bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developmental changes in AT1 and AT2 receptor-protein expression in rats
Authors: Li Yu  , Mingqi Zheng  , Wei Wang  , Rozanski George J. , Zucker Irving H. , Lie Gao
Published: September 2010

It has long been known that angiotensin type-1 receptors (AT1R) play a critical role in sympathetic regulation, cardiovascular activity, and hormone secretion under physiological and pathological states. On the other hand, the functional significance of angiotensin type-2 receptors (AT2R) is poorly understood. In a recent study we demonstrated that, in rats with chronic heart failure, AT1R protein expression was increased but AT2R expression was decreased in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM). This imbalance of angiotensin receptors contributed to sympatho-excitation in the heart failure state. In the current experiment, we measured AT1R and AT2R protein expressions in the brainstem, kidney and liver from male foetuses (3 days before birth), male neonates (3 days after birth), male and female adults (8 weeks) and male aged (28 months) rats by Western blot analysis. In the brainstem, we found that the foetuses and neonates exhibited a significantly lower AT2R protein expression compared with adult rats (foetus 0.08 ± 0.01, neonate 0.12 ± 0.01, male adult 0.25 ± 0.01, female adult 0.22 ± 0.02; n = 4 per group, p < 0.001 foetus and neonate compared with male or female adults). In contrast, the foetuses and neonates expressed significantly higher AT1R protein than that of the adults (foetus 0.64 ± 0.09, neonate 0.56 ± 0.01, male adult 0.13 ± 0.02, female adult 0.08 ± 0.02; n = 4 each group, p < 0.001 foetus and neonate compared with male and female adults). In the liver, the AT2R protein was also higher in foetus and neonate, than in adult rats. Interestingly, the foetal liver expressed higher AT1R protein compared with that of the neonate. In the kidney, AT2R expression was significantly increased with age (foetus 0.08 ± 0.01, neonate 0.19 ± 0.02, male adult 0.49 ± 0.04, female adult 0.90 ± 0.10; n = 4 per group, p < 0.01—0.001). AT1R expression, on the other hand, was higher in the foetuses than that in both neonate and male adults. This study provides data contrary to existing dogma that AT2R expression is higher in foetal life and low in adults, suggesting an involvement of a potentially important functional role for AT2R in adult animals and AT1R in foetal development and/or physiology.
Ethical Dilemmas in School-Based Behavioral Screening
Authors: Chafouleas Sandra M. , Kilgus Stephen P. , Wallach Nancy
Published: September 2010

In this editorial, four ethical dilemmas associated with adoption and implementation of school-based behavioral screening practices are reviewed. A variety of forums related to public health, education, and research ethics were used in selection and illustration of the dilemmas, which include (a) community acceptance, (b) family rights, (c) identification, and (d) service delivery provision. Reference to regulations that may guide ethical decision making around the parameters of school-based behavioral assessment are provided along with specific implications for both research and practice.
Juvenile Homicide Victimization: Differences and Similarities by Gender
Authors: Muftić Lisa R. , Moreno Rebecca D.
Published: September 2010

Despite the growth in juvenile homicide over the last several decades, there is a limited body of literature devoted to its study. Most of this research has focused on juveniles who kill as opposed to juveniles who are killed. Even less is known about potential gender patterns as they relate to juvenile homicide victimization. The proposed study attempts to address this gap in the literature by examining potential gender differences related to individual, suspect, and offense characteristics as they relate to juvenile homicide victimization. Specifically, the authors propose that victim gender affects who (demographics), how (offender and weapon), when (month, day, and time), and why (motive) juveniles are killed. Official data pertaining to 360 homicide incidents from 1986 to 1997 (involving 289 male and 71 female juvenile homicide victims [JHVs]) drawn from the Dallas Police Department’s homicide files are used to explore this claim. Findings presented suggest that there are important contextual differences related to juvenile homicide victimization that are largely gendered in nature. Implications from these findings as well as limitations and suggestions for further research are discussed.
Teacher Participation in Curriculum and Pedagogical Decisions: Insights into Curriculum Leadership
Authors: Dora Choi Wa Ho
Published: September 2010

In recent years, teacher participation in school decision making has become an important topic for discussion in the field of early childhood education in Hong Kong. The purpose of this article is to discuss the theoretical significance, difficulties and issues of greater teacher participation in curriculum and pedagogical decision making in local preschools. It begins by setting out the key concepts relating to teacher participation in the process of school decision making. This is followed by a contextual analysis of the recent development of the field as the background for discussion. The third section re-examines Alutto and Belasco’s typology for participatory decision making in order to outline the analytical framework of this article. Based on that framework, the fourth section examines the decision-making process of actual and desired teacher participation in the local context and discusses the factors that foster the movement towards the ideal condition of participation in decision making. It is argued that the leadership of preschool heads is cardinal in creating structures and promoting school culture for the increase of both actual and desired teacher participation in curriculum and pedagogical decision making. The possibilities and challenges of supporting and sustaining teachers in their engagement in curriculum leadership are discussed.
Method of bacterial killing differentially affects the human innate immune response to Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Strunk Tobias , Richmond Peter , Prosser Amy , Simmer Karen , Levy Ofer , Burgner David , Currie Andrew
Published: September 2010

Background: In vitro investigations of human innate immune responses to extracellular bacteria commonly utilise killed preparations in preference to live organisms. The effects of the bacterial preparation method on the activation of innate signalling pathways by the common opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus epidermidis (SE) are unknown.

