bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vivo reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton in leaves of Nicotiana tabacumL. transformed with plastin-GFP. Correlation with light-activated chloroplast responses
Authors: Anielska-Mazur Anna , Bernaś Tytus , Gabryś Halina
Published: May 2009

Background

The actin cytoskeleton is involved in the responses of plants to environmental signals. Actin bundles play the role of tracks in chloroplast movements activated by light. Chloroplasts redistribute in response to blue light in the mesophyll cells of Nicotiana tabacum. The aim of this work was to study the relationship between chloroplast responses and the organization of actin cytoskeleton in living tobacco cells. Chloroplast movements were measured photometrically as changes in light transmission through the leaves. The actin cytoskeleton, labeled with plastin-GFP, was visualised by confocal microscopy.

Results

The actin cytoskeleton was affected by strong blue and red light. No blue light specific actin reorganization was detected. EGTA and trifluoperazine strongly inhibited chloroplast responses and disrupted the integrity of the cytoskeleton. This disruption was reversible by Ca2+ or Mg2+. Additionally, the effect of trifluoperazine was reversible by light. Wortmannin, an inhibitor of phosphoinositide kinases, potently inhibited chloroplast responses but did not influence the actin cytoskeleton at the same concentration. Also this inhibition was reversed by Ca2+ and Mg2+. Magnesium ions were equally or more effective than Ca2+ in restoring chloroplast motility after treatment with EGTA, trifluoperazine or wortmannin.

Conclusion

The architecture of the actin cytoskeleton in the mesophyll of tobacco is significantly modulated by strong light. This modulation does not affect the direction of chloroplast redistribution in the cell. Calcium ions have multiple functions in the mechanism of the movements. Our results suggest also that Mg2+ is a regulatory molecule cooperating with Ca2+ in the signaling pathway of blue light-induced tobacco chloroplast movements.
Genetic variation in Fcγ receptor IIa and risk of coronary heart disease: negative results from two large independent populations
Authors: Karakas Mahir , Hoffmann Michael M , Vollmert Caren , Rothenbacher Dietrich , Meisinger Christa , Winkelmann Bernhard , Khuseyinova Natalie , Böhm Bernhard O , Illig Thomas , März Winfried , Koenig Wolfgang
Published: May 2009

Background

The role of the Fcγ receptor IIa (FcγRIIa), a receptor for C-reactive protein (CRP), the classical acute phase protein, in atherosclerosis is not yet clear. We sought to investigate the association of FcγRIIa genotype with risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in two large population-based samples.

Methods

FcγRIIa-R/H131 polymorphisms were determined in a population of 527 patients with a history of myocardial infarction and 527 age and gender matched controls drawn from a population-based MONICA- Augsburg survey. In the LURIC population, 2227 patients with angiographically proven CHD, defined as having at least one stenosis ≥ 50%, were compared with 1032 individuals with stenosis <50%.

Results

In both populations genotype frequencies of the FcγRIIa gene did not show a significant departure from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. FcγRIIa R(-131) → H genotype was not independently associated with lower risk of CHD after multivariable adjustments, neither in the MONICA population (odds ratio (OR) 1.08; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81 to 1.44), nor in LURIC (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.81 to 1.14).

Conclusion

Our results do not confirm an independent relationship between FcγRIIa genotypes and risk of CHD in these populations.
Diagnostic problems with parasitic and non-parasitic splenic cysts
Authors: Adas Gokhan , Karatepe Oguzhan , Altiok Merih , Battal Muharrem , Bender Omer , Ozcan Deniz , Karahan Servet
Published: May 2009

Background

The splenic cysts constitute a very rare clinical entity. They may occur secondary to trauma or even being more seldom due to parasitic infestations, mainly caused by ecchinocccus granulosus. Literature lacks a defined concencus including the treatment plans and follow up strategies, nor long term results of the patients. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the diagnosis, management of patients with parasitic and non-parasitic splenic cysts together with their long term follow up progresses.

Methods

Twenty-four patients with splenic cysts have undergone surgery in our department over the last 9 years. Data from eighteen of the twenty-four patients were collected prospectively, while data from six were retrospectively collected. All patients were assessed in terms of age, gender, hospital stay, preoperative diagnosis, additional disease, serology, ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), cyst recurrences and treatment.

Results

In this study, the majority of patients presented with abdominal discomfort and palpable swelling in the left hypochondrium. All patients were operated on electively. The patients included 14 female and 10 male patients, with a mean age of 44.77 years (range 20–62). Splenic hydatid cysts were present in 16 patients, one of whom also had liver hydatid cysts (6.25%). Four other patients were operated on for a simple cyst (16%) two patients for an epithelial cyst, and the last two for splenic lymphangioma. Of the 16 patients diagnosed as having splenic hydatit cysts, 11 (68.7%) were correctly diagnosed. Only two of these patients were administered benzimidazole therapy pre-operatively because of the risk of multicystic disease The mean follow-up period was 64 months (6–108). There were no recurrences of splenic cysts.

