bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of percutaneous ECMO support as a ‘bridge to bridge’ in heart failure patients: a case report
Authors: Fitzgerald David , Ging Amy , Burton Nelson , Desai Shashank , Elliott Tonya , Edwards Lori
Published: July 2010

A 65-year-old male with a known history of ischemic cardiomyopathy was admitted to the intensive care unit in cardiogenic shock. Cardiac catheterization revealed bi-ventricular hypokinesis, with an estimated ejection fraction of 15%. Despite moderate inotropic support, the patient’s liver enzymes, international normalization ratio (INR), and creatinine became grossly elevated, indicating multi-organ injury from hypoperfusion. Due to the patient’s state of shock and probable bleeding complications, a full sternotomy and emergent biventricular assist device insertion was deemed very high risk. In order to achieve hemodynamic stability, a decision was made for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. ECMO support was quickly initiated by percutaneous cannulation of the femoral vein and artery. The ECMO circuit was comprised of a Centrimag blood pump and Quadrox-D Safeline-coated membrane oxygenator. With successful perfusion and organ resuscitation, abnormal liver function tests, INR, and creatinine all returned to normal in less than one week. With normal organ function, especially the liver, the patient successfully underwent an implantable left ventricular assist device, HeartMate II LVAD, without requiring mechanical right heart support. Prior to ECMO, the patient was at very high risk of needing biventricular support. Thus, the temporary use of ECMO allowed for a safer and more durable bridge to transplantation. The use of percutaneous ECMO has many advantages, including improving the patient condition and allowing for time to evaluate fully the LVAD patient.
Decision Making with Regard to Antiviral Intervention during an Influenza Pandemic
Authors: Shim Eunha , Chapman Gretchen B. , Galvani Alison P.
Published: July 2010

Background. Antiviral coverage is defined by the proportion of the population that takes antiviral prophylaxis or treatment. High coverage of an antiviral drug has epidemiological and evolutionary repercussions. Antivirals select for drug resistance within the population, and individuals may experience adverse effects. To determine optimal antiviral coverage in the context of an influenza outbreak, we compared 2 perspectives: 1) the individual level (the Nash perspective), and 2) the population level (utilitarian perspective). Methods. We developed an epidemiological game-theoretic model of an influenza pandemic. The data sources were published literature and a national survey. The target population was the US population. The time horizon was 6 months. The perspective was individuals and the population overall. The interventions were antiviral prophylaxis and treatment. The outcome measures were the optimal coverage of antivirals in an influenza pandemic. Results. At current antiviral pricing, the optimal Nash strategy is 0% coverage for prophylaxis and 30% coverage for treatment, whereas the optimal utilitarian strategy is 19% coverage for prophylaxis and 100% coverage for treatment. Subsidizing prophylaxis by $440 and treatment by $85 would bring the Nash and utilitarian strategies into alignment. For both prophylaxis and treatment, the optimal antiviral coverage decreases as pricing of antivirals increases. Our study does not incorporate the possibility of an effective vaccine and lacks probabilistic sensitivity analysis. Our survey also does not completely represent the US population. Because our model assumes a homogeneous population and homogeneous antiviral pricing, it does not incorporate heterogeneity of preference. Conclusions. The optimal antiviral coverage from the population perspective and individual perspectives differs widely for both prophylaxis and treatment strategies. Optimal population and individual strategies for prophylaxis and treatment might be aligned through subsidization.
DIAGNOSTIC EXERCISE
Authors: Reed L. T. , Miller M. A. , Visvesvara G. S. , Gardiner C. H. , Logan M. A. , Packer R. A.
Published: July 2010

A 5-month-old mongrel puppy with a history of respiratory disease presented with progressive neurologic dysfunction. Hematologic results included leukocytosis (neutrophilia with a left shift) and lymphopenia. A mass in the right forebrain, identified by magnetic resonance imaging, was biopsied during decompressive craniectomy. The histologic diagnosis was granulomatous meningoencephalitis with intralesional amoebae. The dog died within 24 hours of surgery. At necropsy, a well-demarcated granuloma was confined to the cerebrum, but granulomatous pneumonia was disseminated through all lobes of the lung. Concurrent infections included canine distemper, canine adenoviral bronchiolitis, and oral candidiasis. Canine distemper virus probably caused immunosuppression and increased susceptibility to secondary infections.
Immunohistochemical Profile of Odontogenic Epithelium in Developing Dog Teeth (Canis familiaris)
Authors: Nel S. , Heerden M. B. Van , Steenkamp G. , Heerden W. F. P. Van , Boy S. C.
Published: July 2010

Tumors of the jaw bones and oral soft tissue are relatively common lesions in dogs. The aim of this study was to find cell markers to differentiate odontogenic epithelium from nonodontogenic epithelium for future research on the pathogenesis and pathology of odontogenic neoplasms in dogs. Keratin 14 and 19 staining was observed in odontogenic and nonodontogenic epithelium, whereas amelogenin and p75 neurotrophin receptor immunoreactivity was observed in certain odontogenic epithelial cells at various stages of development but not in other epithelial cells. Calretinin staining was observed in the alveolar epithelial cells directly overlying the developing tooth germ in 28 of 39 sections (71.8%), as well as the dental laminae in 30 of 35 sections (85.7%) and Serres rests in 24 of 28 sections (85.7%). Focal positivity was detected in the respiratory mucosa, some hair follicles, and fusion epithelium of the palate, but no calretinin staining was observed in other oral epithelial cells; therefore, calretinin has potential to be utilized as a marker to differentiate odontogenic form nonodontogenic epithelium.
Vitamin D Metabolism and Rickets in Domestic Animals
Authors: Dittmer K. E. , Thompson K. G.
Published: July 2010

