bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trabectedin and Its C Subunit Modified Analogue PM01183 Attenuate Nucleotide Excision Repair and Show Activity toward Platinum-Resistant Cells
Authors: Soares Daniele G. , Machado Miriana S. , Rocca Céline J. , Poindessous Virginie , Ouaret Djamila , Sarasin Alain , Galmarini Carlos M. , Henriques João A.P. , Escargueil Alexandre E. , Larsen Annette K.
Published: May 2011

PM01183 is a novel marine-derived covalent DNA binder in clinical development. PM01183 is structurally similar to trabectedin (yondelis, ecteinascidin-743) except for the C subunit, and this modification is accompanied by different pharmacokinetics in cancer patients. We here characterize the interaction of PM01183 with the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway in comparison with trabectedin. Our results show for the first time that although neither PM01183 nor trabectedin is repaired by NER, both compounds are able to interfere with the NER machinery thereby attenuating the repair of specific NER substrates. We further show that the NER activity is increased in 3 of 4 cellular models with acquired resistance to cisplatin or oxaliplatin, confirming the involvement of NER in the resistance to platinum derivatives. Importantly, both PM01183 and trabectedin show unchanged or even enhanced activity toward all 4 cisplatin- and oxaliplatin-resistant cell lines. We finally show that combinations of PM01183 and cisplatin were mostly synergistic toward both parental and cisplatin-resistant ovarian carcinoma cells as indicated by Chou and Talalay analysis. These data show that the C subunit of trabectedin can be subjected to at least some structural modifications without loss of activity or NER interaction. While PM01183 and trabectedin appear functionally similar in cellular models, it is likely that the differences in pharmacokinetics may allow different dosing and scheduling of PM01183 in the clinic that could lead to novel and/or increased antitumor activity. Taken together, our results provide a mechanistic basis to support clinical trials of PM01183 alone or in combination with cisplatin. Mol Cancer Ther; 10(8); 1481–9. ©2011 AACR.
Characterization of a Genomic Signature of Pregnancy Identified in the Breast
Authors: Belitskaya-Lévy Ilana , Zeleniuch-Jacquotte Anne , Russo Jose , Russo Irma H. , Bordás Pal , Åhman Janet , Afanasyeva Yelena , Johansson Robert , Lenner Per , Li Xiaochun , de Cicco Ricardo López , Peri Suraj , Ross Eric , Russo Patricia A. , Santucci-Pereira Julia , Sheriff Fathima S. , Slifker Michael , Hallmans Göran , Toniolo Paolo , Arslan Alan A.
Published: May 2011

The objective of this study was to comprehensively compare the genomic profiles in the breast of parous and nulliparous postmenopausal women to identify genes that permanently change their expression following pregnancy.

The study was designed as a two-phase approach. In the discovery phase, we compared breast genomic profiles of 37 parous with 18 nulliparous postmenopausal women. In the validation phase, confirmation of the genomic patterns observed in the discovery phase was sought in an independent set of 30 parous and 22 nulliparous postmenopausal women. RNA was hybridized to Affymetrix HG_U133 Plus 2.0 oligonucleotide arrays containing probes to 54,675 transcripts, scanned and the images analyzed using Affymetrix GCOS software. Surrogate variable analysis, logistic regression, and significance analysis of microarrays were used to identify statistically significant differences in expression of genes. The false discovery rate (FDR) approach was used to control for multiple comparisons. We found that 208 genes (305 probe sets) were differentially expressed between parous and nulliparous women in both discovery and validation phases of the study at an FDR of 10% and with at least a 1.25-fold change. These genes are involved in regulation of transcription, centrosome organization, RNA splicing, cell-cycle control, adhesion, and differentiation. The results provide initial evidence that full-term pregnancy induces long-term genomic changes in the breast. The genomic signature of pregnancy could be used as an intermediate marker to assess potential chemopreventive interventions with hormones mimicking the effects of pregnancy for prevention of breast cancer. Cancer Prev Res; 4(9); 1457–64. ©2011 AACR.
Inflammation and Increased Aromatase Expression Occur in the Breast Tissue of Obese Women with Breast Cancer
Authors: Morris Patrick G. , Hudis Clifford A. , Giri Dilip , Morrow Monica , Falcone Domenick J. , Zhou Xi Kathy , Du Baoheng , Brogi Edi , Crawford Carolyn B. , Kopelovich Levy , Subbaramaiah Kotha , Dannenberg Andrew J.
Published: May 2011

