bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Orthopaedic surgery core curriculum: the spine
Authors: Wadey Veronica M R , Halpern Jerry , Bouchard Jacques , Dev Parvati , Olshen Richard A , Walker Decker
Published: April 2007

Objective

To develop a core curriculum for orthopaedic surgery and to conduct a national survey to assess the importance of 281 items in the curriculum. Attention was focused specifically on 24 items pertaining to the curriculum that are pertinent to the spine.

Study design

A cross-sectional survey of a random sample of orthopaedic surgeons whose primary affiliation was non-academic, representing the provinces and territories of Canada

Methods

A questionnaire containing 281 items was developed. A random group of 131 (out of 156) orthopaedic surgeons whose primary affiliation is non-academic completed the questionnaire. The data were analysed quantitatively using average mean scores, histograms, the modified Hotelling's T2 test and the Benjimini–Hochberg procedure.

Results

131 of 156 (84%) orthopaedic surgeons participated, in this study. 14 of 24 items were ranked at no less than 3 out of 4 thus suggesting that 58% of the items are important or probably important to know by the end of residency (SD⩽0.07). Residents need to learn the diagnosis and principles of managing patients with common conditions of the spine.

Conclusions

The study shows, with reliable statistical evidence, that orthopaedic residents are no longer expected to be able to perform spinal fusions with proficiency on completion of residency. Is the exposure to surgical spine problems and the ability to be comfortable with operating expectations specific to the fellowship level? If so, the focus during residency or increasing accredited spine fellowships needs to be addressed to ensure that enough spine surgeons are educated to meet the future healthcare demands projected for Canada.
Management of paraproteinaemia
Authors: Cook Lucy , Macdonald Donald H C
Published: April 2007

A paraprotein is a monoclonal immunoglobulin or light chain present in the blood or urine; it is produced by a clonal population of mature B cells, most commonly plasma cells. In individuals aged >50 years the incidence of a paraprotein is 3.2%. Plasma cell disorders can be considered as a spectrum of conditions ranging from monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), through asymptomatic, to symptomatic myeloma. MGUS is defined by a low level of paraprotein <30 g/l, bone marrow plasma cells <10% and the absence of myeloma related organ or tissue damage (predominantly renal, skeletal or bone marrow impairment.) MGUS requires no therapy and the overall risk of progression to myeloma is 1% per year. Myeloma remains incurable with a median survival of 3–4 years; autologous stem cell transplant can prolong survival, if appropriate. Thalidomide in combination with dexamethasone has an emerging role in the treatment of myeloma.
INTERNAL SPACE FOR THE NONCOMMUTATIVE GEOMETRY STANDARD MODEL AND STRINGS
Authors: LIZZI FEDELE
Published: April 2007

In this paper I discuss connections between the noncommutative geometry approach to the Standard Model on one side, and the internal space coming from strings on the other. The Standard Model in noncommutative geometry is described via the spectral action. I argue that an internal noncommutative manifold compactified at the renormalization scale, could give rise to the almost commutative geometry required by the spectral action. I then speculate how this could arise from the noncommutative geometry given by the vertex operators of a string theory.
ACUTE BILATERAL FOREARM COMPARTMENT SYNDROME OF UNKNOWN AETIOLOGY
Authors: O'Leary E. J. P. , Bulstrode N. W. , Gschwind C.
Published: April 2007

This is the first reported case of non-traumatic, acute bilateral forearm compartment syndrome. Despite a delay of over 24 hours until surgical decompression and 50% muscle fibre necrosis in the histopathological examination, the clinical outcome was excellent after fasciotomy, delayed primary wound closure and early institution of a range of motion exercise programme. The literature on non-traumatic causes of compartment syndrome is reviewed.
SCAPHOID NON-UNION AFTER SIMULTANEOUS FRACTURES OF THE SCAPHOID AND THE CAPITATE IN A CHILD: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Fujioka Hiroyuki , Tanaka Juichi , Tomatsuri Masaki
Published: April 2007

A nine-year-old boy fell on his outstretched hand and was diagnosed with simultaneous fractures of the scaphoid and the capitate. The patient was treated conservatively with a cast for two months. Fracture of the capitate healed, however, fracture of the scaphoid resulted in non-union. We treated scaphoid non-union with an iliac bone graft and internal fixation. Three years after surgery, the patient had neither complaints nor complications and union of the scaphoid was confirmed on the radiographs.
Chemosensitization of Cancer In vitro and In vivo by Nitric Oxide Signaling
Authors: Frederiksen Lisa J. , Sullivan Richard , Maxwell Lori R. , Macdonald-Goodfellow Shannyn K. , Adams Michael A. , Bennett Brian M. , Siemens D. Robert , Graham Charles H.
Published: April 2007

Purpose: Hypoxia contributes to drug resistance in solid cancers, and studies have revealed that low concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) mimetics attenuate hypoxia-induced drug resistance in tumor cells in vitro. Classic NO signaling involves activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase, generation of cyclic GMP (cGMP), and activation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase. Here, we determined whether chemosensitization by NO mimetics requires cGMP-dependent signaling and whether low concentrations of NO mimetics can chemosensitize tumors in vivo.

