bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Type-Dependent Integration Frequency of Human Papillomavirus Genomes in Cervical Lesions
Authors: Vinokurova Svetlana , Wentzensen Nicolas , Kraus Irene , Klaes Ruediger , Driesch Corina , Melsheimer Peter , Kisseljov Fjodor , Dürst Mattias , Schneider Achim , von Knebel Doeberitz Magnus
Published: January 2008

Chromosomal integration of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) genomes is believed to represent a significant event in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer associated with progression from preneoplastic lesions to invasive carcinomas. This hypothesis is based on experimental data suggesting that integration-dependent disruption of HR-HPV E2 gene functions is important to achieve neoplastic transformation and on clinical data gathered by analyzing lesions induced by human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 and 18 that revealed integrated viral genome copies in the vast majority of cervical cancer cells. However, a substantial fraction of cervical cancers is associated with other HR-HPV types for which virtually no data concerning their integration status have been reported so far. Here, we compared integration frequencies of the five most common oncogenic HPV types (HPV16, 18, 31, 33, and 45) in a series of 835 cervical samples using a specific mRNA-based PCR assay (Amplification of Papillomavirus Oncogene Transcripts). Most precancerous lesions displayed exclusively episomal viral genomes, whereas 62% of the carcinomas had integrated viral genomes. However, the frequency of integrated HR-HPV genomes showed marked differences for individual HR-HPV types. HPV16, 18, and 45 were found substantially more often in the integrated state compared with HPV types 31 and 33. The analysis of the median age of patients with high-grade precancerous lesions and invasive cancers suggests that precancers induced by HPV types 18, 16, and 45 progress to invasive cervical cancer in substantially less time compared with precancers induced by HPV types 31 and 33. These findings suggest that integration of oncogenic HPV genomes in cervical lesions is a consequence rather than the cause of chromosomal instability induced by deregulated HR-HPV E6-E7 oncogene expression. Distinct HR-HPV types apparently provoke chromosomal instability in their host cells to a different extent than is reflected by their integration frequencies in advanced lesions and the time required for CIN 3 lesions to progress to invasive cancer. [Cancer Res 2008;68(1):307–13]
A Novel Bone Morphogenetic Protein Signaling in Heterotypic Cell Interactions in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Yang Shangxin , Pham Linda K. , Liao Chun-Peng , Frenkel Baruch , Reddi A. Hari , Roy-Burman Pradip
Published: January 2008

We examined the effect of the extracellular bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 2 and 7, which are up-regulated in the prostate adenocarcinomas of the conditional Pten deletion mouse model, on primary cultures of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) derived from these tumors. In the CAF, we show that BMP2 or BMP7, but not transforming growth factor β-1, can strikingly stimulate secretion of stromal cell–derived factor-1 (SDF-1), also known as CXCL12. The CAF cells express type I and type II BMP receptors as well as the receptor for SDF-1, CXCR4. SDF-1 activation is associated with BMP-induced Smad phosphorylation, and the stimulatory effect is blocked by BMP antagonist, noggin. The findings that BMP treatment can increase SDF-1 pre-mRNA levels in a time-dependent manner and actinomycin D treatment can abolish stimulatory effect of BMP suggest a transcriptional modulation of SDF-1 by BMP signaling. Using a human microvascular endothelial cell line, we show that SDF-1 present in the conditioned medium from the stimulated CAF can significantly induce tube formation, an effect relating to angiogenic function. Furthermore, we found that BMP2 can also protect the CAF from serum starvation–induced apoptosis independent of SDF-1, implying that BMP may induce other factors to sustain the survival of these cells. In short, this report establishes a novel BMP-SDF-1 axis in the prostate tumor along with a new prosurvival effect of BMP that when considered together with our previously described oncogenic properties of BMP indicate a circuitry for heterotypic cell interactions potentially critical in prostate cancer. [Cancer Res 2008;68(1):198–205]
SMAC Mimetics Sensitize Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug–Induced Apoptosis by Promoting Caspase-3–Mediated Cytochrome c Release
Authors: Bank Alexander , Wang Peng , Du Chunying , Yu Jian , Zhang Lin
Published: January 2008

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are effective in suppressing the formation of colorectal tumors. However, the mechanisms underlying the antineoplastic effects of NSAIDs remain unclear. The effects of NSAIDs are incomplete, and resistance to NSAIDs is often developed. Growing evidence has indicated that the chemopreventive activity of NSAIDs is mediated by induction of apoptosis. Our previous studies showed that second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase (SMAC)/Diablo, a mitochondrial apoptogenic protein, plays an essential role in NSAID-induced apoptosis in colon cancer cells. In this study, we found that SMAC mediates NSAID-induced apoptosis through a feedback amplification mechanism involving interactions with inhibitor of apoptosis proteins, activation of caspase-3, and induction of cytosolic release of cytochrome c. Small-molecule SMAC mimetics at nanomolar concentrations significantly sensitize colon cancer cells to NSAID-induced apoptosis by promoting caspase-3 activation and cytochrome c release. Furthermore, SMAC mimetics overcome NSAID resistance in Bax-deficient or SMAC-deficient colon cancer cells by restoring caspase-3 activation and cytochrome c release. Together, these results suggest that SMAC is useful as a target for the development of more effective chemopreventive strategies and agents. [Cancer Res 2008;68(1):276–84]
Cyclophosphamide Facilitates Antitumor Efficacy against Subcutaneous Tumors following Intravenous Delivery of Reovirus
Authors: Qiao Jian , Wang Hongxun , Kottke Timothy , White Christine , Twigger Katie , Diaz Rosa Maria , Thompson Jill , Selby Peter , de Bono Johann , Melcher Alan , Pandha Hardev , Coffey Matt , Vile Richard , Harrington Kevin
Published: January 2008