Obesity is a risk factor for the development of hormone receptor–positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women and has been associated with an increased risk of recurrence and reduced survival. In humans, obesity causes subclinical inflammation in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue, characterized by necrotic adipocytes surrounded by macrophages forming crown-like structures (CLS). Recently, we found increased numbers of CLS, activation of the NF-κB transcription factor, and elevated aromatase levels and activity in the mammary glands of obese mice. These preclinical findings raised the possibility that the obesity → inflammation axis is important for the development and progression of breast cancer. Here, our main objective was to determine if the findings in mouse models of obesity translated to women. Breast tissue was obtained from 30 women who underwent breast surgery. CLS of the breast (CLS-B) was found in nearly 50% (14 of 30) of patient samples. The severity of breast inflammation, defined as the CLS-B index, correlated with both body mass index (P < 0.001) and adipocyte size (P = 0.01). Increased NF-κB binding activity and elevated aromatase expression and activity were found in the inflamed breast tissue of overweight and obese women. Collectively, our results suggest that the obesity → inflammation → aromatase axis is present in the breast tissue of most overweight and obese women. The presence of CLS-B may be a biomarker of increased breast cancer risk or poor prognosis. Cancer Prev Res; 4(7); 1021–9. ©2011 AACR.
Targeted Disruption of the Prostaglandin E
2
E-Prostanoid 2 Receptor Exacerbates Vascular Neointimal Formation in Mice
Authors: Zhu Sen , Xue Rui , Zhao Pan , Fan Fen-Ling , Kong Xiaomu , Zheng Senfeng , Han Qifei , Zhu Yi , Wang Nanping , Yang Jichun , Guan Youfei
Published: June 2011

Objective—

Restenosis after angioplasty remains a major clinical problem. Prostaglandin E
2
(PGE
2
) plays an important role in vascular homeostasis. The PGE
2
receptor E-prostanoid 2 (EP2) is involved in the proliferation and migration of various cell types. We aimed to determine the role of EP2 in the pathogenesis of neointimal formation after vascular injury.

Methods and Results—

Wire-mediated vascular injury was induced in the femoral arteries of male wild-type (EP2+/+) and EP2 gene-deficient (EP2−/−) mice. In EP2+/+ mice, EP2 mRNA expression was increased in injured vessels for at least 4 weeks after vascular injury. Neointimal hyperplasia was markedly accelerated in EP2−/− mice, which was associated with increased proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and increased cyclin D1 expression in the neointima layer. Platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) treatment resulted in more significant cell proliferation and migration in VSMCs of EP2−/− mice than in those of EP2+/+ mice. Activation and overexpression of EP2 attenuated PDGF-BB–elicited cell proliferation and migration, induced G
1
→S-phase arrest and reduced PDGF-BB–stimulated extracellular signal–regulated kinase phosphorylation in EP2+/+ VSMCs.

Conclusion—

These findings reveal a novel role of the EP2 receptor in neointimal hyperplasia after arterial injury. The EP2 receptor may represent a potential therapeutic target for restenosis after angioplasty.
Thioredoxin-Interacting Protein Mediates TRX1 Translocation to the Plasma Membrane in Response to Tumor Necrosis Factor-α
Authors: World Cameron , Spindel Oded N. , Berk Bradford C.
Published: June 2011

Objective—

Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) promotes inflammation in endothelial cells (EC) by binding to thioredoxin-1 (TRX1) in a redox-dependent manner. Formation of the TXNIP-TRX1 complex relieves inhibition of the apoptosis signal–regulating kinase 1–c-Jun N-terminal kinase–vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 pathway. Because TXNIP is an α-arrestin with numerous protein-protein interacting domains, we hypothesized that TXNIP-TRX1 trafficking should alter function of EC exposed to reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Methods and Results—

In response to physiological levels of ROS (10 ng/mL tumor necrosis factor-α and 30 μmol/L H
2
O
2
), TXNIP-TRX1 translocated to the plasma membrane in human umbilical vein EC, with a peak at 30 minutes, as measured by immunofluorescence colocalization with vascular endothelial-cadherin, cell fractionation, and membrane sheet assay. TXNIP-mediated translocation of TRX1 to the membrane required TXNIP and TRX1 binding, as evidenced by inability of the ROS-insensitive TXNIP-Cys247Ser mutant to promote membrane localization. Vascular endothelial growth factor signaling required TXNIP, as shown by significant decreases in plasma membrane tyrosine phosphorylation and EC migration after TRX1 knockdown. Furthermore, TXNIP knockdown increased human umbilical vein EC apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor. Rescue with TXNIP-wild-type but not TXNIP-Cys247Ser prevented cell death.

Conclusion—

These findings suggest a novel role for the TXNIP-TRX1 complex to enable inflammation by promoting EC survival and vascular endothelial growth factor signaling under conditions of physiological oxidative stress.
Dietary Phosphate Modulates Atherogenesis and Insulin Resistance in Apolipoprotein E Knockout Mice—Brief Report
Authors: Ellam Timothy , Wilkie Martin , Chamberlain Janet , Crossman David , Eastell Richard , Francis Sheila , Chico Timothy J.A.
Published: June 2011

Objective—

Epidemiological studies link higher serum phosphate and the phosphatonin fibroblast growth factor 23 with cardiovascular events and atheroma, and they link lower serum phosphate with insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome. We investigated whether manipulating dietary phosphate influences atherogenesis or insulin sensitivity in mice.

Methods and Results—

Apolipoprotein E knockout mice were fed an atherogenic diet with low (0.2%), standard (0.6%), or high (1.6%) phosphate content. Serum phosphate and fibroblast growth factor 23 significantly increased with increasing dietary phosphate intake, but lipid profile and blood pressure were unaffected. After 20 weeks, mice on the higher phosphate diet had significantly more atheroma at the aortic sinus (42±1.9% versus 30±1.5% for high versus low phosphate,
P
<0.01). Compared with standard and high-phosphate diet groups, mice on a low-phosphate diet had more adipose tissue and a 4-fold increase in insulin resistance measured by homeostatic model assessment (43.7±9.3 versus 8.9±0.7 for low versus high phosphate,
P
<0.005).