Conclusion

Surgeons should keep in mind the possibility of a parasitic cyst when no definitive alternative diagnosis can be made. In the treatment of splenic hydatidosis, benzimidazole therapy is not necessary, although it is crucial to perform splenectomy without rupturing and spilling the cysts.
Heme and menaquinone induced electron transport in lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Brooijmans Rob , Smit Bart , Santos Filipe , van Riel Jan , de Vos Willem M , Hugenholtz Jeroen
Published: May 2009

Background

For some lactic acid bacteria higher biomass production as a result of aerobic respiration has been reported upon supplementation with heme and menaquinone. In this report, we have studied a large number of species among lactic acid bacteria for the existence of this trait.

Results

Heme- (and menaquinone) stimulated aerobic growth was observed for several species and genera of lactic acid bacteria. These include Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacilllus brevis, Lactobacillus paralimentarius, Streptococcus entericus and Lactococcus garviae. The increased biomass production without further acidification, which are respiration associated traits, are suitable for high-throughput screening as demonstrated by the screening of 8000 Lactococcus lactis insertion mutants. Respiration-negative insertion-mutants were found with noxA, bd-type cytochrome and menaquinol biosynthesis gene-disruptions. Phenotypic screening and in silico genome analysis suggest that respiration can be considered characteristic for certain species.

Conclusion

We propose that the cyd-genes were present in the common ancestor of lactic acid bacteria, and that multiple gene-loss events best explains the observed distribution of these genes among the species.
The effect of dietary red palm oil on the functional recovery of the ischaemic/reperfused isolated rat heart: the involvement of the PI3-Kinase signaling pathway
Authors: Engelbrecht Anna-Mart , Odendaal Louise , Du Toit Eugene F , Kupai Kristina , Csont Tamás , Ferdinandy Peter , van Rooyen Jacques
Published: May 2009

We have previously shown that dietary red palm oil (RPO) supplementation improves functional recovery in hearts subjected to ischaemia/reperfusion-induced injury. Unfortunately, the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon are still poorly understood and no knowledge exists regarding the effects of RPO supplementation on the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-K) signaling pathway and apoptosis during ischaemia/reperfusion injury. Therefore, the aims of the present study were three fold: (i) to establish the effect of RPO on the functional recovery of the heart after ischaemia/reperfuion injury; (ii) to determine the effect of the PI3-K pathway in RPO-induced protection with the aid of an inhibitor (wortmannin); and (iii) to evaluate apoptosis in our model. Wistar rats were fed a standard rat chow control diet or a control diet plus 7 g RPO/kg for six weeks. Hearts were excised and mounted on a Langendorff perfusion apparatus. Mechanical function was measured after a 25 min period of total global ischaemia followed by 30 minutes of reperfusion. Hearts subjected to the same conditions were freeze-clamped for biochemical analysis at 10 min during reperfusion to determine the involvement of the PI3-Kinase signaling pathway and apoptosis in our model. Dietary RPO supplementation significantly increased % rate pressure product recovery during reperfusion (71.0 ± 6.3% in control vs 92.36 ± 4.489% in RPO; p < 0.05). The % rate pressure product recovery was significantly reduced when wortmannin was added during perfusion (92.36 ± 4.489% in the RPO group vs 75.21 ± 5.26% in RPO + Wm). RPO + Wm also significantly attenuated PI3-K induction compared with the RPO group (59.2 ± 2.8 pixels in RPO vs 37.9 ± 3.4 pixels in RPO + Wm). We have also demonstrated that PI3-K inhibition induced PARP cleavage (marker of apoptosis) in the hearts during ischaemia/reperfusion injury and that RPO supplementation counteracted this effect.
Automated detection of residual cells after sex-mismatched stem-cell transplantation – evidence for presence of disease-marker negative residual cells
Authors: Erlecke Jörn , Hartmann Isabell , Hoffmann Martin , Kroll Torsten , Starke Heike , Heller Anita , Gloria Alexander , Sayer Herbert G , Johannes Tilman , Claussen Uwe , Liehr Thomas , Loncarevic Ivan F
Published: May 2009

Background

A new chimerism analysis based on automated interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) evaluation was established to detect residual cells after allogene sex-mismatched bone marrow or blood stem-cell transplantation.

Cells of 58 patients were characterized as disease-associated due to presence of a bcr/abl-gene-fusion or a trisomy 8 and/or a simultaneous hybridization of gonosome-specific centromeric probes. The automatic slide scanning platform Metafer with its module MetaCyte was used to analyse 3,000 cells per sample.

Results

Overall 454 assays of 58 patients were analyzed. 13 of 58 patients showed residual recipient cells at one stage of more than 4% and 12 of 58 showed residual recipient cells less than 4%, respectively. As to be expected, patients of the latter group were associated with a higher survival rate (48 vs. 34 month). In only two of seven patients with disease-marker positive residual cells between 0.1–1.3% a relapse was observed. Besides, disease-marker negative residual cells were found in two patients without relapse at a rate of 2.8% and 3.3%, respectively.

Conclusion

The definite origin and meaning of disease-marker negative residual cells is still unclear. Overall, with the presented automatic chimerism analysis of interphase FISH slides, a sensitive method for detection of disease-marker positive residual cells is on hand.
Implementation of smoke-free policies in mental health
in-patient settings in England
Authors: Ratschen Elena , Britton John , McNeill Ann
Published: May 2009

Background

Mental health units in England had to become smoke-free by law from July
2008. Concerns regarding the implementation and enforcement of smoke-free
policies in these settings have been raised.

