bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Muslim Studies in a Christian Theological School: The Muslim Studies Program at Emmanuel College in Toronto
Authors: Toulouse Mark G.
Published: November 2012

Abstract:

This essay examines the development of a Muslim Studies program within Emmanuel College, a Canadian Christian theological school. The program has grown from a desire within the college to explore meaningfully the diversity associated with its social location in downtown Toronto and to participate responsibly in the important work of inter-religious dialogue. The story of the program's development is placed within an analysis of at least three areas offering challenges to the effort. Faculty members face significant obstacles in reshaping a curriculum within theological education that can address contemporary contexts of both Church and culture in a manner that includes intentional engagement with religious diversity. Within Christian history, a wide variety of methodological approaches have been developed to understand the nature of religious diversity in relation to Christianity. Each offers its own challenges to attempts to shape responsible encounters between Christianity and other world religions. Finally, the rich diversity within Islam existing within the social context of Toronto creates interesting challenges for a program in Muslim Studies intending to take expressions of religious faith seriously. The essay also examines wide-ranging rationales for why a Christian theological school would attempt to face these challenges in order to begin a program designed to provide educational opportunities for Muslims. In the final pages, the three major components of the program are described.
A Spectrum of Ideas about Kierkegaard and the Overcoming of Violence
Authors: Goicoechea David
Published: November 2012

Abstract:

The three papers that follow are based on drafts prepared for the conference theme “Kierkegaard and the Overcoming of Violence” at Brock University, September 2011. Selected from fifteen, each is a spectrum of ideas on the theme, and together they reflect the range of intellectual concerns that are raised in discussions outside technical seminars and meetings of learned societies. They related to one or more of four categories: philosophy, religion, theology, and anthropology.

Don Johnstone, Sacrificing Isaac: A Conclusion Different from Kierkegaard's, Don Johnstone is a longstanding member of the Brock University Philosophy Society, St. Catharines, Ontario.

Marko Zlomislić, Crossing out the Crucifix, Marko Zlomislić is professor of Philosophy, Conestoga College, Kitchener, Canada.

John R. Mayer, Repetition and Overcoming Violence with the Compassion of Nothingness, John R. Mayer is professor emeritus of philosophy at Brock University, St. Catharines, Canada.
Risible Christianity? Kierkegaard versus Žižek
Authors: Stan Leo
Published: November 2012

Abstract:

This article brings to light the idiosyncratic presuppositions and demythologizing aims of Slavoj Žižek's deconstruction of Christianity. My goal is to discuss critically this secularist reinterpretation of theology by taking a close look at the questionable hermeneutic strategies and even plain distortions of Žižek's (favourable) treatment of Kierkegaard. Particular attention will be paid to the doctrinal-salvific foundations of Kierkegaard's authorship, which are almost completely ignored by the Slovenian philosopher. From a theological standpoint, by delineating the oddities and limitations of Žižek's approach, the article hopes to contribute to a competent discussion of the most recent resurgence of atheism.
Irony as the Birth of Kierkegaard's “Single Individual” and the Beginning of Politics
Authors: Williams George Willis
Published: November 2012

Abstract:

This paper examines the idea presented in Søren Kierkegaard's The Concept of Irony (1841) and Concluding Unscientific Postscript (1846) that irony, far more than a rhetorical device, is an existential category that gives birth to the subjectively existing single individual. As such, irony is no diversion from or necessary undercutting of one's ethical growth but is a required step in fostering it. Although Kierkegaard preferred to focus on the individual, irony nevertheless plays an essential role in issues of social justice and politics, since the self must be distinguished from its social environment if there is to be any hope for one's being useful in changing it for the better, and irony is the means by which the distinguishing of the self occurs. For example, since Kierkegaard believes that politics is at best only provisional and approximate, irony has an important role in chastening overweening political forces, which are often accompanied by human rights abuses. Irony secures room for individuals who have an inner infinity that can never be utterly conformed to the strictures of finite politics. Thus, as Kierkegaard presents it, irony's birth of the single individual is shown to be politically significant.
Cereal Grass Pulvini: Agronomically Significant Models for Studying Gravitropism Signaling and Tissue Polarity
Authors: Clore Amy M.
Published: November 2012

Cereal grass pulvini have emerged as model systems that are not only valuable for the study of gravitropism, but are also of agricultural and economic significance. The pulvini are regions of tissue that are apical to each node and collectively return a reoriented stem to a more vertical position. They have proven to be useful for the study of gravisensing and response and are also providing clues about the establishment of polarity across tissues. This review will first highlight the agronomic significance of these stem regions and their benefits for use as model systems and provide a brief historical overview. A detailed discussion of the literature focusing on cell signaling and early changes in gene expression will follow, culminating in a temporal framework outlining events in the signaling and early growth phases of gravitropism in this tissue. Changes in cell wall composition and gene expression that occur well into the growth phase will be touched upon briefly. Finally, some ongoing research involving both maize and wheat pulvini will be introduced along with prospects for future investigations.
Genetic analyses of nickel tolerance in a North American serpentine endemic plant, Caulanthus amplexicaulis var. barbarae (Brassicaceae)
Authors: Burrell A. Millie , Hawkins Angela K. , Pepper Alan E.
Published: November 2012

• Premise of the study: The evolution of metal tolerance in plants is an important model for studies of adaptation to environment, population genetics, and speciation. Here, we investigated nickel tolerance in the North American serpentine endemic Caulanthus amplexicaulis var. barbarae in comparison with its nonserpentine sister taxon C. amplexicaulis var. amplexicaulis. We hypothesized that the serpentine endemic would have a heritable growth advantage on nickel‐containing substrates.

