bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Real Estate and Economic Crisis: An Opportunity for Urban Return and Rehabilitation Policies in Spain
Authors: Pérez Jesús M. González
Published: June 2010

In the early 1980s, suburbanization and periurbanization processes became widespread in major cities within Spain. An interesting stage of returning to city centers commenced that materialized in the start of rehabilitation policies within historic centers. These processes coincided with weak population growth, an acute industrial economic crisis, and new democratic policies in municipal councils. Three decades later, we may be witnessing similar processes, although with different origins. The consequences of a construction-based economic model have been disastrous in Spain, from both an economic as well as an environmental point of view. The artificial land boom was significant throughout the country, but was especially prominent within the Mediterranean areas that specialize in tourism and real estate (second homes). The burst of the real estate bubble has shown the irrationality of the economic model and the serious social and environmental consequences that the model has entailed. Within this context, some of the territorial transformation processes that occurred in Spain during the real estate boom period are being studied for the first time. Additionally, changes in land policies (urban renewal of centers and urban renewal in general) within the current economic and real estate crisis are analyzed. An urban rehabilitation that gradually includes new spaces for intervention and for introducing new sustainable methods for recovering degraded spaces, such as the Master Plan for Platja de Palma, a mature tourism destination that seeks a final ‘0 CO2 balance’ scenario, among other objectives.
Immune Tolerance Induction by Integrating Innate and Adaptive Immune Regulators
Authors: Suzuki Jun , Ricordi Camillo , Chen Zhibin
Published: June 2010

A diversity of immune tolerance mechanisms have evolved to protect normal tissues from immune damage. Immune regulatory cells are critical contributors to peripheral tolerance. These regulatory cells, exemplified by the CD4+Foxp3+regulatory T (Treg) cells and a recently identified population named myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), regulate immune responses and limiting immune-mediated pathology. In a chronic inflammatory setting, such as allograft-directed immunity, there may be a dynamic “cross-talk” between the innate and adaptive immunomodulatory mechanisms for an integrated control of immune damage. CTLA4-B7-based interaction between the two branches may function as a molecular “bridge” to facilitate such “cross-talk.” Understanding the interplays among Treg cells, innate suppressors, and pathogenic effector T (Teff) cells will be critical in the future to assist in the development of therapeutic strategies to enhance and synergize physiological immunosuppressive elements in the innate and adaptive immune system. Successful development of localized strategies of regulatory cell therapies could circumvent the requirement for very high number of cells and decrease the risks associated with systemic immunosuppression. To realize the potential of innate and adaptive immune regulators for the still elusive goal of immune tolerance induction, adoptive cell therapies may also need to be coupled with agents enhancing endogenous tolerance mechanisms.
Continuous and High-Level in Vivo Delivery of Endostatin from Recombinant Cells Encapsulated in TheraCyte® Immunoisolation Devices
Authors: Malavasi N. V. , Rodrigues D. B. , Chammas R. , Chura-Chambi R. M. , Barbuto J. A. M. , Balduino K. , Nonogaki S. , Morganti L.
Published: June 2010

Endostatin (ES) is a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis and tumor growth. Continuous ES delivery of ES improves the efficacy and potency of the antitumoral therapy. The TheraCyte® system is a polytetrafluoro-ethylene (PTFE) semipermeable membrane macroencapsulation system for implantation of genetically engineered cells specially designed for the in vivo delivery of therapeutic proteins, such as ES, which circumvents the problem of limited half-life and variation in circulating levels. In order to enable neovascularization at the tissues adjacent to the devices prior to ES secretion by the cells inside them, we designed a scheme in which empty TheraCyte® devices were preimplanted SC into immunodeficient mice. Only after healing (17 days later) were Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing ES injected into the preimplanted devices. In another model for device implantation, the cells expressing ES where loaded into the immunoisolation devices prior to implantation into the animals, and the TheraCyte® were then immediately implanted SC into the mice. Throughout the 2-month study, constant high ES levels of up to 3.7 μg/ml were detected in the plasma of the mice preimplanted with the devices, while lower but also constant levels of ES (up to 2.1 μg/ml plasma) were detected in the mice that had received devices preloaded with the ES-expressing cells. Immunohistochemistry using anti-ES antibody showed reaction within the device and outside it, demonstrating that ES, secreted by the confined recombinant cells, permeated through the membrane and reached the surrounding tissues.
Enhanced Prediction of Porcine Islet Yield and Posttransplant Outcome Using a Combination of Quantitative Histomorphometric Parameters and Flow Cytometry
Authors: Jin Sang-Man , Kim Kang Seok , Lee Song-Yi , Gong Chang-Hoon , Park Su Kyoung , Yu Jae Eun , Yeom Su-Cheong , Yoon Tai Wook , Ha Jongwon , Park Chung-Gyu , Kim Sang-Joon
Published: June 2010

