bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient gene delivery to the inflamed colon by local administration of recombinant adenoviruses with normal or modified fibre structure
Authors: Wirtz S , Galle P R , Neurath M F
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Replication deficient recombinant adenoviruses represent an efficient means of transferring genes in vivo into a wide variety of dividing and quiescent cells from many different organs. Although the gastrointestinal tract is a potentially attractive target for gene therapy approaches, only a few studies on the use of viral gene transfer vehicles in the gut have been reported. The prospects of using recombinant adenoviruses for gene delivery into epithelial and subepithelial cells of the normal and inflamed colon are here analysed.

METHODS

An E1/E3 deleted recombinant adenovirus (denoted AdCMVβGal) and an adenovirus with modified fibre structure (denoted AdZ.F(pk7)) both expressing the bacterial lacZ gene under the control of a human cytomegalovirus promoter were used for reporter gene expression in vitro and in vivo. β-Galactosidase activity was determined by specific chemiluminescent reporter gene assay.

RESULTS

Intravenous or intraperitoneal injection of AdCMVβGal into healthy Balb/c mice caused strong reporter gene expression in the liver and spleen but not in the colon. In contrast, local administration of AdCMVβGal resulted in high reporter gene expression in colonic epithelial cells and lamina propria mononuclear cells. A local route of adenovirus administration in mice with experimental colitis induced by the hapten reagent trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid was next evaluated. Interestingly, rectal administration of AdCMVβGal caused a higher β-galactosidase activity in isolated lamina propria cells from infected mice with experimental colitis than in those from controls. Furthermore, isolated lamina propria cells from mice with colitis infected in vitro showed a significant increase in reporter gene activity compared with controls. Finally, AdZ.F(pk7) adenoviruses with modified fibre structure produced 10- to 40-fold higher reporter gene activity in spleen T cells and lamina propria mononuclear cells of colitic mice compared with standard AdCMVβGal vectors.

CONCLUSIONS

Local administration of recombinant adenoviruses with normal or modified fibre structure could provide a new reliable method for targeted gene expression in the inflamed colon. Such gene delivery could be used to specifically express signal transduction proteins with therapeutic potential in inflamed colonic tissue. In particular, adenoviruses with modified fibre structure may be useful in T cell directed therapies in intestinal inflammation.
A genetic basis for atrophy: dominant non-responsiveness and helicobacter induced gastritis in F1 hybrid mice
Authors: Sutton P , Wilson J , Genta R , Torrey D , Savinainen A , Pappo J , Lee A
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND

The importance of host factors in helicobacter induced gastritis has been shown in animal models. Infection of most mouse strains withHelicobacter felis results in a functional atrophic gastritis, while other strains remain gastritis free.

AIMS

To investigate these host factors further by using genetic crosses of responder and non-responder mice.

METHODS

F1 hybrids of the non-responder CBA/Ca strain and three strains of mice known to develop H felis induced gastritis were infected for three months with H felis. Gastritis was assessed by histopathology and serum antibody responses by ELISA.

RESULTS

Infection of CBA/Ca mice and F1 hybrids induced little or no gastritis. Analyses of the antibody responses in these mice revealed virtually undetectable anti-helicobacter antibody levels despite colonisation with high numbers of H felis. In contrast, infection of H felis responsive strains induced gastritis and a significant humoral immune response.

CONCLUSIONS

The non-responsiveness of CBA/Ca mice to H felis infection is dominantly inherited. The lack of gastritis in CBA mice and their offspring is probably due to active suppression of the immune response normally mounted against H felis. Investigation of these mechanisms will provide important insights relevant to induction of gastric atrophy and cancer in humans.
Nitric oxide synthesis in patients with infective gastroenteritis
Authors: Forte P , Dykhuizen R S , Milne E , McKenzie A , Smith C C , Benjamin N
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND

There is evidence that endogenous nitrate synthesis is notably increased in patients with infective gastroenteritis.

AIMS

To determine whether this is due to nitric oxide (NO) production via the l-arginine/NO pathway.

METHODS

Seven male patients with community acquired bacterial gastroenteritis and 15 healthy male volunteers participated in this study. All patients had stool culture positive infective gastroenteritis. A bolus of 200 mgl-[15N]2-arginine was administered intravenously after an overnight fast. Urine was collected for the next 36 hours. Urinary [15N:14N]nitrate ratio was assessed by dry combustion in an isotope ratio mass spectrometer.

RESULTS

Mean 36 hour total urinary nitrate excretion in the gastroenteritis group was 5157 (577) μmol compared with 2594 (234) μmol in the control group (p<0.001). Thirty six hour urinary [15N]nitrate excretion was considerably higher in the gastroenteritis group compared with the control group (13782 (1665) versus 1698 (98) ηmol; p<0.001). These values represent 1.129 (0.139)% and 0.138 (0.007)% of [15N]nitrogen administered (p<0.001), respectively. Corrected 36 hour urinary [15N]nitrate excretion for urinary creatinine was also significantly higher in the patient compared with the control group (1934 (221) versus 303 (35) ηmol/mmol; p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Results show notably enhanced nitrate synthesis due to increased activity of thel-arginine/NO pathway in patients with infective gastroenteritis.
Lymphocytic colitis: a distinct clinical entity? A clinicopathological confrontation of lymphocytic and collagenous colitis
Authors: Baert F , Wouters K , D’Haens G , Hoang P , Naegels S , D’Heygere F , Holvoet J , Louis E , Devos M , Geboes K
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

It is not known whether lymphocytic colitis and collagenous colitis represent different clinical entities or constitute part of a spectrum of disease.

