bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual Sensory Impairment in Older Age
Authors: Schneider Julie M. , Gopinath Bamini , McMahon Catherine M. , Leeder Stephen R. , Mitchell Paul , Wang Jie Jin
Published: May 2011

Objectives: Hearing and visual impairments are commonly viewed separately in research and service provision, but they often occur together as dual sensory impairment or DSI in older populations. This article examines the frequency and effects of DSI in older age and notes limitations in the evidence. Methods: Search of electronic databases of published papers. Results: DSI diminishes communication and well-being and can cause social isolation, depression, reduced independence, mortality, and cognitive impairment. Discussion: Although intuitively DSI may be expected to have additional impacts over single sensory impairment, research findings are inconclusive. Services and supports required by people with DSI are simply a combination of those required by people with single vision and hearing loss, taking account of the unique communication difficulties posed by DSI.
Conducting risk analysis in public transport networks – guidelines for users
Authors: Luyten D , Barr L
Published: May 2011

Ensuring the security of public transport is particularly challenging for reasons such as the open and accessible nature of public transport networks and the limited resources of the operators. Conducting a security risk assessment study is therefore a useful starting point. First, a risk analysis is conducted to establish the occurrence and impact of threats on the network. This is then followed by a vulnerability assessment study, which helps to decide where and how to invest scarce resources to protect the system. To summarize, we can say that: Risk Assessment = Risk Analysis + Vulnerability Assessment. Due to length restrictions, the present article will focus on risk analysis. The issue of the vulnerability assessment can be found in the full study*. A security risk analysis is different to a safety risk analysis. For example, a safety risk analysis can make use of frequency of occurrence of safety events using data from experience. Due to the rarity of terrorist attacks on public transport, the element of frequency cannot be used for a security risk analysis.

The International Association of Public Transport (UITP) Security Commission† identified security risk assessment as a priority topic for research. Therefore, in the context of COUNTERACT, a European project funded by the European Commission, UITP and the project team developed ‘Generic Guidelines for Conducting Security Risk Assessment in Public Transport Networks’. The user-friendly guidelines, which were successfully tested by an urban public transport operator, outline a qualitative risk assessment methodology which can be adapted by the operator to suit specific needs, in a step-by-step approach, specifically designed for public transport. This article will outline how the methodology was developed, as well as lessons learned from the test which was carried out. To supplement these User Guidelines, further details of the risk assessment methodology are presented in the accompanying paper by Sanchez.
International accounting standards as catalysts for pension reform: Greek pensions and the public/private boundary
Authors: Tinios Platon
Published: May 2011

Pensions played a key role in the Greek fiscal crisis of 2010. This paper analyses a specific failure of pension system governance: the possibility of manipulating the vague boundary between social policy and occupational pensions. The vagueness of the boundary arises from the dual nature of pensions — as instruments of social and corporate policy. Where first pillar pension provision is segmented, this boundary can be fudged, giving rise to the possibility of appropriating public subsidies for occupational pensions. Though the implications of this for equity were understood long ago, change was finally imposed by the obligation to account for pension promises under International Accounting Standards. The indirect effect of this was to force the demarcation of an upward boundary to social policy responsibility. This paper, after setting up the analytical issue, outlines its manifestation in Greece, and examines the solution given in 2005—6. This methodology has acquired wider significance by being employed by the European Commission as an instrument in the analysis of issues of state aid.
Investigating corruption in corporate sport: The IOC and FIFA
Authors: Jennings Andrew
Published: May 2011

Global sport governing bodies proclaim lofty ideals and espouse generic principles that set high moral standards for themselves and others. None more so than two of the world’s largest, most influential, and most high profile sporting organizations, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). Behind the façades of principled rhetoric is often something quite different. Focusing on some of the most powerful figures who have walked the corridors of power in the IOC and FIFA, using the methods of investigative journalism, this article investigates the gap between principle and practice in corporate sport. It concludes by arguing that a lack of transparency and accountability in these global sport governing bodies goes hand in glove with a propensity for corruption. It further urges sports academics to take a much more critical approach to the task of researching and investigating power relations in world sport.
Facilitating Inclusion by Reducing Problem Behaviors for Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: von der Embse Nathaniel , Brown Alisha , Fortain Jillian
Published: May 2011

Recent legislation has increased the emphasis on including students with disabilities in the general education classroom. However, students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) exhibit a wide range of behaviors that make inclusion difficult. To date, there has been little research to identify best practices in reducing problem behavior and promoting inclusion for students with ASD. The authors conducted a systematic literature review of three major psychological and educational electronic research databases to identify empirical research articles in the past 10 years that included (a) students in kindergarten through 12th grade, (b) facilitated inclusion, and (c) reduced problem behavior. Results indicated a lack of evidence-based practices that use inclusion as an independent variable. This article highlights four themes demonstrated to be effective: functional behavior assessments, tiered models of service delivery, behavioral approaches, and social skills training. Implications for educators are discussed.
Self-Concept and Coping Skills of Female Early Adolescents in South Korea
Authors: Sung Kyung Mi
Published: May 2011

