bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous rectus sheath hematoma presenting as acute surgical abdomen: an important differential in elderly coagulopathic patients
Authors: Salemis Nikolaos S
Published: May 2009

Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) presenting as acute surgical abdomen is a rare clinical entity. Failing to establish an early diagnosis will probably result in increased morbidity or unnecessary surgical intervention. We describe herein a case of an 85‐year‐old woman receiving anticoagulants who presented with typical clinical manifestations of acute surgical abdomen and a slightly palpable abdominal mass. Ultrasonography was inconclusive whereas computed tomography scans demonstrated a large right rectus sheath hematoma associated with hemoperitoneum. The patient was treated conservatively with success. It is therefore concluded that RSH must be considered in any elderly patient on anticoagulant therapy who presents with manifestations of acute surgical abdomen.
Taking species abundance distributions beyond individuals
Authors: Morlon Hélène , White Ethan P. , Etienne Rampal S. , Green Jessica L. , Ostling Annette , Alonso David , Enquist Brian J. , He Fangliang , Hurlbert Allen , Magurran Anne E. , Maurer Brian A. , McGill Brian J. , Olff Han , Storch David , Zillio Tommaso
Published: May 2009

The species abundance distribution (SAD) is one of the few universal patterns in ecology. Research on this fundamental distribution has primarily focused on the study of numerical counts, irrespective of the traits of individuals. Here we show that considering a set of Generalized Species Abundance Distributions (GSADs) encompassing several abundance measures, such as numerical abundance, biomass and resource use, can provide novel insights into the structure of ecological communities and the forces that organize them. We use a taxonomically diverse combination of macroecological data sets to investigate the similarities and differences between GSADs. We then use probability theory to explore, under parsimonious assumptions, theoretical linkages among them. Our study suggests that examining different GSADs simultaneously in natural systems may help with assessing determinants of community structure. Broadening SADs to encompass multiple abundance measures opens novel perspectives in biodiversity research and warrants future empirical and theoretical developments.
Prevention Effects Moderate the Association of 5‐HTTLPR and Youth Risk Behavior Initiation: Gene × Environment Hypotheses Tested via a Randomized Prevention Design
Authors: Brody Gene H. , Beach Steven R. H. , Philibert Robert A. , Chen Yi‐fu , Murry Velma McBride
Published: May 2009

A randomized prevention design was used to investigate a moderation effect in the association between a polymorphism in the SCL6A4(5HTT) gene at 5‐HTTLPR and increases in youths’ risk behavior initiation. Participation in the Strong African American Families (SAAF) program was hypothesized to attenuate the link between 5‐HTTLPR status and risk behavior initiation. Youths (N = 641, M age = 11.2 years) were assigned randomly to a SAAF or control condition. Risk behavior initiation across 29 months was linked positively with the 5‐HTTLPR genotype and negatively with SAAF participation. Control youths at genetic risk initiated risk behavior at twice the rate of SAAF youths at genetic risk and youths not at genetic risk in either condition.
Effective Early Literacy Skill Development for Young Spanish‐Speaking English Language Learners: An Experimental Study of Two Methods
Authors: Farver Jo Ann M. , Lonigan Christopher J. , Eppe Stefanie
Published: May 2009

Ninety‐four Spanish‐speaking preschoolers (Mage = 54.51 months,SD = 4.72; 43 girls) were randomly assigned to receive the High/Scope Curriculum (controln = 32) or the Literacy Express Preschool Curriculum in English‐only (n = 31) or initially in Spanish transitioning to English (n = 31). Children’s emergent literacy skills were assessed before and after the intervention in Spanish and English. Children in the English‐only and transitional groups made significant gains in their emergent literacy skills in both Spanish and English compared to the control group, The English‐only and transitional models were equally effective for English language outcomes, but for Spanish‐language outcomes, only the transitional model was effective. The results suggest that a targeted early literacy intervention can improve Spanish‐speaking preschoolers’ preliteracy skills.
Young Children’s Trust in Their Mother’s Claims: Longitudinal Links With Attachment Security in Infancy
Authors: Corriveau Kathleen H. , Harris Paul L. , Meins Elizabeth , Fernyhough Charles , Arnott Bronia , Elliott Lorna , Liddle Beth , Hearn Alexandra , Vittorini Lucia , de Rosnay Marc
Published: May 2009

In a longitudinal study of attachment, children (N = 147) aged 50 and 61 months heard their mother and a stranger make conflicting claims. In 2 tasks, the available perceptual cues were equally consistent with either person’s claim but children generally accepted the mother’s claims over those of the stranger. In a 3rd task, the perceptual cues favored the stranger’s claims, and children generally accepted her claims over those of the mother. However, children’s pattern of responding varied by attachment status. The strategy of relying on the mother or the stranger, depending on the available perceptual cues, was especially evident among secure children. Insecure‐avoidant children displayed less reliance on their mother’s claims, irrespective of the available cues, whereas insecure‐resistant children displayed more.
Home and Parenting Resources Available to Siblings Depending on Their Birth Intention Status
Authors: Barber Jennifer S. , East Patricia L.
Published: May 2009