Rickets and osteomalacia are increasing in prevalence in people because of cultural practices, breast-feeding, decreased sun exposure, and increased sunscreen usage. Several hereditary forms of rickets owing to either renal phosphate wasting or defects in vitamin D metabolism are also reported in people. Rickets is well recognized in domestic animals, but published reports are not always supported by microscopic findings, and diagnoses based on clinical signs and radiology are unreliable. Most cases in domestic animals are caused by dietary deficiency of either vitamin D or phosphorus, but occasional inherited forms are reported in pigs, sheep, cats, and dogs. There is variation between species in susceptibility to dietary vitamin D and phosphorus deficiency and in the ability to manufacture vitamin D in their skin. A number of mouse models have been discovered or created to study human skeletal diseases and skeletal homeostasis. With the discovery that vitamin D is involved in not only calcium and phosphorus homeostasis but also in the immune system and cancer, there is great potential for new and existing animal models to generate valuable information about vitamin D and its many functions. This review presents an overview of vitamin D metabolism and rickets in domestic and laboratory animals and makes comparisons where appropriate with the disease in humans.
Expression of Toll-like Receptors 2 and 4 in Subplacental Trophoblasts From Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus) Following Infection With Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Burrough E. R. , DiVerde K. D. , Sahin O. , Plummer P. J. , Zhang Q. , Yaeger M. J.
Published: July 2010

Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 (TLR2 and TLR4) are well-characterized cell surface receptors that recognize specific pathogen-associated molecular patterns and play an important role in pathogen recognition and activation of the innate immune system. Variable expression of TLR2 and TLR4 has been described in trophoblasts from normal and diseased placentas; yet, there are limited data regarding trophoblast TLR expression in response to specific placental pathogens, and TLR expression in the guinea pig placenta has not been described. The guinea pig is an effective model for Campylobacter-induced abortion of small ruminants, and the authors have shown by immunohistochemistry that C jejuni localizes within syncytiotrophoblasts of the guinea pig subplacenta. The present study was designed to determine if the expression of either TLR2 or TLR4 would be affected in subplacental trophoblasts following infection with C jejuni. Immunohistochemistry for TLR2 and TLR4 was performed on placenta from guinea pigs that aborted following inoculation with C jejuni and from sham-inoculated controls. Quantitative assessment of TLR expression was performed, and mean immunoreactivity for TLR2 was significantly higher in subplacental trophoblasts from animals that aborted compared with uninfected controls ( P = .0283), whereas TLR4 expression was not statistically different ( P = .5909). These results suggest that abortion in guinea pigs following infection with C jejuni is associated with increased TLR2 expression in subplacental trophoblasts and may reveal a possible role for TLR2 in the pathogenesis of Campylobacter-induced abortion.
Histopathological and Neurological Features of Atg4b Knockout Mice
Authors: Read R. , Savelieva K. , Baker K. , Hansen G. , Vogel P.
Published: July 2010

This investigation found that genetic inactivation of mouse Atg4b, 1 of the 4 mammalian homologs of the autophagy-related gene Atg4, resulted in amorphous globular bodies in the neuropil of the deep cerebellar nuclei and adjacent vestibular nuclei but nowhere else in the brain or other tissues. The spheroid-like bodies in the deep cerebellar and vestibular nuclei showed heterogeneous composition, reactivity with anti-ubiquitin antibody, and staining characteristics of proteinaceous material. Atg4b-deficient ( Atg4b–/–) mice also showed a mild but measurable impairment of motor performance on the Rotarod. Atg4b–/– mice produced by breeding heterozygous parents were produced at a slightly lower than expected ratio to heterozygous and wild-type siblings but showed no other clear abnormalities in a battery of screening tests. These findings appear to be different than those reported for inactivation of other Atg4 homologs, suggesting that these homologs have tissue-specific functions beyond redundancy.
Multicentric Cutaneous Neuroendocrine (Merkel Cell) Carcinoma in a Dog
Authors: Joiner K. S. , Smith A. N. , Henderson R. A. , Brawner W. R. , Spangler E. A. , Sartin E. A.
Published: July 2010

Multicentric cutaneous neuroendocrine (Merkel cell) carcinoma was diagnosed in a 5-year-old castrated male Keeshond dog with multiple firm nodular cutaneous masses. The neoplastic tissue locally effaced the periadnexal and deep dermis and consisted of densely cellular confluent clusters of round to polygonal cells supported by a delicate fibrovascular stroma. The cells were moderately immunoreactive with chromogranin A, synaptophysin, and cytokeratin. Ultrastructurally, the cells had characteristic membrane-bound dense-core neuroendocrine granules approximately 120 nm in diameter and randomly dispersed throughout the cytoplasm. Effacement of dermal structures and multicentric distribution suggested low-grade malignant phenotype. These findings contrast with the typical benign behavior of canine cutaneous neuroendocrine tumors.
Molecular and Immunohistochemical Distinction of Equine Sarcoid From Schwannoma
Authors: Bogaert L. , Heerden M. Van , Cock H. E. V. De , Martens A. , Chiers K.
Published: July 2010

