bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Making Predictions
Authors: Holmberg Christine , Bischof Christine , Bauer Susanne
Published: May 2012

Statistics constitute the social universe of which they are gathered. The foundation necessary to develop quantified knowledge about society is the population. If quantified knowledge changes society, the question arises on how individuals become to be represented as population. The population has to be extracted from individuals in a process that we call “populationisation.” This encompasses the development of the individual into a segment of a population through the compilation of individual data into population data and its analysis. To describe the process of populationisation, we follow a statistical risk assessment tool, the German Diabetes Risk Score, from its inception in a cohort study to its entry into the public sphere of German society. The population is extracted from individuals that function as research subjects through an identification number. Preprocessed information is entered into a dynamic database that enables its rearrangement according to main aggregates. Through populationisation, a signified is enacted that can be sliced up and that is equal in all its parts. Now predictions can be computed and fed back to society as tools of moral judgment. The acting individual and “society” are—numerically and literally!—entangled in the production and enactment of risk knowledge.
Effects of a support group programme for patients with life-threatening illness during ongoing palliative care
Authors: Henriksson Anette , Årestedt Kristofer , Benzein Eva , Ternestedt Britt-Marie , Andershed Birgitta
Published: May 2012

Background:

Health care systems in many countries are moving towards outpatient care in which family members are central in providing care for patients with life-threatening illness. Several studies show that family members report a lack of preparation, knowledge and the ability to handle the caregiver role, and a need for information and psychosocial support.

Aim:

The aim was to investigate the effects of a support group programme for family members of patients with life-threatening illness during ongoing palliative care.

Design:

A prospective quasi-experimental design, including an intervention group and a comparison group, was used.

Settings/participants:

A support group programme was offered to family members during ongoing palliative care at three intervention settings: two specialist palliative care units and one haematology unit. A fourth setting, a specialist palliative care unit, was used for comparisons.

Results:

Family members taking part in the support group programme significantly increased their perceptions of preparedness for caregiving, competence for caregiving, and rewards of caregiving. Hope, anxiety, depression symptoms and health showed no significant changes.

Conclusions:

The intervention, including a support group programme delivered to family members of patients with life-threatening illness during ongoing palliative care, proved to be effective in certain domains of caregiving. No negative outcomes were detected. The results indicate that this intervention could be implemented and delivered to family members during ongoing palliative care.
Designing, Managing, and Sustaining Functionally Collaborative Emergency Management Networks
Authors: Kapucu Naim , Garayev Vener
Published: May 2012

The networked governance performance in emergency management is dependent on structural, spatial, and temporal issues embedded into interorganizational relationships. Network sustainability is one of such issues that requires due attention by scholars and practitioners in the field. This article examines how network sustainability, namely, the extent to which network relationships are maintained and nurtured over time, is affected by interdependent network relationships, network complexity, and information-communication technology (ICT) utilization at the local level. Based on 118 responses from a self-administered survey distributed to four county-based metropolitan regions in the state of Florida, this study provides a multiple linear regression analysis. Using UCINET social network analysis software, additional analysis of the network structure and relationships in the four counties is provided for further insight. The findings suggest positive and statistically significant relationships between network relationships and information-communication technology utilization and that there is no statistically significant impact of network complexity as well as control variables such as sector type, number of full-time employees, and yearly budget. The network analysis suggests different patterns between friendship and advice networks during the preparedness and response phases of an emergency. This study contributes to the literature on networked governance applied to the field of emergency management.
Preparation and in vitro characterization of dexamethasone-loaded poly(d,l-lactic acid) microspheres embedded in poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(ɛ-caprolactone)–poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel for orthopedic tissue engineering
Authors: Fan Min , Guo QingFa , Luo JingCong , Luo Feng , Xie Ping , Tang XiaoHai , Qian ZhiYong
Published: May 2012

The corium is decreased to about half of its thickness in skin defects and wrinkles due to gravity and environment. In this study, dexamethasone/poly(d,l-lactic acid) ( Mn = 160,000) microspheres were incorporated into poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(ɛ-caprolactone)–poly(ethylene glycol) ( Mn = 3300) hydrogel to prepare an injectable hydrogel composite. The composite was designed to increase the thickness of the corium. Dexamethasone/poly(d,l-lactic acid) microspheres were prepared by oil-in-water emulsion/solvent evaporation technique. The properties of microspheres were investigated by size distribution measurement, scanning electron microscope and x-ray diffraction. Drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, and drug delivery behavior of microspheres were also studied in detail. Cell adhesion of microspheres was investigated by NIH3T3 cell in vitro. The properties of hydrogel composite were investigated by scanning electron microscope, rheological measurements and methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay. Drug release from composite was determined by HPLC-UV analysis. These results suggested that poly(d,l-lactic acid) microspheres encapsulating dexamethasone embedded in poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(ɛ-caprolactone)–poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel might have prospective application in orthopedic tissue engineering field.
Polyelectrolyte based molecular carriers: The role of self-assembled proteins in permeability properties
Authors: Habibi Neda , Pastorino Laura , Sandoval Oscar Herrera , Ruggiero Carmelina
Published: May 2012

