bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Qualitative Exploration of an Experiential Education Bully Prevention Curriculum
Authors: Battey Glenda J. L. , Ebbeck Vicki
Published: August 2013

Bullying behavior has problematic psychosocial ramifications for the bully, victim, and those who are both a bully and a victim. The Bully Prevention Challenge Course Curriculum utilizes a challenge ropes course to address bully behaviors in seventh-grade middle school classes. The program incorporates the use of challenge activities framed with metaphors reflecting bully behaviors and encourages participants to discuss how to identify and address bully behaviors, as well as to challenge themselves to promote self-growth. The purpose of this study was to ascertain through focus group discussions the experiences of students and teachers/staff directly involved in the program. Findings revealed that positive outcomes were attributed to participation in the program including enhanced communication and interaction among the students, improved trust in self and others, a greater awareness of behaviors that can lead to bullying, and a common language for students and teachers to dialogue about the topic of bullying. The vast majority of those associated with the program found it to be beneficial and advocated for the program to be continued in the future.
Experiential Professional Development
Authors: Burke Brigid M.
Published: August 2013

An experiential approach to professional development (EPD) allowed Spanish teachers opportunities to improve their practice through demonstration, observation, collaboration, fieldwork, and reflection. As result of experiential professional development, Burke (2012) found that teachers’ knowledge about communicative language teaching developed, and teachers’ beliefs about language teaching changed. The Spanish teachers implemented communicative methods, which they had used rarely, if ever, prior to EPD. Through qualitative analysis of teacher questionnaires and written reflections, as well as the researcher’s observations and field notes, it was discovered that specific components of EPD made it successful. Teachers believed it promoted a collaborative community because it incorporated purposeful meetings, peer observations, and peer and student feedback. Teachers appreciated the on-site coaching and practical application that allowed them time to experiment with communicative methods. EPD provided an effective alternative to classroom-based university courses that allowed for viable change in classrooms. The results show that experiential educators should consider collaborating with professors, researchers, staff developers, school administrators, and teachers to create meaningful, transformative, EPD in which classroom teachers understand and apply theory and research into practice effectively.
Cultural Speak
Authors: Colvin Janet , Tobler Nancy
Published: August 2013

This study describes the efficacy of modifications made to a higher education Latina/o public speaking course to enhance student growth and understanding. The changes included the addition of a service-learning component and the incorporation of culturally relevant pedagogy. Selected research, particularly related to college students, on culturally diverse populations and culturally relevant pedagogy is reviewed along with literature on Latino pedagogy. Data were collected through student and instructor journals, student reflection papers, and instructor observations of students. Two main themes emerged from the data: student reflections concerning service-learning mentoring work with the elementary and middle school students, and their experience in relating course materials to this work. Results demonstrated the effectiveness of service-learning and culturally relevant pedagogy, and implications for their application on a larger scale and to other types of classrooms are discussed.
All-inside Arthroscopic Lateral Collateral Ligament Repair for Ankle Instability With a Knotless Suture Anchor Technique
Authors: Vega Jordi , Golanó Pau , Pellegrino Alexandro , Rabat Eduard , Peña Fernando
Published: August 2013

Background:

Recently, arthroscopic-assisted techniques have been described to treat lateral ankle instability with excellent results. However, complications including neuritis of the superficial peroneal or sural nerve, and pain or discomfort due to a prominent anchor or suture knot have been reported. The aim of this study was to describe a novel technique, the “all-inside arthroscopic lateral collateral ankle ligament repair,” and its results for treating patients with ankle instability.

Methods:

Sixteen patients (10 men and 6 women, mean age 29.3 years, 17-46) with lateral ankle instability were treated with an arthroscopic procedure. Using a suture passer and a knotless anchor, the ligaments were repaired with an all-inside technique. The right ankle was affected in 10 cases. Mean follow-up was 22.3 (12-35) months.

Results:

On arthroscopic examination, 13 patients had an isolated anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injury, and in 3 patients, both the ATFL and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) were affected. All-inside arthroscopic anatomic repair of the lateral collateral ligament complex was performed in all cases. All patients reported subjective improvement of their ankle instability. The mean AOFAS score increased from 67 preoperatively to 97 at final follow-up. No major complications were reported.

Conclusion:

The all-inside arthroscopic ligament repair was a safe, reliable, and reproducible technique that both provided an anatomic repair of the lateral collateral ligament complex and restored ankle stability while preserving all the advantages of an arthroscopic technique.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Ethical Conundrums in Fatality Review Planning, Data Collection, and Reporting
Authors: Albright Danielle , Banks Laura , Broidy Lisa , Crandall Cameron , Campos Gabriel
Published: August 2013

The multidisciplinary, interprofessional practice of fatality review is quickly becoming more methodologically sophisticated. However, the discussion of ethical issues related to fatality review has been limited to the topics of confidentiality and the ethical guidelines of participant professions. We propose that the work of fatality review teams is similar to the research practice of evaluation. Using the Guiding Principles of Evaluation recommended by the American Evaluation Association (AEA), this paper begins an exploration of potential ethical conundrums faced by domestic violence fatality review teams and identifies suggestions for ensuring that the teams have the necessary tools for ethical practice.
An Expanded Approach to Batterer Intervention Programs Incorporating Neuroscience Research
Authors: Siegel Judith P.
Published: August 2013