Ten equine skin tumors that had been classified as schwannomas on routine histological examination were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction for bovine papillomavirus DNA. All 10 were positive for bovine papillomavirus 1 or 2, and all 10 were immunohistochemically negative for S-100 protein and strongly positive for vimentin. Nine tumors were moderately positive for laminin and 8, for smooth muscle actin. Five tumors were variably and weakly positive for type IV collagen. The lack of S-100 protein expression made Schwann cells an unlikely cell of origin, as opposed to peripheral nerve sheath tumors, which typically express S-100 protein, at least in some neoplastic cells. The immunohistochemical reactivity is consistent with myofibroblastic origin of the neoplastic cells, although smooth muscle cell or pericyte origin cannot be ruled out. These tumors represent an atypical form of equine sarcoid. Polymerase chain reaction for bovine papillomavirus and S-100 immunohistochemistry are strongly recommended for all equine skin tumors with histological characteristics typical of schwannoma or peripheral nerve sheath tumor.
Hydraulic and geomorphological effects of run-of-river dams
Authors: Csiki Shane , Rhoads Bruce L.
Published: July 2010

The practice of dam removal has received increasing attention as a consequence of maintenance and liability concerns related to the advanced age of many of these structures. Most dams that have been removed thus far are small run-of-river structures. As the number of removals of run-of-river dams increases, it is crucial to understand the effects that these structures have on river geomorphology and sedimentology while in place and how rivers respond to removals so that possible responses to future removals can be anticipated and predicted. This paper reviews current knowledge related to the influence of run-of-river dams on the hydraulics and geomorphology of rivers and suggests types of studies that need to be undertaken to address gaps in current knowledge. Compared to studies of large impoundment dams, field investigations of channel morphology and sedimentology upstream and downstream of run-of-river dams are few and limited in geographic scope. Available studies indicate that the response of rivers to the long-term existence of run-of-river dams is variable both in terms of upstream sediment storage and downstream channel erosion. Future research should focus on how geomorphological responses of rivers to run-of-river dams vary with geographical context and on integration of process-based field studies, numerical modeling and experimental investigations to determine the influence of these dams on flow structure, sediment transport, and patterns of channel erosion and deposition.
Lithic raw material sourcing and the assessment of Mesolithic landscape organization and mobility strategies in northern England
Authors: Evans A.A. , Langer J.L. , Donahue R.E. , Wolframm Y.B. , Lovis W.A.
Published: July 2010

Analysis of the early evolution of cultural landscapes, particularly the regional organization of space by mobile hunter-gatherers, is often hampered by a lack of overt landscape marking and modification and/or a lack of sufficient biological material with which to assess regional affinity. This situation places a premium on the accurate sourcing of durable materials, such as stone for tool manufacture (commonly employed as proxy measures of space utilization), and including resource procurement, control, and movement. In an effort to understand the Mesolithic (10 000—5500 BP) organization of space in northern England, we undertake studies on black cherts, employing LA-ICP-MS, an efficient and minimally destructive geochemical technique. Comparisons between primary sources of black cherts, and archaeologically derived chert artefacts, from the site of Lismore Fields in Derbyshire, reveals that systematic application of this approach allows both the chemical differentiation of sources and an understanding of the chemical relationship between archaeological samples and specific analysed sources. These results are consistent with results of earlier studies employing different analytic methods and allow the partial testing of two alternative models of Mesolithic landscape organization in the region. We conclude that the use of LA-ICP-MS is a useful method to employ for chemical characterization of sources and results reinforce an interpretation of regional Mesolithic landscape organization being framed around east—west trending, upland-coastal transects consistent with natural drainage features.
Spatial and temporal patterns of variations in tree growth over the northeastern Tibetan Plateau during the period AD 1450-2001
Authors: Bao Yang  , Chun Qin  , Kai Huang  , Zexin Fan  , Jingjing Liu
Published: July 2010

We analyzed spatial and temporal growth variations of Qilian Junipers over the northeastern Tibetan Plateau (TP) during the period 1450—2001 by applying the empirical orthogonal function (EOF) technique to seven moisture-sensitive tree ring-width chronologies. The first three principal components together explain 78.21% of the total variance. The first principal component (PC1) accounts for 51.58% of the total variance, and represents consistent tree-growth variations in the northeastern TP. The second EOF mode reveals an opposite structure for the southern and northern parts of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau, reflecting the effect of huge topography and associated atmospheric circulation on tree-growth anomalies. The third EOF mode represents an opposite structure for the eastern and western parts of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau, possibly indicating the influence of different branches of atmospheric circulation system in this area. The EOF analysis results of instrumental precipitation data resemble those derived from the seven regional chronologies, providing further support that tree growth is a good indicator of regional precipitation variations. According to the PC1, dry conditions occurred in AD 1450—1510, 1631—1739, 1765—1833, 1866—1883 and 1921—1947, whereas periods of relatively wet years are identified for AD 1511—1630, 1740—1764, 1834—1865, 1884—1920 and 1948—2001. During the past 550 years, 28 years with extreme regional growth depressions was identified. These ring-width extremes generally occurred in century-scale dry periods. The years 1467, 1484, 1641, 1721, and 1928 with extreme tree-growth reductions in the northeastern TP are coeval with severe drought events in eastern China. In addition, the dry intervals or extreme growth depressions generally coincided with cold periods in the northeastern TP and vice versa, implying that the probability of occurrence of wet events in the northeastern TP will be higher in the future under the ongoing global warming.
Management Studies That Break Your Heart
Authors: Whiteman Gail
Published: July 2010

