bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Ayiti Cheri”
Authors: Ferguson Gail M. , Desir Charlene , Bornstein Marc H.
Published: October 2013

Adolescents are an emerging population in Haiti, particularly after the deadly 2010 earthquake. The steady penetration of U.S. culture into this poor, disaster-prone country begs the question, Do today’s adolescents possess a similar fondness for their home country, culture, and traditional family values as did Haitians of old? Or are they more oriented toward U.S. culture? Early adolescents ( N = 105, 52% female, M = 12.87 years, SD = .86) in rural Haiti reported their cultural orientation toward Haitian culture and U.S. culture as well as their family obligations beliefs. Findings revealed high Haitian orientation, very high family obligations (boys especially), and very low U.S. orientation, although adolescents who interacted more frequently with U.S. tourists and those who consumed more U.S. fast food had higher U.S. culture orientation. Despite severe challenges, rural Haitian early adolescents demonstrate remarkable allegiance to their home country, culture, and traditional family values.
The safety of young children in care: a New Zealand study
Authors: Connolly Marie , de Haan Irene , Crawford Jonelle
Published: October 2013

When children are looked after in public care it is critical that they remain free from abuse. Understanding the safety of such children is important both to the child’s well-being and to the continued improvement of the care system. This article explores the research relating to the safety of young children in care and reports on a five-year follow-up study of 228 New Zealand children who entered care when under two years of age in 2005. Based on re-notification data, the study found that the majority of children were identified as being safe in care. As the research was undertaken in New Zealand, the article also provides an example of how services can respond to evidence about child development while maintaining sensitivity to local circumstances.
Using the Adult Attachment Interview to inform foster carer assessment
Authors: Blazey Laura , Harris Julie , Lines Mandy , Devasahayam Anoop , Minnis Helen
Published: October 2013

This study reports on findings from research carried out with Barnardo’s, a voluntary sector (not-for-profit) fostering agency, on its experience of using the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) to assess foster carers’ attachment style. Despite growing interest in the application of standardised assessment tools to the selection and support of carers, there is currently very little research that focuses on the implementation of these tools and their added value in either an adoption or foster care setting. Research was conducted in two phases. The first phase used qualitative interviews with staff members to explore their experience of using the AAI in the early stages of its implementation. The second phase drew on qualitative interviews with staff, foster carers and fostering panel members to assess current practice 18 months later. The AAI was found to add depth and rigour to the assessment process, provided opportunities for carers to reflect on their past experiences and gave staff and carers a common language to discuss issues relating to attachment. However, the use of the AAI was not without its costs and challenges and required a significant investment of time and resources. The implications for foster care agencies are discussed.
Prevalence of menstrual migraine: A population-based study
Authors: Vetvik Kjersti G , MacGregor E Anne , Lundqvist Christofer , Russell Michael B
Published: October 2013

Aim

To present data from a population-based epidemiological study on menstrual migraine.

Material and methods

Altogether, 5000 women aged 30–34 years were screened for menstrual migraine. Women with self-reported menstrual migraine in at least half of their menstrual cycles were invited to an interview and examination. We expanded the International Classification of Headache Disorders III beta appendix criteria on menstrual migraine to include both migraine without aura and migraine with aura, as well as probable menstrual migraine with aura and migraine without aura.

Results

A total of 237 women were included in the study. The prevalence among all women was as follows: any type of menstrual migraine 7.6%; menstrual migraine without aura 6.1%; menstrual migraine with aura 0.6%; probable menstrual migraine without aura 0.6%; probable menstrual migraine with aura 0.3%. The corresponding figures among female migraineurs were: any type of menstrual migraine 22.0%, menstrual migraine without aura 17.6%, menstrual migraine with aura 1.7%, probable menstrual migraine without aura 1.6% and probable menstrual migraine with aura 1.0%.

Conclusion

More than one of every five female migraineurs aged 30–34 years have migraine in ≥50% of menstruations. The majority has menstrual migraine without aura and one of eight women had migraine with aura in relation to their menstruation. Our results indicate that the ICHD III beta appendix criteria of menstrual migraine are not exhaustive.
The American Psychological Association’s Committee on Women in Psychology
Authors: Chrisler Joan C. , Fuentes Cynthia de las , Durvasula Ramani S. , Esnil Edna M. , McHugh Maureen C. , Miles-Cohen Shari E. , Williams Julie L. , Wisdom Jennifer P.
Published: October 2013

The Committee on Women in Psychology (CWP) of the American Psychological Association was founded in 1973 in response to the report of the Task Force on the Status of Women in Psychology. In this article, we set the context for the founding of the task force and committee and briefly describe the history of feminist critique of, and activism within, organized psychology in the United States. From its inception to the present day, CWP has been known as an activist group. We review some of the major contributions CWP has made over four decades in service of the feminist transformation of psychology. We also review the committee’s major contributions to psychology in the public interest, especially to the physical and mental health and well-being of women.
The Need to Feed: Urban Metabolic Struggles of Actually Existing Radical Projects
Authors: Sbicca Joshua
Published: October 2013

