bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Legislator Ideology and Corrections and Sentencing Policy in Florida
Authors: Cook Carrie , Lane Jodi
Published: October 2008

Crime and sentencing are key issues confronting policy makers. Overcrowding and escalating corrections budgets have brought increased public attention on the criminal justice system. In light of this increased focus, it is important to examine what issues concern policy makers in corrections and sentencing policy decisions. The purpose of this research is to explore how Florida legislators consider crime causation, crime control, and support for rehabilitation when deciding on corrections and sentencing policy. This study also offers an initial and exploratory glance into whether policy makers consider inmate behavior and public fear when making policy decisions. Findings suggest that legislators in Florida support imprisonment as well as rehabilitation, believe in using policy to control inmate behavior, and hesitate to alter public policy toward more leniency even if public fear decreases.
The uneven impact of the European Employment Strategy on member states' employment policies: a comparative analysis
Authors: Mailand Mikkel
Published: October 2008

In the mid-1990s, EU member states decided to coordinate their national employment policies through a common European Employment Strategy (EES). Building on a systematic comparative study of four member states, the author argues that the strategy has influenced the member states' employment policies to varying degrees, but that the impact, generally speaking, has been limited. In the article, the author examines the impact of the strategy as a result of `pressure' and key actors' strategic use of the strategy, and shows how these mechanisms work. Factors that can explain why a greater impact is found in Poland and Spain than is found in Denmark and the United Kingdom include: non-compliance with the EES predating the introduction of the strategy; relatively weak labour market performance; the lack of consensus among the main actors in the labour market; Europeanization; and strong economic or political dependence on the EU. Further, the author argues that the EES revisions in 2003 and 2005 have not increased the degree of impact, which instead seems to be diminishing.
Breaking the Silence Surrounding Hepatitis C by Promoting Self-Efficacy: Hepatitis C Public Service Announcements
Authors: Grow Jean M. , Christopher Stephanie A.
Published: October 2008

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common chronic bloodborne virus in the United States. Despite this fact, there is a startling lack of awareness about HCV among individuals who might have contracted the virus. In this study, grounded in self-efficacy theory, we analyze public service announcements for HCV. Using focus groups to contextualize the responses of individuals living with HCV, we conclude that stigma and structural barriers pose the greatest challenges for health communicators trying to reach at-risk populations. The findings suggest that expanded use of celebrity appeals, realistic drug-use portrayals, more extensive use of social networking in tandem with nontraditional media, tapping into veterans, and maximizing self-efficacy messages while minimizing fear tactics offer new hope for successful health communication strategies. With 3.9 million people in the United States infected with HCV, this study offers urgently needed communication strategies to address this silent epidemic.
Using a Voice-Centered Relational Method of Data Analysis in a Feminist Study Exploring the Working World of Nursing Unit Managers
Authors: Paliadelis Penny , Cruickshank Mary
Published: October 2008

In this article, we discuss the application of a data analysis method used in a feminist study that explored the working world of nursing unit managers in Australia. The decision to use a voice-centered relational approach to the data was based on a desire to delve into the working world of nursing unit managers and uncover the layers within the narratives that specifically related to their perceptions of themselves, their world, and the context in which they work. Throughout this article, the focus is on how this method was applied to uncover multiple layers of meaning within the data, rather than on the researchers' and participants' roles in the coconstruction of interview data. An excerpt from an interview transcript is used to illustrate how the stories of the participants were explored using this method.
Knowledge Legitimacy: How Trans-Patient Behavior Supports and Challenges Current Medical Knowledge
Authors: Dewey Jodie M.
Published: October 2008

In this article, I examine the accounts of transsexual/transgender patients and their involvement with medical professionals in the Midwestern United States. Data are taken from 22 in-depth interviews and one year of participant observation of three transsexual/transgender organizations. I show that trans-patients are made aware of larger political, religious, and cultural ideologies through their medical experiences. Trans-patients internalize these views, which affect how they make sense of their medical treatment and how they choose to alter their behavior in future medical encounters. Trans-patients, in an attempt to gain credibility and avoid stigmas, prepare how they will approach doctors to improve their likelihood of receiving desired treatments. The data will reveal that through their approach, trans-patients both support and challenge existing medical knowledge. Patients support medical discourse by using established medical language in their interaction with doctors. Patients challenge medical knowledge by resisting established medical decisions.
Adaptivity: From Metabolism to Behavior
Authors: Barandiaran Xabier , Moreno Alvaro
Published: October 2008

In this article, we propose some fundamental requirements for the appearance of adaptivity. We argue that a basic metabolic organization, taken in its minimal sense, may provide the conceptual framework for naturalizing the origin of teleology and normative functionality as it appears in living systems. However, adaptivity also requires the emergence of a regulatory subsystem, which implies a certain form of dynamic decoupling within a globally integrated, autonomous system. Thus, we analyze several forms of minimal adaptivity, including the special case of motility. We go on to explain how an open-ended complexity growth of motility-based adaptive agency, namely, behavior, requires the appearance of the nervous system. Finally, we discuss some implications of these ideas for embodied robotics.
Differential Pharmacological Effects of Antimuscarinic Drugs on Heart Rate: A Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Double-blind, Crossover Study With Tolterodine and Darifenacin in Healthy Participants ≥50 Years
Authors: Olshansky Brian , Ebinger Ursula , Brum José , Egermark Mathias , Viegas Andrea , Rekeda Ludmyla
Published: October 2008

