bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local axon collaterals of lamina I projection neurons in the spinal cord of young rats
Authors: Szucs Peter , Luz Liliana L. , Lima Deolinda , Safronov Boris V.
Published: April 2010

Large, mediolaterally oriented neurons in lamina I of the spinal cord, frequently referred to as marginal cells of Waldeyer, are known to project to supraspinal targets via the anterolateral tract (ALT). Although dendritic organization of lamina I neurons has been extensively studied, little is known about their local axonal morphology and branching. With the help of oblique illumination, we visually identified large lamina I neurons in the isolated lumbar enlargement (L1–L6) of the spinal cord of P14–P20 rats. By using intracellular and cell‐attached biocytin injections, we achieved extensive axonal and dendritic labeling in 77 lamina I cells, 40 of which were identified as ALT projection neurons. In the majority of the cases (n = 28), the main axon of these projection neurons gave rise to one or more thin collaterals on the ipsilateral side. Based on their trajectory and location, these collaterals could be divided into three major categories: dorsal, lateral, and ventral. Lamina I projection neurons had dorsal (n = 5), lateral (n = 8), or ventral (n = 6) collaterals only or a combination of these collateral types (n = 9). Our results suggest that lamina I ALT projection neurons can additionally function as local‐circuit and propriospinal neurons participating in intra‐ and intersegmental spinal cord processing. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:2645–2665, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative analysis of spinothalamic tract neurons in adult and developing mouse
Authors: Davidson Steve , Truong Hai , Giesler Glenn J.
Published: April 2010

Understanding the development of nociceptive circuits is important for the proper treatment of pain and administration of anesthesia to prenatal, newborn, and infant organisms. The spinothalamic tract (STT) is an integral pathway in the transmission of nociceptive information to the brain, yet the stage of development when axons from cells in the spinal cord reach the thalamus is unknown. Therefore, the retrograde tracer Fluoro‐Gold was used to characterize the STT at several stages of development in the mouse, a species in which the STT was previously unexamined. One‐week‐old, 2‐day‐old and embryonic‐day‐18 mice did not differ from adults in the number or distribution of retrogradely labeled STT neurons. Approximately 3,500 neurons were retrogradely labeled from one side of the thalamus in each age group. Eighty percent of the labeled cells were located on the side of the spinal cord contralateral to the injection site. Sixty‐three percent of all labeled cells were located within the cervical cord, 18% in thoracic cord, and 19% in the lumbosacral spinal cord. Retrogradely labeled cells significantly increased in diameter over the first postnatal week. Arborizations and boutons within the ventrobasal complex of the thalamus were observed after the anterograde tracer biotinylated dextran amine was injected into the neonatal spinal cord. These data indicate that, whereas neurons of the STT continue to increase in size during the postnatal period, their axons reach the thalamus before birth and possess some of the morphological features required for functionality. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:3193–3204, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of the Netrin/RGMa receptor neogenin in neurogenic regions of the mouse and human adult forebrain
Authors: Bradford D. , Faull R.L.M. , Curtis M.A. , Cooper H.M.
Published: April 2010

In the adult rodent forebrain, astrocyte‐like neural stem cells reside within the subventricular zone (SVZ) and give rise to progenitors and neuroblasts, which then undergo chain migration along the rostral migratory stream (RMS) to the olfactory bulb, where they mature into fully functional interneurons. Neurogenesis also occurs in the adult human SVZ, where neural precursors similar to the rodent astrocyte‐like stem cell and neuroblast have been identified. A migratory pathway equivalent to the rodent RMS has also recently been described for the human forebrain. In the embryo, the guidance receptor neogenin and its ligands netrin‐1 and RGMa regulate important neurogenic processes, including differentiation and migration. We show in this study that neogenin is expressed on neural stem cells (B cells), progenitor cells (C cells), and neuroblasts (A cells) in the adult mouse SVZ and RMS. We also show that netrin‐1 and RGMa are ideally placed within the neurogenic niche to activate neogenin function. Moreover, we find that neogenin and RGMa are also present in the neurogenic regions of the human adult forebrain. We show that neogenin is localized to cells displaying stem cell (B cell)‐like characteristics within the adult human SVZ and RMS and that RGMa is expressed by the same or a closely apposed cell population. This study supports the hypothesis that, as in the embryo, neogenin regulates fundamental signalling pathways important for neurogenesis in the adult mouse and human forebrain. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:3237–3253, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Primary Photophysical Processes in Photosystem II: Bridging the Gap between Crystal Structure and Optical Spectra
Authors: Renger Thomas , Schlodder Eberhard
Published: April 2010