METHODS

Detailed clinical features and histological findings were compared in a large series of patients with confirmed lymphocytic and collagenous colitis.

RESULTS

Histological diagnosis was confirmed in 96 patients with collagenous colitis and 80 with lymphocytic colitis. Twenty eight per cent of patients with collagenous colitis and 26% of patients with lymphocytic colitis had overlapping but less pronounced histological features. Both groups were equal in terms of age, use of aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, associated autoimmune conditions, arthritis, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. The male:female ratio was 27:73 for collagenous colitis and 45:55 for lymphocytic colitis (p=0.013). Twenty five per cent of patients with collagenous colitis compared with 14% of patients with lymphocytic colitis were active smokers; only 8.3% of patients with collagenous colitis had stopped smoking compared with 23% of patients with lymphocytic colitis (p=0.013). Drug induced disease was suspected for ticlopidine (two collagenous colitis, four lymphocytic colitis) and flutamide (four lymphocytic colitis). Mean duration of symptoms before diagnosis was two months for lymphocytic colitis and four months for collagenous colitis. Overall prognosis was generally mild; 84% of patients with lymphocytic colitis and 74% of patients with collagenous colitis reported resolution or significant improvement (p=0.033).

CONCLUSIONS

Collagenous and lymphocytic colitis are similar but not identical. Patients with lymphocytic colitis present somewhat earlier and are less likely to be active smokers. Symptoms are milder and more likely to disappear in lymphocytic colitis. Ticlopidine and flutamide should be added to the list of drugs inducing colitis.
Long term follow up of patients with chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic stones treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
Authors: Adamek H E , Jakobs R , Buttmann A , Adamek M U , Schneider A R J , Riemann J F
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND

There have been conflicting reports as to whether pancreatic ductal drainage achieved by endoscopy and lithotripsy improves the clinical outcome of patients with chronic pancreatitis.

AIMS

To determine the clinical outcome in patients with chronic pancreatitis who received extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), and were followed up for two to eight years.

METHODS

Eighty patients with severe chronic pancreatitis and endoscopically unretrievable obstructive stones underwent ESWL with a piezoelectric lithotripter between 1989 and 1996. Clinical status, relief of symptoms, further endoscopic or surgical interventions, and mortality were defined.

RESULTS

Forty three (54%) patients were treated successfully with ESWL. The only feature associated with treatment success was the presence of a single stone rather than multiple stones. Successfully treated patients tended to experience less pain, although this did not reach statistical significance. A slight increase in weight was noted in our patients; however, there was no notable improvement in anomalous stools and diabetes mellitus. Five patients died due to extrapancreatic reasons. No pancreatic carcinomas developed.

CONCLUSIONS

ESWL associated with endoscopic drainage is a safe technique that is particularly successful in patients with a single stone. However, pancreatic drainage by endoscopy and ESWL has almost no effect on pain in chronic pancreatitis. Furthermore, endoscopic management and ESWL does not prevent or postpone the development of glandular insufficiency.
Prevalence of non-organ-specific autoantibodies and chronic liver disease in the general population: a nested case-control study of the Dionysos cohort
Authors: Lenzi M , Bellentani S , Saccoccio G , Muratori P , Masutti F , Muratori L , Cassani F , Bianchi F B , Tiribelli C
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND

Several retrospective and prospective studies report an increased prevalence of non-organ-specific autoantibodies (NOSAs) in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) related chronic liver disease (CLD). Some of the data so far available are controversial and the true prevalence of NOSAs in the general population is still not known.

AIM

To explore the prevalence of NOSAs, their relation to different HCV genotypes, and the presence and severity of CLD in the general population of Northern Italy.

PATIENTS

All 226 anti-HCV positive and 87 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive patients of the Dionysos cohort study were analysed and compared with sex and age matched cases (226) negative for both anti-HCV antibody and HBsAg selected from the same cohort.

METHODS

Sera tested for the presence of NOSAs (anti-nuclear antibody (ANA), anti-smooth muscle antibody (SMA), and anti-liver/kidney microsomes type 1 antibody (LKM1)) were screened by indirect immunofluorescence at a 1:40 serum dilution. HCV RNA and HCV genotypes were also determined by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the 5′ non-coding region and by PCR amplification of the core region with type specific primers.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of NOSA reactivity was significantly higher in anti-HCV positive subjects than in both normal and pathological controls (25%v 6% and 7% respectively, p<0.05). ANA, SMA, and LKM1 occurred in 16, 10, and 1.3% of cases respectively. No specific association between NOSAs and a specific HCV genotype was found. NOSAs were found more often associated with more than one genotype (35.7%) and with untypable genotypes (34.6%), although the association was not statistically significant. NOSAs were associated with HCV RNA and CLD but not with the presence of cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. On univariate analysis, NOSA reactivity was independently associated with abnormal alanine aminotransferase (p<0.01) and γ-glutamyltranspeptidase levels (p<0.05). The risk for the presence of NOSAs was 5.1 times higher in anti-HCV subjects than in controls.