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the coping strategies and self-concept of Korean female early adolescents. These adolescents ( n = 351) were enrolled in a middle school in Seoul. The subjects completed the Multidimensional Self-Concept Scale and Coping Responses Inventory questionnaires. The subjects exhibited the greatest positivity with regard to family self-concept and the greatest negativity with regard to academic self-concept. The subjects most frequently used the seeking guidance strategy of approach coping and the seeking alternative rewards strategy of avoidance coping. Self-concept was positively or negatively related with various coping skills. Using content analysis, seven categories including discord in family relationships were identified. The results of this study provide information that will aid school nurses working with adolescents with regard to helping the adolescents develop a positive self-concept and more effective coping strategies.
Immune Responses Associated With Perioperative Exposure and Reexposure to Topical Bovine Thrombin Do Not Impair Hemostasis
Authors: Paterson Craig A. , Pixton Glenn C. , Proskin Howard M. , Massaro Joseph M. , Morasch Mark , Cronstein Bruce , Fareed Jawed , Ofosu Frederick A.
Published: May 2011

Topical bovine thrombin has been associated with immune responses and anecdotal reports of coagulopathy. This open-label study assessed the impact on clinical hemostasis of human antibodies to bovine thrombin (aBT) or factor V/Va (aBV/Va) in response to topical bovine thrombin (THROMBIN-JMI) in patients both with and without preexisting anti-bovine antibodies. Noninferiority analysis assessed primary endpoint for mean shift from baseline activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) at 48 hours postsurgery; secondary endpoints included changes from baseline antibodies/titers and coagulation parameters through 8 weeks postsurgery. A total of 550 patients underwent surgery with THROMBIN-JMI utilized at investigator’s discretion. Adjusted mean aPTT change in (+)aBT/(+)THROMBIN-JMI cohort was greater than (-)aBT/(-)THROMBIN-JMI cohort; 4.67-second upper confidence bound exceeded 4.5-second margin (based on assumed mean aPTT of 30 seconds) and noninferiority was not met. Post hoc analysis indicated noninferiority would have been met had noninferiority margin been set prior at relative 15% of actual baseline aPTT. Antibodies/titers were unchanged by THROMBIN-JMI exposure 48 hours postsurgery and unrelated to postsurgical changes in coagulation. Thus, THROMBIN-JMI exposure in patients with/without preexisting aBT or aBV/Va does not alter hemostasis.
Spit: Saliva in Nursing Research, Uses and Methodological Considerations in Older Adults
Authors: Woods Diana Lynn , Mentes Janet C.
Published: May 2011

Over the last 10 years, interest in the analysis of saliva as a biomarker for a variety of systemic diseases or for potential disease has soared. There are numerous advantages to using saliva as a biological fluid, particularly for nurse researchers working with vulnerable populations, such as frail older adults. Most notably, it is noninvasive and easier to collect than serum or urine. The authors describe their experiences with the use of saliva in research with older adults that examined (a) osmolality as an indicator of hydration status and (b) cortisol and behavioral symptoms of dementia. In particular, the authors discuss the timing of data collection along with data analysis and interpretation. For example, it is not enough to detect levels or rely solely on summary statistics; rather it is critical to characterize any rhythmicity inherent in the parameter of interest. Not accounting for rhythmicity in the analysis and interpretation of data can limit the interpretation of associations, thus impeding advances related to the contribution that an altered rhythm may make to individual vulnerability.
Biomarkers for Cognitive Aging Part II
Authors: Insel Kathleen C. , Moore Ida M. , Vidrine Amy N. , Montgomery David W.
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this study was to further examine potential biomarkers of cognitive aging by looking at the associations among oxidative stress, cognitive abilities, and medication adherence in a community-based sample of middle-aged and older adults ( n = 42; mean age = 69 years) prescribed at least one medication for hypertension. In addition to measures described in Part I, “Biomarkers for Cognitive Aging,” a 12-hr urine collection for F2-isoprostanes served as an indicator of oxidative stress. Participants completed a battery of cognitive assessments and 8 weeks of electronic medication monitoring for adherence to one antihypertensive agent. Oxidative stress was significantly associated with logical memory, immediate ( r = −.38, p < .01) and delayed recall ( r = −.42, p < .01), and recognition memory ( r = −.42, p < .01) from the Wechsler Memory Scale III, number of perseveration errors ( r = .26, p < .05) and categories achieved ( r = −.26, p < .01) on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WSCT), and medication adherence ( r = −.34, p <.05). Findings indicate that a biomarker of oxidative stress, F2-isoprostanes corrected for vitamin E, is significantly associated with cognitive measures and a functional outcome.
Freshwater Clam Extract Decreased Hemorrhagic Shock–Induced Liver Injury by Attenuating TNF-α Production
Authors: Lee Ru-Ping , Subeq Yi-Maun , Lee Chung-Jen , Hsu Bang-Gee , Peng Tai-Chu
Published: May 2011

