bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular and Cellular Mechanism of Leukemogenesis of ATL: Emergent Evidence of a Significant Role for HBZ in HTLV-1-Induced Pathogenesis
Authors: Satou Yorifumi , Matsuoka Masao
Published: November 2011

Adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) is a leukemia derived from mature CD4+ T cells and induced by human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection. Previous studies have revealed many possible molecular and cellular mechanisms of HTLV-1-induced leukemogenesis, but it still remains unknown how HTLV-1 transforms peripheral CD4 T cells in infected individuals. Given the fact that only 2–5% of infected individuals develop ATL, HTLV-1 infection alone is not sufficient for the transformation of infected cells. Host genetic and epigenetic abnormalities and host immunological status should be considered in attempting to understand the mechanism of the oncogenesis of ATL. Nonetheless, it is obvious that HTLV-1 infection dramatically increases the risk of leukemia generation from peripheral CD4 T-cells, in which the incidence of leukemia is quite low. Furthermore, the evidence that all ATL cases retain the HTLV-1 provirus, especially the 3′ region, indicates that HTLV-1-encoded genes play a critical role in leukemogenesis. Since increasing evidence indicates that the HTLV-1 bZIP factor (HBZ) gene plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of HTLV-1, we will discuss the cellular and molecular mechanism of ATL generation from the virological point of view, particularly focusing on HBZ.
PANDA: A Multipurpose Integral Test Facility for LWR Safety Investigations
Authors: Paladino Domenico , Dreier Jörg
Published: November 2011

The PANDA facility is a large scale, multicompartmental thermal hydraulic facility suited for investigations related to the safety of current and advanced LWRs. The facility is multipurpose, and the applications cover integral containment response tests, component tests, primary system tests, and separate effect tests. Experimental investigations carried on in the PANDA facility have been embedded in international projects, most of which under the auspices of the EU and OECD and with the support of a large number of organizations (regulatory bodies, technical dupport organizations, national laboratories, electric utilities, industries) worldwide. The paper provides an overview of the research programs performed in the PANDA facility in relation to BWR containment systems and those planned for PWR containment systems.
Adolescent Weight Status and Related Behavioural Factors: Web Survey of Physical Activity and Nutrition
Authors: Storey Kate E. , Forbes Laura E. , Fraser Shawn N. , Spence John C. , Plotnikoff Ronald C. , Raine Kim D. , McCargar Linda J.
Published: November 2011

Purpose. To identify whether non-overweight students were different from their overweight or obese peers with respect to diet, suboptimal meal behaviours, and physical activity using a self-administered web-based survey.Methods. 4097 adolescents living in Alberta, Canada completed Web-SPAN (Web Survey of Physical Activity and Nutrition). Students were classified as overweight or obese, and differences were described in terms of nutrient intakes, physical activity, and meal behaviours.Results. Non-overweight students consumed significantly more carbohydrate and fibre, and significantly less fat and high calorie beverages, and had a higher frequency of consuming breakfast and snacks compared to overweight or obese students. Both non-overweight and overweight students were significantly more active than obese students.Conclusions. This research supports the need to target suboptimal behaviours such as high calorie beverage consumption, fat intake, breakfast skipping, and physical inactivity. School nutrition policies and mandatory physical education for all students may help to improve weight status in adolescents.
Multidimensional Wave Field Signal Theory: Transfer Function Relationships
Authors: Baddour Natalie
Published: November 2011

The transmission of information by propagating or diffusive waves is common to many fields of engineering and physics. Such physical phenomena are governed by a Helmholtz (real wavenumber) or pseudo‐Helmholtz (complex wavenumber) equation. Since these equations are linear, it would be useful to be able to use tools from signal theory in solving related problems. The aim of this paper is to derive multidimensional input/output transfer function relationships in the spatial domain for these equations in order to permit such a signal theoretic approach to problem solving. This paper presents such transfer function relationships for the spatial (not Fourier) domain within appropriate coordinate systems. It is shown that the relationships assume particularly simple and computationally useful forms once the appropriate curvilinear version of a multidimensional spatial Fourier transform is used. These results are shown for both real and complex wavenumbers. Fourier inversion of these formulas would have applications for tomographic problems in various modalities. In the case of real wavenumbers, these inversion formulas are presented in closed form, whereby an input can be calculated from a given or measured wavefield.
Cancer Chemoprevention by Citrus Pulp and Juices Containing High Amounts ofβ-Cryptoxanthin and Hesperidin
Authors: Tanaka Takuji , Tanaka Takahiro , Tanaka Mayu , Kuno Toshiya
Published: November 2011

β-Cryptoxanthin, a carotenoid, and hesperidin, a flavonoid, possess inhibitory effects on carcinogenesis in several tissues. We recently have prepared a pulp (CHRP) and citrus juices (MJ2 and MJ5) from a satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiuMar.) juice (MJ). They contain high amounts ofβ-cryptoxanthin and hesperidin. We have demonstrated that CHRP and/or MJs inhibit chemically induced rat colon, rat tongue, and mouse lung tumorigenesis. Gavage with CHRP resulted in an increase of activities of detoxifying enzymes in the liver, colon, and tongue rats'. CHRP and MJs were also able to suppress the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and inflammatory enzymes in the target tissues. This paper describes the findings of our in vivo preclinical experiments to develop a strategy for cancer chemoprevention of colon, tongue, and lung neoplasms by use of CHRP and MJs.
The Wood, the Trees, or the Forest? Carbon in Trees in Tasmanian State Forest: A Response to Comments
Authors: Moroni M. T. , Kelley T. H. , McLarin M. L. , Read S. M.
Published: November 2011

