bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth and physiological responses of canola (Brassica napus) to three components of global climate change: temperature, carbon dioxide and drought
Authors: Qaderi Mirwais M. , Kurepin Leonid V. , Reid David M.
Published: November 2006

Elevated CO2 appears to be a significant factor in global warming, which will likely lead to drought conditions in many areas. Few studies have considered the interactive effects of higher CO2, temperature and drought on plant growth and physiology. We grew canola (Brassica napus cv. 45H72) plants under lower (22/18°C) and higher (28/24°C) temperature regimes in controlled‐environment chambers at ambient (370 μmol mol−1) and elevated (740 μmol mol−1) CO2 levels. One half of the plants were watered to field capacity and the other half at wilting point. In three separate experiments, we determined growth, various physiological parameters and content of abscisic acid (ABA), indole‐3‐acetic acid and ethylene. Drought‐stressed plants grown under higher temperature at ambient CO2 had decreased stem height and diameter, leaf number and area, dry matter, leaf area ratio, shoot/root weight ratio, net CO2 assimilation and chlorophyll fluorescence. However, these plants had increased specific leaf weight, leaf weight ratio and chlorophyll concentration. Elevated CO2 generally had the opposite effect, and partially reversed the inhibitory effects of higher temperature and drought on leaf dry weight accumulation. This study showed that higher temperature and drought inhibit many processes but elevated CO2 partially mitigate some adverse effects. As expected, drought stress increased ABA but higher temperature inhibited the ability of plants to produce ABA in response to drought.
Cardiac pain or panic disorder? Managing uncertainty in the emergency department
Authors: Hamer Helen P. , McCallin Antoinette M.
Published: November 2006

Abstract  Emergency department admissions for chest pain might be related to a psychological problem, such as panic. Panic disorder adversely affects the person’s lifestyle, general health, and psychological well‐being. Panic disorder is difficult to recognize, so nursing assessment and management of these clients is important. This paper presents research findings from a New Zealand study that explored emergency nurses’ differentiation of non‐cardiac chest pain from panic disorder and raised significant issues in the nursing assessment and management of such clients. The data were gathered from focus group interviews and were analyzed thematically. Three themes, prioritizing time, managing uncertainty and ambiguity, and the life‐threatening lens, were identified. The findings confirm that a panic disorder is not always diagnosed when biomedical assessment is used in isolation from a psychosocial assessment. Emergency nurses are pivotal in reversing the cycle of repeat presenters with non‐cardiac chest pain. Recommendations for assessing and managing this complex condition are presented.
Adverse feedback sequences in exploited marine systems: are deliberate interruptive actions warranted?
Authors: Bakun Andrew , Weeks Scarla J.
Published: November 2006

Several mechanisms for self‐enhancing feedback instabilities in marine ecosystems are identified and briefly elaborated. It appears that adverse phases of operation may be abruptly triggered by explosive breakouts in abundance of one or more previously suppressed populations. Moreover, an evident capacity of marine organisms to accomplish extensive geographic habitat expansions may expand and perpetuate a breakout event. This set of conceptual elements provides a framework for interpretation of a sequence of events that has occurred in the Northern Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (off south‐western Africa). This history can illustrate how multiple feedback loops might interact with one another in unanticipated and quite malignant ways, leading not only to collapse of customary resource stocks but also to degradation of the ecosystem to such an extent that disruption of customary goods and services may go beyond fisheries alone to adversely affect other major global ecosystem concerns (e.g. proliferations of jellyfish and other slimy, stingy, toxic and/or noxious organisms, perhaps even climate change itself, etc.). The wisdom of management interventions designed to interrupt an adverse mode of feedback operation is pondered. Research pathways are proposed that may lead to improved insights needed: (i) to avoid potential ‘triggers’ that might set adverse phases of feedback loop operation into motion; and (ii) to diagnose and properly evaluate plausible actions to reverse adverse phases of feedback operation that might already have been set in motion. These pathways include the drawing of inferences from available ‘quasi‐experiments’ produced either by short‐term climatic variation or inadvertently in the course of biased exploitation practices, and inter‐regional applications of the comparative method of science.
Precaution: principles and practice in Australian environmental and natural resource management*
Authors: Peterson Deborah C.
Published: November 2006

Since the late 1980s, the concept of precaution has been incorporated into numerous international agreements and laws, as well as in domestic statutes and policies in many countries. This paper examines the international emergence of the concept and its application in Australia. Despite rapid growth in adoption of the so‐called ‘precautionary principle’, the concept remains highly controversial, and its success in terms of improving environmental and natural resource management has been questioned. A common misconception is that the principle prescribes action. In fact, internationally accepted definitions are about decision‐making processes. This paper argues that implementation guidelines are essential to ensure that precautionary decision‐making is consistent with good decision‐making principles, and to avoid unnecessary costs and perverse outcomes.
Service Users’ Perspectives on the Benefits System in Israel: A Participatory Action Research
Authors: Krumer‐Nevo Michal , Barak Adi
Published: November 2006

