bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Listening to Rural Hispanic Immigrants in the Midwest: A Community-Based Participatory Assessment of Major Barriers to Health Care Access and Use
Authors: Cristancho Sergio , Garces D. Marcela , Peters Karen E. , Mueller Benjamin C.
Published: April 2008

Hispanic immigrants are increasingly residing in rural communities, including in the midwestern United States. Limitations in the ability of rural Hispanics to access and utilize health care contribute to patterns of poor health and health disparity. A conceptual model of “vulnerability” guides this community-based participatory assessment project designed to explore rural Hispanics' perceived barriers to accessing and utilizing health care. Findings from a series of 19 focus groups with 181 participants from three communities in the upper Midwest identified perceived barriers at the individual and health care system levels. The most commonly perceived barriers were the lack of and limitations in health insurance coverage, high costs of health care services, communication issues involving patients and providers, legal status/discrimination, and transportation concerns. Findings imply that these barriers could be addressed using multiple educational and health service delivery policy-related strategies that consider the vulnerable nature of this growing population.
An Educational Programming Framework for a Subset of Students With Diverse Learning Needs
Authors: Shaw Steven R.
Published: April 2008

Students with intelligence test scores between 70 and 85 frequently fall into the gap between general and special education. Students with borderline intellectual functioning are a large population at-risk for school failure. Recent educational trends (e.g., the use of response to intervention models of special education eligibility, implementation of inclusive education, and the accountability components of No Child Left Behind) have increased awareness and may serve as a catalyst for improving the education of students with borderline intellectual functioning. However, students currently receive few supportive educational services. An educational programming framework is developed for improving the education of students with borderline intellectual functioning in response to recent educational trends. Effective instructional practices can build academic resilience skills to ameliorate the important, but often-ignored, risk factor of borderline intellectual functioning.
Development and Validation of a Religious Health Fatalism Measure for the African-American Faith Community
Authors: Franklin Monica D. , Schlundt David G. , Wallston Kenneth A.
Published: April 2008

Health researchers struggle to understand barriers to improving health in the African-American community. The African-American church is one of the most promising venues for health promotion, disease prevention, and disparities reduction. Religious fatalism, the belief that health outcomes are inevitable and/or determined by God, may inhibit healthy behaviors for a subset of religious persons. This study reports the development and validation of the Religious Health Fatalism Questionnaire, a measurement tool for studying faith-related health beliefs in African-Americans. Participants included 276 members of seven predominantly African-American churches. Factor analysis indicated three dimensions: (1) Divine Provision; (2) Destined Plan; and (3) Helpless Inevitability. Evidence is presented for the reliability, convergent and predictive validity of the Religious Health Fatalism Questionnaire.
Self-efficacy for Exercise in Cardiac Rehabilitation
Authors: Woodgate Jennifer , Brawley Lawrence R.
Published: April 2008

Despite the numerous physical and psychosocial benefits of exercise for coronary heart disease survivors, non-adherence to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) exercise is a major problem. Adherence to the lifestyle behavior change associated with CR involves both physical and self-regulatory skills. While self-regulatory efficacy is clearly linked to exercise adherence and adjustment, the literature on the relationship between self-efficacy and exercise among CR participants has not been systematically reviewed. A search of relevant databases identified 41 CR studies. Few studies measured self-regulatory efficacy for actions that facilitate adherence. Most studies examined self-efficacy during the intensive center-based phase of CR, with little attention to long-term maintenance. The CR literature could benefit by examining (a) self-efficacy as a major rehabilitation outcome, (b) measurement of self-regulatory efficacy for behavior change, (c) suspected moderators of self-efficacy (i.e. gender, age), and (d) self-efficacy relative to maintenance.
Patient Satisfaction and Sustained Outcomes of Drug Abuse Treatment
Authors: Zhiwei Zhang  , Gerstein Dean R. , Friedmann Peter D.
Published: April 2008

The authors investigated the relationship between patients' self-rated satisfaction with treatment services during and shortly after treatment with their drug use outcomes at one year follow-up, using a US national panel survey of patients in 62 methadone, outpatient, short-term residential, and long-term residential programs. A favorable evaluation of treatment near the time of discharge had a significant positive relationship with drug use improvement outcomes approximately one year later, independent of the separately measured effects of treatment duration, counseling intensity, patient adherence to treatment protocols, pre-treatment drug use patterns, and other characteristics of patients and treatment programs.
Understanding Hope in the Face of an HIV Diagnosis and High-risk Behaviors
Authors: Harris Gregory E. , Larsen Denise
Published: April 2008

The purpose of this article is to: (a) explore and describe experiences of hope in the context of high-risk behaviors; and (b) identify sources of hope for participants dealing with an HIV diagnosis. Following qualitative case study methodology along with philosophical hermeneutics, 12 people diagnosed with HIV or AIDS were interviewed to understand their experiences of hope. Participants were selected based on self-report for continuing or increasing high-risk behaviors following diagnosis. Results include participant descriptions of hope as well as five higher order categories that highlight sources of hope following an HIV diagnosis. Implications for treatment of those newly diagnosed and engaged in high-risk behaviors are discussed.
The Effects of Idealized Fitness Images on Anxiety, Depression and Global Mood States in College Age Males and Females
Authors: Garvin Ann Wertz , Damson Christopher
Published: April 2008

