bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Severe Meningoencephalitis Due to Late Reactivation of Varicella-Zoster Virus in an Immunocompetent Child
Authors: Spiegel Ronen , Miron Dan , Lumelsky Dmitry , Horovitz Yoseph
Published: June 2009

Recurrent reactivation of latent Varicella-Zoster virus may cause various neurological complications including encephalitis, myelitis, stroke episodes, and meningitis. It occurs mainly in elderly or immunocompromised patients and is very rare in children. We report a 14-year girl who presented with meningoencephalitis due to reactivation of Varicella-Zoster virus 10 years after she had chickenpox and 4 years after she had zoster. Characteristic skin lesions of varicella were absent. Varicella-Zoster virus DNA was detected in cerebrospinal fluid and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were consistent with small vessel cerebral vasculitis. Treatment with acyclovir and high dose methylprednisolone resulted in near-complete neurological recovery. Although rare, Varicella-Zoster virus may reactivate to cause significant central nervous system disease even in immunocompetent children. Diagnosis depends on a high degree of suspicion because the typical rash may not associate the disease. Characteristic lesions on MRI and the presence of Varicella-Zoster virus DNA in cerebrospinal fluid are key findings for the correct diagnosis.
Reversible Lamotrigine-Induced Neurobehavioral Disturbances in Children With Epilepsy
Authors: Cardenas Javier F. , Rho Jong M. , Ng Yu-tze
Published: June 2009

A retrospective review was performed in patients who developed neurobehavioral adverse reactions to lamotrigine. Data were obtained from interviews, examinations, and routine medical records. There were 7 male and 2 female patients with epilepsy with a mean age of 5 years. All 9 patients became hyperactive and agitated over a broad range of lamotrigine dosing (0.7-14.0 mg/kg per d). Five patients developed self-injurious and violent behaviors. Two patients developed severe insomnia. The most affected patient was a 6-year-old boy whose mood and affect became extremely volatile. He also experienced threatening visual and auditory hallucinations and insomnia. All 9 patients had dramatic improvement and/or resolution of the adverse neurobehavioral effects following discontinuation or reduction of lamotrigine. Reversible, severe neurobehavioral disturbances associated with lamotrigine therapy have not been reported in the literature. While idiosyncratic and uncommon, this is a potentially significant, clinical side effect. Further studies are necessary to clarify the population at risk.
Self-Determination for Students with Disabilities
Authors: Cobb Brian , Lehmann Jean , Newman-Gonchar Rebecca , Alwell Morgen
Published: June 2009

Seven narrative and systematic reviews published since 2000 and focusing on self-determination for individuals with disabilities are reviewed in this narrative metasynthesis. The authors distinguish their work from other metasynthesis work by calling it a narrative metasynthesis because they include both narrative reviews and meta-analyses in this metasynthesis. These seven reviews focused on different disability groups, different intervention curricular and instructional techniques, and different outcomes. Findings were relatively consistent with multicomponent self-determination interventions demonstrating greater positive effects than single-component interventions and self-determination and academic productivity outcomes showing greater positive effects than academic quality outcomes. Theoretical, empirical, and methodological findings and implications are discussed.
Evidence-Based Practices in Secondary Transition
Authors: Test David W. , Fowler Catherine H. , Richter Sharon M. , White James , Mazzotti Valerie , Walker Allison R. , Kohler Paula , Kortering Larry
Published: June 2009

A literature review was conducted to identify evidence-based practices in secondary transition using quality indicator checklists for experimental research. Practices were categorized by the Taxonomy for Transition Programming. Overall, 32 secondary transition evidence-based practices were identified. Two practices had a strong level of evidence, 28 had a moderate level of evidence, and 2 had a potential level of evidence. The majority of practices represented instruction of skills within the category of Student Development. No evidence-based practices were identified in the category of Interagency Collaboration. Findings provide practitioners with a set of evidence-based practices for improving transition services and researchers with an agenda for conducting future research.
Attitudes Toward Wife Beating Among Palestinian Women of Reproductive Age From Three Cities in West Bank
Authors: Dhaher Enas A. , Mikolajczyk Rafael T. , Maxwell Annette E. , Krämer Alexander
Published: June 2009

A total of 450 women were interviewed in Mother and Child Health Care Centers in three cities in West Bank, Palestine, to assess attitudes toward wife beating. Overall, women perceived wife beating to be justified if a wife insults her husband (59%), if she disobeys her husband (49%), if she neglects her children (37%), if she goes out without telling her husband (25%), if she argues with her husband (11%), and if she burns the food (5%). Sixty-five percent of women agreed with at least one reason for wife beating, but there were statistically significant regional differences: Wife beating was most accepted in Jenin (73% acceptance of at least one reason) and least accepted in Hebron (55%). Lower level of education, not being employed, having more than one child, being married for fewer than 10 years, and making few household decisions were all associated with women’s acceptance of wife beating. The implications of these results are discussed.
Nonprofits Partnering With Postsecondary Institutions to Increase Low-Income Student Access
Authors: Kezar Adrianna , Lester Jaime , Yang Hannah
Published: June 2009