This Minireview summarizes our current knowledge of the optical properties of photosystem II (PS‐II) and how these properties are related to the photosynthetic function, that is, excitation energy transfer from the antenna complexes to the reaction center (RC) and the subsequent transmembrane charge separation in the latter. Interpretation of the optical spectra of PS‐II is much more difficult than for the RC of purple bacteria, due to the “spectral congestion” problem, namely, the strong spectral overlap of optical bands in PS‐II. Recent developments in deciphering the optical properties of the pigments in PS‐II, the identification of functional states, and the kinetic details of the primary excitation energy and charge‐transfer reactions are summarized. The spectroscopic term P680 that is generally used in the literature no longer indicates the same entity in its cationic and singlet excited form but different subsets of the six innermost pigments of the RC. The accessory chlorophyll ChlD1 forms a sink for singlet excitation and triplet energy and most likely represents the primary electron donor in PS‐II. In this respect, a special chlorophyll monomer in PS‐II plays the role of the special pair in purple bacteria. Evidence that exciton transfer between the core antenna complexes CP43 and CP47 and the RC is the bottleneck for the overall photochemical trapping of excitation energy in PS‐II is discussed. A short summary is provided of PS‐II of Acaryochloris marina, which mainly contains chlorophyll d instead of the usual chlorophyll a. This system does not suffer from the spectral congestion problem and, therefore, represents an interesting model system. The final part of this Minireview provides a discussion of challenging problems to be solved in the future.
CD203c‐based basophil activation test in allergy diagnosis: Characteristics and differences to CD63 upregulation
Authors: Sturm Eva M. , Kranzelbinder Bettina , Heinemann Akos , Groselj‐Strele Andrea , Aberer Werner , Sturm Gunter J.
Published: April 2010

Background:

The basophil activation test (BAT) based on CD203c upregulation has been validated as a reliable tool for the diagnosis of IgE‐mediated allergies. Nevertheless, CD203c‐based BAT is hardly comparable with that of CD63‐based tests, as the mechanisms of CD203c versus CD63 induction differ considerably. The aim of the present study was to identify potent influencing factors of the CD203c‐based BAT and to emphasize differences between CD63 and CD203c detection.

Methods:

CD203c‐based BAT was determined in 82 healthy controls and in 79 allergic patients. The effects of interleukin (IL)‐3 and degranulation enhancing substances were investigated and compared with CD63 upregulation. Furthermore, the influence of different storage conditions and incubation times was evaluated and the impact of antiallergic drugs on the test results was assessed.

Results:

CD203c and CD63 expression was rapidly upregulated reaching a maximum after 20–30 min. Basophil CD203c upregulation assayed after storage times up to 48 h declined already after 4 h. IL‐3 treatment increased CD203c and CD63 baseline levels and decreased basophil CD203c responses in a dose‐dependent manner. In contrast, cytochalasin B and latrunculin B did not affect CD203c responses but decreased CD63‐based BAT. Finally, therapeutic concentrations of dimetindene and desloratadine did not affect CD203c upregulation.

Conclusion:

CD203c‐based basophil activation test should be performed preferentially within 4 h after taking the blood samples. Priming and degranulation‐enhancing factors are not required for CD203c‐based BAT. In contrast to skin testing, CD203c‐based BAT can be performed in patients undergoing antiallergic treatment. © 2010 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Experimental evaluation of DG's dynamic voltage support capability improving short‐term voltage stability on power system loads
Authors: Ueda Tomoyuki , Komami Shintaro
Published: April 2010

High DG penetration will seriously degrade the short‐term voltage stability of the load in bulk power systems. Simulation results in previous studies by the authors have shown that the dynamic voltage support (DVS) capability of a DG improves stability, but experimental evaluation does not yet exist. This paper presents the effects of the DVS capability of a DG on an experimental circuit consisting of an induction motor, a resistance load, and a compensation capacitor behind a reactance. First, an experimental setup that causes voltage instability without DVS is set up. Second, an improvement in DG inverter control is made in order to achieve a low‐voltage ride‐through (LVRT) capability and DVS capability, and the DG's performance is confirmed by voltage sag tests. Finally, the tests on the experimental setup demonstrate that the DVS capability greatly improves the short‐term voltage stability of power system loads, and the experimental results agree well with the simulation results. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 172(2): 28–36, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20914
Anti‐slip/slid re‐adhesion control based on disturbance observer considering bogie vibration
Authors: Shimizu Yosuke , Ohishi Kiyoshi , Sano Takashi , Yasukawa Shinobu
Published: April 2010

In order to suppress slip/skid phenomena, we have already proposed an anti‐slip/skid re‐adhesion control system based on a disturbance observer, and have confirmed that this system drives the train with a high adhesion force utilization ratio. However, this system does not consider vibration in the actual bogie dynamics of electric commuter trains, even though tangential force estimation is affected by bogie vibration. Hence, the drive control system cannot determine the appropriate motor torque reference, and sometimes reduces the adhesion force utilization ratio. This paper proposes a new anti‐slip/skid re‐adhesion control system based on a disturbance observer considering the first resonant frequency of the bogie system.

In order to confirm the performance of the proposed anti‐slip/skid re‐adhesion control system, the system was tested by numerical simulation. This paper presents the results of a numerical simulation using a 4M1C motor car model, which has a sensorless vector control system. The proposed disturbance observer is found to be effective in suppressing the vibration of the estimated tangential force. The numerical simulation results show that the proposed adhesion control method has excellent performance. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 172(2): 37–46, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20974
Risk assessment for optimum low‐voltage distribution facilities constructed by using genetic algorithms
Authors: Iioka Daisuke , Narita Takanori , Yokomizu Yasunobu , Matsumura Toshiro , Hatakeyama Norio
Published: April 2010

