Key stages in mammary gland development: The mammary end bud as a motile organ

In the rodent, epithelial end buds define the tips of elongating mammary ducts. These highly motile structures undergo repeated dichotomous branching as they aggressively advance through fatty stroma and, turning to avoid other ducts, they finally cease growth leaving behind the open, tree-like framework on which secretory alveoli develop during pregnancy. This review identifies the motility of end buds as a unique developmental marker that represents the successful integration of systemic and local mammotrophic influences, and covers relevant advances in ductal growth regulation, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and cell adhesion in the inner end bud. An unexpected growth-promoting synergy between insulin-like growth factor-1 and progesterone, in which ducts elongate without forming new end buds, is described as well as evidence strongly supporting self-inhibition of ductal elongation by end-bud-secreted transforming growth factor-β acting on stromal targets. The influence of the matrix metalloproteinase ECM-remodeling enzymes, notably matrix metalloproteinase-2, on end bud growth is discussed in the broader context of enzymes that regulate the polysaccharide-rich glycosaminoglycan elements of the ECM. Finally, a critical, motility-enabling role for the cellular architecture of the end bud is identified and the contribution of cadherins, the netrin/neogenin system, and ErbB2 to the structure and motility of end buds is discussed

Validation française de l’échelle des réactions et des buts liés à la colère (RBC) : French validation of the anger reactions and goals scale (RBC)

L’étude présente la validation française d’une échelle allemande (AERZ) [Diagnostica 49 (2003) 97–109, révisée Eur J Pers (2009)], évaluant la régulation de la colère. Cet instrument mesure sept réactions et sept buts liés à la colère (RBC). L’apport principal de cette échelle est la mise en évidence des dimensions réactionnelles et intentionnelles lors de la régulation de la colère. Au-delà d’un panel de réactions fonctionnelles, voire dysfonctionnelles, la RBC revient sur les buts offensifs et défensifs associés à l’émotion de la colère. La version française adaptée a été administrée à un échantillon d’étudiants (n = 184). La structure factorielle de la version originale a en grande partie pu être retrouvée avec des consistances internes satisfaisantes pour les différentes dimensions. Globalement, les résultats obtenus attestent la validité, la fidélité et la sensibilité des construits mesurés par la RBC. Cette validation offre, en particulier dans le contexte français, un inventaire multidimensionnel permettant d’étudier les réactions et les buts liés à la colère, par exemple en testant l’efficacité d’interventions de régulation de la colère ou en tant que diagnostic

Cyberbullying in the Benelux-Countries : first findings and ways to address the problem

Cyberbullying is a phenomenon of the Twenty-first Century that is closely related to the increasing impact that electronic media have on people’s everyday lives. Though cyberbullying research is still in an early stage, there have been numerous studies in recent years focusing on various aspects of of the phenomenon. So far, research findings on cyberbullying are not fully conclusive and may even be contradictory in parts, yet, the contours of what cyberbullying is are emerging. In this book leading cyberbullying researchers outline the most recent research findings on cyberbullying in France, Germany, Switzerland, the Benelux countries, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, Poland, Bulgaria, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Scandinavian countries, Australia, the United States and Japan. Apart from being of interest to researchers, the book addresses school staff, trainers, policy makers and everyone who is interested in learning more about the latest research findings on this vigorous and rapidly developing field of research

Inhibition of leukotriene B(4)-induced CD11B/CD18 (Mac-1) expression by BIIL 284, a new long acting LTB(4) receptor antagonist, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Background: Leukotriene B4 (LTB(4)) has a key role in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Objective: To investigate the inhibition of ex vivo LTB(4)-induced Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) expression in leucocytes of patients with RA by the new oral LTB(4) receptor antagonist BIIL 284. Methods: The pharmacokinetics and inhibition of LTB(4)-induced Mac-1 expression of BIIL 284 were characterised in 26 adult patients with RA who were treated with BIIL 284 25 mg, 150 mg, or placebo given once a day for 14 days according to a double blind, randomised, parallel group design. Results: T(max) of BIIL 315 in plasma (main metabolite and active principle of BIIL 284 in plasma) was achieved about four hours after drug administration, and C(max,ss) and AUC(0–6h,ss) increased in proportion to the dosage. 100% inhibition of LTB(4)-induced MAC-1 expression was reached after two hours (150 mg) or four hours (25 mg), showing a statistically significant difference in comparison with placebo (p<0.005). A longlasting dynamic effect was seen consistently even when plasma concentrations declined to very low values 24 hours after administration. Secondary clinical efficacy end points remained unchanged probably owing to the short duration of treatment. Adverse events (AEs) were reported in 12 patients during the study. No serious AEs or laboratory AEs were seen. Conclusions: Both the 25 mg and 150 mg doses of BIIL 284 safely and effectively inhibit Mac-1 expression on neutrophils; thus longer treatment with BIIL 284 may result in clinical benefit for patients with RA

Balancing risk and professional identity, secondary school teachers' narratives of violence

Violence against teachers is seen as a growing problem by both professional bodies and the media. However, this account fails to acknowledge differing views about what actually constitutes violence and how those that experience violence comprehend it. Drawing on literature on workplace violence and fear of crime, this article seeks to identify how we can begin to understand better violence against teachers. Furthermore, by examining secondary school teachers’ own narratives in depth, it is identified that a number of factors influence the meanings that they attach to their own experiences of workplace violence. This includes their professional identity, feelings about their pupils and their role as a teacher, their own sense of vulnerability, levels of experience and general feelings about schools and young people today