Materials and methods: Mononuclear cell cytokine expression patterns induced by live (LSE), heat-killed (HKSE) and ethanol-killed SE (EKSE) were characterized at the transcriptional and translational level. Toll-like receptor (TLR)-activating capacity of the preparations was analysed using TLR-transfected human embryonic kidney cells.

Results: Live SE activated NF-κB, STAT1, type I interferon, and inflammasome pathways. Killed preparations engaged the NF-κB pathway, but had significantly lower capacity to activate other innate immune pathways.

Conclusions: Killing of extracellular bacteria has significant qualitative and quantitative effects on key aspects of innate responses in vitro. Interpretation of in vitro data and extrapolation of findings should take into account the potential effects of bacterial preparation and should not assume that responses to killed bacteria are predictive of responses to live organisms.
Comorbidities of asthma during childhood: possibly important, yet poorly studied
Authors: de Groot E.P. , Duiverman E.J. , Brand P.L.P.
Published: September 2010

Asthma in adults is associated with comorbidities such as obesity, gastro-oesophageal reflux, dysfunctional breathing and mental disorders. Herein, we provide an overview of the current state of evidence on these comorbidities in childhood asthma. The prevalence, known mechanisms and possible treatment options for each comorbid condition will be discussed.

Obesity is an increasing health problem in children, but its relationship with asthma remains unclear. Allergic rhinitis is a very common comorbidity in asthma, both in children and in adults, but its effect on childhood asthma severity has not been studied. The prevalence and treatment options of dysfunctional breathing, a known comorbidity in adult asthma, have not yet been studied in paediatric asthma. Food allergies appear to cause more severe reactions in patients with asthma. Depressive disorders are more prevalent in childhood asthma than in healthy children, but seem to be poorly recognised and treated in children. Although gastro-oesophageal reflux is commonly thought to be a comorbid disease complicating asthma, it remains uncertain whether treatment improves asthma control.

In conclusion, knowledge of asthma comorbidities in childhood is sparse. Further studies are urgently needed to identify the prevalence, and, more importantly, the effects of these comorbidities and their treatment on the degree of asthma control in children.
Spontaneous pneumothorax: epidemiology, pathophysiology and cause
Authors: Noppen M.
Published: September 2010

Spontaneous pneumothorax represents a common clinical problem. An overview of relevant and updated information on epidemiology, pathophysiology and cause(s) of spontaneous (primary and secondary) pneumothorax is described.
Diagnostic bronchoscopy: state of the art
Authors: Dooms C. , Seijo L. , Gasparini S. , Trisolini R. , Ninane V. , Tournoy K.G.
Published: September 2010

Since the introduction of the flexible fibreoptic bronchoscope in the late 1960s there have been relatively few technological advances for three decades, aside from the development of a white light video bronchoscope with a miniature charge-coupled device built in its tip replacing the fibreoptics. White light flexible videobronchoscopy with its ancillary devices (forceps biopsy, bronchial brushing, bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial washings and transbronchial needle aspiration) has long been the only established diagnostic bronchoscopic technique. With the advances in microtechnology over the past two decades, recent technical developments such as autofluorescence bronchoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound allow better evaluation of endobronchial, mediastinal and parenchymal lesions.
Lung volume reduction for severe emphysema: do we need a scalpel or a scope?
Authors: Van Raemdonck D. , Ninane V.
Published: September 2010

Resectional lung volume reduction has proven to be superior to medical treatment in reducing dyspnoea and in increasing lung function, survival and quality of life in a very well selected, low risk group of hyperinflated patients with heterogeneous emphysema predominantly in the upper lobe. Nevertheless, this intervention is hampered by an important pulmonary (30%) and cardiovascular (20%) morbidity, mainly as a result of prolonged (>7 days) air leak, and a 5% risk of death as a result of the surgical intervention.

Results from ongoing randomised trials are awaited in order to determine whether less invasive, non-resectional lung volume treatment of emphysemaviathe bronchoscope using endobronchial valves, airway bypass stents or biological adhesives/heated water vapour will yield similar improvement with less morbidity and reduced mortality, compared with surgical resection. Furthermore, it is hoped that endoscopic lung volume reduction techniques may help patients with homogeneous emphysema currently excluded by most teams for the resectional procedure.
Promoter methylation and large intragenic rearrangements of DPYD are not implicated in severe toxicity to 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy in gastrointestinal cancer patients
Authors: Savva-Bordalo Joana , Ramalho-Carvalho João , Pinheiro Manuela , Costa Vera L , Rodrigues Ângelo , Dias Paula C , Veiga Isabel , Machado Manuela , Teixeira Manuel R , Henrique Rui , Jerónimo Carmen
Published: September 2010

Background

Severe toxicity to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) based chemotherapy in gastrointestinal cancer has been associated with constitutional genetic alterations of the dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase gene (DPYD).

