bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coping Strategies Used by Adolescents During Smoking Cessation
Authors: Jannone Laura , O’Connell Kathleen A.
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this study was to examine coping strategies used by teens as they attempted to quit smoking. The teens were attending a school-based cessation program titled Quit 2 Win that was offered in four high schools. This study examined situations in which teens were tempted to smoke. The study compares coping strategies teens reported in resisting smoking with situations where they reported lapsing. Participants were interviewed the week of their quit date and asked about their state of mind, the availability of cigarettes, and coping strategies used to resist smoking. By identifying coping strategies, school nurses can develop new interventions for teen smoking cessation.
College Students’ Experiences and Attitudes Regarding Middle and High School–Based Breastfeeding Education
Authors: Spear Hila J.
Published: July 2008

This study examined the attitudes and experiences of male and female college students relative to breastfeeding education within middle and high school programs of study. Findings revealed that 36.7% of the participants were taught about breastfeeding while enrolled in a specific course in high school; 11.3% received information about breastfeeding in middle school. Overall, participants expressed positive attitudes toward breastfeeding and were supportive of the promotion of breastfeeding within a formal educational setting. However, 54% disagreed with offering information about breastfeeding to middle school students. Furthermore, most (67.8%) participants found public breastfeeding to be unacceptable; 77.7% indicated that breastfeeding is an intimate behavior that should be kept private. School nurses are in a unique position to influence school health and science-related curricula designed to promote the health benefits of breast-feeding. More education is needed to teach young people about the advantages of breastfeeding and to make breastfeeding a socially and culturally acceptable lifestyle behavior.
Empowerment in School Nursing Practice: A Grounded Theory Approach
Authors: Broussard Lisa
Published: July 2008

Professional empowerment is vital to nurses’ productivity and job satisfaction. A grounded theory study was conducted to describe the basic social process experienced by school nurses in relation to professional empowerment. Interviews with 10 school nurses led to the development of a situation-specific theory of school nurse empowerment, Making a Difference: The Role of the School Nurse in the Health of Children in Schools. This theory was derived from four theoretical constructs: (a) enlisting support, (b) getting through the day, (c) maintaining control over practice, and (d) adjusting to challenges. Interviews revealed that knowing at the end of each school day that they made a difference in the health of children resulted in feelings of empowerment. Participants cited various areas in which their sense of empowerment was limited, including salaries and workload. Despite these issues, they believed they had a positive impact on the health of children, leading to job satisfaction and feelings of value.
School-Based Administration of ADHD Drugs Decline, Along With Diversion, Theft, and Misuse
Authors: DuPont Robert L. , Bucher Richard H. , Wilford Bonnie B. , Coleman John J.
Published: July 2008

Since 2000 researchers have reported a decline in the administration of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications given by school nurses, although no decline has been noted in the incidence of ADHD in school-age populations. Government data for the same period show reduced levels of methylphenidate abuse as measured by its involvement in hospital emergency department (ED) admissions. Offsetting this, however, is an increase in the involvement of amphetamine-dextroamphetamine in hospital ED admissions for the same period. Because ADHD medications are often administered in the school setting, a survey of school nurses was undertaken to identify factors related to the administration as well as to the diversion, theft, and misuse of ADHD medications. Of 311 school nurses responding, 295 (95%) reported a significant or moderate decline between 2002 and 2004 in the need for school-based administration of ADHD medications. Respondents also reported reductions in diversion, theft, and misuse of ADHD drugs.
Program Strategies for Adolescent Smoking Cessation
Authors: Fritz Deborah J. , Wider Lottchen Crane , Hardin Sally B. , Horrocks Michelle
Published: July 2008

School nurses who work with adolescents are in an ideal position to promote smoking cessation. This opportunity is important because research suggests teens who smoke are likely to become habitual smokers. This study characterizes adolescents’ patterns and levels of smoking, describes adolescents’ perceptions toward smoking, and delineates quit strategies that may prove helpful for adolescents who attempt smoking cessation. Results suggest adolescent smokers have highly variable patterns and levels of smoking. They fail to consider their future health and continue to be unaware of the harmful effects of smoking and the addictive nature of tobacco. Among adolescent smokers, there are few gender differences in perception of smoking. Therefore, gender specific cessation programs may not be necessary. The most effective quit strategy was the acquisition of information on contents of cigarettes and the health effects of smoking. Armed with these strategies, school nurses can provide leadership in the design and implementation of school based smoking cessation programs.
Some Health Effects of Implementing School Nursing in a Norwegian High School: A Controlled Study
Authors: Svebak Sven , Jensen Eva Naper , Götestam K. Gunnar
Published: July 2008

The effects of a school nursing service on health complaints and mood were investigated in a Norwegian high school. The school nursing service was delivered to students in 1 high school, and students in a comparable high school served as the comparison group. There were 41 students in the treatment group and 63 in the comparison group. All students completed a survey at the beginning of 2 successive fall terms. The survey had items on common health complaints, perceived stress, efforts to cope, moods, and sense of humor. Results from multivariate analyses of variance found that test–retest variance was stable for all measures. Level of complaints tended to be reduced as an effect of access to the school nursing service. Sense of humor at follow-up tended to buffer health complaints and negative moods.
The Impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on Louisiana School Nurses
Authors: Broussard Lisa , Myers Rachel , Meaux Julie
Published: July 2008

