Introdução: Os meningiomas são neoplasias intracranianas de crescimento lento que se originam das células meningoteliais da aracnoide e representam os tumores intracranianos mais comuns, contabilizando 13-26% deste total, sendo um dos primeiros tumores sólidos a terem alterações genéticas identificadas. Inúmeros tem sido os avanços para a melhor compreensão das vias moleculares correlacionadas com a tumorigênese e progressão tumoral dos meningiomas, neste contexto tem se destacado o papel dos microRNAs que são RNAs não-codificantes (ncRNAs) constituídos por 19 a 25 nucleotídeos, cuja função é o silenciamento do RNAm em nível póstranscricional. Portanto, o objetivo do nosso estudo foi avaliar a expressão tecidual e plasmática dos miRNAs miR-181d, miR-181c e miR-130a. Pacientes e métodos: Os miRNAs miR-181d, miR-181c e miR-130a foram selecionados a partir de estudo prévio do nosso grupo pela técnica de análise em larga escala de microarrays, onde foram comparados meningiomas grau I com amostras controles de aracnóides. Neste trabalho foi avaliada expressão destes miRNAs no tecido tumoral e plasma de meningiomas grau I, II e III. Resultados: O miR-181d apresentou-se hiperexpresso nos grupos estudados, no tecido tumoral quanto no plasma. O nível de expressão foi maior de acordo com a progressão do grau do tumor. Os miR-181c e miR-130a não apresentaram diferença estatística nos grupos estudados em ambos tecido tumoral e plasma. Conclusões: O miR-181d tem potencial para ser utilizado como biomarcador para meningiomas e está associado com sua progressão tumoral. / Introduction: Meningiomas are intracranial tumors of slow growth that originate from meningothelial arachnoid cells and represents the most common intracranial tumors, accounting for 13-26% of this total, beeing one of the first solid tumors to have identified genetic alterations There are technological advances available to a better understanding of the molecular pathways correlated with tumorigenesis and tumor progression of meningiomas. The role of microRNAs in this process is very importante. MicroRNAs are non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) consisting of 19 to 25 nucleotides, with function of mRNA silencing post-transcriptional level. The aim of our study was to evaluate the tissue expression and plasma of miRNAs miR-181d, miR-181c and miR-130a. Patients and methods: The miRNAs miR-181d, miR-181c and miR-130a were selected from a previous study of our group by analysis technique on large scale called microarrays, which were compared meningiomas grade I with arachnoid controls samples. In this study, we evaluated expression of these miRNAs in tumor tissue and plasma meningiomas grade I, II and III. Results: The miR-181d was presented upregulated in the all groups in both tumor tissue and in plasma. The level of expression was increased according to the progression of tumor grade. The miR-181c and miR-130a showed no statistical difference in the groups studied in both tumor tissue and plasma. Conclusions: The miR-181d has potential as a biomarker for meningiomas and is associated with tumor progression.

Studien undersöker huruvida det finns någon progression i ämnesspråk inom algebra och bråk i Matte Eldorado årskurs 1–6. Matematikundervisningen styrs till stor del av läroböcker. Språket och innehållet i läroböckerna avgör därför vilka möjligheter eleverna får att utveckla sina matematikkunskaper. De frågor som ligger till grund för studien är således: hur många allmänna respektive ämnesspecifika ord och symboler som finns i algebra och bråk i läroböckerna för årskurs 1–6? Finns det någon progression inom områdena? Vilka likheter och/eller skillnader som finns mellan områdena gällande progression i ämnesord och symboler? För att besvara frågorna avgränsas först vilka sidor som hör till algebra respektive bråk i de valda läromedlen. Därefter görs en kvantitativ innehållsanalys där ord och symboler sorteras i åtta olika kategorier; fem för ord och tre för symboler. Analysen visar att det finns en progression både i algebra och bråk. Orden i samtliga kategorier ökar i antal i stigande årskurs och vad viktigare är, att antalet olika fackord ökar. Symbolerna skiftar istället från informella till formella symboler. Även talområdet utökas i algebra genom årskurserna från att i årskurs 1 ta upp ental och tiotal till att i årskurs 6 ta upp ental, tiotal, hundratal, tusental, decimaltal och negativa tal. Analysen visar också att algebra får mycket större plats i de senare årskurserna än vad bråk får, medan bråk har ett jämnt antal sidor genom böckerna för årskurs 1–6. Likheter som syns genom analysen är ökningen i antal ord, ökningen i antal olika ord och även ökningen i antal symboler.