Methods

In this study, we evaluated DPYD promoter methylation through quantitative methylation-specific PCR and screened DPYD for large intragenic rearrangements in peripheral blood from 45 patients with gastrointestinal cancers who developed severe 5-FU toxicity. DPYD promoter methylation was also assessed in tumor tissue from 29 patients

Results

Two cases with the IVS14+1G > A exon 14 skipping mutation (c.1905+1G > A), and one case carrying the 1845 G > T missense mutation (c.1845G > T) in the DPYD gene were identified. However, DPYD promoter methylation and large DPYD intragenic rearrangements were absent in all cases analyzed.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that DPYD promoter methylation and large intragenic rearrangements do not contribute significantly to the development of 5-FU severe toxicity in gastrointestinal cancer patients, supporting the need for additional studies on the mechanisms underlying genetic susceptibility to severe 5-FU toxicity.
Effectiveness of BCG vaccination to aged mice
Authors: Ito Tsukasa , Takii Takemasa , Maruyama Mitsuo , Hayashi Daisuke , Wako Takeshi , Asai Azusa , Horita Yasuhiro , Taniguchi Keiichi , Yano Ikuya , Yamamoto Saburo , Onozaki Kikuo
Published: September 2010

Background

The tuberculosis (TB) still increases in the number of new cases, which is estimated to approach 10 million in 2010. The number of aged people has been growing all over the world. Ageing is one of risk factors in tuberculosis because of decreased immune responses in aged people. Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG) is a sole vaccine currently used for TB, however, the efficacy of BCG in adults is still a matter of debate. Emerging the multidrug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-TB) make us to see the importance of vaccination against TB in new light. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of BCG vaccination in aged mice.

Results

The Th1 responses, interferon-γ production and interleukin 2, in BCG inoculated aged mice (24-month-old) were comparable to those of young mice (4- to 6-week-old). The protection activity of BCG in aged mice against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv was also the same as young mice.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that vaccination in aged generation is still effective for protection against tuberculosis.
Preparing the “New” Biologist of the Future: Student Research at the Interface of Mathematics and Biology
Authors: Duncan Sarah I. , Bishop Pamela , Lenhart Suzanne
Published: September 2010

We describe a unique Research Experience for Undergraduates and Research Experience for Veterinary students summer program at the National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis on the campus of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The program focused on interdisciplinary research at the interface of biology and mathematics. Participants were selected to work on projects with a biology mentor and a mathematics mentor in an environment that promoted collaboration outside of the students' respective disciplines. There were four research projects with teams of four participants and two faculty mentors. The participants consisted of a mixture of 10 undergraduates in biology- and mathematics-related disciplines, four veterinary students, and two high-school teachers. The activities included lectures on both the biological and mathematical backgrounds of the projects, tutorials for software, and sessions on ethics, graduate school, and possible career paths for individuals interested in biology and mathematics. The program was designed to give students the ability to actively participate in the scientific research process by working on a project, writing up their results in a final report, and presenting their work orally. We report on the results of our evaluation surveys of the participants.
Developing Student Collaborations across Disciplines, Distances, and Institutions
Authors: Knisley Jeff , Behravesh Esfandiar
Published: September 2010

Because quantitative biology requires skills and concepts from a disparate collection of different disciplines, the scientists of the near future will increasingly need to rely on collaborations to produce results. Correspondingly, students in disciplines impacted by quantitative biology will need to be taught how to create and engage in such collaborations. In response to this important curricular need, East Tennessee State University and Georgia Technological University/Emory University cooperated in an unprecedented curricular experiment in which theoretically oriented students at East Tennessee State designed biophysical models that were implemented and tested experimentally by biomedical engineers at the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Technological University and Emory University. Implementing the collaborations between two institutions allowed an assessment of the student collaborations from before the groups of students had met for the first time until after they had finished their projects, thus providing insight about the formation and conduct of such collaborations that could not have been obtained otherwise.
On a Calculus-based Statistics Course for Life Science Students
Authors: Watkins Joseph C.
Published: September 2010

The choice of pedagogy in statistics should take advantage of the quantitative capabilities and scientific background of the students. In this article, we propose a model for a statistics course that assumes student competency in calculus and a broadening knowledge in biology. We illustrate our methods and practices through examples from the curriculum.
The regulatory role of nitric oxide in proinflammatory cytokine expression during the induction and resolution of inflammation
Authors: Kobayashi Yoshiro
Published: September 2010

Nitric oxide is produced in various settings, including encounters with apoptotic cells, for regulation of cytokine expression, thereby contributing to inflammation.