CONCLUSIONS

In the general population the prevalence of NOSAs is higher in anti-HCV positive subjects than in normal or disease controls. Moreover NOSAs are associated with CLD and with a more active disease in terms of alanine aminotransferase activity.
The effects of provincial bicycle helmet legislation on helmet use and bicycle ridership in Canada
Authors: Dennis Jessica , Potter Beth , Ramsay Tim , Zarychanski Ryan
Published: June 2010

Background

Bicycle helmet legislation has been variably implemented in six of 10 Canadian provinces. The objectives of this study were to determine the association between the comprehensiveness of helmet legislation and both helmet use and bicycle ridership.

Methods

Analysis of helmet use was based on data from the 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) and included respondents from three Canadian provinces (Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Nova Scotia). Analysis of bicycle use was based on data from the 2000–01, 2003, 2005, and 2007 cycles of the CCHS and included respondents from all provinces. In the time between the 2000–01 and 2007 cycles, two provinces (Prince Edward Island (PEI) and Alberta) implemented helmet legislation.

Results

Helmets were reportedly worn by 73.2% (95% CI 69.3% to 77.0%) of respondents in Nova Scotia, where legislation applies to all ages, by 40.6% (95% CI 39.2% to 42.0%) of respondents in Ontario, where legislation applies to those less than 18 years of age, and by 26.9% (95% CI 23.9% to 29.9%) of respondents in Saskatchewan, where no legislation exists. Though legislation applied to youth in both Ontario and Nova Scotia, helmet use was lower among youth in Ontario than among youth in Nova Scotia (46.7% (95% CI 44.1% to 49.4%) vs 77.5% (95% CI 70.9% to 84.1%)). Following the implementation of legislation in PEI and Alberta, recreational and commuting bicycle use remained unchanged among youth and adults.

Conclusions

Canadian youth and adults are significantly more likely to wear helmets as the comprehensiveness of helmet legislation increases. Helmet legislation is not associated with changes in ridership.
The prevalence of work-related deaths associated with alcohol and drugs in Victoria, Australia, 2001–6
Authors: McNeilly Briohny , Ibrahim Joseph Elias , Bugeja Lyndal , Ozanne-Smith Joan
Published: June 2010

To describe the presence of alcohol, cannabis and amphetamines in work-related injury deaths in Victoria, 2001–6, an observational study of work-related deaths reported to the State Coroner's Office, Victoria, Australia was conducted. Case and postmortem forensic toxicology data were obtained from the National Coroner's Information System for work-related injury deaths with positive toxicology screens. Over 6 years there were 43 worker deaths in a total of 355 unintentional work-related injury deaths. The coroner mentioned the presence of alcohol/drugs in 22 of the 43 worker deaths with positive toxicology screens. Toxicology screens were positive for alcohol and/or drugs in 79 work-related deaths overall. Overall, alcohol was present in 26 (7%) work-related deaths and cannabis or amphetamines in 20 (6%). Incidents were mainly transport related. Alcohol and/or drugs were present in a significant portion of work-related deaths. Research is needed to determine the relative contribution of alcohol and drugs compared with other contributing factors to work-related deaths.
PPAR-αContributes to the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Verbascoside in a Model of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Mice
Authors: Esposito Emanuela , Mazzon Emanuela , Paterniti Irene , Dal Toso Roberto , Pressi Giovanna , Caminiti Rocco , Cuzzocrea Salvatore
Published: June 2010

The previous results suggest that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR)-α, an intracellular transcription factor activated by fatty acids, plays a role in control of inflammation. There is persuasive epidemiological and experimental evidence that dietary polyphenols have anti-inflammatory activity. In this regard, it has been demonstrated that verbascoside (VB) functions as intracellular radical scavenger and reduces the microscopic and macroscopic signs of experimental colitis. With the aim to characterize the role of PPAR-αin VB-mediated anti-inflammatory activity, we tested the efficacy of VB in an experimental model of inflammatory bowel disease induced by dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid, comparing mice lacking PPAR-α(PPAR-αKO) with wild type (WT) mice. Results indicate that VB-mediated anti-inflammatory activity is weakened in PPAR-αKO mice, compared to WT controls, especially in the inhibition of neutrophil infiltration, intestinal permeability and colon injury. These results indicate that PPAR-αcan contribute to the anti-inflammatory activity of VB in inflammatory bowel disease.
Genetic Dissection of the AZF Regions of the Human Y Chromosome: Thriller or Filler for Male (In)fertility?
Authors: Navarro-Costa Paulo , Plancha Carlos E. , Gonçalves João
Published: June 2010

The azoospermia factor (AZF) regions consist of three genetic domains in the long arm of the human Y chromosome referred to as AZFa, AZFb and AZFc. These are of importance for male fertility since they are home to genes required for spermatogenesis. In this paper a comprehensive analysis of AZF structure and gene content will be undertaken. Particular care will be given to the molecular mechanisms underlying the spermatogenic impairment phenotypes associated to AZF deletions. Analysis of the 14 different AZF genes or gene families argues for the existence of functional asymmetries between the determinants; while some are prominent players in spermatogenesis, others seem to modulate more subtly the program. In this regard, evidence supporting the notion thatDDX3Y,KDM5D,RBMY1A1,DAZ, andCDYrepresent key AZF spermatogenic determinants will be discussed.
Mouse Models for the p53 R72P Polymorphism Mimic Human Phenotypes
Authors: Zhu Feng , Dollé Martijn E.T. , Berton Thomas R. , Kuiper Raoul V. , Capps Carrie , Espejo Alexsandra , McArthur Mark J. , Bedford Mark T. , van Steeg Harry , de Vries Annemieke , Johnson David G.
Published: June 2010