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether it is possible to achieve truly systemic delivery of oncolytic reovirus, in immunocompetent hosts, using cyclophosphamide to overcome some of the barriers to effective intratumoral delivery and replication of i.v. injected virus.

Experimental Design: I.v. delivery of reovirus was combined with different regimens of i.p. administered cyclophosphamide in C57Bl/6 mice bearing established s.c. B16 tumors. Intratumoral viral replication, tumor size, and survival were measured along with levels of neutralizing antibody (NAb) in the blood. Finally, differential toxicities of the virus/cyclophosphamide regimens were monitored through viral replication in systemic organs, survival, and cardiac damage.

Results: Repeated i.v. injection of reovirus was poorly effective at seeding intratumoral viral replication/oncolysis. However, by combining i.v. virus with cyclophosphamide, viral titers of between 107 and 108 plaque-forming units per milligram were recovered from regressing tumors. Doses of cyclophosphamide that ablated NAb were associated with severe toxicities, characterized by viral replication in systemic organs—toxicities that are mirrored by repeated reovirus injections into B-cell knockout mice. Next, we restructured the dosing of cyclophosphamide and i.v. virus such that a dose of 3 mg cyclophosphamide was administered 24 h before reovirus injection, and this schedule was repeated every 6 days. Using this protocol, high levels of intratumoral viral access and replication (∼107 plaque-forming units per milligram tumor) were maintained along with systemically protective levels of NAb and only very mild, non–life-threatening toxicity.

Conclusion: NAb to oncolytic viruses play a dual role in the context of systemic viral delivery; on one hand, they hinder repeated administration of virus but on the other, they provide an important safety mechanism by which virus released from vigorous intratumoral replication is neutralized before it can disseminate and cause toxicity. These data support the use of cyclophosphamide to modulate, but not ablate, patient NAb, in development of carefully controlled clinical trials of the systemic administration of oncolytic viruses.
Contents of Endometriotic Cysts, Especially the High Concentration of Free Iron, Are a Possible Cause of Carcinogenesis in the Cysts through the Iron-Induced Persistent Oxidative Stress
Authors: Yamaguchi Ken , Mandai Masaki , Toyokuni Shinya , Hamanishi Junzo , Higuchi Toshihiro , Takakura Kenji , Fujii Shingo
Published: January 2008

Purpose: Endometriotic cysts are known to transform into ovarian cancers, such as clear cell and endometrioid carcinomas. We hypothesized that an iron-rich environment produced by the repetition of hemorrhage in the endometriotic cysts during the reproductive period may play a crucial role in carcinogenesis in the cysts through the iron-induced persistent oxidative stress.

Experimental Design: Contents of human ovarian cysts, including 21 endometriotic cysts, 4 clear cell carcinomas, and 11 nonendometriotic cysts, were analyzed for the concentrations of free “catalytic” iron, lactose dehydrogenase, potential antioxidant, lipid peroxide, and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Iron deposition and 8-OHdG levels were also analyzed histologically. Reactive oxygen species and the mutagenicity of the contents in endometriotic cyst were determined in vitro.

Results: The concentration of free iron in endometriotic cysts (100.9 mmol/L) was significantly higher than that in nonendometriotic cysts (0.075 mmol/L; P < 0.01). The average concentrations of lactose dehydrogenase, potential antioxidant, lipid peroxide, and 8-OHdG were also significantly higher in endometriotic cysts (P < 0.01). There was a correlation between the concentration of free iron and that of 8-OHdG (P < 0.01). Histologically, we could observe iron deposits more abundantly in endometriotic cysts than in nonendometriotic cysts (P < 0.01). The level of 8-OHdG in carcinoma associated with endometriosis was higher than that of carcinoma without endometriosis (P < 0.05). In vitro analyses showed that the contents of endometriotic cyst could produce more reactive oxygen species and could induce gene mutations more frequently than the contents in the other cysts.

Conclusions: Abundant free iron in the contents of endometriotic cysts was strongly associated with greater oxidative stress and frequent DNA mutations. A long-standing history of the RBCs accumulated in the ovarian endometriotic cysts during the reproductive period produces oxidative stress that is a possible cause for the malignant change of the endometriotic cyst.
Phase I Immunotherapeutic Trial with Long Peptides Spanning the E6 and E7 Sequences of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus 16 in End-Stage Cervical Cancer Patients Shows Low Toxicity and Robust Immunogenicity
Authors: Kenter Gemma G. , Welters Marij J.P. , Valentijn A.Rob P.M. , Löwik Margriet J.G. , Berends-van der Meer Dorien M.A. , Vloon Annelies P.G. , Drijfhout Jan W. , Wafelman Amon R. , Oostendorp Jaap , Fleuren Gert Jan , Offringa Rienk , van der Burg Sjoerd H. , Melief Cornelis J.M.
Published: January 2008

Purpose: To determine the toxicity, safety, and immunogenicity of a human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) E6 and E7 long peptide vaccine administered to end-stage cervical cancer patients.