Management scholars study human phenomena filled with emotional upheaval. Though emotions in management may be legitimate topics of study, strong emotional reactions to such upheavals tend not to be. This is a missed opportunity. This article argues that heartbreak can help scholars analytically and emotionally connect with their data, the people they study, and shape the purpose of their work and life. Heartbreak can arise from the data themselves (if they touch us deeply) and through shared experience. Without it, scientific accounts may be less rich and potentially misleading. The author provides an example from her own research.
Emotions, Values, and Methodology: Contributing to the Nature of the World We Live In Whether We Intend To or Not
Authors: Mohrman Susan A.
Published: July 2010

This commentary supports Gail Whiteman’s suggestion that the field of organizational research and its community of practice would be strengthened if researcher emotions were acknowledged in organizational research. I go further and argue that emotions and values underpin all the professional choices made even by purportedly objective organizational researchers. Unless we acknowledge the values and emotions behind our choice of topics and include them in our focus, we cannot accurately apprehend the nature of the human artifacts we study nor yield knowledge that accurately describes them. Most importantly: absent the values and emotions dimensions, we cannot hope for organizational studies to be relevant to the problems faced by our organizations and institutions today.
The Higher Order Factor Structure and Gender Invariance of the Pathological Narcissism Inventory
Authors: Wright Aidan G. C. , Lukowitsky Mark R. , Pincus Aaron L. , Conroy David E.
Published: July 2010

The Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI) is a recently developed multidimensional inventory for the assessment of pathological narcissism. The authors describe and report the results of two studies that investigate the higher order factor structure and gender invariance of the PNI. The results of the first study indicate that the PNI has a higher order factor structure that conforms to the theoretical structure of pathological narcissism with one factor representing narcissistic grandiosity and the other capturing narcissistic vulnerability. These results uniquely place the PNI as the only measure to broadly assess the two phenotypic themes of pathological narcissism. In the second study, results from tests of measurement invariance indicate that the PNI performs similarly in large samples of men ( n = 488) and women ( n = 495). These results further establish the psychometric properties of the PNI and suggest that it is well suited for the assessment of pathological narcissism.
The Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire (OBQ): Examination in Nonclinical Samples and Development of a Short Version
Authors: Moulding Richard , Anglim Jeromy , Nedeljkovic Maja , Doron Guy , Kyrios Michael , Ayalon Ariel
Published: July 2010

The study aimed to examine the factor structure of the Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire (OBQ), the most widely used measure of dysfunctional beliefs in obsessive—compulsive disorder (OCD). Multiple exploratory methods (exploratory factor analysis, cluster analysis by variable, multidimensional scaling) were used to examine the questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analyses were also performed in two large nonclinical samples from Australia ( N = 1,234) and Israel ( N = 617). Our analyses suggested a four-factor solution with 38 items, where threat and responsibility formed separate dimensions (the “OBQ-TRIP”). This version had superior fit statistics across the two divergent confirmatory samples, when compared with four alternative models suggested by previous authors. Of the OBQ dimensions, the threat scale correlated most strongly with OCD symptom measures, even when controlling for depression. A short, 20-item version of the scale is offered for further study. Implications and limitations are discussed.
A Rasch Rating Scale Modeling of the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Scale in a Sample of International Students
Authors: Kim Do-Hong , Wang Chuang , Ng Kok-Mun
Published: July 2010

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence (SSREI) scale in a sample of international students studying in the U.S. universities using Rasch analysis. The results indicated that the original five-category rating structure may not function effectively for the international student sample. The results also revealed that although most of the items in the SSREI scale contributed to a single underlying construct, reverse-keyed items appeared to be problematic. Examination of the person—item map suggested that the items may be inappropriately targeted for this sample. In sum, the original version of the SSREI scale needs further improvement to adequately measure emotional intelligence.
The Southern Culture of Violence and Homicide-Type Differentiation: An Analysis Across Cities and Time Points
Authors: Ousey Graham C. , Lee Matthew R.
Published: July 2010

Extant research testing the Southern culture of violence theory has not fully investigated the logical implications of the theoretical mechanisms asserted to be at work. This analysis builds on prior research by examining the effects of a widely used measure of Southern cultural influence on homicide-type differentiation across cities and over time. Specifically, we examine whether the measure of Southern cultural influence is more likely to generate argument or conflict homicides than other types and whether the Southern influence has been diminishing over time.The results of multilevel latent variable models of homicide-type differentiation for 1980, 1990, and 2000 suggest that the Southern cultural influence does contribute to differentiation toward more argument homicides relative to other types. Relative to felony homicides, the data indicate this pattern has been easing off over time, but relative to drug and gang homicides, it has not.
Ways of constructing research questions: gap-spotting or problematization?
Authors: Sandberg Jörgen , Alvesson Mats
Published: July 2010