Conclusion—

A high-phosphate diet accelerates atherogenesis in apolipoprotein E
−/−
mice, whereas low phosphate intake induces insulin resistance. These data indicate for the first time that controlling dietary phosphate intake may influence development of both atherosclerosis and the metabolic syndrome.
Drug-Induced Torsade de Pointes Arrhythmias in the Chronic AV Block Dog Are Perpetuated by Focal Activity
Authors: Boulaksil Mohamed , Jungschleger Jerome G. , Antoons Gudrun , Houtman Marien J.C. , de Boer Teun P. , Wilders Ronald , Beekman Jet D. , Maessen Jos G. , van der Hulst Ferenc F. , van der Heyden Marcel A.G. , van Veen Toon A.B. , van Rijen Harold V.M. , de Bakker Jacques M.T. , Vos Marc A.
Published: May 2011

Background—

The electrically remodeled canine heart after chronic AV block (CAVB) has a high susceptibility for drug-induced torsade de pointes (TdP) arrhythmias. Although focal mechanisms have been considered for initiation, there is still controversy about whether reentry is the dominant mechanism for perpetuation of TdP. In this animal model with known nonuniform prolongation of repolarization, the mechanism of perpetuation of TdP arrhythmia was explored.

Methods and Results—

Seventeen TdP-sensitive CAVB and 10 sinus rhythm (SR) dogs were studied. In 6 animals, 66 needle electrodes were evenly distributed transmurally to record 240 unipolar local electrograms simultaneously. Activation times and activation recovery intervals were determined before and during ibutilide-induced TdP. In 12 CAVB and 9 SR dogs, left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) epicardial electrograms were recorded with a 208-point multiterminal grid electrode allowing conduction velocity (CV) and ventricular effective refractory period (VERP) measurements. Biopsy specimens were processed for connexin43 (Cx43) expression and collagen content. Ventricular myocytes were isolated to determine sodium current (
I
Na
) density and cell dimensions. Computer simulations were used to assess the effects of changes therein. In CAVB, VERP and ARI were increased, whereas CV was unaltered in LV. Transversal but not longitudinal CV was increased in RV.
I
Na
was reduced by 37% in LV but unaltered in RV. LV and RV cell size were increased, but collagen and Cx43 content remained unchanged. Simulations showed increase in CV of RV as a consequence of increased cell size at normal
I
Na
. Ibutilide increased ARI, ERP, and maximal transmural dispersion of ERP (45±25 to 120±65 ms;
P
<0.05). Twenty-eight of 47 episodes of self-terminating TdP (43±72 beats) were analyzed. The majority (>90%) of beats were focal; reentry was observed only occasionally.

Conclusions—

Focal activity is the dominant mechanism involved in perpetuation of ibutilide-induced TdP in CAVB dogs based on detailed 3D mapping. This conclusion is in line with unaltered conduction and documented increase in VERP.
Follistatin-Like 1 in Chronic Systolic Heart Failure
Authors: El-Armouche Ali , Ouchi Noriyuki , Tanaka Komei , Doros Gheorghe , Wittköpper Katrin , Schulze Thomas , Eschenhagen Thomas , Walsh Kenneth , Sam Flora
Published: May 2011

Background—

Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) is an extracellular glycoprotein found in human serum. Recent work suggests that FSTL1 is secreted in response to ischemic injuries and that its overexpression is protective in the heart and vasculature.

Methods and Results—

We examined serum FSTL1 levels in patients with chronic heart failure with left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction <40% (n=86). The sample was separated into three tertiles of patients with low, medium, and high FSTL1 levels. Serum FSTL1 was increased 56% above age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Diabetes mellitus, brain natriuretic peptide level, left atrial size, LV posterior wall thickness, LV end-diastolic diameter, and LV mass were significant determinants of FSTL1 serum levels by bivariate analysis. After controlling for significant covariates, FSTL1 levels predicted LV hypertrophy (as measured by LV mass index) by multivariate linear regression analysis (
P
<0.001). Unadjusted survival analysis demonstrated increased mortality in patients with increasing FSTL1 levels (
P
=0.09). After adjusting for significant parameters, patients with increased FSTL1 remained at the highest risk of death (hazard ratio, 1.028; 95% CI, 0.98 to 1.78;
P
=0.26). To determine whether elevated FSTL1 levels may be derived from the myocardium, FSTL1 protein expression was measured in explanted failing (n=18) and nonfailing (n=7) human hearts. LV failing hearts showed 2.5-fold higher FSTL1 protein levels over nonfailing control hearts (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions—

Elevated serum FSTL1 in patients with heart failure was associated with LV hypertrophy. Further studies on the role of FSTL1 as a biomarker in chronic systolic heart failure are warranted.
Anticipatory Guidance and Early Child Development: Pediatrician Advice, Parent Behaviors, and Unmet Needs as Reported by Parents From Different Backgrounds
Authors: Combs-Orme Terri , Holden Nixon Barbara , Herrod Henry G.
Published: May 2011

