bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemopreventive efficacy of pronyl‐lysine on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in rat colon carcinogenesis
Authors: Selvam Jayabal Panneer , Aranganathan Selvaraj , Gopalan Rama , Nalini Namasivayam
Published: March 2009

Colon cancer is a serious health problem in most of the countries and is the leading cause of cancer mortality throughout the world. The major objective of this study was to examine the chemopreventive effect of dietary pronyl‐lysine (2 mg/kg body weight), a bread crust antioxidant, on intestinal and colonic tissue lipid peroxidation (LPO) and antioxidant status in rat colon carcinogenesis. Male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups and were fed a modified pellet diet for 34 weeks. Rats were given a weekly subcutaneous injection of 1,2‐dimethyl hydrazine (DMH) (20 mg/kg body weight) for the first 15 weeks. Pronyl‐lysine was supplemented to rats during the pre‐initiation, initiation, post‐initiation and also throughout the study period. All the rats were sacrificed at the end of 34 weeks and their colons were evaluated histologically. The activity of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and antioxidant status in the tissues such as the intestines, colon and cecum were estimated. Our results showed diminished levels of colonic, and cecal LPO products such as conjugated dienes, lipid hydroperoxides and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and also reduced activities of the antioxidants superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione dependent enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, glutathione‐S‐transferase, glutathione reductase) in DMH‐treated rats, while on supplementing dietary pronyl‐lysine the levels of LPO products and antioxidants were significantly reversed (P < 0.05). Thus, our results strongly suggest that the administration of pronyl‐lysine throughout the study period (group 7) and the post‐initiation (group 6) stages of colon carcinogenesis significantly inhibits colon cancer incidence and prevents DMH induced histopathological lesions.
Getting acquainted in Skypecasts: aspects of social organization in online chat rooms
Authors: Jenks Christopher Joseph
Published: March 2009

This paper has two intersecting themes: computer‐mediated communication (CMC) and English as a lingua franca (ELF) interaction. Although the underlying objective is to introduce Skypecasts, a new voice‐based CMC tool, what will be examined is how this medium is being used by participants from all over the world as a forum to learn and use English. Despite their similarities with classrooms, where learning and using English are clear objectives, what is deemed an ‘appropriate’ or ‘normal’ contribution in Skypecasts is neither fixed nor predetermined, but an organic collaborative agreement. By focusing on the social‐interactional practice of getting acquainted, this paper will offer some insight on how speakers of English as an additional language communicate outside of classrooms.
Discursive constructions of terrorism in Spain: Anglophone and Spanish media representations of Eta
Authors: Valdeón Roberto A.
Published: March 2009

This paper studies the use of the terms ‘separatist’ and ‘terrorist’ in the aftermath of Madrid's 3/11 attacks and their discursive implications from a critical perspective, and attempts to throw some light on whether there are sufficient grounds to substantiate the voices against ‘separatist’ when reporting on attacks carried out by the militant group Eta that involved killings. The study is divided into three sections, which examine, first, the choice(s) made by Spanish news websites and the intratextual cohesion devices used by the authors, and, secondly, the terms and devices used in British and American news websites. Finally, we shall discuss the ideological implications that might lie beneath the preference for ‘separatist’ in Anglophone media, and comment on the problems derived from it.
Influence of high dietary sodium intake on the functional subtypes of α1‐adrenoceptors in the renal cortical vasculature of Wistar–Kyoto rats
Authors: Kazi R. N. , Munavvar A. S. , Abdullah N. A. , Khan A. H. , Johns E. J.
Published: March 2009

1 Increased renal vascular resistance is one renal functional abnormality that contributes to hypertension, and α1‐adrenoceptors play a pivotal role in modulating this renal vascular resistance. This study investigates the functional contribution of α1‐adrenoceptor subtypes in the renal cortical vasculature of Wistar–Kyoto rats on a normal sodium diet (WKYNNa) compared with those given saline to drink for 6 weeks (WKYHNa).

2 The renal cortical vascular responses to the adrenergic agonists noradrenaline (NA), methoxamine (ME) and phenylephrine (PE) were measured in WKYHNa and WKYNNa rats either in the absence (the control phase) or presence of chloroethylclonidine (CEC), an α1B‐adrenoceptor antagonist, 5‐methylurapidil (5‐MeU), an α1Aantagonist, or BMY7378, an α1Dantagonist.

3 Results showed a greater renal cortical vascular sensitivity to NA, PE and ME in the WKYHNa compared with WKYNNa rats (P < 0.05). Moreover, 5‐MeU and BMY7378 attenuated adrenergically induced renal cortical vasoconstriction in WKYHNa and WKYNNa rats; this response was largely blunted in CEC‐treated WKYHNa rats (allP < 0.05) but not in CEC‐treated WKYNNa rats.