This study examines the differential availability of family and parenting resources to children depending on their birth planning status. The National Longitudinal Survey of Youth data were analyzed, 3,134 mothers and their 5,890 children (M = 7.1 years, range = 1 month–14.8 years), of whom 63% were intended at conception, 27% were mistimed, and 10% were unwanted. Fixed‐effects models show that unwanted and mistimed children had fewer resources than intended siblings. Parents’ emotional resources to older children decreased after the birth of a mistimed sibling. Findings suggest that cognitive and emotional resources are differentially available to children within a family depending on intention status and that unintended births lead to decreased parental resources for older children in the household.
More Than Just IQ
Authors: Greven Corina U. , Harlaar Nicole , Kovas Yulia , Chamorro-Premuzic Tomas , Plomin Robert
Published: May 2009

Evidence suggests that children's self-perceptions of their abilities predict their school achievement even after one accounts for their tested cognitive ability (IQ). However, the roles of nature and nurture in the association between school achievement and self-perceived abilities (SPAs), independent of IQ, is unknown. Here we reveal that there are substantial genetic influences on SPAs and that there is genetic covariance between SPAs and achievement independent of IQ. Although it has been assumed that the origins of SPAs are environmental, this first genetic analysis of SPAs yielded a heritability of 51% in a sample of 3,785 pairs of twins, whereas shared environment accounted for only 2% of the variance in SPAs. Moreover, multivariate genetic analyses indicated that SPAs predict school achievement independently of IQ for genetic rather than environmental reasons. It should therefore be possible to identify “SPA genes” that predict school achievement independently of “IQ genes.”
Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome with Posterior Leucoencephalopathy after Oral Contraceptive Pills
Authors: Soo Y , Singhal AB , Leung T , Yu S , Mak H , Hao Q , Leung H , Lam W , Wong LKS
Published: May 2009

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is characterized by sudden-onset recurrent ‘thunderclap’ headaches with reversible multifocal narrowing of the cerebral arteries, often associated with focal neurological deficits from ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke. It has been associated with exposure to vasoconstrictive drugs, pregnancy, migraine, and a variety of other conditions. Whereas the pathophysiology of RCVS remains unclear, changes in the levels of female hormones are considered important because RCVS predominantly affects women and is frequently associated with pregnancy. We report a patient with angiographically confirmed RCVS whose MRI showed reversible brain oedema, suggesting an overlap between RCVS and the reversible posterior leucoencephalopathy syndrome. The only identified risk factor was oral contraceptive pills started 1 month prior to onset, supporting a role for female reproductive hormones in precipitating this overlap syndrome.
Retinoic acid receptor stimulation protects midbrain dopaminergic neurons from inflammatory degeneration via BDNF‐mediated signaling
Authors: Katsuki Hiroshi , Kurimoto Emi , Takemori Sachiko , Kurauchi Yuki , Hisatsune Akinori , Isohama Yoichiro , Izumi Yasuhiko , Kume Toshiaki , Shudo Koichi , Akaike Akinori
Published: May 2009

Functions of retinoic acid receptors (RARs) in adult CNS have been poorly characterized. Here we investigated potential neuroprotective action of tamibarotene (Am80), an RARα/β agonist available for the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia, on midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Am80 protected dopaminergic neurons in rat midbrain slice culture from injury mediated by lipopolysaccharide‐activated microglia, without affecting production of nitric oxide, a key mediator of cell injury. The effect of Am80 was mimicked by another RAR agonist, TAC‐101, but not by a retinoid X receptor agonist, HX630, and HX630 did not synergize with Am80. We observed neuronal expression of RARα and RARβ in midbrain slice culture and also found that Am80 increased tissue level of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA. Exogenous BDNF prevented dopaminergic neurodegeneration, and the neuroprotective effect of Am80 was suppressed by a TrkB inhibitor, K252a, or by anti‐BDNF neutralizing antibody. These results reveal a novel action of RARs mediated by enhancement of BDNF expression. Finally, oral administration of Am80 prevented dopaminergic cell loss in the substantia nigra induced by local injection of lipopolysaccharide in mice, indicating that RARs are a promising target of therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders.
Selective astrocytic gap junctional trafficking of molecules involved in the glycolytic pathway: impact on cellular brain imaging
Authors: Gandhi Gautam K. , Cruz Nancy F. , Ball Kelly K. , Theus Sue A. , Dienel Gerald A.
Published: May 2009

To assess the specificity of metabolite trafficking among gap junction‐coupled astrocytes, we developed novel, real‐time, single‐cell enzymatic fluorescence assays to assay cell‐to‐cell transfer of unlabeled glycolytic intermediates and report (i) highly restricted transfer of glucose‐6‐phosphate (P) and two analogs, deoxyglucose (DG)‐6‐P, and 2‐[N‐(7‐nitrobenz‐2‐oxa‐1,3‐diazol‐4‐yl)amino]‐2‐DG‐6‐P, compared with DG and 2‐ and 6‐[N‐(7‐nitrobenz‐2‐oxa‐1,3‐diazol‐4‐yl)amino]‐2‐DG, (ii) extensive junctional diffusion of glyceraldehyde‐3‐P, NADH, and NADPH plus three anionic fluorescent dyes used as internal standards for transfer assays, and (iii) stimulation of gap junctional communication by increased intracellular Na+ that also evokes metabolic responses in nearby coupled astrocytes. Thus, dye transfer does not predict gap junctional permeability of endogenous metabolites. Intracellular retention of flux‐regulating compounds (e.g. glucose‐6‐P) may be necessary for local metabolic control, whereas ‘syncytial sharing’ may dissipate the work load on peri‐synaptic astrocytes. Imaging of brain functional activity depends on local accumulation of exogenous or endogenous signals, and DG‐6‐P is trapped in the cell where it is phosphorylated, whereas rapid dispersal of cytoplasmic NAD(P)H and labeled glucose metabolites throughout the astrocytic syncytium can interfere with cellular assessment of neuron–astrocyte relationships in autoradiographic, fluorescence microscopic, and magnetic resonance spectroscopic studies.
USING OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY TO EXAMINE THE SUBSURFACE MORPHOLOGY OF CHINESE GLAZES
Authors: YANG M.‐L. , WINKLER AMY M. , BARTON JENNIFER K. , VANDIVER PAMELA B.
Published: May 2009

