bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heart Rate in Spiders: Influence of Body Size and Foraging Energetics
Authors: Carrel James E. , Heathcote R. D.
Published: October 2006

Resting heart rates in 18 species of spiders as determined by a cool laser transillumination technique range from 9 to 125 beats per minute. Cardiac frequencies obtained in this fashion may readily serve as a measure of standard rates of metabolism. A spider's resting heart rate is a function of body size and of foraging energetics.
Postmating Female Odor in
Heliconius
Butterflies: A Male-Contributed Antiaphrodisiac?
Authors: Gilbert Lawrence E.
Published: October 2006

Genetic crosses between races of
Heliconius erato
that differ in the odor of female abdominal glands show that the odor originates in the male and is transferred to the female at mating. Behavioral observations strongly suggest that the odor is an antiaphrodisiac that helps to enforce monogamy among females.
Gametogenesis in Planktonic Foraminifera
Authors: Bé Allan W. H. , Anderson O. Roger
Published: October 2006

Gametogenesis in
Globigerinella aequilateralis
and
Globigerinoides sacculifer
in culture is preceded by sinking of the organism and loss of its spines. Hundreds of thousands of flagellated gametes, about 5 micrometers in diameter, are produced within the parent shell and released within a period of 13 hours.
Microbial Degradation of Condensed Tannins
Authors: Grant W. D.
Published: October 2006

A strain of
Penicillium adametzi
Zaleski was isolated from enrichment cultures with condensed tannins as the carbon source. Low-molecular-weight condensed tannins, extracted and purified from
Pinus radiata
bark, were used as substrates for quantitative growth measurements on this fungus in defined culture conditions.
Formation and Transport of Secondary Air Pollutants: Ozone and Aerosols in the St. Louis Urban Plume
Authors: White W. H. , Anderson J. A. , Blumenthal D. L. , Husar R. B. , Gillani N. V. , Husar J. D. , Wilson W. E.
Published: October 2006

Emissions from metropolitan St. Louis caused reduced visibilities and concentrations of ozone in excess of the federal ambient standard (0.08 part per million) 160 kilometers or more downwind of the city on 18 July 1975. Atmospheric production of ozone and visibility-reducing aerosols continues long after their primary precursors have been diluted to low concentrations.
Biotin Deficiency and Other Changes in Rats Given Sulfanilylguanidine or Succinyl Sulfathiazole in Purified Diets
Authors: Daft Floyd S. , Ashburn L. L. , Sebrell W. H.
Published: October 2006

The following pathological changes have been observed in rats given sulfaguanidine or sulfasuxidine in purified diets.

1. A granulocytopenia, leukopenia, hypocellularity of bone marrow and, occasionally, an anemia.

2. Hyalinization, necrosis and calcification of voluntary muscle.

3. Hyaline sclerosis and calcification of blood vessels.

4. A dermatitis which can be prevented or successfully treated with crystalline biotin.

We have also observed necrosis of heart muscle, hemorrhage into various organs and subcutaneous tissues, and liver damage.
Carbon Monoxide: Effects on Oxygenation of the Fetus in Utero
Authors: Longo Lawrence D.
Published: October 2006

The partial pressure of oxygen in fetal blood decreases in proportion to the carboxyhemoglobin concentrations in fetal and maternal blood. Because fetal oxygen tensions normally equal 20 to 30 percent of the values for adults, this reduction can result in severe hypoxia of vital tissues. Decreases in oxygen tension may be a factor in the lower birth weights of infants born to women who smoke or are exposed to severe air pollution.
Antiserum to Brain Gangliosides Produces Recurrent Epileptiform Activity
Authors: Karpiak Stephen E. , Graf Liselotte , Rapport Maurice M.
Published: October 2006

A single injection of 10 microliters of antiserum to total brain ganglioside onto (and into) the sensorimotor cortex of the rat resulted in recurrent spiking in the cortical electroencephalogram, lasting from 7 to 17 days. Absorption of antibody with pure monosialoganglioside (G
M1
) completely abolished the effect. Spiking was reactivated after 4 weeks by intramuscular injection of pentylenetetrazole.
A Mallophaga,
Trinoton anserinum
, as a Cyclodevelopmental Vector for a Heartworm Parasite of Waterfowl
Authors: Seegar William S. , Schiller Everett L. , Sladen William J. L. , Trpis Milan
Published: October 2006

The biting louse
Trinoton anserinum
serves as the intermediate host in the life cycle of the filarial heartworm,
Sarconema eurycerca
. Microfilariae, second-, and third-stage larvae were dissected from 39 of 89 lice infesting whistling swans, "
Cygnus columbianus columbianus
, in North America and mute swans,
Cygnus olor
, in the Black Sea, U.S.S.R. Infective third-stage larvae obtained from lice collected from heartworm-parasitized whistling swans were injected subcutaneously into each of two hand-reared, nonparasitized mute swan cygnets. Both of these birds developed heartworm infections, one becoming microfilaremic at 14 weeks. The results of this study provide conclusive evidence that a mallophagan serves as a natural cyclodevelopmental vector of a filarial parasite.
Bacillus thuringiensis
Enzyme-Digested Delta Endotoxin: Effect on Cultured Insect Cells
Authors: Murphy Dennis W. , Sohi S. S. , Fast P. G.
Published: October 2006