Aims

To study difficulties and challenges associated with smoke-free policy
implementation in English National Health Service (NHS) mental health
settings.

Method

Questionnaire survey of all 72 English NHS trusts providing mental health
in-patient services and facilities, supplemented by semi-structured
telephone interviews at a systematic sample of 7 trusts and site visits
at a convenience sample of 5 trusts.

Results

Questionnaires were returned by 79% of the trusts, all of whom had
implemented smoke-free policies. Most respondents (91%) believed that
mental health settings faced particular challenges, arising from the high
smoking prevalence among patients (81%), related safety risks (70%),
adverse effects on the clinician–patient relationship (36%), and
potential interactions with antipsychotic medication (34%). Interviews
indicated that sustained policy enforcement was perceived as difficult,
but that despite challenges and concerns, the impact of the policy was
regarded as beneficial, with some evidence of positive behavioural
changes occurring in people.

Conclusions

Many mental health trusts across England have implemented comprehensive
smoke-free policies but the majority state that they are facing specific
difficulties. Challenges and concerns need to be explored in depth and
addressed to ensure that smoke-free policies implemented under the terms
of the Health Act in July 2008 are not undermined.
Effect of a single dose of citalopram on amygdala response to emotional faces
Authors: Murphy Susannah E. , Norbury Raymond , O'Sullivan Ursula , Cowen Philip J. , Harmer Catherine J.
Published: May 2009

Background

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are typically thought to have a delay of several weeks in the onset of their clinical effects. However, recent reports suggest they may have a much earlier therapeutic onset. A reduction in amygdala responsivity has been implicated in the therapeutic action of SSRIs.

Aims

To investigate the effect of a single dose of an SSRI on the amygdala response to emotional faces.

Method

Twenty-six healthy volunteers were randomised to receive a single oral dose of citalopram (20 mg) or placebo. Effects on the processing of facial expressions were assessed 3 h later using functional magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

Volunteers treated with citalopram displayed a significantly reduced amygdala response to fearful facial expressions compared with placebo.

Conclusions

Such an immediate effect of an SSRI on amygdala responses to threat supports the idea that antidepressants have an earlier onset of therapeutically relevant effects than conventionally thought.
The Glucose Transporter 2 Undergoes Plasma Membrane Endocytosis and Lysosomal Degradation in a Secretagogue-Dependent Manner
Authors: Hou June Chunqiu , Williams Dumaine , Vicogne Jérôme , Pessin Jeffrey E.
Published: May 2009

In β-cells of the pancreas, the glucose transporter (GLUT)-2 facilitative glucose transporter protein is localized to the plasma membrane and functions as part of the glucose sensing mechanism for the stimulation of insulin secretion. We observed that expressed GLUT2 protein in the cultured Min6B1 cell line undergoes enhanced endocytosis at high extracellular glucose concentrations that stimulate insulin secretion. Moreover, the internalized GLUT2 protein undergoes rapid degradation induced by chronic high-glucose or arginine stimulation but does not undergo plasma membrane recycling or accumulation in any microscopically apparent intracellular membrane compartment. The rapid degradation of GLUT2 was prevented by lysosomal inhibition (chloroquine) concomitant with the accumulation of GLUT2 in endomembrane structures. In contrast, neither endocytosis nor the lack of internal membrane localized GLUT2 remained completely unaffected by proteosomal inhibition (lactacystin) or an heat shock protein-90 inhibitor (geldanamycin). Moreover, the endocytosis and degradation of GLUT2 was specific for β-cells because expression of GLUT2 in 3T3L1 adipocytes remained cell surface localized and did not display a rapid rate of degradation. Together, these data demonstrate that hyperglycemia directly affects β-cell function and activates a trafficking pathway that results in the rapid endocytosis and degradation of the cell surface GLUT2 glucose transporter.
Receptors for Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Play a Protective Role against Obesity and Alter Adipose Tissue Macrophage Status
Authors: Pamir Nathalie , McMillen Timothy S. , Kaiyala Karl J. , Schwartz Michael W. , LeBoeuf Renée C.
Published: May 2009

TNF-α signals through two receptors, TNFR1 and TNFR2. Our goals were: 1) determine the role of TNFRs in obesity and metabolic disease and 2) investigate whether TNFRs contribute to the link between obesity and adipose tissue macrophage infiltration and polarization. R1−/−R2−/− (RKO) and wild-type (WT) mice were fed standard chow or a high-fat/high-sucrose diet (HFHS) over 14 wk. Body composition, food intake, and energy expenditure were measured. Oral glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity tests assessed glucose homeostasis. Adipose tissue and systemic inflammatory status were evaluated by quantifying plasma adipokine levels and macrophage-specific gene expression in fat. RKO mice were heavier (10%) and fatter (18%) than WT controls at 4 wk of age and were 26% heavier and 50% fatter than WT after 14 wk of HFHS diet feeding. Age- and diet-adjusted 24-h oxygen consumption, activity, and respiratory exchange ratio were significantly reduced in RKO mice. Obese RKO mice were markedly insulin resistant, suggesting that intact TNFR signaling is not required for the effect of obesity to impair glucose metabolism. Adipose tissue from HFHS-fed RKO mice exhibited increased macrophage infiltration, but compared with WT mice, macrophage phenotypic markers featured a predominance of antiinflammatory M2 over proinflammatory M1 cells. TNFRs play a physiological role to limit body weight and adiposity by modestly increasing metabolic rate and fatty acid oxidation, and they are required for obesity-induced activation of adipose tissue macrophages. Despite these effects, TNFRs are not required for obesity-induced insulin resistance.
Water exchange and permeability properties of the skin in three species of amphibious sea snakes (Laticauda spp.)
Authors: Lillywhite H. B. , Menon J. G. , Menon G. K. , Sheehy C. M. , Tu M. C.
Published: May 2009