Experimental Design: Survival of human prostate and breast cancer cells was assessed by clonogenic assays following exposure to chemotherapeutic agents. The effect of NO mimetics on tumor chemosensitivity in vivo was determined using a mouse xenograft model of human prostate cancer. Drug efflux in vitro was assessed by measuring intracellular doxorubicin-associated fluorescence.

Results: Low concentrations of the NO mimetics glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) and isosorbide dinitrate attenuated hypoxia-induced resistance to doxorubicin and paclitaxel. Similar to hypoxia-induced drug resistance, inhibition of various components of the NO signaling pathway increased resistance to doxorubicin, whereas activation of the pathway with 8-bromo-cGMP attenuated hypoxia-induced resistance. Drug efflux was unaffected by hypoxia and inhibitors of drug efflux did not significantly attenuate hypoxia-induced chemoresistance. Compared with mice treated with doxorubicin alone, tumor growth was decreased in mice treated with doxorubicin and a transdermal GTN patch. The presence of GTN and GTN metabolites in plasma samples was confirmed by gas chromatography.

Conclusion: Tumor hypoxia induces resistance to anticancer drugs by interfering with endogenous NO signaling and reactivation of NO signaling represents a novel approach to enhance chemotherapy.
Synergism between Arsenic Trioxide and Heat Shock Protein 90 Inhibitors on Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription Protein 3 Activity—Pharmacodynamic Drug-Drug Interaction Modeling
Authors: Wetzler Meir , Earp Justin C. , Brady Michael T. , Keng Michael K. , Jusko William J.
Published: April 2007

Purpose: Constitutive signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activity, observed in ∼50% of acute myelogenous leukemia cases and associated with adverse treatment outcome, is down-regulated by arsenic trioxide (ATO). Heat shock protein (HSP) 90 is a molecular chaperone involved in signal transduction pathways. We hypothesized that HSP90 inhibitors will potentiate ATO effect on constitutive STAT3 activity and cell killing. One concern was that the effect of ATO and HSP90 inhibitors will result in up-regulation of HSP70, a protein known to inhibit apoptosis.

Experimental Design: We have used a semimechanistic pharmacodynamic model to characterize concentration-effect relationships of ATO and HSP90 inhibitors on constitutive STAT3 activity, HSP70 expression, and cell death in a cell line model.

Results: Pharmacodynamic interaction of ATO and three HSP90 inhibitors showed synergistic interactions in inhibiting constitutive STAT3 activity and inducing cell death, in spite of a concurrent synergistic up-regulation of HSP70.

Conclusions: These preliminary results provide a basis for studying the combined role of ATO with HSP90 inhibitors in acute myelogenous leukemia with constitutive STAT3 activity.
Unraveling the Mechanisms of Endocrine Resistance in Breast Cancer: New Therapeutic Opportunities
Authors: Massarweh Suleiman , Schiff Rachel
Published: April 2007

Two thirds of breast cancers express the estrogen receptor (ER), which contributes to tumor development and progression. ER-targeted therapy is therefore widely used in breast cancer to inhibit signaling through ER and disrupt breast cancer growth. This therapeutic strategy, particularly using the antiestrogen tamoxifen, is proven to increase the cure rates in early breast cancer, improve patient outcomes in advanced disease, and reduce breast cancer incidence in the prevention setting. Despite the recent integration of more powerful endocrine agents into breast cancer care, resistance to all forms of endocrine therapy remains a major problem. New insight into ER biology and progress in understanding resistance mechanisms, mediated by molecular crosstalk between ER and various growth factor signaling pathways, are generating tremendous promise for new therapeutic opportunities to target resistance and improve breast cancer disease outcomes.
Circulating Tumor Cell Analysis in Patients with Progressive Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Shaffer David R. , Leversha Margaret A. , Danila Daniel C. , Lin Oscar , Gonzalez-Espinoza Rita , Gu Bin , Anand Aseem , Smith Katherine , Maslak Peter , Doyle Gerald V. , Terstappen Leon W.M.M. , Lilja Hans , Heller Glenn , Fleisher Martin , Scher Howard I.
Published: April 2007

Purpose: To better direct targeted therapies to the patients with tumors that express the target, there is an urgent need for blood-based assays that provide expression information on a consistent basis in real time with minimal patient discomfort. We aimed to use immunomagnetic-capture technology to isolate and analyze circulating tumor cells (CTC) from small volumes of peripheral blood of patients with advanced prostate cancer.

Experimental Design: Blood was collected from 63 patients with metastatic prostate cancer. CTCs were isolated by the Cell Search system, which uses antibodies to epithelial cell adhesion marker and immunomagnetic capture. CTCs were defined as nucleated cells positive for cytokeratins and negative for CD45. Captured cells were analyzed by immunofluorescence, Papanicolau staining, and fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Results: Most patients (65%) had 5 or more CTCs per 7.5 mL blood sample. Cell counts were consistent between laboratories (c = 0.99) and did not change significantly over 72 or 96 h of storage before processing (c = 0.99). Their identity as prostate cancer cells was confirmed by conventional cytologic analysis. Molecular profiling, including analysis of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression, chromosome ploidy, and androgen receptor (AR) gene amplification, was possible for all prostate cancer patients with ≥5 CTCs.