Cities are a locus for struggles over the ability for historically marginalized groups to feed themselves. These stratified spaces represent a distinct expression of the conventional agrifood system: the undernutrition/malnutrition paradox. By investigating the food politics of two organizations – Food Not Bombs in Orlando, FL and People’s Grocery in West Oakland, CA – this article advances scholarship on how activists are working to heal and prevent further individual and social metabolic rifts tied to urban food systems. Particularly regarding food access, strategies to resist and transform the conditions producing experiential and cognitive alienation and the commodification of land and labor often emerge from interstitial spaces. Yet, radical food politics is embedded within ongoing processes of neoliberalization that complicate and oftentimes blunt their transformative potential. In short, this article investigates the potential for and challenges faced by ‘actually existing radical projects’ working to lessen/end hunger and diet-related health problems.
Historians in the archive
Authors: Huistra Pieter , Paul Herman , Tollebeek Jo
Published: October 2013

Historians in the 19th-century were not the first to discover the importance of source materials kept in archival depositories. More than their predecessors, however, scholars working in the historical discipline that the 19th century saw emerge tended to equate professional historical knowledge with knowledge based on primary source research, that is, practically speaking, on knowledge gained from source material that was usually kept in archives. While previous scholarship had paid ample attention to the methods that 19th-century historians employed for the study of such archival material, to the epistemologies they developed in tandem with these methods and to the institutions they created for the study of archival records, this special issue explores the influence that archives, in a classic, institutional sense, exerted on the practices of 19th-century historiography. How did the archival turn affect historians’ working manners? How contested was this archival research imperative, with its underlying autopsy principle? And how did it spread geographically, in and outside Europe?
Kibbutzim as a Real-life Utopia: Survival Depends on Adherence to Utopian Values
Authors: Leviatan Uriel
Published: October 2013

For many decades kibbutzim in Israel have aspired to embody principles of a Utopian community. Members live in such community out of their free will with knowledge of other life options and the possibility to leave whenever they wish and all members of that community satisfy all their needs in a sustainable way. They maximise the expression of their human potential and live in a community of equality among the members, according to their unique human needs and potentials, in solidarity, in collaboration and fraternity, and in cooperation. The community actively uses its resources in spreading these values and characteristics into the larger society. However, starting at the end of the 1980s, the kibbutzim experienced a deep economic and ideological crisis. Two major outcomes of that crisis signalled the beginning of the demise of the kibbutz phenomenon: ( a) a large wave of emigration for other ways of life by members, particularly the young; and, ( b) abandonment by most kibbutzim and their members of the basic principles of conduct that stemmed from the kibbutz values. The article explores the causal processes that undermined the kibbutz model. I conclude that the abandonment of kibbutz values is the major cause. At the end I draw lessons for the survival of intentional communities like the kibbutz.
Scholar-Craftsmanship
Authors: Werner Thomas P. , Rogers Katrina S.
Published: October 2013

Scholar-Craftsmanship (SC) is a quadrant methodological framework created to help social science doctoral students construct first-time dissertation research. The framework brackets and predicts how epistemological domains, cultures of inquiries, personality indicators, and research question–types can be correlated in dissertation research design. This research is focused on doctoral students in the School of Human and Organizational Development (HOD) at Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, California. Fielding educators (Schapiro, 2003) have long speculated that more learning tools, introduced early in the self-directed, distributed learning model, could aid students in their studies and assist in the construction of sound dissertation research—SC is one of those learning tools. This research concludes suggesting further exploration into dissertation research design—for example, an in-process content analysis of 100 published dissertations—might support or refute SC’s predictions and advance the usefulness of the methodological framework in doctoral education programs.
Greening the Net Generation
Authors: Walter Pierre
Published: October 2013

Adult learning today takes place primarily within walled classrooms or in other indoor settings, and often in front of various types of digital screens. As adults have adopted the digital technologies and indoor lifestyle attributed to the so-called Net Generation, we have become detached from contact with the natural world outdoors. As a result, many of us are beginning to experience a variety of often debilitating physical, emotional, and mental health problems. At the same time, recent adult education scholarship shows the benefits of restorative, natural experiences in the outdoors, their contribution to adult learning and positive effects on our emotional, physical, and mental health. This paper identifies two themes in outdoor learning for adults: (a) cultural, spiritual, and transformative learning in natural settings and (b) survival, group, and leadership learning in the wilderness. It then offers suggestions for integrating digital technology into outdoor adult learning and offers conceptual parallels to thinking and activities in the digital world in relation to adult learning.
Skills Needed to Survive and Thrive as a Scholar in the 21st Century
Authors: Conceição Simone C. O.
Published: October 2013

The changes in the way our work is created, published, and disseminated have implications for our own professional development and require us to be aware of the necessary skills. In this article, I identify three important skills scholars need to have and tools to be effective, efficient, and productive scholars in the 21st century: information management, knowledge management, and publication management.
CLAHRCs in practice: combined knowledge transfer and exchange strategies, cultural change, and experimentation
Authors: Soper Bryony , Yaqub Ohid , Hinrichs Saba , Marjanovich Sonja , Drabble Samuel , Hanney Stephen , Nolte Ellen
Published: October 2013

Objectives

The nine NIHR CLAHRCs are collaborations between universities and local NHS organizations that seek to improve patient outcomes through the conduct and application of applied health research. The theoretical and practical context within which the CLAHRCs were set up was characterized by a considerable degree of uncertainty, and the CLAHRCs were established as a natural experiment.