In the fall of 2005, the coast of Louisiana was devastated by two hurricanes, Katrina and Rita. Not only did these natural disasters have detrimental effects for those directly in their path, the storms had an impact on the lives of everyone in Louisiana. The professional practice of many Louisiana school nurses was affected by several factors, including a sudden influx of students with no medical records. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted to gain an understanding of school nurses’ feelings and experiences related to the hurricanes and their aftermath. Forty-one school nurses participated in the study, and findings revealed significant effects on their personal and professional lives. Themes within each area were identified: uncertainty, hopelessness and helplessness, thankfulness, practice challenges, and practice rewards. Implications for school nursing practice include the need for support during natural disasters and the importance of school nurse involvement in disaster preparedness.
Mediastinoscopy and Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: Anesthetic Pitfalls and Complications
Authors: Thomsen Robert W.
Published: July 2008

Endoscopic evaluation of the thoracic cavity was first described in 1910 when Jacobaeus used a cystoscope for pleural examination. Significant advances in thoracoscopic surgery, including the use of high-definition videoscopy and refinements in surgical technique, have created a vast array of increasingly complex procedures that can be performed. The minimally invasive nature of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) makes it ideal for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in ambulatory and critically ill patients. Mediastinoscopy is often performed immediately preceding VATS to permit sampling of mediastinal lymph nodes. As the indications for thoracoscopic surgery expand, the anesthesiologist must be familiar with common anesthetic and surgical complications, which occur in up to 9% of patients.
The impact of disabilities on quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Wynia K , Middel B , van Dijk JP , De Keyser JHA , Reijneveld SA
Published: July 2008

Objective

People with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) experience lower levels of quality of life (QOL) than people from the general population. We examined the relative impact of MS-related disabilities on QOL.

Method

Data were obtained from a sample of 530 patients who completed the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Profile (MSIP), a disability measure based on the International Classification of Functioning,Disabilities and Health (ICF) and two generic health-related QOL measures, the Medical Outcome study Short Form Questionnaire (SF-36) and the World Health Organization Quality Of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). The impact of disabilities on QOL was estimated using hierarchical multiple regression analyses after controlling for the clinical course of MS.

Results

Disabilities contributed to a unique and substantial extent to QOL variance. “Impairments in mental functions” was the most important QOL predictor. “Fatigue” showed the highest prevalence and severity scores, while the impact on QOL was limited. The estimated impact on QOL appeared to be dependent on the applied QOL measure: the WHOQOL-BREF was sensitive to disabilities related to all four ICF components, while the SF-36 was only sensitive to disabilities belonging to the 'body functions' and ‘activities’ components.

Conclusion

Treatment programmes should target impairments in cognitive functioning, emotional functioning and sleep. Interventions are best evaluated using the WHOQOL-BREF.
Smoking worsens the prognosis in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sundström P , Nyström L
Published: July 2008

Objective

To estimate the effect of smoking on the risk for progression in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

Self-reported data were used on smoking habits in 122 incident cases with disability assessments made after a median of 6 years disease duration.

Results

Ever smokers were more likely to have progressive disease compared with never smokers ( P < 0.01). This was most pronounced in ever smokers with early smoking debut (≤15 years of age) for whom progressive disease was significantly more likely and occurred at an earlier age, compared with those with later smoking debut ( P < 0.01 for both) or never smokers ( P < 0.01 for both). Earlysmoking start also predisposed to a progressive disease from onset when compared with never smokers ( P = 0.012). A multivariate Cox regression analysis of sex, age at disease onset (above vs. under median) and smoking (ever vs. never) status showed that cases with late disease onset had three times higher risk and ever smokers had twice as high a risk for progression.

Conclusion

Past smoking is associated with a worsened prognosis in MS. The negative effect from smoking is most obvious in ever smokers with early smoking debut, which also affects MS phenotype significantly.
No evidence that polymorphisms of the vanishing white matter disease genes are risk factors in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Pronk JC , Scheper GC , van Andel RJ , van Berkel CGM , Polman CH , Uitdehaag BMJ , van der Knaap MS
Published: July 2008

Febrile infections are known to cause exacerbations in the white matter disorders ‘vanishing white matter’ (VWM) and multiple sclerosis (MS). We hypothesized that polymorphisms in EIF2B1-5, the genes involved in VWM, might be risk factors for the development of MS or temperature sensitivity in patients with MS. We found no difference in the frequencies of 15 EIF2B1-5 variants between patients with MS and healthy controls, and none of the variants showed significant deviation of the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Furthermore, sequencing data of EIF2B1-5 in 20 patients with MS and measurement of the activity of eIF2B complex in patient-derived lymphoblasts did not support our hypothesis.
The impact of sexual dysfunction on the quality of life measured by MSQoL-54 in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Tepavcevic DK , Kostic J , Basuroski ID , Stojsavljevic N , Pekmezovic T , Drulovic J
Published: July 2008

Objective

Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common but often overlooked symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency, type, and intensity of SD in our patients with MS and to investigate its influence on all the domains of quality of life.

