bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Projective Drawings for Assessing Stress among Subjects with Medical Symptoms Compatible with Sick Building Syndrome, and Validation of a Modified Version of the Stress Load Index from the Drawing Personality Profile: A Pilot Study
Authors: Runeson Roma , Wahlstedt Kurt , Norbäck Dan
Published: July 2008

It was hypothesized that subjects with medical symptoms would show more signs of stress in projective drawings. A Stress Load Index, including five signs of stress in drawings, was evaluated. A questionnaire with an instruction to draw “a person in the rain” was sent to a cohort of 195 subjects, and the drawings were analysed blindly for eight stress items. Men had a higher index than women ( p < .05) and drew clouds more often ( p < .05). Drawing of clouds was associated with headache (adjOR = 4.28; 95% CI 1.75; 11.68). Drawing of puddles was associated with ocular symptoms (adjOR = 3.22; 95% CI 1.38, 7.50), facial dermal symptoms (adjOR = 2.94; 95% CI 1.28, 6.81), and tiredness (adjOR = 2.44; 95% CI 1.05, 5.67). Drawing of long rain strokes was associated with nasal symptoms (adjOR = 2.28; 95% CI 1.05, 2.06) and headache (adjOR = 3.20; 95% CI 1.28, 8.05). Age and stress load were predictors of sick building syndrome symptoms ( p < .05). In conclusion, a nonverbal projective drawing test detected sex differences which represent directions opposite to those with verbal methods. These need empirical assessment.
Demand Characteristics of Music Affect Performance on the Wonderlic Personnel Test of Intelligence
Authors: Verpaelst Celissa C. , Standing Lionel G.
Published: July 2008

This study examined whether demand characteristics concerning music can change subjects' performance on the Wonderlic Personnel Test of intelligence. Participants ( N = 60) were randomly assigned and informed either that Mozart's music typically enhances cognitive performance or diminishes it. They then completed the Wonderlic Personnel Test while listening to a Mozart piano sonata. The subjects with a positive set answered significantly more items correctly on the test (14%) than those with a negative set ( p = .03). This result may hold implications for the study of the ‘Mozart effect’.
Facial Expressions are More Easily Produced on the Upper-Lower Compared to the Right-Left Hemiface
Authors: Ross Elliott D. , Reddy Adhikari L. , Nair Ambika , Mikawa Kevin , Prodan Calin I.
Published: July 2008

Clinical research has concentrated on differences in intensity of expression between the right and left hemiface as a means to assess hemispheric differences in motor control. However, observations by social psychologists suggest that control of facial expression may be organized predominantly across the upper-lower hemiface because during social interactions individuals may produce brief facial blends of emotions, in which the upper and lower face display a different emotion. Full facial versus upper/lower and right/left facial blends of emotion were posed by 20 subjects, 10 men and 10 women ranging in age from 20 to 37 years. The subjects rated the difficulty of each pose on a 5-point Likert scale. Digital photographs of the poses were taken and the full and half-facial poses were shown in random order to four judges who indicated what pose was being performed. The results were very robust and confirmed that facial blends of emotion are more easily and accurately posed on the upper-lower than on the right-left hemiface. Our results are consistent with recent anatomical studies showing separate cortical areas for motor control of the upper versus lower face in primates. Based on recent research exploring hemispheric differences in perceiving facial blends of emotion, the left hemisphere may be more involved with modulating lower facial expressions and the right hemisphere more involved with modulating upper facial expressions.
Relations of Physical Self-Concept and Muscular Strength with Resistance Exercise-Induced Feeling State Scores in Older Women
Authors: Annesi James J. , Westcott Wayne L.
Published: July 2008

Formerly sedentary older women ( M age = 62 yr.) were recruited for either a wait-list control group ( n = 40) or a 10-.wk., 3 days/wk. weight-training treatment group ( n = 48). Only the treatment group demonstrated significant before- to after-exercise improvements on the Exercise-induced Feeling Inventory scales of Positive Engagement, Revitalization, Tranquility, and Physical Exhaustion ( ds = |.43| to |.96|). For the treatment group, scores on Physical Self-concept of the Tennessee Self-concept Scale: 2 were significantly correlated (r = −.28) with after-exercise changes in Physical Exhaustion. Muscular strength was significantly correlated with after-exercise changes in scores on three Exercise-induced Feeling Inventory scales ( rs = |.28| to |.31|). Simultaneous entry of Physical Self-concept scores and muscular strength into multiple regression equations increased the explained variance in Exercise-induced Feeling Inventory score changes for each of its four scales. Statistical significance was only reached, however, on changes in the Physical Exhaustion scale ( R2 = .16, p = .02). Limitations and implications for theoretical development and applied use were discussed.
Legibility of Small Icons with Color Combinations in Small Displays
Authors: Huang Shih-Miao
Published: July 2008