Batterer Intervention Programs have been critiqued for failing to incorporate treatment strategies that are supported by neurobiology research. This article reviews findings that have informed the treatment of disorders that are strongly represented among perpetrators of intimate violence, such as addiction, posttraumatic stress disorder, mood, anxiety, and personality disorders. The article argues for an expanded perspective that recognizes the relationships among childhood trauma, emotional regulation impairment, and intimate partner violence. Recommendations and ways to draw on emerging knowledge to invigorate existing programs are provided.
Human Capital Attributes of Hispanic Immigrant Entrepreneurs in a New Destination State
Authors: Moon Zola K. , Farmer Frank L. , Abreo Christina , Miller Wayne P.
Published: August 2013

This article describes a survey of Hispanic immigrant entrepreneurs in a New Destination state. Results focus on the human capital, educational aspirations, and motivations. Findings challenge the idea that most Hispanic immigrants start up businesses because of limited human capital, discrimination, or blocked opportunities in the workforce. Rather, these entrepreneurs leverage accumulated human capital in the form of education, experience, and personal initiative, and express strong interest in continuing education though not necessarily formal higher education.
Deepening Ecological Relationality Through Critical Onto-Epistemological Inquiry
Authors: Williams Lewis
Published: August 2013

Indigenous worldviews remain at the margins of education, science, and sustainability efforts. The emergence of sustainable science holds promise as a means of advancing deep sustainability and recentering Indigenous knowledge. Transformative learning’s engagement with sustainable science has the potential to play an integral role in this paradigmatic shift which necessitates a broader legitimation of our ecology as a deeply interconnected living system. An important part of this project is learner-centred critical onto-epistemological inquiry—the critical study of one’s own reality and implications for ecological relationship. Drawing on Intuitive Inquiry and Kaupapa Māori research, this article illuminates the partial decolonization of my own Life-World and arrival at a deepened sense of ecological relationship. Initially focusing on “the dreaming,” it integrates my visceral experiences of the land and Indigenous constructions of reality through interviews with Ngāi Te Rangi and Plains Cree elders. The implications for transformative learning and sustainability are discussed.
Plastic Changes Following Imitation-Based Speech and Language Therapy for Aphasia
Authors: Sarasso Simone , Määttä Sara , Ferrarelli Fabio , Poryazova Rositsa , Tononi Giulio , Small Steven L.
Published: August 2013

Background. Objective measurement of plastic brain changes induced by a novel rehabilitative approach is a key requirement for validating its biological rationale linking the potential therapeutic gains to the changes in brain physiology. Objective. Based on an emerging notion linking cortical plastic changes to EEG sleep slow-wave activity (SWA) regulation, we aimed to assess the acute plastic changes induced by an imitation-based speech therapy in individuals with aphasia by comparing sleep SWA changes before and after therapy. Methods. A total of 13 left-hemispheric stroke patients underwent language assessment with the Western Aphasia Battery (WAB) before and after 2 consecutive high-density (hd) EEG sleep recordings interleaved by a daytime session of imitation-based speech therapy (Intensive Mouth Imitation and Talking for Aphasia Therapeutic Effects [IMITATE]). This protocol is thought to stimulate bilateral connections between the inferior parietal lobule and the ventral premotor areas. Results. A single exposure to IMITATE resulted in increases in local EEG SWA during subsequent sleep over the same regions predicted by the therapeutic rationale, particularly over the right hemisphere (unaffected by the lesion). Furthermore, changes in SWA over the left-precentral areas predicted changes in WAB repetition scores in our group, supporting the role of perilesional areas in predicting positive functional responses. Conclusions. Our results suggest that SWA changes occurring in brain areas activated during imitation-based aphasia therapy may reflect the acute plastic changes induced by this intervention. Further testing will be needed to evaluate SWA as a non-invasive assessment of changes induced by the therapy and as a predictor of positive long-term clinical outcome.
Performative Inquiry and the Sublime in Escape from Woomera
Authors: Poremba Cindy
Published: August 2013

In the realm of documentary, educational, and serious games, it is common to hear the implication that games about real-world (as opposed to fantastic) subjects engage players in real scenarios, environments, or subjectivities. But what does it mean to be a participant, specifically an enactor, within a designed experience such as a video game? Drawing from performance and documentary theory, this research examines the function of enactment in video game experiences, particularly in documentary video games. It presents an analysis of Escape from Woomera, which enables an experience-centered performative inquiry within a recreated environment. I will argue such experiences are best understood as constituting a documentary third space, in which a past experience, read through the body, is vivified.
Rewards and Challenges of Community Health Center Practice
Authors: Cole Allison M. , Chen Frederick M. , Ford Paul A. , Phillips William R. , Stevens Nancy G.
Published: August 2013