Freshwater clam ( Corbicula fluminea), a popular edible shellfish in Asia, is said to have beneficial effects on liver function. However, scientific evidence for such benefit is limited. In this study, the authors aimed to assess the treatment effects of freshwater clam extract (FCE) administration after hemorrhagic shock (HS) in rats. The authors randomly divided animals into three groups. After inducing HS in rats in the HS + FCE ( n = 12) and HS groups, the authors fed 20 mg/kg FCE orally to rats in the HS group only. The authors neither induced HS in nor fed FCE to rats ( n = 8) in the vehicle group. The authors measured the blood levels of white blood cells (WBC), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) at several time points during the experiment. After 48 hr, the authors sacrificed the rats and harvested the livers for hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The HS significantly decreased mean arterial pressure (MAP), increased blood AST, ALT, and LDH levels and induced liver injury in rats. Treatment with FCE increased MAP level and decreased AST, ALT, LDH, and TNF-α levels after hemorrhage. The HE staining showed diminished organ injury in the FCE-treated group. In conclusion, the administration of posttreatment FCE suppressed the release of pro-inflammatory TNF-α production after HS and decreased the levels of markers of liver injury associated with HS in rats. These beneficial effects suggest that FCE is a potential immunomodulator.
Crime and time: The temporal patterning of causal variables
Authors: Agnew Robert
Published: May 2011

Criminologists tend to assume that most of the variables that cause crime are stable over long periods, with some variables having a brief, episodic existence in the lives of individuals. This article challenges that assumption and instead argues that variables are best described in terms of three temporal levels: baseline levels or long-term averages; short-term deviations around these baseline levels, with such deviations lasting from hours to days; and situational deviations, lasting from seconds to minutes. Criminologists can more accurately describe the standing of individuals on the causes of crime using these levels, thereby improving the ability to explain crime.
Reconstructing Leviathan: Emerging contours of the security state
Authors: Hallsworth Simon , Lea John
Published: May 2011

This article develops an account of the current emergence of the security state as successor to the liberal welfare state. It is argued that the security state heralds a new type of authoritarianism which, beginning at the periphery and pre-occupied with the management of the marginalized and socially excluded, is gradually infecting the core social institutions, the criminal justice system in particular. The article considers three areas in which the security state is emerging—the transition from welfare to workfare and risk management; new measures to combat terrorism and organized crime; and the blurring of warfare and crime control. The article concludes by stressing the mutually reinforcing effect of these developments.
Whites See Racism as a Zero-Sum Game That They Are Now Losing
Authors: Norton Michael I. , Sommers Samuel R.
Published: May 2011

Although some have heralded recent political and cultural developments as signaling the arrival of a postracial era in America, several legal and social controversies regarding “reverse racism” highlight Whites’ increasing concern about anti-White bias. We show that this emerging belief reflects Whites’ view of racism as a zero-sum game, such that decreases in perceived bias against Blacks over the past six decades are associated with increases in perceived bias against Whites—a relationship not observed in Blacks’ perceptions. Moreover, these changes in Whites’ conceptions of racism are extreme enough that Whites have now come to view anti-White bias as a bigger societal problem than anti-Black bias.
Bayesian Assessment of Null Values Via Parameter Estimation and Model Comparison
Authors: Kruschke John K.
Published: May 2011

Psychologists have been trained to do data analysis by asking whether null values can be rejected. Is the difference between groups nonzero? Is choice accuracy not at chance level? These questions have been traditionally addressed by null hypothesis significance testing (NHST). NHST has deep problems that are solved by Bayesian data analysis. As psychologists transition to Bayesian data analysis, it is natural to ask how Bayesian analysis assesses null values. The article explains and evaluates two different Bayesian approaches. One method involves Bayesian model comparison (and uses Bayes factors). The second method involves Bayesian parameter estimation and assesses whether the null value falls among the most credible values. Which method to use depends on the specific question that the analyst wants to answer, but typically the estimation approach (not using Bayes factors) provides richer information than the model comparison approach.
Prevalence of Diagnosis and Staging of Chronic Kidney Disease by Primary Care Providers in a Rural State
Authors: Muthyala Suneetha , Sahmoun Abe E. , Tendulkar Ketki , Danielson Byron
Published: May 2011

Context: The Kidney Disease Outcomes and Quality Initiative guidelines are the most widely disseminated guidelines regarding the clinical evaluation and management of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Purpose: Assess the prevalence of diagnosis and staging of CKD by primary care providers (PCPs). Methods: For the purpose of this assessment, stage 3 CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 30 and 59 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 months. Eligible individuals were 1447 white, nondiabetic patients 40-74 years of age. Results: Information on a random sample of 110 patients was analyzed. Chronic kidney disease was reported in 22% of the patients, whereas only 7% of patients had both CKD and stage 3 reported in their medical record. PCPs were significantly more likely to record CKD in male than in female patients (79% vs 34%; P < .001). Patients who had CKD recorded were significantly more likely to be referred to a nephrologist (46% vs 3%; P < .001). Even among patients who had a diagnosis of coronary artery disease, were older, or had lower eGFR, a diagnosis of CKD was less likely to be recorded. Only 22% had their serum phosphorus, 12% their parathyroid hormone, and 64% a urinalysis recorded. Conclusions: This study found that the prevalence of recording CKD and staging by PCPs was low. Primary care providers were more likely to record CKD in male than in female patients. Finally, testing for bone disease is underperformed. There is a need to identify mechanisms to improve evaluation and management of CKD by PCPs.
Comparisons of resistance of CF and Non-CF pathogens to Hydrogen Peroxide and Hypochlorous Acid Oxidants In Vitro
Authors: Bonvillain Ryan W , Painter Richard G , Ledet Elisa M , Wang Guoshun
Published: May 2011

