bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Jury Decision Making: Implications For and From Psychology
Authors: Bornstein Brian H. , Greene Edie
Published: February 2011

Jury trials play a centrally important role in the law, and they are also of interest to psychologists. The manner in which individual jurors perceive, interpret, and remember evidence, as well as the group processes involved in jury deliberation, can be described in terms of fundamental cognitive and social psychological concepts. Juries provide a real-world laboratory for examining theoretical issues related to reasoning, memory, judgment and decision making, attribution, stereotyping, persuasion, and group behavior. Conversely, psychological research can inform trial procedures, enabling juries to benefit from fairer procedures and reach better outcomes. Thus, jury decision making has implications for psychological theory, and psychological research has implications for legal policy.
The mediating effects of family on sport in international development contexts
Authors: Kay Tess , Spaaij Ramón
Published: February 2011

The role of family in influencing sports behaviour is widely recognized. This article extends this body of knowledge by examining how the family influences young people’s responses to sport programmes operating in international development contexts. Recognizing the central role of the family as a social institution, the article highlights the cultural significance and specificity of the family, and the importance of this to sport programmes which aim to foster social change. Drawing on empirical data from studies in India, Zambia and Brazil, the multiple and contradictory roles that families play in relation to three sport programmes are analysed. It is shown that while families may support and even extend the positive impact of programmes, they might equally resist them, and in some cases may even be a source of the problems that such initiatives seek to alleviate. The article concludes that locating young people’s experiences of and responses to sport within their family context is an important step in developing a better understanding of the social and cultural environment within which international development programmes operate.
The (im)possible sexual difference: Representations from a rugby union setting
Authors: Martín Montserrat
Published: February 2011

To date Luce Irigaray’s sexual difference theory has had very little impact on sport feminism studies. While sexual difference is still considered in some feminist circles as a regression to the old idea of anatomy as destiny, Irigaray’s sexual difference theory is more about criticizing the universal male subject and creating the possibility of female subjectivity. Irigaray’s work is focused on language and normative categories. Using Irigaray’s sexual difference theory to analyse and represent women’s rugby experiences allows us to go beyond the difference between biological sexes. It concentrates on difference amongst women and within a fragmented and contradictory female subject. To represent these experiences, a creative non-fictional personal narrative is used.
Gold fever(?): Sport and national identity – The Hungarian case
Authors: Dóczi Tamás
Published: February 2011

Owing to the changes in its technological and economic environment, the national contexts that previously defined the world of sport have changed dramatically. The contribution of sport in defining national identity has been discussed by many scholars across a range of national contexts. However, there has not been a critical examination of the role of sport in articulating Hungarian identity. This is somewhat surprising given that Hungary has been very successful in international sporting competitions producing a society that is rich in sport-related collective memories. The objective of this article is to explore the relationship of sport and national identity in Hungary within the context of globalization and social change. Using document analysis and a survey of a representative sample ( n = 1027) of the Hungarian adult population the research focuses on public attitudes to sport, and within these, the different aspects of national identity. The achievements of elite Hungarian athletes are emphasized by (sport) politicians and by the media, having an impact on the opinions and expectations of citizens. The results show that for the majority of Hungarian society elite-sport success is important, however, identification decreases in cases of failures and scandals. Issues that are not related to elite sport are not as prominent although these may strengthen national integration regardless of performance success.

elite sport, globalization, Hungary, national identity, sport consumption
Social stratification and sports in Amsterdam in the 20th century
Authors: Stokvis Ruud
Published: February 2011

Participation in organized sports is considered as a lifestyle characteristic that is dependent on social class and status considerations. It has been argued that each sport, to a certain extent, can be considered as a representative of certain status categories. These social status categories are dynamic and their size, exclusiveness, and even existence are related to the class structures that arise with the development of economic structure. In this article these ideas are given further critical elaboration through the study of the contemporary demographic distribution of participation in different branches of sports in Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
Transforming Violent Selves Through Reflection in Critical Communicative Research
Authors: Flecha Ainhoa , Pulido Cristina , Christou Miranda
Published: February 2011

Currently, teenagers are being socialized into a world of violent realities, not only through social interaction but also through interaction via the media, especially via the Internet. Research conducted using the critical communicative methodology has shown that this methodology helps young people to reflect critically about their violent identities in relation to their sexual and affective relationships. It presents opportunities for research participants to question and transform themselves during the research process. In this article, we focus on this transformative dimension of the methodology and illustrate it with qualitative empirical material from two research studies conducted with Spanish youth. One focuses on communicative acts and other on preventing the socialization of gender violence.
From Research to Policy: Roma Participation Through Communicative Organization
Authors: Munté Ariadna , Serradell Olga , Sordé Teresa
Published: February 2011

For centuries, Roma people’s social exclusion has been reinforced through research that has legitimized stereotypes rather than helping to overcome them. This has led Roma people to refuse to participate in the kind of research that has contributed to discrimination against them. We describe how the critical communicative methodology, used in the European Framework Programme, provides Roma people with the opportunity to participate in research at the highest possible level. In particular, the communicative organization of research allows them to contribute directly as members of the research teams. This article focuses on the advisory committee as a mechanism used to guarantee that Roma people can be directly involved in decision making because this model has been transferred from research to policy.
Why Mondragon? Analyzing What Works in Overcoming Inequalities
Authors: Redondo Gisela , Santa Cruz Ignacio , Rotger Josep Maria
Published: February 2011