Background: More than 1100 community health centers (CHCs) in the United States provide primary care to 20 million underserved patients annually. CHCs have struggled to recruit and retain qualified physicians. Objective: To understand physicians’ work experiences in CHCs and identify major sources of satisfaction and dissatisfaction. Methods: Using purposeful sampling, we conducted semistructured interviews with 12 family physicians practicing in CHCs. Interview questions assessed physicians’ experiences in CHCs and sources of satisfaction and dissatisfaction. Interview notes were coded and analyzed by 2 investigators using a grounded theory approach to identify key themes. Results: Though family physicians feel tremendous satisfaction from care of underserved patients, they are frustrated with the overwhelming workload they experience. Family physicians also report poor administrative management while working in CHCs. Conclusions: Implementation of the Affordable Care Act, which relies on expansion of CHC services, may be adversely affected by family physicians’ frustrations with CHC practice. Further research to explore and potentially improve the CHC work environment may be needed.
Refining the Candidate Environment
Authors: Vrshek-Schallhorn Suzanne , Mineka Susan , Zinbarg Richard E. , Craske Michelle G. , Griffith James W. , Sutton Jonathan , Redei Eva E. , Wolitzky-Taylor Kate , Hammen Constance , Adam Emma K.
Published: August 2013

Meta-analytic evidence has supported a gene-environment interaction between life stress and the serotonin transporter–linked polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) on depression, but few studies have examined factors that influence detection of this effect, despite years of inconsistent results. We propose that the candidate environment (akin to a candidate gene) is key. Theory and evidence have implicated major stressful life events (SLEs)—particularly major interpersonal SLEs—as well as chronic family stress. A total of 400 participants from the Youth Emotion Project (which began with 627 high school juniors oversampled for high neuroticism) completed up to five annual diagnostic and stress interviews and provided DNA samples. A significant gene-environment effect for major SLEs and S-carrier genotype was accounted for significantly by major interpersonal SLEs but not significantly by major noninterpersonal SLEs. S-carrier genotype and chronic family stress also significantly interacted. Identifying such candidate environments may facilitate future gene-environment research in depression and psychopathology more broadly.
Diagnosis and treatment of primary myelodysplastic syndromes in adults: recommendations from the European LeukemiaNet
Authors: Malcovati Luca , Hellström-Lindberg Eva , Bowen David , Adès Lionel , Cermak Jaroslav , del Cañizo Consuelo , Della Porta Matteo G. , Fenaux Pierre , Gattermann Norbert , Germing Ulrich , Jansen Joop H. , Mittelman Moshe , Mufti Ghulam , Platzbecker Uwe , Sanz Guillermo F. , Selleslag Dominik , Skov-Holm Mette , Stauder Reinhard , Symeonidis Argiris , van de Loosdrecht Arjan A. , de Witte Theo , Cazzola Mario
Published: August 2013

Within the myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) work package of the European LeukemiaNet, an Expert Panel was selected according to the framework elements of the National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Program. A systematic review of the literature was performed that included indexed original papers, indexed reviews and educational papers, and abstracts of conference proceedings. Guidelines were developed on the basis of a list of patient- and therapy-oriented questions, and recommendations were formulated and ranked according to the supporting level of evidence. MDSs should be classified according to the 2008 World Health Organization criteria. An accurate risk assessment requires the evaluation of not only disease-related factors but also of those related to extrahematologic comorbidity. The assessment of individual risk enables the identification of fit patients with a poor prognosis who are candidates for up-front intensive treatments, primarily allogeneic stem cell transplantation. A high proportion of MDS patients are not eligible for potentially curative treatment because of advanced age and/or clinically relevant comorbidities and poor performance status. In these patients, the therapeutic intervention is aimed at preventing cytopenia-related morbidity and preserving quality of life. A number of new agents are being developed for which the available evidence is not sufficient to recommend routine use. The inclusion of patients into prospective clinical trials is strongly recommended.
Neutrophils mediate antibody-induced antitumor effects in mice
Authors: Albanesi Marcello , Mancardi David A. , Jönsson Friederike , Iannascoli Bruno , Fiette Laurence , Di Santo James P. , Lowell Clifford A. , Bruhns Pierre
Published: August 2013

Key Points

Neutrophils are necessary and sufficient for mAb-induced therapy of subcutaneous syngeneic or xenograft tumors in mice. Antitumor immunoglobulin G mAb therapy requires a Syk-dependent FcγR-induced killing of tumors by neutrophils.
Vitamin B6 reduces hippocampal apoptosis in experimental pneumococcal meningitis
Authors: Zysset-Burri Denise C , Bellac Caroline L , Leib Stephen L , Wittwer Matthias
Published: August 2013

Background

Bacterial meningitis caused byStreptococcus pneumoniae leads to death in up to 30% of patients and leaves up to half of the survivors with neurological sequelae. The inflammatory host reaction initiates the induction of the kynurenine pathway and contributes to hippocampal apoptosis, a form of brain damage that is associated with learning and memory deficits in experimental paradigms. Vitamin B6 is an enzymatic cofactor in the kynurenine pathway and may thus limit the accumulation of neurotoxic metabolites and preserve the cellular energy status.

The aim of this study in a pneumococcal meningitis model was to investigate the effect of vitamin B6 on hippocampal apoptosis by histomorphology, by transcriptomics and by measurement of cellular nicotine amide adenine dinucleotide content.