Optical coherence tomography (OCT), a new method for ceramics research, is a nondestructive, three‐dimensional tomography system, which provides subsurface morphology visualization of samples based on the refractive index or dielectric constant differences in the target specimen. In this study, seven shards from different Chinese kilns of Song and Yuan dynasties (10–14th centuries) were scanned to visualize the subsurface morphology of their glazes. The images revealed unique phase assemblage modes in different samples. The results suggest OCT may be used to identify ceramics and provide information about their manufacturing technology.
Global geographies of innovation diffusion: the case of the Australian cattle industry
Authors: TONTS MATTHEW , YARWOOD RICHARD , JONES ROY
Published: May 2009

The geographies and histories of the introduction of cattle breeds to Australia in the period since white settlement are documented as an example of the diffusion of agricultural innovations. Three phases of development are identified: a colonial expansion phase from the late eighteenth to the early twentieth century during which a number of primarily British cattle breeds were imported by the colonial settlers; an innovative phase in the mid twentieth century when both governments and private interests sought to produce or import new breeds deemed to be better adapted to Australian environments; and a multifunctional phase in recent decades. In this final phase, government deregulation and new technologies, such as the long distance transport of genetic packages, have facilitated the importation and development of many new cattle breeds in Australia. While this has produced a significant rise in the total number of breeds represented nationally, many recent and historic breeds currently exhibit extremely small numbers and a few generally well‐established breeds such as Holstein, Hereford and Angus still dominate the national herd. This study of changing breed types and introductions provides some evidence of post‐productivism and of a multifunctional transition in that several cattle breeds favoured by hobby farmers and boutique breeders are now represented, but the aggregate numbers for these breeds remain small and the numbers for several of the traditional (or colonial) breeds are currently in decline. Overall, it is apparent that Australia's cattle industry retains a strongly productivist ethos and that, particularly given the country's very great environmental variation, its levels of breed diversity remain low.
A NEW WIDE‐GAUGE SAUROPOD TRACK SITE FROM THE LATE CRETACEOUS OF MENDOZA, NEUQUÉN BASIN, ARGENTINA
Authors: GONZÁLEZ RIGA BERNARDO JAVIER , CALVO JORGE ORLANDO
Published: May 2009

Abstract:  Agua del Choique is a new Late Cretaceous sauropod track site from Mendoza Province, Neuquén Basin, Argentina. It is situated in the Loncoche Formation, late Campanian – early Maastrichthian in age, and is one of the youngest sauropod tracks site recorded in the world. Agua del Choique represents a lake setting and river‐dominated delta deposits, and comprises at least 160 well‐preserved tracks, located on a calcareous sandstone bed. A new ichnotaxon, Titanopodus  mendozensis ichnogen. et ichnosp. nov., is erected for the footprints of this track site. Titanopodus  mendozensis exhibits the following association of features: (1) wide‐gauge trackway (manus and pes trackway ratios of 18–22 and 26–31 per cent respectively), (2) pronounced heteropody (manus‐pes area ratio of 1:3), (3) outer limits of trackway defined, in some cases, by the manus tracks, and (4) manus impression with an asymmetrical crescent contour and acuminate external border. Titanopodus  mendozensis is an excellent case study of the wide‐gauge style of locomotion produced by Late Cretaceous derived titanosaurs that have no impression of manual phalanges. These features, and the fossil record from the Loncoche Formation, suggest that the trackmakers were, probably, middle size saltasaurine or aeolosaurine titanosaurs (14–16 m long).
MICROVERTEBRATE BIOSTRATIGRAPHY OF UPPER DEVONIAN (FRASNIAN) CARBONATE ROCKS IN THE CANNING AND CARNARVON BASINS OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Authors: TRINAJSTIC KATE , GEORGE ANNETTE D.
Published: May 2009

Abstract:  Shark teeth and scales from the Gneudna Formation type section, Carnarvon Basin are rare, but they represent a diverse fauna as well as being the first Frasnian chondrichthyan remains found in Western Australia. In contrast numerous shark teeth and scales have been obtained from coeval sections in the Canning Basin. Teeth referred to as Phoebodus bifurcatus, Phoebodus fastigatus, Phoebodus cf. fastigatus, Phoebodus latus, Phoebodus sp. C and Protacrodus sp. 1 are described from two Canning Basin localities: Horse Spring Range and McIntyre Knolls. The phoebodont species described here have a global distribution and can, therefore, be placed within the standard Frasnian phoebodont zonation. The shark remains from the Gneudna Formation type section include one new genus Emerikodus ektrapelus gen. et sp. nov., described along with Helodontidae indet and Elasmobranchii gen. et sp. indet. It is proposed that the faunal differences observed between the localities are a result of environmental differences. In addition to shark remains, scales from the thelodont Australolepis seddoni were also recovered from each locality. The well‐dated Zone 6–10 conodont faunas at Horse Spring constrain the range of A. seddoni with which they occur, and importantly indicate that the Gneudna Formation type section is wholly Frasnian.
Administrative Discretion and Environmental Regulation: Agency Substantive Rules and Court Decisions in U.S. Air and Water Quality Policies
Authors: Kochtcheeva Lada V.
Published: May 2009