4 The data suggest that irrespective of dietary sodium content, in Wistar–Kyoto rats α1A‐ and α1D‐subtypes are the major α1‐adrenoceptors in renal cortical vasculature; however, there appears to be a functional involvement of α1B‐adrenoceptors in the WKYHNa rats.
Effect of central serotonin depletion on 5‐HT receptor‐mediated vasomotor responses in the middle meningeal artery of anaesthetized rats
Authors: Martínez‐García E. , García‐Iglesias B. , Terrón J. A.
Published: March 2009

1 It has been hypothesized that craniovascular 5‐HT receptors mediating dilatation of cranial vessels undergo sensitization on decreased serotonergic transmission in migraine. This study analysed the effect of chemical lesion of the 5‐HT system in the brain with 5,7‐dihydroxytryptamine (5,7‐DHT) on 5‐HT receptor‐mediated dilator responses to 5‐carboxamidotryptamine (5‐CT) in the middle meningeal artery of anaesthetized rats. 5‐CT has recently been shown to elicit dilator responses in this cranial vessel via 5‐HT7 receptors and, to a much lesser extent, 5‐HT1B/1D receptors.

2 Pretreatment with 5,7‐DHT produced a drastic and selective decrease of 5‐HT levels in the brain (78 ± 6% and 94 ± 2% in dorsal raphe and hypothalamic paraventricular nuclei, respectively) compared with controls (1% ascorbic acid).

3 Topical application of 5‐CT (1–1000 μm) to exposed dura mater encephali produced concentration‐dependent decreases in diastolic blood pressure and dilator responses in the middle meningeal artery that were similar in vehicle‐ and 5,7‐DHT‐pretreaed animals.

4 Hypotensive and meningeal dilator responses to 5‐CT were unaltered by the 5‐HT1B/1D receptor antagonist, GR‐127935 (1 mg kg−1, i.v.), but were strongly inhibited by the 5‐HT7 receptor antagonist, SB‐269970 (1 mg kg−1, i.v.), with similar efficacy, in both groups of animals. Treatment with GR‐127935 + SB‐269970 (1 mg kg−1, i.v. each), produced a stronger inhibitory effect than individual treatments on hypotensive but not on meningeal responses to 5‐CT. Meningeal 5‐HT7 receptor‐mediated responses (i.e. in GR‐127935‐pretreated animals) were unchanged by 5,7‐DHT pretreatment.

5 Results suggest that the sensitivity of craniovascular 5‐HT7 receptors mediating dilatation is unaffected by a decrease of 5‐HT levels in the brain. A neuronal involvement of 5‐HT in migraine seems more likely, therefore.
A Revealed Preference Approach to Estimating Supply Curves for Ecosystem Services: Use of Auctions to Set Payments for Soil Erosion Control in Indonesia
Authors: JACK B. KELSEY , LEIMONA BERIA , FERRARO PAUL J.
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  To supply ecosystem services, private landholders incur costs. Knowledge of these costs is critical for the design of conservation‐payment programs. Estimating these costs accurately is difficult because the minimum acceptable payment to a potential supplier is private information. We describe how an auction of payment contracts can be designed to elicit this information during the design phase of a conservation‐payment program. With an estimate of the ecosystem‐service supply curve from a pilot auction, conservation planners can explore the financial, ecological, and socioeconomic consequences of alternative scaled‐up programs. We demonstrate the potential of our approach in Indonesia, where soil erosion on coffee farms generates downstream ecological and economic costs. Bid data from a small‐scale, uniform‐price auction for soil‐conservation contracts allowed estimates of the costs of a scaled‐up program, the gain from integrating biophysical and economic data to target contracts, and the trade‐offs between poverty alleviation and supply of ecosystem services. Our study illustrates an auction‐based approach to revealing private information about the costs of supplying ecosystem services. Such information can improve the design of programs devised to protect and enhance ecosystem services.
Emotional Experts:
Authors: Einarsdóttir Jónína
Published: March 2009

In this article, I examine how parents of infants with birth weight of 1,000 grams or less in Iceland relate to the questions whether and when treatment for a preterm infant may be withdrawn, and who should make such a decision. Almost all the parents agreed there are categories of infants who should be allowed to die and parents should have a say in such a decision. Inability to take part in human communication was most commonly mentioned as a valid criterion for withdrawal of treatment. There was more disagreement about parents' right to unilaterally demand withdrawal. Ethical dilemmas and their resolutions are embedded in social context where images of suffering and disability and establishment of medical facts are central. Parents claimed their right to participate in treatment decisions as emotional experts; the child was theirs and they had to live with the outcome. Their hope in cure was based on faith in medical science and high confidence in the staff of the NICU. Parents also stressed the infant's will to live and referred to alternative knowledge, for instance, derived from “evidence based” spiritism or an interpretation of a dream.
Impact of Transfusion of Fresh‐frozen Plasma and Packed Red Blood Cells in a 1:1 Ratio on Survival of Emergency Department Patients with Severe Trauma
Authors: Zehtabchi Shahriar , Nishijima Daniel K.
Published: March 2009

Objectives:  Coagulopathy is common after severe trauma and occurs very early after the initial insult. Some investigators have suggested early and aggressive treatment of the trauma‐induced coagulopathy by transfusion of fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP) and packed red blood cells (PRBC) in a 1:1 ratio. This evidence‐based emergency medicine (EBM) review evaluates the evidence regarding the impact of 1:1 ratio of FFP:PRBC transfusion on survival of emergency department (ED) patients with severe trauma.

Methods:  The MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and other databases were searched. Studies were selected for inclusion if they included trauma patients who required blood transfusion. The outcome measures of interest included mortality and adverse effects of high FFP:PRBC ratios. For comparison, the patients were classified into high ratio (1:1, defined as a ratio of 1:≤1.5) and low ratio (1:>1.5) groups.