Upon inflammation, neutrophils and subsequently monocytes infiltrate into the involved site. Neutrophils perform functions such as bacterial killing or tissue destruction and then undergo apoptosis, whereas monocytes differentiate into macrophages at the site. Macrophages and other phagocytes finally clear apoptotic neutrophils, leading to resolution of the inflammation. One of the key steps during inflammation is leukocyte infiltration, which is controlled chiefly by chemokines for neutrophils and monocytes. The production of these chemokines is regulated positively or negatively by iNOS-derived NO. Although the mechanisms underlying such dual effects of NO remain unknown, the level of NO and duration of NO exposure appear to be determining factors. The clearance of apoptotic neutrophils without causing further proinflammatory responses, on the other hand, is another key event during inflammation. The production of proinflammatory cytokines appears to be actively suppressed by TGF-β and NO, which are produced by phagocytes upon interaction with apoptotic cells. Overall, NO plays a critical role during inflammation and therefore, remains a potential target for developing therapeutics for inflammatory diseases.
“KILL the Buddha”
Authors: Raz Jacob
Published: September 2010

A contribution to the sixth installment of the Common Knowledge symposium “Apology for Quietism,” this article proposes that, despite endless debates within Zen Buddhism between quietist tendencies (“sitting quietly, doing nothing”) and the instruction to act in the world (“go wash the dishes”), Zen has always held a nondualist approach that denies any contradiction between these seemingly distinct ways. Zen has never really seen them as distinct. The article does survey, however, several quietist sources for Zen in early Indian and Daoist thought and practice, and it also surveys the debates between these and more activist tendencies. Raz goes on to show how these became unified in a nondualist approach in the writings and teachings of prominent Chinese and Japanese teachers from the beginning of Zen (Chan) in China down to the twentieth century.
“NEGATIVE TO A MARKED Degree” OR “AN INTENSE AND GLOWING Faith”?
Authors: Pryce Elaine
Published: September 2010

A contribution to the sixth installment of the Common Knowledge symposium “Apology for Quietism,” this article focuses on the early-twentieth-century Quaker historian and philosopher of mysticism, Rufus Jones, who treated Quietism as in polar opposition to the work of Quakerism “here in this world.” Consequently, he placed Quietism within a negatively-constructed framework of belief, identifying much of its influence in Quaker history on the spiritual teachings of the Miguel de Molinos, Madame Guyon, and François Fénelon. This article examines Jones's premise that Quietism was “no more than a noble mood, too rare and abstract to be translated into real human life.” It contends that Jones's aversion to Quietist influences in Quaker history had more to do with his own personal ambivalences, his response to the violence of World War I, his modernizing agenda, and his distorted understanding of Quietist spirituality than with anything inherent to Quietism itself.
Quietism and Narrative Stillness
Authors: King Amy M.
Published: September 2010

A contribution to the sixth installment of the Common Knowledge symposium “Apology for Quietism,” this article explores the possibilities for quietist narrative. Since quietism suggests resistance or condescension to telos, suspense, will, and the kinds of spirituality, politics, and ways of being associated with them, it seems unlikely that a narrative would be written or read by a practitioner of “ideal indifference” or by anyone averse on principle to initiative. But Gilbert White's text of 1789, The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne comes as close to being a quietist narrative as is conceivable. Describing the environment of a single English parish, White's text places stillness on exhibit as an indication of commitment to an ethics of self-unregarding attentiveness. But the stillness of Selborne, King argues, is a conspicuous stillness—a practice of being still in face of the natural world. As an Anglican minister, White explicitly demonstrates the arguments of eighteenth-century natural theology. Having stilled his will to interfere, he can observe the activity of God's creations; and White does so in order to understand God better. Thus, White's desisting or withdrawal is in no way based in defeatism, indolence, or aimlessness. Moreover, King argues, White aims to produce stillness as a formal quality of his text and, through it, to produce a like stillness and attentiveness in the reader. Quietist narrative is meant to help the reader still his or her acquisitiveness and develop instead observational capabilities, a capacity simply to admire (or stand apart, in awe), and, above all, patience. To the extent that it fosters in us a principled “do nothing” stance with respect to our natural ecology, King concludes, quietism of Gilbert White's kind may represent the most radical of environmental politics.
“From Butterfly to Wind Turbine”
Authors: Kovalev Igor
Published: September 2010

The lift force and vibration performance of a wind turbine blade with a ‘butterfly skin’ (metallic version of the butterfly scale) were experimentally investigated. Attention was initially directed to this problem by observation of the complex microstructure of the butterfly scale as well as other studies indicating a higher lift on butterfly wings, covered with scales. Results indicated that the ‘butterfly skin’ of an oscillating blade (the airfoil was NACA-230) increased the lift force by a factor of 1.15, and reduced both the damping coefficients by a factor of 1.37, and the frequency by a factor of 1.1. The modification of the aerodynamic effects on the turbine blade was due to an increase of the virtual air mass, which influenced the ‘butterfly skin’. The air cavity of the skin increased the virtual air mass by a factor of 1.14. The interaction mechanism of a ‘butterfly skin’ with a flow is also described.
Evaluating Field Measurements of Impact Sound
Authors: Hagberg Klas G.
Published: September 2010

