bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNAs regulate critical genes associated with multiple myeloma pathogenesis
Authors: Pichiorri Flavia , Suh Sung-Suk , Ladetto Marco , Kuehl Michael , Palumbo Tiziana , Drandi Daniela , Taccioli Cristian , Zanesi Nicola , Alder Hansjuerg , Hagan John P. , Munker Reinhold , Volinia Stefano , Boccadoro Mario , Garzon Ramiro , Palumbo Antonio , Aqeilan Rami I. , Croce Carlo M.
Published: August 2008

Progress in understanding the biology of multiple myeloma (MM), a plasma cell malignancy, has been slow. The discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small noncoding RNAs targeting multiple mRNAs, has revealed a new level of gene expression regulation. To determine whether miRNAs play a role in the malignant transformation of plasma cells (PCs), we have used both miRNA microarrays and quantitative real time PCR to profile miRNA expression in MM-derived cell lines (n= 49) and CD138+ bone marrow PCs from subjects with MM (n= 16), monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) (n= 6), and normal donors (n= 6). We identified overexpression ofmiR-21,miR-106b∼25cluster,miR-181aandbin MM and MGUS samples with respect to healthy PCs. Selective up-regulation ofmiR-32andmiR-17∼92cluster was identified in MM subjects and cell lines but not in MGUS subjects or healthy PCs. Furthermore, two miRNAs,miR-19aand19b, that are part of themiR-17∼92cluster, were shown to down regulate expression of SOCS-1, a gene frequently silenced in MM that plays a critical role as inhibitor of IL-6 growth signaling. We also identified p300-CBP-associated factor, a gene involved in p53 regulation, as a bona fide target ofthe miR106b∼25cluster,miR-181aandb, andmiR-32. Xenograft studies using human MM cell lines treated withmiR-19aandb, andmiR-181aandbantagonists resulted in significant suppression of tumor growth in nude mice. In summary, we have described a MM miRNA signature, which includes miRNAs that modulate the expression of proteins critical to myeloma pathogenesis.
Impossible requests: L2 users' sociopragmatic and pragmalinguistic choices in L1 acts of refusal
Authors: Ewert Anna , Bromberek-Dyzman Katarzyna
Published: August 2008

The study compares pragmalinguistic knowledge of the L1 in non-routine situations in L2 users and L2 learners, aiming to see to what extent pragmalinguistic behaviours in the L1 are influenced by exposure to the L2. The first part of the paper discusses the nature of bilingual language knowledge and transfer in multicompetence. In the experiment, refusals to untypical requests were elicited by means of a discourse completion test (DCT). The L2 users in this study appear to be “more native than the native speaker” (Cook, Iarossi, Stellakis, & Tokumaru 2003) in their choice of semantic formulas, as compared to monolingual speakers of their L1. Since pragmatic transfer is ruled out by the baseline data from native speakers of English, an alternative explanation is proposed, based on the L2 users’ increased sensitivity to interactional demands (Genesee, Tucker & Lambert 1975), more varied experience at social interaction and changed perception of their L1.
Inclusion of auxiliaries: Competence and performance differences in early learners
Authors: Batmanian Natalie , Sayehli Susan , Valian Virginia
Published: August 2008

Researchers argue that variable use of inflectional morphology demonstrates a lack of underlying syntactic representation in second language learners. Others disagree and argue for a full syntactic representation: stating that variable use of morphology during early the stages of learning is due to the difficulty of mapping an underlying representation onto surface form. Twelve beginning L2 learners, whose L1 was Japanese or Korean (East Asians), and nine L2 learners, whose L1 was various Indo-European languages (Non Asians) participated in an elicited imitation experiment, and additional twelve East Asians participated in a grammaticality judgment experiment. The targets included mono-clausal declarative sentences and wh-questions with the auxiliaries be, can, and do. In imitation, the prevalent error was auxiliary omission. Learners fronted whwords successfully. They also inverted auxiliaries successfully when they included them. Along with imitation, the results of grammaticality judgment support the argument that beginning L2 learners have difficulty producing the surface forms of the auxiliaries and tense morphology, not with forming the correct syntactic representation for questions.
Defective adjectival inflection in non-native German: Prosodic transfer or missing surface inflection?
Authors: Jaensch Carol
Published: August 2008

Two recent hypotheses which support the theory of full access to Universal Grammar have been proposed in order to account for variant data supplied by L2 learners. The Prosodic Transfer Hypothesis (Goad, White & Steele 2003) suggests that non-target-like behaviour by L2 learners is partially due to the differences in prosody between the L1 and L2 and the ensuing prosodic constraints; whilst the Missing Surface Inflection Hypothesis (Prévost & White 2000) proposes that problems are due to the learners’ variability in mapping abstract syntactic features onto morphological forms. This paper discusses a study of Japanese native speakers acquiring L3 German adjectival inflection in light of these two hypotheses. Data are provided from a written gap-filling task and from two oral production tasks. The results indicate stronger support for the MSIH.
Short Article: The influence of task characteristics on younger and older adult motor overflow
Authors: Addamo Patricia K. , Farrow Maree , Hoy Kate E. , Bradshaw John L. , Georgiou-Karistianis Nellie
Published: August 2008