Methods

The study population comprised a cohort of 109 patients with MS (McDonald's criteria, 2001). SD was quantified by a Szasz sexual functioning scale. Health-related quality of life was measured by a disease-specific instrument MSQoL-54 (Serbian version).

Results

The presence of at least one symptom of SD was found in about 84% of the men and in 85% of the women. The main complaints in women were reduced libido, difficulties in achieving orgasm, and decreased vaginal lubrication; in men, the main complaints were reduced libido, incomplete erections, and premature ejaculation. In women, statistically significant negative correlations between the presence and level of SD and quality of life domains were reached for all subscales ( P < 0.01), except for the Pain subscale ( P = 0.112). In men, negative correlations were also observed for all domains, but they were statistically significant for physical health, physical role limitations, social function, health distress, sexual function, and sexual function satisfaction ( P < 0.01). We found that the presence of all the analyzed types of sexual problems statistically significantly lowered scores on the sexual function and the sexual function satisfaction subscales in both men and women ( P < 0.01). The most prominent impact on both domains was observed for the total loss of erection in men and for anorgasmia in women.

Conclusions

Our results reveal that frequent occurrence of SD in MS patients prominently affects all aspects of their quality of life.
Neuropsychological dysfunction, depression, physical disability, and coping processes in families with a parent affected by multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ehrensperger MM , Grether A , Romer G , Berres M , Monsch AU , Kappos L , Steck B
Published: July 2008

Background

Families with a parent suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS) must cope with the unpredictable course of the disease. Most studies analyzing factors that influence coping abilities in families with a member affected with MS used questionnaires to assess this ability.

Methods

On the contrary, the present study used a semi-structured psychiatric interview and used the resulting information to calculate a general measure of coping ability (coping index [CI]). We administered this interview to 44 MS patients, their partners and offspring and conducted a neuropsychological and physical evaluation of the patients to determine the impact of physical disability, cognitive dysfunction, and depression on the process of coping by the patient, the healthy partner, and children.

Results

The CI of patients was best predicted by measures of their depressive symptoms, divided attention, and estimated verbal intelligence. None of the patient variables predicted the CI of healthy partners or their offspring. We found an association between the CI of the healthy partner and the children.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that MS patients’ emotional and neuropsychological functions are associated with their ability to cope with the disease. These should be carefully assessed at the beginning of treatment so that those factors known to negatively influence patient coping are targeted in the treatment plan if necessary. Comprehensive care of a patient with MS should include support of coping abilities of the family members.
Smoking is a risk factor for early conversion to clinically definite multiple sclerosis
Authors: Di Pauli F , Reindl M , Ehling R , Schautzer F , Gneiss C , Lutterotti A , O’Reilly EJ , Munger KL , Deisenhammer F , Ascherio A , Berger T
Published: July 2008

Background

Cigarette smoking increases the risk for development of multiple sclerosis and modifies the clinical course of the disease. In this study, we determined whether smoking is a risk factor for early conversion to clinically definite multiple sclerosis after a clinically isolated syndrome.

Methods

We included 129 patients with a clinically isolated syndrome, disseminated white-matter lesions on brain magnetic resonance imaging, and positive oligoclonal bands in the cerebrospinal fluid. The patients’ smoking status was obtained at the time of the clinically isolated syndrome.

Results

During a follow-up time of 36 months, 75% of smokers but only 51% of non-smokers developed clinically definite multiple sclerosis, and smokers had a significantly shorter time interval to their first relapse. The hazard ratio for progression to clinically definite multiple sclerosis was 1.8 (95% confidence interval, 1.2–2.8) for smokers compared with non-smokers ( P = 0.008).

Conclusions

Smoking is associated with an increased risk for early conversion to clinically definite multiple sclerosis after a clinically isolated syndrome, and our results suggest that smoking is an independent but modifiable risk factor for disease progression of multiple sclerosis. Therefore, it should be considered in the counseling of patients with a clinically isolated syndrome.
The Clinical Effectiveness of a Brief Consultation and Advisory Approach Compared to Treatment as Usual in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
Authors: McGarry Joan , McNicholas Fiona , Buckley Hannah , Kelly Brendan D. , Atkin Louise , Ross Niamh
Published: July 2008