Conclusions: The analysis of cancer-related alterations at the DNA and protein level from CTCs is feasible in a hospital-based clinical laboratory. The alterations observed in EGFR and AR suggest that the methodology may have a role in clinical decision making.
The Role of XBtg2 in Xenopus Neural Development
Authors: Sugimoto Kaoru , Okabayashi Koji , Sedohara Ayako , Hayata Tadayoshi , Asashima Makoto
Published: April 2007

In early neural development, active cell proliferation and apoptosis take place concurrent with cell differentiation, but how these processes are coordinated remains unclear. In this study, we characterized the role of XBtg2 in Xenopus neural development. XBtg2 transcripts were detected at the edge of the anterolateral neural plate and the neural crest region at the midneurula stage, and in eyes and in part of the neural tube at the tailbud stage. Translational inhibition of XBtg2 affected anterior neural development and impaired eye formation. XBtg2 depletion altered the expression patterns of the early neural genes, Zic3 and SoxD, at the midneurula stage, but not at the early neurula stage. At the midneurula stage, XBtg2-depleted embryos exhibited a marked decrease in the expression of anterior neural genes, En2, Otx2, and Rx1, withoutany changes in neural crest genes, Slug and Snail, or an epidermal gene, XK81. These results suggest that XBtg2 is required for the differentiation of the anterior neural plate from the midneurula stage, but not for the specification of the fate and patterning of the neural plate. XBtg2-depleted embryos also exhibited an increase in both proliferation and apoptosis in the anterior neural plate; however, the altered expression patterns of neural markers were not reversed by inhibition of either the cell cycle or apoptosis. Based on these data, we propose that XBtg2 plays an essential role in the anterior neural development, by regulating neural cell differentiation, and, independently, cell proliferation and survival.
Vulgar Music and Technology
Authors: Stivers Richard
Published: April 2007