Methods and results

Eleven day old Wistar rats were infected with 1x106cfu/ml ofS.pneumoniaeand randomized for treatment with vitamin B6 or saline as controls. Vitamin B6 led to a significant (p > 0.02) reduction of hippocampal apoptosis. According to functional annotation based clustering, vitamin B6 led to down-regulation of genes involved in processes of inflammatory response, while genes encoding for processes related to circadian rhythm, neuronal signaling and apoptotic cell death were mostly up-regulated.

Conclusions

Our results provide evidence that attenuation of apoptosis by vitamin B6 is multi-factorial including down-modulation of inflammation, up-regulation of the neuroprotective brain-derived neurotrophic factor and prevention of the exhaustion of cellular energy stores. The neuroprotective effect identifies vitamin B6 as a potential target for the development of strategies to attenuate brain injury in bacterial meningitis.
Chronic kidney disease of uncertain aetiology: prevalence and causative factors in a developing country
Authors: Jayatilake Nihal , Mendis Shanthi , Maheepala Palitha , Mehta Firdosi R
Published: August 2013

Background

This study describes chronic kidney disease of uncertain aetiology (CKDu), which cannot be attributed to diabetes, hypertension or other known aetiologies, that has emerged in the North Central region of Sri Lanka.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted, to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for CKDu. Arsenic, cadmium, lead, selenium, pesticides and other elements were analysed in biological samples from individuals with CKDu and compared with age- and sex-matched controls in the endemic and non-endemic areas. Food, water, soil and agrochemicals from both areas were analysed for heavy metals.

Results

The age-standardised prevalence of CKDu was 12.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 11.5% to 14.4%) in males and 16.9% (95% CI = 15.5% to 18.3%) in females. Severe stages of CKDu were more frequent in males (stage 3: males versus females = 23.2% versus 7.4%; stage 4: males versus females = 22.0% versus 7.3%; P < 0.001). The risk was increased in individuals aged >39 years and those who farmed (chena cultivation) (OR [odds ratio] = 1.926, 95% CI = 1.561 to 2.376 and OR = 1.195, 95% CI = 1.007 to 1.418 respectively, P < 0.05). The risk was reduced in individuals who were male or who engaged in paddy cultivation (OR = 0.745, 95% CI = 0.562 to 0.988 and OR = 0.732, 95% CI = 0.542 to 0.988 respectively, P < 0.05). The mean concentration of cadmium in urine was significantly higher in those with CKDu (1.039 μg/g) compared with controls in the endemic and non-endemic areas (0.646 μg/g, P < 0.001 and 0.345 μg/g, P < 0.05) respectively. Urine cadmium sensitivity and specificity were 70% and 68.3% respectively (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.682, 95% CI = 0.61 to 0.75, cut-off value ≥0.397 μg/g). A significant dose–effect relationship was seen between urine cadmium concentration and CKDu stage (P < 0.05). Urine cadmium and arsenic concentrations in individuals with CKDu were at levels known to cause kidney damage. Food items from the endemic area contained cadmium and lead above reference levels. Serum selenium was <90 μg/l in 63% of those with CKDu and pesticides residues were above reference levels in 31.6% of those with CKDu.

Conclusions

These results indicate chronic exposure of people in the endemic area to low levels of cadmium through the food chain and also to pesticides. Significantly higher urinary excretion of cadmium in individuals with CKDu, and the dose–effect relationship between urine cadmium concentration and CKDu stages suggest that cadmium exposure is a risk factor for the pathogensis of CKDu. Deficiency of selenium and genetic susceptibility seen in individuals with CKDu suggest that they may be predisposing factors for the development of CKDu.
Radiation-induced temporal lobe injury after intensity modulated radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients: a dose-volume-outcome analysis
Authors: Sun Ying , Zhou Guan-Qun , Qi Zhen-Yu , Zhang Li , Huang Shao-Min , Liu Li-Zhi , Li Li , Lin Ai-Hua , Ma Jun
Published: August 2013

Background

To identify the radiation volume effect and significant dosimetric parameters for temporal lobe injury (TLI) and determine the radiation dose tolerance of the temporal lobe (TL) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients treated with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).

Methods

Twenty NPC patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-diagnosed unilateral TLI were reviewed. Dose-volume data was retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Paired samples t-tests showed all dosimetric parameters significantly correlated with TLI, except the TL volume (TLV) and V75 (the TLV that received ≥75 Gy, P = 0.73 and 0.22, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed V10 and V20 (P = 0.552 and 0.11, respectively) were the only non-significant predictors from V10 to V70 for TLI. D0.5cc (dose to 0.5 ml of the TLV) was an independent predictor for TLI (P < 0.001) in multivariate analysis; the area under the ROC curve for D0.5cc was 0.843 (P < 0.001), and the cutoff point 69 Gy was deemed as the radiation dose limit. The distribution of high dose ‘hot spot’ regions and the location of TLI were consistent.