Evolutionary transitions between different environmental media such as air and water pose special problems with respect to skin permeability because of the dramatic changes in the driving gradients and nature of water exchange processes. Also, during the transitional periods prior to complete adaptation to a new medium, the skin is exposed to two very different sets of environmental conditions. Here, we report new data for transepidermal evaporative water loss (TEWL) and cutaneous resistance to evaporative water loss (Rs) of sea snakes that are transitional in the sense of being amphibious and semi-terrestrial. We investigated three species of sea kraits (Elapidae: Laticaudinae) that are common to Orchid Island (Lanyu),Taiwan. Generally, Rs of all three species is lower than that characteristic of terrestrial/xeric species of snakes measured in other taxa. Within Laticauda, Rs is significantly greater (TEWL lower) in the more terrestrial species and lowest (TEWL highest)in the more aquatic species. Previously reported losses of water from snakes kept in seawater exhibit a reversed trend, with lower rates of loss in the more aquatic species. These data suggest selection for adaptive traits with respect to increasing exposure to the marine environment. Thus, a countergradient of traits is reflected in decreased TEWL in aerial environments and decreased net water efflux in marine environments, acting simultaneously in the three species. The pattern for TEWL correlates with ultrastructural evidence for increased lipogenesis in the stratum corneum of the more terrestrial species. The skin surfaces of all three species are hydrophobic. Species differences in this property possibly explain the pattern for water efflux when these snakes are in seawater, which remains to be investigated.
Substantial energy expenditure for locomotion in ciliates verified by means of simultaneous measurement of oxygen consumption rate and swimming speed
Authors: Katsu-Kimura Yumiko , Nakaya Fumio , Baba Shoji A. , Mogami Yoshihiro
Published: May 2009

In order to characterize the energy expenditure of Paramecium, we simultaneously measured the oxygen consumption rate, using an optic fluorescence oxygen sensor, and the swimming speed, which was evaluated by the optical slice method. The standard metabolic rate (SMR, the rate of energy consumption exclusively for physiological activities other than locomotion)was estimated to be 1.18×10–6 J h–1cell–1 by extrapolating the oxygen consumption rate into one at zero swimming speed. It was about 30% of the total energy consumed by the cell swimming at a mean speed of 1 mm s–1, indicating that a large amount of the metabolic energy (about 70% of the total) is consumed for propulsive activity only. The mechanical power liberated to the environment by swimming Paramecium was calculated on the basis of Stokes' law. This power, termed Stokes power, was 2.2×10–9 J h–1 cell–1, indicating extremely low efficiency (0.078%) in the conversion of metabolic power to propulsion. Analysis of the cost of transport (COT, the energy expenditure for translocation per units of mass and distance) revealed that the efficiency of energy expenditure in swimming increases with speed rather than having an optimum value within a wide range of forced swimming, as is generally found in fish swimming. These characteristics of energy expenditure would be unique to microorganisms, including Paramecium, living in a viscous environment where large dissipation of the kinetic energy is inevitable due to the interaction with the surrounding water.
Effects of information about group members on young children's attitudes towards the in‐group and out‐group
Authors: Nesdale Drew , Lawson Michael J. , Durkin Kevin , Duffy Amanda
Published: May 2009

Research shows that being a member of a group is sufficient to instigate more positive attitudes towards the in‐group than an out‐group in young children. The present study assessed whether children's intergroup attitudes during the middle childhood years are moderated by additional information about in‐group and out‐group members, as proposed by Aboud's (1988) socio‐cognitive theory (ST). To a minimal group 6‐, 8‐, and 10‐year‐old children (N=159) were assigned, and received information, or no information, about the interests and activities of the in‐group and out‐group members. Results indicated that the in‐group was always rated more positively than the out‐group, and that the in‐group's ratings were unaffected by either the in‐group or out‐group information. In contrast, out‐group ratings were affected by out‐group information, but only when there was no information available about the in‐group. The implications of the findings for ST, and for social identity development theory, are discussed.
Isolation of Tributyltin-Degrading BacteriaCitrobacter braakiiandEnterobacter cloacaefrom Butyltin-Polluted Sediment
Authors: Sakultantimetha A. , Keenan H. E. , Dyer M. , Beattie T. K. , Bangkedphol S. , Songsasen A.
Published: May 2009