Rock music, rap, and heavy metal are all forms of vulgar music. Vulgarity refers to actions and communication that are “common, noisy, and gross,” and are “untranscendent.” A technological society is a vulgar society in its base of materialism and exclusive concern with power. Its excessive rationality produces a need for escape, for ecstasy, for the release of instinctual power. Vulgar music mimics a technological society and provides compensation for its repressive impact.
Apoptotic Effect of Celecoxib Dependent Upon p53 Status in Human Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: SONG YOO‐CHEOL , KIM SU‐HYEONG , JUHNN YONG‐SUNG , SONG YONG‐SANG
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  Celecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibitor, induces the apoptosis in various cancers in COX‐2 dependent and/or independent manners. The p53 protein is mutated in 50% of all human tumors and plays a key role in apoptosis, cell cycle, and the expression of several proteins. In ovarian cancer, the rate of p53 mutation has been shown to be very high and associated with poor prognosis. To explore the importance of functional status of p53 in apoptosis by celecoxib in ovarian cancer cells, the cellular response to celecoxib was determined in SK‐OV3 ovarian cancer cells with null type p53 and PA‐1 with wild‐type p53.
Our results showed that celecoxib inhibited cell growth more in PA‐1 than in SK‐OV3. The underlying antiproliferative mechanism may differ between these two cell types dependent upon the functional status of p53, which plays integral roles in regulating cell cycle and survival. Higher sub‐G1 was shown in PA‐1 than in SK‐OV3 in response to celecoxib (PA‐1 versus SK‐OV3; 60.28% versus 6.69%). Caspase ‐8, ‐9, and ‐3 were activated in PA‐1 cells, but not in SK‐OV3 cells. These results suggest that death receptor and mitochondria‐mediated apoptotic pathways may be involved in celecoxib‐induced apoptosis dependent upon the functional status of p53. Our article demonstrated that the celecoxib effectively inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in human ovarian cancer cells with wild‐type p53. Thus, apoptotic effect by celecoxib seemed to be different dependent upon the functional status of p53.
Breast Cancer Cells Response to the Antineoplastic Agents Cisplatin, Carboplatin, and Doxorubicin at the mRNA Expression Levels of Distinct Apoptosis‐Related Genes, Including the New Member, BCL2L12
Authors: THOMADAKI HELLINIDA , SCORILAS ANDREAS
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  Most apoptosis‐related genes regulate cellular fate as a response to anticancer drugs. Modulations at the mRNA levels of such genes often correlate with the sensitivity of various types of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic reagents. The drugs cisplatin, carboplatin, and doxorubicin exhibit anticancer activity, the mechanism of which is not yet completely clarified, although they are known to modulate the expression of several genes including apoptosis‐related genes, such as members of the BCL2 (Bcl‐2) family. In order to define the significance of the expression patterns of such genes as a response to anticancer drug cytotoxic activity, we studied the possible alterations in the mRNA expression levels of various apoptosis‐related genes, including the new member, BCL2L12, after cell treatment with distinct anticancer drugs (cisplatin, carboplatin, and doxorubicin), in the breast cancer cell line, MCF‐7. The kinetics of cell toxicity was evaluated by the MTT method, whereas the expression levels of distinct apoptosis‐related genes were analyzed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), using gene‐specific primers. The percentage of nonviable cells was upregulated with increasing concentrations and cell exposure time to the different anticancer drugs. Distinct modulations of apoptosis‐related genes, at the mRNA level, were also observed. However, further work is required in order to ascertain whether the mRNA expression profile of such genes may provide evidence for their contribution to more specific and sensitive prediction of breast cancer response to treatment and therefore the rationale for individualized, more appropriate, and successful treatment.
Combination of Doxorubicin and Sulforaphane for Reversing Doxorubicin‐Resistant Phenotype in Mouse Fibroblasts with p53Ser220 Mutation
Authors: FIMOGNARI CARMELA , LENZI MONIA , SCIUSCIO DAVIDE , CANTELLI‐FORTI GIORGIO , HRELIA PATRIZIA
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  Chemoresistance in cancer therapy is a multifactorial process, which includes alterations in drug accumulation, increased activity of gluthatione S‐transferases, loss of function, and mutations of p53, etc. One strategy for reversing chemoresistance is the use of chemopreventive agents alongside standard chemotherapeutic protocols. Sulforaphane is one of the most promising chemopreventive agents. Sulforaphane inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in different tumor cell lines. Its proapoptotic potential could make it effective either alone or in combination with other therapeutic strategies in reversing chemoresistance. We investigated the effects of sulforaphane on mouse fibroblasts bearing a different p53 status (wild‐type, knockout, mutated) for understanding whether its activity is prevented by a mutated p53 status. p53‐knockout fibroblasts from newborn mice transfected with the p53Ser220 mutation, observed in different human cancers, were used as a model of mutated p53 status. Moreover, since p53Ser220 mutation fibroblasts showed a doxorubicin‐resistant phenotype, we treated the cells with a combination of doxorubicin plus sulforaphane. Taken together, our results suggest that a mutated p53 status did not prevent the induction of apoptosis by sulforaphane and that sulforaphane was able to reverse the resistance to doxorubicin. The association of sulforaphane–doxorubicin may therefore allow doxorubicin to be administered at lower doses, thereby reducing its potential toxicity.
Response of a Human Melanoma Cell Line to Low and High Ionizing Radiation
Authors: RISTIC‐FIRA ALEKSANDRA M. , TODOROVIC DANIJELA V. , KORICANAC LELA B. , PETROVIC IVAN M. , VALASTRO LUCIA M. , CIRRONE PABLO G.A. , RAFFAELE LUIGI , CUTTONE GIACOMO
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  Effects of single irradiation with gamma rays and protons on human HTB140 melanoma cell growth were compared. Exponentially growing cells were irradiated close to the Bragg peak maximum of the unmodulated 62 MeV protons, as well as with 60Co gamma rays. Applied doses ranged from 8 to 24 Gy. Viability of cells and proliferation capacity were assessed 7 days after irradiation. Induction of apoptosis and cell cycle phase redistribution were observed 6 and 48 h after irradiation.
Significant inhibitory effects of both irradiation qualities were detected 7 days after irradiation. Important reduction of HTB140 cell viability was observed after irradiation with protons. Almost linear and highly significant (P < 0.001) decrease of cell proliferation was observed 7 days after irradiation with gamma rays and protons, as compared to nonirradiated controls. Protons induced apoptosis, both 6 and 48 h after irradiation. With the increase of post‐irradiation incubation time, number of apoptotic cells decreased. Exposure of HTB140 cells to gamma rays did not provoke apoptotic cell death. Important number of cells in G1‐S phase, detected by the cell cycle phase redistribution analyses, suggested high metabolic activity of irradiated melanoma cells within the first 48 h. Both irradiation qualities caused modest G2‐M arrest 6 and 48 h after irradiation, thus supporting results that illustrated high radioresistance of HTB140 cells.
Effect of Paclitaxel on Intracellular Localization of c‐Myc and P‐c‐Myc in Prostate Carcinoma Cell Lines
Authors: SUPINO ROSANNA , FAVINI ENRICA , CUCCURU GIUDITTA , ZUNINO FRANCO , SCOVASSI A. IVANA
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  The proto‐oncogene c‐myc is involved in multiple cell pathways with opposite effects on cell outcome of death or proliferation. It has been proposed that these different roles depend on the sequestration of c‐Myc protein in cellular compartments and/or its phosphorylation. We speculated that subcellular localization of c‐Myc protein and of its phosphorylated form (P‐c‐Myc) could have a role in the different response to paclitaxel (PTX) in two prostate carcinoma cell lines, PC3 and DU145, which undergo either multinucleation or c‐myc‐dependent apoptosis, respectively. c‐myc is amplified only in PC3, but a similar extent of c‐Myc phosphorylation was observed in both cell lines after PTX treatment. We found that PTX‐induced upregulation of c‐myc in DU145 cells, not occurring in PC3 cells, cannot be ascribed to a different protein localization, and that a comparable c‐Myc and P‐c‐Myc nuclear translocation occurs in both cell lines after drug treatment. Thus, subcellular localization of c‐Myc and P‐c‐Myc is not crucial in determining the mode of cell death in these prostate carcinoma cell lines.
Study on the Correlations among Disease Activity Index and Salivary Transforming Growth Factor‐β1 and Nitric Oxide in Ulcerative Colitis Patients
Authors: REZAIE ALI , KHALAJ SARA , SHABIHKHANI MARYAM , NIKFAR SHEKOUFEH , ZAMANI MOHAMMAD J. , MOHAMMADIRAD AZADEH , DARYANI NASER E. , ABDOLLAHI MOHAMMAD
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  Growth factors and nitric oxide (NO) play a major role in dysregulated immune response in ulcerative colitis (UC). Recent evidence has shown increased levels of transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) in UC and suggested an anti‐inflammatory effect for this factor. Based on our recent study, dysfunctional immunoregulation is present in saliva of UC patients, we hypothesized that salivary level of NO and TGF‐β1 may differ by severity of UC and be useful to determine the activity of the disease. Thirty‐seven UC patients and 15 healthy controls were enrolled and saliva samples were obtained. Truelove‐Witts severity index and modified Truelove‐Witts severity index were used to determine the severity of the disease. NO and TGF‐β1 levels were detected in saliva of all patients and control subjects using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.
A total of 21 patients had mild disease while 8 had moderate and 8 had severe colitis. Adjusted for baseline characteristics, the levels of NO and TGF‐β1 in different groups were compared. Salivary NO and TGF‐β1 levels were higher in UC patients comparing to controls (P < 0.00005 and P= 0.005, respectively). The levels of NO and TGF‐β1 showed no significant differences among the severity groups (P= 0.46 and P= 0.23, respectively). NO levels linearly increased by age (Coeff = 1.5, r= 0.38, P= 0.02). Gender, extension of disease, and medical treatment did not affect NO and TGF‐β1 levels. Although UC patients have abnormal amounts of NO and TGF‐β1 in their saliva, their disease activity cannot be predicted by these factors, which may indicate a pathophysiologic role rather than being nonspecific inflammatory markers for TGF‐β1 and NO.
IRF‐7
Authors: SGARBANTI MARCO , MARSILI GIULIA , REMOLI ANNA LISA , ORSATTI ROBERTO , BATTISTINI ANGELA
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  The interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF‐7), a member of the IRF family of transcription factors, is a key player in the innate immune response against viral infections. Constitutive expression of IRF‐7 is limited to peripheral blood lymphocytes and dendritic cells while in most cell types its expression can be induced by type I interferon (INF). IRF‐7 is sequestered in the cytoplasm of uninfected cells and following viral infection, double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA), or toll‐like receptor (TLR) signaling, it becomes phosphorylated by TBK and IKK‐i kinases. Phosphorylated IRF‐7 migrates in the nucleus where it can activate IFN type I genes and other interferon‐stimulated genes (ISGs). Here we report that the overexpression of a constitutively active form of IRF‐7 binds and positively regulates the transcriptional activity of the promotor of IRF‐1 and low molecular mass polypeptide‐2 (LMP‐2), two proteins that play a key role in adaptive immunity. The so far unrecognized role of IRF‐7 in LMP‐2 stimulation points to IRF‐7 as a transcriptional regulator that bridges innate and adaptive immunity.
Effect of Curcumin Treatment on Protein Phosphorylation in K562 Cells
Authors: BLASIUS ROMAIN , DICATO MARIO , DIEDERICH MARC
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  Deregulation of signaling pathways is a common feature observed in human cancers and other diseases. Therefore, there is a strong need for compounds that are able to modulate or inactivate upregulated signaling events. Natural compounds extracted from plants have long been used and still present a dynamic domain in the research of new therapeutic tools. Among those molecules, curcumin was already described for its antioxidative, anti‐inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. Many actions of curcumin target proteins and kinases implicated in the signaling pathways. However, the effects described depend on the treatment conditions used, as well as the cell line studied, and these features vary strongly from one study to the other. During this work, we evaluated the effect of one curcumin treatment (20 μM, 48 h) on the phosphorylation of a number of proteins and kinases in the human chronic myelogenous leukemia cell line K562. These results allow to compare the results obtained in one condition on various proteins.
Wogonin Prevents Immunosuppressive Action but Not Anti‐Inflammatory Effect Induced by Glucocorticoid
Authors: ENOMOTO RIYO , SUZUKI CHIE , KOSHIBA CHIKA , NISHINO TAKAYUKI , NAKAYAMA MIKIKO , HIRANO HIROYUKI , YOKOI TOSHIO , LEE EIBAI
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  Glucocorticoid, such as dexamethasone, has anti‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive action as major pharmacological effects. The latter action caused by lymphocyte apoptosis is not only a therapeutic effect but also an adverse reaction. Wogonin, a plant flavone found in Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, inhibited dexamethasone‐induced apoptotic changes, such as DNA fragmentation, nuclear condensation, phosphatidylserine translocation, and caspase activation in rat thymocytes. Since wogonin inhibited dexamethasone‐induced DNA fragmentation in a noncompetitive manner, a target of this flavone is unlikely to be an antagonist of glucocorticoid receptor. Wogonin did not only act as an inhibitor of caspases, but also protected apoptosis induced by other glucocorticoids. Since wogonin reduced one of the major pharmacological effects of dexamethasone, we examined whether this flavone diminishes the anti‐inflammatory action, another pharmacological effect. The anti‐inflammatory action of dexamethasone was evaluated by carrageenan‐induced paw edema model. Although dexamethasone significantly suppressed paw edema induced by carrageenan, wogonin had no effect on the anti‐inflammatory action of dexamethasone. These results suggest that wogonin may be a useful compound to reduce the immunosuppressive side effect of glucocorticoid.
Phenolic Phytochemicals Derived from Red Pine (Pinus densiflora) Inhibit the Invasion and Migration of SK‐Hep‐1 Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: LEE SANG JUN , LEE KI WON , HUR HAENG JEON , CHUN JI YOUNG , KIM SEO YOUNG , LEE HYONG JOO
Published: April 2007