Conclusions

A D0.5cc of 69 Gy may be the dose tolerance of the TL. The risk of TLI was highly dependent on high dose ‘hot spots’ in the TL; physicians should be cautious of such ‘hot spots’ in the TL during IMRT treatment plan optimization, review and approval.
Tumor grafts derived from patients with head and neck squamous carcinoma authentically maintain the molecular and histologic characteristics of human cancers
Authors: Peng Shaohua , Creighton Chad J , Zhang Yiqun , Sen Banibrata , Mazumdar Tuhina , Myers Jeffery N , Woolfson Adrian , Lorenzi Matthew V , Bell Diana , Williams Michelle D , Johnson Faye M
Published: August 2013

Background

The patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model is likely to reflect human tumor biology more accurately than cultured cell lines because human tumors are implanted directly into animals; maintained in an in vivo, three-dimensional environment; and never cultured on plastic. PDX models of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have been developed previously but were not well characterized at the molecular level. HNSCC is a deadly and disfiguring disease for which better systemic therapy is desperately needed. The development of new therapies and the understanding of HNSCC biology both depend upon clinically relevant animal models. We developed and characterized the patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model because it is likely to recapitulate human tumor biology.

Methods

We transplanted 30 primary tumors directly into mice. The histology and stromal components were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Gene expression analysis was conducted on patient tumors and on PDXs and cell lines derived from one PDX and from independent, human tumors.

Results

Five of 30 (17%) transplanted tumors could be serially passaged. Engraftment was more frequent among HNSCC with poor differentiation and nodal disease. The tumors maintained the histologic characteristics of the parent tumor, although human stromal components were lost upon engraftment. The degree of difference in gene expression between the PDX and its parent tumor varied widely but was stable up to the tenth generation in one PDX. For genes whose expression differed between parent tumors and cell lines in culture, the PDX expression pattern was very similar to that of the parent tumor. There were also significant expression differences between the human tumors that subsequently grew in mice and those that did not, suggesting that this model enriches for cancers with distinct biological features. The PDX model was used successfully to test targeted drugs in vivo.

Conclusion

The PDX model for HNSCC is feasible, recapitulates the histology of the original tumor, and generates stable gene expression patterns. Gene expression patterns and histology suggested that the PDX more closely recapitulated the parental tumor than did cells in culture. Thus, the PDX is a robust model in which to evaluate tumor biology and novel therapeutics.
Magnesium, vitamin D status and mortality: results from US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001 to 2006 and NHANES III
Authors: Deng Xinqing , Song Yiqing , Manson JoAnn E , Signorello Lisa B , Zhang Shumin M , Shrubsole Martha J , Ness Reid M , Seidner Douglas L , Dai Qi
Published: August 2013

Background

Magnesium plays an essential role in the synthesis and metabolism of vitamin D and magnesium supplementation substantially reversed the resistance to vitamin D treatment in patients with magnesium-dependent vitamin-D-resistant rickets. We hypothesized that dietary magnesium alone, particularly its interaction with vitamin D intake, contributes to serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels, and the associations between serum 25(OH)D and risk of mortality may be modified by magnesium intake level.

Methods

We tested these novel hypotheses utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001 to 2006, a population-based cross-sectional study, and the NHANES III cohort, a population-based cohort study. Serum 25(OH)D was used to define vitamin D status. Mortality outcomes in the NHANES III cohort were determined by using probabilistic linkage with the National Death Index (NDI).

Results

High intake of total, dietary or supplemental magnesium was independently associated with significantly reduced risks of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency respectively. Intake of magnesium significantly interacted with intake of vitamin D in relation to risk of both vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency. Additionally, the inverse association between total magnesium intake and vitamin D insufficiency primarily appeared among populations at high risk of vitamin D insufficiency. Furthermore, the associations of serum 25(OH)D with mortality, particularly due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and colorectal cancer, were modified by magnesium intake, and the inverse associations were primarily present among those with magnesium intake above the median.

Conclusions

Our preliminary findings indicate it is possible that magnesium intake alone or its interaction with vitamin D intake may contribute to vitamin D status. The associations between serum 25(OH)D and risk of mortality may be modified by the intake level of magnesium. Future studies, including cohort studies and clinical trials, are necessary to confirm the findings.
A comparison of traditional food and health strategies among Taiwanese and Chinese immigrants in Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Authors: Jiang Sandy , Quave Cassandra L
Published: August 2013

Background

Ethnobotanical studies on the use of plants amongst migrant populations are of great relevance to public health. Traditional health strategies, which incorporate plants as medicines, foods, or both – can play an important role in individual well-being. However, at the same time, migrant populations’ traditional knowledge of such practices may be under a state of greater threat of decline due to factors such as limited access to the plant materials and physical isolation from the homeland, which serves as the primary living reservoir for this knowledge.

Methods

In this study, we conducted a medical ethnobotanical survey focusing on a comparison of local medicinal food and health strategies with members of two Asian immigrant populations in metro-Atlanta: Chinese and Taiwanese. Snowball sampling techniques were employed to recruit 83 study participants, 57 of which were included in the final analysis. Semi-structured interview techniques were used to question participants about their beliefs and usage of the yin yang system, usage of Chinese herbs and medicinal foods, preference and usage of Eastern and Western medicines, and gardening for medicinal foods.