The primary purpose of this investigation was to quantify the effects of fitness media exposure on psychological affect utilizing the Solomon 4-group design. Volunteers were counterbalanced and randomly assigned to 30 minutes of viewing either a fitness or control magazine. State anxiety (STAI), tension, depression, anger vigor, fatigue, confusion, and global mood (POMS) were measured. Results indicate that pre-test sensitization was not a significant factor when testing the psychological factors in this investigation. Additionally, the outcomes associated with viewing ultra-fit images in popular media are not a benign experience and merit further examination.
Physical Exercise and Psychological Well-being among People with Chronic Illness and Disability
Authors: Graham Rodger , Kremer John , Wheeler Garry
Published: April 2008

This qualitative study describes the effect of exercise on psychological well-being among individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities such as stroke, cancer, diabetes and arthritis. Eleven users of a physical disability daycentre completed a novel, six-month, group-based programme of seated exercise provided by the first author. Results from grounded analyses of in-depth interviews provide evidence that exercise offers a powerful means to actively manage mood problems associated with disability, to preserve and cultivate personal identity in a positive manner and to connect with others and one's own body in ways which limit the development of illness-related psychological distress. Implications for the development of further research and future provision of similar services are discussed.
The political origins of death penalty exceptionalism
Authors: Zhang Ning
Published: April 2008

This article focuses on the role played by Mao Zedong in the making of the Chinese communist legal system in general and in the Chinese practice of the death penalty under Mao in particular. It attempts to study this link through an analysis of an event which represented a landmark, namely the campaign of the regression against counterrevolutionaries launched in 1950—2, and through an examination of three specific cases, which enable us to observe the concrete characteristics of these practices, whose effects continue to be felt in today's China.
South Korea's changing capital punishment policy
Authors: Cho Byung-Sun
Published: April 2008

The most recent executions in South Korea took place in December 1997, when 23 people were executed at short notice on the same day. Similarly, nineteen executions occurred in 1995 and 15 in 1994, in each instance occurring all on the same day. These group executions seem to reflect cultural factors that monthly statistics alone do not capture. No executions have occurred since 1998, but this de facto suspension has not been reinforced by law. Since 1999, lawmakers have thrice endorsed a bill favoring life imprisonment without parole in place of the death penalty, but each time the proposal has stalled and failed to move forward. The need remains to develop a culturally appropriate pro-abolition argument that could persuade the Korean public that the death penalty is unworkable and wrong. On 21 January 2007, in the Inhyeokdang case, the Korean Court acquitted 8 persons who had been executed 32 years earlier. The hope is that, in light of strong arguments based on the risk to innocent persons and the irreversibility of capital punishment, Korea will effectively transition from de facto to formal abolition.
The `Chicken and Egg' of Subjective and Social Factors in Desistance from Crime
Authors: LeBel Thomas P. , Burnett Ros , Maruna Shadd , Bushway Shawn
Published: April 2008

It is now widely acknowledged that progression from persistent offending to desistance from crime is the outcome of a complex interaction between subjective/ agency factors and social/environmental factors. A methodological challenge for desistance researchers is to unravel the differential impacts of these internal and external factors and the sequence in which they come into play. Towards this, the present investigation draws on a prospective study of 130 male property offenders, interviewed in the 1990s (the Oxford Recidivism Study), and followed up 10 years later. The analysis supports a `subjective—social model' in which subjective states measured before release have a direct effect on recidivism as well as indirect effects through their impact on social circumstances experienced after release from prison.
Racism and Police Stops
Authors: Miller Joel , Gounev Philip , Pap András L. , Wagman Dani , Balogi Anna , Bezlov Tihomir , Simonovits Bori , Vargha Lili
Published: April 2008

Findings from an international research programme on police stops in Bulgaria, Hungary and Spain are reviewed in the context of British and US debates on racism in police stops, and in particular the concepts of ethnic/racial profiling, disproportionality and institutional racism. The research uses surveys and qualitative interviews to examine the experiences of Roma in all three countries and of immigrants in Spain. The article finds evidence of ethnic/racial profiling in police decisions to stop. However, this does not translate into aggregate ethnic disparities in stops (disproportionality) in Bulgaria and Hungary where it can be measured. This is because ethnic disparities are driven also by structural factors that are independent of ethnic profiling. Different kinds of institutional racism are also suggested by the poorer treatment of ethnic minority populations during stops and by evidence of under-policing of Roma-only communities in Bulgaria.
Criminology, Crime and Criminal Justice in Hungary
Authors: Kerezsi Klára , Lévay Miklós
Published: April 2008