Methods

We adopted a formative and emergent evaluation approach. Drawing on in-depth, multi-method case studies of two CLAHRCs we explored how they pursued their remit by supporting efforts to increase the relevance and use of health research, and building relationships.

Results

Both CLAHRCs: strengthened local networks and relationships; built capacity in their local academic and NHS communities to undertake and use research that meets the needs of the service; developed research and implementation methodologies; and added to understanding of the complex relation between research and implementation. There was evidence of impact of CLAHRC projects on health and social care services. Informed by the literature on implementing collaborative research initiatives, knowledge transfer and exchange and cultural change, some key lessons can be drawn.

Conclusion

The CLAHRCs pursued a strategy that can be categorized as one of flexible comprehensiveness; i.e. their programmes have been flexible and responsive and they have used a range of approaches that seek to match the diverse aspects of the complex issues they face. Key features include their work on combining a range of knowledge transfer and exchange strategies, their efforts to promote cultural change, and the freedom to experiment, learn and adapt. Although the CLAHRCs do not, by themselves, have the remit or resources to bring about wholesale service improvement in health care, they do have features that would allow them to play a key role in some of the wider initiatives that encourage innovation.
Consuming tourism experiences
Authors: Kwek Anna , Lee Young-Sook
Published: October 2013

Previous researchers have studied the consumption values of Chinese consumers; however, limited studies focused on the consumption behaviour of Chinese corporate travellers. This study explores the consumption behaviour of Mainland Chinese corporate travellers at leisure. Participant observation of 12 travel groups indicates that tourism is seen as a reflection of modern lifestyle and understood in the narrow sense of material consumption and modern developments in the society. The findings demonstrate how Chinese corporate travellers embrace aspects of materialistic consumerism that not only offers luxury and status recognition but also reflects a particular form of collective gaze that constantly searches for modern development.
The Use of Cohesive Devices in Descriptive Writing by Omani Student-Teachers
Authors: Abdul Rahman Zuhair Abdul Amir
Published: October 2013

This study examines college-level Arabic L1 users’ command of cohesive devices by exploring the extent to which Omani student-teachers of English and native English speakers differ in their use of cohesive devices in descriptive English writing. Halliday and Hasan’s framework of cohesion was used to analyze the essays written by the two groups. A qualitative research methodology was utilized to analyze the writing of the two groups to reveal the points of strengths and weaknesses in their writing. The results of the study indicated that there was a notable difference between the natives’ and the students’ use of cohesive devices in terms of frequency, variety, and control. While L1 English users’ writing displayed a balance between the use and frequency of various types of cohesive devices, the students overused certain types (repetition and reference) while neglecting to use the others, thereby often, rendering their written texts noncohesive.
Validity and Reliability of an Equity in Health Care Scale
Authors: Lobo Alexandrina , Mateus Sónia
Published: October 2013

The objective of this article was to describe and validate psychometric properties of a Likert-type scale to assess the perception of equity in health care, characterize equity in health care of users in the district of Vila Real, and analyze the factors that determine equity in health care in the district of Vila Real. The study was developed in a district of the northern interior of Portugal, with 6,113 participants. We resorted to Cronbach’s alpha and also Pearson’s correlation to validate the scale. The Cronbach’s alpha of the scale is adequate, showing a good internal consistency, and the most appointed factors as being influential on equity are age, geographical distance, and socioeconomic resources. The proposed scale was found to perform well, measuring these participants’ perception on the equity to access in health care, which can contribute to identify the key determinants appointed by the population as generators of inequity, leading to the implementation of measures.
Avoided by Association
Authors: Krypotos Angelos-Miltiadis , Effting Marieke , Arnaudova Inna , Kindt Merel , Beckers Tom
Published: October 2013

Traditional theoretical models hold that avoidance reflects the interplay of Pavlovian and instrumental learning. Here we suggest that avoidance tendencies to intrinsically neutral cues may be established by mere Pavlovian association. Following fear conditioning, in which pictures of one object were paired with shock (CS+) whereas pictures of another object were not (CS−), CS+ pictures facilitated avoidance reactions and interfered with approach responses, relative to CS− pictures, in a symbolic approach/avoidance reaction time task. This was achieved without any instrumental relation between responses and CS continuation or unconditioned stimulus presentation. Moreover, those avoidance tendencies were sensitive to Pavlovian extinction (they were reduced after repeated presentations of the CS+ without shock) and renewal (recovery of conditioned responding upon returning to the initial conditioning context after extinction in a different context). The present results may help us understand the self-perpetuating nature of pathological fear and anxiety.
cAMP signaling regulates platelet myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation and shape change through targeting the RhoA-Rho kinase-MLC phosphatase signaling pathway
Authors: Aburima Ahmed , Wraith Katie S. , Raslan Zaher , Law Robert , Magwenzi Simbarashe , Naseem Khalid M.
Published: October 2013