Experimental Design: Three groups of end-stage cervical cancer patients (in total n = 35) were s.c. vaccinated with HPV16 E6 combined with or separated from HPV16 E7 overlapping long peptides in Montanide ISA-51 adjuvant, four times at 3-week intervals. Group 1 received 300 μg/peptide at a single site and group 2 received 100 μg/peptide of the E6 peptides in one limb and 300 μg/peptide of the E7 peptides in a second limb. Group 3 received separate injections of E6 and E7 peptides, each at a dose of 50 μg/peptide. The primary end point was to determine safety and toxicity of the HPV16 long peptides vaccine. In addition, the vaccine-induced T-cell response was assessed by IFNγ enzyme-linked immunospot.

Results: No toxicity beyond grade 2 was observed during and after four vaccinations. In a few patients, transient flu-like symptoms were observed. Enzyme-linked immunospot analysis of the vaccine-induced immune response revealed that coinjection of the E6 and E7 peptides resulted in a strong and broad T-cell response dominated by immunity against E6. Injection of the E6 and E7 peptides at two different sites increased the E7 response but did not affect the magnitude of the E6-induced immune response.

Conclusions: The HPV16 E6 and E7 long peptide-based vaccine is well tolerated and capable of inducing a broad IFNγ-associated T-cell response even in end-stage cervical cancer patients.
Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators in Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Khairy Paul , Harris Louise , Landzberg Michael J. , Viswanathan Sangeetha , Barlow Amanda , Gatzoulis Michael A. , Fernandes Susan M. , Beauchesne Luc , Therrien Judith , Chetaille Philippe , Gordon Elaine , Vonder Muhll Isabelle , Cecchin Frank
Published: January 2008

Background—

Tetralogy of Fallot is the most common form of congenital heart disease in implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) recipients, yet little is known about the value of ICDs in this patient population.

Methods and Results—

We conducted a multicenter cohort study in high-risk patients with Tetralogy of Fallot to determine actuarial rates of ICD discharges, identify risk factors, and characterize ICD-related complications. A total of 121 patients (median age 33.3 years; 59.5% male) were enrolled from 11 sites and followed up for a median of 3.7 years. ICDs were implanted for primary prevention in 68 patients (56.2%) and for secondary prevention in 53 (43.8%), defined by clinical sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmia or resuscitated sudden death. Overall, 37 patients (30.6%) received at least 1 appropriate and effective ICD discharge, with a median ventricular tachyarrhythmia rate of 213 bpm. Annual actuarial rates of appropriate ICD shocks were 7.7% and 9.8% in primary and secondary prevention, respectively (
P
=0.11). A higher left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (hazard ratio 1.3 per mm Hg,
P
=0.004) and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (hazard ratio 3.7,
P
=0.023) independently predicted appropriate ICD shocks in primary prevention. Inappropriate shocks occurred in 5.8% of patients yearly. Additionally, 36 patients (29.8%) experienced complications, of which 6 (5.0%) were acute, 25 (20.7%) were late lead-related, and 7 (5.8%) were late generator-related complications. Nine patients died during follow-up, which corresponds to an actuarial annual mortality rate of 2.2%, which did not differ between the primary and secondary prevention groups.

Conclusions—

Patients with tetralogy of Fallot and ICDs for primary and secondary prevention experience high rates of appropriate and effective shocks; however, inappropriate shocks and late lead-related complications are common.
Comparison of the Life Cycles of the NAO Using Different Definitions
Authors: Jia Xiao Jing , Derome Jacques , Lin Hai
Published: January 2008

This study investigates the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) on an intraseasonal time scale. The authors investigate the question of how the characteristics of NAO events are influenced by the choice of its definitions using daily NCEP–NCAR reanalysis data spanning 51 boreal winters. Four different NAO indexes are used in this study, including one station/gridpoint–based index and three pattern-based indexes.

It is found that the NAO events obtained using pattern–based indexes are quite similar to each other, while some notable differences are observed when the NAO is defined using the station/gridpoint–based index (NAO1). The characteristics of the pattern-based NAO are found to be more antisymmetric for its two phases, including its time-averaged spatial structures, its lifetime distributions, and time-evolving spatial structures. The NAO1, on the other hand, reveals some asymmetric characteristics between the two phases. Emphasis is placed on comparing the characteristics of the NAO events obtained using the NAO1 index and one of the pattern-based indices, that is, NAO2. The time-averaged spatial structures for the NAO2 expand across more of the polar region than the NAO1. The positive NAO1 shows a wave train signal over the Pacific–North American region during the setup phase, while the negative NAO1 is found to develop more locally over northern Europe and the North Atlantic. The wave activity flux for the NAO2 is primarily in the zonal direction while for the NAO1, on the other hand, it is mostly concentrated over the North Atlantic with a pronounced southward component. The barotropic vorticity equation is used to examine the physical mechanisms that drive the life cycle of the NAO.
Product-Error-Driven Uncertainty Model for Probabilistic Quantitative Precipitation Estimation with NEXRAD Data
Authors: Ciach Grzegorz J. , Krajewski Witold F. , Villarini Gabriele
Published: January 2008