Abstract:  Considerable attention has recently been focused on identifying chemopreventive phytochemicals derived from medicinal plants. Here, we analyzed phenolic phytochemicals from red pine (RP) leaves and found epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and epigallocatechin (EGC), and catechin gallate (CG) as their major phenolic phytochemicals. This article also investigated whether RP leaf extract and its phenolic phytochemicals inhibit the invasion of SK‐Hep‐1 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (SK‐Hep‐1 cells). RP suppressed the invasion and the migration of SK‐Hep‐1 cells. EGCG and CG also inhibited the invasion and migration, with EGC exhibiting a lower efficacy. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), particularly gelatinase‐A (MMP‐2) and gelatinase‐B (MMP‐9), degrade components of the basement membrane and are strongly implicated in invasion and metastasis formation of malignant tumors. RP suppressed both MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 activities. EGCG and CG reduced the activities of MMP‐9 and MMP‐2 in a dose‐dependent manner, with EGC exhibiting a lower efficacy on both MMPs. Our results suggest that RP inhibits tumor invasion and migration, which may be attributed to the effects of EGCG and CG. In particular, EGCG plays a key role in the efficacy of RP against hepatocarcinogenesis.
Influence of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench Extract on the Toxicity of Cadmium
Authors: ZITKEVICIUS VIRGILIJUS , SMALINSKIENE ALINA , LESAUSKAITE VAIVA , SAVICKIENE NIJOLE , SAVICKAS ARUNAS , RYSELIS STANISLOVAS , KREGZDYTE RIMA , ABDRAKHMANOV OLEG , SADAUSKIENE ILONA , IVANOV LEONID
Published: April 2007