This article reports on a three year case study and interview project of a federal initiative to help low income students access college called individual development accounts (IDA). The study focused on partnership development between community agencies that offer IDAs and postsecondary institutions, examining challenges and facilitators. A set of challenges are identified as well as strategies for overcoming the obstacles. The results also suggest underlying reasons for challenges: (a) postsecondary institutions being hesitant to partner with community agencies that they perceive as having limited assets and prestige (essentially disempowered) and (b) community agencies lacking familiarity with the higher education environment.
Fall Risk in Older Adults
Authors: Steinman Bernard A. , Pynoos Jon , Nguyen Anna Q. D.
Published: June 2009

Objectives: To assess direct effects of self-rated vision, home modifications, and limb functioning, and moderating effects of self-rated vision on change in functioning of upper and lower limbs on fall risk in older adults. Method: Logistic regression was used to analyze 2004 and 2006 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. Results: Effects of self-rated vision and home modifications in predicting falls decreased after controlling functioning in upper and lower extremities. Declines/gains in functioning across short periods of time superseded self-rated vision in predicting falls. No evidence was found for a moderating effect of vision status on limb functioning. Discussion: Poor self-rated vision may not be a good indicator of fall risk in older adults. Thus, for older adults with visual impairments, preserving residual limb functioning through exercise and activity has the important potential to reduce fall risk in addition to improving muscle and bone strength as well as improving balance and gait.
What Works Better for Community-Dwelling Older People at Risk to Fall?
Authors: Petridou Eleni Th. , Manti Eirini G. , Ntinapogias Athanasios G. , Negri Eva , Szczerbińska Katarzyna
Published: June 2009

Objective: To compare and quantify the effectiveness of multifactorial versus exercise-alone interventions in reducing recurrent falls among community-dwelling older people. Method : A meta-analysis of recently published studies on fall prevention interventions was conducted. Measure of the overall effectiveness was the combined risk ratio for recurrent falls, whereas heterogeneity was explored via metaregression analyses. Results: Ten of the 52 identified studies met the preset criteria and were included in the analysis. The exercise-alone interventions were about 5 times more effective compared to multifactorial ones. Short-term interventions, smaller samples, and younger age related to better outcomes. Discussion: From cost-efficiency and public health perspectives, exercise-alone interventions can be considered valuable, as they are more likely to be implemented in countries with less resources. Further qualitative research is needed, however, to explore determinants of willingness to participate and comply with interventions aiming to prevent recurrent falls among older people.
Immunohistochemical Profile of Paratesticular Serous Papillary Adenocarcinoma and Tunica Vaginalis Facilitates Distinction From Malignant Mesothelioma
Authors: Anchala Praveen R. , Dhir Rajiv , Parwani Anil V. , Zynger Debra L.
Published: June 2009

Testicular and paratesticular tumors resembling mullerian epithelium of the ovary are extremely uncommon. This study reports a case of paratesticular serous papillary adenocarcinoma (SPA) in an 87-year-old man that was misdiagnosed as malignant mesothelioma (MM) and is 37 years older than previous cases, highlighting that SPA does not occur exclusively in young patients as described. Immunohistochemistry revealed expression of pankeratin, CAM 5.2, CK7, CK903, Ber-EP4, vimentin, S100, and CEA and virtually no expression of CK5/6, CK20, calretinin, thrombomodulin, or glypican 3. Expression of adjacent nonneoplastic tunica vaginalis mesothelium was assessed in this patient and additional specimens. Profiles of paratesticular SPA and MM were summarized and compared with paratesticular mesothelium. Nontumoral stromal and entrapped mesothelial expression were 2 diagnostic pitfalls in this case that have not been previously described. Based on these data, a panel of markers and the use of sections containing nonneoplastic mesothelium to facilitate interpretation is recommended.
Foreign Direct Investment and the Environment, the Mitigating Influence of Institutional and Civil Society Factors, and Relationships Between Industrial Pollution and Human Health
Authors: Jorgenson Andrew K
Published: June 2009

The author engages multiple theoretical orientations to examine the effects of foreign direct investment (FDI) on industrial organic water pollution intensity in less-developed countries as well as the potential mitigating impacts of institutional and civil society factors. Results of panel regression analyses indicate that within less-developed countries, industrial water pollution is positively associated with FDI in the manufacturing sector. However, a stronger presence of environmental international nongovernmental organizations and the existence of environmental ministries both attenuate the environmental harms of secondary sector foreign investment, whereas state strength appears to have no such mitigating influence. These findings lend support to investment dependence theory and world society theory, and illustrate the potential environmental benefits of particular institutional factors. Further analyses suggest that industrial water pollution contributes to child and infant mortality in less-developed countries, which highlights the importance of investigating the structural determinants of industrial-based pollutants.
The Ecological Restoration Movement
Authors: Tomblin David C.
Published: June 2009