Cells from three insect cell lines responded to the enzyme-digested delta endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis with swelling, lysis, and vesicle formation. Sufficient toxin was taken up in 1 minute to cause half-maximal cell damage. Cytotoxic activity was neutralized by specific antiserum to the endotoxin.
Prenatal Experience and Avian Development: Brief Auditory Stimulation Accelerates the Hatching of Japanese Quail
Authors: Woolf Nigel K. , Bixby John L. , Capranica Robert R.
Published: October 2006

A single 2-hour exposure to auditory stimulation at any point during the final 3 days of incubation accelerates the hatching of Japanese quail. The 3-day sensitive period includes both prenatal and perinatal stages of incubation. So far as is known these results provide the first unequivocal evidence that short-term prenatal sensory stimulation can affect the development of an avian embryo.
COMPUTER MODEL OF A LYSOZYME CRYSTAL GROWTH WITH/WITHOUT NANOTEMPLATE — A COMPARISON
Authors: SIÓDMIAK J. , GADOMSKI A. , PECHKOVA E. , NICOLINI C.
Published: October 2006

The results of a computer simulation of the lysozyme crystal growth influenced by monomer and tetramer (aggregate) units are discussed. A very recently introduced computer model of biopolymer crystal growth and aggregation is based on the 2D lattice Monte Carlo technique and the coarse-grained HP approximation of the lysozyme monomeric unit. Acceleration of the lysozyme crystal growth by a factor of 4/3, based on the 2AUB (PDB ID) lysozyme unit, obtained from the Langmuir–Blodgett nanotemplate method, has clearly been confirmed by means of the proposed computer simulation. It is concluded that the aggregates (tetramers) involving 2AUB lysozyme crystal growth can be expected to be slightly accelerated when compared to its monomer-based (PDB ID: 193L) counterpart, which is in excellent accord with very recent experimental findings of the emerging applied science called protein nanocrystallography.
Fat accumulation with altered inflammation and regeneration in skeletal muscle of CCR2−/− mice following ischemic injury
Authors: Contreras-Shannon Verónica , Ochoa Oscar , Reyes-Reyna Sara M. , Sun Dongxu , Michalek Joel E. , Kuziel William A. , McManus Linda M. , Shireman Paula K.
Published: October 2006

Chemokines recruit inflammatory cells to sites of injury, but the role of the CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) during regenerative processes following ischemia is poorly understood. We studied injury, inflammation, perfusion, capillary formation, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) levels, muscle regeneration, fat accumulation, and transcription factor activation in hindlimb muscles of CCR2−/− and wild-type (WT) mice following femoral artery excision (FAE). In both groups, muscle injury and restoration of vascular perfusion were similar. Nevertheless, edema and neutrophil accumulation were significantly elevated in CCR2−/− compared with WT mice at day 1 post-FAE and fewer macrophages were present at day 3. MCP-1 levels in post-ischemic calf muscle of CCR2−/− animals were significantly elevated over baseline through 14 days post-FAE and were higher than WT mice at days 1, 7, and 14. In addition, CCR2−/− mice exhibited impaired muscle regeneration, decreased muscle fiber size, and increased intermuscular adipocytes with similar capillaries/mm2 postinjury. Finally, the transcription factors, MyoD and signal transducers of and activators of transcription-3 (STAT3), were significantly increased above baseline but did not differ significantly between groups at any time point post-FAE. These findings suggest that increases in MCP-1, and possibly, MyoD and STAT3, may modulate molecular signaling in CCR2−/− mice during inflammatory and regenerative events. Furthermore, alterations in neutrophil and macrophage recruitment in CCR2−/− mice may critically alter the normal progression of downstream regenerative events in injured skeletal muscle and may direct myogenic precursor cells in the regenerating milieu toward an adipogenic phenotype.
Characterization of Mouse Striatal Precursor Cell Lines Expressing Functional Dopamine Receptors
Authors: Araki Kiyomi Y. , Fujimura Satoshi , MacDonald Marcy E. , Bhide Pradeep G.
Published: October 2006

Dopamine and its receptors appear in the developing brain early in the embryonic period and dopamine receptor activation influences proliferation and differentiation of neuroepithelial precursor cells. Since dopamine D1 and D2 receptor activation produces opposing effects on precursor cell activity, dopamine’s overall effects may correlate with relative numbers and activity of each receptor subtype on the precursor cells. Dopamine receptor expression and activity in individual precursor cells in the intact brain are difficult to ascertain. Therefore, cell lines with known receptor expression profiles can be useful tools to study dopamine’s influence on neuroepithelial cells. We report characterization of dopamine receptor expression and activity profiles in three mouse striatal precursor cell lines and suggest that these cell lines can be valuable tools to study dopamine’s effects on striatal precursor cell proliferation and differentiation.
Testing Licensing by Cue: A Case of Russian Palatalized Coronals
Authors: Kochetov Alexei
Published: October 2006