Polyelectrolyte capsules are seen as promising nanotechnology based drug delivery systems. In previous works, we have demonstrated the possibility to fabricate bio-activated surface layer containing capsules with improved features in terms of biocompatibility. In this study, we have characterized the permeability properties of such capsules towards low and high molecular weight molecules, including proteins. The results indicated that the presence of the surface layer strongly affects the permeability properties of the capsules in terms of loading capacity which was found to be higher compared to that of plain capsules. These properties make such systems interesting candidates as drug delivery platforms.
How to Increase Job Satisfaction and Reduce Turnover Intentions in the Family Firm
Authors: Khanin Dmitry , Turel Ofir , Mahto Raj V.
Published: May 2012

The authors define family–business embeddedness as confluence of values and objectives stemming from the overlapping institutional contexts—family, business, and symbolic—in the family firm. Hence, the family–business embeddedness perspective investigates the effect of integrating divergent institutional values and objectives, economic and noneconomic, on family firm’s performance. The authors contend that family–business embeddedness and work centrality will magnify family employees’ job satisfaction, whereas superior job alternatives will produce an opposite effect. In turn, job satisfaction will be negatively related to family employees’ turnover intentions. A survey of 111 family employees from 70 family firms in the United States supported the hypotheses.
The Juggling Act
Authors: Shiffman Catherine Dunn
Published: May 2012

This article examines how parents supported their children’s education while transitioning from welfare to work. Interviews with parents, elementary school educators, and staff at a community-based organization were conducted in an urban Tennessee community. Navigating work and parenting responsibilities was particularly challenging when children had complex needs and when parent schedules offered limited flexibility. Work and training-based knowledge, experiences, and social networks informed parent involvement beliefs and practices when a parent saw parallels between a child’s education and their job or training. This study offers implications for federal welfare and education reauthorization debates and partnerships between schools and welfare assistance programs.
Educating (More and More) Students Experiencing Homelessness
Authors: Miller Peter M.
Published: May 2012

Rates of student homelessness have increased dramatically throughout the United States in recent years, yet there has been a dearth of scholarly analysis devoted to key organizations’ engagement of the issue. Given that the federal McKinney–Vento Homeless Assistance Act has taken on a central, but underexamined role in shaping this engagement, this article analyzes the policy’s shaping of school, district, and community responses to conditions of homelessness. Focusing on issues of policy specificity, authority, power, consistency, and stability, the article suggests that McKinney–Vento has had a positive, yet limited influence on schools and students. For more widespread and effective implementation of the policy, it is suggested that appropriate, consistent, and strategically managed funding and interorganizational collaboration are critical. These implications for research, policy, and practice are framed as being especially relevant amid the recession era, during which the crisis of homelessness in the United States has become increasingly severe.
Effect of flexible pin on the dynamic behaviors of wind turbine planetary gear drives
Authors: Zhu CaiChao , Xu XiangYang , Lim Teik Chin , Du XueSong , Liu MingYong
Published: May 2012

Flexible pins eliminate the need for straddle mounting, and therefore enable the maximum possible number of planets to be used for any particular epicyclic ratio of power transmission systems. Having more planet gears will significantly increase the input torque density. In this type of design, the pin stiffness and position tolerances are important parameters as they affect the dynamic performances significantly. The present study addresses this issue by modeling, the design of double cantilevered flexible pin, and analyzing the contributions of pin stiffness and misalignment applying the lumped parameter approach. The proposed model formulates the coupled lateral-torsional dynamic response of a planetary spur gear, including the effects of mesh stiffness and phasing as a function of pin error. The resultant equations of motion are applied to examine the effects of pin stiffness and position errors on the natural modes and structural dynamic response. The effects of pin stiffness on deviation of the tooth contact forces of the sun-planet and ring-planet gear pairs are analyzed to understand the relationship between mesh characteristic and input speed variations. The calculated supporting forces of the planet gear are examined to understand the load sharing characteristic due to pin errors, pin stiffness and input load of the power transmission system.
Adaptive aerodynamic optimization design method based on design variables space reconstruction concept
Authors: Zhu Jun , Gao Zhenghong , Bai Junqiang , Zhan Hao
Published: May 2012

Due to the strong empirical demand of setting the design space variation in optimization design process which strongly affect the design result and efficiency, the adaptive aerodynamic optimization design method based on design variables space reconstruction concept has been established by the spatial statistical analysis of the design variables spatial distribution in the optimization process, which resolves the issue of design variables spatial distribution selection and lead to a better flexibility and convergence capability of the optimization model. As the design variables distribution has been statistically analyzed in the optimization process with the concept of clustering level, on the one hand the design variables spatial variation is reconstructed, on the other hand the design variables of a part of samples is adjusted in the reconstructed design space, both of which result in a better population diversity and a faster convergence with reservation of good genetic information. The NACA 0012 airfoil and NLF(1) 0416 airfoil have been optimized by this method, the results of which have been compared and analyzed with that of optimization of fixed design space variation. The design method approached has been proved of good feasibility with the optimization results, which results in an optimum solution in a larger variables distribution scale and shows better optimization efficiency.
Does Excluding Some Groups From Research Designs Improve Statistical Power?
Authors: Biemann Torsten , Heidemeier Heike
Published: May 2012