Results:  The authors did not identify any randomized controlled trials (RCT), but included four observational studies (three retrospective registry and one prospective cohort studies), which enrolled 1,511 patients cumulatively. One study found a statistically significant difference in mortality rate, favoring high FFP:PRBC ratio (relative risk = 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.59 to 0.89), while three studies showed no benefits. One study reported higher rates of sepsis and single/multiorgan failure (MOF), and another study revealed a higher risk of nosocomial infections and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in the high FFP:PRBC ratio group.

Conclusion:  Three retrospective registry reviews with suboptimal methodologies and one prospective cohort study provide inadequate evidence to support or refute the use of a high FFP:PRBC ratio in patients with severe trauma.
Validation of SRY Marker for Forensic Casework Analysis
Authors: Kastelic Vanja , Budowle Bruce , Drobnič Katja
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Determining the gender of the source of forensic DNA evidence is based on the amelogenin test. However, at times the assay may not be indicative of gender assignment, because of deletions at the amelogenin site. Previously, we described successful coamplification of a marker residing within the SRY gene with the short tandem repeat markers from two commercially available human identification kits. The study herein addresses the validation of primers for the target SRY gene regarding specificity, sensitivity, and robustness. Among 115 unrelated male Slovenians no null allele was observed. Repeatable and reliable results were obtained from as little as 25 pg of template DNA, indicating a high sensitivity of detection for the assay. No polymerase chain reaction product was observed even at a concentration of 10 ng/μL of template female DNA. Additionally, the male specific marker could be detected in mixed male and female samples down to a ratio of 1:16.
Vitreous Fluid and/or Urine Glucose Concentrations in 1335 Civil Aviation Accident Pilot Fatalities*
Authors: Chaturvedi Arvind K. , Botch Sabra R. , Canfield Dennis V. , Forster Estrella M.
Published: March 2009

Abstract: During aviation accident investigations, vitreous fluid and urine samples from pilot fatalities are analyzed for glucose and blood for hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c) to monitor diabetic pilots and to discover other pilots with undiagnosed/unreported diabetes. The prevalence of elevated glucose concentrations in fatally injured pilots was evaluated by searching the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute’s Toxicology Database for the period 1998–2005. Out of 1335 pilots involving 363 vitreous fluid, 365 urine, and 607 vitreous fluid and urine analyses, 43 pilots had elevated glucose in vitreous fluid (>125 mg/dL) and/or in urine (>100 mg/dL). Of the 20 pilots whose blood samples were analyzed, nine had >6% HbA1c—four were known diabetics, and five were unknown diabetics. Urinary glucose levels were elevated in all 13 known hyperglycemic pilots. A considerable number of pilots (30 of 43) had elevated glucose and HbA1c(5 of 20), suggesting undiagnosed/unreported diabetic conditions.
Modification Methods of Blank Pistols in Turkey in 2006
Authors: Sarıbey Aylin Yalçın , Tarımcı Çelik
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  This study describes the modification methods of blank cartridge firing pistols in Turkey. We have examined cases submitted to the Aydın Regional Criminal Laboratory of Turkey in 2006. In total, 95 modified pistols and 300 modified cartridges were examined. The blank cartridge firing pistols are guns which look similar to “real” pistols, however, there are blockages in their barrel in order to prevent the discharge of a bullet. However, as a result of simple modifications, these pistols can be easily converted into “real” firearms. Studied modification methods are removing the obstruction from the barrel, removing the partial obstruction from the barrel, sleeving a smaller diameter tube into the original barrel, using a replacement barrel, and rifling the original barrel. Special cartridges for these modified pistols are also produced. These modified pistols and cartridges were evaluated in respect of the converting methods.
Developmental Validation of the PrepFiler™ Forensic DNA Extraction Kit for Extraction of Genomic DNA from Biological Samples*
Authors: Brevnov Maxim G. , Pawar Hemant S. , Mundt Janna , Calandro Lisa M. , Furtado Manohar R. , Shewale Jaiprakash G.
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  The PrepFiler™ Forensic DNA Extraction Kit enables isolation of genomic DNA from a variety of biological samples. The kit facilitates reversible binding of DNA with magnetic particles resulting in high DNA recovery from samples with very low and high quantities of biological materials: 0.1 and 40 μL of human blood (donor 2) provided 14 and 2883 ng of DNA, respectively. Following the revised SWGDAM guidelines, performance of the developed method was investigated using different sample types including saliva on swabs, semen stains on cotton fabric, samples exposed to environment, samples with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) inhibitors, blood stains (on denim, cotton cloth, and FTA® paper), and touch evidence‐type samples. DNA yields for all samples tested were equal or better than those obtained by both phenol–chloroform extraction and commercial kits tested. DNA obtained from these samples was free of detectable PCR inhibitors. Short tandem repeat profiles were complete, conclusive, and devoid of PCR artifacts.
Changes in oxidant‐antioxidant status in young diabetic patients from clinical onset onwards
Authors: Martín‐Gallán P. , Carrascosa A. , Gussinyé M. , Domínguez C.
Published: March 2009