• Methods: We employed an artificial growth assay to quantify biomass accumulation. Study plants were crossed to create an F2:3 population that was used to determine the heritability of nickel tolerance and to map quantitative trait loci (QTL). Nickel accumulation in both laboratory populations and native specimens was examined using energy‐dispersive x‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF).

• Key results: The serpentine endemic had a dramatic growth advantage at concentrations of nickel >30 µmol/L. Caulanthus amplexicaulis var. barbarae and its nonserpentine sister taxon both accumulated nickel to substantial levels. Nickel tolerance was highly heritable (h2 = 0.59) and not associated with accumulation. The QTL analyses identified two major loci for nickel tolerance, on linkage group 2 (LG2) and linkage group 9 (LG9).

• Conclusions: In our study, nickel tolerance was determined by two major loci with large effects. At both loci, alleles from the serpentine parent conferred positive effects on nickel tolerance, suggesting that they are adaptive in the natural serpentine environment. The mechanism of nickel tolerance in the serpentine plant was not exclusion of nickel. Nickel tolerance may have an inducible component in C. amplexicaulis var. barbarae.
Mechanism of Action of Inhibition of Allergic Immune Responses by a Novel Antedrug TLR7 Agonist
Authors: Matsui Hiroyuki , Tomizawa Hideyuki , Eiho Kazuo , Kashiwazaki Yasuo , Edwards Susan , Biffen Mark , Bell John P. , Bahl Ashwani , Leishman Andrew J. , Murray Clare M. , Takaku Haruo , Ueda Yutaka
Published: November 2012

Triggering innate immune responses through TLRs is expected to be a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of allergic diseases. TLR agonists are able to modulate Th2 immune responses through undefined mechanisms. We investigated the mechanism of action of the suppression of Th2 immune responses with a novel antedrug TLR7 agonist. The antedrug is rapidly metabolized by plasma esterases to an acid with reduced activity to limit systemic responses. Topical administration of this compound inhibited features of the allergic airway inflammatory response in rat and murine allergic airways model. Type I IFN played a role in the suppression of Th2 cytokines produced from murine splenocytes. Inhibition of Th2 immune responses with the antedrug TLR7 agonist was shown to be via a type I IFN–dependent mechanism following short-term exposure to the compound, although there might be type I IFN–independent mechanisms following long-term exposure. We have demonstrated that local type I IFN signaling and plasmacytoid dendritic cells, but not Th1 immune responses, are required for in vivo efficacy against murine airway Th2-driven eosinophilia. Furthermore, migration of dendritic cell subsets into the lung was related to efficacy and is dependent on type I IFN signaling. Thus, the mechanism of action at the cytokine and cellular level involved in the suppression of Th2 allergic responses has been characterized, providing a potential new approach to the treatment of allergic disease.
IFN-γ Limits Th9-Mediated Autoimmune Inflammation through Dendritic Cell Modulation of IL-27
Authors: Murugaiyan Gopal , Beynon Vanessa , Pires Da Cunha Andre , Joller Nicole , Weiner Howard L.
Published: November 2012

IL-9–producing Th9 cells have been associated with autoimmune diseases, such as experimental autoimmune encephalitis. However, the factors that negatively regulate Th9 cells during autoimmune inflammation are unclear. In this article, we show that IFN-γ inhibits Th9 differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. This suppressive activity was dependent on the transcription factor STAT-1. In addition to its direct inhibitory effect on Th9 differentiation, IFN-γ suppressed Th9 cells through the induction of IL-27 from dendritic cells. In vitro, treatment of naive CD4+ T cells with IL-27 suppressed the development of Th9 cells, which was partially dependent on the transcription factors STAT-1 and T-bet. Moreover, IL-27 treatment completely abrogated the encephalitogenicity of Th9 cells in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model. Thus, our results identify a previously unknown mechanism by which IFN-γ limits Th9-mediated autoimmune inflammation through dendritic cell modulation of IL-27.
Integrins αvβ3 and α4β1 Act as Coreceptors for Fractalkine, and the Integrin-Binding Defective Mutant of Fractalkine Is an Antagonist of CX3CR1
Authors: Fujita Masaaki , Takada Yoko K. , Takada Yoshikazu
Published: November 2012