Analyzing data from an earlier investigation revealed uncertainties concerning data evaluation. Therefore, data points comprising 1/3-octave impact sound data and interview data from the earlier investigation are partly replaced by new data points. The data removed pertain to horizontal measurements. The investigation is then completed with data for 10 new housing units pertaining to vertical impact sound measurements. Including the new floor structures, a total number of 22 vertical data points are included. It was found that the current international standard method is unsatisfactory, and that the single-number value proposed in the earlier investigation suffers from shortcomings: when analyzing the new data sample, the correlation coefficient fell from 87% to 83%. The best choice proved to be a reference curve with a steep positive slope of 5.5 dB/octave between 50–100 Hz and the curve becomes a straight line. This reference curve resulted in a correlation coefficient again equal to 87%.
Lightweight Floor/Ceiling Systems with Improved Impact Sound Insulation
Authors: Chung Hyuck , Fox Colin , Dodd George , Emms Grant
Published: September 2010

Contrary to common belief, a relatively simple and practical lightweight timber based floor/ceiling can have impact sound insulation superior to that of concrete slab based systems. This paper presents examples of such systems that include vibration isolation/damping features, such as rubber ceiling batten clips, glass fibre wool, and a sand-sawdust mixture layer. We give enough details to reproduce our experiments and build the proposed lightweight systems.
Environmental Design for Patient Families in Intensive Care Units
Authors: Rashid Mahbub
Published: September 2010

The purpose of this paper is to define the role of environmental design in improving family integration with patient care in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). It argues that it is necessary to understand family needs, experience and behavioral responses in ICUs to develop effective models for family integration. With its two components—the “healing culture” promoting effective relationships between caregivers and care seekers, and the “environmental design” supporting the healing culture—a “healing environment of care” can be an effective family integration model. This paper presents evidence showing how environmental design may affect families in ICUs, and proposes design recommendations for creating a healing environment of care promoting family integration in ICUs.
The Effect of Topical Arnica on Muscle Pain
Authors: Adkison Julie D , Bauer David W , Chang Terence
Published: September 2010

Background:

The herb Arnica montana, in topical formulations, has been reputed to decrease bruising and muscle pain. This claim has been inadequately and incompletely addressed.

Objective:

To determine whether topical A. montana cream could decrease subjective leg pain following calf raises. Secondary outcomes were effects on ankle range of motion and muscle tenderness.

Methods:

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 53 subjects. Active range of motion was measured in both ankles, and then a series of calf-raises were completed according to a standardized protocol. Each participant received 2 tubes of cream, 1 with active arnica and 1 with placebo. The creams were applied to the lower legs immediately after the exercise, and again at 24 and 48 hours postexercise according to the “RIGHT” or “LEFT” labels. At 48 hours postexercise, subjects had their ankle range of motion and muscle tenderness measured. Subjects used the analog scale to rate pain in each leg at baseline, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours.

Results:

No significant differences in pain scores were seen before exercise (arnica: 0.07 vs placebo: 0.09, p = 0.32). Pain scores on legs treated with arnica were higher than scores on those receiving placebo 24 hours after exercise (3.04 vs 2.36, respectively; p < 0.005). Pain scores on day 3 (arnica: 3.44 vs placebo: 3.20, p = 0.66) and day 4 (arnica: 2.36 vs placebo: 2.31, p = 0.62) were not significantly different. There was no difference in muscle tenderness (arnica: 1.05 vs placebo: 1.05, p = 1.0). Ankle range of motion did not differ significantly on either day 1 (arnica: 64.70 degrees vs placebo: 66.15, p = 0.352 or day 3 (arnica: 63.32 degrees vs placebo: 65.94, p = 0.058).

Conclusions:

Rather than decreasing leg pain, arnica was found to increase leg pain 24 hours after eccentric calf exercises. This effect did not extend to the 48-hour measurement.
Influence of chemical treatments on moisture-induced dimensional change and elastic modulus of earlywood and latewood
Authors: Moon Robert J. , Wells Joseph , Kretschmann David E. , Evans James , Wiedenhoeft Alex C. , Frihart Charles R.
Published: September 2010

To better understand the performance of bonded, coated, and modified wood, knowledge of how these processes alter the dimensional change and mechanical properties of wood at a given moisture content (MC) are important. These localized influences on earlywood (EW) and latewood (LW) properties are not well understood. In the present study, the influence of chemical treatments by hydroxymethylated resorcinol (HMR) and acetylation on moisture-induced dimensional change and longitudinal modulus of elasticity (MOE) of isolated EW and LW specimens of Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) was evaluated. The dimensional change was not altered by the HMR treatment, whereas acetylation lowered it by ∼50% in EW and LW in both radial and tangential directions. The MOE was not influenced by the two chemical treatments tested. Based on results of swelling, shrinkage, and MOE it can be concluded that chemical treatment does not modify EW selectively compared with LW neither in radial nor in tangential orientation.
Specific Sites within the Ligand-Binding Domain and Ion Channel Linkers Modulate NMDA Receptor Gating
Authors: Talukder Iehab , Borker Priya , Wollmuth Lonnie P.
Published: September 2010

