bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mindset Not Skill Set
Authors: Kennedy Fiona , Carroll Brigid , Francoeur Joline
Published: December 2012

The Problem

New ways of thinking about leadership as emergent, relational, and collective are becoming evident in leadership theory and practice. This is causing orientations to leadership development to shift from approaches that are predominantly concerned with building skills to those that are concerned with questions of mindset. That is, leadership development is less directly concerned with developing a set of discrete skills and is increasingly concerned with participants’ underlying assumptions and how these shape possibilities for the future. Historically, evaluation of leadership development has tended to focus on technologies and methodologies that assess the former. This article seeks to explore evaluative practices that would be attuned to mindset in leadership development.

The Solution

To do so we first outline the difference between skillset and mindset as orientations to leadership development. Relational and complexity theories are drawn on to construct our understanding of an approach to leadership development that is oriented to questions of mindset. We then turn to evaluation theory to address three primary perspectives on evaluation: evaluation for accountability, for development, and for knowledge. We argue that skillset acquisition has been predominantly associated with an evaluation for accountability perspective. In this article we foreground evaluation for development and evaluation for knowledge arguing that these perspectives offer important alternatives for leadership development that is oriented to issues of mindset. We propose that working dynamically with the three perspectives offers new directions in evaluation that are suitable for mindset orientated interventions.

The Stakeholders

This article will inform those researching and writing in the leadership development domain, those sponsoring or seeking more mindset orientated leadership development interventions, leadership development managers, champions, designers, facilitators, and associated professionals. Finally it will be of interest to practitioners looking for evaluative practices that address the multidimensional nature of change and development work in organizations.
Individual Leader to Interdependent Leadership
Authors: McCauley-Smith Catherine , Williams Sharon , Gillon Anne Clare , Braganza Ashley , Ward Carolyn
Published: December 2012

The Problem

In this case study we see a move away from orthodox views of school leadership as “headship” to a more contemporary model of educational leadership wherein we note a departure from functional, curricula-based school leadership toward more human resource development (HRD) approaches. The aim of this study was to consider the effectiveness of an educational development program for middle leaders within an educational establishment.

The Solution

We examined the impact of a bespoke higher education leadership development intervention in Leadership (and Change) on the formation and cohesiveness of a newly formed innovative leadership structure.

The Stakeholders

The leadership development intervention was designed through a tripartite collaboration including a university, senior school leaders, and staff. The intervention was designed to shift leadership from individual leader agency to interdependent human leadership agency. Through tripartite evaluation we uncover leadership development praxis that transcends the boundaries of conventional educational leadership and reemphasizes the benefits of bridging the academic/practitioner divide and the application of theory to praxis.
A Cultural Approach to Evaluating Leadership Development
Authors: Edwards Gareth , Turnbull Sharon
Published: December 2012

The Problem

Current thinking around the evaluation of leadership development programs pays insufficient attention to the way that learning to lead becomes embedded and affected by the cultural context within which leaders and leadership operate.

The Solution

We propose an enhanced appreciation of cultural factors, organizationally, regionally, and nationally, when evaluating leadership development programs. We go on to suggest a cultural approach to the evaluation of such programs. This more cultural view enables a greater appreciation of current and contemporary accounts of leadership in the literature that are of a more distributed and cultural nature. This view also enables a more significant appreciation of shifting cultures, contexts, and situations within the process of learning that is a central element of leadership development.

The Stakeholders

This article will appeal to researchers in the area of leadership and leadership development, as well as those engaged in the design, delivery, and evaluation of leadership development in a professional capacity.
Special Issue on New Paradigms in Evaluating Leadership Development
Authors: Edwards Gareth , Turnbull Sharon
Published: December 2012

The Problem

Evaluation of leadership development programs has been criticized recently for being based too much on structured evaluation models that do not account for more broad based outcomes and interpretations of leadership development.

The Solution

This special issue develops some core themes around enabling and enacting leadership development evaluation in organizations. The focus is on highlighting innovative ways of evaluating leadership development that fits more comfortably with contemporary leadership theory. This link with contemporary leadership literature, in turn, brings about thinking around mindsets, culture, partnerships, relationships, and the interdependency of leaders and leadership in organizations, some of the core themes represented in this special issue. These themes are expressed as new paradigms as there appears limited discussion in the literature regarding their use in evaluating leadership development. The purpose of the special issue will be to highlight differing and innovative approaches to leadership development evaluation rooted in experiences of delivering such programs in the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. Each article expresses novel approaches to the evaluation of leadership programs that can be inculcated into practice across a wide variety of organizations.