The membrane-bound chemokine fractalkine (FKN, CX3CL1) on endothelial cells plays a role in leukocyte trafficking. The chemokine domain (FKN-CD) is sufficient for inducing FKN signaling (e.g., integrin activation), and FKN-CD binds to its receptor CX3CR1 on leukocytes. Whereas previous studies suggest that FKN-CD does not directly bind to integrins, our docking simulation studies predicted that FKN-CD directly interacts with integrin αvβ3. Consistent with this prediction, we demonstrated that FKN-CD directly bound to αvβ3 and α4β1 at a very high affinity (KD of 3.0 × 10−10 M to αvβ3 in 1 mM Mn2+). Also, membrane-bound FKN bound to integrins αvβ3 and α4β1, suggesting that the FKN-CD/integrin interaction is biologically relevant. The binding site for FKN-CD in αvβ3 was similar to those for other known αvβ3 ligands. Wild-type FKN-CD induced coprecipitation of integrins and CX3CR1 in U937 cells, suggesting that FKN-CD induces ternary complex formation (CX3CR1, FKN-CD, and integrin). Based on the docking model, we generated an integrin-binding defective FKN-CD mutant (the K36E/R37E mutant). K36E/R37E was defective in ternary complex formation and integrin activation, whereas K36E/R37E still bound to CX3CR1. These results suggest that FKN-CD binding to CX3CR1 is not sufficient for FKN signaling, and that FKN-CD binding to integrins as coreceptors and the resulting ternary complex formation are required for FKN signaling. Notably, excess K36E/R37E suppressed integrin activation induced by wild-type FKN-CD and effectively suppressed leukocyte infiltration in thioglycollate-induced peritonitis. These findings suggest that K36E/R37E acts as a dominant-negative CX3CR1 antagonist and that FKN-CD/integrin interaction is a novel therapeutic target in inflammatory diseases.
Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Promotes Tumor Growth and Metastasis by Inducing Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Simpson Kendra D. , Templeton Dennis J. , Cross Janet V.
Published: November 2012

The macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), an inflammatory cytokine, is overexpressed in many solid tumors and is associated with poor prognosis. We previously identified inhibitors of MIF within a class of natural products with demonstrated anti-cancer activities. We therefore sought to determine how MIF contributes to tumor growth and progression. We show in this study that in murine tumors including the 4T1 model of aggressive, spontaneously metastatic breast cancer in immunologically intact mice, tumor-derived MIF promotes tumor growth and pulmonary metastasis through control of inflammatory cells within the tumor. Specifically, MIF increases the prevalence of a highly immune suppressive subpopulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) within the tumor. In vitro, MIF promotes differentiation of myeloid cells into the same population of MDSCs. Pharmacologic inhibition of MIF reduces MDSC accumulation in the tumor similar to MIF depletion and blocks the MIF-dependent in vitro differentiation of MDSCs. Our results demonstrate that MIF is a therapeutically targetable mechanism for control of tumor growth and metastasis through regulation of the host immune response and support the potential utility of MIF inhibitors, either alone or in combination with standard tumor-targeting therapeutic or immunotherapy approaches.
Migrating Lymph Dendritic Cells Contain Intracellular CD40 That Is Mobilized to the Immunological Synapse during Interactions with Antigen-Specific T Lymphocytes
Authors: Foster Neil , Turnbull Emma L. , Macpherson Gordon
Published: November 2012

Steady state migrating rat lymph dendritic cells (LDC) are semimature, expressing high levels of surface MHC class II, but low levels of surface costimulatory molecules. In this study, we show that surface CD40 is not detectable, but LDC contain intracellular CD40. Multiple isoforms of CD40 were detected, including the type 1 isoform required for signal transduction. Culture of LDC with syngeneic T cells does not induce redistribution of cytoplasmic CD40. When LDC were cultured with naive allogeneic CD4+ T lymphocytes, polarization of CD40 to the immune synapse occurred between 3 and 6 h postculture. By 24 h, although large numbers of T cells were engaged with LDC, CD40 could not be detected in LDC or at the synapses. We conclude that migrating LDC contain stores of CD40 that can be mobilized rapidly to the sites of interaction with Ag-specific T cells. The disappearance of CD40 by 24 h may help in the regulation of T cell activation.
Paroxysmal occipital discharges suppressed by eye opening
Authors: Kaul Bhavna , Shukla Garima , Goyal Vinay , Srivastava Achal , Behari Madhuri
Published: November 2012

Background:

Paroxysmal occipital discharges (PODs) demonstrating the phenomena of fixation-off sensitivity have classically been described in childhood epilepsies with occipital paroxysms.

Aim:

We attempted to delineate the demographic, clinical and imaging characteristics of patients whose interictal electroencephalograms (EEGs) showed occipital discharges with fixation-off sensitivity at our center.

Materials and Methods:

During the period between 2003 and 2005, patients whose interictal EEGs showed PODs were included in the study. A detailed history, clinical examination and EEG findings along with imaging characteristics were analyzed.

Results:

Of the 9,104 interictal EEGs screened during the study period, 11 patients (6 females and 5 males) aged between 5 and 17 years were identified to have PODs with fixation-off sensitivity. Five had history of generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Three patients could be classified under Panayiotopoulos syndrome; the remaining 8 (72.2%) patients had symptomatic epilepsy.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that the phenomenon of fixation-off sensitivity is found not only in patients of idiopathic focal epilepsies, but also in a substantial number of patients of symptomatic epilepsy. The high proportion of symptomatic epilepsy with phenomenon of fixation-off sensitivity may be related to the referral pattern.
Translation and validation of restless leg syndrome quality of life questionnaire in Hindi language
Authors: Vishwakarma Kirti , Lahan Vivekananda , Gupta Ravi , Goel Deepak , Dhasmana Dilip Chander , Sharma Taruna , Kalra Juhi
Published: November 2012

Background:

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) itself as well as the problems that are secondary to RLS may worsen the quality of life.