The main challenge of the scholarship with administrative discretion is how to reach the appropriate balance between a commitment to legislative preferences and flexibility in regulating diverse targets in constantly changing environments. This article focuses on how regulators and courts interact in influencing the potential for administrative discretion in U.S. environmental policy. It creates an analytical framework highlighting the construction of substantive rules by an agency, the interpretation of agency rulings by courts, capacity of an agency for implementation, and legislative responsiveness to agency rulings. It analyzes several cases of the introduction of incentive‐based economic instruments administered by the Environmental Protection Agency in air and water policies. The cases reveal the intensified and expanded production of substantive regulations by the agency and the trajectory of a struggle in the judiciary to advance both the legislative intent and the substantive goal of protecting the environment in a more cost‐effective and less burdensome way.
Knowledge of lay people and dentists in emergency management of dental trauma
Authors: Traebert Jefferson , Traiano Maria Luiza , Armênio Ricardo , Barbieri Dayse Bortoluzzi , De Lacerda Josimari Telino , Marcenes Wagner
Published: May 2009

Abstract –  The multidisciplinary nature of the follow‐up evaluations of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) requires that both the lay public and practitioners possess knowledge of the treatment strategies involved. The aim of this paper was to assess the level of knowledge of elementary public schoolteachers, parents and dentists of the city of Joaçaba, Southern Brazil, about the emergency management of TDI. Three independent cross sectional studies were carried out involving samples of elementary public schoolteachers (n = 245), parents (n = 107) and dentists (n = 85) in the city in 2001. Data were collected through structured interviews for schoolteachers and dentists, and questionnaires for parents, containing questions about socio‐demographic characteristics and about incidents resulting in TDI. The responses in the three studies showed a wide variability of indicated procedures for the situations of TDI proposed. The results of association studies showed that older schoolteachers (P = 0.003), older dentists (P = 0.013) and dentists who had graduated more recently (P = 0.032) chose significantly more correct answers in some TDI incidents. The answers of schoolteachers, parents and dentists showed a wide variability of indicated procedures for the situations proposed. The great majority of them would not follow the approaches most recommended in the literature. A greater importance should be placed on TDI through educational campaigns aiming schoolteachers and parents and also through undergraduation and postgraduation dental curricula in order of improving its management.
Influence of custom‐made mouth guards on strength, speed and anaerobic performance of taekwondo athletes
Authors: Cetin Cem , Keçeci Ayşe Diljin , Erdoğan Ali , Baydar Metin Lütfi
Published: May 2009

Abstract –  The purpose of this study was to test the influence of custom‐made mouth guards on strength and anaerobic performance of taekwondo athletes. The study included 21 (11 male and 10 female) trained subjects participating in taekwondo. Anaerobic power and anaerobic capacity, isokinetic quadriceps and hamstring strength, handgrip strength, isometric lower extremity and back strength, 20 m sprint time, squat and counter movement jumping height were measured in two randomized conditions: with or without custom‐made (CM) mouth guards. No significant differences were observed between the two conditions (with or without CM mouth guards) in 20 m sprint time, jumping tests, handgrip strength, isometric leg or back strength. On the other hand, peak power and average power in Wingate Anaerobic Test and Hamstring Isokinetic Peak Torque significantly increased as a result of wearing mouth guard (P < 0.05). In conclusion, we can suggest that taekwondo athletes can use CM mouth guards without any negative effects on their strength and anaerobic performance.
Orthodontic reduction of a displaced alveolar fracture: a case study
Authors: Ella Bruno , Devert Nathalie , Bardinet Etienne , Lauverjat Yves , Pouget Jacques , Costa Noble Reynald Da , Boileau Marie‐Josée
Published: May 2009

Abstract –  A 42‐year‐old woman had sustained a severe dental trauma with an alveolar fracture after an epileptic attack. A tooth block 31, 32, 33 and 34 was dislocated about 7 mm in buccal direction. Panoramic X‐rays and CT‐scan disclosed the alveolar fracture without total disjunction of the fragment. An orthodontic appliance was used to reduce the fracture with gentle forces during a 5‐month period. Normal function was established and the teeth remained vital.
Agricultural management, vegetation traits and landscape drive orthopteran and butterfly diversity in a grassland–forest mosaic: a multi‐scale approach
Authors: MARINI LORENZO , FONTANA PAOLO , BATTISTI ANDREA , GASTON KEVIN J.
Published: May 2009

Abstract.  1. Most ecological processes at the population and community level act on multiple spatial scales. We identified the influence of grassland management, vegetation traits and landscape on orthopteran and butterfly diversity in 44 meadows located in a forest‐dominated region in the Italian Alps. The meadows were sampled in landscapes characterised by different proportions of woody vegetation and grasslands quantified at 11 spatial scales (95–3000 m).

2. We applied a multi‐scale approach to investigate the scale‐dependent effects of landscape. Then, we built generalised linear models (Poisson and log‐link function) to test simultaneously vegetation traits and landscape variables on insect species richness.

3. High fertilisation and cutting frequency created tall, species‐poor plant communities. This change reduced orthopteran diversity by providing an unsuitable sward structure, and butterfly diversity by creating disturbed plant communities with low species richness and abundance of flowering forbs and host plants.