This article aims to contribute to a controversy over whether excluding some small or incomplete groups from a sample improves statistical power in group research designs (designs that relate group-level characteristics to group-level outcome measures). In a series of simulation studies, we examined the trade-off between lower reliability and smaller sample size that occurs when very small groups, or incomplete groups are excluded. Distinguishing reflective aggregation models (where scores for different group members are interchangeable) and formative aggregation models (where scores for different group members are not interchangeable), we analyzed the impact that the number of groups, the number of individuals within groups, intraclass correlation (ICC[1]) values, and interrater agreement have on statistical power. The results provided evidence that excluding groups is mostly ill-advised and may fail to improve the conclusions that researchers draw from their results. Common practice and the assumptions that researchers make when excluding groups from their samples are discussed.
Long-Term Ongoing Coagulopathy in Premature Infants With Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Buyukinan Muammer , Yilmaz Deniz , Yalaz Mehmet , Koroglu Ozge Altun , Akisu Mete , Kavakli Kaan , Kultursay Nilgun
Published: May 2012

The previously reported activated intravascular coagulation system in the acute phase of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) has not been evaluated in the long term. We assessed the activities of coagulation system of a cohort of premature infants with RDS in comparison with healthy premature infants (HPIs), healthy mature infants (HMIs), and pediatric laboratory controls over a 6-month period. Cord and venous blood samples were taken at birth, at the first month and sixth month. Protein C (PC), free protein S (f-PS), and antithrombin (AT) activities, thrombin–antithrombin (TAT) complex, prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (PF1 + 2), and fibrinogen levels were measured. Mean PC, f-PS, d-dimer, and fibrinogen values were similar at all periods for HPI and RDS groups. Low neonatal anticoagulant proteins increased within 6 months in HMI and HPI groups. However, in RDS group, the AT activity remained significantly lower together with significantly higher TAT and PF1 + 2 levels both at the first month and at sixth month, suggesting a long-term consumption coagulopathy.
Blood Product Storage
Authors: Edelstein Steven B.
Published: May 2012

Red blood cell transfusion therapy has been used with the ultimate goal of enhancing oxygen delivery to vital organs and tissue beds, thus enhancing cellular function. Red blood cell transfusion therapy is also a long-standing practice, and since the 1950s it has only grown in utilization, especially within the United States. Recently, transfusion therapy has come under increased scrutiny with a desire to develop evidence-based therapeutic guidelines that not only decrease undue risk to the patient but also decrease the overutilization of this high-cost, low-availability product. Despite the development and implementation of these guidelines, significant complications associated with red cell therapy persist and may be related to storage of blood products. Recently, within the transfusion literature, there has been a renewed focus on red cell storage lesions and their contributions to perioperative outcomes. Several meta-analyses, and now a recently launched, multinational randomized controlled trial, have been initiated to help bring clarity to whether or not the length of product storage has any effect on patient outcomes. This review will focus on the nature of storage lesions, complications associated with storage, as well as a brief review of some of the more provocative literature surrounding this controversial topic.
Classification of individuals based on ex-vivo glatiramer acetate-induced interferon-γ and interleukin-4 response
Authors: Gilli Francesca , Navone Nicole D , Valentino Paola , Granieri Letizia , Perga Simona , Malucchi Simona , Bertolotto Antonio
Published: May 2012

Background: Glatiramer acetate (GA) in multiple sclerosis acts through the induction of GA-specific T-helper 2 cells. Nevertheless, the phenomenon is not universal in patients, explaining individual differences in clinical response.

Objective: The objective of this article was to categorize GA-treated patients.

Method: An enhanced quantitative PCR assay was used for measuring ex-vivo GA-induced IFNγ and IL4 mRNA responses in mononuclear cells from 23 healthy donors, 27 untreated patients, 33 short-term (≤6 months) and 77 long-term (>6 months) GA-treated patients. Thresholds for IFNγ and IL4 transcriptional response were calculated by ROC analysis and long-term treated patients were compared in terms of prognostic stratification.

Results: Thresholds for IFNγ and IL4 transcriptional response were calculated at 5.36 and 1.41 relative expression (RE). Finally, 67% of long-term treated patients scored above both response thresholds. These patients had a higher proportion of relapse-free subjects (74% vs 40% when compare to patients who scored below both thresholds) and a significantly better relapse-free survival rate ( p=0.006; CI 0.29–0.75). The negative predictive value to predict adverse clinical outcome was 79% (CI 0.63–0.90), meaning that by a positive response, there is a 79% chance that the patient will not experience a negative outcome at 3 years.

Conclusions: Our enhanced quantitative PCR assay produced clinically significant results for GA-treated patients. As such, if patients have a positive response, it means they have less chance of a relapse, while patients with a negative response have a greater probability of a worse outcome.
The relationship between upper leg muscle strength and walking capacity in persons with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Broekmans Tom , Gijbels Domien , Eijnde Bert O. , Alders Geert , Lamers Ilse , Roelants Machteld , Feys Peter
Published: May 2012

Background:

In persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) resistance training improves muscle strength but effects on walking capacity are inconsistent.