Although it is broadly acknowledged that the radar-rainfall (RR) estimates based on the U.S. national network of Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) stations contain a high degree of uncertainty, no methods currently exist to inform users about its quantitative characteristics. The most comprehensive characterization of this uncertainty can be achieved by delivering the products in a probabilistic rather than the traditional deterministic form. The authors are developing a methodology for probabilistic quantitative precipitation estimation (PQPE) based on weather radar data. In this study, they present the central element of this methodology: an empirically based error structure model for the RR products.

The authors apply a product-error-driven (PED) approach to obtain a realistic uncertainty model. It is based on the analyses of six years of data from the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, WSR-88D radar (KTLX) processed with the Precipitation Processing System algorithm of the NEXRAD system. The modeled functional-statistical relationship between RR estimates and corresponding true rainfall consists of two components: a systematic distortion function and a stochastic factor quantifying remaining random errors. The two components are identified using a nonparametric functional estimation apparatus. The true rainfall is approximated with rain gauge data from the Oklahoma Mesonet and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service Micronet networks. The RR uncertainty model presented here accounts for different time scales, synoptic regimes, and distances from the radar. In addition, this study marks the first time in which results on RR error correlation in space and time are presented.
Development of a Land Surface Model Including Evaporation and Adsorption Processes in the Soil for the Land–Air Exchange in Arid Regions
Authors: Katata Genki , Nagai Haruyasu , Ueda Hiromasa , Agam Nurit , Berliner Pedro R.
Published: January 2008

A one-dimensional soil model has been developed to better predict heat and water exchanges in arid and semiarid regions. New schemes to calculate evaporation and adsorption in the soil were incorporated in the model. High performance of the model was confirmed by comparison of predicted surface fluxes, soil temperature, and volumetric soil water content with those measured in the Negev Desert, Israel. Evaporation and adsorption processes in the soil have a large impact on the heat and water exchange between the atmosphere and land surface and are necessary to accurately predict them.

Numerical experiments concerning the drying process of soil are performed using the presented model and a commonly used land surface model. The results indicated that, when the dry soil layer (DSL) develops, water vapor flux to the atmosphere is caused by evaporation in the soil rather than evaporation at the ground surface. Moreover, the adsorption process has some impact on the water and heat balance at the ground surface. The upward water vapor flux during the daytime is due to evaporation of soil water in the DSL, which is stored during the night due to adsorption. When the DSL progresses sufficiently, almost the same amounts of water are exchanged between the air and the soil surface by daytime evaporation and nighttime adsorption. In such conditions, latent heat due to evaporation and adsorption in the soil also work to reduce the diurnal variation of surface temperature.
A Statistical Study of the Association of DRCs with Supercells and Tornadoes
Authors: Kennedy Aaron , Straka Jerry M. , Rasmussen Erik N.
Published: January 2008

A new three-dimensional reflectivity echo in the rear flank of supercells known as the descending reflectivity core (DRC) has been documented in the literature by Rasmussen et al. The DRC is an enhanced region of reflectivity presumed to occur in the rear-flank downdraft (RFD) of a supercell. In the four cases they studied, this feature descended with time from the rear-echo overhang at 3–6 km in height into the supercell appendage. In addition, the DRC often occurred prior to tornadogenesis. The purpose of this paper is to serve as a more thorough analysis of DRCs using a larger sample of storms. The frequency of DRCs is explored within isolated supercells with persistent rear-flank appendages, and in particular at times preceding reported tornado onset in those supercells. Of the 64 supercells included within this study, 59% produced DRCs, with 30% of these DRCs occurring within 10 min prior to 5 min after tornadogenesis. This study included 89 reported tornadoes and 71 DRCs. Statistical analysis of the dataset reveals that while DRCs are sometimes associated with tornadoes, they presently have limited usefulness for tornado nowcasting. Improvements to Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) resolution and further classification of DRCs may help discriminate between tornadic and nontornadic appendages in the future, however.
Challenges of Work
Authors: Maguire Colleen P. , McNally Christopher J. , Britton Paula J. , Werth James L. , Borges Nicole J.
Published: January 2008

Because of recent advances in medications and treatment regimens, persons with HIV disease are maintaining better health status and living longer. Thus, greater opportunities exist for these individuals to either continue their current employment or return to the world of work. The purpose of this qualitative study was to provide in-depth descriptions of related vocational experiences of persons with HIV. Data were collected from eight focus groups consisting of a diverse sample of people living with HIV (N = 93). Results support the need for counseling psychologists and other mental health professionals to address real and perceived barriers, both internal and contextual, while also becoming advocates for persons with HIV who want to work. A model derived from qualitative data analysis provides visual representation of the work experiences of people living with HIV, for potential application in assessment and treatment.
The Invitation of Life and Deciding How to Respond
Authors: Parham William D.
Published: January 2008