4. The proportion of woody vegetation had a strong positive effect on the richness of both groups at the smallest spatial scale (95 m), indicating the importance of undisturbed vegetation in the surrounding of mown meadows. The effect tended to disappear with increasing spatial extent.

5. A multi‐scale approach was necessary to identify the effects of landscape factors in this study system. Conservation measures should endorse the maintenance of species‐rich, sparse and short plant communities by reducing organic fertilisation and cutting frequency. However, these schemes should also promote the presence of undisturbed woody vegetation in the immediate surrounding landscape or at least should prevent the complete mowing of large areas.
Synapse- and Stimulus-Specific Local Translation During Long-Term Neuronal Plasticity
Authors: Wang Dan Ohtan , Kim Sang Mok , Zhao Yali , Hwang Hongik , Miura Satoru K. , Sossin Wayne S. , Martin Kelsey C.
Published: May 2009

Sensorin Reporter

Long-term memory and synaptic plasticity require changes in gene expression and yet can occur in a synapse-specific manner. Messenger RNA (mRNA) localization and regulated translation at synapses have been proposed as mechanisms for spatially restricting gene expression during transcription-dependent, synapse-specific forms of neuronal plasticity. In the sea slug
Aplysia
, which is a frequently used model system for studying learning and memory, sensorin is a sensory cell–specific peptide neurotransmitter. The mRNA encoding sensorin localizes to distal sensory neurites and further concentrates at sites of synaptic contact between sensory and motor neurons.

Wang
et al.

(p.
1536
, published online 14 May; see the Perspective by

Korte

) demonstrate, using translational reporters of sensorin mRNA expressed in individual cultured
Aplysia
sensory and motor neurons, that local translation occurs at synapses during transcription-dependent, learning-related forms of synaptic plasticity.
When to consider thyroid dysfunction in the neurology clinic
Authors: Mistry N , Wass J , Turner M R
Published: May 2009

There are many neurological manifestations of thyroid disease, and thyroid function has taken its place in the “routine bloods” of neurology practice. However, although conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome prompt thyroid testing despite any clear evidence for this approach, other symptoms of potential significance in terms of thyroid disease may be overlooked in the busy general neurology clinic, or abnormal thyroid tests may be assumed to be incidental. Psychiatric disorders, loss of consciousness, movement disorders and weakness may all be manifestations of primary thyroid disease. This is a symptom-based review where we will consider the evidence (or lack of it) for the association of various neurological problems with thyroid dysfunction, and also the pitfalls in interpretation of the biochemical tests.
Triglyceride lipases alter fuel metabolism and mitochondrial gene expressionThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled 14th International Biochemistry of Exercise Conference – Muscles as Molecular and Metabolic Machines, and has undergone the Journal’s usual peer review process.
Authors: Watt Matthew J.
Published: May 2009

Fatty acids derived from the hydrolysis of adipose tissue and skeletal muscle triacylglycerol (TG) are an important energy substrate at rest and during prolonged moderate-intensity exercise. Hormone sensitive lipase (HSL) was long considered to be the rate-limiting enzyme for adipocyte and skeletal muscle TG lipolysis. However, the understanding of TG lipolysis regulation was recently challenged by the finding that adipose TG lipase (ATGL) is the predominant TG lipase in adipose tissue and an important regulator of TG degradation in skeletal muscle. Thus, it is now proposed that ATGL and HSL regulate lipolysis in a serial manner, with ATGL cleaving the first fatty acid and HSL the second fatty acid of TG. Further to this biochemical evaluation, the generation and metabolic characterization of ATGL−/−and HSL−/−mice have revealed distinct phenotypes. ATGL−/−mice are obese, exhibit impaired thermogenesis, oxidize more carbohydrate, and die prematurely due to cardiac dysfunction. Studies in HSL−/−mice report defective β-adrenergic stimulated lipolysis, protection against high-fat diet-induced obesity, and possible impairments in insulin secretion. This review outlines the current understanding of the cellular regulation of TG lipases, lipolytic regulation, and the functional implications of manipulating ATGL and HSL in vivo.
Regulation of mitofusin-2 expression in skeletal muscleThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled 14th International Biochemistry of Exercise Conference – Muscles as Molecular and Metabolic Machines, and has undergone the Journal’s usual peer review process.
Authors: Zorzano Antonio
Published: May 2009

Fusion and fission of mitochondria regulate their morphology and distribution. Mitofusin-2 (Mfn2) is a mitochondrial protein involved in such fusion. Recent observations indicate that Mfn2 is a multifunctional protein that participates in cell proliferation and metabolism and that it is required for normal endoplasmic reticulum morphology. In relation to the metabolic role of Mfn2, alterations in activity have been reported to modify cell respiration, substrate oxidation, and oxidative phosphorylation subunit expression in cultured nonmuscle and muscle cells. Mfn2 expression in skeletal muscle is subject to regulation and conditions characterized by reduced mitochondrial activity, such as obesity or type 2 diabetes, and are associated with repressed Mfn2 . In contrast, cold-exposure treatment with β3-adrenergic agonists or exercise induce the expression of this gene in muscle. Estrogen-related receptor-α transcription factor is a key regulator of Mfn2 transcription and recruits peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator (PGC)-1β and PGC-1α. These 2 nuclear coactivators are potent, positive regulators of Mfn2 expression in muscle cells, and ablation of PGC-1β causes Mfn2 downregulation in skeletal muscle and in the heart. We propose that PGC-1β is a regulator of normal expression of Mfn2 in muscle, whereas PGC-1α participates in the stimulation of Mfn2 expression under a variety of conditions characterized by enhanced energy expenditure.
Modulation of the sensitivity in Chinese hamster cells to photons and fast neutrons by cisplatin, vinblastine, and bleomycin
Authors: Mokaleng B.B. , Akudugu J.M.
Published: May 2009