Antimuscarinics, used commonly to treat overactive bladder, may differ in their potential to increase heart rate via effects on cardiac muscarinic M2receptors. This prospective, 3-way crossover, randomized, double-blind study assessed the heart rate effects of 7 days' exposure to a nonselective M2/M3receptor blocker (tolterodine; 4 mg/d), a highly selective M3receptor blocker (darifenacin; 15 mg/d), and placebo in 162 healthy participants ≥50 years. Heart rate was measured by 24-hour Holter monitoring. Tolterodine significantly increased heart rate versus darifenacin and heart rate versus placebo, while darifenacin did not affect heart rate versus placebo. The proportion of participants with an increase in mean heart rate per 24 hours of ≥5 beats per minute was higher with tolterodine than with darifenacin (P = .0004) or with placebo (P = .0114) but did not differ between darifenacin and placebo. The results show that antimuscarinics exert differential effects on heart rate depending on their muscarinic receptor profile. This should be considered when selecting a treatment.
Tried and tested: the psychometric properties of the multiple sclerosis impact scale (MSIS-29) in a population-based study
Authors: Gray OM , McDonnell GV , Hawkins SA
Published: October 2008

Objective

To investigate the psychometric properties of the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29) and to assess the relationship between the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale and the physical and psychological parts of this score.

Methods

A population-based study identified cases with definite multiple sclerosis (MS) in the north-east region of Ireland. They were examined and completed the MSIS-29. Cases were classified as mild (Expanded Disability Status Score (EDSS) 0–3.0), moderate (EDSS 3.5–5.5), or severe (6.0–9.5) MS.

Results

The 248 participants (82 male, 166 female) had a mean age of 49.1 years (SD 12.4). EDSS ranged from 0 to 9.5 (median 6.0). Data quality was excellent (0.02% missing data), physical and psychological scores spanned the entire range with low floor and ceiling effects. Internal consistency was high (Cronbach’s alpha 0.97 – physical score, 0.93 – psychological score). The convergent validity of the physical impact score of the MSIS-29 with the Kurtzke EDSS was confirmed with a high Spearman’s rank coefficient correlation of 0.63 ( P = 0.01). Physical impact scores for mild, moderate, and severe disability as were statistically different at 25.9%, 48.0%, and 63.9%, respectively. Mean psychological score was non-significantly higher in the moderately disabled group at 47.4% compared with the severely disabled at 44.3% ( P = 0.58).

Conclusions

The MSIS-29 is an acceptable, reliable, and valid method of recording quality of life. A significant relationship between higher physical impact scores of the MSIS-29 and higher Kurtzke EDSS values suggests that is may be of use in clinical trials to monitor progression.
Retrograde Stent-Graft Angioplasty of Superficial Femoral Artery Occlusion in a Claudicant
Authors: Lesperance Richard N. , Singh Niten N. , Curry Thomas K. , Andersen Charles A.
Published: October 2008

Endovascular therapy has become an accepted mode of therapy for lifestyle-limiting claudication, especially if the disease is confined to the superficial femoral artery (SFA). The standard approach to these lesions is from the contralateral femoral artery and crossing over the aortic bifurcation. In patients who have an aortobifemoral bypass (AFB), this technique is usually not feasible secondary to the angles of the graft. The authors report on their approach to a 60-year-old man with lifestyle-limiting claudication and SFA disease, and an AFB in place. They performed a retrograde approach to the SFA via a small above-knee popliteal artery exposure. They used the recently approved (in the United States) heparin-bonded VIABAHN for the revascularization via this approach, which would have allowed them to proceed to an open bypass procedure if they were unsuccessful in the same setting.
Midterm Follow-up After Pharmacomechanical Thrombolysis for Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Gasparis Antonios P. , Labropoulos Nicos , Tassiopoulos Apostolos K. , Phillips Brett , Pagan Jose , Cheng Lo  , Ricotta John
Published: October 2008

Objective: To provide follow-up in patients treated with pharmacomechanical thrombolysis (PhMT) for lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Methods: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Patients underwent clinical evaluation, duplex ultrasound, venous clinical severity scoring, venous segmental disease scoring, and venous disability scoring. Results: Fourteen patients were available for evaluation. Median age was 40 years (19—58). Median follow-up was 24 months (13—69 months). Thirteen of 14 patients (93%) had a venous disability score < 1 and 13 of 14 patients (93%) had a venous clinical severity scoring < 5. In all but 1 patient the venous segmental disease scoring score was < 5. All iliac segments were patent, all but 3 patients had partial infrainguinal obstruction and 5 of 14 (36%) had reflux. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that the good early clinical results after PhMT can be sustained on longer follow-up and may prevent the development of advanced postthrombotic syndrome.
Adult-Onset Dysphagia Lusoria from an Uncommon Vascular Ring: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Sitzman Thomas J. , Mell Matthew W. , Acher Charles W.
Published: October 2008