This study investigated the influence of attentional and motor demands on motor overflow in 17 healthy young (18–35 years) and 17 older adults (60–80 years). Participants performed a finger pressing task by exerting either 33% or 66% of their maximal force output using their dominant or nondominant hand. Overflow was concurrently recorded in the passive hand. Attention was manipulated via a tactile stimulus presented to one or both hands for certain trials. Results showed that older adults exhibited greater overflow than young adults and that the effect of target force was exacerbated in older adults. Further, only older adult overflow was increased when tactile stimulation was directed to one or both hands. Increased overflow in older adults may result from bilateral cortical activation that is influenced by increased task demands. To perform comparatively to younger adults, older adults may compensate for age-related brain changes by recruiting an increased cortical network.
Short Article: Dissociation between Appearance and Location within Visuo-Spatial Working Memory
Authors: Darling Stephen , Sala Sergio Della , Logie Robert H.
Published: August 2008

Previous research has demonstrated separation between systems supporting memory for appearance and memory for location. However, the interpretation of these results is complicated by a confound occurring because of the simultaneous presentation of objects in multiple-item arrays when assessing memory for appearance and the sequential presentation of items when assessing memory for location. This paper reports an experiment in which sequential or simultaneous modes of presentation were factorially manipulated with memory for visual appearance or memory for location. Spatial interference (tapping) or visual interference (dynamic visual noise) were presented during retention. Appearance versus location interacted with the type of interference task, but mode of presentation did not. These results are consistent with the view that different subsystems within visuo-spatial working memory support memory for appearance and memory for location.
GOfetcher: a database with complex searching facility for gene ontology
Authors: Pirooznia Mehdi , Habib Tanwir , Perkins Edward J. , Deng Youping
Published: August 2008

Motivation: An important contribution to the Gene Ontology (GO) project is to develop tools that facilitate the creation, maintenance and use of ontologies. Several tools have been created for communicating and using the GO project. However, a limitation with most of these tools is that they suffer from lack of a comprehensive search facility. We developed a web application, GOfetcher, with a very comprehensive search facility for the GO project and a variety of output formats for the results. GOfetcher has three different levels for searching the GO: ‘Quick Search’, ‘Advanced Search’ and ‘Upload Files’ for searching. The application includes a unique search option which generates gene information given a nucleotide or protein accession number which can then be used in generating GO information. The output data in GOfetcher can be saved into several different formats; including spreadsheet, comma-separated values and the extensible markup language (XML) format. The database is available at http://mcbc.usm.edu/gofetcher/.

Contact:  youping.deng@usm.edu or mehdi.pirooznia@usm.edu
ProfDistS: (profile-) distance based phylogeny on sequence—structure alignments
Authors: Wolf Matthias , Ruderisch Benjamin , Dandekar Thomas , Schultz Jörg , Müller Tobias
Published: August 2008

Motivation: The Profile Neighbor Joining (PNJ) algorithm as implemented in the software ProfDist is computationally efficient in reconstructing very large trees. Besides the huge amount of sequence data the structure is important in RNA alignment analysis and phylogenetic reconstruction.

Results: For this ProfDistS provides a phylogenetic workflow that uses individual RNA secondary structures in reconstructing phylogenies based on sequence-structure alignments—using PNJ with manual or iterative and automatic profile definition. Moreover, ProfDistS can deal also with protein sequences.

Availability: ProfDistS is freely available for non-commercial use for Windows, Linux and MAC operating systems at http://profdist.bioapps.biozentrum.uni-wuerzburg.de.

Contact:  tobias.mueller@biozentrum.uni-wuerzburg.de; matthias.wolf@biozentrum.uni-wuerzburg.de
Tramadol for Pain Relief in Children Undergoing Adenotonsillectomy: A Comparison with Dextromethorphan
Authors: Ali Sahmeddini Mohammad , Shahrbano Shahbazy , Ulhaq Taregh Shuja
Published: August 2008

Objective/Hypothesis: Establishment of good analgesia is of major concern in the postoperative period after adenotonsillectomy. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of dextromethorphan and tramadol on postoperative pain after adenotonsillectomy in children.

Study Design: Randomized study.

Methods: Ninety ASA class I, II (children age, 4–10 years) scheduled for adenotonsillectomy were randomized into three groups to receive placebo syrup (control group), 1 mg/kg dose of dextromethorphan cough syrup oral (Dex group) or oral placebo syrup (Tramadol group), 30 minutes before arrival in the operating room. Then during induction of anesthesia group control received 0.9% physiological saline, group Dex received 0.9% physiological saline, group Tramadol (1 mg/kg) of tramadol hyrochloride intravenously, in a total volume of 4 mL. Postoperative analgesic requirements and side effects were recorded. Pain was assessed by face scale every hour up to 6 hours postop.

Results: There were no statistically significant differences in age, weight, and sex between groups (P > .05). There were statistically significant differences in, pain scores in first time postoperatively and further analgesic requirements (P < .05). All patients in placebo group (100%), two patients in the tramadol group (6.6%), and nine patients in dextromethorphan group (40%) required supplementary meperidine in recovery room. The incidence of nausea and vomiting was 5.5% in the Dextrometorphan group, 10% in the tramadol group, 6.6% in the control group; there was no significant difference between the groups (P > .05).