Among those subjects admitted with AECOPD and concomitant pneumonia, a total of 118 patients (91 males) with 150 episodes were identified. Haemophilus influenzae was the commonest organism found in sputum (26.0%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5.5%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (3.4%), and Moraxella catarrhalis (3.4%). In contrast to most studies from other countries reporting Streptococcus pneumoniae as the most likely bacterial pathogen, Haemophilus influenzae was the commonest bacterium isolated in sputum in this cohort of patients with AECOPD and concomitant pneumonia. / Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease state characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. / Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) analysis is a novel tool which has been developed in recent years and the technique is believed to reflect the lower airway lining fluid. My previous work has demonstrated the repeatability of certain inflammatory markers in the EBC of stable asthma and COPD patients. / Hypothesis 1: Bacterial pathogens are the major cause of AECOPD with and without concomitant pneumonia in patients requiring hospitalization. In the one-year retrospective bacteriology study, there were 329 patients with 418 episodes of AECOPD without concomitant pneumonia. These result noted that H. influenzae was the commonest bacterium isolated in sputum in patients with AECOPD without concomitant pneumonia. In areas endemic of tuberculosis, it is advisable to use fluoroquinolones for AECOPD with caution in view of the positive sputum culture of mycobacterium tuberculosis in some patients. / Hypothesis 2: Viral pathogens are an important cause of AECOPD in patients hospitalized with AECOPD. For the prospective infectious aetiology study, there were 643 episodes of AECOPD among 373 patients (307 males). Severe airflow obstruction (stable state spirometry) was associated with a higher chance of positive sputum culture (28.2% for FEV1 ≥30% vs. 40.4% for FEV1 <30% predicted normal, p=0.006). In this study, Haemophilus influenzae and influenza A were the commonest aetiological agents in patients hospitalized with AECOPD. More severe airflow obstruction was associated with a higher chance of positive sputum culture. / Hypothesis 3: The rates of hospital admissions due to AECOPD are associated with indices of air pollution in Hong Kong. Concerning the effect of air pollutants on AECOPD, significant associations were found between hospital admissions for COPD with all 5 air pollutants. Adverse effects of ambient concentrations of air pollutants on hospitalization rates for COPD are evident, especially during the winter season in Hong Kong. / Hypothesis 4: During the course of AECOPD, it is possible to assess inflammation in the airway by measuring biomarkers non-invasively using the method of EBC collection. To explore the course of inflammation in the airway during AECOPD, 26 patients (22 male) with AECOPD (mean percentage predicted FEV1, 44.8 +/- 14.3), 11 stable COPD and 14 age and sex-matched healthy controls were studied. Repeatability measurements of TNFalpha and LTB4 in 6 stable COPD patients were satisfactory. EBC TNFalpha level was low in patients receiving systemic steroid and antibiotic therapy for AECOPD whereas EBC TNFalpha level was also lower in stable patients receiving ICS post AECOPD than those who were not. These findings suggest a potential role for serial EBC TNFalpha for non-invasive monitoring of disease activity. / Summary. The above studies have shown that bacterial pathogens are the major cause of AECOPD with and without concomitant pneumonia in patients requiring hospitalization and the commonest bacterium found in the sputum of the patients was Haemophilus influenzae. Viral pathogens are also an important cause of AECOPD in patients hospitalized with AECOPD in Hong Kong and the commonest virus identified in the NPA of the patients was influenza A. Concerning the effect of air pollutants on AECOPD, significant associations were found between hospital admissions for AECOPD with the air pollutants of SO2, NO3, O3, PM10 and PM2.5. Finally, TNFalpha could be measured in the EBC of patients during the course of AECOPD and its level was low in patients receiving systemic steroid and antibiotic therapy for AECOPD. The results suggest that it is possible to assess inflammation in the airway by measuring biomarkers non-invasively using the method of EBC collection. (Abstract shortened by UMI.) / Ko, Wai-san Fanny. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 69-02, Section: B, page: 0926. / Thesis (M.