A brief consultation and advice (BCA) approach to dealing with routine referrals was introduced into a child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) over an 18-month period. This is a time-limited, client-centred and solution-focused approach to dealing with common non-complex referrals. The model proposes that all families are seen for an initial `consultation' appointment followed by a maximum of two further appointments. A randomized controlled study compared the clinical effectiveness of BCA treatment with treatment as usual (TAU) over a 6-month period. The parents of children referred to CAMHS were eligible to participate if their child was deemed `non-complex'. Ethical approval was granted by the relevant ethics committee. Families who consented to participate in the study were randomly allocated to either the BCA or TAU group. Sixty children enrolled in the study. Both groups showed improvements on a number of variables at 3 months post treatment, but only those receiving BCA showed continued improvement at 6 months. Participants in both groups showed high levels of satisfaction with the treatment received. Participants in the TAU group expressed dissatisfaction with long waiting times and had a higher drop out rate than the BCA treatment group. During the time frame studied, the introduction of the BCA approach did not lead to a decrease in overall mean waiting time. These results and the usefulness of a BCA model are discussed.
Hypnotherapy in Child Psychiatry: The State of the Art
Authors: Huynh Melanie Ekholdt , Vandvik Inger Helene , Diseth Trond H.
Published: July 2008

Children are more easily hypnotized than adults, and hypnotherapy as a method responds to the general developmental needs of children by addressing their ability for fantasy and imagination. Hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis are tools with which to assess and develop protective factors, and enhance positive adjustment. Meta-analyses and overviews have demonstrated the effect of hypnotherapy in paediatric disorders like asthma, chronic and acute pain, and in procedure-related distress in cancer patients. We wanted to examine the use and benefits of hypnotherapy when applied to child psychiatric disorders. A review of a literature search from PubMed, PsychINFO and the Cochrane databases revealed 60 publications, mostly case reports based on 2—60 cases, addressing the use of hypnotherapy in various child psychiatric conditions. Findings indicate that hypnotherapy may be useful for a wide range of disorders and problems, and may be particularly valuable in the treatment of anxiety disorders and trauma-related conditions. In conclusion, knowledge of hypnosis is useful in clinical practice and hypnotherapy may play an important role as an adjunctive therapy in cognitive-behavioural treatment and family therapy. Additional qualitative and quantitative studies are needed to assess the place for hypnosis/hypnotherapy in child psychiatry.
Is it Trichotillomania? Hair Pulling in Childhood: A Developmental Perspective
Authors: Santhanam Radhika , Fairley Michael , Rogers Maureen
Published: July 2008

A cohort of children with hair pulling as the presenting symptom was followed up to enhance clinical understanding of the nature of hair-pulling behaviour in childhood. Thirty-eight children were clinically assessed for a diagnosis of trichotillomania, co-morbidity, co-existing habits and other relevant factors. Intervention consisted of a combination of behavioural strategies, self-esteem work, supportive family approaches, attachment-focused parenting models and medication. In this group of children it was difficult to define their symptoms as a clinical diagnosis of trichotillomania, using ICD-10/DSM-IV. This article concludes that hair pulling, as a symptom in children, is a heterogeneous condition. It is useful to approach this issue from a developmental perspective. Our data warrant reappraisal of the diagnosis of trichotillomania in childhood. We explore the framework of a developmental continuum to understand and manage the problem of hair pulling in childhood.
Anger expression, negative life events and violent behaviour among male college students in Ethiopia
Authors: Gelaye Bizu , Philpart Marc , Goshu Miruts , Berhane Yemane , Fitzpatrick Annette L. , Williams Michelle A.
Published: July 2008

Aims: To assess the prevalence of violent behaviour and to identify risk factors associated with violent behaviour among male college students in Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study among 1294 male college students in Awassa, Ethiopia was conducted in June 2006. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information concerning violent acts, anger expression, and sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression procedures were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: More than half of the students (54.3%) reported committing at least one act of physical violence during the current academic year. Academic year of studies, use of khat, a natural stimulant with amphetamine-like effects, anger proneness and stressful life events were statistically significant covariates associated with committing acts of violence. Seniors, as compared with freshmen, were less likely to admit violent behaviour (OR=0.46; 95% CI 0.30—0.71). Those who reported using khat were more likely to report committing violent acts (OR=1.46, 95% CI 1.02—2.08) than were non-users. Students with moderate levels of anger expression (scores of 11— 14) were 3.40 times more likely to report committing acts of violence (OR=3.40; 95% CI 2.42—4.79) than were those with low levels of anger expression (scores v11). For students with high levels of anger expression (≥15 scores), the corresponding OR was 7.62 (95% CI 5.15—11.29). Participants who had experienced ≥4 negative life events during the current academic year were more likely (OR=2.41; 95% CI 1.58—3.69) to report violent behaviour than were those with fewer stressful life events. Conclusions: Screening for violent behaviour and violence prevention programmes, particularly those in educational settings, should include strategies that address students' stressful life events, anger management, and substance use.
The potential migration effect of rural hospital closures: A Danish case study
Authors: Sørensen Jens F.L.
Published: July 2008