Conclusions: Intravenous tramadol (1 mg/kg) is more suitable than 1 mg/kg dose of dextromethorphancough syrup oral in reducing posttonsillectomy pain in children.
Tracheotomy: Historical Review
Authors: Pratt Loring W. , Ferlito Alfio , Rinaldo Alessandra
Published: August 2008

The authors review the ancient history of tracheotomy and bring the subject up to date (2008) by including the modern history of this procedure. In the past 60 years, there have been many advances in the knowledge of respiratory function that have been utilized to expand applications of the tracheotomy procedure. Improvements in the care of tracheotomized patients and the application of modifications in the available variety of tubes and ancillary equipment and procedures have made this a much more effective and widely utilized way of caring for the pulmonary cripple as well as utilizing it in the classical fixed obstruction of the upper airway.
Treatment Responsiveness of the Singing Voice Handicap Index
Authors: Cohen Seth M. , Witsell David L. , Scearce Leda , Vess Gina , Banka Caroline
Published: August 2008

Objectives/Hypothesis: To examine the responsiveness of the previously validated Singing Voice Handicap Index (SVHI) to treatment related changes in patients' singing voice.

Study Design: Prospective.

Methods: Thirty singing patients at a tertiary voice clinic prospectively completed the Voice Handicap Index and SVHI at their initial presentation, pretreatment, and posttreatment.

Results: Patients had lower SVHI scores posttherapy compared with the initial SVHI scores (P ≤ .001, paired t‐test). The change in SVHI scores from initial to posttreatment evaluation was greater than the change from initial to pretreatment evaluation (P < .001, paired t‐test). The Spearman correlation of the Voice Handicap Index difference with the SVHI difference before and after treatment was 0.71 (P < .001).

Conclusion: The SVHI measures changes in patients' singing vocal health status resulting from treatment and the change correlates with that of other validated instruments.
Ultrasonography: Highly Accuracy Technique for Preoperative Localization of Parathyroid Adenoma
Authors: Abboud Bassam , Sleilaty Ghassan , Rabaa Lara , Daher Ronald , Zeid Hicham Abou , Jabbour Hicham , Hachem Kamal , Smayra Tarek
Published: August 2008

Objectives/Hypothesis: This study evaluates the accuracy of ultrasonography in guided unilateral parathyroidectomy to treat primary hyperparathyroidism.

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Methods: Two hundred fifty‐three patients with primary hyperparathyroidism underwent preoperative ultrasonography. Two groups were defined. Group 1 included the patients in whom the preoperative cervical ultrasound localized one abnormal parathyroid gland; these patients underwent unilateral surgical exploration of the neck under local anesthesia. Group 2 included the patients who had a bilateral neck exploration under general anesthesia when the preoperative examination was equivocal or failed to localize the lesion, when concomitant thyroid pathology indicated thyroidectomy, and when justified by the surgical findings.

Results: Sensitivity and positive predictive value of ultrasonography in detecting abnormal parathyroid gland were 96% and 98%, respectively. Cervical ultrasound correctly identified, 96% and 85% of abnormal glands in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The presence of thyroid nodular disease did not affect ultrasonographic accuracy. Sonographic examination decreased the operative time of parathyroidectomy to an average of 15 minutes. Mediastinal and retroesophageal localizations of abnormal parathyroid gland adversely affected the accuracy of the ultrasound. No cervical hematoma was noted. Transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy occurred in four patients. Twenty‐three patients required postoperative calcium supplementation for 2 to 4 months, and all were normocalcemic at follow‐up.

Conclusions: Cervical ultrasound is a reliable preoperative exploration allowing parathyroidectomy via unilateral approach under local anesthesia.
Audiological Application Criteria for Implantable Hearing Aid Devices: A Clinical Experience at the Nijmegen ORL Clinic
Authors: Verhaegen Veronique J. O. , Mylanus Emmanuel A. M. , Cremers Cor W. R. J. , Snik Ad F. M.
Published: August 2008

Objectives/Hypothesis: To define audiological application criteria for different implantable hearing aid devices.

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Methods: Comparisons were made between aided speech recognition scores obtained at conversational level (65 dB) in patients with the Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) (n = 22), the Otologics middle ear transducer (MET) (n = 10), conventional hearing aids (behind‐the‐ears) (n = 47), and cochlear implants (CIs) (n = 123).

Results: In relation to hearing loss, only for mild hearing loss, speech recognition scores with VSB were comparable to that with conventional hearing aids. In the Otologics MET users, speech recognition scores were comparable with those of the conventional hearing aid users until a mean hearing loss of about 75 dB HL. At a sensorineural hearing loss of about 65 dB HL or more, the Otologics MET users have better speech recognition scores than the VSB users. For comparison with CI users, we followed a more conservative approach. In 90% of the users of a CI, speech recognition scores were better than those in: 1) patients with a conventional hearing aid and a mean hearing loss of about 95 dB HL or worse; 2) patients with an Otologics MET and a mean hearing loss of 85 dB HL or worse.

