bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethnic Concentration in the Neighbourhood and Ethnic Minorities’ Social Integration
Authors: Vervoort Miranda
Published: June 2011

Although ethnic concentration in the neighbourhood is often thought to constrain ethnic minorities’ social ties with majority group members, the results of empirical studies are mixed. However, previous studies have differed in the type of social ties examined—for example, neighbours, friends, marital partners—whereas it is questionable whether ethnic residential concentration constrains weak and strong social ties to the same extent. This study analysed survey data from the Netherlands and found that the greater the ethnic concentration in the neighbourhood, the less often ethnic minorities have social ties with the native Dutch. Ethnic residential concentration is also found to constrain the strength of those social ties in terms of support, advice and frequency of contact. Ethnic residential concentration thus not only constrains the probability of having a social tie with natives in general, but of strong social ties in particular.
Development and Psychometric Testing of the Colonoscopy Embarrassment Scale
Authors: Mitchell Kimberly A. , Rawl Susan M. , Champion Victoria L. , Jeffries Pamela R. , Welch Janet L.
Published: June 2011

Colorectal cancer, the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, could largely be prevented if more people had polyps removed via colonoscopies. Embarrassment is one important barrier to colonoscopy, but little is known about embarrassment in this context, and there were no reliable and valid measures of this construct. The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable and valid instrument to measure colonoscopy-related embarrassment. Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change and Health Belief Model provided the theoretical basis for this study. Participants were health maintenance organization members aged 50 to 65 years ( N = 234). Using a cross-sectional, descriptive research design, data were collected using a mailed survey. Internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .96) and construct validity of the 13-item instrument were demonstrated. This unidimensional scale shows promise as a valid and reliable instrument to measure colonoscopy-related embarrassment and to inform development of interventions to reduce embarrassment, leading to higher colonoscopy completion rates and lower mortality.
Social Engagement and Health in Younger, Older, and Oldest-Old Adults in the Louisiana Healthy Aging Study
Authors: Cherry Katie E. , Walker Erin Jackson , Brown Jennifer Silva , Volaufova Julia , LaMotte Lynn R. , Welsh David A. , Su L. Joseph , Jazwinski S. Michal , Ellis Rebecca , Wood Robert H. , Frisard Madlyn I.
Published: June 2011

Social support has been shown to influence health outcomes in later life. In this study, we focus on social engagement as an umbrella construct that covers select social behaviors in a life span sample that included oldest-old adults, a segment of the adult population for whom very little data currently exist. We examined relationships among social engagement, positive health behaviors, and physical health to provide new evidence that addresses gaps in the extant literature concerning social engagement and healthy aging in very old adults. Participants were younger (21-59 years), older (60-89 years), and oldest-old (90-97 years) adults ( N = 364) in the Louisiana Healthy Aging Study (LHAS). Linear regression analyses indicated that age, gender, and hours spent outside of the house were significantly associated with self-reported health. The number of clubs and hours outside of home were more important factors in the analyses of objective health status than positive health behaviors, after considering age group and education level. These data strongly suggest that social engagement remains an important determinant of physical health into very late adulthood. The discussion focuses on practical applications of these results including social support interventions to maintain or improve late-life health.
Hierarchical Deficiencies
Authors: Glasser Howard M.
Published: June 2011

Although middle school is a critical time in adolescents’ development, little is known about how that development is affected by public single-sex classes even though recent federal policy decisions have led more schools to provide these offerings. This case study used ethnographic methods to explore ways teachers, students, and courses in one such environment affected students’ construction of self and affected the identities that were developed for boys and girls. Using a queer theoretical lens, I noted that the boys in this setting were viewed as deficient in multiple areas relative to girls, illustrating how single-sex offerings can endorse differences between the sexes that hierarchically position them relative to each other and could affect social and academic outcomes.
Hypertensive Urgency Associated With Xenadrine EFX Use
Authors: Moaddeb Jivan , Tofade Toyin S. , Bevins Michael B.
Published: June 2011

Several supplements and herbal products have been shown to increase catecholamines and subsequently mean arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance. Since ephedra-containing products have been removed from the market, manufacturers of weight loss herbal supplements must produce ephedra-free formulations. Xenadrine EFX is an ephedra-free weight loss product containing a mixture of caffeine, guarana, and bitter orange (standardized to synephrine). Synephrine has been shown in animals and humans to increase systemic vascular resistance and mean arterial pressure. We present a case of a patient who took Xendarine EFX for 2 weeks prior to her presentation to an emergency department with headaches and hypertensive urgency (blood pressure [BP] 234/130 mm Hg). Her BP was controlled after discontinuation of Xenadrine and initiation a nitroprusside drip and oral clonidine. A Naranjo probability score of 6 indicates the adverse drug reaction was probable. Clinicians should be aware of potential cardiovascular changes in patients on Xenadrine EFX or other synephrine-containing products.
Barriers and facilitators to consulting hospital clinical ethics committees
Authors: Gaudine Alice , Lamb Marianne , LeFort Sandra M , Thorne Linda
Published: June 2011