Local, national, and global events that dominate today's media (e.g., war in Iraq, genocide in Darfur, historical lack of confidence in national political leadership, Katrina/Rita aftermath, etc.) represent open and ever-present personal invitations to “wake up” to the complex challenges that increasingly define communities across dimensions of culture, race, ethnicity, social economic status, religious affiliation, and other parameters of multiculturalism. Related, these invitations speak to the urgent need for strong and sustained advocacy for social change and social justice. Deciding how, when, or if to respond to life's invitations is a matter of choice to which the readership is hereby also invited to examine.
A Theory for Rubber-like Shells
Authors: Yükseler R. Faruk
Published: January 2008

A theory for incompressible, rubber-like shells of arbitrary geometry undergoing finite rotations and finite strains, including transverse normal strains but neglecting transverse shear strains, is presented.
On the Consequences of Limiting Chain Extensibility of Vulcanized Rubbers: Stiffening, Self-Homogenization, and Coupling of Strain Components
Authors: Bilgili Ecevit , Bernstein Barry , Arastoopour Hamid
Published: January 2008

Large deformation behavior of vulcanized rubbers is generally studied within the context of hyperelasticity. Various hyperelastic models have been proposed in the literature based either on continuum mechanics principles or on the molecular considerations of network chains of rubbers. As a phenomenological continuum-mechanical model with two well-defined parameters, Gent model has been shown to predict the large deformation of rubbers fairly well. Gent model constrains the first invariant of the left Cauchy—Green deformation tensor to a limiting maximum value and recovers the well-known neo-Hookean model as a subset. Albeit a phenomenological model, this feature of the Gent model accounts for the limiting or finite chain extensibility of network chains. In the last decade, various homogeneous and inhomogeneous deformation modes were analyzed using the Gent model. All these efforts mainly point to the stiffening effect of the limiting chain extensibility. In this article, helical shearing deformation of a homogeneous, isotropic, incompressible hollow rubber tube is analyzed with a view toward identifying other potential qualitative features of the Gent model predictions. This fundamental analysis has demonstrated that the presence of limiting chain extensibility in rubbers results in a homogenization of the strain field as well as in a coupling of various strain components, while stiffening the rubber and increasing the stresses.
Women Learning in Garment Work: Solidarity and Sociality
Authors: Fenwick Tara
Published: January 2008

This article explores processes and possibilities for critical learning in the workplace, with a focus on workers laboring in what are often exploitive and dehumanizing conditions. The argument is based on a study of work-life learning of women, mostly new immigrants, employed long-term at an Alberta garment manufacturing plant. It is argued that their negotiations of work conditions are nested in various areas of learning associated with everyday practices, small communities, labor organizing processes, and English learning classes. These are argued to have generated solidarity through learning about sociality, resistance, and personal worth. These solidarities appear to be configured by energies of both transformation and reproduction that are threaded together and generated simultaneously as women learned to survive within the system while supporting one another in a vital interdependent social network. The discussion explores how these dynamics unfolded, and their effects on how different women positioned themselves and their knowledge.
Emotional Problems and Prevalence of Medication Overuse in Pediatric Chronic Daily Headache
Authors: Pakalnis Ann , Butz Catherine , Splaingard Deborah , Kring Donna , Fong Joanna
Published: January 2008

Chronic daily headaches are an increasingly recognized neurologic issue in children. Frequent headaches can be a source of significant disability and family discord with work/school absenteeism. Medication overuse and emotional disorder would significantly impact treatment and progression. This study examined the frequency of emotional and behavioral problems in children and adolescents with chronic daily headache compared with age-related healthy controls. Prevalence of medication overuse in this chronic daily headache group was evaluated. Otherwise healthy children and adolescents with chronic daily headache (according to International Classification of Headache Disorders-II criteria) were enrolled from the Headache Clinic. Healthy controls were prospectively enrolled from physician offices. Multiple psychological rating scales, headache diaries, presence of medication overuse, and disability surveys (Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment Survey) were completed. A total of 57 healthy controls and 70 patients were studied. The sample consisted largely of females, many of whom (60%) had medication overuse before medical treatment. Headache patients had significantly more symptoms of anxiety, depression, and somatization compared with controls. Patients with chronic daily headache were at higher risk for emotional disorders, and medication overuse was a significant occurrence, suggesting a need for multisystem treatment approach.
Rett Syndrome: Prevalence Among Chinese and a Comparison of MECP2 Mutations of Classic Rett Syndrome With Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Wong Virginia C. N. , Li Susanna Y. H.
Published: January 2008