The present study explored the effects of figure/ground color combinations on legibility of small icons. This experiment used a 2 (icon size) x 3 (icon hue) x 3 (icon saturation) x 3 (background hue) x 3 (background saturation) x 2 (luminance contrast) factorial design. Legibility was investigated by response time of subjects to icons with different factors that affect discrimination. 11 undergraduate students from the National Formosa University in Taiwan were recruited to participate in the experiment. Their mean age was 21.8 yr. ( SD = 3.3). Analysis also showed that Icon Size x Luminance Contrast, Background Hue x Luminance Contrast, and Background Saturation x Luminance Contrast significantly affected response time. The results suggested that the higher Luminance Contrast could promote icon legibility but not the icon chromaticity or background chromaticity.
Perceived Aggression in Sports and its Relation to Willingness to Participate and Perceived Risk of Injury
Authors: Pedersen Darhl M.
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this study was three-fold: assess relationships among perceived hostile aggression, instrumental aggression, and assertion for a set of collegiate sports, categorize the sports by rated aggression, and present relationships of aggression with ratings of likelihood of career-ending injuries, personal willingness to participate, and the perceived desirability of participation in the sports by others. The sports were rated on the variables by 285 undergraduates enrolled in psychology courses in a large private university in the western USA. Mean age for men was 23.7 yr. ( SD = 2.3) and for women 21.3 yr. ( SD = 2.7). A 4 (rating category) x 16 (sport) repeated-measures analysis of variance showed significant main and interaction effects. The sports were classified according to level of aggression in post hoc analysis. Perceived risk of a career-ending injury was linearly related to aggregate aggression, whereas willingness to participate and desirability of the sport for others had quadratic relationships to both aggregate aggression and risk of career-ending injury.
Effects of a 12-Month Pedometer Walking Program on Gait, Body Mass Index, and Lower Extremity Function in Obese Women
Authors: Toole Tonya , Thorn Jenifer E. , Panton Lynn B. , Kingsley Derek , Haymes Emily M.
Published: July 2008

This study evaluated the effects of a self-reported pedometer-walking program on gait, lower extremity function, and Body Mass Index for 33 obese women, ages 31–65 years ( M = 48.0, SD = 8.0) and whose initial average Body Mass Index was 40.30 ± 9.60 kg/m2. During the 12-mo. intervention participants wore pedometers and reported the number of daily steps walked. Body Mass Index, three gait parameters, steps/day, and lower extremity function were taken over 3-mo. intervals. All participants increased in gait velocity, % single-leg support, and lower extremity function, and decreased in Body Mass Index over time. Those whose steps/day increased by 2,000 over 6 mo. had significantly faster velocities and longer step lengths than those whose steps/day did not increase. The 1-yr. walking program stimulated changes in gait, Body Mass Index, and lower extremity function for these obese women. Ultimately, these changes may reduce the risk of falls for this group of women.
Early Attention Processes and Anxiety in Children
Authors: Kallen V. L. , Ferdinand R. F. , Tulen J. H. M.
Published: July 2008

It has been hypothesized that anxiety in children is associated with attentional bias in the early stages of information processing. Bias towards threat indicates the tendency of an individual to direct attention towards threatening information. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether high test-anxiety in a sample of nonreferred children is associated with attentional bias towards threat pictures, and if low test-anxiety is associated with attentional bias away from threat pictures. A probe-detection task was used with 44 10- to 13-yr.-old children. The overall analyses indicated the presence of an attentional bias away from threatening pictures in these nonreferred children. However, in relation to anxiety, the study did not confirm that high anxious children show an attentional bias towards threatening pictures or that low anxious children show an attentional bias away from threatening pictures. Yet, higher anxiety did seem to be associated with longer mean response times. These longer response times might originate from the interpretation of the nature of a stimulus as too threatening, compared to the actual threatening content, in the first stage of information processing. This finding could be useful to improve treatment methods aimed at anxiety symptoms during childhood.
Perceived Effort Step-up Procedure for Self-Regulating Stationary Cycle Exercise Intensity by Patients with Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Weiser Philip C. , Wojciechowicz Virginia , Funck Ann , Robertson Robert J.
Published: July 2008