Prediction of islet yield and posttransplant outcome is essential for clinical porcine islet xenotransplantation. Although several histomorphometric parameters of biopsied porcine pancreases are predictive of islet yield, their role in the prediction of in vivo islet potency is unknown. We investigated which histomorphometrical parameter best predicts islet yield and function, and determined whether it enhanced the predictive value of in vitro islet function tests for the prediction of posttransplant outcome. We analyzed the histomorphometry of pancreases from which 60 adult pig islet isolations were obtained. Islet function was assessed using the β-cell viability index based on flow cytometry analysis, oxygen consumption rate, ADP/ATP ratio, and/or concurrent transplantation into NOD/SCID mice. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that only islet equivalent (IEQ)/cm2and the number of islets >200 μm in diameter significantly predicted an islet yield of >2000 IEQ/g ( p < 0.001 for both) and in vivo islet potency ( p = 0.024 and p = 0.019, respectively). Although not predictive of islet yield, a high proportion of large islets (>100 μm in diameter) best predicted diabetes reversal ( p = 0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the β-cell viability index ( p = 0.003) and the proportion of islets >100 μm in diameter ( p = 0.048) independently predicted mean posttransplant blood glucose level (BGL). When BGL was estimated using both these parameters [area under the ROC curve (AUC), 0.868; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.730-1.006], it predicted posttransplant outcome more accurately than the β-cell viability index alone (AUC, 0.742; 95% CI, 0.544-0.939). In conclusion, we identified the best histomorphometric predictors of islet yield and posttransplant outcome. This further enhanced the predictive value of the flow cytometry analysis. These parameters should be useful for predicting islet yield and in vivo potency before clinical adult porcine islet xenotransplantation.
Texas Justice Reinvestment: Be More like Texas?
Authors: Fabelo Tony
Published: June 2010

In 2007, Texas elected officials faced a major dilemma: spend a half billion dollars to build and operate new prisons to accommodate the surging number of people expected to be incarcerated or explore options to control that growth. The Council of State Governments Justice Center assisted state officials with developing plans to address this potential crisis, in partnership with the Pew Charitable Trusts Center on the States—which in 2006 launched the Public Safety Performance Project to help states advance fiscally sound, data-driven sentencing and corrections policies to protect public safety and control corrections costs—and the Bureau of Justice Assistance, U.S. Department of Justice. In response to this work the Texas legislature adopted, and the governor approved, a budget that included greater treatment capacity in the prison system and the expansion of diversion options in the probation and parole system. A total of 4,500 new diversion beds and 5,200 new program slots were funded. The final budget adopted by the legislature for the 2008–2009 biennium reflected an increase of $241 million in funding for additional diversion and treatment capacity. The expansion of these programs translated into a net savings of $443.9 million in the FY 2008–09 budget by reducing funding for contracted bed space and canceling funding for the construction of the new prison units originally proposed. The initiative has stabilized the growth of the Texas prison population. The increase in treatment capacity and intermediate sanction facilities funded by the initiative has helped to increase the number of people on probation connected to services and reduce the number revoked to prison. Looking at where Texas is today in the management of its state correctional policies in comparison to California, “be more like Texas” may not be a bad thing. Unlike in California, the actions of Texas policy makers has maintained the prison system operating within capacity, and, more importantly, has led to major strengthening in the treatment and community corrections system that should serve the state well in the future in terms of reducing correctional costs and improving public safety outcomes.
The Not-so-Golden State of Sentencing and Corrections: California's Lessons for the Nation
Authors: Weisberg Robert
Published: June 2010