Key Points

Protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylates RhoA on serine188 to inhibit RhoA membrane translocation and RhoA kinase (ROCK) signaling. Inhibition of RhoA/ROCK2 promotes myosin light chain (MLC) phosphatase activity, which prevents the phosphorylation of MLC and platelet shape change.
Enrichment of FLI1 and RUNX1 mutations in families with excessive bleeding and platelet dense granule secretion defects
Authors: Stockley Jacqueline , Morgan Neil V. , Bem Danai , Lowe Gillian C. , Lordkipanidzé Marie , Dawood Ban , Simpson Michael A. , Macfarlane Kirsty , Horner Kevin , Leo Vincenzo C. , Talks Katherine , Motwani Jayashree , Wilde Jonathan T. , Collins Peter W. , Makris Michael , Watson Steve P. , Daly Martina E.
Published: October 2013

Key Points

Novel FLI1 and RUNX1 alterations were identified in 6 of 13 patients with excessive bleeding and platelet granule secretion defects. Two FLI1 alterations predicting amino acid substitutions in the DNA-binding domain of FLI1 abolished transcriptional activity of FLI1.
Activation of peripheral nerve fibers by electrical stimulation in the sole of the foot
Authors: Frahm Ken Steffen , Mørch Carsten Dahl , Grill Warren M , Lubock Nathan B , Hennings Kristian , Andersen Ole Kæseler
Published: October 2013

Background

Human nociceptive withdrawal reflexes (NWR) can be evoked by electrical stimulation applied to the sole of the foot. However, elicitation of NWRs is highly site dependent, and NWRs are especially difficult to elicit at the heel. The aim of the present study was to investigate potential peripheral mechanisms for any site dependent differences in reflex thresholds.

Results

The first part of the study investigated the neural innervation in different sites of the sole of the foot using two different staining techniques. 1) Staining for the Nav1.7 antigen (small nociceptive fibers) and 2) the Sihler whole nerve technique (myelinated part of the nerve). No differences in innervation densities were found across the sole of the foot using the two staining techniques: Nav1.7 immunochemistry (small nociceptive fibers (1-way ANOVA, NS)) and the Sihler’s method (myelinated nerve fibers (1-way ANOVA, NS)). However, the results indicate that there are no nociceptive intraepidermal nerve fibers (IENFs) innervating the heel.

Secondly, mathematical modeling was used to investigate to what degree differences in skin thicknesses affect the activation thresholds of Aδ and Aβ fibers in the sole of the foot. The modeling comprised finite element analysis of the volume conduction combined with a passive model of the activation of branching cutaneous nerve fibers. The model included three different sites in the sole of the foot (forefoot, arch and heel) and three different electrode sizes (diameters: 9.1, 12.9, and 18.3 mm). For each of the 9 combinations of site and electrode size, a total of 3000 Aβ fibers and 300 Aδ fibers was modeled. The computer simulation of the effects of skin thicknesses and innervation densities on thresholds of modeled Aδ and Aβ fibers did not reveal differences in pain and perception thresholds across the foot sole as have been observed experimentally. Instead a lack of IENFs at the heel decreased the electrical activation thresholds compared to models including IENFs.

Conclusions

The nerve staining and modeling results do not explain differences in NWR thresholds across the sole of the foot which may suggest that central mechanisms contribute to variation in NWR excitability across the sole of the foot.
The ORCA2 transcription factor plays a key role in regulation of the terpenoid indole alkaloid pathway
Authors: Li Chun Yao , Leopold Alex L , Sander Guy W , Shanks Jacqueline V , Zhao Le , Gibson Susan I
Published: October 2013

Background

The terpenoid indole alkaloid (TIA) pathway leads to the production of pharmaceutically important drugs, such as the anticancer compounds vinblastine and vincristine. Unfortunately, these drugs are produced in trace amounts, causing them to be very costly. To increase production of these drugs, an improved understanding of the TIA regulatory pathway is needed. Towards this end, transgenic Catharanthus roseus hairy roots that overexpress the ORCA2 TIA transcriptional activator were generated and characterized.

Results

Transcriptional profiling experiments revealed that overexpression of ORCA2 results in altered expression of key genes from the indole and terpenoid pathways, which produce precursors for the TIA pathway, and from the TIA pathway itself. In addition, metabolite-profiling experiments revealed that overexpression of ORCA2 significantly affects the levels of several TIA metabolites. ORCA2 overexpression also causes significant increases in transcript levels of several TIA regulators, including TIA transcriptional repressors.

Conclusions

Results presented here indicate that ORCA2 plays a critical role in regulation of TIA metabolism. ORCA2 regulates expression of key genes from both feeder pathways, as well as the genes (STR and SGD) encoding the enzymes that catalyze the first two steps in TIA biosynthesis. ORCA2 may play an especially important role in regulation of the downstream branches of the TIA pathway, as it regulates four out of five genes characterized from this part of the pathway. Regulation of TIA transcriptional repressors by ORCA2 may provide a mechanism whereby increases in TIA metabolite levels in response to external stimuli are transient and limited in magnitude.
Validity, intra- and inter-observer reliability of automated devices for the assessment of ankle brachial index using photo-plethysmography
Authors: Teren Andrej , Beutner Frank , Wirkner Kerstin , Loeffler Markus , Scholz Markus
Published: October 2013

Background

Ankle-brachial-Index (ABI) measured by manual Dopplersonography is an easily assessable marker of global cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to establish novel photo-plethysmography (PPG)-based ABI assessments in an epidemiologic context and to compare its results with those of Doppler.