Results and conclusion

Comparison of the two groups demonstrated a remarkable difference in health strategies concerning medicinal plant use, including statistically significant differences in beliefs concerning yin and yang, uses of Eastern versus Western medicine, and gardening for medicinal foods. Domestic health strategies in the form of medicinal foods play an important role in local health practices, especially among the Taiwanese participants. The collective desire for the use of both Eastern and Western medicine by both groups highlights the important role that cultural competency training will play in preparing allopathic health practitioners to serve increasingly diverse patient populations in the US.
Oxytocin induced oxidative stress in lactating Bubalis bubalis (Nili Ravi)
Authors: Iqbal Zafar , Rahman Zia Ur , Muhammad Faqir , Khaliq Tanweer , Anwar Haseeb , Awais Mian Muhammad , Sadaf Saima
Published: August 2013

Background

Oxytocin has been reported for a wide range of adverse effects in different species of lactating animals. The present study was aimed to evaluate the adverse effects of oxytocin on biomarkers of oxidative stress in buffaloes. Lactating buffaloes (n = 40) were randomly selected from a commercial dairy farm located in the peri-urban area of district Faisalabad, Pakistan and divided into two equal groups viz. treatment and control groups, each containing 20 buffaloes. Buffaloes in treatment group were injected with oxytocin before each milking (morning and evening) for milk let down; whereas, animals in control group were milked naturally without oxytocin injection. Both the groups were assessed for oxidative stress biomarkers.

Results

Results showed significantly higher levels (P ≤ 0.05) of TOS, tHcy and ceruloplasmin oxidase activity in lactating buffaloes injected with oxytocin as compared to those of control group. On the other hand, serum levels of TAS, PON1 and arylesterase were significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05) in the buffaloes of treatment group.

Conclusions

Oxytocin injection in lactating buffaloes resulted in elevated oxidative stress by increasing the total homocysteine and ceruloplasmin oxidase activity and decreasing enzymatic activities of antioxidant enzymes including paraoxonase-1 and arylesterase; that might render the animals to poor productive and reproductive potential.
Acute thrombosis of bioprosthetic mitral valve
Authors: Kwon Jin-Tae , Jung Tae-Eun , Lee Dong-Hyup
Published: August 2013

We report a case of acute thrombosis of bioprosthetic mitral valve in a 59 year–old Korean female, who underwent a mitral valve replacement with a 25 mm Carpentier - Edwards PERIMOUNT Plus bioprosthesis (Edwards Lifesciences, Inc.; Irvine, CA, USA) and a mini-Maze procedure for correction of mitral stenosis (MS) and atrial fibrillation (AF). On the 10th postoperative day, the patient began to complain of increasing dyspnea and general malaise. Her symptoms worsened and developed into pulmonary edema. Echocardiography revealed a mean diastolic pressure gradient (MDPG) of 10 mmHg across the mitral valve and pressure-half time (PHT) of 166 msec. Due to progressive decompensated heart failure, the patient underwent a repeat sternotomy to replace the bioprosthetic mitral valve. Intraoperatively, we found a thrombosis around the bioprosthetic mitral valve. We excised the bioprosthetic mitral valve and replaced it with a 27 mm ATS mechanical valve (ATS medical, Inc.; Minneapolis, MN, USA). We experienced a rare case that required an early reoperation for a thrombosis of the bioprosthetic valve.
Deep cytogenetics analysis reveals meiotic recombination depletion in species of Senecio (Asteraceae)
Authors: Lopez Mariana G , Xifreda Cecilia C , Poggio Lidia , Wulff Arturo F
Published: August 2013

Background

Senecio is the largest genus in the Asteraceae family growing in all environments around the world. It displays taxonomic and systematical difficulties. Cytogenetic knowledge of this genus is ancient, scarce and mainly restricted to chromosome number records.

Results

In this study we analyzed chromosome number, meiotic configuration, bivalent morphology, meiotic behavior and pollen grain stainability on 100 accessions of 27 different polyploid Senecio L. sect Senecio entities. Median, standard deviation and mode were calculated for number and position of chiasmata and meiotic recombination was statistically evaluated. Although high frequency of multivalents and associated meiotic irregularities are expected in high polyploids, bivalents predominance and, consequently, regular meiosis were observed, with normal sporogenesis and high pollen grain stainability.

Conclusion

Depletion in the total chiasmata was significant only in some species but the terminal position was preferential in all the entities analyzed, indicating significant reduction in recombination. The regular meiosis observed suggest that intra and intergenomic reorganization process occur quickly and efficiently in this genus. Mechanisms of diploidization, common to all polyploids, are reinforced by the strong reduction in crossing-over rushing polyploids stabilization.
β-galactosidase stability at high substrate concentrations
Authors: Warmerdam Anja , Boom Remko M , Janssen Anja EM
Published: August 2013