Conclusions: Patients fitted with a VSB or an Otologics MET middle ear implant do not demonstrate better speech recognition scores than patients fitted with today's conventional hearing aids. Results might even been worse. However, the VSB and Otologics MET are a good option in patients with moderate (VSB) to severe (Otologics MET) sensorineural hearing loss and external otitis.
Neck Nerve Trunks Schwannomas: Clinical Features and Postoperative Neurologic Outcome
Authors: de Araujo Carlos Eugenio Nabuco , Ramos Daniel M. , Moyses Raquel A. , Durazzo Marcelo D. , Cernea Cláudio R. , Ferraz Alberto R.
Published: August 2008

Objectives/Hypothesis: To analyze clinical and epidemiological features of neck nerve schwannomas, with emphasis on the neurologic outcome after surgical excision sparing as much of nerve fibers as possible with enucleation technique.

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Methods: Review of medical records from 1987 to 2006 of patients with neck nerve schwannomas, treated in a single institution.

Results: Twenty‐two patients were identified. Gender distribution was equal and age ranged from 15 to 61 years (mean: 38.6 years). Seven vagal, four brachial plexus, four sympathetic trunk, three cervical plexus, and two lesions on other sites could be identified. Most common symptom was neck mass. Local or irradiated pain also occurred in five cases. Median growing rate of tumors was 3 mm per year. Nerve paralysis was noted twice (a vagal schwannoma and a hypoglossal paralysis compressed by a vagal schwannoma). Different techniques were employed, and seven out of nine patients kept their nerve function (78%) after enucleation. No recurrence was observed in follow‐up.

Conclusions: Schwannomas should be treated surgically because of its growing potential, leading to local and neural compression symptoms. When possible, enucleation, which was employed in 10 patients of this series, is the recommended surgical option, allowing neural function preservation or restoration in most instances. This is especially important in the head and neck, where denervation may have a significant impact on the quality of life.
Galectin‐3 Upregulation During Tumor Progression in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Saussez Sven , Decaestecker Christine , Mahillon Virginie , Cludts Stéphanie , Capouillez Aurélie , Chevalier Dominique , Vet Herbert Kaltner , André Sabine , Toubeau Gérard , Leroy Xavier , Gabius Hans‐Joachim
Published: August 2008

Objectives/Hypothesis: To examine the level of expression of galectin‐3 in relation to neoplastic progression of hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (HSCCs) and laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas (LSCCs).

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Methods: Using a polyclonal antibody against galectin‐3 without cross‐reactivity to other galectins, we analyzed the presence of galectin‐3 using quantitative immunohistochemistry in i) a series of 79 HSCCs compared with 16 normal epithelia, 20 low‐grade dysplasia (Low_D) and 25 high‐grade dysplasia (High_D) and in ii) a series of 58 LSCCs compared with 34 normal epithelia, 12 Low_D, and 18 High_D. In parallel, galectin‐3 expression was studied using Western blotting on a series of 19 fresh biopsies from patients presenting a head and neck tumor.

Results: Western blotting excluded a notable degree of proteolytic truncation of galectin‐3 in situ. Immunohistochemical galectin‐3 positivity expressed as percentage of cells was significantly higher in LSCCs and HSCCs than in Low_D (P = .01) or High_D (P = .0002), respectively. Increased expression of galectin‐3 in HSCCs was accompanied by a shift from the cytoplasmic compartment to the nucleus (P = .007). In intertumor‐type comparison, laryngeal carcinomas presented nuclear presence of galectin‐3 only rarely (1 of 58 cases in laryngeal cancer vs. 27 of 79 cases in hypopharyngeal cancer, P = .00006) and a comparatively low labeling index (P < 10−6).

Conclusions: Our data reveal an association between level of presence of galectin‐3 and neoplastic progression of HSCCs and LSCCs.
Endoscopic Arytenoid Lateropexy for Isolated Posterior Glottic Stenosis
Authors: Rovó László , Venczel Kincsõ , Torkos Attila , Majoros Valéria , Sztanó Balázs , Jóri József
Published: August 2008

Objectives/Hypothesis: A posterior glottic stenosis (PGS) may limit the abduction of the arytenoid cartilages. One option for the treatment of dyspnea in lower grade stenoses is endoscopic laterofixation of the vocal cords after scar excision. In our prospective study, we assess a refined method for effective endoscopic mobilization and lateropexy of the arytenoid cartilages.

Study Design and Methods: Thirty‐two consecutive patients with PGS underwent surgery. Endoscopically, the scar between the arytenoid cartilages was transected with a CO2 laser. The scars that had spread into the cricoarytenoid joint were transected with a right‐angled endolaryngeal scythe designed for this purpose. The lateropexy of the adequately mobilized arytenoid cartilages was performed with a reinforced Lichtenberger's needle carrier instrument, with consideration of the real abduction of the cricoarytenoid joint.

Results: Twenty‐eight patients achieved an excellent breathing ability, only effort dyspnea remained in three cases. One patient could not be decannulated due to aspiration. The early postoperative improvement in the airway function test results showed no relationship with the grade of stenoses. However, in cases of higher grade stenoses with bilateral joint damage, the later postoperative airway function results had decreased slightly. In 25 cases, phonation significantly improved after the removal of the fixing sutures.