The p53 tumor suppressor gene contains a common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) that results in either an arginine or proline at position 72 of the p53 protein. This polymorphism affects the apoptotic activity of p53 but the mechanistic basis and physiologic relevance of this phenotypic difference remain unclear. Here, we describe the development of mouse models for the p53 R72P SNP using two different approaches. In both sets of models, the human or humanized p53 proteins are functional as evidenced by the transcriptional induction of p53 target genes in response to DNA damage and the suppression of early lymphomagenesis. Consistent with in vitro studies, mice expressing the 72R variant protein (p53R) have a greater apoptotic response to several stimuli compared with mice expressing the p53P variant. Molecular studies suggest that both transcriptional and nontranscriptional mechanisms may contribute to the differential abilities of the p53 variants to induce apoptosis. Despite a difference in the acute response to UV radiation, no difference in the tumorigenic response to chronic UV exposure was observed between the polymorphic mouse models. These findings suggest that under at least some conditions, the modulation of apoptosis by the R72P polymorphism does not affect the process of carcinogenesis. Cancer Res; 70(14); OF1–9. ©2010 AACR.
DNMT3B7, a Truncated DNMT3B Isoform Expressed in Human Tumors, Disrupts Embryonic Development and Accelerates Lymphomagenesis
Authors: Shah Mrinal Y. , Vasanthakumar Aparna , Barnes Natalie Y. , Figueroa Maria E. , Kamp Anna , Hendrick Christopher , Ostler Kelly R. , Davis Elizabeth M. , Lin Shang , Anastasi John , Le Beau Michelle M. , Moskowitz Ivan P. , Melnick Ari , Pytel Peter , Godley Lucy A.
Published: June 2010

Epigenetic changes are among the most common alterations observed in cancer cells, yet the mechanism by which cancer cells acquire and maintain abnormal DNA methylation patterns is not understood. Cancer cells have an altered distribution of DNA methylation and express aberrant DNA methyltransferase 3B transcripts, which encode truncated proteins, some of which lack the COOH-terminal catalytic domain. To test if a truncated DNMT3B isoform disrupts DNA methylation in vivo, we constructed two lines of transgenic mice expressing DNMT3B7, a truncated DNMT3B isoform commonly found in cancer cells. DNMT3B7 transgenic mice exhibit altered embryonic development, including lymphopenia, craniofacial abnormalities, and cardiac defects, similar to Dnmt3b-deficient animals, but rarely develop cancer. However, when DNMT3B7 transgenic mice are bred with Eμ-Myc transgenic mice, which model aggressive B-cell lymphoma, DNMT3B7 expression increases the frequency of mediastinal lymphomas in Eμ-Myc animals. Eμ-Myc/DNMT3B7 mediastinal lymphomas have more chromosomal rearrangements, increased global DNA methylation levels, and more locus-specific perturbations in DNA methylation patterns compared with Eμ-Myc lymphomas. These data represent the first in vivo modeling of cancer-associated DNA methylation changes and suggest that truncated DNMT3B isoforms contribute to the redistribution of DNA methylation characterizing virtually every human tumor. Cancer Res; 70(14); 5840–50. ©2010 AACR.
Low Pulmonary Expression of Epithelial Na+ Channel and Na+, K+-ATPase in Newborn Infants with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Authors: Ringman Uggla Andreas , von Schewelov Katarina , Zelenina Marina , Aperia Anita , Frenckner Björn
Published: June 2010

Background: It has been suggested from several animal studies and clinical observations that congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) with pulmonary hypoplasia is accompanied by a disturbed perinatal ion transport. This could lead to respiratory distress due to slower clearance of fetal lung fluid at birth. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine whether CDH is related to changes in the expression of three rate-limiting transporter proteins in lung epithelium at birth. Methods: Tracheal aspirate was collected from 12 newborn infants with CDH and from 8 newborn control patients. Sampling was performed at postnatal age 18 and at 43 h in the CDH group and at 18 h in the control group. The protein abundance of α-, β- and γ-epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC), aquaporin 5 and Na+, K+-ATPase α1 was analyzed using semiquantitative immunoblotting. Results: The levels of β-ENaC, γ-ENaC and Na+, K+-ATPase α1 collected at 18 h postnatally were significantly lower in CDH infants compared to control infants. In the CDH group, no significant difference in the expression of the ENaC subunits, Na+, K+-ATPase α1 or aquaporin 5 could be detected between the two sampling time points. Conclusions: This downregulation may result in an abnormal lung fluid absorption which could be an important mechanism behind the respiratory distress seen in newborn CDH patients.
Comparison of the Effect of Preinterventional Arterial Remodeling on Intimal Hyperplasia after Implantation of a Sirolimus- or Paclitaxel-Eluting Stent
Authors: Kang Woong Chol , Ahn Taehoon , Moon Chan Il , Lee Kyunghoon , Han Seung Hwan , Shin Eak Kyun , Kim Jung-Sun , Ko Young-Guk , Choi Donghoon , Jang Yangsoo , Kim Byoung-Keuk , Oh Seong Jin , Jeon Dong Woon , Yang Joo-Young
Published: June 2010