Criminology as a discipline began in Hungary at the end of the 19th century. Its development has been enormously influenced by the evolution of the country's political and social systems — sometimes its very existence was denied, sometimes it was hijacked for ideological aims. This article describes the main features of criminology in Hungary and charts developments in crime and criminal justice over the past two decades. From the beginning of the transition period our country has been in a state of perpetual change. These processes have affected the crime problem and crime control policy. The rate of recorded crime reached a peak in the early 1990s. However, the effects of the systemic change already seemed to be fading away at the beginning of the new century. The increase in the recorded number of crimes has slowed down, and crime rates now appear to have stabilized. The article describes Hungary's recorded and `dark' figures of crime, as well as the academic and research institutions in the field of criminology. Since regime change, three major criminal law reforms have taken place in Hungary. The paper discusses the driving forces behind these reforms and their outcomes.
Endovascular Repair of Femoral Artery Pseudoaneurysm After Orthopedic Surgery With Balloon-Expandable Covered Stents
Authors: Eslami Mohammad H. , Silvia Brian A.
Published: April 2008

Arterial injury after orthopedic procedures is an uncommon complication that can present clinically in a variety of forms and has conventionally been repaired by open vascular surgery. The case and discussion in this article highlights the usefulness of endovascular repair following a delayed presentation of vascular injury from an orthopedic procedure.
Prolonged Success With a Covered Endovascular Stent After Emergent Use in Radiation-Induced Subclavian Artery Blowout: A Case Report
Authors: Ewings Ember L. , Wittgen Catherine M. , Paletta Christian E.
Published: April 2008

Radiation-induced damage to the bone, soft tissues, and vasculature represents the unfortunate consequences of radiation therapy for the treatment of malignant tumors. Complications arising from irradiation are frequently challenging to manage and may be life threatening. A case is presented of a patient with a longstanding clavicular osteoradionecrosis with an acute massive hemorrhage after rupture of the subclavian artery and subsequent management with endovascular stent placement. With over 2 years' follow-up, vascular patency was maintained with no further bleeding episodes in this surgically high-risk patient.
Endovascular Retrieval of an Intraaortic Greenfield Vena Cava Filter
Authors: Xenos Eleftherios S. , Minion David J. , Sorial Ehab E. , Endean Eric D.
Published: April 2008

Aberrant placement of vena cava filters has been documented. Only one case of intraaortic deployment, in which the filter was left at the aortic bifurcation with no adverse effects over a 4-year follow-up period, has been reported. We describe the endovascular retrieval of an intraaortic Greenfield filter using a snare and large sheath to protect the aortic intima from injury during removal of the device.
Increased urinary leukotriene E4concentration in patients with eosinophilic pneumonia
Authors: Ono E. , Taniguchi M. , Mita H. , Higashi N. , Fukutomi Y. , Tanimoto H. , Sekiya K. , Oshikata C. , Tsuburai T. , Tsurikisawa N. , Otomo M. , Maeda Y. , Matsuno O. , Miyazaki E. , Kumamoto T. , Akiyama K.
Published: April 2008

Although eosinophils produce cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) in large quantities, information on the relationship between CysLTs and eosinophilic pneumonia (EP) is lacking. Inflammatory mediator concentrations in urine were quantified to clarify the relationship between CysLT concentrations and EP severity.

Leukotriene (LT)E4, eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN), 9α,11β-prostaglandin F2 and LTB4glucuronide concentrations were quantified in the urine of: EP patients during acute exacerbation and clinical remission; asthmatic patients during acute exacerbation and under stable conditions; and healthy control subjects.

The urinary LTE4and EDN concentrations of EP patients during acute exacerbation were significantly higher than those of asthmatic patients and healthy subjects, and decreased immediately during clinical remission. The urinary LTE4concentration was associated with the urinary EDN concentration of EP patients during acute exacerbation. The urinary LTE4concentration significantly correlated with the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide in EP patients during acute exacerbation.

The increased urinary concentrations of leukotriene and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin were associated with acute exacerbation in eosinophilic pneumonia patients. The increased leukotriene concentration significantly correlated with diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, suggesting that the monitoring of leukotriene concentration may aid in the management of eosinophilic pneumonia patients.
Selection of housekeeping genes for real-time PCR in atopic human bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: He J-Q. , Sandford A. J. , Wang I-M. , Stepaniants S. , Knight D. A. , Kicic A. , Stick S. M. , Paré P. D.
Published: April 2008

The stability of housekeeping genes (HKGs) is critical when performing real-time quantitative PCR. To date, the stability of common HKGs has not been systematically compared in human airway epithelial cells (AEC) in normal and atopic subjects.

Expression levels of 12 HKGs were measured in AECs from a cohort of 30 healthy atopic nonasthmatic or atopic asthmatic children. Gene expression stability was determined using three different Visual Basic for Applications applets (geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper).

All 12 HKGs were expressed in AECs. However, the hypoxanthine ribosyltransferase and TATA-binding protein genes were excluded from further analysis due to low expression levels. The cyclophilin A gene was ranked the most stable by all three methods. The expression levels of the β-actin and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase genes were significantly different between the three groups of patients, with atopic asthmatics showing the highest expression levels for both genes.

