bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individual or Group Therapy? Indications for Optimal Therapy
Authors: Friedman Robi
Published: April 2013

Different therapeutic modalities have differential value in curing disorders. Group therapy and individual therapy may be complementary rather than alternative approaches; thus in therapeutic reality—both may be a ‘must’ in order for one to develop and get healthy. The unique advantages of small and median groups in the optimal treatment of personal and interpersonal patterns should be used in order to revise our therapy indication system.
Evaluating the Effects of a Systemic Intervention on First-Grade Teachers’ Explicit Reading Instruction
Authors: Nelson-Walker Nancy J. , Fien Hank , Kosty Derek B. , Smolkowski Keith , Smith Jean Louise M. , Baker Scott K.
Published: April 2013

This article examines the efficacy of a multitiered systemic reading intervention for increasing the intensity and quality of explicit literacy instruction that teachers provide in first-grade classrooms. Schools ( j = 16) were randomly assigned to the treatment or comparison condition. In both conditions, teachers ( i = 42) provided 90 min of Tier I reading instruction to first-grade students ( n = 883). In the treatment condition, Tier I classroom teachers were trained to enhance their core reading instruction by making instruction more explicit and intensive through standardized protocols and ongoing coaching support. At-risk treatment students ( n = 240) also received an additional 30 min of Tier II supplemental reading intervention that was highly aligned with Tier I instruction. The focus of this study is on the Tier I portion of the multitiered intervention and the impact of the Tier I Enhancing Core Reading Instruction intervention on teacher practices. Results indicate positive effects of the Tier I intervention on the quality of explicit instruction and the frequency and accuracy of group practice opportunities provided to students.
Predicting Transportation Outcomes for LEED Projects
Authors: Ewing Reid , Greenwald Michael J. , Zhang Ming , Bogaerts Meghan , Greene William
Published: April 2013

The article first estimates models of mode choice and average trip length for 239 diverse mixed-use developments in six diverse regions. It then applies these models to twelve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) pilot projects to predict approximate vehicle miles of travel (VMT) per person trip. Finally, it compares LEED-ND values to regional average values from the National Household Travel Survey. The VMT per person trip, for LEED-ND projects, ranges from 24 to 60 percent of the respective regional averages. The most urban and centrally located projects tended to achieve the highest alternative mode shares and the lowest private vehicle trip lengths.
Safety and Efficacy of Intravenous Hypotonic 0.225% Sodium Chloride Infusion for the Treatment of Hypernatremia in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Dickerson Roland N. , Maish George O. , Weinberg Jordan A. , Croce Martin A. , Minard Gayle , Brown Rex O.
Published: April 2013

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of central venous administration of a hypotonic 0.225% sodium chloride (one‐quarter normal saline [¼ NS]) infusion for critically ill patients with hypernatremia. Methods: Critically ill, adult patients with traumatic injuries and hypernatremia (serum sodium [Na] >150 mEq/L) who were given ¼ NS were retrospectively studied. Serum sodium, fluid balance, free water intake, sodium intake, and plasma free hemoglobin concentration (fHgb) were assessed. Results: Twenty patients (age, 50 ± 18 years; Injury Severity Score, 29 ± 12) were evaluated. The ¼ NS infusion was given at 1.5 ± 1.0 L/d for 4.6 ± 1.6 days. Serum sodium concentration decreased from 156 ± 4 to 143 ± 6 mEq/L (P < .001) over 3–7 days. Total sodium intake was decreased from 210 ± 153 to 156 ± 112 mEq/d (P < .05). Daily net fluid balance was not significantly increased. Plasma fHgb increased from 4.9 ± 5.4 mg/dL preinfusion to 8.9 ± 7.4 mg/dL after 2.6 ± 1.3 days of continuous intravenous (IV) ¼ NS in 10 patients (P = .055). An additional 10 patients had a plasma fHgb of 10.2 ± 9.0 mg/dL during the infusion. Hematocrit and hemoglobin decreased (26% ± 3% to 24% ± 2%, P < .001 and 9.1 ± 1.1 to 8.2 ± 0.8 g/dL, P < .001, respectively). Conclusions: Although IV ¼ NS was effective for decreasing serum sodium concentration, evidence for minor hemolysis warrants further research to establish its safety before its routine use can be recommended.
Metastressors as Barriers to Self-Sufficiency Among TANF-Reliant African American and Latina Women
Authors: Bowie Stan L. , Dopwell Donna M.
Published: April 2013

The mixed-method study examined welfare-reliant, female heads of households and the multilayered and persistent barriers they face in their attempts to obtain employment to sustain their families. The 30 respondents, aged 25–34, were African Americans and Latinas receiving various forms of public assistance and were plagued by a host of serious problems. The African American respondents were native-born American citizens who spoke only English, and almost all the Latina respondents spoke only Spanish and were born in South or Central America, Cuba, or the West Indies. A higher level of interpersonal violence was reported among the African American cohort. There were other strong contrasts between the cohorts, including the mean number of children, educational level, work experience, and type of housing. The theoretical framework for the study was liberationist feminist social work practice. The results revealed an alarming array of simultaneously occurring “metastressors” that are complex, comprehensive, suffocating to many respondents, and more difficult to resolve over time. The study challenges the assumptions on which the Temporary Assistance for Need Families operates, including its political origins and its current regulations that mandate time limits on assistance in spite of persistent national economic problems. The issue of intersectionality is explored in relation to gender and racial oppression in the United States and in terms of promoting positive social change among oppressed groups.
Toward International Comparative Research on Associational Activity
Authors: Johnson Erik W.
Published: April 2013