California has become the unfortunate poster child of dysfunctionality in American criminal justice, with most of its prison system under federal court control. From 2006–2008, the Stanford Criminal Justice Center undertook an innovative series of Executive Sessions to help diagnose California's problems and proffer solutions. Participants included a range of high-level state officials, judges, policymakers, and agency heads, as well as academic experts, and this article synthesizes the consensus observations of this group. The main symptom of California's problems is the endless recycling of offenders through parole revocations back into and out of prison, but the sources of the problem lie in a poorly coordinated political economy of incarceration. The system is plagued by regulatory mismatches, failure to collect needed data on offenders and transmit it efficiently within the system, and irrational externalities and disincentives that thwart the goal of sound cost-benefit analysis. However unusual, California offers useful lessons for the whole nation, especially the value of seeing the relationship between the macro governmental structure and the micro level of daily administrative practice. The key lesson is that retooling the system from the ground level up can help instill some faith in and momentum for reform.
An Assessment of the Development and Outcomes of Determinate Sentencing in Florida
Authors: Bales William D. , Gaes Gerry G. , Blomberg Thomas G. , Pate Kerensa N.
Published: June 2010

The prior literature on determinate sentencing has been largely descriptive, critical, and without a comprehensive empirical focus regarding the development and consequences of this major justice reform. A common claim made in these prior studies is that determinate sentencing has resulted in our current prison overcrowding crises (i.e., Austin & Irwin, 2007). This paper responds to this empirical void through an assessment of Florida's efforts to implement determinate sentencing over the past 30 years. Included in the assessment is a study of the comparative effectiveness between indeterminate and determinate sentencing in terms of post-prison recidivism. The major findings are that Florida's incremental shift from indeterminate to determinate sentencing that culminated in the 85% time-served law passed in 1995 has not been as punitive as expected and has not been the primary reason for Florida's exponential increase in the prison population. Rather, the major increase in Florida's prison population is found to have been driven by the increase in felony convictions. Moreover, in a comparison of recidivism outcomes between indeterminate and determinate sentences, it is found that the 85% law has been associated with significant reductions in the likelihood of recidivism. While these findings are limited to Florida and, therefore, await further validation with other states and jurisdictions, it appears that some of the pessimistic conclusions in the literature on determinate sentencing could be premature.
Danger and Opportunity: Making Public Safety Job One in Pennsylvania's Indeterminate Sentencing System
Authors: Bergstrom Mark H. , Mistick Joseph Sabino
Published: June 2010

Pennsylvania's prison population increased annually between 2000 and 2007 by an average of 3.2%. However, between 2007 and 2008, the change was 9.1%, the highest in the nation and well above the national average of 0.8%. In 2008, the Pennsylvania General Assembly authorized $800 million for the construction of four new state correctional facilities; nonetheless, the Department of Corrections has contracted with county facilities to house about 500 state prisoners, and with other jurisdictions to transfer 2,000 inmates to facilities out of state. Both overcrowded facilities and reactionary policies to reduce overcrowding can have negative impacts on public safety. In an indeterminate sentencing system, efforts to maintain public safety within the constraints of correctional resources requires fundamental changes in sentencing practices and improved coordination with parole decision making. In the fall of 2008, the Pennsylvania General Assembly enacted a comprehensive package of sentencing and corrections reform legislation, which added to the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing's existing duties the responsibilities of developing parole guidelines. The establishment of integrated guidelines, for consideration at sentencing and at parole, represents a major departure from the guideline practices of the last three decades in Pennsylvania. It requires a careful consideration of the role of retribution and prediction in the development of guidelines, the use of actuarial data to forecast future offending patterns, and the study of outcomes to determine the efficacy of sentencing and parole programs and practices. However, as has been demonstrated convincingly in other jurisdictions, when done correctly, public safety can be enhanced and correctional costs contained through a more thoughtful and coordinated use of these evidence-based approaches.
Reducing America's Correctional Populations: A Strategic Plan
Authors: Austin James
Published: June 2010