The purpose of this essay is to introduce and take a critical look at the emerging Ecological Restoration (ER) movement. The typical characterization of the ER movement is that it focuses on restoring ecosystems to pre-European settlement conditions, even in urban environments; thus neglecting social justice issues and alienating the disadvantaged people living in these environments. The restoration movement is often accused of redefining these spaces from a culturally and ideologically privileged standpoint—a standpoint with historical links to the exclusionary preservationist discourse of the mainstream environmental movement. On the contrary, I argue that the ER movement has closer ties to the Environmental Justice (EJ) movement than previously recognized. Toward that end, I present an ecocultural map of the actual and potential relationships between the EJ and ER movements. The map reveals boundary objects (instruments, ideas, techniques, landscapes, and actions that each culture has in common) that can serve as avenues of communication between these movements. This analysis also identifies two newly emerging cultures within the ER movement, which incorporate both restoration and social justice among their goals: the Indigenous Peoples' Restoration (IPR) movement and the Environmental Justice Restoration (EJR) movement. The IPR and EJR cultures represent examples of how the broader EJ and ER cultures can find common ground while redefining ecocultural spaces and restoring degraded ecosystems within urban and rural environments.
State Environmental Protection Efforts, Women's Status, and World Polity
Authors: Nugent Colleen , Shandra John M.
Published: June 2009

There is a large focus at the organizational level on the importance of a link between women and the environment, yet little empirical research explores this. We examine how women's status in economic, political, educational, and health spheres affect state environmental protection efforts in the form of protected land area. Hypotheses derived from ecofeminism and empirical literature of gendered differences in individual-level attitudes and behaviors are tested using multiple regression models with a cross-national sample. We find no support for broader ecofeminist claims that the overall oppression of women and environmental degradation are linked by a common source. However, we find strong support for the idea that increasing women's political status in particular through representation in national government has a positive effect on state environmental protection efforts. We also find no evidence that connection to a world polity has a significant effect on nation-state designation of protected land area.
Considerations on the evolution of political marketing theory
Authors: Butler Patrick , Harris Phil
Published: June 2009

The significance of politics and election for societies demands the integrated engagement of researchers in politics and marketing. The natural diversity of political contexts, structures and processes complicates the process of theory development in political marketing, but continuous change in political marketplaces provides a rich ground for study. Recent considerations on the evolving dominant logic of marketing — a perspective that emphasizes intangible resources, the co-creation of value and sustainable relationships — resonate with the interests of political marketing scholars. The extension of marketing models to social and political contexts increases their contribution to societal welfare; directions for future work in the field are proposed.
Political marketing management and theories of democracy
Authors: Henneberg Stephan C. , Scammell Margaret , O'Shaughnessy Nicholas J.
Published: June 2009

Political marketing management is often criticized for devaluing democratic processes. However, no literature exists which outlines different concepts of democracies and systematically juxtaposes them with political marketing management in its varied conceptual and practical facets. In this article, we outline three different perspectives, i.e. a selling-oriented, an instrumentally-oriented, and a relational political marketing management, and analyse their compatibility with two different concepts of democracy, specifically competitive elitism and deliberative democracy. We discuss implications of political marketing vis-à-vis the theory of democracy as well as necessary further research. We find that while certain political marketing management perspectives are associated with different theories of democracy, the current normal paradigm of marketing theory shows the least overlap with democratic theories.
A resource-based view of the political party and value creation for the voter-citizen: an integrated framework for political marketing
Authors: O'Cass Aron
Published: June 2009

The study of marketing by political parties has been a steadily growing theme in academia over the past two decades. However, theory of marketing by political parties could be said to be in a pre-paradigmatic stage, as there is no general theory of political marketing. This is not to say a general theory is preferable or even possible, but it does present the discipline with a number of issues and raises many questions about moving political marketing to a stronger theory base. Such a stage of development presents great opportunities for those interested in political marketing to identify and debate many of the important aspects of applying marketing to political campaigns, which raises significant theoretical and practical issues. One such issue relates to the foundation of political marketing, which is being built on by theory from the commercial marketing domain. This does not lessen the discipline, but opens up opportunities to explore the nature of political marketing and debate the transition, smooth or otherwise, of commercial marketing theory into the political domain. It also provides opportunity to discuss the development by political parties of specific capabilities to deliver greater value to the voter-citizen, and what resources and capabilities are needed to do this. These two theoretical platforms highlight two major issues that if brought together offer significant opportunities to advance the discipline of political marketing — these being the resource-based view of the firm and value creation and delivery.
The political brand: A consumer perspective
Authors: Smith Gareth , French Alan
Published: June 2009

As there is not universal acceptance of political parties as brands, the paper justifies and theoretically supports considering them as such. It then uses a cognitive psychology perspective to explain in detail how consumers learn about political brands. From this, the interaction between the leader, the party and its policies is considered as a means by which political brand image forms in consumer memory. This is followed by an analysis of the potential benefits proffered by political brands to voters. These benefits, it is postulated, motivate consumers to learn about, interact with and eventually help decide upon a political brand. Finally, the paper considers the future of political brands, in particular through the prism of postmodern consumer behaviour.
Political marketing and stakeholder engagement
Authors: Hughes Andrew , Dann Stephen
Published: June 2009