This article examines ways of constructing research questions from existing literature, which are likely to promote the development of interesting and influential theories. We review 52 articles in organization studies and develop a typology of how researchers construct their research questions from existing literature. The most common way across paradigmatic camps is to spot various ‘gaps’ in the literature and, based on that, to formulate specific research questions. The dominance of gap-spotting is surprising, given it is increasingly recognized that theory is made interesting and influential when it challenges assumptions that underlie existing literature. The article discusses why assumption-challenging approaches are rare, and it identifies a range of social norms that favour gap-spotting. Finally, the article proposes some ways of constructing research questions that move beyond gap-spotting, and discusses how these ways are likely to promote more interesting and significant theories.
Dynamic—static Chamber Method for Simultaneous Measurement of the Diffusion and Partition Coefficients of VOCs in Barrier Layers of Building Materials
Authors: Zhongkai He  , Wenjuan Wei  , Yinping Zhang
Published: July 2010

Barrier layers on the surface of building materials play an important role in reducing the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), but there is little data about their transport properties such as the solid-phase diffusion coefficient (D) and the solid/air partition coefficient (K). This paper develops a dynamic—static chamber (DSC) method for determining the D and K for VOCs in barrier layers. The developed method has the following advantages: (1) it can simultaneously but separately determine D and K for a VOC mixture with controllable concentration in a single test and (2) it requires a relatively shorter experimental time (e.g., less than 1 h for the testing of VOCs in the barrier layers). Using this method, the two key parameters for formaldehyde in three commonly used barrier layers were measured. The uncertainty and sensitivity of the measured parameters were analysed. The results indicated the feasibility of simultaneous estimation of the two parameters (D and K) by the present method. Finally, the impact of the tested barrier layers on VOC emissions from building materials was investigated based on a multilayer mass transfer model. It is found that barrier layers can greatly reduce the indoor VOC concentration. The measured D and K values of barrier layers are useful for predicting VOC emissions from building materials and in the design of low-emission building materials.
The Use of a Plastic Bag From a Drain Package Instead of an Endobag in Children: A Safe, Effective, and Economical Alternative
Authors: Turial Salmai , Schier Felix
Published: July 2010

Purpose. The standard endobags require large trocars; because the authors routinely use 2- to 5-mm instruments, they were looking for complementary specimen retrieval device alternatives. For this purpose, they recently used a plastic bag from a drain package to exteriorize abdominal masses during laparoscopy in children. Method. A plastic bag from a drain package—the innermost cover—was placed into the abdominal cavity trough a 5-mm trocar. The plastic bag was intraabdominally uncoiled with 2-mm instruments. Bag plus specimen were exteriorized via the umbilicus. Results. During the last 4 years, the authors have removed various specimens in 135 cases. The specimens were successfully retrieved in all cases. No rupture of the bag or slippage was observed. One commercial endobag costs the same as 359 “plastic bags.” Conclusion. Based on the authors’ experience in pediatric laparoscopy, they feel that the use of plastic bags for retrieval of abdominal specimens is feasible, safe, and economical.
Dual Inhibition of Wound Healing and Oxidative Process by Montelukast in Experimental Colon Anastomoses
Authors: Canbay Emel , Agachan Bedia , Ozturk Tulin , Giris Murat , Asoglu Oktar , Balik Emre , Bugra Dursun
Published: July 2010

Background. The authors aimed to investigate the effects of montelukast (ML) on the experimental rat colon anastomosis. Methods. A total of 80 Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups: sham-operated, colon anastomosis, and colon anastomosis with oral administration (OAML) and rectal administration of 10 mg/kg/d ML (RAML). Anastomotic bursting pressure, anastomotic hydroxyproline contents, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, and the expressions of Ki-67, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) with immunohistochemistry were assessed on postoperative day 5. Results . Anastomotic bursting pressures and bFGF expressions were not changed, whereas tissue hydroxyproline concentrations and MDA levels and the expressions of Ki-67 and VEGF were significantly decreased, and GSH, GPX, and SOD levels were significantly increased in the OAML and RAML groups. Conclusion. ML causes impairment of wound healing without altering the anastomosis bursting pressure and reverses the oxidative damage of the colon anastomoses in rats.
Sputum issues as defined by patients with cystic fibrosis: a qualitative investigation
Authors: Tierney S. , Riley D. , Jones A.M. , Webb A.K. , Horne M.
Published: July 2010

Objectives: Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are asked to provide a sputum sample at clinic to test for potentially harmful pathogens. However, some appear to struggle with this request. Research into the difficulties experienced by these patients is lacking. This study set out to explore this issue in depth, using a qualitative research approach.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 patients identified as having difficulties with sputum by the physiotherapists involved in their care. Framework analysis was applied to collected data.

Results: An overarching concept derived from the interview material was a concern about sputum coming to be a defining feature of identity. This was reflected in the following four themes: (1) being seen as dirty because sputum is socially vilified as thus; (2) sputum exposing an invisible condition; (3) sputum acting as a reminder of having CF; (4) being seen as sputum producers by practitioners.