This study examined the strategy utilized by patients with cardiovascular disease to regulate exercise intensity using the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and tested if a step-up procedure would reduce overshoot of target heart rate (HR). Also the study investigated if Prescription Congruence and Intensity Discrimination, components of the Intensity Self-regulation Model, could be validated for these patients. An estimation and production paradigm was used. HR was measured at 2-min. intervals during 6-min. stationary cycle ergometer exercise trials. Data for four experimental trials were compared: (1) a work intensity set by experimenter to achieve a target RPE of 11 (Estimation 11), (2) an intensity set by experimenter to achieve a target RPE of 13 (Estimation 13), (3) an intensity varied by participant every 2 min. to produce a target RPE of 13 (Production 13), and (4) a Step-up Procedure with the intensity varied by participant, first producing a target RPE of 11 during the first 2 min., followed by producing a target RPE of 13 from min. 2 to 6 of exercise (Production 11 + 13). A very small effect size was found for HR between Production 13 and Estimation 13, and a moderate effect size was noted for the increased HR when patients produced a target RPE of 13 as compared to 11. The participants could be divided into 2 groups: 10 patients comprised a Higher group whose HR at 2 min. during Production 13 was greater than HR at 2 min. during Estimation 13, and 6 patients in a Lower group with HR at 2 min. during Production 13 less than or equal to HR during Estimation 13. A large effect size was found at 6 min. for the reductions of the Higher group's HR overshoot and for the Lower group's HR undershoot during Production 13. All participants in the Higher group ( n = 10) had a clinically significant 1ER overshoot of 5 beats · min.−1 at 2 min. during Production 13. Using a Step-up Procedure (Production 11 + 13), a large effect size was found for the reduced number of patients ( n = 3) with an overshoot of 5 beats · min.−1 at 2 min. This supports the ability of participants in cardiac rehabilitation programs to meet the Prescription Congruence and Intensity Discrimination components of the Intensity Self-regulation Model in the RPE 11–13 zone. Evidence was found for overshoot/undershoot of target HR at 2 min., supporting a proposed third component, Production Strategy, of the Intensity Self-regulation Model. The 2-min. Step-up Procedure reduced some patients' tendency to “overshoot” target intensity.
Validity and Reliability of Perceptually-Based Scales during Exhausting Runs in Trained Male Runners
Authors: Coquart J. B.J. , Garcin M.
Published: July 2008

The purposes of this study were to test the validity of a recent scale based on the estimation of a time of exhaustion (entitled Estimated Time Limit scale) to predict a time limit (Tlim) and to regulate exercise intensity and to investigate the reliability of the Estimated Time Limit scale and the Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale. 14 male runners performed one incremental test, one constant velocity test at 85% of Maximal Aerobic Velocity (MAV), one constant duration test and one retest of 15 min. on an outdoor track. The difference between Estimated Time Limit values obtained during the incremental test at 85% MAV and measured Tlim values during the constant velocity test were examined, the velocities at ETL = 13 (i.e., 15 min.) obtained during the incremental test were compared with measured velocities during the constant duration test or the retest (only the best performance was used), and RPE and Estimated Time Limit values during the constant duration test were compared with those measured during retest. The results have shown a nonsignificant correlation between Estimated Time Limit values at 85% MAV and measured Tlim values during constant velocity test. There was a significant correlation ( p < .02, r = .64) between velocities at ETL = 13 and measured velocities. However, the slope and y intercept value of this regression were significantly different from those of the identity line. There was no significant difference between constant duration test and retest for the values of RPE and Estimated Time Limit with high correlations (between r = .77 and .99 for RPE scale, and r = .74 and .99 for Estimated Time Limit scale). Moreover, the regression lines were close to the identity line. The RPE and Estimated Time Limit scales are reliable, but the lack of validity for the Estimated Time Limit scale suggests that more studies must be performed before using this scale to predict Tlim and regulate exercise intensity in male runners.
Counting Bones: Environmental Cues That Decrease Food Intake
Authors: Wansink Brian , Payne Collin R.
Published: July 2008

At an all-you-can eat buffet in a sports bar, it was tested whether people would eat less if they knew how much they had already eaten. 50 graduate students (34 women; M age = 24.1 yr.) were seated at 21 tables randomly assigned to be bussed (leftover wings removed) or unbussed (wings left on table). The 31 students at the bussed tables ate more than those at the unbussed tables (7 wings vs 5.5 wings), with the effect being stronger for men than women. In distracting eating environments, environmental cues may provide an effective means of reducing consumption. Implications for controlling alcohol intake were also noted.
Practice Evoking the Flexor Carpi Radialis H-Reflex: A Guideline for Proficiency
Authors: Inglis J. Greig , Christie Anita D. , Gabriel David A.
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this research was to identify the number of sessions required for a new investigator to become proficient at evoking an H-reflex in the flexor carpi radialis (FCR), in comparison to an experienced investigator. 31 students from Brock University in the greater Niagara region (16 women M age = 32.2, SD = 8.9 yr.; 15 men M age = 27.8, SD = 7.8 yr.) with no known neurological disorders volunteered and completed two test sessions performed by either an experienced or a novice investigator. In randomized order, both investigators stimulated each subject's median nerve 10 times, once every 15 sec. Each session included the measurement of the subject's flexor carpi radialis maximal M-wave amplitude and H-reflex amplitude and latency with surface electromyographic electrodes. The intraclass correlation coefficients ( ICC) indicated an adequate correlation between investigators for both M-wave maximal amplitude and H-reflex at 5% of the M-wave maximal amplitude (.84 and .70, respectively). However, there was a low correlation (.38) between the latency values obtained by the two investigators. The peak-to-peak amplitudes of the H-reflex and M-wave do not appear to be influenced by experience of the tester. The latency of the response, however, appears to have an associated learning curve, improving in consistency with increasing practice of tester.
Is Binocular Fusion of “Cortical Yellow” an Illusion, Contingent upon Abstraction of Coherent Sensory Information from the Two Eyes?
Authors: Kunzendorf Robert G.
Published: July 2008