The results suggest that the cyclophilin A gene is the most suitable housekeeping gene analysed for expression studies utilising uncultured bronchial airway epithelial cells from healthy and asthmatic children, and highlight the importance of validating housekeeping genes for each experimental model.
Smoke exposure, airway symptoms and exhaled nitric oxide in infants: the Generation R study
Authors: Gabriele C. , Asgarali R. , Jaddoe V. W. , Hofman A. , Moll H. A. , de Jongste J. C.
Published: April 2008

The effect of pre- and post-natal smoke exposure on exhaled nitric oxide fraction (FeNO) in infants was evaluated and the association between respiratory symptoms andFeNOin the first 2 months of life was investigated. The Generation R study is a population-based, prenatally recruited birth cohort.

Exposures were assessed by means of questionnaires prospectively administered during pregnancy and after birth. Successful off-lineFeNOmeasurements during tidal breathing were obtained in 187 infants (median age 6.9 weeks). The association between possible determinants and logFeNOwas investigated with multiple linear regression analysis.

Infants exposed pre- and post-natally to smoke showed lowerFeNOthan infants exposed only after birth (geometric mean difference (95% confidence interval) 1.5 (1.0–2.1) ppb) and never-exposed infants (1.4 (1.0–1.8) ppb).FeNOwas reduced in infants with severe upper respiratory symptoms compared with infants with nonsevere symptoms (1.6 (1.0–2.4) ppb). Infants with symptoms of the lower respiratory tract had lowerFeNOthan asymptomatic infants (1.2 (1.0–1.50) ppb).

In conclusion, the nature of the association between smoke exposure and exhaled nitric oxide fraction is dependent on timing and intensity of exposure. The occurrence and the severity of respiratory symptoms in the first 2 months of life are associated with lower exhaled nitric oxide fraction.
Interleukin 13,CD14, pet and tobacco smoke influence atopy in three Dutch cohorts: the allergenic study
Authors: Bottema R. W. B. , Reijmerink N. E. , Kerkhof M. , Koppelman G. H. , Stelma F. F. , Gerritsen J. , Thijs C. , Brunekreef B. , van Schayck C. P. , Postma D. S.
Published: April 2008

Studying gene–environment interactions may elucidate the complex origins of atopic diseases but requires large study populations. Pooling data from several cohort studies may help but may also obscure findings. Gene–environment interactions in atopy development were studied and the benefits of pooling data were evaluated.

Haplotype-tagging polymorphisms in the genesinterleukin (IL)13andCD14were genotyped in 3,062 children from the following birth cohorts: the Prevention and Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy (PIAMA) study; the Prevention of Asthma in Children (PREVASC) study; and the Child, Parent, Health, Focus on Lifestyle and Predisposition (KOALA) study, and tested for association with total and specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E and interaction with tobacco smoke and pet exposure at ages 1, 2, 4 and 8 yrs by analysis of variance, Chi-squared tests and regression analyses.

At all ages, inIL13, minor alleles of rs1295685 and rs20541 were significantly associated with elevated IgE levels in pooled analyses. InCD14, the rs2569190-TT and rs2569191-CC genotypes associated with lower IgE and decreased risk of sensitisation at 4 and 8 yrs in children exposed to pets, with an opposite effect in nonexposed children. Findings forIL13andCD14were comparable in separate cohorts.

The present study indicates that atopy is importantly influenced byinterleukin 13at age 1–8 yrs and byCD14in interaction with pet exposure at ages 4 and 8 yrs. Additionally, pooled data improved effect estimates and genetic effects could be detected in interaction with important environmental factors.
Non-invasive monitoring of tissue oxygenation during laparoscopic donor nephrectomy
Authors: Crane Nicole J , Pinto Peter A , Hale Douglas , Gage Frederick A , Tadaki Doug , Kirk Allan D , Levin Ira W , Elster Eric A
Published: April 2008

Background

Standard methods for assessment of organ viability during surgery are typically limited to visual cues and tactile feedback in open surgery. However, during laparoscopic surgery, these processes are impaired. This is of particular relevance during laparoscopic renal donation, where the condition of the kidney must be optimized despite considerable manipulation. However, there is no in vivo methodology to monitor renal parenchymal oxygenation during laparoscopic surgery.

Methods

We have developed a method for the real time, in vivo, whole organ assessment of tissue oxygenation during laparoscopic nephrectomy to convey meaningful biological data to the surgeon during laparoscopic surgery. We apply the 3-CCD (charge coupled device) camera to monitor qualitatively renal parenchymal oxygenation with potential real-time video capability.