This article describes the scope and composition of national associational populations in four similar countries (Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and United States), by way of introducing an important new data release on national associational populations. Special attention is devoted to the subset of associations attending to social inequality issues of gender, race/ethnicity, and sexual orientation, and which are of particular interest to social movement and interest group scholars. No evidence is found for the Tocquevillian notion of heightened national-level associational activity in the United States. The nonmembership associational form is, however, particularly prominent in the United States. Associations attending to social inequality issues in the United Kingdom are structured very differently from these other nations, likely as a result of the unitary nature of government in that country rather than a strong federal system.
Children Value Informativity Over Logic in Word Learning
Authors: Ramscar Michael , Dye Melody , Klein Joseph
Published: April 2013

The question of how children learn the meanings of words has long puzzled philosophers and psychologists. As Quine famously pointed out, simply hearing a word in context reveals next to nothing about its meaning. How then do children learn to understand and use words correctly? Here, we show how learning theory can offer an elegant solution to this seemingly intractable puzzle in language acquisition. From it, we derived formal predictions about word learning in situations of Quinean ambiguity, and subsequently tested our predictions on toddlers, undergraduates, and developmental psychologists. The toddlers’ performance was consistent both with our predictions and with the workings of implicit mechanisms that can facilitate the learning of meaningful lexical systems. Adults adopted a markedly different and likely suboptimal strategy. These results suggest one explanation for why early word learning can appear baffling: Adult intuitions may be a poor source of insight into how children learn.
Diaion HP-2MG modified with 2-(2,6-dichlorobenzylideneamino) benzenethiol as new adsorbent for solid phase extraction and flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination of metal ions
Authors: Ghaedi M , Montazerozohori M , Haghdoust S , Zaare F , Soylak M
Published: April 2013

A solid phase extraction method for enrichment-separation and the determination of cobalt (Co2+), copper (Cu2+), nickel (Ni2+), zinc (Zn2+) and lead (Pb2+) ions in real samples has been proposed. The influences of some analytical parameters like pH, flow rate, eluent type and interference of matrix ions on recoveries of analytes were optimized. The limits of detection were found in the range of 1.6–3.9 µg L−1, while preconcentration factor for all understudy metal ions were found to be 166 with loading half time ( t1/2) less than 10 min. The procedure was applied for the enrichment-separation of analyte ions in environmental samples with recoveries higher than 94.8% and relative SD <4.9% ( N = 5).
Primary Hepatic and Hepatosplenic Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphomas With Intrasinusoidal and Interstitial Lymphomatous Infiltration
Authors: Kashimura Makoto , Murayama Kayoko , Kojima Masaru
Published: April 2013

Primary hepatic and hepatosplenic diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs) are rare cancers and form nodules in most instances. However, very rare cases can diffusely infiltrate the whole liver without nodules. The general clinicopathological features of these lymphomas have not been reported to date. In our current study, we attempted to elucidate the features of these lesions through our direct observations and by reviewing the current literature. We describe the characteristics of 2 patients with hepatic and hepatosplenic DLBCL by autopsy. The lymphoma cells showed diffuse infiltration of the liver, red pulp of the spleen, and bone marrow with intrasinusoidal and interstitial lymphomatous infiltration of the organs. We discuss our observations in relation to previously reported DLBCLs with a similar pathology.
Granular Cell Ameloblastoma
Authors: Sharma Prashant , Nigam Sonu , Agarwal Arun Kumar
Published: April 2013

An unusual granular variant of ameloblastoma presenting as a mandibular mass in a 43-year-old woman is described. These visually striking tumors display unusual and inconsistent immunohistochemical staining patterns although differential diagnosis from other granular cell lesions of the head and neck is usually not problematic.
An experimental method for tangential contact stiffness evaluation of contact interfaces with controlled contact asperities
Authors: Fuadi Zahrul , Takagi Toshiyugi , Miki Hiroyuki , Adachi Koshi
Published: April 2013