Hospitals in many countries have had clinical ethics committees for over 20 years. Despite this, there has been little research to evaluate these committees and growing evidence that they are underutilized. To address this gap, we investigated the question ‘What are the barriers and facilitators nurses and physicians perceive in consulting their hospital ethics committee?’ Thirty-four nurses, 10 nurse managers and 31 physicians working at four Canadian hospitals were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide as part of a larger investigation. We used content analysis of the interview data related to barriers and facilitators to use of hospital ethics committees to identify nine categories of barriers and nine categories of facilitators. These categories as well as their subcategories are discussed and those specific to nurses or physicians are identified. The need to increase health professionals' use of clinical ethics committees through reducing barriers and maximizing facilitators is discussed.
Measuring Efficiency and Productivity Across Hospitals in the Regional Health Authority of Thessaly, in Greece
Authors: Androutsou L. , Geitona M. , Yfantopoulos J.
Published: June 2011

The aim of the article is to assess performance in seven homogenous specialty clinics across all National Health System (NHS) hospitals in the Regional Health Authority of Thessaly (RHAT), over the period 2002–2006. Data Envelopment Analysis by using the Malmquist Productivity Index and its decompositions has been applied in order to measure the technical efficiency and productivity. Clinics were considered to transform inputs labour (medical and nursing staff) and capital (hospital beds) into health services, approximated by the number of in-patient discharges and in-patient days, used as outputs. The model is output-oriented and assumes variable return to scale. Data were collected from hospitals’ records. Overall productivity progressed in all clinics. Technical change progressed except the general medicine clinics. Technical efficiency regressed in four clinics. Diachronically the size of the clinics influences the overall effects on hospital performance and the maximum level of outputs produced has not been achieved using the given labour and capital inputs, except orthopaedic clinics. Homogeneity in assessing hospitals’ performance provides evidence on the efficiency and productivity gains among clinics and suggests improvements in those which appear inefficient. The difficult economic situation Greece is facing nowadays makes the assessment of NHS hospitals’ performance a priority in the decision-making.
Health Care Provision and Patients’ Satisfaction with Tertiary Health Facilities in Benin City, Nigeria
Authors: Afemikhe Juliana Ayafegbeh
Published: June 2011

Health care provision in Nigeria is a concern of all levels of government. Good health is cherished by all and has been exacerbated by advancement in education and technology. Tertiary level health care is a last resort for all health problems. This study examined health care provision and patients’ satisfaction with tertiary health provision in Benin City, Nigeria. The population consisted of clients aged 18 to 68 years who benefited from services provided in a public and a private tertiary health facilities; and health care providers therein. A sample of 170 (80 clients and 90 care providers) provided information. Two questionnaires based on quality of health care and satisfaction with services was used. The analysis carried out involved t-test, percentages, ANOVA, mean and standard deviation. A significant difference was noticed with respect to quality of care in favour of the private institution. Clients in private hospitals were not satisfied with cost of care while those in public hospitals were not satisfied with availability of modern equipment, cleanliness of environment, cost of care and overall time spent in hospital. It was recommended that policy makers should examine ways of establishing partnership between the public and private sector to expand access to quality health services.
Demand and Supply Analysis of Human Resource Capacity for Hospital Management in India
Authors: Sharma Kavya , Zodpey Sanjay
Published: June 2011

The healthcare industry in India caters to a large population, and the sector is expected to continue growing close to previously projected rates of 10 to 12 per cent. The administrative and management complexities of a large organisation like a hospital need the frequency matching and fine-tuning of all the associated staff with the hierarchy. A qualified man-agement graduate specially trained to work within the health sector would have an advantage in the inter-disciplinary interactions, effective and efficient management of the available resources, coordination along the hierarchy, logistics and supply-chain related issues along with many other issues that are required in a hospital. It is evident that there is a huge backlog of trained hospital managers and administrators to work for hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, health insurance and third-party administration and other health care provider organisations. Despite having a diverse range of options to choose the educational institutions for such managerial courses, there is still a gap between the supply and the demand side, as no exhaustive list of program related data from these institutes is available till date. This article analyses the demand and supply issues surrounding courses offering hospital management in India, thereby attempting to highlight the current mismatch. A systematic, predefined approach was used to collect and assemble the data. All the institutes offering such courses were contacted for detailed infor-mation. Fifty one institutes have been identified which annually produce around 2500 qualified professionals to work in the domain of hospital management. The article also discusses the demand analysis where these prospective students can be placed. To estimate these numbers, various stakeholders of the hospital industry were consulted and desk reviews were performed. An estimated 21,750 professionals would be required based upon the country’s present status, which reflects the dearth in their workforce capacity. The findings could be adapted for future health work force planning in the country.
Treating Persistent Distress and Anxiety in Parents of Children With Cancer
Authors: Warner Carrie Masia , Ludwig Kristy , Sweeney Corinne , Spillane Clare , Hogan Laura , Ryan Julie , Carroll William
Published: June 2011