Background

Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease has a unique profile of pathogens predominated by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PsA) and Staphylococcus aureus (SA). These microorganisms must overcome host immune defense to colonize the CF lungs. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils are a major component of the host defense against bacterial infection. A crucial microbicidal mechanism is the production of oxidants including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hypochlorous acid (HOCl) by neutrophils to achieve efficient bacterial killing. To determine to what degrees various CF pathogens resist the oxidants relative to non-CF pathogens, we compared the susceptibility of PsA, SA, Burkholderia cepacia (BC), Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP), and Escherichia coli (EC) to various concentrations of H2O2 or HOCl, in vitro. The comparative oxidant-resistant profiles were established. Oxidant-induced damage to ATP production and cell membrane integrity of the microbes were quantitatively assessed. Correlation of membrane permeability and ATP levels with bacterial viability was statistically evaluated.

Results

PsA was relatively resistant to both H2O2 (LD50 = 1.5 mM) and HOCl (LD50 = 0.035 mM). SA was susceptible to H2O2 (LD50 = 0.1 mM) but resistant to HOCl (LD50 = 0.035 mM). Interestingly, KP was extremely resistant to high doses of H2O2 (LD50 = 2.5-5.0 mM) but was very sensitive to low doses of HOCl (LD50 = 0.015 mM). BC was intermediate to resist both oxidants: H2O2 (LD50 = 0.3-0.4 mM) and HOCl (LD50 = 0.025 mM). EC displayed the least resistance to H2O2 (LD50 = 0.2-0.3 mM) and HOCl (LD50 = 0.015 mM). The identified profile of H2O2-resistance was KP > PsA > BC > EC > SA and the profile of HOCl-resistance PsA > SA > BC > EC > KP. Moreover, both oxidants affected ATP production and membrane integrity of the cells. However, the effects varied among the tested organisms and, the oxidant-mediated damage correlated differentially with the bacterial viability.

Conclusions

The order of HOCl-resistance identified herein best fits the clinical profile of CF infections. Even though oxidants are able to disrupt ATP production and cell membrane integrity, the degrees of damage vary among the organisms and correlate differentially with their viability.
An evolutionary conserved region (ECR) in the human dopamine receptor D4 gene supports reporter gene expression in primary cultures derived from the rat cortex
Authors: Paredes Ursula M , Bubb Vivien J , Haddley Kate , Macho Gabriele A , Quinn John P
Published: May 2011

Background

Detecting functional variants contributing to diversity of behaviour is crucial for dissecting genetics of complex behaviours. At a molecular level, characterisation of variation in exons has been studied as they are easily identified in the current genome annotation although the functional consequences are less well understood; however, it has been difficult to prioritise regions of non-coding DNA in which genetic variation could also have significant functional consequences. Comparison of multiple vertebrate genomes has allowed the identification of non-coding evolutionary conserved regions (ECRs), in which the degree of conservation can be comparable with exonic regions suggesting functional significance.

Results

We identified ECRs at the dopamine receptor D4 gene locus, an important gene for human behaviours. The most conserved non-coding ECR (D4ECR1) supported high reporter gene expression in primary cultures derived from neonate rat frontal cortex. Computer aided analysis of the sequence of the D4ECR1 indicated the potential transcription factors that could modulate its function. D4ECR1 contained multiple consensus sequences for binding the transcription factor Sp1, a factor previously implicated in DRD4 expression. Co-transfection experiments demonstrated that overexpression of Sp1 significantly decreased the activity of the D4ECR1 in vitro.

Conclusion

Bioinformatic analysis complemented by functional analysis of the DRD4 gene locus has identified a) a strong enhancer that functions in neurons and b) a transcription factor that may modulate the function of that enhancer.
Assessing the contribution of alternative splicing to proteome diversity in Arabidopsis thalianausing proteomics data
Authors: Severing Edouard I , van Dijk Aalt DJ , van Ham Roeland CHJ
Published: May 2011

Background

Large-scale analyses of genomics and transcriptomics data have revealed that alternative splicing (AS) substantially increases the complexity of the transcriptome in higher eukaryotes. However, the extent to which this complexity is reflected at the level of the proteome remains unclear. On the basis of a lack of conservation of AS between species, we previously concluded that AS does not frequently serve as a mechanism that enables the production of multiple functional proteins from a single gene. Following this conclusion, we hypothesized that the extent to which AS events contribute to the proteome diversity in Arabidopsis thaliana would be lower than expected on the basis of transcriptomics data. Here, we test this hypothesis by analyzing two large-scale proteomics datasets from Arabidopsis thaliana.