Rett syndrome is an X-linked dominant neurodevelopmental disorder. Mutation of the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 gene ( MECP2) is present in up to 96% of patients with Rett syndrome. Eight mutations represent the hotspot of MECP2 mutations (R106W, R133C, T158M, R168X, R255X, R270X, R294X, and R306C) in patients with classic Rett syndrome. The prevalence and survival rate of Rett syndrome among Chinese women was investigated. The 8 hotspot mutations and the A140V mutation were also studied in 4 cohorts of Chinese children (n = 144) actively followed up in our university neurodevelopmental center with classic Rett syndrome (n = 5), autism spectrum disorder (n = 94), epileptic encephalopathy of unknown cause (n = 22), and nonsyndromal mental retardation (n = 23). The prevalence of Rett syndrome among female Chinese younger than 35 years in Hong Kong West is 0.57 (95% confidence interval, 0.15-0.98) per 10 000. Survival is 100.0% at 10 years and 87.5% at 25 years. Three hotspot mutations (R106W, R255X, and R306C) were found in 3 girls with classic Rett syndrome. No hotspot MECP2 mutations were found in the other 3 cohorts. Screening of MECP2 mutations is not worthwhile in Chinese children with pure cognitive, autistic, or unexplained epileptic disorders without other signs of Rett syndrome. In the early stage of developmental arrest before developmental regression, MECP2 screening might be useful for girls with unexplained epileptic encephalopathy before full-blown classic Rett syndrome is evident.
Hypokalemic Sensory Overstimulation
Authors: Segal Michael M. , Rogers Gary F. , Needleman Howard L. , Chapman Catherine A.
Published: January 2008

This report describes 2 generations of a family with symptoms of sensory overstimulation that exhibit a potassium sensitivity similar to that seen in hypokalemic periodic paralysis. The sensory overstimulation is characterized by a subjective experience of sensory overload and a relative resistance to lidocaine local anesthesia. The sensory overload is treatable with oral potassium gluconate, with onset of the therapeutic effect in ~20 minutes. The effect of potassium is reminiscent of its effect in the channelopathies underlying hypokalemic periodic paralysis, and the resistance to lidocaine applied peripherally suggests a peripheral sensory localization to the abnormality. The phenotype overlaps with that of attention deficit disorder, raising the possibility of subtypes of attention deficit disorder that have a peripheral sensory cause and novel forms of therapy.
Familial Moyamoya Disease in Two European Children
Authors: Papavasiliou Antigone , Bazigou-Fotopoulou Helen , Ikeda Hidetoshi
Published: January 2008

We present familial Moyamoya disease in two European children and emphasize the importance of familial factors in the pathogenesis of this disease and its appearance not only in Asians but in the Western population as well. The first patient, a Greek female infant, also has coagulation disorders. Her mother, also suffering from Moyamoya and other family members, have similar coagulation disorders (Factor V Leiden, Methylene-tetrahydrofolic reductase and Factor II 20210A mutations). The second patient, a Scottish boy, is unique in that familial Moyamoya affects five members of three consecutive generations of his maternal family. Genetic analysis in the Greek family demonstrated no abnormality on chromosome 3p26, as in other cases. However, the mitochondrial DNA and Y chromosomal genotype showed that affected members had the same sequence of the Mitochondrial 3 portion of D-loop with Japanese patients. These findings suggest that the pathogenesis of Moyamoya may vary across races and ethnic groups.
Major Adverse Events Associated With Treatment of Infantile Spasms
Authors: Partikian Arthur , Mitchell Wendy G.
Published: January 2008

Few studies have focused on tolerability and adverse events associated with natural adrenocorticotropic hormone injections for treatment of infantile spasms. Using a retrospective chart review of 130 patients, the authors compare major adverse events, weight and blood pressure changes, and unplanned medication changes associated with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) injections versus other antiepileptic drugs. Children treated with adrenocorticotropic hormone injections experienced significant short-term weight gain and blood pressure elevations, which were readily reversible with weaning off the drug. Twenty-three percent of patients treated with adrenocorticotropic hormone (14 of 60) and 17% of patients treated with other antiepileptic drugs (11 of 65) experienced a major adverse event during treatment. Few patients overall required a change in medication due to intolerable side effects. Despite early changes in weight and blood pressure, short courses of high-dose natural adrenocorticotropic hormone are generally well tolerated with no increased major adverse events when compared to antiepileptic drugs in the treatment of infantile spasms.
“It's Like a Family”
Authors: Dodson Lisa , Zincavage Rebekah M.
Published: January 2008

This article contributes to carework scholarship by examining the nexus of gender, class, and race in long-term care facilities. We draw out a family ideology at work that promotes good care of residents and thus benefits nursing homes. We also found that careworkers value fictive kin relationships with residents, yet we uncover how the family model may be used to exploit these low-income careworkers. Reflecting a subordinate and racialized version of being “part of the family,” we call for an ethic of reciprocity and for concrete change toward valuing equally the humanity of those who need and those who give care.
What They Tell You to Forget: From Child Sexual Abuse to Adolescent Motherhood
Authors: Patrice Erdmans Mary , Black Timothy
Published: January 2008

This study explores the relationship between child sexual abuse and adolescent motherhood, using a life story interview method. The sample consists of 27 mothers participating in a home-visitation parenting program for mothers at risk of child maltreatment. The failure to articulate the violation of child sexual abuse and to appropriately construct blame resulted in a range of self-destructive behaviors, some of which placed mothers at greater risk of teen pregnancy. Repressed feelings associated with the trauma often resurfaced with motherhood as victims reexperienced their innocence and vulnerability as children.
Exploring the Personal Reality of Disability and Recovery: A Tool for Empowering the Rehabilitation Process
Authors: Kurz Ashley E. , Saint-Louis Nicole , Burke Janice P. , Stineman Margaret G.
Published: January 2008