This research on the binocular fusion of phenomenal yellow, given red-filtered flashes of light in one eye and green-filtered flashes of light in the other, directly compared the effects of wider-bandwidth and narrow-bandwidth filtering. 20 male college students with normal stereopsis, Mage = 19.3 yr., SD = 2.2, were tested for the binocular perception of flashing yellow sensations given wider-bandwidth versus narrow-bandwidth filtering of light flashes which, monocularly, were experienced as red sensations in one eye and as green sensations in the other. When 3 wide-bandwidth tests for binocular yellow fusion were alternated with 3 narrow-bandwidth tests, simultaneous flashes of red-filtered light in one eye and green-filtered light in the other were binocularly perceived as yellowish on 25% of the wide-bandwidth tests (SD = 40%)—as yellow on 8% of the tests, orange on 12% of the tests, yellow-green on 5% of the tests—and were binocularly perceived as yellowish on 0% of the narrow-bandwidth tests. When wider-bandwidth and narrow-bandwidth testing were separated spatially and conducted contemporaneously, the red-filtered flashes in one eye and green-filtered flashes in the other were binocularly experienced as yellowish sensations by 80% of all participants under wider-bandwidth conditions—as yellow by 55%, orange by 10%, yellow-green by 15%—and as yellowish sensations by 0% of the participants under narrow-bandwidth conditions.
Psychometrics and Psychometricians in the 20th and 21st Centuries: How it was in the 20th Century and How it is Now
Authors: Merenda Peter F.
Published: July 2008

This article is based largely upon the author's invited address at the 113th annual convention of the American Psychological Convention, Washington, DC, as the 2005 recipient of the Samuel J. Messick Award bestowed by APA Division 5 and the Educational Testing Service. The author summarizes the growth of graduate training in psychometrics and quantitative psychology, in the years prior to and following the end of WWII. He then opines the steady decline in the training of psychometricians and quantitative psychologists beginning in the 1970s and continuing into the 20th century. Likely causes of the decline are inferred and prospects for strengthening the quantitative skills of doctorates are discussed, including recommendations for reversing the downward trend.
Relations of Attachment Styles and Group Cohesion in Premier League Female Volleyball Players
Authors: Tiryaki M. Şefik , Çepikkurt Fatma
Published: July 2008

The relations of attachment styles with group cohesion were monitored for premier league female volleyball teams. 74 volleyball players from 8 teams responded to the Relationship Scales Questionnaire and Group Environment Questionnaire. Pearson correlations indicated significant association of attachment styles with group cohesion. Specifically, a significant negative correlation was found between female volleyball players' individual attraction to the group-social subscale and fearful attachment style. In addition, there was a significant positive correlation for scores on the group integration-social and secure and preoccupied attachment subscales and a significant negative correlation for scores on the group integration-task subscale and preoccupied attachment style. In conclusion, attachment styles might be considered important in predicting group cohesion
Self-Reported versus Measured Weight and Height by Adolescent Girls: A Croatian Sample
Authors: Ambrosi-Randić Neala , Bulian Alessandra Pokrajac
Published: July 2008

Self-reported and measured weight and height of 234 Croatian girls in Grades 5, 8, and 11 were used to explore the validity of these measures for calculating Body Mass Index. For both weight and height, the correlations between self-reported and measured values were over .93. Overweight girls underreported their weight and overreported their height.
Spectators' Identification with French Sports Teams: A French Adaptation of the Sport Spectator Identification Scale
Authors: Bernache-Assollant Iouri , Bouchet Patrick , Lacassagne Marie-Françoise
Published: July 2008

Due to the works of Wann and colleagues, spectators' identification with teams has taken on a central role in the study of sports spectators' thought and behavior. However, no research in this area has measured identification with sports teams in the French context. Two studies attempted to develop a valid and reliable French version of the Sport Spectator Identification Scale (SSIS) developed by Wann and Branscombe in 1993 to measure team identification. In Study 1, 200 physical education students completed a French translation of the SSIS and several questions concerning their involvement, investment, and evaluation of the team's future performance. Results showed that the French translation of the SSIS is a reliable and one-dimensional instrument: strong relationships were found between identification with professional French teams and these variables. In Study 2, 143 physical education students completed the SSIS with a National sport team as the target team. Results confirmed the psychometric properties of the scale and indicated that persons who strongly identify with the National soccer team reported more involvement with the team and were more optimistic about future performances than persons low in identification.
Role of Age in Relation between Two Kinds of Abilities and Performance in Acquisition of New Motor Skill
Authors: Perrot Alexandra , Bertsch Jean
Published: July 2008