An experimental method for estimating the tangential contact stiffness of contact interface with controlled contact asperities is discussed. The tangential contact stiffness is analyzed from the shift of certain eigenmode frequency of the system resulting from the changes in the density of contact asperities and the application of normal force. The results show that for the case of contact combination with 189 contact asperities, the corresponding eigenmode frequency shifted from 1.01 kHz at normal force of 19 N to 1.64 kHz at normal force of 148 N. This shift corresponds to the increase of tangential contact stiffness from 34.08 MN/m at normal force of 19 N to 67.44 MN/m at normal force of 148 N. It is found that the corresponding eigenmode frequency and its shift were affected by the density of contact asperities as well as the normal force. In the case of contact combination with 397 contact asperities, the corresponding eigenmode frequency shifted from 2.36 kHz at normal force of 49 N to 3.9 kHz at normal force of 153 N, indicating the increase of the tangential contact stiffness from 93.91 to 140.73 MN/m. A simple power relationship is proposed to explain the quantitative relationship between the eigenmode frequency shift and the tangential contact stiffness value.
Tribological behavior of PEEK filled with CF/PTFE/graphite sliding against stainless steel surface under water lubrication
Authors: Dong Wutao , Nie Songlin , Zhang Anqing
Published: April 2013

In this research, the tribological characteristics of PEEK filled with short carbon fiber/PTFE/Graphite sliding against AISI630 stainless steel under water lubrication were investigated. The friction experiments were conducted on MCF-10 ring-on-ring test rig. Based on SEM analysis of worn surfaces, an attempt was made to approach the tribological mechanism of friction pairs. The results showed that the matching materials achieved the best tribological performance at velocity of 1 m/s and load of 1.66 MPa. When load applied on the specimens was increased to 2.49–3.32 MPa, cracks and delamination wear occurred in the surface of PEEK. The effect of sliding velocity on triobological performance of matching materials was complicated. At higher sliding velocity, hydrodynamic lubrication was easier to form. However, the rapid rising temperature with the increase of sliding velocity had adverse effect on water lubrication film. Under load of 1.66 MPa and sliding velocity of 1.5–2 m/s, adhesive wear was the dominant factor in the sliding process. The matching materials performed higher friction coefficient and wear rates under insufficient water lubrication than that under circulating water lubrication. It is attributed to that the friction heat accumulated gradually. The research results will lay the foundation for the materials screening of key friction pairs in the water hydraulic components.
Underlying barriers to referral to paediatric palliative care services
Authors: Twamley Katherine , Craig Finella , Kelly Paula , Hollowell Delia R , Mendoza Patricia , Bluebond-Langner Myra
Published: April 2013

Referrals to children’s palliative care services typically occur late in the illness trajectory, with many children who would benefit not referred at all. Previous studies report health care professionals’ (HCPs) assessment of various parent-related factors as barriers to referral. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of HCPs working in a paediatric tertiary care hospital in the United Kingdom, with an established paediatric palliative care team, to explore staff perceptions of barriers, knowledge and attitudes, with the aim of developing interventions to increase patient access to palliative care services. Survey respondents evidenced good knowledge of the principles of palliative care in closed questions, but their attitudes expressed in open-text questions and reported reasons to refer to a palliative care service demonstrated an association of palliative care with death and dying. We suggest that the association of palliative care with end of life may be a modifiable factor relevant to late and non-referral and deserving of further investigation and attention in education and training.
Policies of access to healthcare services for accompanied asylum-seeking children in the Nordic countries
Authors: Sandahl Hinuga , Norredam Marie , Hjern Anders , Asher Henry , Nielsen Signe Smith
Published: April 2013

Aims: Asylum-seeking children constitute a vulnerable group with high prevalence and risk for mental health problems. The aim of this study was to compare policies of access to healthcare services, including physical examination and screening for mental health problems on arrival, for accompanied asylum-seeking children in the Nordic countries. Methods: This study was based on the national reports “Reception of refugee children in the Nordic countries” written by independent national experts for the Nordic Network for Research on Refugee Children, supplemented by information from relevant authorities. Results: In Sweden, Norway and Iceland, asylum-seeking children had access to healthcare services equal to children in the general population. On a policy level, Denmark imposed restrictions on non-acute hospitalisations and prolonged specialist treatments. Regarding health examinations, Sweden deviated from the Nordic pattern by not performing these systematically. In Denmark, Iceland, and some counties in Sweden, but not in Norway, screening for mental health problems was offered to asylum-seeking children. Conclusion: Access to healthcare services for asylum-seeking children differs in the Nordic countries; the consequences of these systematic differences for the individual asylum-seeking child are unknown. For asylum-seeking children, access to healthcare has to be considered in a wider context that includes the core conditions of being an asylum-seeker. A comparative study at policy level needs to be supplemented with empirical follow-up studies of the well-being of the study population to document potential consequences of policies in practice.
Muslim immigrants and the Greek nation: The emergence of nationalist intolerance
Authors: Triandafyllidou Anna , Kouki Hara
Published: April 2013

