bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expanding the Concept of Significant Choice Through Consideration of Health Literacy During Crises
Authors: Wickline Morgan , Sellnow Timothy L.
Published: August 2013

Nilsen defined the concept of the ethic of significant as “choice making that is voluntary, free from physical or mental coercion . . . based on all the information available when the decision must be made.” This study highlights the importance of speakers in crisis situations not only meeting the ethical stipulations of significant choice but also taking into consideration the health literacy of their audience. Health literacy is defined as the ability of individuals to gather, interpret, and understand information regarding health matters. To advance this claim, a case study involving a food recall is examined. Television news coverage was analyzed to observe the importance of both significant choice and health literacy in such public communication. The findings, from the standpoint of significant choice and health literacy, indicate that the messages disseminated during this crisis failed to account for a notable portion of the audience. From a practical standpoint this study asserts that clear and open communication cannot be considered only from the perspective of the party sending the message. Rather, careful consideration of the audience’s ability to comprehend and act on the information is equally important.
Parent and Teacher Practices as Sources of Low Self-Control
Authors: Moon Byongook , McCluskey John D. , Blurton David , Hwang Hye-Won
Published: August 2013

The current research seeks to illuminate whether parenting is the predominant source of the development of self-control, or whether teachers contribute to the development of self-control among Korean youths. The findings indicate that Korean adolescents whose parents monitor and/or teachers discipline them when they engage in deviant behaviors are more likely to report higher levels of self-control. Also, the results indicate that youths with low self-control are more likely to engage in delinquency. These findings provide partial support for the generality and applicability of the theory in explaining deviance among Korean youths. Taking a broad perspective, our findings, however, may raise a serious theoretical question about Gottfredson and Hirschi’s assertion that parental socialization is the only primary source of the development of self-control.
Differential Racial/Ethnic Predictive Validity
Authors: Rembert David A. , Henderson Howard , Pirtle Danny
Published: August 2013

Recent findings indicate that including White offenders in the sample biases the predictability of risk and needs assessment instruments. As a result, this study examines the predictability of the Los Angeles County Needs Assessment Instrument (LAC) on a sample of African American and Hispanic juvenile probationers. Given that the extant literature focuses on regression analysis, to the curtailment of error analysis, this study also provides a unique examination of predictive error. The results suggest that the instrument under examination predicts better for Hispanics than African Americans. Of the two minority groups, the needs assessment instrument demonstrated the greatest effect size for Hispanic probationers. The LAC performed 16% better than chance predictions when classifying Hispanic juveniles. The area under the curve value was nonsignificant for African American juvenile probationers. The situating of our research findings, their limitations, suggestions for future research, and policy implications are discussed.
Fabrication of the hexagonal Si nanorod arrays using the template of polystyrene nanospheres in monolayer dispersion
Authors: Yue Chuang , Li Jing , Kang Junyong
Published: August 2013

Silicon etching is an essential fabrication step in micro-/nanoelectromechanical systems. In this article, the inductive coupled plasma etching technology using monolayer polystyrene nanospheres as the template provides a feasible top-down dry etching method in silicon substrates. The size of the polystyrene nanosphere templates coated on the silicon substrate was adjusted using O2 plasma etching, and the subsequent inductive coupled plasma etching process was applied to produce the silicon nanorods by alternatively employing etching gas SF6 and protective gas C4F8. The O2 plasma etching time on the template and the SF6/C4F8 flow rate for etching Si substrate were optimized in order to obtain the silicon nanorod structures in the hexagonal morphologies with good verticality, uniformity, and periodicity.
Preparation and characterization of manganese oxide microelectrodes for microelectromechanical system supercapacitor
Authors: Wen Chun-Ming , Wen Zhi-Yu , You Zheng , Wang Xiao-Feng , Wang Guang-Zong
Published: August 2013

The capacity of charge storage for supercapacitor depends on the size of the electrode surface area and the active material on the electrodes. In this article, we fabricate the three-dimensional microelectrodes with SU-8 photoresist based on the microelectromechanical system technology to increase the electrode surface area and to carry more active materials on the electrodes. The three-dimensional microelectrode was directly prepared by the method of anodic electrodeposition. Its surface and composition were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Moreover, cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge current are also used to test the electrochemical characteristics of the manganese oxide electrodes. When the discharge density is 0.5 mA cm−2, the areal capacitance for the fabricated three-dimensional microelectrodes with microstructure and the two-dimensional planar microelectrodes without microstructure is 3.68 mF cm−2 and 1.0 mF cm−2, respectively. The experimental results show that the three-dimensional microelectrode structure prepared with microelectromechanical system technology can effectively increase the electrode surface area and carry more electroactive materials, thereby enhancing the charge storage capacity of the electrodes.
Wave propagation of magnetic nanofluid-conveying double-walled carbon nanotubes in the presence of longitudinal magnetic field
Authors: Ghorbanpour Arani Ali , Jalilvand Abdolreza , Kolahchi Reza
Published: August 2013

