bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Cytomegalovirus in Atherosclerotic Plaques and Nonatherosclerotic Arteries
Authors: Xenaki Evangelia , Hassoulas John , Apostolakis Stavros , Sourvinos George , Spandidos Demetrios A.
Published: September 2008

Several studies have reported an association between infectious agents and atherosclerosis. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most commonly implicated viral pathogen. However, the role of CMV in atherosclerosis remains obscure. The present study evaluated the presence of CMV DNA in atherosclerotic plaques and normal vessel walls. A total of 40 arterial specimens from coronary plaques and 27 samples from normal vessels were obtained from 26 patients who underwent aortocoronary bypass surgery. The specimens were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction for the presence of the CMV immediate early genomic region. CMV DNA was detected in 9 out of 26 patients (34.6%). Viral DNA was detected in both nonatherosclerotic tissues and atherosclerotic plaques. No statistically significant differences were observed between normal and diseased vessels. Our findings, in accordance with previous studies, do not support a direct causative role of CMV in the development of atherosclerotic plaques.
Islamic ‘reform’, the nation-state and the liberal	subject
Authors: Ibrahim Farhana
Published: September 2008

This article argues that transnational Islamic movements provide discursive fields within which Muslim women in Kachchh, Gujarat, are able to contest prescriptive notions of work, the body, honour and piety. It reflects on the articulation of collective identity and its gendered dimensions, as manifested in a conjuncture of global discourses—Islamic reform as well as NGO-led political–economic emancipation. While neo-liberal development discourse is rooted in the philosophy of the liberal, autonomous, modern subject, movements of religious revival are often thought of as epitomising the non-liberal, ‘traditional’ subject. I suggest that the dichotomies of modernity/tradition or liberal/non-liberal are productively disrupted when one examines how these discourses become entangled with one another to produce subjectivities that are somehow indebted to both, as a new space opens up for women to selectively redefine choices that are responsive to both local and global conditions. The article also uses this ethnography to ask how we might reconcile global, transnational religious idioms with a more secular–liberal market discourse which, in turn, generates beliefs and practices that seek to manipulate identities in the public sphere. The article concludes by questioning the modular nature of the liberal public sphere, by reflecting on the role played by religious movements in constituting such a sphere.
Between encompassment and closure
Authors: Roy Anupama
Published: September 2008

The figure of the citizen as it emerged with modernity also produced the ‘constitutive outsider’ denoting differential or layered inclusions. The legal-constitutional language of citizenship in India and the manner in which it has unfolded in practice shows that citizenship oscillates ambivalently between encompassment and closure, creating a differential layering of citizenship. While encompassment unfolds as a potential moment of liberatory change, closure, as a simultaneous differential experience of citizenship, creates a breach in the differentiated-universalism envisaged by the logic of encompassment. It is this oscillation and ambivalence which creates the ‘disturbed zones of citizenship’ that propel the category of the citizen out of a legal trapping into a concept whose realisation has its own logic and momentum. In order to demonstrate this, this article maps the amendments that have taken place in citizenship laws in India, sieving out in particular the category of the ‘migrant’, to identify moments of encompassment and closure. It shows how the migrant has been integral to the amendments, and traces its different figurations within them, to demonstrate shifts in the ideological basis and institutional practices of citizenship in India.
Surgical Release for Proximal Hamstring Syndrome
Authors: Young Ian J. , van Riet Roger P. , Bell Simon N.
Published: September 2008

Background

Pain in the buttock radiating to the popliteal fossa associated with hamstring weakness can be caused by tethering of the sciatic nerve to the proximal hamstring tendons. Contraction of the hamstring muscles produces traction on the sciatic nerve and subsequent symptoms.

Hypothesis

Surgical release of the proximal hamstring tendons, in particular from the sciatic nerve, will improve symptoms and function.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Forty-seven proximal hamstring surgical releases were performed in 44 patients (28 males, 16 females). The initial clinical findings and imaging were obtained from the medical notes, and additional data were obtained from a later questionnaire. The average age at the time of surgery was 29 years (range, 15–58 years). All patients were involved in high-level sports. Long-term follow-up was with a comprehensive postal questionnaire.

Results

Full follow-up was obtained in 43 patients (46 operations). Average follow-up was 53 months (range, 9–110). No major complications were encountered from the surgery. The average visual analog scale pain score decreased from 6.5 preoperatively to 2.0 ( P < .001). Two patients had increased pain, and pain was unchanged in 4. The average subjective weakness score decreased from 6.6 to 2.8 ( P < .001). Three patients reported increased weakness at follow-up, and 3 patients reported that the hamstring muscles felt equally weak. Thirty-four patients (77%) had returned to their previous sporting activities, with 30 patients still competing at or above state level, or professionally, after surgery. The average satisfaction score was 7.8. Six patients (14%) were not satisfied with the outcome of the procedure, 5 patients (11%) were somewhat satisfied, and 33 patients (75%) were very satisfied.