Aim:

The aim of this study is to translate and validate the Restless Legs Syndrome Quality of Life (RLS-QOL) questionnaire in Hindi language.

Settings and Designs:

Patients attending psychiatry OPD and sleep clinic in a tertiary care teaching hospital.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty four consecutive patients of RLS and twenty nine control subjects were included in the study. Permission for translation and validation of RLS-QOL questionnaire scale was obtained. Translation was done according to the guidelines provided by the publisher. After translation, the final version of the scale was applied in both the groups to find the reliability and validity.

Statistical Analysis:

SPSS, version 17.0 was used for the analysis. Independent sample t test was used to compare age. Chi-square test was applied to compare non-parametric variables. Pearson′s and Spearman′s correlations were used to find out the correlation between parametric and non-parametric items, respectively. Reliability analysis was done by using Cronbach′s alpha.

Results:

Among the RLS subjects, mean Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score, International Restless Legs Syndrome Severity Rating Scale (IRLS) score and Computed Score of RLS-QOL questionnaire were 25.43 (7.39), 12.7 (8.34) and 29.8 (8.39), respectively. A statistically significant difference was observed between both the groups on all these scores (ISI: t= −11.2, P<0.001, 95% CI= −22.62 to −15.76; IRLS: t = −8.1, P< 0.001, 95% CI =−15.81 to −9.58; RLS-QOL: t =−19.07, P<0.001 with 95% CI = −32.69,- 28.83). A significant correlation between ISI and RLS-QOL (r
2 = 0.59; P< 0.001) was seen. Most of the items also showed good correlation with each other. Internal consistency done by Cronbach′s alpha showed good correlation (0.85).

Conclusion:

Hindi version of the Restless Legs Syndrome Quality of Life (RLS-QOL) questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool for the assessment of the quality of life in patients with RLS.
Nuclear expression of β-catenin and stem cell markers as potential prognostic indicators in medulloblastoma
Authors: Gowda Kiran K. , Gupta Kirti , Kapoor Rakesh , Vasishta Rakesh K.
Published: November 2012

Aims:

To study the prognostic role of β-catenin and stem cell markers in medulloblastoma (MB).

Materials and Methods:

Sixty cases of MB were retrospectively analyzed to study the expression of β-catenin, CD15, and CD133 by immunohistochemistry. Their expression was correlated with histological subtypes and event-free survival (EFS). Patients were divided into Group 1 and 2 based on non-occurrence and occurrence of events during the follow-up period.

Results:

Fifty of the 60 cases were of classic type of MB while nine were of desmoplastic subtype and one case showed chondroid and rhabdomyoblastic differentiation. Immunoreactivity for β-catenin was observed as nuclear and/or cytoplasmic positivity within the tumor cells. Forty-one (68.3%) cases showed cytoplasmic positivity, while nuclear positivity was seen in 21 (35%) cases. There was a significant correlation between nuclear expression of β-catenin and different histological subtypes by Chi-square test (P value<0.05). A statistically significant positive correlation of β-catenin nuclear positivity with EFS was observed. Among 60 cases, 37 cases (67.3%) showed presence of CD15+ tumor cells with percentage of positivity varying between 0.1 to 17.1%. Overall, 42 of 60 (70%) cases showed presence of CD133+ cells. The percentage of positivity varied between 0.1 to 16.5%. A statistically significant negative correlation of CD15 and CD133 positivity with EFS was observed.

Conclusions:

Nucleopositive β-catenin cases were associated with a favorable outcome on univariate analysis. Both CD15 and CD133 positivity were associated with a worse outcome on univariate analysis.
Microvascular decompression of cochleovestibular nerve in patients with tinnitus and vertigo
Authors: Zhang Li , Yu Yanbing , Yuan Yue , Xu Jun , Xu Xialo , Zhang Jianguo
Published: November 2012

Aim:

The aim of this study was to investigate the patient selection, indications for operation, surgical methods and effects of microvascular decompression (MVD) for treatment of intractable and incapacitating tinnitus and vertigo.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 35 patients were recruited from January 2009 to June 2010 for the MVD surgery.

Results:

Arterial compression of cochleovestibular nerve was found in all the 35 patients. The immediate effect of MVD was observed in 22 patients with tinnitus and 10 patients with vertigo. The follow-up data for the effect of MVD showed complete resolution of tinnitus in 14 patients and vertigo in 6 patients.

Conclusions:

Vascular compression of cochleovestibular nerve in cerebellopontine angle may be one of the causes of intractable and incapacitating tinnitus and/or vertigo. MVD may be a safe and effective surgical procedure for treatment of severe tinnitus and/or vertigo in patients.
Genetics of ischemic stroke
Authors: Kaul Subhash , Munshi Anjana
Published: November 2012

A stroke is still a major cause of long-term disability and the third largest killer in the world after heart attack and cancer. Inherited genetic variation has been shown to play a role in its pathogenesis and therefore, there is a need to identify the culprit genetic variants. They may provide novel targets for preventive therapeutics. The most intensively investigated candidate gene is PDE4D. There are several positive replication studies of PDE4D gene with stroke. The genetic contribution to ischemic stroke risk in India has not been explored adequately. Reports on few candidate genes are available but we are still lagging behind in this aspect. Most of the reports are from Andhra Pradesh, a province in south India and a few parts of north India. PDE4D has been identified as a predisposition gene for ischemic stroke in Southern as well as the Northern population of India.
Association of CYP11B2 gene polymorphism with ischemic stroke in the north Chinese Han population
Authors: Yan Guanhua , Wang Yan
Published: November 2012

Background:

Genetic variations of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system play an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension and stroke.