People experiencing disability and chronic disease often feel powerless, relinquishing medical control to “more knowledgeable” professionals. This article presents qualitative and quantitative results from three individual patients experiencing an emerging procedure called Recovery Preference Exploration (RPE). To inspire greater patient involvement, self-direction, and individual choice, we instructed participants to create an imagined recovery path, exposing recovery preferences while learning about clinical rehabilitation concepts. Results uncovered important values and feelings about disability, providing a richer context for patient evaluation and treatment goal modification. Applying mixed methods, RPE is presented as an explanatory process for quantifying recovery preferences in a way that stimulates rich narrative of how people see different types of disabilities. RPE shows promise for increasing depth of discussions among patients, family, and clinicians. RPE may promote greater quality of life through patient empowerment by directed learning, increased communication, and enhanced self-knowledge.
Risk to Researchers in Qualitative Research on Sensitive Topics: Issues and Strategies
Authors: Dickson-Swift Virginia , James Erica L. , Kippen Sandra , Liamputtong Pranee
Published: January 2008

Traditionally, risk assessments in research have been limited to examining the risks to the research participants. Although doing so is appropriate and important, there is growing recognition that undertaking research can pose risks to researchers as well. A grounded theory study involving a range of researchers who had undertaken qualitative health research on a sensitive topic was completed. Analysis of the in-depth, face-to-face unstructured individual interviews with 30 Australian public health researchers provided evidence that researchers do confront a number of physical and emotional risks when undertaking research. Training, preparation, and supervision must be taken into account so that the risk to researchers can be minimized. Researchers need to consider occupational health and safety issues in designing research projects that deal with physical and emotional risks. Recommendations for professional supervision, policy development, and minimum training standards for researchers are provided.
Surviving Childhood Leukemia: Career, Family, and Future Expectations
Authors: Brown Chris , Pikler Vanessa I. , Lavish Lea A. , Keune Kristen M. , Hutto C.J.
Published: January 2008

The authors examine the impact of childhood leukemia on the career development of 11 young adult survivors, using consensual qualitative research. They discuss the results and implications of childhood leukemia on the survivor's career, family, and future expectations, and provide recommendations for addressing the critical coping and management challenges encountered by survivors, their families, and the helping professionals who treat them.
Intimate Partner Acceptance, Parental Acceptance in Childhood, and Psychological Adjustment Among American Adults in Ongoing Attachment Relationships
Authors: Rohner Ronald P. , Melendez Tatiana , Kraimer-Rickaby Lisa
Published: January 2008

This study explored relations between perceived partner acceptance and adults' psychological adjustment, as possibly mediated by remembered paternal and maternal acceptance in childhood. The sample was composed of 488 undergraduate and graduate students. Based on data from four self-report questionnaires, results of simple correlations showed that perceived partner acceptance, as well as remembrances of both maternal and paternal acceptance in childhood, was significantly associated with adults' (both men's and women's) psychological adjustment. In addition, simple multiple regression results showed that remembrances of paternal (but not maternal) acceptance in participants' childhoods partially mediated the relation between perceived partner acceptance and women's (but not men's) psychological adjustment.
Dose-Dependent Effect of Rosuvastatin Treatment on Urinary Protein Excretion
Authors: Kostapanos Michael S. , Milionis Haralampos J. , Saougos Vasilios G. , Lagos Konstantinos G. , Kostara Christine , Bairaktari Eleni T. , Elisaf Moses S.
Published: January 2008

Concerns have been raised because of observations of proteinuria associated with rosuvastatin treatment. In this open-label study, a potential dose-dependent effect was investigated of rosuvastatin on urinary protein excretion and renal function parameters in 90 hyperlipidemic patients randomly assigned to rosuvastatin 10 mg/day (n = 45) or 20 mg/day (n = 45). Urinary samples were collected from patients and 40 age- and gender-matched controls to determine electrolyte, uric acid, creatinine, and protein (total, albumin, IgG, and α1-microglobulin) levels at baseline and after 12 weeks. A dose-dependent increase in the excretion of α1-microglobulin (17.6% in rosuvastatin 10 vs 34.9% in rosuvastatin, 20 mg/day; P = .03 for the comparison between groups) was observed. A trend toward an increase in the estimated glomerular filtration rate was noted in only patients receiving 20 mg/day of rosuvastatin. These findings indicate that rosuvastatin treatment increases the urinary excretion of α1-microglobulin urinary excretion in a dose-dependent manner without adversely affecting renal function.
The Impact of Cumulative Maternal Trauma and Diagnosis on Parenting Behavior
Authors: Cohen Lisa R. , Hien Denise A. , Batchelder Sarai
Published: January 2008

