bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Partial loss of heterozygosity events at the mutated gene in tumors from MLH1/MSH2 large genomic rearrangement carriers
Authors: Zavodna Katarina , Krivulcik Tomas , Bujalkova Maria Gerykova , Slamka Tomas , Martinicky David , Ilencikova Denisa , Bartosova Zdena
Published: November 2009

Background

Depending on the population studied, large genomic rearrangements (LGRs) of the mismatch repair (MMR) genes constitute various proportions of the germline mutations that predispose to hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). It has been reported that loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at the LGR region occurs through a gene conversion mechanism in tumors from MLH1/MSH2 deletion carriers; however, the converted tracts were delineated only by extragenic microsatellite markers. We sought to determine the frequency of LGRs in Slovak HNPCC patients and to study LOH in tumors from LGR carriers at the LGR region, as well as at other heterozygous markers within the gene to more precisely define conversion tracts.

Methods

The main MMR genes responsible for HNPCC, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2, were analyzed by MLPA (multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification) in a total of 37 unrelated HNPCC-suspected patients whose MLH1/MSH2 genes gave negative results in previous sequencing experiments. An LOH study was performed on six tumors from LGR carriers by combining MLPA to assess LOH at LGR regions and sequencing to examine LOH at 28 SNP markers from the MLH1 and MSH2 genes.

Results

We found six rearrangements in the MSH2 gene (five deletions and dup5-6), and one aberration in the MLH1 gene (del5-6). The MSH2 deletions were of three types (del1, del1-3, del1-7). We detected LOH at the LGR region in the single MLH1 case, which was determined in a previous study to be LOH-negative in the intragenic D3S1611 marker. Three tumors displayed LOH of at least one SNP marker, including two cases that were LOH-negative at the LGR region.

Conclusion

LGRs accounted for 25% of germline MMR mutations identified in 28 Slovakian HNPCC families. A high frequency of LGRs among the MSH2 mutations provides a rationale for a MLPA screening of the Slovakian HNPCC families prior scanning by DNA sequencing. LOH at part of the informative loci confined to the MLH1 or MSH2 gene (heterozygous LGR region, SNP, or microsatellite) is a novel finding and can be regarded as a partial LOH. The conversion begins within the gene, and the details of conversion tracts are discussed for each case.
The Int7G24A variant of transforming growth factor-beta receptor type I is a risk factor for colorectal cancer in the male Spanish population: a case-control study
Authors: Castillejo Adela , Mata-Balaguer Trinidad , Guarinos Carla , Castillejo María-Isabel , Martínez-Cantó Ana , Barberá Víctor-Manuel , Montenegro Paola , Ochoa Enrique , Lázaro Rafael , Guillén-Ponce Carmen , Carrato Alfredo , Soto José-Luís
Published: November 2009

Background

The Int7G24A variant of transforming growth factor-beta receptor type I (TGFBR1) has been shown to increase the risk for kidney, ovarian, bladder, lung and breast cancers. Its role in colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been established. The aims of this study were to assess the association of TGFBR1*Int7G24A variant with CRC occurrence, patient age, gender, tumour location and stage.

Methods

We performed a case-control study with 504 cases of sporadic CRC; and 504 non-cancerous age, gender and ethnically matched controls. Genotyping analysis was performed using allelic discrimination assay by real time PCR.

Results

The Int7G24A variant was associated with increased CRC incidence in an additive model of inheritance (P for trend = 0.005). No significant differences were found between Int7G24A genotypes and tumour location or stage. Interestingly, the association of the Int7G24A variant with CRC risk was significant in men (odds ratio 4.10 with 95% confidence intervals 1.41-11.85 for homozygous individuals; P for trend = 0.00023), but not in women. We also observed an increase in susceptibility to CRC for individuals aged less than 70 years.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that the Int7G24A variant represents a risk factor for CRC in the male Spanish population.
Quantifying and resolving multiple vector transformants in S. cerevisiae plasmid libraries
Authors: Scanlon Thomas C , Gray Elizabeth C , Griswold Karl E
Published: November 2009

Background

In addition to providing the molecular machinery for transcription and translation, recombinant microbial expression hosts maintain the critical genotype-phenotype link that is essential for high throughput screening and recovery of proteins encoded by plasmid libraries. It is known that Escherichia coli cells can be simultaneously transformed with multiple unique plasmids and thusly complicate recombinant library screening experiments. As a result of their potential to yield misleading results, bacterial multiple vector transformants have been thoroughly characterized in previous model studies. In contrast to bacterial systems, there is little quantitative information available regarding multiple vector transformants in yeast. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the most widely used eukaryotic platform for cell surface display, combinatorial protein engineering, and other recombinant library screens. In order to characterize the extent and nature of multiple vector transformants in this important host, plasmid-born gene libraries constructed by yeast homologous recombination were analyzed by DNA sequencing.