Tributyltin compound (TBT) released into the aquatic environment is generally degraded by bacteria in water and sediment. The isolation of TBT-degrading bacteria from TBT polluted sediment leads to the indication of specific potential TBT degraders. Two new strains of bacteria designated as B2 and B3 were successfully isolated using glycerol medium containing tributyltin chloride (TBTC) at 130 μM from contaminated sediment collected from Bowling Basin in Glasgow. The observed degradation after 14 days of the microcosm from the sediment and the isolated bacteria were investigated at an initial concentration of 1 μM TBTC. It was found that TBT was degraded by the bacterial strains B2 and B3 at 8.3 and 16.9 %, respectively. The results indicate that B2 and B3 are effective as TBT degraders. EC50 of B2 and B3 in water were 88.73 and 112.53 μM TBTC, which were significantly higher than the concentration of TBT measured at the basin, suggesting a low effect of TBT on the growth and activity of bacteria. After identification using API 20E and 16S sequencing, the bacterial isolate strain B2 is Citrobacter braakii and B3 is Enterobacter cloacae. Therefore, this study has discovered two species of high resistance TBT degrader which have never been previously studied or isolated based upon TBT degradation ability.
Optimalsteuerung kooperierender MehrfahrzeugsystemeOptimal Control of Cooperative Multi-Vehicle Systems
Authors: Reinl Christian , Glocker Markus , von Stryk Oskar
Published: May 2009

Nichtlineare hybride dynamische Systemmodelle kooperativer Optimalsteuerungsprobleme ermöglichen eine enge und formale Kopplung von diskreter und kontinuierlicher Zustandsdynamik, d. h. von dynamischer Rollen-, Aktionszuweisung mit wechselnder physikalischer Bewegungsdynamik. In den resultierenden gemischt-ganzzahligen Mehrphasen-Optimalsteuerungsproblemen können Beschränkungen an diskrete und kontinuierliche Zustands- und Steuervariablen berücksichtigt werden, z. B. Formations- oder Kommunikationsanforderungen. Zwei numerische Verfahren werden untersucht: ein Dekompositionsansatz mit Branch-and-Bound und direktem Kollokationsverfahren sowie die Approximation durch große gemischt-ganzzahlige lineare Optimierungsaufgaben. Die Verfahren werden auf exemplarische Problemstellungen angewendet: Die simultane Wegpunktreihenfolge- und Trajektorienoptimierung von Luftfahrzeugen sowie die Optimierung von Rollenverteilung und Trajektorien im Roboterfußball.
What Do Prospective Research Participants Want to Know? What Do They Assume They Know Already?
Authors: Walkup James , Bock Elinor
Published: May 2009

Using a framework based on conversational pragmatics, data were collected on spontaneous information requests by people who were invited to participate in a simple research study. Subjects requested information on some standard elements of consent (e.g., scientific purpose, time required, investigator), but not others (e.g., voluntariness, freedom to quit, data maintenance, risks). Using post hoc fixed response queries, we investigated factors responsible for absence of queries on elements of consent. We found that participants sometimes did not ask because they assumed they already knew the answer; other times they did not care about the answer. This small pilot study suggests that inclusion of elements considered inappropriate by respondents may be redundant and, in at least some circumstances, potentially confusing.
More Than Just Money: The Faith Gospel and Occult Economies in Contemporary Tanzania
Authors: Lindhardt Martin
Published: May 2009

This article examines the relationship between the Faith Gospel in a Tanzanian prosperity ministry and "occult economies," described as discourses and practices relating the means of generating wealth to an occult and morally ambiguous dimension. The author argues that in addition to offering miraculous means of attaining material ends, the Faith Gospel provides ways of dealing with moral and perceived dangerous aspects of wealth and accumulation. This argument is pursued through a focus on ritualized offerings, seen as a "gift economy" along the lines described by Marcel Mauss. In offerings, coins and bills are purified and invested with complex human and divine qualities, turning them into personalized gifts rather than neutral mediums of exchange. Finally the author discusses how born-again Christians come to terms with the absence of immediate divine countergifts, in part by emphasizing the cultural value of slowness and transparency.
Sterols and fecal indicator microorganisms in sediments from Admiralty Bay, Antarctica
Authors: Martins César de Castro , Montone Rosalinda Carmela , Gamba Rosa Carvalho , Pellizari Vivian Helena
Published: May 2009

Sediments from the proximity of Ferraz station outfall, located in Admiralty Bay, Antarctica, were analyzed for fecal indicator microorganisms and sterols during the austral summer of 1999/2000 in order to assess human sewage input. Concentrations of total sterols and coprostanol ranged from 0.09 to 19.6 ¼g.g-1 and < 0.01 and 14.0 ¼g.g-1 dry weight (dw), respectively. Our analyses indicated that only sites within to 400m of the sewage outfall exhibited a sterol signal characteristic of human sewage input. Low levels of coprostanol and high levels of cholesterol in distant sites could be attributed to natural sources such as marine mammals and planktonic organisms. Fecal indicator microorganisms (E. coli, fecal streptococci and Clostridium perfringens) were non-detectable beyond 50m from outfall. Both indicators (sterols and fecal indicator microorganisms) produced consistent data and fecal sterol parameters have sho wn themselves to be efficient in the evaluation of trace amounts of fecal material. This study concluded that sewage contamination is limited to the immediate vicinity of the sewage outfall. In general, the concentration of fecal sterols and microbiological indicators were lower than in other Antarctic areas.
Reduction in Mortality Associated with Statin Therapy in Patients with Severe Sepsis
Authors: Dobesh Paul P. , Klepser Donald G. , McGuire Timothy R. , Morgan Craig W. , Olsen Keith M.
Published: May 2009

Study Objective. To evaluate the effect of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) on mortality in patients with severe sepsis.