Oxidative stress has been implicated as a mechanism underlying hyperglycaemia‐associated cellular damage and could play a role in the development of diabetes‐related complications. This study aimed to evaluate the significance of changes in oxidant–antioxidant status in 176 child and adolescent diabetic patients at clinical onset, during disease progression and when early microvascular complications appeared. Indicative lipid and protein oxidation markers and antioxidant defence activity were measured in plasma and correlated with clinical data, diabetes duration, long‐term glycometabolic control and serum lipids. Compared with their respective age‐matched controls, diabetic patients had greater oxidative damage to lipids and proteins, demonstrated through the analysis of hydroperoxides, lipoperoxides and oxidation protein products, all of which were significantly raised at onset, decreased during the first 1.5 years of evolution and rose progressively thereafter. Plasma levels of oxidizable lipids were significantly associated with lipid and protein oxidation products. Overall, plasma antioxidant capacity was significantly and consistently lower from clinical onset onwards. These results suggest that insulin therapy in the first year improved metabolic and oxidant homeostasis and consequently hyperglycaemia‐derived biomolecular oxidative damage. Diabetes‐associated hyperlipidaemia is related to lipid and protein oxidation processes, which supports the concept of glucose toxicity and lipotoxicity being interrelated. The greatest increase in lipid and protein oxidative damage biomarkers in young diabetic patients with premature microangiopathy points to oxidative stress as a possible contributing mechanism of microvascular dysfunction. Consequently, tight lipid and glycometabolic control may have therapeutic potential by diminishing oxidative tissue‐damaging effects of hyperglycaemia.
Muscular activation during reverse and non‐reverse chewing cycles in unilateral posterior crossbite
Authors: Piancino Maria Grazia , Farina Dario , Talpone Francesca , Merlo Andrea , Bracco Pietro
Published: March 2009

The aim of this study was to characterize the kinematics and masseter muscle activation in unilateral posterior crossbite. Eighty‐two children (8.6 ± 1.3 yr of age) with unilateral posterior crossbite and 12 children (8.9 ± 0.6 yr of age) with normal occlusion were selected for the study. Electromyography (EMG) and kinematics were concurrently recorded during mastication of a soft bolus and a hard bolus. The percentage of reverse cycles in the group of patients was 59.0 ± 33.1% (soft bolus) and 69.7 ± 29.7% (hard bolus) when chewing on the crossbite side. When chewing on the non‐affected side, the number of reverse cycles was 16.7 ± 24.5% (soft bolus) and 16.7 ± 22.3% (hard bolus). The reverse cycles on the crossbite side were narrower with respect to the cycles on the non‐affected side. Although both types of cycles in patients resulted in lower EMG activity of the masseter of the crossbite side than of the contralateral masseter, the activity of the non‐affected side was larger for reverse than for non‐reverse cycles. It was concluded that when chewing on the crossbite side, the masseter activity is reduced on the mastication side (crossbite) and is unaltered (non‐reverse cycles) or increased (reverse) on the non‐affected side.
Qualitative and quantitative fracture analyses of high‐strength ceramics
Authors: Øilo Marit , Tvinnereim Helene M. , Gjerdet Nils R.
Published: March 2009

The aims of this study were to assess the applicability and repeatability of qualitative and quantitative analyses of the fracture patterns of four different high‐strength ceramics. Ten bar‐shaped specimens of four high‐strength ceramics with different material composition and fabrication methods had been fractured by three‐point bending in water (n = 40). Commonly used fractographic patterns for brittle materials, such as mirror and mist, were used to characterize and quantify the fractured surfaces of these specimens. The analyses were performed twice, on separate occasions, by the same operator. Assessment of the association between fractographic patterns and fracture stress was carried out, and repeatability assessments of the measurements were performed. The fracture initiator site and the common fractographic markers surrounding this site were found in all specimens. Statistically significant correlations were found between certain fracture patterns and stress at fracture. The repeatability of the measurements of the different fractographic patterns varied among the materials. Fracture analyses seem applicable as a tool to determine the fracture initiation site and to estimate the force vectors involved in the fracture of dental high‐strength ceramics.
Determining the minimally important difference for the Oral Health Impact Profile‐20
Authors: Allen P. Finbarr , O’Sullivan Maeve , Locker David
Published: March 2009

In the context of clinical trials, measurement of change is critical. The aim of this study was to determine the minimally important difference (MID) for the Oral Health Impact Profile‐20 (OHIP‐20) when used with partially dentate patients undergoing treatment that included the provision of removable partial dentures. In a prospective clinical trial, 51 consecutive patients were provided with removable partial dentures. In addition to demographic and dental status data, patients completed an OHIP‐20 prior to treatment. One month postoperatively, patients completed a post‐treatment OHIP‐20 and a global transition scale. Domains assessed in the global transition scale were appearance, ability to chew food, oral comfort, and speech. The MID for the OHIP‐20 was calculated using the anchor‐based approach. From the initial sample of 51 patients, 44 completed post‐treatment questionnaires and were included in the analysis. Change scores in the four transition domains indicated that new dentures had a positive impact in the majority of subjects, especially in perceived impact on chewing and appearance. The study provided a guideline as to what constitutes the MID for the OHIP‐20. This benchmark can be used when interpreting the impact of clinical intervention for replacing missing teeth and for power calculation in statistical analyses.
An in vitro model of human oral explants to study early effects of radiation mucositis
Authors: Donetti Elena , Bedoni Marzia , Capone Paolo , Gualerzi Alice , Tartaglia Gianluca , Sforza Chiarella
Published: March 2009