Results

It was found that up to 90% of clones in yeast homologous recombination libraries may be multiple vector transformants, that on average these clones bear four or more unique mutant genes, and that these multiple vector cells persist as a significant proportion of library populations for greater than 24 hours during liquid outgrowth. Both vector concentration and vector to insert ratio influenced the library proportion of multiple vector transformants, but their population frequency was independent of transformation efficiency. Interestingly, the average number of plasmids born by multiple vector transformants did not vary with their library population proportion.

Conclusion

These results highlight the potential for multiple vector transformants to dominate yeast libraries constructed by homologous recombination. The previously unrecognized prevalence and persistence of multiply transformed yeast cells have important implications for yeast library screens. The quantitative information described herein should increase awareness of this issue, and the rapid sequencing approach developed for these studies should be widely useful for identifying multiple vector transformants and avoiding complications associated with cells that have acquired more than one unique plasmid.
Classification of voluntary cough sound and airflow patterns for detecting abnormal pulmonary function
Authors: Abaza Ayman A , Day Jeremy B , Reynolds Jeffrey S , Mahmoud Ahmed M , Goldsmith W Travis , McKinney Walter G , Petsonk E Lee , Frazer David G
Published: November 2009

Background

Involuntary cough is a classic symptom of many respiratory diseases. The act of coughing serves a variety of functions such as clearing the airways in response to respiratory irritants or aspiration of foreign materials. It has been pointed out that a cough results in substantial stresses on the body which makes voluntary cough a useful tool in physical diagnosis.

Methods

In the present study, fifty-two normal subjects and sixty subjects with either obstructive or restrictive lung disorders were asked to perform three individual voluntary coughs. The objective of the study was to evaluate if the airflow and sound characteristics of a voluntary cough could be used to distinguish between normal subjects and subjects with lung disease. This was done by extracting a variety of features from both the cough airflow and acoustic characteristics and then using a classifier that applied a reconstruction algorithm based on principal component analysis.

Results

Results showed that the proposed method for analyzing voluntary coughs was capable of achieving an overall classification performance of 94% and 97% for identifying abnormal lung physiology in female and male subjects, respectively. An ROC analysis showed that the sensitivity and specificity of the cough parameter analysis methods were equal at 98% and 98% respectively, for the same groups of subjects.

Conclusion

A novel system for classifying coughs has been developed. This automated classification system is capable of accurately detecting abnormal lung function based on the combination of the airflow and acoustic properties of voluntary cough.
Laryngeal tuberculosis presenting as a supraglottic carcinoma: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Smulders Yvette E , De Bondt Bert-Jan , Lacko Martin , Hodge Janice AL , Kross Kenneth W
Published: November 2009

Introduction

Laryngeal tuberculosis used to be a common complication in advanced pulmonary tuberculosis. However, it has become a rare occurrence in developed countries since the introduction of antituberculous agents. Moreover, the pattern of the disease has changed over the years. Nowadays, it more closely resembles a laryngeal carcinoma than any other laryngeal illness.

Case presentation

We describe the case of a 50-year-old Caucasian man who presented with the clinical picture of laryngeal cancer, but which turned out to be tuberculosis. We illustrate the difficulty of recognizing laryngeal tuberculosis both clinically and even with radiological examination.

Conclusion

Although laryngeal tuberculosis is uncommon, especially in developed countries, it still occurs and should be considered as a differential diagnosis in any laryngeal disease, in particular in the case of a laryngeal carcinoma.
Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma with an unusual clinical manifestation: a case report
Authors: Falaki Farnaz , Delavarian Zahra , Pakfetrat Atessa , Mohtasham Nooshin , Shirazian Shiva
Published: November 2009

Introduction

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor of the oral cavity and one of the 10th most common causes of death. It arises from dysplastic oral squamous epithelium. By considering the pathogenesis of squamous cell carcinoma, the smooth and intact surface for this lesion is not usual.

Case presentation

A painful nodular lesion with smooth surface on the left buccal mucosa of a 75-year-old female patient was observed. She noticed it 2 weeks ago. Histopathological examination revealed oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Conclusion

In this paper, we report an unusual clinical presentation of oral squamous cell carcinoma in buccal mucosa which is very rare.
Pregnancy in a noncommunicating rudimentary horn of a unicornuate uterus: a case report
Authors: Okonta Patrick I , Abedi Harrison , Ajuyah Caroline , Omo-Aghoja Lawrence
Published: November 2009

Pregnancy in the rudimentary horn is rare and carries grave consequences for the mother and fetus. A case report is presented of a 26 year old single gravida 3 para 0+2 lady with rupture of a rudimentary horn pregnancy at a gestational age of 20 weeks. Laparotomy was done and the rudimentary horn excised. Post-operative recovery was uneventful. The need for a high index of suspicion and the role of ultrasonography in the accurate diagnosis is highlighted.
Levator claviculae muscle: a case report
Authors: Natsis Konstantinos , Apostolidis Stylianos , Nikolaidou Elisavet , Noussios Georgios , Totlis Trifon , Lazaridis Nikolaos
Published: November 2009

In the current study a levator claviculae muscle, found in a 65-year old male cadaver, is presented. We describe the topography and morphology of this accessory muscle, which may be found in 1-3% of the population. Moreover, we discuss the embryologic origin of the muscle along with its clinical importance.
Nutritional vitamin D deficiency: a case report
Authors: Stevens Rachel L , Lyon Corey
Published: November 2009