Research using the critical communicative methodology (CCM) aims to identify the elements that help overcome inequalities. Drawing on research on the Basque Mondragon Corporation (MC), the authors focus on two major elements such as, selecting research cases that have been shown to succeed in overcoming inequalities, and communicative data analysis to identify transformative and exclusionary dimensions, with a special emphasis on the former as a potential strategy to extend the successful model. Despite the current economic crisis, the Mondragon Corporation is a success story: It proves that a group can be globally competitive without giving up on cooperative principles. This article illustrates how these two methodological elements can be implemented in research practice.
Contrasting Scientific Knowledge With Knowledge From the Lifeworld: The Dialogic Inclusion Contract
Authors: Padrós Maria , Garcia Rocio , de Mello Roseli , Molina Silvia
Published: February 2011

The Dialogic Inclusion Contract (DIC) consists in an agreement between the scientific community and social agents to define successful actions aimed at overcoming social exclusion in highly underprivileged areas. Taking the case of a Spanish neighborhood that is generating important transformations, this article explores the process of defining these successful actions by the means of contrasting the scientific community knowledge and the one arising from the experiences of the people living and working in that particular neighborhood. The contrast is analyzed through three principles that are part of the Critical Communicative Methodology (CCM): communicative rationality, elimination of the interpretative hierarchy, and considering people as transformative social agents.
Eplerenone suppresses aldosterone/ salt-induced expression of NOX-4
Authors: Bayorh Mohamed A , Rollins-Hairston Aisha , Adiyiah Jeffery , Lyn Deborah , Eatman Danita
Published: February 2011

Introduction: Salt-induced hypertension in the Dahl rat is associated with increases in angiotensin II, aldosterone, free radical generation and endothelial dysfunction. However, little is known about the specific mechanism(s) associated with the end-organ damage effects of aldosterone. We hypothesised that eplerenone reduces kidney damage by blocking nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity.

Methods: Dahl salt-sensitive rats fed either a low-salt (LS) or high-salt (HS) diet were treated with aldosterone in the presence of eplerenone or apocynin. Indirect blood pressure was measured prior to start of diet and weekly thereafter. Levels of plasma nitric oxide (NO) and urinary 8-isoprostane were measured following treatment. Protein levels of selected subunits of NADPH were assessed by western blot.

Results: Eplerenone and apocynin inhibited the rise in blood pressure induced by HS and/or aldosterone. This observation was accompanied with a parallel change in kidney protein levels of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX-4) and p22phox. Aldosterone and high salt were associated with lower NO levels and greater renal oxidative stress.

Conclusions: NADPH oxidase is associated with the vascular and renal remodelling observed in high dietary salt intake. Aldosterone-induced expression of NOX-4 plays a pivotal role in the end-organ damage effect of aldosterone, as eplerenone tended to reduce kidney damage and inhibit NOX expression.
Identifying Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease in an Electronic Medical Record
Authors: Ivers Noah , Pylypenko Bogdan , Tu Karen
Published: February 2011

Purpose: Increasing utilization of electronic medical records (EMRs) presents an opportunity to efficiently measure quality indicators in primary care. Achieving this goal requires the development of accurate patient-disease registries. This study aimed to develop and validate an algorithm for identifying patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) within the EMR. Methods: An algorithm was developed to search the unstructured text within the medical history fields in the EMR for IHD-related terminology. This algorithm was applied to a 5% random sample of adult patient charts (n = 969) drawn from a convenience sample of 17 Ontario family physicians. The accuracy of the algorithm for identifying patients with IHD was compared to the results of 3 trained chart abstractors. Results: The manual chart abstraction identified 87 patients with IHD in the random sample (prevalence = 8.98%). The accuracy of the algorithm for identifying patients with IHD was as follows: sensitivity = 72.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 61.8-81.5); specificity = 99.3% (95% CI: 98.5-99.8); positive predictive value = 91.3% (95% CI: 82.0-96.7); negative predictive value = 97.3 (95% CI: 96.1-98.3); and kappa = 0.79 (95% CI: 0.72-0.86). Conclusions: Patients with IHD can be accurately identified by applying a search algorithm for the medical history fields in the EMR of primary care providers who were not using standardized approaches to code diagnoses. The accuracy compares favorably to other methods for identifying patients with IHD. The results of this study may aid policy makers, researchers, and clinicians to develop registries and to examine quality indicators for IHD in primary care.
Preliminary Benefits of Information Therapy
Authors: Keene Nikki , Chesser Amy , Hart Traci A. , Twumasi-Ankrah Philip , Bradham Douglas D.
Published: February 2011