This article presents a position paper on Israel's benefits system. It was produced in the framework of a participatory action research with the collaboration of welfare services users and social welfare policy practitioners, academics, social practitioners, and social activists. Some 78 persons living in poverty, from various population groups, were asked, in group settings, to describe their experiences with the benefit system and services, their coping strategies, their perceptions and attitudes towards these services, and their recommendations for ways to improve them. The position paper which emerged from this process served as the basis for discussions between service users, social welfare policy practitioners, researchers, social activists and social practitioners at an academic conference. Issues such as benefits cuts, eligibility, and definitions of poverty are discussed and recommendations are presented.
THEORY AND GOD IN GOTHAM
Authors: BUTLER JON
Published: November 2006

“Theory” is all the rage among religious studies scholars generally. But with the tiniest number of exceptions, this is not true in American religious history. American history in general has not proven receptive to theoretically oriented scholarship, and American religious history may epitomize this aversion; most histories of religion in America follow the classic forms of narrative history. yet the study of religion in modern urban America illustrates the desirability and perhaps even the inevitability of rethinking both religion and modernity. Without rethinking modernity, especially the assumption of its secularity, our histories cannot explain or even adequately describe the remarkable resilience of religion in so seemingly secular a place as Manhattan. And without rethinking religion we may not be able to comprehend its ability to thrive and to embrace uncertainty and spiritual pluralism alike.
THE NON‐MODERN CONFRONTS THE MODERN: DATING THE BUDDHA IN JAPAN
Authors: KETELAAR JAMES E.
Published: November 2006

This paper examines the emergence of a distinctly “modern” style of history and some of its uses as applied to Buddhism by Buddhist scholars within the early Meiji period (late nineteenth century) in Japan. After a discussion of the importance of “area studies” in the formation of conceptions germane to history as practiced in Japan, the paper proposes a new category of the “non‐modern” as a means to counter the historiographical dominance of modern categories in the formation of the historical discipline, especially as formulated in Japanese studies.

As a case study, the emergence of the discourse dealing with the quest for the historical Buddha is examined. By showing the methods and accomplishments of modernist historians, and the concomitant slippage of non‐modern categories in their work, this paper sketches a method of analysis particularly applicable to the intersection of religion and history.
Prevalence and correlates of comorbidity 8 years after a first psychotic episode
Authors: Farrelly S. , Harris M. G. , Henry L. P. , Purcell R. , Prosser A. , Schwartz O. , Jackson H. , McGorry P. D.
Published: November 2006

Objective:  While rates and correlates of comorbidity have been investigated in the early course of psychosis, little is known about comorbidity in the medium‐to‐longer term or its relationship with outcome.

Method:  A total of 182 first‐episode psychosis (FEP) patients who met DSM‐IV criteria for a current psychotic disorder 8 years after index presentation were grouped according to concurrent comorbidity [no concurrent axis I disorder; concurrent substance use disorder (SUD); other concurrent axis I disorder; concurrent SUD and other axis I disorder]. Outcomes were compared between groups controlling for relevant covariates.

Results:  As much as 39% met criteria for one or more concurrent axis 1 diagnoses. Comorbidity was associated with greater severity of general psychopathology, but not with measures of functioning, treatment or negative symptoms.

Conclusion:  Specific combinations of comorbid disorders may influence patterns of psychotic symptomatology. Routine examination of axis I disorders is warranted in the ongoing management of psychosis.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF CANINE INFLAMMATORY MYOPATHIES IN THREE DOGS
Authors: PLATT SIMON R. , FRASER McCONNELL J. , GAROSI LAURENT S. , LADLOW JANE , DE STEFANI ALBERTA , DIANE SHELTON G.
Published: November 2006

In humans affected with inflammatory myopathies, regions of altered signal intensity are found on magnetic resonance (MR) images of affected muscles. Although electromyography (EMG) is more practical for muscle disease evaluation, and a muscle biopsy is the only manner in which a definitive diagnosis can be made, MR imaging has proven useful if a specific anatomic localization is difficult to achieve. Three dogs with focal inflammatory myopathy diagnosed with the assistance of MR imaging are discussed and the findings are compared with those found in humans. MR images of the affected muscles in each dog were characterized by diffuse and poorly marginated abnormal signal on T1‐ and T2‐weighted images. Marked enhancement was noted in these muscles after contrast medium administration. An inflammatory myopathy was confirmed histologically in all three dogs. A good association existed between the MR images and muscle inflammation identified histopathologically. MR imaging may be a useful adjunctive procedure for canine inflammatory myopathies.
Interaction between Coat Morphogenetic Proteins SafA and SpoVID
Authors: Costa Teresa , Isidro Anabela L. , Moran Charles P. , Henriques Adriano O.
Published: November 2006