It has been 40 years (1969) since a decline in the nation's prison population has been reported. In 1969 our crime rate was 3,680 per 100,000 population and our incarceration rate was 97 per 100,000. Today the crime rate is 3,667 (the same as 1969) but our incarceration rate is about five times higher, at 508 per 100,000. With the soaring costs of corrections and a stagnant economy, policy makers are searching for ways to lower their investment in corrections. The only ways to lower correctional populations are to reduce the number of admissions and the lengths of stay in prison or through probation and parole. It is highly unlikely that such a reduction can be achieved by reducing recidivism rates, which have remained unchanged for at least 25 years and are unlikely to change. Rather, the solution lies in simply returning to the same sentencing and correctional policies that existed a few decades ago when our crime rate was what it is today. This paper outlines the proven methods that have been used in other jurisdictions (both currently and historically) and can be used to significantly reduce the entire correctional system.
HIV-Specific IL-21 Producing CD4+ T Cells Are Induced in Acute and Chronic Progressive HIV Infection and Are Associated with Relative Viral Control
Authors: Yue Feng Yun , Lo Calvin , Sakhdari Ali , Lee Erika Yue , Kovacs Colin M. , Benko Erika , Liu Jun , Song Haihan , Jones R. Brad , Sheth Prameet , Chege Duncan , Kaul Rupert , Ostrowski Mario A.
Published: June 2010

We examined the role of CD4+ T cell IL-21 production in viral control of HIV infection. HIV-infected individuals had greater circulating IL-21–producing CD4+ T cells in blood compared with uninfected volunteers. HIV-specific IL-21–producing CD4+ T cells were detected in blood during untreated acute and chronic HIV infection, and elevated frequencies of these cells correlated with relative viral control. These cells had an effector memory or end effector phenotype and expressed CXCR5. HIV-specific CD8+ T cells exhibited high levels of IL-21R, indicating sensitivity to IL-21. Low or aviremic long-term nonprogressors, however, showed absent or low HIV-specific IL-21 CD4+ T cells, but more easily detectable HIV-specific IL-2–producing CD4+ T cells, suggesting changing requirements for particular γ-chain cytokines depending on Ag abundance. Thus, IL-21–producing CD4+ T cells are induced in viremic HIV infection and likely contribute to viral control by affecting CD8+ T cell maintenance.
Purinergic Receptor Inhibition Prevents the Development of Smoke-Induced Lung Injury and Emphysema
Authors: Cicko Sanja , Lucattelli Monica , Müller Tobias , Lommatzsch Marek , De Cunto Giovanna , Cardini Silvia , Sundas William , Grimm Melanine , Zeiser Robert , Dürk Thorsten , Zissel Gernot , Boeynaems Jean-Marie , Sorichter Stephan , Ferrari Davide , Di Virgilio Francesco , Virchow J. Christian , Lungarella Giuseppe , Idzko Marco
Published: June 2010