Gating in the NMDA receptor is initiated in the extracellular ligand-binding domain (LBD) and is ultimately propagated via three linkers—S1-M1, M3-S2, and S2-M4—to the ion channel. M3-S2 directly couples LBD movements into channel gating, but the functional and structural contributions of S1-M1 and S2-M4 to the overall gating process are unknown. A scan of substituted cysteines in and around the NMDA receptor S1-M1 and S2-M4 with a bulky cysteine-reactive reagent identified numerous positions that showed potentiation of glutamate-activated as well as leak currents. As indexed by MK801 (dizocilpine hydrogen maleate), an open channel blocker, this potentiation was attributable to an increase in open probability, an interpretation confirmed for a subset of positions with single-channel recordings. The magnitude of this gating effect, acting through S1-M1 or S2-M4, was dependent on the intrinsic gating properties of the NMDA receptors, being more effective in the inherently low open probability GluN2C- than the higher open probability GluN2A-subunit-containing receptors. For the majority of these potentiation positions, we propose that alteration of gating arises from steric destabilization of contact interfaces where close apposition of the contacting partners is necessary for efficient channel closure. Our results therefore indicate that the NMDA receptor S1-M1 and S2-M4 linkers are dynamic during gating and can modulate the overall energetics of this process. Furthermore, the results conceptualize a mechanistic, as well as a possible structural, framework for pharmacologically targeting the linkers through noncompetitive and subunit-specific modes of action.
Psychiatric characterization of children with genetic causes of hyperandrogenism
Authors: Mueller Sven C , Ng Pamela , Sinaii Ninet , Leschek Ellen W , Green-Golan Liza , VanRyzin Carol , Ernst Monique , Merke Deborah P
Published: September 2010

Objective

Very little is known about the mental health status in children with genetic causes of hyperandrogenism. This study sought to characterize psychiatric morbidity in this group.

Design/methods

Children (8–18 years) with the diagnosis of classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) or familial male precocious puberty (FMPP) underwent a semi-structured psychiatric interview, the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Present and Lifetime Version. According to sex and the literature, incidence of identified psychopathology was compared between the two endocrinological groups. We evaluated 72 patients: 54 CAH (21 females) and 18 FMPP.

Results

Twenty-four (44.4%) CAH patients and 10 (55.6%) FMPP patients met the criteria for at least one lifetime psychiatric diagnosis. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was present in 18.2% of CAH males, 44.4% of FMPP males, and one case (4.8%) in CAH females. A high rate of anxiety disorders was also found in all the three groups (17–21%). Relative to females with CAH, the FMPP patients exhibited higher rates of ADHD. Age at diagnosis and the treatment modalities were not associated with psychopathology. Rates of psychiatric disorder, specifically ADHD and anxiety disorders, were higher than in the general population.

Conclusion

Although anxiety disorders may occur at an increased rate in children with chronic illness, androgens may contribute to higher risk for psychopathology in pediatric patients with genetic cause of excess androgen. Early diagnosis and treatment of childhood hyperandrogenism is essential for optimal development. The results suggest that assessment for psychiatric disorders should be part of the routine evaluation of these patients.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus: Optimal Fluid Requirements in Preterm Infants
Authors: Mosalli Rafat , Paes Bosco
Published: September 2010

Fluid management of preterm infants who have suspected or confirmed patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) can be challenging. It is vital for clinicians to understand fluid and cardiovascular changes that occur at birth and during PDA management to gain a better appreciation of the pathologic processes that could influence the clinical course of an affected infant. Furthermore, knowledge of current and effective treatment strategies is important to provide optimal care for this cohort of fragile infants. The aims of this review are to: 1) Determine the relationship between fluid management and PDA-related morbidities such as renal failure and intraventricular hemorrhage, duration of oxygenation, mechanical ventilation, and hemodynamic stability from the available scientific literature; 2) Assess the effects of fluid restriction in preterm infants who have suspected or confirmed PDA; and 3) Develop guidelines for fluid management once a decision is made to intervene medically or surgically. Based on the available evidence, we propose guidelines for fluid management of a hemodynamically significant PDA (HSDA) during treatment and through the neonatal course following postoperative ductal ligation.
Effects of bioactive molecules of Beta vulgaris L. ssp. esculenta var. rubra on metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Nyirády Péter , Sárdi Éva , Bekő Gabriella , Szűcs Miklós , Horváth András , Székely Edit , Szentmihályi Klára , Romics Imre , Blázovics Anna
Published: September 2010