Conclusion

Proximal hamstring syndrome occurs mainly in patients participating in competitive sports. Release of the proximal hamstring tendons in this active group resulted in decreased pain and increased strength, and the majority of patients were satisfied with the procedure.
Semitendinosus Tendon Graft versus a Modified Weaver-Dunn Procedure for Acromioclavicular Joint Reconstruction in Chronic Cases
Authors: Tauber Mark , Gordon Katharina , Koller Heiko , Fox Michael , Resch Herbert
Published: September 2008

Background

Biomechanical studies comparing various surgical techniques for acromioclavicular joint reconstruction have reported that semitendinosus tendon graft for coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction provides a substantial improvement in initial stability and a load-to-failure equivalent to the intact coracoclavicular ligaments. Although it represents a biomechanical improvement compared with coracoacromial ligament transfer, there is still a lack of prospective comparative studies confirming the clinical relevance of these biomechanical findings.

Hypothesis

Semitendinosus tendon graft for coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction is associated with superior clinical results compared with a modified Weaver-Dunn procedure in chronic complete acromioclavicular joint dislocation.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods

Twenty-four patients (mean age, 42 years) with painful, chronic Rockwood type III through V acromioclavicular joint dislocations were subjected to surgical reconstruction. In 12 patients, a modified Weaver-Dunn procedure was performed; in the other 12 patients, autogenous semitendinosus tendon graft was used. Clinical evaluation was performed using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons shoulder score and the Constant score after a mean follow-up time of 37 months. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were compared.

Results

The mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons shoulder score improved from 74 ± 7 points preoperatively to 86 ± 8 points postoperatively in the Weaver-Dunn group, and from 74 ± 4 points to 96 ± 5 points in the semitendinosus tendon group (P < .001 for both techniques). The mean Constant score improved from 70 ± 8 points to 81 ± 8 points in the Weaver-Dunn group, and from 71 ± 5 points to 93 ± 7 points in the semitendinosus tendon group (P < .001). The results in the semitendinosus tendon group were significantly better than in the Weaver-Dunn group (P < .001). The radiologic measurements showed a mean coracoclavicular distance of 12.3 ± 4 mm in the Weaver-Dunn group increasing to 14.9 ± 6 mm under stress loading, compared with 11.4 ± 3 mm increasing to 11.8 ± 3 mm under stress in the semitendinosus tendon group. The difference during stress loading was statistically significant (P = .027). In the semitendinosus tendon group, horizontal displacement of the lateral clavicle end could be reduced in all cases with type IV dislocation.

Conclusion

Semitendinosus tendon graft for coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction resulted in significantly superior clinical and radiologic outcomes compared to the modified Weaver-Dunn procedure.
Developing new approaches for people-centred development
Authors: Arputham Jockin
Published: September 2008

Jockin Arputham founded the National Slum Dwellers Federation in India and is president of Slum/Shack Dwellers International (SDI). This paper describes Jockin's life and work and the many different methods he has used to fight eviction and get government support for people-centred development over the last 40 years. This includes the long fight to protect Janata colony in Mumbai from eviction, working with Bangladeshi refugees, and the formation of the federation of slum dwellers, first in Mumbai and then for all of India.
International assistance for cities in low- and middle-income countries: do we still need it?
Authors: Stren Richard
Published: September 2008

Based on evidence of a secular decline in urban development assistance on the part of many overseas agencies such as the World Bank and USAID, this article suggests reasons for the decline and considers what can be done to reverse it. Urban assistance (from North to South) is still needed in many countries because it strengthens economic development at all levels of recipient nations and because it engenders networks of decentralized cooperation that promote local development. To be more effective, urban assistance programmes must support local research; they must support South—South networks; they must continue to focus on pro-poor policies; and the agencies that undertake these must act responsibly as the local stakeholders they have in fact become.
Houses without community: problems of community (in)capacity in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Lemanski Charlotte
Published: September 2008

Literature from the global South has highlighted the role of self-organized “grassroots” groups in championing the rights of the poor, securing specific objectives (e.g. service provision) and strengthening individual and collective capacity. Less attention has been paid to what happens when a poor community is provided with services in the context of weak collective capacity and in the absence of grassroots organization. This case study describes a former informal settlement in Cape Town, where residents were awarded formal housing by the state without a “struggle” and thus without developing the collective drive, capacity or leadership necessary to be full participants in the ensuing process. The paper assesses the community's struggle to assert itself collectively over time, linking their pre-development community diversity to subsequent exclusion from the development process and continuing problems of post-development community consolidation. The implications of becoming beneficiaries without community agreement, involvement, organization or capacity are considered.
Living on the edge: financing post-displacement housing in urban redevelopment projects in Seoul
Authors: Bang Shin Hyun
Published: September 2008

This paper examines the displacement experiences of urban poor tenants in Seoul, South Korea, and the constraints on their financing of post-displacement housing. Since the mid-1980s, urban renewal of slums and dilapidated neighbourhoods in Seoul has been geared towards clearance and wholesale redevelopment. This approach is accompanied by legalization of land tenure for dwelling owners without de jure property rights, and is based on profit-led partnerships between property owners (both on-site dwelling owners and absentee landlords) and developers. Since the end of the 1980s, tenants have been given the option, if eligible, of in-kind compensation (access to a public rental flat) or cash compensation. Neither choice, however, reflects the needs of poor tenants who still find it difficult to finance inevitably increased housing expenditures. Policy measures are necessary to increase the range of options available to tenants upon displacement.
Financing social infrastructure and addressing poverty through wakf endowments: experience from Kenya and Tanzania
Authors: Yahya Saad S
Published: September 2008