Recently we presented data on the amount and distribution of standing-tree carbon on 1.5 M ha of Tasmanian State forest (Moroni et al. 2010) and deduced that the concept of carbon-carrying capacity (CCC) could usefully be applied at the site level but not at the landscape level in disturbance-driven wet eucalypt forest ecosystems. The recent response in this journal of Dean (2011) perpetuates the confusion between site-level CCC and attainable landscape-level C stocks, but mostly comprises material not at all relevant to the data and concepts presented by Moroni et al. (2010). Here, we rebut the response of Dean (2011) to the substance of our original analysis, in regard to the CCC of forests subject to disturbance, processes of ecological succession with and without disturbance, the use of Forest Class inventory datasets, and old-growth forest as a reference state. We respond to the wider issues raised by Dean (2011) by noting that the carbon footprint of active forest management needs to consider not the long-term landscape-average C stocks attainable under natural or anthropogenic disturbance regimes, but also the carbon stock in wood products, and furthermore the carbon emissions mitigation resulting from the use of timber in place of resources with higher greenhouse-gas emissions.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Efficacy, Cost-Effectiveness, and Safety of Selected Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Neck and Low-Back Pain
Authors: Furlan Andrea D. , Yazdi Fatemeh , Tsertsvadze Alexander , Gross Anita , Van Tulder Maurits , Santaguida Lina , Gagnier Joel , Ammendolia Carlo , Dryden Trish , Doucette Steve , Skidmore Becky , Daniel Raymond , Ostermann Thomas , Tsouros Sophia
Published: November 2011

Background. Back pain is a common problem and a major cause of disability and health care utilization.Purpose. To evaluate the efficacy, harms, and costs of the most common CAM treatments (acupuncture, massage, spinal manipulation, and mobilization) for neck/low-back pain.Data Sources. Records without language restriction from various databases up to February 2010.Data Extraction. The efficacy outcomes of interest were pain intensity and disability.Data Synthesis. Reports of 147 randomized trials and 5 nonrandomized studies were included. CAM treatments were more effective in reducing pain and disability compared to no treatment, physical therapy (exercise and/or electrotherapy) or usual care immediately or at short-term follow-up. Trials that applied sham-acupuncture tended towards statistically nonsignificant results. In several studies, acupuncture caused bleeding on the site of application, and manipulation and massage caused pain episodes of mild and transient nature.Conclusions. CAM treatments were significantly more efficacious than no treatment, placebo, physical therapy, or usual care in reducing pain immediately or at short-term after treatment. CAM therapies did not significantly reduce disability compared to sham. None of the CAM treatments was shown systematically as superior to one another. More efforts are needed to improve the conduct and reporting of studies of CAM treatments.
Optimal Two‐Impulse Trajectories with Moderate Flight Time for Earth‐Moon Missions
Authors: da Silva Fernandes Sandro , Maranhão Porto Marinho Cleverson
Published: November 2011

A study of optimal two‐impulse trajectories with moderate flight time for Earth‐Moon missions is presented. The optimization criterion is the total characteristic velocity. Three dynamical models are used to
describe the motion of the space vehicle: the well‐known patched‐conic approximation and two versions of the planar circular restricted three‐body problem (PCR3BP). In the patched‐conic approximation model, the parameters to be optimized are two: initial phase angle of space vehicle and the first velocity impulse. In the PCR3BP models, the parameters to be optimized are four: initial phase angle of space vehicle, flight time, and the first and the second velocity impulses. In all cases, the optimization problem has one degree of freedom and can be solved by means of an algorithm based on gradient method in conjunction with Newton‐Raphson method.
Intracellular and Extracellular Redox Status and Free Radical Generation in Primary Immune Cells from Children with Autism
Authors: Rose Shannon , Melnyk Stepan , Trusty Timothy A. , Pavliv Oleksandra , Seidel Lisa , Li Jingyun , Nick Todd , James S. Jill
Published: November 2011

The modulation of the redox microenvironment is an important regulator of immune cell activation and proliferation. To investigate immune cell redox status in autism we quantified the intracellular glutathione redox couple (GSH/GSSG) in resting peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), activated monocytes and CD4 T cells and the extracellular cysteine/cystine redox couple in the plasma from 43 children with autism and 41 age-matched control children. Resting PBMCs and activated monocytes from children with autism exhibited significantly higher oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and percent oxidized glutathione equivalents and decreased glutathione redox status (GSH/GSSG). In activated CD4 T cells from children with autism, the percent oxidized glutathione equivalents were similarly increased, and GSH and GSH/GSSG were decreased. In the plasma, both glutathione and cysteine redox ratios were decreased in autistic compared to control children. Consistent with decreased intracellular and extracellular redox status, generation of free radicals was significantly elevated in lymphocytes from the autistic children. These data indicate primary immune cells from autistic children have a more oxidized intracellular and extracellular microenvironment and a deficit in glutathione-mediated redox/antioxidant capacity compared to control children. These results suggest that the loss of glutathione redox homeostasis and chronic oxidative stress may contribute to immune dysregulation in autism.
Molecular Analysis of Colorectal Tumors within a Diverse Patient Cohort at a Single Institution
Authors: Sylvester Brooke E. , Huo Dezheng , Khramtsov Andrey , Zhang Jing , Smalling Rana V. , Olugbile Sope , Polite Blase N. , Olopade Olufunmilayo I.
Published: November 2011