We present a 6-month-old African American male child with a chief complaint of failure to appropriately gain weight despite adequate caloric intake via breastfeeding. While he has met developmental milestones he appears small for age and is diagnosed with failure to thrive after crossing two major growth curve percentiles. After appropriate diagnostic workup, a diagnosis of nutritional vitamin D deficiency (rickets) was reached and supplementation was initiated with ensuing adequate catch-up growth.
A rare coexistence of concurrent breast hemangioma with fibroadenoma: a case report
Authors: Kawatra Vibha , Lakshmikantha Akhila , Dhingra Kajal Kiran , Gupta Parul , Khurana Nita
Published: November 2009

We report the case of a 38-year-old Asian, Indian female with capillary hemangioma breast in coexistence with the commonly occurring fibroadenoma. Clinical examination of the breast revealed a 4 cm diameter lump. Mammography revealed a well defined slightly hypoechoic lesion with smooth contours. A lumpectomy was performed. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of a completely encapsulated fibroadenoma coexistent with a capillary hemangioma in the adjacent breast tissue. The rarity of literature on breast hemangioma especially capillary type with coexisting fibroadenoma deserves mention.
Huge gastric bezoar caused by honeycomb, an unusual complication of health faddism: a case report
Authors: Katsinelos Panagiotis , Pilpilidis Ioannis , Chatzimavroudis Grigoris , Katsinelos Taxiarchis , Lazaraki Georgia , Fasoulas Kostas , Zavos Christos , Kountouras Jannis
Published: November 2009

We report a young healthy woman, who believed that the consumption of large amounts of honeycomb would lead to good health and who finally developed a huge gastric bezoar of hard consistency. The conventional endoscopic techniques failed to manage the bezoar. Using the combination of injection of hydrogen peroxide 3% solution inside the bezoar to induce disintegration and a special designed needle-knife sphincterotome (bezotome) we managed to remove the bezoar in fragments. To the best of our knowledge this is the first reported bezoar caused by honeycomb.
Bilateral metachronous ovarian metastases from clear cell renal carcinoma: a case report
Authors: Albrizio Mauro , La Fianza Alfredo , Gorone Maria Sole Prevedoni
Published: November 2009

Introduction

Bilateral ovarian metastases from a clear cell renal carcinoma are uncommon findings and need to be differentiated from primary cancers. Diagnostic imaging and histopathological features are often inconclusive, unless they are combined.

Case presentation

A 56-year-old woman with a history of right radical nephrectomy for a renal clear cell carcinoma diagnosed 10 years earlier was referred for abdominal distension and pelvic pain. Color-Doppler US and Computer Tomography scan revealed the presence of bilateral ovarian masses with regular margins, a low resistance index and poor contrast enhancement. Immunohistochemistry showed positive epithelial membrane antigen, cytokeratin, vimentin and CD10, suggesting clear cells from the previously diagnosed kidney cancer.

Conclusion

Although bilateral metachronous ovarian metastases from clear cell renal carcinoma are a very uncommon finding, they can be considered in the differential diagnosis and investigated with imaging and immunohistochemistry. The 6 cases reported in the literature indicate a good prognosis for this condition.
Multiple intraosseous lipomatosis: a case report
Authors: Rehani Bhavya , Wissman Robert
Published: November 2009

Introduction

Intraosseous lipoma is an uncommon entity that presents almost exclusively as a solitary lesion. Multiple intraosseous lipomas are exceedingly rare with only a few cases being reported in the literature.

Case presentation

We present a case of 43-year-old African American female who presented with left leg and left wrist pain. The initial radiographs revealed well-defined radiolucent lesions in multiple bones involving the left wrist and the left lower limb. The magnetic resonance demonstrated multiple lesions, which showed high signal on the T1 and low signal on the fat suppressed T2 images. This favored the diagnosis of intraosseous lipomatosis that was confirmed by biopsy.

Conclusion

Multiple intraosseous lipomatosis is an uncommon but important differential for multiple radiolucent lesions on the plain radiographs. This condition can lead to pathological fractures. Magnetic resonance imaging can aid in providing an accurate diagnosis. The awareness of this condition can help the clinician in guiding the correct diagnosis and management.
Peroneus longus acute calcific tendinitis: a case report
Authors: Mouzopoulos George , Lasanianos Nikolaos , Nikolaras George , Tzurbakis Mathaios
Published: November 2009

Calcific tendinitis of the peroneus longus tendon is extremely rare, with only two cases described previously in the literature. Herein we discuss the diagnosis and management of a case with an acute calcific tendonitis of peroneus longus tendon.
Intramuscular hemangioma of the masseter muscle: a case report
Authors: Narayanan C D , Prakash Preeth , Dhanasekaran C K
Published: November 2009