Aims: Rural hospital closures are high on the current healthcare agenda in Denmark. One concern raised is that rural hospital closures may further decrease population numbers in rural areas, as closures may induce some residents to move away from affected areas, i.e. closer to healthcare services elsewhere. The aim of this study was to investigate whether rural hospital closures may lead to out-migration in a Danish setting and to investigate which socioeconomic groups would be most likely to migrate. Methods: The island of Ærø was selected as the case study area. The island has one small hospital. By the use of fully structured telephone interviews, a representative sample of Ærø inhabitants (N=1000) was asked how important it was for them to live close to a hospital and whether they would consider moving away if their hospital was closed. Results: Forty-seven per cent found it very important to live close to a hospital, and 29% would consider moving away if their hospital was closed. Multiple regression analyses showed that families with children were most likely to consider moving away and elderly people were least likely to consider moving away. Conclusions: The study suggests that rural hospital closures may lead to out-migration, although the hypothetical method of questioning leaves uncertainty about the actual scale of out-migration. Families with children appear to be the most likely out-migrants. Elderly people may be hardest hit by a hospital closure, being most reliant on healthcare and least inclined to move away.
Methods of execution as institutional fads
Authors: Denver Megan , Best Joel , Haas Kenneth C.
Published: July 2008

The history of capital punishment in the USA reveals a cyclical pattern: critiques of existing methods of execution inspire the adoption of a new method that is presented as more humane and less problematic; this in turn leads to a new round of criticism. The historical shift from hanging to death by electrocution, gas chamber, and — most recently — lethal injection reflects an institutional fad cycle.
Dangerous liaisons
Authors: Seddon Toby
Published: July 2008

In July 1999, radical and controversial proposals were put forward by the UK government for a new approach to the management of dangerous individuals with severe personality disorders. The Dangerous and Severe Personality Disorder (DSPD) programme involved service development and research but its most contentious part was the proposal for new legislation to provide civil and criminal powers for the detention of DSPD individuals in new specialist high-secure units. The programme has been viewed by many commentators as evidence that concerns about risk have become the over-riding driver of contemporary mental health and penal policy and it has been described as a `psychiatric manifestation of the risk society'. In this article, it is argued that while the DSPD initiative does indeed embody the ascendance of `risk thinking' in recent years, the idea of risk needs to be broadened out and understood as a complex, multi-faceted and mobile formation. Crucially, it needs to be viewed in a more `substantively political light' rather than simply as a technocratic or instrumental development.
From structure topology to chemical composition. VI. Titanium silicates: the
crystal structure and crystal chemistry of bornemanite, a group III Ti-disilicate
mineral
Authors: Cámara F. , Sokolova E.
Published: July 2008

The crystal structure of bornemanite, ideally
Na6☐BaTi2Nb(Si2O7)2(PO4)O2(OH)F,
a = 5.4587(3), b = 7.1421(5), c = 24.528(2) Å, α = 96.790(1), β = 96.927(1), γ =
90.326(1)°, V = 942.4(2) Å3, space
group (P1̄), Z = 2, Dcalc. = 3.342 g
cm–3, from the Lovozero alkaline massif, Kola Peninsula,
Russia, has been solved and refined to R1 = 6.36% on the
basis of 4414 unique reflections (Fo >4sF). Electron microprobe analysis
yielded the empirical formula
(Na6.07Mn2+0.23Ca0.06☐0.64)Σ7.00
(Ba0.73K0.13Sr0.06☐0.08)Σ1.00(Ti2.05Nb0.80Zr0.02Ta5+0.01Fe3+0.03Al0.02Mn2+0.06Mg0.01)Σ3.00(Si2O7)2(P0.97O4)O2
[F1.27(OH)0.74]Σ2.01.
The crystal structure of bornemanite is a combination of a TS (titanium silicate)
block and an I (intermediate) block. The TS block consists
of HOH sheets (H-heteropolyhedral, O-octahedral). The TS block exhibits linkage
and stereochemistry typical for Group III (Ti = 3 a.p.f.u.) of Ti-disilicate
minerals: two H sheets connect to the O sheet such that two
(Si2O7) groups link to the trans
edges of a Ti octahedron of the O sheet. The O sheet cations give
Na3Ti (4 a.p.f.u.). The TS block has two different H
sheets, H1 and H2, where
(Si2O7) groups link to
[5]Ti and [6]Nb polyhedra, and there
are two peripheral sites which are occupied by Ba and Na, respectively. There are
two I blocks: the
I1 block is a layer of Ba atoms;
the I2 block consists of Na polyhedra
and (PO4) tetrahedra.
Incorporation of REE into leucophanite: a compositional and structural
study
Authors: Friis H. , Balić-Žunić T. , Williams C. T. , R. Garcia-Sanchez
Published: July 2008

The crystal structures of nine, and the chemical compositions of ten, natural
samples of leucophanite, ideally
NaCaBeSi2O6F, were investigated. The
analysed samples display a large compositional variation with trace-element
abundances >50,000 ppm, primarily due to rare earth elements
(REE). Fromthese data, we propose a substitution
scheme for the incorporation of REE for Ca, with
additional Na substituting for Ca and the generation of vacancies to ensure charge
balance. Compositional zonation was observed in some samples; this zonation
correlates with variations in cathodoluminescence. The crystal structure of the
nine analysed samples could all be refined in space group
P212121. We
found no evidence for a reduction of symmetry with increased trace-element
concentration. Various twin combinations were observed and these seem related to
crystallization conditions rather than structural or chemical factors.
Host immune gene polymorphisms in combination with clinical and demographic factors predict late survival in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients in the pre-rituximab era
Authors: Habermann Thomas M. , Wang Sophia S. , Maurer Matthew J. , Morton Lindsay M. , Lynch Charles F. , Ansell Stephen M. , Hartge Patricia , Severson Richard K. , Rothman Nathaniel , Davis Scott , Geyer Susan M. , Cozen Wendy , Chanock Stephen J. , Cerhan James R.
Published: July 2008