The Stakeholders

Leadership development programs have started to become prolific in organizations both public and private sector based. This has provided a challenge to human resources professionals in the evaluation of such programs that are increasingly becoming complex in nature and starting to use innovative and unusual approaches. This special issue therefore delves into contemporary leadership theory and relates this to the practice of delivering and evaluating programs across organizations. The outcome therefore will help HR professionals identify key aspects to take account of when evaluating leadership development in and across organizations, and will set the basis for further empirical research and theoretical reflection on the topic.
Use of Web and Phone Survey Modes to Gather Data from Adults about Their Young Adult Children
Authors: Fleming Charles B. , Marchesini Gina , Elgin Jenna , Haggerty Kevin P. , Woodward Danielle , Abbott Robert D. , Catalano Richard F.
Published: December 2012

Mode effects on responses to survey items may introduce bias to data collected using multiple modes of administration. The present study examines data from 704 surveys conducted as part of a longitudinal study in which parents and their children had been surveyed at multiple prior time points. Parents of 22-year-old study participants were randomly assigned to one of two mixed-mode conditions: (1) web mode first followed by the offer of an interviewer-administered telephone mode; or (2) telephone mode first followed by the offer of the web mode. Comparison of responses by assigned condition on 12 measures showed one statistically significant difference. Analyses that modeled differences by completed mode and the interaction between assigned condition and completed mode found significant differences on six measures related to completed mode. None of the differences indicated that more socially desirable responses were given in interviewer-administered surveys.
Motor and Multisensory Care-Based Approach in Dementia
Authors: Marques Alda , Cruz Joana , Barbosa Ana , Figueiredo Daniela , Sousa Liliana X.
Published: December 2012

This study examined the short-, mid-, and long-term effects of a motor and multisensory care-based approach on (i) the behavior of institutionalized residents with dementia and (ii) care practices according to staff perspective. In all, 6 residents with moderate to severe dementia (mean age 80.83 ± 10.87 years) and 6 staff members (40 ± 10.87 years old) were recruited. Motor and multisensory stimulation strategies were implemented in residents’ morning care. Data were collected with video recordings and focus-group interviews before, immediately after, at 3 months and 6 months after the intervention. The frequency and duration of each resident’s behavior were analyzed. Content analysis was also performed. Results showed short-term improvements in residents’ communication and engagement, followed by a sustained decline over time. Staff reported to change their practices; however, difficulties related to the institution organization were identified. There is a need to implement long-term strategies and involve institutions at different organizational levels to sustain the results.
Multisensory Stimulation for People With Dementia
Authors: Sánchez Alba , Millán-Calenti José C. , Lorenzo-López Laura , Maseda Ana
Published: December 2012

The use of multisensory stimulation in people with dementia is becoming increasingly popular in the last decades. The aim of this review is to analyze the therapeutic effectiveness of multisensory stimulation in people with dementia. We made a search on Medline and Web of Science databases referred to all researches published from the year 1990 to 2012, which used multisensory stimulation techniques in people with dementia. The revision of the 18 articles which fulfilled the inclusion/exclusion criteria seems to prove evidence that multisensory stimulation environments produce immediate positive effects on the behavior and mood of people with dementia. Based on the above, we think it can be a useful nonpharmacological intervention on neuropsychological symptoms though, in any case, it would be necessary to start more reliable protocols from the methodological point of view in order to establish its long-term effectiveness.
Communicative Competence in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Maki Yohko , Yamaguchi Tomoharu , Koeda Tatsuya , Yamaguchi Haruyasu
Published: December 2012

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the deficits of metaphor and sarcasm comprehension in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), as pragmatic interpretation such as metaphor and sarcasm comprehension is required in social communication. A total of 31 young normal controls, 104 aged normal controls (ANC), 42 patients with amnesic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), and 30 patients with mild AD were evaluated by Metaphoric and Sarcastic Scenario Test, which consists of 5 metaphoric and 5 sarcastic questions with 5 answer choices. Scores were analyzed using the repeated measures analysis of variance (metaphor/sarcasm vs 4 participant groups). Sarcasm comprehension, which requires second-order Theory of Mind (ToM), started to deteriorate in ANC, and metaphor comprehension, which requires first-order ToM, started to deteriorate in aMCI, and both deteriorated as disease progressed. Literal interpretation of pragmatic language is characteristic in patients with mild AD. Such misinterpretation would result in social miscommunication, even if they still retained semantic-lexical competence.
Progress in Frontotemporal Dementia Research
Authors: Wang Xinling , Shen Yuedi , Chen Wei
Published: December 2012

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is the second most common type of presenile dementia and is the most common form of dementia with the onset before 60 years of age. Its typical symptoms include behavioral disorders, affective symptoms, and language disorders. The FTD is a genetically and pathologically heterogeneous degenerative disorder. Animal models have provided more insights into the pathogenic mechanisms. There are currently no medications that are specifically approved for the treatment of FTD by the Food and Drug Administration. In this article, we review the recent advances in the molecular pathogenesis, pathology, animal models, and therapy for FTD. Better understanding of the pathogenesis and the use of animal models will help develop novel therapeutic strategies and provide new targets for FTD treatment.
Combination of Pseudocontinent Perineal Colostomy and Appendicostomy
Authors: Azizi Rasoul , Alvandipour Mina , Shoar Saeed , Mahjoubi Bahar
Published: December 2012