The influences of uncertainty of the load growth rate and interest rate on the total cost of low‐voltage distribution facilities was investigated. We assumed that the total cost was composed of the initial construction cost, the improvement cost, and the cost of power loss. We also assumed that the distribution facilities were operated for 30 years. Genetic algorithms were used to determine how to construct cost‐effective distribution facilities that did not compromise power quality. Two investment methods were compared: one in which the utility cut down the initial construction cost and improves the initial facilities along with the load growth, and one in which the utility bears the large initial cost without the improvement cost. It was found that the lower cost method depends on the load growth rate and the interest rate. It was also found that the influence of uncertainty in the load growth rate increases with an increase in the differential between the actual load growth rate and the expected one. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 172(2): 10–19, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20976
CD8α+ dendritic cells prime TCR‐peptide‐reactive regulatory CD4+FOXP3− T cells
Authors: Smith Trevor R. F. , Maricic Igor , Ria Francesco , Schneider Susan , Kumar Vipin
Published: April 2010

CD4+ T cells with immune regulatory function can be either FOXP3+ or FOXP3−. We have previously shown that priming of naturally occurring TCR‐peptide‐reactive CD4+FOXP3− Treg specifically controls Vβ8.2+CD4+ T cells mediating EAE. However, the mechanism by which these Treg are primed to recognize their cognate antigenic determinant, which is derived from the TCRVβ8.2‐chain, is not known. In this study we show that APC derived from splenocytes of naïve mice are able to stimulate cloned CD4+ Treg in the absence of exogenous antigen, and their stimulation capacity is augmented during EAE. Among the APC populations, DC were the most efficient in stimulating the Treg. Stimulation of CD4+ Treg was dependent upon processing and presentation of TCR peptides from ingested Vβ8.2TCR+CD4+ T cells. Additionally, DC pulsed with TCR peptide or apoptotic Vβ8.2+ T cells were able to prime Treg in vivo and mediate protection from disease in a CD8‐dependent fashion. These data highlight a novel mechanism for the priming of CD4+ Treg by CD8α+ DC and suggest a pathway that can be exploited to prime antigen‐specific regulation of T‐cell‐mediated inflammatory disease.
CD5+ B cells from individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus express granzyme B
Authors: Hagn Magdalena , Ebel Verena , Sontheimer Kai , Schwesinger Elisabeth , Lunov Oleg , Beyer Thamara , Fabricius Dorit , Barth Thomas F. E. , Viardot Andreas , Stilgenbauer Stephan , Hepp Julia , Scharffetter‐Kochanek Karin , Simmet Thomas , Jahrsdörfer Bernd
Published: April 2010

Recently, we reported that IL‐21 induces granzyme B (GzmB) and GzmB‐dependent apoptosis in malignant CD5+ B cells from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Several autoimmune diseases (AD) are associated with enhanced frequencies of CD5+ B cells. Since AD are also associated with elevated IL‐21 and GzmB levels, we postulated a link between CD5+ B cells, IL‐21 and GzmB. Here, we demonstrate that IL‐21 and GzmB serum levels are highly correlated in subjects with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and that freshly isolated CD5+ SLE B cells constitutively express GzmB. IL‐21 directly induced GzmB expression and secretion by CD5+ B cells from several AD and from cord blood in vitro, and the simultaneous presence of BCR stimulation strongly enhanced this process. Furthermore, IL‐21 suppressed both viability and expansion of CD5+ B cells from SLE individuals. In summary, our study may explain the elevated levels of IL‐21 and GzmB in SLE and other AD. Moreover, our data suggest that IL‐21 may have disease‐modifying characteristics by inducing GzmB in CD5+ B cells and by suppressing their expansion. Our results provide the rationale for further evaluation of the therapeutic potential of IL‐21 in certain AD such as SLE.
Cover Picture: Eur. J. Immunol. 4/10
Authors: Lin Bo‐Shiou , Tsai Pei‐Yun , Hsieh Wan‐Yun , Tsao Hsiao‐Wei , Liu Meng‐Wei , Grenningloh Roland , Wang Li‐Fang , Ho I‐Cheng , Miaw Shi‐Chuen
Published: April 2010

The cover image of this issue consists of confocal images of c‐Maf localization in HEK293 T cells, taken from Lin et al. (pp. 1174–1184). In this article, the authors examine regulation of c‐Maf function by SUMOylation. The authors show that c‐Maf colocalizes with SUMO (small ubiquitin‐like modifier) ligases; SUMOylation attenuates c‐Maf transcriptional activity, and subsequently, IL‐4 expression.
Monazite and Zircon Type LaVO4:Eu Nanocrystals – Synthesis, Luminescent Properties, and Spectroscopic Identification of the Eu3+ Sites
Authors: Jia Chun‐Jiang , Sun Ling‐Dong , Yan Zheng‐Guang , Pang Yu‐Cheng , Lü Shao‐Zhe , Yan Chun‐Hua
Published: April 2010

Pure monoclinic‐ (m) and tetragonal (t) LaVO4:Eu nanocrystals were prepared by a facile citric anion‐ and EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid)‐assisted hydrothermal method, respectively. The structure is characterized by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. Besides structure characterization, site‐selective emission spectroscopy was used to investigate the relationship between the microstructure and luminescent characters of the m‐ and t‐LaVO4:Eu nanocrystals. The results show that for both the m‐ and t‐LaVO4:Eu nanocrystals, the Eu3+ ions occupy two types of sites, one that is the same as that of the corresponding bulk and the other that is specific to the surface states of the nanocrystals. These investigations not only provide important experimental evidence for rare earth luminescence studies, but also disclose the correlation between the microstructure and luminescence behavior, which could be used as a guide to the design and synthesis of novel luminescence materials. It is also shown that t‐LaVO4:Eu is a promising luminescence material with a high quantum yield and low cost.
Studies on the Formation of CdS Nanoparticles from Solutions of (NMe4)4[Cd10S4(SPh)16]
Authors: Bendova Maria , Puchberger Michael , Pabisch Silvia , Peterlik Herwig , Schubert Ulrich
Published: April 2010