Methods

Two devices for PPG-based ABI assessments (Vicorder, Vascular Explorer) were tested and compared against Doppler in 56 putatively healthy subjects. We determined acceptance, time requirements, agreement of repeat measurements, agreement with Doppler and intra- and inter-observer concordances for both devices and compared the results. Differences between cuff inflation- and deflation-based methods were also studied for Vascular Explorer.

Results

Acceptance was similar for both devices but Vascular Explorer was more time consuming. Agreement of multiple measurements was moderate for both methods highlighting the importance of measurement replicates. Both automated devices showed significantly higher ABI compared to Doppler which can be traced back to higher brachial pressures (Vicorder) or higher ankle pressures (Vascular Explorer). This effect is more pronounced for Vascular Explorer but can be ameliorated using the deflation method of measurement. Intra-observer concordances were similar. Inter-observer concordance was non-significantly better for Vicorder.

Conclusions

Both devices proved to be feasible in epidemiologic studies, but compared to Doppler, do not constitute an advantage regarding time requirement and accuracy of ABI assessment. Since PPG-based ABI values are inflated compared to Doppler, it will be necessary to adjust Doppler-based cut-offs for risk stratification.
High-level expression of a novel thermostable and mannose-tolerant β-mannosidase from Thermotoga thermarum DSM 5069 in Escherichia coli
Authors: Shi Hao , Huang Yingjuan , Zhang Yu , Li Wenqian , Li Xun , Wang Fei
Published: October 2013

Background

Mannan is one of the primary polysaccharides in hemicellulose and is widely distributed in plants. β-Mannosidase is an important constituent of the mannan-degrading enzyme system and it plays an important role in many industrial applications, such as food, feed and pulp/paper industries as well as the production of second generation bio-fuel. Therefore, the mannose-tolerant β-mannosidase with high catalytic efficiency for bioconversion of mannan has a great potential in the fields as above.

Results

A β-mannosidase gene (Tth man5) of 1,827 bp was cloned from the extremely thermophilic bacterium Thermotoga thermarum DSM 5069 that encodes a protein containing 608 amino acid residues, and was over-expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The results of phylogenetic analysis, amino acid alignment and biochemical properties indicate that the Tth Man5 is a novel β-mannosidase of glycoside hydrolase family 5. The optimal activity of the Tth Man5 β-mannosidase was obtained at pH 5.5 and 85°C and was stable over a pH range of 5.0 to 8.5 and exhibited 2 h half-life at 90°C. The kinetic parameters K

m
and V

max
values for p-nitrophenyl-β-D-mannopyranoside and 1,4-β-D-mannan were 4.36±0.5 mM and 227.27±1.59 μmol min-1 mg-1, 58.34±1.75 mg mL-1 and 285.71±10.86 μmol min-1 mg-1, respectively. The k

cat
/K

m
values for p-nitrophenyl-β-D-mannopyranoside and 1,4-β-D-mannan were 441.35±0.04 mM-1 s-1 and 41.47±1.58 s-1 mg-1 mL, respectively. It displayed high tolerance to mannose, with a K

i
value of approximately 900 mM.

Conclusions

This work provides a novel and useful β-mannosidase with high mannose tolerance, thermostability and catalytic efficiency, and these characteristics constitute a powerful tool for improving the enzymatic conversion of mannan through synergetic action with other mannan-degrading enzymes.
Overtraining is associated with DNA damage in blood and skeletal muscle cells of Swiss mice
Authors: Pereira Bruno Cesar , Pauli José Rodrigo , Antunes LusâniaMaria Greggi , de Freitas Ellen Cristini , de Almeida Mara Ribeiro , de Paula Venâncio Vinícius , Ropelle Eduardo Rochete , de Souza Claudio Teodoro , Cintra Dennys Esper , Papoti Marcelo , da Silva AdelinoSanchez Ramos
Published: October 2013

Background

The alkaline version of the single-cell gel (comet) assay is a useful method for quantifying DNA damage. Although some studies on chronic and acute effects of exercise on DNA damage measured by the comet assay have been performed, it is unknown if an aerobic training protocol with intensity, volume, and load clearly defined will improve performance without leading to peripheral blood cell DNA damage. In addition, the effects of overtraining on DNA damage are unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of aerobic training and overtraining on DNA damage in peripheral blood and skeletal muscle cells in Swiss mice. To examine possible changes in these parameters with oxidative stress, we measured reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in total blood, and GSH levels and lipid peroxidation in muscle samples.

Results

Performance evaluations (i.e., incremental load and exhaustive tests) showed significant intra and inter-group differences. The overtrained (OTR) group showed a significant increase in the percentage of DNA in the tail compared with the control (C) and trained (TR) groups. GSH levels were significantly lower in the OTR group than in the C and TR groups. The OTR group had significantly higher lipid peroxidation levels compared with the C and TR groups.