Objective:

The objective was to determine the relation between different types of upper leg muscle strength measurements and walking capacity in PwMS.

Methods:

An observational cross-sectional study design was applied. Upper leg muscle strength of 52 PwMS (Expanded Disability Status Scale, EDSS range 1.5–6.5) was measured using isometric (knee extensors and flexors) and isokinetic (knee extensors) dynamometry. Walking capacity was assessed using the Timed 25-Foot Walk, Timed Up and Go and Two Minute Walk Test. Subgroups with mild (EDSS 1.5–4.0, n=31) and moderate (EDSS 4.5–6.5, n=21) ambulatory dysfunction were distinguished, and results were hypothesized to differ depending on multiple sclerosis (MS)-related disability status. Correlation and regression analyses were performed on the data of the most affected leg.

Results:

Greatest ( r: 0.2–0.7) and significant Pearson correlation coefficients were found in the moderate compared to mild MS subgroup. Within knee extensor measurements, it was found that isokinetic endurance strength related best to walking capacity. When comparing maximal isometric strength measurements, knee flexors ( r: 0.5–0.7) related better to walking capacity than knee extensors ( r: 0.1–0.4). Regression analyses confirmed endurance knee extensor strength (~25 %) and isometric knee flexor strength (~40%) as main predictors for walking capacity.

Conclusion:

Resistance training protocols may consider inclusion of exercises focusing on endurance knee extensor and isometric knee flexor strength when aiming to enhance walking capacity in persons with moderate ambulatory dysfunction.
Eplerenone inhibits aldosterone-induced renal expression of cyclooxygenase
Authors: Bayorh MA , Rollins-Hairston A , Adiyiah J , Lyn D , Eatman D
Published: May 2012

Introduction:

The upregulation of cyclooxygenase (COX) expression by aldosterone (ALDO) or high salt diet intake is very interesting and complex in the light of what is known about the role of COX in renal function. Thus, in this study, we hypothesize that apocynin (APC) and/or eplerenone (EPL) inhibit ALDO/salt-induced kidney damage by preventing the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2).

Methods:

Dahl salt-sensitive rats on either a low-salt or high-salt diet were treated with ALDO (0.2 mg pellet) in the presence of EPL (100 mg/kg/day) or APC (1.5 mM). Indirect blood pressure, prostaglandins and ALDO levels and histological changes were measured.

Results:

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) levels were upregulated in the renal tubules and peritubular vessels after high-salt intake, and APC attenuated renal tubular COX-2 protein expression induced by ALDO. Plasma PGE2 levels were significantly reduced by ALDO in the rats fed a low-salt diet when compared to rats fed a high-salt diet. PGE2 was blocked by EPL but increased in the presence of APC.

Conclusions:

The beneficial effects of EPL may be associated with an inhibition of PGE2. The mechanism underlying the protective effects of EPL is clearly distinct from that of APC and suggests that these agents can have differential roles in cardiovascular disease.
The effects of telmisartan treatment on the abdominal fat depot in patients with metabolic syndrome and essential hypertension: Abdominal fat Depot Intervention Program of Okayama (ADIPO)
Authors: Murakami Kazutoshi , Wada Jun , Ogawa Daisuke , Horiguchi Chikage Sato , Miyoshi Tomoko , Sasaki Motofumi , Uchida Haruhito A , Nakamura Yoshio , Makino Hirofumi
Published: May 2012

Telmisartan partially activates the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), which may ameliorate the accumulation of visceral adipose tissues and sensitise insulin action. Nineteen patients with essential hypertension and metabolic syndrome were randomly assigned to receive 40 mg of telmisartan (TELMI group) once daily or 80 mg of valsartan (VAL group) once daily for 24 weeks. The visceral fat area (VFA) measured by computed tomography (CT) was significantly reduced from 150.4±15.5 to 127.7±16.7 cm2 in the TELMI group ( p=0.049). Although VFA was also reduced in the VAL group from 169.8±14.8 to 155.3±14.8 cm2, the change was not significant ( p=0.173). There were no significant changes in body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, subdermal fat area (SFA), fasting plasma glucose, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in comparison to the baseline and follow-up data in both groups. In conclusion, telmisartan may have a benefit in the reduction of visceral adipose tissues in comparison to valsartan.
Prophylactic rituximab after allogeneic transplantation decreases B-cell alloimmunity with low chronic GVHD incidence
Authors: Arai Sally , Sahaf Bita , Narasimhan Balasubramanian , Chen George L. , Jones Carol D. , Lowsky Robert , Shizuru Judith A. , Johnston Laura J. , Laport Ginna G. , Weng Wen-Kai , Benjamin Jonathan E. , Schaenman Joanna , Brown Janice , Ramirez Jessica , Zehnder James L. , Negrin Robert S. , Miklos David B.
Published: May 2012