Intramuscular hemangiomas are uncommon neoplasm's arising most frequently in the masseter and trapezius muscle. Due to it's location it is often mistaken for a parotid swelling and rarely is an accurate pre-operative diagnosis achieved clinically. The intra masseteric location also poses special problem in terms of proximity to the facial nerve and the post operative flattening following excision of the masseter muscle. A case of intramuscular hemangioma in a 17 year old girl is presented. Inadequacy of computed tomography scan and cytology in achieving a pre-operative diagnosis and also the treatment modalities are reviewed here. An estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor study has been done to verify the hormonal basis of this tumour.
Standardized natural product cannabis in pain management and observations at a Canadian compassion society: a case report
Authors: Hornby A Paul , Sharma Manju , Stegman Bree
Published: November 2009

An adult Caucasian male with excruciating pains following multiple traumas was monitored, daily, over one year while managing chronic pain by self-administering quantifiable amounts of natural cannabis. Tetrahydrocannabinol, Cannabidiol, and Cannabinol were all measured in tinctures, capsules, smoke-able product plus some baked goods, prior to their administration. By allowing standardization, the subject was able to develop a daily regimen of pain management that was resistant to a battery of most patent analgesics.
Sternotomy after retrosternal esophagogastric anastomotic disruption: a case report
Authors: Jamal-Eddine Hassan , Sukumar Murugan , Al-Sarraf Nael
Published: November 2009

Disruption of cervical esophagogastric anastomosis after retrosternal stomach transposition remains a dangerous complication. We report a case of cervical gastric disruption after retrosternal gastric transposition in a 36-year-old man that required sternotomy for reanastomosis. After sternotomy, gastric mobilization was possible, in order to gain sufficient length for a new cervical esophagogastric anastomosis.
Hepatic iron overload, a possible consequence of treatment with imatinib mesylate: a case report
Authors: Maiti Baidehi , Setrakian Sebouh , Daw Hamed A
Published: November 2009

Imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor has revolutionized the therapy of Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia. Side effects of imatinib include grade 1-4 hepatotoxicity in a subset of patients. We report the case of a 46-year-old male with chronic myeloid leukemia, who developed hepatic hemosiderosis during treatment with imatinib. After ruling out the established congenital and acquired causes of hepatic hemosiderosis, we attribute this to a possible side effect of imatinib therapy. This condition was successfully treated with periodic phlebotomy thus precluding discontinuation of imatinib. To our knowledge, this is the first report of hepatic hemosiderosis most likely consequent to imatinib therapy.
Treatment of ipsilateral high energy tibial plateau and calcaneal fractures by a circular wire fixator: a case report
Authors: Dhar Shabir Ahmed , Butt Mohammed Farooq , Ali Murtaza Fazal , Mir Mohammed Ramzan , Kawoosa Altaf Ahmed
Published: November 2009

Introduction

High energy tibial plateau fractures along with calcaneal fractures individually produce several challenges for the orthopaedic surgeon. The principles of bony reconstruction include anatomic reduction and rigid internal fixation of intra-articular fractures and accurate restoration of the coronal, sagittal and transverse mechanical axes. Due to the tenuous nature of the soft tissue and devitalisation of the comminuted fragments with open reduction, external fixation of type 6 tibial plateau fractures is recommended. We report a case with ipsilateral high energy tibial plateau and calcaneal fractures both of which were managed with an ilizarov ring fixator.

Case presentation

A 55-year-old Kashmiri female presented to our department with an ipsilateral fracture of the tibial plateau and the calcaneum. Both were closed reduced and stabilized with an ilizarov ring fixator.

Conclusion

The circular wire fixator provides a viable method to manage such fractures especially if they are co existent. This is especially true in situations where the soft tissue is compromised.
Delayed diagnosis of an atypical rupture of an unscarred uterus due to assisted fundal pressure: a case report
Authors: Kurdoglu Mertihan , Kolusari Ali , Yildizhan Recep , Adali Ertan , Sahin Hanim Guler
Published: November 2009

Introduction

Although rare, rupture of an unscarred uterus is one of the most dangerous obstetric complications, resulting in maternal and fetal jeopardy.

Case presentation

A 30-year-old grand multiparous Turkish woman without any history of uterine surgery gave birth vaginally at 37 weeks of gestation with fundal pressure applied in the second stage of labor. Transabdominal sonography performed 32 hours after delivery due to postural hypotension and a drop in hemoglobin values in the postpartum period revealed massive intra-abdominal free fluid. On emergency laparotomy, serosal rupture of the uterus on the left posterior side was observed. She underwent a subtotal hysterectomy and did well postoperatively.

Conclusion

Postural hypotension in postpartum patients without any evident vaginal bleeding may be an early sign of possible uterine rupture, even if the vital signs are stable. Early diagnosis is important if maternal morbidity and mortality are to be decreased.
Effects of unilateral decompressive craniectomy on patients with unilateral acute post-traumatic brain swelling after severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Qiu Wusi , Guo Chenchen , Shen Hong , Chen Keyong , Wen Liang , Huang Hongjie , Ding Min , Sun Li , Jiang Qizhou , Wang Weiming
Published: November 2009

Introduction

Acute post-traumatic brain swelling (BS) is one of the pathological forms that need emergent treatment following traumatic brain injury. There is controversy about the effects of craniotomy on acute post-traumatic BS. The aim of the present clinical study was to assess the efficacy of unilateral decompressive craniectomy (DC) or unilateral routine temporoparietal craniectomy on patients with unilateral acute post-traumatic BS.