Enzymatic synthesis of galacto-oligosaccharides is usually performed at high initial substrate concentrations since higher yields are obtained. We report here on the stability of β-galactosidase from Bacillus circulans at 25, 40, and 60°C in buffer, and in systems with initially 5.0 and 30% (w/w) lactose. In buffer, the half-life time was 220 h and 13 h at 25 and 40°C, respectively, whereas the enzyme was completely inactivated after two hours at 60°C. In systems with 5.0 and 30% (w/w) lactose, a mechanistic model was used to correct the o NPG converting activity for the presence of lactose, glucose, galactose, and oligosaccharides in the activity assay. Without correction, the stability at 5.0% (w/w) lactose was overestimated, while the stability at 30% (w/w) lactose was underestimated. The inactivation constant k

d
was strongly dependent on temperature in buffer, whereas only a slight increase in k

d
was found with temperature at high substrate concentrations. The enzyme stability was found to increase strongly with the initial substrate concentrations. The inactivation energy E

a
appeared to be lower at high initial substrate concentrations.
Chemotherapy-Induced Amenorrhea in Patients With Breast Cancer With a BRCA1 or BRCA2 Mutation
Authors: Valentini Adriana , Finch Amy , Lubiński Jan , Byrski Tomasz , Ghadirian Parviz , Kim-Sing Charmaine , Lynch Henry T. , Ainsworth Peter J. , Neuhausen Susan L. , Greenblatt Ellen , Singer Christian , Sun Ping , Narod Steven A.
Published: August 2013

Purpose

To determine the likelihood of long-term amenorrhea after treatment with chemotherapy in women with breast cancer who carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.

Patients and Methods

We conducted a multicenter survey of 1,954 young women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation who were treated for breast cancer. We included premenopausal women who were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between 26 and 47 years of age. We determined the age of onset of amenorrhea after breast cancer for women who were and were not treated with chemotherapy, alone or with tamoxifen. We considered chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea to have occurred when the patient experienced ≥ 2 years of amenorrhea, commencing within 2 years of initiating chemotherapy, with no resumption of menses.

Results

Of the 1,426 women who received chemotherapy, 35% experienced long-term amenorrhea. Of the 528 women who did not receive chemotherapy, 5.3% developed long-term amenorrhea. The probabilities of chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea were 7.2% for women diagnosed before age 30 years, 33% for women age 31 to 44 years, and 79% for women diagnosed after age 45 years (P trend < .001). The probability of induced amenorrhea was higher for women who received tamoxifen than for those who did not (52% v 29%; P < .001).

Conclusion

Age at treatment and use of tamoxifen are important predictors of chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea in women who carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. The risk of induced long-term amenorrhea does not seem to be greater among mutation carriers than among women who do not carry a mutation.
Quality of Life in Long-Term Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Hsu Tina , Ennis Marguerite , Hood Nicky , Graham Margaret , Goodwin Pamela J.
Published: August 2013

Purpose

There is considerable interest in the quality of life (QOL) of long-term breast cancer (BC) survivors. We studied changes in QOL from time of BC diagnosis to long-term survivorship and compared QOL in long-term survivors to that of age-matched women with no history of BC.

Patients and Methods

In all, 535 women with localized BC (T1-3N0-1M0) were recruited from 1989 to 1996 and followed prospectively, completing QOL questionnaires at diagnosis and 1 year postdiagnosis. Between 2005 and 2007, those alive without distant recurrence were recontacted to participate in a long-term follow-up (LTFU) study. A control group was recruited from women presenting for screening mammograms, and both groups completed LTFU QOL questionnaires. Longitudinal change in BC survivors and differences between BC survivors and controls were assessed in eight broad categories with clinically significant differences set at 5% and 10% of the breadth of each QOL scale.

Results

A total of 285 patients with BC were included in the study, on average 12.5 years postdiagnosis. Longitudinally, clinically significant improvements were observed in overall QOL by 1 year postdiagnosis with further improvements by LTFU. Some clinically significant improvements over time were seen in all categories. A total of 167 controls were recruited. Deficits were observed in self-reported cognitive functioning (5.3% difference) and financial impact (6.3% difference) in BC survivors at LTFU compared with controls.

Conclusion

Long-term BC survivors show improvement in many domains of QOL over time, and they appear to have similar QOL in most respects to age-matched noncancer controls, although small deficits in cognition and finances were identified.
Calcitriol-Mediated Hypercalcemia: Causes and Course in 101 Patients
Authors: Donovan Peter J. , Sundac Lana , Pretorius Carel J. , d'Emden Michael C. , McLeod Donald S. A.
Published: August 2013

Context:

Hypercalcemia mediated by 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D (calcitriol) is uncommon, with evidence on etiology limited to small case series or case reports.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to systematically identify a large series of cases of calcitriol-mediated hypercalcemia and document the presentation, demographics, and clinical course across etiologies.

Design, Setting, and Patients:

The study was a hospital-based, retrospective case series, identifying subjects from 1999 through 2009 across the public hospital system in Queensland, Australia. All patients aged over 18 years were identified that had persistent hypercalcemia associated with elevated or inappropriately normal calcitriol concentration or elevated serum angiotensin-converting enzyme.