Better understanding of age-related differences in skilled performance was the focus of analyses of cognitive-performance scores-relationships in acquisition of a new motor skill. 31 younger adults and 33 older adults were tested on both a cognitive and a psychomotor test. Then, they were asked to learn a juggling task over 12 sessions of 20 min. Analysis indicated age-related differences in the rate of learning. Acquisition by the younger adult group was significantly faster than that by the older adult group. This difference was also reflected in the relationship of cognition and performance for the two age groups. Motor execution for the older adults seemed to require more psychomotor ability, especially at the end of the learning sessions, and was dependent on cognitive control. This trend is consistent with the perspective that cognitive predictors of performance are related to age.
Application of Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy for Validation of the Novel (AN+DN) Solvent Polarity Scale
Authors: Malavolta Luciana , Poletti Erick F. , Silva Elias H. , Schreier Shirley , Nakaie Clovis R.
Published: July 2008

Based on solvation studies of polymers, the sum (1:1) of the electron acceptor (AN) and electron donor (DN) values of solvents has been proposed as an alternative polarity scale. To test this, the electron paramagnetic resonance isotropic hyperfine splitting constant, a parameter known to be dependent on the polarity/proticity of the medium, was correlated with the (AN+DN) term using three paramagnetic probes. The linear regression coefficient calculated for 15 different solvents was approximately 0.9, quite similar to those of other well-known polarity parameters, attesting to the validity of the (AN+DN) term as a novel “two-parameter” solvent polarity scale.
Effects of Various Temperatures and pH Values on the Extraction Yield of Phenolics from Litchi Fruit Pericarp Tissue and the Antioxidant Activity of the Extracted Anthocyanins
Authors: Ruenroengklin Neungnapa , Zhong Jia , Duan Xuewu , Yang Bao , Li Jianrong , Jiang Yueming
Published: July 2008

Litchi fruit pericarp tissue is considered an important source of dietary phenolics. This study consisted of two experiments. The first was conducted to examine the effects of various extraction temperatures (30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 °C) and pH values (2, 3, 4, 5 and 6) on the extraction yield of phenolics from litchi fruit pericarp. Extraction was most efficient at pH 4.0, while an extraction temperature of 60 °C was the best in terms of the combined extraction yield of phenolics and the stability of the extracted litchi anthocyanins. The second experiment was carried out to further evaluate the effects of various temperatures (25, 35, 45, 55 and 65 °C) and pH values (1, 3, 5 and 7) on the total antioxidant ability and scavenging activities of DPPH radicals, hydroxyl radical and superoxide anion of the extracted anthocyanins. The results indicated that use of 45−60 °C or pH 3−4 exhibited a relatively high antioxidant activity. The study will help improve extraction yield of phenolics from litchi fruit pericarp and promote better utilization of the extracted litchi anthocyanins as antioxidants.
Third Generation Biofuels via Direct Cellulose Fermentation
Authors: Carere Carlo R. , Sparling Richard , Cicek Nazim , Levin David B.
Published: July 2008

Consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) is a system in which cellulase production, substrate hydrolysis, and fermentation are accomplished in a single process step by cellulolytic microorganisms. CBP offers the potential for lower biofuel production costs due to simpler feedstock processing, lower energy inputs, and higher conversion efficiencies than separate hydrolysis and fermentation processes, and is an economically attractive near-term goal for “third generation” biofuel production. In this review article, production of third generation biofuels from cellulosic feedstocks will be addressed in respect to the metabolism of cellulolytic bacteria and the development of strategies to increase biofuel yields through metabolic engineering.
The Role of DNA Hypermethylation and Demethylation in Cancer and Cancer Therapy
Authors: Szyf M.
Published: July 2008

Methylation of DNA is known to be an important mechanism of gene regulation. A hallmark of cancer is the deregulation of the DNA methylation machinery and aberrant DNA methylation patterns 1. In vertebrate genomes, a large fraction of the CG dinucleotide sequence is modified by methylation in gene- and tissuespecific patterns 2. Methylation of critical regulatory regions silences gene expression; loss of methylation is associated with gene activation 3. Because cancer progression requires many changes in the normal program of gene expression, it stands to reason that aberrations in DNA methylation play a critical role in the changes in gene expression involved in cancer progression and metastasis. Methylation changes in DNA play a role very similar to that of genetic mutations in cancer; however, unlike a genetic alteration, DNA methylation is potentially reversible with pharmacologic intervention. The DNA methylation machinery was therefore proposed—almost a decade and a half ago—to be an attractive anticancer target 4.
An Approach to the Management of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in British Columbia
Authors: Forrest D. L. , Jiang X. , Eaves C. J. , Smith C. L.
Published: July 2008

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disorder whose therapy has changed dramatically since the late 1990s. With the introduction of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) imatinib mesylate, the treatment outcomes for patients with CML have improved markedly, and hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation is no longer routinely offered as first-line therapy for most patients in chronic phase. However, resistance to TKI therapy is increasingly being recognized, and alternative therapy is needed for this group of patients. In addition, the development of models predicting response to TKI therapy is desired, so that appropriate treatment strategies can be used for individual patients. The present report serves to outline the approach to the treatment of CML in British Columbia and to highlight areas of ongoing research.
Chinese Medicine and Biomodulation in Cancer Patients—Part Two
Authors: Sagar S.M. , Wong R.K.
Published: July 2008