Conclusions: After proper mobilization, endoscopic arytenoid lateropexy can be considered as a minimally invasive function‐preserving procedure even for severe PGS. This treatment option provides stable improvements in breathing ability and good voice quality without the need for tracheostomy.
Salvage Laryngectomy for Failed Conservative Treatment of Laryngeal Cancer
Authors: Young VyVy N. , Mangus Brannon D. , Bumpous Jeffrey M.
Published: August 2008

Objectives/Hypothesis: To determine the rate of salvage laryngectomy after failure of radiation or chemoradiation over 10‐year course, identify factors associated with increased risk of treatment failure, assess survival after salvage laryngectomy.

Study Design: Retrospective review.

Methods: Twenty patients who underwent salvage total laryngectomy were studied. Overall interval to recurrence (ITR) was 9.9 months, overall postsalvage‐laryngectomy survival (PSL‐OAS) 25 months, and interval to death (PSL‐ITD) 15.8 months. Mortality was 85%.

Results: Four patients failed chemoradiation and 16 failed radiation alone. Based on treatment, there was no difference in ITR (12.8 vs. 8.8 months, P = .27) or PSL‐OAS (27.5 vs. 24.4 months, P = .86). PSL‐ITD was significantly higher after chemoradiation (27.5 vs. 12.2 months, P = .02). Advanced T‐stage patients were significantly younger than early‐stage (53 vs. 64 years, P = .02), but had no significant difference in ITR (12.7 vs. 6.8 months, P = .08), PSL‐OAS (20.1 vs. 33.6 months, P = .35), or PSL‐ITD (12 vs. 21.6 months, P = .1). Analysis by site and differentiation showed no significant differences. Heavy alcohol use/alcoholism was reported in >50%. Rate of fistulization was 20%. Three patients currently survive, with average postsalvage‐laryngectomy disease‐free survival (PSL‐DFS) 77 months.

Conclusions: Salvage laryngectomy is an uncommon procedure (7% over 10‐year period). There is no difference in survival after salvage laryngectomy for radiation or chemoradiation failure. Patients failing chemoradiation have longer PSL‐ITD than those failing radiation alone. Patients with T3–4 tumors tend to be younger. T‐stage of tumor does not affect rate of salvage procedure. Fistulae formed in 20%. Neither location nor differentiation affects survival. Surgical salvage after primary conservative treatment is associated with an approximately 2‐year survival.
Disease‐Associated Novel CD46 Splicing Variants and Pathologic Bone Remodeling in Otosclerosis
Authors: Karosi Tamás , Szalmás Anita , Csomor Péter , Kónya József , Petkó Mihály , Sziklai István
Published: August 2008

Objective/Hypothesis: Otosclerotic bone is supposed to show unique CD46 expression pattern because otosclerosis is an organ‐specific disease with viral etiology.

Study Design: Otosclerosis is a complex bone remodeling disorder of the human otic capsule, which is associated with persisting measles virus infection. The general cellular receptor of measles virus is the CD46, which has 14‐known splicing isoforms.

Methods: Nucleic acid was extracted from ankylotic stapes footplates (N = 99) removed during stapedectomies. Consecutive histological, CD46 specific immunohistologic analysis, and multiple polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifications were performed. Measles virus was detected by seminested reverse transcriptase‐PCR. Splicing variants of CD46 were identified by nested reverse transcriptase‐PCR and finally determined by mass sequencing of complementary DNA.

Results: Measles virus RNA was detectable only in histologically otosclerotic stapes footplates. Virus negative‐fixed stapes represent degenerative disorders of variable histopathology. Otosclerosis is featured by an increased number of osteoclasts showing strong CD46 immunoreaction in contrast to nonotosclerotic stapes fixations. Normal and nonotosclerotic stapes footplates show consistent expression of “c,” “d,” “e,” “f,” and “l” CD46 splicing isoforms. In contrast, four novel CD46 splicing variants were additionally detected in otosclerosis: os1, os2, os3, and os4.

Conclusions: Newly described CD46 isoforms have shorter or missing transmembrane domain and a rare cytoplasmic tail with pathological or uncommon signal transduction; however, virus binding ability remains equal and invariable. These changes may be responsible for the smooth virus replication. A special expression pattern and altered functions of CD46 could explain the organ‐specific and virus‐associated pathogenesis of otosclerosis.
Spontaneous Nasal Septal Perforation With Antiangiogenic Bevacizumab Therapy
Authors: Burkart Collin M. , Grisel Jedidiah J. , Hom David B.
Published: August 2008

Otolaryngologists should be made aware of a newer cause of nasal septal perforations resulting from the more recent antiangiogenic therapy used to treat malignancies. This case describes a 52‐year‐old white woman who developed a spontaneous nasal septal perforation after given the antiangiogenic drug, bevacizumab, for metastatic ovarian cancer treatment. Bevacizumab is a recently developed monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor receptor used to inhibit angiogenesis. The patient was ultimately treated with a nasal septal button with good symptom relief. This case documents the first report in the otolaryngology literature describing this new etiology for nasal septal perforations.
The UL49 gene product of BoHV-1: a major factor in efficient cell-to-cell spread
Authors: Kalthoff Donata , Granzow Harald , Trapp Sascha , Beer Martin
Published: August 2008