Conclusions

Aerobic and anaerobic performance parameters can be improved in training at maximal lactate steady state during 8 weeks without leading to DNA damage in peripheral blood and skeletal muscle cells or to oxidative stress in skeletal muscle cells. However, overtraining induced by downhill running training sessions is associated with DNA damage in peripheral blood and skeletal muscle cells, and with oxidative stress in skeletal muscle cells and total blood.
Combining glycosylated hemoglobin A1c and fasting plasma glucose for diagnosis of type 2 diabetes in Chinese adults
Authors: Mo Miao , Zhong Weijian , Zhao Genming , Ruan Ye , Zhang Hua , Shi Liang , Lu Dajiang , Yang Qundi , Li Yanyun , Jiang Qingwu , Li Rui , Xu Wang-Hong
Published: October 2013

Background

Glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) has been applied to identify type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in the U.S. and European countries. It has not been used in China mainly due to lack of a standardized approach to measure HbA1c, short of knowledge about racial-specific standard and deficiency of an optimal cut-off point.

Methods

To evaluate combination of HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in diagnosing T2DM in Chinese adults, a multistage sampling cross-sectional study was conducted in Shanghai, China, in 2009. The FPG measurement, HbA1c assay, and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were performed in 6,661 Chinese adults (3057 men, 3604 women) who had no prior history of diabetes to identify the unrecognized T2DM.

Results

A total of 454 participants were identified as T2DM based on the 1999 World Health Organization (WHO) diagnostic criteria. Of these patients, 239 were detected using an FPG ≥ 7.0 mmol/l and 141 were further identified using an HbA1c ≥ 43 mmol/mol (6.1%), achieving a sensitivity of 83.7% and a specificity of 89.3% for combining use of FPG and HbA1c. In subjects at high risk of diabetes, the combining use of FPG and HbA1c produced a higher sensitivity and an improved positive predictive value (PPV), and had a satisfactory specificity and negative predictive value (NPV).

Conclusions

The combining use of FPG and HbA1c is a potential screening and diagnosis approach for T2DM in Chinese adults, especially among those at high risk of the disease.
The status of HBV infection influences metastatic pattern and survival in Chinese patients with pancreatic cancer
Authors: Wei Xiao-li , Qiu Miao-zhen , Chen Wei-wei , Jin Ying , Ren Chao , Wang Feng , Luo Hui-yan , Wang Zhi-qiang , Zhang Dong-sheng , Wang Feng-hua , Li Yu-hong , Xu Rui-hua
Published: October 2013

Background

It has been proved that hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection alters the metastatic pattern and affects survival in colorectal cancer (CRC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), while the influence of HBV infection on metastatic pattern and survival in patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) has not been investigated yet.

Methods

We conducted an investigation to evaluate the impact of HBV infection on metastatic pattern and overall survival in PC. We collected the data of 460 PC patients treated in our hospital from 1999 to 2010. Serum HBV markers were tested with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The impact of HBV infection on metastatic pattern and overall survival was analyzed.

Results

We found that the incidence of synchronous liver metastasis was significantly higher in patients with HBsAg positive than those with HBsAg negative (46.0% vs 32.0%, P < 0.05), and higher in chronic HBV infection (CHB) group than both non HBV infection and resolved HBV infection group (61.1% vs 33.9%, P < 0.05, and 61.1% vs 28.7%, P < 0.05, respectively). What’s more, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that CHB, resolved HBV infection and non HBV infection group had significant longer overall survival (OS) compared with inactive HBsAg carriers (IC) group (P=0.037, P=0.009, and P=0.019 respectively). But, in the multivariate analysis, only the CHB and non HBV infection group had significant better overall survival compared with IC group (P=0.010 and P=0.018 respectively).

Conclusions

Our study found that HBV infection increased synchronous liver metastasis rate, and HBV infection status was an independent prognostic factor in PC patients.
The microwave-assisted ionic liquid nanocomposite synthesis: platinum nanoparticles on graphene and the application on hydrogenation of styrene
Authors: Lee Jer-Yeu , Yung Tung-Yuan , Liu Ling-Kang
Published: October 2013

The microwave-assisted nanocomposite synthesis of metal nanoparticles on graphene or graphite oxide was introduced in this research. With microwave assistance, the Pt nanoparticles on graphene/graphite oxide were successfully produced in the ionic liquid of 2-hydroxyethanaminium formate [HOCH2CH2NH3][HCO2]. On graphene/graphite oxide, the sizes of Pt nanoparticles were about 5 to 30 nm from transmitted electron microscopy (TEM) results. The crystalline Pt structures were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Since hydrogenation of styrene is one of the important well-known chemical reactions, herein, we demonstrated then the catalytic hydrogenation capability of the Pt nanoparticles on graphene/graphite oxide for the nanocomposite to compare with that of the commercial catalysts (Pt/C and Pd/C, 10 wt.% metal catalysts on activated carbon from Strem chemicals, Inc.). The conversions with the Pt nanoparticles on graphene are >99% from styrene to ethyl benzene at 100°C and under 140 psi H2 atmosphere. However, ethyl cyclohexane could be found as a side product at 100°C and under 1,520 psi H2 atmosphere utilizing the same nanocomposite catalyst.
Dysfunction of orbitofrontal and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices in children and adolescents with high-functioning pervasive developmental disorders
Authors: Sawa Tetsuji , Kodaira Masaki , Oiji Arata , Sasayama Daimei , Iwadare Yoshitaka , Ushijima Hirokage , Usami Masahide , Watanabe Kyota , Saito Kazuhiko
Published: October 2013

Background

Several lines of evidence suggest that dysfunction of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) contributes to the pathophysiology of pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). The purpose of this study was to investigate neuropsychological dysfunctions in both the DLPFC and OFC of children and adolescents with high-functioning PDD.