Morphogenetic proteins such as SpoVID and SafA govern assembly of the
Bacillus subtilis
endospore coat by guiding the various protein structural components to the surface of the developing spore. Previously, a screen for peptides able to interact with SpoVID led to the identification of a PYYH motif present in the C-terminal half of the SafA protein and to the subsequent demonstration that SpoVID and SafA directly interact.
spoVID
and
safA
spores show deficiencies in coat assembly and are lysozyme susceptible. Both proteins, orthologs of which are found in all
Bacillus
species, have LysM domains for peptidoglycan binding and localize to the cortex-coat interface. Here, we show that the interaction between SafA and SpoVID involves the PYYH motif (region B) but also a 13-amino-acid region (region A) just downstream of the N-terminal LysM domain of SafA. We show that deletion of region B does not block the interaction of SafA with SpoVID, nor does it bring about spore susceptibility to lysozyme. Nevertheless, it appears to reduce the interaction and affects the complex. In contrast, lesions in region A impaired the interaction of SafA with SpoVID in vitro and, while not affecting the accumulation of SafA in vivo, interfered with the localization of SafA around the developing spore, causing aberrant assembly of the coat and lysozyme sensitivity. A peptide corresponding to region A interacts with SpoVID, suggesting that residues within this region directly contact SpoVID. Since region A is highly conserved among SafA orthologs, this motif may be an important determinant of coat assembly in the group of
Bacillus
spore formers.
IN-GAP OPTICAL BISTABILITIES OF DEEP NONLINEAR BRAGG GRATING WITH SYMMETRIC THREE-LAYER UNIT CELLS
Authors: ALATAS H. , ISKANDAR A. A. , TJIA M. O.
Published: November 2006

A numerical study on the hysteretic responses of deep nonlinear Bragg grating systems with symmetric three-layer unit cells has been carried out on the basis of a generalized coupled mode theory modified to accommodate deeper nonlinear refractive index modulation. The results show that the in-gap bistability offers the most favorable features in terms of switching width and threshold for optical switching application. Calculated variations of these operational features with respect to the layer thickness, operating wavelength and nonlinear index contrast provide useful guidance for the design of grating systems intended for specific optical switching applications.
Effects of forskolin on inotropic performance and phospholamban phosphorylation in exercise-trained hypertensive myocardium
Authors: Kolwicz Stephen C. , Kubo Hajime , MacDonnell Scott M. , Houser Steven R. , Libonati Joseph R.
Published: November 2006

β-Adrenergic receptor (β-AR) responsiveness is downregulated in left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy induced by chronic hypertension. While exercise training in hypertension enhances β-AR responsiveness, the role of adenylyl cyclase remains unclear. The purpose of the present study was to test whether treadmill running in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) model improves LV responsiveness to forskolin (FOR) or the combination of FOR + isoproterenol (FOR+ISO). Female SHR (16-wk) were randomly placed into sedentary (SHR-SED; n = 7) or treadmill-trained (SHR-TRD; n = 8) groups. Wistar-Kyoto (WKY; n = 7) animals acted as normotensive controls. Langendorff, isovolumic LV performance was established at baseline and during incremental FOR infusion (1 and 5 μmol/l) and FOR+ISO (5 μmol/l + 1×10−8 mol/l). Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and heart-to-body weight ratio were lower in WKY relative to both SHR groups ( P < 0.05). LV performance and heart rate significantly increased in all groups to a similar extent with incremental FOR infusion. However, in the presence of 5 μmol/l FOR, ISO increased LV developed pressure, positive change in LV pressure, and negative change in LV pressure to a greater extent in SHR-TRD relative to SHR-SED ( P < 0.05). Phospholamban phosphorylation at the Thr17 was greater in SHR-TRD relative to SHR-SED and WKY ( P < 0.05). Absolute LV developed pressure was moderately correlated with phospholamban phosphorylation at both the Ser16 ( r = 0.64; P < 0.05) and Thr17 ( r = 0.52; P < 0.05). Our data suggest that the adenylyl cyclase step in the β-AR cascade is not downregulated in the early course of hypertension and that the enhanced β-AR responsiveness with training is likely mediated at levels other than adenylyl cyclase. Our data also suggest that β-AR inotropic responsiveness in the presence of direct adenylyl cyclase agonism is improved in trained compared with sedentary SHR hearts.
Exercise training improves cardiac performance in diabetes: in vivo demonstration with quantitative cine-MRI analyses
Authors: Loganathan Rajprasad , Bilgen Mehmet , Al-Hafez Baraa , Zhero Svyatoslav V. , Alenezy Mohammed D. , Smirnova Irina V.
Published: November 2006

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a distinct myocardial complication of the catabolic state of untreated insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat. Exercise training has long been utilized as an effective adjunct to pharmacotherapy in the management of the diabetic heart. However, the in vivo functional benefit(s) of the training programs on cardiac cycle events in diabetes are poorly understood. In this study, we used three groups of Sprague-Dawley rats (sedentary control, sedentary diabetic, and exercised diabetic) to assess the effects of endurance training on the left ventricular (LV) cardiac cycle events in diabetes. At the end of 9 wk of exercise training, noninvasive cardiac functional evaluation was performed by using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (9.4 T). An ECG-gated cine imaging protocol was used to capture the LV cardiac cycle events through 10 equally incremented phases. The cardiac cycle phase volumetric profiles showed favorable functional changes in exercised diabetic group, including a prevention of decreased end-diastolic volume and attenuation of increased end-systolic volume that accompanies sedentary diabetes. The defects in LV systolic flow velocity, acceleration, and jerk associated with sedentary diabetes were restored toward control levels in the trained diabetic animals. This magnetic resonance imaging study confirms the prevailing evidence from earlier in vitro and in vivo invasive procedures that exercise training benefits cardiac function in this model of diabetic cardiomyopathy despite the extreme catabolic state of the animals.
On boundedness of the solutions of the difference equation xn+1 = xn−1/(p + xn)
Authors: Sun Taixiang , Xi Hongjian , Wu Hui
Published: November 2006