Abstract: 
Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench (EP) has many beneficial features, especially strengthening the immune system. Cadmium (Cd) is a ubiquitous metal and cumulative poison that may cause liver and kidney damage and the formation of neoplasia. In this article, the changes in organs and metabolism, the accumulation of various levels of Cd in tissues, and the effects of EP liquid extract on Cd‐induced changes in mice were investigated. Experiments were carried out on the white laboratory mice. Solution of different Cd and EP concentrations were given to drink and experiments were performed. The concentration of Cd in mice blood, liver, kidneys, heart, spleen, skeletal muscle was determined using an electrothermal graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer Perkin–Elmer/Zeeman 3030. Long time per os of extract of EP combined with Cd leads to a significant increase of Cd concentration in blood and investigated organs of experiment mice.
Aerogel-like Three-dimensional Gold Nanoparticle Network via Sublimation of Volatile Organic Crystals Decorated with Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Fujiki Yuzo , Shinkai Seiji , Sada Kazuki
Published: April 2007

We demonstrate novel strategy to create the three-dimensional networks of the gold nanoparticle from organic crystals decorated by the gold nanoparticles via slow removal of the crystals by sublimation.
Performance Priming in Music
Authors: Jungers Melissa Kay
Published: April 2007

PERFORMANCE CUES IN MUSIC can be related to the structure of a production, but can also exist separately from the structural features. Which cues are retained from perception to performance? Pianists listened to melodies containing intensity and articulation cues and performed similar metrically ambiguous target melodies. Pianists' performances persisted in the metrically unrelated articulation cues. Pianists did not perform metrically strong beats with more intensity as in the primes, but they lengthened expected strong beats relative to weak beats. This recoding of meter using articulation cues instead of intensity cues suggests an abstract mental representation of meter.
Clinical Mimics of Infant Botulism
Authors: Francisco Ann Marie O. , Arnon Stephen S.
Published: April 2007

Since 1992, Human Botulism Immune Globulin has been provided by the California Department of Health Services to infants with probable infant botulism, the intestinal toxemia form of human botulism. Human Botulism Immune Globulin became available in California in 1992–1997 within a randomized, controlled, double-blinded, pivotal clinical trial and subsequently became available nationwide in 1998–2003 in an open-label study until its licensure in October 2003 as BabyBIG. Thereafter, Human Botulism Immune Globulin remained available nationwide as an approved orphan-drug product. To achieve prompt neutralization of circulating botulinum toxin, the decision to treat with Human Botulism Immune Globulin has been based on clinical criteria that include a consistent history and physical findings of bulbar palsies, hypotonia, and weakness. After licensure, the charts of patients who did not have laboratory-confirmed infant botulism were reviewed to identify their actual diagnoses. The ∼5% of 681 patients treated with Human Botulism Immune Globulin who did not have infant botulism fell into 5 categories: spinal muscular atrophy, metabolic disorders, other infectious diseases, miscellaneous, and probable infant botulism lacking laboratory confirmation.
Previous Head Injury Is a Risk Factor for Subsequent Head Injury in Children: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Swaine Bonnie R. , Tremblay Camille , Platt Robert W. , Grimard Guy , Zhang Xun , Pless I. Barry
Published: April 2007

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to determine whether children who sought care for a head injury were at greater risk of having a subsequent head injury within the following 6 and 12 months compared with children who sought care for an injury other than to the head.

