bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The experiences of people with learning disabilities on social networking sites
Authors: Holmes Katrina M. , O'Loughlin Nessa
Published: September 2012

Accessible summary

Lots of people use the Internet to make friends and talk to friends.

We behave in certain ways because of how people talk to us and treat us.

Some people use Facebook on the Internet to stay in touch with their friends and make new friends. This can be a very good experience.

Some other people have had problems when using social networking sites like Facebook.

Some people have been bullied online and some have had money taken off them.

We spoke to three people who have had good and bad things happen on Facebook.

We have suggested some ideas on how to help people with these problems.

Social identity has traditionally been established through face‐to‐face interactions. However, in recent times, social networking sites have provided an additional medium through which social identities can be developed and explored. Social networking has become increasingly popular over the past decade, attracting millions of active users worldwide. These sites offer an opportunity to maintain friendships, create new friendships and even date. The following article highlights the positive and negative experiences of three people with learning disabilities using social networking sites. The negative experiences reported by our service users highlighted areas of concern with regard to their safety. As a result, a therapeutic group was formed to address these online experiences and provide practical and emotional support. At the end of the group, service users reported that they were more confident about discussing and problem solving issues around online use.
Retinoblastoma gene‐independent G1 phase arrest by flavone, phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase inhibitor, and histone deacetylase inhibitor
Authors: Tomosugi Mitsuhiro , Sowa Yoshihiro , Yasuda Shusuke , Tanaka Ryoichi , te Riele Hein , Ikawa Haruna , Koyama Makoto , Sakai Toshiyuki
Published: September 2012

In most human malignant tumors, retinoblastoma tumor‐suppressor gene (RB) product is inactivated by phosphorylation. Therefore, cancer preventive agents or molecular‐targeting agents can inhibit the tumor growth at G1 phase through RB reactivation. However, little is known about the effectiveness of RB reactivating agents against malignancies with mutated RB. We report here that chemopreventive agent flavone, phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002, and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) also induce G1 phase arrest in malignant tumor cells with mutated RB. In human prostate cancer DU145 cells with mutated RB, flavone increased cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors p21 and p27, and reduced cdk4 and cdk6, resulting in decrement of phosphorylated RB family proteins p130 and p107. LY294002 also dephosphorylated p107 and p130 proteins, whereas TSA dephosphorylated p130, but not p107. Furthermore, flavone induced G1 phase arrest in both mouse embryo fibroblast (MEF) wild‐type and MEF RB−/− cells, but did not do so in RB, p107, and p130 triple‐knockout MEF cells. These results suggested that p130 and p107 contributed to G1 phase arrest by flavone in RB‐mutated cells. However, flavone induced tumor suppressor microRNA miR‐34a with reduction of E2F1 and E2F3, known to be downregulated by miR‐34a, raising the possibility that miR‐34a might partially contribute to G1 arrest by flavone. These results raise the possibility that RB reactivating chemopreventive agents or molecular targeting agents might also be effective against a variety of malignant tumor cells with mutant RB.
Association of dietary and genetic factors related to one‐carbon metabolism with global methylation level of leukocyte DNA
Authors: Ono Hiroe , Iwasaki Motoki , Kuchiba Aya , Kasuga Yoshio , Yokoyama Shiro , Onuma Hiroshi , Nishimura Hideki , Kusama Ritsu , Ohnami Sumiko , Sakamoto Hiromi , Yoshida Teruhiko , Tsugane Shoichiro
Published: September 2012

Global hypomethylation of leukocyte DNA has been associated with an increased risk of cancer. As dietary and genetic factors related to one‐carbon metabolism may influence both the methylation and synthesis of DNA, we investigated associations between these factors and the global methylation level of peripheral blood leukocyte DNA based on a cross‐sectional study of 384 Japanese women. Dietary intake of folate and vitamins B2, B6, and B12 was assessed with a validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Five polymorphisms in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) (rs1801133 and rs1801131), methionine synthase (MTR) (rs1805087), and methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) (rs10380 and rs162049) were genotyped. Global DNA methylation of leukocyte DNA was quantified using Luminometric Methylation Assay. A linear trend of association between methylation and dietary and genetic factors was evaluated by regression coefficients in a multivariable linear regression model. Mean global methylation level (standard deviation) was 70.2% (3.4) and range was from 59.0% to 81.2%. Global methylation level significantly decreased by 0.36% (95% confidence interval, 0.03–0.69) per quartile category for folate level. Subgroup analysis suggested that alcohol drinking modified the association between folate intake and global methylation level (Pinteraction = 0.01). However, no statistically significant association was observed for intake of vitamins B2, B6, and B12, alcohol consumption, or five single nucleotide polymorphisms of MTHFR, MTR, and MTRR. We found that higher folate intake was significantly associated with a lower level of global methylation of leukocyte DNA in a group of healthy Japanese females.
Testin is a tumor suppressor and prognostic marker in breast cancer
Authors: Zhu Jiang , Li Xiaoyan , Kong Xiangnan , Moran Meena S. , Su Peng , Haffty Bruce G. , Yang Qifeng
Published: September 2012