The hypothesis ‘licensing by cue’ by Steriade holds that phonological contrastsare maintained in environments that provide better acoustic cues to the contrastsand are neutralized in environments that provide poorer acoustic cues or nocues. This paper tests the hypothesis by examining the distribution of a phonologicalcontrast - the Russian plain/palatalized coronal stops /t/ and /tj/ in various syllable-final contexts. The results of a series of acoustic and perceptual experimentspresented in this paper provide some support for the hypothesis: the relativesalience of releases in different word boundary contexts (_#k > _#n, _#s) correlatesstrongly with the general patterns of neutralization of the contrast in similarword-internal contexts (_k > _n, _s) in Russian and other related languages. At thesame time, the relative salience of VC transitions in different vowel contexts(a_ > u_ > i_) has apparently little to do with attested patterns of neutralization.The results suggest that some perceptual cues are phonologically more relevantthan others, providing evidence for interactions between phonetics and phonologymore complex than predicted by the hypothesis.
Constitutional Downregulation of SEMA5A Expression in Autism
Authors: Melin M. , Carlsson B. , Anckarsater H. , Rastam M. , Betancur C. , Isaksson A. , Gillberg C. , Dahl N.
Published: October 2006

There is strong evidence for the importance of genetic factors in idiopathic autism. The results from independent twin and family studies suggest that the disorder is caused by the action of several genes, possibly acting epistatically. We have used cDNA microarray technology for the identification of constitutional changes in the gene expression profile associated with idiopathic autism. Samples were obtained and analyzed from 6 affected subjects belonging to multiplex autism families and from 6 healthy controls. We assessed the expression levels for approximately 7,700 genes by cDNA microarrays using mRNA derived from Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B lymphocytes. The microarray data were analyzed in order to identify up- or downregulation of specific genes. A common pattern with nine downregulated genes was identified among samples derived from individuals with autism when compared to controls. Four of these nine genes encode proteins involved in biological processes associated with brain function or the immune system, and are consequently considered as candidates for genes associated with autism. Quantitative real-time PCR confirms the downregulation of the gene encoding SEMA5A, a protein involved in axonal guidance. Epstein-Barr virus should be considered as a possible source for altered expression, but our consistent results make us suggest SEMA5A as a candidate gene in the etiology of idiopathic autism.
Hypoglycaemia-Insulin Test: Discordant Growth Hormone and Cortisol Response in Paediatric Patients Regarding Recovery from Hypoglycaemia with or without Oral Glucose Solution
Authors: Yeste Diego , Tomasini Rosangela , Dodino Gabriela , Gussinyé Miquel , Potau Neus , Carrascosa Antonio
Published: October 2006

Background: Hypoglycaemia-insulin test (HIT) is the ‘gold standard’ for the diagnosis of adrenal–pituitary–hypothalamic axis disorders. Controversy exists on the convenience of recovery from an insulin-induced hypoglycaemia since this test is not risk-free. Objective: To ascertain whether recovery from insulin-induced hypoglycaemia with an oral glucose solution produces a different response of growth hormone (GH) and cortisol at different times of the study compared with spontaneous recovery from hypoglycaemia. Patients and Methods: Prospective study of 100 children and adolescents with growth delay who underwent an HIT. Patients were consecutively assigned to two groups of 50. In one group recovery from hypoglycaemia occurred spontaneously and in the other recovery was achieved with an oral glucose solution (20 g of glucose) when glycaemia was under 30 mg/dl. The two groups did not differ in age, sex, pubertal status, weight, height and IGF-I levels. Results: The response of GH at 30, 60, 90 and 120 min and cortisol at 10, 60, 90 and 120 min was lower and statistically significant in patients with recovery from hypoglycaemia with oral glucose solution. GH deficiency was diagnosed more frequently in patients recovered with glucose solutions (94%) compared to those with spontaneous recovery (68%). Conclu sions: Oral glucose solution administration when glycaemia was under 30 mg/dl in HIT produced a lower GH and cortisol response to insulin stimulus and a greater frequency of GH deficit diagnosis.
Euglycemic Hyperinsulinemia in Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock
Authors: Su Fuhong , Wang Zhen , Bruhn Alejandro , Verdant Colin , Cai Ying , Vincent Jean-Louis
Published: October 2006

Background: Recent studies have suggested that strict glucose control with intensive insulin therapy in critically ill patients may result in better outcomes. Whether this is also true in septic shock has not been determined. In addition, whether it is the insulin administration per se or the glucose control that contributes to the beneficial effects is unclear. We raised the hypothesis that euglycemic hyperinsulinemia (EH) might improve the outcome from septic shock due to peritonitis. Materials and Methods: Fourteen anesthetized, mechanically ventilated, and hemodynamically monitored sheep received 1.5 g/kg body weight i.p. feces to induce sepsis. Ringer’s lactate and 6% hydroxyethyl starch solutions were infused throughout the experiment to prevent hypovolemia. Two hours after feces injection, the animals were randomized to either an EH group (n = 7) receiving insulin 0.25 U/ kg/h, 20% glucose (to maintain blood glucose at 40–90 mg/dl), and potassium (to maintain the potassium level at 4.0– 5.5 mmol/l) or a control group (n = 7) with no intervention. All animals were studied until their spontaneous death or for 30 h. Results: The EH group received a greater volume of 20% glucose, but blood glucose and potassium concentrations were similar in the two groups. No significant differences were found in hemodynamic variables. The circulating interleukin-6 levels increased in both groups after feces injection, but tended to be lower in the EH group (p < 0.05). The survival times were similar in the two groups (median 20.0 h in the EH group vs. 17.0 h in the control group; p = 0.73). Conclusions: In this clinically relevant sheep septic shock model, EH decreased blood interleukin-6 concentrations but did not change hemodynamics or improve the outcome.
Approaches to Psychological Assessment by Educational Psychologists in England and Wales
Authors: Woods Kevin , Farrell Peter
Published: October 2006