B cells are involved in the pathogenesis of chronic GVHD (cGVHD). We hypothesized that prophylactic anti–B-cell therapy delivered 2 months after transplantation would decrease allogeneic donor B-cell immunity and possibly the incidence of cGVHD. Therefore, in the present study, patients with high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia (n = 22) and mantle-cell lymphoma (n = 13) received a total lymphoid irradiation of 80 cGy for 10 days and antithymocyte globulin 1.5 mg/kg/d for 5 days. Rituximab (375 mg/m2) was infused weekly on days 56, 63, 70, and 77 after transplantation. The incidence of acute GVHD was 6%. The cumulative incidence of cGVHD was 20%. Nonrelapse mortality was 3%. Rituximab treatment after allogeneic transplantation significantly reduced B-cell allogeneic immunity, with complete prevention of alloreactive H-Y Ab development in male patients with female donors (P = .01). Overall survival and freedom from progression at 4 years for chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients were 73% and 47%, respectively; for mantle-cell lymphoma patients, they were 69% and 53%, respectively. This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00186628.
Clinical and pharmacodynamic activity of bortezomib and decitabine in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Blum William , Schwind Sebastian , Tarighat Somayeh S. , Geyer Susan , Eisfeld Ann-Kathrin , Whitman Susan , Walker Alison , Klisovic Rebecca , Byrd John C. , Santhanam Ramasamy , Wang Hongyan , Curfman John P. , Devine Steven M. , Jacob Samson , Garr Celia , Kefauver Cheryl , Perrotti Danilo , Chan Kenneth K. , Bloomfield Clara D. , Caligiuri Michael A. , Grever Michael R. , Garzon Ramiro , Marcucci Guido
Published: May 2012

We recently reported promising clinical activity for a 10-day regimen of decitabine in older AML patients; high miR-29b expression associated with clinical response. Subsequent preclinical studies with bortezomib in AML cells have shown drug-induced miR-29b up-regulation, resulting in loss of transcriptional activation for several genes relevant to myeloid leukemogenesis, including DNA methyltransferases and receptor tyrosine kinases. Thus, a phase 1 trial of bortezomib and decitabine was developed. Nineteen poor-risk AML patients (median age 70 years; range, 32-84 years) enrolled. Induction with decitabine (20 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1-10) plus bortezomib (escalated up to the target 1.3 mg/m2 on days 5, 8, 12, and 15) was tolerable, but bortezomib-related neuropathy developed after repetitive cycles. Of previously untreated patients (age ≥ 65 years), 5 of 10 had CR (complete remission, n = 4) or incomplete CR (CRi, n = 1); 7 of 19 overall had CR/CRi. Pharmacodynamic analysis showed FLT3 down-regulation on day 26 of cycle 1 (P = .02). Additional mechanistic studies showed that FLT3 down-regulation was due to bortezomib-induced miR-29b up-regulation; this led to SP1 down-regulation and destruction of the SP1/NF-κB complex that transactivated FLT3. This study demonstrates the feasibility and preliminary clinical activity of decitabine plus bortezomib in AML and identifies FLT3 as a novel pharmacodynamic end point for future trials. This study is registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00703300.
Construction of physical maps for the sex-specific regions of papaya sex chromosomes
Authors: Na Jong-Kuk , Wang Jianping , Murray Jan E , Gschwend Andrea R , Zhang Wenli , Yu Qingyi , Pérez Rafael Navajas‒ , Feltus F Alex , Chen Cuixia , Kubat Zdenek , Moore Paul H , Jiang Jiming , Paterson Andrew H , Ming Ray
Published: May 2012

Background

Papaya is a major fruit crop in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It is trioecious with three sex forms: male, female, and hermaphrodite. Sex determination is controlled by a pair of nascent sex chromosomes with two slightly different Y chromosomes, Y for male and Yh for hermaphrodite. The sex chromosome genotypes are XY (male), XYh (hermaphrodite), and XX (female). The papaya hermaphrodite-specific Yh chromosome region (HSY) is pericentromeric and heterochromatic. Physical mapping of HSY and its X counterpart is essential for sequencing these regions and uncovering the early events of sex chromosome evolution and to identify the sex determination genes for crop improvement.

Results

A reiterate chromosome walking strategy was applied to construct the two physical maps with three bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) libraries. The HSY physical map consists of 68 overlapped BACs on the minimum tiling path, and covers all four HSY-specific Knobs. One gap remained in the region of Knob 1, the only knob structure shared between HSY and X, due to the lack of HSY-specific sequences. This gap was filled on the physical map of the HSY corresponding region in the X chromosome. The X physical map consists of 44 BACs on the minimum tiling path with one gap remaining in the middle, due to the nature of highly repetitive sequences. This gap was filled on the HSY physical map. The borders of the non-recombining HSY were defined genetically by fine mapping using 1460 F2 individuals. The genetically defined HSY spanned approximately 8.5 Mb, whereas its X counterpart extended about 5.4 Mb including a 900 Kb region containing the Knob 1 shared by the HSY and X. The 8.5 Mb HSY corresponds to 4.5 Mb of its X counterpart, showing 4 Mb (89%) DNA sequence expansion.