The testin (TES) gene was previously identified in the fragile chromosomal region FRA7G at 7q31.2. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the candidate tumor suppressor function of TES and explore its correlations to clinicopathologic features and prognosis in breast cancer. In clinical samples, we showed that the expression of TES decreased gradually from normal through ductal hyperplasia without atypia, atypical ductal hyperplasia, and ductal carcinoma in situ, to invasive ductal carcinoma. To explore the possible tumor suppressing function of TES, the expression of TES in breast cancer cells was manipulated by ectopic expression or by RNAi. We revealed that ectopic TES expression significantly inhibited cell proliferation, invasive ability, and angiogenesis, whereas knockdown of TES by RNAi enhanced cell proliferation, invasive ability, and angiogenesis. In an animal model, TES markedly inhibited breast cancer cell xenograft formation in athymic nude mice and reduced breast cancer cell metastasis to lung. Moreover, we revealed that TES inhibited the invasion and angiogenesis of breast cancer partially through miR‐29b‐mediated MMP‐2 inhibition. Using the tissue microarray of breast cancer from Yale University, we found that lower TES expression was an independent prognostic factor for shorter overall survival and disease‐free survival with univariate and multivariate analyses. Taken together, these data suggest that TES, as a valuable marker of breast cancer prognosis, plays an important role in the development and progression of breast cancer. TES may be an effective novel target in breast cancer prevention and treatment.
Kuguaglycoside C, a constituent of Momordica charantia, induces caspase‐independent cell death of neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Tabata Keiichi , Hamano Aoi , Akihisa Toshihiro , Suzuki Takashi
Published: September 2012

Kuguaglycoside C is a triterpene glycoside isolated from the leaves of Momordica charantia, and the biological effects of this compound remain almost unknown. We investigated the anti;?>cancer effect of kuguaglycoside C against human neuroblastoma IMR‐32 cells. In the MTT assay, kuguaglycoside C induced significant cytotoxicity against the IMR‐32 cells (IC50: 12.6 μM) after 48 h treatment. Although examination by Hoechst 33342 staining revealed that kuguaglycoside C induced nuclear shrinkage at a high concentration (100 μM), no apoptotic bodies were observed on flow cytometry. No activation of caspase‐3 or caspase‐9 was observed at the effective concentration (30 μM) of kuguaglycoside C. On the other hand, the substance significantly decreased the expression of survivin and cleaved poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP). Kuguaglycoside C also significantly increased the expression and cleavage of apoptosis‐inducing factor (AIF). Moreover, kuguaglycoside C was found to induce caspase‐independent DNA cleavage in the dual‐fluorescence apoptosis detection assay. These results suggest that kuguaglycoside C induces caspase‐independent cell death, and is involved, at least in part, in the mechanism underlying cell necroptosis.
Discovery of Novel 1,2,4‐Triazol‐5‐Ones as Tumor Necrosis Factor‐Alpha Inhibitors for the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Sharma Monika , Garigipati Sowmya , Kundu Binita , Vanamala Deekshith , Semwal Arvind , Sriram Dharmarajan , Yogeeswari Perumal
Published: September 2012

In this work, synthetic integration of substituted semicarbazides and various aliphatic, aryl and heteroaryl acids into 1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐ones was accomplished. Following the assessment of neurotoxicity and peripheral analgesic activity, the compounds were evaluated in two peripheral models of neuropathic pain, the chronic constriction injury and partial sciatic nerve ligation to assess their antihyperalgesic and antiallodynic potential. ED50 studies undertaken for selected compounds exhibiting promising efficacies (1c, 3c and 4a) revealed values ranging from 13.21 to 39.85 mg/kg in four behavioral assays of hyperalgesia and allodynia (spontaneous pain, tactile allodynia, cold allodynia, and mechanical hyperalgesia). Mechanistic studies revealed that the compounds suppressed the inflammatory component of the neuropathic pain inhibiting tumor necrosis factor‐alpha and preventing oxidative and nitrosative stress.
Radioactive iodine ablation does not prevent recurrences in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma
Authors: Kim Hye Jeong , Kim Na Kyung , Choi Ji Hun , Kim Se Won , Jin Sang‐Man , Suh Sunghwan , Bae Ji Cheol , Min Yong‐Ki , Chung Jae Hoon , Kim Sun Wook
Published: September 2012

Objective

Although papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) has a favourable long‐term prognosis, disease recurrence after initial treatment remains a problem and controversy exists regarding the role of radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation in PTMC. We performed this study to evaluate the effect of RAI ablation on disease recurrence in patients with PTMC.

Patients and Methods

Between 1994 and 2004, 2579 patients underwent thyroid surgery for thyroid cancer at Samsung Medical Center. Among these patients, 704 patients with PTMC presumed disease‐free after initial treatment were followed up for disease recurrence (median, 64 months; range, 1–185 months). Patients with PTMC with microscopic extrathyroidal extension, cervical lymph node metastases or multifocality were considered to be in the intermediate‐risk group for recurrence.