Aim:

To investigate the -344C/T and intron 2 conversion polymorphisms of aldosterone synthase gene (CYP11B2) for an association with stroke and hypertension in the North Chinese Han population.

Materials and Methods:

This case-control study included 332 patients and 250 controls. Genotypes of -344C/T polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and the intron 2 conversion polymorphism was genotyped using two separated PCRs.

Results:

There were significant differences in genotype frequencies of -344C/T polymorphism between stroke patients and controls (P = 0.002). An association was found between TT genotype and ischemic stroke [odds ratio = 1.572, 95%CI (1.095-2.258), P = 0.014]. However, there was no significant association of intron 2 polymorphism with stroke. Furthermore, when the ischemic stroke patients were classified according to Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment classification, TT genotype was found to be associated with large artery atherosclerosis [odds ratio = 1.747, 95%CI (1.182-2.584), P = 0.005] and small vessel disease [odds ratio = 1.781, 95%CI (1.134-2.796), P = 0.012]. The intron 2 polymorphism failed to show relationship with any specific stroke subtype.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest a significant association of CYP11B2 (-344C/T) polymorphism with stroke but intron 2 polymorphism is not associated with increased stroke susceptibility.
First report of upfront treatment with Gefitinib in comparison with chemotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients from south India: Analysis of 120 patients
Authors: Louis Robert A , Rajendranath Rejiv , Ganesan Prasanth , Sagar T G , Krishnamurthy Arvind
Published: November 2012

Background: Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths in males and sixth among females in south India. Lung cancer is being increasingly recognized among non-smokers. Materials and Methods: Stage IIIB and IV advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients (n=120) treated from January 2009 to December 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline clinical parameters, treatment protocol, response to therapy and survival were noted. Decision to use upfront Gefitinib was based on parameters like female sex, non-smoking status, adenocarcinoma histology and poor PS. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed by the Kaplan Meier method and prognosis by log rank test and Cox regression. Results: Baseline parameters: median age: 60 years (22-78 years); male sex: 83 (69.2%); Stage IV: 95(79.2%); adenocarcinoma: 109 (90.8%); smokers: 66 (55%); PS 2/3: 65(54.2%); first-line therapy: Gefitinib: 47 (39.2%), chemotherapy: 73 (60.8%). Among those progressing after chemotherapy, 17 (23%) received second-line Gefitinib. After a median follow-up of 7.5 months (1-26 months), median PFS and OS were 5 months (0-23 months) and 7.5 months (1-26 mo), respectively. On univariate analysis, PFS was significantly improved for non-smokers (7 months vs 4 months, P=0.010), females (7 months vs 5 months, P=0.024) and upfront treatment with Gefitinib (10 months vs 4 months, P=0.014). The only significant factor that affected OS was female sex (18 months vs 9 months, P=0.042). No factors were significant on multivariate analysis. Among PS 2/3 patients, PFS was significantly higher with Gefitinib (n=36) than with single-agent chemotherapy (n=29) [median PFS of 10 months vs 4 months (P=0.017)]. Conclusion: In the largest series on the use of first-line Gefitinib from India, we found it to be a useful agent in the treatment of NSCLC, especially in females patients with poor PS and non-smokers, even without Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) mutation testing. Second-line Gefitinib may have negated the OS differences. However, EGFR mutation studies may help in further individualization of therapy.
Rare and recurrent chromosomal abnormalities and their clinical relevance in pediatric acute leukemia of south Indian population
Authors: Mazloumi Seyed Hashem Mir , Kumari Prasanna , Madhumathi D S , Appaji L
Published: November 2012

Background and Objectives: This cytogenetic study detects a wide variety of common, rare and novel chromosomal abnormalities in patients with hematological disorders, providing valuable diagnostic and prognostic information. Materials and Methods: We addressed the utility of the cytogenetic technique in 50 patients of pediatric acute leukemia prospectively. Results: Successful cultures were found in 44 patients (88%) and abnormal karyotypes in 22 (44%). The common abnormalities like hyperdiploidy, del(6q), t(1;19)(q23;p13), t(4;11)(q22;q23), t(9;22)(q34;q11), rare t(2;7)(q23;p11) and t(4;12)(q21;p13) and a novel translocation t(7;9)(q22;q21) were observed in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In acute myeloid leukemia, t(8;21)(q22;q22), del(16)(q22), t(15;17)(q22;q21) and t(9;11)(p22;q23) were commonly seen. Conclusion: Chromosomal abnormalities of this small group of patients are compared with the relevant literature with respect to the incidence rate and prognosis.
Weekly paclitaxel in escalating doses in a patient with anthracycline-resistant, triple-negative, metastatic breast cancer with severe liver dysfunction
Authors: Gupta Ajay
Published: November 2012