Political marketing theory has developed and evolved in conjunction with advancements in political science and commercial marketing. Commercial marketing has been increasingly interested in developing marketing mechanisms which allows it to satisfy the core customer groups while also meeting the broader needs of the community and other stakeholders. Political marketing has the opportunity to build a marketing framework that focuses on delivering value to a core target market (voters, supporters) and addressing the needs of society at large. The paper outlines a new definition of political marketing to meet the challenges of addressing the needs of the political marketplace, political party stakeholders, and the broader social agenda.
Competitive Balance in the National Football League After the 1993 Collective Bargaining Agreement
Authors: Lee Travis
Published: June 2009

In the large literature on issues related to competitive balance, studies tend to find no significant effect of structural changes, such as changes in league rules, on parity. However, the 1993 collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the National Football League owners and players included several innovations that might be expected to affect competitive balance. The present note measures interseasonal parity as the impact of previous season’s winning percentage on current season’s winning percentage and finds that the 1993 CBA had the effect of increasing competitive balance.
Quit Behavior of Professional Tennis Players
Authors: Geyer Hannah
Published: June 2009

The effect of income and performance on quit behavior is analyzed for professional tennis players. By means of players’ data from the 1985 season until the 2007 season of the ATP-Tour, a stratified Cox regression shows that a higher annual prize money and better performance (measured for three different performance indicators: highest ranking position per year as well as games won and titles won per year) reduce quit behavior.
Unspeakable Transgressions: Indigenous Epistemologies, Ethics, and Decolonizing Academy/Inquiry
Authors: Moreira Claudio
Published: June 2009

What does happen, when “history” and “heritage” is nowhere to be found or claimed and granted? Drawing in his own mestiço heritage, the author tells the story of Geraldo in relation to his own one. Who was Geraldo? The intention is to challenge categories of knowledge that also relay in “knowledges” and social constructions, created by mechanisms of colonization even when they are created for the empowerment of the oppressed in many circumstances. The author offers visceral knowledge of growing up as and working with the poor in Brazil, to advance decolonizing discourse that may lead to more inclusive notions of social justice questioning the uncontrolled desire to categorize and control the Other. Through a layered text with a blurred aesthetic format, which mixes life stories and academic scholarship, the author asks: Can these borders, legacies, and injustices be transgressed? Can my body be transgressive as a form of scholarship?
In Vitro Evaluation of the Permeability of Prosthetic Meshes as the Possible Cause of Postoperative Seroma Formation
Authors: Jin Judy , Schomisch Steve , Rosen Michael J.
Published: June 2009

Introduction Seroma formation is one of the most common post operative complications related to abdominal wall hernia repairs with mesh. We hypothesized that the different biomaterials used to construct commonly used prosthetic mesh may influence permeability to fluid and affect seroma formation rates. Methods We designed an in vitro study where a 5 cm piece of mesh was placed in a closed system where normal saline was forced across the mesh and the pressure (mmHg) required for a constant stream of fluid was recorded. Eight prosthetic materials were studied: polyester/oxidized collagen (PC), expanded PTFE (DM), polypropylene/ePTFE (BC), polypropylene/oxidized cellulose (PR), light weight polypropylene/omega 3 fatty acid (CQ), compressed PTFE (MM), polypropylene (PP) and polyester (P) mesh. Results Each mesh was tested five times and the results averaged. The 3 meshes without anti-adhesive barriers (MM, PP, P) had fluid move across with minimal pressure (<1 mmHg). For the intraperitoneal mesh, there was a significant difference in pressure necessary for fluid movement (PR = 3.6, CQ = 36, PC = 56.6, DM > 350, BC > 350mmHg, p = <0.001). However, the fenestrations at the suture lines necessary to combine the PP and DM in the BC mesh permitted fluid transport at low pressures (<1mmHg). Conclusion Based on our in vitro study, each mesh exhibited different fluid permeability, especially in the case of meshes with anti-adhesive barriers. This study also infers that methods to create pressure gradients across mesh, such as an abdominal binder, may reduce seroma formation of certain meshes.
Exploring the Use of the Abbreviated Technology Readiness Index for Hotel Customer Segmentation
Authors: Victorino Liana , Karniouchina Ekaterina , Verma Rohit
Published: June 2009

Traditional tools used for segmenting hotel clientele rely on demographic and hotel-use characteristics (such as desired room type). However, with the emergence of self-service technologies and with technology-based components added to the list of hotels' service offerings, the authors propose using the abbreviated Technology Readiness Index (TRI) to improve the effectiveness of customer profiling, not only for technology use but also more generally for market segmentation. The abbreviated TRI was found to be a useful segmentation tool as it allows managers to form cohesive customer segments, each with a particular attitude toward technology and each with its own demographic characteristics and usage patterns. This study will help managers tailor their technology offerings to the needs and preferences of different segments based on their comfort with technology.
Studies on development of electroless Ni–B bath for corrosion resistance and wear resistance applications
Authors: Srinivasan K. N. , Meenakshi R. , Santhi A. , Thangavelu P. R. , John S.
Published: June 2009