Design. Retrospective cohort study.

Setting. Intensive care unit (ICU) of an academic medical center.

Patients. One hundred eighty‐eight patients aged 40 years or older with a diagnosis of severe sepsis and an ICU stay between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2006.

Measurements and Main Results. Patient demographic data, statin use, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores at the time of sepsis diagnosis were collected from the patient database. We used a multivariable logistic regression model to evaluate the association between statin use and in‐hospital all‐cause mortality after controlling for age, sex, and severity of illness. Of the 188 patients who met our inclusion criteria, 60 (32%) had statin exposure. Patients receiving statins were similar in age, sex, and APACHE II scores to those not receiving statins. In the univariable comparison, the statin group had a 35% relative reduction in mortality compared with the nonstatin group (mortality rate 31.7% vs 48.4%, p=0.040). Most of the mortality reduction attributed to statins occurred in patients with APACHE II scores higher than 24 (mortality rate 32.3% vs 57.5%, p=0.031), with a minimal mortality difference in patients with APACHE II scores of 24 or lower (31% vs 36.4%, p=0.810). In the multivariable regression model, statin use had a protective effect (odds ratio [OR] 0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.21‐0.84, p=0.014), whereas increasing age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01‐1.06, p=0.013) and higher APACHE II score (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.05‐1.18, p=0.001) were associated with increased mortality.

Conclusion. The use of statins was associated with a protective effect in patients with severe sepsis, as demonstrated by a significant reduction in mortality compared with patients not receiving statins.
Optimizing Pediatric Dosing: A Developmental Pharmacologic Approach
Authors: Anderson Gail D. , Lynn Anne M.
Published: May 2009

Many physiologic differences between children and adults can result in age‐related differences in pharmacokinetics. Understanding the effects of age on bioavailability, volume of distribution, protein binding, hepatic metabolic isoenzymes, and renal elimination can provide insight into optimizing doses for pediatric patients. We performed a search of English‐language literature using the MEDLINE database regarding age and pharmacokinetics (1979‐July 2008). We then evaluated the literature with an emphasis on drugs with one primary elimination pathway, such as renal clearance or a pathway involving a single metabolic isoenzyme. Our mechanistic‐based analysis revealed that children need weight‐corrected doses that are substantially higher than adult doses for drugs that are metabolically eliminated solely by the specific cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzymes CYP1A2, CYP2C9, and CYP3A4. In contrast, weight‐corrected doses for drugs eliminated by renal excretion or metabolism involving CYP2C19, CYP2D6,N‐acetyltransferase 2, or uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferases are similar in children and adults. In children, bioavailability of drugs with high first‐pass metabolism is decreased for drugs metabolized by CYP1A2, CYP2C9, and CYP3A4. Limited data suggest that by age 5 years, bioavailability of drugs affected by efflux transporters should be equivalent to that of adults. Using a pharmaco‐kinetics‐based approach, rational predictions can be made for the effects of age on drugs that undergo similar pathways of elimination, even when specific pharmacokinetic data are limited or unavailable.
Treatment of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia During Pregnancy
Authors: Yang Daisy , Hladnik Lindsay
Published: May 2009

Management of the pregnant patient with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a challenge. Immediate treatment of APL is critical, as it is an oncologic emergency, with a high risk of morbidity and mortality associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation. However, administration of chemotherapy and differentiating agents in pregnancy is controversial because of potential teratogenic effects. In addition, complications associated with APL, including retinoic acid syndrome, add to the complexity of management. To better understand how to manage this complex patient care situation, we searched the PubMed database (January 1972‐May 2008) for English‐language articles about maternal and fetal outcomes resulting from APL treatment during pregnancy. A total of 42 cases from 35 articles were identified: 12 first‐trimester, 21 second‐trimester, and 9 third‐trimester cases. The most commonly administered agents were all‐trans‐retinoic acid (ATRA), anthracyclines, and antimetabolites. Complete remission was reported in 35 (83%) of 42 patients. Administration of ATRA or chemotherapy in the first trimester was associated with an increased risk of fetal malformations and spontaneous abortion, whereas administration in the second and third trimesters was associated with relatively favorable fetal outcomes. The overall treatment of the pregnant patient with APL should include a discussion about pregnancy termination, especially if APL is diagnosed in the first trimester. If the pregnancy is to continue, then the appropriate chemotherapy regimen needs to be determined. Frequent fetal monitoring, along with aggressive management of potential APL‐related complications, is necessary to allow for optimal maternal and fetal outcomes.
Management of Atypical Antipsychotic Drug‐Induced Weight Gain: Focus on Metformin
Authors: Miller Lisa J.
Published: May 2009