Conclusion

The 89% increase of DNA sequence in HSY indicates rapid expansion of the Yh chromosome after genetic recombination was suppressed 2–3 million years ago. The genetically defined borders coincide with the common BACs on the minimum tiling paths of HSY and X. The minimum tiling paths of HSY and its X counterpart are being used for sequencing these X and Yh-specific regions.
Variation in the IL1B, TNF and IL6 genes and individual susceptibility to prosthetic joint infection
Authors: Stahelova Anna , Mrazek Frantisek , Smizansky Matej , Petrek Martin , Gallo Jiri
Published: May 2012

Background

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is an important failure mechanism of total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Here we examine whether the particular genetic variants can lead to increased susceptibility to PJI development.

Results

We conducted a genetic-association study to determine whether PJI could be associated with functional cytokine gene polymorphisms (CGP) influencing on innate immunity response. A case–control design was utilized and previously published criteria for PJI were included to distinguish between cases and control subjects with/without TJA. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the genes for interleukin-1beta (SNP: IL1B-511, +3962), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-308, -238) and interleukin-6 (IL6-174, nt565) were genotyped in 303 Caucasian (Czech) patients with TJA (89 with PJI / 214 without PJI), and 168 unrelated healthy Czech individuals without TJA. The results showed that carriers of the less common IL1B−511*T allele were overrepresented in the group of TJA patients with PJI (69%) in comparison with those that did not develop PJI (51%, p = 0.006, pcorr = 0.037) and with healthy controls (55%, p = 0.04, pcorr = N.S.). There was no significant difference in the distribution of the remaining five investigated CGPs and their haplotypes between groups.

Conclusion

A functional variant of the gene encoding for IL-1beta was preliminarily nominated as a genetic factor contributing to the susceptibility to PJI. Our results should be independently replicated; studies on the functional relevance of IL1B gene variants in PJI are also needed.
Dietary sea cucumber cerebroside alleviates orotic acid-induced excess hepatic adipopexis in rats
Authors: Zhang Bei , Xue Changhu , Hu Xiaoqian , Xu Jie , Li Zhaojie , Wang Jingfeng , Yanagita Teruyoshi , Xue Yong , Wang Yuming
Published: May 2012

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent chronic liver disease in industrialized countries. The present study was undertaken to explore the preventive effect of dietary sea cucumber cerebroside (SCC) extracted from Acaudina molpadioides in fatty liver rats.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups including normal control group, NAFLD model group, and two SCC-treated groups with SCC at 0.006% and 0.03% respectively. The fatty liver model was established by administration of 1% orotic acid (OA) to the rats. After 10d, serum and hepatic lipid levels were detected. And the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities were also determined. Besides, to gain the potential mechanism, the changes of key enzymes and gene expressions related to the hepatic lipid metabolism were measured.

Results

Dietary SCC at the level of 0.006% and 0.03% ameliorated the hepatic lipid accumulation in fatty liver rats. SCC administration elevated the serum triglyceride (TG) level and the ALT, AST activities in OA-fed rats. The activities of hepatic lipogenic enzymes including fatty acid synthase (FAS), malic enzyme (ME) and glucose-6-phosphatedehydrogenase (G6PDH) were inhibited by SCC treatment. And the gene expressions of FAS, ME, G6PDH and sterol-regulatory element binding protein (SREBP-1c) were also reduced in rats fed SCC. However, dietary SCC didn't affect the activity and mRNA expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) in liver. Besides, suppression of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) activity was observed in SCC-feeding rats.

Conclusions

These results suggested that dietary SCC could attenuate hepatic steatosis due to its inhibition of hepatic lipogenic gene expression and enzyme activity and the enhancement of TG secretion from liver.
A comparison of the wild food plant use knowledge of ethnic minorities in Naban River Watershed National Nature Reserve, Yunnan, SW China
Authors: Ghorbani Abdolbaset , Langenberger Gerhard , Sauerborn Joachim
Published: May 2012

Background

Wild food plants (WFPs) contribute to the nutrition, economy and even cultural identity of people in many parts of the world. Different factors determine the preference and use of WFPs such as abundance, availability, cultural preference, economic conditions, shortage periods or unsecure food production systems. Understanding these factors and knowing the patterns of selection, use and cultural significance and value of wild food plants for local communities is helpful in setting priorities for conservation and/or domestication of these plants. Thus in this study knowledge of wild food plant use among four groups namely Dai, Lahu, Hani and Mountain Han in Naban River Watershed National Nature Reserve ((NRWNNR), Xishuangbanna were documented and analyzed to find the similarity and difference among their plant use.

Methods

Data on wild food plant use was collected through freelisting and semi-structured interviews and participatory field collection and direct observation. Botanical plant sample specimens were collected, prepared, dried and identified.

Results

A total of 173 species and subspecies from 64 families and one species of lichen (Ramalina sp.) are used as WFP. There were differences on the saliency of wild food plant species among four ethnic groups. Consensus analysis revealed that knowledge of wild food plant use for each ethnic group differs from others with some variation in each group. Among informant attributes only age was related with the knowledge of wild food plant use, whereas no significant relationship was found between gender and age*gender and informants knowledge of wild food plant use.