Liver dysfunction in a patient with anthracycline-resistant breast cancer and liver metastases with poor performance status (PS) represents a serious situation. Taxanes are the drugs of choice, but once the transaminase enzyme levels are raised more than 10-times the upper limit of normal (>10 ULN), paclitaxel administration is contraindicated. We present the report of one such case who had a gratifying response to escalating doses of weekly paclitaxel thus suggesting that even patients with severe liver dysfunction can derive benefits from such a strategy. The patient, a 54-year-old lady with breast cancer metastatic to the liver and bones and previous receipt of anthracycline-based therapy, presented to us with a PS of 3. Her liver functions (LFT) were: serum bilirubin 2.2 mg% (0.3-1.1 mg%), aspartate aminotransferase 375 IU/L (0-25 IU/L), alanine aminotransferase 369 IU/L (0-35 IU/L) and alkaline phosphatase 363 IU/L (38-126 IU/L). She was started on weekly paclitaxel 20 mg/m 2 and zoledronate. After the first dose, the LFTs rose marginally but the skin lesions stabilized. Dose was subsequently escalated to 40 mg/m 2 . At the end of the 10th week, her PS improved to 1 and the disease showed a partial response. LFTs improved markedly. However, 5 days after the administration of the 13 th dose, the disease progressed and paclitaxel had to be discontinued. It is possible to derive maximum palliative benefit with escalating doses of weekly paclitaxel even in patients whose liver functions are deranged with transaminase levels (>10 ULN) and in whom conventional administration of paclitaxel is contraindicated.
Giant velum interpositum meningioma in a child
Authors: Moiyadi Aliasgar V , Shetty Prakash
Published: November 2012

Intraventricular meningiomas are rare, but are relatively more often seen in children. Large size at presentation often obscures anatomical details. A particular subset of such tumors arising from the velum interpositum pose a significant surgical challenge. Thorough preoperative imaging, especially with respect to the course of the deep venous structures, provides useful evidence as to the origin. Preservation of venous anatomy at surgery is vital. We describe a 3-year-old girl with a giant velum interpositum meningioma that was completely excised with excellent outcome. This is probably the youngest such case reported.
Congenital sacrococcygeal PNET and chemotherapy
Authors: Hawkes Colin Patrick , Betts David R , O′Brien John , O′Sullivan Maureen J , Capra Michael
Published: November 2012

We present the case of a congenital localised sacrococcygeal primitive neuroectodermal tumor treated aggressively with surgical resection and modified age-appropriate adjuvant chemotherapy. The conventional combination chemotherapy of vincristine, adriamycin, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide and etoposide was modified to a regimen including vincristine, adriamicin, cyclophosphamide and actinomycin in order to minimise the predicted toxicity in this age group. Adjuvant "induction" chemotherapy commenced at 4 weeks of age and consisted of four cycles of vincristine, adriamycin and cyclophosphamide at 50%, 75%, 75% and 100% of recommended doses (vincristine 0.05 mg/kg, adriamycin 0.83 mg/kg daily × 2, cyclophosphamide 40 mg/kg) at 3-weekly intervals. This was followed by four cycles of "maintenance" chemotherapy with vincristine (0.025 mg/kg), actinomycin (0.025 mg/kg) and cyclophosphamide (36 mg/kg) at full recommended doses. Cardioxane at a dose of 16.6 mg/kg was infused immediately prior to the adriamycin. Our patient is thriving at 19 months out from end of treatment.
Elevated Affective Lability and Poor Response Inhibition: An Investigation based on Emotional and Non-Emotional Go/No-Go Tasks
Authors: Lee Han-Joo , Turkel Jennifer E. , Woods Douglas W. , Coffey Scott F. , Goetz Amy R.
Published: November 2012

The aim of the current study was to test the association between affective lability and the magnitude of response inhibition deficits using four different versions of go/no-go tasks that were composed of (a) affective faces, (b) affective words, (c) neutral faces, or (d) neutral words, with an undergraduate sample that displayed a wide range of emotional instability and impulsivity (N = 45). We hypothesized that heightened affective lability would be significantly associated with deficits in response inhibition, particularly in the context of emotional go/no-go tasks that presented salient and potent emotional materials. Overall findings showed that the magnitude of difficulty in inhibiting potent but irrelevant stimuli on emotional go/no-go tasks was significantly associated with heightened affective lability (characterized by unstable shifts between elated and depressed moods) after taking into consideration the contribution of negative affect and impulsiveness. In contrast, non-emotional go/no-go performance did not significantly predict affective lability. Further, depression-elation mood shifts were significantly associated with greater difficulty in inhibiting irrelevant positive rather than negative emotional information. This line of research may help improve our understanding on the nature of poor inhibitory control associated with conditions characterized by emotional dysregulation.
Metacognitive Beliefs in Late-Life Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Diefenbach Gretchen J. , Gilliam Christina M. , Tolin David F.
Published: November 2012

The aim of this study was to determine the association between metacognitive beliefs, trait worry, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) among older adults. Sixty-six home health care clients aged 65 and older completed the Metacognitions Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30) along with measures of worry and GAD severity Effect size estimates of differences on the MCQ-30 subscales between those diagnosed with and without GAD ranged from medium to large. The Positive Beliefs subscale was the strongest predictor of trait worry. However, negative beliefs about worry (specifically beliefs in the uncontrollability and dangers of worrying) predicted GAD symptom severity when also controlling for trait worry, and partially mediated the relationship between trait worry and GAD symptom severity. These findings suggest that theories positing a role for metacognitive beliefs in the etiology and maintenance of GAD may extend to older adults.
The Social Context of Adolescent Depression: Vulnerabilities and Consequences
Authors: Hammen Constance
Published: November 2012