Számos közlemény beszámol tumoros betegek életminőségének javítására alkalmazott étrend-kiegészítők hatásáról, de mindezek élettani vizsgálata szegényes. A cékla számos, a szervezetben lezajló biokémiai reakcióutat, enzim- és metabolitszintézist befolyásol.Módszer:A szerzők hormonrezisztens és metasztatikus prosztatarák miatt taxán-kemoterápiában részesülő betegek életminőségének javítása érdekében kereskedelmi forgalomból származó természetes céklakészítményt adtak egy hónapon át 2×10 g dózisban 24 (életkor: 68±8 év) betegnek, akik 3,6±2,8 éve jelentkeztek először panaszaikkal. A kezelést követően 18 fő esetében tudták az adatokat kiértékelni. A rutin laboratóriumi vizsgálatok mellett a betegek PSA-, HbA1c-értékeit, 9 citokin- és 3 növekedésifaktor-szintet, a redox-homeosztázis globális paramétereit, fémionháztartásuk néhány elemét, Zn- és szabadprotoporfirin-szintjét, transzmetiláló képességét a kezelés megkezdése előtt és egy hónap múlva határozták meg.Eredmények:Eredményeik azt mutatták, hogy a betegek döntő többségében a cékla kedvező hatása érvényre jutott, és a tumoros betegekre jellemző szignifikánsan magas Zn- és szabadprotoporfirin-szintek csökkentek, valamint a transzmetilezési folyamatok felgyorsultak.Következtetések:Eredményeik alapján úgy tűnik, hogy az általuk alkalmazott céklakészítmény mérsékelt és tartós fogyasztása kedvezően befolyásolja a betegek életminőségét, de több esetben megfigyelhető növekvő EGF-érték miatt szoros orvosi kontroll szükséges kemoterápiában részesülő prosztatarákos betegeknél. Orv. Hetil., 2010, 37, 1495–1503.
Diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux at ear-nose-throat outpatient care unit and its insurance consequences
Authors: Póka László
Published: September 2010

A gastrooesophagealis refluxbetegség gyakori, az élet minőségét rontó sokarcú megbetegedés. Ilyen a nyelőcsövön kívüli csoportba sorolt, a gégét, garatot, felső légutakat, melléküregeket, a dobüreget érintő formája. A betegek nagy száma, a diagnosztikus vizsgálati lehetőségek szűkössége indokolja, hogy a járóbeteg-rendelésen a tüneteken alapuló diagnózist és gyógyszeres teszttel bevezetett terápiát alkalmazzuk. A szerző 1000 feldolgozott eset tapasztalatairól számol be, s áttekinti a biztosítási orvostani vonatkozásokat is. Orv. Hetil. 2010, 37, 1504–1508.
Subclinical hypothyroidism and the risk for cardiovascular diseases. Are epidemiological studies giving the right answers?
Authors: Földes János , Winkler Gábor
Published: September 2010

Vita tárgyát képezi, vajon a szubklinikus hypothyreosis káros hatást fejt-e ki a cardiovascularis rendszerre, amelynek a következménye megnövekedett morbiditás és mortalitás. Ennek a tisztázására számos epidemiológiai vizsgálatot végeztek, mégis ez idáig ezek nem adtak egyértelmű választ. A vizsgálatok kiértékelését számos zavaró körülmény befolyásolja, márpedig ezeket tekintetbe kell venni. A szerzők a TSH-vizsgálat végzésekor életkor-specifikus referenciatartomány meghatározását ajánlják, mivel az életkor előrehaladtával a TSH-szint magasabb érték felé tolódik el. Így elkerülhető lenne kissé emelkedett TSH-szintű idősebb betegek helytelen besorolása a szubklinikus hypothyreosisos csoportba. Újabb vizsgálatok arra utalnak, hogy szubklinikus hypothyreosisban a cardiovascularis betegség kockázata elsősorban a 65 életévnél fiatalabbakon növekszik meg. Ezt a lehetőséget is tekintetbe véve, a jövőben jól tervezett, prospektív, randomizált vizsgálatok elvégzése szükséges, amelyekben tekintetbe veszik a betegek életkorát, a vascularis eseményeket pedig elsődleges végpontnak tekintik. Remélhetőleg ezek megadják majd a választ arra a kérdésre is, vajon a tiroxinnal végzett korai szubsztitúciós kezelés megakadályozhatja-e ezen betegekben az ischaemiás szívbetegség kifejlődését. Orv. Hetil., 2010, 37, 1488–1494.
Helping Diverse Struggling Readers Through Reflective Teaching and Coaching
Authors: Walker‐Dalhouse Doris , Risko Victoria J. , Lathrop Kirsten , Porter Susan
Published: September 2010

Collaboration and reflection are critical to effective teaching and student progress in reading. Responding to the needs of linguistically and culturally diverse students who struggle in reading is a persistent challenge for teachers, especially those in urban settings. Conversations between literacy coaches and teachers in urban settings provide opportunities for assessment of practice and greater understanding of students' and teachers' needs. It is through ongoing collaboration and dialogue that the efforts of literacy coaches and urban teachers in improving instruction and performance of struggling readers can be realized.
Digital Readers: The Next Chapter in E‐Book Reading and Response
Authors: Larson Lotta C.
Published: September 2010

The basic features of digital reading devices (such as the Amazon Kindle) are described in this article. The author also considers how such devices can advance e‐book readership among primary students by offering new avenues for accessing and interacting with a wide array of texts. Rooted in the transactional theory of reader response and a new literacies perspective, this case study examines the reading and response behaviors of two second‐grade girls as they read a book on a digital reading device. Findings suggest that using digital reading devices with second‐grade students promote new literacies practices and extend connections between readers and text as engagement with and manipulation of text is made possible through electronic tools and features.
Teaching Young Readers Imagery in Storytelling: What Color Is the Monkey?
Authors: McTigue Erin M.
Published: September 2010