The stepwise cluster growth, and formation of CdS nanoparticles from solutions of (NMe4)4[Cd10S4(SPh)16] in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), dimethylformamide (DMF) and acetonitrile was investigated. Cluster growth is fast in DMSO and DMF at room temperature, and slow in acetonitrile at elevated temperatures. Larger sulfide clusters (initially Cd32, then Cd54) are initially formed, which upon further growth eventually give rise to CdS nanoparticles. Strong evidence was found that the byproduct formed during the reaction in DMSO is mononuclear [Cd(SPh)x(DMSO)y](2–x) (x ≈ 3).
When Organocatalysis Meets Transition‐Metal Catalysis
Authors: Zhong Cheng , Shi Xiaodong
Published: April 2010

In the past several years, applications of transition metal complexes in tuning the reactivity of organocatalyst‐promoted transformations have attracted increasing attention in the synthetic community. Efforts in this direction have led to the discovery of unprecedented reactivities, which are not accessible through the use of either of these two catalytic systems separately. The concept continues to develop and offers huge potential. This microreview describes and summarizes recent progress in this field, focusing on discussion of the enhancement and diversification of reactivity patterns in organocatalysis through the deployment of transition metal complexes.
Synthesis and Properties of a Novel Type of Acyclic Nucleoside Phosphonates: 2‐(Purin‐9‐yl)ethoxyphenylphosphonic Acids
Authors: Hocková Dana , Dračínský Martin , Holý Antonín
Published: April 2010

A series of novel acyclic nucleoside phosphonates with a built‐in arylphosphonate moiety has been prepared by a microwave‐assisted cross‐coupling reaction as the key step. Their cytostatic and antiviral activities were tested. The pKa values of the target ortho‐, meta‐ and para‐substituted arylphosphonates were determined by 31P NMR titration studies.
RSET/ASET, a flawed concept for fire safety assessment
Authors: Babrauskas Vytenis , Fleming Joseph M. , Don Russell B.
Published: April 2010

For the evaluation of occupant safety in the case of building fires, the Required Safe Egress Time/Available Safe Egress Time (RSET/ASET) concept has become widespread and is now commonly used in the fire safety engineering profession. It has also become commonly used by smoke detector (smoke alarm) manufacturers in assessing whether a particular detector technology is adequate. It is shown in this paper that the concept is intrinsically flawed and its use promotes the diminishment of fire safety available to building occupants. The concept innately ignores the wide variations in capabilities and physical condition of persons involved in fire. It is based on implicitly assuming that, after a brief period where they assess the situation and mobilize themselves, occupants will proceed to the best exit in a robotic manner. This assumption completely fails to recognize that there are very few fires, especially in residential occupancies, where occupants perished or were seriously injured who had endeavored to exit in this robotic manner. Instead, in the vast majority of fire death and serious injury cases, the occupants did not move in such a manner and their evacuation took longer than anticipated on the basis of robotic movement. There is a wide variety of reasons for this, and these are well known in the profession. The concept also ignores that there can be a wide variation in fire scenarios. The same building and the same fire protection features can be evaluated, but both RSET and ASET can change drastically, depending on the scenario used. The consequence of using the RSET/ASET concept for fire safety engineering or product design purposes is that fire deaths and injuries are permitted to occur, which are preventable. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Threatened archaeological, historic, and cultural resources of the Georgia Coast: Identification, prioritization and management using GIS technology
Authors: Robinson Michael H. , Alexander Clark R. , Jackson Chester W. , McCabe Christopher P. , Crass David
Published: April 2010

Archaeological sites in beach and estuarine environments are continually threatened by diverse natural marine processes. Shoreline erosion, bluff retreat, and sea level rise all present potential for site destruction. Using historic maps, aerial imagery, and field survey methods in a GIS, 21 potentially significant archaeological sites on Georgia barrier islands were selected for determination of site‐specific rates of shoreline change using a powerful, new, moving‐boundary GIS analysis tool. A prioritized list of sites, based on the order of site loss from erosion, was generated to assist coastal managers in identifying and documenting sites most at risk. From the original selection of 21 sites, 11 sites were eroding, 8 shorelines were stable, and 2 shorelines were accreting. The methodology outlined here produces critical information on archaeological site loss rates and provides a straightforward means of prioritizing sites for detailed documentation. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fossil hunting in the Neolithic: Shells from the Taurus Mountains at Çatalhöyük, Turkey
Authors: Mayer Daniella E. Bar‐Yosef , Gümüş Burçin Aşkım , İslamoğlu Yeşim
Published: April 2010

The Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük in Turkey contains thousands of mollusk shells, among them about 200 fossils. About 25 fossil gastropods and bivalvesoriginate in a Miocene fauna from the Mediterranean Tethys province, and are known from several localities in the Taurus Mountains, dating to the Miocene. The rest are scaphopods belonging to two species of Dentalium and dating to the Pliocene. The gastropods and bivalves were likely collected in the Karaman‐Mut Basin at adistance of about 50km from Çatalhöyük, while the scaphopods were brought from the Hatay Basin. Most of the fossil mollusks at the site were discovered in the upper phases, that is, late in the Pre‐Pottery Neolithic B sequence, and are associated with feasting activities. They may have been collected and brought to the site by the inhabitants as part of transhumance activities, or by visitors. © 2010Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association between alcohol consumption and cognitive impairment in Southern Chinese older adults
Authors: Chan Ka Kin King , Chiu Ka Chun , Chu Leung Wing
Published: April 2010

Background

There is limited data on the effects of alcohol consumption on cognitive impairment in Chinese populations.