In this article, the effect of longitudinal magnetic field on wave propagation of an embedded double-walled carbon nanotube with conveying fluid is studied using either the Euler–Bernoulli beam or the Timoshenko beam models. Conveying fluid is magnetite (Fe3O4) nanofluid, which is a ferrofluid. Ferrofluids are effective in the presence of magnetic field. Based on Eringen’s nonlocal theory, energy method, and Hamilton’s principle, wave motion equations are derived for both Euler–Bernoulli beam and Timoshenko beam models. The cut-off frequency, upstream, and downstream phase velocities are evaluated using a harmonic solution. A detailed parametric study is conducted to elucidate the influences of the small-scale coefficient, stiffness of the elastic medium, magnetic field, and fluid velocity on the wave propagation of the double-walled carbon nanotube. The results indicate that double-walled carbon nanotube has higher phase velocity in the presence of magnetic field when the wave number is relatively low for both the beam models. In addition, the effect of magnetic field may be ignored for higher wave numbers. Furthermore, during the flow of a ferrofluid through a double-walled carbon nanotube, the magnetic effect of flowing ferrofluid on the wave propagation of double-walled carbon nanotube may be ignored. The present study will hopefully be useful to deliver medicines and other appliances in nanoscale.
Design and fabrication of a microelectromechanical systems polymeric micropump
Authors: Luo Yi , Yin Xianglong , Wang Xiaodong
Published: August 2013

This article introduces a polymeric micropump actuated by a PbZrTiO3 (lead zirconate titanate) bimorph. The pump body was made of polymethyl methacrylate substrate, and the passive valves were fabricated by SU-8 lift-off technique. First, the vibration performances of parts including lead zirconate titanate, membrane and valve were analyzed by finite element model. Then, the valve unit was assembled by ultrasonic bonding. An energy director was designed on the valve deck to realize precise positioning of the valve components. Finally, the flow performance of the micropump was studied by frequency-sweeping experiments, and the experimental results approximately coincided with the finite element model analysis. Under the driving frequency of 550 Hz and voltage of 210 V (peak–peak), the maximum flow rate reached 18.2 mL/min. This study provides an effective and a reliable way to fabricate polymeric micropumps.
Perfect Partners or Uneasy Bedfellows? Competing Understandings of the Place of Business Management within Contemporary Education Partnerships
Authors: Woods Charlotte , Armstrong Paul , Bragg Joanna , Pearson Diana
Published: August 2013

This article examines illustrative cases of partnerships from a government-funded programme of experimental projects in England designed to test out the potential of senior business managers to provide leadership across a group of schools. The article places the programme within the context of international public service reforms and, more specifically, the re-culturation of schools along business lines. The study data are then presented and analysed in relation to the pro-collaboration and pro-business biases in evidence in contemporary thinking about public service delivery. This analysis raises serious questions about how competing education and business values and agendas play out in schools, and their implications for roles and practices within the schools workforce. The article concludes with calls for field members to address this important but neglected area of leadership.
Bayes linear variance structure learning for inspection of large scale physical systems
Authors: Randell David , Goldstein Michael , Jonathan Philip
Published: August 2013

Modelling of inspection data for large scale physical systems is critical to assessment of their integrity. We present a general method for inference about system state and associated model variance structure from spatially distributed time series that are typically short, irregular, incomplete and not directly observable. Bayes linear analysis simplifies parameter estimation and avoids often-unrealistic distributional assumptions. Second-order exchangeability judgements facilitate variance learning for sparse inspection time-series. The model is applied to inspection data for minimum wall thickness from corroding pipe-work networks on a full-scale offshore platform, and shown to give materially different forecasts of remnant life compared with an equivalent model neglecting variance learning.
Making the world a distant place? How foreign TV news affects individual cynicism in post-colonial Hong Kong
Authors: Lin Wan-Ying , Zhang Xinzhi , Lee Francis
Published: August 2013

This article examines the psychological impact of foreign television news on political cynicism in Hong Kong. The authors hypothesize that exposure to the prevalent negative events and conflicts in international news will lead to the audience’s cynical perception of the world. Given Hong Kong’s colonial history and its highly mobile population, the study further investigates the role of individual globality and immigration status in the process. A random digit dialing telephone survey was conducted in 2009 to select a sample of 600 Hong Kong residents aged between 18 and 70. The results show that individual attention to foreign news of deviance was positively associated with political cynicism among those first-generation immigrants who were born in mainland China or elsewhere, but negatively related among local Hong Kongers. The implications of the findings are discussed.
Avastin and Lucentis: what do patients know? A prospective questionnaire survey
Authors: Manna Avinash , Oyede Oluwatoyin , Ning Brigid , Yang Yit , Narendran Niro
Published: August 2013

Objectives

To assess patients’ knowledge of their drug therapy for neovascular macular degeneration and to identify which aspects of the drug they considered most important if given the option of switching to an alternative drug.

Design

Prospective questionnaire survey.

Setting

Wolverhampton, England.

Participants

A total of 126 patients attending our hospital service for intravitreal ranibizumab therapy for neovascular macular degeneration.

Main outcome measures

Using a questionnaire, patients were asked questions pertaining to aspects of drug therapy in neovascular macular degeneration. Fields covered included drug names, knowledge of alternative drugs, cost of drugs and their views on switching to another drug.

Results

Eighty (63.5%) had heard of Lucentis (ranibizumab) and 31 (24.6%) were aware of Avastin (bevacizumab). Of the latter 31 patients, 20 did not have a preference between Avastin and Lucentis. These patients felt that the factors they would consider important for them to consider switching were effectiveness (10, 50%), specialist recommendation (8, 40%), safety (2, 10%) and cost (0).