Purpose: African American colorectal cancer patients have worse survival outcomes than Caucasian patients. To determine whether differences exist in the molecular mechanisms driving colorectal cancer between African Americans and Caucasians, we characterized patient tumors from a single institution by assessing genetic alterations involved in colorectal cancer progression and response to treatment.

Experimental Design: We retrospectively examined 448 African Americans and Caucasians diagnosed with colorectal cancer at The University of Chicago Medical Center between 1992 and 2002. Microsatellite instability (MSI) status was determined by genotyping the BAT25, BAT26, BAT40, D5S346, and BAX loci. Mutations in KRAS codons 12 and 13 and BRAF codon 600 were identified by direct sequencing. MSI and detected mutations were correlated with clinicopathologic features.

Results: Overall, no difference existed in MSI or BRAF mutation frequencies between African Americans and Caucasians. However, African Americans with microsatellite stable (MSS)/MSI-low (MSI-L) tumors had a higher proportion of KRAS mutations than Caucasians (34% vs. 23%, P = 0.048) that was isolated to proximal colon cancers and primarily driven by mutations in codon 13. There was no racial difference in receipt of chemotherapy, but African Americans with MSS/MSI-L tumors had a 73% increased risk of death over Caucasians that could not be explained by known prognostic factors.

Conclusions: The significantly higher risk of death among African Americans with MSS/MSI-L tumors may be related to differences in the distribution of factors influencing response to standard therapies. These data underscore the need for further research into the molecular mechanisms driving colorectal cancer progression in underserved and understudied populations. Clin Cancer Res; 18(2); 350–9. ©2011 AACR.
Regulatory-T, T-Helper 1, and T-Helper 2 Cell Differentiation in Nasal Mucosa of Allergic Rhinitis with Olive Pollen Sensitivity
Authors: Sogut Ayhan , Yilmaz Ozge , Kirmaz Cengiz , Ozbilgin Kemal , Onur Ece , Celik Onur , Pinar Ercan , Vatansever Seda , Dinc Gonul , Yuksel Hasan
Published: November 2011

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a disease in which T-helper (Th)2 response is predominant and its pathogenic mechanism is still poorly understood. Aim: To evaluate the possible role of Th1, Th2 and regulatory-T (Treg) cells in the pathogenesis of AR. Methods: This case-control study enrolled 41 patients with seasonal AR (10–62 years old), sensitive to olive pollens, and 15 healthy controls (18–60 years old). Nasal biopsy was performed and specimens of nasal lavage fluid were obtained from all participants. The levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, interferon (IFN)-γ and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) were measured in nasal lavage fluid specimens. The expression of FOXP3, GATA-3 and T-bet was measured by immunohistochemical methods in the nasal biopsy specimens. Results: The levels of IFN-γ in the group with AR were significantly lower than those in the control group (p = 0.008). The levels of IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-β did not differ between the two groups. The expression of FOXP3 and T-bet in patients with AR was significantly lower than that in the control group (both p = 0.001). Expression of GATA-3 in the nasal mucosa was similar between the groups (p = 0.2). The ratios of T-bet/GATA-3 and FOXP3/GATA-3 in the AR group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Insufficient Treg and Th1 cells may be associated with the allergic inflammation that may be attributed to the Th2 immune response in patients suffering from AR who are sensitive to olive pollen.
Expression of Arachidonate Metabolism Enzymes and Receptors in Nasal Polyps of Aspirin-Hypersensitive Asthmatics
Authors: Adamusiak Anna M. , Stasikowska-Kanicka Olga , Lewandowska-Polak Anna , Danilewicz Marian , Wagrowska-Danilewicz Malgorzata , Jankowski Andrzej , Kowalski Marek L. , Pawliczak Rafal
Published: November 2011

Background: The pathogenesis of rhinosinusitis in aspirin-exacerbated airway disease is closely linked to the disequilibrium in arachidonic acid metabolism. Although considerable amounts of data concerning impaired eicosanoid production are available, the precise mechanism and pathogenesis of the disease are still unknown. The aim of the present study was to assess the expression of enzymes belonging to the arachidonic acid cascade and receptors for arachidonate derivative metabolites in nasal polyps from aspirin- hypersensitive (AH) and aspirin-tolerant (AT) patients with rhinosinusitis. Methods: Cells expressing cysteinyl leukotriene (CysLT) receptors (CysLT1 and CysLT2), arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase, leukotriene B4 receptor type 1, E-prostanoid receptors (EP2 and EP4), cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 were detected by immunocytochemistry in nasal polyps obtained from 10 AH patients and 18 AT patients. Results: There was a significantly higher density of cells expressing CysLT1 and CysLT2 receptors in nasal polyps from AH patients than from AT patients (p < 0.001). In contrast, the density of cells expressing EP2 receptor and COX-2 was significantly lower in AH patients than in AT patients (p < 0.02). The number of COX-2-positive epithelial cells was significantly reduced in AH polyps (p < 0.04). Conclusions: The elevated number of nasal polyp cells expressing CysLT receptors and lack of cells expressing EP2 receptor and COX-2 may be related to a more severe course of hyperplastic rhinosinusitis in aspirin hypersensitivity.
Skin Prick Testing to Aeroallergen Extracts: What Is the Optimal Panel in Children and Adolescents in Turkey?
Authors: Şahiner Umit Murat , Civelek Ersoy , Yavuz Süleyman Tolga , Büyüktiryaki Ayşe Betül , Tuncer Ayfer , Şekerel Bülent Enis
Published: November 2011