Background. Abdominal perineal resection (APR) with applied colostomy remains the standard treatment for low rectal cancer; however, to date, a very high morbidity rate has been reported. Aims. The aims of this study were to assess fecal continence, persistence of disease-related symptoms, and quality of life in patients with low rectal cancer after APR and pseudocontinent perineal colostomy and concomitant appendicostomy. Methods. We included 17 patients with low rectal cancer who underwent APR at our hospital in this cross-sectional study. Following APR, pseudocontinent perineal colostomy and concomitant appendicostomy were performed. Patients then underwent antegrade colonic enema with tap water. Patients’ symptoms, fecal continence, and quality of life were evaluated at regular time intervals. Results. After a median follow-up of 12 months, 15 of 17 patients completed the study period. All patients were able to perform an antegrade enema by themselves. Mean continence score was 7 (out of 20) based on the Wexner Scale scoring system. Mean global health status score was 78, physical function was 93, and emotional function was 88. Minor morbidity was observed in 6 patients (40%). Conclusion. Pseudocontinent perineal colostomy with appendicostomy provides an acceptable level of continence and functional and emotional improvement in patients with low rectal cancer undergoing APR. Hence, this combinative method could be considered as an alternative for abdominal colostomy in selected patients.
Transcriptome analysis at four developmental stages of grape berry (Vitis vinifera cv. Shiraz) provides insights into regulated and coordinated gene expression
Authors: Sweetman Crystal , Wong Darren CJ , Ford Christopher M , Drew Damian P
Published: December 2012

Background

Vitis viniferaberry development is characterised by an initial phase where the fruit is small, hard and acidic, followed by a lag phase known as veraison. In the final phase, berries become larger, softer and sweeter and accumulate an array of organoleptic compounds. Since the physiological and biochemical makeup of grape berries at harvest has a profound impact on the characteristics of wine, there is great interest in characterising the molecular and biophysical changes that occur from flowering through veraison and ripening, including the coordination and temporal regulation of metabolic gene pathways. Advances in deep-sequencing technologies, combined with the availability of increasingly accurateV. viniferagenomic and transcriptomic data, have enabled us to carry out RNA-transcript expression analysis on a global scale at key points during berry development.

Results

A total of 162 million 100-base pair reads were generated from pooledVitis vinifera(cv. Shiraz) berries sampled at 3-weeks post-anthesis, 10- and 11-weeks post-anthesis (corresponding to early and late veraison) and at 17-weeks post-anthesis (harvest). Mapping reads from each developmental stage (36-45 million) onto the NCBI RefSeq transcriptome of 23,720V. viniferamRNAs revealed that at least 75% of these transcripts were detected in each sample. RNA-Seq analysis uncovered 4,185 transcripts that were significantly upregulated at a single developmental stage, including 161 transcription factors. Clustering transcripts according to distinct patterns of transcription revealed coordination in metabolic pathways such as organic acid, stilbene and terpenoid metabolism. From the phenylpropanoid/stilbene biosynthetic pathway at least 46 transcripts were upregulated in ripe berries when compared to veraison and immature berries, and 12 terpene synthases were predominantly detected only in a single sample. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to validate the expression pattern of 12 differentially expressed genes from primary and secondary metabolic pathways.

Conclusions

In this study we report the global transcriptional profile of Shiraz grapes at key stages of development. We have undertaken a comprehensive analysis of gene families contributing to commercially important berry characteristics and present examples of co-regulation and differential gene expression. The data reported here will provide an invaluable resource for the on-going molecular investigation of wine grapes.
Exome-assistant: a rapid and easy detection of disease-related genes and genetic variations from exome sequencing
Authors: Liu Qi , Shen Enjian , Min Qingjie , Li Xueying , Wang Xin , Li Xianfeng , Sun Zhong Sheng , Wu Jinyu
Published: December 2012

Background

Protein-coding regions in human genes harbor 85% of the mutations that are associated with disease-related traits. Compared with whole-genome sequencing of complex samples, exome sequencing serves as an alternative option because of its dramatically reduced cost. In fact, exome sequencing has been successfully applied to identify the cause of several Mendelian disorders, such as Miller and Schinzel-Giedio syndrome. However, there remain great challenges in handling the huge data generated by exome sequencing and in identifying potential disease-related genetic variations.

