bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Viral induction of site‐specific chromosome damage
Authors: Fortunato Elizabeth A. , Spector Deborah H. 
Published: January 2003

AbstractThe advent of advanced cell culture and cytogenetics techniques in the 1950s opened a new avenue for research on the pathogenic interactions between animal viruses and their hosts. Studies of many viruses revealed their ability to nonspecifically induce cytogenetic damage to their host cell's chromosomes. However, only three viruses, the oncogenic adenoviruses, herpes simplex virus (HSV) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), have been found to cause non‐random, site‐specific chromosomal damage. Adenovirus (Ad) type 12 induces fragility at four distinct loci (RNU1, RNU2, RN5S and PSU1) in many different types of human cells. A common feature of these loci is that they contain a repeated array of transcriptionally active genes encoding small structural RNAs. Site‐specific induction of breaks also requires the virally encoded E1B protein of Mr 55 000 and the C‐terminus of the cellular p53 protein. Analysis of the induction of damage by HSV and HCMV necessitates consideration of several factors, including the strain of virus used, the timing of infection, the type of cell used, and the multiplicity of infection. Both HSV strains 1 and 2 are cytotoxic, although the former seems to be more proficient at inducing damage. At early times post infection, HSV induces breaks and specific uncoiling of the centromeres of chromosomes 1, 9 and 16. This is followed at later times by a more complete severing of all of the chromosomes, termed pulverisation. Damage by HSV requires viral entry and de novo viral protein synthesis, with immediate early viral proteins responsible for the induction of breaks and uncoiling and early gene products (most likely nucleases) involved in the extensive pulverisation seen later. HCMV has been studied primarily in permissive human fibroblasts. Its ability to induce specific damage in chromosome 1 at two loci, 1q21 and 1q42, was only recently revealed as the cells must be in S‐phase when they are infected for the breaks to be observed. In contrast to adenovirus and HSV, HCMV induction of specific breakage requires only viral entry into the cell and not de novo viral protein expression. This latter point may be a factor in its ability to cause damage in the developing fetal brain, where the most severe clinical manifest ations of congenital infection are observed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An imperfect match? The structure of the National Curriculum and education for sustainable development
Authors: Chatzifotiou Athanasia 
Published: January 2003

ABSTRACTThe National Curriculum of primary schools in England and Wales sets out the statutory and non‐statutory requirements for teachers. It describes the aims and goals it aspires to achieve and the content of its subjects. In this article I suggest that the statutory and non‐statutory guidelines of the National Curriculum present conceptually different goals in relation to the holistic development of a student. The first section discusses the two basic aims of the curriculum, their recommended implementation and the implications they have upon the curriculum. I specifically emphasize that ‘statutory’ guidelines represent information‐based knowledge and that the ‘nonstatutory’ guidelines treat value‐based issues. This division of roles creates difficulties in implementing the non‐statutory part of the curriculum. In the second section I demonstrate this division by using education for sustainable development as a focal point. I conclude by highlighting important issues for education and, more particularly, for education for sustainable development.
Developing a global dimension in the curriculum
Authors: Graves Jaya 
Published: January 2003

ABSTRACTJaya Graves trained as a Rudolph Steiner teacher. She also worked extensively with the peace movement through the 1970s and 80s. She is now co‐ordinator of Southern Voices, a small organization in Manchester committed to presenting views, perspectives and voices of people from Southern or ‘developing’ countries in different contexts where development education (DE) is practised and ‘developing’ issues are discussed. Implicit in this aim is the understanding that many ‘developing’ countries are ‘root cultures’ to children in an intercultural society. An understanding of ‘developing’ countries and issues will, therefore, help us understand our own society as well as the world in which we live.
Joined‐up thinking in theory and practice: the case of healthy schools?
Authors: Morrison Marlene , Harrison Jennifer , Kitson Neil , Wortley Angela 
Published: January 2003