Methods

Seventy-four patients of unilateral acute post-traumatic BS with midline shifting more than 5 mm were divided randomly into two groups: unilateral DC group (n = 37) and unilateral routine temporoparietal craniectomy group (control group, n = 37). The vital signs, the intracranial pressure (ICP), the Glasgow outcome scale (GOS), the mortality rate and the complications were prospectively analysed.

Results

The mean ICP values of patients in the unilateral DC group at hour 24, hour 48, hour 72 and hour 96 after injury were much lower than those of the control group (15.19 +/- 2.18 mmHg, 16.53 +/- 1.53 mmHg, 15.98 +/- 2.24 mmHg and 13.518 +/- 2.33 mmHg versus 19.95 +/- 2.24 mmHg, 18.32 +/- 1.77 mmHg, 21.05 +/- 2.23 mmHg and 17.68 +/- 1.40 mmHg, respectively). The mortality rates at 1 month after treatment were 27% in the unilateral DC group and 57% in the control group (p = 0.010). Good neurological outcome (GOS Score of 4 to 5) rates 1 year after injury for the groups were 56.8% and 32.4%, respectively (p = 0.035). The incidences of delayed intracranial hematoma and subdural effusion were 21.6% and 10.8% versus 5.4% and 0, respectively (p = 0.041 and 0.040).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that unilateral DC has superiority in lowering ICP, reducing the mortality rate and improving neurological outcomes over unilateral routine temporoparietal craniectomy. However, it increases the incidence of delayed intracranial hematomas and subdural effusion, some of which need secondary surgical intervention. These results provide information important for further large and multicenter clinical trials on the effects of DC in patients with acute post-traumatic BS.

Trial registration

ISRCTN14110527
N-cadherin acts in concert with Slit1-Robo2 signaling in regulating aggregation of placode-derived cranial sensory neurons
Authors: Shiau Celia E. , Bronner-Fraser Marianne
Published: November 2009

Vertebrate cranial sensory ganglia have a dual origin from the neural crest and ectodermal placodes. In the largest of these, the trigeminal ganglion, Slit1-Robo2 signaling is essential for proper ganglion assembly. Here, we demonstrate a crucial role for the cell adhesion molecule N-cadherin and its interaction with Slit1-Robo2 during gangliogenesis in vivo. A common feature of chick trigeminal and epibranchial ganglia is the expression of N-cadherin and Robo2 on placodal neurons and Slit1 on neural crest cells. Interestingly, N-cadherin localizes to intercellular adherens junctions between placodal neurons during ganglion assembly. Depletion of N-cadherin causes loss of proper ganglion coalescence, similar to that observed after loss of Robo2, suggesting that the two pathways might intersect. Consistent with this possibility, blocking or augmenting Slit-Robo signaling modulates N-cadherin protein expression on the placodal cell surface concomitant with alteration in placodal adhesion. Lack of an apparent change in total N-cadherin mRNA or protein levels suggests post-translational regulation. Co-expression of N-cadherin with dominant-negative Robo abrogates the Robo2 loss-of-function phenotype of dispersed ganglia, whereas loss of N-cadherin reverses the aberrant aggregation induced by increased Slit-Robo expression. Our study suggests a novel mechanism whereby N-cadherin acts in concert with Slit-Robo signaling in mediating the placodal cell adhesion required for proper gangliogenesis.
Control in time and space: Tramtrack69 cooperates with Notch and Ecdysone to repress ectopic fate and shape changes during Drosophila egg chamber maturation
Authors: Boyle Michael J. , Berg Celeste A.
Published: November 2009

Organ morphogenesis requires cooperation between cells, which determine their course of action based upon location within a tissue. Just as important, cells must synchronize their activities, which requires awareness of developmental time. To understand how cells coordinate behaviors in time and space, we analyzed Drosophila egg chamber development. We found that the transcription factor Tramtrack69 (TTK69) controls the fates and shapes of all columnar follicle cells by integrating temporal and spatial information, restricting characteristic changes in morphology and expression that occur at stage 10B to appropriate domains. TTK69 is required again later in oogenesis: it controls the volume of the dorsal-appendage (DA) tubes by promoting apical re-expansion and lateral shortening of DA-forming follicle cells. We show that TTK69 and Notch compete to repress each other's expression and that a local Ecdysone signal is required to shift the balance in favor of TTK69. We hypothesize that TTK69 then cooperates with spatially restricted co-factors to define appropriate responses to a globally available (but as yet unidentified) temporal signal that initiates the S10B transformations.
The association between adolescents' beliefs in a just world and their attitudes to victims of bullying
Authors: Fox Claire L. , Elder Tracey. , Gater Josephine. , Johnson Elizabeth.
Published: November 2009

Background

Research which has investigated children's attitudes to bullying has found that the majority of children display anti‐bullying attitudes. However, a small minority of children do appear to admire the bully and lack sympathy for victims of bullying. The just world belief theory has received a great deal of attention in recent years with evidence emerging in support of a two‐dimensional model distinguishing between beliefs in a just world (BJW) for self and BJW for others. BJW‐self (and not BJW‐others) has been found to uniquely predict psychological well‐being, whereas BJW‐others (and not BJW‐self) uniquely predicts harsh social attitudes and derogation of victims.