Background: We compared the effect of arterial remodeling on intimal hyperplasia (IH) after the implantation of a sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) and a paclitaxel-eluting stent (PES). Methods: The study population consisted of patients with positive or intermediate remodeling and negative remodeling. Results: Sixty-nine patients had positive or intermediate remodeling and 107 patients had negative remodeling. At follow-up, late loss was significantly larger (0.58 ± 0.65 vs. 0.38 ± 0.55 mm; p = 0.026) in the patients with positive or intermediate remodeling. The IH volume (22.6 ± 26.2 vs. 12.4 ± 17.4 mm3; p = 0.002) and the percent IH (12.9 ± 14.8 vs. 7.0 ± 9.6%; p = 0.002) were significantly higher in the patients with positive or intermediate remodeling. Compared to negative remodeling, the IH volume was higher in the PES patients with positive or intermediate remodeling, but this difference was not noted in the SES patients. Multiple-regression analysis revealed that arterial remodeling was a significant independent variable for predicting IH volume in the PES patients (p = 0.018). A positive correlation was found between the remodeling index and the IH volume in the PES patients (r = 0.234, p = 0.028), but not in the SES patients. Conclusions: This prospective observational intravascular ultrasound study showed that drug-eluting stents may have a different effect on reducing IH accumulation in lesions with preinterventional positive remodeling characteristics which may be related to the different properties of the drug and delivery platform.
Did Jean-Martin Charcot Contribute to Stroke?
Authors: Bogousslavsky Julien , Paciaroni Maurizio
Published: June 2010

Stroke was never identified as a significant, autonomous field of activity of the emerging school of neurology at La Salpêtrière, which developed after the appointment of Jean-Martin Charcot (1825–1893) during the last days of 1861. However, stroke was already present in Charcot’s first paper (1851), which dealt with a case of multiple organ cardiac embolism, including middle cerebral artery infarction, at a time when the studies of Rudolf Virchow on thromboembolism were unknown in France. A few years later, Charcot made a still up-to-date description of vascular intermittent claudication, which had only been reported in the horse. In the 1860s, Charcot and his pupils presented several major works dealing with cerebrovascular disease, including famous studies on miliary aneurysms in cerebral hemorrhage. This work was done with Charles Bouchard, at the time Charcot’s ‘interne’, but who would become one of his ‘political’ opponents 2 decades later, when in 1892, as president of the ‘agrégation’ jury, he rejected the professorship application of 4 protégés of Charcot, including Joseph Babinski and Georges Gilles de la Tourette. Further work on cerebrovascular disease by Charcot included histological studies of brain ‘softening’, paraneoplastic cerebral arterial occlusion and consequences of stroke (e.g. arthropathies, vegetative changes, contractures and abnormal movements). Brain localization, one of Charcot’s major neurological topics, was also largely based on stroke case studies. Charcot’s work on stroke remains poorly recognized, but it demonstrates his unique skills in stimulating scientific work in younger colleagues, many of whom subsequently became major figures of neurology and psychiatry.
Use of ICDAS Combined with Quantitative Light-Induced Fluorescence as a Caries Detection Method
Authors: Ferreira Zandoná A. , Santiago E. , Eckert G. , Fontana M. , Ando M. , Zero D.T.
Published: June 2010

The purpose of this study was to combine a standardized visually based system, the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS), with a sensitive fluorescence-based system, quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF), to determine the ability to monitor caries lesion progression. This combination (QLF-I) has the potential to increase the sensitivity of the visual method without compromising specificity. A total of 460 children were enrolled and examined at baseline, 8 months and 12 months by ICDAS and QLF by a single examiner. The examiner repeatability for both methods was comparable, varying between weighted kappa of 0.70 and 0.79. The DMFT score was 6.0 (SD 5.8) at baseline and 6.4 (SD 6.3) at 12 months, and both methods were able to follow the increase in incidence. The QLF-I scored more surfaces at the early ICDAS scores (1 and 2) and score 4. Not all lesions progressed at the same rate, differing by score at baseline and surface type.
Thrombin generation in rheumatoid arthritis: Dependence on plasma factor composition
Authors: Undas Anetta , Gissel Matthew , Kwasny-Krochin Beata , Gluszko Piotr , Mann Kenneth , Brummel-Ziedins Kathleen
Published: June 2010

Growing evidence indicates that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with an increased risk for thromboembolic cardiovascular events. We investigated thrombin generation profiles in RA patients and their dependence on plasma factor/inhibitor composition. Plasma factor (F) compositions (II, V, VII, VIII, IX, X), antithrombin and free tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) from 46 consecutive RA patients with no cardiovascular events (39 female, 7 male, aged 57 [range, 23–75] years; DAS28 [Disease Activity Score] 5.2 ± 1.1) were compared with those obtained in age- and sex-matched apparently healthy controls. Using each individual’s plasma coagulation protein composition, tissue factor- initiated thrombin generation was assessed both computationally and empirically. RA patients had higher fibrinogen (4.18 [IQR 1.09] vs. 2.56 [0.41] g/l, p<0.0001), FVIII (226 ± 40 vs. 113 ± 15%, p<0.001), PC (107 [16] vs. 100 [14]%, p<0.001), and free TFPI levels (22.3 [2.2] vs. 14.7 [2.1] ng/ml, p<0.001). DAS28, but not age, RA duration, or C-reac- tive protein, was associated with FV, FVIII, FIX, FX, antithrombin, and free TFPI (r from 0.27 to 0.48, p<0.05). Intergroup comparison of computational thrombin generation profiles showed that in RA patients, maximum thrombin levels (p=0.01) and the rate of thrombin formation (p<0.0001) were higher, whereas the initiation phase of thrombin generation (p<0.0001) and the time to maximum thrombin levels (p<0.0001) were longer. Empirical reconstructions of the populations reproduced the thrombin generation profiles generated by the computational model. Simulations of thrombin formation suggest that blood plasma composition, i.e. a marked increase in FVIII, somewhat counterbalanced by free TFPI, contributes to the prothrombotic phenotype in RA patients.
Does Safe Dosing of Iodinated Contrast Prevent Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury?
Authors: Brown Jeremiah R. , Robb John F. , Block Clay A. , Schoolwerth Anton C. , Kaplan Aaron V. , O'Connor Gerald T. , Solomon Richard J. , Malenka David J.
Published: June 2010