Anticipatory guidance is acknowledged as an important aspect of pediatric practice, and research shows that parents expect and value the information and advice they receive from their pediatric health care providers. This study surveyed 373 parents (88% mothers) of infants in waiting rooms of diverse pediatric practices in Memphis,Tennessee, about their recall of anticipatory guidance received, unmet needs for anticipatory guidance, preferences for sources of information, and activities to promote healthy development. Most parents recalled specific guidance received (diet, communication, and discipline being the most common), and unmet needs (discipline and development being among the most common). Disadvantaged parents reported the fewest unmet needs. Most parents readily named specific activities they engage in to promote development, including reading, educational toys, and nurturing.
Short-Dwell Ethanol Lock Therapy in Children Is Associated With Increased Clearance of Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infections
Authors: McGrath Eric J. , Salloum Ralph , Chen Xinguang , Jiang Yifan , Boldt-MacDonald Kathrina , Becker Cristie , Chu Roland , Ang Jocelyn Y.
Published: May 2011

Background. Central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is a known complication of central line use. Salvage of infected central lines with ethanol lock therapy (ELT) with systemic antimicrobials may be an alternative treatment option in children. Methods. Retrospective review was performed in children with CLASBI who underwent short-dwell ELT (70% ethanol, 4- to 25-hour dwell times ≤3 days) with systemic antimicrobials from January 1, 2007 to July 15, 2009. Results. A total of 59 patients, aged 2 months to 19 years (mean ± SD = 6.3 ± 6.1 years) with 80 episodes of CLABSI were included. The CLABSI eradication rate was 86% (69/80 episodes; 95% confidence interval [CI] 78%, 94%), significantly greater than 50% ( Z = 2.35, P < .05), the estimated clearance rate of CLABSI eradication using systemic antimicrobials alone. Overall central line retention was 78% (60/77 episodes, 95% CI 69%, 87%). ELT was well tolerated. Conclusions. These findings suggest the potential benefit of short-dwell ELT combined with systemic antimicrobials in CLABSI treatment. Randomized controlled trials are needed.
Age and Disability Biases in Pediatric Resuscitation Among Future Physicians
Authors: Zhong Rocksheng , Knobe Joshua , Feigenson Neal , Mercurio Mark R.
Published: May 2011

This study examined whether biases concerning age and/or disability status influenced resuscitation decisions. Medical students were randomly chosen to read 1 of 4 vignettes, organized in a 2 (age: infant vs school-age) × 2 (disability: preexisting vs no preexisting) between-subjects design. The vignettes described a pediatric patient experiencing an acute episode who required resuscitation. Following resuscitation, patients with existing disability would continue to have disability, whereas those without would develop disability. Participants indicated whether they would resuscitate, given a 10% chance of success. There was a significant main effect of disability: Medical students displayed a preference for resuscitating previously disabled children compared with previously healthy children when prognosis was held constant, F(1, 121) = 4.89, p = .03. This differential treatment of the two groups cannot easily be morally justified and poses a quandary for educators.
Incidence of Traumatic Lumbar Puncture
Authors: Glatstein Miguel M. , Zucker-Toledano Merav , Arik Alper , Scolnik Dennis , Oren Asaf , Reif Shimon
Published: May 2011

The objective of this study was to establish the incidence of traumatic or unsuccessful lumbar punctures (LPs) in the authors’ institution. This is a prospective study. Traumatic LP was defined as >400 red blood cells (RBCs) and unsuccessful LP as failure to obtain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) after the first LP attempt. A total of 127 CSF were recorded over 1 year. The incidence of a traumatic LP was 27/103 (26.2%) using the sitting position and 3/24 (12.5%) in infants and children using the lying position. In total, 33 (26%) CSF samples had 0 RBCs. The incidence of traumatic LP was 24% when the procedure involved one LP and 50% when more than one attempt was required. RBC count was significantly lower in cases requiring only one attempt ( P = .0074). Incidence of traumatic LP was independent of physicians’ experience, sedation use or time of procedure, suggesting an intrinsic factor as the cause of traumatic LPs.
Determinants of Attitudes Toward Transitional Justice
Authors: Aguilar Paloma , Balcells Laia , Cebolla-Boado Héctor
Published: May 2011

Much has been said about the institutional determinants of transitional justice (TJ), yet scholars still know little about the determinants of citizens’ attitudes toward restorative policies aimed at addressing human rights violations of the past. This article draws on an original survey of a representative sample of Spanish citizens conducted in 2008. One year earlier, the Spanish socialist government had approved the so-called Law of Historical Memory, aimed at providing restitution for victims of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) and the Francoist dictatorship (1939-1975). We analyze individual-level attitudes toward a set of TJ policies (i.e., truth commissions, trials, and symbolic reparations) in a comprehensive overview of the field. We study the effects of different sets of variables: individual sociodemographic and ideological factors, family and socialization variables, and context-related factors. Individual ideology, family victimization during the dictatorship, and regional context appear highly relevant in explaining individual attitudes toward TJ policies.
Whose Compelling Interest? The Ending of Desegregation and the Affirming of Racial Inequality in Education
Authors: Donnor Jamel K.
Published: May 2011