Faced with claims for recognising religious diversity, liberal European democracies have shifted in the last 10 years towards a more restrictive view of integration. This paper seeks to make a contribution to this line of research on how European countries deal with migration-related ethnic and religious diversity today by investigating the case of a southern country, notably Greece. Greece is an interesting case to study: it has by now 20 years of experience as a host country, but still its migrant integration policies are under-developed. In addition Greece it is currently experiencing an acute economic crisis while irregular migration towards the country is on the rise. These developments have contributed to bringing migration on to centre stage in political discourse with a concomitant rise of racist and xenophobic discourses against migrants. This paper takes, as a case study, the public Muslim prayer that took place in several squares of Athens on 18 November 2010 as a peaceful protest against the fact that Athens still does not have a formal mosque. We use this event as an opportunity for interviewing social and political actors directly or indirectly involved in it on their views regarding migration, religious diversity and their accommodation in the Greek public space. We analyse their discourse on whether and under what conditions religious diversity, Islam in particular, should be tolerated or accepted in Greek society. We propose here the notion of ‘nationalist intolerance’ to make sense of Greek discourses and propose a dynamic understanding of tolerance and intolerance as concepts that do not emanate from abstract norms but are rather negotiated in specific contexts.
Host power and triadic conversation management in Hong Kong talk radio
Authors: Li Miao , Lee Francis Lap Fung
Published: April 2013

Past research on talk radio discourses has illustrated the crucial role of the hosts in managing the conversation and shaping the voices of callers. However, past research focused mostly on dyadic host–caller interactions. Radio talk shows in Hong Kong, in contrast, often have more than one host. This study is interested in the implications of the triadic setting of radio talk shows in Hong Kong. It uses Radio Television Hong Kong’s evening program Open Line Open View as a case study. Employing the techniques of conversation analysis, this study replicates some of past studies’ findings about the source of host power. More importantly, the analysis shows that the second host in a triadic setting can play three important roles: the program conductor, the buffer, and the counterweight. The micro-level interactional patterns have important implications for the overall character of the program itself and the role of talk radio in the politics of public opinion in Hong Kong. More generally, this study illustrates the utility of paying attention to the differences between dyads and triads in the microsociological analysis of conversations in broadcast media.
The male excess in sudden infant deaths
Authors: Moscovis Sophia M , Hall Sharron T , Burns Christine J , Scott Rodney J , Blackwell C Caroline
Published: April 2013

The peak age at which sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) occurs corresponds to the developmental period in which infants are dependent on their innate responses to infection. There is a growing body of evidence indicating that dysregulation of inflammatory responses might contribute to the physiological changes leading to these sudden deaths. This study examined the effects of three important risk factors for SIDS on inflammatory responses: cigarette smoke, virus infection and male sex. Cytokine responses of peripheral monocytic blood cells of healthy, non-smoking males and females to endotoxin were measured. Surrogates for virus infection or cigarette smoke were assessed using IFN-γ or water-soluble cigarette smoke extract (CSE). For most conditions, cells from males had lower pro-inflammatory cytokine responses than those of females. An opposite trend was observed for IL-10. Significantly lower levels of some cytokines were noted for cells from male donors exposed to CSE. In females, there were significant correlations between testosterone levels and levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, but none for males. Testosterone levels in females correspond to those among male infants in the age range at greatest risk of SIDS. The effects of the testosterone surge in male infants need to be examined in relation to changes in cortisol levels that occur during the same period of infant development.
Behavioral Differences in Gaming Patterns among Chinese Subcultures as Perceived by Macao Casino Staff
Authors: Wan Penny Yim King , Kim Samuel Seongseop , Elliot Statia
Published: April 2013

Given the growth of Macao’s casino industry and its popularity with Chinese visitors from various locations, an understanding of subcultural differences is critical. This study reports on the observations of a convenience sample of 302 long-time Macao casino staff members regarding casino customers from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. While these customers have much in common, the employees reported differences in the three subcultures’ gambling behavior, in the areas of untidy or disruptive behavior, generous (tipping) behavior, complaining and active behavior, passive behavior, game-focused behavior, and chip-exchange behavior. By understanding and addressing these differences, many of which are relatively subtle, the managers of Macao’s casinos can improve the quality of service offered to these guests.
Hope in the Middle East
Authors: Cohen-Chen Smadar , Halperin Eran , Crisp Richard J. , Gross James J.
Published: April 2013

The importance of hope has long been asserted in the field of conflict resolution. However, little is actually known about either how to induce hope or what effects hope has on conciliatory attitudes. In the current research, we tested whether (1) hope is based upon beliefs regarding conflict malleability and (2) hope predicts support for concessions for peace. Study 1, a correlational study conducted among Israeli Jews, revealed that malleability beliefs regarding conflicts in general are associated with hope regarding the Israeli–Palestinian conflict as well as with support for concessions. In Study 2, we established causality using an experimental manipulation of beliefs regarding conflicts being malleable (vs. fixed). Findings have both theoretical and practical implications regarding inducing hope in intractable conflicts, thus promoting the attitudes so critical for peacemaking.
Direct and indirect antigen presentation lead to deletion of donor-specific T cells after in utero hematopoietic cell transplantation in mice
Authors: Nijagal Amar , Derderian Chris , Le Tom , Jarvis Erin , Nguyen Linda , Tang Qizhi , MacKenzie Tippi C.
Published: April 2013