Results:

A total of 101 cases were identified. Sarcoidosis was the most common etiology (49%), followed by hematological malignancy (17%) and infections (8%). Etiologies not previously described include squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, ovarian cystadenocarcinoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Median serum angiotensin-converting enzyme was higher in sarcoid patients compared with all other causes [218 U/L (176–277) vs 155 U/L (110–208), P < .001], but a level above the normal range did not discriminate well between cases of sarcoidosis and other causes (specificity at cutoff of 130 U/L was only 31%). However, a value greater than 250 U/L was highly specific (89%) for sarcoidosis but lacked sensitivity (31%). A calcitriol level greater than 300 pmol/L was not seen in sarcoidosis but was seen with other etiologies. Cases with neoplastic etiologies were older (61.4 ± 11.4 y) than all other subjects (51.7 ± 15.0 y, P = .006).

Conclusions:

Hypercalcemia mediated by calcitriol remains a rare presentation. In almost half the cases, sarcoidosis was the underlying cause, whereas a third of patients had cancer or systemic infections.
Disrupting Hypothalamic Glucocorticoid Receptors Causes HPA Axis Hyperactivity and Excess Adiposity
Authors: Laryea Gloria , Schütz Günther , Muglia Louis J.
Published: August 2013

The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) regulates hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity during the stress response. The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is a major site of negative feedback to coordinate the degree of the HPA axis activity with the magnitude of the exposed stressor. To define the function of endogenous PVN GR, we used Cre-loxP technology to disrupt different GR exons in Sim1-expressing neurons of the hypothalamus. GR exon 2-deleted mice (Sim1Cre-GRe2Δ) demonstrated 43% loss of PVN GR compared with an 87% GR loss in exon 3-deleted mice (Sim1Cre-GRe3Δ). Sim1Cre-GRe3Δ mice display stunted growth at birth but develop obesity in adulthood and display impaired stress-induced glucose release. We observed elevated basal and stress-induced corticosterone levels in Sim1Cre-GRe3Δ mice, compared with control and Sim1Cre-GRe2Δ mice, and impaired dexamethasone suppression, indicating an inability to negatively regulate corticosterone secretion. Sim1Cre-GRe3Δ mice also showed increased CRH mRNA in the PVN, increased basal plasma ACTH levels, and reduced locomotor behavior. We observed no differences in Sim1Cre-GRe2Δ mice compared with control mice in any measure. Our behavioral data suggest that GR deletion in Sim1-expressing neurons has no effect on anxiety or despair-like behavior under basal conditions. We conclude that loss of PVN GR results in severe HPA axis hyperactivity and Cushing's syndrome-like phenotype but does not affect anxiety and despair-like behaviors.
Serving Fraudulent Consumers? The Impact of Return Policies on Retailer's Profitability
Authors: Ülkü M. Ali , Dailey Lynn C. , Yayla-Küllü H. Müge
Published: August 2013

Competition in the current marketplace requires businesses to provide consumers with the utmost convenience in purchasing services and goods. Buyers expect that, as an aftersales service and risk reliever, they can “return” goods if they are not satisfied with them. Such product returns significantly influence retailers' profits not only because of a reduction in net sales but also because of increased costs. Despite its substantial impact, research focused on retailer–consumer return policies has been limited. To fill this gap, we study a retailer that has to set the product return policy parameters—specifically, the price and the return period. The impact of these parameters on consumers' valuation function is also taken into account. We study the model analytically and provide insights through various numerical examples. We find that even with fraudulent consumers' negative effect on sales, a retailer could expect both its profits and prices to increase with an optimally determined return policy. We also find that a retailer that operates in an environment where consumers are not sensitive to return policies should be cautious when setting the return period.
Source apportionment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments from polluted rivers
Authors: Moyo Stanley , McCrindle Rob , Mokgalaka Ntebogeng , Myburgh Jan , Mujuru Munyaradzi
Published: August 2013

Over the past few decades, in response to growing concerns about the impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on human health, a variety of environmental forensics and geochemical techniques have emerged for studying organic pollutants. These techniques include chemical fingerprinting, receptor modeling, and compound-specific stable isotope analysis (CSIA). Chemical fingerprinting methodology involves the use of diagnostic ratios. Receptor modeling techniques include the chemical mass balance (CMB) model and multivariate statistics. Multivariate techniques include factor analysis with multiple linear regression (FA/MLR), positive matrix factorization (PMF), and UNMIX. This article reviews applications of chemical fingerprinting, receptor modeling, and CSIA; comments on their uses; and contrasts the strengths and weaknesses of each methodology.
Expression of Asialoglycoprotein Receptor 1 in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Shi Bin , Abrams Marc , Sepp-Lorenzino Laura
Published: August 2013

Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer in the world. Currently, surgical resection is the only effective treatment for HCC if the tumor is resectable. Small molecule, biologics and siRNA anti-cancer drugs have been explored for the treatment of HCC. Selective targeting to tumor tissue rather than normal liver in HCC patients is still a challenge. Galactosamine-mediated targeting delivery of anti-cancer drugs in the liver has been tested because its receptor, asialoglycoprotein receptor 1 (ASGPR1), is expressed in the liver and not in other human tissues. We examined ASGPR1 expression levels by immunohistochemistry in HCC with different grades. Guidance for a targeting delivery strategy for anti-cancer drugs to HCC is suggested in this report.