Persistent anxiety is common among parents of children with cancer and may affect the family’s well-being and adjustment. The goals of this pilot study are to determine the feasibility and potential efficacy of a brief cognitive-behavioral parent intervention aimed at reducing parental distress and anxiety related to their child’s cancer diagnosis. Parents of children with cancer, at least 1 month postdiagnosis, were screened at an outpatient oncology clinic, and those reporting elevated levels of distress were offered a 4-session cognitive–behavioral intervention based on a modified version of the Surviving Cancer Competently Intervention Program–Newly Diagnosed. Five parents reporting persistent distress received the intervention. Results revealed decreases in parents’ distress, state anxiety, and depressive symptoms, as well as in parents’ feelings of burden associated with their children’s cancer. This initial study suggests that identification of parents with prolonged heightened psychological distress is feasible and acceptable and that offering them a brief intervention within a pediatric oncology setting may be beneficial.
Wave motions in non-uniform one-dimensional waveguides
Authors: Guo Shuqi , Yang Shopu
Published: June 2011

Wave approach is used in the analysis of wave motions in one-dimensional non-uniform waveguides. Under assumptions of constant wave velocity and no wave conversion, one class of non-uniform rods including four different profiles results. The obtained results indicate kinetic energy is preserved as constant and wave amplitude is inversely proportional to square root of the cross-section area of the rod. The obtained spectrograms and dispersion relations indicate that under certain conditions there exists a cut-off frequency, below which waves do not propagate along the non-uniform waveguides. The conclusions are similar for high frequency longitudinal wave motions of arbitrary non-uniform rods. For a Euler-Bernoulli beam with exponent variation in geometry and material variation, the bending wave motion is also analyzed including its cut-off frequencies.
Effects of voids and rotation on P wave in a thermoelastic half-space under Green–Naghdi theory
Authors: El-Sirafy Ibrahim H , Abo-Dahab SM , Singh Baljeet
Published: June 2011

In this paper, the problem of wave propagation in a thermoelastic solid half-space with voids and rotation is considered in context of the Green–Naghdi theory of thermoelasticity. The basic governing equations for an isotropic and homogeneous thermoelastic half-space are formulated and solved analytically. The solution of the governing equations indicates the existence of four coupled plane waves, namely P1, P2, P3 and P4, in the medium. The boundary conditions at the thermally insulated stress-free surface are satisfied by the particular solutions in the half-space to obtain analytically the expressions for reflection coefficients of various reflected waves. A numerical example is chosen to study the velocities and reflection coefficients numerically to observe the effects of voids and rotation.
Managing masculinity/mismanaging the corporation
Authors: Knights David , Tullberg Maria
Published: June 2011

There are numerous accounts of the financial crisis that shocked the Western world in 2008. Almost all the commentaries are steeped in the same cognitive paradigm of linear thinking and assumptions of economic self-interest that could be seen to have created the crisis. While acknowledging the multiplicity of reasons for the crisis and how it should be managed, this article offers an alternative in presenting a gendered perspective that could complement but also challenge some of the conventional wisdom. It suggests a link between managing masculinity and mismanaging the corporation leading to government bailouts for the banks and a near collapse of Western economies. Although new governance and regulation are clearly important responses to the crisis, they do not necessarily get to the root of the problem. A more sociological form of analysis could help us to understand how individual material and symbolic self-interest deriving partly from misrecognition of the self as autonomous but reinforced by masculine fragilities was a major condition of the excesses leading to the crisis. This article explores how this self-interest is not just a reflection of the neo-liberal economic consensus but also of masculine discourses within the business class elite that make the pursuit of ever spiralling remuneration almost obligatory.
Effects of adverts from a drug and alcohol prevention campaign on willingness to engage in alcohol-related risky behaviors
Authors: Comello Maria Leonora G. , Slater Michael D.
Published: June 2011

Behavioral willingness is conceptualized as a pathway to behavior that is non-deliberative, yet traditional measures require thoughtful deliberation to complete. This study explored non-deliberative measures of alcohol-related willingness to complement recent work on marijuana-related willingness. The study also examined whether adverts from a field-tested drug and alcohol prevention campaign may have operated by influencing alcohol-related willingness. Participants viewed campaign adverts or consumer adverts (control). Outcomes were reaction times to make speeded judgments about whether one would engage in risky alcohol-related behaviors. Results showed that campaign advertisements lowered willingness to play drinking games and (for males) to drive while intoxicated.
The emancipatory promise of the habitus: Lindy hop, the body, and social change
Authors: Wade Lisa
Published: June 2011