Results

In this study, Exome-assistant (http://122.228.158.106/exomeassistant), a convenient tool for submitting and annotating single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertion/deletion variations (InDels), was developed to rapidly detect candidate disease-related genetic variations from exome sequencing projects. Versatile filter criteria are provided by Exome-assistant to meet different users’ requirements. Exome-assistant consists of four modules: the single case module, the two cases module, the multiple cases module, and the reanalysis module. The two cases and multiple cases modules allow users to identify sample-specific and common variations. The multiple cases module also supports family-based studies and Mendelian filtering. The identified candidate disease-related genetic variations can be annotated according to their sample features.

Conclusions

In summary, by exploring exome sequencing data, Exome-assistant can provide researchers with detailed biological insights into genetic variation events and permits the identification of potential genetic causes of human diseases and related traits.
A novel method to discover fluoroquinolone antibiotic resistance (qnr) genes in fragmented nucleotide sequences
Authors: Boulund Fredrik , Johnning Anna , Pereira Mariana Buongermino , Larsson DG Joakim , Kristiansson Erik
Published: December 2012

Background

Broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotics are central in modern health care and are used to treat and prevent a wide range of bacterial infections. The recently discovered qnr genes provide a mechanism of resistance with the potential to rapidly spread between bacteria using horizontal gene transfer. As for many antibiotic resistance genes present in pathogens today, qnr genes are hypothesized to originate from environmental bacteria. The vast amount of data generated by shotgun metagenomics can therefore be used to explore the diversity of qnr genes in more detail.

Results

In this paper we describe a new method to identify qnr genes in nucleotide sequence data. We show, using cross-validation, that the method has a high statistical power of correctly classifying sequences from novel classes of qnr genes, even for fragments as short as 100 nucleotides. Based on sequences from public repositories, the method was able to identify all previously reported plasmid-mediated qnr genes. In addition, several fragments from novel putative qnr genes were identified in metagenomes. The method was also able to annotate 39 chromosomal variants of which 11 have previously not been reported in literature.

Conclusions

The method described in this paper significantly improves the sensitivity and specificity of identification and annotation of qnr genes in nucleotide sequence data. The predicted novel putative qnr genes in the metagenomic data support the hypothesis of a large and uncharacterized diversity within this family of resistance genes in environmental bacterial communities. An implementation of the method is freely available at http://bioinformatics.math.chalmers.se/qnr/.
A call for parental monitoring to improve condom use among secondary school students in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Mlunde Linda B , Poudel Krishna C , Sunguya Bruno F , Mbwambo Jessie K K , Yasuoka Junko , Otsuka Keiko , Ubuguyu Omary , Jimba Masamine
Published: December 2012

Background

The number of people newly infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been decreasing in sub-Saharan Africa, but prevalence of the infection remains unacceptably high among young people. Despite the alarming pervasiveness of the virus, young people in this region continue to engage in risky sexual behaviors including unprotected sexual intercourse. In developed countries, parents can play important roles in protecting young people from such behaviors, but evidence regarding the impact of parental involvement is still limited in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, we conducted this study to examine the magnitude of risky sexual behaviors and the association of parental monitoring and parental communication with condom use at last sexual intercourse among secondary school students in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods

We conducted this cross-sectional study among 2,217 male and female students aged 15 to 24 years from 12 secondary schools in Dar es Salaam. From October to November 2011, we collected data using a self-administered questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the association of parental monitoring and parental communication with condom use at last sexual intercourse, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

A total of 665 (30.3%) secondary school students reported being sexually active within the year prior to data collection. Among them, 41.7% had multiple sexual partners, 10.5% had concurrent sexual partners, and 41.1% did not use a condom at last sexual intercourse. A higher level of parental monitoring was associated with increased likelihood of condom use at last sexual intercourse among male students (AOR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.05-2.32; p = 0.03) but not among female students (AOR: 1.54, 95% CI: 0.71-3.37; p = 0.28). The association between parental communication and condom use at last sexual intercourse among both male and female students was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

A high level of parental monitoring is associated with more consistent condom use among male students in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania -- many of whom have engaged in high-risk sexual behaviors such as multiple sexual partnerships, concurrent sexual partnerships, and unprotected sexual intercourse in the past one year. Interventions should thus be strengthened to reduce multiple sexual partnerships, concurrent sexual partnerships, and to improve parental monitoring among such students toward increasing condom use.
Plasma vitamin D and parathormone are associated with obesity and atherogenic dyslipidemia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Guasch Alba , Bulló Mònica , Rabassa Antoni , Bonada Anna , Del Castillo Daniel , Sabench Fàtima , Salas-Salvadó Jordi
Published: December 2012

Background

Low concentrations of plasma vitamin D (25(OH)D) have been associated with the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS), obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to quantify the associations between 25(OH)D and parathormone (PTH) plasma levels and obesity, the presence of MetS, diabetes or atherogenic dyslipidemia (AD) in a large sample of individuals with different degrees of adiposity.