Electroless deposition process has undergone numerous changes to meet the challenging needs for a variety of industrial applications ever since the invention of the process during 1947. Among the various metals that can be electrolessly plated, electroless nickel has proved its supremacy for producing coatings with high corrosion resistance, hardness, wear resistance and uniformity. Electroless nickel can be deposited from a variety of baths and the coating properties depends upon the type of reducing agents and other deposition conditions. Electroless nickel–boron coatings have received considerable interest nowadays because of the superior hardness, corrosion and wear resistance characteristics. In this paper, the authors have reported on the development of a biodegradable electroless Ni–B bath and evaluated its characteristic properties. The influence of bath constituents, temperature and pH on the rate of deposition was studied. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and atomic absorption spectroscopy techniques were employed to find out the deposit morphology and boron content in the deposits. The hardness and wear resistance of the deposits were evaluated in the as deposited and heat treated conditions. The influence of sodium hypophosphite as reducing agent on the Ni–B deposit has also been studied. The use of nickel methane sulphonate as the metal ion source increases the bath lifetime without adversely affecting the deposit qualities. Annealing the Ni–B deposit at 400°C for one hour resulted in an increase in the hardness and thereby the wear resistance. The corrosion resistance of as plated electroless Ni–B deposit is higher than the heat treated deposits. Also, the corrosion resistance is highly enhanced by the incorporation of phosphorous to the nickel–boron alloy coating.
Corrosion characteristic of pulsed electrodeposition Ni–Co/SiC nanocomposite coating
Authors: Dai P Q , Zhong Y H , Zhou X
Published: June 2009

Microstructures, Surface morphology and composition of nanocrystalline Ni–Co alloy coating and Ni–Co/SiC nanocomposite coating synthesised by pulse electrodeposition have been studied by XRD, SEM and EDS. The corrosion characteristics of nanocrystalline Ni–Co alloy coating and Ni–Co/SiC nanocomposite coating were comparatively investigated by immersion corrosion test and electrochemical polarisation method respectively. The experimental results indicate that nanocrystalline Ni–Co alloy coatings and Ni–Co/SiC nanocomposite coatings can be synthesised by pulse electrodeposition. With introducing and increasing nano‐SiC particles, the grain size of Ni–Co/SiC nanocomposite is being decreased while the microhardness is increasing. The Ni–Co/SiC nanocomposite coating exhibited better corrosion resistance in 3·5 wt‐% NaCl solution and 5 wt‐% HCl solution than nanocrystalline Ni–Co alloy. The surface morphology of all samples after corrosion in 3·5 wt‐% NaCl solution show evidences of little corrosion. However, samples corroded in 5 wt‐% HCl solution show uniform corrosion.
Development of apatite coatings on Ti–6Al–7Nb dental implants by biomimetic process and EPD: in vivo studies
Authors: Thair L , Ismaeel T , Ahmed B , Swadi A K
Published: June 2009

This paper compares the results of the effects of a biomimetic coating and electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of hydroxyapatite (HA) on the bond strength between the bone, implant and cell compatibility of Ti–6Al–7Nb dental implants. In the biomimetic process, screw shaped implants were chemically etched and NaOH activated to form hydroxycarbonated apatite after they were soaked for six days in a solution that was five times more concentrated than regular simulated body fluid (SBF). Electrophoretic deposition was also used to obtain a uniform coating of HA on other batchs of screws. Elemental, structural and in vivo histological and biomechanical investigations were carried out on the modified surfaces of the screws. The results show that there was a faster reaction of bone towards the coated implants compared to the uncoated one. More mature bones were observed on HA coated implants and increased mechanical strength (torque value) of bone–implant interface. Higher torque was needed to remove elephoretically and biomimetically HA coated screws from its bed compared to that needed for uncoated one (55, 50·16 and 37·45 N cm respectively). Biomimetic and electrophoretic coating with a bioactive HA leads to high integration between bone and implant by increasing the bioactivity of the product and to promoting mechanical properties of the implanted screws and enhanced osseointegration during the healing period. Owing to the higher roughness and porosity of the EPD coated screws (average Ra = 2921±100 nm), the bone growth was much higher than that coated biomimetically (average Ra = 1550±88 nm). Out of the two methods tried to form bioactive surface, EPD yields high bone adhesion when compared to the biomimetic coating.
Electrochemical deposition of composite biopolymer films
Authors: Sun F. , Zhitomirsky I.
Published: June 2009