Existing research about the role of the habitus in social change emphasizes inertia. Individuals in new contexts are understood to face disadvantage, making disruption of a hierarchical status quo difficult. Recent theory regarding our ability to strategically change and use our bodily habits, however, suggests that the habitus may not be condemned to a purely conservative role. Here I examine a community of lindy hoppers who are re-shaping the collective body towards feminist ends. Control over bodies is essential to partner dance. However, these dancers revision the lead/follow dynamic. Instead of an active/passive binary, partners happily negotiate power. This negotiation is decidedly corporeal and cooperative and occurs spontaneously and constantly. My findings add empirical weight to theory regarding the role of the habitus in widespread social change, suggest that the habitus has emancipatory potential, and offer a template for how the habitus could be used by social movement actors.
Between ethnocentrism and Europeanism? An exploration of the effects of migration and European integration on curricula and policies in Greece
Authors: Faas Daniel
Published: June 2011

Greek national identity has been challenged by processes of European integration and migration-related cultural diversity. This article begins with a socio-historical analysis of the impact of national, European and multicultural political agendas on education policy in Greece. Drawing on curriculum documents and semi-structured interviews, the article argues that these three agendas were put together in rather different ways, depending on the school material. History remained largely ethnocentric while geography and citizenship curricula veered between ethnocentrism and Europeanism; in doing so they marginalized topics relating to migration, ‘otherness’ and integration. Some policy makers also struggled to move beyond a mere recognition of the plural character of Greek society while others revealed more progressive views of a synthesis between notions of Europe and diversity. The study is drawn from a larger Greek case study and addresses a number of broader sociological concerns in Europe including how to respond to increasing diversity resulting from migration. It departs from standard two-way comparisons of national-versus-European or national-versus-multicultural agendas in addressing the complex interface of national, European and migration-related issues.
Challenging the ‘official’ story of 9/11: Community narratives and conspiracy theories
Authors: Jamil Uzma , Rousseau Cécile
Published: June 2011

This article examines the gap in meaning systems between the dominant mainstream understanding in North America of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the meaning given to it within different Pakistani communities in Canada and in Pakistan. It describes the emergence of 9/11 conspiracy theory discourses in three different studies involving Pakistani immigrants in Montreal and Pakistanis in Karachi, carried out at three different points in time over the last five years. The polarization of meaning in the war on terror between the host society and Muslim immigrant communities in North America is associated with the emergence of feelings of fear and threat in all communities. The results also suggest that views of local and global power relations play a role in shaping these conspiracy theory discourses.
Policies and Practices Regarding Students With Accents in Speech-Language Pathology Training Programs
Authors: Levy Erika S. , Crowley Catherine J.
Published: June 2011

Speech-language pathology (SLP) training programs are the initial gateway for nonnative speakers of English to join the SLP profession. An anonymous web-based survey in New York State examined policies and practices implemented when SLP students have foreign accents in English or in other languages. Responses were elicited from 530 students and 28 clinic and program directors. Few policies delineated criteria for determining how native like or intelligible students’ speech needed to be for them to work effectively or for determining when accent modification was required. Students with foreign accents in English were asked more often to undergo accent modification than were students with foreign accents in Spanish or other languages. Strategies for practices regarding SLP students with accents are proposed.
Carotid Endarterectomy is Superior to Carotid Angioplasty and Stenting for Perioperative and Long-Term Results
Authors: Arya Shipra , Pipinos Iraklis I. , Garg Nitin , Johanning Jason , Lynch Thomas G. , Longo G. Matthew
Published: June 2011

Objective: Carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) has challenged carotid endarterectomy (CEA) as the therapy of choice for carotid disease. This meta-analysis aims at summarizing the most current body of evidence. Methods: All prospective, controlled clinical trials comparing CEA versus CAS were included. The outcome measures of interest were relative risk (RR) of 30-day stroke, 30-day stroke/death, long-term risk of stroke, and risk of restenosis. Results: The RR of 30-day stroke for CAS was 1.6 times that of CEA (RR 1.6; 95%CI 1.2-2.0, P = .001). The 30-day RR of stroke/death was 1.5 times higher for CAS (RR 1.5; 95%CI 1.1-2.1, P = .008). There was a higher risk of long-term stroke (RR 1.2; 95%CI 1.0-1.5, P = .043). The risk of restenosis was twice for CAS (RR 1.8; 95%CI 1.1-3.1, P = .04). Conclusion: The 30-day RR of stroke, stroke/death, long-term risk of stroke, and risk of restenosis are consistently higher for carotid artery stenting (CAS).
The Use of the Starclose Device for Obtaining Femoral Artery Hemostasis
Authors: Rodriguez Ariel , Katz Steven G.
Published: June 2011