Vascular rings are a rare cause of symptoms in adult patients. We report the case of a 48-year-old woman presenting with dysphagia lusoria due to an uncommon vascular ring: right aortic arch with mirror-image branching and a left ligamentum arteriosum. No previous reports exist of adult-onset dysphagia lusoria attributable to this anatomy. The patient underwent a limited muscle-sparing thoracotomy with division of the ligamentum. The division interrupted the vascular ring and relieved her esophageal compression. The presentation, evaluation, pathophysiology, and treatment of this condition are discussed.
Accuracy of Energy Analysis of Buildings: A Comparison of a Monthly Energy Balance Method and Simulation Methods in Calculating the Energy Consumption and the Effect of Thermal Mass
Authors: Kalema Timo , Jóhannesson Gudni , Pylsy Petri , Hagengran Per
Published: October 2008

The purpose of this article is to analyze the effects of thermal mass on heating and cooling energy in Nordic climate and for modern, well-insulated Nordic buildings. The effect of thermal mass is analyzed by calculations made by seven researchers and by seven different calculation programs. Six of these programs are simulation programs (Consolis Energy, IDA-ICE, SciaQPro, TASE, VIP, VTT House model) and one monthly energy balance method (maxit energy) based on the standard EN 832, which is the predecessor of ISO DIS 13790. It is purpose to evaluate the reliability of the monthly energy calculation method and especially its gain utilization factor compared with the simulation programs. In addition some sensitivity analysis concerning e.g., the effects of the size and the orientation of windows and the weather data on the energy consumption are made.The results show that the simplified standard methods of EN 832 and of ISO DIS 13790 generally give accurate results in calculating the annual heating energy, e.g., in the context of energy design and energy certification. However, the gain utilization factor of these standards is too low for very light buildings having no massive surfaces resulting in a too high energy consumption. The study shows, that the differences in input data cause often greater differences in calculation results than the differences between various calculation and simulation methods.
Developing Low-conductance Window Frames: Capabilities and Limitations of Current Window Heat Transfer Design Tools — State-of-the-Art Review
Authors: Gustavsen Arild , Arasteh Dariush , Jelle Bjørn Petter , Curcija Charlie , Kohler Christian
Published: October 2008

While window frames typically represent 20—30% of the overall window area, their impact on the total window heat transfer rates may be much larger. This effect is even greater in low-conductance (highly insulating) windows that incorporate very low-conductance glazing. Developing low-conductance window frames requires accurate simulation tools for product research and development. Based on a literature review and an evaluation of current methods of modeling heat transfer through window frames, we conclude that current procedures specified in ISO standards are not sufficiently adequate for accurately evaluating heat transfer through the low-conductance frames.

We conclude that the near-term priorities for improving the modeling of heat transfer through low-conductance frames are:

1. Add 2D view-factor radiation to standard modeling and examine the current practice of averaging surface emissivity based on area weighting and the process of making an equivalent rectangular frame cavity.

2. Asses 3D radiation effects in frame cavities and develop recommendation for inclusion into the design fenestration tools.

3. Assess existing correlations for convection in vertical cavities using CFD.

4. Study 2D and 3D natural convection heat transfer in frame cavities for cavities that are proven to be deficient from item 3 above. Recommend improved correlations or full CFD modeling into ISO standards and design fenestration tools, if appropriate.

5. Study 3D hardware short-circuits and propose methods to ensure that these effects are incorporated into ratings.

6. Study the heat transfer effects of ventilated frame cavities and propose updated correlations.
Enhancement of DNA tumor vaccine efficacy by gene gun–mediated codelivery of threshold amounts of plasmid-encoded helper antigen
Authors: Leitner Wolfgang W. , Baker Matthew C. , Berenberg Thomas L. , Lu Michael C. , Yannie P. Josef , Udey Mark C.
Published: October 2008

Nucleic acid–based vaccines are effective in infectious disease models but have yielded disappointing results in tumor models when tumor-associated self-antigens are used. Incorporation of helper epitopes from foreign antigens into tumor vaccines might enhance the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines without increasing toxicity. However, generation of fusion constructs encoding both tumor and helper antigens may be difficult, and resulting proteins have unpredictable physical and immunologic properties. Furthermore, simultaneous production of equal amounts of highly immunogenic helper and weakly immunogenic tumor antigens in situ could favor development of responses against the helper antigen rather than the antigen of interest. We assessed the ability of 2 helper antigens (β-galactosidase or fragment C of tetanus toxin) encoded by one plasmid to augment responses to a self-antigen (lymphoma-associated T-cell receptor) encoded by a separate plasmid after codelivery into skin by gene gun. This approach allowed adjustment of the relative ratios of helper and tumor antigen plasmids to optimize helper effects. Incorporation of threshold (minimally immunogenic) amounts of helper antigen plasmid into a DNA vaccine regimen dramatically increased T cell–dependent protective immunity initiated by plasmid-encoded tumor-associated T-cell receptor antigen. This simple strategy can easily be incorporated into future vaccine trials in experimental animals and possibly in humans.
Human C/EBP-ϵ activator and repressor isoforms differentially reprogram myeloid lineage commitment and differentiation
Authors: Bedi Richa , Du Jian , Sharma Arun K. , Gomes Ignatius , Ackerman Steven J.
Published: October 2008