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a whole system containing therapeutic interventions that individually induce biomodulation at the physiologic, chemical, and molecular levels. The theory of TCM proposes a synergy between specific interventions selected as part of a care plan based on TCM diagnostic theory. Combining TCM with the modern practice of oncology seems, in conjunction with biomedical interventions (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and pharmaceuticals), to have potential advantages through the synergy of biomodulation. Biomodulation approaches are broadly categorized as modification of tumour response and reduction of adverse effects; modulation of immunity; prevention of cancer progression; and enhancement of symptom control. Although the database of preclinical studies is rapidly expanding, good-quality clinical trials are notably scarce. Laboratory studies suggest that some herbs increase the effectiveness of conventional chemotherapy without increasing toxicity. A healthy immune system is necessary for control of malignant disease, and the immune suppression associated with cancer contributes to its progression. Many Chinese herbs contain glycoproteins and polysaccharides (among them, constituents of Coriolus versicolor, Ganoderma lucidum, Grifola frondosa, Astragalus membranaceus, Panax ginseng, and various other medicinal mushrooms) that can modulate metastatic potential and the innate immune system. Phytochemicals such as specific polysaccharides have been shown to boost the innate immune system, especially through interaction with Toll-like receptors in mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. This intervention can potentially improve the effectiveness of new anticancer vaccines. An increase in virus-associated cancers presents a major public health problem that requires novel therapeutic strategies. A number of herbal therapies have both antiviral activity and the ability to promote immunity, possibly inhibiting the initiation and promotion of virus-associated cancers. The mechanisms learned from basic science should be applied to clinical trials both of specific interventions and of whole-system care plans that safely combine the TCM approach with the conventional biomedical model. In Western medicine, the combination of TCM herbs with drug therapies is controversial, given lack of knowledge concerning whether a drug is favourably enhanced or whether adverse effects occur. Using initial data from the preclinical studies, future clinical research needs to evaluate the combinations, some of which are showing favourable synergy.
Managing the Toxicities of the FEC-100 Followed by Docetaxel Regimen: The Price of Success
Authors: Laing Kara
Published: July 2008

A 52-year-old postmenopausal woman presented with an abnormal screening mammogram showing a suspicious area in the upper outer quadrant of her left breast. [...]
The Mcgill University Department of Oncology: Structure Depicts the Shape of Evolving Knowledge
Authors: Batist G. , Shinder G.A.
Published: July 2008

The McGill University Department of Oncology has changed and expanded since its inception in 1990, responding to the move to interdisciplinary clinical care, teaching, and research. Although the traditional Divisions have been maintained to correspond to University and Royal College interfaces, the department has steadily been generating a variety of cross-departmental and interdisciplinary programs in which new insights into clinical care and biology are being generated. In research areas ranging from psychosocial and fundamental to translational and clinical therapeutics, interdisciplinarity and an emphasis on clinician–scientists are critical features.
Drug-Induced Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura Secondary to Sunitinib
Authors: Trinkaus M. , Trudeau M. , Callum J.
Published: July 2008

Sunitinib (Sutent: Pfizer, New York, NY, U.S.A.) is an oral multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for use in various solid tumour malignancies. Many side effects secondary to sunitinib have been documented. In particular, sunitinib administration is known to result in thrombocytopenia, with the cause being attributed to myelosuppression. Here, we present the first case report to demonstrate immune-mediated thrombocytopenia secondary to sunitinib administration.
Cancer Nutrition and Rehabilitation—Its Time Has Come!
Authors: Chasen M.R. , Dippenaar A.P.
Published: July 2008

Cancer is a systemic disease that can affect nearly every organ in the body, resulting in a progressive loss of organ function. That loss of function may be initially slow, having minimal effect, or it may be rapid, resulting in more dramatic changes. The usual medical management of patients with cancer has focused more specifically on the administration of cytotoxic treatments. These treatments can potentially eradicate or minimize the tumour, but they may also have toxic side effects that in turn can also affect the patient. individual with a cancer diagnosis to obtain optimal physical, social, psychological, and vocational functioning within the limits created by the disease and its treatment. The McGill Cancer Nutrition and Rehabilitation (CNR) program developed as a result of the everincreasing demand for a focus on addressing individual cancer patients and their needs, as well as on achieving optimal tumour-related outcomes. Using an interdisciplinary approach, the CNR’s global objective is to empower individuals who are experiencing loss of function, fatigue, malnutrition, psychological distress, and other symptoms as a result of cancer or its treatment to improve their own quality of life. All team members—experts in their respective fields—assess all patients. At a subsequent team discussion and planning meeting, a specific 8-week program is designed for each patient. The hoped-for outcome for the CNR program is primarily to empower patients to “take control” or to enable them to improve their own quality of life. This article reviews the philosophy of the CNR’s approach and the roles played by the various members of the team.
The 3rd Annual Ontario Thoracic Cancer Conference at Niagara-on-the-Lake
Authors: Dahele M. , Ung Y. , Bezjak A. , Burkes R. , Ellis P. , Behzadi A. , Solow H. , Laffan S. , Korec M.
Published: July 2008