Many patients taking atypical antipsychotic drugs will experience weight gain. Evidence suggests that long‐term treatment with these agents decreases glucose effectiveness, alters satiety signals, creates hormonal resistance to satiety control, and may have a direct effect on hypothalamic appetite centers. The serotonin2c‐ and histamine1‐receptor antagonism of atypical antipsychotics may also lead to weight gain. Several nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic methods have been used to address this adverse effect, with varying success. Metformin is an antidiabetic drug that has been shown to cause weight loss in patients with diabetes mellitus, as well as in some individuals without diabetes. To evaluate whether metformin can decrease weight gain induced by atypical antipsychotics in patients without diabetes, we conducted a literature search using the MEDLINE database (1970–October 2008) and clinicaltrials.gov Web site for relevant trials. Overall, 14 articles were identified for inclusion; review articles, case reports, and open‐label studies were excluded. Thus, eight double‐blind, placebo‐controlled studies were reviewed; both pediatric and adult trials were included. Metformin has several advantages, including ease of use and a favorable safety profile. Although lactic acidosis was not reported in any of the studies reviewed, this potentially rare but severe adverse effect must be considered when prescribing this agent. Limited data suggest that metformin may attenuate weight gain in both adult and adolescent patients taking atypical antipsychotics. However, most of the trials included foreign populations, were only 12–16 weeks in duration, and the dosage of metformin may not have been adequately titrated. Although the study results do not provide clear substantial evidence that metformin, as an adjuvant to atypical antipsychotic use, will decrease weight gain and improve metabolic effects, they are encouraging. Additional studies of longer duration that include behavioral therapy and special diets should be conducted in patients from the United States. Currently, the drug is being used as a secondary or tertiary intervention, and its use may be considered in patients with a personal and/or family history of obesity or metabolic dysfunction, and in subjects who have rapid weight gain early in antipsychotic treatment.
An Antimicrobial Stewardship Program with a Focus on Reducing Fluoroquinolone Overuse
Authors: Wong‐Beringer Annie , Nguyen Lee H. , Lee Michelle , Shriner Kimberly A. , Pallares Jean
Published: May 2009

The fluoroquinolones have become the leading class of antimicrobial agents prescribed to adults in the United States. Resistance of key pathogens to fluoroquinolones has developed rapidly in parallel with increased prescribing of these drugs. We describe our pharmacist‐led antimicrobial stewardship program that focused on reducing inappropriate prescribing of fluoro‐quinolones, with the goals of limiting the development of resistance and improving patient outcomes. Core strategies were regular monitoring and reporting of resistance trends observed on institutional antibiograms, performing drug audits and related studies with intervention and feedback to prescribers, implementing an automatic parenteral‐to‐oral conversion program, establishing and implementing a β‐lactam‐based institutional guideline for empiric therapy, and educating prescribers. This successful program reduced empiric prescribing of fluoroquinolones by 30%, improved susceptibility for all antipseudomonal agents against Pseudomonas aeruginosa overall by 10%, and decreased mortality associated with P. aeruginosa infections by 2‐fold. Our stewardship program clearly demonstrated that pharmacists can take on leadership roles to positively change antimicrobial prescribing at the institutional level and improve patient outcomes.
Screening of Xanthine Oxidase Producing Microorganisms Using Nitroblue Tetrazolium Based Colorimetric Assay Method
Authors: Agarwal Amit , Banerjee U.C.
Published: May 2009

Xanthine oxidase is a highly versatile and ubiquitous complex molybdoflavoprotein, which controls the rate
limiting step of purine catabolism pathway. Microbial xanthine oxidase can be used to address a number of questions
presently not feasible with the eukaryotic enzymes. In the present study, a high-throughput microtitre plate-based colorimetric
assay for xanthine oxidase producing microorganism was developed. Superoxides produced by microbial cultures,
grown on xanthine rich medium interacts with nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) solution and produces dark blue color,
which facilitates the rapid screening of xanthine oxidase producing microorganisms and could be adapted for quick quantitative
assessment and distribution of xanthine oxidase in many heterogeneous microbial communities. The method developed
may be utilized for the rapid screening of a variety of xanthine oxidase producing microorganisms from the nature.
Natural stress relief meditation as a tool for reducing anxiety and increasing self-actualization
Authors: Coppola Fabrizio , Spector David
Published: May 2009

Natural Stress Relief (NSR) Meditation, a mental technique practiced for 15 minutes twice a day, reduces stress and anxiety by inducing a physiological state of deep rest. Regular practice of this technique appears to reduce trait anxiety and to develop qualities associated with self-actualization,
such as inner peace, satisfaction, and creativity. This article reports new research that documents this effect using psychometric measures. A group of 31 practitioners showed, after four weeks of regular practice, a significant reduction of trait anxiety as measured by the State-Trait Anxiety
Inventory (STAI; Spielberger, Gorsuch, Lushene, Vagg, & Jacobs, 1983) (effect size d = .69, calculated following Cohen), and a significant increase of self-actualization as measured by the Jones and Crandall (1986) Short Index of Self-Actualization (SISA; effect size d =
.47).
Pitch and Longitudinal Fluting Effects on the Primary Stability of Miniscrew Implants
Authors: Brinley Christine L. , Behrents Rolf , Kim Ki Beom , Condoor Sridhar , Kyung Hee-Moon , Buschang Peter H.
Published: May 2009

Objective: To test the hypotheses that pitch and fluting have no effect on the primary stability of miniscrew implants (MSIs).