CCAAT enhancer-binding protein-epsilon (C/EBP-ϵ) is required for the terminal differentiation of neutrophils and eosinophils. Human C/EBP-ϵ is expressed as 4 isoforms (32, 30, 27, and 14 kDa) through differential RNA splicing, and alternative promoters and translational start sites. The C/EBP-ϵ32/30 isoforms are transcriptional activators, whereas C/EBP-ϵ27 interacts with and represses GATA-1 transactivation of eosinophil promoters. C/EBP-ϵ14 contains only DNA-binding and -dimerization domains and may function as a dominant-negative regulator. To define functional activities for these C/EBP-ϵ isoforms in myelopoiesis, human CD34+ progenitors were transduced with internal ribosomal entry site–enhanced green fluorescent protein retroviral vectors encoding the 32/30, 27, and 14-kDa isoforms, purified by fluorescence-activated cell sorter, and analyzed in colony-forming assays and suspension cultures. Progenitors transduced with C/EBP-ϵ32/30 default exclusively to eosinophil differentiation and gene expression, independent of interleukin-5, and regardless of inclusion of cytokines to induce other lineages. In contrast, the putative repressor C/EBP-ϵ27 isoform strongly inhibits eosinophil differentiation and gene expression, including GATA-1, promoting granulocyte (neutrophil)-macrophage differen-tiation. The C/EBP-ϵ14 repressor isoform strongly inhibits eosinophil development and gene expression, promoting erythroid differentiation, an effect enhanced by erythropoietin. Thus, C/EBP-ϵ isoforms can reprogram myeloid lineage commitment and differentiation consistent with their predicted activities based on activator and repressor domains and in vitro functional activities.
Bone marrow–based homeostatic proliferation of mature T cells in nonhuman primates: implications for AIDS pathogenesis
Authors: Paiardini Mirko , Cervasi Barbara , Engram Jessica C. , Gordon Shari N. , Klatt Nichole R. , Muthukumar Alagarraju , Else James , Mittler Robert S. , Staprans Silvija I. , Sodora Donald L. , Silvestri Guido
Published: October 2008

Bone marrow (BM) is the key hematopoietic organ in mammals and is involved in the homeostatic proliferation of memory CD8+ T cells. Here we expanded on our previous observation that BM is a preferential site for T-cell proliferation in simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)–infected sooty mangabeys (SMs) that do not progress to AIDS despite high viremia. We found high levels of mature T-cell proliferation, involving both naive and memory cells, in healthy SMs and rhesus macaques (RMs). In addition, we observed in both species that lineage-specific, BM-based T-cell proliferation follows antibody-mediated in vivo CD4+ or CD8+ T-cell depletion, thus indicating a role for the BM in maintaining T-cell homeostasis under depleting circumstances. We also observed that, in SIV-infected SMs, but not RMs, the level of proliferation of BM-based CD4+ T cells is higher than that of circulating CD4+ T cells. Interestingly, limited BM-based CD4+ T-cell proliferation was found in SIV-infected SMs with low CD4+ T-cell counts, suggesting a regenerative failure in these animals. Collectively, these results indicate that BM is involved in maintaining T-cell homeostasis in primates and suggest a role for BM-based CD4+ T-cell proliferation in determining the benign nature of natural SIV infection of SMs.
A biomarker panel for acute graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Paczesny Sophie , Krijanovski Oleg I. , Braun Thomas M. , Choi Sung W. , Clouthier Shawn G. , Kuick Rork , Misek David E. , Cooke Kenneth R. , Kitko Carrie L. , Weyand Angela , Bickley Daniel , Jones Dawn , Whitfield Joel , Reddy Pavan , Levine John E. , Hanash Samir M. , Ferrara James L. M.
Published: October 2008

No validated biomarkers exist for acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). We screened plasma with antibody microarrays for 120 proteins in a discovery set of 42 patients who underwent transplantation that revealed 8 potential biomarkers for diagnostic of GVHD. We then measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) the levels of these biomarkers in samples from 424 patients who underwent transplantation randomly divided into training (n = 282) and validation (n = 142) sets. Logistic regression analysis of these 8 proteins determined a composite biomarker panel of 4 proteins (interleukin-2-receptor-alpha, tumor-necrosis-factor-receptor-1, interleukin-8, and hepatocyte growth factor) that optimally discriminated patients with and without GVHD. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve distinguishing these 2 groups in the training set was 0.91 (95% confidence interval, 0.87–0.94) and 0.86 (95% confidence interval, 0.79–0.92) in the validation set. In patients with GVHD, Cox regression analysis revealed that the biomarker panel predicted survival independently of GVHD severity. A panel of 4 biomarkers can confirm the diagnosis of GVHD in patients at onset of clinical symptoms of GVHD and provide prognostic information independent of GVHD severity.
Neural respiratory drive in healthy subjects and in COPD
Authors: Jolley C. J. , Luo Y-M. , Steier J. , Reilly C. , Seymour J. , Lunt A. , Ward K. , Rafferty G. F. , Polkey M. I. , Moxham J.
Published: October 2008

The aim of the present study was to use the diaphragm electromyogram (EMGdi) to compare levels of neural respiratory drive (NRD) in a cohort of healthy subjects and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, and to investigate the relationship between NRD and pulmonary function in COPD.