This study examines the relative contributions of cumulative maternal trauma, substance use, depressive and posttraumatic stress diagnoses on parental abuse potential, punitiveness, and psychological and physical aggression in a sample of 176 urban mothers. Participants were categorized into four groups: substance use (n = 41), depressed (n = 40), comorbid (n = 47), and control (n = 48). Participants in the three diagnostic groups reported significantly greater interpersonal trauma exposure than did controls. Hierarchical regressions reveal that cumulative trauma is a significant predictor of all parenting outcomes, even after controlling for demographic and diagnostic variables. Substance use and depression are significantly related to abuse potential, and PTSD is significantly negatively related to physical discipline, with no other significant associations between diagnostic status and parenting outcomes. These findings add to an important growing literature examining the impact of cumulative trauma on parental functioning. Implications for future research and parenting interventions are discussed.
Maternal Depression and Trait Anger as Risk Factors for Escalated Physical Discipline
Authors: Shay Nicole L. , Knutson John F.
Published: January 2008

To test the hypothesized anger-mediated relation between maternal depression and escalation of physical discipline, 122 economically disadvantaged mothers were assessed for current and lifetime diagnoses of depression using the Current Depressive Episode, Past Depression, and Dysthymia sections of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID) and a measure of current depressive symptoms, the Beck Depression Inventory—Second Edition (BDI-II). Escalation of physical discipline was assessed using a video analog parenting task; maternal anger not specific to discipline was assessed using the Spielberger Trait Anger Expression Inventory. Reports of anger were associated with the diagnosis of depression and depressive symptoms. Bootstrap analyses of indirect effects indicated that the link between depression and escalated discipline was mediated by anger. Parallel analyses based on BDI-II scores identified a marginally significant indirect effect of depression on discipline. Findings suggest that anger and irritability are central to the putative link between depression and harsh discipline.
Effects of a Foster Parent Training Intervention on Placement Changes of Children in Foster Care
Authors: Price Joseph M. , Chamberlain Patricia , Landsverk John , Reid John B. , Leve Leslie D. , Laurent Heidemarie
Published: January 2008

Placement disruptions undermine efforts of child welfare agencies to promote safety, permanency, and child well-being. Child behavior problems significantly contribute to placement changes. The aims of this investigation were to examine the impact of a foster parent training and support intervention (KEEP) on placement changes and to determine whether the intervention mitigates placement disruption risks associated with children's placement histories. The sample included 700 families with children between ages 5 and 12 years, from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. Families were randomly assigned to the intervention or control condition. The number of prior placements was predictive of negative exits from current foster placements. The intervention increased chances of a positive exit (e.g., parent/child reunification) and mitigated the risk-enhancing effect of a history of multiple placements. Incorporating intervention approaches based on a parent management training model into child welfare services may improve placement outcomes for children in foster care.
Welfare, Law and Managerialism
Authors: Dickens Jonathan
Published: January 2008

• Summary: This article examines the relationships between welfare, law and managerialism as key discourses in social work with children and families. It draws on empirical research into the relationships between local authority social workers, social services managers and lawyers in child care work in England.

• Findings: Tensions between social workers and lawyers have, in the past, been seen as symptoms of a wider clash between welfare and law as paradigmatic approaches to the regulation of social life and professional activity. Likewise, the rise of managers and managerialism has widely been portrayed as being in conflict with welfare values. The relationship between law and managerialism, meanwhile, has often been treated as unproblematic — simply two sides of the same coin, the increasing regulation of social work. This study reveals a more complex picture of on-going and unstable overlaps and tensions between the three professional groups and discourses.

• Applications : The study points to a more fluid understanding of the relationships between welfare, law and managerialism in social work, one that recognizes the dynamic nature of the inter-discursive and inter-professional relationships. The character of contemporary child care social work is constructed and constrained through these multi-layered interactions.
A Note on Sample Size for Behavior Coding Pretests
Authors: Blair Johnny , Srinath K. P.
Published: January 2008

Behavior coding is a widely used method for pretesting survey questionnaires. It is based on the idea that certain types of interviewer-respondent interactions indicate question flaws if the number of such interactions exceeds some specified percentage of the pretest interviews. In this article, we examine statistical approaches for assessing the reliability of different observed percentages of problematic interactions.
Can We Trust an Adult's Estimate of Parental School Attainment? Disentangling Social Desirability Bias and Random Measurement Error
Authors: Godoy Ricardo , Reyes-García Victoria , Tanner Susan , Leonard William R. , McDade Thomas W. , Huanca Tomás
Published: January 2008

Researchers often need to know the parental school attainment of adult subjects. When researchers cannot ask parents about their school attainment, they must ask adult offspring about the school attainment of their parents. We assess the accuracy of answers provided by adults about the school attainment of their parents with data from a native Amazonian society in Bolivia (Tsimane'). Offspring overestimate the school attainment of their parents. They also report inaccurately other human capital attributes of their parents (e.g., writing skills, fluency speaking Spanish, practical indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants). Results mesh with findings from the United States about the lack of reliability of adults' self-reports about parental school attainment and with prior research among the Tsimane' suggesting significant misreporting of other outcomes (e.g., age, income, parental height).
Problems with the post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis and
its future in DSM-V
Authors: Rosen Gerald M. , Spitzer Robert L. , McHugh Paul R.
Published: January 2008

Significant issues challenge the diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD). Yet, applications of the PTSD ‘model’ have been extended to an
increasing array of events and human reactions across diverse cultures.
These issues have implications for clinical practice and for those who
revise criteria in the DSM-V.