The East African coast is rich in examples of housing, schools, health centres and other urban facilities that have been financed through endowments known as “ wakfs”, created by citizens concerned with community well-being and security of next of kin. From its early religious origins, the practice has developed into a durable economic institution capable of enriching and expanding approaches for mobilizing resources for poverty reduction. Places such as Mombasa, Lamu, Malindi and Zanzibar owe much of their public architecture and social harmony to assets set aside in this way. Partial insulation from the market and strict rules ensure that wakf assets are protected from pillage or undue exposure to risk. This paper outlines the development of wakf methodology and administration in Kenya and Tanzania (specifically Zanzibar) since the early twentieth century. In both countries, elaborate legislation and supervisory mechanisms ensure that endowments are registered and subject to audits to ensure compliance with original objectives. In recent years, more emphasis has been placed on reviewing legislation and finding new ways of adapting to current social needs, changing economic circumstances and national social development policies.
“Negotiated spaces” for representation in Mumbai: ward committees, advanced locality management and the politics of middle-class activism
Authors: Baud Isa , Nainan Navtej
Published: September 2008

In Mumbai, new forms of cooperation between local government and citizens seek to improve local representation and the quality of services. This paper examines which residents are represented or excluded in these arrangements, the mandates and processes by which the arrangements are negotiated and the outcomes. Local representation through elected councillors is compared with that through voluntary neighbourhood groups (Advanced Locality Management groups, or ALMs), which work with the executive wing of local government. ALMs, involving middle-class groups, work on environmental, security and upgrading issues. They are expanding their claim to both political and public space, often excluding “unwanted” people. Elected councillors are channels mainly for low-income groups, addressing issues relevant to municipal services but also responding to personal grievances and concerns. Conflict between political representatives and their parties and ALMs is not unusual. Both of these “negotiated spaces” give citizens some way of holding government to account, although middle-class citizens are finding greater scope for action.
Climate change and urban children: impacts and implications for adaptation in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Bartlett Sheridan
Published: September 2008

This paper discusses the particular and disproportionate risks to urban children in poverty from various aspects of climate change, both extreme events and changing means. It explores the potential impacts on children's health, learning and psychosocial well-being, and considers the implications of family coping strategies for children. The paper goes on to discuss the implications for adaptation, making recommendations for an adaptation agenda that focuses on the realities for children. Preparatory measures are considered, as well as responses to extreme events and to changes in weather patterns.
Thinking globally, acting locally — institutionalizing climate change at the local government level in Durban, South Africa
Authors: Roberts Debra
Published: September 2008

Durban is unusual among cities worldwide in having a municipal government that has developed a locally rooted climate change adaptation strategy. This paper considers how climate change came to be considered by local government against four institutional markers: the emergence of climate change advocates among local politicians and civil servants; climate change as a significant issue in municipal plans; staff and funds allocated to climate change issues; and a serious consideration of climate change issues within local government decision making. Considerable progress has been achieved on the second and third of these — but less so on the first and fourth. The paper highlights how climate change issues need to be rooted in local realities that centre on avoiding or limiting impacts from, for instance, heat waves, heavy rainfall and storm surges and sea-level rise, and also the ecological changes and water supply constraints brought about by climate change. To date, international agencies have paid little attention to adaptation, as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation) has been prioritized. This paper also stresses the importance of building local knowledge and capacity about climate change risks and adaptive responses. Without this, decision makers will continue seeing environmental issues as constraints on development rather than as essential underpinnings of and contributors to development.
Post-Jonglei planning in southern Sudan: combining environment with development
Authors: Ahmad Adil Mustafa
Published: September 2008

In 2008, the Sudanese and Egyptian governments decided to resume work on the Jonglei Canal project, which had been abandoned for 24 years. This project in southern Sudan plans to by-pass, and thus drain, part of the wetlands of the Bahr al-Jabal and Bahr az-Zaraf rivers into the White Nile. While this would increase the Nile waters flowing northwards, it would almost inevitably have negative side-effects on the local, and maybe the regional, environment. The canal's benefits would be shared by Egypt and the Sudan, but with the expected damage falling on southern Sudan. The canal project, launched in 1978, was brought to a halt by rebels in 1984, and the moves to revive it began after the peace agreement of January 2005. This paper argues against the implementation of the project until it is justified by reliable scientific evidence. It outlines the nature of the project, the disputes around its implementation and the advantages and probable hazards of the project. It also argues for regional development in southern Sudan that recognizes the wetlands as a valuable resource and protects the ecosystem.
A Functional Ser413/Ser413 PAI-2 Polymorphism Is Associated With Susceptibility and Damage Index Score in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Palafox-Sánchez Claudia A. , Vázquez-Del Mercado Mónica , Orozco-Barocio Gerardo , García-De la Torre Ignacio , Torres-Carrillo Norma , Torres-Carrillo Nora M. , Illades-Aguiar Berenice , Muñoz-Valle José F.
Published: September 2008

