title: Synthesis, biological evaluation, and structure−activity relationships of dithiolethiones as inducers of cytoprotective phase 2 enzymes

authors: Munday, Rex

subjects: dithiolethiones

abstract: Dithiolethiones are a family of promising cancer chemopreventive agents, and induction of phase 2 enzymes is key to their chemopreventive activities. Two dithiolethiones have been evaluated in humans for cancer prevention. While some chemopreventive activities were detected in several human studies, potential side effects are a concern. Herein, we report structure−activity relationships of 25 dithiolethiones. Several compounds show exceedingly potent and bladder specific activity in phase 2 enzyme induction. Structural features responsible for such activity, as well as those inhibiting the activity, are discussed. Moreover, the compounds activate and depend on Nrf2 for their inductive activities. Nrf2 is a major transcriptional stimulator of cytoprotective genes and is critical for cancer prevention. Thus, several new dithiolethiones that are highly promising for bladder cancer prevention have been identified. Because the compounds act specifically in the bladder, the likelihood of potential systemic toxicity may be low.

text: Synthesis, biological evaluation, and structure−activity relationships of dithiolethiones as inducers of cytoprotective phase 2 enzymes Dithiolethiones are a family of promising cancer chemopreventive agents, and induction of phase 2 enzymes is key to their chemopreventive activities. Two dithiolethiones have been evaluated in humans for cancer prevention. While some chemopreventive activities were detected in several human studies, potential side effects are a concern. Herein, we report structure−activity relationships of 25 dithiolethiones. Several compounds show exceedingly potent and bladder specific activity in phase 2 enzyme induction. Structural features responsible for such activity, as well as those inhibiting the activity, are discussed. Moreover, the compounds activate and depend on Nrf2 for their inductive activities. Nrf2 is a major transcriptional stimulator of cytoprotective genes and is critical for cancer prevention. Thus, several new dithiolethiones that are highly promising for bladder cancer prevention have been identified. Because the compounds act specifically in the bladder, the likelihood of potential systemic toxicity may be low.

year: 2010

title: Where have all the children gone? Experiences of children, parents and teachers in a changing early childhood education service

authors: Hawkes, Kathryn Frances

subjects: Early childhood education

abstract: This study analyses the experiences of children, parents and teachers in a changing early childhood education (ECE) service in New Zealand. This thesis derived from the researcher’s growing awareness of neo-liberal politics and the institutionalisation of children resulting from social, economic and cultural changes. The researcher’s interest in connecting children within ECE services to the local community outside of the ECE service’s gate was also explored. The study revealed experiences and perspectives from children, families and teachers within one independent, community based, not for profit ECE service that recently underwent changes.
Drawing from literature, the thesis acknowledges the changes that have taken place within ECE in New Zealand over the past 20 years. The changes identified within the literature are identified within the historical, economic and social context. The changes include marketisation, competition, the increase of hours and days that young children are placed within ECE services and the government support of families to return to work. 
The study was based on a social constructionist framework that used a qualitative inquiry research methodology. Perspectives and views were gathered from the head teacher, parents and children at the ECE service utilising the Mosaic approach. The methodological tools included semi structured interviews, walking interviews, a diary of outings collated by the head teacher, children’s auto photography and interviews with the children while viewing their learning journals.
The collected data was analysed in relation to the study’s social constructionist framework. The patterns and themes that emerged included marketisation, intrinsic and extrinsic pressures on children, parents and teachers, leadership, changes to the operational structure of the service and curriculum experiences for parents, teachers and children. 
Foundational to the study are the rights of the child and need for children to have their perspective heard. The Mosaic approach to the methodology utilised within the study raises the perspectives and views of the child giving equitable value to their contribution within the study. The outcome of the study is to propose an ideological framework that could assist in ensuring the child is heard within ECE and that the child is represented within all matters affecting them. This ideological framework aspires to be an underpinning framework that is utilised by ECE leaders and teachers when making decisions on all matters relating to children, their families and the ECE service.

text: Where have all the children gone? Experiences of children, parents and teachers in a changing early childhood education service This study analyses the experiences of children, parents and teachers in a changing early childhood education (ECE) service in New Zealand. This thesis derived from the researcher’s growing awareness of neo-liberal politics and the institutionalisation of children resulting from social, economic and cultural changes. The researcher’s interest in connecting children within ECE services to the local community outside of the ECE service’s gate was also explored. The study revealed experiences and perspectives from children, families and teachers within one independent, community based, not for profit ECE service that recently underwent changes.
Drawing from literature, the thesis acknowledges the changes that have taken place within ECE in New Zealand over the past 20 years. The changes identified within the literature are identified within the historical, economic and social context. The changes include marketisation, competition, the increase of hours and days that young children are placed within ECE services and the government support of families to return to work. 
The study was based on a social constructionist framework that used a qualitative inquiry research methodology. Perspectives and views were gathered from the head teacher, parents and children at the ECE service utilising the Mosaic approach. The methodological tools included semi structured interviews, walking interviews, a diary of outings collated by the head teacher, children’s auto photography and interviews with the children while viewing their learning journals.
The collected data was analysed in relation to the study’s social constructionist framework. The patterns and themes that emerged included marketisation, intrinsic and extrinsic pressures on children, parents and teachers, leadership, changes to the operational structure of the service and curriculum experiences for parents, teachers and children. 
Foundational to the study are the rights of the child and need for children to have their perspective heard. The Mosaic approach to the methodology utilised within the study raises the perspectives and views of the child giving equitable value to their contribution within the study. The outcome of the study is to propose an ideological framework that could assist in ensuring the child is heard within ECE and that the child is represented within all matters affecting them. This ideological framework aspires to be an underpinning framework that is utilised by ECE leaders and teachers when making decisions on all matters relating to children, their families and the ECE service.

year: 2014

title: Maori & Psychology Research Unit annual report 2006

authors: Rua, Mohi

subjects: Maori and Psychology Research Unit

abstract: Annual report of the Maori and Psychology Research Unit (MPRU) 2006. The unit was established in August of 1997. The unit is designed to provide a catalyst and support network for enhancing research concerning the psychological needs, aspirations, and priorities of Maori people. The MPRU is well situated to draw together skilled and experienced interdisciplinary research groups by networking and establishing working relationships with staff and students within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the University, and the wider community.

text: Maori & Psychology Research Unit annual report 2006 Annual report of the Maori and Psychology Research Unit (MPRU) 2006. The unit was established in August of 1997. The unit is designed to provide a catalyst and support network for enhancing research concerning the psychological needs, aspirations, and priorities of Maori people. The MPRU is well situated to draw together skilled and experienced interdisciplinary research groups by networking and establishing working relationships with staff and students within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the University, and the wider community.

year: 2006