We study the difference equation xn+1 = xn−1/(p + xn), n = 0, 1, …, where initial values x−1, x0 ∈ (0, +∞) and 0 < p < 1, and obtain the set of all initial values (x−1, x0) ∈ (0, +∞) × (0, +∞) such that the positive solution is bounded. This answers the Open Problem 2 proposed by Kulenović and Ladas.
Effect of c-neu/ ErbB2 Expression Levels on Estrogen Receptor α–Dependent Proliferation in Mammary Epithelial Cells: Implications for Breast Cancer Biology
Authors: Shyamala Gopalan , Chou Yu-Chien , Cardiff Robert D. , Vargis Elizabeth
Published: November 2006

Mammary development and tumorigenesis are profoundly influenced by signaling pathways under the control of c-erbB2/c-neu and estrogen receptor α (ERα). Signaling through ERα is essential for ductal growth during puberty. In mice overexpressing wild-type c-neu in mammary epithelial cells, Tg (c-neu), ductal growth is impaired. An impeded signaling through ERα is also observed in a subset of human mammary tumors that overexpress erbB2. However, ductal growth is also impaired in the absence of c-neu in mouse mammary epithelial cells. To resolve this apparent paradox, we examined the relationship between c-neu expression and estrogen/ERα–dependent cell proliferation in pubertal Tg (c-neu). We report that proliferation in both terminal end buds and ducts is associated with ERα-positive cells, including those that coexpress c-neu, and is abolished in the absence of circulating estradiol. Tg (c-neu) contains hyperplastic mammary ducts with high proliferative index and coexpression of both ERα and c-neu in the dividing cells. These findings suggest that c-neu promotes ERα-dependent proliferation, and that this is responsible for the presence of hyperplastic ducts. Some of the hyperplastic ducts have acinar structures, indicative of morphologic differentiation. These ducts have low proliferative index and accompanied by a vast decrease in proliferation of ERα-positive cells, including those that express c-neu. As such, c-neu has dual but opposing effects on ERα-dependent proliferation in mammary epithelial cells. Therefore, depending on the physiologic setting, ductal morphogenesis will be compromised both in the absence and overexpression of c-neu, thus explaining the paradox. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(21): 10391-8)
A Novel Anticancer Gold(III) Dithiocarbamate Compound Inhibits the Activity of a Purified 20S Proteasome and 26S Proteasome in Human Breast Cancer Cell Cultures and Xenografts
Authors: Milacic Vesna , Chen Di , Ronconi Luca , Landis-Piwowar Kristin R. , Fregona Dolores , Dou Q. Ping
Published: November 2006

Although cisplatin has been used for decades to treat human cancer, some toxic side effects and resistance are observed. It has been suggested that gold(III) complexes, containing metal centers isoelectronic and isostructural to cisplatin, are promising anticancer drugs. Gold(III) dithiocarbamate complexes were shown to exhibit in vitro cytotoxicity, comparable with and even greater than cisplatin; however, the involved mechanism of action remained unknown. Because we previously reported that copper(II) dithiocarbamates are potent proteasome inhibitors, we hypothesized that gold(III) dithiocarbamate complexes could suppress tumor growth via direct inhibition of the proteasome activity. Here, for the first time, we report that a synthetic gold(III) dithiocarbamate (compound 2) potently inhibits the activity of a purified rabbit 20S proteasome and 26S proteasome in intact highly metastatic MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, resulting in the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins and the proteasome target protein p27 and induction of apoptosis. The compound 2–mediated proteasome inhibition and apoptosis induction were completely blocked by addition of a reducing agent DTT or N-acetyl-l-cysteine, showing that process of oxidation is required for proteasome inhibition by compound 2. Treatment of MDA-MB-231 breast tumor–bearing nude mice with compound 2 resulted in significant inhibition of tumor growth, associated with proteasome inhibition and massive apoptosis induction in vivo. Our findings reveal the proteasome as a primary target for gold(III) dithiocarbamates and support the idea for their potential use as anticancer therapeutics. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(21): 10478-86)
Neuropeptide Glutamic Acid-Isoleucine May Induce Luteinizing Hormone Secretion via Multiple Pathways
Authors: Attademo Andres M. , Rondini Tatiane A.R. , Rodrigues Bruno C. , Bittencourt Jackson C. , Celis María Ester , Elias Carol F.
Published: November 2006