Results

Disease recurrence was found in six patients at a median of 29 months (range, 10–70 months) after initial treatment; all six patients with recurrent tumours had received RAI treatment after total thyroidectomy. Disease‐related mortality was not observed, even after recurrence. Based on a Cox regression model considering the standardized inverse probability of treatment weight (IPTW) within each propensity score stratum of patients with a similar likelihood of having received RAI ablation, the likelihood ratio for recurrence did not differ between the RAI ablation group and no RAI group (P = 0·17). When we performed a subgroup analysis considering only patients with PTMC at intermediate‐risk for recurrence, RAI ablation again did not have a significant effect on recurrence (P = 0·79).

Conclusions

Radioactive iodine ablation after total thyroidectomy in low‐ and intermediate‐risk patients with PTMC did not prevent recurrent tumours. Future randomized, controlled, multicenter prospective trials involving a larger sample of patients followed‐up for a longer duration are warranted to confirm our findings.
Regulatory T cells and other lymphocyte subpopulations in patients with melanoma developing interferon‐induced thyroiditis during high‐dose interferon‐α2b treatment
Authors: Soldevila Berta , Alonso Núria , Martínez‐Arconada Maria J. , Granada Maria L. , Boada Aram , Vallejos Virginia , Fraile Manuel , Fernández‐Sanmartín Marco A. , Pujol‐Borrell Ricardo , Puig‐Domingo Manel , Sanmartí Anna , Martínez‐Cáceres Eva M.
Published: September 2012

Context

One of the side effects of interferon‐alpha therapy is interferon‐induced thyroiditis (IIT). The role of lymphocyte subpopulations in IIT melanoma patients remains to be defined.

Objective

Our objective was to assess different peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations, mainly regulatory T cells (Tregs), in melanoma patients who developed IIT.

Design, patients and methods

From 30 melanoma patients receiving high‐dose interferon (HDI)‐alpha 2b (IFN‐α2b) treatment, those who developed IIT (IIT patients) were selected and compared with patients who did not develop IIT (Co‐MM) and healthy controls (Co‐H). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained before treatment (BT), mid‐treatment (MT), end of treatment (ET), 24 weeks post‐treatment and at appearance of IIT (TT).

Results

Nine patients developed IIT (30%): four Hashimoto's thyroiditis and five destructive thyroiditis. An increase in Tregs was observed in both melanoma groups during HDI treatment. A decrease in CD3+, NKT lymphocyte subpopulations and Bcl2 expression on B cells was also observed in both groups. However, no changes were observed in the percentage of CD4+, CD8+, CD3+γδ+, CD19+, transitional B cells (CD24highCD38highCD19+CD27−), natural killer (NK), invariant NKT (iNKT) lymphocytes and Th1/Th2 balance when BT was compared with ET. At TT, IIT patients had a higher Tregs percentage than Co‐MM (P = 0·012) and Co‐H (P = 0·004), a higher iNKT percentage than Co‐MM (P = 0·011), a higher transitional B cells percentage than Co‐H (P = 0·015), a lower CD3+ percentage than Co‐H (P = 0·001) and a lower Bcl2 expression on B cells than Co‐H (P < 0·001).

Conclusions

Our results point to the immunomodulatory effects of IFN‐α on different lymphocyte subpopulations and a possible role of Tregs in melanoma patients who developed IIT.
Three measures of non‐resident fathers' involvement, maternal parenting and child development in low‐income single‐mother families
Authors: Choi Jeong‐Kyun , Palmer Robert J. , Pyun Ho‐Soon
Published: September 2012

This study examined the relationships among non‐resident fathers' involvement, mothers' parenting and parenting stress, and children's behavioural and cognitive development in low‐income single‐mother families. Based on the theoretical concepts of father involvement in terms of accessibility, responsibility and interaction, this study operationalizes fathers' involvement with three different measures: (i) fathers' frequency of contact with their children; (ii) fathers' amount of child support payment; and (iii) fathers' quality of parenting. Analyses used the first three waves of longitudinal data from a subsample of single and non‐cohabiting mothers with low income in the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study. Results suggest that non‐resident fathers' child support payment is indirectly associated with both children's behaviour problems and cognitive development. Fathers' parenting is also found to be indirectly associated with children's behaviour problems. The findings further suggest that those estimated associations are transmitted through mothers' parenting. The expected associations between fathers' contact and child outcomes are not found in this sample. The study also discusses the policy and practice implications of its findings.
Linking illicit substance misuse during pregnancy and child abuse: what is the quality of the evidence?
Authors: De Bortoli Lillian , Coles Jan , Dolan Mairead
Published: September 2012

In mostAustralian states, legislation makes provision for professionals to report their concerns about the future welfare of an unborn child to appropriate authorities. The legislation establishes guidance for the implementation of family supports to minimize future child protection involvement. Given the legislation and the potential benefits, empirical research linking substance misuse during pregnancy and child protection involvement is relatively limited. We review 21 original studies linking substance misuse during pregnancy with child protection outcomes and the potential generalizability of results to theAustralian context. The majority of studies reviewed were conducted in theUSAand were mostly retrospective. Other differences between studies include sample sizes, comparison groups, study setting, participants’ ethnicity and pattern of drug use. In the postnatal literature, it is well established that child abuse is associated with a complex array of factors including partner, as well as broader family factors and yet, the studies reviewed focus upon maternal substance abuse without including the wider context. Given the available evidence‐based literature, it is difficult to come to definitive conclusions that can assist clinicians involved in frontline decision‐making for early intervention. Well‐designed research, accessible by antenatal health‐care professionals, is needed to adopt an evidence‐based approach to risk assessment in the prenatal context.
Exome sequencing identifies UPF3B as the causative gene for a Chinese non‐syndrome mental retardation pedigree
Authors: Xu X , Zhang L , Tong P , Xun G , Su W , Xiong Z , Zhu T , Zheng Y , Luo S , Pan Y , Xia K , Hu Z
Published: September 2012