Results

We have validated this methodology in a porcine model across a range of hypoxic conditions, and have then applied the method during clinical laparoscopic donor nephrectomies during clinically relevant pneumoperitoneum. 3-CCD image enhancement produces mean region of interest (ROI) intensity values that can be directly correlated with blood oxygen saturation measurements (R2 > 0.96). The calculated mean ROI intensity values obtained at the beginning of the laparoscopic nephrectomy do not differ significantly from mean ROI intensity values calculated immediately before kidney removal (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Here, using the 3-CCD camera, we qualitatively monitor tissue oxygenation. This means of assessing intraoperative tissue oxygenation may be a useful method to avoid unintended ischemic injury during laparoscopic surgery. Preliminary results indicate that no significant changes in renal oxygenation occur as a result of pneumoperitoneum.
Axonin-1/TAG-1 is required for pathfinding of granule cell axons in the developing cerebellum
Authors: Baeriswyl Thomas , Stoeckli Esther T
Published: April 2008

Background

Neural development consists of a series of steps, including neurogenesis, patterning, cell migration, axon guidance, and finally, synaptogenesis. Because all these steps proceed in a constantly changing environment, functional gene analyses during development have to take time into account. This is quite challenging, however, as loss-of-function approaches based on classic genetic tools do not allow for the precise temporal control that is required for developmental studies. Gene silencing by RNA interference (RNAi) in combination with the chicken embryo or with cultured embryos opens new possibilities for functional gene analysis in vivo. Axonin-1/TAG-1 is a cell adhesion molecule of the immunoglobulin superfamily with a well defined temporal and spatial expression pattern in the developing vertebrate nervous system. Axonin-1/TAG-1 was shown to promote neurite outgrowth in vitro and to be required for commissural and sensory axon pathfinding in vivo.

Results

To knock down axonin-1 in a temporally and spatially controlled manner during development of the nervous system, we have combined RNAi with the accessibility of the chicken embryo even at late stages of development. Using ex ovo RNAi, we analyzed the function of axonin-1/TAG-1 in cerebellar development. Axonin-1 is expressed in postmitotic granule cells while they extend their processes, the parallel fibers. In the absence of axonin-1 these processes still extend but no longer in a parallel manner to each other or to the pial surface of the cerebellum.

Conclusion

Axonin-1/TAG-1 is required for the navigation, but not for the elongation, of granule cell processes in the developing cerebellum in vivo.
The complete genome, comparative and functional analysis of Stenotrophomonas maltophiliareveals an organism heavily shielded by drug resistance determinants
Authors: Crossman Lisa C , Gould Virginia C , Dow J Maxwell , Vernikos Georgios S , Okazaki Aki , Sebaihia Mohammed , Saunders David , Arrowsmith Claire , Carver Tim , Peters Nicholas , Adlem Ellen , Kerhornou Arnaud , Lord Angela , Murphy Lee , Seeger Katharine , Squares Robert , Rutter Simon , Quail Michael A , Rajandream Mari-Adele , Harris David , Churcher Carol , Bentley Stephen D , Parkhill Julian , Thomson Nicholas R , Avison Matthew B
Published: April 2008

Background

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a nosocomial opportunistic pathogen of the Xanthomonadaceae. The organism has been isolated from both clinical and soil environments in addition to the sputum of cystic fibrosis patients and the immunocompromised. Whilst relatively distant phylogenetically, the closest sequenced relatives of S. maltophilia are the plant pathogenic xanthomonads.

Results

The genome of the bacteremia-associated isolate S. maltophilia K279a is 4,851,126 bp and of high G+C content. The sequence reveals an organism with a remarkable capacity for drug and heavy metal resistance. In addition to a number of genes conferring resistance to antimicrobial drugs of different classes via alternative mechanisms, nine resistance-nodulation-division (RND)-type putative antimicrobial efflux systems are present. Functional genomic analysis confirms a role in drug resistance for several of the novel RND efflux pumps. S. maltophilia possesses potentially mobile regions of DNA and encodes a number of pili and fimbriae likely to be involved in adhesion and biofilm formation that may also contribute to increased antimicrobial drug resistance.

Conclusion

The panoply of antimicrobial drug resistance genes and mobile genetic elements found suggests that the organism can act as a reservoir of antimicrobial drug resistance determinants in a clinical environment, which is an issue of considerable concern.
Evaluation of Tumor Response, Disease Control, Progression-Free Survival, and Time to Progression As Potential Surrogate End Points in Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Burzykowski Tomasz , Buyse Marc , Piccart-Gebhart Martine J. , Sledge George , Carmichael James , Lück Hans-Joachim , Mackey John R. , Nabholtz Jean-Marc , Paridaens Robert , Biganzoli Laura , Jassem Jacek , Bontenbal Marijke , Bonneterre Jacques , Chan Stephen , Basaran Gul Atalay , Therasse Patrick
Published: April 2008

Purpose

Overall survival (OS) can be observed only after prolonged follow-up, and any potential effect of first-line therapies on OS may be confounded by the effects of subsequent therapy. We investigated whether tumor response, disease control, progression-free survival (PFS), or time to progression (TTP) could be considered a valid surrogate for OS to assess the benefits of first-line therapies for patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Patients and Methods

Individual patient data were collected on 3,953 patients in 11 randomized trials that compared an anthracycline (alone or in combination) with a taxane (alone or in combination with an anthracycline). Surrogacy was assessed through the correlation between the end points as well as through the correlation between the treatment effects on the end points.