Mucositis is a frequent problem after irradiation of the oral mucosa. To study the early effects of irradiation on the desmosomal adhesion complex, explants of keratinized oral mucosa were exposed to a single dose of 2 Gy gamma irradiation. Biopsies were obtained from the upper dental arch of nine young healthy non‐smoking women undergoing minor oral surgery. The biopsies were incubated in a Transwell culture system and, after irradiation, fixed in formalin 24 h later. Morphometric measurements of epithelial thickness revealed that it was unaffected by exposure to ionizing rays. Immunofluorescence analysis of desmosomal cadherin expression (desmoglein 1/desmoglein 3) demonstrated that the distribution of desmoglein 1 was not affected, whereas the expression of desmoglein 3 decreased in the suprabasal layers of irradiated samples. It is suggested that this has consequences for the mechanical integrity of the mucosa and promotes the development of radiation mucositis.
Cerebrospinal fluid drainage in posthaemorrhagic ventricular dilatation leads to improvement in amplitude‐integrated electroencephalographic activity
Authors: Olischar Monika , Klebermass Katrin , Hengl Barbara , Hunt Rod W , Waldhoer Thomas , Pollak Arnold , Weninger Manfred
Published: March 2009

Aim: Progressive posthaemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD) may induce abnormal amplitude‐integrated electroencephalographic (aEEG) activity prior to clinical deterioration or significant cerebral ultrasound changes. These abnormalities might be ameliorated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage. The aims of this study were to investigate the occurrence of aEEG‐abnormalities with progressive PHVD in relation to clinical and cerebral ultrasound changes and to evaluate whether CSF drainage results in aEEG improvement.

Methods: aEEG and cerebral ultrasound scans were performed in 12 infants with PHVD, before and after CSF drainage, until normalization of aEEG occurred.

Results: aEEG was abnormal with progressive PHVD in all patients. Concurrently, 60% of the patients were clinically stable without deterioration in ultrasonographic cerebral abnormalities. Post drainage, continuous pattern was restored in all but one patient, whereas the frequency of discontinuous pattern decreased in nine patients and burst‐suppression pattern decreased in all but one patient. Low‐voltage pattern was only observed in one patient who suffered severe grade IV IVH and died one week after EVD placement. Sleep‐wake cycling matured in 75%.

Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the impact of CSF drainage on compromised aEEG‐activity associated with PHVD. aEEG changes indicative of impaired cerebral function were apparent before clinical deterioration or major ultrasound changes. These changes were reversible with CSF drainage. aEEG should therefore be used in addition to clinical observation and ultrasound when monitoring PHVD.
Exercise‐induced hyperthermia in childhood: a case report and pilot study
Authors: Kallinich T , Keitzer R , Puskas E , Boldt F
Published: March 2009

Hyperthermia is characterized by an increase of body core temperature due to exogenous heat exposure and/or endogenous heat production. Contrary to fever the hypothalamic‐controlled temperature set point remains unchanged.

Aim: To demonstrate that exercise‐induced hyperthermia is a common phenomenon in childhood.

Case: We describe a 5‐year‐old boy, who attended our outpatient clinic with a 6‐month observation period of exercise‐induced hyperthermia with rectal temperatures up to 39.0°C. Characteristically temperature dropped to normal values after cessation of exercise.

Method: In eight children aged 5–8, tympanic and rectal temperatures were measured before and after exercise.

Results: The rectal temperature increases frequently after exercise (p < 0.001), whereas tympanic temperature did not (p = 0.2).

Conclusion:  Benign hyperthermia should be considered in children with increased body temperature of unknown sources. The site of temperature measurement might be critical in the identification of this condition.
The cartilage‐specific transcription factor Sox9 regulates AP‐2ε expression in chondrocytes
Authors: Wenke Ann‐Kathrin , Grässel Susanne , Moser Markus , Bosserhoff Anja K.
Published: March 2009

Activating enhancer‐binding protein (AP)‐2ε was previously described as a new regulator of integrin α10 expression in cartilage. In this study, we analyzed the expression of AP‐2ε in differentiated chondrocytes and in human mesenchymal stem cells (HMSCs), which have been differentiated into chondrocytes in vitro. AP‐2ε is predominantly expressed during the late stages of chondrocyte differentiation, mainly in early hypertrophic cartilage, consistent with immunohistochemical stainings of mouse embryo sections. Furthermore, osteoarthritic chondrocytes, resembling a hypertrophic phenotype, have high AP‐2ε levels. The AP‐2ε promoter harbors binding sites for the transcription factors AP‐2α and Sox9. Both transcription factors strongly activate AP‐2ε expression in a cooperative manner in the chondrosarcoma cell line SW1353. The inhibition of Sox9 expression by small interfering RNA resulted in decreased AP‐2ε expression. In addition, direct interaction of Sox9 with the AP‐2ε promoter could be confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation and electromobility shift assays. This is the first study to prove the direct regulation of AP‐2ε by the transcription factor Sox9, and to indicate that AP‐2ε potentially has an important role as a modulator of hypertrophic cartilage.
Chemopreventive Task of Capsaicin against Benzo(a)pyrene‐induced Lung Cancer in Swiss Albino Mice
Authors: Anandakumar Pandi , Kamaraj Sattu , Ramakrishnan Gopalakrishnan , Jagan Sundaram , Devaki Thiruvengadam
Published: March 2009