This article provides a critical race analysis of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to declare voluntary public school integration unconstitutional in Parents v. Seattle School District No.1. The author contends that the high Court used a perpetrator perspective of racial discrimination to privilege the self-interests of white families over students of color opportunity to attend the Seattle metropolitan area’s top public high school. This paper not only explains how the decision locks-in racial inequity in education, but also, how education policies created to improve the learning opportunities for students of color are resisted, and ultimately thwarted by Whites. The article concludes with a discussion for the continuance of race as a proportional instrument to achieve equity in education.
Social Policy and the Achievement Gap
Authors: Bower Corey Bunje
Published: May 2011

Educational research and reforms tend to focus on what happens inside schools, despite research consistently indicating that nonschool factors contribute more to the large achievement gap between different races and classes than do in-school factors. We now hear a growing call for social reform as a solution, but an important question remains, “Can social policy close the achievement gap?” This article examines the research from a number of different disciplines and fields and finds that we have plenty of reason to believe that social policy can alter educational performance but little evidence that it does. As such, a number of questions need to be answered before we can claim that social reform can meaningfully and efficiently narrow the achievement gap. Future directions for research and policy are discussed.
Reconstructing Science Curricula Through Student Voice and Choice
Authors: Seiler Gale
Published: May 2011

How can teachers enact a curriculum that is responsive to students and emergent from them when teachers are under enormous constraints to cover specific course content and to prepare students for standardized tests? Rather than an either/or perspective, this article embraces a both/and approach based on the belief that teachers can do both. Drawing upon qualitative classroom data gleaned from 3 years of research in an inner-city high school, four “best practices” inform a science curriculum model based on student voice and choice. In a recursive fashion, both the evidence and aspects of the curriculum that instantiate these practices are described. The end result is a new way of thinking about high school curricula that is situated in the students’ lives and experiences and has room for their voices and choices while addressing content standards and the development of critical thinking skills. It also demonstrates how research can inform curriculum development in overt and significant ways, when empirically identified best practices are made visible in a curriculum’s organization and implementation.
Challenging the Sounds of Silence
Authors: Mayberry Maralee , Chenneville Tiffany , Currie Sean
Published: May 2011

We explore the efficacy of one increasingly familiar strategic intervention designed to disrupt antigay school environments—Gay–Straight Alliances (GSAs). Despite the increasing popularity of GSAs, there has been little research on the ways in which they do—and do not—impact school climate. The ubiquity of antigay and homophobic attitudes throughout schools highlights the importance of documenting the advantages and disadvantages of this tactical intervention. Using research with GSA student members, GSA advisors, high school principals, and district-level administrators from a case study of high schools, we identify school practices that either support or destabilize antigay school environments: Silence and passive resistance, the provision of safe spaces, and attempts and challenges to breaking the silence. We then explore the limitations of current efforts to create safe-school environments for sexual minority youth and end by discussing how systemic school reform efforts could be used to transform the broader social context.
Teacher Efficacy Beliefs Toward Serving Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students in Special Education
Authors: Chu Szu-Yin
Published: May 2011

Educating a nation of culturally, ethnically/racially, and linguistically diverse (CLD) students is one of the many challenges facing teachers and teacher educators, resulting in teachers’ questioning their ability to improve learning for these groups. Yet teacher efficacy is significantly related to student achievement, motivation, and students’ own sense of efficacy (Tschannen-Moran & Hoy, 2001). Given continuous patterns of disproportionate representation of CLD students in special education, as well as inadequate services, it is important to understand the relation between teacher efficacy and success of CLD populations. The purpose of this pilot study not only examined the reliability of newly developed survey instrument but also investigated urban in-service special education teachers’ perceptions about their abilities to teach CLD students. Thirty-one teachers participated in this study. Among these teachers, six agreed to join the follow-up debriefing. The results demonstrated adequate reliability, and several hypotheses were formulated during analyzing data and discussed with peer debriefers. Implications of this study will be provided.
Nrf-2 Regulates Cyclosporine-stimulated HO-1 Expression in Gingiva
Authors: Chin Y.-T. , Liao Y.-W. , Fu M.M.J. , Tu H.-P. , Shen E.-C. , Nieh S. , Shih K.-C. , Fu E.
Published: May 2011

Cyclosporine-A (CsA) stimulates heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in the gingiva, but the regulation and the role of HO-1 in gingival overgrowth are not well-understood. HO-1 is regulated by several transcription factors, such as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2). The aim of this study was to examine the role of Nrf-2 in the regulation of CsA-stimulated HO-1 expression in human gingival fibroblasts. Nrf-2 siRNA (siNrf-2), NF-κB, kinase inhibitors, and sulforaphane (SFN) were used to examine the nuclear translocation of Nrf-2 and expression of HO-1 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in cells. Treatment with siNrf-2, but not with an NF-κB inhibitor, reduced CsA-stimulated HO-1 mRNA expression. ERK inhibition significantly decreased CsA-stimulated Nrf-2 nuclear translocation and HO-1 mRNA expression. Pre-treatment with SFN showed that HO-1 plays a role in attenuating CsA-mediated TGF-β1 expressions. These findings suggest that CsA-stimulated HO-1 expression is mediated through the activation of ERK, and that Nrf-2 plays a protective role against CsA-induced gingival fibrosis by modulating collagen turnover-related genes.
Understanding Your Band, Orchestra, and Choir Students
Authors: MacLellan Christin Reardon
Published: June 2011