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 207-250). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / School code: 1307.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness affecting over 60 million people worldwide. The objectives of this study were to expand the existing methods of trend analysis in visual field time series data testing to aid in the early and accurate detection of glaucoma progression. Visual field data including 54 locations for each of 140 eyes (one per participant among 96 cases and 44 controls) were evaluated using the Humphrey Field Analyzer II program 24-2 Swedish interactive thresholding algorithm (SITA) standard test strategy and Goldmann size III stimuli. One eye was randomly selected for the study and data were collected between 2003 and 2009. Two visual field examinations were conducted at baseline and at eight additional time points of visual field exams taken every six months for four years. Demographic, clinical, structural and other health data in the VIP study were collected from the electronic medical record and health questionnaires. A variety of pointwise linear regression (PLR) criteria have been proposed for determining glaucomatous visual field progression. However, alternative PLR criteria have only been assessed on a limited basis. The first aim of this glaucoma progression detection study thoroughly examined PLR cut-point criteria to maximize the sensitivity and specificity of this standard tool in visual field analysis. The pointwise linear regression A2 (PLRA2) method was used to analyze the data, and Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study (OHTS) data were used to validate the decision rule. Results showed that visual field trend analysis using PLR can be refined by adjusting the standard slope-based and significance level-based criteria. By considering more restrictive declines in visual field data (e.g., < -1.2dB/y, which is approximately 12 times the normal rate of age-related decay) and relaxing the significance level criterion of the PLR slope to p < 0.04 a high specificity can be maintained, while increasing the hit rate, i.e., the proportion of glaucoma cases in which progression was detected by PLR. This work serves to improve a familiar and commonly used method of time series visual field trend analysis that can be implemented quickly to improve early detection of glaucoma progression. The second aim of this project was to investigate the performance of the nonlinear exponential and tobit regression models relative to the normal regression model in the analysis of visual field decay. The goodness-of-fit, as measured by Akaike Information Criteria (AIC), and rates of progression obtained by fitting three alternative regression models to longitudinal visual field data were compared at the location level. The results showed that visual field trend analysis using the tobit regression model results in a better model fit to visual field data, increased precision in the estimation of the rate of progression, and provides a specific advantage in modeling data from cases with advanced glaucoma. The third, and final, aim of this glaucoma progression research project sought to determine if demographic, clinical and health factors, including intraocular pressure, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, hypertension and diabetes, differ in participants whose visual field data are best fit overall by one statistical model compared to another. This was the first study to examine person-level factors that may affect the fit of proposed analysis models for visual field data, and to utilize bivariable and multivariable methods to understand patient-level predictors of visual field model fit. In the majority of eyes, the tobit model provided either a significantly better fit or there was no difference among models. Significant differences in patient characteristics included baseline MD and previous ocular surgery. This indicates that the tobit model may fit visual field time series data at least as well as the normal and nonlinear exponential models in all cases and controls; and in some advanced cases, it may provide a significantly improved fit. This research overcame critical barriers in visual field trend analysis by increasing the sensitivity of PLR methods and further developing methods using alternative distributions to determine significant loss of function within each visual field test location. Furthermore, results of this study will contribute to the ongoing improvement of visual field trend analysis and the early detection and treatment of glaucoma progression.