Background—

Previous work on contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) has identified contrast volume as a risk factor and suggested that there is a maximum allowable contrast dose (MACD) above which the risk of CI-AKI is markedly increased. We hypothesized that there is a relationship between contrast volume and CI-AKI and that there might be reason to track incremental contrast volumes above and below the MACD limit.

Methods and Results—

Consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were prospectively enrolled from 2000 to 2008 (n=10 065). Patients on dialysis before PCI were excluded (n=155). MACD was defined as (5 mL×body weight [kg])/baseline serum creatinine [mg/dL]) and divided into categories in which 1.0 reflects the MACD limit: ≤MACD ratios (<0.5, 0.5 to 0.75, and 0.75 to 1.0) and >MACD (1.0 to 1.5, 1.5 to 2.0, and >2.0). CI-AKI was defined as a ≥0.3 (mg/dL) or ≥50% increase in serum creatinine from baseline or new dialysis. Multivariable regression was conducted to evaluate the effect of exceeding the MACD on CI-AKI. Twenty percent of patients exceeded the MACD. Risk-adjusted CI-AKI increased by an average of 45% for each category exceeding the MACD (odds ratio, 1.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.29 to 1.62) Adjusted odds ratios for each category exceeding the MACD were 1.60 (95% confidence interval, 1.29 to 1.97), 2.02 (95% confidence interval, 1.45 to 2.81), and 2.94 (95% confidence interval, 1.93 to 4.48). CI-AKI for contrast dose <MACD showed no statistical difference (
P
=0.5).

Conclusions—

Contrast volume is a key risk factor for CI-AKI and matters the most in the highest-risk patient. The incremental use of contrast beyond the MACD is associated with an increased risk of CI-AKI.
Long-Term Observations of the Convective Boundary Layer Using Insect Radar Returns at the SGP ARM Climate Research Facility
Authors: Chandra Arunchandra S. , Kollias Pavlos , Giangrande Scott E. , Klein Stephen A.
Published: June 2010

A long-term study of the turbulent structure of the convective boundary layer (CBL) at the U.S. Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program (ARM) Southern Great Plains (SGP) Climate Research Facility is presented. Doppler velocity measurements from insects occupying the lowest 2 km of the boundary layer during summer months are used to map the vertical velocity component in the CBL. The observations cover four summer periods (2004–08) and are classified into cloudy and clear boundary layer conditions. Profiles of vertical velocity variance, skewness, and mass flux are estimated to study the daytime evolution of the convective boundary layer during these conditions. A conditional sampling method is applied to the original Doppler velocity dataset to extract coherent vertical velocity structures and to examine plume dimension and contribution to the turbulent transport. Overall, the derived turbulent statistics are consistent with previous aircraft and lidar observations. The observations provide unique insight into the daytime evolution of the convective boundary layer and the role of increased cloudiness in the turbulent budget of the subcloud layer. Coherent structures (plumes–thermals) are found to be responsible for more than 80% of the total turbulent transport resolved by the cloud radar system. The extended dataset is suitable for evaluating boundary layer parameterizations and testing large-eddy simulations (LESs) for a variety of surface and cloud conditions.
John’s Gospel and Modern Genre Theory: The Farewell Discourse (John 13—17) as a Test Case
Authors: Sheridan Ruth
Published: June 2010

Recently a sub-field in John’s Gospel has emerged that examines the ‘play’ on various ancient genres in the Gospel. Previously, form critics held a tight taxonomic approach to the Gospel such that if John diverged too greatly from a known form, a more suitable generic ‘fit’ was in order. The recent works examining John’s ‘play’ on various genres, however, herald a kind of paradigm shift in understanding genre in John. This article seeks to contribute to this emerging discussion by assessing the theoretical conditions of possibility for John’s ‘play’ on—and eventual ‘up-turning’ of—existing genres, with specific attention to the role of the Paraclete (John 14:16—18, 25—26; 15:26; 16:7—11, 13—15). To this end, the article engages with modern genre theory in general and Bakhtinian genre theory in particular in order to understand how and why the Gospel lends itself to be read on different generic levels.
Learning From Teaching Experience: Dewey’s Theory and Preservice Teachers’ Learning
Authors: Schmidt Margaret
Published: June 2010