Key Points

Tolerance induction after in utero hematopoietic cell transplantation involves both direct and indirect antigen presentation. Tolerance is achieved by deletion of effector T cells, which results in Treg enrichment without de novo Treg induction.
Carriers of a novel frame-shift insertion in WNT16a possess elevatedpancreatic expression of TCF7L2
Authors: Howard Eric W , Been Latonya F , Lerner Megan , Brackett Daniel , Lightfoot Stan , Bullen Elizabeth C , Sanghera Dharambir K
Published: April 2013

Background

The discovery ofTCF7L2as a global type 2 diabetes (T2D) gene hassparked investigations to explore the clinical utility of its variants forguiding the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.However, interpreting the resulting associations into function still remainsunclear. Canonical Wnt signaling regulates β-catenin and its bindingwith TCF7L2, which in turn is critical for the production of glucagon-likepeptide-1 (GLP-1). This study examines the role of a novel frame-shiftinsertion discovered in a conserved region ofWNT16a, and it isproposed that this mutation affects T2D susceptibility in conjunction withgene variants inTCF7L2.

Results

Our results predicted that the insertion would convert the upstream openreading frame in the Wnt16a mRNA to an alternative, in-frame translationinitiation site, resulting in the prevention of nonsense-mediated decay,leading to a consequent stabilization of the mutated WNT16a message. Toexamine the role of Wnt16a in the Wnt signaling pathway, DNA and serumsamples from 2,034 individuals (48% with T2D) from the Sikh Diabetes Studywere used in this investigation. Prevalence of Wnt16a insertion did notdiffer among T2D cases (33%) and controls (32%). However, there was a 3.2fold increase in Wnt16a mRNA levels in pancreatic tissues from the insertioncarriers and a significant increase (70%, p < 0.0001) in luciferaseactivity in the constructs carrying the insertion. The expression of TCF7L2mRNA in pancreas was also elevated (~23-fold) among the insertion carriers(p=0.003).

Conclusions

Our results suggest synergistic effects ofWNT16ainsertion and theat-risk ‘T’ allele of TCF7L2 (rs7903146) for elevating theexpression ofTCF7L2in human pancreas which may affect theregulation of downstream target genes involved in the development of T2Dthrough Wnt/β-catenin/TCF7L2 signaling pathway. However, furtherstudies would be needed to mechanistically link the two definitively.
Six novel Y chromosome genes in Anophelesmosquitoes discovered by independently sequencing males and females
Authors: Hall Andrew Brantley , Qi Yumin , Timoshevskiy Vladimir , Sharakhova Maria V , Sharakhov Igor V , Tu Zhijian
Published: April 2013

Background

Y chromosomes are responsible for the initiation of male development, male fertility, and other male-related functions in diverse species. However, Y genes are rarely characterized outside a few model species due to the arduous nature of studying the repeat-rich Y.

Results

The chromosome quotient (CQ) is a novel approach to systematically discover Y chromosome genes. In the CQ method, genomic DNA from males and females is sequenced independently and aligned to candidate reference sequences. The female to male ratio of the number of alignments to a reference sequence, a parameter called the chromosome quotient (CQ), is used to determine whether the sequence is Y-linked. Using the CQ method, we successfully identified known Y sequences from Homo sapiens and Drosophila melanogaster. The CQ method facilitated the discovery of Y chromosome sequences from the malaria mosquitoes Anopheles stephensi and An. gambiae. Comparisons to transcriptome sequence data with blastn led to the discovery of six Anopheles Y genes, three from each species. All six genes are expressed in the early embryo. Two of the three An. stephensi Y genes were recently acquired from the autosomes or the X. Although An. stephensi and An. gambiae belong to the same subgenus, we found no evidence of Y genes shared between the species.

Conclusions

The CQ method can reliably identify Y chromosome sequences using the ratio of alignments from male and female sequence data. The CQ method is widely applicable to species with fragmented genome assemblies produced from next-generation sequencing data. Analysis of the six Y genes characterized in this study indicates rapid Y chromosome evolution between An. stephensi and An. gambiae. The Anopheles Y genes discovered by the CQ method provide unique markers for population and phylogenetic analysis, and opportunities for novel mosquito control measures through the manipulation of sexual dimorphism and fertility.
Inhibitory effect of IL-17 on neural stem cell proliferation and neural cell differentiation
Authors: Li Zichen , Li Ke , Zhu Lin , Kan Quancheng , Yan Yaping , Kumar Priyanka , Xu Hui , Rostami Abdolmohamad , Zhang Guang-Xian
Published: April 2013

Background

IL-17, a Th17 cell-derived proinflammatory molecule, has been found to play an important role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). While IL-17 receptor (IL-17R) is expressed in many immune-related cells, microglia, and astrocytes, it is not known whether IL-17 exerts a direct effect on neural stem cells (NSCs) and oligodendrocytes, thus inducing inflammatory demyelination in the central nervous system.

Methods

We first detected IL-17 receptor expression in NSCs with immunostaining and real time PCR. We then cultured NSCs with IL-17 and determined NSC proliferation by neurosphere formation capability and cell number count, differentiation by immunostaining neural specific markers, and apoptosis of NSCs by flow cytometry.