Normal tissue toxicity resulting from chemoradiotherapy is of significant clinical concern. This study used normal Chinese hamster fibroblasts from lung (V79) and ovary (CHO-K1) to assess the modulation of cellular response to photons and neutrons by cisplatin, vinblastine, and bleomycin. Based on the colony formation assay, the drug concentration corresponding to 50% cell survival (EC50) of V79 cells was 1.50 ± 0.21 µmol/L for cisplatin, 0.97 ± 0.06 nmol/L for vinblastine, and 1.68 ± 0.11 µmol/L for bleomycin. The corresponding values for CHO-K1 cells were significantly lower for vinblastine (0.54 ± 0.02 nmol/L) and bleomycin (0.49 ± 0.13 µmol/L), but not for cisplatin (1.57 ± 0.20 µmol/L). No radiosensitivity enhancement was apparent when cells were exposed to p(66)/Be neutrons or photons (60Co γ-rays) in the presence of these drugs at EC50 concentrations. These data suggest that concurrent use of these drugs with radiation for the treatment of lung and ovarian diseases radiation does not exacerbate radiation-induced normal tissue toxicity, regardless of the quality of radiation. The relatively higher sensitivity of the ovarian cells to vinblastine and bleomycin might constitute a limitation in the use of these drugs for the treatment of lung lesions.
Synthesis of charged triazatetrabenzcorroles, phthalocyanines and tetrapyridylporphyrin, and their activities in the co-sensitized photooxidation of 2-mercaptoethanol
Authors: Łapok Łukasz , Schnurpfeil Günter , Gerdes Robert , Gorun Sergiu M. , Suvorova Olga , Kudryavtseva Galina S. , Wöhrle Dieter
Published: May 2009

Water soluble zwitterionic, as well as cationic and anionic triazatetrabenzcorroles (TBC), phthalocyanines (Pc) and a porphyrin (P) were synthesized and their sensitizer properties investigated. Monomerization of the sensitizers, including their mixtures, in the presence of a detergent was used as a basis for studying the fundamental effect of co-sensitization upon a known model reaction, viz. the photooxidation of 2-mercaptoethanol in aqueous alkaline solutions. Compared to single-component sensitizers, a remarkable improvement of the photocatalytic activity is observed in the case of co-sensitization employing molecules that absorb in different Q and Soret regions.
Synthesis and spectral properties of a dihydroxo(phthalocyaninato)antimony(V) complex
Authors: Isago Hiroaki , Kagaya Yutaka
Published: May 2009

The title complex cation, [ Sb ( pc )( OH )2]+, (pc = phthalocyaninate, C 32 H 16 N 82-) has been prepared by oxidizing [ Sb ( pc )] I 3 with tert-butyl perbenzoate and isolated as hexafluorophosphate and triflate salts. These salts are relatively well-soluble in polar solvents (e.g. CH 2 Cl 2, acetonitrile, acetone) without detectable aggregation. In particular, they dissolve relatively well in ethanol and methanol in which [ Sb ( pc ) Br 2]+ or [ Sb ( pc ) Cl 2]+ salts are poorly soluble whereas they have extremely low solubility in 1-chloronaphthalene and CHCl 3, unlike the bromo or chloro analogs. The spectral properties of [ Sb ( pc )( OH )2]+ have been investigated by optical absorption and magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy. Although its Q band tends to appear at a longer wavelength in a solvent with a larger refractive index, as is the case for its Br and Cl analogs, the Q band positions in donor solvents deviate considerably from linear correlation between Onsager's solvent polarity function. In the Soret band region, spectra of [ Sb ( pc )( OH )2]+ are different in CH 2 Cl 2 and acetonitrile, particularly around the B1/B2 bands, unlike the bromo and chloro analogs. The solvent dependence of absorption spectra and the difference in solubility suggests that the presence of the axial hydroxyl groups endows the phthalocyanine macrocycle with considerable hydrophilicity. It also suggests that there are some specific chemical interactions between the axial hydroxyl groups and the surrounding donor solvent molecules.
Claudin-4 augments alveolar epithelial barrier function and is induced in acute lung injury
Authors: Wray Charlie , Mao Ying , Pan Jue , Chandrasena Anita , Piasta Frank , Frank James A.
Published: May 2009

Intact alveolar barrier function is associated with better outcomes in acute lung injury patients; however, the regulation of alveolar epithelial paracellular transport during lung injury has not been extensively investigated. This study was undertaken to determine whether changes in tight junction claudin expression affect alveolar epithelial barrier properties and to determine the mechanisms of altered expression. In anesthetized mice exposed to ventilator-induced lung injury, claudin-4 was specifically induced among tight junction structural proteins. Real-time PCR showed an eightfold increase in claudin-4 expression in the lung injury model. To examine the role of this protein in barrier regulation, claudin-4 function was inhibited with small interfering RNA (siRNA) and a blocking peptide derived from the binding domain of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPEBD). Inhibition of claudin-4 decreased transepithelial electrical resistance but did not alter macromolecule permeability in primary rat and human epithelial cells. In mice, CPEBD decreased air space fluid clearance >33% and resulted in pulmonary edema during moderate tidal volume ventilation that did not induce edema in control peptide-treated mice. In vitro phorbol ester induced a ninefold increase in claudin-4 expression that was dependent on PKC activation and the JNK MAPK pathway. These data establish that changes in alveolar epithelial claudin expression influence paracellular transport, alveolar fluid clearance rates, and susceptibility to pulmonary edema. We hypothesize that increased claudin-4 expression early in acute lung injury represents a mechanism to limit pulmonary edema and that the regulation of alveolar epithelial claudin expression may be a novel target for acute lung injury therapy.
Anomalous Subjective Experience and Psychosis Risk in Young Depressed Patients
Authors: Szily Erika , Kéri Szabolcs
Published: May 2009