This article reports on the findings of a questionnaire survey of 142 educational psychologists from England and Wales on their approach to the assessment of children with learning and behavioural problems. Participants were asked to report on the frequency with which they used a variety of approaches to assessment, including interviews with pupils and parents, observations, psychometric tests of ability and achievement, criterion referenced approaches and dynamic assessment. They were also asked to indicate the approaches that they found most useful. The findings indicate that partial psychometric assessments of ability feature prominently in the assessment of children with learning difficulties, though less in the assessment of children with behaviour problems. Approaches based on dynamic assessment are not used frequently although those who do use them find them to be useful to the purpose of the assessment. On the whole, the educational psychologists in this survey were not influenced by the written guidance proposed by the professional associations - the Division of Educational and Child Psychology and the Association of Educational Psychologists. In addition, 40 percent of respondents indicated that their work was not influenced by any one or more theoretical orientations in psychology that could be linked to the origins of behaviour or learning difficulties or about approaches to intervention. The findings are discussed in the light of developments in which the British Government is proposing to introduce wholesale changes to the ways in which services for children will be organized and to the professional roles and qualifications of different helping professions. Within these developments, it seems likely that educational psychologists will be required to justify their distinctive contribution to child assessment and intervention.
Clinical Examination and Ultrasound of Self-Reported Snapping Hip Syndrome in Elite Ballet Dancers
Authors: Winston Paul , Awan Raza , Cassidy J. David , Bleakney Robert K.
Published: October 2006

Background

Although snapping hip syndrome is commonly reported in ballet dancers, the prevalence, impact, and underlying mechanism of this condition have not been formally studied within a cohort of dancers.

Purpose

To determine the prevalence, associated factors, and mechanisms of snapping hip and to investigate self-reported snapping with physical and ultrasound examination.

Study Design

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

A snapping hip questionnaire was completed by 87 unselected elite ballet dancers at 2 institutions. Twenty-six of the dancers (50 hips) who were able to voluntarily snap their hips were selected from this group for further physical examination by 2 clinicians to determine whether there was a palpable snap, and each underwent an ultrasound examination of his or her hips.

Results

Ninety-one percent of dancers reported snapping hip, of which most (80%) had bilateral symptoms. Fifty-eight percent had pain associated with the snap, and 7% had taken time off dance because of this condition. Sixty percent of the dancers could voluntarily snap their hip. One or more of 3 dance movements elicited the snapping in 81%. The clinicians could palpate 46 of the 50 self-reported snapping hips. Ultrasound showed a snapping iliopsoas tendon in 59% of the hips and the iliotibial band snapping in 4%. In one third of cases, ultrasound was not helpful in identifying the cause of the snapping.

Conclusion

Snapping hip is extremely common in ballet dancers. Some dancers have significant pain, yet many are asymptomatic. Self-reported snapping is likely to be palpable by the clinician. Iliotibial band snapping is evident by physical examination and ultrasound. Iliopsoas snapping was most common and required ultrasonic confirmation.
Posterolateral Knee Reconstruction with an Anatomical Bone–Patellar Tendon–Bone Reconstruction of the Fibular Collateral Ligament
Authors: Noyes Frank R. , Barber-Westin Sue D.
Published: October 2006

Background

The authors have long advocated a graft reconstruction of the fibular collateral ligament, believing that direct suture repair or augmentation procedures do not provide a stable construct.

Purpose

To describe an operative technique and determine the clinical outcome of a bone–patellar tendon–bone graft anatomical replacement of the fibular collateral ligament in a consecutive series of knees.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

A consecutive group of knees undergoing anatomical posterolateral reconstruction that included a fibular collateral ligament reconstruction with a bone–patellar tendon–bone graft was prospectively followed to determine the functional outcome and failure rate. Thirteen patients (14 posterolateral reconstructions) were observed 2 to 13.7 years postoperatively. All major posterolateral structures were surgically restored. The procedure represented a primary reconstruction in 7 patients and a revision in 6 patients. Anterior cruciate ligament ruptures were found in 7 patients and bicruciate ruptures in 5 patients, all of which were reconstructed. The rehabilitation protocol allowed immediate knee motion from 0° to 90° but included protection against lateral joint loads to prevent graft stretching and failure. The results were determined by a knee examination, stress radiography, KT-2000 arthrometer, the Cincinnati Knee Rating System, and the International Knee Documentation Committee Rating System.