Systemic lupus erythematosus in some cases is characterized for development of thrombotic events with a significantly increased risk of mortality. The frequencies and clinical associations of Ser413/Cys413 PAI-2 polymorphism in 40 systemic lupus erythematosus, 50 rheumatoid arthritis patients, and 100 healthy subjects were investigated. The Ser413/Ser413 genotype frequency was 53% (lupus), 36% (rheumatoid arthritis), and 35% (healthy subjects). The Ser413 allele was associated with systemic lupus erythematosus ( P = .04, odds ratio = 1.76, 95% confidence interval = 1.01-3.06). In all, 4 patient carriers of Ser413/Ser413 genotype, developed thrombotic events. The lupus patients identified with Ser 413/Ser413 genotype showed an increased damage (57%), compared with Ser413/Cys413 and Cys413/Cys413 genotypes, with significant difference ( P = .03). These findings suggest an association of Ser413/Ser413 genotype with greater damage index score and Ser413 allele with systemic lupus erythematosus. Besides, PAI-2 polymorphism could be related with thrombotic phenomena in systemic lupus erythematosus
Stem Cell Therapy: A Promising and Prospective Approach in the Treatment of Patients With Severe Buerger’s Disease
Authors: Boda Zoltan , Udvardy Miklos , Rázsó Katalin , Farkas Katalin , Tóth Judit , Jámbor Laszlo , Oláh Zsolt , Ilonczai Peter , Szarvas Mariann , Kappelmayer Janos , Veréb Zoltan , Rajnavölgyi Eva
Published: September 2008

No effective blood-flow enhancement therapies are available for patients with severe peripheral arterial disease (SPAD), thus amputation remains the only option for relief of rest pain or gangrene. Autologous bone marrow—derived stem cell therapy (ABMSCT) is an emerging modality to induce angiogenesis from endothelial progenitors. A total of 5 patients with SPAD were treated by ABMSCT using isolated CD34+ cells with characterized phenotype administered by intramuscular injections. The follow-up before and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after ABMSCT was based on clinical (rest pain, walking distance without pain, nonhealing ulcers, ankle-brachial index [ABI]) and laboratory (angiography, duplex and laser ultrasonography, TcPO2) parameters. Significant improvement of pain and walking distance was observed in all patients. Nonhealing ulcers disappeared in 3 patients and became smaller and thinner in 1 patient. The average of ABI improved significantly on the treated limb but did not change on the contralateral limb. New collaterals were detected by angiography in 3 patients, but duplex ultrasonography detected improvement in one patient only. Laser ultrasonography showed a mild significant change, TcPO2 values improved mainly on the foot. Severe adverse events were not observed. We conclude that ABMSCT with isolated CD34+ cells is safe, effective, and results in sustained clinical benefit for patients with SPAD.
Acute Massive Pulmonary Embolism With Hemodynamic Compromise Treated Successfully With Thrombolytic Therapy Selcuk
Authors: Pala Selcuk , Kahveci Gokhan , Bozok Sahin
Published: September 2008

A 78 year-old woman presented with a history of 15 days of dyspnea and tachypnea at rest. A distended right ventricle with free-wall hypokinesis and displacement of the interventricular septum toward the left ventricle were shown on echocardiography. The patient suddenly arrested. She underwent cardiac catheterization and selective pulmonary angiography for suspected pulmonary embolism while undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. With the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism confirmed, recombinant tissue plasminogen activator was given immediately in the catheterization room. This case shows how pulmonary embolism can be diagnosed with pulmonary angiography during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the life-saving result from rapid thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator.
Should Plasma Homocysteine Be Used as a Biomarker of Venous Thromboembolism? A Case—Control Study
Authors: Ducros Véronique , Barro Claire , Yver Jacqueline , Pernod Gilles , Polack Benoît , Carpentier Patrick , Desruet Marie-Dominique , Bosson Jean-Luc
Published: September 2008

Mild or moderate hyperhomocysteinemia as a risk factor for venous thrombosis is still a matter of debate. The strength of this study is to bring a body of elements to evaluate whether hyperhomocysteinemia should be used as a biomarker for venous thromboembolism (VTE). These elements consist of a biological evaluation of several hematological risk factors, and an original control group made of patients with a negative Doppler ultrasonography. A total of 151 cases and 155 controls were included. Total plasma homocysteine level, MTHFR C677T polymorphism, inherited abnormalities of the natural anticoagulant system as well as plasma folate and cobalamin levels were determined. A total of 41 (27.2 %) of cases and only 9 (5.8%) of controls had at least one of the coagulation defects studied. No significant difference was observed for total homocysteine levels between the 2 groups: median (interquartile range) = 8.3 (7.2-10.8) μmol/L for cases and 8.4 (7-10.9) μmol/L for controls. We found significantly more plasma folates and/or cobalamin deficiencies in controls (18.3%) than in cases (8.6%). After adjustment for several variables significantly related to risk factors of VTE, hyperhomocysteinemia (>" xbd="2200" xhg="2176" ybd="1302" yhg="1257"/>13.2 μmol/L) was not found statistically associated with VTE: odds ratio 1.36 (95% confidence interval, 0.52-3.54). The prevalence of the homozygous 677TT polymorphism in the MTHFR gene was not increased in cases compared with controls. Mild or moderate hyperhomocysteinemia does not seem to be a strong determinant in VTE not only when the control group does not exclusively include healthy persons but also in investigated disease-free (thromboembolic disease) controls.
Acute retinal pigment epithelial detachment secondary to pamidronate administration
Authors: Dasanu Constantin A , Alexandrescu Doru T
Published: September 2008