The author's program of research on depression in adolescents and their mothers is reviewed, emphasizing the interpersonal aspects of depression. Studies from a large community sample of depressed or never-depressed women and their children assessed directly at ages 15 and 20, are presented to illustrate not only interpersonal consequences of depression, but also interpersonal risk and vulnerability factors. For instance, social withdrawal as early as age 5, as well as social dysfunction in several social roles, predict depressive experiences in adolescence and young adulthood. Further, some youth, especially girls, are particularly reactive to negative life events with interpersonal content. Interpersonal impairment is not only evident during depressive episodes but is also relatively stable and generalized. Among depressed adolescents, those who are offspring of depressed mothers appear to be at particularly great risk for interpersonal dysfunction, and such dysfunctions in early adolescence among depressed youth are strongly predictive of recurrent depression. Stress processes are central to depression, and those with depression histories are at greater risk for contributing to stressful life events, thus perpetuating the cycle of stress and depression. The vulnerabilities of depressed individuals that cause or contribute to stressful life events also appear to contribute to the creation of ongoing stressful life patterns, such as selection into physically abusive relationships and early (teen) pregnancy. Indeed, long-term bidirectional patterns of continuing stress (especially interpersonal stress) and depression, are characteristic of children of depressed mothers and portend further generations of depressed offspring.
Safety Behaviours, Rumination and Trait Paranoia in a Non-Clinical Sample
Authors: Simpson Jennifer , MacGregor Bryony , Cavanagh Kate , Dudley Robert E.J
Published: November 2012

Cognitive behavioural models of persecutory delusions hypothesise that paranoid threat beliefs are maintained by cognitive and behavioural processes which promote confirmatory information and reduce disconfirmatory information. Such mechanisms include engagement with safety behaviours and iterative, self-focused cognitive processes such as worry and rumination. This paper reports a study investigating the relationship between safety behaviours, rumination and paranoia in a non-clinical sample (N = 133). A single group cross-sectional design was utilised. Strong correlations between these factors were identified, and were not accounted for by negative affect. Hierarchical multiple regression revealed that engagement in safety behaviours and rumination explained 49% of the variance of paranoia when combined with age, gender and negative affect. This paper provides some evidence for the role of safety behaviours and rumination in the presence of paranoid threat beliefs. Further research is needed to explore the causal relationship between these variables, and their explanatory power within a clinical sample. If replicated, these findings suggest that mental health practitioners would be wise to consider these variables in the assessment, formulation and treatment of paranoia.
A Family of Even-Point Ternary Approximating Schemes
Authors: Ghaffar Abdul , Mustafa Ghulam
Published: November 2012

We presented a general formula to generate the family of even-point
ternary approximating subdivision schemes with a shape parameter for describing curves. Some sufficient conditions for C0 to C7 continuity and
approximation order for certain ranges of parameter are discussed. The proposed even-point ternary schemes compare remarkably with existing even-point ternary schemes because they are able to generate limit functions with
higher smoothness and approximation order. In addition, we measured curvature and torsion that assist the quality of subdivided curves.
Study of Metal-1,10-Phenanthroline Complex Equilibria by Potentiometric Measurements
Authors: Türkel Naciye
Published: November 2012

The interaction of Sc(III), Y(III), and La(III) ions with 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen) has been investigated, using the potentiometric method at 25   and  M KNO3. Collected potentiometric data were processed by the “BEST” software program to establish the complexation model for each system. SPE software program was used to evaluate the concentration distributions of the species formed in solution. The stability constants for the binary complexes increased as the ionic radii of the metal cations decreased.
Neutrino Splitting and Density-Dependent Dispersion Relations
Authors: Ciuffoli Emilio , Evslin Jarah , Bi Xiaojun , Zhang Xinmin
Published: November 2012

We show that particles are unstable with respect to a splitting process, which is the quantum analog of the modulational instability in anomalous dispersive media, only when their group velocity exceeds their phase velocity. In the case of a neutrino, when the concavity results from a term E(P)~Pk, the neutrino will decay to two neutrinos and an antineutrino after traveling a distance proportional to E2+3k. Unlike the Cohen-Glashow instability, the splitting instability exists even if all particles involved in the interaction have the same dispersion relations at the relevant energy scales. We show that this instability leads to strong constraints even if the energy E is a function of both the momentum P and also of the background density ρ; for example, we show that it alone would have been sufficient to eliminate any model of the MINOS/OPERA velocity anomaly which modifies the neutrino dispersion relation while leaving those of other particles intact.
Assessment of the Safety and Efficacy of a Raft-Forming Alginate Reflux Suppressant (Liquid Gaviscon) for the Treatment of Heartburn during Pregnancy
Authors: Strugala Vicki , Bassin Julian , Swales Valerie S. , Lindow Stephen W. , Dettmar Peter W. , Thomas Edward C. M.
Published: November 2012

Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GER) and the symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation are common in pregnancy. These symptoms are transient and mostly resolve postpartum but have a negative impact on quality of life. Here, we present a prospective clinical evaluation of the safety and efficacy of an alginate raft-forming oral suspension that is licensed for use in pregnancy. The study was a multicentre, prospective, open-label, and baseline-controlled study of Liquid Gaviscon (LG) in the treatment of heartburn in pregnant women with current symptoms of heartburn and/or reflux requiring treatment (recruited 144). The efficacy of the study medication was rated by the investigator (primary endpoint) and patient. Treatment was deemed to be a success in 91% of patients as judged by the investigator (95% CI 85.0–95.3) and 90% (95% CI 84.1–94.8) when assessed by the patient themselves. Very few adverse events or serious adverse events were reported that were considered to be related to the study medication, and these were consistent with the normal population incidences. Serum sodium levels remained unchanged. This prospective open-label study in a large number of pregnant women has shown that LG is both safe and highly efficacious in the treatment of heartburn and GER symptoms in pregnancy.
Addressing Weight Loss Recidivism: A Clinical Focus on Metabolic Rate and the Psychological Aspects of Obesity
Authors: Grattan Bruce J. , Connolly-Schoonen Josephine
Published: November 2012

Obesity in the United States has reached epidemic proportions and has become an unprecedented public health burden. This paper returns to the evidence for metabolic rate set points and emphasizes the clinical importance of addressing changes in metabolic rate throughout the weight loss process. In addition to the importance of clinically attending to the modulation of metabolic rate, the psychological aspects of obesity are addressed as part of the need to holistically treat obesity.
Bmoo FIBMP-I: A New Fibrinogenolytic Metalloproteinase fromBothrops moojeniSnake Venom
Authors: Torres F. S. , Rates B. , Gomes M. T. R. , Salas C. E. , Pimenta A. M. C. , Oliveira F. , Santoro M. M. , de Lima M. E.
Published: November 2012

A new fibrinogenolytic metalloproteinase (Bmoo FIBMP-I) was purified fromBothrops moojenisnake venom. This enzyme was isolated through a combination of three chromatographic steps (ion-exchange, molecular exclusion, and affinity chromatography). Analyses by reverse phase chromatography, followed by mass spectrometry, showed the presence of enzyme isoforms with average molecular mass of 22.8 kDa. The SDS-PAGE analyses showed a single chain of 27.6 kDa, in the presence and absence of reducing agent. The protein has a blocked N-terminal. One of the peptides obtained by enzymatic digestion of a reduced and S-alkylated isoform was completely sequenced by mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Bmoo FIBMP-I showed similarity with hemorrhagic factor and several metalloproteinases (MP). This enzyme degraded Aα-chain faster than the Bβ-chain and did not affect theγ-chain of bovine fibrinogen. The absence of proteolytic activity after treatment with EDTA, together with the observed molecular mass, led us to suggest that Bmoo FIBMP-I is a member of the P-I class of the snake venom MP family. Bmoo FIBMP-I showed pH-dependent proteolytic activity on azocasein, but was devoid of coagulant, defibrinating, or hemorrhagic activities. The kinetic parameters of proteolytic activity in azocasein were determined (Vmax=0.4596 Uh−1nmol−1±0.1031andKm=14.59 mg/mL±4.610).
Study of PbTiO3-Based Glass Ceramics Containing SiO2
Authors: Deshpande V. K. , Rahangdale V. U.
Published: November 2012

Glass samples with composition 50PbO : 25TiO2: (25-X) B2O3:XSiO2(withX= 0, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, and 5 mol%) were prepared by conventional quenching technique. These glass samples were converted to glass ceramics by the two-stage heat treatment schedule. Formation of ferroelectric lead titanate phase in the glass ceramics was confirmed from the XRD. The density, CTE, and dielectric constant of the glass and glass-ceramic samples were measured. The glass-ceramic sample containing 2.5 mol% SiO2exhibited the highest dielectric constant. The SEMs of glass-ceramic samples were studied. The P-E hysteresis loop studies also revealed the highest remnant polarization for this sample, which has a potential for being developed for practical applications.
Development of a Composite Lifestyle Index and Its Relationship to Quality of Life Improvement: The CLI Pilot Study
Authors: Lenz Thomas L. , Gillespie Nicole D. , Skradski Jessica J. , Viereck Laura K. , Packard Kathleen A. , Monaghan Michael S.
Published: November 2012

An important component to optimal health is quality of life (QOL). Several healthy lifestyle behaviors have independently shown to improve QOL. The simultaneous implementation of multiple lifestyle behaviors is thought to be difficult, and the current literature lacks the assessment of multiple lifestyle behaviors simultaneously with respect to the effect on QOL. This current pilot study sought to develop a method to quantify multiple lifestyle behaviors into a single index value. This value was then measured with QOL for a possible correlation. The results showed that it is possible to convert multiple raw healthy lifestyle data points into a composite value and that an improvement in this value correlates to an improved QOL. After 12 months of participation in a cardiovascular risk reduction program, study participants () demonstrated a 37.4% () improvement in the composite lifestyle index (CLI). The improved CLI demonstrated a correlation with a statistically significant improvement in how participants rated their overall health in 12 months (, ) as well as the number of self-reported unhealthy days per month in 12 months (, ).