Background: Following percutaneous intervention, obtaining femoral artery hemostasis quickly and reliably with few complications is of considerable importance. While the StarClose device has been studied in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization, its use in patients undergoing treatment for peripheral vascular disease has rarely been reported. It is the purpose of this report to determine whether the Starclose is able to deliver safe and effective femoral artery closure in this group of patients. Methods: The records of all patients undergoing StarClose closure of the femoral artery by or under the supervision of a single vascular surgeon were reviewed. Indication, type of intervention, and size of the vascular sheath employed were noted. Times to mobilization and discharge were tabulated. Complications including hemorrhage, pseudoaneurysm, infection, and vessel occlusion were recorded. Results: Between February 2006 and September 2009, 603 StarClose nitinol clip closure devices were deployed in 478 patients. In all, 97 procedures were diagnostic and 506 included therapeutic interventions. A total of 97 5F sheaths, 465 6F sheaths, and 41 7F sheaths were employed. Time to ambulation and discharge was 44.2 ± 13.2 minutes and 119.3 ± 22.6 minutes in patients in whom a 5F sheath was used, 112.5 ± 13.5 minutes and 157.5 ± 20.6 minutes when a 6F sheath was used, and 121.9+/-38.8 minutes and 160.2+/-43.2 minutes when a 7F sheath was employed. The clip could not be successfully deployed in 21 arteries (3.5%) and manual compression was successful in achieving hemostasis in 17 patients without complication. Three patients (0.5%) developed major hematomas requiring transfusion; 1 patient developed a pseudoaneurysm (0.17%) requiring thrombin injection. A single patient (0.17%) occluded his common femoral artery following StarClose deployment and 1 patient (0.17%) developed a femoral artery stenosis requiring balloon dilatation. No patient developed a groin infection. Conclusions: The StarClose provides a safe and reliable method of achieving femoral artery closure following percutaneous intervention for peripheral arterial disease. When successfully deployed, it allows for early ambulation and discharge. Since it remains entirely extraluminal, it offers advantages over other closure devices and can be safely used in the vast majority of patients with peripheral vascular disease.
First-Year Principal Encounters Homophobia
Authors: Retelle Ellen
Published: June 2011

A 1st-year principal encounters homonegativity and an ethical dilemma when she attempts to terminate a teacher because of the teacher’s inadequate and ineffective teaching. The teacher responds by threatening to “out” Ms. L. to the parents.
Language and Leadership
Authors: Hickman Heather , Hoffman Lauren
Published: June 2011

This case looks at an urban high school and the interaction among teachers and administrators regarding the issue of language use at the school. Specifically, the teacher involved challenges heteronormative language. The case is intended to spark critical self-reflection, reflection of institutional norms, analysis of ways in which the status quo gets perpetuated, discussions of teacher and administrator agency and power, awareness of discourse and discourse analysis as well as policy. Included in the analysis and teaching notes is a recommendation for critical self-reflection to occur prior to studying the case. Also recommended prior to reading the case is the assignment of lenses through which students should approach the case (as a student, as a parent, as a teacher, as a school counselor, as an administrator, etc.). Following study of the case, additional analysis and teaching notes are suggested for engaging students in analysis and discussion of language, critical discourse analysis, critical policy analysis, social structure and faculty agency, and democratic education.
A Day of Silence, a Day of Truth, and a Lawsuit
Authors: Fusarelli Bonnie C. , Eaton Lucy E.
Published: June 2011

This case study focuses on issues of freedom of speech and freedom of religion in public schools. It involves a rural, southern high school where a group of students participated in a Day of Silence. The school allowed the students to participate based on the principal’s understanding of the students’ First Amendment rights. However, the next day, the principal prohibited a student from participating in a Day of Truth. She believed that student participation in a Day of Truth could be viewed as the school’s endorsement of religion and violates the doctrine of separation of church and state. The principal’s decision had far reaching consequences in this religiously conservative community, including a lawsuit against the school district. This case study provides an opportunity for both practicing and aspiring school leaders to explore a number of administrative, legal, and ethical dilemmas utilizing a framework grounded in the principles of social justice, equity, and diversity. Students can reflect on and engage with both legal and social justice issues through reading and discussing this case. Hopefully, this case study will lead to a discussion of queer issues using an authentic school story.
Women and community sentences
Authors: Malloch Margaret , McIvor Gill
Published: June 2011

Despite the increasing numbers of women given community sentences in the UK and in other jurisdictions in recent years, there has been relatively little research into women’s experiences of these disposals. This is particularly surprising given what is known about the distinctive characteristics of women in conflict with the law and the gendered nature of pathways to crime. This article draws upon the experiences of women made subject to a range of community sentences to identify recurring themes including the complexity of women’s problems, the significance of stigma, trauma and abuse, the importance to women of their supervisory relationships, the relevance of self-efficacy and the nature of barriers to compliance. The article considers the consequences of the discourses of ‘penality’ when underpinned by ideological assumptions and expectations based on gender relations. The implications for the supervision of women in the community are considered, while acknowledging that community sanctions are unlikely in themselves to be capable of addressing broader issues that bring women into and retain them in the criminal justice system.
Turbulence modelling of an unsteady periodic zero-net-mass-flux jet
Authors: Javadi A , Khodadadi A
Published: June 2011

