title: A whole cord model for the identification of mechanisms for the antivascular effects of DMXAA

authors: Moses, Kiriana Mihi

subjects: endothelial cells

abstract: Endothelial cells form the inner lining of a blood vessel and their structure and functional integrity are important in maintenance of the vessel wall and circulatory function.
These cells play key roles in immune and inflammatory reactions by regulating lymphocyte and leukocyte movement into tissues; they are also main targets for antivascular agents in cancer therapy.
Endothelial cell responses to different stimuli have been previously investigated using conventional approaches, 'HUVEC in vitro culture system'.
In this study an ex vivo perfusion model was constructed and utilized using whole human umbilical cords, in attempts to replicate a more accurate in vivo microenvironment.
Assessment of the proportion and duration of endothelial cell viability in the ex vivo model was undertaken using a  MTT 3, (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide viability assay. A time baseline was successfully established for all experimental perfusions.
Endothelial cell immune response was assessed through intravenous perfusion of the endotoxin, Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Gene expression profiles revealed a significant increase in expression levels of E-Selctin (E-Sel), Intracellular adhesion molecule (I-CAM) and Tissue Factor (TF) relative to the housekeeping gene Beta 2 Microglobulin. When LPS was administered in combination with Hypertonic Saline 
 

Solution (HSS), expression levels declined indicating HSS interferes with the activation pathway of LPS ultimately suppressing its effectiveness on endothelial cells.
HSS impact was also recognized from perfusion experiments on resting endothelial cells. All identified genes were suppressed by HSS apart from inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS).
As a potential target for antivascular agents, HUVEC were then stimulated with DMXAA and gene responses of Tumour Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) was analysed.
DMXAA demonstrates excellent antivascular acivity in experimental tumours, so tumour conditioned media (TCM) was administered intravenously through umbilical cord segments to replicate a tumour microenvironment prior to DMXAA addition.
When cells were stimulated with Tumour conditioned media then administered DMXAA, TNF-α expression was significantly upregulated; relative to the housekeeping gene Human Proteosome subunit Y, however, when the cells were exposed to tumour conditioned media in absence of DMXAA gene expression significantly decreased. Thus, the antitumour action of DMXAA is capable of inhibiting the gene response of TNF-α replicated in a tumour environment.

text: A whole cord model for the identification of mechanisms for the antivascular effects of DMXAA Endothelial cells form the inner lining of a blood vessel and their structure and functional integrity are important in maintenance of the vessel wall and circulatory function.
These cells play key roles in immune and inflammatory reactions by regulating lymphocyte and leukocyte movement into tissues; they are also main targets for antivascular agents in cancer therapy.
Endothelial cell responses to different stimuli have been previously investigated using conventional approaches, 'HUVEC in vitro culture system'.
In this study an ex vivo perfusion model was constructed and utilized using whole human umbilical cords, in attempts to replicate a more accurate in vivo microenvironment.
Assessment of the proportion and duration of endothelial cell viability in the ex vivo model was undertaken using a  MTT 3, (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide viability assay. A time baseline was successfully established for all experimental perfusions.
Endothelial cell immune response was assessed through intravenous perfusion of the endotoxin, Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Gene expression profiles revealed a significant increase in expression levels of E-Selctin (E-Sel), Intracellular adhesion molecule (I-CAM) and Tissue Factor (TF) relative to the housekeeping gene Beta 2 Microglobulin. When LPS was administered in combination with Hypertonic Saline 
 

Solution (HSS), expression levels declined indicating HSS interferes with the activation pathway of LPS ultimately suppressing its effectiveness on endothelial cells.
HSS impact was also recognized from perfusion experiments on resting endothelial cells. All identified genes were suppressed by HSS apart from inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS).
As a potential target for antivascular agents, HUVEC were then stimulated with DMXAA and gene responses of Tumour Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) was analysed.
DMXAA demonstrates excellent antivascular acivity in experimental tumours, so tumour conditioned media (TCM) was administered intravenously through umbilical cord segments to replicate a tumour microenvironment prior to DMXAA addition.
When cells were stimulated with Tumour conditioned media then administered DMXAA, TNF-α expression was significantly upregulated; relative to the housekeeping gene Human Proteosome subunit Y, however, when the cells were exposed to tumour conditioned media in absence of DMXAA gene expression significantly decreased. Thus, the antitumour action of DMXAA is capable of inhibiting the gene response of TNF-α replicated in a tumour environment.