Results

Tumor response (survival odds ratio [OR], 6.2; 95% CI, 5.3 to 7.0) and disease control (survival OR, 5.5; 95% CI, 4.8 to 6.3) were strongly associated with OS. PFS (rank correlation coefficient, 0.688; 95% CI, 0.686 to 0.690) and TTP (rank correlation coefficient, 0.682; 95% CI, 0.680 to 0.684) were moderately associated with OS. Response log ORs were strongly correlated with PFS log hazard ratios (linear coefficient [ρ], 0.96; 95% CI, 0.73 to 1.19). Response and disease control log ORs and PFS and TTP log hazard ratios were poorly correlated with log hazard ratios for OS, but the confidence limits of ρ were too wide to be informative.

Conclusion

No end point could be demonstrated as a good surrogate for OS in these trials. Tumor response may be an acceptable surrogate for PFS.
Validation of Patient's Self-Reported Social Functioning As an Independent Prognostic Factor for Survival in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients: Results of an International Study by the Chronotherapy Group of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer
Authors: Efficace Fabio , Innominato Pasquale F. , Bjarnason Georg , Coens Corneel , Humblet Yves , Tumolo Salvatore , Genet Dominique , Tampellini Marco , Bottomley Andrew , Garufi Carlo , Focan Christian , Giacchetti Sylvie , Lévi Francis
Published: April 2008

Purpose

A recent study identified a prognostic model for survival in metastatic colorectal cancer patients which included WBC count, alkaline phosphatase (AP), number of metastatic sites, and patients’ self-reported social functioning. The aim of this research is to validate this model on data from an independent sample.

Patients and Methods

This validation study is based on a prospective randomized controlled trial in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer conducted by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Chronotherapy Group. Overall, 564 patients in 10 countries were enrolled. For the purpose of this independent validation, patients with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) baseline data were analyzed. HRQOL was assessed using the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 (QLQ-C30). The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used for both univariate and multivariate analyses of survival.

Results

The previous model with an additional adjustment, by stratification for sex, was replicated and its parameters were confirmed to independently predict survival: WBC count with an hazard ratio (HR) of 1.31 (95% CI, 1.021 to 1.698; P = .034); AP with an HR of 1.53 (95% CI, 1.188 to 1.979; P = .001); number of sites involved with an HR of 1.90 (95% CI, 1.531 to 2.364; P < .0001); and patients’ self-reported social functioning with an HR of 0.94 (95% CI, 0.905 to 0.976; P = .001). The latter translates into a 6% increase in the likelihood of an earlier death for every 10-point decrease in the social functioning scale of the EORTC QLQ-C30.

Conclusion

This study provides confirmatory evidence of the independent prognostic value of patients’ self-reported social functioning in patients with advanced colorectal cancer.
Bevacizumab in Combination With Oxaliplatin-Based Chemotherapy As First-Line Therapy in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Randomized Phase III Study
Authors: Saltz Leonard B. , Clarke Stephen , Díaz-Rubio Eduardo , Scheithauer Werner , Figer Arie , Wong Ralph , Koski Sheryl , Lichinitser Mikhail , Yang Tsai-Shen , Rivera Fernando , Couture Felix , Sirzén Florin , Cassidy Jim
Published: April 2008

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab when added to first-line oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy (either capecitabine plus oxaliplatin [XELOX] or fluorouracil/folinic acid plus oxaliplatin [FOLFOX-4]) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC).

Patients and Methods

Patients with MCRC were randomly assigned, in a 2 × 2 factorial design, to XELOX versus FOLFOX-4, and then to bevacizumab versus placebo. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS).

Results

A total of 1,401 patients were randomly assigned in this 2 × 2 analysis. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 9.4 months in the bevacizumab group and 8.0 months in the placebo group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.83; 97.5% CI, 0.72 to 0.95; P = .0023). Median overall survival was 21.3 months in the bevacizumab group and 19.9 months in the placebo group (HR, 0.89; 97.5% CI, 0.76 to 1.03; P = .077). Response rates were similar in both arms. Analysis of treatment withdrawals showed that, despite protocol allowance of treatment continuation until disease progression, only 29% and 47% of bevacizumab and placebo recipients, respectively, were treated until progression. The toxicity profile of bevacizumab was consistent with that documented in previous trials.

Conclusion

The addition of bevacizumab to oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy significantly improved PFS in this first-line trial in patients with MCRC. Overall survival differences did not reach statistical significance, and response rate was not improved by the addition of bevacizumab. Treatment continuation until disease progression may be necessary in order to optimize the contribution of bevacizumab to therapy.
Multiple maternal proteins coordinate to restrict the translation ofC. elegans nanos-2to primordial germ cells
Authors: Jadhav Shreyas , Rana Mainpal , Subramaniam Kuppuswamy
Published: April 2008