Mental retardation (MR) is a group of common and complex disabilities affecting the central nervous system and appears before the period of brain developmental maturity. Recently, only 40% of genetic MR has been identified, however 60% remains unexplained. In this study, we applied exome sequencing to identify the mutation p.R430X in UPF3B gene in an MR pedigree, which was validated by Sanger sequencing and completely cosegregated within this family. UPF3B gene encodes a protein involved in nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay (NMD). By real‐time quantitative PCR, we detected the significant difference in the mRNA expression levels of the UPF3B and the classical NMD pathway target growth arrest and DNA‐damage‐inducible‐beta (GADD45B) between the patients and the controls. Our results directly implicated that the mutation p.R430X in UPF3B gene was the genetic etiology of the MR pedigree.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized and non‐randomized studies comparing laparoscopic and open abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer
Authors: Ahmad N. Z. , Racheva G. , Elmusharaf H.
Published: September 2012

Aim  Evidence supporting the role of laparoscopy in abdominoperineal resection (APR) is limited. This study compared the short‐term and long‐term outcomes and complications associated with open and laparoscopic APR.

Method  The Medline, Cochrane and Embase databases were searched for publications comparing open and laparoscopic APR. The rates of local and distant recurrence of rectal cancer were compared as the primary end‐point. The occurrence of complications related to the two procedures was studied as the secondary end‐point. The adequacy of cancer resection and postoperative recovery were also compared in a secondary analysis. Combined and separate analyses were performed for randomized and non‐randomized studies.

Results  Eight publications comparing open and laparoscopic APR were identified. The rates of local and distant disease recurrence were lower after laparoscopic surgery compared with open APR (odds ratio 2.736 and 1.994, 95% confidence interval 1.137–6.584 and 1.062–3.742, P = 0.025 and P =0.032, respectively). Early postoperative complications were fewer after laparoscopic APR (OR 2.159, 95% CI 1.426–3.269, P = 0.000). No significant benefit of either technique was observed in the secondary analysis.

Conclusion  The long‐term oncological benefits of laparoscopic APR are not convincingly superior to open surgery and need further validation. The laparoscopic approach is apparently associated with fewer postoperative complications, yet its role in improving the short‐term outcomes is uncertain.
Prognostic significance of lymph node yield after long‐course preoperative radiotherapy in patients with rectal cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Awwad G. E. H. , Tou S. I. H. , Rieger N. A.
Published: September 2012

Aim  A literature review was performed to elucidate whether long‐course preoperative radiotherapy for patients with rectal cancer affects lymph node yield, and whether this influences prognosis.

Method  Cochrane Database, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, Embase and CINAHL databases and reference lists from published journal articles published between 1 January 1990 and 30 June 2011 were searched. Studies examining lymph node yield and prognosis were selected for review.

Results  One thousand and twenty‐nine articles were found, of which 11 met the inclusion criteria. None was a randomized controlled trial and all were cohort studies. Four studies showed that long‐course preoperative radiotherapy reduced lymph node yield; however only one demonstrated a statistically significant survival benefit in patients with higher lymph node yields. Five‐year survival was 48% in patients with fewer than and 69% in those with more than 11 lymph nodes identified in the operative specimen (P = 0.04).

Conclusion  Whilst long‐course preoperative radiotherapy appears to reduce lymph node yield in patients with rectal cancer, no causal relationship between lymph node yield and survival can be established in this group of patients.
Primary and secondary restorative proctocolectomy for familial adenomatous polyposis: complications and long‐term bowel function
Authors: Bülow S. , Højen H. , Buntzen S. , Larsen K. L. , Preisler L. , Qvist N.
Published: September 2012

Aim  The aim of the study was to evaluate intra‐operative difficulties, complications and long‐term bowel function in polyposis patients undergoing conversion of an ileorectal anastomosis to an ileoanal pouch, compared with patients with a primary ileoanal pouch operation.

Method  A national register‐based retrospective study was performed with clinical follow‐up and a questionnaire on long‐term bowel function.

Results  There were 84 patients in the study: 59 (70%) had a primary pouch operation and in 25 (30%) a secondary pouch procedure was attempted. This was abandoned, in one case, leaving 24 patients who had a successful secondary restorative proctocolectomy. The median (range) follow‐up was 123 (0–359) months. There were no intra‐operative difficulties in the 59 primary operations, but intra‐operative difficulties were reported in nine of 25 secondary operations (P < 0.001). Complications within 1 month of surgery occurred in six of 59 primary operations and in none of 24 secondary operations (P < 0.001); and late surgical complications occurred in eight of 55 primary operations and in eight of 24 secondary operations (P = 0.13). The only difference in bowel function was a lower frequency of nocturnal defaecation after secondary pouch formation (P = 0.02).