Conclusions

Introducing a cheaper, off-label alternative in the therapy of macular degeneration in the presence of a licensed option has been extensively debated. Many patients have no knowledge of this controversial issue but it is likely that efficacy and recommendation by clinicians are more important than cost to patients who may consider switching to the off-label Avastin.
An exploration of the relationship between placebo and homeopathy and the implications for clinical trial design
Authors: Haresnape Claire
Published: August 2013

Placebo appears to be a real neurobiological phenomenon that has evolved through the selection pressure to be able to heal ourselves. The complex language and social structures of humans means that we can attribute meaning to therapeutic encounters with culturally sanctioned authority figures and we can use our attachment to such figures to generate hope for recovery. Different mechanisms may be involved in the neurobiological aspect of placebo including anxiety, learning, conditioning as well as individual genetic variation. Examination of the published work shows that while some trials do seem to indicate a specific mode of action for homeopathic remedies other trials do not and this is an issue that needs to be addressed at the trial design stage. A clinical trial that includes both a placebo group and a non-participating control arm is the most powerful design for separating the non-specific and polymorphic placebo effect from the specific effects of trial medication. The control variables in a trial of homeopathic medication should also include the process of consultation as this may assume a meaning for the individual that can also be associated with a placebo effect.
Retrospective Case Analyses of Two People With Cancer Who Followed the Bill Henderson Protocol
Authors: Page Stacey A. , Bell Laurie Heilman , Mannion Cynthia , Verhoef Marja J.
Published: August 2013

Objective:

To provide a retrospective case analyses of Bill Henderson Protocol adherence, a dietary cancer treatment regimen. Design. Case study analysis based on the National Cancer Institute’s Best Case Series approach. Subjects. Using Mr Henderson’s listserv (N = 31 000), members meeting certain criteria were invited to submit case documentation (diagnostic, treatment, outcome information). Ninety-two people responded.

Results:

Two people met the Best Case criteria. Both used conventional treatment initially (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy), but later turned exclusively to the Bill Henderson Protocol. Each case perceived benefit. One person eventually passed away. The second has returned to full health.

Conclusions:

The 2 cases provide a preliminary, detailed description of Bill Henderson Protocol adherence. They do not provide clear evidence of the protocol’s effectiveness but do suggest further research be undertaken to assess the extent to which the Bill Henderson Protocol is followed in real-world settings, including consideration of adherence, side effects, and outcomes.
Independent prognostic value of BCR-ABL1-like signature and IKZF1 deletion, but not high CRLF2 expression, in children with B-cell precursor ALL
Authors: van der Veer Arian , Waanders Esmé , Pieters Rob , Willemse Marieke E. , Van Reijmersdal Simon V. , Russell Lisa J. , Harrison Christine J. , Evans William E. , van der Velden Vincent H. J. , Hoogerbrugge Peter M. , Van Leeuwen Frank , Escherich Gabriele , Horstmann Martin A. , Mohammadi Khankahdani Leila , Rizopoulos Dimitris , De Groot-Kruseman Hester A. , Sonneveld Edwin , Kuiper Roland P. , Den Boer Monique L.
Published: August 2013

Key Points

BCR-ABL1-like signature and IKZF1 deletions are clinically important to identify high-risk acute lymphoblastic patients.
Transcription factor C/EBPα-induced microRNA-30c inactivates Notch1 during granulopoiesis and is downregulated in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Katzerke Christiane , Madan Vikas , Gerloff Dennis , Bräuer-Hartmann Daniela , Hartmann Jens-Uwe , Wurm Alexander Arthur , Müller-Tidow Carsten , Schnittger Susanne , Tenen Daniel G. , Niederwieser Dietger , Behre Gerhard
Published: August 2013

Key Points

miR-30c is a direct target of C/EBPα and upregulated by C/EBPα-p42. NOTCH1 is a direct target of miR-30c and regulated by C/EBPα and miR-30c.
Genome-scale expression and transcription factor binding profiles reveal therapeutic targets in transgenic ERG myeloid leukemia
Authors: Goldberg Liat , Tijssen Marloes R. , Birger Yehudit , Hannah Rebecca L. , Kinston Sarah J. , Schütte Judith , Beck Dominik , Knezevic Kathy , Schiby Ginette , Jacob-Hirsch Jasmine , Biran Anat , Kloog Yoel , Marcucci Guido , Bloomfield Clara D. , Aplan Peter D. , Pimanda John E. , Göttgens Berthold , Izraeli Shai
Published: August 2013

Key Points

ERG overexpression in transgenic mice induces a transcriptional leukemia stem cell program characteristic of human AML. PIM1 and RAS are relevant ERG therapeutic targets.
Local apoptosis mediates clearance of macrophages from resolving inflammation in mice
Authors: Gautier Emmanuel L. , Ivanov Stoyan , Lesnik Philippe , Randolph Gwendalyn J.
Published: August 2013

Key Points

Macrophage migration to lymph nodes during acute inflammation is quantitatively minor. Macrophages are cleared from acute inflammation by local death.
Innate immune control of EBV-infected B cells by invariant natural killer T cells
Authors: Chung Brian K. , Tsai Kevin , Allan Lenka L. , Zheng Dong Jun , Nie Johnny C. , Biggs Catherine M. , Hasan Mohammad R. , Kozak Frederick K. , van den Elzen Peter , Priatel John J. , Tan Rusung
Published: August 2013