Results

A total of only 60 AS events could be confirmed using the proteomics data. However, for about 60% of the loci that, based on transcriptomics data, were predicted to produce multiple protein isoforms through AS, no isoform-specific peptides were found. We therefore performed in silico AS detection experiments to assess how well AS events were represented in the experimental datasets. The results of these in silico experiments indicated that the low number of confirmed AS events was the consequence of a limited sampling depth rather than in vivo under-representation of AS events in these datasets.

Conclusion

Although the impact of AS on the functional properties of the proteome remains to be uncovered, the results of this study indicate that AS-induced diversity at the transcriptome level is also expressed at the proteome level.
Ethylene is involved in pistil fate by modulating the onset of ovule senescence and the GA-mediated fruit set in Arabidopsis
Authors: Carbonell-Bejerano Pablo , Urbez Cristina , Granell Antonio , Carbonell Juan , Perez-Amador Miguel A
Published: May 2011

Background

Ovule lifespan is an important factor in determining the ability to set fruits and produce seeds. Once ovule senescence is established, fruit set capacity in response to gibberellins (GAs) is lost. We aimed to elucidate whether ethylene plays a role in controlling ovule senescence and the fruit set response inArabidopsis.

Results

Ethylene response inhibitors, silver thiosulphate (STS) and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), were able to delay the loss of pistil response to GA3. In addition, ethylene insensitive mutantsein2-5andein3-1showed delayed loss of pistil response, as in plants treated with STS and 1-MCP, while constitutive mutantctr1-1displayed premature loss of response. The analysis of the expression of ethylene biosynthesis genes suggests that ethylene is synthesised in ovules at the onset of ovule senescence, while a transcriptional meta-analysis also supports an activated ethylene-dependent senescence upon the establishment of ovule senescence. Finally, aSAG12:GUSreporter line proved useful to monitor ovule senescence and to directly demonstrate that ethylene specifically modulates ovule senescence.

Conclusions

We have shown that ethylene is involved in both the control of the ovule lifespan and the determination of the pistil/fruit fate. Our data support a role of the ovule in modulating the GA response during fruit set inArabidopsis. A possible mechanism that links the ethylene modulation of the ovule senescence and the GA3-induced fruit set response is discussed.
Quantitative metric profiles capture three-dimensional temporospatial architecture to discriminate cellular functional states
Authors: McKeen-Polizzotti Lindsey , Henderson Kira M , Oztan Basak , Bilgin C Cagatay , Yener Bülent , Plopper George E
Published: May 2011

Background

Computational analysis of tissue structure reveals sub-visual differences in tissue functional states by extracting quantitative signature features that establish a diagnostic profile. Incomplete and/or inaccurate profiles contribute to misdiagnosis.

Methods

In order to create more complete tissue structure profiles, we adapted our cell-graph method for extracting quantitative features from histopathology images to now capture temporospatial traits of three-dimensional collagen hydrogel cell cultures. Cell-graphs were proposed to characterize the spatial organization between the cells in tissues by exploiting graph theory wherein the nuclei of the cells constitute the nodes and the approximate adjacency of cells are represented with edges. We chose 11 different cell types representing non-tumorigenic, pre-cancerous, and malignant states from multiple tissue origins.

Results

We built cell-graphs from the cellular hydrogel images and computed a large set of features describing the structural characteristics captured by the graphs over time. Using three-mode tensor analysis, we identified the five most significant features (metrics) that capture the compactness, clustering, and spatial uniformity of the 3D architectural changes for each cell type throughout the time course. Importantly, four of these metrics are also the discriminative features for our histopathology data from our previous studies.

Conclusions

Together, these descriptive metrics provide rigorous quantitative representations of image information that other image analysis methods do not. Examining the changes in these five metrics allowed us to easily discriminate between all 11 cell types, whereas differences from visual examination of the images are not as apparent. These results demonstrate that application of the cell-graph technique to 3D image data yields discriminative metrics that have the potential to improve the accuracy of image-based tissue profiles, and thus improve the detection and diagnosis of disease.
9/11-Related Experiences and Tasks of Landfill and Barge Workers: Qualitative Analysis from the World Trade Center Health Registry
Authors: Ekenga Christine C , Scheu Katherine E , Cone James E , Stellman Steven D , Farfel Mark R
Published: May 2011

Background

Few studies have documented the experiences of individuals who participated in the recovery and cleanup efforts at the World Trade Center Recovery Operation at Fresh Kills Landfill, on debris loading piers, and on transport barges after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack.

Methods

Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of workers and volunteers from the World Trade Center Health Registry. Qualitative methods were used to analyze the narratives.

Results

Twenty workers and volunteers were interviewed. They described the transport of debris to the Landfill via barges, the tasks and responsibilities associated with their post-9/11 work at the Landfill, and their reflections on their post-9/11 experiences. Tasks included sorting through debris, recovering human remains, searching for evidence from the terrorist attacks, and providing food and counseling services. Exposures mentioned included dust, fumes, and odors. Eight years after the World Trade Center disaster, workers expressed frustration about poor risk communication during recovery and cleanup work. Though proud of their contributions in the months after 9/11, some participants were concerned about long-term health outcomes.