Discussion: Patients’ difficulties with expectorating sputum were multifaceted and included psychosocial and physical factors. Practitioners need to appreciate that for some people, a request for sputum can cause significant discomfort. Individualized interventions to assist these patients may prove helpful.
Specialization in Relational Reasoning
Authors: Mason Malia F. , Magee Joe C. , Kuwabara Ko , Nind Louise
Published: July 2010

Although deduction can be applied both to associations between nonsocial objects and to social relationships among people, the authors hypothesize that social targets elicit specialized cognitive mechanisms that facilitate inferences about social relations. Consistent with this view, in Experiments 1a and 1b the authors show that participants are more efficient and more accurate at inferring social relations compared to nonsocial relations. In Experiment 2 they find direct evidence for a specialized neural apparatus recruited specifically for social relational inferences. When making social inferences, functional magnetic resonance imaging results indicate that the brain regions that play a general role in logical reasoning (e.g., hippocampi, parietal cortices, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) are supplemented by regions that specialize in representing people’s mental states (e.g., posterior superior temporal sulcus, temporo-parietal junction, and medial prefrontal cortex).
Microstructure and tensile properties of dissimilar metal gas tungsten arc welding of aluminium to titanium alloy
Authors: Sambasiva Rao A. , Madhusudhan Reddy G. , Prasad K. Satya
Published: July 2010

Commercially pure aluminium and titanium alloy Ti–6Al–4V were welded by gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process using AA 4047 Al–Si filler material. The chemical composition of reaction layer at the interface of titanium alloy and weld zone was determined by electron probe microanalyser (EPMA) showing that continuous layer of intermetallic compound of TiAl base phase was formed and aluminium is partly replaced by silicon. Transmission electron microscopic examination confirmed formation of (AlSi)3Ti intermetallic compound formed at the interface of Ti alloy and weld. In the weld zone, intermetallic phases containing Fe and Si were identified by EPMA analysis. These intermetallics were confirmed by X-ray diffraction technique. No intermetallic compound was found at the interface of weld and aluminium. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, microhardness, and tensile testing of the joints were used to characterise the resulting joints. The transverse strength of the weld joint is higher than that of the aluminium.
Fanconi anemia group J mutation abolishes its DNA repair function by uncoupling DNA translocation from helicase activity or disruption of protein-DNA complexes
Authors: Wu Yuliang , Sommers Joshua A. , Suhasini Avvaru N. , Leonard Thomas , Deakyne Julianna S. , Mazin Alexander V. , Shin-ya Kazuo , Kitao Hiroyuki , Brosh Robert M.
Published: July 2010

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a genetic disease characterized by congenital abnormalities, bone marrow failure, and susceptibility to leukemia and other cancers. FANCJ, one of 13 genes linked to FA, encodes a DNA helicase proposed to operate in homologous recombination repair and replicational stress response. The pathogenic FANCJ-A349P amino acid substitution resides immediately adjacent to a highly conserved cysteine of the iron-sulfur domain. Given the genetic linkage of the FANCJ-A349P allele to FA, we investigated the effect of this particular mutation on the biochemical and cellular functions of the FANCJ protein. Purified recombinant FANCJ-A349P protein had reduced iron and was defective in coupling adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis and translocase activity to unwinding forked duplex or G-quadruplex DNA substrates or disrupting protein-DNA complexes. The FANCJ-A349P allele failed to rescue cisplatin or telomestatin sensitivity of a FA-J null cell line as detected by cell survival or γ-H2AX foci formation. Furthermore, expression of FANCJ-A349P in a wild-type background exerted a dominant-negative effect, indicating that the mutant protein interferes with normal DNA metabolism. The ability of FANCJ to use the energy from ATP hydrolysis to produce the force required to unwind DNA or destabilize protein bound to DNA is required for its role in DNA repair.
High response rate and durable remissions following fludarabine and rituximab combination therapy for chronic cold agglutinin disease
Authors: Berentsen Sigbjørn , Randen Ulla , Vågan Anne Marita , Hjorth-Hansen Henrik , Vik Anders , Dalgaard Jakob , Jacobsen Eva-Marie , Thoresen Aud S. , Beiske Klaus , Tjønnfjord Geir E.
Published: July 2010

Most patients diagnosed with primary chronic cold agglutinin disease (CAD) have a clonal lymphoproliferative bone marrow disorder. Treatment with rituximab is the only well-documented effective therapy, leading to 45%-60% partial responses (PR). Complete responses (CR) are rare, and median response duration is only 11 months. In a prospective multicenter trial, 29 patients received rituximab 375 mg/m2 on days 1, 29, 57 and 85; and fludarabine orally, 40 mg/m2 on days 1-5, 29-34, 57-61 and 85-89. Twenty-two patients (76%) responded, 6 (21%) achieving CR and 16 (55%) PR. Among 10 patients nonresponsive to rituximab monotherapy, 1 achieved CR and 6 PR. Median increase in hemoglobin level was 3.1 g/dL among the responders and 4.0 g/dL in those who achieved CR. Lower quartile of response duration was not reached after 33 months. Estimated median response duration was more than 66 months. Grade 3-4 hematologic toxicity occurred in 12 patients (41%). In conclusion, fludarabine and rituximab combination therapy is very efficient in patients with CAD. Toxicity may be a concern, and benefits should be carefully weighed against risks in very old and comorbid patients. It remains to be established whether the combination should be first-line or an efficient second-line therapy in CAD patients requiring treatment. This study is registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00373594.
Biosynthesis of compatible solutes in rhizobial strains isolated from Phaseolus vulgaris nodules in Tunisian fields
Authors: Fernandez-Aunión Cristina , Hamouda Thouraya Ben , Iglesias-Guerra Fernando , Argandoña Montserrat , Reina-Bueno Mercedes , Nieto Joaquín J , Aouani M Elarbi , Vargas Carmen
Published: July 2010