year: 2007

title: School curriculum and outdoor education. Part 1: Early childhood and primary school

authors: Cosgriff, Marg

abstract: Th is chapter explores broad possibilities for learning outdoors in formal education contexts.
In part one we set the scene for the chapter by examining contemporary curricula in the early childhood and school sectors. National curriculum documents are introduced to look at the vision and ‘big picture’ direction they suggest for outdoor education practice. Attention then turns to consider outdoor education initiatives in early childhood settings, with examples drawn from programmes to illustrate the unique and practical ways in which they ‘walk the talk’ of student-centred, bicultural, holistic, and sustainable approaches. Th e discussion moves to consider the opportunities the primary school context aff ords for outdoor education that deliberately focuses on students’ relationships with the outdoor places they inhabit. Examples such as the well established Enviro-Schools programme and integrated units of learning are outlined to illustrate what we consider to be the heart of this forward looking outdoor education.
In part two, the focus moves to outdoor education in the secondary school. While the distinctiveness of the secondary setting with its associated compartmentalised, subject-focused curriculum is initially acknowledged, the focus broadens to consider a range of factors or enablers of innovative outdoor education practice. As with part one, examples of ‘real’ curricula, co-curricula, and extra-curricula programmes are featured. Th ese examples provide powerful guides for outdoor educators seeking to rethink, refi ne and reshape their students’ outdoor learning experiences in ways that enable them to enjoy, understand, and act for the environments in which they live and move. In sum, this chapter explores a vision of a more sustainable outdoor education future.

text: School curriculum and outdoor education. Part 1: Early childhood and primary school Th is chapter explores broad possibilities for learning outdoors in formal education contexts.
In part one we set the scene for the chapter by examining contemporary curricula in the early childhood and school sectors. National curriculum documents are introduced to look at the vision and ‘big picture’ direction they suggest for outdoor education practice. Attention then turns to consider outdoor education initiatives in early childhood settings, with examples drawn from programmes to illustrate the unique and practical ways in which they ‘walk the talk’ of student-centred, bicultural, holistic, and sustainable approaches. Th e discussion moves to consider the opportunities the primary school context aff ords for outdoor education that deliberately focuses on students’ relationships with the outdoor places they inhabit. Examples such as the well established Enviro-Schools programme and integrated units of learning are outlined to illustrate what we consider to be the heart of this forward looking outdoor education.
In part two, the focus moves to outdoor education in the secondary school. While the distinctiveness of the secondary setting with its associated compartmentalised, subject-focused curriculum is initially acknowledged, the focus broadens to consider a range of factors or enablers of innovative outdoor education practice. As with part one, examples of ‘real’ curricula, co-curricula, and extra-curricula programmes are featured. Th ese examples provide powerful guides for outdoor educators seeking to rethink, refi ne and reshape their students’ outdoor learning experiences in ways that enable them to enjoy, understand, and act for the environments in which they live and move. In sum, this chapter explores a vision of a more sustainable outdoor education future.

year: 2011

title: Te Raupatu o Tauranga Moana = The confiscation of Tauranga lands. [Volume 1]

authors: Stokes, Evelyn

subjects: Tauranga lands

abstract: A report providing a historical and geographical overview on the confiscation of Tauranga lands. In two volumes, volume one comprises a narrative of the events described as the raupatu, the confiscation of lands in the Tauranga Moana tribal area under the New Zealand Settlements Act 1863.  Volume two is a collection of documents, edited and annotated which were compiled in support of the report. These documents include personal accounts, tribal history, land purchases, lands returned and crown transactions.

text: Te Raupatu o Tauranga Moana = The confiscation of Tauranga lands. [Volume 1] A report providing a historical and geographical overview on the confiscation of Tauranga lands. In two volumes, volume one comprises a narrative of the events described as the raupatu, the confiscation of lands in the Tauranga Moana tribal area under the New Zealand Settlements Act 1863.  Volume two is a collection of documents, edited and annotated which were compiled in support of the report. These documents include personal accounts, tribal history, land purchases, lands returned and crown transactions.

year: 1990