Stereotypes about the personalities of musicians, which have evolved over time, seem to direct our perception of musical experiences that take place in different ensembles. This article presents the stereotypes often associated with musicians’ personalities and examines eight personality trends of high school band, orchestra, and choir students that can be identified in research. Personality similarities and differences among ensemble students are discussed. Teaching techniques and strategies that accommodate students’ personality types are suggested.
Philosophy + Advocacy = Success
Authors: Tutt Kevin , Townley Marc
Published: June 2011

Knowledge about music advocacy strategies has long been promoted as important for music educators, not only for the benefit of their individual programs but also for the specific benefit of music students and the general public. This article suggests an approach to advocacy grounded in the teacher’s professional beliefs, phrased in terms particular to the teacher’s school district and presented to administrators, parents, and the community at large in order to gain maximum support.
Predicting Online Harassment Victimization Among a Juvenile Population
Authors: Bossler Adam M. , Holt Thomas J. , May David C.
Published: May 2011

Online harassment can consist of threatening, worrisome, emotionally hurtful, or sexual messages delivered via an electronic medium that can lead victims to feel fear or distress much like real-world harassment and stalking. This activity is especially prevalent among middle and high school populations who frequently use technology as a means to communicate with others. Little is known, however, whether factors linked to computer crime victimization in college samples have the same influence in juvenile populations. The article discusses a study conducted utilizing a routine-activities framework that explored the online harassment experiences among middle and high school students and recruited 434 students in a Kentucky middle and high school to complete a survey uploaded on the district server during school hours. Multiple binary logistic regression models indicate that online harassment victimization increased when juveniles maintain social network sites, associate with peers who harass online, and post sensitive information online. The implications of these findings for theorists, practitioners, and policy makers are also explored.
Adolescent Tobacco Use in the Netherlands
Authors: Huisman Chip , van de Werfhorst Herman G. , Monshouwer Karin
Published: May 2011

This article empirically examines the effect of social background, education, and school organization on adolescent tobacco use in the Netherlands. We test theories of norm enforcing and horizon expanding social networks and distinction by examining the relationship between daily smoking behavior and school organization. Using the 2007 Dutch National School Survey on Substance Use, we find that individual student characteristics are more important predictors than school characteristics. Importantly, social background effects are clearly mediated by school tracks, suggesting that tracking helps us to explain social gradients in substance use. However, school context plays almost no role in adolescent smoking behavior. One exception concerns students in the general track, for whom we find that smoking is further reduced when they are placed in the same school organization as students of the vocational track. This is in line with the theory that tracking differences are magnified in a context where interaction between students from different tracks is promoted.
Identifying and Decreasing Barriers to Parent Involvement for Inner-City Parents
Authors: Williams Terrinieka T. , Sánchez Bernadette
Published: May 2011

Previous studies demonstrate the positive effects of parental involvement on student grade point averages (GPAs), standardized tests scores, and other academic outcomes. Because of the positive role of parental involvement on youth academic achievement, many parents and school personnel desire more collaboration between the family and the school. However, obstacles often arise prohibiting such positive interactions, especially for inner-city African American parents. In this study, parents and school personnel at a predominantly African American inner-city high school completed in-depth interviews regarding the barriers to involving parents in their children’s education. Parents and school personnel identified barriers that fit into four descriptive categories: (a) time poverty, (b) lack of access, (c) lack of financial resources, and (d) lack of awareness. Suggestions for decreasing barriers were also discussed. Findings suggest that taking family context into consideration during the planning phases of school-based programs and events improve parental involvement. Implications and recommendations for practitioners are discussed.
Interpersonal Tone Within School-Based Youth Mentoring Relationships
Authors: Pryce Julia M. , Keller Thomas E.
Published: June 2011

This prospective, mixed-method study presents an in-depth view of school-based youth mentoring relationships using qualitative data from direct observations, in-depth interviews, and open-ended questionnaires with mentors and students. The dimension of interpersonal tone, referring to the interaction style between adult mentor and student, was investigated using a pattern-oriented approach. The analyses identify four distinctive patterns of interpersonal tone and categorize mentor–student relationships according to systematic variation on this dimension. The study integrates quantitative assessments of relationship quality to corroborate and supplement these inductively derived categories. Findings reveal meaningful distinctions in the nature and quality of mentoring relationships and suggest implications for the supports programs might offer to promote positive relationships.
Risk and Resilience in Orphaned Adolescents Living in a Community Affected by AIDS
Authors: Wild Lauren G. , Flisher Alan J. , Robertson Brian A.
Published: May 2011