EMGdiwas recorded at rest and normalised to peak EMGdirecorded during maximum inspiratory manoeuvres (EMGdi% max) in 100 healthy subjects and 30 patients with COPD, using a multipair oesophageal electrode. EMGdiwas normalised to the amplitude of the diaphragm compound muscle action potential (CMAPdi,MS) in 64 healthy subjects.

The mean±sdEMGdi% max was 9.0±3.4% in healthy subjects and 27.9±9.9% in COPD patients, and correlated with percentage predicted forced expiratory volume in one second, vital capacity and inspiratory capacity in patients. EMGdi% max was higher in healthy subjects aged 51–80 yrs than in those aged 18–50 yrs (11.4±3.4versus8.2±2.9%, respectively). Observations in the healthy group were similar when peak EMGdior CMAPdi,MSwere used to normalise EMGdi.

Levels of neural respiratory drive were higher in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients than healthy subjects, and related to disease severity. Diaphragm compound muscle action potential could be used to normalise diaphragm electromyogram if volitional inspiratory manoeuvres could not be performed, allowing translation of the technique to critically ill and ventilated patients.
Stimulation of acetylcholine receptors impairs host defence during pneumococcal pneumonia
Authors: Giebelen I. A. J. , Leendertse M. , Florquin S. , van der Poll T.
Published: October 2008

The cholinergic nervous system can inhibit the systemic inflammation accompanying sepsis by virtue of a specific action of acetylcholine on α7 cholinergic receptors. The current authors sought to determine the effect of nicotine, an α7 cholinergic receptor agonist, on the host response to pneumonia caused byStreptococcus pneumoniae.

Mice were intranasally infected withS. pneumoniaeand treated with nicotine or saline intraperitoneally using a treatment schedule shown to improve host defence against abdominal sepsis.

Nicotine treatment was associated with a transiently enhanced growth ofS. pneumoniae, as indicated by higher bacterial loads in both lungs and blood at 24 h after infection. At 48 h after infection, bacterial burdens had increased in both treatment groups and differences were no longer present. Remarkably, mice treated with nicotine showed enhanced lung inflammation at 24 h after infection. Moreover, both lung and plasma concentrations of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ were higher in nicotine-treated animals at this time-point. Additional studies examining the effect of nicotine on the immediate (4-h) inflammatory response toS. pneumoniaedid not reveal an anti-inflammatory effect of nicotine either.

The present data suggest that nicotine transiently impairs host defence in pneumococcal pneumonia.
Dietary patterns and asthma in the E3N study
Authors: Varraso R. , Kauffmann F. , Leynaert B. , Le Moual N. , Boutron-Ruault M. C. , Clavel-Chapelon F. , Romieu I.
Published: October 2008

The aim of the present study was to determine dietary patterns and investigate their association with asthma incidence, current asthma and frequent asthma exacerbations.

Dietary habits and asthma data were collected from the large E3N study (of French females, mostly teachers). Of the 54,672 females followed-up in 2003, 2,634 reported ever-adulthood asthma, 1,063 reported current asthma, 206 reported frequent asthma attacks (one or more a week), and 628 reported asthma onset between 1993 and 2003. Using principal component analysis, three dietary patterns were identified: the “prudent” pattern (fruits and vegetables); the “Western” pattern (pizza/salty pies, dessert and cured meats); and the “nuts and wine” pattern. Pattern scores were categorised into tertiles, and the incidence and prevalence of asthma was compared between tertiles.

After adjustment for confounders, no association of dietary patterns was observed with asthma incidence, ever-asthma or current asthma. The Western pattern was associated with an increased risk of reporting frequent asthma attacks (highestversuslowest tertile odds ratio (OR) 1.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11–3.73). Increasing scores of the nuts and wine pattern were associated with a decreased risk of reporting frequent asthma attacks (highestversuslowest tertile OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.31–0.96).

The results of the present study suggest that overall diet could be involved in frequent asthma exacerbations, one aspect of asthma severity.
Clinical course and lung function change of idiopathic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia
Authors: Park I. N. , Jegal Y. , Kim D. S. , Do K-H. , Yoo B. , Shim T. S. , Lim C-M. , Lee S. D. , Koh Y. , Kim W. S. , Kim W. D. , Jang S. J. , Kitaichi M. , Nicholson A. G. , Colby T. V.
Published: October 2008

Most studies of idiopathic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) have primarily studied mortality. In order to clarify the detailed outcome and prognostic markers in idiopathic NSIP, the clinical course with initial radiological and clinical features was analysed.

The clinical course of 83 patients who were classified with idiopathic NSIP (72 fibrotic, 11 cellular; 27 males and 56 females; mean±sdage 54.4±10.1 yrs) was retrospectively analysed.

In fibrotic NSIP, 16 (22%) patients died of NSIP-related causes with a median (range) follow-up of 53 (0.3–181) months. Despite the favourable survival (5-yr 74%), patients with fibrotic NSIP were frequently hospitalised with recurrence rate of 36%. Reduced forced vital capacity at 12 months was a predictor of mortality. On follow-up, lung function was improved or stable in ∼80% of the patients. The extent of consolidation and ground-glass opacity on initial high-resolution computed tomography correlated significantly with serial changes of lung function, and the presence of honeycombing was a predictor of poor prognosis. During follow-up, eight (10%) patients developed collagen vascular disease.