No description available.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a growing health concern associated with high morbidity and mortality, and is currently the third-ranked cause of death in the United States. COPD is characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible and includes chronic bronchitis, functional small airway disease, and emphysema. The interrelationship between emphysema and airway disease in COPD makes it a highly complex and heterogeneous disorder. Appropriate diagnosis of COPD is vital to administer targeted therapy strategies that can improve patient’s quality of life and reduce the frequency of COPD associated exacerbations. Although spirometry or pulmonary function tests are currently the gold standard for the diagnosis and staging of the disease, their lack of reproducibility and minimal information on regional characterization of the lung tissue destruction makes it hard to rely on to phenotype COPD population and predict disease progression. Quantification of COPD, as done by computed tomography (CT) methods has seen significant advancements, helping us understand the complex pathophysiology of this disease. The prospective and established techniques that are derived from CT imaging such as densitometry, texture, airway, and pulmonary vasculature-based analyses have been successful in regional characterization of emphysema related lung tissue destruction and airway disease related morphological changes in COPD patients. Although, these measures enriched our diagnostic and treating capability of COPD, they lack information on patient specific alterations in lung mechanics and regional parenchymal stresses. This valuable information can be achieved through the use of image registration protocols. Our main goal of this research work is to examine and evaluate the role of lung mechanical measures derived from CT image registration techniques in COPD diagnosis, phenotyping, and progression.

Literacy is a growing national concern, resulting in federal legislation (e.g., No Child Left Behind Act) instituting higher accountability for states and schools with regard to reading instruction and remediation. As a result, Floridas statewide measure of achievement, the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) is now tied to retention decisions in third grade as part of the new pupil progression plan in the state. In its first year of implementation (2003), 23% of third-grade students failed the FCAT and over 28,000 were retained. Research has consistently shown retention to be a negative experience for children; even when academic gains are made, within two to three years, their achievement is equal to or lower than that of both same-grade and same-age regularly promoted students. However, these findings cannot be generalized to the current student progression plan in Florida, which mandates specific remediation activities during the retention year. Therefore, holding negative beliefs about grade retention in Florida is premature as no research exists to date evaluating the outcomes of the plan. The present study examined the student progression plan in Florida at it relates to high-stakes testing and mandated third-grade retention. More specifically, this study examined the relationship between the effects of retention and various student demographic characteristics (e.g., gender, SES, race/ethnicity), as well as the future performance on the FCAT-Reading of low-performing students who were promoted through good cause exemptions. Descriptive analyses revealed that of 20,617 third-grade retainees, 38% again scored at Level 1 in 2004. In addition, future success of retainees was significantly associated with gender, race, and SES. With regard to students who were promoted due to a good cause exemption, findings indicated that a higher percentage of those who demonstrated reading proficiency through an alternative procedure (65%) achieved success in fourth grade compared to those who did not demonstrate proficiency (23%). This study contributes to the literature by examining the outcomes of grade retention within a context of high-stakes testing and mandated remediation activities. Implications for future research include controlling for the quality of interventions and identifying strategies that target specific populations of at-risk students.

[Abstract]: Universities have traditionally focused their efforts on recruiting new students and increasing participation rates. However, higher retention and progression rates of students are likely to have a beneficial effect on the overall performance of universities in terms of their student-based income. The majority of previous studies addressing student retention have largely been focused on younger undergraduate on-campus students therefore this research seeks to investigate the factors which affect the retention and progression of postgraduate business students undertaking their studies by distance education. This study is based on a qualitative exploratory research design comprising twenty semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted with current and former students and university staff members. The key findings of this study indicate that a combination of situational, institutional and dispositional factors impact upon the retention and progression of postgraduate business distance education students. The employment and family commitments of students, whether students believed that their studies would benefit their career goals and the design of the distance education program appear to be the most important factors impacting upon student retention and progression. In contrast to the majority of services marketing literature, it would appear that student satisfaction is not a key factor impacting upon student retention and progression in this context. This research also provides a range of managerial implications and recommendations for postgraduate distance education providers.