Methods

Retrospective study of all patients who had attended the obesity clinics in a Spanish hospital between 2009 and 2011, and whose concentrations of PTH, 25(OH)D, calcium and alkaline phosphatase had been determined (n=316, 75.9% women). Individuals were categorized by degree of adiposity, presence of MetS, and other comorbidities.

Results

PTH increased but 25(OH)D and calcium decreased with increasing adiposity. The prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency or insufficiency increased with obesity (<10% when BMI<45kg/m2, and 26% when >50). The prevalence of hyperparathyroidism increased from 12% in non-obese to 47.5% in morbidly obese individuals with BMI>50 kg/m2. Low plasma 25(OH)D and high PTH concentrations were associated with an increased risk of MetS and AD. These associations disappeared, except in the case of AD for 25(OH)D when adjusting for BMI. Regression analysis revealed that BMI and age or seasonality were independent predictors of PTH and 25(OH)D levels, respectively.

Conclusions

BMI was the variable most strongly associated with plasma 25(OH)D and PTH concentrations in our study. Low 25(OH)D and high PTH concentrations were not independently associated with an increased risk of MetS, or diabetes. Our data support a possible contribution of plasma 25(OH)D to the pathogenesis of hypertriglyceridemia and AD through inflammation.
Local population structure of Plasmodium: impact on malaria control and elimination
Authors: Chenet Stella M , Schneider Kristan A , Villegas Leopoldo , Escalante Ananias A
Published: December 2012

Background

Regardless of the growing interest in detecting population structures in malarial parasites, there have been limited discussions on how to use this concept in control programmes. In such context, the effects of the parasite population structures will depend on interventions’ spatial or temporal scales. This investigation explores the problem of identifying genetic markers, in this case microsatellites, to unveil Plasmodium genetic structures that could affect decisions in the context of elimination. The study was performed in a low-transmission area, which offers a good proxy to better understand problems associated with surveillance at the final stages of malaria elimination.

Methods

Plasmodium vivax samples collected in Tumeremo, Venezuela, between March 2003 and November 2004 were analysed. Since Plasmodium falciparum also circulates in many low endemic areas, P. falciparum samples from the same locality and time period were included for comparison. Plasmodium vivax samples were assayed for an original set of 25 microsatellites and P. falciparum samples were assayed for 12 microsatellites.

Results

Not all microsatellite loci assayed offered reliable local data. A complex temporal-cluster dynamics is found in both P. vivax and P. falciparum. Such dynamics affect the numbers and the type of microsatellites required for identifying individual parasites or parasite clusters when performing cross-sectional studies. The minimum number of microsatellites required to differentiate circulating P. vivax clusters differs from the minimum number of hyper-variable microsatellites required to distinguish individuals within these clusters. Regardless the extended number of microsatellites used in P. vivax, it was not possible to separate all individual infections.

Conclusions

Molecular surveillance has great potential; however, it requires preliminary local studies in order to properly interpret the emerging patterns in the context of elimination. Clonal expansions and clusters turnovers need to be taken into account when using molecular markers. Those affect the number and type of microsatellite markers, as well as, the expected genetic patterns in the context of operational investigations. By considering the local dynamics, elimination programmes could cost-effectively use molecular markers. However, population level studies need to consider the local limitations of a given set of loci in terms of providing epidemiologically relevant information.
Air pollution, fetal and infant tobacco smoke exposure, and wheezing in preschool children: a population-based prospective birth cohort
Authors: Sonnenschein-van der Voort Agnes MM , de Kluizenaar Yvonne , Jaddoe Vincent WV , Gabriele Carmelo , Raat Hein , Moll Henriëtte A , Hofman Albert , Pierik Frank H , Miedema Henk ME , de Jongste Johan C , Duijts Liesbeth
Published: December 2012

Background

Air pollution is associated with asthma exacerbations. We examined the associations of exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) with the risk of wheezing in preschool children, and assessed whether these associations were modified by tobacco smoke exposure.

Methods

This study was embedded in the Generation R Study, a population-based prospective cohort study among 4,634 children. PM10 and NO2 levels were estimated for the home addresses using dispersion modeling. Annual parental reports of wheezing until the age of 3 years and fetal and infant tobacco smoke exposure was obtained by questionnaires.