The role of the UL49 gene product, VP22, of bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1) in virus replication was characterized with respect to a putative functional interaction of VP22 with the viral glycoprotein E (gE) during BoHV-1 cell-to-cell spread. Deletion of the open reading frames of UL49 and/or gE from an infectious BoHV-1 bacterial artificial chromosome clone did not severely impair the production of viral progeny in single-step growth experiments. However, plaque sizes induced by a VP22-negative BoHV-1 were reduced by 52 %, whilst for the gE/VP22-negative double-deletion mutant a reduction of 83 % could be observed in comparison with parental and revertant viruses, which was consistent with a marked reduction in multi-step growth experiments at early time points. These results suggest that gE and VP22 are important for BoHV-1 cell-to-cell spread, and that both are likely to act independently of each other in a critical pathway for virus cell-to-cell spread.
Genetic analysis of feline panleukopenia viruses from cats with gastroenteritis
Authors: Decaro N. , Desario C. , Miccolupo A. , Campolo M. , Parisi A. , Martella V. , Amorisco F. , Lucente M. S. , Lavazza A. , Buonavoglia C.
Published: August 2008

Thirty-nine parvovirus strains contained in faecal samples collected in Italy (n=34) and UK (n=5) from cats with feline panleukopenia were characterized at the molecular level. All viruses were proven to be true feline panleukopenia virus (FPLV) strains by a minor groove binder probe assay, which is able to discriminate between FPLV and the closely related canine parvovirus type 2. By using sequence analysis of the VP2 gene, it was found that the FPLV strains detected in Italy and UK were highly related to each other, with a nucleotide identity of 99.1–100 and 99.4–99.8 % among Italian and British strains, respectively, whereas the similarities between all the sequences analysed were 98.6–100 %. Eighty-eight variable positions were detected in the VP2 gene of the field and reference FPLV strains, most of which were singletons. Synonymous substitutions (n=57) predominated over non-synonymous substitutions (n=31), and the ratio between synonymous and non-synonymous substitutions (dN/dS) was 0.10, thus confirming that evolution of FPLV is driven by random genetic drift rather than by positive selection pressure. Some amino acid mutations in the VP2 protein affected sites that are thought to be responsible for antigenic and biological properties of the virus, but no clear patterns of segregation and genetic markers, were identified, confirming that FPLV is in evolutionary stasis.
Formation of bovine viral diarrhea virus E1–E2 heterodimers is essential for virus entry and depends on charged residues in the transmembrane domains
Authors: Ronecker Saskia , Zimmer Gert , Herrler Georg , Greiser-Wilke Irene , Grummer Beatrice
Published: August 2008

The envelope of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) contains the glycoproteins Erns, E1 and E2. Complementation of a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) with BVDV glycoproteins resulted in infectious pseudotyped viruses. To elucidate the specific role of each of the single envelope glycoproteins during viral entry, pseudotypes were generated bearing the BVDV envelope proteins in different combinations. Pseudoviruses that contained E1 and E2 but not Erns were infectious, indicating that Erns is dispensable for virus entry. VSV/BVDV pseudotypes with chimeric proteins (the ectodomain of the BVDV glycoprotein and the transmembrane domain of the VSV-G protein) were not infectious. The fact that E1–E2 heterodimers were not detected if one of the proteins was chimeric indicated that the heterodimers are crucial for BVDV entry. It was shown by site-directed mutagenesis that the charged amino acids in the transmembrane domains of BVDV E1 (lysine and arginine) and the charged amino acid in the transmembrane domain of E2 (arginine) play a key role in heterodimer formation. Pseudoviruses bearing the mutation E2-R/A, where the charged amino acid was substituted by alanine, were not infectious, supporting the hypothesis that E1–E2 heterodimers are essential for BVDV entry.
T7 RNA polymerase-dependent and -independent systems for cDNA-based rescue of Rift Valley fever virus
Authors: Habjan Matthias , Penski Nicola , Spiegel Martin , Weber Friedemann
Published: August 2008

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is responsible for large and recurrent outbreaks of acute febrile illness among humans and domesticated animals in Africa. It belongs to the family Bunyaviridae, genus Phlebovirus, and its negative-stranded RNA genome consists of three segments. Here, we report the establishment and characterization of two different systems to rescue the RVFV wild-type strain ZH548. The first system is based on the BHK-21 cell clone BSR-T7/5, which stably expresses T7 RNA polymerase (T7 pol). Rescue of wild-type RVFV was achieved with three T7 pol-driven cDNA plasmids representing the viral RNA segments in the antigenomic sense. The second system involves 293T cells transfected with three RNA pol I-driven plasmids for the viral segments and two RNA pol II-driven support plasmids to express the viral polymerase components L and N. It is known that the 5′ triphosphate group of T7 pol transcripts strongly activates the antiviral interferon system via the intracellular RNA receptor RIG-I. Nonetheless, both the T7 pol and the pol I/II system were of similar efficiency. This was even true for the rescue of a RVFV mutant lacking the interferon antagonist nonstructural proteins. Further experiments demonstrated that the unresponsiveness of BHK-21 and BSR-T7/5 cells to T7 pol transcripts is most probably due to a deficiency in the RIG-I pathway. Our reverse genetics systems now enable us to manipulate the genome of RVFV and study its virulence mechanisms. Moreover, the finding that BHK-derived cell lines have a compromised RIG-I pathway may explain their suitability for propagating and rescuing a wide variety of viruses.
Arabidopsis thaliana class II poly(A)-binding proteins are required for efficient multiplication of turnip mosaic virus
Authors: Dufresne Philippe J. , Ubalijoro Eliane , Fortin Marc G. , Laliberté Jean-François
Published: August 2008