In conclusion, the overall prognosis of fibrotic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia was good; however, there were significant recurrences despite initial improvement and a subset of the patients did not respond to therapy. Some patients developed collagen vascular diseases at a later date.
Evidence for Hox-specified positional identities in adult vasculature
Authors: Pruett Nathanael D , Visconti Richard P , Jacobs Donna F , Scholz Dimitri , McQuinn Tim , Sundberg John P , Awgulewitsch Alexander
Published: October 2008

Background

The concept of specifying positional information in the adult cardiovascular system is largely unexplored. While the Hox transcriptional regulators have to be viewed as excellent candidates for assuming such a role, little is known about their presumptive cardiovascular control functions and in vivo expression patterns.

Results

We demonstrate that conventional reporter gene analysis in transgenic mice is a useful approach for defining highly complex Hox expression patterns in the adult vascular network as exemplified by our lacZ reporter gene models for Hoxa3 and Hoxc11. These mice revealed expression in subsets of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) located in distinct regions of the vasculature that roughly correspond to the embryonic expression domains of the two genes. These reporter gene patterns were validated as authentic indicators of endogenous gene expression by immunolabeling and PCR analysis. Furthermore, we show that persistent reporter gene expression in cultured cells derived from vessel explants facilitates in vitro characterization of phenotypic properties as exemplified by the differential response of Hoxc11-lacZ-positive versus-negative cells in migration assays and to serum.

Conclusion

The data support a conceptual model of Hox-specified positional identities in adult blood vessels, which is of likely relevance for understanding the mechanisms underlying regional physiological diversities in the cardiovascular system. The data also demonstrate that conventional Hox reporter gene mice are useful tools for visualizing complex Hox expression patterns in the vascular network that might be unattainable otherwise. Finally, these mice are a resource for the isolation and phenotypic characterization of specific subpopulations of vascular cells marked by distinct Hox expression profiles.
Central cholinergic signal-mediated neuroendocrine regulation of vasopressin and oxytocin in ovine fetuses
Authors: Shi Lijun , Mao Caiping , Zeng Fanxing , Zhang Yuying , Xu Zhice
Published: October 2008

Background

The hypothalamic-neurohypophysial system plays a fundamental role in the maintenance of body fluid homeostasis by secreting arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) in response to a variety of signals, including osmotic and nonosmotic stimuli. It is well established that central cholinergic mechanisms are critical in the regulation of cardiovascular responses and maintenance of body fluid homeostasis in adults. Our recent study demonstrated that intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of carbachol elicited an increase of blood pressure in the near-term ovine fetuses. However, in utero development of brain cholinergic mechanisms in the regulation of the hypothalamic neuropeptides is largely unknown. This study investigated AVP and OT neural activation in the fetal hypothalamus induced by central carbachol.

Results

Chronically prepared near-term ovine fetuses (0.9 gestation) received an i.c.v. carbachol (3 μg/kg). Fetal blood samples were collected for AVP and OT assay, and brains were used for c-fos mapping studies. I.c.v. carbachol significantly increased fetal plasma AVP and OT concentrations. Intense FOS immunoreactivity (FOS-ir) was observed in the fetal supraoptic nuclei (SON) and paraventricular nuclei (PVN) in the hypothalamus. Double labeling demonstrated that a number of AVP- and OT-containing neurons in the fetal SON and PVN were expressing c-fos in response to central carbachol.

Conclusion

The results indicate that the central cholinergic mechanism is established and functional in the regulation of the hypothalamic neuropeptides during the final trimester of pregnancy. This provides evidence for a functional link between the development of central cholinergic mechanisms and hypothalamic neuropeptide systems in the fetus.
An unexpectedly high degree of specialization and a widespread involvement in sterol metabolism among the C. elegans putative aminophospholipid translocases
Authors: Lyssenko Nicholas N , Miteva Yana , Gilroy Simon , Hanna-Rose Wendy , Schlegel Robert A
Published: October 2008

Background

P-type ATPases in subfamily IV are exclusively eukaryotic transmembrane proteins that have been proposed to directly translocate the aminophospholipids phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine from the exofacial to the cytofacial monolayer of the plasma membrane. Eukaryotic genomes contain many genes encoding members of this subfamily. At present it is unclear why there are so many genes of this kind per organism or what individual roles these genes perform in organism development.

Results

We have systematically investigated expression and developmental function of the six, tat-1 through 6, subfamily IV P-type ATPase genes encoded in the Caenorhabditis elegans genome. tat-5 is the only ubiquitously-expressed essential gene in the group. tat-6 is a poorly-transcribed recent duplicate of tat-5. tat-2 through 4 exhibit tissue-specific developmentally-regulated expression patterns. Strong expression of both tat-2 and tat-4 occurs in the intestine and certain other cells of the alimentary system. The two are also expressed in the uterus, during spermatogenesis and in the fully-formed spermatheca. tat-2 alone is expressed in the pharyngeal gland cells, the excretory system and a few cells of the developing vulva. The expression pattern of tat-3 is almost completely different from those of tat-2 and tat-4. tat-3 expression is detectable in the steroidogenic tissues: the hypodermis and the XXX cells, as well as in most cells of the pharynx (except gland), various tissues of the reproductive system (except uterus and spermatheca) and seam cells. Deletion of tat-1 through 4 individually interferes little or not at all with the regular progression of organism growth and development under normal conditions. However, tat-2 through 4 become essential for reproductive growth during sterol starvation.