Extracellular ATP acts as a “danger signal” and can induce inflammation by binding to purinergic receptors. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is one of the most common inflammatory diseases associated with cigarette smoke inhalation, but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. In this study, we show that endogenous pulmonary ATP levels are increased in a mouse model of smoke-induced acute lung inflammation and emphysema. ATP neutralization or nonspecific P2R-blockade markedly reduced smoke-induced lung inflammation and emphysema. We detected an upregulation the purinergic receptors subtypes on neutrophils (e.g., P2Y2R), macrophages, and lung tissue from animals with smoke-induced lung inflammation. By using P2Y2R deficient (−/−) animals, we show that ATP induces the recruitment of blood neutrophils to the lungs via P2Y2R. Moreover, P2Y2R deficient animals had a reduced pulmonary inflammation following acute smoke-exposure. A series of experiments with P2Y2R−/− and wild type chimera animals revealed that P2Y2R expression on hematopoietic cell plays the pivotal role in the observed effect. We demonstrate, for the first time, that endogenous ATP contributes to smoke-induced lung inflammation and then development of emphysema via activation of the purinergic receptor subtypes, such as P2Y2R.
Herpes Simplex Virus Infects Skin γδ T Cells before Langerhans Cells and Impedes Migration of Infected Langerhans Cells by Inducing Apoptosis and Blocking E-Cadherin Downregulation
Authors: Puttur Franz K. , Fernandez Marian A. , White Rose , Roediger Ben , Cunningham Anthony L. , Weninger Wolfgang , Jones Cheryl A.
Published: June 2010

The role individual skin dendritic cell (DC) subsets play in the immune response to HSV remains unclear. We investigated the effect of HSV on DC virus uptake, viability, and migration after cutaneous infection in vitro and in vivo. HSV increased the emigration of skin DCs from whole skin explants over 3 d postinfection (p.i.) compared with mock controls, but the kinetics of emigration was influenced by the skin DC subset. Uninfected (bystander) Langerhans cells (LCs) were the major emigrant DC subset at 24 h p.i., but thereafter, large increases in infected CD103+langerin+ dermal DC (dDC) and uninfected langerin− dDC emigration were also observed. LC infection was confirmed by the presence of HSV glycoprotein D (gD) and was associated with impaired migration from cultured skin. Langerin+ dDC also expressed HSV gD, but infection did not impede migration. We then followed the virus in live MacGreen mice in which LCs express GFP using a fluorescent HSV-1 strain by time-lapse confocal microscopy. We observed a sequential infection of epidermal cells, first in keratinocytes and epidermal γδ T cells at 6 h p.i., followed by the occurrence of HSVgD+ LCs at 24 h p.i. HSV induced CCR7 upregulation on all langerin+ DC, including infected LCs, and increased production of skin TNF-α and IL-1β. However, a large proportion of infected LCs that remained within the skin was apoptotic and failed to downregulate E-cadherin compared with bystander LCs or mock controls. Thus, HSV infection of LCs is preceded by infection of γδ T cells and delays migration.
Regulation of Cytokine-Driven Functional Differentiation of CD8 T Cells by Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1 Controls Autoimmunity and Preserves Their Proliferative Capacity toward Foreign Antigens
Authors: Ramanathan Sheela , Dubois Stephanie , Gagnon Julien , Leblanc Chantal , Mariathasan Sanjeev , Ferbeyre Gerardo , Rottapel Robert , Ohashi Pamela S. , Ilangumaran Subburaj
Published: June 2010

We have previously shown that naive CD8 T cells exposed to IL-7 or IL-15 in the presence of IL-21 undergo Ag-independent proliferation with concomitant increase in TCR sensitivity. In this study, we examined whether CD8 T cells that accumulate in suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1)-deficient mice because of increased IL-15 signaling in vivo would respond to an autoantigen expressed at a very low level using a mouse model of autoimmune diabetes. In this model, P14 TCR transgenic CD8 T cells (P14 cells) adoptively transferred to rat insulin promoter-glycoprotein (RIP-GP) mice, which express the cognate Ag in the islets, do not induce diabetes unless the donor cells are stimulated by exogenous Ag. Surprisingly, SOCS1-deficient P14 cells, which expanded robustly following IL-15 stimulation, proliferated poorly in response to Ag and failed to cause diabetes in RIP-GP mice. SOCS1-deficient CD8 T cells expressing a polyclonal TCR repertoire also showed defective expansion following in vivo Ag stimulation. Notwithstanding the Ag-specific proliferation defect, SOCS1-null P14 cells produced IFN-γ and displayed potent cytolytic activity upon Ag stimulation, suggesting that SOCS1-null CD8 T cells underwent cytokine-driven functional differentiation that selectively compromised their proliferative response to Ag but not to cytokines. Cytokine-driven homeostatic expansion in lymphopenic RIP-GP mice allowed SOCS1-null, but not wild-type, P14 cells to exert their pathogenic potential even without Ag stimulation. These findings suggest that by attenuating cytokine-driven proliferation and functional differentiation, SOCS1 not only controls the pathogenicity of autoreactive cells but also preserves the ability of CD8 T cells to proliferate in response to Ags.
Cutting Edge: FcR-Like 5 on Innate B Cells Is Targeted by a Poxvirus MHC Class I-Like Immunoevasin
Authors: Campbell Jessica A. , Davis Randall S. , Lilly Lauren M. , Fremont Daved H. , French Anthony R. , Carayannopoulos Leonidas N.
Published: June 2010