Background/Objective: The skin prick test (SPT) is the standard tool for the diagnosis of IgE-mediated allergic diseases. The number and spectrum of allergen extracts to be applied for the diagnosis of sensitized patients in order to achieve the most cost-effective and informative results are critical from both economic and scientific viewpoints. Methods: In order to determine the minimum test battery panel necessary to cover at least 95% of the cases of SPT sensitization in children and adolescents (2–18 years) with suspected respiratory allergies, we retrospectively analyzed the SPT results of the largest referral center of the country. Results: Over a 2.5-year period, a total of 2,457 children (male/female ratio 1.51) with a median (range) age of 6.8 years (2.0–18.0) were subjected to SPT. Eight hundred and sixty-two (35.1%) children were found to be sensitized to at least one of the 30 aeroallergen extracts tested. The most common sensitizations were to grasses (Festuca pratensis, Phleum pratense, Dactylis glomerata, and Lolium perenne), house dust mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae), cat, weeds (Chenopodium, Plantago, and Artemisia), and moulds (Alternaria and Cladosporium). The sensitization rates increased in conjunction with an increase in age. Testing with 12, 8, and 7 allergens was sufficient to identify over 95% of the sensitized preschool children, school children, and adolescents, respectively. Conclusion: An SPT panel covering 12 allergen extracts was sufficient to detect most of the sensitized children and adolescents with recurrent respiratory symptoms. As the patients grow older, a smaller test panel is required compared to the panels used at younger ages.
Prenatal Smoking Exposure and the Risk of Behavioral Problems and Substance Use in Adolescence: the TRAILS Study
Authors: Monshouwer Karin , Huizink Anja C. , Harakeh Zeena , Raaijmakers Quinten A.W. , Reijneveld Sijmen A. , Oldehinkel Albertine J. , Verhulst Frank C. , Vollebergh Wilma A.M.
Published: November 2011

Aims: To study the prospective relationship between maternal smoking during pregnancy (MSP) and behavioral problems, heavy alcohol use, daily smoking, and ever use of cannabis in the offspring, and to assess the role of confounding and mediating factors in a systematic way. Methods: Population-based cohort study of 2,230 respondents, starting in 2001 when respondents were around the age of 11 years, and two follow-up measurements at intervals of about 2.5 years (response rates of 96.0 and 81.4%). Results: Almost one third of the respondents’ mothers had smoked tobacco during pregnancy. These respondents were at an increased risk for all outcomes except internalizing problems (significant odds ratios ranged from 1.40 to 2.97). The successive models showed that the potential confounding factors reduced the strength of all relationships. In the full model, the strongest relationship was found for mothers who smoked more than 10 cigarettes a day during pregnancy and daily smoking in early adolescence (odds ratio: 1.56), but none of the relationships were statistically significant. Conclusions: MSP is a marker for future behavioral outcomes in the offspring, but reducing the prevalence of MSP is unlikely to make a meaningful contribution to the prevention of these problems in adolescents.
Soluble Vascular Adhesion Protein-1 Correlates With Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Early Atherosclerotic Manifestations
Authors: Aalto Kristiina , Maksimow Mikael , Juonala Markus , Viikari Jorma , Jula Antti , Kähönen Mika , Jalkanen Sirpa , Raitakari Olli T. , Salmi Marko
Published: November 2011

Objective—

Vascular adhesion protein-1 is an endothelial enzyme that regulates leukocyte traffic and contributes to vascular damage in animal models. The relations of soluble vascular adhesion protein-1 (sVAP-1) with cardiovascular risk factors and markers of subclinical atherosclerosis at a population level have not been studied.

Methods and Results—

We developed a new high-throughput method and measured sVAP-1 activities in serum of 2183 persons (The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study). In women, sVAP-1 activity correlated indirectly with body mass index (
r
=−0.15
, P
<0.0001), triglycerides (
r
=−0.13,
P
<0.0001), C-reactive protein (
r
=−0.23;
P
<0.0001), and brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilatation (
r
=−0.076,
P
=0.0089) and directly with carotid plaques (
r
=0.066,
P
=0.023). None of these correlations was significant in men. In women, all these univariate correlations remained significant after adjustment for body mass index, and direct correlations with LDL-cholesterol (
r
=0.094,
P
=0.0014) and carotid intima-media thickness (
r
=0.075,
P
=0.010) became evident. In men, sVAP-1 activity associated directly with glucose (
r
=0.074,
P
=0.020), intima-media thickness (
r
=0.072,
P
=0.025), metabolic syndrome (
P
=0.016), and type 1 (
P
=0.0002) and type 2 (
P
<0.0001) diabetes. In multivariable analyses, sVAP-1 activity was an independent determinant of carotid intima-media thickness (
P
=0.0072) and plaques [odds ratio 1.71 (95% confidence interval 1.07–2.72,
P
=0.025] in women, but not in men.