Conclusions

This qualitative study provided unique insight into the experiences, exposures, and concerns of understudied groups of 9/11 recovery and cleanup workers. The findings are being used to inform the development of subsequent World Trade Center Health Registry exposure and health assessments.
Hong Kong Chinese school children with elevated urine melamine levels: A prospective follow up study
Authors: Kong Alice PS , Choi Kai-Chow , Ho Chung Shun , Chan Michael HM , Wong Chun Kwok , Liu Eric KH , Chu Winnie CW , Chow Viola CY , Lau Joseph TF , Chan Juliana CN
Published: May 2011

Background

In 2008, the outbreak of kidney stones in children fed by melamine-tainted milk products in Mainland China has caused major public concern of food safety. We identified Hong Kong school children with elevated urine melamine level from a community-based school survey in 2007-08 and reviewed their clinical status in 2009.

Methods

In 2007-08, 2119 school children participated in a primary and secondary school survey in Hong Kong using a cluster sampling method. Urine aliquots from 502 subjects were assayed for melamine level. High urine melamine level was defined as urine melamine/creatinine ratio >7.1 μg/mmol. Subjects with high urine melamine level were invited for clinical evaluation in 2009 including urinalysis and ultrasound imaging of the urinary system.

Results

The age range of this subcohort was 6 - 20 years with 67% girls (335 female and 167 male subjects). The spot urine melamine/creatinine ratio of the 502 urine aliquots ranged from undetectable to 1467 μg/mmol (median 0.8 μg/mmol). Of these, 213 subjects had undetectable level (42%). We invited 47 (9%) subjects with high urine melamine level for re-evaluation and one subject declined. The median duration of follow-up was 23.5 months (interquartile range: 19.8 - 30.6 months). None of the 46 subjects (28% boys, mean age 13.9 ± 2.9 years) had any abnormality detected on ultrasound study of the urinary system. All subjects had stable renal function with a median urine albumin-creatinine ratio of 0.70 mg/mmol (interquartile range: 0.00 - 2.55 mg/mmol).

Conclusions

Hong Kong Chinese school children with high urine melamine levels appeared to have benign clinical course in the short term although a long term follow-up study is advisable in those with persistently high urine melamine level.
Determination of some significant batch culture conditions affecting acetyl-xylan esterase production by Penicillium notatum NRRL-1249
Authors: Atta S , Ali S , Akhtar MN , Haq I
Published: May 2011

Background

Acetyl-xylan esterase (AXE, EC 3.1.1.72) hydrolyses acetate group from the linear chain of xylopyranose residues bound by β-1,4-linkage. The enzyme finds commercial applications in bio-bleaching of wood pulp, treating animal feed to increase digestibility, processing food to increase clarification and converting lignocellulosics to feedstock and fuel. In the present study, we report on the production of an extracellular AXE from Penicillium notatum NRRL-1249 by solid state fermentation (SSF).

Results

Wheat bran at a level of 10 g (with 4 cm bed height) was optimized as the basal substrate for AXE production. An increase in enzyme activity was observed when 7.5 ml of mineral salt solution (MSS) containing 0.1% KH2PO4, 0.05% KCl, 0.05% MgSO4.7H2O, 0.3% NaNO3, 0.001% FeSO4.2H2O and 0.1% (v/w) Tween-80 as an initial moisture content was used. Various nitrogen sources including ammonium sulphate, urea, peptone and yeast extract were compared for enzyme production. Maximal enzyme activity of 760 U/g was accomplished which was found to be highly significant (p ≤ 0.05). A noticeable enhancement in enzyme activity was observed when the process parameters including incubation period (48 h), initial pH (5), 0.2% (w/w) urea as nitrogen source and 0.5% (v/w) Tween-80 as a stimulator were further optimized using a 2-factorial Plackett-Burman design.

Conclusion

From the results it is clear that an overall improvement of more than 35% in terms of net enzyme activity was achieved compared to previously reported studies. This is perhaps the first report dealing with the use of P. notatum for AXE production under batch culture SSF. The Plackett-Burman model terms were found highly significant (HS), suggesting the potential commercial utility of the culture used (df = 3, LSD = 0.126).
The structural impact of cancer-associated missense mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressors
Authors: Stehr Henning , Jang Seon-Hi J , Duarte José M , Wierling Christoph , Lehrach Hans , Lappe Michael , Lange Bodo MH
Published: May 2011

Background

Current large-scale cancer sequencing projects have identified large numbers of somatic mutations covering an increasing number of different cancer tissues and patients. However, the characterization of these mutations at the structural and functional level remains a challenge.

Results

We present results from an analysis of the structural impact of frequent missense cancer mutations using an automated method. We find that inactivation of tumor suppressors in cancer correlates frequently with destabilizing mutations preferably in the core of the protein, while enhanced activity of oncogenes is often linked to specific mutations at functional sites. Furthermore, our results show that this alteration of oncogenic activity is often associated with mutations at ATP or GTP binding sites.