Information therapy (ie, information prescriptions) is a potential new tool for primary care physicians that could improve patient knowledge, decision making, and communication between physicians and patients. Although patients have access to numerous health-related articles online, the availability of this health information does not ensure improved knowledge or better health decisions by patients. Communication between patients and physicians is often limited and messages are commonly misunderstood. Information therapy offers a potential solution for the primary care environment. Method: Two employers, in different geographical locations of the Midwest, offered the MedEncentive program to employees and their dependents as a part of their health plans. This program also offers primary care physicians the opportunity to prescribe information to patients during office visits. Patients were then eligible to participate in this information therapy (Ix) through a Web-based platform. Both primary care physicians and patients were financially incentivized for participation. Physicians received a monetary stipend for prescribing evidence-based information therapy and patients were refunded part or all of their copayment for reading their condition-specific Ix and answering questions about knowledge, compliance, health status, and satisfaction with the care they received compared to the evidence from the Ix. Results: Patients received information therapy from their primary care physicians and reported a high level of satisfaction with care, improved health status, and compliance with pharmaceutical prescriptions. Discussion: This case study had a number of limitations and as such the results should be interpreted with caution. However, there is a need for an immediate solution as patient satisfaction with their care and compliance with pharmaceutical prescriptions continue to decrease, despite the amounts of widely available health information. These preliminary findings suggest that information therapy through a Web-based platform, augmented by doctor-patient mutual accountability, could be part of the solution for the current ambulatory health care environment.
Pain Management and the Primary Care Encounter
Authors: Gannon Meghan , Qaseem Amir , Snow Vincenza , Snooks Qianna
Published: February 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to create a comprehensive pain management educational toolkit for the primary care physician that offers guidance on current standards of care and quality improvement techniques to help curb educational and quality gaps in managing patients with pain. Scope: Pain often goes undetected in the primary care encounter, and when acknowledged, is often undertreated. Methods: This pilot study utilized a pre-/postintervention design. Data were collected using a unique survey developed for this project. The intervention consisted of an online educational toolkit designed to improve the quality of care primary care physicians offer their patients with pain. Results: Results demonstrated statistically significant improvements from pre- to postintervention for various measures including the following: (1) reported comfort in managing patients with cancer and fibromyalgia; (2) number of physicians who set functional goals for patients with pain; (3) screening for depression, substance abuse, and alcoholism; (4) documentation of efficacy of nonpharmacologic modalities; and (5) knowledge scores. Conclusion: The improvements seen from pre- to postintervention suggest the online toolkit had a positive impact on physician knowledge, practice patterns, and behavior toward pain management.
Inhibition of the Nef regulatory protein of HIV-1 by a single-domain antibody
Authors: Bouchet Jérôme , Basmaciogullari Stéphane E. , Chrobak Pavel , Stolp Bettina , Bouchard Nathalie , Fackler Oliver T. , Chames Patrick , Jolicoeur Paul , Benichou Serge , Baty Daniel
Published: February 2011

The Nef protein of HIV-1 is important for AIDS pathogenesis, but it is not targeted by current antiviral strategies. Here, we describe a single-domain antibody (sdAb) that binds to HIV-1 Nef with a high affinity (Kd = 2 × 10−9M) and inhibited critical biologic activities of Nef both in vitro and in vivo. First, it interfered with the CD4 down-regulation activity of a broad panel of nef alleles through inhibition of the Nef effects on CD4 internalization from the cell surface. Second, it was able to interfere with the association of Nef with the cellular p21-activated kinase 2 as well as with the resulting inhibitory effect of Nef on actin remodeling. Third, it counteracted the Nef-dependent enhancement of virion infectivity and inhibited the positive effect of Nef on virus replication in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Fourth, anti-Nef sdAb rescued Nef-mediated thymic CD4+ T-cell maturation defects and peripheral CD4+ T-cell activation in the CD4C/HIV-1Nef transgenic mouse model. Because all these Nef functions have been implicated in Nef effects on pathogenesis, this anti-Nef sdAb may represent an efficient tool to elucidate the molecular functions of Nef in the virus life cycle and could now help to develop new strategies for the control of AIDS.
G-CSF improves murine G6PC3-deficient neutrophil function by modulating apoptosis and energy homeostasis
Authors: Jun Hyun Sik , Lee Young Mok , Song Ki Duk , Mansfield Brian C. , Chou Janice Y.
Published: February 2011

G6PC3 (or glucose-6-phosphatase-β) deficiency underlies a congenital neutropenia syndrome in which neutrophils exhibit enhanced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, increased apoptosis, impaired energy homeostasis, and impaired functionality. Here we show that murine G6pc3−/− neutrophils undergoing ER stress activate protein kinase-like ER kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate/Akt signaling pathways, and that neutrophil apoptosis is mediated in part by the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway. In G6PC3-deficient patients, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) improves neutropenia, but its impact on neutrophil apoptosis and dysfunction is unknown. We now show that G-CSF delays neutrophil apoptosis in vitro by modulating apoptotic mediators. However, G6pc3−/− neutrophils in culture exhibit accelerated apoptosis compared with wild-type neutrophils both in the presence or absence of G-CSF. Limiting glucose (0.6mM) accelerates apoptosis but is more pronounced for wild-type neutrophils, leading to similar survival profiles for both neutrophil populations. In vivo G-CSF therapy completely corrects neutropenia and normalizes levels of p-Akt, phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate, and active caspase-3. Neutrophils from in vivo G-CSF–treated G6pc3−/− mice exhibit increased glucose uptake and elevated intracellular levels of G6P, lactate, and adenosine-5′-triphosphate, leading to improved functionality. Together, the results strongly suggest that G-CSF improves G6pc3−/− neutrophil survival by modulating apoptotic mediators and rectifies function by enhancing energy homeostasis.
C5a-mediated neutrophil dysfunction is RhoA-dependent and predicts infection in critically ill patients
Authors: Morris Andrew Conway , Brittan Mairi , Wilkinson Thomas S. , McAuley Danny F. , Antonelli Jean , McCulloch Corrienne , Barr Laura C. , McDonald Neil A. , Dhaliwal Kev , Jones Richard O. , Mackellar Annie , Haslett Christopher , Hay Alasdair W. , Swann David G. , Anderson Niall , Laurenson Ian F. , Davidson Donald J. , Rossi Adriano G. , Walsh Timothy S. , Simpson A. John
Published: February 2011