Although mental imagery's positive role in reading comprehension is clear, the means of introducing imagery to young readers is comparatively vague. Mental imagery's very nature, being nonverbal, invisible, and often unconscious, results in a mismatch with standard instructional practices. Verbal explanations of nonverbal phenomenon fall short. External images, such as story illustrations, can discourage the creation of internal images. However, through a less‐standard practice of storytelling, the author discovered a natural gateway into imagery. In contrast to read‐alouds from a picture book, storytelling prompted her students' curiosity about a character's appearance. The resulting conversation led to interest and inquiry about mental imagery in general. The author documents her second‐grade class's journey into the using mental imagery during reading comprehension and provides theoretical justification for this instructional approach.
Peroxiredoxin III protects pancreatic β cells from apoptosis
Authors: Wolf Gabriele , Aumann Nicole , Michalska Marta , Bast Antje , Sonnemann Jürgen , Beck James F , Lendeckel Uwe , Newsholme Philip , Walther Reinhard
Published: September 2010

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is characterized by a progressive autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing β cells. Macrophages and T lymphocytes release cytokines, which induce the synthesis of oxygen and nitrogen radicals in the pancreatic islets. The resulting cellular and mitochondrial damage promotes β cell death. β cells are very sensitive to the autoimmune free radical-dependent attack due to their low content of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase and catalase. A focal point of β cell protection should be the control of the mitochondrial redox status, which will result in the preservation of metabolic stimulus-secretion coupling. For this reason, there is a considerable interest in the mitochondrial peroxiredoxin III (PRX III), a thioredoxin-dependent peroxide reductase, which was shown to be able to protect against both oxidative and nitrosative stress. Using the Tet-On-system, we generated stably transfected rat insulinoma cells over- or under-expressing PRX III in a doxycyclin-dependent manner to analyze the effect of increased or decreased amounts of cellular PRX III, following treatment with several stressors. We provide evidence that PRX III protects pancreatic β cells from cell stress induced by accumulation of hydrogen peroxide, or the induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase or caspase-9 and -3 by pro-inflammatory cytokines or streptozotocin. Basal insulin secretion was markedly decreased in cells expressing lower levels of PRX III. We suggest PRX III may be a suitable target for promoting deceleration or even prevention of stress-associated apoptosis in pancreatic β cells and the manifestation of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
TEACHING ABDUCTION‐PREVENTION SKILLS TO CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
Authors: Gunby Kristin V. , Carr James E. , Leblanc Linda A.
Published: September 2010

Three children with autism were taught abduction‐prevention skills using behavioral skills training with in situ feedback. All children acquired the skills, which were maintained at a 1‐month follow‐up assessment. In addition, 1 of the children demonstrated the skills during a stimulus generalization probe in a community setting.
MANIPULATING SLOT MACHINE PREFERENCE IN PROBLEM GAMBLERS THROUGH CONTEXTUAL CONTROL
Authors: Nastally Becky L. , Dixon Mark R. , Jackson James W.
Published: September 2010

Pathological and nonpathological gamblers completed a task that assessed preference among 2 concurrently available slot machines. Subsequent assessments of choice were conducted after various attempts to transfer contextual functions associated with irrelevant characteristics of the slot machines. Results indicated that the nonproblem gambling group, but not the problem gambling group, increased their responding toward the slot initially trained as greater than following the initial training procedure, then decreased their responding toward that slot following the reversal phase.
THE EFFECTS OF FIXED‐TIME ESCAPE ON INAPPROPRIATE AND APPROPRIATE CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
Authors: Waller Rachael D. , Higbee Thomas S.
Published: September 2010

Few studies have explored the effects of fixed‐time (FT) reinforcement on escape‐maintained behavior of students in a classroom setting. We measured the effects of an FT schedule on the disruptive and appropriate academic behaviors of 2 junior high students in a public school setting. Results demonstrated that FT escape from tasks resulted in a substantial decrease in disruptive behavior and an increase in time engaged in tasks for both participants.
Differences in Cardiovascular Risk Profile of Diabetic Subjects Discordantly Classified by Diagnostic Criteria Based on Glycated Hemoglobin and Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
Authors: Boronat Mauro , Saavedra Pedro , López-Ríos Laura , Riaño Marta , Wägner Ana M. , Nóvoa Francisco J.
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the cardiovascular risk profile of subjects categorized differently by A1C- and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)-based diagnostic criteria for diabetes according to the recommendations of the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

An OGTT, A1C, and several cardiovascular risk factors were assessed in 964 individuals without known diabetes participating in a cross-sectional epidemiological survey in Gran Canaria, Spain.

RESULTS

Taking the OGTT as the gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of an A1C value ≥6.5% were 38.7 and 99.6%, respectively. Subjects who fulfilled A1C-based criterion presented greater measures of BMI and waist circumference, lower values for HDL cholesterol, and higher values for fasting plasma glucose, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and fibrinogen than subjects with diabetic OGTT but A1C <6.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

Newly diagnosed diabetic individuals who fulfill A1C-based diagnostic criterion for the disease display a more unfavorable cardiovascular risk profile than individuals who only meet the glucose-based criteria.