Conclusions

With our findings we can confirm and statistically validate the hypotheses for the gain-of-function and loss-of-function mechanisms of oncogenes and tumor suppressors, respectively. We show that the distinct mutational patterns can potentially be used to pre-classify newly identified cancer-associated genes with yet unknown function.
Tailored, iterative, printed dietary feedback is as effective as group education in improving dietary behaviours: results from a randomised control trial in middle-aged adults with cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Wright Janine L , Sherriff Jillian L , Dhaliwal Satvinder S , Mamo John CL
Published: May 2011

Background

Tailored nutrition interventions have been shown to be more effective than non-tailored materials in changing dietary behaviours, particularly fat intake and fruit and vegetable intake. But further research examining efficacy of tailored nutrition education in comparison to other nutrition education methods and across a wider range of dietary behaviours is needed. The Stages to Healthy Eating Patterns Study (STEPs) was an intervention study, in middle-aged adults with cardiovascular risk factors, to examine the effectiveness of printed, tailored, iterative dietary feedback delivered by mail in improving short-term dietary behaviour in the areas of saturated fat, fruit, vegetable and grain and cereal intake.

Methods

STEPs was a 3-month randomised controlled trial with a pre and post-test design. There were three experimental conditions: 1) tailored, iterative, printed dietary feedback (TF) with three instalments mail-delivered over a 3-month period that were re-tailored to most recent assessment of dietary intake, intention to change and assessment of self-adequacy of dietary intake. Tailoring for dietary intake was performed on data from a validated 63-item combination FFQ designed for the purpose 2) small group nutrition education sessions (GE): consisting of two 90-minute dietitian-led small group nutrition education sessions and 3) and a wait-listed control (C) group who completed the dietary measures and socio-demographic questionnaires at baseline and 3-months later. Dietary outcome measures in the areas of saturated fat intake (g), and the intake of fruit (serves), vegetables (serves), grain and cereals as total and wholegrain (serves) were collected using 7-day estimated dietary records. Descriptive statistics, paired t-tests and general linear models adjusted for baseline dietary intake, age and gender were used to examine the effectiveness of different nutrition interventions.

Results

The TF group reported a significantly greater increase in fruit intake (0.3 serves/d P = 0.031) in comparison to GE and the C group. All three intervention groups showed a reduction in total saturated fat intake. GE also had a within-group increase in mean vegetable intake after 3 months, but this increase was not different from changes in the other groups.

Conclusions

In this study, printed, tailored, iterative dietary feedback was more effective than small group nutrition education in improving the short-term fruit intake behaviour, and as effective in improving saturated fat intake of middle-aged adults with cardiovascular risk factors. This showed that a low-level dietary intervention could achieve modest dietary behaviour changes that are of public health significance.
Value of large scale expansion of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in a compartmentalised gas-permeable bag: interests for adoptive immunotherapy
Authors: Zuliani Thomas , David Julien , Bercegeay Sylvain , Pandolfino Marie-Christine , Rodde-Astier Isabelle , Khammari Amir , Coissac Cécile , Delorme Bruno , Saïagh Soraya , Dréno Brigitte
Published: May 2011

Background

Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) has emerged as an effective treatment for patients with metastatic melanoma. However, there are several logistical and safety concerns associated with large-scale ex vivo expansion of tumour-specific T lymphocytes for widespread availability of ACT for cancer patients. To address these problems we developed a specific compartmentalised bag allowing efficient expansion of tumour-specific T lymphocytes in an easy handling, closed system.

Methods

Starting from lymph nodes from eight melanoma patients, we performed a side-by-side comparison of Tumour-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TIL) produced after expansion in the compartmentalised bag versus TIL produced using the standard process in plates. Proliferation yield, viability, phenotype and IFNγ secretion were comparatively studied.

Results

We found no differences in proliferation yield and cell viability between both TIL production systems. Moreover, each of the cell products complied with our defined release criteria before being administered to the patient. The phenotype analysis indicated that the compartmentalised bag favours the expansion of CD8+ cells. Finally, we found that TIL stimulated in bags were enriched in reactive CD8+ T cells when co-cultured with the autologous melanoma cell line.

Conclusions

The stimulation of TIL with feeder cells in the specifically designed compartmentalised bag can advantageously replace the conventional protocol using plates. In particular, the higher expansion rate of reactive CD8+ T cells could have a significant impact for ACT.
HPV16 E2 could act as down-regulator in cellular genes implicated in apoptosis, proliferation and cell differentiation
Authors: Ramírez-Salazar Eric , Centeno Federico , Nieto Karen , Valencia-Hernández Armando , Salcedo Mauricio , Garrido Efraín
Published: May 2011

Background

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) E2 plays several important roles in the viral cycle, including the transcriptional regulation of the oncogenes E6 and E7, the regulation of the viral genome replication by its association with E1 helicase and participates in the viral genome segregation during mitosis by its association with the cellular protein Brd4. It has been shown that E2 protein can regulate negative or positively the activity of several cellular promoters, although the precise mechanism of this regulation is uncertain. In this work we constructed a recombinant adenoviral vector to overexpress HPV16 E2 and evaluated the global pattern of biological processes regulated by E2 using microarrays expression analysis.