Critically ill patients are at heightened risk for nosocomial infections. The anaphylatoxin C5a impairs phagocytosis by neutrophils. However, the mechanisms by which this occurs and the relevance for acquisition of nosocomial infection remain undetermined. We aimed to characterize mechanisms by which C5a inhibits phagocytosis in vitro and in critically ill patients, and to define the relationship between C5a-mediated dysfunction and acquisition of nosocomial infection. In healthy human neutrophils, C5a significantly inhibited RhoA activation, preventing actin polymerization and phagocytosis. RhoA inhibition was mediated by PI3Kδ. The effects on RhoA, actin, and phagocytosis were fully reversed by GM-CSF. Parallel observations were made in neutrophils from critically ill patients, that is, impaired phagocytosis was associated with inhibition of RhoA and actin polymerization, and reversed by GM-CSF. Among a cohort of 60 critically ill patients, C5a-mediated neutrophil dysfunction (as determined by reduced CD88 expression) was a strong predictor for subsequent acquisition of nosocomial infection (relative risk, 5.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-22; P = .0007), and remained independent of time effects as assessed by survival analysis (hazard ratio, 5.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-8.3; P = .01). In conclusion, this study provides new insight into the mechanisms underlying immunocompromise in critical illness and suggests novel avenues for therapy and prevention of nosocomial infection.
Consensus recommendations for risk stratification in multiple myeloma: report of the International Myeloma Workshop Consensus Panel 2
Authors: Munshi Nikhil C. , Anderson Kenneth C. , Bergsagel P. Leif , Shaughnessy John , Palumbo Antonio , Durie Brian , Fonseca Rafael , Stewart A. Keith , Harousseau Jean-Luc , Dimopoulos Meletios , Jagannath Sundar , Hajek Roman , Sezer Orhan , Kyle Robert , Sonneveld Pieter , Cavo Michele , Rajkumar S. Vincent , San Miguel Jesus , Crowley John , Avet-Loiseau Hervé ,   on behalf of the International Myeloma Workshop Consensus Panel 2
Published: February 2011

A panel of members of the 2009 International Myeloma Workshop developed guidelines for risk stratification in multiple myeloma. The purpose of risk stratification is not to decide time of therapy but to prognosticate. There is general consensus that risk stratification is applicable to newly diagnosed patients; however, some genetic abnormalities characteristic of poor outcome at diagnosis may suggest poor outcome if only detected at the time of relapse. Thus, in good-risk patients, it is necessary to evaluate for high-risk features at relapse. Although detection of any cytogenetic abnormality is considered to suggest higher-risk disease, the specific abnormalities considered as poor risk are cytogenetically detected chromosomal 13 or 13q deletion, t(4;14) and del17p, and detection by fluorescence in situ hybridization of t(4;14), t(14;16), and del17p. Detection of 13q deletion by fluorescence in situ hybridization only, in absence of other abnormalities, is not considered a high-risk feature. High serum β2-microglobulin level and International Staging System stages II and III, incorporating high β2-microglobulin and low albumin, are considered to predict higher risk disease. There was a consensus that the high-risk features will change in the future, with introduction of other new agents or possibly new combinations.
Diacylglycerol regulates acute hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction via TRPC6
Authors: Fuchs Beate , Rupp Markus , Ghofrani Hossein A , Schermuly Ralph T , Seeger Werner , Grimminger Friedrich , Gudermann Thomas , Dietrich Alexander , Weissmann Norbert
Published: February 2011

Background

Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) is an essential mechanism of the lung that matches blood perfusion to alveolar ventilation to optimize gas exchange. Recently we have demonstrated that acute but not sustained HPV is critically dependent on the classical transient receptor potential 6 (TRPC6) channel. However, the mechanism of TRPC6 activation during acute HPV remains elusive. We hypothesize that a diacylglycerol (DAG)-dependent activation of TRPC6 regulates acute HPV.

Methods

We investigated the effect of the DAG analog 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol (OAG) on normoxic vascular tone in isolated perfused and ventilated mouse lungs from TRPC6-deficient and wild-type mice. Moreover, the effects of OAG, the DAG kinase inhibitor R59949 and the phospholipase C inhibitor U73122 on the strength of HPV were investigated compared to those on non-hypoxia-induced vasoconstriction elicited by the thromboxane mimeticum U46619.