Aim

The aim of the present study was to measure BJW‐self and others in a sample of UK secondary schoolchildren and to see whether BJW‐others can account for adolescents' negative attitudes towards victims of bullying.

Sample

In total, 346 pupils aged 11–16 years of age (270 males, 76 females) from two schools took part in the study.

Methods

The participants completed measures of BJW‐self and others, attitudes to victims of bullying, empathy, and self‐esteem on a whole class basis.

Results

It was found that BJW‐others uniquely predicted adolescents' attitudes to victims but in the opposite direction to that which was predicted – high BJW were associated with stronger anti‐bullying attitudes. As predicted, BJW‐self (but not BJW‐others) was positively and uniquely correlated with self‐esteem.

Conclusion

The findings are discussed in the context of research which has found that the direction of the relationship between BJW‐others and derogation of victims appears to depend on the nature of the injustice, with people with strong BJW less tolerant of severe injustices.
Type D personality, stress, and symptoms of burnout: The influence of avoidance coping and social support
Authors: Polman Remco , Borkoles Erika , Nicholls Adam R.
Published: November 2009

Objective. This study investigated whether approach coping, avoidance coping, or perceptions of available social support mediated the relationship between Type D personality and perceived stress. Furthermore, this research also examined whether Type D moderated the relationship between perceived stress and symptoms of burnout.

Methods. In this cross‐sectional study, 334 (male N =180; female N =154) first‐year undergraduate students completed the Type D Scale‐14 (DS14), the Brief Approach/Avoidance Coping Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory.

Design. Cross‐sectional.

Results. Multiple mediation analysis revealed that only resignation and withdrawal coping, but not social support partially mediated the relationship between Type D and perceived stress. A small moderation effect was found for the disengagement subscale of the burnout inventory, with Type D individuals experiencing higher levels of disengagement at low and average stress levels. The correlations between variables provided support for most of the prediction from the literature with regard to Type D.

Conclusion. Of the participants in the present study, 24.9% were classified as Type D. These individuals tend to use more passive and maladaptive avoidance coping strategies such as resignation and withdrawal. This is associated with higher levels of perceived stress and linked to increased levels of burnout symptoms
Confabulation versus experimentally induced false memories in Korsakoff patients
Authors: Van Damme Ilse , d'Ydewalle Géry
Published: November 2009

The present study focuses on both the clinical symptom of confabulation and experimentally induced false memories in patients suffering from Korsakoff's syndrome. Despite the vast amount of case studies of confabulating patients and studies investigating false memories in the Deese‐Roediger‐McDermott (DRM) paradigm, the nature of Korsakoff patients' confabulatory behaviour and its association with DRM false memories have been rarely examined. Hence, the first aim of the present study was to evaluate confabulatory responses in a large sample of chronic Korsakoff patients and matched controls by means of the Dalla Barba Confabulation Battery. Second, the association between (provoked) confabulation and the patients' DRM false recognition performance was investigated. Korsakoff patients mainly confabulated in response to questions about episodic memory and questions to which the answer was unknown. A positive association was obtained between confabulation and the tendency to accept unstudied distractor words as being old in the DRM paradigm. On the other hand, there was a negative association between confabulation and false recognition of critical lures. The latter could be attributed to the importance of strategic retrieval at delayed memory testing.
Construct and criterion validity of the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) in children referred for neuropsychological assessment after paediatric traumatic brain injury
Authors: Donders Jacobus , DenBraber Deborah , Vos Leia
Published: November 2009

The construct and criterion validities of the parent version of the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) were evaluated in a sample of 100 6‐ to 16‐year‐old children with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Maximum‐likelihood factor analysis identified two latent constructs that largely replicated the factor structure reported for the standardization sample, with the notable exception that the Inhibit scale covaried primarily with the metacognition factor and not with behavioural regulation factor. Only the former factor demonstrated evidence for sensitivity to the severity of TBI. Results on both factors were affected by a premorbid history of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder or other out‐patient psychiatric treatment. It is concluded that the BRIEF has construct and criterion validity in the evaluation of children with TBI but that findings on this instrument can only be interpreted within the context of review of the child's premorbid history.
Modifiable Determinants of Youth Violence in Australia and the United States: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Hemphill Sheryl A. , Smith Rachel , Toumbourou John W. , Herrenkohl Todd I. , Catalano Richard F. , McMorris Barbara J. , Romanuik Helena
Published: November 2009

