently better than 2% CV and linear throughout the dynamic range of the assays (recovery ± 10% of target values). The limits of detection, functional sensitivities, and accuracy (as determined by performance against target values for proficiency testing samples and reference materials) are suitable for clinical purposes. Method comparison, as determined by correlation coefficients, and performance against proficiency testing samples, demonstrated good agreement between the turbidimetric and nephelometric tests. Both the turbidimetric and nephelometric assays provided reliable results under conditions of antigen excess. Specific protein test requests could be consolidated within our routine chemistry workload without impacting analytical test throughput.

Conclusions: As demonstrated by their performance characteristics, the Architect ci8200 immunoturbidimetric specific protein assays are suitable for routine use and correlate well with representative immunonephelometric assays on the Beckman Immage analyzer. The ability to perform specific protein analyses on an integrated clinical chemistry/immunoassay system can allow for consolidation of testing on a single platform, resulting in improved laboratory operations efficiency.
In vitro expression of β-thalassaemia gene (IVS1-1G>C) reveals complete inactivation of the normal 5' splice site and alternative aberrant RNA splicing
Authors: Fujihara Noriko , Yamauchi Kazuyoshi , Hirota-Kawadobora Masako , Ishikawa Shinsuke , Tozuka Minoru , Ishii Eizaburo , Katsuyama Tsutomu , Okumura Nobuo , Taniguchi Shunichiro
Published: October 2007

We previously reported a case of heterozygous β-thalassaemia with IVS1-1G > C substitution in the β-globin gene and a non-detectable level of mutant mRNA in the patient's reticulocytes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the transcription and RNA splicing and processing of the mutant gene occurred. We analysed the expression of the mRNA encoded by the cloned mutant gene in COS-1 cells by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction followed by agarose gel electrophoresis and nucleotide sequencing. The G > C mutation completely inactivated the normal 5- splice site and resulted in the activation of two cryptic 5- splice sites, located 16 and 38 nt upstream of the normal site. The usage of these two cryptic sites accords with the findings of reports on IVS1-1G > A or IVS1-1G > C substitution of exon 1 of the β-globin gene. Additional experiments that involved transfection of equal amounts of both normal and mutant vectors into COS-1 cells indicated the presence of mutant mRNAs. In conclusion, the β-thalassaemia gene (IVS1-1G > C) was expressed in transfected cells, but showed aberrant RNA splicing. Further studies will be required to clarify the molecular mechanism that results in severe reduction in the mutant mRNA level in vivo.
Establishing a Simple and Sustainable Quality Assurance Program and Clinical Chemistry Services in Eritrea
Authors: Scott Mitchell G , Morin Susan , Hock Karl G , Seyoum Melles , Ladenson Jack H
Published: October 2007

Background: As chronic diseases become more prevalent in developing nations, establishment of sustainable clinical chemistry services will become increasingly important. The complexity of automated instruments, coupled with a lack of resources and skilled workers, will present a challenge for these countries.

Methods: A system emphasizing simplified instrumentation, single source reagents, technical education and support, and simple QC algorithms was established in the small African nation of Eritrea. The same reagents were used on different analyzers, as well as the same lot numbers of QC material. To allow traceability of Eritrea results to an accredited US laboratory, the reagents and QC materials were identical to those used in a large university hospital in the US, and patient samples were frequently exchanged between locations.

Results: QC values for 23 clinical chemistry tests in the Eritrean National Health Laboratory compared well to values obtained in the US, showing some statistically different values but no clinically significant differences. QC values were also stable over time in Eritrea. Patient sample values from Eritrea correlated well to values from the US, with r values ranging from 0.71 to 0.99. For 9 chemistry tests, small regional laboratories in Eritrea produced QC and patient values that usually compared well to those from the Eritrea National Health Laboratory, but markedly discrepant values were occasionally observed that prompted investigation.

Conclusion: A simple but sustainable national laboratory system has been established in the developing nation of Eritrea.