Results

OAG increased normoxic vascular tone in lungs from wild-type mice, but not in lungs from TRPC6-deficient mice. Under conditions of repetitive hypoxic ventilation, OAG as well as R59949 dose-dependently attenuated the strength of acute HPV whereas U46619-induced vasoconstrictions were not reduced. Like OAG, R59949 mimicked HPV, since it induced a dose-dependent vasoconstriction during normoxic ventilation. In contrast, U73122, a blocker of DAG synthesis, inhibited acute HPV whereas U73343, the inactive form of U73122, had no effect on HPV.

Conclusion

These findings support the conclusion that the TRPC6-dependency of acute HPV is induced via DAG.
CODA (crossover distribution analyzer): quantitative characterization of crossover position patterns along chromosomes
Authors: Gauthier Franck , Martin Olivier C , Falque Matthieu
Published: February 2011

Background

During meiosis, homologous chromosomes exchange segments via the formation of crossovers. This phenomenon is highly regulated; in particular, crossovers are distributed heterogeneously along the physical map and rarely arise in close proximity, a property referred to as "interference". Crossover positions form patterns that give clues about how crossovers are formed. In several organisms including yeast, tomato, Arabidopsis, and mouse, it is believed that crossovers form via at least two pathways, one interfering, the other not.

Results

We have developed a software package - "CODA", for CrossOver Distribution Analyzer - which allows one to quantitatively characterize crossover patterns by fitting interference models to experimental data. Two families of interfering models are provided: the "gamma" model and the "beam-film" model. The user can specify single or two-pathways modeling, and the software package infers the model's parameters and their confidence intervals. CODA can handle data produced from measurements on bivalents or gametes, in the form of continuous crossover positions or marker genotyping. We illustrate the possibilities on data from Wheat, corn and mouse.

Conclusions

CODA extends the kind of crossover data that could be analyzed so far to include gametic data (rather than only bivalents/tetrads) when using two-pathways modeling. It will also enable users to perform analyses based on the beam-film model. CODA implements that model's complex physics and mathematics, and uses a summary statistic to overcomes the lack of a computable likelihood which has hampered its use till now.
The elicitation of a systemic resistance by Pseudomonas putidaBTP1 in tomato involves the stimulation of two lipoxygenase isoforms
Authors: Mariutto Martin , Duby Francéline , Adam Akram , Bureau Charlotte , Fauconnier Marie-Laure , Ongena Marc , Thonart Philippe , Dommes Jacques
Published: February 2011

Background

Some non-pathogenic rhizobacteria called Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) possess the capacity to induce in plant defense mechanisms effective against pathogens. Precedent studies showed the ability of Pseudomonas putida BTP1 to induce PGPR-mediated resistance, termed ISR (Induced Systemic Resistance), in different plant species. Despite extensive works, molecular defense mechanisms involved in ISR are less well understood that in the case of pathogen induced systemic acquired resistance.

Results

We analyzed the activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and lipoxygenase (LOX), key enzymes of the phenylpropanoid and oxylipin pathways respectively, in tomato treated or not with P. putida BTP1. The bacterial treatment did not stimulate PAL activity and linoleate-consuming LOX activities. Linolenate-consuming LOX activity, on the contrary, was significantly stimulated in P. putida BTP1-inoculated plants before and two days after infection by B. cinerea. This stimulation is due to the increase of transcription level of two isoforms of LOX: TomLoxD and TomLoxF, a newly identified LOX gene. We showed that recombinant TomLOXF preferentially consumes linolenic acid and produces 13-derivative of fatty acids. After challenging with B. cinerea, the increase of transcription of these two LOX genes and higher linolenic acid-consuming LOX activity were associated with a more rapid accumulation of free 13-hydroperoxy-octadecatrienoic and 13-hydroxy-octadecatrienoic acids, two antifungal oxylipins, in bacterized plants.

Conclusion

In addition to the discovery of a new LOX gene in tomato, this work is the first to show differential induction of LOX isozymes and a more rapid accumulation of 13-hydroperoxy-octadecatrienoic and 13-hydroxy-octadecatrienoic acids in rhizobacteria mediated-induced systemic resistance.
Early changes in inflammatory and pro-thrombotic biomarkers in patients initiating antiretroviral therapy with abacavir or tenofovir
Authors: Padilla Authors: Sergio , Masiá Mar , García Natalia , Jarrin Inmaculada , Tormo Consuelo , Gutiérrez Félix
Published: February 2011

Background

Abacavir has been associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction, but the pathogenic mechanisms remain unknown. We evaluated longitudinal changes in pro-atherosclerotic biomarkers in patients initiating abacavir or tenofovir.

Methods

Consecutive patients initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) with abacavir/lamivudine or tenofovir/emtricitabine were included. Plasma levels of high sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) were measured at baseline and at different time points throughout 48 weeks. Comparisons were adjusted for age, sex, ART status at inclusion, viral load, lipodystrophy, Framingham score and hepatitis C virus co-infection status.