Under selective pressure from host immunity, viruses have retained genes encoding immunoevasins, molecules interfering with host viral recognition and clearance. Due to their binding specificities, immunoevasins can be exploited as affinity labels to identify host-encoded molecules of previously unsuspected importance in defense against the relevant class of virus. We previously described an orthopoxvirus MHC class I-like protein (OMCP) that binds with high affinity to the activating receptor NKG2D on NK and T cell subsets, implicating NKG2D in antiorthopoxvirus immunity. In this study, we report that OMCP also binds in an NKG2D-independent manner to B cells and monocytes/macrophages. We identify murine FcR-like 5 (FCRL5), an orphan immunoregulatory protein highly expressed by innate B lymphocytes, as a specific receptor for OMCP. The three N-terminal Ig domains of FCRL5 are required for OMCP binding. The targeting of FCRL5 by an orthopoxvirus immunoevasin strongly implicates it in contributing to host defense against zoonotic orthopoxviruses.
Early Signals during CD8+ T Cell Priming Regulate the Generation of Central Memory Cells
Authors: Obar Joshua J. , Lefrançois Leo
Published: June 2010

The CD8+ T cell response to infection is characterized by the appearance of short-lived (CD127low killer cell lectin-like receptor G 1–high) and memory-precursor (CD127high killer cell lectin-like receptor G 1–low) effector cells. How and when central-memory T (TCM; CD62Lhigh CCR7+) cell and effector-memory T(TEM; CD62Llow CCR7−) cell subsets are established remains unclear. We now show that the TCM cell lineage represents an early developmental branchpoint during the CD8+ T cell response to infection. Central-memory CD8+ T cells could be identified prior to the peak of the CD8+ T cell response and were enriched in lymphoid organs. Moreover, the kinetics and magnitude of TCM cell development were dependent on the infectious agent. Furthermore, the extent of early Ag availability, which regulated programmed death-1 and CD25 expression levels, controlled the TCM/TEM cell lineage decision ultimately through IL-2 and IL-15 signaling levels. These observations identify key early signals that help establish the TCM/TEM cell dichotomy and provide the means to manipulate memory lineage choices.
Binding of Host Factors Influences Internalization and Intracellular Trafficking ofStreptococcus uberisin Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells
Authors: Almeida Raul A. , Dunlap John R. , Oliver Stephen P.
Published: June 2010

We showed that internalization ofStreptococcus uberisinto bovine mammary epithelial cells occurred through receptor- (RME) and caveolae-mediated endocytosis (CME). We reported also that treatment ofS. uberiswith host proteins including lactoferrin (LF) enhanced its internalization into host cells. Since the underlying mechanism(s) involved in such enhancement was unknown we investigated if preincubation ofS. uberiswith host proteins drives internalization of this pathogen into host cells through CME. Thus, experiments involving coculture of collagen-, fibronectin-, and LF-pretreatedS. uberiswith bovine mammary epithelial cells treated with RME and CME inhibitors were conducted. Results showed that internalization of host proteins-pretreatedS. uberisinto mammary epithelial cells treated with RME inhibitors was higher than that of untreated controls. These results suggest that pretreatment with selected host proteins commitsS. uberisto CME, thus avoiding intracellular bactericidal mechanisms and allowing its persistence into bovine mammary epithelial cells.
Effect of Base Sequence on G‐Wire Formation in Solution
Authors: Spindler Lea , Rigler Martin , Drevenšek-Olenik Irena , Ma′ani Hessari Nason , Webba da Silva Mateus
Published: June 2010