Youth violence is a global problem. Few studies have examined whether the prevalence or predictors of youth violence are similar in comparable Western countries like Australia and the United States (US). In the current article, analyses are conducted using two waves of data collected as part of a longitudinal study of adolescent development in approximately 4,000 students aged 12 to 16 years in Victoria, Australia and Washington State, US. Students completed a self-report survey of problem behaviours including violent behaviour, as well as risk and protective factors across five domains (individual, family, peer, school, community). Compared to Washington State, rates of attacking or beating another over the past 12 months were lower in Victoria for females in the first survey and higher for Victorian males in the follow-up survey. Preliminary analyses did not show state-specific predictors of violent behaviour. In the final multivariate analyses of the combined Washington State and Victorian samples, protective factors were being female and student emotion control. Risk factors were prior violent behaviour, family conflict, association with violent peers, community disorganisation, community normsfavourable to drug use, school suspensions and arrests. Given the similarity of influential factors in North America and Australia, application of US early intervention and prevention programs may be warranted, with some tailoring to the Australian context.
Similarities and Differences in Risk Factors for Violent Offending and Gang Membership
Authors: Esbensen Finn-Aage , Peterson Dana , Taylor Terrance J. , Freng Adrienne
Published: November 2009

Prior research has established that there is a cumulative effect of risk factors on both youth violence and gang membership and that risk factors in multiple domains increase the probability of youth violence and gang involvement. In this article we expand upon this risk factor approach to the study of youth violence by addressing two questions concerning youth violence: (1) What are the effects of cumulative risk, including risk in multiple domains, on youth violence and gang membership and to what extent are the patterns similar or different for youth violence and gang membership? (2) To what extent do risk factors exert independent effects when other factors are controlled in multivariate analyses, and are the risk factors for youth violence similar to or different from those for gang membership? We utilise survey data from a sample of 5,395 8th grade students in 11 cities across the United States to examine these issues.
Creating a Youth Violence Data System for Boston, Massachusetts
Authors: Azrael Deborah , Johnson Renee M. , Molnar Beth E. , Vriniotis Mary , Dunn Erin C. , Duncan Dustin T. , Hemenway David
Published: November 2009

The Harvard Youth Violence Prevention Center has partnered with the city of Boston, Massachusetts to create a data system to track youth violence. The system provides continuing information about fighting, bullying, dating violence and gun carrying. Data from it show that many Boston adolescents are afraid on public transportation (as compared to home, school or street) and that most students widely overestimate the number of their classmates carrying guns. The system also provides data on neighbourhood variables such as collective efficacy. The system has been a success due to the mutual respect shown between the academic and city partners, and the mutual benefits it provides to both.
A first for women in the kingdom: Arab/west representations of female trendsetters in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Kaufer David , Al-Malki Amal Mohammed
Published: November 2009

Postcolonial and media literatures have documented the West's association with Muslim/Arab woman and images of passivity and oppression. The literature has yet to systematically consider western depictions of the Muslim Arab woman who is a trendsetter. How does the western press depict
this powerful woman and do western and Arab media depict this woman similarly or differently? This article reports on a discourse analytical study of 32 articles that mention prominent Saudi women achieving positive firsts in the Kingdom, half from the Arab press and half from the western
press. The articles were coded along 27 discourse variables and then statistically analysed for discourse strategies. Western articles diverged considerably in genre and register. Though replication is required, this study suggests that in response to the consistent findings of western orientalist
depictions of Muslim woman in weak roles, the western press exhibits wider variation depicting powerful Saudi women.
Agenda-Setting in a Quasi-Democratic Country
Authors: Mohamed Hamza , Gunter Barrie
Published: November 2009

This study attempted to answer the question: how does agenda-setting work in a country like Egypt? By looking at the most prominent issues in the media coverage in the main Egyptian newspapers (media agenda) and the ranking of the most important issues in the public consciousness (public agenda), this study aims to bring to attention the dynamics of agenda setting in Third World countries countries that have different economic, social and political contexts. It thus presents a further step towards understanding the intricacies of agenda setting when applied to the quasi-democracies of some Third World countries.The study adopted two research methods: content analysis and questionnairebased survey research. Two main daily Egyptian newspapers,Al-Ahramas a national (state) newspaper andAl-Wafdas an opposition newspaper, were contentanalysed to determine the media agenda. A questionnaire-based survey research was conducted among 400 respondents to investigate the public agenda. The findings supported a positive correlation between media agendas and public agendas at the aggregate level. Furthermore, the results indicated a significant correlation between the opposition newspaper's agenda and that of its readers. Little support was found between the governmental newspaper's agenda and that of its readers.
Conference Review
Authors: Al-Sumait Fahed
Published: November 2009

CAMMRO'S Third Annual Doctoral Symposium on Arab & Muslim Media Research 25 April 2009, King's College, University of London The Emerging Foundations of a Growing Field of Inquiry
Friend or Foe? Saudi Arabia in the British Press post 9/11
Authors: al-Saud Bader S. M
Published: November 2009