DESIGN/SETTING. This was a longitudinal cohort study conducted in the emergency departments of 2 Montreal (Quebec, Canada) pediatric hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS. The parents of 11867 injured children aged 1 to 18 years were interviewed by telephone at 6 (n = 10315) and 12 (n = 9486) months after their child's injury to ascertain outcome (ie, subsequent head injury) and to provide information on potential risk factors (age, gender, chronic medical condition, activity level, and socioeconomic status).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE. The outcome of interest was a head injury requiring medical attention within the following year ascertained by parental recall or physician claims data.

RESULTS. A total of 245 and 386 previously head-injured children sustained a subsequent head injury within 6 and 12 months, respectively. Children who sought care for an initial head injury (n = 3599) were at higher risk of having a subsequent head injury within 6 months than children who sought care for an injury not to the head (n = 6716). The adjusted odds ratio suggested weak confounding by age, gender, and history of previous head injury. Results were consistent on the basis of physician claims data and 12-month follow-up interview data.

CONCLUSIONS. These results provide evidence that having a head injury increases a child's risk of having a subsequent head injury. Although age, gender, and history of previous head injury confound the relationship, the effect remains substantial.
Preventive Health Care for Children With and Without Special Health Care Needs
Authors: Houtrow Amy J. , Kim Sue E. , Chen Alex Y. , Newacheck Paul W.
Published: April 2007

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to compare the receipt of preventive health services for children with and without special health care needs and to identify predictors of these health services for children with special health care needs using nationally representative data.

METHODS. Data from the 2002 and 2003 Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys were analyzed. A total of 18279 children aged 3 to 17 years were included in our study. The Child Preventive Health Supplement was used to identify caregiver recall of specific health screening measures and anticipatory guidance during the previous 12 months. Odds ratios were calculated for predictive factors of preventive services for children with special health care needs.

RESULTS. The prevalence of special health care needs in children aged 3 to 17 years was 21.6%. Based on caregiver reports, 87.5% of children with special health care needs had ≥1 health screening measure checked in the past year compared with 73.1% of children without special health care needs. Receipt of ≥1 topic of anticipatory guidance was reported for 69.8% of children with special health care needs compared with 55.2% of children without special health care needs. Black and Hispanic caregivers of children with special health care needs were more likely than others to report receipt of all 6 categories of anticipatory guidance measured in this study.

CONCLUSIONS. We found that caregivers of children with special health care needs were more likely to report receipt of anticipatory guidance and health screening than were caregivers of children without special health care needs. Although a majority of these caregivers reported receiving some health screening and anticipatory guidance on an annual basis, there are clear gaps in the delivery of preventive health services. This study identifies areas for improvement in the delivery of preventive health services for children with special health care needs and children in general.
Association Between Parental Depression and Children's Health Care Use
Authors: Sills Marion R. , Shetterly Susan , Xu Stanley , Magid David , Kempe Allison
Published: April 2007

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to determine the association between parental depression and pediatric health care use patterns.

METHODS. We selected all children who were 0 to 17 years of age, enrolled in Kaiser Permanente of Colorado during the study period July 1997 to December 2002, and linked to at least 1 parent/subscriber who was enrolled for at least 6 months during that period. Unexposed children were selected from a pool of children whose parents did not have a depression diagnosis. Outcome measures were derived from the child's payment files and electronic medical charts and included 5 categories of use: well-child-care visits, sick visits to primary care departments, specialty clinic visits, emergency department visits, and inpatient visits. We compared the rate of use per enrollment month for these 5 categories between exposed and unexposed children within each of the 5 age strata.

RESULTS. Our study population had 24391 exposed and 45274 age-matched, unexposed children. For the outcome of well-child-care visits, teenagers showed decreased rates of visits among exposed children. The rate of specialty department visits was higher in exposed children in the 4 oldest age groups. The rates of both emergency department visits and sick visits to primary care departments were higher for exposed children across all 5 age categories. The rate of inpatient visits was higher among exposed children in 2 of the 5 age groups.

CONCLUSIONS. Overall, having at least 1 depressed parent is associated with greater rate of emergency department and sick visits across all age groups, greater use of inpatient and specialty services in some age groups, and a lower rate of well-child-care visits among 13- to 17-year-olds. This pattern of increased use of expensive resources and decreased use of preventive services represents one of the hidden costs of adult depression.
Twenty-Year Trends in Fatal Injuries to Very Young Children: The Persistence of Racial Disparities
Authors: Pressley Joyce C. , Barlow Barbara , Kendig Tiffany , Paneth-Pollak Rachel
Published: April 2007

OBJECTIVE. Mortality trends across modifiable injury mechanisms may reflect how well effective injury prevention efforts are penetrating high-risk populations. This study examined all-cause, unintentional, and intentional injury–related mortality in children who were aged 0 to 4 years for evidence of and to quantify racial disparities by injury mechanism.