Although germ cell formation has been relatively well understood in worms and insects, how germ cell-specific developmental programs are initiated is not clear. In Caenorhabditis elegans, translational activation of maternal nos-2 mRNA is the earliest known molecular event specific to the germline founder cell P4. Cis-elements in nos-23′UTR have been shown to mediate translational control; however, the trans-acting proteins are not known. Here, we provide evidence that four maternal RNA-binding proteins, OMA-1, OMA-2, MEX-3 and SPN-4, bind nos-2 3′UTR to suppress its translation, and POS-1, another maternal RNA-binding protein, relieves this suppression in P4. The POS-1: SPN-4 ratio in P4 increases significantly over its precursor, P3; and POS-1 competes with SPN-4 for binding to nos-2 RNA in vitro. We propose temporal changes in the relative concentrations of POS-1 and SPN-4, through their effect on the translational status of maternal mRNAs such as nos-2, initiate germ cell-specific developmental programs in C. elegans.
Developmental origin of smooth muscle cells in the descending aorta in mice
Authors: Wasteson Per , Johansson Bengt R. , Jukkola Tomi , Breuer Silke , Akyürek Levent M. , Partanen Juha , Lindahl Per
Published: April 2008

Aortic smooth muscle cells (SMCs) have been proposed to derive from lateral plate mesoderm. It has further been suggested that induction of SMC differentiation is confined to the ventral side of the aorta, and that SMCs later migrate to the dorsal side. In this study, we investigate the origin of SMCs in the descending aorta using recombination-based lineage tracing in mice. Hoxb6-cre transgenic mice were crossed with Rosa 26reporter mice to track cells of lateral plate mesoderm origin. The contribution of lateral plate mesoderm to SMCs in the descending aorta was determined at different stages of development. SMC differentiation was induced in lateral plate mesoderm-derived cells on the ventral side of the aorta at embryonic day (E) 9.0-9.5, as indicated by expression of the SMC-specific reporter gene SM22α-lacZ. There was, however, no migration of SMCs from the ventral to the dorsal side of the vessel. Moreover,the lateral plate mesoderm-derived cells in the ventral wall of the aorta were replaced by somite-derived cells at E10.5, as indicated by reporter gene expression in Meox1-cre/Rosa 26 double transgenic mice. Examination of reporter gene expression in adult aortas from Hoxb6-cre/Rosa 26and Meox1-cre/Rosa 26 double transgenic mice suggested that all SMCs in the adult descending aorta derive from the somites, whereas no contribution was recorded from lateral plate mesoderm.
Neural and genetic foundations of face recognition and prosopagnosia
Authors: Grüter Thomas , Grüter Martina , Carbon Claus‐Christian
Published: April 2008

Faces are of essential importance for human social life. They provide valuable information about the identity, expression, gaze, health, and age of a person. Recent face‐processing models assume highly interconnected neural structures between different temporal, occipital, and frontal brain areas with several feedback loops. A selective deficit in the visual learning and recognition of faces is known as prosopagnosia, which can be found both in acquired and congenital form. Recently, a hereditary sub‐type of congenital prosopagnosia with a very high prevalence rate of 2.5% has been identified. Recent research results show that hereditary prosopagnosia is a clearly circumscribed face‐processing deficit with a characteristic set of clinical symptoms. Comparing face processing of people of prosopagnosia with that of controls can help to develop a more conclusive and integrated model of face processing. Here, we provide a summary of the current state of face processing research. We also describe the different types of prosopagnosia and present the set of typical symptoms found in the hereditary type. Finally, we will discuss the implications for future face recognition research.
Infant preference for female faces occurs for same‐ but not other‐race faces
Authors: Quinn Paul C. , Uttley Lesley , Lee Kang , Gibson Alan , Smith Michael , Slater Alan M. , Pascalis Olivier
Published: April 2008

There has been a recent surge of interest in the question of how infants respond to the social attributes of race and gender information in faces. This work has demonstrated that by 3 months of age, infants will respond preferentially to same‐race faces and faces depicting the gender of the primary caregiver. In the current study, we investigated emergence of the female face preference for same‐ versus other‐race faces to examine whether the determinants of preference for face gender and race are independent or interactive in young infants. In Expt 1, 3‐month‐old Caucasian infants displayed a preference for female over male faces when the faces were Caucasian, but not when the faces were Asian. In Expt 2, new‐born Caucasian infants did not demonstrate a preference for female over male faces for Caucasian faces. The results are discussed in terms of a face prototype that becomes progressively tuned as it is structured by the interaction of the gender and race of faces that are experienced during early development.
Face and gaze processing in Prader‐Willi syndrome
Authors: Halit H. , Grice S. J. , Bolton P. , Johnson M. H.
Published: April 2008

A number of developmental disorders of genetic origin show atypical aspects of face processing. However, little is known about face processing in Prader‐Willi syndrome (PWS). PWS is of specific interest because it has two modes of inheritance (paternally derived deletion, DEL; maternal uniparental disomy, UPD) only one of which (UPD) is associated with an increased risk of autistic symptomology. We conducted electrophysiological (ERP) and behavioural measurements of face and eye‐gaze processing in individuals with PWS derived from both modes of inheritance. Our hypothesis that UPD PWS would show a pattern of deficits resembling those seen in autism was only partially confirmed. Although some individuals from both groups showed deficits, as a whole the UPD group (N=8) and the DEL group (N=8) did not differ on behavioural measures of face processing or autistic symptoms. In contrast, the effect of face orientation and gaze direction on the amplitude of the N170 ERP component differed between the two PWS sub‐types. Thus, while the behavioural tests did not discriminate between the UPD and deletion forms of the syndrome, electrophysiological measures of face processing did differentiate the groups.
Face detection in normal and prosopagnosic individuals
Authors: Garrido Lúcia , Duchaine Brad , Nakayama Ken
Published: April 2008