Conclusion—

sVAP-1 activity correlates directly with intima-media thickness and carotid plaques in general population and may play a role in the pathophysiology of preclinical atherosclerosis.
miR-29b Participates in Early Aneurysm Development in Marfan Syndrome
Authors: Merk Denis R. , Chin Jocelyn T. , Dake Benjamin A. , Maegdefessel Lars , Miller Miquell O. , Kimura Naoyuki , Tsao Philip S. , Iosef Cristiana , Berry Gerald J. , Mohr Friedrich W. , Spin Joshua M. , Alvira Cristina M. , Robbins Robert C. , Fischbein Michael P.
Published: November 2011

Rationale:

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a systemic connective tissue disorder notable for the development of aortic root aneurysms and the subsequent life-threatening complications of aortic dissection and rupture. Underlying fibrillin-1 gene mutations cause increased transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling. Although TGF-β blockade prevents aneurysms in MFS mouse models, the mechanisms through which excessive TGF-β causes aneurysms remain ill-defined.

Objective:

We investigated the role of microRNA-29b (miR-29b) in aneurysm formation in MFS.

Methods and Results:

Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we discovered that miR-29b, a microRNA regulating apoptosis and extracellular matrix synthesis/deposition genes, is increased in the ascending aorta of Marfan (
Fbn1
C1039G/+
) mice. Increased apoptosis, assessed by increased cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-9, enhanced caspase-3 activity, and decreased levels of the antiapoptotic proteins, Mcl-1 and Bcl-2, were found in the
Fbn1
C1039G/+
aorta. Histological evidence of decreased and fragmented elastin was observed exclusively in the
Fbn1
C1039G/+
ascending aorta in association with repressed elastin mRNA and increased matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression and activity, both targets of miR-29b. Evidence of decreased activation of nuclear factor κB, a repressor of miR-29b, and a factor suppressed by TGF-β, was also observed in
Fbn1
C1039G/+
aorta. Furthermore, administration of a nuclear factor κB inhibitor increased miR-29b levels, whereas TGF-β blockade or losartan effectively decreased miR-29b levels in
Fbn1
C1039G/+
mice. Finally, miR-29b blockade by locked nucleic acid antisense oligonucleotides prevented early aneurysm development, aortic wall apoptosis, and extracellular matrix deficiencies.

Conclusions:

We identify increased miR-29b expression as key to the pathogenesis of early aneurysm development in MFS by regulating aortic wall apoptosis and extracellular matrix abnormalities.
Are Our Babies Hungry? Food Insecurity Among Infants in Urban Clinics
Authors: Burkhardt Mary Carol , Beck Andrew F. , Kahn Robert S. , Klein Melissa D.
Published: November 2011

Background. Food insecurity (FI) is common, but studies in families with infants are rare. Objectives. To determine prevalence of FI, assess the effect public benefits have on FI, assess strategies to stretch nutritional resources (eg, using generic formula), and investigate FI’s relationship to anthropometric measurements. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was completed. FI was classified using the US Department of Agriculture’s 6-item indicator set. Results. A convenience sample of 144 infant caregivers was surveyed. Thirty-one percent endorsed FI. FI was more common among those receiving WIC and SNAP (39% vs 22%; P < .05). Fifteen percent stretched infant formula (27% FI vs 9% food secure; P < .01), 58% would not use generic formula, and 50% believed that generic and brand name formulas were not equivalent. There was no significant association between FI and anthropometric measurements. Conclusions. FI and formula stretching were common, even among families receiving public benefits. Many families were cautious about using generic formula.
Early Diagnosis and Surgical Revascularization for a Predictive Case of Moyamoya Disease in a Boy Born to a Moyamoya Mother
Authors: Han Hongyan , Kuroda Satoshi , Shimoda Yusuke , Houkin Kiyohiro
Published: November 2011

Among patients with moyamoya disease, familial occurrence is observed in about 20%, suggesting the involvement of genetic factors. In this report, we describe the first predictive case of moyamoya disease in a boy born to a woman who underwent surgical revascularization for moyamoya disease when she was 3 years old. We educated the mother and her family not to miss his initial signs of the disease. His family could easily notice his brief episode of ischemic attack when he was 6 years old. He underwent superficial temporal artery–to–middle cerebral artery anastomosis and indirect bypass on both sides. The postoperative course was uneventful. In conclusion, it is quite important to educate the family not to miss the initial signs of disease in their offspring, at least when they have a genetic background of the disease, because early diagnosis and effective treatment are essential to improve the long-term outcome in pediatric patients.
Does the Public Hold Abused Women Responsible for Protecting Children?
Authors: Weisz Arlene N. , Wiersma Rebecca
Published: November 2011