Results

50 patients were analyzed, 28 initiating abacavir and 22 tenofovir. The endothelial biomarker sVCAM-1 declined significantly in both treatment groups. hsCRP tended to increase soon after starting therapy with abacavir, a trend that was not seen in those initiating tenofovir. IL-6 significantly increased only at week 24 from baseline in patients on abacavir (+225%, p < 0.01) although the differences were not significant between groups. The procoagulant biomarker PAI-1 plasma levels increased from baseline at week 12 (+57%; p = 0.017), week 24 (+72%; p = 0.008), and week 48 (+149%; p < 0.001) in patients on tenofovir, but differences between groups were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Changes in biomarkers of inflammation, coagulation, and endothelial function are not different in viremic patients starting ART with abacavir/lamivudine or tenofovir/emtricitabine. These changes occur in the early phases of treatment and include anti- and pro-atherosclerotic effects with both drugs.
Antiangiogenic effects of pazopanib in xenograft hepatocellular carcinoma models: evaluation by quantitative contrast-enhanced ultrasonography
Authors: Zhu Xiao-Dong , Zhang Ju-Bo , Fan Pei-Li , Xiong Yu-Quan , Zhuang Peng-Yuan , Zhang Wei , Xu Hua-Xiang , Gao Dong-Mei , Kong Ling-Qun , Wang Lu , Wu Wei-Zhong , Tang Zhao-You , Ding Hong , Sun Hui-Chuan
Published: February 2011

Background

Antiangiogenesis is a promising therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the effects are difficult to be evaluated. Pazopanib (GW786034B) is a pan-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitor, the antitumor effects or antiangiogenic effects haven't been investigated in HCC.

Methods

In vitro direct effects of pazopanib on human HCC cell lines and endothelial cells were evaluated. In vivo antitumor effects were evaluated in three xenograft nude mice models. In the subcutaneous HCCLM3 model, intratumoral blood perfusion was detected by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS), and serial quantitative parameters were profiled from the time-intensity curves of ultrasonograms.

Results

In vitro proliferation of various HCC cell lines were not inhibited by pazopanib. Pazopanib inhibited migration and invasion and induced apoptosis significantly in two HCC cell lines, HCCLM3 and PLC/PRF/5. Proliferation, migration, and tubule formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells were inhibited by pazopanib in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo tumor growth was significantly inhibited by pazopanib in HCCLM3, HepG2, and PLC/PRF/5 xenograft models. Various intratumoral perfusion parameters changed over time, and the signal intensity was significantly impaired in the treated tumors before the treatment efficacy on tumor size could be observed. Mean transit time of the contrast media in hotspot areas of the tumors was reversely correlated with intratumoral microvessel density.

Conclusions

Antitumor effects of pazopanib in HCC xenografts may owe to its antiangiogenic effects, and the in vivo antiangiogenic effects could be evaluated by quantitative CEUS.
Influence of climate and river level on the incidence of malaria in Cacao, French Guiana
Authors: Basurko Célia , Hanf Matthieu , Han-Sze René , Rogier Stéphanie , Héritier Philippe , Grenier Claire , Joubert Michel , Nacher Mathieu , Carme Bernard
Published: February 2011

Background

The epidemiological profiles of vector-borne diseases, such as malaria, are strongly associated with environmental conditions. An understanding of the effect of the climate on the occurrence of malaria may provide indirect insight into the anopheles mosquito vectors endemic to a particular region. The association between meteorological and hydrographical factors and the occurrence of malaria was studied in a village in French Guiana during an epidemic caused essentially by Plasmodium vivax.

Methods

A cohort of confirmed cases of P. vivax malaria occurring between 2002 and 2007 was studied to search for an association between the number of new infection episodes occurring each month, mean, maximum and minimum monthly temperatures, cumulative rainfall for the month and the mean monthly height of the river bordering the village, with the aid of time series. Cross-correlation analysis revealed that these meteorological factors had large effects on the number of episodes, over a study period of 12 months.

Results

Climatic factors supporting the continuance of the epidemic were identified in the short-term (low minimum temperatures during the month), medium-term (low maximum temperatures two months before) and long-term (low maximum temperatures nine months before and high lowest level of the river 12 months before). Cross-correlation analysis showed that the effects of these factors were greatest at the beginning of the short rainy season.

Conclusion

The association between the river level and the number of malaria attacks provides clues to better understand the environment of malaria transmission and the ecological characteristics of the vectors in the region.
Primary malignant mixed müllerian tumor of the peritoneum a case report with review of the literature
Authors: Kurshumliu Fisnik , Rung-Hansen Helle , Skovlund Vibeke Ravn , Gashi-Luci Lumturije , Horn Thomas
Published: February 2011

Malignant mixed Müllerian tumor is a rare malignancy of the genital tract and extremely uncommon in extragenital sites. This report describes a case of malignant mixed Müllerian tumor arising in the lower peritoneum of a 72-year-old female patient. The patient presented with ascites, lower abdominal mass and pleural effusion. The serum level of CA125 was elevated. At operation a diffuse carcinosis associated with tumor mass measuring 20 × 15 × 10 cm in the vesicouterine and Duglas' pouch were found. The uterus and the adnexa were unremarkable. Histopathology revealed a typical malignant mixed Müllerian tumor, heterologous type. The epithelial component was positive for cytokeratin 7 and vimentin whereas the mesenchymal component was positive for Vimentin, S100 and focally for CK7. The histogenesis of this tumor arising from the peritoneum is still speculative. Based on the previous reports and the immunohistochemical analysis of our case, we believe that this is a monoclonal tumor with carcinoma being the "precursor" element. Nevertheless, further molecular and genetic evidence is needed to support such a conclusion.
Efficient manganese luminescence induced by Ce3+-Mn2+ energy transfer in rare earth fluoride and phosphate nanocrystals
Authors: Ding Yun , Liang Liang-Bo , Li Min , He Ding-Fei , Xu Liang , Wang Pan , Yu Xue-Feng
Published: February 2011