Results

Significant improvements were found at follow-up for pain (P = .0001), swelling (P = .02), patient rating of the overall knee condition (P < .001), walking (P < .05), and stair climbing (P < .05). Thirteen of the 14 (93%) reconstructions restored normal or nearly normal lateral joint opening and external tibial rotation and 1 failed. The anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions were normal or nearly normal in 11 knees and abnormal in 1 knee.

Conclusions

The anatomical posterolateral procedure was effective in restoring normal limits to lateral joint opening and external tibial rotation, allowed immediate knee motion, and appeared to protect other soft tissue repairs.
Randomized trial of exercise in sedentary middle aged women: effects on quality of life
Authors: Bowen Deborah J , Fesinmeyer Megan D , Yasui Yutaka , Tworoger Shelley , Ulrich Cornelia M , Irwin Melinda L , Rudolph Rebecca E , LaCroix Kristin L , Schwartz Robert R , McTiernan Anne
Published: October 2006

Increasing physical activity is currently considered to be a possible prevention strategy for cancer, obesity, and cardiovascular disease, either alone or in combination with dietary changes. This paper presents results of a randomized trial of moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise in middle aged, sedentary women; specifically, we report changes in and correlates of quality of life and functional status of this exercise intervention program for both the short (three months) and longer term (12 months). The intervention group showed a significant increase in Mental Health score from baseline to 3 months (p < .01), significantly greater than the change in the control group at 3 months (p < .01). A similar trend among exercisers was observed for the General Health score (p < .01), and this finding was significantly greater than the change in control group at 3 months (p = .01). Change in Social Support – Affection were predictors of the changes in quality of life variables. This study documented improvements in quality of life and general functioning that occurred as a result of participating in an exercise intervention in sedentary middle-aged women.
Comparison of proteomic profiles of serum, plasma, and modified media supplements used for cell culture and expansion
Authors: Ayache Saleh , Panelli Monica C , Byrne Karen M , Slezak Stefanie , Leitman Susan F , Marincola Francesco M , Stroncek David F
Published: October 2006

Background

The culture and expansion of human cells for clinical use requires the presence of human serum or plasma in culture media. Although these supplements have been extensively characterized in their chemical composition, only recently it has been possible to provide by high throughput protein analysis, a comprehensive profile of the soluble factors contributing to cell survival. This study analyzed and compared the presence of 100 proteins including chemokines, cytokines and soluble factors in six different types of media supplements: serum, plasma, recalcified plasma, heat inactivated serum, heat inactivated plasma and heat inactivated recalcified plasma.

Methods

Serum, plasma, recalcified plasma, and heat inactivated supplements were prepared from ten healthy subjects. The levels of 100 soluble factors were measured in each sample using a multiplexed ELISA assay and compared by Eisen hierarchical clustering analysis.

Results

A comparison of serum and plasma levels of soluble factors found that 2 were greater in plasma but 18 factors were greater in serum including 11 chemokines. The levels of only four factors differed between recalcified plasma and plasma. Heat inactivation had the greatest effect on soluble factors. Supervised Eisen hierarchical clustering indicated that the differences between heat inactivated supplements and those that were not were greater than the differences within these two groups. The levels of 36 factors differed between heat inactivated plasma and plasma. Thirty one of these factors had a lower concentration in heat inactivated plasma including 12 chemokines, 4 growth factors, 4 matrix metalloproteases, and 3 adhesion molecules. Heat inactivated decalcified plasma is often used in place of heat inactivated serum and the levels of 19 soluble factors differed between these two supplements.

Conclusion

Our report provides a comprehensive protein profile of serum, plasma recalcified plasma, and heat inactivated supplements. This profile represents a qualitative and quantitative database that can aid in the selection of the appropriate blood derived supplement for human cell cultures with special requirements.
Functional Studies of Akt Isoform Specificity in Skeletal Muscle in Vivo; Maintained Insulin Sensitivity Despite Reduced Insulin Receptor Substrate-1 Expression
Authors: Cleasby Mark E. , Reinten Tracie A. , Cooney Gregory J. , James David E. , Kraegen Edward W.
Published: October 2006

The phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway is thought to be essential for normal insulin action and glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle and has been shown to be dysregulated in insulin resistance. However, the specific roles of and signaling pathways triggered by Akt isoforms have not been fully assessed in muscle in vivo. We overexpressed constitutively active (ca-) Akt-1 or Akt-2 constructs in muscle using in vivo electrotransfer and, after 1 wk, assessed the roles of each isoform on glucose metabolism and fiber growth. We achieved greater than 2.5-fold increases in total Ser473 phosphorylation in muscles expressing ca-Akt-1 and ca-Akt-2, respectively. Both isoforms caused hypertrophy of muscle fibers, consistent with increases in p70S6kinase phosphorylation, and a 60% increase in glycogen accumulation, although only Akt-1 increased glycogen synthase kinase-3β phosphorylation. Akt-2, but not Akt-1, increased basal glucose uptake (by 33%, P = 0.004) and incorporation into glycogen and lipids, suggesting a specific effect on glucose transport. Consistent with this, short hairpin RNA-mediated silencing of Akt-2 caused reductions in glycogen storage and glucose uptake. Consistent with Akt-mediated insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) degradation, we observed approximately 30% reductions in IRS-1 protein in muscle overexpressing ca-Akt-1 or ca-Akt-2. Despite this, we observed no decrease in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Furthermore, a 68% reduction in IRS-1 levels induced using short hairpin RNAs targeting IRS-1 also did not affect glucose disposal after a glucose load. These data indicate distinct roles for Akt-1 and Akt-2 in muscle glucose metabolism and that moderate reductions in IRS-1 expression do not result in the development of insulin resistance in skeletal muscle in vivo.
COUP-TFI is required for the formation of commissural projections in the forebrain by regulating axonal growth
Authors: Armentano Maria , Filosa Alessandro , Andolfi Gennaro , Studer Michèle
Published: October 2006