Conclusion  Reoperation with proctectomy after a previous ileorectal anastomosis and conversion to restorative proctocolectomy is feasible in polyposis patients, with morbidity and functional results similar to those seen after a primary pouch operation.
Nitrogen to phosphorus ratios of tree species in response to elevated carbon dioxide and nitrogen addition in subtropical forests
Authors: Liu Juxiu , Huang Wenjuan , Zhou Guoyi , Zhang Deqiang , Liu Shizhong , Li Yiyong
Published: September 2012

Increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations and nitrogen (N) deposition induced by human activities have greatly influenced the stoichiometry of N and phosphorus (P). We used model forest ecosystems in open‐top chambers to study the effects of elevated CO2 (ca. 700 μmol mol−1) alone and together with N addition (100 kg N ha−1 yr−1) on N to P (N : P) ratios in leaves, stems and roots of five tree species, including four non‐N2 fixers and one N2 fixer, in subtropical China from 2006 to 2009. Elevated CO2 decreased or had no effects on N : P ratios in plant tissues of tree species. N addition, especially under elevated CO2, lowered N : P ratios in the N2 fixer, and this effect was significant in the stems and the roots. However, only one species of the non‐N2 fixers showed significantly lower N : P ratios under N addition in 2009, and the others were not affected by N addition. The reductions of N : P ratios in response to elevated CO2 and N addition were mainly associated with the increases in P concentrations. Our results imply that elevated CO2 and N addition could facilitate tree species to mitigate P limitation by more strongly influencing P dynamics than N in the subtropical forests.
Xerostomia in complete denture wearers: prevalence, clinical findings and impact on oral functions
Authors: Al‐Dwairi Ziad , Lynch Edward
Published: September 2012

Objectives

To investigate the prevalence of dry mouth in a select sample of edentulous Jordanian older population wearing complete dentures and to evaluate its impact on oral functions.

Background

The prevalence and impact of Xerostomia as a cofactor in causing denture problems in Jordanians have not been previously investigated.

Materials and methods

This study included 455 participants (253 men and 202 women). Perception of dry mouth was measured by a pilot‐tested questionnaire. Xerostomic status was confirmed clinically. Complete denture function was also assessed.

Results

One hundred and thirty six subjects (29.9%) had reported a subjective feeling of dry mouth with a prevalence of 24.9% in men (n = 63) and 36.1% in women (n = 73) (p < 0.01). 136 of the 145 subjects with satisfactory dentures showed one or more signs suggestive of Xerostomia. The majority of xerostomic participants with different sets of complete dentures were dissatisfied with oral functions (p < 0.05). There was a significant association between dry mouth and increasing age, female gender and smoking status (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Among complete denture wearers, Xerostomia is significantly more prevalent in women and associated with increased age and smoking. Xerostomia adversely affects oral functions and overall satisfaction with dentures.
Glycan profiling of endometrial cancers using lectin microarray
Authors: Nishijima Yoshihiro , Toyoda Masashi , Yamazaki‐Inoue Mayu , Sugiyama Taro , Miyazawa Masaki , Muramatsu Toshinari , Nakamura Kyoko , Narimatsu Hisashi , Umezawa Akihiro , Mikami Mikio
Published: September 2012

Cell surface glycans change during the process of malignant transformation. To characterize and distinguish endometrial cancer and endometrium, we performed glycan profiling using an emerging modern technology, lectin microarray analysis. The three cell lines, two from endometrial cancers [well‐differentiated type (G1) and poorly differentiated type (G3)] and one from normal endometrium, were successfully categorized into three independent groups by 45 lectins. Furthermore, in cancer cells, a clear difference between G1 and G3 type was observed for the glycans recognized with six lectins, Ulex europaeus agglutinin I (UEA‐I), Sambucus sieboldiana agglutinin (SSA), Sambucus nigra agglutinin (SNA), Trichosanthes japonica agglutinin I (TJA‐I), Amaranthus caudatus agglutinin (ACA), and Bauhinia purpurea lectin (BPL). The lectin microarray analysis using G3 type tissues demonstrated that stage I and stage III or IV were distinguished depending on signal pattern of three lectins, Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA), BPL, and ACA. In addition, the analysis of the glycans on the ovarian cancer cells showed that only anticancer drug‐sensitive cell lines had almost no activities to specific three lectins. Glycan profiling by the lectin microarray may be used to assess the characteristics of tumors and potentially to predict the success of chemotherapy treatment.
An Empirical Taxonomy of Supply Chain Management Practices
Authors: Paulraj Antony , Chen Injazz J. , Lado Augustine A.
Published: September 2012

We develop an empirical taxonomy of supply chain management (SCM) practices grounded in the capability‐based view. Three groups—transactional SCM,translational SCM, andrelational SCM—were identified using cluster analysis of data collected from over 200 U.S. manufacturing firms. We explain the differences among these groups and their relationship to improvements in supplier and buyer performance. Finally, we discuss implications for research and practice in SCM.
First record of the gobiid fish Aulopareia ocellata (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from Qeshm Island, The Gulf, with discussion of its generic placement
Authors: Zare P. , Larson H. K. , Toorang A.
Published: September 2012