The 3rd Annual Ontario Thoracic Cancer Conference was held March 28–30, 2008, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, bringing together those in community and academic practice throughout the province who have an interest in thoracic oncology. [...]
Diagnosis of process faults in chemical systems using a local partial least squares approach
Authors: Kruger Uwe , Dimitriadis Grigorios
Published: July 2008

This article discusses the application of partial least squares (PLS) for monitoring complex chemical systems. In relation to existing work, this article proposes the integration of the statistical local approach into the PLS framework to monitor changes in the underlying model rather than analyzing the recorded input/output data directly. As discussed in the literature, monitoring changes in model parameters addresses the problems of nonstationary behavior and presents an analogy to model‐based approaches. The benefits of the proposed technique are that (i) a detailed mechanistic plant model is not required, (ii) nonstationary process behavior does not produce false alarms, (iii) parameter changes can be non‐Gaussian, (iv) Gaussian monitoring statistics can be established to simplify the monitoring task, and (v) fault magnitude and signatures can be estimated. This is demonstrated by a simulation example and the analysis of recorded data from two chemical processes. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Timed sequential induction chemotherapy and risk‐adapted postremission therapy for acute myelogenous leukemia
Authors: Kalaycio Matt , Advani Anjali , Pohlman Brad , Sekeres Mikkael , Tripp Barbara , Rybicki Lisa , Sobecks Ronald
Published: July 2008

Cytogenetic analysis at the time of diagnosis predicts outcome in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). For those patients with favorable risk cytogenetics, stem cell transplant can be delayed until the time of relapse. For those patients with nonfavorable cytogenetic risk profiles, stem cell transplant may be required for optimal survival benefit. We treated patients with de novo AML and age less than 60 years first with etoposide, mitoxantrone, cytarabine, and G‐CSF (EMA‐G) to induce remission. Patients in complete remission were assigned to treatment with chemotherapy alone if they had favorable risk cytogenetics defined as the identification of a core‐binding factor translocation. Patients with any other cytogenetic profile were assigned to treatment with either autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplant depending on the availability of an HLA‐matched donor. Following EMA‐G, 33 of 40 patients (83%) achieved CR. Of the 25 patients who actually were treated with postremission chemotherapy, 21 were treated with their assigned risk‐adapted therapy. Of the 33 patients in remission, 5 year relapse‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) was 46 and 38%, respectively. Our intensive and risk‐adapted, stem cell transplant approach to the treatment of patients with AML requires a better definition of risk and does not appear to substantially improve results compared with more standard approaches. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acute pesticide poisoning among agricultural workers in the United States, 1998–2005
Authors: Calvert Geoffrey M. , Karnik Jennifer , Mehler Louise , Beckman John , Morrissey Barbara , Sievert Jennifer , Barrett Rosanna , Lackovic Michelle , Mabee Laura , Schwartz Abby , Mitchell Yvette , Moraga‐McHaley Stephanie
Published: July 2008

Background

Approximately 75% of pesticide usage in the United States occurs in agriculture. As such, agricultural workers are at greater risk of pesticide exposure than non‐agricultural workers. However, the magnitude, characteristics and trend of acute pesticide poisoning among agricultural workers are unknown.

Methods

We identified acute pesticide poisoning cases in agricultural workers between the ages of 15 and 64 years that occurred from 1998 to 2005. The California Department of Pesticide Regulation and the SENSOR‐Pesticides program provided the cases. Acute occupational pesticide poisoning incidence rates (IR) for those employed in agriculture were calculated, as were incidence rate ratios (IRR) among agricultural workers relative to non‐agricultural workers.

Results

Of the 3,271 cases included in the analysis, 2,334 (71%) were employed as farmworkers. The remaining cases were employed as processing/packing plant workers (12%), farmers (3%), and other miscellaneous agricultural workers (19%). The majority of cases had low severity illness (N = 2,848, 87%), while 402 (12%) were of medium severity and 20 (0.6%) were of high severity. One case was fatal. Rates of illness among various agricultural worker categories were highly variable but all, except farmers, showed risk for agricultural workers greater than risk for non‐agricultural workers by an order of magnitude or more. Also, the rate among female agricultural workers was almost twofold higher compared to males.