The responses of 632 Michigan residents to a public opinion survey showed that the respondents thought that children’s exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) is damaging to children but that mothers who seek outside help should not lose custody of their children. Two thirds believed that mothers who are victimized by IPV more than once and do not immediately find a way to stop the violence are neglectful. The findings suggest the need for education about ways to support children without holding mothers to unreasonable expectations.
The Availability of Neighborhood Early Care and Education Resources and the Maltreatment of Young Children
Authors: Klein Sacha
Published: November 2011

Using Census and administrative data for 2052 Census tracts in a large urban county, this study explores the relationship between several indicators of social organization and neighborhood rates of child maltreatment for 0- to 5-year-olds. Spatial regression models demonstrate that neighborhoods with a higher percentage of 3- and 4-year-olds attending preschool or nursery school, both locally and in adjacent neighborhoods, had lower rates of early maltreatment referrals and substantiations. Neighborhoods with more licensed child care spaces relative to child care need, as defined by the number of 0- to 5-year-old in the neighborhood with working parents, had lower rates of early child maltreatment referrals. However, neighborhoods with a greater spatial density of child care center spaces, defined as the number of licensed child care center spaces or “slots” per square mile, had higher rates of early child maltreatment referrals. Neighborhoods characterized by concentrated socioeconomic disadvantage, inadequate resources for informal child supervision, and ethnic heterogeneity experienced higher rates of early child maltreatment referrals and substantiations, while neighborhoods with larger concentrations of affluent residents and immigrants experienced lower rates. These results point to the importance of community context in understanding child maltreatment risk. They also suggest that early care and education resources may deserve special attention when developing community-based prevention programs to reduce the maltreatment of young children.
The sacralization of Christmas commerce
Authors: Bartunek Jean M. , Do Boram
Published: November 2011

Discussions of Christmas sometimes focus on the paradox of its being both a Christian Holy Day and a secular shopping season, implicitly suggesting their equivalence. In this article we demonstrate the inadequacy of such statements. We explore the ongoing evolution of Christmas in the Northeast United States since the 17th century, and we show how, thanks in part to Calvinist theology brought by the early Puritan settlers, commerce associated with Christmas has been sacralized over time, become sacred, to the extent that it now, to a considerable extent, subsumes the religious commemoration of Christmas. We suggest some implications of this process.
Home is where the heart is? Organizing women’s work and domesticity at Christmas
Authors: Vachhani Sheena J , Pullen Alison
Published: November 2011

This article critically discusses domestication and women’s work in household organization at Christmas, a case of meta-organizing which fuels commercialization. Located in the growing body of work on contesting femininity that challenges traditional notions of femininity, we problematize the binary divide between women’s work at home and commercial organizations. By considering Christmas as a set of ritualistic activities replete with myths of femininity, we explore how the home—a major site of festival activity—constructs gender through the public/private divide. This division has been central to critical interpretations of women’s subordination in work and leisure spaces where the concept of home has attracted feminist attention through its association with exile or retreat into domesticity. Home is, however, a culturally and politically contested space, and this article argues that home-work is a productive retreat from commercial-work. Home relates to domesticity and rituals in paradoxical ways and attesting to the ambivalence of Christmas provides opportunities for the subversion of traditional discourses of women in the household, especially those associated with older ideas of femininity understood through ritualistic practice. We demonstrate this by analysing cultural representations of rituals located and practised in and around the home that are central to the enactment of Christmas and discern how these both subjugate and offer subversive possibilities for feminine subjectivity. Using contemporary representations of Christmas and home from media culture, we conclude that home is a feminist space with Christmas acting as a gift for women’s return to that space.
Intellectuals and cultural trauma
Authors: Eyerman Ron
Published: November 2011

As opposed to the intelligentsia, a historically specific group, and the professions, those who perform intellectual labor, the intellectual is here understood as the performance of a social role, one which involves the articulation of ideas communicated to a broad audience. This implies at least two distinct ways of speaking about and studying the intellectual. The first is to look at the way various social actors take on the task of articulating ideas in public discourses. The second is to study how particular persons aspire to the intellectual, a role whose meaning they inherit as part of a tradition which must be interpreted and reinvented. Through an analysis of six assassinations, the article shows how intellectuals can act as carrier groups in what is called a cultural trauma, a public discourse in which the foundations of collective identity are brought up for reflection. The six assassinations are Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy in the United States, Pim Fortuyn and Theo van Gogh in the Netherlands and Olof Palme and Anna Lindh in Sweden. The article concludes with reflections on the changing nature and position of the intellectual in contemporary society, especially in the light of the prevalence of the media and the new digital age.
(Ir-)Responsibilization, genetics and neuroscience
Authors: Biebricher Thomas
Published: November 2011