Composite films of alginic acid–hyaluronic acid and alginic acid–heparin were deposited by electrochemical method for the surface modification of conductive substrates. Obtained films were studied by SEM, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The deposition yield increased with increasing concentration of hyaluronate and heparin in the alginate solutions. The results of deposition yield measurements coupled with the results of TGA and DTA studies showed the possibility of the formation of deposits of different composition. These results are in a good agreement with the FTIR data, which revealed characteristic adsorption peaks of hyaluronic acid and heparin for the composite films. Film thickness was varied in the range of 0–10 μm by the variation of the deposition time at a constant deposition voltage. Obtained films can be used for the surface modification of biomedical implants with improved biocompatibility.
Classification of laser beam induced surface engineering technologies and in situ synthesis of steel matrix surface nanocomposites
Authors: Verezub O , Kálazi Z , Buza G , Verezub N V , Kaptay G
Published: June 2009

A new classification of different laser beam induced surface engineering technologies is offered in this paper. An in situ laser melt injection technology is applied in this paper to modify the surface of an inexpensive carbon steel substrate. Relatively large WC+Ti particles were blown into a laser melt steel pool, and the desired (Ti,W)C carbide particles were precipitated upon cooling and solidification. Although these primary (Ti,W)C carbide particles were micrometre sized, additional nanosized (Fe,W)6C particles were found to precipitate during the subsequent heat treatment from an oversaturated steel matrix. Thus, a steel matrix surface nanocomposite was produced by the combination of in situ laser melt injection technology and subsequent heat treatment.
HTLV-1–Tax and ICAM-1 act on T-cell signal pathways to polarize the microtubule-organizing center at the virological synapse
Authors: Nejmeddine Mohamed , Negi Veera S. , Mukherjee Sohini , Tanaka Yuetsu , Orth Kim , Taylor Graham P. , Bangham Charles R. M.
Published: June 2009

Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) spreads directly between lymphocytes and other cells via a specialized cell-cell contact, termed the virological synapse. The formation of the virological synapse is accompanied by the orientation of the microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) in the infected T cell toward the cell contact region with the noninfected target cell. We previously demonstrated that the combination of intracellular Tax protein expression and the stimulation of the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) on the cell surface is sufficient to trigger MTOC polarization in the HTLV-1–infected T cell. However, the mechanism by which Tax and ICAM-1 cause the MTOC polarization is not fully understood. Here we show that the presence of Tax at the MTOC region and its ability to stimulate cyclic AMP-binding protein–dependent pathways are both required for MTOC polarization in the HTLV-1–infected T cell at the virological synapse. Furthermore, we show that the MTOC polarization induced by ICAM-1 engagement depends on activation of the Ras-MEK-ERK signaling pathway. Our findings indicate that efficient MTOC polarization at the virological synapse requires Tax-mediated stimulation of T-cell activation pathways in synergy with ICAM-1 cross-linking. The results also reveal differences in the signaling pathways used to trigger MTOC polarization between the immunologic synapse and the virological synapse.
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children and adolescents with recurrent and refractory Hodgkin lymphoma: an analysis of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Claviez Alexander , Canals Carme , Dierickx Daan , Stein Jerry , Badell Isabel , Pession Andrea , Mackinnon Stephen , Slavin Shimon , Dalle Jean-Hugues , Chacón Manuel Jurado , Sarhan Mahmoud , Wynn Robert Francis , Suttorp Meinolf , Dini Giorgio , Sureda Anna , Schmitz Norbert
Published: June 2009

Ninety-one children and adolescents 18 years or younger after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) were analyzed. Fifty-one patients received reduced intensity conditioning (RIC); 40 patients received myeloablative conditioning (MAC). Nonrelapse mortality (NRM) at 1 year was 21% (± 4%), with comparable results after RIC or MAC. Probabilities of relapse at 2 and 5 years were 36% (± 5%) and 44% (± 6%), respectively. RIC was associated with an increased relapse risk compared with MAC; most apparent beginning 9 months after HSCT (P = .01). Progression-free survival (PFS) was 40% (± 6%) and 30% (± 6%) and overall survival (OS) was 54% (± 6%) and 45% (± 6%) at 2 and 5 years, respectively. Disease status at HSCT was predictive of PFS in multivariate analysis (P < .001). Beyond 9 months, PFS after RIC was lower compared with MAC (P = .02). Graft-versus-host disease did not affect relapse rate and PFS. In conclusion, children and adolescents with recurring HL show reasonable results with allogeneic HSCT. Especially patients allografted in recent years with good performance status and chemosensitive disease show highly encouraging results (PFS: 60% ± 27%, OS: 83% ± 15% at 3 years). Because relapse remains the major cause of treatment failure, additional efforts to improve disease control are necessary.
WT1 mutations in T-ALL
Authors: Tosello Valeria , Mansour Marc R. , Barnes Kelly , Paganin Maddalena , Sulis Maria Luisa , Jenkinson Sarah , Allen Christopher G. , Gale Rosemary E. , Linch David C. , Palomero Teresa , Real Pedro , Murty Vundavalli , Yao Xiaopan , Richards Susan M. , Goldstone Anthony , Rowe Jacob , Basso Giuseppe , Wiernik Peter H. , Paietta Elisabeth , Pieters Rob , Horstmann Martin , Meijerink Jules P. P. , Ferrando Adolfo A.
Published: June 2009

