Angiogenesis is an early event in the development of chemically induced skin tumors

In this study we have analyzed the vascular response induced in the two- stage carcinogenesis model in SENCAR mice. The role of angiogenesis has not been explored in this model, which is the paradigm of multistage carcinogenesis and a model for neoplastic lesions derived from exophytic premalignant lesions (e.g. colon carcinoma, bladder papilloma). We investigated if angiogenesis is involved in the formation of papillomas and in the progression from papilloma to carcinoma. To this end we analyzed the vasculature of normal and hyperplastic skin, focal epidermal hyperplasias that are precursors of papillomas, papillomas at different stages and squamous cell carcinomas. We also analyzed the vascularization of papillomas induced in two strains of mice that differ in their susceptibility to malignant progression. We show here that angiogenesis is turned on in the earliest stages of papilloma formation. In late stages, regardless of state of progression, the predominant response is an increase in the size of blood vessels. Thus, in the SENCAR mouse model, representative of exophytic tumors, the angiogenesis switch is a very early event, probably mechanistically related to the development of the primarily exophytic lesions. Therefore, the density of blood vessels cannot be used as a predictor of malignant progression in this model.      

3－硝基－1，2，4－三唑类乏氧细胞放射增敏剂的构效关系

为了寻找毒性低、增敏作用强的乏氧细胞放射增敏剂，设计并合成了一系列５－溴－，５－甲基－，和５－未取代的３－硝基－１，２，４－三唑－１－乙酰胺类化合物，用ＨｅＬａＳ３细胞进行了体外试验。结果表明５－溴取代衍生物的增敏作用强于相应的５－甲基－或５－未取代的硝基三唑衍生物，但是它们的毒性亦增大。修饰１位乙酰胺侧链也可以改变化合物的增敏作用和亲脂性。在所测定的化合物中ＴＡ－１０１［２－（３－硝基－１－三唑基）乙酰胺］由于有高的增敏作用和低亲脂性，可能是一个有希望的放射增敏剂。     

The developmental appearance of a major basilar papilla-specific protein in the chick

The sensory epithelium of the chick cochlea, the basilar papilla, contains a major protein of approximately 23,000 daltons. This protein was as abundant as actin in the papilla, yet could not be found in significant quantities in any other cochlear tissue. The protein appeared at a time in development when other studies have shown that the chick embryo develops peripheral auditory competence. These observations suggest a role for this protein in cochlear function.     

A systematic scoping review of measures of participation in disability and rehabilitation research: A preliminary report of findings

Purpose/objectiveThe concept of participation is emerging as a gold-standard of outcome measurement in disability and rehabilitation. We aimed to assess the status of methods to measure this new concept.Method/designWe conducted a scoping review and a content analysis to assess the literature on participation.ResultsWe identified 586 articles addressing participation. Seventy-two articles passed all exclusion criteria. Twenty-four articles cited the International Classification of Function as their conceptual foundation. Most studies included individuals with a broad range of impairments (cross disability). Most instruments relied on self-report in a cross-sectional design. We noted three levels of measurement (static, interactional, and dynamic). Few studies reported collecting data on the environment along with participation. Subjective aspects of participation emerged as an important consideration but few articles reported measuring it.ConclusionsThe concept of participation represents more than a “shift from negative to more positive language.” It represents a transformational concept that requires new, dynamic measures collected in context.     

Performance Development Plans for the Radiation Therapist: A Literature Review

IntroductionAt many radiotherapy departments around the world, radiation therapists (RTs) undergo performance appraisals annually. Performance appraisals can be confronting and involve complex issues such as feedback, delivering constructive criticism, and positive reinforcement. The focus of this research article was to identify some strengths and weaknesses of general performance appraisal processes and to determine how this process can be streamlined using positive psychology and strength-based development to form a performance management strategy for RTs.MethodsDatabase searches were conducted through ScienceDirect and PubMed for journal articles via the Queensland University of Technology Library website. General article searches were conducted through the online search engine Google. Books were accessed through the University of Southern Queensland Library and Google Scholar. Exclusion criteria included only viewing journal articles with full-text available. Key words searched included positive psychology, strength-based development, performance appraisals, 360° appraisals, and performance management.Results/DiscussionThe total number of journal articles accessed was 61. Because of exclusion criteria, there were 33 articles deemed appropriate to be used. Ultimately, 13 journal articles were referenced among the other sources accessed. Findings included that 360° appraisals generally have a conflicted user base. Findings also included discovering that positive psychology and strength-based development have numerous positive benefits. It was also well documented that performance appraisals should be used as part of an overall performance management strategy for staff. It was also noted that there are many commercially available solutions for performance appraisals.ConclusionsThe literature review identified that 360° appraisals could be integrated into a performance management structure in radiation therapy departments worldwide. Performance management can further be enhanced with the inclusion of positive psychology and strength-based development, which can create a meaningful process that benefits the individual, the team, and the organization. The choice of a new performance management structure is a challenging process but should be pivotal in developing more effective RTs.