The concept of responsibilization that originally emerged out of the context of the so-called Governmentality Studies is now widely used in various social sciences to describe a governing technology particularly attuned to the challenge of neoliberalism, i.e. how to govern free individuals. However, in seemingly paradoxical simultaneity with the hegemeony of neoliberalism that relies heavily on individual choice, freedom and responsibility, two powerful scientific discourses exist that appear to undermine these assumptions vehemently, namely genetics and neuroscience. Starting from a discussion of the strengths and limits of the notion of responsibilization, the article argues for the need to introduce the complementary concept of irresponsibilization that can be interpreted as a form of what Foucault in his lectures on the History of Governmentality refers to as ‘counter-conduct’ – in this case, against the neoliberal governing technology of responsibilization. The article proceeds to explore to what extent genetics and neuroscience can be considered discourses fuelling forms of genetic and/or neuro-irresponsibilization, which would make sense of the seemingly paradoxical co-hegemony of neoliberalism, on the one hand, and genetics and neuro-science, on the other. However, the article ultimately argues that, upon closer inspection of the findings in these disciplines and how they are used, it turns out that constituting oneself as a ‘somatic individual’ as a form of counter-conduct comes at a considerable cost, notably new forms of genetic and/or neuro-responsibility. Thus, the article closes with the twofold conclusion that wherever there is responsibilization, there is also irresponsibilization and that genetic and neuro-irresponsibilization are risky strategies of counter-conduct that might bring in responsibilization on a different level through the back door again.
Who Will Speak for Me?
Authors: Ferszt Ginette G.
Published: November 2011

The 1999 publication of a report by Amnesty International on the use of shackles and restraints with pregnant incarcerated women by correctional facilities in the United States was an attempt to highlight this ongoing practice. Despite the initial outrage expressed in many professional arenas, it continues in many states. This commentary provides a snapshot of incarcerated pregnant women and briefly discusses the risks associated with the use of shackles and restraints. Specific strategies describing how to advocate for this invisible and vulnerable population are provided with the hope that more nurses will be the voice for these women in correctional institutions, hospitals and in state government.
Properties and microstructure of porous ceramic bodies containing fly ash
Authors: Kockal Niyazi Ugur
Published: November 2011

Effect of two kinds of fly ash collected from the thermal power plants on the green properties and sintering behavior of clay ceramic tile bodies was investigated. Flow time, unit weight, color difference, water absorption, flexural strength, and linear shrinkage of the ceramic samples with four different fly ash percentages of replacement with feldspath varying between 0% and 20% by weight were determined. Furthermore, thermal characterization and morphology of phases of selected ceramic compositions were studied. This work proves the possibility of using fly ashes with appropriate physicochemical properties in manufacturing porous clay ceramic tiles with satisfactory features suitable for construction industry. Comparison of the properties of the resulting tile bodies with varying proportions of different fly ashes indicated that tiles with acceptable properties can be obtained by introducing up to 10% of fly ash by weight into the clay ceramic mixes.
The transcription factor Erg regulates expression of histone deacetylase 6 and multiple pathways involved in endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis
Authors: Birdsey Graeme M. , Dryden Nicola H. , Shah Aarti V. , Hannah Rebecca , Hall Matthew D. , Haskard Dorian O. , Parsons Maddy , Mason Justin C. , Zvelebil Marketa , Gottgens Berthold , Ridley Anne J. , Randi Anna M.
Published: November 2011

The endothelial ETS transcription factor Erg plays an important role in homeostasis and angiogenesis by regulating many endothelial functions including survival and junction stability. Here we show that Erg regulates endothelial cell (EC) migration. Transcriptome profiling of Erg-deficient ECs identified ∼ 80 genes involved in cell migration as candidate Erg targets, including many regulators of Rho- GTPases. Inhibition of Erg expression in HUVECs resulted in decreased migration in vitro, while Erg overexpression using adenovirus caused increased migra-tion. Live-cell imaging of Erg-deficient HUVECs showed a reduction in lamellipodia, in line with decreased motility. Both actin and tubulin cytoskeletons were disrupted in Erg-deficient ECs, with a dramatic increase in tubulin acetylation. Among the most significant microarray hits was the cytosolic histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6), a regulator of cell migration. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and transactivation studies demonstrated that Erg regulates HDAC6 expression. Rescue experiments confirmed that HDAC6 mediates the Erg-dependent regulation of tubulin acetylation and actin localization. In vivo, inhibition of Erg expression in angiogenic ECs resulted in decreased HDAC6 expression with increased tubulin acetylation. Thus, we have identified a novel function for the transcription factor Erg in regulating HDAC6 and multiple pathways essential for EC migration and angiogenesis.
A retrospective multicenter analysis of elderly Hodgkin lymphoma: outcomes and prognostic factors in the modern era
Authors: Evens Andrew M. , Helenowski Irene , Ramsdale Erika , Nabhan Chadi , Karmali Reem , Hanson Britt , Parsons Benjamin , Smith Scott , Larsen Annette , McKoy June M. , Jovanovic Borko , Gregory Stephanie , Gordon Leo I. , Smith Sonali M.
Published: November 2011

We investigated a recent (January 1999 to December 2009) cohort of 95 elderly Hodgkin lymphoma subjects. At diagnosis, median age was 67 years (range, 60-89 years), whereas 61% had significant comorbidity, 26% were unfit, 17% had a geriatric syndrome, and 13% had loss of activities of daily living. Overall response rate to therapy was 85%, whereas incidence of bleomycin lung toxicity was 32% (with associated mortality rate, 25%). With 66-month median follow-up, 2-year and 5-year overall survival were 73% and 58%, respectively (advanced-stage, 63% and 46%, respectively). Most International Prognostic Score factors were not prognostic on univariate analyses, whereas Cox multivariate regression identified 2 risk factors associated with inferior overall survival: (1) age more than 70 years (2.24; 95% CI, 1.16-4.33, P = .02) and (2) loss of activities of daily living (2.71; 95% CI, 1.07-6.84, P = .04). Furthermore, a novel survival model based on number of these risk factors (0, 1, or 2) showed differential 2-year OS of 83%, 70%, and 13%, respectively (P < .0001) and 5-year OS of 73%, 51%, and 0%, respectively (P < .0001).
Dexamethasone exposure and asparaginase antibodies affect relapse risk in acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Kawedia Jitesh D. , Liu Chengcheng , Pei Deqing , Cheng Cheng , Fernandez Christian A. , Howard Scott C. , Campana Dario , Panetta John C. , Bowman W. Paul , Evans William E. , Pui Ching-Hon , Relling Mary V.
Published: November 2011