Manganese materials with attractive optical properties have been proposed for applications in such areas as photonics, light-emitting diodes, and bioimaging. In this paper, we have demonstrated multicolor Mn2+ luminescence in the visible region by controlling Ce3+-Mn2+ energy transfer in rare earth nanocrystals [NCs]. CeF3 and CePO4 NCs doped with Mn2+ have been prepared and can be well dispersed in aqueous solutions. Under ultraviolet light excitation, both the CeF3:Mn and CePO4:Mn NCs exhibit Mn2+ luminescence, yet their output colors are green and orange, respectively. By optimizing Mn2+ doping concentrations, Mn2+ luminescence quantum efficiency and Ce3+-Mn2+ energy transfer efficiency can respectively reach 14% and 60% in the CeF3:Mn NCs.
Shaping mechanisms of metal specificity in a family of metazoan metallothioneins: evolutionary differentiation of mollusc metallothioneins
Authors: Palacios Òscar , Pagani Ayelen , Pérez-Rafael Sílvia , Egg Margit , Höckner Martina , Brandstätter Anita , Capdevila Mercè , Atrian Sílvia , Dallinger Reinhard
Published: February 2011

Background

The degree of metal binding specificity in metalloproteins such as metallothioneins (MTs) can be crucial for their functional accuracy. Unlike most other animal species, pulmonate molluscs possess homometallic MT isoforms loaded with Cu+ or Cd2+. They have, so far, been obtained as native metal-MT complexes from snail tissues, where they are involved in the metabolism of the metal ion species bound to the respective isoform. However, it has not as yet been discerned if their specific metal occupation is the result of a rigid control of metal availability, or isoform expression programming in the hosting tissues or of structural differences of the respective peptides determining the coordinative options for the different metal ions. In this study, the Roman snail (Helix pomatia) Cu-loaded and Cd-loaded isoforms (HpCuMT and HpCdMT) were used as model molecules in order to elucidate the biochemical and evolutionary mechanisms permitting pulmonate MTs to achieve specificity for their cognate metal ion.

Results

HpCuMT and HpCdMT were recombinantly synthesized in the presence of Cd2+, Zn2+ or Cu2+ and corresponding metal complexes analysed by electrospray mass spectrometry and circular dichroism (CD) and ultra violet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry. Both MT isoforms were only able to form unique, homometallic and stable complexes (Cd6-HpCdMT and Cu12-HpCuMT) with their cognate metal ions. Yeast complementation assays demonstrated that the two isoforms assumed metal-specific functions, in agreement with their binding preferences, in heterologous eukaryotic environments. In the snail organism, the functional metal specificity of HpCdMT and HpCuMT was contributed by metal-specific transcription programming and cell-specific expression. Sequence elucidation and phylogenetic analysis of MT isoforms from a number of snail species revealed that they possess an unspecific and two metal-specific MT isoforms, whose metal specificity was achieved exclusively by evolutionary modulation of non-cysteine amino acid positions.

Conclusion

The Roman snail HpCdMT and HpCuMT isoforms can thus be regarded as prototypes of isoform families that evolved genuine metal-specificity within pulmonate molluscs. Diversification into these isoforms may have been initiated by gene duplication, followed by speciation and selection towards opposite needs for protecting copper-dominated metabolic pathways from nonessential cadmium. The mechanisms enabling these proteins to be metal-specific could also be relevant for other metalloproteins.
A genome-wide association study of serum uric acid in African Americans
Authors: Charles Bashira A , Shriner Daniel , Doumatey Ayo , Chen Guanjie , Zhou Jie , Huang Hanxia , Herbert Alan , Gerry Norman P , Christman Michael F , Adeyemo Adebowale , Rotimi Charles N
Published: February 2011

Background

Uric acid is the primary byproduct of purine metabolism. Hyperuricemia is associated with body mass index (BMI), sex, and multiple complex diseases including gout, hypertension (HTN), renal disease, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Multiple genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in individuals of European ancestry (EA) have reported associations between serum uric acid levels (SUAL) and specific genomic loci. The purposes of this study were: 1) to replicate major signals reported in EA populations; and 2) to use the weak LD pattern in African ancestry population to better localize (fine-map) reported loci and 3) to explore the identification of novel findings cognizant of the moderate sample size.

Methods

African American (AA) participants (n= 1,017) from the Howard University Family Study were included in this study. Genotyping was performed using the Affymetrix®Genome-wide Human SNP Array 6.0. Imputation was performed using MACH and the HapMap reference panels for CEU and YRI. A total of 2,400,542 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were assessed for association with serum uric acid under the additive genetic model with adjustment for age, sex, BMI, glomerular filtration rate, HTN, T2D, and the top two principal components identified in the assessment of admixture and population stratification.