Results

Average annual PM10 or NO2 exposure levels per year were not associated with wheezing in the same year. Longitudinal analyses revealed non-significant tendencies towards positive associations of PM10 or NO2 exposure levels with wheezing during the first 3 years of life (overall odds ratios (95% confidence interval): 1.21 (0.79, 1.87) and 1.06 (0.92, 1.22)) per 10 μg/m3 increase PM10 and NO2, respectively). Stratified analyses showed that the associations were stronger and only significant among children who were exposed to both fetal and infant tobacco smoke (overall odds ratios 4.54 (1.17, 17.65) and 1.85 (1.15, 2.96)) per 10 μg/m3 increase PM10 and NO2, respectively (p-value for interactions <0.05).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that long term exposure to traffic-related air pollutants is associated with increased risks of wheezing in children exposed to tobacco smoke in fetal life and infancy. Smoke exposure in early life might lead to increased vulnerability of the lungs to air pollution.
MSH2 and CXCR4 involvement in malignant VIPoma
Authors: Müller Sven , Kupka Susan , Königsrainer Ingmar , Northoff Hinnak , Sotlar Karl , Bock Thomas , Kandolf Reinhard , Traub Frank , Königsrainer Alfred , Zieker Derek
Published: December 2012

Background

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide secreting tumors(VIPomas) are rare endocrine tumors of the pancreas with an estimated incidence of 0.1 per million per year. The molecular mechanisms that mediate development of VIPomas are poorly investigated and require definition.

Methods

A genome- and gene expression analysis of specimens of a primary pancreatic VIPoma with hepatic metastases was performed. The primary tumor, the metastases, the corresponding healthy tissue of the liver, and the pancreas were compared with each other using oligonucleotide microarrays and loss of heterozygosity (LOH).

Results

The results revealed multiple LOH events and several differentially expressed genes. Our finding of LOH and downregulation was conspicuous in the microarray analysis for the mismatch repair gene MSH2 in the primary pancreatic VIPoma tumor, the hepatic metastasis but not in the corresponding healthy tissue. Further a strong overexpression of the chemokine CXCR4 was detected in the hepatic metastases compared to its pancreatic primary. With a review of the literature we describe the molecular insights of metastatic development in VIPoma.

Conclusion

In VIPoma, defects in the mismatch repair system especially in MSH2 may contribute to carcinogenesis, and increased CXCR4 may be associated with liver metastasis.
Shape engineering vs organic modification of inorganic nanoparticles as a tool for enhancing cellular internalization
Authors: Karaman Didem Sen , Desai Diti , Senthilkumar Rajendran , Johansson Emma M , Råtts Natalie , Odén Magnus , Eriksson John E , Sahlgren Cecilia , Toivola Diana M , Rosenholm Jessica M
Published: December 2012

In nanomedicine, physicochemical properties of the nanocarrier affect the nanoparticle's pharmacokinetics and biodistribution, which are also decisive for the passive targeting and nonspecific cellular uptake of nanoparticles. Size and surface charge are, consequently, two main determining factors in nanomedicine applications. Another important parameter which has received much less attention is the morphology (shape) of the nanocarrier. In order to investigate the morphology effect on the extent of cellular internalization, two similarly sized but differently shaped rod-like and spherical mesoporous silica nanoparticles were synthesized, characterized and functionalized to yield different surface charges. The uptake in two different cancer cell lines was investigated as a function of particle shape, coating (organic modification), surface charge and dose. According to the presented results, particle morphology is a decisive property regardless of both the different surface charges and doses tested, whereby rod-like particles internalized more efficiently in both cell lines. At lower doses whereby the shape-induced advantage is less dominant, charge-induced effects can, however, be used to fine-tune the cellular uptake as a prospective ‘secondary’ uptake regulator for tight dose control in nanoparticle-based drug formulations.
Urine proteome of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease patients
Authors: Bakun Magda , Niemczyk Mariusz , Domanski Dominik , Jazwiec Radek , Perzanowska Anna , Niemczyk Stanislaw , Kistowski Michal , Fabijanska Agnieszka , Borowiec Agnieszka , Paczek Leszek , Dadlez Michal
Published: December 2012

Background

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is responsible for 10% of cases of the end stage renal disease. Early diagnosis, especially of potential fast progressors would be of benefit for efficient planning of therapy. Urine excreted proteome has become a promising field of the search for marker patterns of renal diseases including ADPKD. Up to now however, only the low molecular weight fraction of ADPKD proteomic fingerprint was studied. The aim of our study was to characterize the higher molecular weight fraction of urinary proteome of ADPKD population in comparison to healthy controls as a part of a general effort aiming at exhaustive characterization of human urine proteome in health and disease, preceding establishment of clinically useful disease marker panel.

Results

We have analyzed the protein composition of urine retentate (>10 kDa cutoff) from 30 ADPKD patients and an appropriate healthy control group by means of a gel-free relative quantitation of a set of more than 1400 proteins. We have identified an ADPKD-characteristic footprint of 155 proteins significantly up- or downrepresented in the urine of ADPKD patients. We have found changes in proteins of complement system, apolipoproteins, serpins, several growth factors in addition to known collagens and extracellular matrix components. For a subset of these proteins we have confirmed the results using an alternative analytical technique.