Objectives

To investigate the association between alcohol consumption and the risk of cognitive impairment in Southern Chinese older adults in Hong Kong.

Method

This was a cross‐sectional study of 314 Chinese older participants, aged 65 years or over. Participants' socio‐demographic, co‐morbid diseases, alcohol drinking habits, and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) for cognitive function were obtained by a face‐to‐face interview. Participants were categorized into normal cognitive and cognitively impaired groups by education‐adjusted MMSE cut‐off scores.

Result

The mean (SD) age of the participants was 79.9 (6.5) years. The average weekly alcohol consumption in the cognitively impaired group was significantly higher than that of the normal cognition group [mean (SD): 861.89 (673.03) versus 241.21 (276.26) grams per week respectively; p < 0.001, t‐test]. Drinkers with light to moderate alcohol consumption were associated with higher MMSE scores than non‐drinkers and heavy drinkers. Logistic regression analyses showed that heavy drinkers (>400 g alcohol for men and >280 g for women) were associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment (OR = 4.99, 95%CI = 1.8–13.82), while light drinkers and moderated drinkers (<400 g for men and <280 g for women) were associated with reduced risks (OR = 0.32, 95%CI = 0.12–0.86; OR = 0.17, 95%CI = 0.06–0.51, respectively). Exercise and age were independent protective and risk factors respectively.

Conclusion

Heavy alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment while light to moderate alcohol consumption is associated with reduced risk among Southern Chinese older adults in Hong Kong. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Examining the association between late‐life leisure activity participation and global cognitive decline in community‐dwelling elderly Chinese in Hong Kong
Authors: Leung Grace Tak Yu , Fung Ada Wai Tung , Tam Cindy Woon Chi , Lui Victor Wing Cheong , Chiu Helen Fung Kum , Chan Wai Man , Lam Linda Chiu Wa
Published: April 2010

Objective

This study examines the association between late‐life leisure activity participation and global cognitive decline in community‐dwelling elderly Chinese in Hong Kong.

Methods

Five hundred and five participants, not clinically demented at the baseline, were analysed in the follow‐up study of a population‐based community survey among Hong Kong Chinese aged 60 and over. Information regarding leisure activity participation, global cognitive function and important sociodemographic variables was collected. Late life leisure activity profiles were classified into intellectual, social, physical and recreational categories, and were measured by total hours per week, total frequency and total number of subtypes. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between leisure activity participation at the baseline and the incidence of global cognitive decline at the 22‐month follow‐up. The incidence of global cognitive decline was defined as a one‐point drop in z‐score of the Cantonese version of the mini‐mental state examination (CMMSE).

Results

At the follow‐up, a higher level of participation in intellectual activities was significantly associated with a lower incidence of global cognitive decline as measured by both the total hours per week (multivariate‐adjusted OR 0.97 (95% CI 0.94–0.99, p = 0.003)), and the total number of subtypes (multivariate‐adjusted OR 0.74 (95% CI 0.58–0.95, p = 0.018)).

Conclusions

A higher level of late‐life intellectual activity participation was associated with less global cognitive decline among community‐dwelling elderly Chinese in Hong Kong. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Remission in major depression: results from a geriatric primary care population
Authors: Azar Armin R. , Chopra Mohit P. , Cho Lydia Y. , Coakley Eugenie , Rudolph James L.
Published: April 2010

Objectives

While a recent task force report recommended that remission from major depression be defined according to DSM criteria, most previous work has used depressive symptom rating scales. The current study sought to identify baseline factors associated with treatment outcome in major depression, diagnosed according to DSM‐IV criteria.

Methods

Data from the Primary Care Research in Substance Abuse and Mental Health for the Elderly (PRISM‐E) study were utilized. This analysis focused on 792 geriatric primary care patients with major depression at baseline, which was randomized to services by a mental health professional in primary care or specialty settings. Major depression was diagnosed according to DSM‐IV criteria based on a structured interview at baseline and 6 months. The primary outcome was the absence of any DSM‐IV depressive disorder at six‐month follow‐up. Association with baseline demographic characteristics, comorbid anxiety disorder, ‘at risk’ drinking, number of co‐occurring medical conditions, and depressive symptom severity was examined using multiple logistic regression modeling.

Results

Remission occurred in 228 (29%) patients with completed follow‐up assessments, while 564 (71%) did not remit. Factors which increased the odds of non‐remission included comorbid anxiety (OR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.11–2.31), female sex (OR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.04–2.15), general medical comorbidity (OR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.07–1.24), and increased baseline depressive symptom severity (OR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.03–1.06).