The transcription factor COUP-TFI (NR2F1), an orphan member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is an important regulator of neurogenesis, cellular differentiation and cell migration. In the forebrain, COUP-TFI controls the connectivity between thalamus and cortex and neuronal tangential migration in the basal telencephalon. Here, we show that COUP-TFI is required for proper axonal growth and guidance of all major forebrain commissures. Fibres of the corpus callosum, the hippocampal commissure and the anterior commissure project aberrantly and fail to cross the midline in COUP-TFI null mutants. Moreover, hippocampal neurons lacking COUP-TFI have a defect in neurite outgrowth and show an abnormal axonal morphology. To search for downstream effectors, we used microarray analysis and showed that, in the absence of COUP-TFI, expression of various cytoskeleton molecules involved in neuronal morphogenesis is affected. Diminished protein levels of the microtubule-associated protein MAP1B and increased levels of the GTP-binding protein RND2 were confirmed in the developing cortex in vivo and in primary hippocampal neurons in vitro. Therefore, based on morphological studies, gene expression profiling and primary cultured neurons, the present data uncover a previously unappreciated intrinsic role for COUP-TFI in axonal growth in vivo and supply one of the premises for COUP-TFI coordination of neuronal morphogenesis in the developing forebrain.
Foraging energetics of a nectar-feeding ant: metabolic expenditure as a function of food-source profitability
Authors: Schilman Pablo E. , Roces Flavio
Published: October 2006

We examined the quantitative relationship between the energetic costs and benefits of nectar collection by nectar-feeding ants, Camponotus rufipes. In the laboratory, individual workers were trained to visit an artificial feeder that provided a sucrose solution of 1%, 5%, 10%, 30% or 50%at controlled flows, in a similar span range to those observed in natural nectar sources. We measured foraging times, nectar loads collected, and CO2 production during actual feeding, as an indication of the energy expenditure for a single forager. Results show an increase in individual metabolic rates with increasing flow rate of sugar solution, but no dependence on sucrose concentration. This increase in metabolic expenditure does not depend on the crop load attained while feeding, as intuitively expected, and is therefore a result of an increased activity brought about by the food-source profitability experienced by the forager. The energy gained during collection of sugar solution is always higher than the energy spent by the ant. Even with a food source of lower quality than a natural source, the ants gain ca. tenfold of what they spend. Based on a simplified model, we calculated that foragers of C. rufipes could travel from 0.5 to 9 km with the energy gained in a single foraging trip only. These results suggest that decreasing foraging time is more important than increasing individual energetic efficiency when workers of the nectar-feeding ant C. rufipes decide to stop drinking and return to the nest with partial crop loads.
Orbital‐facial complications of sinusitis in children
Authors: Fearon Blair , Edmonds Brodie , Bird Russel
Published: October 2006

Although complications of sinusitis in children have lessened remarkably since the advent of antibiotics, nevertheless they still occur. In a 25‐year period at the Hospital for Sick Children, 6,770 patients with the diagnosis of sinusitis were reviewed and 159 of these had orbital‐facial complications. Surgical intervention was necessary in 17 to prevent more serious complications. Although there were no deaths in non‐malignant disease, two patients developed permanent optic atrophy, presumably because of delayed surgical drainage. On occasion, malignant disease may simulate inflammatory processes.
Tongue strength: Part I: Following total laryngectomy
Authors: Dworkin James P. , Hartman David E. , Keith Robert L.
Published: October 2006

Surgical repositioning of the genioglossus muscle, as in total laryngectomy, may have an adverse effect on the protrusive strength of the tongue. To test this premise, anterior and lateral tongue strength measures were obtaind from 10 laryngectomized and 15 normal subjects by means of a pressure transducer and recording device. The results indicated no significant difference between laryngectomized and normal subjects on tongue strength measures. Further, all laryngectomized subjects were judged to have good to excellent esophageal speech. It was concluded that laryngectomy does not adversely affect the major musculature concerned with protrusive tongue strength for proficient esophageal speakers.
Positive delphian lymph node: Clinical significance in laryngeal cancer
Authors: Olsen Kerry D. , Desanto Lawrence W. , Pearson Bruce W.
Published: October 2006