Key Points

B cells rapidly downregulate CD1d expression after EBV infection, thus abrogating iNKT cell recognition. EBV-infected B cells induced to express CD1d elicit iNKT cell functions even in the absence of exogenous antigen.
Aurora and IKK kinases cooperatively interact to protect multiple myeloma cells from Apo2L/TRAIL
Authors: Mazzera Laura , Lombardi Guerino , Abeltino Manuela , Ricca Micaela , Donofrio Gaetano , Giuliani Nicola , Cantoni Anna Maria , Corradi Attilio , Bonati Antonio , Lunghi Paolo
Published: August 2013

Key Points

Aurora and IKK kinases physically and functionally interact to promote TRAIL resistance in multiple myeloma through NF-κB activation. Pharmacological blockade of Aurora kinases abrogates TRAIL-induced Aurora-IKK kinases interactions and NF-κB activation.
The common hereditary elliptocytosis-associated α-spectrin L260P mutation perturbs erythrocyte membranes by stabilizing spectrin in the closed dimer conformation
Authors: Harper Sandra L. , Sriswasdi Sira , Tang Hsin-Yao , Gaetani Massimiliano , Gallagher Patrick G. , Speicher David W.
Published: August 2013

Key Points

The common HE mutation αL260P reduces spectrin tetramer links between junctional complexes in red cell membranes by favoring closed dimers. Favoring closed spectrin dimer formation is a new mechanism of red cell membrane destabilization by hereditary anemia mutations.
Pomalidomide
Authors: Lacy Martha Q. , McCurdy Arleigh R.
Published: August 2013

This spotlight review focuses on the second-generation immunomodulatory drug pomalidomide, which was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This drug was approved for patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least 2 prior therapies, including lenalidomide and bortezomib, and have demonstrated disease progression on or within 60 days of completion of the last therapy. This review focuses on the clinical trial data that led to approval and provides advice for treating physicians who are now prescribing this drug for patients.
Mixed hematopoietic or T-cell chimerism above a minimal threshold restores perforin-dependent immune regulation in perforin-deficient mice
Authors: Terrell Catherine E. , Jordan Michael B.
Published: August 2013

Key Points

Perforin deficiency causes immune dysregulation and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, which requires allogeneic HCT for long-term cure. In prf−/− mice, wild-type hematopoietic or CD8+ T-cell engraftment of only 10-20% is sufficient to reestablish normal immune regulation.
Differences in insect resistance between tomato species endemic to the Galapagos Islands
Authors: Lucatti Alejandro F , van Heusden Adriaan W , de Vos Ric CH , Visser Richard GF , Vosman Ben
Published: August 2013

Background

The Galapagos Islands constitute a highly diverse ecosystem and a unique source of variation in the form of endemic species. There are two endemic tomato species, Solanum galapagense and S. cheesmaniae and two introduced tomato species, S. pimpinellifolium and S. lycopersicum. Morphologically the two endemic tomato species of the Galapagos Islands are clearly distinct, but molecular marker analysis showed no clear separation. Tomatoes on the Galapagos are affected by both native and exotic herbivores. Bemisia tabaci is an important introduced insect species that feeds on a wide range of plants. In this article, we address the question whether the differentiation between S. galapagense and S. cheesmaniae may be related to differences in susceptibility towards phloem-feeders and used B. tabaci as a model to evaluate this.

Results

We have characterized 12 accessions of S. galapagense, 22 of S. cheesmaniae, and one of S. lycopersicum as reference for whitefly resistance using no-choice experiments. Whitefly resistance was found in S. galapagense only and was associated with the presence of relatively high levels of acyl sugars and the presence of glandular trichomes of type I and IV. Genetic fingerprinting using 3316 SNP markers did not show a clear differentiation between the two endemic species. Acyl sugar accumulation as well as the climatic and geographical conditions at the collection sites of the accessions did not follow the morphological species boundaries.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that S. galapagense and S. cheesmaniae might be morphotypes rather than two species and that their co-existence is likely the result of selective pressure.
Long-term follow-up of kidney transplant recipients: comparison of hospitalization rates to the general population
Authors: Jiang Ying , Villeneuve Paul J , Schaubel Douglas , Mao Yang , Rao Panduranga , Morrison Howard
Published: August 2013

Background

Kidney transplant recipients are recognized as a vulnerable population that is at increased risk of adverse health outcomes. However, there have been few studies that have compared hospital-related morbidity of these patients to the general population, and how this differs with respect to time since transplantation. Such analyses are useful in estimating the health burden in this patient population.

Methods

We assembled a population-based Canadian cohort (excluding Quebec) of 6,116 kidney transplant recipients who underwent transplantation between 1 April 2001 and 31 December 2008. Record linkage was used to identify hospital discharge records of these patients from 1 April 2001 through 31 March 2009. Hospital discharges were tabulated across the main disease chapters of the ICD10, and person-years of follow-up were calculated across age and sex strata. Comparisons of hospital-related morbidity to the general population were made by using a standardized hospitalization ratio (SHR). For those who underwent transplantation in 2004, stratified analyses were performed to explore differences in hospital discharge rates both before and after transplantation.