Neuropeptide glutamic acid-isoleucine (NEI) is a 14-amino acid peptide processed from prepro-melanin-concentrating hormone (ppMCH). In males, the localization of NEI is almost identical to that of MCH, the cell bodies of both being located primarily in the lateral hypothalamic area and zona incerta, projecting fibers throughout the brain. Although MCH has been widely studied, the role that NEI plays in brain circuitry has been poorly investigated. Recently, we showed that intracerebroventricular injection of NEI increases serum luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. In order to identify the anatomical substrate underlying this effect, we used combined immunohistochemistry methods to analyze the forebrains of females on the diestrus and proestrus days, as well as those of ovariectomized females treated with estradiol benzoate, with estradiol benzoate plus progesterone or with sesame oil (control animals). We found that ovariectomized females with no steroid treatment showed an increased number of NEI-immunoreactive neurons in the medial zona incerta. In addition, we observed dense to moderate NEI innervation of areas related to reproduction, including the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis, the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) and the median eminence. The NEI fibers were in close apposition with the AVPV and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons expressing Fos in the afternoon of the proestrus day or following administration of estradiol benzoate plus progesterone. In the median eminence, NEI varicosities and terminal-like structures were in close proximity to blood vessels and GnRH fibers. Our results suggest that NEI might induce LH secretion in one of the following ways: by direct release into the median eminence, by modulation of GnRH neurons located in the preoptic area, by modulation of the GnRH terminals located in the median eminence or by an additive effect involving other neurotransmitters or neurohormones. Release of NEI might also induce LH secretion indirectly by modulating AVPV neurons.
Developmental and Behavioral Consequences of Prenatal Fluoxetine
Authors: Bairy K.L. , Madhyastha S. , Ashok K.P. , Bairy Indira , Malini S.
Published: November 2006

Background: Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is the most commonly prescribed antidepressant drug for pregnant women. Studies regarding the teratogenic effect of fluoxetine on human and animal models are mainly concerned with structural malformation (congenital anomalies). Aim: Hence, the present study was planned to evaluate the postnatal behavioral effects of fluoxetine on albino rats. Methods: Three groups of female rats received either distilled water or doses of fluoxetine 8 and 12 mg/kg orally from the 6th to the 20th day of pregnancy. Weaning of the pups was done on the 21st day followed by a battery of behavioral tests to assess for any behavioral effect. The tests included negative geotaxis, open field exploration, rota-rod test, elevated plus maze and passive avoidance test. Results: In the present study there was no change in the gestational length of pregnancy, no premature birth or miscarriage during pregnancy. A high dose of in utero fluoxetine resulted in a decrease in birth weight of the offspring and also reduced weight gain during the preweaning period. No major congenital abnormalities were observed in the offspring exposed to fluoxetine. Prenatal fluoxetine exposure at high dose caused an initial transient delay in motor development and this poor motor activity was transient and not permanent. However, prenatal exposure to fluoxetine at a higher dose showed a favorable effect on learning and memory in water maze and passive avoidance tests. Conclusions: From the present study, it may be concluded that prenatal fluoxetine causes a transient delay in motor development but does not adversely affect the postnatal behavioral consequences.
Social work in Taiwan
Authors: Chou Yueh-Ching , Haj-Yahia Muhammad M. , Wang Frank T.Y. , Fu Li-yeh
Published: November 2006

English

Social work development in Taiwan over the past five decades has been analyzed according to professional elements, historical background and the challenge of globalization and civilization. It also offers the factors that influence the process of professional formation of social work globally and the concern of social work indigenization.

French

Cette recherche présente une analyse du développement du travail social à Taiwan au cours des cinq dernières décennies. Elle s'appuie sur les facteurs professionnels, le contexte historique et les défis de la mondialisation et de la civilisation. Elle présente également les facteurs qui ont influencé le processus de la formation professionnelle en travail social dans son ensemble et elle aborde l'indigénisation du travail social.

Spanish

En las últimas cinco décadas se ha analizado el trabajo social en Taiwán según elementos profesionales, más el telón histórico de fondo y el reto de la globalización y civilización. También incluye los factores que globalmente influyen en el proceso de formación profesional y la preocupación por la indigenización del trabajo social.
A retrospective analysis of antidepressant poisonings in the emergency department: 11-year experience
Authors: Unverir P , Atilla R , Karcioglu O , Topacoglu H , Demiral Y , Tuncok Y
Published: November 2006

Between 1993 and 2004, patients with antidepressant poisoning admitted to an emergency department (ED) were analysed retrospectively with regard to demographics, clinical findings and treatment attempts. Age, gender, suicide attempts, classification of antidepressants, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, ECG findings, need for endotracheal intubation, follow-up period and Antidepressant Overdose Risk Assessment (ADORA) criteria were analysed by SPSS software. A total of 356 antidepressant poisoning cases were evaluated. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA), especially opipramol and amitriptyline, were the most common agents (58.4%). The most frequent ECG finding was sinus tachycardia (40.7%, n=145). Endotracheal intubation was required in 9.6% of cases. Patients with TCA ingestion had a longer observation time in the ED, abnormal ECG findings, abnormal physical examination findings and more ADORA criteria, than patients who ingested selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI) (P=0.008, P=0.008, P<0.001, P<0.001). It was found that the patients who ingested TCA (P=0.001), poisoned with amitriptyline (P=0.001), patients with GCS scores of 8 and less (P=0.001), patients with two or more ADORA criteria (P=0.001), with seizures (P=0.001), with abnormal ECG (P=0.012), and patients with a history of two or more suicide attempts were intubated more frequently. Suicide attempts, classification of the antidepressant, ECG findings, seizure, GCS score and number of detected ADORA criteria affect the need for intubation in patients with antidepressant poisoning.
4q loss is potentially an important genetic event in MM tumorigenesis: identification of a tumor suppressor gene regulated by promoter methylation at 4q13.3, platelet factor 4
Authors: Cheng Suk Hang , Ng Margaret H. L. , Lau Kin Mang , Liu Herman S. Y. , Chan Joyce C. W. , Hui Angela B. Y. , Lo Kwok Wai , Jiang Hua , Hou Jian , Chu Raymond W. , Wong Wai Shan , Chan, Natalie P. H. , Ng Ho Keung
Published: November 2006