Bisphosphonates are associated with an important number of inflammatory ocular side-effects including but not limited to conjunctivitis, episcleritis, scleritis, uveitis, and optic neuritis. The intravenous bisphosphonates appear to be linked with more severe ocular inflammation than the orally administered ones. These eye complications tend to resolve with the bisphosphonate discontinuation and can re-occur with its re-challenge. We present here the first case of an acute retinal pigment epithelial detachment associated with pamidronate infusion in a 59-year-old patient with metastatic prostate cancer. J Oncol Pharm Practice (2009) 15: 119—121.
The management of prolonged, isolated hyperbilirubinemia following cytarabine-based chemotherapy for Acute Myeloid Leukaemia
Authors: Coutsouvelis John , Corallo Carmela E
Published: September 2008

Background. Patients diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) often receive cytarabine-based chemotherapy as standard treatment. Cytarabine is usually given in combination with other agents such as idarubicin. Such treatments are known to cause hepatic dysfunction characterized by a combination of jaundice, hyperbilirubinemia and increases in liver enzymes. Isolated hyperbilirubinemia is rarely reported. It is often difficult to identify a causative agent for the hepatic dysfunction, as there are often complicating factors such as sepsis.

Aim: To report a case of isolated hyperbilirubinemia in a patient treated with cytarabine-based chemotherapy for AML.

Clinical Details. After a diagnosis of AML the patient was admitted to hospital to receive induction chemotherapy consisting of high-dose cytarabine, idarubicin, and etoposide. All baseline laboratory results were normal, except the full blood evaluation that was consistent with AML. The chemotherapy was delivered over 7 days, and on the eighth day the patient had a bilirubin (BL) level of 27 umol/L

(normal range 522 umol/L). All other liver function tests (LFT) were normal. This isolated hyperbilirubinemia remained for the rest of the patient's admission, peaking on day 26, with a level of 255 umol/L. After a stay in the intensive care unit, the patient was discharged on day 45 with a bilirubin level of 33 umol/L. All other LFT remained unremarkable.

Outcome. The isolated hyperbilirubinemia resolved slowly and on day 68, when the patient was re-admitted for further dose-reduced cytarabine, the BL level was 21 umol/L. The patient was successfully retreated with this lower dose regimen.

Conclusion. Isolated hyperbilirubinemia is an uncommon presentation of cytarabine induced liver dysfunction. Resolution does occur but over a prolonged period. A lower dose of cytarabine for future treatment should be considered. J Oncol Pharm Practice (2009) 15: 107—110.
Oncology medication safety: A 3D status report 2008
Authors: Johnson Philip E , Chambers Carole R , Vaida Allen J
Published: September 2008

Background. The safe use of medications is a major concern in oncology practice. Three organizations collaborated on a survey to determine if practitioners had implemented current recommended safe practices for IV vincristine administration, general oncology safe practices, and safe practices for oral chemotherapy.

Methods. A survey was distributed to members of the Hematology Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA) and the International Society of Pharmacy Practitioners (ISOPP) using Survey Monkey TM. The Institute of Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) also solicited readers of its Medication Safety Alert! ® to respond to the survey. A comparison to results from a survey conducted by ISMP in 2006 on safe practices for IV vincristine was also conducted.

Results. The majority of respondents were aware of the WHO recommendations for IV vincristine, although the rate of implementation of the guidelines ranged from 24.1 to 53.6%. When compared to the ISMP 2006 survey there was a 25.8—37.4% improvement in following many of the safe practice guidelines. Administering IV vincristine via a minibag showed the lowest rate of adoption (less than 40%). Of the 35 survey items on general chemotherapy safety strategies, 80% of respondents had implemented at least 21 items in the survey. Overall 32.4% of respondents did not consider oral chemotherapy as requiring the same safety concerns as parenteral therapy.

Conclusions. The results of this survey will provide a new baseline for the adoption rate of safe medication practice recommendations related to oncology. Further work on addressing barriers in adopting identified safe practice recommendations needs to be conducted.
One Size Fits All Partnerships? What Explains Community Partnership Leadership Skills?
Authors: El Ansari Walid , Oskrochi Reza , Phillips Ceri J.
Published: September 2008

The authors evaluated W. K. Kellogg-funded Community Partnerships (CPs) between academic, health service, and community partners in South Africa. Stakeholders (N = 668 respondents) completed questionnaires to explore the operational, functional and organisational factors that contribute to members’ perceptions of the skills of their CPs’ leadership. Ten factors accounted for 53% of leadership skills across five participating CPs and six stakeholder groups. Each CP displayed its unique footprint of factors that accounted for its leadership levels. Similarly, each stakeholder group had its unique signature of factors that were associated with its leadership. Two factors (communication mechanisms and operational understanding) accounted for more than 25% of leadership skills; management capabilities and participation benefits accounted for 4% and 3%; and effectiveness, benefits to difficulties ratio of being a member, engagement in education, flow of information and sense of ownership accounted for 2% to 3% each. Attention to these and other factors is warranted.
The c-myb proto-oncogene and microRNA-15a comprise an active autoregulatory feedback loop in human hematopoietic cells
Authors: Zhao Huiwu , Kalota Anna , Jin Shenghao , Gewirtz Alan M.
Published: September 2008