The AIDS pandemic has resulted in a dramatic rise in the number of orphans in South Africa. This study was designed to investigate the associations between family, peer, and community factors and resilience in orphaned adolescents. Self-report questionnaires were administered verbally to 159 parentally bereaved adolescents (aged 10-19) in an economically deprived urban area. Questionnaires included measures of depression, anxiety, and self-esteem. The results of a hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicate that cumulative stress exposure, losing a parent to a cause other than HIV and AIDS, and being cared for by a nonrelative were associated with an increased risk of internalizing symptoms. Family regulation and respect for individuality, peer connection, and community connection and regulation were significantly associated with greater emotional resilience. The findings support a main-effects model of resilience in which risk factors and protective factors contribute additively to the prediction of the outcome, without interaction.
Interpreting Weber’s Ideal-Types
Authors: Aronovitch Hilliard
Published: May 2011

Weber’s notion of ideal-types has most frequently been rejected as incoherent or overly abstract. This article maintains that it insightfully addresses explanatory issues in social science by encompassing the agents’ subjective understanding and the need for theorists to comprehend, explain, and evaluate it. As such, ideal-types are not versions of established models in natural science or economics. Further keys are seeing ideal-types as blending interpretive understanding and causal explanation but not thereby causal generalizations, and rational appraisals as consistent with value pluralism.
Multilevel Recidivism Prediction
Authors: Onifade Eyitayo , Petersen Jodi , Bynum Timothy S. , Davidson William S.
Published: May 2011

Risk assessments such as the Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (YLS/CMI) that predict delinquency outcomes based on proximal risk factors may benefit from an incorporation of distal risk factors in their prediction models. This study utilized a juvenile probationer sample and block group SES data in exploring the differential predictive validity of the YLS/CMI with youth of similar person-centered risk levels from different criminogenic neighborhood types. The study entailed an exploratory factor analysis of block group socioeconomic variables, which were used in a cluster analysis to create criminogenic neighborhood typology system. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship among recidivism (Level 1), risk score (Level 1), neighborhood SES factors (Level 2), and neighborhood types (Level 2). Significant interactions were found across levels among variables, suggesting the risk—recidivism relationship was moderated by neighborhood socioeconomic ecology. Implications for practice and policy are discussed.
Determination of a Practical pH Cutoff Level for Reliable Confirmation of Nasogastric Tube Placement
Authors: Gilbertson Heather Ruth , Rogers Elizabeth Jessie , Ukoumunne Obioha Chukwunyere
Published: May 2011

Background: Enteral feeding is a common method of nutrition support when oral intake is inadequate. Confirmation of correct nasogastric (NG) tube placement is essential. Risks of morbidity/mortality associated with misplacement in the lung are well documented. Studies indicate that pH ≤4 confirms gastric aspirate, but in pediatrics, a pH of gastric aspirate is often >4. The goal of this study was to determine a reliable and practical pH value to confirm NG tube placement, without increasing the risk of not identifying a misplaced NG tube. Methods: Pediatric inpatients older than 4 weeks receiving enteral nutrition (nasogastric or gastrostomy) were recruited over 9 months. Aspirate samples were pH tested at NG tube placement and before feedings. If pH >4, NG tube position was confirmed by chest radiograph or further investigations. In addition, intensive care unit (ICU) patients who required endotracheal suctioning were recruited, and endotracheal aspirate samples were pH tested. Results: A total of 4,330 gastric aspirate samples (96% nasogastric) were collected from 645 patients with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of 1.0 years (0.3–5.2 years). The mean (standard deviation [SD]) pH of these gastric samples was 3.6 (1.4) (range, 0–9). pH was >4 in 1,339 (30.9%) gastric aspirate samples, and of these, 244 were radiographed, which identified 10 misplaced tubes (1 with pH 5.5). A total of 65 endotracheal aspirate samples were collected from 19 ICU patients with a median (IQR) age of 0.6 years (0.4–5.2 years). The mean (SD) pH of these samples was 8.4 (0.8) (range, 6–9.5). Conclusion: Given that the lowest pH value of endotracheal aspirate sample was 6, and a misplaced NG tube was identified with pH 5.5, it is proposed that a gastric aspirate pH ≤5 is a safer, reliable, and practical cutoff in this population.
From Profession to Practices in IT Design
Authors: Sefyrin Johanna
Published: May 2011

In this article the argument is that in order to find women who participate in the design of IT, it is not enough to analyze gendered divisions of labor in terms of professional belongings but also to analyze the practices behind the professional categories that are involved in IT design. The purpose of the article is to explore how actors in various ways were configured during an IT design project. The article is based on an IT design project, and the empirical material for the study was gathered through the use of ethnographic methods, and analyzed diffractively. This analysis showed that the boundaries between actors shifted, that the actors were placed in several different positions, and that what was done in practices did not always fit with the formal positions. The analysis made it possible to see that in this IT design project, women were important participants on which the whole project depended. If this project is representative also for other IT design projects, the problem of women as outsiders of IT design could be rephrased, and the problem is no longer that women are not included in IT design, but that their participation does not always become visible.
The Association of Background and Network Type Among Older Americans
Authors: Litwin Howard , Shiovitz-Ezra Sharon
Published: May 2011