Conclusions

The findings underscore the importance of using DSM criteria to define remission from major depression, and suggest that concurrent measurement of depression severity, comorbid anxiety, and medical comorbidity are important in identifying patients requiring targeted interventions to optimize remission from major depression. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictors of quality of life ratings from persons with dementia: the role of insight
Authors: Trigg Richard , Watts Simon , Jones Roy , Tod Anne
Published: April 2010

Objective

Evidence suggests that people with dementia are able to respond accurately and consistently to questions about quality of life (QoL), although large discrepancies exist between patient and proxy ratings. This may be due, in part, to the reduced insight of the person with dementia. The aim of this study was to explore the predictors of QoL ratings in a sample of people with mild dementia, with a particular focus on the role of insight.

Methods

Sixty‐nine participants and their caregivers were recruited from a memory clinic setting. The Bath Assessment of Subjective Quality of Life in Dementia (BASQID), Alzheimer's Disease‐Related Quality of Life Scale, Memory Functioning Scale, Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Inventory and Mini Mental State Examination were administered.

Results

Regression analyses indicated that the strongest predictor of QoL ratings from persons with dementia was their awareness of memory function, such that lower awareness was associated with higher QoL ratings. Proxy ratings of activity performance and enjoyment of activity were also significant predictors of BASQID scores.

Conclusions

Awareness of memory function impacts directly on patient QoL ratings and can also mask the effects of changes in other outcomes such as ADL function. Measures of awareness should therefore be employed alongside patient QoL ratings in order to ensure they are interpreted accurately. Discrepancies between patient and proxy QoL ratings do not necessarily occur because of patient unreliability, but may instead reflect the application of distinct modes of QoL assessment that emphasise very different outcomes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dissociation between implicit and explicit manifestations of awareness in early stage dementia: evidence from the emotional Stroop effect for dementia‐related words
Authors: Martyr Anthony , Clare Linda , Nelis Sharon M. , Roberts Judith L. , Robinson Julia U. , Roth Ilona , Markova Ivana S. , Woods Robert T. , Whitaker Christopher J. , Morris Robin G.
Published: April 2010

Objective

To determine whether people with dementia (PwD), and carers of PwD, show a processing bias to dementia‐related words in an emotional Stroop task, and if so, whether the presence of such a bias is related to level of explicit awareness of the condition.

Method

Seventy‐nine people with early stage Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular or mixed dementia, and their carers, completed an emotional Stroop task. Time taken to colour‐name dementia‐related and neutral words was compared within and between groups. Additionally, as a comparison, ratings of the awareness of the condition shown by PwD were made on the basis of a detailed interview with each PwD and his/her carer.

Results

PwD and carers showed the same level of increase in response times to salient compared to neutral words. In the PwD this effect was unrelated to the degree of awareness that they demonstrated regarding the condition.

Conclusions

The emotional Stroop effect in response to dementia‐related words in PwD indicates that preserved implicit awareness of the condition can be elicited even where there is reduced explicit awareness. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Depression and barriers to mental health care in older cancer patients
Authors: Weinberger Mark I. , Bruce Martha L. , Roth Andrew J. , Breitbart William , Nelson Christian J.
Published: April 2010

Objective

To review the literature on depression in cancer patients with a particular focus on depression assessment and barriers to mental health treatment in older cancer patients.

Design

We conducted a review of the literature on depression and barriers to mental health treatment in older cancer patients.

Results

Depression is prevalent in cancer patients. However, little is known about prevalence rates of depression in older adults with cancer, assessing depression in older cancer patients and barriers that impede proper mental health treatment in this sample.

Conclusion

Improved diagnostic clarity and a better understanding of barriers to mental health treatment can help clarify and facilitate mental health referrals and ultimately improve access to care among older cancer patients in need. Continuing to consider the complexities associated with diagnosing depression in older cancer patients is necessary. Further work may be needed to develop new diagnostic measures for such detection, determine the prevalence of depression among older cancer and ways in which to overcome barriers to mental health care. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plasma insulin‐like growth factor 1 is positively associated with low‐grade prostate cancer in the Health Professionals Follow‐up Study 1993–2004
Authors: Nimptsch Katharina , Platz Elizabeth A. , Pollak Michael N. , Kenfield Stacey A. , Stampfer Meir J. , Willett Walter C. , Giovannucci Edward
Published: April 2010

The insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) axis plays a role in growth and progression of prostate cancer. High circulating IGF‐1 levels have been associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. Results for IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP‐3) are inconclusive. Some studies have indicated that the positive association with IGF‐1 is observed only for low‐grade prostate cancer (Gleason sum < 7). We previously reported in the Health Professionals Follow‐up Study (HPFS) a direct positive association between ELISA‐measured plasma IGF‐1 and IGFBP‐3 and risk of prostate cancer (462 cases diagnosed after providing a blood specimen (between 1993 and 1995), but before February 1998). With additional follow‐up through January 31st 2004, and 1,331 case–control pairs in total, we were now able to investigate low‐grade (Gleason sum < 7, n = 635) and high‐grade (Gleason sum ≥ 7, n = 515) prostate cancer separately. Matched odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using conditional logistic regression. ORs of total prostate cancer comparing top to bottom quartiles were 1.41 (95% CI 1.12–1.78, p‐trend = 0.001) for IGF‐1 and 1.58 (95% CI 1.24–2.01, p‐trend = 0.003) for IGFBP‐3. IGF‐1 was more strongly associated with low‐grade (OR = 1.61 top versus bottom quartile, 95% CI 1.16–2.25, p‐trend = 0.01), than with high‐grade (OR = 1.29, 95% CI 0.89–1.88, p‐trend = 0.12) prostate cancer (p‐heterogeneity = 0.08). We hypothesize that these findings reflect that high‐grade prostate cancers are more autonomous, and, thus, less sensitive to the action of IGF‐1 than low‐grade cancers.
Consumption of meat and dairy and lymphoma risk in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition
Authors: Rohrmann Sabine , Linseisen Jakob , Jakobsen Marianne Uhre , Overvad Kim , Raaschou‐Nielsen Ole , Tjonneland Anne , Boutron‐Ruault Marie Christine , Kaaks Rudolf , Becker Nikolaus , Bergmann Manuela , Boeing Heiner , Khaw Kay‐Tee , Wareham Nicholas J. , Key Timothy J. , Travis Ruth , Benetou Vassiliki , Naska Androniki , Trichopoulou Antonia , Pala Valeria , Tumino Rosario , Masala Giovanna , Mattiello Amalia , Brustad Magritt , Lund Eiliv , Skeie Guri , Bueno‐de‐Mesquita H. Bas , Peeters Petra H.M. , Vermeulen Roel C.H. , Jakszyn Paula , Dorronsoro Miren , Barricarte Aurelio , Tormo Maria‐Jose , Molina Esther , Argüelles Marcial , Melin Beatrice , Ericson Ulrika , Manjer Jonas , Rinaldi Sabina , Slimani Nadia , Boffetta Paolo , Vergnaud Anne‐Claire , Khan Aneire , Norat Teresa , Vineis Paolo
Published: April 2010

The consumption of meat and other foods of animal origin is a risk factor for several types of cancer, but the results for lymphomas are inconclusive. Therefore, we examined these associations among 411,097 participants of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition. During a median follow‐up of 8.5 years, 1,334 lymphomas (1,267 non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and 67 Hodgkin lymphomas) were identified. Consumption of red and processed meat, poultry, milk and dairy products was assessed by dietary questionnaires. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to evaluate the association of the consumption of these food groups with lymphoma risk. Overall, the consumption of foods of animal origin was not associated with an increased risk of NHLS or HL, but the associations with specific subgroups of NHL entities were noted. A high intake of processed meat was associated with an increased risk of B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (BCLL) [relative risk (RR) per 50 g intake = 1.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06–1.63], but a decreased risk of follicular lymphomas (FL) (RR = 0.58; CI 0.38–0.89). A high intake of poultry was related to an increased risk of B‐cell lymphomas (RR = 1.22; CI 1.05–1.42 per 10 g intake), FL (RR = 1.65; CI 1.18–2.32) and BCLL (RR = 1.54; CI 1.18–2.01) in the continuous models. In conclusion, no consistent associations between red and processed meat consumption and lymphoma risk were observed, but we found that the consumption of poultry was related to an increased risk of B‐cell lymphomas. Chance is a plausible explanation of the observed associations, which need to be confirmed in further studies.
Calcium‐dependent inhibition of polo‐like kinase 3 activity by CIB1 in breast cancer cells
Authors: Naik Meghna U. , Pham Ngoc T. , Beebe Kristin , Dai Wei , Naik Ulhas P.
Published: April 2010

Members of the polo‐like kinases (Plk1, Plk2, Plk3 and Plk4) are involved in the regulation of various stages of the cell cycle and have been implicated in cancer progression. Unlike its other family members, the expression of Plk3 remains steady during cell cycle progression, suggesting that its activity may be spatiotemporally regulated. However, the mechanism of regulation of Plk3 activity is not well understood. Here, we show that calcium‐ and integrin‐binding protein 1 (CIB1), a Plk3 interacting protein, is widely expressed in various cancer cell lines. Expression of CIB1 mRNA as well as protein is increased in breast cancer tissue as compared to normal tissue. CIB1 constitutively interacts with Plk3 as determined by both in vitro and in vivo assays. This interaction of CIB1 with Plk3 is independent of intracellular Ca2+. Furthermore, binding of CIB1 results in inhibition of Plk3 kinase activity both in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, this inhibition of the Plk3 activity by CIB1 is Ca2+‐dependent. Taken together, our results suggest that CIB1 is a regulatory subunit of Plk3 and it regulates Plk3 activity in a Ca2+‐dependent manner. Furthermore, upregulation of CIB1 in cancer cells could thus inhibit Plk3 activity leading to abnormal cell cycle regulation in breast cancer cells. Thus, in addition to Plk3, CIB1 may be a potential biomarker and target for therapeutic intervention of breast cancer.
Emergence of potential biomarkers of response to anti‐angiogenic anti‐tumour agents
Authors: Michael Agnieszka , Relph Kate , Pandha Hardev
Published: April 2010