The purpose of this article is to present the results of a series of numerical simulations of zero-net-mass-flux (synthetic) jet actuators that are acquired by three turbulence models. Shear stress transport k–ω-based models, Reynolds stress ɛ-based models, and Reynolds stress ω-based models are applied and the results are compared along with the experimental data. Computations are performed with usual Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations solved in a time-dependent mode, for the simulation of a synthetic jet in quiescent environment. The collocated finite-volume approach is used by FOAM C++library. The present investigation focuses on the ability of the turbulence models to substantiate the phase-averaged Reynolds equations. The reason of the poor reflection of phase-averaged values by numerical modelling is the crux of the current contribution but time-averaged values are predicted to be more reasonable.
Molecular profile and copy number analysis of sporadic colorectal cancer in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Chien-Hsing , Lin Jen-Kou , Chang Shih-Ching , Chang Ya-Hui , Chang Hwey-May , Liu Jin-Hwang , Li Ling-Hui , Chen Yuan-Tsong , Tsai Shih-Feng , Chen Wei-Shone
Published: June 2011

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major health concern worldwide, and recently becomes the most common cancer in Asia. The case collection of this study is one of the largest sets of CRC in Asia, and serves as representative data for investigating genomic differences between ethnic populations. We took comprehensive and high-resolution approaches to compare the clinicopathologic and genomic profiles of microsatellite instability (MSI) vs. microsatellite stability (MSS) in Taiwanese sporadic CRCs.

Methods

1,173 CRC tumors were collected from the Taiwan population, and sequencing-based microsatellite typing assay was used to determine MSI and MSS. Genome-wide SNP array was used to detect CN alterations in 16 MSI-H and 13 MSS CRCs and CN variations in 424 general controls. Gene expression array was used to evaluate the effects of CN alterations, and quantitative PCR methods were used to replicate the findings in independent clinical samples.

Results

These 1,173 CRC tumors can be classified into 75 high-frequency MSI (MSI-H) (6.4%), 96 low-frequency MSI (8.2%) and 1,002 MSS (85.4%). Of the 75 MSI-H tumors, 22 had a BRAF mutation and 51 showed MLH1 promoter hypermethylation. There were distinctive differences in the extent of CN alterations between CRC MSS and MSI-H subtypes (300 Mb vs. 42 Mb per genome, p-value < 0.001). Also, chr7, 8q, 13 and 20 gains, and 8p and 18 losses were frequently found in MSS but not in MSI-H. Nearly a quarter of CN alterations were smaller than 100 kb, which might have been missed in previous studies due to low-resolution technology. 514 expressed genes showed CN differences between subtypes, and 271 of them (52%) were differentially expressed.

Conclusions

Sporadic CRCs with MSI-H displayed distinguishable clinicopathologic features, which differ from those of MSS. Genomic profiling of the two types of sporadic CRCs revealed significant differences in the extent and distribution of CN alterations in the cancer genome. More than half of expressed genes showing CN differences can directly contribute to their expressional diversities, and the biological functions of the genes associated with CN changes in sporadic CRCs warrant further investigation to establish their possible clinical implications.
BMP signaling balances proliferation and differentiation of muscle satellite cell descendants
Authors: Friedrichs Melanie , Wirsdöerfer Florian , Flohé Stefanie B , Schneider Sabine , Wuelling Manuela , Vortkamp Andrea
Published: June 2011

Background

The capacity of muscle to grow or to regenerate after damage is provided by adult stem cells, so called satellite cells, which are located under the basement lamina of each myofiber. Upon activation satellite cells enter the cell cycle, proliferate and differentiate into myoblasts, which fuse to injured myofibers or form new fibers. These processes are tightly controlled by many growth factors.

Results

Here we investigate the role of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) during satellite cell differentiation. Unlike the myogenic C2C12 cell line, primary satellite cells do not differentiate into osteoblasts upon BMP signaling. Instead BMP signaling inhibits myogenic differentiation of primary satellite cells ex vivo. In contrast, inhibition of BMP signaling results in cell cycle exit, followed by enhanced myoblast differentiation and myotube formation. Using an in vivo trauma model we demonstrate that satellite cells respond to BMP signals during the regeneration process. Interestingly, we found the BMP inhibitor Chordin upregulated in primary satellite cell cultures and in regenerating muscles. In both systems Chordin expression follows that of Myogenin, a marker for cells committed to differentiation.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that BMP signaling plays a critical role in balancing proliferation and differentiation of activated satellite cells and their descendants. Initially, BMP signals maintain satellite cells descendants in a proliferating state thereby expanding cell numbers. After cells are committed to differentiate they upregulate the expression of the BMP inhibitor Chordin thereby supporting terminal differentiation and myotube formation in a negative feedback mechanism.
Comparative genomic analysis of Vibrio parahaemolyticus: serotype conversion and virulence
Authors: Chen Yuansha , Stine O Colin , Badger Jonathan H , Gil Ana I , Nair G Balakrish , Nishibuchi Mitsuaki , Fouts Derrick E
Published: June 2011