Background

Associated with appropriate crop and soil management, inoculation of legumes with microbial biofertilizers can improve food legume yield and soil fertility and reduce pollution by inorganic fertilizers. Rhizospheric bacteria are subjected to osmotic stress imposed by drought and/or NaCl, two abiotic constraints frequently found in semi-arid lands. Osmostress response in bacteria involves the accumulation of small organic compounds called compatible solutes. Whereas most studies on rhizobial osmoadaptation have focussed on the model species Sinorhizobium meliloti, little is known on the osmoadaptive mechanisms used by native rhizobia, which are good sources of inoculants. In this work, we investigated the synthesis and accumulations of compatible solutes by four rhizobial strains isolated from root nodules of Phaseolus vulgaris in Tunisia, as well as by the reference strain Rhizobium tropici CIAT 899T.

Results

The most NaCl-tolerant strain was A. tumefaciens 10c2, followed (in decreasing order) by R. tropici CIAT 899, R. leguminosarum bv. phaseoli 31c3, R. etli 12a3 and R. gallicum bv. phaseoli 8a3. 13C- and 1H-NMR analyses showed that all Rhizobium strains synthesized trehalose whereas A. tumefaciens 10c2 synthesized mannosucrose. Glutamate synthesis was also observed in R. tropici CIAT 899, R. leguminosarum bv. phaseoli 31c3 and A. tumefaciens 10c2. When added as a carbon source, mannitol was also accumulated by all strains. Accumulation of trehalose in R. tropici CIAT 899 and of mannosucrose in A. tumefaciens 10c2 was osmoregulated, suggesting their involvement in osmotolerance. The phylogenetic analysis of the otsA gene, encoding the trehalose-6-phosphate synthase, suggested the existence of lateral transfer events. In vivo
13C labeling experiments together with genomic analysis led us to propose the uptake and conversion pathways of different carbon sources into trehalose. Collaterally, the β-1,2-cyclic glucan from R. tropici CIAT 899 was co-extracted with the cytoplasmic compatible solutes and its chemical structure was determined.

Conclusions

The soil bacteria analyzed in this work accumulated mainly disaccharides in response to NaCl stress. We could not find a direct correlation between the trehalose content of the rhizobial strains and their osmotolerance, suggesting that additional osmoadaptive mechanism should be operating in the most NaCl-tolerant strain R. tropici CIAT 899.
Study of the nitric oxide system in the rat cerebellum during aging
Authors: Blanco Santos , Molina Francisco J , Castro Lourdes , Del Moral Maria L , Hernandez Raquel , Jimenez Ana , Rus Alma , Martinez-Lara Esther , Siles Eva , Peinado Maria A
Published: July 2010

Background

The cerebellum is the neural structure with the highest levels of nitric oxide, a neurotransmitter that has been proposed to play a key role in the brain aging, although knowledge concerning its contribution to cerebellar senescence is still unclear, due mainly to absence of integrative studies that jointly evaluate the main factors involved in its cell production and function. Consequently, in the present study, we investigate the expression, location, and activity of nitric oxide synthase isoenzymes; the protein nitration; and the production of nitric oxide in the cerebellum of adult and old rats.

Results

Our results show no variation in the expression of nitric oxide synthase isoforms with aging, although, we have detected some changes in the cellular distribution pattern of the inducible isoform particularly in the cerebellar nuclei. There is also an increase in nitric oxide synthase activity, as well as greater protein-nitration levels, and maintenance of nitrogen oxides (NOx) levels in the senescent cerebellum.

Conclusions

The nitric oxide/nitric oxide syntahses system suffers from a number of changes, mainly in the inducible nitric oxide synthase distribution and in overall nitric oxide synthases activity in the senescent cerebellum, which result in an increase of the protein nitration. These changes might be related to the oxidative damage detected with aging in the cerebellum.
Institutional review board challenges related to community-based participatory research on human exposure to environmental toxins: A case study
Authors: Brown Phil , Morello-Frosch Rachel , Brody J G , Altman Rebecca Gasior , Rudel Ruthann A , Senier Laura , Pérez Carla , Simpson Ruth
Published: July 2010

Background

We report on the challenges of obtaining Institutional Review Board (IRB) coverage for a community-based participatory research (CBPR) environmental justice project, which involved reporting biomonitoring and household exposure results to participants, and included lay participation in research.