Methods

The Iowa gambling task (IGT), which reflects OFC function, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), which reflects DLPFC function, were assigned to 19 children and early adolescents with high-functioning PDD and 19 healthy controls matched for gender, age, and intelligence.

Results

Compared to healthy controls, patients with high-functioning PDD displayed poorer performance on the IGT and the WCST.

Conclusions

These results indicate that both the DLPFC and OFC could be impaired in children and early adolescents with high-functioning PDD.
Expressions of oxidative stress-related genes and antioxidant enzyme activities in Mytilus galloprovincialis (Bivalvia, Mollusca) exposed to hypoxia
Authors: Woo Seonock , Denis Vianney , Won Hyokyung , Shin Kyungsoon , Lee Gunsup , Lee Taek-Kyun , Yum Seungshic
Published: October 2013

Background

In this study, we investigated transcription and enzyme level responses of mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis exposed to hypoxic conditions. Genes for catalase (CAT), cytochrome P450, glutathione S-transferase (GST), metallothionein, superoxide dismutase (SOD), cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX-1), and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 were selected for study. Transcriptional changes were investigated in mussels exposed to hypoxia for 24 and 48 h and were compared to changes in control mussels maintained at normal oxygen levels. Activities of CAT, GST, and SOD enzymes, and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were also investigated in mussels following exposure to hypoxia for 24, 48, and 72 h.

Results

Relative to the control group, the CAT activity decreased in all hypoxia treatments, while the activity of GST significantly increased in mussels exposed to hypoxia for 24 and 48 h, but decreased in those exposed for 72 h. The LPO levels were significantly higher in mussels in the 24- and 48-h hypoxia treatments than those in the control mussels, but there was no significant change in the SOD activities among all hypoxia treatments. Messenger RNA levels for the CAT, cytochrome P450, GST, metallothionein, and SOD genes were not significantly affected by hypoxic conditions for 48 h, but the expressions of the COX-1 and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 genes were significantly repressed in mussels in both the 24- and 48-h exposure treatments.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate the transcriptional stability and changes among several genes related to oxidative stress under oxygen-depletion conditions in M. galloprovincialis and provide useful information about the modulation of antioxidant enzyme activities induced by hypoxia in a marine animal.
The combined expression of the stromal markers fibronectin and SPARC improves the prediction of survival in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Brandt Simone , Montagna Chiara , Georgis Antoin , Schüffler Peter J , Bühler Marco M , Seifert Burkhardt , Thiesler Thore , Curioni-Fontecedro Alessandra , Hegyi Ivan , Dehler Silvia , Martin Vittoria , Tinguely Marianne , Soldini Davide
Published: October 2013

Background

In diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, gene expression profiling studies attributed a major biologic role to non-neoplastic cells of the tumour microenvironment as its composition and characteristics were shown to predict survival. In particular, the expression of selected genes encoding components of the extracellular matrix was reported to be associated with clinical outcome. Nevertheless, the translation of these data into robust, routinely applicable immunohistochemical markers is still warranted. Therefore, in this study, we analysed the combination of the expression of the extracellular matrix components Fibronectin and SPARC on formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue derived from 173 patients with DLBCL in order to recapitulate gene expression profiling data.

Results

The expression of Fibronectin and SPARC was detected in 77/173 (44.5%) and 125/173 (72.3%) cases, respectively, and 55/173 (31.8%) cases were double positive. Patients with lymphomas expressing Fibronectin showed significantly longer overall survival when compared to negative ones (6.3 versus 3.6 years). Moreover, patients with double positive lymphomas also presented with significantly longer overall survival when compared with the remaining cases (11.6 versus 3.6 years) and this combined expression of both markers results in a better association with overall survival data than the expression of SPARC or Fibronectin taken separately (Hazard ratio 0.41, 95% confidence interval 0.17 to 0.95, p = 0.037). Finally, neither Fibronectin nor SPARC expression was associated with any of the collected clinico-pathological parameters.

Conclusions

The combined immunohistochemical assessment of Fibronectin and SPARC, two components of the extracellular matrix, represents an important tool for the prediction of survival in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. Our study suggests that translation of gene expression profiling data on tumour microenvironment into routinely applicable immunohistochemical markers is a useful approach for a further characterization of this heterogeneous type of lymphoma.
The presence and prognostic impact of apoptotic and nonapoptotic disseminated tumor cells in the bone marrow of primary breast cancer patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Hartkopf Andreas Daniel , Taran Florin-Andrei , Wallwiener Markus , Hagenbeck Carsten , Melcher Carola , Krawczyk Natalia , Hahn Markus , Wallwiener Diethelm , Fehm Tanja
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Neoadjuvant systemic therapy of primary breast cancer (PBC) patients offers the possibility to monitor treatment response. However, patients might have metastatic relapse despite achieving a pathologic complete response (pCR). This indicates that local response to therapy must not be representative for systemic treatment efficacy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare local response with systemic tumor cell dissemination by determining the presence of disseminated tumor cells (DTCs), including apoptotic tumor cells, in the bone marrow (BM) of PBC patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT).