Conclusion

tat-5 likely encodes a housekeeping protein that performs the proposed aminophospholipid translocase function routinely. Although individually dispensable, tat-1 through 4 seem to be at most only partly redundant. Expression patterns and the sterol deprivation hypersensitivity deletion phenotype of tat-2 through 4 suggest that these genes carry out subtle metabolic functions, such as fine-tuning sterol metabolism in digestive or steroidogenic tissues. These findings uncover an unexpectedly high degree of specialization and a widespread involvement in sterol metabolism among the genes encoding the putative aminophospholipid translocases.
Alpha-2 adrenergic-induced changes in rectal temperature in adult and 13-day old rats following acute and repeated desipramine administration
Authors: Deupree Jean D , Burke William J , Bylund David B
Published: October 2008

Background

The effects of acute and repeated treatment with desipramine on the functional response of α2-adrenoceptors were tested in adult and 13-day old rats. The functional response measured was hypothermia that was induced by brimonidine, an α2-adrenoceptor agonist. The change in the extent of the brimonidine-induced hypothermia following pretreatment with either single or 4 twice-daily injections of desipramine was compared in 13-day old and adult (65–75 days old) male rats.

Results

Brimonidine, alone, lowered rectal temperature to a greater extent in juvenile than in adult rats, and this response was dose-dependently blocked by the selective α2-adrenoceptor antagonist, RX821002, in both groups of rats. Single desipramine administration lowered rectal temperature in the absence of brimonidine in adult but not in juvenile rats. The adult rats developed tolerance to this hypothermic effect after 4 days of desipramine treatment (10 mg/kg twice daily). Repeated desipramine treatment of adult rats also resulted in an enhancement in the brimonidine-induced hypothermic effect 24 h after the last dose, a time when above 90% of desipramine and its metabolite, desmethyldesipramine, had cleared the brain, but not at 14, 48 or 96 h after the last dose. In juvenile rats repeated injections of desipramine (3 mg/kg twice daily for 4 days) had no effect on the α2-agonist-induced hypothermia when brimonidine was given 14, 24, 63 and 96 h after the last dose of desipramine.

Conclusion

The results suggest that juvenile rats response differently than adult rats to agonist stimulation of α2-adrenoceptors with and without pretreatment with the antidepressant desipramine. In the absence of desipramine pretreatment, the α2-adrenoceptor-induced hypothermic effect in juvenile rats is greater than in adult rats. Acute injections of desipramine, in the absence of agonist produced a hypothermic effect in adult but not juvenile rats. In addition, the increased α2-agonist-induced hypothermic effect following repeated injections of desipramine that is seen in adult rats is not seen in juvenile rats.
Functional analysis of the novel TBX5c.1333delC mutation resulting in an extended TBX5 protein
Authors: Böhm Johann , Heinritz Wolfram , Craig Alexander , Vujic Mihailo , Ekman-Joelsson Britt-Marie , Kohlhase Jürgen , Froster Ursula
Published: October 2008

Background

Autosomal dominant Holt-Oram syndrome (HOS) is caused by mutations in the TBX5 gene and is characterized by congenital heart and preaxial radial ray upper limb defects. Most of the TBX5 mutations found in patients with HOS cause premature truncation of the primary TBX5 transcript. TBX5 missense mutations alter the three-dimensional structure of the protein and result in failed nuclear localization or reduced binding to target DNA. In this study we present our functional analyses of the novel and unusual c.1333delC mutation found in a patient with classical HOS.

Methods

The functional impact of this novel mutation was assessed by investigating the intracellular localization of the resulting TBX5 protein and its ability to activate the expression of its downstream target ANF.

Results

The deletion of the cytosine is the first TBX5 frameshift mutation predicted to result in an elongated TBX5 protein with 74 miscoding amino acids and 62 supernumerary C-terminal amino acids. The c.1333delC mutation affects neither the nuclear localization, nor its colocalization with SALL4, but severely affects the activation of the ANF promoter.

Conclusion

The mutation c.1333delC does not locate within functional domains, but impairs the activation of the downstream target. This suggests that misfolding of the protein prevents its biological function.
The effects of the Mulligan Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glide (SNAG) mobilisation in the lumbar flexion range of asymptomatic subjects as measured by the Zebris CMS20 3-D motion analysis system
Authors: Moutzouri Maria , Billis Evdokia , Strimpakos Nikolaos , Kottika Polixeni , Oldham Jacqueline A
Published: October 2008

Background

Mulligan's mobilisation techniques are thought to increase the range of movement (ROM) in patients with low back pain. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the application of the Mulligan's Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glide (SNAG) technique on lumbar flexion ROM. The secondary aim was to measure the intra- and inter-day reliability of lumbar ROM employing the same procedure.