Background: Help-seeking young people often display depressive symptoms. In some patients, these symptoms may co-exist with clinically high-risk mental states for psychosis. The aim of this study was to determine differences in subjective experience and social perception in young depressed patients with and without psychosis risk. Methods: Participants were 68 young persons with major depressive disorder. Twenty-six patients also met the criteria of attenuated or brief limited intermittent psychotic symptoms according to the Comprehensive Assessment of At Risk Mental States (CAARMS) criteria. Subjective experiences were assessed with the Bonn Scale for the Assessment of Basic Symptoms (BSABS). Recognition of complex social emotions and mental states was assessed using the ‘Reading the Mind in the Eyes’ test. Results: Perplexity, self-disorder, and diminished affectivity significantly predicted psychosis risk. Depressed patients without psychosis risk displayed impaired recognition performance for negative social emotions, whereas patients with psychosis risk were also impaired in the recognition of cognitive expressions. In the high-risk group, self-disorder was associated with impaired recognition of facial expressions. Conclusions: These results suggest that anomalous subjective experience and impaired recognition of complex emotions may differentiate between young depressed patients with and without psychosis risk.
Predictive Factors for Acute Stress Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder after Motor Vehicle Accidents
Authors: Yaşan Aziz , Güzel Aslan , Tamam Yusuf , Ozkan Mustafa
Published: May 2009

Background: Since traffic accidents are more common in developing countries than in developed countries, we aimed to investigate the association of several factors with the development and persistence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after traffic accidents. Sampling and Methods: In the study,95 participants with injuries from traffic accidents were evaluated at 4 different times: in the beginning, and after 3, 6 and 12 months. Results: During the first evaluation, 41.1% (39) of our participants had acute stress disorder (ASD). It was found that lower perceived social support (OR = 0.0908, 95% CI = 0.834–0.989, p = 0.027) and higher peritraumatic dissociative experience scores (OR = 1.332, 95% CI = 1.170–1.516, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of ASD. In the evaluations after 3, 6 and 12 months after the accident, we found PTSD affected 29.8, 23.1 and 17.9% of the participants, respectively. Although limitations at work and in social life after a traffic accident were not related to PTSD at 3 months (OR = 122.43, 95% CI = 0.000, p = 0.999) or at 6 months (OR = 63.438, 95% CI = 0.529–76.059, p = 0.089), limitations at work and in social life were predictors of PTSD at 12 months (OR = 155.514, 95% CI = 2.321–104.22, p = 0.019). Conclusions: The persistence of PTSD at the 12-month evaluation is related to ASD, limitations in work and social life, and lower social support scores. In developing countries like Turkey, long-term PTSD is commonly seen after traffic accidents.
Influence of Drilling on the Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions in the Non-Operated Ear
Authors: Migirov Lela , Wolf Michael
Published: May 2009

Objective: To determine possible changes in the outer hair cell (OHC) function related to drill noise exposure. Methods: Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) were measured at frequencies of f2 = 2, 3, 4 and 5 kHz, and a frequency ratio f1/f2 = 1.22. The f1 and f2 levels were delivered at 65 dB SPL. DPOAE amplitudes were compared in 13 patients both before and after mastoidectomy, and between these patients and 5 patients who underwent tympanoplasty. Results: The DPOAE amplitudes were significantly decreased at 2 and 4 kHz (p = 0.01 and p = 0.013, respectively) immediately after the mastoidectomy, and still differed from the preoperative results at these frequencies on the first post-mastoidectomy day. After the various individual fluctuations, the DPOAE amplitudes remained decreased in some of the patients at the end of the study. Conclusions: Drill-induced noise during mastoidectomy can cause reversible changes in DPOAE in the non-operated ear. OHC function may be diminished during the period after mastoid surgery, and last >1 month.
Glyzerin: Ausnutzung, Umsatzkapazität und biokinetische Daten unter intravenöser Zufuhr bei der Ratte
Authors: Ackermann R.H. , Bässler K.H. , Wagner K.
Published: May 2009