Abstract: A voluminous number of evidence suggests that an increased consumption of fruits and vegetables is a relatively easy and practical strategy to reduce significantly the incidence of cancer. The present study is an effort to identify the chemopreventive role of alkaloid capsaicin against benzo(a)pyrene‐induced lung cancer in Swiss albino mice. Benzo(a)pyrene‐induced lung cancer‐bearing animals showed abnormal changes in body weight, lung weight, tumour incidence and alterations in the activities of marker enzymes adenosine deaminase, aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase, γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase, 5′‐nucleotidase and lactate dehydrogenase. On capsaicin pre‐co‐treatment, all the above alterations were returned to near normal. Immunohistochemical analysis of proliferating cell nuclear antigen together with lung histological examination further supported our biochemical findings that demonstrated the chemoprotective role of capsaicin against benzo(a)pyrene‐induced experimental lung cancer.
Empirical Assessment of Ground Water–to‐Indoor Air Attenuation Factors for the CDOT‐MTL Denver Site
Authors: Johnson P.C. , Ettinger R.A. , Kurtz J.P. , Bryan R. , Kester J.E.
Published: March 2009

The area surrounding the Colorado Department of Transportation Materials Testing Laboratory in Denver was the subject of intense investigation, involving the collection of thousands of ground water, soil‐gas, and indoor air samples in order to investigate indoor air impacts associated with a subsurface release of chlorinated solvents. The preremediation portion of that data set is analyzed and reduced in this work to ground water–to‐indoor air attenuation factors (αgw= the ratio of the measured indoor air concentration to the soil‐gas concentration predicted to be in equilibrium with the local ground water concentration). The empirical αgw values for this site range from about 10−6 to 10−4 with an overall average of 3 × 10−5 (μg/L indoor air)/(μg/L soil gas). The analysis of this data set highlights the need for a thorough data review and data screening when using large data sets to derive empirical relationships between subsurface concentrations and indoor air. More specifically, it is necessary to identify those parts of the data that contain a strong vapor intrusion pathway signal, which generally will require concentrations well above reported detection levels combined with spatial or temporal correlation of subsurface and indoor concentrations.
Two dogs with iatrogenic discospondylitis caused by meticillin‐resistantStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Schwartz M. , Boettcher I. C. , Kramer S. , Tipold A.
Published: March 2009

Two dogs developed discospondylitis caused by meticillin‐resistantStaphylococcus aureusfollowing thoracolumbar hemilaminectomy. Diagnoses were established by magnetic resonance imaging and radiography, respectively, in conjunction with culturing of microbial swabs. Treatment with β‐lactam antibiotics was first initiated. As soon as culturing results, confirming meticillin‐resistantStaphylococcus aureusinfection, and antibiograms became available, antimicrobial therapy was changed to gentamicin and trimethoprim/sulphadiazine. One dog, however, deteriorated further and was euthanased. The other dog improved on appropriate therapy. The first attempt to discontinue drug therapy four months after surgery led to a relapse. Antimicrobial therapy with chloramphenicol was then initiated and maintained for an additional four months. This dog is free of any relapses for 2·5 years. The veterinary surgeon should be aware of the possible involvement of meticillin‐resistantStaphylococcus aureusin postsurgical discospondylitis when choosing an antibiotic for initial antimicrobial therapy while culturing results are still pending.
Cervical vertebral malformation‐malarticulation syndrome in the Bernese mountain dog: clinical and magnetic resonance imaging features
Authors: Eagleson J. S. , Diaz J. , Platt S. R. , Kent M. , Levine J. M. , Sharp N. J. H. , Schatzberg S. J.
Published: March 2009

Objectives:To describe the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging features of cervical vertebral malformation‐malarticulation in Bernese mountain dogs.

Methods:Seven Bernese mountain dogs (four males and three females) were diagnosed with cervical vertebral malformation‐malarticulation by magnetic resonance imaging. The following data were evaluated retrospectively: (1) abnormalities of the cervical vertebral column and spinal cord, (2) spinal cord compression, (3) intervertebral disc degeneration and herniation, (4) severity of clinical signs pretreatment and after treatment, (5) type of treatment and (6) outcome.

Results:Spin echo T1‐weighted and T2‐weighted images disclosed multi‐level, extradural compressive spinal cord lesions (ventral, dorsolateral or both) spanning from intervertebral disc spaces C3‐4 to C6‐7. In all seven dogs, T2‐weighted images disclosed one or more intramedullary hyperintensities associated with extradural spinal cord compression. Surgery was performed in five dogs. Two dogs were managed medically. The prognosis for surgical or conservative management in Bernese mountain dogs was similar to cervical vertebral malformation‐malarticulation in other breeds.

ClinicalSignificance:Cervical vertebral malformation‐malarticulation is an important differential diagnosis for young to middle‐aged Bernese mountain dogs with a C1‐5 or C6‐T2 neuroanatomic localisation. Dorsolateral spinal cord compression associated with articular process hypertrophy was the most common feature of cervical vertebral malformation‐malarticulation in the seven Bernese mountain dogs evaluated.
Effect of different diets on larval growth of Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis (Kolbe) (Coleoptera: Cetoniidae)
Authors: KWON Ohseok
Published: March 2009

The white‐spotted flower chafer, Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis (Kolbe), is used as an important source of medicinal properties, such as anti‐cancer activity and prevention of liver‐related diseases, in Korea. To use this insect species without endangering wild populations, a mass rearing technique is needed. The present study was carried out to determine whether different diets can affect the larval growth of P. brevitarsis seulensis. Six different diets were investigated in the experiment, and the results showed that 20% rice straw with 80% oakwood sawdust was the best diet for larval growth of this beetle.
Desloratadine for the Relief of Nasal and Non‐nasal Allergy Symptoms: An Observational Study
Authors: Aberer Werner
Published: March 2009

Introduction.  The rates of allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, and atopic eczema range from 6% to 16% globally. Second‐generation antihistamines have been shown to be safe and effective for the treatment of symptoms of allergic disease. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of desloratadine, a nonsedating second‐generation antihistamine, in the treatment of common allergy symptoms.