The c-myb proto-oncogene encodes an obligate hematopoietic cell transcription factor important for lineage commitment, proliferation, and differentiation. Given its critical functions, c-Myb regulatory factors are of great interest but remain incompletely defined. Herein we show that c-Myb expression is subject to posttranscriptional regulation by microRNA (miRNA)–15a. Using a luciferase reporter assay, we found that miR-15a directly binds the 3′-UTR of c-myb mRNA. By transfecting K562 myeloid leukemia cells with a miR-15a mimic, functionality of binding was shown. The mimic decreased c-Myb expression, and blocked the cells in the G1 phase of cell cycle. Exogenous expression of c-myb mRNA lacking the 3′-UTR partially rescued the miR-15a induced cell-cycle block. Of interest, the miR-15a promoter contained several potential c-Myb protein binding sites. Occupancy of one canonical c-Myb binding site was demonstrated by chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis and shown to be required for miR-15a expression in K562 cells. Finally, in studies using normal human CD34+ cells, we showed that c-Myb and miR-15a expression were inversely correlated in cells undergoing erythroid differentiation, and that overexpression of miR-15a blocked both erythroid and myeloid colony formation in vitro. In aggregate, these findings suggest the presence of a c-Myb–miR-15a autoregulatory feedback loop of potential importance in human hematopoiesis.
CaMKII promotes TLR-triggered proinflammatory cytokine and type I interferon production by directly binding and activating TAK1 and IRF3 in macrophages
Authors: Liu Xingguang , Yao Ming , Li Nan , Wang Chunmei , Zheng Yuanyuan , Cao Xuetao
Published: September 2008

Calcium and its major downstream effector, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), are found to be important for the functions of immune cells. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been shown to induce intracellular calcium release in macrophages; however, whether and how CaMKII is required for Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling remain unknown. Here we demonstrate that TLR 4, 9, and 3 ligands markedly induce intracellular calcium fluxes and activate CaMKII-α in macrophages. Selective inhibition or RNA interference of CaMKII significantly suppresses TLR4, 9, 3-triggered production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferon-α/β (IFN-α/β) in macrophages. Coincidently, overexpression of constitutively active CaMKII-α significantly enhances production of the above cytokines. In addition to the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor κB pathways, CaMKII-α can directly bind and phosphorylate transforming growth factor β–activated kinase 1 (TAK1) and IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3; serine on 386) via the N-terminal part of its regulatory domain. Therefore, CaMKII can be activated by TLR ligands, and in turn promotes both myeloid differentiating factor 88 and Toll/IL-1 receptor domain-containing adaptor protein-inducing IFN-β–dependent inflammatory responses by directly activating TAK1 and IRF3. The cross-talk with the calcium/CaMKII pathway is needed for full activation of TLR signaling in macrophages.
Stimulation of dendritic cells via the dectin-1/Syk pathway allows priming of cytotoxic T-cell responses
Authors: LeibundGut-Landmann Salomé , Osorio Fabiola , Brown Gordon D. , Reis e Sousa Caetano
Published: September 2008

The C-type lectin receptor dectin-1 functions as a pattern recognition receptor for β-glucans and signals via Syk kinase but independently of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathway to regulate expression of innate response genes. Dectin-1 signaling can promote activation of dendritic cells (DCs), rendering them competent to prime Th1 and Th17 responses. Here we show that dectin-1–activated DCs can also prime cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses. DCs exposed to a dectin-1 agonist induced antigen-specific expansion of TCR transgenic CD8+ T cells and their differentiation into CTLs in vitro. Dectin-1 agonist also acted as an adjuvant for CTL crosspriming in vivo, eliciting potent CTL responses that protected mice from tumor challenge. In vitro but not in vivo, CTL crosspriming was dependent on IL-12 p70, which was produced by dectin-1–activated DCs in response to IFN-γ secreted by newly activated CD8+ T cells. The dectin-1/Syk pathway is thus able to couple innate immune recognition of β-glucans to all branches of the adaptive immune system, including CD4+ T-helper cells, B cells, and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. These data highlight the ability of non-TLR receptors to bridge innate and adaptive immunity and suggest that dectin-1 agonists may constitute useful adjuvants for immunotherapy and vaccination.
Generation of diverse neuronal subtypes in cloned populations of stem-like cells
Authors: Varga Balázs V , Hádinger Nóra , Gócza Elen , Dulberg Vered , Demeter Kornél , Madarász Emília , Herberth Balázs
Published: September 2008

Background

The central nervous tissue contains diverse subtypes of neurons with characteristic morphological and physiological features and different neurotransmitter phenotypes. The generation of neurons with defined neurotransmitter phenotypes seems to be governed by factors differently expressed along the anterior-posterior and dorsal-ventral body axes. The mechanisms of the cell-type determination, however, are poorly understood. Selected neuronal phenotypes had been generated from embryonic stem (ES) cells, but similar results were not obtained on more restricted neural stem cells, presumably due to the lack of homogeneous neural stem cell populations as a starting material.