Results

The gene expression profile was strongly modified in cells expressing HPV16 E2, finding 1048 down-regulated genes, and 581 up-regulated. The main cellular pathway modified was WNT since we found 28 genes down-regulated and 15 up-regulated. Interestingly, this pathway is a convergence point for regulating the expression of genes involved in several cellular processes, including apoptosis, proliferation and cell differentiation; MYCN, JAG1 and MAPK13 genes were selected to validate by RT-qPCR the microarray data as these genes in an altered level of expression, modify very important cellular processes. Additionally, we found that a large number of genes from pathways such as PDGF, angiogenesis and cytokines and chemokines mediated inflammation, were also modified in their expression.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that HPV16 E2 has regulatory effects on cellular gene expression in HPV negative cells, independent of the other HPV proteins, and the gene profile observed indicates that these effects could be mediated by interactions with cellular proteins. The cellular processes affected suggest that E2 expression leads to the cells in to a convenient environment for a replicative cycle of the virus.
Positive end-expiratory pressure optimization with forced oscillation technique reduces ventilator induced lung injury: a controlled experimental study in pigs with saline lavage lung injury
Authors: Kostic Peter , Zannin Emanuela , Andersson Olerud Marie , Pompilio Pasquale P , Hedenstierna Göran , Pedotti Antonio , Larsson Anders , Frykholm Peter , Dellaca Raffaele L
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Protocols using high levels of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in combination with low tidal volumes have been shown to reduce mortality in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, the optimal method for setting PEEP is yet to be defined. It has been shown that respiratory system reactance (Xrs), measured by the forced oscillation technique (FOT) at 5 Hz, may be used to identify the minimal PEEP level required to maintain lung recruitment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate if using Xrs for setting PEEP would improve lung mechanics and reduce lung injury compared to an oxygenation-based approach.

Methods

17 pigs, in which acute lung injury (ALI) was induced by saline lavage, were studied. Animals were randomized into two groups: in the first PEEP was titrated according to Xrs (FOT group), in the control group PEEP was set according to the ARDSNet protocol (ARDSNet group). The duration of the trial was 12 hours. In both groups recruitment maneuvers (RM) were performed every 2 hours, increasing PEEP to 20 cmH2O. In the FOT group PEEP was titrated by monitoring Xrs while PEEP was reduced from 20 cmH2O in steps of 2 cmH2O. PEEP was considered optimal at the step before which Xrs started to decrease. Ventilatory parameters, lung mechanics, blood gases and hemodynamic parameters were recorded hourly. Lung injury was evaluated by histopathological analysis.

Results

The PEEP levels set in the FOT group were significantly higher compared to those set in the ARDSNet group during the whole trial. These higher values of PEEP resulted in improved lung mechanics, reduced driving pressure, improved oxygenation, with a trend for higher PaCO2 and lower systemic and pulmonary pressure. After 12 hours of ventilation, histopathological analysis showed a significantly lower score of lung injury in the FOT group compared to the ARDSNet group.

Conclusions

In a lavage model of lung injury a PEEP optimization strategy based on maximizing Xrs attenuated the signs of ventilator induced lung injury. The respiratory system reactance measured by FOT could thus be an important component in a strategy for delivering protective ventilation to patients with ARDS/acute lung injury.
ASCO Provisional Clinical Opinion: Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutation Testing in Practice
Authors: Beasley Mary Beth , Milton Daniel T.
Published: May 2011

ASCO has recently provided guidance on emerging data on EGFR testing for the purpose of selecting first-line therapy for persons with advanced NSCLC through its Provisional Clinical Opinion.
Physicians' Current Practices and Opportunities for DNA Banking of Dying Patients With Cancer
Authors: Quillin John M. , Bodurtha Joann N. , Siminoff Laura A. , Smith Thomas J.
Published: May 2011

DNA banking has the potential to provide critical information to relatives of patients with cancer. Despite this, it is not being used by palliative care oncologists.
Report on the ASCO 2010 Provider-Payer Initiative Meeting
Authors: Neuss Michael N. , Flamm Carole , Shulman Lawrence N. , Tomkins Julia E. , Ward Jeffery C.
Published: May 2011

The ASCO Provider-Payer Initiative meeting was convened to explore ways in which providers and payers could work together to improve patient care.
Subspecialization in Community Oncology: Option or Necessity?
Authors: Gesme Dean H. , Wiseman Marian
Published: May 2011

Specializing in a particular type of cancer is one way to manage the explosion of knowledge in oncology. What would subspecializing mean for practitioners, patients, and the community?
Advancing Performance Measurement in Oncology: Quality Oncology Practice Initiative Participation and Quality Outcomes
Authors: Campion Francis X. , Larson Leanne R. , Kadlubek Pamela J. , Earle Craig C. , Neuss Michael N.
Published: May 2011

American Society of Clinical Oncology Quality Oncology Practice Initiative has grown to include 973 practices as of 2010. Practices demonstrated rates of end-of-life care and other measures of quality.
Effect of the Pay-for-Performance Program for Breast Cancer Care in Taiwan
Authors: Kuo Raymond N.C. , Chung Kuo-Piao , Lai Mei-Shu
Published: May 2011

The pay-for-performance program for breast cancer care had a positive impact on breast cancer outcome in Taiwan. Enrollees received higher-quality care and had better outcomes.