ABSTRACTThis article provides a critical analysis of recent policy initiatives associated with ‘Healthy Schools’. Its specific focus is upon evaluation research conducted by the authors at the School of Education, University of Leicester. The evaluation team investigated healthy school programmes in two Midlands authorities as they related to anticipated accreditation for the National Healthy School Standard (NHSS). Analysis is of findings that sought to identify the most effective approaches for supporting schools and colleges to achieve healthy school status. A specific focus is upon schools' capacity, and those of the health and educational professionals with whom they work, to meet the myriad expectations that are part of the standard. The ‘Healthy School’ is seen as a critical case where connections between health and education are expected to mirror government department interests in ‘joined‐up’ thinking, evaluation strategies and concerns about accountability and performance among schools and local authorities. This is illustrated in the language of the NHSS, where healthy schools are assumed to provide settings for promoting children's and young people's health through the curriculum, the school environment, and in partnership with parents, governors and local stakeholder communities drawn from education, health, social and community services. Curricular themes of citizenship and personal social and health education are being pulled together to provide a revised non‐statutory curriculum for Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) and, by September 2002, a new curriculum framework for citizenship. What are the prospects for such an ambitious linking of rhetoric and practice? The article identifies key aspects of the healthy schools challenge, namely the need to ascertain ways in which its development can be simultaneously extended yet sufficiently inclusive to meet the multiple interests of a healthy and educated citizenry, and of schools in which that challenge is supposed to be met. Yet the article also sounds warnings of a standard that, with limited resources and prioritization, might drown under the weight of its own inclusiveness. The concluding counterpoint is an illustrative case‐study of effective practice that pre‐dates yet anticipates proposed curriculum changes.
Changing curriculum policy into practice: the case of physical education in Hong Kong
Authors: Johns David P. 
Published: January 2003

ABSTRACTThis article examines the differences between the formally stated aims of education and the implementation of the school curriculum in order to show the divergence between what is initiated and what emerges as school practice. This implementation problem is examined from the policy‐makers' and teachers' perspectives, with specific reference to physical education as a school subject in Hong Kong. First, it examines the existence and intention of educational policy towards curriculum as established by policy‐makers. Second, the implementation process is evaluated from the teachers' perspective by employing a framework adopted by Cuban (1998) that utilized effectiveness, popularity, fidelity, adaptability and longevity. The data are derived from a case‐study of a physical education programme that included document analysis, and interviews with teachers, parents and students. The case‐study provided a subjective perspective of teachers and their work, while the framework assisted in demonstrating the absence of cohesion between the various government agencies. The resulting fragmentation of ideas leading to confusion and frustration for teachers also indicates that longevity and adaptability are likely to be the most constructive criteria for the assessment of curriculum change.
Cellular and cytokine immunoregulation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchial asthma
Authors: Stankiewicz Wanda , Dabrowski Marek P. , Chcialowski Andrzej , Plusa Tadeusz 
Published: January 2003

Background: Different forms of chronic airway inflammation may involve diverse pathogenic elements. In general, deficient defence response is a feature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), whereas distorted immunoregulatory mechanisms lead to development of asthmatic symptoms. In addition to diverse effector mechanisms, the cellular and humoral elements participating in the development of immune response may appear to be different in COPD and bronchial asthma (BA) patients.Aims: To evaluate the immunoregulatory properties of T cells and monocytes in cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and to determine the chosen cytokine profiles in COPD and BA patients.Methods: The microcultures of PBMC from COPD and BA patients were assessed for the T‐cell response to mitogens, saturation of interleukin (IL)‐2 receptors, T‐cell suppressive activity and monokine influence on lymphocyte proliferation. Concomitantly, the cytokine (IL‐1β, interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist, tumour necrosis factor‐α, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8) concentrations were determined in the serum, the broncho‐alveolar lavage fluid and in the culture supernatants.Results: The T‐lymphocyte reactions (response to phytohaemagglutinin, IL‐2 receptor saturation, suppressive activity) were lower in BA pateints than in COPD patients. Reversely, the immunogenic activity of monocytes (IL‐1β versus IL‐1ra production) was higher in BA patients than in COPD patients. The highest values of cytokine concentrations were found in the culture supernatants. The concentrations of tumour necrosis factor‐α , IL‐4, IL‐6 and IL‐8 were significantly higher and the concentration of IL‐1ra was lower in BA patients than in COPD
patients.Conclusion: The assessments of cellular immunoregulatory properties and cytokine profiles in the cultures of blood mononuclear cells may prove helpful for diagnostic and therapeutic discrimination between BA and COPD patients.
The Relation Between Histological, Tumor‐Biological and ClinicalParameters in Deep and Superficial Leiomyosarcoma and Leiomyoma
Authors: Pijpe Justin , Broers Gerben H. Torn , Plaat Boudewijn E.Ch. , Hundeiker M. , Otto F. , Mastik Mirjam F. , Hoekstra Harald J. , van der Graaf Winette T. A. , Berg Eva van Den , Molenaar Willemina M. 
Published: January 2003