The significance of metastatic cancer in the Delphian lymph node in patients with laryngeal carcinoma has not been thoroughly discussed. Between 1960 and 1985, we identified 20 cases of histologically proven metastasis to the Delphian node. In 12 of these patients with glottic cancer (T1‐T3), the neck was clinically negative but a positive Delphian node was discovered at partial or total laryngectomy; in 6 patients, ipsilateral neck metastasis developed. Eleven of the 20 patients have died from their laryngeal cancer. The frequency of neck metastasis or death, or both, from cancer is unusually high in patients with a positive Delphian node.
Safe Viewing of Solar Eclipses
Authors: Bressler Neil M. , Kong Jun , Arévalo J. Fernando
Published: March 2024

This JAMA Patient Page describes solar eclipses and how to view them safely.
Continuous Medicaid Eligibility During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Postpartum Coverage, Health Care, and Outcomes
Authors: Daw Jamie R. , MacCallum-Bridges Colleen L. , Kozhimannil Katy B. , Admon Lindsay K.
Published: March 2024

Importance

Pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), continuous Medicaid eligibility during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) created a de facto national extension of pregnancy Medicaid eligibility beyond 60 days postpartum.

Objective

To evaluate the association of continuous Medicaid eligibility with postpartum health insurance, health care use, breastfeeding, and depressive symptoms.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study using a generalized difference-in-differences design included 21 states with continuous prepolicy (2017-2019) and postpolicy (2020-2021) participation in the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS).

Exposures

State-level change in Medicaid income eligibility after 60 days postpartum associated with the FFCRA measured as a percent of the federal poverty level (FPL; ie, the difference in 2020 income eligibility thresholds for pregnant people and low-income adults/parents).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Health insurance, postpartum visit attendance, contraceptive use (any effective method; long-acting reversible contraceptives), any breastfeeding and depressive symptoms at the time of the PRAMS survey (mean [SD], 4 [1.3] months postpartum).

Results

The sample included 47 716 PRAMS respondents (64.4% aged <30 years; 18.9% Hispanic, 26.2% non-Hispanic Black, 36.3% non-Hispanic White, and 18.6% other race or ethnicity) with a Medicaid-paid birth. Based on adjusted estimates, a 100% FPL increase in postpartum Medicaid eligibility was associated with a 5.1 percentage point (pp) increase in reported postpartum Medicaid enrollment, no change in commercial coverage, and a 6.6 pp decline in uninsurance. This represents a 40% reduction in postpartum uninsurance after a Medicaid-paid birth compared with the prepolicy baseline of 16.7%. In subgroup analyses by race and ethnicity, uninsurance reductions were observed only among White and Black non-Hispanic individuals; Hispanic individuals had no change. No policy-associated changes were observed in other outcomes.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, continuous Medicaid eligibility during the COVID-19 PHE was associated with significantly reduced postpartum uninsurance for people with Medicaid-paid births, but was not associated with postpartum visit attendance, contraception use, breastfeeding, or depressive symptoms at approximately 4 months postpartum. These findings, though limited to the context of the COVID-19 PHE, may offer preliminary insight regarding the potential impact of post-pandemic postpartum Medicaid eligibility extensions. Collection of longer-term and more comprehensive follow-up data on postpartum health care and health will be critical to evaluating the effect of ongoing postpartum policy interventions.
Perspectives of Black Patients on Racism Within Emergency Care
Authors: Agarwal Anish K. , Gonzales Rachel E. , Sagan Charlotte , Nijim Sally , Asch David A. , Merchant Raina M. , South Eugenia C.
Published: March 2024

Importance

Numerous Black individuals experience racism persistently throughout their lives, with repercussions extending into health care settings. The perspectives of Black individuals regarding emergency department (ED) care, racism, and patient-centered approaches for dismantling structural racism remain less explored.

Objective

To qualitatively explore the perspectives and experiences of Black patients related to race, racism, and health care following a recent ED visit.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this qualitative study, the audio from semistructured interviews of Black patients discharged from an academic urban ED between August 2021 to April 2022 were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes encompassed the main themes from the analysis of the interviews with Black patients regarding their perspectives on race, racism, and clinical care.

Results

A total of 25 Black patients (20 [80%] female; mean [SD] age, 44.6 [12.9] years) discharged from the ED were interviewed. Three broad domains were identified: (1) racism in health care; (2) ED clinical care; and (3) recommendations for improvement. Within these domains, the first 2 were grouped into specific themes. Within the first domain, racism in health care, 7 themes were identified using thematic analysis: (1) a history of medical racism; (2) dismissiveness; (3) patient expectations on encountering racism; (4) medical mistrust; (5) health literacy; (6) postencounter outcomes, and (7) discrimination beyond but associated with race. Within the second theme, ED clinical care, 5 themes were identified using the same thematic analysis method: (1) discharge plan; (2) patient experience; (3) waiting room perceptions; (4) medication treatment; and (5) pain management. The third domain, recommendations for improvement, incorporated patient-generated suggestions for enhancing the Black patient experience.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this qualitative study, the fabric of clinical care delivery in the ED was intricately woven with Black patients' experiences of racism. Patients expressed a pervasive sense of mistrust, skepticism, and dismissiveness at the system level. Instances of racism were consistently highlighted by patients from their entry to the ED to discharge. These perspectives illuminate the pervasive nature of racism in clinical care, providing valuable insights for exploring patient-centered approaches to foster antiracist cultures in the ED and throughout the broader medical landscape.
Predictive Tool Use and Willingness for Surgery in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Zhou Yushy , Patten Lauren , Spelman Tim , Bunzli Samantha , Choong Peter F. M. , Dowsey Michelle M. , Schilling Chris
Published: March 2024

Importance

Despite the increasing number of tools available to predict the outcomes of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), the effect of these predictive tools on patient decision-making remains uncertain.