Methods

DTCs were detected by immunocytochemistry (pancytokeratin antibody A45-B/B3) and cytomorphology (DTC status). The presence of apoptotic tumor cells was determined by using the M30 antibody (M30 status). This antibody detects a neo-epitope that is expressed only during early apoptosis.

Results

BM aspirates from 400 PBC patients that had completed NACT were eligible for this study. Of these, 167 (42%) patients were DTC positive (DTC status). The M30 status was investigated in 308 patients. Apoptotic (M30-positive) tumor cells were detected in 89 (29%) of these. Whereas the DTC status was not correlated (P = 0.557) to local treatment response (that is, pCR or a clinical complete/partial response), the presence of M30-positive tumor cells was significantly higher in patients that responded to therapy (P = 0.026). Additionally, DTC-positive patients were at an increased risk for disease relapse (hazard ratio, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.11 to 3.15; P = 0.019).

Conclusion

The presence of DTC is independent of therapy response of the primary tumor. As patients that are DTC positive after NACT have an unfavorable outcome, they might benefit from additional systemic treatment.
Design Considerations for Dose-Expansion Cohorts in Phase I Trials
Authors: Iasonos Alexia , O'Quigley John
Published: October 2013

Phase I trials are increasingly including dose-expansion cohorts after the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) has been reached to better characterize the toxicity profile or identify early signs of efficacy within a specific disease population. This article provides guidelines on how to monitor safety and re-evaluate the MTD using data obtained from expansion cohorts of phase I protocols. We illustrate how to implement a sequential monitoring rule for safety using a completed phase I trial that included an expansion cohort. We compare the accuracy of the revised MTD with the MTD obtained before expansion and with the true MTD based on simulated trials. The percent of trials that led to a change in the MTD, how far the revised MTD was from the true MTD, and the toxicity rates associated with each level are reported. When toxicity outcomes from the expansion cohort are taken into account, there is a 50% chance that a new, higher MTD will be recommended. Significant improvement in the accuracy of the MTD is obtained 30% of the time (ie, revised MTD is exactly the true MTD), and moderate improvement is obtained 80% of the time when the revised MTD is within a level from true MTD. Failure to include toxicity outcomes from additional patients treated during the expansion phase may result in a less accurate estimate of the MTD. This article provides investigators of phase I protocols with methodological tools to monitor safety and/or efficacy for patients accrued during the expansion phase and to update or confirm the established MTD.
Net Clinical Benefit Analysis of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 0525: A Phase III Trial Comparing Conventional Adjuvant Temozolomide With Dose-Intensive Temozolomide in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma
Authors: Armstrong Terri S. , Wefel Jeffrey S. , Wang Meihua , Gilbert Mark R. , Won Minhee , Bottomley Andrew , Mendoza Tito R. , Coens Corneel , Werner-Wasik Maria , Brachman David G. , Choucair Ali K. , Mehta Minesh
Published: October 2013

Purpose

Radiation Therapy Oncology Group trial 0525 tested whether dose-intensifying temozolomide versus standard chemoradiotherapy improves overall survival (OS) or progression-free survival (PFS) in newly diagnosed glioblastoma. Tests of neurocognitive function (NCF) and symptoms (using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory–Brain Tumor module; MDASI-BT) and of quality of life (European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire [EORTC QLQ] –C30/BN20) examined the net clinical benefit (NCB) of therapy.

Patients and Methods

NCF tests (Hopkins Verbal Learning Test–Revised, Trail Making Test, and Controlled Oral Word Association), MDASI-BT, and EORTC QLQ-C30/BN20 were completed in a subset of patients. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression modeling determined the prognostic value of baseline and early change from baseline to cycle 1 for OS and PFS. Two-sample proportional test statistic was used to evaluate differences between treatments (dose-dense v standard-dose) on NCB measures from baseline to cycle 4 in stable patients.

Results

Overall, 182 patients participated in the study. Baseline NCF tests and the physical functioning quality of life scale were associated with OS and PFS. Baseline to cycle 1 in all NCB components were associated with OS and PFS. There was greater deterioration in the dose-dense arm from baseline to cycle 4 in the Global Health and Motor Function subscales (EORTC QLQ-C30/BN20) as well as in overall symptom burden, overall symptom interference, and activity-related symptom interference subscales (MDASI-BT). There were no between-arm differences in NCF.

Conclusion

Longitudinal collection of NCB measures is feasible in cooperative group studies and provides an added dimension to standard outcome measures. Greater adverse symptom burden and functional interference, as well as decreased global health and motor function were observed in patients randomly assigned to the dose-dense arm. Baseline and early change in NCB measures were associated with decreased rates of survival.