In this study, we have elucidated the chromosomal imbalances in the multistep pathogenesis and delineated several critical tumor suppressor gene (TSG) loci in multiple myeloma (MM). By using comparative genomic hybridization, allelotyping, and multicolor interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization, 5 MM cell lines and bone marrow CD138+ plasma cells from 88 Chinese patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and early and advanced stages of MM were investigated. In all MGUS and MM samples, chromosome copy number abnormalities were detected. A higher number of chromosomal imbalances and specific genetic alterations are involved in MGUS to MM transition (−6q, +3p, and +1p) and MM progression (+2p and +9q). In addition to −13q, we first found high frequencies (42% to 46%) of −4q involving high percentages (70% to 74%) of clonal plasma cells in both MGUS and MM, suggesting that inactivation of TSG in this region is also a potentially critical genetic event in MM tumorigenesis. By high-resolution allelotyping, we defined a common deletion region on 4q13.3 and found that a candidate TSG, platelet factor 4, was frequently silenced by promoter hypermethylation in MM (15 of 28) and MM cell lines (5 of 5). These data have opened up a new approach in the molecular targeting therapy and provide novel insights into MM tumorigenesis.
Down-regulation of transcription elogation factor A (SII) like 4 (TCEAL4) in anaplastic thyroid cancer
Authors: Akaishi Junko , Onda Masamitsu , Okamoto Junichi , Miyamoto Shizuyo , Nagahama Mitsuji , Ito Kouichi , Yoshida Akira , Shimizu Kazuo
Published: November 2006

Background

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is one of the most aggressive human malignancies and appears to arise mainly from transformation of pre-existing differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). However, the carcinogenic mechanism of anaplastic transformation remains unclear. Previously, we investigated specific genes related to ATC based on gene expression profiling using cDNA microarray analysis. One of these genes, transcription elongation factor A (SII)-like 4 (TCEAL4), encodes a member of the transcription elongation factor A (SII)-like gene family. The detailed function of TCEAL4 has not been described nor has any association between this gene and human cancers been reported previously.

Methods

To investigate the role of TCEAL4 in ATC carcinogenesis, we examined expression levels of TCEAL4 in ACLs as well as in other types of thyroid cancers and normal human tissue.

Results

Expression of TCEAL4 was down-regulated in all 11 ACLs as compared to either normal thyroid tissues or papillary and follicular thyroid cancerous tissues. TCEAL4 was expressed ubiquitously in all normal human tissues tested.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first report of altered TCEAL4 expression in human cancers. We suggest that loss of TCEAL4 expression might be associated with development of ATC from DTC. Further functional studies are required.
Assessment of health care needs and utilization in a mixed public-private system: the case of the Athens area
Authors: Pappa Evelina , Niakas Dimitris
Published: November 2006

Background

Given the public-private mix of the Greek health system, the purpose of this study was to assess whether variations in the utilisation of health services, both primary and inpatient care, were associated with underlying health care needs and/or various socio-economic factors.

Methods

Data was obtained from a representative sample (N = 1426) residing in the broader Athens area (response rate 70.6%). Perceived health-related quality of life (HRQOL), as measured by the physical and mental summary component scores of the SF-36 Health Survey, was used as a proxy of health care need. Health care utilization was measured by a) last-month visits to public sector physicians, b) last-month visits to private sector physicians, c) last-year visits to hospital emergency departments and d) last-year hospital admissions. Statistical analysis involved the implementation of logistic regression models.

Results

Health care need was the factor most strongly associated with all measures of health care utilization, except for visits to public physicians. Women, elderly, less wealthy and individuals of lower physical health status visited physicians contracted to their insurance fund (public sector). Women, well educated and those once again of lower physical health status were more likely to visit private providers. Visits to hospital emergency departments and hospital admissions were related to need and no socio-economic factor was related to the use of those types of care.

Conclusion

This study has demonstrated a positive relationship between health care need and utilisation of health services within a mixed public-private health care system. Concurrently, interesting differences are evident in the utilization of various types of services. The results have potential implications in health policy-making and particularly in the proper allocation of scarce health resources.
Mesothelioma with non-pleural malignancy: a red herring or just an uncommon pairing?
Authors: Drain Andrew J , Saeb-Parsy Kourosh , Shah Amit K , Rassl D , Ritchie Andrew J
Published: November 2006

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly aggressive cancer of the pleura with a well-established male predominance and causative link with asbestos exposure. We report four cases of female patients with MPM referred for palliation of symptoms thought to be due to previous non-pleural malignancy.