Methods.  In this open‐label, uncontrolled, non‐randomized, observational study, subjects (N = 973) with allergy symptoms were given desloratadine 5 mg daily for 3 weeks. Nasal, ocular, and dermal symptom severity was rated as asymptomatic, mild, moderate, or severe; changes in the percentage of subjects in each severity category were assessed. Overall efficacy and tolerability of desloratadine treatment were evaluated separately by physicians and subjects.

Results.  Allergic rhinitis was the most frequent diagnosis, occurring in 59.0% of subjects. Approximately 40% of subjects had received previous treatment with other antihistamines, systemic/topical glucocorticosteroids, or beta‐sympathicomimetics. Slightly more than half of subjects received concomitant medication during the study; 263 (53.0%) of those used intranasal steroids. A significant reduction in severity scores was observed in all symptom subgroups (P < 0.001). Desloratadine efficacy was judged to be excellent or good by 90.2% of physicians and 88.6% of subjects; 82.5% of investigators and 80.9% of subjects considered it more effective than previous therapy. The tolerability of desloratadine was rated excellent or good by 97.0% of both groups. Thirty‐one subjects (3.2%) experienced adverse events.

Conclusions.  In an open‐label, uncontrolled, non‐randomized, observational study allergy symptoms improved significantly in subjects treated with desloratadine.
Protein array technology to investigate cytokine production by monocytes from patients with advanced alcoholic cirrhosis: An ex vivo pilot study
Authors: Tazi Khalid A. , Quioc Jean‐Jacques , Abdel‐Razek Wael , Tellier Zéra , Guichard Cécile , Ogier‐Denis Eric , Lebrec Didier , Moreau Richard
Published: March 2009

Aim:  In patients with advanced cirrhosis, little is known about the ability of peripheral blood monocytes to spontaneously produce signaling proteins such as cytokines. The aim of this ex vivo study was to evaluate cytokine production under baseline conditions and after stimulation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a toll‐like receptor (TLR) agonist.

Methods:  Peripheral blood monocytes were isolated from patients with advanced alcoholic cirrhosis (without ongoing bacterial infections) and normal subjects. Cells were left unstimulated or were stimulated with LPS. The abundance of 24 cytokines was measured using a filter‐based, arrayed sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the supernatant of cultured monocytes.

Results:  Cirrhotic monocytes spontaneously produced six proteins (TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐8, MCP‐1, RANTES and Gro), whereas normal monocytes produced only small amounts of IL‐8 and RANTES. Analyses with the online gene set analysis toolkit WebGestalt (http://bioinfo.vanderbilt.edu/webgestalt) found enrichment for the six proteins in the human gene ontology subcategory (http://www.geneontology.org), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome pathways (http://www.genome.ad.jp/kegg/) and BioCarta pathways (http://www.biocarta.com/genes/index.asp) consistent with a proinflammatory phenotype of cirrhotic monocytes resulting from activated TLR signaling. Interestingly, LPS‐elicited TLR engagement further increased the production of the six proteins and did not induce the secretion of any others, in particular the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10. LPS‐stimulated normal monocytes produced TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐8, MCP‐1, RANTES, Gro and IL‐10.

Conclusion:  In patients with advanced cirrhosis, peripheral blood monocytes spontaneously produce proinflammatory cytokines, presumably in response to unrestricted TLR signaling.
Incidence and outcome of ischemic hepatitis complicating septic shock
Authors: Raurich Joan M. , Pérez Olatz , Llompart‐Pou Juan A. , Ibáñez Jordi , Ayestarán Ignacio , Pérez‐Bárcena Jon
Published: March 2009

Aim:  The specific incidence of ischemic hepatitis in septic shock patients remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of ischemic hepatitis in septic shock and its relationship with mortality.

Methods:  We retrospectively studied 181 patients with septic shock admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). We defined ischemic hepatitis as having a value of serum aminotransferases equal to or higher than 1000 IU/L. We recorded the age, sex, comorbidity, site of infection, the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score on admission to the ICU, maximum SOFA score and inadequate antibiotic therapy.

Results:  Twenty‐five (13.8%) patients developed ischemic hepatitis. In‐hospital mortality was 57% (103 patients). In the ischemic hepatitis group, mortality increased up to 84.0% (21 patients) compared with 52.6% (82 patients) in patients without ischemic hepatitis (control group) (odds ratio [OR]: 4.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6–14.4; P = 0.003). The development of ischemic hepatitis, age, maximum SOFA score and inadequate antibiotic therapy were independently associated with an increased risk of death. The odds of death increased by 247% in ischemic hepatitis (OR: 3.47; 95% CI: 1.02–11.8; P = 0.047).