Results

NSCs constitutively express IL-17R, and when the IL-17R signal pathway was activated by adding IL-17 to NSC culture medium, the number of NSCs was significantly reduced and their ability to form neurospheres was greatly diminished. IL-17 inhibited NSC proliferation, but did not induce cytotoxicity or apoptosis. IL-17 hampered the differentiation of NSCs into astrocytes and oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). The effects of IL-17 on NSCs can be partially blocked by p38 MAPK inhibitor.

Conclusions

IL-17 blocks proliferation of NSCs, resulting in significantly reduced numbers of astrocytes and OPCs. Thus, in addition to its proinflammatory role in the immune system, IL-17 may also play a direct role in blocking remyelination and neural repair in the CNS.
Ten-year results of quality assurance in radiotherapy chart round
Authors: Taghavi Bayat Bardia , Gill Suki , Siva Shankar , Tai Keen Hun , Joon Michael Lim , Foroudi Farshad
Published: April 2013

Background

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) initiated a unique instrument to audit the quality of patient notes and radiotherapy prescriptions. We present our experience collected over ten years from the use of the RANZCR audit instrument.

Methods

In this study, the results of data collected prospectively from January 1999 to June 2009 through the audit instrument were assessed. Radiotherapy chart rounds were held weekly in the uro-oncology tumour stream and real time feedback was provided. Electronic medical records were retrospectively assessed in September 2009 to see if any omissions were subsequently corrected.

Results

In total 2597 patients were audited. One hundred and thirty seven (5%) patients had one hundred and ninety nine omissions in documentation or radiotherapy prescription. In 79% of chart rounds no omissions were found at all, in 12% of chart rounds one omission was found and in 9% of chart rounds two or more omissions were found. Out of 199 omissions, 95% were of record keeping and 2% were omissions in the treatment prescription. Of omissions, 152 (76%) were unfiled investigation results of which 77 (51%) were subsequently corrected.

Conclusions

Real-time audit with feedback is an effective tool in assessing the standards of radiotherapy documentation in our department, and also probably contributed to the high level of attentiveness. A large proportion of omissions were investigation results, which highlights the need for an improved system of retrieval of investigation results in the radiation oncology department.
MicroRNA-32 (miR-32) regulates phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) expression and promotes growth, migration, and invasion in colorectal carcinoma cells
Authors: Wu Weiyun , Yang Jingfang , Feng Xiao , Wang Hao , Ye Shicai , Yang Pengchun , Tan Wenkai , Wei Guoli , Zhou Yu
Published: April 2013

Background

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) play important roles in carcinogenesis. MiR-32 has been shown to be upregulated in CRC. In this study, we identified the potential effects of miR-32 on some important biological properties of CRC cells, and clarified the regulation of PTEN by miR-32.

Methods

The effect of miR-32 on PTEN expression was assessed in CRC cell lines with miR-32 mimics/inhibitor to increase/decrease miR-32 expression. Furthermore, the roles of miR-32 in regulating CRC cells biological properties were analyzed with miR-32 mimics/inhibitor-transfected cells. The 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of PTEN combined with miR-32 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay.

Results

Gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies showed that overexpression of miR-32 promoted SW480 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, reduced apoptosis, and resulted in downregulation of PTEN at a posttranscriptional level. However, miR-32 knock-down inhibited these processes in HCT-116 cells and enhanced the expression of PTEN protein. In addition, we further identified PTEN as the functional downstream target of miR-32 by directly targeting the 3′-UTR of PTEN.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that miR-32 was involved in tumorigenesis of CRC at least in part by suppression of PTEN.
Pretransplant dyslipidaemia determines outcome in lung transplant recipients
Authors: Wenger Urs , Cottini Silvia R , Noll Georg , Arndt Stefan , Stehberger Paul A , Klinzing Stefanie , Schuepbach Reto A , Béchir Markus
Published: April 2013

Background

There is little knowledge about the effect of dyslipidaemia on the outcome after lung transplantation. Thus, the aim of this retrospective single centre study was to analyse the impact of the plasma lipid profile on mortality in lung transplant recipients. From January 2000 to December 2008 the charts of 172 consecutive lung transplantation recipients were analysed. At baseline and after one year lipid profiles were routinely collected. During the follow-up major cardiovascular events (MCE; beginning of dialysis, cerebrovascular insult or myocardial infarction) were recorded. The follow-up period ended December 2010.

Findings

Over all total cholesterol (4.3 ± 1.6 vs. 5.4 ± 1.3 mmol/l, p < 0.0001), triglycerides (1.2 ± 0.7 vs. 2.4 ± 1.3 mmol/l, p < 0.0001), HDL (1.5 ± 0.6 vs. 1.7 ± 0.6 mmol/l, p = 0.003) and TC/HDL ratio (3.0 ± 1.0 vs. 3.6 ± 1.2, p = 0.002) increased significantly after 1 year.