Teachers often claim that they learn more from teaching experience than from course work. In this qualitative study, the author explored the value that six preservice teachers attributed to peer teaching, early field experiences, student teaching, and self-arranged teaching experiences engaged in during their university education. Consistent with Dewey’s theory of experience, as the participants interacted with their teaching experiences, they each created continuity among and derived their own meanings from them. This individualized aspect of learning was enriched as they also experienced the value of learning within a community of educators. Meaningful learning from all types of teaching experience appeared to be fostered by a balance between doing (action) and undergoing (reflection), both individually and in community. Dewey’s theory of experience proved useful in illuminating possible reasons for similarities and differences in the teaching experiences that each participant valued.
Student Musicians’ Ear-Playing Ability as a Function of Vernacular Music Experiences
Authors: Woody Robert H. , Lehmann Andreas C.
Published: June 2010

This study explored the differences in ear-playing ability between formal “classical” musicians and those with vernacular music experience ( N = 24). Participants heard melodies and performed them back, either by singing or playing on their instruments. The authors tracked the number of times through the listen-then-perform cycle that each participant needed for accurate performance. Participants retrospectively reported their thoughts and provided biographical information related to vernacular music experience. Analyses indicated that singing required fewer trials than playing on instruments and that vernacular musicians required fewer trials than formal musicians. The verbally reported thoughts indicated that participants used different strategies for encoding the melodies. Vernacular musicians applied a more sophisticated knowledge base to generate accurate expectations; formal musicians used less efficient strategies. Formal musicians devoted more conscious attention to physically producing the melodies on their instruments (e.g., fingerings), a process that was executed more automatically by vernacular musicians.
Effect of Ethnicity on the Age of Onset of the Male Voice Change
Authors: Fisher Ryan A.
Published: June 2010

The purposes of this study were to compare the age of onset of the voice change in African American, White, and Hispanic male students, as well as to describe characteristics of the changing male voice in fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade students, using Cooksey’s maturation stages. Participants included volunteers from two urban elementary schools, five suburban elementary schools, one suburban middle school, and one urban middle school (African American n = 62, White n = 58, and Hispanic n = 77). Participants were recorded individually performing three ascending and three descending glissandi on an “ah” syllable. Results indicated that approximately 46% of fourth-grade participants, 62% of fifth-grade participants, and 67% of sixth-grade participants were classified as having changing voices. Results of a one-way, between-subjects ANOVA revealed no significant main effect for ethnicity, although a larger percentage of African American participants’ voices were classified as changing voices as compared with those of Hispanic and White participants. The overall mean age of onset for participants in this study was approximately 11.20 years of age.
Determinants versus Composite Leading Indicators in Predicting Turning Points in Growth Cycle
Authors: Kulendran Nada , Wong Kevin K. F.
Published: June 2010

Turning points occur when the growth rate moves from an expansion period to a contraction period or from a contraction period to an expansion period. To minimize risks, an accurate forecasting of turning points in travel demand is needed. To predict turning points in the Hong Kong inbound tourism growth cycle, this study estimated logistic and probit regression models in the first stage with tourism demand determinants such as income, price at the destination, price at the substitute destination, and oil price. Subsequently, logistic and probit regression models were estimated using the constructed composite leading indicator, OECD leading indicator, and business confidence indicator. These models were subsequently assessed using the quadratic probability score. The logit or probit model with composite leading indicator was found to be the best for predicting turning points. The findings revealed that the change in real income is the most important factor for the occurrence of turn in tourism growth cycle.
Time Course Characterization of Serum Cardiac Troponins, Heart Fatty Acid–binding Protein, and Morphologic Findings With Isoproterenol-induced Myocardial Injury in the Rat
Authors: Clements Peter , Brady Sally , York Malcolm , Berridge Brian , Mikaelian Igor , Nicklaus Rosemary , Gandhi Mitul , Roman Ian , Stamp Clare , Davies Dai , McGill Paul , Williams Thomas , Pettit Syril , Walker Dana ,   ILSI HESI Cardiac Troponins Working Group9, Turton John
Published: June 2010

We investigated the kinetics of circulating biomarker elevation, specifically correlated with morphology in acute myocardial injury. Male Hanover Wistar rats underwent biomarker and morphologic cardiac evaluation at 0.5 to seventy-two hours after a single subcutaneous isoproterenol administration (100 or 4000 µg/kg). Dose-dependent elevations of serum cardiac troponins I and T (cTnI, cTnT), and heart fatty acid–binding protein (H-FABP) occurred from 0.5 hour, peaked at two to three hours, and declined to baseline by twelve hours (H-FABP) or forty-eight to seventy-two hours (Serum cTns). They were more sensitive in detecting cardiomyocyte damage than other serum biomarkers. The Access 2 platform, an automated chemiluminescence analyzer (Beckman Coulter), showed the greatest cTnI fold-changes and low range sensitivity. Myocardial injury was detected morphologically from 0.5 hour, correlating well with loss of cTnI immunoreactivity and serum biomarker elevation at early time points. Ultrastructurally, there was no evidence of cardiomyocyte death at 0.5 hour. After three hours, a clear temporal disconnect occurred: lesion scores increased with declining cTnI, cTnT, and H-FABP values. Serum cTns are sensitive and specific markers for detecting acute/active cardiomyocyte injury in this rat model. Heart fatty acid–binding protein is a good early marker but is less sensitive and nonspecific. Release of these biomarkers begins early in myocardial injury, prior to necrosis. Assessment of cTn merits increased consideration for routine screening of acute/ongoing cardiomyocyte injury in rat toxicity studies.
The Haploinsufficient Col3a1 Mouse as a Model for Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Authors: Cooper T. K. , Zhong Q. , Krawczyk M. , Tae H-J. , Müller G. A. , Schubert R. , Myers L. A. , Dietz H. C. , Talan M. I. , Briest W.
Published: June 2010

Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a rare genetic disorder resulting from mutations in the α-1 chain of type III collagen ( COL3A1) and manifesting as tissue fragility with spontaneous rupture of the bowel, gravid uterus, or large or medium arteries. The heterozygous Col3a1 knockout mouse was investigated as a model for this disease. The collagen content in the abdominal aorta of heterozygotes was reduced, and functional testing revealed diminishing wall strength of the aorta in these mice. Colons were grossly and histologically normal, but reduced strength and increased compliance of the wall were found in heterozygotes via pressure testing. Although mice demonstrated no life-threatening clinical signs or gross lesions of vascular subtype Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV, thorough histological examination of the aorta of heterozygous mice revealed the presence of a spectrum of lesions similar to those observed in human patients. Lesions increased in number and severity with age (0/5 [0%] in 2-month-old males vs 9/9 [100%] in 14-month-old males, P < .05) and were more common in male than female mice (23/26 [88.5%] vs 14/30 [46.7%] in 9- to 21-month-old animals, P < .05). Haploinsufficiency for Col3a1 in mice recapitulates features of vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in humans and can be used as an experimental model.
Association of Violence Against Partner and Former Victim Experiences: A Sample of Clients Voluntarily Attending Therapy
Authors: Rangul Askeland Ingunn , Evang Are , Heir Trond
Published: June 2010

The authors addressed the associations between childhood and adolescence victimization and partner violence in adulthood. Data were collected on 480 men voluntarily attending therapy with a semistructured interview that assessed (a) violent behavior, categorized as physical violence, physical controlling behavior, property violence, psychologically controlling behavior, psychological degradation, indirect aggression, or sexual violence and (b) victim experiences during childhood or adolescence, categorized as physical abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, or exposure to violence between family members. Prior victim experiences of family violence were reported by 60% of participants. Regression analyses showed that past victim experiences, especially physical abuse, was associated with adult violence ( p < .05). Specifically, physical abuse was associated with psychologically controlling behavior ( p < .05) and sexual abuse with sexual violence ( p < .05).
IPV Among Adolescent Reproductive Health Patients: The Role of Relationship Communication
Authors: Messinger Adam M. , Davidson Leslie L. , Rickert Vaughn I.
Published: June 2010

Population-specific data on factors that affect intimate partner violence (IPV) are needed on female adolescents and young adults, a cohort at greatest risk of IPV in the United States (Rennison, 2001). Studies have frequently overlooked the role of relationship communication as a gatekeeper to IPV (Ridley & Feldman, 2003). To address this gap, negative binomial regression was conducted with data from a 2004 survey of 618 women aged 15 to 24 seeking care at an urban reproductive health facility. Findings suggest that, within the previous year, verbal aggression by either partner was associated with physical violence by either or both partners, and verbal reasoning was negatively correlated with physical violence. Bidirectional and unidirectional IPV relationships may employ communication strategies differently.
Individual and Situational Influences on Men’s Responses to Dating and Social Situations
Authors: Hoyt Tim , Yeater Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2010

This study employed multilevel modeling to evaluate individual and situational influences on men’s responses to hypothetical dating and social situations. Three hundred and fifty college men completed measures assessing their propensity for sexual aggression and provided written responses to 10 written vignettes, each of which was followed by four statements provided by women that varied in their degree of effectiveness in decreasing victimization risk. Rape-supportive attitudes, poor heterosocial perception, earlier age of first sexual experience, and number of lifetime sexual partners were significant predictors of sexually aggressive responses. The presence of alcohol use, social isolation, relationship intimacy, and less effective responses from the woman involved also were significant predictors of sexually aggressive responses. Certain individual risk factors (i.e., poor heterosocial perception, rape-supportive attitudes) showed a stronger relationship to sexually aggressive responses in the context of situational risk factors (i.e., alcohol use, isolation). These findings indicate the importance of assessing both individual and situational influences on men’s risk for engaging in sexually aggressive behavior.
Primary Care Physicians’ Involvement in the Cancer Care of Older Long-Term Survivors
Authors: Bowman Karen F. , Rose Julia H. , Deimling Gary T. , Kypriotakis George , O'Toole Elizabeth E.
Published: June 2010

Objective: This study investigated survivors’ reports of primary care physicians’ (PCPs) involvement in three key cancer survivorship activities: discussing cancer history, whether the PCP initiated discussions, and whether discussions led to tests/procedures. Method: The sample included 215 older survivors whose health care was maintained in primary care. Logistic regression explored predictors of the three activities, including demographics, cancer characteristics, survivor/PCP association characteristics, health characteristics, and psychosocial well-being. Results: Nearly two thirds of survivors indicated discussing cancer history; most said discussions were PCP initiated and nearly half said discussions resulted in tests/procedures. Predictors of discussing cancer history were African American race and more comorbid conditions. PCP-initiated discussions were related to older age, surviving breast cancer, more years in the PCP’s practice, and having less general health worry. The tests/procedures model was not significant. Conclusions: As older survivors focused more on other health concerns, PCPs remained attentive to cancer issues, prompting discussions about history and ordering tests.