This study examined the sociodemographic and health correlates of social network types among older Americans. It also considered whether greater human capital is associated with embeddedness in more socially endowed network types. Data from the first wave of the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project (NSHAP) were employed, focusing on the 65 years and older subsample. Multivariate logistic regressions were executed with core sociodemographic and health characteristics viewed in relation to five social network types: diverse, friend, congregant, family, and restricted networks. The analysis showed that religion, educational level, ethnicity, and gender were indeed associated with network type, to varying degrees. Age was unrelated to network type, but the interaction of disability and age was. Moreover, human capital was found to be partially correlated with social network type, mainly in the friend network. The findings substantiate that older Americans coalesce in varied social network types and that these interpersonal constellations are differentially associated with background characteristics.
Health Subjectivities and Labor Market Participation
Authors: Brown Patrick , Vickerstaff Sarah
Published: May 2011

Decisions around retirement and continued labor market participation are of great significance for those who make them, as well as policy makers, researchers, welfare states, and pension programs. The literature acknowledges the multifaceted nature of these choices and particularly the interaction of key variables—job satisfaction, financial status, caring responsibilities, spouse’s plans, and health. This article explores this latter factor, challenging assumptions that it can be treated as an unproblematic independent variable. Analyzing qualitative data from interviews with 96 people approaching or in the midst of retirement, the subjective experience of health and its effect on decisions was strongly evident. The socialized context—as shaped at societal, organizational, household, and individual-life-historical levels—was crucial in understanding how similar symptoms of morbidity resulted in widely varying decisions/outcomes. Direct interpersonal experiences, shaped by social structures, were useful in explaining the prevalence of health pessimism, despite general increases in life expectancy.
Assessment of Nasal Fibroscopy to Explore Olfactory Cleft
Authors: Porez Florence , de Pommerol Marie Jullien , Krief Peggy , Conso Françoise , Stoll Dominique , de Gabory Ludovic
Published: May 2011

Objective

To assess whether flexible nasoendoscopy can be used to visualize all parts of the olfactory cleft (OC) without morbidity.

Study Design

Single‐center, prospective, observational study.

Setting

French tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

100 consecutive patients were divided in 2 groups of 50. Group 1 underwent nasal fibroscopy without vasoconstriction or local anesthesia with an endosheath‐ protected endoscope. Group 2 was examined by a fiberscope without an endosheath after application of naphazoline Xylocaine. Each OC was divided in 16 items recorded as visualized or not. Four scores were compared between both groups: out of 16 (1 side), out of 32 (both sides), out of 12 concerning only the narrowest and highest bilateral spaces, and out of 4 to divide these specific areas in anterior, middle, and posterior parts. Length of procedure, pain, epistaxis, blood mark on the endosheath, sneezing, rhinorrhea, and causes of failure were recorded.

Results

There was no significant difference between both groups concerning score out of 16 or 32. The visibility of the narrower and higher spaces was better in group 2: scores out of 12 were significantly different between the groups (P =. 025), as were scores out of 4 for the anterior and middle parts of the OC (P =. 02 and. 01 respectively). Morbidity was low without differences between the groups. Deviated nasal septum was the only cause of failure and increased the patients’ pain during the examination (P =. 045).

Conclusion

Nasal fibroscopy could be used to explore the different portions of the OC efficiently and with low morbidity.
Relationships of Pubertal Development Among Early Adolescents to Sexual and Nonsexual Risk Behaviors and Caregivers’ Parenting Behaviors
Authors: Koo Helen P. , Rose Allison , Bhaskar Brinda , Walker Leslie R.
Published: May 2011

Using a school-based sample of fifth graders (mean age = 10.38, SD = 0.66) and their parents ( N = 408) from Washington, D.C., the authors examine associations of pubertal development with early adolescents’ sexual and nonsexual risk behaviors and their caregivers’ parenting behaviors and of these risk behaviors with parenting behaviors. Results indicate that youths reporting signs of pubertal development were more likely to engage in these risk behaviors than were students reporting no signs. Pubertal development is not related to parenting behaviors; however, parents of youths who reported multiple nonsexual risk behaviors reported more parent–child communication about sexual topics. These results highlight the need to begin risk prevention efforts early, prior to pubertal development. Research is needed to understand how parents can help youths better cope with pubertal development to avoid involvement in sexual and nonsexual risk behaviors.
Glocal Conservatism
Authors: Shechter Relli
Published: May 2011

Observers of Saudi society have often expressed bewilderment toward seemingly growing contradictions between “old” and “new,” “tradition” and “modernity,” “authentic” and “foreign,” or “Islamic” and “non-Islamic” in an age of mass consumption. Glocal conservatism in marketing decoupled such conceived binary oppositions, and therefore, the insurmountable tensions they implied. A unique mélange of global and local marketing practices facilitated new consumption patterns and social stratification based on consumption in the making of a Saudi mass consumer society. Glocal conservatism in marketing was encouraged through state discourse and Five-Year Plans; consumers’; selective participation in markets; and self-motivated or self-regulated enterprises. It further enhanced an existing sociocultural order, identity and ideal, as well as local governance. This article studies this critical phase in the remaking of Saudi Arabia using contemporary business press; literature on “doing business”; academic writings on local marketing; Philip Morris’;—a tobacco multinational—records; and by analyzing ads from Okaz, a Saudi daily.