Conclusion

Wild food plants are still used extensively by local people in the NRWNNR, some of them on a daily base. This diversity of wild food plants provide important source of nutrients for the local communities which much of their caloric intake comes from one or few crops. The results also show the role of ethnicity on the preference and use of wild food plants. There is a big potential for harvesting, participatory domestication and marketing of WFPs especially in the tourism sector in the area.
Osteoporosis in ankylosing spondylitis - prevalence, risk factors and methods of assessment
Authors: Klingberg Eva , Lorentzon Mattias , Mellström Dan , Geijer Mats , Göthlin Jan , Hilme Elisabet , Hedberg Martin , Carlsten Hans , Forsblad-d'Elia Helena
Published: May 2012

Introduction

Osteoporosis can be a complication of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), but diagnosing spinal osteoporosis can be difficult since pathologic new bone formation interferes with the assessment of the bone mineral density (BMD). The aims of the current study were to investigate prevalence and risk factors for reduced BMD in a Swedish cohort of AS patients, and to examine how progressive ankylosis influences BMD with the use of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of the lumbar spine in different projections.

Methods

Methods of assessment were questionnaires, back mobility tests, blood samples, lateral spine radiographs for syndesmophyte grading (mSASSS), DXA of the hip, radius and lumbar spine in anteroposterior (AP) and lateral projections with estimation of volumetric BMD (vBMD).

Results

AS patients (modified New York criteria), 87 women and 117 men, mean age 50 ± 13 years and disease duration 15 ± 11 years were included. According to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria 21% osteoporosis and 44% osteopenia was diagnosed in patients > = 50 years. Under age 50 BMD below expected range for age was found in 5%. Interestingly lateral lumbar DXA showed significantly lower BMD and revealed significantly more cases with osteoporosis as compared with AP DXA. Lumbar vBMD was not different between sexes, but women had significantly more lumbar osteoporosis measured with AP DXA (P < 0.001). Men had significantly higher mSASSS (P < 0.001). Low BMD was associated with high age, disease duration, mSASSS, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), inflammatory parameters and low body mass index (BMI). Increasing mSASSS correlated significantly with decreasing lateral and volumetric lumbar BMD, while AP lumbar BMD showed tendency to increase.

Conclusions

Osteoporosis and osteopenia is common in AS and associated with high disease burden. Lateral and volumetric lumbar DXA are more sensitive than AP DXA in detecting osteoporosis and are less affected by syndesmophyte formation.
Chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 5 plays a tumor suppressor role in human breast cancer
Authors: Wu Xiao , Zhu Zhengmao , Li Weidong , Fu Xiaoying , Su Dan , Fu Liya , Zhang Zhiqian , Luo Ang , Sun Xiaodong , Fu Li , Dong Jin-Tang
Published: May 2012

Introduction

The chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 5 (CHD5) has recently been identified as a tumor suppressor in a mouse model. The CHD5 locus at 1p36 is deleted, and its mutation has been detected in breast cancer. We, therefore, evaluated whether CHD5 plays a role in human breast cancer.

Methods

We screened mutations in 55 tumors, determined promoter methylation in 39 tumors, measured RNA expression in 90 tumors, analyzed protein expression in 289 tumors, and correlated expression changes with clinicopathological characteristics of breast cancer. Functional effects of CHD5 on cell proliferation, invasion and tumorigenesis were also tested.

Results

Although only one mutation was detected, CHD5 mRNA expression was significantly reduced, accompanied by frequent genomic deletion and promoter methylation, in breast cancer. The extent of methylation was significantly associated with reduced mRNA expression, and demethylating treatment restored CHD5 expression. Lower CHD5 mRNA levels correlated with lymph node metastasis (P = 0.026). CHD5 protein expression was also reduced in breast cancer, and lack of CHD5 expression significantly correlated with higher tumor stage, ER/PR-negativity, HER2 positivity, distant metastasis and worse patient survival (P ≤ 0.01). Functionally, ectopic expression of CHD5 in breast cancer cells inhibited cell proliferation and invasion in vitro and tumorigenesis in nude mice. Consistent with the inhibition of invasion, CHD5 down-regulated mesenchymal markers vimentin, N-cadherin and ZEB1 in breast cancer cells.

Conclusion

Down-regulation of CHD5, mediated at least in part by promoter methylation, contributes to the development and progression of human breast cancer.
Heterogeneity in composition of mouse uterine natural killer cell granules
Authors: Lima Patrícia D A , Croy Barbara A , Degaki Karina Y , Tayade Chandrakant , Yamada Áureo T
Published: May 2012

Pregnancy-associated mouse uNK cells constitutively secrete Vegfa from vesicles, and have the capability for induced secretion of Gzma from secretory, and perforin from secretorylysosome granules.