The poly(A)-binding protein (PABP) is an important translation initiation factor that binds to the polyadenylated 3′ end of mRNA. We have previously shown that PABP2 interacts with the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and VPg-Pro of turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) within virus-induced vesicles. At least eight PABP isoforms are produced inArabidopsis thaliana, three of which (PABP2, PABP4 and PABP8) are highly and broadly expressed and probably constitute the bulk of PABP required for cellular functions. Upon TuMV infection, an increase in protein and mRNA expression fromPAB2,PAB4andPAB8genes was recorded.In vitrobinding assays revealed that RdRp and the viral genome-linked protein (VPg-Pro) interact preferentially with PABP2 but are also capable of interaction with one or both of the other class II PABPs (i.e. PABP4 and PABP8). To assess whether PABP is required for potyvirus replication,A. thalianasingle and doublepabknockouts were isolated and inoculated with TuMV. All lines showed susceptibility to TuMV. However, when precise monitoring of viral RNA accumulation was performed, it was found to be reduced by 2.2- and 3.5-fold inpab2 pab4andpab2 pab8mutants, respectively, when compared with wild-type plants. PABP levels were most significantly reduced in the membrane-associated fraction in both of these mutants. TuMV mRNA levels thus correlated with cellular PABP concentrations in theseA. thalianaknockout lines. These data provide further support for a role of PABP in potyvirus replication.
HIV-1 subtype C Pr55gag virus-like particle vaccine efficiently boosts baboons primed with a matched DNA vaccine
Authors: Chege Gerald K. , Shephard Enid G. , Meyers Ann , van Harmelen Joanne , Williamson Carolyn , Lynch Alisson , Gray Clive M. , Rybicki Edward P. , Williamson Anna-Lise
Published: August 2008

A DNA vaccine expressing human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) southern African subtype C Gag (pTHGag) and a recombinant baculovirus Pr55gagvirus-like particle prepared using a subtype C Pr55gagprotein (Gag VLP) was tested in a prime–boost inoculation regimen in Chacma baboons. The response of five baboons to Gag peptides in a gamma interferon (IFN-γ) enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay after three pTHGag immunizations ranged from 100 to 515 spot-forming units (s.f.u.) per 106peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), whilst the response of two baboons to the Gag VLP vaccine ranged from 415 to 465 s.f.u. per 106PBMCs. An increase in the Gag-specific response to a range of 775–3583 s.f.u. per 106PBMCs was achieved by boosting with Gag VLPs the five baboons that were primed with pTHGag. No improvement in Gag responses was achieved in this prime–boost inoculation regimen by increasing the number of pTHGag inoculations to six. IFN-γresponses were mapped to several peptides, some of which have been reported to be targeted by PBMCs from HIV-1 subtype C-infected individuals. Gag VLPs, given as a single-modality regimen, induced a predominantly CD8+T-cell IFN-γresponse and interleukin-2 was a major cytokine within a mix of predominantly Th1 cytokines produced by a DNA–VLP prime–boost modality. The prime–boost inoculation regimen induced high serum p24 antibody titres in all baboons, which were several fold above that induced by the individual vaccines. Overall, this study demonstrated that these DNA prime/VLP boost vaccine regimens are highly immunogenic in baboons, inducing high-magnitude and broad multifunctional responses, providing support for the development of these products for clinical trials.
Genetic linkage among human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein N (gN) and gO genes, with evidence for recombination from congenitally and post-natally infected Japanese infants
Authors: Yan Hainian , Koyano Shin , Inami Yuhki , Yamamoto Yumiko , Suzutani Tatsuo , Mizuguchi Masashi , Ushijima Hiroshi , Kurane Ichiro , Inoue Naoki
Published: August 2008

Investigation of sequence polymorphisms in the glycoprotein N (gN; gp4273), gO (gp4274) and gH (gp4275) genes of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) strains collected from 63 Japanese children revealed that their gO genotype distribution differed slightly from that of Caucasian populations and that there was a significant linkage between the gN and gO genotypes. Linkage of these genotypes in strains obtained from Caucasian populations has been reported, so our similar findings in Japanese infants are consistent with this, and suggest generality of this linkage. Sequence analysis suggests that recombination between two strains of different linkage groups occurred approximately 200 bp upstream of the 3′-end of the gO gene. Further studies are required to elucidate differences in biological characteristics among the linkage groups and the selective constraints that maintain the linkage.
The impact of water quality and availability on food production
Authors: Manning Louise
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to review the issues surrounding water security in terms of quantity and quality and its impact on food availability.

Design/methodology/approach

The research involved an examination and evaluation of existing literature so that the key elements of a water security policy model could be determined.