The poorly known gobiid fish species Aulopareia ocellata is recorded for the first time from the intertidal zone of north‐east Qeshm Island, The Gulf, Iran. The species has been referred to previously as Parachaeturichthys ocellatus, but here is placed in Aulopareia, pending a revision of the genus. The morphological features of A. ocellata are described and compared with congeners and brief comparisons of the genera Aulopareia and Parachaeturichthys are provided. A full description of the species is given, with illustration of the sensory papillae and head‐pore pattern. This species has previously been recorded from India (Mumbai) and Pakistan (Karachi).
Population dynamics and life history of a geographically restricted seahorse, Hippocampus whitei
Authors: Harasti D. , Martin‐Smith K. , Gladstone W.
Published: September 2012

The aim of this study was to collect data on population dynamics and life history for White's seahorse Hippocampus whitei, a geographically restricted species that is listed as data deficient under the IUCN Red List. Data from H. whitei populations were collected from two regions, Port Stephens (north) and Sydney Harbour (south) in New South Wales, Australia, covering most of the known range of H. whitei, from 2005 to 2010. Over 1000 individuals were tagged using fluorescent elastomer and on subsequent recaptures were re‐measured for growth data that were used in a forced Gulland–Holt plot to develop growth parameters for use in a specialized von Bertalanffy growth‐function model. Growth parameters for Port Stephens were: females L∞ = 149·2 mm and K = 2·034 per year and males L∞ = 147·9 mm and K = 2·520 per year compared with estimates from Sydney Harbour: females L∞ = 139·8 mm and K = 1·285 per year and males L∞ = 141·6 mm and K = 1·223 per year. Whilst there was no significant difference in growth between sexes for each region, H. whitei in Port Stephens grew significantly quicker and larger and matured and reproduced at a younger age than those from Sydney Harbour. The life span of H. whitei is at least 5 years in the wild with six individuals recorded reaching this age. Data collected on breeding pairs found that H. whitei displays life‐long monogamy with three pairs observed remaining pair bonded over three consecutive breeding years. Baseline population densities were derived for two Port Stephens' sites (0·035 and 0·110 m−2) and for Manly in Sydney Harbour (1·050 m−2). Even though the life‐history parameters of H. whitei suggest it may be reasonably resilient, precaution should be taken in its future management as a result of its limited geographical distribution and increasing pressures from anthropogenic sources on its habitats.
Symbiosis initiation in the bacterially luminous sea urchin cardinalfishSiphamia versicolor
Authors: Dunlap P. V. , Gould A. L. , Wittenrich M. L. , Nakamura M.
Published: September 2012

To determine how each new generation of the sea urchin cardinalfishSiphamia versicoloracquires the symbiotic luminous bacteriumPhotobacterium mandapamensis, and when in its development theS. versicolorinitiates the symbiosis, procedures were established for rearingS. versicolorlarvae in an aposymbiotic state. Under the conditions provided, larvae survived and developed for 28 days after their release from the mouths of males. Notochord flexion began at 8 days post release (dpr). By 28 dpr, squamation was evident and the caudal complex was complete. The light organ remained free of bacteria but increased in size and complexity during development of the larvae. Thus, aposymbiotic larvae of the fish can survive and develop for extended periods, major components of the luminescence system develop in the absence of the bacteria and the bacteria are not acquired directly from a parent,viathe egg or during mouth brooding. Presentation of the symbiotic bacteria to aposymbiotic larvae at 8–10 dpr, but not earlier, led to initiation of the symbiosis. Upon colonization of the light organ, the bacterial population increased rapidly and cells forming the light‐organ chambers exhibited a differentiated appearance. Therefore, the light organ apparently first becomes receptive to colonization after 1 week post‐release development, the symbiosis is initiated by bacteria acquired from the environment and bacterial colonization induces morphological changes in the nascent light organ. The abilities to culture larvae ofS. versicolorfor extended periods and to initiate the symbiosis in aposymbiotic larvae are key steps in establishing the experimental tractability of this highly specific vertebrate and microbe mutualism.
Balancing selection on MHC class I in wild brown trout Salmo trutta
Authors: O’Farrell B. , Dennis C. , Benzie J. A. , McGinnity P. , Carlsson J. , de Eyto E. , Coughlan J. P. , Igoe F. , Meehan R. , Cross T. F.
Published: September 2012

Evidence is reported for balancing selection acting on variation at major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in wild populations of brown trout Salmo trutta. First, variation at an MHC class I (satr‐uba)–linked microsatellite locus (mhc1) is retained in small S. trutta populations isolated above waterfalls although variation is lost at neutral microsatellite markers. Second, populations across several catchments are less differentiated at mhc1 than at neutral markers, as predicted by theory. The population structure of these fish was also elucidated.
On the phylogeny and evolution of Mesozoic and extant lineages of Adephaga (Coleoptera, Insecta)
Authors: Beutel Rolf G. , Wang Bo , Tan Jing‐Jing , Ge Si‐Qin , Ren Dong , Yang Xing‐Ke
Published: September 2012