Face detection, the process of finding a face in a visual scene, is a critical step in face processing, yet it has received relatively little attention compared with other face processes. The present study addresses this crucial first stage by investigating the effect of inversion on face detection and by examining how individuals with developmental prosopagnosia perform on face detection tasks. Fourteen control participants and fourteen individuals with developmental prosopagnosia (DPs) were tested with two face detection tasks: (1) Face versus Non‐Face, where arrays of small images were presented, one of which could contain a face and (2) Face versus Face Parts, where a two‐tone face could be embedded in a larger array of similar two‐tone face parts. On each trial, participants made a speeded response if a face was present in the visual display. On almost all measures both normal and prosopagnosic individuals showed strong inversion effects with significantly worse performance with inverted faces. This shows that the simple task of detection can show inversion effects comparable to those seen for other face tasks, including recognition. Finally, while there were prosopagnosics who were well within the normal range for detection, there were significant group differences, particularly for the case of the Face versus Face Parts, where prosopagnosics were worse than controls on upright but not on inverted face detection.
Cognitive heterogeneity in genetically based prosopagnosia: A family study
Authors: Schmalzl Laura , Palermo Romina , Coltheart Max
Published: April 2008

Congenital prosopagnosia (CP) is a selective difficulty in recognizing familiar faces that is present from birth. There is mounting evidence for a familial factor in CP, possibly due to a simple autosomal inheritance pattern. However, potential candidate genes remain to be established, and the question whether genetically based CP is a single trait, or a cluster of related subtypes differing in the pattern of impairments to specific components of the face‐processing system, remains unanswered. In addition, since the great majority of so far described cases with CP were adult at the time of investigation, it remains unknown which specific aspects of face processing are impaired in small children with CP. Here we present the first study that specifically addresses these questions by elucidating the specific mechanisms underlying face‐recognition impairments in seven individuals with CP (aged 4–87 years) belonging to four generations of the same family. Our results indicate that genetically based CP is not a single trait but a cluster of related subtypes, since the pattern of impairments to specific components of the face‐processing system varies in individuals belonging to the same family. In addition, we show that the heterogeneity of the cognitive profile in CP with respect to specific aspects of face processing is apparent from early childhood.
The role of Funktionswandel in metamorphopsia
Authors: Nijboer Tanja C. W. , Ruis Carla , Van der Worp H. Bart , de Haan Edward H. F.
Published: April 2008

Patients with metamorphopsia perceive objects or faces as being distorted and/or different in size. In most cases, recognition is not impaired. The stimulus specificity, particularly in the case of face perception, has led to the suggestion that metamorphopsia is a deficit at the entry level of category‐specific recognition systems; in this case, the face processing system. An explanation in terms of a visuosensory deficit (i.e. Funktionswandel) that affects the perception of specific stimulus categories has not been systematically evaluated. In this study, we report two patients (MZ and CM) who experienced hemi‐metamorphopsia for faces after a stroke in the posterior part of the brain. Despite the distortions, they could still match and recognize faces. We carried out a detailed evaluation of their visual‐sensory status and found that both MZ and CM had specific problems with discriminating and estimating sizes and shapes, especially in the contralesional visual field. It was concluded that these cases, metamorphopsia was not due to a higher‐order perception impairment specific for faces, but rather of a specific impairment in shape perception in the contralesional visual field that proportionally affects the perception of faces.
A Comparison of Tactile, Visual, and Auditory Warnings for Rear-End Collision Prevention in Simulated Driving
Authors: Scott J.J. , Gray Robert
Published: April 2008

Objective: This study examined the effectiveness of rear-end collision warnings presented in different sensory modalities as a function of warning timing in a driving simulator. Background: The proliferation of in-vehicle information and entertainment systems threatens driver attention and may increase the risk of rear-end collisions. Collision warning systems have been shown to improve inattentive and/or distracted driver response time (RT) in rear-end collision situations. However, most previous rear-end collision warning research has not directly compared auditory, visual, and tactile warnings. Method: Sixteen participants in a fixed-base driving simulator experienced four warning conditions: no warning, visual, auditory, and tactile. The warnings activated when the time-to-collision (TTC) reached a critical threshold of 3.0 or 5.0 s. Driver RT was captured from a warning below critical threshold to brake initiation. Results: Drivers with a tactile warning had the shortest mean RT. Drivers with a tactile warning had significantly shorter RT than drivers without a warning and had a significant advantage over drivers with visual warnings. Conclusion: Tactile warnings show promise as effective rear-end collision warnings. Application: The results of this study can be applied to the future design and evaluation of automotive warnings designed to reduce rear-end collisions.