Context & Rationale: Individuals with similar CD4 cell counts and RNA levels can vary considerably with regards to clinical progression. This variation is likely the result of a complex interplay between viral, host and environmental factors. This study aimed to characterize and identify predictors associated with disease progression to AIDS or death in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of 343 seroprevalent HIV positive patients diagnosed from Jan 2005 to Dec 2010. Of these, 73 had an estimated seroconversion date. Data was extracted from medical charts at two clinics specialized in HIV/AIDS care. Disease progression was measured as time from HIV diagnosis (or seroconversion) to immunological AIDS and death. The Cox hazard model was used. Results: The 3-year and 5-year immunological AIDS free probability was 53% and 33%, respectively. The 3-year and 5-year survival probability was 89% and 77%, respectively. Among the seroconversion cohort, the 3-year immunological AIDS free probability was 76%. Due to multicollinearity, separate models were built for IDU, hepatitis C and ethnicity. A history of IDU (HR, 3.0; 95%CI, 1.2-7.1), hepatitis C coinfection (HR, 2.9; 95%CI, 1.2-6.9), baseline CD4 counts (HR, 0.95; 95%CI, 0.92-0.98, per ever 10 unit increase), ever on ART, and year of diagnosis were significant predictors of progression to immunological AIDS among the seroprevalent cohort. Age at diagnosis, sex and ethnicity were not. For survival, only treatment use was a significant predictor (HR, 0.34; 95%CI, 0.1-0.8). Hepatitis C coinfection was marginally significant (p=0.067), while a history of IDU, ethnicity, gender, age at diagnosis, and year of diagnosis were not. Among the seroconversion cohort, no predictors of progression to immunological AIDS were identified. Ethnicity, hepatitis C coinfection and history of IDU could not be assessed. Conclusion: Our study found that IDU, HCV coinfections, baseline CD4 counts, and ART use were significant predictors of disease progression. This highlights the need for increased testing and early detection and for targeted interventions for these particularly vulnerable populations to slow disease progression.

Context & Rationale: Individuals with similar CD4 cell counts and RNA levels can vary considerably with regards to clinical progression. This variation is likely the result of a complex interplay between viral, host and environmental factors. This study aimed to characterize and identify predictors associated with disease progression to AIDS or death in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of 343 seroprevalent HIV positive patients diagnosed from Jan 2005 to Dec 2010. Of these, 73 had an estimated seroconversion date. Data was extracted from medical charts at two clinics specialized in HIV/AIDS care. Disease progression was measured as time from HIV diagnosis (or seroconversion) to immunological AIDS and death. The Cox hazard model was used. Results: The 3-year and 5-year immunological AIDS free probability was 53% and 33%, respectively. The 3-year and 5-year survival probability was 89% and 77%, respectively. Among the seroconversion cohort, the 3-year immunological AIDS free probability was 76%. Due to multicollinearity, separate models were built for IDU, hepatitis C and ethnicity. A history of IDU (HR, 3.0; 95%CI, 1.2-7.1), hepatitis C coinfection (HR, 2.9; 95%CI, 1.2-6.9), baseline CD4 counts (HR, 0.95; 95%CI, 0.92-0.98, per ever 10 unit increase), ever on ART, and year of diagnosis were significant predictors of progression to immunological AIDS among the seroprevalent cohort. Age at diagnosis, sex and ethnicity were not. For survival, only treatment use was a significant predictor (HR, 0.34; 95%CI, 0.1-0.8). Hepatitis C coinfection was marginally significant (p=0.067), while a history of IDU, ethnicity, gender, age at diagnosis, and year of diagnosis were not. Among the seroconversion cohort, no predictors of progression to immunological AIDS were identified. Ethnicity, hepatitis C coinfection and history of IDU could not be assessed. Conclusion: Our study found that IDU, HCV coinfections, baseline CD4 counts, and ART use were significant predictors of disease progression. This highlights the need for increased testing and early detection and for targeted interventions for these particularly vulnerable populations to slow disease progression.