Objective

To assess the effect of an online predictive tool on patient-reported willingness to undergo TKA.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This parallel, double-masked, 2-arm randomized clinical trial compared predictive tool use with treatment as usual (TAU). The study was conducted between June 30, 2022, and July 31, 2023. Participants were followed up for 6 months after enrollment. Participants were recruited from a major Australian private health insurance company and from the surgical waiting list for publicly funded TKA at a tertiary hospital. Eligible participants had unilateral knee osteoarthritis, were contemplating TKA, and had previously tried nonsurgical interventions, such as lifestyle modifications, physiotherapy, and pain medications.

Intervention

The intervention group was provided access to an online predictive tool at the beginning of the study. This tool offered information regarding the likelihood of improvement in quality of life if patients chose to undergo TKA. The predictions were based on the patient’s age, sex, and baseline symptoms. Conversely, the control group received TAU without access to the predictive tool.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome measure was the reduction in participants’ willingness to undergo surgery at 6 months after tool use as measured by binomial logistic regression. Secondary outcome measures included participant treatment preference and the quality of their decision-making process as measured by the Knee Decision Quality Instrument.

Results

Of 211 randomized participants (mean [SD] age, 65.8 [8.3] years; 118 female [55.9%]), 105 were allocated to the predictive tool group and 106 to the TAU group. After adjusting for baseline differences in willingness for surgery, the predictive tool did not significantly reduce the primary outcome of willingness for surgery at 6 months (adjusted odds ratio, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.42-1.71; P = .64).

Conclusions and Relevance

Despite the absence of treatment effect on willingness for TKA, predictive tools might still enhance health outcomes of patients with knee osteoarthritis. Additional research is needed to optimize the design and implementation of predictive tools, address limitations, and fully understand their effect on the decision-making process in TKA.

Trial Registration

ANZCTR.org.au Identifier: ACTRN12622000072718
Preparation of Porous Ga‐Doped TiO2 Composite Aerogel and Its Bactericidal Activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Song Zihao , Huang Longjin , Cui Sheng
Published: March 2024

In this work, a novel strategy for preparing Ga‐doped TiO2 composite aerogel antibacterial agent through the sol–gel method and supercritical technology is demonstrated. The specific surface area of the samples is as high as 175 m2 g−1 and exhibits a 3D network structure with a multistage pore distribution. The obtained antibacterial agent combines the phototoxicity of TiO2, photo‐independent toxicity of Ga3+, and structural properties of aerogels, showing a synergistic antibacterial effect. On the one hand, TiO2 produces reactive oxygen species in the presence of light, thus destroying the structure of bacteria. On the other hand, Ga3+ competitively replaces Fe3+ and hinders the metabolic process of bacteria. Moreover, the structural properties of aerogels promote superior antimicrobial performance of antibacterial agents. Their antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria are mainly investigated through the inhibition zone and natural colony counting method. In the results, it is shown that the structure and bactericidal activity of TiO2 aerogel is effectively optimized with Ga3+ doping. The maximum zone of inhibition of the composite aerogel against E. coli and S. aureus is 17.5 and 16 mm, and the bactericidal rate is as high as 98.57% and 96.60%, which exhibit outstanding bactericidal performance.
Anisotropic Fluorinated‐Elastomer‐Blended Micro‐Dominoes for Wearable Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Lee Giwon , Lee Siyoung , Kim Daegun , Kim Su Hyun , Choi Chungryong , Lee Seung Goo , Cho Kilwon
Published: March 2024

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have emerged as promising portable and sustainable energy sources in daily life, harvesting energy from human motion, water, and wind. However, they still face limitations in aspects such as contact area, deformability, wettability, and manufacturing method. Here, a wearable TENG incorporating an anisotropic domino structure based on a fluorinated elastomer blend is presented. Because of its thin, elongated structure with broad sides, the TENG achieves substantially larger contact areas and high bendability. Introducing a fluorinated elastomer into the polydimethylsiloxane matrix via a simple blending process not only enhances the triboelectric performance but also reduces surface energy and improves the stretchability of elastomers. The anisotropic arrangement of dominoes, in synergy with the fluorinated elastomer, mimics the surface physicochemical properties of natural rice leaves, resulting in anisotropic superhydrophobic wetting behavior with a self‐cleaning effect and controlled directional water flow for efficient water energy harvesting. Therefore, the TENG functions as an energy‐harvesting leaf that captures energy from wind and water droplets, as well as a wearable energy‐harvesting wristband that generates power from human motions such as touching, shaking, and hand washing.