To evaluate the hypothesis that host germ line variation in immune genes is associated with overall survival in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), we genotyped 73 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 44 candidate genes in 365 DLBCL patients diagnosed from 1998 to 2000. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association of SNPs with survival after adjusting for clinical factors. During follow-up, 96 (26%) patients died, and the median follow-up was 57 months for surviving patients. The observed survival of this cohort was consistent with population-based estimates conditioned on surviving 12 months. An IL10 haplotype (global P = .03) and SNPs in IL8RB (rs1126580; HRAG/GG = 2.11; CI, 1.28-3.50), IL1A (rs1800587; HRCT/TT = 1.90; CI, 1.26-2.87), TNF (rs1800629; HRAG/GG = 1.44; CI, 0.95-2.18), and IL4R (rs2107356; HRCC/CT = 1.97; CI, 1.01-3.83) were the strongest predictors of overall survival. A risk score that combined the latter 4 SNPs with clinical factors was strongly associated with survival in a Cox model (P = 6.0 × 10−11). Kaplan-Meier 5-year survival estimates for low, intermediate-low, intermediate-high, and high-risk patients were 94%, 79%, 60%, and 48%, respectively. These data support a role for germ line variation in immune genes, particularly genes associated with a proinflammatory state, as predictors of late survival in DLBCL.
Dietary flavonoids inhibit the anticancer effects of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib
Authors: Liu Feng-Ting , Agrawal Samir G. , Movasaghi Zanyar , Wyatt Peter B. , Rehman Ihtesham U. , Gribben John G. , Newland Adrian C. , Jia Li
Published: July 2008

Dietary flavonoids have many health-promoting actions, including anticancer activity via proteasome inhibition. Bor-tezomib is a dipeptide boronate proteasome inhibitor that has activity in the treatment of multiple myeloma but is not effective in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Although CLL cells are sensitive in vitro to bortezomib-induced apoptosis when cultured in medium, the killing activity was blocked when cultured in 50% fresh autologous plasma. Dietary flavonoids, quercetin and myricetin, which are abundant in plasma, inhibited bortezomib-induced apoptosis of primary CLL and malignant B-cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. This inhibitory effect was associated with chemical reactions between quercetin and the boronic acid group, -RB(OH)2, in bortezomib. The addition of boric acid diminished the inhibitory effect of both quercetin and plasma on bortezomib-induced apoptosis. The protective effect was also reduced when myeloma cell lines, but not B-cell lines, were preincubated with quercetin, indicating a direct effect of quercetin on myeloma cells. At high doses, quercetin itself induced tumor cell death. These data indicate that dietary flavonoids limit the efficacy of bortezomib, whereas supplemental inorganic boric acid is able to reverse this. The complex interactions between quercetin, tumor cells, and bortezomib mean caution is required when giving dietary advice to patients.
Comparative transcriptomics of human multipotent stem cells during adipogenesis and osteoblastogenesis
Authors: Scheideler Marcel , Elabd Christian , Zaragosi Laure-Emmanuelle , Chiellini Chiara , Hackl Hubert , Sanchez-Cabo Fatima , Yadav Sunaina , Duszka Kalina , Friedl Gerald , Papak Christine , Prokesch Andreas , Windhager Reinhard , Ailhaud Gerard , Dani Christian , Amri Ez-Zoubir , Trajanoski Zlatko
Published: July 2008

Background

A reciprocal relationship between bone and fat development in osteoporosis is clinically well established. Some of the key molecular regulators involved in this tissue replacement process have been identified. The detailed mechanisms governing the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) – the key cells involved – are however only now beginning to emerge. In an attempt to address the regulation of the adipocyte/osteoblast balance at the level of gene transcription in a comprehensive and unbiased manner, we performed a large-scale gene expression profiling study using a unique cellular model, human multipotent adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hMADS).

Results

The analysis of 1606 genes that were found to be differentially expressed between adipogenesis and osteoblastogenesis revealed gene repression to be most prevalent prior to commitment in both lineages. Computational analyses suggested that this gene repression is mediated by miRNAs. The transcriptional activation of lineage-specific molecular processes in both cases occurred predominantly after commitment. Analyses of the gene expression data and promoter sequences produced a set of 65 genes that are candidates for genes involved in the process of adipocyte/osteoblast commitment. Four of these genes were studied in more detail:LXRαand phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) for adipogenesis, the nuclear receptorCOUP-TF1and one uncharacterized gene,TMEM135for osteoblastogenesis.PLTPwas secreted during both early and late time points of hMADS adipocyte differentiation.LXRα,COUP-TF1, and the transmembrane proteinTMEM135were studied in primary cultures of differentiating bone marrow stromal cells from healthy donors and were found to be transcriptionally activated in the corresponding lineages.