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had been firmly placed in the media spotlight following the participation of fifteen Saudi nationals in the September 11 2001 attacks on New York and Washington. For the international media, this catastrophe turned into an ongoing media event. The British press was no exception. This study analyses the portrayal of Saudi Arabia in four British Sunday newspapers,The Observer, The Sunday Times, The Sunday MirrorandThe News of the World, over three time periods: (1) immediately after 9/11; (2) the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001; (3) the invasion of Iraq in March 2003. A combination of content and qualitative analysis methods were employed to examine and categorize the newspaper articles that make references to Saudi Arabia.While the Sunday tabloids employed bin Laden as a figurehead to sexup their stories and in turn demonize Saudi Arabia, they utilized a tabloid format through which to criticize Islam and Islamic culture. In contrast, the more highbrow Sunday newspapers veered away from this style: their need to pander to their readers was evident in downgrading the strength of Arab society relative to that in the West. The more liberalObservernewspaper often focused on themes which questioned the human rights record of the Kingdom as well as the role of religion in the attacks on New York and Washington in 2001. However,The Sunday Timesadopted a more sensationalist journalistic style utilizing bin Laden as a vehicle through which to portray the problems inherent in Saudi Arabia, suggesting that a revolution instigated by bin Laden could trigger the fall of the Kingdom. A more complex and in-depth reporting of the involvement of the Saudi state against the terror cells originating from the Kingdom's anti-monarchy factions was not evident; instead new articles published inThe Sunday TimesandThe Observerreinforced previously established ideas and norms as they were often rehashed stories with little new information or direction.
Online Public Relations in the Arab Governmental Websites
Authors: Bekhit Elsayed
Published: November 2009

This paper examines the patterns of Internet usage by 81 governmental websites in the Arab World to enhance their relationship with the public and media. The study concludes that Arab governmental websites did not draw heavily on using the Internet as a public relations tool, and did
not take full advantage of the dialogic capacities of the Internet, despite their emphasis on the promotional features of their organizations. The study also showed that Arab governmental websites have a strong interest in realizing public information and press/agentry models and low interest
in the asymmetrical and symmetrical models. Significant shortcomings were detected in: the content provided to media and public; using online tools; and applying the dialogic communication.
The Role of Online Journalism in Political Disputes in Kuwait
Authors: Dashti Ali A
Published: November 2009

After many decades of heavily relying on local newspapers and controlled radio and TV, many Kuwaitis switched to the Internet to obtain information, news and political analysis. The political dispute of power after the death of Kuwaiti Emir Sheik Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on 15 January
2006, followed by parliament's demands to change the electoral constituencies voting system of the National Assembly in May 2006, forced many Kuwaitis to go online to get the latest news and analysis regarding the two disputes. Kuwaiti online journalism created an online public sphere to discuss
issues that were banned locally and became a source of instant updated information during the disputes.The researcher used online content analysis to determine the role online journalism plays in political disputes, focusing on the most popular Kuwaiti personal writers' sites, weblogs
and forums. The results show that the language of online journalism took a different direction from the local press, with more freedom to write, discuss, and share ideas online with less fear of government retribution. What was considered a taboo red line in the local press became acceptable
green line online. Also online journalism has consolidated offline users with online users to force the government to accept their demands.
Robot with slime brains
Authors: Tsuda Soichiro
Published: November 2009

Despite the exponential progress in computing power of digital computers, the development of lifelike cognitive systems appears has not yet reached the complexity of the simplest kinds of organisms. This may be explained by the lack of robustness of digital computers due to the requirements of structural programmability in the conventional computing architectures. In contrast, biological systems appear to operate in a different mode of information processing. In order to approach more lifelike artificial cognitive systems, the integration of natural and unnatural systems may open a path to investigate the possibilities of the desired biological functions such as through the creation of hybrid architectures that interface nature's computing brains with artificial devices such as using the behaviour of the slime mouldPhysarum polycephalumto influence the behaviour of a mechanical robot.
The EvoGrid
Authors: Damer Bruce , El Rammy
Published: November 2009

In the early 1950s at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, the canonical digital computer was created by John von Neumann. One of the first scientific applications written for this machine was a simulation of numerical symbioorganisms, a prototypical artificial
life environment authored by researcher Nils Barricelli. In the decades since, computers have increasingly been used as tools to tackle major questions in biology, including the process of evolution and, more recently, the origins of life itself. Richard Gordon, co-editor of the 2008 volume
Divine Intervention and Natural Action posed a challenge to a new generation of artificial life programmers to cast off the temptation to intelligently design simple virtual organisms and go to the root of the matter by creating an origin of (artificial) life. Bruce Damer is answering
this challenge with his proposed Evolution Grid (or EvoGrid) project which would assemble the elements of a primordial digital soup within which self-organization, replication and, eventually, an origin of virtual life might be observed.
Spaces of affinity
Authors: Nagl Sylvia
Published: November 2009

Systems architecture is seeking to cooperate with the creative processes characteristic of life on earth for novel and sustainable design outcomes. To achieve this, new design methodologies are needed to create structures and processes that are composed of the inanimate and the living
the physical, the biological and the artificial to differing degrees. The principle of symbiosis is presented as a biologically inspired model for some of the design challenges, and design ethics, in systems architecture.