Results

After excluding hospitalizations due to complications from transplantation, when compared to the general population, transplant recipients were approximately 6.4 (95% CI: 6.3, 6.5) times more likely to be hospitalized during follow-up. The SHRs were highest during the time periods proximate to transplantation, and then decreased to approximately a five-fold increase from 3 years post transplantation onwards. The largest disease-specific excesses were observed with infectious diseases and diseases of the endocrine system. Among those who underwent transplantation in 2004, the SHR decreased from 11.2 to 5.0 in the periods before and after surgery, respectively.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that, even more than 5-years post transplantation, there remains a more than six-fold difference in hospitalization rates relative to the general population. Additional work is needed to confirm these findings, and to develop strategies to reduce long-term morbidity in this patient population.
Modeling the binding specificity of the RNA-binding protein GLD-1 suggests a function of coding region–located sites in translational repression
Authors: Brümmer Anneke , Kishore Shivendra , Subasic Deni , Hengartner Michael , Zavolan Mihaela
Published: August 2013

To understand the function of the hundreds of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that are encoded in animal genomes it is important to identify their target RNAs. Although it is generally accepted that the binding specificity of an RBP is well described in terms of the nucleotide sequence of its binding sites, other factors such as the structural accessibility of binding sites or their clustering, to enable binding of RBP multimers, are also believed to play a role. Here we focus on GLD-1, a translational regulator of Caenorhabditis elegans, whose binding specificity and targets have been studied with a variety of methods such as CLIP (cross-linking and immunoprecipitation), RIP-Chip (microarray measurement of RNAs associated with an immunoprecipitated protein), profiling of polysome-associated mRNAs and biophysical determination of binding affinities of GLD-1 for short nucleotide sequences. We show that a simple biophysical model explains the binding of GLD-1 to mRNA targets to a large extent, and that taking into account the accessibility of putative target sites significantly improves the prediction of GLD-1 binding, particularly due to a more accurate prediction of binding in transcript coding regions. Relating GLD-1 binding to translational repression and stabilization of its target transcripts we find that binding sites along the entire transcripts contribute to functional responses, and that CDS-located sites contribute most to translational repression. Finally, biophysical measurements of GLD-1 affinity for a small number of oligonucleotides appear to allow an accurate reconstruction of the sequence specificity of the protein. This approach can be applied to uncover the specificity and function of other RBPs.
Ribosome biogenesis requires a highly diverged XRN family 5′→3′ exoribonuclease for rRNA processing in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Sakyiama Joseph , Zimmer Sara L. , Ciganda Martin , Williams Noreen , Read Laurie K.
Published: August 2013

Although biogenesis of ribosomes is a crucial process in all organisms and is thus well conserved, Trypanosoma brucei ribosome biogenesis, of which maturation of rRNAs is an early step, has multiple points of divergence. Our aim was to determine whether in the processing of the pre-rRNA precursor molecule, 5′→3′ exoribonuclease activity in addition to endonucleolytic cleavage is necessary in T. brucei as in other organisms. Our approach initiated with the bioinformatic identification of a putative 5′→3′ exoribonuclease, XRNE, which is highly diverged from the XRN2/Rat1 enzyme responsible for rRNA processing in other organisms. Tagging this protein in vivo allowed us to classify XRNE as nucleolar by indirect immunofluorescence and identify by copurification interacting proteins, many of which were ribosomal proteins, ribosome biogenesis proteins, and/or RNA processing proteins. To determine whether XRNE plays a role in ribosome biogenesis in procyclic form cells, we inducibly depleted the protein by RNA interference. This resulted in the generation of aberrant preprocessed 18S rRNA and 5′ extended 5.8S rRNA, implicating XRNE in rRNA processing. Polysome profiles of XRNE-depleted cells demonstrated abnormal features including an increase in ribosome small subunit abundance, a decrease in large subunit abundance, and defects in polysome assembly. Furthermore, the 5′ extended 5.8S rRNA in XRNE-depleted cells was observed in the large subunit, monosomes, and polysomes in this gradient. Therefore, the function of XRNE in rRNA processing, presumably due to exonucleolytic activity very early in ribosome biogenesis, has consequences that persist throughout all biogenesis stages.
Identification of neoblast- and regeneration-specific miRNAs in the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea
Authors: Sasidharan Vidyanand , Lu Yi-Chien , Bansal Dhiru , Dasari Pranavi , Poduval Deepak , Seshasayee Aswin , Resch Alissa M. , Graveley Brenton R. , Palakodeti Dasaradhi
Published: August 2013

In recent years, the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea has emerged as a tractable model system to study stem cell biology and regeneration. MicroRNAs are small RNA species that control gene expression by modulating translational repression and mRNA stability and have been implicated in the regulation of various cellular processes. Though recent studies have identified several miRNAs in S. mediterranea, their expression in neoblast subpopulations and during regeneration has not been examined. Here, we identify several miRNAs whose expression is enriched in different neoblast subpopulations and in regenerating tissue at different time points in S. mediterranea. Some of these miRNAs were enriched within 3 h post-amputation and may, therefore, play a role in wound healing and/or neoblast migration. Our results also revealed miRNAs, such as sme-miR-2d-3p and the sme-miR-124 family, whose expression is enriched in the cephalic ganglia, are also expressed in the brain primordium during CNS regeneration. These results provide new insight into the potential biological functions of miRNAs in neoblasts and regeneration in planarians.
Effect of CYP3A4*22, POR*28, and PPARA rs4253728 on Sirolimus In Vitro Metabolism and Trough Concentrations in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Woillard Jean-Baptiste , Kamar Nassim , Coste Sandra , Rostaing Lionel , Marquet Pierre , Picard Nicolas
Published: August 2013

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have identified new candidate polymorphisms in the genes related to CYP3A activity or calcineurin inhibitor dose requirements in kidney transplant recipients. These genes and polymorphisms are CYP3A4 (cytochrome P450, family 3, subfamily A, polypeptide 4) (rs35599367-C>T; *22); POR [P450 (cytochrome) oxidoreductase] (rs1057868-C>T; *28); and PPARA (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha) (rs4253728-G>A). We investigated the impact of these polymorphisms on sirolimus (SRL) in vitro hepatic metabolism, SRL trough concentrations (C0), and SRL adverse events in kidney transplant recipients.