The relationships of extant and extinct lineages of Adephaga were analysed formally for the first time. Emphasis is placed on the aquatic and semiaquatic groups and their evolution in the Mesozoic. †Triadogyrus and †Mesodineutus belong to Gyrinidae, the sister group of the remaining families. †Triaplidae are the sister group of the following groups (Haliplidae, Geadephaga, Dytiscoidea incl. †Liadytidae, †Parahygrobiidae and †Coptoclavidae [major part]). The lack of a ventral procoxal joint and a very short prosternal process are plesiomorphies of †Triaplidae. †Coptoclavidae and †Timarchopsinae are paraphyletic. †Timarchopsis is placed in a geadephagan clade. In contrast to other coptoclavids, its metathorax is close to the condition found in Haliplidae, with a complete transverse ridge and coxae with large plates and free mesal walls. †Coptoclavidae s.str., i.e. excl. †Timarchopsis, is a dytiscoid subgroup. The mesal metacoxal walls are fused, the coxal plates are reduced, and the transverse ridge is absent. †Stygeonectes belongs to this dytiscoid coptoclavid unit and is therefore misplaced in †Timarchopsinae. †Liadytidae belongs to a dytiscoid subgroup, which also comprises the extant families Aspidytidae, Amphizoidae, Hygrobiidae and Dytiscidae. †Parahygrobia is the sister group of Hygrobiidae. The larvae are characterized by a broad gula, the absence of the lacinia, retractile maxillary bases and very long urogomphi set with long setae. †Liadytiscinae is the sister group of extant Dytiscidae. There is no support for a clade †Eodromeinae and for Trachypachidae incl. †Eodromeinae. †Fortiseode is nested within Carabidae. The exclusion of fossil taxa has no effect on the branching pattern. The evolution of Adephaga in the Mesozoic is discussed. Possible reasons for the extinction of †Coptoclavidae are the rise of teleost fish and the competition of Gyrinidae and Dytiscidae, which possess efficient defensive glands and larval mandibular sucking channels.
How to support families of children with disabilities? An exploratory study of social support services
Authors: Tétreault Sylvie , Blais‐Michaud Sophie , Marier Deschênes Pascale , Beaupré Pauline , Gascon Hubert , Boucher Normand , Carrière Monique
Published: September 2012

Support services to families of children with disabilities have previously been documented. While the effectiveness and consequences of some support strategies have been defined, their comparison remains problematic primarily because of the diversified existing definitions. The present study aimed to elaborate and validate a typology to describe different types of support that can be offered to families of children with disabilities. A review of literature highlighted a variety of support services and allowed a categorical grouping. Content analysis ensured that each category was defined distinctively. Afterwards, a panel of experts and representatives of organizations from seven developed countries (Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Sweden and Switzerland) validated the typology. A database of services offered in these countries was created. The resulting typology was divided into four categories related to the family needs: support, respite, child minding and emergency support. Each type of support can be illustrated within organizations in the database. As such, social workers can use the defined typology to identify the needs of families of children with disabilities and suggest alternatives when services are not available. Overall, the described typology should facilitate discussion between stakeholders and families by providing a common communication system.
Endothelial cell–selective adhesion molecule in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Kacso Ina M. , Kacso Gabriel
Published: September 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (11): 1227–1234

Background  Endothelial cell–selective adhesion molecule (ESAM) contributes to the integrity of tight junctions and modulates endothelial function. ESAM has been linked to experimental diabetic nephropathy; its soluble fraction is related to atherosclerosis in humans. In this cross‐sectional observational study, we describe for the first time serum ESAM in type 2 diabetic patients with different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its relationship to vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF‐A).

Materials and methods  We included diabetic patients with different stages of CKD and controls. History, laboratory evaluation, serum ESAM and VEGF‐A and urinary albumin/creatinine ratio were obtained.

Results  Endothelial cell–selective adhesion molecule was higher in non‐CKD diabetic patients 13·80 (6·15–18·70) ng/mL (n = 45) than controls 7·30 (4·60–9·40) ng/mL (n = 48), P = 0·001. VEGF‐A had a similar pattern: 71·3 (54·75–120·70) vs. 43·20 (30·1–65·90) pg/mL, P < 0·0001. ESAM was 10·4 (5·6–17·4) ng/mL in predialysis CKD patients (n = 59) and 22·35 (8·55–29·95) ng/mL in dialysis patients (n = 36), P < 0·001. Patients with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 15 mL/min had the highest ESAM (P = 0·003). ESAM was similar in normoalbuminuric, microalbuminuric and proteinuric patients. ESAM was directly correlated with the duration of diabetes (r2 = 0·048, P = 0·009), C‐reactive protein (r2 = 0·028, P = 0·05), VEGF‐A (r2 = 0·040, P = 0·01) and inversely with HbA1C (r2 = 0·036, P = 0·03), haemoglobin (r2 = 0·062, P = 0·005) and albumin (r2 = 0·0·40, P = 0·026). In multiple regression diabetes duration, HbA1C and VEGF‐A were significant predictors of ESAM. In controls, ESAM was inversely related to VEGF (r2 = 037, P = 0·01).