Anti‐angiogenic agents targeting tumour vasculature have an established place in clinical practice, and new data are constantly emerging. However, despite rapid clinical uptake, a very large number of questions regarding these agents remain unanswered. One of the main hurdles in clinical practice is lack of accurate and feasible ways of assessing response to drug beyond tumour reduction on conventional imaging. This review summarises recent developments in the field of biomarkers of response to anti‐VEGF drugs.
Gene expression profile changes and possible molecular subtypes in differentiated‐type nonkeratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Wang Shuang , Li Xin , Li Zu‐Guo , Lu Juan , Fang Wei‐Yi , Ding Yan‐Qing , Yao Kai‐Tai
Published: April 2010

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a human malignant tumor with a high incidence and a poor prognosis in Southern China and South‐eastern Asia. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the gene expression profiles in 24 samples of primary differentiated‐type nonkeratining NPC (DNK‐NPC) tissues, 24 samples of normal nasopharyngeal tissues and 4 DNK‐NPC cell lines using cDNA microarray technology and bioinformatics methods. We found expression level of some genes was wildly alerted in the DNK‐NPC samples. In addition, our hierarchical clustering analysis revealed 2 distinctive subtypes of gene expression patterns in DNK‐NPC tissue samples. The discriminator genes were identified using a signal‐to‐noise (S2N) algorithm by permuting of the data set 10,000 times. To further characterize the clinical relevance of the tumor subtypes, we evaluated a surrogate marker, CCND2, differentially expressed between the 2 tumor subgroups by using immunohistochemistry in an independent set of 137 DNK‐NPC samples. CCND2 was highly expressed in the subgroups with “aggressive” features and was associated with T classification (p = 0.006) and clinical stage (p = 0.013). Patients with high level of CCND2 expression had poorer overall survival than those with low level (p = 0.034). Our results suggest that DNK‐NPC can be classified into 2 subtypes based on gene expression patterns, which can be used in determining prognosis and treatment of the tumor.
Climbing the drug staircase: a Bayesian analysis of the initiation of hard drug use
Authors: Bretteville‐Jensen Anne Line , Jacobi Liana
Published: April 2010

Since empirical studies have shown that cannabis users are much more likely to initiate hard drug use, a causal linkage has been suggested (‘gateway hypothesis’). However, individual differences in proneness and accessibility to drugs provide alternative non‐causal explanations for the observed drug use pattern. We propose a Bayesian estimation and predictive framework to analyze the effects and relative importance of previous cannabis use, proneness and accessibility factors on hard drug initiation and to explore possible policy implications. We employ a novel model specification, motivated by four gateway transmission channels, to analyze data from a recent Norwegian survey of young adults. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Review on the effects of exposure to spilled oils on human health
Authors: Aguilera Francisco , Méndez Josefina , Pásaro Eduardo , Laffon Blanca
Published: April 2010

Harmful effects of oil spills on diverse flora and fauna species have been extensively studied. Nevertheless, only a few studies have been compiled in the literature dealing with the repercussions of oil exposure on human health; most of them have focused on acute effects and psychological symptoms. The objective of this work was to gather all these studies and to analyze the possible consequences of this kind of complex exposure in the different aspects of human health. Studies found on this topic were related to the disasters of the Exxon Valdez, Braer, Sea Empress, Nakhodka, Erika, Prestige and Tasman Spirit oil tankers. The majority of them were cross‐sectional; many did not include control groups. Acute effects were evaluated taking into account vegetative‐nervous symptoms, skin and mucous irritations, and also psychological effects. Genotoxic damage and endocrine alterations were assessed only in individuals exposed to oil from Prestige. The results of the reviewed articles clearly support the need for biomonitoring human populations exposed to spilled oils, especially those individuals involved in the cleanup, in order to evaluate not only the possible immediate consequences for their health but also the medium‐ and long‐term effects, and the effectiveness of the protective devices used. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cloning and characterisation of GIRK1 variants resulting from alternative RNA editing of the KCNJ3 gene transcript in a human breast cancer cell line
Authors: Wagner Valerie , Stadelmeyer Elke , Riederer Monika , Regitnig Peter , Gorischek Astrid , DeVaney Trevor , Schmidt Kurt , Tritthart Helmut A. , Hirschberg Koret , Bauernhofer Thomas , Schreibmayer Wolfgang
Published: April 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of increased mRNA levels encoding GIRK1 in breast tumours on GIRK protein expression. mRNA levels encoding hGIRK1 and hGIRK4 in the MCF7, MCF10A and MDA‐MB‐453 breast cancer cell lines were assessed and the corresponding proteins detected using Western blots. cDNAs encoding for four hGIRK1 splice variants (hGIRK1a, 1c, 1d and 1e) were cloned from the MCF7 cell line. Subcellular localisation of fluorescence labelled hGIRK1a–e and hGIRK4 and of endogenous GIRK1 and GIRK4 subunits was monitored in the MCF7 cell line. All hGIRK1 splice variants and hGIRK4 were predominantly located within the endoplasmic reticulum. Heterologous expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes and two electrode voltage clamp experiments together with confocal microscopy were performed. Only the hGIRK1a subunit was able to form functional GIRK channels in connection with hGIRK4. The other splice variants are expressed, but exert a dominant negative effect on heterooligomeric channel function. Hence, alternative splicing of the KCNJ3 gene transcript in the MCF7 cell line leads to a family of mRNA's, encoding truncated versions of the hGIRK1 protein. The very high abundance of mRNA's encoding GIRK1 together with the presence of GIRK1 protein suggests a pathophysiological role in breast cancer. J. Cell. Biochem. 110: 598–608, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.