METHODS

The clinical study included 113 stable kidney transplant patients switched from a calcineurin inhibitor to SRL (SRL C0 measured at 1, 3, and 6 months thereafter). We investigated SRL metabolism in vitro using human liver microsomes derived from individual donors (n = 31). Microsomes and patients were genotyped by use of Taqman® allelic discrimination assays. The effects of polymorphisms and covariates were studied using multilinear regression imbedded in linear mixed-effect models or logistic regressions.

RESULTS

In vitro, the CYP3A4*22 allele resulted in approximately 20% lower metabolic rates of SRL (P = 0.0411). No significant association was found between CYP3A4, CYP3A5, or PPARA genotypes and SRL dose, C0, or C0/dose in kidney transplant patients. POR*28 was associated with a minor but significant decrease in SRL log-transformed C0 [CT/TT vs CC, β = −0.15 (0.05); P = 0.0197] but this did not have any impact on the dose administered, which limited the relevance of the finding. After adjustment for nongenetic covariates and correction for false discovery finding, none of the single-nucleotide polymorphisms tested showed significant association with SRL adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

These recently described polymorphisms do not seem to substantially influence the pharmacokinetics of SRL or the occurrence of SRL adverse events in kidney transplant recipients.
Teaching art with artworks: Pre-service primary teachers’ aesthetic preferences
Authors: Pavlou Victoria
Published: August 2013

In many countries, generalist teachers and not art specialists teach art in primary education. This article examines the range of pre-service primary school teachers’ aesthetic preference and explores what kind of artworks they would most likely choose for organizing learning activities for children, as well as reasons that influence their choices. The kind of artworks they choose will likely have an effect on their pupils’ understandings of art. A mixed methodology research study was carried out with 91 pre-service primary school teachers in Cyprus. The data indicate that the participants had a rather limited understanding of art and reflected a narrow range of ideas and values. Although many participants did not perform non-reflective judgments about artworks, their strong attraction to colours and notions of realism entwine with expression implied that popular culture ideas and modernism ideas about art would be largely reflected in their teaching, thus denying children with encounters with other forms of art.
John Blackburn: Without reference
Authors: Moser Shelby
Published: August 2013

John Blackburn is a contemporary artist from the original mid-twentieth-century British painters. Once expected to be amongst the top artists of the 1960s, a family crisis caused him to put aside a career as an artist. He continued to paint in his solitary studio, only to be rediscovered in 2005. His repertoire of paintings expand over the last four decades but are only now being fully appreciated. With recent exhibitions in London and a growing list of collectors, Blackburn has caught the attention of modernist connoisseurs who have the rare experience of viewing his works without the tradition of influence or criticism.
Reviews
Authors: Kantawala Ami , Moser Shelby
Published: August 2013

Naea 2013 Conference Review, Fort Worth, Texas

Art & Pornography, Philosophical Essays, Hans Maes and Jerrold Levinson (eds) (2012) oxford: Oxford University Press, Isbn 978-0-19-960958-1, Hardback, £35.00, 344 pages.
Mesenchymal stem cells as a vector for the inflammatory prostate microenvironment
Authors: Brennen W Nathaniel , Denmeade Samuel R , Isaacs John T
Published: August 2013

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have an inherent tropism for sites of inflammation, which are frequently present in sites of cancer, including prostatic lesions. MSCs have been defined as CD73/CD90/CD105 triple-positive cells in the absence of hematopoietic lineage markers with the ability to differentiate into multiple mesodermal lineages, including osteoblasts, adipocytes, and chondrocytes. Our group has previously demonstrated that MSCs represent between 0.01 and 1.1% of the total cells present in human prostatectomy tissue. In addition to their multi-lineage differentiation potential, MSCs are immunoprivileged in nature and have a range of immunomodulatory effects on both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. MSCs have been detected in an increasing array of tissues, and evidence suggests that they are likely present in perivascular niches throughout the body. These observations suggest that MSCs represent critical mediators of the overall immune response during physiological homeostasis and likely contribute to pathophysiological conditions as well. Chronic inflammation has been suggested as an initiating event and progression factor in prostate carcinogenesis, a process in which the immunosuppressive properties of MSCs may play a role. MSCs have also been shown to influence malignant progression through a variety of other mechanisms, including effects on tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, survival, and metastasis. Additionally, human bone marrow-derived MSCs have been shown to traffic to human prostate cancer xenografts in immunocompromised murine hosts. The trafficking properties and immunoprivileged status of MSCs suggest that they can be exploited as an allogeneic cell-based vector to deliver cytotoxic or diagnostic agents for therapy.
Atividade dilatadora da l-hexil-3,7-dimetilxantina sôbre os vasos piais
Authors: Ramos Armando Octavio , Slemer Octavio , Bissetti Pedro Carlos , Saraiva Sylvio , Ramos Laone
Published: August 2013