During the observational period 6.9% (10 patients) suffered a major cardiac event. In univariate analysis MCE was associated with baseline TC: on average the event-group had a 33% higher baseline TC (5.6 vs. 4.2 mmol/l, OR 1.6, CI 1.1 – 2.2, p = 0.02). The total mortality in the observational period was 25% (36 patients overall). In univariate analysis mortality was associated with increased TC/HDL ratio. The non-survivors had on average a 22% higher baseline TC/HDL ratio (3.6 vs. 2.8, HR 2.8, CI 1.2 – 3.5, p = 0.001). There was no association between mortality and TC (p = 0.33), triglycerides (p = 0.34), HDL (p = 0.78) and creatinine (p = 0.73). In a multivariate model the hazard ratio was 1.5 (1.2 – 1.9, p = 0.001) per increase of 0.4 TC/HDL ratio.

Conclusions

This study shows that the total cholesterol before transplantation is associated with the incidence of MCE and the cholesterol/HDL ratio with mortality in lung transplanted recipients.
Serum biomarkers for neurofibromatosis type 1 and early detection of malignant peripheral nerve-sheath tumors
Authors: Park Su-Jin , Sawitzki Birgit , Kluwe Lan , Mautner Victor F , Holtkamp Nikola , Kurtz Andreas
Published: April 2013

Background

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a hereditary tumor syndrome characterized by the development of benign nerve-sheath tumors, which transform to malignant peripheral nerve-sheath tumors (MPNST) in about 8 to 13% of patients with NF1. MPNST are invasive sarcomas with extremely poor prognosis, and their development may correlate with internal tumor load of patients with NF1. Because early identification of patients with NF1 at risk for developing MPNST should improve their clinical outcome, the aim of this study was to identify serum biomarkers for tumor progression in NF1, and to analyze their correlation with tumor type and internal tumor load.

Methods

We selected candidate biomarkers for NF1 by manually mining published data sources, and conducted a systematic screen of 56 candidate serum biomarkers using customized antibody arrays. Serum from 104 patients with NF1 with and without MPNST, and from 41 healthy control subjects, was analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U-test, followed by Bonferroni correction.

Results

Our analysis identified four markers (epidermal growth factor receptor, interferon-γ, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α) for which significantly different serum concentrations were seen in patients with NF1 compared with healthy controls. Two markers (insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) and regulated upon activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES)) showed significantly higher concentrations in patients with NF1 and MPNST compared with patients with NF1 without MPNST. A correlation with internal tumor load was found for IGFBP1.

Conclusion

Our study identified two serum markers with potential for early detection of patients with NF1 at risk for developing MPNST, and four markers that could distinguish between patients with NF1 and healthy subjects. Such markers may be useful as diagnostic tools to support the diagnosis of NF1 and for timely identification of MPNST. Moreover, the data suggest that there is a systemic increase in inflammatory cytokines independently of tumor load in patients with NF1.
Forced virus evolution reveals functional crosstalk between the disulfide bonded region and membrane proximal ectodomain region of HIV-1 gp41
Authors: Khasawneh Ashraf I , Laumaea Annemarie , Harrison David N , Bellamy-McIntyre Anna K , Drummer Heidi E , Poumbourios Pantelis
Published: April 2013

Background

The disulfide-bonded region (DSR) of HIV-1 gp41 mediates association with gp120 and plays a role in transmission of receptor-induced conformational changes in gp120 to gp41 that activate membrane fusion function. In this study, forced viral evolution of a DSR mutant that sheds gp120 was employed to identify domains within gp120-gp41 that are functionally linked to the glycoprotein association site.

Results

The HIV-1AD8 mutant, W596L/K601D, was serially passaged in U87.CD4.CCR5 cells until replication was restored. Whereas the W596L mutation persisted throughout the cultures, a D601H pseudoreversion in the DSR partially restored cell-free virus infectivity and virion gp120-gp41 association, with further improvements to cell-free virus infectivity following a 2nd-site D674E mutation in the membrane-proximal external region (MPER) of gp41. In an independent culture, D601H appeared with a deletion in V4 (Thr-394-Trp-395) and a D674N substitution in the MPER, however this MPER mutation was inhibitory to W596L/K601H cell-free virus infectivity. While cell-free virus infectivity was not fully restored for the revertant genotypes, their cell-to-cell transmission approached the levels observed for WT. Interestingly, the functional boost associated with the addition of D674E to W596L/K601H was not observed for cell-cell fusion where the cell-surface expressed glycoproteins function independently of virion assembly. The W596L/K601H and W596L/K601H/D674E viruses exhibited greater sensitivity to neutralization by the broadly reactive MPER directed monoclonal antibodies, 2F5 and 4E10, indicating that the reverting mutations increase the availability of conserved neutralization epitopes in the MPER.