uNK cells differ from cNK cells, as they produce angiogenic molecules critical for normal implantation site development. We evaluated heterogeneity among DBA+uNK cells for Prf, Gzma, and Vegfa. Ctsd and Srgn expression was used to assign intracellular sorting of these molecules on gd7, -9, and -14. Vegfa was present in small, granule-free DBA+uNK cells at gd7 and in large, granule-rich DBA+uNK cells at gd9 and -14. Prf and Gzma were only found in granulated DBA+uNK cells (gd9 and -14). All granule-rich Prf+DBA+uNK cells appeared to coexpress Vegfa. Thus, all DBA+uNK cells were Vegfa-producing cells. PC analysis and immunogold ultrastructure confirmed colocalization of Prf/Ctsd in secretory-lysosome granules (PC>0.5). Surprisingly, Gzma and Prf+Ctsd+ were not colocalized (PC<0.5). Rather, Gzma colocalized with Srgn (PC>0.5) in small granules in cells with Vegfa expression (PC<0.5). NK1.1+sNK cells and DBA+uNK cells expressed genes regulating vesicular traffic (rab11, rab27a, snap23, vamp7), but uNK cells also expressed rab34 and vamp8, molecules associated with constitutive secretion. SEE activated the regulated secretory pathway of DBA+uNK cells in vivo, mobilizing Prf and Gzma but not Vegfa. Thus, DBA+uNK cells display constitutive and regulated secretion. Further, these results demonstrate that granule-free DBA+uNK cells are not quiescent immature cells, but they are cells with potentially significant angiogenic roles before and in addition to their initiation of spiral arterial remodeling.
Hypergravity disruption of homeorhetic adaptations to lactation in rat dams include changes in circadian clocks
Authors: Casey Theresa , Zakrzewska Elzbieta I. , Maple Rhonda L. , Lintault Laura , Wade Charles E. , Baer Lisa A. , Ronca April E. , Plaut Karen
Published: May 2012

Altered gravity load induced by spaceflight (microgravity) and centrifugation (hypergravity) is associated with changes in circadian, metabolic, and reproductive systems. Exposure to 2-g hypergravity (HG) during pregnancy and lactation decreased rate of mammary metabolic activity and increased pup mortality. We hypothesize HG disrupted maternal homeorhetic responses to pregnancy and lactation are due to changes in maternal metabolism, hormone concentrations, and maternal behavior related to gravity induced alterations in circadian clocks. Effect of HG exposure on mammary, liver and adipose tissue metabolism, plasma hormones and maternal behavior were analyzed in rat dams from mid-pregnancy (Gestational day [G]11) through early lactation (Postnatal day [P]3); comparisons were made across five time-points: G20, G21, P0 (labor and delivery), P1 and P3. Blood, mammary, liver, and adipose tissue were collected for analyzing plasma hormones, glucose oxidation to CO2 and incorporation into lipids, or gene expression. Maternal behavioral phenotyping was conducted using time-lapse videographic analyses. Dam and fetal-pup body mass were significantly reduced in HG in all age groups. HG did not affect labor and delivery; however, HG pups experienced a greater rate of mortality. PRL, corticosterone, and insulin levels and receptor genes were altered by HG. Mammary, liver and adipose tissue metabolism and expression of genes that regulate lipid metabolism were altered by HG exposure. Exposure to HG significantly changed expression of core clock genes in mammary and liver and circadian rhythms of maternal behavior. Gravity load alterations in dam's circadian system may have impacted homeorhetic adaptations needed for a successful lactation.
Kidins220/ARMS as a functional mediator of multiple receptor signalling pathways
Authors: Neubrand Veronika E. , Cesca Fabrizia , Benfenati Fabio , Schiavo Giampietro
Published: May 2012

An increasing body of evidence suggests that several membrane receptors – in addition to activating distinct signalling cascades – also engage in substantial crosstalk with each other, thereby adjusting their signalling outcome as a function of specific input information. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that control their coordination and integration of downstream signalling. A protein that is likely to have a role in this process is kinase-D-interacting substrate of 220 kDa [Kidins220, also known as ankyrin repeat-rich membrane spanning (ARMS), hereafter referred to as Kidins220/ARMS]. Kidins220/ARMS is a conserved membrane protein that is preferentially expressed in the nervous system and interacts with the microtubule and actin cytoskeleton. It interacts with neurotrophin, ephrin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and glutamate receptors, and is a common downstream target of several trophic stimuli. Kidins220/ARMS is required for neuronal differentiation and survival, and its expression levels modulate synaptic plasticity. Kidins220/ARMS knockout mice show developmental defects mainly in the nervous and cardiovascular systems, suggesting a crucial role for this protein in modulating the cross talk between different signalling pathways. In this Commentary, we summarise existing knowledge regarding the physiological functions of Kidins220/ARMS, and highlight some interesting directions for future studies on the role of this protein in health and disease.
Bin Packing with Conflicts: A Generic Branch-and-Price Algorithm
Authors: Sadykov Ruslan , Vanderbeck François
Published: May 2012

The bin packing problem with conflicts consists of packing items in a minimum number of bins of limited capacity while avoiding joint assignments of items that are in conflict. Our study demonstrates that a generic implementation of a branch-and-price algorithm using specific pricing oracle yields comparatively good performance for this problem. We use our black-box branch-and-price solver BaPCod, relying on its generic branching scheme and primal heuristics. We developed a dynamic programming algorithm for pricing when the conflict graph is an interval graph, and a depth-first-search branch-and-bound approach for pricing when the conflict graph has no special structure. The exact method is tested on instances from the literature where the conflict graph is an interval graph, as well as harder instances that we generated with an arbitrary conflict graph and larger number of items per bin. Our computational experiment report sets new benchmark results for this problem, closing all open instances of the literature in one hour of CPU time.