Findings

Water demand and availability is multifaceted and the degree of water security can be determined at a personal, national or international level. One of the key drivers of water security is the current and continued ability of water resources to meet the often conflicting needs of domestic supply, food production and amenity uses, including the requirement to irrigate food production areas in order to improve food yields and feed the growing global human population and mitigate the impact of any environmental change.

Originality/value

This paper provides an overview of the subject of water security and therefore will be of value to policy makers, academics or those developing environmental risk management strategies for organisations within the food supply chain.
Older people's perceptions towards conventional and functional yoghurts through the repertory grid method
Authors: Messina Federico , Saba Anna , Turrini Aida , Raats Monique , Lumbers Margaret , in Later Life Team Food
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate older people's perceptions, across eight European countries (the UK, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Italy), towards functional foods.

Design/methodology/approach

The repertory grid method was used to elicit reasons underlying preferences of five yoghurts with different functional properties and two conventional ones.

Findings

Familiarity was the key driver in products' separation. For the Italian case, as well as the Spanish, Portuguese, Danish and Swedish the first principal axis could be interpreted as novel‐common axis, whilst it was not in the UK, Germany and Poland.

Research limitations/implications

Behavioural intention to buy functional yoghurts was more strongly predicted and moderated by single item perceived need (PN) than single item affective and/or cognitive attitude (AA, CA), even though PN, AA and CA could be consistently assessed within the same latent measure (in all countries but Denmark). Nevertheless, beliefs/attitudes towards a novel category of products such as functional foods may be reasonably keeping moving.

Originality/value

In this study, preference instructions pertaining to beneficial and imagery attributes, revealed idiosyncratic properties associated with functional yoghurts across eight European samples of older people.
Familiarity and purchasing intention of Belgian consumers for fresh and processed tropical fruit products
Authors: Sabbe Sara , Verbeke Wim , Van Damme Patrick
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on tropical fruits, both in fresh and processed form, and on the influence of socio‐demographic, psychosocial and socio‐environmental factors on their consumption and purchasing intention.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire‐based survey (n=290) was used to gain insight in the perceived importance of different food choice determinants (i.e. familiarity with tropical fruits, attitude and beliefs towards this food category, influence of social norm and socio‐demographic characteristics), and their role on the intention to purchase tropical fruits. Data analysis consisted of descriptive analyses and statistical validation.

Findings

Familiarity with tropical fruits differs and depends on consumers' product‐related experiences. Tropical fruits are perceived as nutritious, healthy, good in taste, attractive and special. Socio‐demographic characteristics, such as gender, place of living and travel experience outside Europe, associate with product familiarity, consumers' general attitude and beliefs, and the purchasing intention of tropical fruits.

Originality/value

This paper covers a previously rather unexplored, even neglected research topic, namely consumers' attitude and behavioural intention towards fresh and processed tropical fruits.
Training Generation N: how educators should approach the Net Generation
Authors: Feiertag Jeff , Berge Zane L.
Published: August 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore generational differences between Generation N (persons born 1980 and after) and previous generations with regard to teaching and learning.

Design/methodology/approach

This viewpoint article reviews selected literature, synthesizing those articles with opinions on how to approach Generation N for education and training.

Findings

Generation N students and employees possess certain key traits that translate into learning in school and the business world. Generation N employees are often not as independent as their predecessor generations requiring more structure, guidance and regular feedback. They prefer working collaboratively, do not respond well to the lecture, often do not communicate effectively by traditional standards, require information individually tailored to them, and require technology that is available to use. These characteristics of Gen Ns indicate that instructional designers in schools or the workplace should make appropriate adjustments when facilitating the new generation's learning.

Originality/value

With a rather widespread concern by educators and managers that today's graduates do not possess the critical thinking and other skills needed for the business world, this article lends a perspective on how to approach Generation N learners.
Entrepreneurship education in Hong Kong's secondary curriculum
Authors: Cheung Chi‐Kim
Published: August 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to give a picture of the entrepreneurship education programs currently provided in Hong Kong secondary schools, to present teachers' evaluations of the effectiveness of the programs offered, and to point out the factors that hinder the development of entrepreneurship education in Hong Kong secondary schools.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire about entrepreneurship education was designed and piloted and then faxed to all Hong Kong secondary schools, inviting teachers teaching business related subjects and those in charge of extra‐curricular activities to complete it. One hundred and twenty‐eight usable questionnaires were received, which gave a valid response rate of 31 percent. Close‐ended and multiple‐choice questions were adopted to maintain readability of the questionnaire and encourage participation. As the participants of the quantitative research did not have the opportunity to elaborate their responses, in‐depth phone interviews were conducted.

Findings

Half of all respondents reported the presence of entrepreneurship education in one form or another at their schools. Of the remaining respondents, nearly 80 percent said their schools were not planning to implement entrepreneurship programs. Around 70 percent of the schools running entrepreneurship programs had more than three years' experience in entrepreneurship education, and forty‐three percent had even been running these programs for more than 5 years. The survey revealed that schools tended to take a comprehensive approach in delivering entrepreneurship education.

Originality/value

This study shows that entrepreneurship programs in Hong Kong are largely similar to those in the West in terms of objectives of provision, content and teaching strategies.