Methods

We draw on our experiences guiding a multi-partner CBPR project through university and state Institutional Review Board reviews, and other CBPR colleagues' written accounts and conference presentations and discussions. We also interviewed academics involved in CBPR to learn of their challenges with Institutional Review Boards.

Results

We found that Institutional Review Boards are generally unfamiliar with CBPR, reluctant to oversee community partners, and resistant to ongoing researcher-participant interaction. Institutional Review Boards sometimes unintentionally violate the very principles of beneficence and justice which they are supposed to uphold. For example, some Institutional Review Boards refuse to allow report-back of individual data to participants, which contradicts the CBPR principles that guide a growing number of projects. This causes significant delays and may divert research and dissemination efforts. Our extensive education of our university Institutional Review Board convinced them to provide human subjects protection coverage for two community-based organizations in our partnership.

Conclusions

IRBs and funders should develop clear, routine review guidelines that respect the unique qualities of CBPR, while researchers and community partners can educate IRB staff and board members about the objectives, ethical frameworks, and research methods of CBPR. These strategies can better protect research participants from the harm of unnecessary delays and exclusion from the research process, while facilitating the ethical communication of study results to participants and communities.
Calorie restriction and endurance exercise share potent anti-inflammatory function in adipose tissues in ameliorating diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance in mice
Authors: Huang Ping , Li Shoufeng , Shao Mengle , Qi Qibin , Zhao Feng , You Jia , Mao Ting , Li Wenjun , Yan Zhen , Liu Yong
Published: July 2010

Background

Calorie restriction (CR) and endurance exercise are known to attenuate obesity and improve the metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to directly compare the effects of CR and endurance exercise in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance.

Methods

Adult male C57BL/6N mice were randomly assigned and subjected to one of the six interventions for 8 weeks: low-fat diet (LC, 10% fat), low-fat diet with 30% calorie restriction (LR), high-fat diet (HC, 60% fat), high-fat diet with 30% calorie restriction (HR), high-fat diet with voluntary running exercise (HE), and high-fat diet with a combination of 30% calorie restriction and exercise (HRE). The impacts of the interventions were assessed by comprehensive metabolic analyses and pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression.

Results

Endurance exercise significantly attenuated high-fat diet-induced obesity. CR dramatically prevented high-fat diet-induced metabolic abnormalities. A combination of CR and endurance exercise further reduced obesity and insulin resistance under the condition of high-fat diet. CR and endurance exercise each potently suppressed the expression of inflammatory cytokines in white adipose tissues with additive effects when combined, but the effects of diet and exercise interventions in the liver were moderate to minimal.

Conclusions

CR and endurance exercise share a potent anti-inflammatory function in adipose tissues in ameliorating diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance.
Increased hypolipidemic benefits of cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid in combination with trans-11 vaccenic acid in a rodent model of the metabolic syndrome, the JCR:LA-cp rat
Authors: Jacome-Sosa M Miriam , Lu Jing , Wang Ye , Ruth Megan R , Wright David C , Reaney Martin J , Shen Jianheng , Field Catherine J , Vine Donna F , Proctor Spencer D
Published: July 2010

Background

Conjugated linoleic acid (cis-9, trans-11 CLA) and trans-11 vaccenic acid (VA) are found naturally in ruminant-derived foods. CLA has been shown to have numerous potential health related effects and has been extensively investigated. More recently, we have shown that VA has lipid-lowering properties associated with reduced hepatic lipidogenesis and chylomicron secretion in the JCR:LA-cp rat. The aim of this study was to evaluate potential additional hypolipidemic effects of purified forms of CLA and VA in an animal model of the metabolic syndrome (the JCR:LA-cp rat).

Methods

Twenty four obese JCR:LA-cp rats were randomized and assigned to one of three nutritionally adequate iso-caloric diets containing 1% w/w cholesterol and 15% w/w fat for 16 wk: 1) control diet (CD), 2) 1.0% w/w cis-9, trans-11 CLA (CLA), 3) 1.0% w/w VA and 1% w/w cis-9, trans-11 CLA (VA+CLA). Lean rats were fed the CD to represent normolipidemic conditions.

Results

Fasting plasma triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations were reduced in obese rats fed either the CLA diet or the VA+CLA diet as compared to the obese control group (p < 0.05, p < 0.001; p < 0.001, p < 0.01; p < 0.01, p < 0.001, respectively). The VA+CLA diet reduced plasma TG and LDL-cholesterol to the level of the normolipidemic lean rats and further decreased nonesterified fatty acids compared to the CLA diet alone. Interestingly, rats fed the VA+CLA diet had a higher food intake but lower body weight than the CLA fed group (P < 0.05). Liver weight and TG content were lower in rats fed either CLA (p < 0.05) or VA+CLA diets (p < 0.001) compared to obese control, consistent with a decreased relative protein abundance of hepatic acetyl-CoA carboxylase in both treatment groups (P < 0.01). The activity of citrate synthase was increased in liver and adipose tissue of rats fed, CLA and VA+CLA diets (p < 0.001) compared to obese control, suggesting increased mitochondrial fatty acid oxidative capacity.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that the hypolipidemic effects of chronic cis-9, trans-11 CLA supplementation on circulating dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis are enhanced by the addition of VA in the JCR:LA-cp rat.