METHODS. Injury analyses used national vital statistics data from January 1, 1981, to December 31, 2003, that were available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rate calculations and χ2 test for trends (Mantel extension) used data that were collapsed into 3-year intervals to produce cell sizes with stable estimates. Percentage change for mortality rate ratios used the earliest (1981–1983) and the latest (2001–2003) study period for black, American Indian/Alaskan Native, and Asian/Pacific Islander children, with white children as the comparison group.

RESULTS. All-cause injury rates declined during the study period, but current mortality ratios for all-cause injury remained higher in black and American Indian/Alaskan Native children and lower in Asian/Pacific Islander children compared with white children. Trend analyses within racial groups demonstrate significant improvements in all groups for unintentional but not intentional injury. Black and American Indian/Alaskan Native children had higher injury risk as a result of residential fire, suffocation, poisoning, falls, motor vehicle traffic, and firearms. Disparities narrowed for residential fire, pedestrian, and poisoning and widened for motor vehicle occupant, unspecified motor vehicle, and suffocation for black and American Indian/Alaskan Native children.

CONCLUSIONS. These findings identify injury areas in which disparities narrowed, improvement occurred with maintenance or widening of disparities, and little or no progress was evident. This study further suggests specific mechanisms whereby new strategies and approaches to address areas that are recalcitrant to improvement in absolute rates and/or narrowing of disparities are needed and where increased dissemination of proven efficacious injury prevention efforts to high-risk populations are indicated.
The Intimidation of British Pediatricians
Authors: Jenny Carole
Published: April 2007

British pediatricians who diagnose and treat child abuse cases have come under attack by the British press and by parents who have been investigated for possible abuse. Now the General Medical Council also is intimidating these pediatricians. The General Medical Council is the licensing authority for physicians in the United Kingdom. This has resulted in fewer pediatricians being willing to care for abused children or to testify in child abuse cases. In the United States, the recent recognition of the pediatric subspecialty of child abuse pediatrics should help set standards for child abuse medical evaluation and testimony.
Comparison of different methods used in calculating the effect of stripe rust on wheat grain yields
Authors: Bolat N. , Altay F.
Published: April 2007

One of the most important diseases of wheat in Turkey is yellow rust. The severe epidemic in the 1997–1998 growing season, which caused significant yield reductions, and the absence of infection at the Hamidiye Substation of the Anatolian Agricultural Research Institute made it possible to calculate the yield losses due to stripe rust. This calculation was based on yield differences between genotypes at infected and disease-free locations using various methods.Using the method suggested by Campbell et al. (1975) the calculated yield loss due to stripe rust varied among genotypes and locations with an overall range of 12.7 to 87.0%.By the second method, entries were divided into five groups according to their Average Coefficients of Infection (ACI) and the yield losses in each group were calculated. Yield reductions when ACI was over 70 reached up to 57.5 % in Regional Yield Trials.In the third method, regression analysis was applied to estimate the effect of ACI on grain yields. A highly significant linear relationship was found between the ACI values of the entries and their grain yields, with an estimate of 21.4 kg/ha yield reduction per unit increase in ACI.
Effect of 1-MCP treatment on apple biochemical content and physiological disorders
Authors: Moor U. , Karp K. , Põldma P. , Starast M.
Published: April 2007

The research was conducted with the apple (
Malus domestica
) cultivars Krameri Tuviõun and Talvenauding at the Estonian Agricultural University during 2003–2005. The aim was to study the effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment (1 ppm, at room temperature, 24 h) on the biochemical content and physiological disorders of apples and on external quality after 4 months of storage. The apples were stored in a normal atmosphere at 2–5°C and 80–85% RH. In the first storage season 1-MCP treatment did not improve apple quality in general; only the peel background colour of treated apples remained greener. In the second storage season 1-MCP treatment influenced the biochemical content of the apples and improved apple quality: treated fruits were firmer (increase from 4.7 kg/cm
2
to 8.1 kg/cm
2
) and contained more vitamin C; also, the SSC decreased and the loss of titratable acids was delayed. Consequently fruit spoilage decreased by 30%.
BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS TO IMPROVE PERFORMANCE IN COLLEGIATE FOOTBALL
Authors: Smith Shannon L. , Ward Phillip
Published: April 2007

Using a multitreatment withdrawal design, this study evaluated the differential effects of publicly posted plus verbal feedback, goal setting plus verbal feedback, and publicly posted feedback, verbal feedback, and goal setting together on the performance of 3 collegiate football players in practice scrimmages. Also assessed was whether the changes in practice behavior generalized to games. The dependent variables were performances on three wide receiver skills. The results show that public posting with verbal feedback, goal setting, and public posting with verbal feedback and goal setting were effective in improving player performance to a 90% criterion level during practice, and these changes generalized to game performance.
USING REINFORCER PAIRING AND FADING TO INCREASE THE MILK CONSUMPTION OF A PRESCHOOL CHILD
Authors: Tiger Jeffrey H. , Hanley Gregory P.
Published: April 2007

The present study replicates and extends previous research on the treatment of food selectivity by implementing pairing and fading procedures to increase a child's milk consumption during regularly scheduled preschool meals. The treatment involved mixing a small amount of chocolate syrup into a glass of milk and gradually eliminating the chocolate. The procedure and data collection were implemented by preschool teachers and resulted in increased milk drinking at school, which was maintained at home.