Conclusion

The findings from this study suggest that acute pesticide poisoning in the agricultural industry continues to be an important problem. These findings reinforce the need for heightened efforts to better protect farmworkers from pesticide exposure. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:883–898, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Non‐genetic risk factors for gastroschisis
Authors: Rasmussen Sonja A. , Frías Jaime L.
Published: July 2008

Gastroschisis is an abdominal wall defect typically located to the right of the umbilical cord in which intestines and occasionally other abdominal contents herniate through the abdominal wall opening. The etiology of this defect is unknown. The increased recurrence risks observed in families with a child with gastroschisis suggest that genetic factors play a role in its causation. However, non‐genetic factors are also important, as evidenced by the increased occurrence of gastroschisis among younger mothers, the increasing prevalence of gastroschisis in recent years observed by several birth defects surveillance systems, and the frequent occurrence of gastroschisis in a cluster pattern. Despite recognition of the importance of non‐genetic factors in gastroschisis causation, no factors, other than young maternal age, have been definitively identified, limiting the development of prevention strategies. This article summarizes the currently available literature on non‐genetic risk factors for gastroschisis, including investigations of sociodemographic factors, maternal therapeutic medication and non‐therapeutic drug exposures, chemical exposures, and other factors. The article also discusses some of the challenges faced by investigators working to better understand gastroschisis etiology. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The embryology of body wall closure: Relevance to gastroschisis and other ventral body wall defects
Authors: Sadler T.W. , Feldkamp Marcia L.
Published: July 2008

During the 3rd and 4th weeks post‐fertilization (5 and 6 weeks from the last normal menstrual period [LNMP]), the human embryo is transformed from a flat disc‐shaped organism into the classic shape of an embryo in the “fetal” position. This change is effected by simultaneously rolling the top layer of the disc, the ectoderm, into the neural tube and the bottom layers of the disc, the endoderm and mesoderm, into the gut tube and body wall, respectively. In this manner, the flat disc is transformed into two tubes, one dorsal to the other, surrounded by supporting structures in the body wall. If closure of the neural tube fails, then neural tube defects (NTDs), such as anencephaly and spina bifida, occur; if closure of the ventral body wall fails, then ventral body wall defects, such as ectopia cordis, gastroschisis, and bladder and cloacal exstrophy, occur. Interestingly, no known closure defects have been described for the gut tube. Note, however, that all of the closure defects that do occur have their origins early in gestation during the third and fourth weeks of development. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gastroschisis: Clinical presentation and associations
Authors: Hunter Alasdair G.W. , Stevenson Roger E.
Published: July 2008

Gastroschisis is a major malformation which requires immediate surgical care to return the exposed viscera to the abdominal cavity, parenteral nutrition until bowel motility permits oral feedings, and evaluation for coexisting malformations. Almost all cases are diagnosed prenatally using midtrimester ultrasound and maternal serum alphafetoprotein measurement. This allows most infants to be delivered in a tertiary care facility where the best mode of delivery and neonatal management can be determined. About 10% of infants with gastroschisis will have other malformations. Half of these are considered related to the gastroschisis (intestinal atresia or stenosis, malrotation, cryptorchidism, amyoplasia, urinary tract obstruction). Other associated malformations occur which are not recognized to be secondary to the gastroschisis. Prominent among these are cardiac and limb defects. Fetal and neonatal mortality are increased, but neither appear related to lethal malformations. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical considerations in gastroschisis: Incremental advances against a congenital anomaly with severe secondary effects
Authors: Nichol Peter F. , Byrne Janice L.B.B. , Dodgion Christopher , Saijoh Yukio
Published: July 2008

Gastroschisis is one of the most challenging congenital anomalies that physicians treat in the first 2 months of life. Over the last 40 years, tremendous progress has been made in the management of this defect. Survival has increased significantly during this period as well. However, gastroschisis still presents the clinician with a unique set of challenges as a result of secondary effects on intestinal development. These challenges or clinical considerations are discussed in this review including a history of the management of the defect, prenatal counseling, prenatal intervention, postnatal and surgical management, complications and long‐term outcomes. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ecological and reproductive variance in serum leptin in wild vervet monkeys
Authors: Whitten Patricia L. , Turner Trudy R.
Published: July 2008

Leptin was originally thought to be an antiobesity hormone, but increasing evidence suggests that its ancestral role was to mobilize neuroendocrine responses to starvation. Research on wild primates is critical for interpreting the high leptin values seen in Western human populations and captive animals. This study examined natural variation in serum leptin in wild vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops), testing the hypothesis that serum leptin in vervets varies with sex, adiposity, ecology, and reproductive state. Analyses made use of a unique dataset comprised of serum and morphometric measurements obtained from vervet monkeys in four Kenyan sites differing in altitude, temperature, rainfall, and access to human foods. Leptin and gonadal steroid concentrations were analyzed in serum samples from 116 adults. Low leptin levels in males and acyclic females support the contention that levels seen in captivity are not typical for wild primates. Measures of adiposity were not correlated with serum leptin, reflecting the extremely low fat storage in wild cercopithecine primates. Associations with habitat and season, however, indicate that leptin does register ecological variation in energy balance. Leptin levels were higher in sites and seasons with higher rainfall. Moreover, leptin varied significantly with reproductive state, with higher levels in pregnant than in acyclic females. Changes in leptin with gestation stage and duration of lactation suggest that transitory and reversible elevations were an important part of its ancestral role. These data show that in this wild primate population leptin is a sensitive index of natural variation in habitat and seasonally fluctuating reproductive state. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.