Conclusion

Our results reveal gene repression as a predominant early mechanism before final cell commitment. We were moreover able to identify 65 genes as candidates for genes controlling the adipocyte/osteoblast balance and to further evaluate four of these. Additional studies will explore the precise role of these candidate genes in regulating the adipogenesis/osteoblastogenesis switch.
Another challenge for scientists
Authors: Christian Laura M , Naqvi Hassan R , Schmidt Christian , Covarrubias David , Mathur Shawn
Published: July 2008

By nature, scientists contribute to our understanding of nature and ourselves. As communities undergo significant changes, new challenges are presented. Here, we offer alternative views on recent changes in society.
Ligand-Based Targeting of Apoptosis in Cancer: The Potential of Recombinant Human Apoptosis Ligand 2/Tumor Necrosis Factor–Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (rhApo2L/TRAIL)
Authors: Ashkenazi Avi , Holland Pamela , Eckhardt S. Gail
Published: July 2008

Cancer is a leading cause of premature human death and commands considerable research attention. Apoptosis (type 1 programmed cell death) is critical in maintaining tissue homeostasis in metazoan organisms, and its dysregulation underpins the initiation and progression of cancer. Conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy can induce apoptosis as a secondary consequence of inflicting cell damage. However, more direct and selective strategies to manipulate the apoptotic process in cancer cells are emerging as potential therapeutic tools. Genetic and biochemical understanding of the cellular signaling mechanisms that control apoptosis has increased substantially during the last decade. These advances provide a strong scientific framework for developing several types of targeted proapoptotic anticancer therapies. One promising class of agents is the proapoptotic receptor agonists. Of these, recombinant human apoptosis ligand 2/tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand (rhApo2L/TRAIL)—an optimized soluble form of an endogenous apoptosis-inducing ligand—is unique in that it activates two related proapoptotic receptors, DR4 and DR5. Preclinical data indicate that rhApo2L/TRAIL can induce apoptosis in a broad range of human cancer cell lines while sparing most normal cell types. In vitro, and in various in vivo tumor xenograft models, rhApo2L/TRAIL exhibits single-agent antitumor activity and/or cooperation with certain conventional and targeted therapies. Preclinical safety studies in nonhuman primates show rhApo2L/TRAIL to be well tolerated. Moreover, early clinical trial data suggest that rhApo2L/TRAIL is generally safe and provide preliminary evidence for potential antitumor activity. Clinical studies are ongoing to assess the safety and efficacy of this novel agent in combination with established anticancer therapies.
Relationship BetweenERCC1Polymorphisms, Disease Progression, and Survival in the Gynecologic Oncology Group Phase III Trial of Intraperitoneal Versus Intravenous Cisplatin and Paclitaxel for Stage III Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Krivak Thomas C. , Darcy Kathleen M. , Tian Chunqiao , Armstrong Deborah , Baysal Bora E. , Gallion Holly , Ambrosone Christine B. , DeLoia Julie A.
Published: July 2008

Purpose

We hypothesized that common polymorphisms in excision repair cross-complementation group 1 (ERCC1), involved in nucleotide excision repair of platinum-induced damage, would be associated with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in women with optimally resected, stage III epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) treated with cisplatin and paclitaxel (C+P).

Patients and Methods

Single nucleotide polymorphism analysis was carried out by direct pyrosequencing at two sites (codon 118 and C8092A) in ERCC1 in leukocyte DNA from women who participated in the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) phase III protocol-172 and were randomly assigned to intraperitoneal or intravenous C+P.

Results

ERCC1 genotyping was performed in 233 of the 429 women who participated in GOG-172. The genotype distribution at codon 118 was 17% with C/C, 43% with C/T, and 40% with T/T, and the genotype distribution at C8092A was 56% with C/C, 37% with C/A, and 7% with A/A. Adjusted Cox regression analysis revealed that the codon 118 polymorphism in ERCC1 was not significantly associated with disease progression or death. Women with the C8092A C/A or A/A genotypes compared with the C/C genotype had an increased risk of disease progression (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.44; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.94; P = .018) and death (HR = 1.50; 95% CI, 1.07 to 2.09; P = .018). Median PFS and OS were 6 and 17 months shorter for women with the C8092A C/A or A/A genotypes versus the C/C genotype, respectively.