The molecular mechanisms involved in disease progression and relapse in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) are poorly understood. We used single nucleotide polymorphism array analysis to analyze paired diagnostic and relapsed T-ALL samples to identify recurrent genetic alterations in T-ALL. This analysis showed that diagnosis and relapsed cases have common genetic alterations, but also that relapsed samples frequently lose chromosomal markers present at diagnosis, suggesting that relapsed T-ALL emerges from an ancestral clone different from the major leukemic population at diagnosis. In addition, we identified deletions and associated mutations in the WT1 tumor suppressor gene in 2 of 9 samples. Subsequent analysis showed WT1 mutations in 28 of 211 (13.2%) of pediatric and 10 of 85 (11.7%) of adult T-ALL cases. WT1 mutations present in T-ALL are predominantly heterozygous frameshift mutations resulting in truncation of the C-terminal zinc finger domains of this transcription factor. WT1 mutations are most prominently found in T-ALL cases with aberrant rearrangements of the oncogenic TLX1, TLX3, and HOXA transcription factor oncogenes. Survival analysis demonstrated that WT1 mutations do not confer adverse prognosis in pediatric and adult T-ALL. Overall, these results identify the presence of WT1 mutations as a recurrent genetic alteration in T-ALL.
The new tyrosine-kinase inhibitor and anticancer drug dasatinib reversibly affects platelet activation in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Gratacap Marie-Pierre , Martin Valérie , Valéra Marie-Cécile , Allart Sophie , Garcia Cédric , Sié Pierre , Recher Christian , Payrastre Bernard
Published: June 2009

Dasatinib is an oral potent adenosine triphosphate (ATP)–competitive inhibitor of BCR-ABL, cKIT, platelet-derived growth factor receptor, and SRC family kinases (SFKs), which has demonstrated high efficiency in patients with imatinib-resistant chronic myelogenous leukemia. Here, we show that dasatinib weakly affects platelet activation by thrombin or adenosine diphosphate but is a potent inhibitor of platelet signaling and functions initiated by collagen or FcγRIIA cross-linking, which require immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif phosphorylation by SFKs. Accordingly, dasatinib treatment rapidly decreases the volume of thrombi formed under arterial flow conditions in whole blood from patients or mice perfused over a matrix of collagen. Moreover, treatment of mice with dasatinib increases the tail bleeding time in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, these effects are rapidly reversible after interruption of the treatment. Our data clearly demonstrate that, in contrast to imatinib, dasatinib affects platelet functions in vitro and in vivo, which has important implications in clinic and could explain increased risks of bleeding observed in patients. Moreover, dasatinib efficiently prevents platelet activation mediated by FcγRIIA cross-linking and by sera from patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, suggesting that reversible antiplatelet agents acting as ATP-competitive inhibitors of SFKs may be of therapeutic interest in the treatment of this pathology.
Do studies in humans better depict Th17 cells?
Authors: Annunziato Francesco , Romagnani Sergio
Published: June 2009

CD4+ T helper (Th) lymphocytes represent a heterogeneous population of cells. In addition to type 1 (Th1) and type 2 (Th2) cells, another subset of CD4+ effector Th cells has been discovered and named as Th17, because of its unique ability to produce interleukin (IL)–17. Studies in mice initially suggested that Th17 cells are the pathogenic cells in autoimmune disorders, whereas Th1 cells may behave rather as protective. Subsequent studies in humans demonstrated the plasticity of Th17 cells and their possibility to shift to Th1. The plasticity of Th17 to Th1 cells has recently been confirmed in mice, where it was found that Th17 cells seem to be pathogenic only when they shift to Th1 cells. Studies in humans also showed that Th17 cells are different than in mice because all of them express CD161 and exclusively originate from CD161+ precursors present in umbilical cord blood and newborn thymus. While murine Th17 cells develop in response to IL-6, IL-1, and transforming growth factor (TGF)–β, human Th17 cells originate from these CD161+ precursors in response to IL-1β and IL-23, the need for TGF-β being controversial. Thus, we believe that studies in humans have better depicted human Th17 cells than studies in mice.
Naturally processed peptides spanning the HPA-1a polymorphism are efficiently generated and displayed from platelet glycoprotein by HLA-DRB3*0101–positive antigen-presenting cells
Authors: Anani Sarab Gholamreza , Moss Michael , Barker Robert N. , Urbaniak Stanislaw J.
Published: June 2009

In neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia, almost all human platelet antigen (HPA)–1b1b mothers who produce anti–HPA-1a antibody through carrying an HPA-1a fetus are human histocompatibility leukocyte antigen (HLA)–DRB3*0101 positive. It is predicted that the HPA-1a Leu33 polymorphism forms part of an HLA-DRB3*0101–restricted T-helper epitope, and acts as an anchor residue for binding this class II molecule. However, it is not known whether any corresponding peptides are naturally processed and presented from platelet glycoprotein. In this study, peptides displayed by a homozygous HLA-DRB3*0101 antigen-presenting cell line were identified after pulsing with recombinant HPA-1a (Leu33 plexin-semaphorin-integrin domain). The peptides were eluted from HLA-DR molecules, fractionated by high performance liquid chromatography, and analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry. A “nested set” of naturally presented HPA-1a–derived peptides, each containing the Trp25-Leu33 core epitope, was identified, with the most abundant member being the 16-mer Met22-Arg37. These peptides may provide the basis for novel treatments to tolerize the corresponding T-helper response in women at risk of neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia.
Polymorphism and selection of rpoS in pathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Dong Tao , Chiang Sarah M , Joyce Charlie , Yu Rosemary , Schellhorn Herb E
Published: June 2009