A administração oral de 15, 30 e 60 mg/kg de l-hexil-3,7-dimetilxantina produziu, em cães, dilatação dos vasos piais sem ocasionar hipotensão arterial.
Variações fisiológicas da pressão do líquido cefalorraqueano na cisterna magna
Authors: Spina-França A.
Published: August 2013

É feito estudo de revisão das variações fisiológicas da pressão do LCR ao nível da cisterna magna (punção suboccipital). Em relação à série de 1.500 pacientes com afecções do sistema nervoso e sem sintomatologia de hipotensão ou de hipertensão intracraniana, a pressão média normal do LCR ao nível da cisterna magna foi de 11,9 cm de água (paciente calmo, decúbito lateral horizontal). As variações fisiológicas de pressão, segundo os achados, têm como limites os valôres de 4,1 e 19,7 cm de água. Êsses valôres permitem caracterizar, para a cisterna magna, a existência de hipotensão do LCR quando a pressão fôr menor ou igual a 4 cm de água; a hipertensão é caracterizada por valores iguais ou maiores do que 20 cm de água. A pressão do LCR ao nível da cisterna magna é menor do que no fundo de saco lombar. Para série de 276 pacientes o valor médio achado para êste último nível foi de 16,7 cm de água (decúbito lateral horizontal). A diferença entre as médias foi altamente significativa. Não foram verificadas modificações da pressão do LCR ao nível da cisterna magna que pudessem ser relacionadas ao sexo. Sem que representassem dados de interêsse para a prática, foram verificadas variações ligadas à côr e à idade dos pacientes. Em média a pressão do LCR se mostrou menor entre pacientes prêtos e amarelos que entre os brancos e os mulatos. Um declínio do valor médio da pressão foi verificado à medida em que aumentava a idade dos pacientes. Êste declínio mostrou-se maior para o grupo de pacientes com idade acima de 60 anos.
Cysticercosis of the nervous system: less frequent clinical forms III- spinal cord forms
Authors: Canelas Horacio M. , Ricciard-Cruz Oswaldo , Escalante Ovidio A. D.
Published: August 2013

The spinal forms of cysticercosis are rather rare (2.7% of 296 cases of neurocysticercosis recorded in the Department of Neurology of the University of São Paulo Medical School). In a survey of the literature only 42 cases were found, most of them associated with cerebral symptoms. The reasons for this low incidence, as well as the possible routes followed by the parasite in its approach to the spinal cord, are discussed. After a review of the first cases reported in the literature, the authors refer the main syndromes (meningomyelitides, tabetiform pictures and spinal cord compressions) and some of the clinico-pathologic features of spinal cysticercosis. Nine cases of spinal cysticercosis are reported. The diagnosis was based on laboratorial data (mainly the complement fixation test for cysticercosis in the cerebrospinal fluid) or in the results of surgical therapy. Other cerebrospinal fluid findings (presence of eosinophile cells, protein contents, and the results of the manometric tests) are discussed. Myelographic block was demonstrated in 5 cases. Three of these patients were submitted to laminectomy, with variable results. The prevailing neurological picture was that of spinal cord and/or root compression (4 cases). Two patients showed a dorsal funiculi syndrome closely simulating tabes dorsalis. Two other patients presented a picture of meningomyelitis with no systematization. One patient had a syndrome suggestive of subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord, but the presence of cerebral symptoms and the laboratorial data pointed to cysti-cercosis as the main disease process.
Proteinograma do líquido cefalorraqueano na neuropatia diabética
Authors: Spina-França A. , Canelas Horacio M.
Published: August 2013

Tendo como objetivo analisar a hiperproteinorraquia que ocorre na neuropatia diabética, foi estudado o proteinograma do LCR de 22 pacientes portadores dessa afecção. Para fins comparativos, em 17 dêles foi feito na mesma ocasião o estudo do proteinograma do sôro. A sintomatologia neurológica foi avaliada de modo semiquantitativo. Foi verificado aumento discreto da concentração protêica total do LCR em 7 casos (32%). O perfil eletroforético (eletroforese em papel) das proteínas foi do tipo encontrado no LCR normal, em todos os casos. Discretas alterações quanto ao teor de uma ou outra fração foram registradas. O perfil protêico não apresentava particularidades relacionadas ao fato de ser normal ou aumentada a concentração protêica total do LCR. A relação entre a percentagem no LCR e no sôro de cada uma das frações mostrou alterações do balanço protêico entre LCR e sôro. As alterações eram devidas a modificações globulínicas do proteinograma do sôro. Não foi encontrada correlação significativa entre a concentração protêica do LCR e a do sôro. O resultado da avaliação semiquantitativa da sintomatologia neurológica de cada caso foi correlacionado à concentração protêica total e de cada fração protêica do LCR. Não foi demonstrada correlação estatisticamente significante entre os dados analisados. Entretanto, os valôres obtidos sugerem: correlação da proteinorraquia total com a sintomatologia neurológica; dentre as frações protêicas, maior participação da globulina nessa correlação. Em vista dos resultados obtidos para os casos estudados, os autores consideram que o aumento da proteinorraquia total na neuropatia diabética não pode ser pôsto na dependência de alterações peculiares a uma ou outra fração protêca do LCR. Igualmente, não depende de modificações do proteinograma do sôro e não pode ser explicado em função direta da intensidade do quadro neurológico. É discutida a possibilidade de estar a hiperproteinorraquia relacionada às alterações da barreira hemoliquórica, secundárias às lesões vasculares que acompanham o diabetes mellitus.
Concentrações de cloro, sodio, potássio e fosforo no liquido cefalorraqueano normal
Authors: Spina-França A. , Jorge Francisco B. de
Published: August 2013