Conclusion

Although the ERCC1 codon 118 polymorphism does not seem to be associated with clinical outcome, the C8092A polymorphism was an independent predictor of PFS and OS in women with optimally resected EOC.
Pooled Analysis of the Effect of Age on Adjuvant Cisplatin-Based Chemotherapy for Completely Resected Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Früh Martin , Rolland Estelle , Pignon Jean-Pierre , Seymour Lesley , Ding Keyue , Tribodet Hélène , Winton Timothy , Le Chevalier Thierry , Scagliotti Giorgio V. , Douillard Jean Yves , Spiro Stephen , Shepherd Frances A.
Published: July 2008

Purpose

This pooled analysis was undertaken to assess the efficacy and toxicity of adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy in elderly patients with non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

We used individual patient data from 4,584 patients enrolled onto five trials of cisplatin-based chemotherapy who form the basis for the Lung Adjuvant Cisplatin Analysis (LACE) pooled analysis. Patient and treatment characteristics, overall and event-free survival, cause-specific mortality, chemotherapy toxicity and delivery were compared among three age groups: 3,269 young (71%; < 65), 901 midcategory (20%; 65 to 69), and 414 elderly patients (9%; ≥ 70). Log-rank tests stratified by trials were used with a test for trend to study the effect of chemotherapy on survival according to age.

Results

The hazard ratio (HR) of death for the young patients was 0.86 (95% CI, 0.78 to 0.94), 1.01 for the midcategory (95% CI, 0.85 to 1.21), and 0.90 for elderly patients (95% CI, 0.70 to 1.16; test for trend: P = .29). The HR for event-free survival was 0.82 for young (95% CI, 0.75 to 0.90), 0.90 for the midcategory (95% CI, 0.76 to 1.06), and 0.87 for elderly patients (95% CI, 0.68 to 1.11; test for trend: P = .42). More elderly patients died from non–lung cancer–related causes (12% young, 19% midcategory, 22% elderly; P < .0001). No differences in severe toxicity rates were observed. Elderly patients received significantly lower first and total cisplatin doses, and fewer chemotherapy cycles (χ2 P < .0001).

Conclusion

Adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy should not be withheld from elderly patients with NSCLC purely on the basis of age.
Barriers to Enrollment of Elderly Adults in Early-Phase Cancer Clinical Trials
Authors: Basche Michele , Barón Anna E. , Eckhardt S. Gail , Balducci Lodovico , Persky Martha , Levin Adrah , Jackson Nathaniel , Zeng Chan , Vranas Pamela , Steiner John F.
Published: July 2008

Purpose:

To describe patient/family and logistical barriers to participation in university-based, early-phase cancer clinical trials for adults age ≥ 65 years, and to identify influences on their decisions to participate.

Participants and Methods:

In-person surveys were administered to subjects age ≥ 65 years with advanced tumors who had received prior chemotherapy. Subjects were recruited from private medical oncology practices collaborating with the University of Colorado and Moffitt Cancer Center research networks.

Results:

Three hundred individuals (51% age 65 to 74 and 49% age 75 or older) responded. Overall, 60% reported one or more barriers to participation in an early-phase trial; logistical barriers such as driving or time demands (34%) or reluctance to be treated at a university center (21%) were most common. Seniors age 75 or older were more reluctant to be treated at a university center (27% v 14%; P = .005), or concerned about loss of continuity with their primary oncologist (24% v 15%, P = .05). Older seniors were also significantly more reluctant than younger seniors to consider treatments with substantial nausea, vomiting, or fatigue. Older and younger seniors differed little in their preferred sources of information; both age groups emphasized the importance of the primary oncologist (100%), a nurse who provides experimental treatment (93%), other patients (83%) or acquaintances who had received experimental treatment (83%).

Conclusion:

Potential strategies to overcome barriers to enrollment of seniors into early-phase trials include providing more information about trials to community oncologists and prospective enrollees and assisting these individuals in navigating logistical barriers to enrollment.
When Doctors and Patients Disagree About Medical Futility
Authors: McCabe Mary S. , Storm Courtney
Published: July 2008

Factors that may help physicians determine when additional treatment is medically futile, and what physicians can do to encourage patients to explore more appropriate care options.
Development of an X-ray stress measurement technique for a round corner inside a deep groove
Authors: Oguri T , Murata K , Yamaguchi K
Published: July 2008

A new X-ray stress measuring technique, namely the pseudo- ψ angle-changing method, has been developed to measure the circumferential stress on a round corner located at the bottom of a deep groove such as the tooth root of a gear or the cold-rolled fillet of a crankshaft. This is a multiple-point measurement technique applicable to a curved surface having a uniform stress state. An X-ray path is taken in the plane that does not intersect the sidewalls near the corner. Instead of ψ rotation, the irradiation position is changed along the circumference of the corner with the specimen's attitude against the X-ray path unchanged; diffraction angles at ψ = 0° are measured for different positions of the corner. The position change causes a shift in the diffraction peak since the irradiated area forming a part of the round corner has a different angle of inclination to the incident X-rays. The circumferential stress on the corner is obtained from the relation between the irradiation position and the diffraction angle at ψ = 0°. The validity of this method was verified by applying this technique and the conventional method to model specimens of a rack and a gear having an almost uniform residual stress state introduced by sand blasting, and comparing the stresses measured by the two different methods.
Further consideration of closure at the root of a sharp notch
Authors: Qiu H , Hills D A , Dini D
Published: July 2008

The true contact length and corresponding contact pressure distribution arising at the root of a semi-infinite sharp notch, subject to compression, is found.