Purpose: Leiomyosarcomas (LMS) of deep and superficial tissues were examined to identify prognostic markers explaining
their different biological behaviour and to define differences between cutaneous and subcutaneous LMS. LMS and leiomyomas
(LM) of the skin were compared to and consistent differences that could aid in the (sometimes difficult) diagnosis.Patients: Material was obtained from 27 patients with a deep LMS, 14 with a superficial LMS, and 21 with a LM.Methods: Proliferation markers (mitotic and Ki‐67 indices), DNA ploidy, size, grade, and the amount of apoptosis were
studied. Statistical analysis was performed and survival curves were constructed by the Kaplan‐Meier method and compared
by the log‐rank test.Results: Superficial LMS were smaller than deep LMS (p < 0.05), and the overall survival of patients with a superficial LMS
was better than with a deep LMS (p < 0.05).Within the group of superficial LMS only entirely subcutaneous, and not cutaneous
tumors metastasized.No differences were found in the other examined parameters. Proliferation and apoptotic indices
were significantly higher in superficial LMS compared to superficial LM.Discussion: The difference in clinical outcome between patients with a superficial and deep LMS, seems to be related to site
and size.The metastatic potential of subcutaneous LMS, however, seems to be related to location alone and not to size.The
amount of apoptosis and proliferation can be used as additional criteria in the differentiation between superficial LMS and
LM.
Periosteal Osteosarcoma: A Review of 17 Cases with Mean Follow‐upof 52 Months
Authors: Revell Matthew P. , Deshmukh Neeta , Grimer Robert J. , Carter Simon R. , Tillman Roger M. 
Published: January 2003

Purpose: Periosteal osteosarcomas are rare cartilage‐rich bone tumours characterized by a juxtacortical eccentric position
and are normally regarded oncologically as of intermediate to high grade.Their low incidence is mirrored by a small number
of reported cases in the world literature. While there is general agreement that wide surgical excision is required, there is a
paucity of evidence regarding adjuvant therapy. Previous reports have not indicated any consistent approach to this to allow
appraisal.Patients and methods: We report 17 cases treated at our centre over 16 years. Our policy was to use chemotherapy when the
tumour showed any features of high grade.Results: To date, no deaths have resulted from recurrence or metastasis of the tumour although there have been two deaths
from other causes.Discussion: Comparison of survival with existing studies is made to draw conclusions regarding future treatment of this condition
in terms of surgical and adjuvant approaches.
Molecular Assays for Detection of Human Metapneumovirus
Authors: Mackay Ian M. , Jacob Kevin C. , Woolhouse Daniel , Waller Katharine , Syrmis Melanie W. , Whiley David M. , Siebert David J. , Nissen Michael , Sloots Theo P. 
Published: January 2003