Conclusion:  Ischemic hepatitis is a common complication in septic shock patients, associated with a high mortality.
Aspirating cantilevers and reverse sprinklers
Authors: Païdoussis Michael P. , Tétreault-Friend Michael
Published: March 2009

The dynamics of a cantilevered pipe conveying fluid is discussed with a focus on the inverse problem, that is, when the pipe is aspirating rather than discharging fluid. The convoluted history of the understanding of the dynamics of this system is outlined. This history is similar to that of the inverse (or “reverse”) sprinkler problem and concludes that aspirating cantilevers experience flutter, similar to aspirating sprinklers experiencing rotation. Some new experiments on the sprinkler problem are described in which reverse rotation is commonly observed, but forward rotation and a quasi-stationary condition are observed occasionally.
Nanomagnetism: A Case History of Nanoscience and Technology
Authors: Freeman Mark
Published: March 2009

This paper overviews the occurrence and study of magnetism on nanometer-length scales, that is, at sizes where the natural unit on a ruler would be one-billionth of a meter. Nanomagnetism has fascinating early origins on planet Earth, and we must first go back a couple billion years to get to the beginning of the story. Then we will quickly make some big jumps forward through time, to get back to the present. The take-home message is this: we are very lucky to be here now with the first chance in billions of years to understand nanomagnetism in detail, using the tools provided by physics.
Effectiveness of Ninth-Grade Physics in Maine: Conceptual Understanding
Authors: O'Brien Michael J. , Thompson John R.
Published: March 2009

The Physics First movement—teaching a true physics course to ninth-grade students—is gaining popularity in high schools. There are several different rhetorical arguments for and against this movement, and it is quite controversial in physics education. However, there is no actual evidence to assess the success, or failure, of this substantial shift in the science teaching sequence. We have undertaken a comparison study of physics classes taught in ninth- and 12th-grade classes in Maine. Comparisons of student understanding and gains with respect to mechanics concepts were made with excerpts from well-known multiple-choice surveys and individual student interviews. Results indicate that both populations begin physics courses with similar content knowledge and specific difficulties, but when learning concepts, ninth-graders are more sensitive to the instructional method used.
Not all morning headaches are due to brain tumours
Authors: Larner A J
Published: March 2009

Headaches causing early morning waking, or headaches which are more prominent on waking, always raise the suspicion of raised intracranial pressure, and hence the need for prompt evaluation to exclude the diagnosis of a brain tumour (particularly if they are associated with vomiting and papilloedema). However, there are many other much more common causes of “morning headache”, both primary and secondary. As ever, history taking is key to the diagnosis. Attention to the possibility of analgesic medication overuse is particularly pertinent, but other treatable conditions such as depression and epilepsy must not be overlooked.
“Can I drive, doctor?” LEAN thinking may help us answer the question
Authors: Thomas R H , Hughes T A T
Published: March 2009

The loss of a driving licence can have a devastating effect on an individual’s domestic life and work. Driving is a complex composite function comprising a number of other complex composite functions, and it is difficult to predict driving ability just from the traditional neurological examination. We propose the acronym LEAN as an aide-memoire to help structure a suggested driving section in the routine neurological clerking, and to help unpack the concept of “fitness” to drive:Licence status,Eligibility (to drive),Ability (to drive) andNotification requirements (to the licensing authorities), now and in the future; cover most of the important issues and may help ensure that people get the best advice. If there are concerns about someone’s driving ability, with or without vehicle adaptations, an assessment in a Disabled Drivers Assessment Unit is recommended.
When a patient with epilepsy complains about poor memory: Figure
Authors: Zeman A
Published: March 2009

Patients with epilepsy often complain of “poor memory”. The first step in managing this complaint is a clinical evaluation to define and, if possible, quantify the problem. The memory difficulty may be entirely unconnected to the epilepsy. But if the two appear to be linked, establish whether the memory problem is due to the seizures themselves, the pathology that underlies the seizures, their treatment, or their psychological sequelae such as anxiety or depression. Further management depends on the cause, while practical advice on the amelioration of poor memory can be useful.
SYMBIOTIC EVOLUTION OF RULE BASED CLASSIFIER SYSTEMS
Authors: HALAVATI RAMIN , SHOURAKI SAEED BAGHERI , LOTFI SIMA , ESFANDIAR POOYA
Published: March 2009

Evolutionary Algorithms are vastly used in development of rule based classifier systems in data mining where the rule base is usually a set of If-Then rules and an evolutionary trait develops and optimizes these rules. Genetic Algorithm is usually a favorite solution for such tasks as it globally searches for good rule-sets without any prior bias or greedy force, but it is usually slow. Also, designing a good genetic algorithm for rule base evolution requires the design of a recombination operator that merges two rule bases without disrupting the functionalities of each of them. To overcome the speed problem and the need to design recombination operator, this paper presents a novel algorithm for rule base evolution based on natural process of symbiogenesis. The algorithm uses symbiotic combination operator instead of traditional sexual recombination operator of genetic algorithms. This operator takes two chromosomes with different number of genes (rules here) and merges them by combining all the information content of both chromosomes. Using this operator results in two major advantages: First, it totally removes the need to design the recombination operator and therefore is easier to use; second, it outperforms traditional genetic algorithm both in emergence speed and classification rate, this is tested and presented on some globally used benchmarks.