Results

In the presented work, the establishment of different neurotransmitter phenotypes was investigated in the course of in vitro induced neural differentiation of a one-cell derived neuroectodermal cell line, in conjunction with the activation of various region-specific genes. For comparison, similar studies were carried out on the R1 embryonic stem (ES) and P19 multipotent embryonic carcinoma (EC) cells. In response to a short treatment with all-trans retinoic acid, all cell lines gave rise to neurons and astrocytes. Non-induced neural stem cells and self-renewing cells persisting in differentiated cultures, expressed "stemness genes" along with early embryonic anterior-dorsal positional genes, but did not express the investigated CNS region-specific genes. In differentiating stem-like cell populations, on the other hand, different region-specific genes, those expressed in non-overlapping regions along the body axes were activated. The potential for diverse regional specifications was induced in parallel with the initiation of neural tissue-type differentiation. In accordance with the wide regional specification potential, neurons with different neurotransmitter phenotypes developed. Mechanisms inherent to one-cell derived neural stem cell populations were sufficient to establish glutamatergic and GABAergic neuronal phenotypes but failed to manifest cathecolaminergic neurons.

Conclusion

The data indicate that genes involved in positional determination are activated along with pro-neuronal genes in conditions excluding any outside influences. Interactions among progenies of one cell derived neural stem cells are sufficient for the activation of diverse region specific genes and initiate different routes of neuronal specification.
Cell-extracellular matrix interactions regulate neural differentiation of human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Ma Wu , Tavakoli Tara , Derby Eric , Serebryakova Yevgeniya , Rao Mahendra S , Mattson Mark P
Published: September 2008

Background

Interactions of cells with the extracellular matrix (ECM) are critical for the establishment and maintenance of stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. However, the ECM is a complex mixture of matrix molecules; little is known about the role of ECM components in human embryonic stem cell (hESC) differentiation into neural progenitors and neurons.

Results

A reproducible protocol was used to generate highly homogenous neural progenitors or a mixed population of neural progenitors and neurons from hESCs. This defined adherent culture system allowed us to examine the effect of ECM molecules on neural differentiation of hESCs. hESC-derived differentiating embryoid bodies were plated on Poly-D-Lysine (PDL), PDL/fibronectin, PDL/laminin, type I collagen and Matrigel, and cultured in neural differentiation medium. We found that the five substrates instructed neural progenitors followed by neuronal differentiation to differing degrees. Glia did not appear until 4 weeks later. Neural progenitor and neuronal generation and neurite outgrowth were significantly greater on laminin and laminin-rich Matrigel substrates than on other 3 substrates. Laminin stimulated hESC-derived neural progenitor expansion and neurite outgrowth in a dose-dependent manner. The laminin-induced neural progenitor expansion was partially blocked by the antibody against integrin α6 or β1 subunit.

Conclusion

We defined laminin as a key ECM molecule to enhance neural progenitor generation, expansion and differentiation into neurons from hESCs. The cell-laminin interactions involve α6β1 integrin receptors implicating a possible role of laminin/α6β1 integrin signaling in directed neural differentiation of hESCs. Since laminin acts in concert with other ECM molecules in vivo, evaluating cellular responses to the composition of the ECM is essential to clarify further the role of cell-matrix interactions in neural derivation of hESCs.
Genetic and histological studies on the delayed systemic movement of Tobacco Mosaic Virus in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Serrano Carolina , González-Cruz Javiera , Jauregui Francisca , Medina Consuelo , Mancilla Pablo , Matus José Tomás , Arce-Johnson Patricio
Published: September 2008

Background

Viral infections and their spread throughout a plant require numerous interactions between the host and the virus. While new functions of viral proteins involved in these processes have been revealed, current knowledge of host factors involved in the spread of a viral infection is still insufficient. In Arabidopsis thaliana, different ecotypes present varying susceptibilities to Tobacco mosaic virus strain U1 (TMV-U1). The rate of TMV-U1 systemic movement is delayed in ecotype Col-0 when compared with other 13 ecotypes.

We followed viral movement through vascular tissue in Col-0 plants by electronic microscopy studies. In addition, the delay in systemic movement of TMV-U1 was genetically studied.

Results

TMV-U1 reaches apical leaves only after 18 days post rosette inoculation (dpi) in Col-0, whereas it is detected at 9 dpi in the Uk-4 ecotype. Genetic crosses between Col-0 and Uk-4 ecotypes, followed by analysis of viral movement in F1 and F2 populations, revealed that this delayed movement correlates with a recessive, monogenic and nuclear locus. The use of selected polymorphic markers showed that this locus, denoted DSTM1 (Delayed Systemic Tobamovirus Movement 1), is positioned on the large arm of chromosome II. Electron microscopy studies following the virion's route in stems of Col-0 infected plants showed the presence of curved structures, instead of the typical rigid rods of TMV-U1. This was not observed in the case of TMV-U1 infection in Uk-4, where the observed virions have the typical rigid rod morphology.