Conclusions

Obtained results provide basis for further characterization of pathomechanism underlying the observed differences and establishing the proteomic prognostic marker panel.
Lymphoepithelial carcinoma in the maxillary sinus: a case report
Authors: Mohammed Darouichi , Jaber Alshammari , Philippe Monnier , Kishore Sandu
Published: December 2012

Introduction

Lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the maxillary sinus is a very rare malignancy and it can be difficult to make a pre-operative diagnosis.

Case presentation

A 72-year-old Caucasian woman presented to our facility with an isolated right-side epistaxis that had been present for three months, with the results of a computed tomography scan showing a soft tissue mass in the right maxillary sinus with an impacted tooth. The results of a transnasal endoscopic biopsy were compatible with a lymphoepithelial carcinoma, following which our patient underwent a radical excision of the mass. The final histology results revealed lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the maxillary sinus with negative assays for Epstein-Barr virus. Our patient was given post-operative external radiotherapy and has remained disease-free at three-year follow-up.

Conclusions

This report details the diagnosis and management of a case of lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the maxillary sinus, which is a very rare malignant tumor with very little mention in the literature. Only a strong suspicion with systematic use of various patho-immunological tests helps to arrive at a definitive diagnosis by excluding other better-known tumors.
Intestinal dysbacteriosis induces changes of T lymphocyte subpopulations in Peyer’s patches of mice and orients the immune response towards humoral immunity
Authors: Gao Fei , Li Ming , Liu Yinhui , Gao Chuanzhou , Wen Shu , Tang Li
Published: December 2012

The large numbers of human intestinal microorganisms have a highly co-evolved relationship with the immune system. Dysbacteriosis of intestinal microbiota induces alterations of immune responses, and is closely related to disease development. Peyer’s patches are immune sensors in intestine which exert essential functions during development of inflammatory disease. However, interactions between commensal bacteria and PPs have been poorly characterized. In this study, changes of lymphocyte subpopulations and production of cytokines in PPs of mice with intestinal dysbacteriosis were investigated. The ceftriaxone-induced dysbacteriosis caused a notable change in populations of T lymphocytes, their subpopulations in PPs and expressions of various cytokines. Our results suggest intestinal dysbacteriosis in mice reduces immune tolerance in PPs and orients immune response towards humoral immunity.
Use of alternative–complementary-medicine (CAM) in Calabrian children
Authors: Dolceamore Teresa Rita , Altomare Federica , Zurlo Francesco , Miniero Roberto
Published: December 2012

Objective

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has not been widely studied among children in Italy. ISTAT-2005 survey showed a prevalence of 10% concerning children treated with CAM. The lack of data about the use of CAM in pediatrics in the South of Italy aimed us to conduct an epidemiological inquiry in Calabria.

Methods

The study has been conducted from 2009 and 2011 at the Pediatric Units of: University “Magna Graecia”- Catanzaro (CZ), Pugliese-Ciaccio Hospital-Catanzaro (CZ), Annunziata Hospital-Cosenza (CS), Jazzolino Hospital- ViboValentia (VV), Riuniti Hospitals- Reggio Calabria (RC) and San Giovanni di Dio Hospital- Crotone (KR). All information was collected through a questionnaire proposed to children’s parents admitted to these hospitals as out-patients or in-patients.

Results

1387 parents were approached to complete the questionnaire. 21(1,5%) refused to answer. A total of 1366 questionnaire was analyzed: 378 at CZ , 450 at CS, 131 at KR, 201 at VV and 206 at RC, with a response rate of 98,5%. In total, the percentage of children using CAM varied from 18% in Crotone to 38% in Cosenza. The parents who used CAM for their children were older and with a higher education. Phytotherapy was preferred to homeopathy. The gastrointestinal pathologies and upper respiratory tract are those ones for which frequently parents recur to CAM. Of note we have not to disregard their use “ to strengthen” the immune system. In most of cases CAM have been prescribed by pediatrician.

Conclusions

Our study remarks that the use of CAM is increased dramatically among the calabrian children in the last years as well as in other countries. Pediatricians need to improve their knowledge about CAM in order to better manage the parental attitude.
Changes of hepatic biochemical parameters and proteomics in broilers with cold-induced ascites
Authors: Wang Yongwei , Guo Yuming , Ning Dong , Peng Yunzhi , Cai Hong , Tan Jianzhuang , Yang Ying , Liu Dan
Published: December 2012