Methods

49 asymptomatic volunteers participated in this double-blinded study. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either SNAG mobilisation (n = 25), or a sham mobilisation (n = 24). The SNAG technique was applied at the L3and L4spinal levels with active flexion in sitting by an experienced manual therapist. Three sets of 10 repetitions at each of the two spinal levels were performed. The sham mobilisation was similar to the SNAG but did not apply the appropriate direction or force. Lumbar ROM was measured by a three dimensional electronic goniometer (Zebris CMS20), before and after each technique. For the reliability, five measurements in two different days (one week apart) were performed in 20 healthy subjects.

Results

When both interventions were compared, independentttests yielded no statistically significant results in ROM between groups (p = 0.673). Furthermore no significant within group differences were observed: SNAG (p = 0.842), sham (p = 0.169). Intra- and inter-day reliability of flexion measurements was high (ICC1,1> 0.82, SEM < 4.0°, SDD<16.3%) indicating acceptable clinical applicability.

Conclusion

While the Zebris proved to be a reliable device for measuring lumbar flexion ROM, SNAG mobilisation did not demonstrate significant differences in flexion ROM when compared to sham mobilisation.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials NCT00678093.
One-step refolding and purification of disulfide-containing proteins with a C-terminal MESNA thioester
Authors: Bastings Maartje MC , van Baal Ingrid , Meijer EW , Merkx Maarten
Published: October 2008

Background

Expression systems based on self-cleavable intein domains allow the generation of recombinant proteins with a C-terminal thioester. This uniquely reactive C-terminus can be used in native chemical ligation reactions to introduce synthetic groups or to immobilize proteins on surfaces and nanoparticles. Unfortunately, common refolding procedures for recombinant proteins that contain disulfide bonds do not preserve the thioester functionality and therefore novel refolding procedures need to be developed.

Results

A novel redox buffer consisting of MESNA and diMESNA showed a refolding efficiency comparable to that of GSH/GSSG and prevented loss of the protein's thioester functionality. Moreover, introduction of the MESNA/diMESNA redox couple in the cleavage buffer allowed simultaneous on-column refolding of Ribonuclease A and intein-mediated cleavage to yield Ribonuclease A with a C-terminal MESNA-thioester. The C-terminal thioester was shown to be active in native chemical ligation.

Conclusion

An efficient method was developed for the production of disulfide bond containing proteins with C-terminal thioesters. Introduction of a MESNA/diMESNA redox couple resulted in simultaneous on-column refolding, purification and thioester generation of the model protein Ribonuclease A.
Exercise training in the aerobic/anaerobic metabolic transition prevents glucose intolerance in alloxan-treated rats
Authors: Soares de Alencar Mota Clécia , Ribeiro Carla , de Araújo Gustavo Gomes , de Araújo Michel Barbosa , de Barros Manchado-Gobatto Fúlvia , Voltarelli Fabrício Azevedo , de Oliveira Camila Aparecida Machado , Luciano Eliete , de Mello Maria Alice Rostom
Published: October 2008

Background

Ninety percent of cases of diabetes are of the slowly evolving non-insulin-dependent type, or Type 2 diabetes. Lack of exercise is regarded as one of the main causes of this disorder. In this study we analyzed the effects of physical exercise on glucose homeostasis in adult rats with type 2 diabetes induced by a neonatal injection of alloxan.

Methods

Female Wistar rats aged 6 days were injected with either 250 mg/kg of body weight of alloxan or citrate buffer 0.01 M (controls). After weaning, half of the animals in each group were subjected to physical training adjusted to meet the aerobic-anaerobic metabolic transition by swimming 1 h/day for 5 days a week with weight overloads. The necessary overload used was set and periodically readjusted for each rat through effort tests based on the maximal lactate steady state procedure. When aged 28, 60, 90, and 120 days, the rats underwent glucose tolerance tests (GTT) and their peripheral insulin sensitivity was evaluated using the HOMA index.

Results

The area under the serum glucose curve obtained through GTT was always higher in alloxan-treated animals than in controls. A decrease in this area was observed in trained alloxan-treated rats at 90 and 120 days old compared with non-trained animals. At 90 days old the trained controls showed lower HOMA indices than the non-trained controls.

Conclusion

Neonatal administration of alloxan induced a persistent glucose intolerance in all injected rats, which was successfully counteracted by physical training in the aerobic/anaerobic metabolic transition.
'Rapunzel syndrome' trichobezoar in a 7-year-old girl: a case report
Authors: Al Wadan Ali H , Al Kaff Hamed , Al Senabani Jamila , Al Saadi Azan S
Published: October 2008

Background

Rapunzel syndrome is a rare type of trichobezoar with an extension of the hair into the small bowel. Clinical presentation is deceptive and vague ranging from abdominal mass to gastrointestinal symptoms.

Case presentation

We present a 7 years old girl with Rapunzel syndrome, where the trichobezoar was not suspected at all especially with negative history of trichophagia. In majority of the cases the diagnosis was made very late in the history of the disease, at a stage where surgery is the only cure for this syndrome.

Conclusion

In the paediatric age group with a long history of gastrointestinal symptom, endoscopy is a diagnostic as well as a therapeutic modality and may reduce surgery in trichobezoars.