Conclusion

The presence of defectively assembled virions observed by electron microscopy in vascular tissue of Col-0 infected plants correlates with a recessive delayed systemic movement trait of TMV-U1 in this ecotype.
Hfq regulates the expression of the thermostable direct hemolysin gene in Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Authors: Nakano Masayuki , Takahashi Akira , Su Zehong , Harada Nagakatsu , Mawatari Kazuaki , Nakaya Yutaka
Published: September 2008

Background

The hfq gene is conserved in a wide variety of bacteria and Hfq is involved in many cellular functions such as stress responses and the regulation of gene expression. It has also been reported that Hfq is involved in bacterial pathogenicity. However, it is not clear whether Hfq regulates virulence in Vibrio parahaemolyticus. To evaluate this, we investigated the effect of Hfq on the expression of virulence-associated genes including thermostable direct hemolysin (TDH), which is considered to be an important virulence factor in V. parahaemolyticus, using an hfq deletion mutant.

Results

The production of TDH in the hfq deletion mutant was much higher than in the parental strain. Quantification of tdh promoter activity and mRNA demonstrated that transcription of the tdh gene was up-regulated in the mutant strain. The hfq-complemented strain had a normal (parental) amount of tdh expression. The transcriptional activity of tdhA was particularly increased in the mutant strain. These results indicate that Hfq is closely associated with the expression level of the tdh gene. Interestingly, other genes involved in the pathogenicity of V. parahaemolyticus, such as VP1680, vopC, and vopT, were also up-regulated in the mutant strain.

Conclusion

Hfq regulates the expression of virulence-associated factors such as TDH and may be involved in the pathogenicity of V. parahaemolyticus.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Differential regulation of wild-type and mutant alpha-synuclein binding to synaptic membranes by cytosolic factors
Authors: Wislet-Gendebien Sabine , Visanji Naomi P , Whitehead Shawn N , Marsilio Diana , Hou Weimin , Figeys Daniel , Fraser Paul E , Bennett Steffany AL , Tandon Anurag
Published: September 2008

Background

Alpha-Synuclein (α-syn), a 140 amino acid protein associated with presynaptic membranes in brain, is a major constituent of Lewy bodies in Parkinson's disease (PD). Three missense mutations (A30P, A53T and E46K) in the α-syn gene are associated with rare autosomal dominant forms of familial PD. However, the regulation of α-syn's cellular localization in neurons and the effects of the PD-linked mutations are poorly understood.

Results

In the present study, we analysed the ability of cytosolic factors to regulate α-syn binding to synaptic membranes. We show that co-incubation with brain cytosol significantly increases the membrane binding of normal and PD-linked mutant α-syn. To characterize cytosolic factor(s) that modulate α-syn binding properties, we investigated the ability of proteins, lipids, ATP and calcium to modulate α-syn membrane interactions. We report that lipids and ATP are two of the principal cytosolic components that modulate Wt and A53T α-syn binding to the synaptic membrane. We further show that 1-O-hexadecyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (C16:0 PAF) is one of the principal lipids found in complex with cytosolic proteins and is required to enhance α-syn interaction with synaptic membrane. In addition, the impaired membrane binding observed for A30P α-syn was significantly mitigated by the presence of protease-sensitive factors in brain cytosol.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that endogenous brain cytosolic factors regulate Wt and mutant α-syn membrane binding, and could represent potential targets to influence α-syn solubility in brain.
The clinical overlap between functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome based on Rome III criteria
Authors: WANG AnJiang , LIAO XianHua , XIONG LiShou , PENG Sui , XIAO YingLian , LIU SiChun , HU PinJin , CHEN MinHu
Published: September 2008

Background

Epidemiological studies suggest considerable overlap between functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). To date, no surveys have been performed to investigate the clinical overlap between these two disorders using Rome III criteria. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors for the overlap of FD and IBS based on Rome III criteria in a large clinical sample.

Methods

Consecutive patients at the general gastroenterology outpatient clinic were requested to complete a self-report questionnaire. FD and IBS were defined by Rome III criteria.

Results

Questionnaires were returned by 3014 patients (52.8% female, 89% response rate). FD-IBS overlap was observed in 5.0% of the patients, while 15.2% and 10.9% of the patients were classified as FD alone and IBS alone, respectively. Compared with non-IBS patients, the odds ratio of having FD among IBS patients was 2.09 (95% CI: 1.68–2.59). Patients with FD-IBS overlap had higher severity scores for the postprandial fullness symptom (2.35 ± 1.49 vs. 1.72 ± 1.59, P < 0.001) and overall FD symptom (6.65 ± 2.88 vs. 5.82 ± 2.76, P = 0.002) than those with FD alone. The only independent risk factor for FD-IBS overlap vs. FD alone was the presence of postprandial fullness symptom (OR 2.67, 95% CI: 1.34–5.31).

Conclusion

Clinical overlap of FD and IBS according to Rome III criteria is very common. One risk factor for FD-IBS overlap is the presence of postprandial fullness symptom. This study provides clues for future pathophysiological studies of FD and IBS.