Foi estudado o comportamento das taxas de cloro, sódio, potássio e fósforo no LCR de 25 pacientes. Os valores encontrados se mostraram em média compatíveis aos registrados na literatura para caracterizar as concentrações normais desses componentes inorgânicos do LCR. Não foram verificadas variações significativas das taxas em relação ao sexo, à idade e à raça. Foi verificado que havia dependência entre as taxas de cloro e as de sódio, potássio e fósforo. Essa dependência era representada por correlação positiva entre cloro e sódio e entre cloro e potássio e negativa entre cloro e fósforo. Os valores dessas correlações eram significativos.
Concentrações de cloro, sódio, potássio e fósforo no líquido cefalorraqueano durante crises convulsivas
Authors: Spina-França A. , Salvia Waldemar , Assis Luís M. de , Jorge Francisco B. de , Marlet J. M. , Zaidan Milton
Published: August 2013

Estudo do comportamento das concentrações de cloro, sódio, potássio e fósforo inorgânico no LCR de 33 pacientes na vigência de crises convulsivas e de 17 pacientes epilépticos na interfase de crises convulsivas. Os resultados obtidos foram estudados em comparação aos valôres normais anteriormente relatados. Não foram encontradas modificações quanto às taxas de íons estudados no LCR dos pacientes epilépticos examinados no período intercrítico. Foram verificadas alterações das taxas de íons estudados no LCR entre os pacientes estudados na vigência de crise convulsiva. As alterações encontradas se caracterizavam por aumento das taxas de potássio e de fósforo inorgânico. Os aumentos encontrados foram estatisticamente significantes. A taxa de sódio no LCR dos pacientes cuja crise convulsiva não se associava a outras manifestações de doença se apresentava, em média, aumentada. Diminuição das taxas médias de sódio e de cloro foi constatada entre os pacientes cuja crise convulsiva ocorreu durante reidratação. Os resultados foram discutidos em relação a dados da literatura quanto às modificações do metabolismo iônico envolvidas nos fenômenos de despo- larização de membrana, que ocorrem na crise convulsiva. Os aumentos verificados para as concentrações de potássio e de fósforo inorgânico no LCR durante a crise convulsiva confirmam os dados quanto à passagem dêsses ions do espaço intracelular para o extracelular nessas condições, já registrados através de estudos feitos no sangue e em amostras de cérebro de epilépticos.
Parasagittal cortical atrophy: a cause of "primary lateral sclerosis"
Authors: Lemmi Helio , Daly Richard , Ang Robert
Published: August 2013

A case of severe spastic paraparesis of the lower extremities is presented as an example of the late sequelae of thrombosis of the superior longitudinal sinus. Evidence in support of this presumptive diagnosis is given by analysis of the clinical history and the remarkable pneumoencephalographic findings. This case affords the opportunity to stress the need for caution and restraint in the use of the diagnosis "primary lateral sclerosis".
Condroma intracraniano
Authors: Reixach-Granés Ricardo , Becker Paulo F. L.
Published: August 2013

Os autores apresentam um raro caso de condroma intracraniano apenso ao etmóide e esfenóide, determinando exoftalmo e síndrome de lesão expansiva intracraniana. Os aspectos clínicos, patogenéticos e histopatológicos são discutidos.
Chromosomal translocation in a mongoloid male child and his normal mother
Authors: Beçak Willy , Beçak Maria Luiza , Andrade Joyce D. , Manissadjian Antranik
Published: August 2013

The presence of a translocation 21/13-15 is related in 46 chromosomes, karyotypes of a mongoloid male child (Down's syndrome). The abnormal chromosome was transmitted by the mother of the patient. The possible deficiency of translocated chromosome 21 and the possible origin of the anomaly in the family was discussed and the presence of a markedly large Y chromosome in the karyotypes of the patient as in those of his father was also noted.
Proteinograma do líquido cefalorraqueano em afecções degenerativas do sistema nervoso central
Authors: Spina-França A.
Published: August 2013

Estudo baseado na análise dos dados referentes ao proteinograma do LCR de 28 pacientes com afecções degenerativas do SNC, de diversos tipos. A alteração principal encontrada foi o aumento do teor de -globulina, observado em 12 casos. O aumento dessa globulina ocorreu especialmente em casos com acome-timento predominantemente encefálico (10 casos). Não foi observada relação entre o aumento de β-globulina no LCR e os grupos etiopatogênicos a que pertenciam os casos estudados. O comprometimento metabólico da célula nervosa nas afecções degenerativas do SNC parece ser o principal responsável pelo aumento de β-globulina no LCR. Aspectos evolutivos de casos apresentados permitem verificar a relação existente entre a severidade e a extensão do processo degenerativo e o aumento dessa fração protêica no LCR.