ABSTRACT
The recent description of the respiratory pathogen human metapneumovirus (hMPV) has highlighted a deficiency in current diagnostic techniques for viral agents associated with acute lower respiratory tract infections. We describe two novel approaches to the detection of viral RNA by use of reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). The PCR products were identified after capture onto a solid-phase medium by hybridization with a sequence-specific, biotinylated oligonucleotide probe. The assay was applied to the screening of 329 nasopharyngeal aspirates sampled from patients suffering from respiratory tract disease. These samples were negative for other common microbial causes of respiratory tract disease. We were able to detect hMPV sequences in 32 (9.7%) samples collected from Australian patients during 2001. To further reduce result turnaround times we designed a fluorogenic TaqMan oligoprobe and combined it with the existing primers for use on the LightCycler platform. The real-time RT-PCR proved to be highly reproducible and detected hMPV in an additional 6 out of 62 samples (9.6%) tested during the comparison of the two diagnostic approaches. We found the real-time RT-PCR to be the test of choice for future investigation of samples for hMPV due to its speed, reproducibility, specificity, and sensitivity.
Identification of Catalase-Negative, Non-Beta-Hemolytic, Gram-Positive Cocci Isolated from Milk Samples
Authors: Fortin Madeleine , Messier Serge , Paré Julie , Higgins Robert 
Published: January 2003

ABSTRACT
This study was undertaken in an effort to improve the identification scheme of catalase-negative, non-beta-hemolytic, gram-positive cocci isolated from milk samples obtained from cows. First, the sensitivity and specificity of the identification procedure currently in use in our laboratory were compared to the results obtained with API 20 STREP strips which were set as the gold standard. Second, a number of other identification tests, which could contribute to increase the sensitivity and specificity of the identification procedure of these microorganisms, were evaluated and selected. The data have shown that there is a necessity to review the identification procedure. Some modifications are suggested to laboratories doing milk sample analyses. A standardized procedure, using the CAMP test, esculin and sodium hippurate hydrolysis, the presence of the enzymes pyrolidonyl arylaminase and leucine aminopeptidase, and acid production from 1% inulin and raffinose broth, would not only improve the results of the identification process of gram-positive cocci isolated from milk samples but also ensure greater uniformity of the epidemiological data.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Provisional Serotype
Shigella flexneri
1c and Clonal Relationships with 1a and 1b Strains Isolated in Bangladesh
Authors: Talukder Kaisar A. , Islam Zhahirul , Aminul Islam M. , Dutta Dilip K. , Safa Ashrafus , Ansaruzzaman M. , Faruque A. S. G. , Shahed Shamima N. , Nair G. B. , Sack David A. 
Published: January 2003

ABSTRACT

The serotypes of 144 strains of
Shigella flexneri
serotype 1 (serotypes 1a, 1b, and 1c) isolated from patients attending the Dhaka treatment center of the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, between 1997 and 2001 were serologically confirmed by using commercially available antisera and a panel of monoclonal antibodies specific for
S. flexneri
group and type factor antigen (MASF). Among serotype 1 isolates, the prevalence of provisional serotype
S. flexneri
1c increased from 0 to 56% from 1978 to 2001 in Bangladesh. Detailed biochemical studies revealed that none of the strains of serotype 1 produced indole, while all the strains fermented mannose, mannitol, and trehalose. Twenty percent of the serotype 1c and all the serotype 1a strains fermented maltose and 53% of the serotype 1c strains and 60% of the serotype 1a strains fermented arabinose, whereas all serotype 1b strains were negative for fermentation of these sugars. Only 18% of serotype 1b strains were resistant to nalidixic acid, and most of the serotype 1c and 1b strains were resistant to ampicillin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. All the strains of serotypes 1a and 1b and about 88% of the serotype 1c strains were found to be invasive by the Sereny test, had a 140-MDa plasmid, and had Congo red absorption ability. Plasmid profile analysis showed that 26% of the strains of serotype 1 contained identical patterns. Most of the serotype 1c strains (72%) had the 1.6-MDa plasmid, which was not found in either serotype 1a or 1b strains. A self-transmissible middle-range plasmid (35 to 80 MDa) was found in some strains carrying the multiple-antibiotic-resistance gene. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis yielded three types (types A, B, and C) with numerous subtypes among the serotype 1c strains, whereas serotypes 1b and 1a yielded only one type for each serotype, and those types were related to the types for serotype 1c strains. Ribotyping analysis yielded three patterns for serotype 1c strains and one pattern each for serotype 1a and 1b strains which were similar to the patterns for the serotype 1c strains. Overall analysis of the results concluded that subserotype 1c is closely related to serotypes 1a and 1b. Furthermore, the high rate of prevalence of serotype 1c necessitates the commercial production of antibody against this subserotype to allow the determination of the actual burden of shigellosis caused by provisional serotype 1c.
Development and Evaluation of a PCR-Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Diagnosis of Human Brucellosis
Authors: Morata Pilar , Queipo-Ortuño María I. , Reguera Jose M. , García-Ordoñez Miguel A. , Cárdenas Ana , Colmenero Juan D. 
Published: January 2003