Background

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a common cause of foodborne disease. Beginning in 1996, a more virulent strain having serotype O3:K6 caused major outbreaks in India and other parts of the world, resulting in the emergence of a pandemic. Other serovariants of this strain emerged during its dissemination and together with the original O3:K6 were termed strains of the pandemic clone. Two genomes, one of this virulent strain and one pre-pandemic strain have been sequenced. We sequenced four additional genomes of V. parahaemolyticus in this study that were isolated from different geographical regions and time points. Comparative genomic analyses of six strains of V. parahaemolyticus isolated from Asia and Peru were performed in order to advance knowledge concerning the evolution of V. parahaemolyticus; specifically, the genetic changes contributing to serotype conversion and virulence. Two pre-pandemic strains and three pandemic strains, isolated from different geographical regions, were serotype O3:K6 and either toxin profiles (tdh+, trh-) or (tdh-, trh+). The sixth pandemic strain sequenced in this study was serotype O4:K68.

Results

Genomic analyses revealed that the trh+ and tdh+ strains had different types of pathogenicity islands and mobile elements as well as major structural differences between the tdh pathogenicity islands of the pre-pandemic and pandemic strains. In addition, the results of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis showed that 94% of the SNPs between O3:K6 and O4:K68 pandemic isolates were within a 141 kb region surrounding the O- and K-antigen-encoding gene clusters. The "core" genes of V. parahaemolyticus were also compared to those of V. cholerae and V. vulnificus, in order to delineate differences between these three pathogenic species. Approximately one-half (49-59%) of each species' core genes were conserved in all three species, and 14-24% of the core genes were species-specific and in different functional categories.

Conclusions

Our data support the idea that the pandemic strains are closely related and that recent South American outbreaks of foodborne disease caused by V. parahaemolyticus are closely linked to outbreaks in India. Serotype conversion from O3:K6 to O4:K68 was likely due to a recombination event involving a region much larger than the O-antigen- and K-antigen-encoding gene clusters. Major differences between pathogenicity islands and mobile elements are also likely driving the evolution of V. parahaemolyticus. In addition, our analyses categorized genes that may be useful in differentiating pathogenic Vibrios at the species level.
Characterization of killer immunoglobulin-like receptor genetics and comprehensive genotyping by pyrosequencing in rhesus macaques
Authors: Moreland Anna J , Guethlein Lisbeth A , Reeves R Keith , Broman Karl W , Johnson R Paul , Parham Peter , O'Connor David H , Bimber Benjamin N
Published: June 2011

Background

Human killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) play a critical role in governing the immune response to neoplastic and infectious disease. Rhesus macaques serve as important animal models for many human diseases in which KIRs are implicated; however, the study of KIR activity in this model is hindered by incomplete characterization of KIR genetics.

Results

Here we present a characterization of KIR genetics in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). We conducted a survey of KIRs in this species, identifying 47 novel full-length KIR sequences. Using this expanded sequence library to build upon previous work, we present evidence supporting the existence of 22 Mamu-KIR genes, providing a framework within which to describe macaque KIRs. We also developed a novel pyrosequencing-based technique for KIR genotyping. This method provides both comprehensive KIR genotype and frequency estimates of transcript level, with implications for the study of KIRs in all species.

Conclusions

The results of this study significantly improve our understanding of macaque KIR genetic organization and diversity, with implications for the study of many human diseases that use macaques as a model. The ability to obtain comprehensive KIR genotypes is of basic importance for the study of KIRs, and can easily be adapted to other species. Together these findings both advance the field of macaque KIRs and facilitate future research into the role of KIRs in human disease.
Computational classifiers for predicting the short-term course of Multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bejarano Bartolome , Bianco Mariangela , Gonzalez-Moron Dolores , Sepulcre Jorge , Goñi Joaquin , Arcocha Juan , Soto Oscar , Carro Ubaldo Del , Comi Giancarlo , Leocani Letizia , Villoslada Pablo
Published: June 2011

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity and specificity) of clinical, imaging and motor evoked potentials (MEP) for predicting the short-term prognosis of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

We obtained clinical data, MRI and MEP from a prospective cohort of 51 patients and 20 matched controls followed for two years. Clinical end-points recorded were: 1) expanded disability status scale (EDSS), 2) disability progression, and 3) new relapses. We constructed computational classifiers (Bayesian, random decision-trees, simple logistic-linear regression-and neural networks) and calculated their accuracy by means of a 10-fold cross-validation method. We also validated our findings with a second cohort of 96 MS patients from a second center.