Materials and Methods: Maximum placement torque and pullout strength of experimental MSIs were compared with those of control MSIs with the use of synthetic and cadaver bone. MSIs with 1.00 mm pitch were compared with those with 1.25 mm and 0.75 mm pitch; MSIs with three longitudinal flutes were compared with the same MSIs without flutes. A total of 60 MSIs (15 of each design) were evaluated with synthetic bone; a split-mouth cadaver model was used to compare the three experimental designs against the 1 mm control MSIs (total of 90 MSIs).

Results: The synthetic bone model showed higher placement torque and pullout strength for the 0.75 pitch than for the 1.0 mm and 1.25 mm pitch MSIs, but differences were significant (P < .05) only for pullout strength. The cadaver model showed no significant differences in placement torque or pullout strength associated with pitch. Both synthetic and cadaver bone models showed that MSIs with flutes had significantly (P < .05) higher placement torque and pullout strength. Spearman correlations between placement torque and pullout strength were statistically significant for both synthetic (r = .504) and cadaver (r = .502) bone.

Conclusion: Within limits, decreasing MSI pitch increases pullout strength, and fluting increases both placement torque and pullout strength.
Effects of Mandibular Advancement plus Prohibition of Lower Incisor Movement on Mandibular Growth in Rats
Authors: Taira Koji , Iino Shoichiro , Kubota Takeshi , Fukunaga Tomohiro , Miyawaki Shouichi
Published: May 2009

Introduction: To test the hypothesis that mandibular advancement with the use of a fixed functional appliance combined with prohibition of labial movement of the lower incisors will have no effect on mandibular growth in growing rats.

Materials and Methods: Fifteen 4-week-old male rats were divided into fixed, unfixed, and control groups (n = 5, each). Bite-jumping appliances were used in the fixed and unfixed groups. Sites of bone perforation and the lower incisors were connected with ligature wires in the fixed group. The ramus height, mandibular length, and inclination of lower incisors were examined for 4 weeks, and those values were compared among five intervals and three groups by through one-way analysis of variance models and the Bonferroni multiple comparison test for post hoc comparison.

Results: Increases in ramus height and mandibular length during the experimental period were 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm in the fixed group, 1 mm and 1.5 mm in the unfixed group, and 1.2 mm and 1.9 mm in the control group, respectively. Growth of ramus height and growth of mandibular length in the fixed group were greater than in the unfixed and control groups during the experimental period. The inclination of lower incisors in the unfixed group was increased 8.0 degrees throughout the experimental period, which differed from results obtained in the other groups.

Conclusions: Mandibular growth was accelerated effectively before and during the pubertal period in rats by mandibular advancement with a fixed functional appliance combined with prohibition of labial movement of the lower incisor.
Individual Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase 1 Expression Modulates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Inflammation in Human Myotubes and Is Associated With Skeletal Muscle Lipid Storage and Insulin Sensitivity In Vivo
Authors: Peter Andreas , Weigert Cora , Staiger Harald , Machicao Fausto , Schick Fritz , Machann Jürgen , Stefan Norbert , Thamer Claus , Häring Hans-Ulrich , Schleicher Erwin
Published: May 2009

OBJECTIVE

Increased plasma levels of free fatty acids occur in obesity and type 2 diabetes and contribute to the development of insulin resistance. Saturated fatty acids (SFAs) such as palmitate especially have lipotoxic effects leading to endoplasmatic reticulum (ER) stress, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) plays a key role in preventing lipotoxic effects, as it converts SFAs to less harmful monounsaturated fatty acids. Here, we tested the hypothesis that individual differences in the regulation of SCD1 expression by palmitate exist and influence insulin sensitivity and the cellular response to palmitate.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Palmitate-induced gene expression was studied in primary human myotubes of 39 metabolically characterized individuals, as well as in an SCD1-overexpressing cell culture model.

RESULTS

SCD1 mRNA expression and inducibility by palmitate in cultured myotubes showed a broad interindividual variation, presumably due to inheritable characteristics of the donors. Overexpression of SCD1 prevented the inflammatory and ER stress response to palmitate exposure. In primary human myotubes, high SCD1 inducibility was associated with a low inflammatory (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-8, and chemokine [CXC motif] ligand 3 [CXCL3]) and ER stress (CCAAT/enhancer binding protein [C/EBP] homologous protein, activating transcription factor 3 [ATF3], and X-box binding protein 1 [XBP1]) response to palmitate exposure. Finally, palmitate-stimulated SCD1 mRNA expression, positively correlated with intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) content of the donors, was measured by 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy. After adjustment for IMCL, SCD1 expression and inducibility were positively correlated with insulin sensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

We hypothesize that myocellular SCD1 inducibility by palmitate is an individual characteristic that modulates lipid storage, palmitate-induced inflammation, ER stress, and insulin resistance. This may describe individuals with increased capability of innoxious free fatty acid handling and benign triglyceride storage.