Conclusions

The data indicate for the first time that functional crosstalk between the DSR and MPER operates in the context of assembled virions, with the Leu-596-His-601-Glu-674 combination optimizing viral spread via the cell-to-cell route. Our data also indicate that changes in the gp120-gp41 association site may increase the exposure of conserved MPER neutralization epitopes in virus.
Psychosocial and cognitive function in children with nephrotic syndrome: association with disease and treatment variables
Authors: Manti Panagiota , Giannakopoulos George , Giouroukou Elena , Georgaki-Angelaki Helen , Stefanidis Constantinos J , Mitsioni Andromahi , Stergiou Nikolaos , Mihas Constantinos , Chrousos George P , Magiakou Maria Alexandra , Kolaitis Gerasimos
Published: April 2013

Background

To investigate possible differences in emotional/behavioral problems and cognitive function in children with nephrotic syndrome compared to healthy controls and to examine the effect of disease-specific and steroid treatment-specific characteristics on the abovementioned variables.

Methods

Forty-one patients with nephrotic syndrome (23 boys, age range: 4.4-15.2 years) and 42 sex- and age-matched healthy control subjects (20 boys, age range: 4.1-13.4 years) were enrolled in the study. Disease (severity, age of diagnosis, duration) and steroid treatment (total duration, present methylprednisolone dose and duration of present dose) data were collected. In order to assess children’s emotional/behavioral problems, the Child Behavior Checklist was administered. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Third Edition was administered to assess Full-Scale, Verbal, and Performance intelligence quotient (IQ) scores.

Results

The patients presented with more internalizing problems (P = 0.015), including withdrawal (P = 0.012) and somatic complaints (P = 0 .011), but not more anxiety/depression or externalizing problems. A significant association was found between severity of disease and somatic complaints (P = 0.017) as well as externalizing problems (P = 0.030). Years of illness were significantly more in those presenting with abnormal anxiety/depression (P = 0.011). Duration of steroid medication was significantly higher among those presenting with abnormal anxiety/depression (P = 0.011) and externalizing problems (P = 0.039). IQ was not associated significantly with disease or steroid treatment variables.

Conclusions

Psychosocial factors and outcomes may be important correlates of children’s nephrotic syndrome and potential targets of thorough assessment and treatment.
Distribution of tick-borne diseases in China
Authors: Wu Xian-Bo , Na Ren-Hua , Wei Shan-Shan , Zhu Jin-Song , Peng Hong-Juan
Published: April 2013

As an important contributor to vector-borne diseases in China, in recent years, tick-borne diseases have attracted much attention because of their increasing incidence and consequent significant harm to livestock and human health. The most commonly observed human tick-borne diseases in China include Lyme borreliosis (known as Lyme disease in China), tick-borne encephalitis (known as Forest encephalitis in China), Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (known as Xinjiang hemorrhagic fever in China), Q-fever, tularemia and North-Asia tick-borne spotted fever. In recent years, some emerging tick-borne diseases, such as human monocytic ehrlichiosis, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, and a novel bunyavirus infection, have been reported frequently in China. Other tick-borne diseases that are not as frequently reported in China include Colorado fever, oriental spotted fever and piroplasmosis. Detailed information regarding the history, characteristics, and current epidemic status of these human tick-borne diseases in China will be reviewed in this paper. It is clear that greater efforts in government management and research are required for the prevention, control, diagnosis, and treatment of tick-borne diseases, as well as for the control of ticks, in order to decrease the tick-borne disease burden in China.
Vascular-targeted therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Ennen James P , Verma Mayank , Asakura Atsushi
Published: April 2013

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common muscular dystrophy and an X-linked recessive, progressive muscle wasting disease caused by the absence of a functional dystrophin protein. Dystrophin has a structural role as a cytoskeletal stabilization protein and protects cells against contraction-induced damage. Dystrophin also serves a signaling role through mechanotransduction of forces and localization of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), which produces nitric oxide (NO) to facilitate vasorelaxation. In DMD, the signaling defects produce inadequate tissue perfusion caused by functional ischemia due to a diminished ability to respond to shear stress induced endothelium-dependent dilation. Additionally, the structural defects seen in DMD render myocytes with an increased susceptibility to mechanical stress. The combination of both defects is necessary to generate myocyte damage, which induces successive rounds of myofiber degeneration and regeneration, loss of calcium homeostasis, chronic inflammatory response, fibrosis, and myonecrosis. In individuals with DMD, these processes inevitably cause loss of ambulation shortly after the first decade and an abbreviated life with death in the third or fourth decade due to cardio-respiratory anomalies. There is no known cure for DMD, and although the culpable gene has been identified for more than twenty years, research on treatments has produced few clinically relevant results. Several recent studies on novel DMD therapeutics are vascular targeted and focused on attenuating the inherent functional ischemia. One approach improves vasorelaxation capacity through pharmaceutical inhibition of either phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) or angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Another approach increases the density of the underlying vascular network by inducing angiogenesis, and this has been accomplished through either direct delivery of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or by downregulating the VEGF decoy-receptor type 1 (VEGFR-1 or Flt-1). The pro-angiogenic approaches also seem to be pro-myogenic and could resolve the age-related decline in satellite cell (SC) quantity seen inmdxmodels through expansion of the SC juxtavascular niche. Here we review these four vascular targeted treatment strategies for DMD and discuss mechanisms, proof of concept, and the potential for clinical relevance associated with each therapy.