Results

We found that disability at baseline, grey matter volume and MEP were the variables that better correlated with clinical end-points, although their diagnostic accuracy was low. However, classifiers combining the most informative variables, namely baseline disability (EDSS), MRI lesion load and central motor conduction time (CMCT), were much more accurate in predicting future disability. Using the most informative variables (especially EDSS and CMCT) we developed a neural network (NNet) that attained a good performance for predicting the EDSS change. The predictive ability of the neural network was validated in an independent cohort obtaining similar accuracy (80%) for predicting the change in the EDSS two years later.

Conclusions

The usefulness of clinical variables for predicting the course of MS on an individual basis is limited, despite being associated with the disease course. By training a NNet with the most informative variables we achieved a good accuracy for predicting short-term disability.
SIP1 is downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma by promoter hypermethylation
Authors: Acun Tolga , Oztas Emin , Yagci Tamer , Yakicier Mustafa C
Published: June 2011

Background

Smad interacting protein-1 is a transcription factor that is implicated in transforming growth factor-β/bone morphogenetic protein signaling and a repressor of E-cadherin and human telomerase reverse transcriptase. It is also involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumorigenesis. However, genetic and epigenetic alterations of SIP1 have not been fully elucidated in cancers. In this study, we investigated mutations and promoter hypermethylation of the SIP1 gene in human hepatocellular carcinomas.

Methods

SIP1 expression was analyzed in HCC cell lines and primary tumors in comparison to normal and non-tumor liver tissues by using semi-quantitative RT-PCR, quantitative real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Mutation and deletion screening of the SIP1 gene were performed by direct sequencing in HCC-derived cells. Restoration of SIP1 expression was sought by treating HCC cell lines with the DNA methyl transferase inhibitor, 5-AzaC, and the histone deacetylase inhibitor, TSA. SIP1 promoter methylation was analyzed by the combined bisulfite restriction analysis assay in in silico-predicted putative promoter and CpG island regions.

Results

We found that the expression of SIP1 was completely lost or reduced in five of 14 (36%) HCC cell lines and 17 of 23 (74%) primary HCC tumors. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed that SIP1 mRNA downregulation was associated with decreased expression of the SIP1 protein in HCC tissues (82.8%). No somatic mutation was observed in SIP1 exons in any of the 14 HCC cell lines. Combined treatment with DNA methyl transferase and histone deacetylase inhibitors synergistically restored SIP1 expression in SIP1-negative cell lines. Analysis of three putative gene regulatory regions revealed tumor-specific methylation in more than half of the HCC cases.

Conclusions

Epigenetic mechanisms contribute significantly to the downregulation of SIP1 expression in HCC. This finding adds a new level of complexity to the role of SIP1 in hepatocarcinogenesis.
Clinical symptoms and chemotherapy completion in elderly patients with newly diagnosed acute leukemia: a retrospective comparison study with a younger cohort
Authors: Hu Rong , Wu Yong , Jiang Xiaoying , Zhang Wenteng , Xu Le
Published: June 2011

Background

Cancer affects older adults disproportionately. The disease is often difficult to diagnose and treat due to co-morbidities and performance status, and patients tend to discontinue chemotherapy prematurely. There are no systemic studies of the reasons and factors that create a higher withdrawal rate in older acute leukemia patients. This study tried to understand the initial characteristics, blood counts and bone marrow measurements in older acute leukemia patients by comparing them with a younger group to provide information and assistance in early clinical diagnosis, treatment and reasons for treatment withdrawal.

Methods

Using retrospective medical record reviews, we examined clinical characteristics and chemotherapy completion status in the patients of two groups (age ≥ 60, n = 183 and age <60, n = 183) who were diagnosed with acute leukemia for the first time and were hospitalized in Union Hospital Affiliated with Fujian Medical University from 2004 to 2008.

Results

There were no statistical differences in initial presenting symptoms of fatigue (67.2% vs. 57.9%, P>0.05) and pallor (53% vs. 59.6%, P>0.05) between the two groups, but older patients demonstrated more underlying diseases including lung infections (25.7%, P = <0.001), cardiovascular disease (4.4%, P = 0.007), and hypertension (20.8%, P =< 0.001). The complete remission rate after chemotherapy (1 to 2 courses) was 49.5% in the older group and 66.7% in the younger group (χ2 = 6.202, P = 0.013). The percentage of patients age 60 and older who prematurely discontinued chemotherapy (50.3%), mainly due to the influences of traditional Chinese concept of critical illness, financial difficulties, and intolerance to adverse reactions to chemotherapy, was significantly higher than that of younger patients (37.7%) (χ2 = 5.866, P = 0.015).

Conclusions

A comprehensive approach to diagnosis, treatment selection, and toxicity management, and implementing strategies to enhance treatment compliance may improve outcomes in older adults with acute leukemia.