We have previously hypothesized that higher systemic exposure to asparaginase may cause increased exposure to dexamethasone, both critical chemotherapeutic agents for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Whether interpatient pharmaco-kinetic differences in dexamethasone contribute to relapse risk has never been studied. The impact of plasma clearance of dexamethasone and anti–asparaginase antibody levels on risk of relapse was assessed in 410 children who were treated on a front-line clinical trial for acute lymphoblastic leukemia and were evaluable for all pharmacologic measures, using multivariate analyses, adjusting for standard clinical and biologic prognostic factors. Dexamethasone clearance (mean ± SD) was higher (P = 3 × 10−8) in patients whose sera was positive (17.7 ± 18.6 L/h per m2) versus nega-tive (10.6 ± 5.99 L/h per m2) for anti–asparaginase antibodies. In multivariate analyses, higher dexamethasone clearance was associated with a higher risk of any relapse (P = .01) and of central nervous system relapse (P = .014). Central nervous system relapse was also more common in patients with anti–asparaginase antibodies (P = .019). In conclusion, systemic clearance of dexamethasone is higher in patients with anti–asparaginase antibodies. Lower exposure to both drugs was associated with an increased risk of relapse.
Ste11p MEKK signals through HOG, mating, calcineurin and PKC pathways to regulate the FKS2 gene
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Sheff Mark A , Simpson David M , Elion Elaine A
Published: November 2011

Background

The S. cerevisiae MAPKKK Ste11p, a homologue of mammalian MEKK1, regulates three MAPK cascades for mating, invasive growth and osmotic stress and provides functions that are additive with the cell wall integrity pathway. Cell wall integrity requires the FKS2 gene that encodes a stress-induced alternative subunit of beta-1, 3 glucan synthase that is the target of echinocandin 1,3- beta glucan synthase inhibitors. The major signal transduction pathways that activate transcription of the FKS2 gene include the cell wall integrity and calcineurin pathways, and the Ste11p pathway.

Results

Here it is shown that catalytically active Ste11p regulates FKS2-lacZ reporter genes through Ste12, calcineurin/Crz1p- and PKC pathways and the high osmolarity pathway. Ste11p stimulated the cell wall integrity MAPK Mpk1p (Erk5 homologue) and FKS2 independently of the mating pathway. Ste11p regulated FKS2 through all known and putative substrates: Pbs2p MAPKK, Ste7 MAPKK, Cmk2p calmodulin dependent kinase and Ptk2p kinase. Ste11p increased the expression level of Cmk2p through transcription-dependent and -independent mechanisms.

Conclusions

The data suggest Ste11p regulates the FKS2 gene through all its known and putative downstream kinase substrates (Pbs2p, Ste7p, Cmk2p, and Ptk2p) and separately through Mpk1p MAPK. The patterns of control by Ste11p targets revealed novel functional linkages, cross-regulation, redundancy and compensation.
Characteristics of meta-analyses and their component studies in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews: a cross-sectional, descriptive analysis
Authors: Davey Jonathan , Turner Rebecca M , Clarke Mike J , Higgins Julian PT
Published: November 2011

Background

Cochrane systematic reviews collate and summarise studies of the effects of healthcare interventions. The characteristics of these reviews and the meta-analyses and individual studies they contain provide insights into the nature of healthcare research and important context for the development of relevant statistical and other methods.

Methods

We classified every meta-analysis with at least two studies in every review in the January 2008 issue of the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) according to the medical specialty, the types of interventions being compared and the type of outcome. We provide descriptive statistics for numbers of meta-analyses, numbers of component studies and sample sizes of component studies, broken down by these categories.

Results

We included 2321 reviews containing 22,453 meta-analyses, which themselves consist of data from 112,600 individual studies (which may appear in more than one meta-analysis). Meta-analyses in the areas of gynaecology, pregnancy and childbirth (21%), mental health (13%) and respiratory diseases (13%) are well represented in the CDSR. Most meta-analyses address drugs, either with a control or placebo group (37%) or in a comparison with another drug (25%). The median number of meta-analyses per review is six (inter-quartile range 3 to 12). The median number of studies included in the meta-analyses with at least two studies is three (inter-quartile range 2 to 6). Sample sizes of individual studies range from 2 to 1,242,071, with a median of 91 participants.

Discussion

It is clear that the numbers of studies eligible for meta-analyses are typically very small for all medical areas, outcomes and interventions covered by Cochrane reviews. This highlights the particular importance of suitable methods for the meta-analysis of small data sets. There was little variation in number of studies per meta-analysis across medical areas, across outcome data types or across types of interventions being compared.