Bei Dauerinfusion von 24–48 h werden an Ratten Ausnutzung und Umsatzkapazität für Glyzerin in einer Spanne vom physiologischen bis zum toxischen Bereich bestimmt. Biokinetische Parameter wie totale Clearance, Eliminationskonstante, Halbwertszeit, Transfer und Pool werden bei den verschiedenen Infusionsraten und für den endogenen Umsatz ermittelt. Mit steigendem Blutspiegel steigt die Umsatzge-schwindigkeit im Sinne einer Sättigungsfunktion erst rasch und dann immer langsamer auf einen Maximalwert an. Die stationären Blutspiegel nehmen daher nicht linear, sondern überproportional mit der Dosierung zu. Bei Infusionsraten bis zu 0,4 g- kg-1 · h-1 liegt die renale Ausscheidung unter 1% der Zufuhr. Auch bei Überschreitung der maximalen Umsatzkapazität stellt sich noch ein Steady state ein, der nur durch die hohe renale Ausscheidung ermöglicht wird. Ab 2 μmol/ ml steigt die Ausscheidung linear mit dem Blutspiegel an. Bei Infusionsraten über 0,5 g kg–1 •h–1 werden die individuellenUnterschie-de sehr groβ; dabei findet sich eine signifikante negative Korrelation zwischen Höhe des stationären Glyzerinspiegels im Blut und Gesamtaktivität von Glyzerokinase in Leber und Nieren. Bei den Tieren mit geringer Umsatzkapazität finden sich bei Dosierungen über der Um-satzgrenze nach dem Versuch Nekrosen der Nierentubuli. Es wird diskutiert, wieweit sich aus den Daten generelle Gesichtspunkte für die parenterale Zufuhr energieliefernder Substrate ableiten lassen.
Corrected and Uncorrected Hearing Impairment in Older Canadians
Authors: Corna Laurie M. , Wade Terrance J. , Streiner David L. , Cairney John
Published: May 2009

Background: Hearing impairment (HI) is a common chronic condition in later life, but one that can often be improved with the use of a hearing aid. However, a distinction is not often made between corrected and uncorrected HI in the literature. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of corrected and uncorrected HI, and assess whether there are differences in sociodemographic factors among older adults (age 50+) with corrected HI, uncorrected HI and no HI. Method: Secondary data came from two national data sources: the 1994 National Population Health Survey (n = 6,202) and the Canadian Community Health Survey 1.1 (n = 50,113). We use multinomial logistic regression to assess sociodemographic risk markers for both corrected and uncorrected HI. Results: Both corrected and uncorrected HI was common in this age group: 6.5 and 4.0%, respectively, in the National Population Health Survey and 5.7 and 2.5% in the Canadian Community Health Survey. In both samples, the prevalence of corrected and uncorrected HI increased with age and was more common among men. Respondents with either corrected or uncorrected HI were less likely to be married and more likely to report other physical health problems compared to respondents with no HI. In the Canadian Community Health Survey, income was associated with lower odds of reporting uncorrected HI, while education was associated with reduced likelihood of reporting corrected HI. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that HI is prevalent in later life, and sociodemographic factors such as marital status, education, and income do not differ significantly between those with corrected and uncorrected HI compared with respondents with no HI. Further investigation into the factors associated with hearing aid use is necessary to better target older adults who might benefit from wearing a hearing aid.
Regulation of Protein Metabolism in Relation to Adequacy of Intake
Authors: Munro H.N.
Published: May 2009

The daily flux of amino acids in the body is extensive. Protein synthesis is estimated to be 300 g daily in an adult man. This requires uptake and release of 150 g essential amino acids, yet the dietary requirement for essential amino acids is only 6 g. This indicates extensive and efficient recycling of essential amino acids released by protein breakdown. The catabolism of essential amino acids by the liver is sensitively regulated in relation to requirements. A study of availability of trypto-phan to rats receiving various levels of tryptophan in the diet shows that plasma tryptophan increases only when intake exceeds requirements and at these higher levels of intake tryptophan oxygenase activity in the liver becomes increased shortly after meals. In addition, the carbohydrate content of the diet causes tryptophan to become deposited in the free amino acid pool of muscle through an insulin-dependent mechanism. Dietary carbohydrate also effects plasma tryptophan due to a fall in the plasma level of non-esterified fatty acids which compete with tryptophan for binding sites on serum albumin. Consequently, after carbohydrate the proportion of plasma tryptophan bound to serum albumin increases, so that there is less non-bound tryptophan in the plasma. The metabolic significance of this has yet to be demonstrated. Finally, protein metabolism in skeletal muscle exhibits considerable efficiency of reutilization of essential amino acids, since the main products passing into the blood are alanine and glutamine. It has been shown that 3-methylhistidine present in muscle protein is not reutili-zed for synthesis of protein and that its excretion in the urine can provide a useful index of muscle catabolism. In prolonged starvation of adults or protein deficiency in children, output of 3-methylhistidine is much reduced, suggesting an adaptive reduction in muscle protein catabolism. It is emphasized that, because of its function in monitoring dietary amino acid intake, liver protein metabolism responds rapidly to changes in protein intake and in consequence protein deficiency causes early depletion, whereas muscle protein undergoes depletion later and is subject to adaptive processes that restrict the loss.
Die Bedeutung endogener Aminosäurenverluste bei Diarrhö im Säuglingsalter
Authors: Ghadimi H. , Kumar S. , Abaci F.
Published: May 2009

Die Eiweiβverarmung wird als einheitliches Konzept für die Progression der akuten Diarrhö des Säuglings zum protrahierten oder unbeeinfluβbaren Stadium eingeführt. Es wird gezeigt, daβ bei akuter Diarrhö des Säuglings bedeutende Mengen endogenen Stickstoffs durch den Stuhl verlorengehen. Andauernder Verlust über eine Woche kann die Regeneration der Darmschleimhaut und die Synthese der Verdauungsenzyme beeinträchtigen. Der Erfolg der totalen parenteralen Ernährung bei der Behandlung unbeeinftuβbarer Diarrhö bestätigt diese Theorie. Als relativ ein-fache präventive Maβnahme bei der Behandlung früher Stadien der Diarrhö des Säuglings empfiehlt sich die Infusion von Amino-säurenlösungen zusammen mit Glukose über periphere Venen.