With emerging novel treatments for MPM, this article discusses four unusual cases of MPM occurring in the setting of other malignancy, highlights the importance of considering a primary diagnosis of MPM even in patients with other malignancy, and reinforces the benefits of video-assisted surgical biopsy which allows simultaneous diagnosis and treatment.
Grainyhead-related transcription factor is required for duct maturation in the salivary gland and the kidney of the mouse
Authors: Yamaguchi Yoshifumi , Yonemura Shigenobu , Takada Shinji
Published: November 2006

Duct epithelial structure is an essential feature of many internal organs,including exocrine glands and the kidney. The ducts not only mediate fluid transfer but also help to maintain homeostasis. For instance, fluids and solutes are resorbed from or secreted into the primary fluid flowing through the lumen of the ducts in the exocrine glands and kidneys. The molecular mechanism underlying the functional maturation of these ducts remains largely unknown. Here, we show that a grainyhead-related transcription factor,CP2-like 1 (CP2L1), is required for the maturation of the ducts of the salivary gland and kidney. In the mouse, Cp2l1 is specifically expressed in the developing ducts of a number of exocrine glands, including the salivary gland, as well as in those of the kidney. In Cp2l1-deficient mice, the expression of genes directly involved in functional maturation of the ducts was specifically reduced in both the salivary gland and kidney, indicating that Cp2l1 is required for the differentiation of duct cells. Furthermore, the composition of saliva and urine was abnormal in these mice. These results indicate that Cp2l1expression is required for normal duct development in both the salivary gland and kidney.
SUPPRESSOR OF FRI 4encodes a nuclear-localized protein that is required for delayed flowering in winter-annualArabidopsis
Authors: Kim Sang Yeol , Michaels Scott D.
Published: November 2006

The floral inhibitor FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) is a crucial regulator of flowering time in Arabidopsis, and is positively regulated by the FRIGIDA (FRI) gene in late-flowering winter-annual accessions. In rapid-cycling accessions, FLC expression is suppressed by the autonomous floral-promotion pathway (AP); thus AP mutants contain high levels of FLC and are late flowering. Previous work has shown that the upregulation of FLC in FRI- or AP-mutant backgrounds is correlated to an increase in histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4)trimethylation at the FLC locus. This increase in trimethylation requires a PAF1-like complex and EARLY FLOWERING IN SHORT DAYS(EFS), a putative histone H3 methyltransferase. We have identified a putative zinc-finger-containing transcription factor, SUF4, that is required for the upregulation of FLC by FRI. suf4 mutations strongly suppress the late-flowering phenotype of FRI, but only weakly suppress AP mutants. As with mutants in efs or the PAF1-like complex, suf4 mutants show reduced H3K4 trimethylation at FLC. An interesting distinction between the phenotypes of suf4 mutants and mutants in efs or the PAF1-like complex is observed in the expression of genes that are adjacent to FLC or FLC-like genes. In efs and PAF1-like-complex mutants, the expression of FLC, FLC-like genes and adjacent genes is suppressed. In suf4 mutants, however, only FLC expression is suppressed. These data are consistent with a model in which SUF4 may act to specifically recruit EFS and the PAF1-like complex to the FLC locus.
Identifying and quantifying prey consumption using stomach temperature change in pinnipeds
Authors: Kuhn Carey E. , Costa Daniel P.
Published: November 2006

For many marine predators knowledge of foraging behavior is limited to inferences based on changes in diving or movement patterns at sea. This results in an incomplete and potentially inaccurate view of the foraging ecology of a species. This study examined the use of stomach temperature telemetry to identify and quantify prey consumed in both a phocid (northern elephant seal Mirounga angustirostris) and an otariid (California sea lion Zalophus californianus) species. In addition, we used opportunistic water consumption by northern elephant seals to test a method to distinguish between prey and water ingestion. Over 96% of feedings could be identified based on a decline in stomach temperature, even when meals were separated by as little as 70 min. Water consumption was distinguishable from prey consumption, as the rate of recovery in stomach temperature was significantly faster for water (F1,142=79.2, P<0.01). However, using this method, the overlap in recovery rates between prey and water resulted in 30.6% of water ingestion events being misclassified as prey ingestion. For both species, the integral calculated from the decline in stomach temperature over time (area above the curve) could be used to estimate mass consumed, when adjusted for the temperature difference between the prey and core body temperature. For California sea lions, there was a significant effect of individual on the ability to quantify prey consumed, which was not related to their mass or sex. Although many factors may influence the ability to use stomach temperature change to identify and quantify prey consumed, this study has shown measures of stomach temperature can accurately identify prey consumption and provide an estimate of meal mass, allowing for a greater understanding of the feeding behavior of marine mammals.
A motion-sensitive neurone responds to signals from the two visual systems of the blowfly, the compound eyes and ocelli
Authors: Parsons Matthew M. , Krapp Holger G. , Laughlin Simon B.
Published: November 2006