ABSTRACT

In order to overcome some of the limitations of conventional microbiological techniques in the diagnosis of human brucellosis, a simple PCR-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (PCR-ELISA) was developed. After amplification of a 223-bp sequence of a gene that codes for the synthesis of an immunogenetic membrane protein specific for the
Brucella
genus (BCSP31), the digoxigenin-labeled amplified product was hybridized with a biotinylated capture probe which was complementary to the inner part of the amplicon. The hybrid was captured on streptavidin-coated microtiter plates and detected by using an antidigoxigenin Fab-peroxidase conjugate. The detection limit of the PCR-ELISA in a background of 3.5 μg of human genomic DNA was 10 fg (two bacterial cells). The PCR-ELISA showed an analytical sensitivity higher than that of ethidium bromide staining and equal to that obtained by conventional PCR followed by dot blot hybridization. In 59 peripheral blood samples from 57 consecutive patients with active brucellosis and 113 control samples, the PCR-ELISA was found to be 94.9% sensitive and 96.5% specific, whereas the sensitivity of the blood culture was only 70.1%. Since the assay can be performed in 1 day, is very reproducible, is easily standardized, and avoids the risk of infection in laboratory workers, this PCR-ELISA seems to be a practical and reliable tool for the diagnosis of human brucellosis.
Simultaneous Detection, Subgrouping, and Quantitation of Respiratory Syncytial Virus A and B by Real-Time PCR
Authors: Hu Aizhong , Colella Melissa , Tam John S. , Rappaport Ruth , Cheng Sheau-Mei 
Published: January 2003

ABSTRACT
Timely diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is critical for appropriate treatment of lower respiratory infection in young children. To facilitate diagnosis, we developed a rapid, specific, and sensitive TaqMan PCR method for detection of RSV A and RSV B. Two sets of primer-probe pairs were selected from the nucleotide sequences encoding the nucleocapsid protein—one targeting RSV A and the other targeting RSV B. The specificity of the TaqMan reverse transcription-PCR assay was evaluated by testing each primer-probe pair against various viruses derived from laboratory virus stocks, as well as clinical respiratory specimens. Fluorescent signals were observed only in the presence of RSV A and/or RSV B. The sensitivity of our quantitative PCR assay was determined on the basis of PFU and virus particle counts. The resulting assay sensitivity was found to be 0.023 PFU, or two copies of viral RNA, for RSV A and 0.018 PFU, or nine copies of viral RNA, for RSV B. This quantitative TaqMan PCR assay was utilized to diagnose 175 nasopharyngeal aspirates obtained from children in Hong Kong with respiratory symptoms during the winter of 2000 and 2001. Among these specimens, TaqMan PCR detected 36 RSV-positive samples, 10 of which were identified as RSV A and 26 of which were identified as RSV B, whereas culture confirmation identified 21 RSV-positive specimens and immunofluorescence identified 32 RSV-positive specimens, all of which were among those identified by PCR. The results confirmed the accuracy of our TaqMan PCR assay and demonstrated its improved sensitivity versus classical methods.