Background

Though RpoS is important for survival of pathogenic Escherichia coli in natural environments, polymorphism in the rpoS gene is common. However, the causes of this polymorphism and consequential physiological effects on gene expression in pathogenic strains are not fully understood.

Results

In this study, we found that growth on non-preferred carbon sources can efficiently select for loss of RpoS in seven of ten representative verocytotoxin-producing E. coli (VTEC) strains. Mutants (Suc++) forming large colonies on succinate were isolated at a frequency of 10-8 mutants per cell plated. Strain O157:H7 EDL933 yielded mainly mutants (about 90%) that were impaired in catalase expression, suggesting the loss of RpoS function. As expected, inactivating mutations in rpoS sequence were identified in these mutants. Expression of two pathogenicity-related phenotypes, cell adherence and RDAR (r ed d ry a nd r ough) morphotype, were also attenuated, indicating positive control by RpoS. For the other Suc++ mutants (10%) that were catalase positive, no mutation in rpoS was detected.

Conclusion

The selection for loss of RpoS on poor carbon sources is also operant in most pathogenic strains, and thus is likely responsible for the occurrence of rpoS polymorphisms among E. coli isolates.
An integrative multi-platform analysis for discovering biomarkers of osteosarcoma
Authors: Li Guodong , Zhang Wenjuan , Zeng Huazong , Chen Lei , Wang Wenjing , Liu Jilong , Zhang Zhiyu , Cai Zhengdong
Published: June 2009

Background

SELDI-TOF-MS (Surface Enhanced Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry) has become an attractive approach for cancer biomarker discovery due to its ability to resolve low mass proteins and high-throughput capability. However, the analytes from mass spectrometry are described only by their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) values without further identification and annotation. To discover potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of osteosarcoma, we designed an integrative workflow combining data sets from both SELDI-TOF-MS and gene microarray analysis.

Methods

After extracting the information for potential biomarkers from SELDI data and microarray analysis, their associations were further inferred by link-test to identify biomarkers that could likely be used for diagnosis. Immuno-blot analysis was then performed to examine whether the expression of the putative biomarkers were indeed altered in serum from patients with osteosarcoma.

Results

Six differentially expressed protein peaks with strong statistical significances were detected by SELDI-TOF-MS. Four of the proteins were up-regulated and two of them were down-regulated. Microarray analysis showed that, compared with an osteoblastic cell line, the expression of 653 genes was changed more than 2 folds in three osteosarcoma cell lines. While expression of 310 genes was increased, expression of the other 343 genes was decreased. The two sets of biomarkers candidates were combined by the link-test statistics, indicating that 13 genes were potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of osteosarcoma. Among these genes, cytochrome c1 (CYC-1) was selected for further experimental validation.

Conclusion

Link-test on datasets from both SELDI-TOF-MS and microarray high-throughput analysis can accelerate the identification of tumor biomarkers. The result confirmed that CYC-1 may be a promising biomarker for early diagnosis of osteosarcoma.
Dysregulation of heat shock protein 27 expression in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Anxun , Liu Xiqiang , Sheng Shihu , Ye Hui , Peng Tingsheng , Shi Fei , Crowe David L , Zhou Xiaofeng
Published: June 2009

Background

Recent proteomic studies identified Hsp27 as a highly over-expressed protein in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Clinical studies that attempted to evaluate the prognostic values of Hsp27 yielded inconsistent results, which may be due to inclusion of OSCC cases from multiple anatomic sites. In this study, to determine the utility of Hsp27 for prognosis, we focused on oral tongue SCC (OTSCC), one of the most aggressive forms of OSCC.

Methods

Archival clinical samples of 15 normal oral tongue mucosa, 31 dysplastic lesions, 80 primary OTSCC, and 32 lymph node metastases were examined for Hsp27 expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Statistical analyses were carried out to assess the prognostic value of Hsp27 expression for patients with this disease.

Results

Dysregulation of Hsp27 expression was observed in dysplastic lesions, primary OTSCC, and lymph node metastases, and appears to be associated with disease progression. Statistical analysis revealed that the reduced Hsp27 expression in primary tumor tissue was associated with poor differentiation. Furthermore, the higher expression of Hsp27 was correlated with better overall survival.

Conclusion

Our study confirmed that the dysregulation of Hsp27 expression is a frequent event during the progression of OTSCC. The expression of Hsp27 appears to be an independent prognostic marker for patients with this disease.