In the blowfly Calliphora vicina, lobula plate tangential cells(LPTCs) estimate self-motion by integrating local motion information from the compound eyes. Each LPTC is sensitive to a particular (preferred) rotation of the fly's head. The fly can also sense rotation using its three ocelli (simple eyes), by comparing the light intensities measured at each ocellus. We report that an individually identified tangential cell, V1, responds in an apparently rotation-specific manner to stimulation of the ocelli. This effect was seen with or without additional stimulation of the compound eye. We delivered stimuli to the ocelli which mimicked rotation of the fly's head close to that of the preferred axis of rotation of V1. Alternating between preferred and anti-preferred rotation elicited a strongly phasic response, the amplitude of which increased with the rate of change of light intensity at the ocelli. With combined stimulation of one compound eye and the ocelli, V1 displayed a robust response to ocellar stimuli over its entire response range. These findings provide the opportunity to study quantitatively the interactions of two different visual mechanisms which both encode the same variable - the animal's rotation in space.
Otologic manifestations of experimental rhinovirus infection
Authors: Buchman Craig A. , Doyle William J. , Skoner David , Fireman Philip , Gwaltney Jack M.
Published: November 2006

Episodes of acute otitis media are commonly associated with viral upper respiratory tract infections. Rhinoviruses account for approximately 40% of these infections, and were previously shown to alter eustachian tube function and middle ear pressures. However, progression to otitis media has not been prospectively documented. In the present study, changes in tympanometric pressures and otoscopic findings resulting from experimental intranasal rhinovirus type‐39 inoculation were documented in 60 adult volunteers. Fifty‐seven (95%) subjects became infected and 34 (60%) of these had a clinical cold. Prior to viral inoculation, 3 (5%) subjects had middle ear pressures of less than −100 mm H2O and two of these subjects developed middle ear effusions following infection. In all, 22 (39%) subjects developed middle ear pressures of less than −100 mm H2O. No subject with normal middle ear pressures prior to infection developed evidence of effusion. This study extends the otologic manifestations of rhinovirus infection to include otitis media. Furthermore, these results support the hypothesized relationship between upper respiratory tract infections, eustachian tube dysfunction, and otitis media.
Weakened Center-Surround Interactions in Visual Motion Processing in Schizophrenia
Authors: Tadin Duje , Kim Jejoong , Doop Mikisha L. , Gibson Crystal , Lappin Joseph S. , Blake Randolph , Park Sohee
Published: November 2006

Schizophrenia is often accompanied by a range of visual perception deficits, with many involving impairments in motion perception. The presence of perceptual abnormalities may impair neural processes that depend on normal visual analysis, which in turn may affect overall functioning in dynamic visual environments. Here, we examine the integrity of suppressive center-surround mechanisms in motion perception of schizophrenic patients. Center-surround suppression has been implicated in a range of visual functions, including figure–ground segregation and pursuit eye movements, visual functions that are impaired in schizophrenia. In control subjects, evidence of center-surround suppression is found in a reduced ability to perceive motion of a high-contrast stimulus as its size increases. This counterintuitive finding is likely a perceptual correlate of center-surround mechanisms in cortical area MT. We now show that schizophrenic patients exhibit abnormally weak center-surround suppression in motion, an abnormality that is most pronounced in patients with severe negative symptoms. Interestingly, patients with the weakest surround suppression outperformed control subjects in motion discriminations of large high-contrast stimuli. This enhanced motion perception of large high-contrast stimuli is consistent with an MT abnormality in schizophrenia and has a potential to disrupt smooth pursuit eye movements and other visual functions that depend on unimpaired center-surround interactions in motion.
Increased Citrullination of Histone H3 in Multiple Sclerosis Brain and Animal Models of Demyelination: A Role for Tumor Necrosis Factor-Induced Peptidylarginine Deiminase 4 Translocation
Authors: Mastronardi Fabrizio G. , Wood D. Denise , Mei Jiang , Raijmakers Reinout , Tseveleki Vivian , Dosch Hans-Michael , Probert Lesley , Casaccia-Bonnefil Patrizia , Moscarello Mario A.
Published: November 2006

Modification of arginine residues by citrullination is catalyzed by peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs), of which five are known, generating irreversible protein structural modifications. We have shown previously that enhanced citrullination of myelin basic protein contributed to destabilization of the myelin membrane in the CNS of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. We now report increased citrullination of nucleosomal histones by PAD4 in normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) of MS patients and in animal models of demyelination. Histone citrullination was attributable to increased levels and activity of nuclear PAD4. PAD4 translocation into the nucleus was attributable to elevated tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) protein. The elevated TNF-α in MS NAWM was not associated with CD3+or CD8+lymphocytes, nor was it associated with CD68+microglia/macrophages. GFAP, a measure of astrocytosis, was the only cytological marker that was consistently elevated in the MS NAWM, suggesting that TNF-α may have been derived from astrocytes. In cell cultures of mouse and human oligodendroglial cell lines, PAD4 was predominantly cytosolic but TNF-α treatment induced its nuclear translocation. To address the involvement of TNF-α in targeting PAD4 to the nucleus, we found that transgenic mice overexpressing TNF-α also had increased levels of citrullinated histones and elevated nuclear PAD4 before demyelination. In conclusion, high citrullination of histones consequent to PAD4 nuclear translocation is part of the process that leads to irreversible changes in oligodendrocytes and may contribute to apoptosis of oligodendrocytes in MS.