Ascites syndrome is still a problem for chicken industry in various parts of the world. Despite the intensive investigations of this syndrome for many years, its pathogenesis remains unclear. The objective of this study was to analyze the difference in hepatic proteomics between ascites and healthy broilers by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Changes of biochemical parameters of liver and blood were also determined. The results indicated that red blood cell counts (RBC), hematocrit (HCT) and haemoglobin (HGB) of ascites broilers were significantly greater than healthy broilers. Hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) level of ascites broilers was significantly increased, and the activity of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) was significantly decreased. Hepatic lactic acid (LD) level of ascitic broilers were significantly lower than healthy ones. Serum glucose and cholesterol level of ascites broilers were significantly increased, and serum globulin level was significantly decreased in ascites broilers. There was no significant difference in triglyceride (TG) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level. The activity of liver hexokinase (HK) and succinodehydrogenase (SDH) in ascites broilers was significantly decreased, and there was no significant difference in the activity of liver pyruvate kinase (PK) and Na+-K+-ATPase. The hepatic proteomics analysis showed that 18 proteins expression difference were identified between ascites and healthy broilers. These proteins were mainly involved in: 1) cytoskeleton; 2) glucose, lipids and amino acid metabolism; 3) cell secretion; 4) cell apoptosis; 5) signal transduction; 6) immune and inflammatory response; and 7) cellular redox homeostasis. Mitochondrial isoform phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (M-PEPCK) mainly participates in gluconeogenesis of chicken liver. In conclusion, liver oxidative damage was significantly aggravated, but antioxidant capacity was decreased in cold-induced ascites broilers. Serum glucose level was significantly increased, with liver M-PEPCK expression higher in ascites broilers, which implied that some potential regulatory reagents may reduce ascites susceptibility and mortality under cold temperature by increasing liver gluconeogenesis level.
Domain-limited solution of the wave equation in Riemannian coordinates
Authors: Khalil Adel , Hesham Mohamed , El-Beltagy Mohamed
Published: December 2012

We propose to solve the two-way time domain acoustic wave equation in a generalized Riemannian coordinate system via finite-differences. The coordinate system is defined in such a way that one of its independent variables conforms to the primary wavefront, for example, using a ray coordinate system with the traveltime being one of the coordinates. At each finite-difference time-step, the solution domain is limited to a narrow corridor around the primary wavefront, leading to an increase in the computational performance. A new finite-difference scheme is introduced to stabilize the solution and facilitate its implementation. This new scheme is a blend of the simple explicit and the stable implicit schemes. As a proof of concept, the proposed method is compared to the classical explicit finite-difference scheme performed in Cartesian coordinates on two synthetic velocity models with varying complexities. At a reduced cost, the proposed method produces similar results to the classical one; however, some amplitude differences arise due to various implementation issues. The most direct application for the proposed method is the source side of reverse time migration.
A new automatic S-onset detection technique: Application in local earthquake data
Authors: Lois Athanasios , Sokos Efthimios , Martakis Nikolaos , Paraskevopoulos Paraskevas , Tselentis G-Akis
Published: December 2012

Algorithms that deal with the automatic [Formula: see text]-onset time identification problem are a topic of ongoing research. Modern dense seismic networks used for earthquake location, seismic tomography investigations, source studies, early warning, etc., demand accurate automatic S-wave picking. Most of the techniques that have been proposed up to now are mainly based on the polarization features of the seismic waves. We propose a new time domain method for the automatic determination of the [Formula: see text]-phase arrival onsets, and present its implementation on local earthquake data. Eigenvalue analysis takes place over small time intervals, and the maximum eigenvalue which is obtained on each step is retained for further processing. In this way, a time series of maximum eigenvalues is formed, which serves as a characteristic function. We obtain a first [Formula: see text]-phase arrival time estimation by applying the kurtosis criterion on the derived characteristic function. Furthermore, a multiwindow approach combined with an energy-based weighting scheme is also applied, to reduce the algorithm’s dependence on the moving window’s length and provide a weighted [Formula: see text]-phase onset. Automatic picks were compared against manual reference picks, resulting in mean residual time of 0.051 s. Moreover, the proposed technique was subjected to a noise robustness test and sustained a good performance. The mean residual time remained lower than 0.1 s, for noise levels between [Formula: see text] up to 8 dB. The proposed method is easy to implement, because it is almost parameter free and demands low computational resources.
Application of perfectly matched layer for scalar arbitrarily wide-angle wave equations
Authors: Chen Hanming , Zhou Hui , Lin He , Wang Shangxu
Published: December 2012

Arbitrarily wide-angle wave equation (AWWE) is a space domain, high-order one-way wave equation (OWWE). Its accuracy can be arbitrarily increased, and it is amenable to easy numerical implementation. Those properties make it outstanding among the existing OWWEs and further enable it to be a desirable tool for migration. We extend the perfectly matched layer (PML) to 3D scalar AWWE to provide a good approach to suppress artifacts arising at truncation boundaries. We follow the concept of complex coordinate stretching, and the derivation procedure of PML for AWWE is straightforward. An existing finite-difference scheme is adopted to fit the split PML formulation and its stability is observed through numerical examples. The performance of the developed PML condition is compared with two different wave-equation based absorbing boundary conditions. Numerical results illustrate that the PML condition used in AWWE propagator can effectively absorb the propagating waves and evanescent waves at a price of limited additional computation cost.