Results

Four variants in the geneSLC2A9achieved genome-wide significance for association with SUAL (p-values ranging from 8.88 × 10-9to 1.38 × 10-9). Fine-mapping of the SLC2A9 signals identified a 263 kb interval of linkage disequilibrium in the HapMap CEU sample. This interval was reduced to 37 kb in our AA and the HapMap YRI samples.

Conclusions

The most strongly associated locus for SUAL in EA populations was also the most strongly associated locus in this AA sample. This finding provides evidence for the role ofSLC2A9in uric acid metabolism across human populations. Additionally, our findings demonstrate the utility of following-up EA populations GWAS signals in African-ancestry populations with weaker linkage disequilibrium.
Diagnostic implications of soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and abdominal diseases: a preliminary observational study
Authors: Ramirez Paula , Kot Pedro , Marti Veronica , Gomez Maria Dolores , Martinez Raquel , Saiz Vicente , Catala Francisco , Bonastre Juan , Menendez Rosario
Published: February 2011

Introduction

Patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) because of acute or decompensated chronic abdominal disease and acute respiratory failure need to have the potential infection diagnosed as well as its site (pulmonary or abdominal). For this purpose, we measured soluble triggering receptor expression on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) in alveolar and peritoneal fluid.

Methods

Consecutive patients (n = 21) with acute or decompensated chronic abdominal disease and acute respiratory failure were included. sTREM was measured in alveolar (A-sTREM) and peritoneal (P-sTREM) fluids.

Results

An infection was diagnosed in all patients. Nine patients had a lung infection (without abdominal infection), 5 had an abdominal infection (without lung infection) and seven had both infections. A-sTREM was higher in the patients with pneumonia compared to those without pneumonia (1963 ng/ml (1010-3129) vs. 862 ng/ml (333-1011); P 0.019). Patients with abdominal infection had an increase in the P-sTREM compared to patients without abdominal infection (1941 ng/ml (1088-3370) vs. 305 ng/ml (288-459); P < 0.001). A cut-off point of 900 pg/ml of A-sTREM-1 had a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 80% (NPV 57%; PPV 93%, AUC 0.775) for the diagnosis of pneumonia. In abdominal infections, a cut-off point for P-sTREM of 900 pg/ml had the best results (sensitivity 92%; specificity 100%; NPV 90%, PPV 100%, AUC = 0.903).

Conclusions

sTREM-1 measured in alveolar and peritoneal fluids is useful in assessing pulmonary and peritoneal infection in critical-state patients-A-sTREM having the capacity to discriminate between a pulmonary and an extra-pulmonary infection in the context of acute respiratory failure.
Clozapinev.chlorpromazine in treatment-naive, first-episode schizophrenia: 9-year outcomes of a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Girgis Ragy R. , Phillips Michael R. , Li Xiaodong , Li Kejin , Jiang Huiping , Wu Chengjing , Duan Naihua , Niu Yajuan , Lieberman Jeffrey A.
Published: February 2011

Background

The differential effects of so-called ‘first- and second-generation’ antipsychotic medications, when given in the first episode, on the long-term outcome of schizophrenia remain to be elucidated.

Aims

We compared the 9-year outcomes of individuals initially randomised to clozapine or chlorpromazine.

Method

One-hundred and sixty individuals with treatment-naive, first-episode schizophrenia or schizophreniform disorder in a mental health centre in Beijing, China were randomised to clozapine or chlorpromazine treatment for up to 2 years, followed by up to an additional 7 years of naturalistic treatment. The primary outcome was remission status for individuals in each group.

Results

Individuals in both groups spent essentially equal amounts of time in each clinical state over the follow-up time period (remission, 78%; intermediate, 8%; relapse, 14%). There were no significant differences on other measures of illness severity. The clozapine group was more likely than the chlorpromazine group to remain on the medication to which they were originally assigned (26%v.10%,P= 0.01). There were no significant differences between the two groups on other secondary efficacy outcomes.

Conclusions

These findings support the comparability in effectiveness between antipsychotic medications but with slightly greater tolerability of clozapine in the treatment of first-episode psychosis.
Synthesis and Characterization of 3d Metal Complexes Based on 1-(4-Nitrophenyl)imidazole
Authors: Singh Ashish Kumar , Yadav Mahendra , Pandey Daya Shankar
Published: February 2011

Synthesis and characterization of complexes with formulations [M(nopi)2Cl2] (M = Co, 1; Ni, 3; Cu, 6; Zn, 9), [M(nopi)6](X)2 (X− = NO3−, M = Co, 2; Ni, 4; Zn, 10; X− = ClO4−, M = Ni, 5; Cu, 8; Zn, 11) and [Cu(nopi)4(NO3)2] (7) imparting 1-(4-nitrophenyl)imidazole (nopi) have been described. The complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses and spectral (IR, 1H NMR, electronic absorption and emission) studies. Molecular structures of 7 and 9 have been determined crystallographically. Weak interaction studies on 7 and 9 revealed the presence of various interesting motifs resulting from C–H···N, C–H···Cl, and π–π stacking interactions. Temperature-dependent (313–373 K) pressed pellet conductivity and activation energy calculations from the plot of ln σ vs. 1/T suggested semiconducting behavior of 2, 6, and 7.