Conclusion  Endothelial cell–selective adhesion molecule and VEGF‐A are higher in patients with diabetes than in controls. The highest ESAM is found in dialysis patients. ESAM correlates with diabetes duration and control, inflammation and VEGF‐A in patients with diabetes, but not in controls.
Death by mental retardation? The influence of ambiguity on death certificate coding error for adults with intellectual disability
Authors: Landes S. D. , Peek C. W.
Published: September 2012

Background

Although the coding of mental retardation as underlying cause of death has been recognised by previous researchers as erroneous, factors influencing this inaccuracy have not been sufficiently analysed. This study explores the effects of diagnostic ambiguity on risk of mental retardation being coded as underlying cause of death on US death certificates from 2004.

Methods

Utilising all US death certificates from 2004 that included a cause of death code for mental retardation, logistic regression analysis provided estimates of the likelihood of having mental retardation erroneously coded as the underlying cause of death. Estimators used to measure ambiguity included the number of multiple causes of death, the place of death, and ICD‐10 diagnostic Chapter codes.

Results

A total of 2278 US death certificates from 2004 included a cause of death code for mental retardation. Of these death certificates, 20% erroneously coded mental retardation as the underlying cause of death. Reflecting the negative impact of diagnostic ambiguity on death certificate coding accuracy, mental retardation was more likely to be coded as underlying cause of death for decedents who: (1) had a death certificate that provided less information on co‐morbid disease processes; (2) died in an outpatient or emergency room setting; or (3) had either abnormal symptomatology or death by injury, accident or other external cause.

Conclusions

Findings from this study, as well as prior research, demonstrate that attempts to understand mortality trends for this population must attend to frequent underlying cause of death coding errors which threaten accuracy of cause of death data. Furthermore, inquiry is warranted into the impetus behind US death certificate coding policy that continues to allow the erroneous coding of ‘death by mental retardation’.
Deciphering condensed sequences: A case study from the Oxfordian (Upper Jurassic) Dhosa Oolite member of the Kachchh Basin, western India
Authors: ALBERTI MATTHIAS , FÜRSICH FRANZ T. , PANDEY DHIRENDRA K.
Published: September 2012

In large parts of the Kachchh Basin, a Mesozoic rift basin situated in western India, the Oxfordian succession is characterized by strong condensation and several depositional gaps. The top layer of the Early to Middle Oxfordian Dhosa Oolite member, for which the term ‘Dhosa Conglomerate Bed’ is proposed, is an excellent marker horizon. Despite being mostly less than 1 m thick, this unit can be followed for more than 100 km throughout the Kachchh Mainland. A detailed sedimentological analysis has led to a complex model for its formation. Signs of subaerial weathering, including palaeokarst features, suggest at least two phases of emersion of the area. Metre‐sized concretionary slabs floating in a fine‐grained matrix, together with signs of synsedimentary tectonics, point to a highly active fault system causing recurrent earthquakes in the basin. The model takes into account information from outcrops outside the Kachchh Mainland and thereby considerably refines the current understanding of the basin history during the Late Jurassic. Large fault systems and possibly the so‐called Median High uplift separated the basin into several sub‐basins. The main reason for condensation in the Oxfordian succession is an inversion that affected large parts of the basin by cutting them off from the sediment supply. The Dhosa Conglomerate Bed is an excellent example, demonstrating the potential of condensed units in reconstructing depositional environments and events that took place during phases of non‐deposition. Although condensed sequences occur frequently throughout the sedimentary record, they are particularly common around the Callovian to Oxfordian transition. A series of models has been proposed to explain these almost worldwide occurrences, ranging from eustatic sea‐level highstands to glacial phases connected with regressions. The succession of the Kachchh Basin shows almost stable conditions across this boundary with only a slight fall in relative sea‐level, reaching its minimum not before the late Early Oxfordian.
Hearing the voices of service user researchers in collaborative qualitative data analysis: the case for multiple coding
Authors: Sweeney Angela , Greenwood Kathryn E , Williams Sally , Wykes Til , Rose Diana S
Published: September 2012

Background

Health research is frequently conducted in multi‐disciplinary teams, with these teams increasingly including service user researchers. Whilst it is common for service user researchers to be involved in data collection – most typically interviewing other service users – it is less common for service user researchers to be involved in data analysis and interpretation. This means that a unique and significant perspective on the data is absent.

Aim

This study aims to use an empirical report of a study on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for psychosis (CBTp) to demonstrate the value of multiple coding in enabling service users voices to be heard in team‐based qualitative data analysis.

Design

The CBTp study employed multiple coding to analyse service users’ discussions of CBT for psychosis (CBTp) from the perspectives of a service user researcher, clinical researcher and psychology assistant. Multiple coding was selected to enable multiple perspectives to analyse and interpret data, to understand and explore differences and to build multi‐disciplinary consensus.

Results

Multiple coding enabled the team to understand where our views were commensurate and incommensurate and to discuss and debate differences. Through the process of multiple coding, we were able to build strong consensus about the data from multiple perspectives, including that of the service user researcher.

Discussion

Multiple coding is an important method for understanding and exploring multiple perspectives on data and building team consensus. This can be contrasted with inter‐rater reliability which is only appropriate in limited circumstances.

Conclusion

We conclude that multiple coding is an appropriate and important means of hearing service users’ voices in qualitative data analysis.