The formation and dimensions of G‐wires by different short G‐rich DNA sequences in solution were investigated by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and polyacrilamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). To explore the basic principles of wire formation, we studied the effects of base sequence, method of preparation, temperature, and oligonucleotide concentration. Both DLS and PAGE show that thermal annealing induces much less macromolecular self‐assembly than dialysis. The degree of assembly and consequently length of G‐wires (5‐6 nm) are well resolved by both methods for DNA sequences with intermediate length, while some discrepancies appear for the shortest and longest sequences. As expected, the longest DNA sequence gives the longest macromolecular aggregates with a length of about 11 nm as estimated by DLS. The quadruplex topologies show no concentration dependence in the investigated DNA concentration range (0.1 mM–0.4 mM) and no structural change upon heating.
Interferon Alpha Characterization and Its Comparative Expression in PBM Cells of Capra hircus and Antelope cervicapra Cultured in the Presence of TLR9 Agonist
Authors: Doreswamy Ramesh , Saini Mohini , Swarup Devendra , Singh Vivek Kumar , Upreti Suchitra , Das Asit , Gupta Praveen K.
Published: June 2010

TLR9 plays pivotal role in innate immune responses through upregulation of costimulatory molecules and induction of proinflammatory cytokines like type I interferons including interferon alpha (IFNA). The present study characterized IFNA cDNA and predicted protein sequences in goat and black buck. Response of the PBM cells to TLR9 agonist CpG ODN C and Phorbol Myristate Acetate (PMA) was evaluated by realtime PCR. IFNA coding sequences were amplified from leukocyte cDNA and cloned in pGEMT-easy vector for nucleotide sequencing. Sequence analysis revealed 570 bp, IFNA ORF encoding 189 amino acids in goat and black buck. Black buck and goat IFNA has 92.1% to 94.7% and 93% to 95.6% similarity at nucleotide level, 86.3% to 89.5% and 70.9% to 91.6% identity at amino acid level with other ruminants, respectively. Nonsynonymous substitutions exceeding synonymous substitutions indicated IFNA evolved through positive selection among ruminants. In spite of lower total leukocyte count, the innate immune cells like monocytes and neutrophils were more in black buck compared to goat. In addition, CpG ODN C-stimulated PBM cells revealed raised IFNA transcript in black buck than goat. These findings indicate sturdy genetically governed immune system in wild antelope black buck compared to domestic ruminant goat.
Superior Vena Cava Syndrome in a Patient with Polycytemia Vera: Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Lentini Salvatore , Barone Mario , Benedetto Filippo , Spinelli Francesco
Published: June 2010

Polycythemia vera is a myeloproliferative disorder characterized by thrombotic complications both in the arterial and venous systems. We report the case of a 55-year-old patient affected by polycythemia vera, presenting with acute superior vena cava syndrome due to thrombosis of the upper part of the superior vena cava. Diagnosis was done clinically and by computed tomography scan and showed an unusual finding: an air bubble trapped in the brachiocephalic venous trunk. The patient underwent emergency surgery. Diagnosis and treatment of the case are discussed.
Methods to Enhance Verbal Communication between Individuals with Alzheimer's Disease and Their Formal and Informal Caregivers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Egan Mary , Bérubé Daniel , Racine Geneviève , Leonard Carol , Rochon Elizabeth
Published: June 2010

Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of dementia in older adults. Although memory problems are the most characteristic symptom of this disorder, many individuals also experience progressive problems with communication. This systematic review investigates the effectiveness of methods to improve the verbal communication of individuals with Alzheimer's disease with their caregivers. The following databases were reviewed: PsychINFO, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, REHABDATA, and COMDIS. The inclusion criteria were: (i) experimentally based studies, (ii) quantitative results, (iii) intervention aimed at improving verbal communication of the affected individual with a caregiver, and (iv) at least 50% of the sample having a confirmed diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. A total of 13 studies met all of the inclusion criteria. One technique emerged as potentially effective: the use of memory aids combined with specific caregiver training programs. The strength of this evidence was restricted by methodological limitations of the studies. Both adoption of and further research on these interventions are recommended.
Postdisaster Health Communication and Information Sources: The Iowa Flood Scenario
Authors: Murphy Matthew W. , Iqbal Shahed , Sanchez Carlos A. , Quinlisk M. Patricia
Published: June 2010

Background: During June 2008, heavy precipitation and 500-year flood events resulted in the displacement of thousands of families throughout eastern Iowa. The objectives of this study were to assess the effectiveness and preferred sources of health messages communicated to the public following the disaster.

Methods: Three hundred twenty-seven households were surveyed in 4 counties hit hardest by the flooding. A 48-item questionnaire containing items on demographics, housing, health information sources, and 8 specific health issues was administered.

Results: Almost all of the participants (99.0%) received information on at least 1 of the health topics covered by the survey. Most participants received information regarding vaccination (84.1%), mold (79.5%), safe use of well water (62.7%), respirator use (58.7%), or stress (53.8%). Television was the primary (54.7%) and preferred (60.2%) source of health information for most people, followed by the Internet (11.0% and 30.3% as source and preference, respectively).

Conclusions: Public health messages were received by a wide audience in the flood-affected communities. Along with more traditional health communication channels such as television, radio, or newspapers, continued emphasis on the development of health information Web sites and other technological alternatives may result in useful and effective health communication in similar situations.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2010;4:129-134)
Chicago Medical Response to the 2010 Earthquake in Haiti: Translating Academic Collaboration Into Direct Humanitarian Response
Authors: Babcock Christine , Baer Carolyn , Bayram Jamil D. , Chamberlain Stacey , Chan Jennifer L. , Galvin Shannon , Kim Jimin , Kinet Melodie , Kysia Rashid F. , Lin Janet , Malik Mamta , Murphy Robert L. , Olopade C. Sola , Theodosis Christian
Published: June 2010

On January 12, 2010, a major earthquake in Haiti resulted in approximately 212 000 deaths, 300 000 injuries, and more than 1.2 million internally displaced people, making it the most devastating disaster in Haiti's recorded history. Six academic medical centers from the city of Chicago established an interinstitutional collaborative initiative, the Chicago Medical Response, in partnership with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in Haiti that provided a sustainable response, sending medical teams to Haiti on a weekly basis for several months. More than 475 medical volunteers were identified, of whom 158 were deployed to Haiti by April 1, 2010. This article presents the shared experiences, observations, and lessons learned by all of the participating institutions. Specifically, it describes the factors that provided the framework for the collaborative initiative, the communication networks that contributed to the ongoing response, the operational aspects of deploying successive medical teams, and the benefits to the institutions as well as to the NGOs and Haitian medical system, along with the challenges facing those institutions individually and collectively. Academic medical institutions can provide a major reservoir of highly qualified volunteer medical personnel that complement the needs of NGOs in disasters for a sustainable medical response. Support of such collaborative initiatives is required to ensure generalizability and sustainability.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2010;4:169-173)
Otologic Considerations of Blast Injury
Authors: Darley D. Spencer , Kellman Robert M.
Published: June 2010

The ear by design is exquisitely sensitive to barotrauma. As a result, it is typically the first organ affected in primary blast injury. The most common symptoms encountered include hearing loss, ringing, and drainage. In severe cases, the highest priority is appropriately directed toward diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening injuries; however, injury to the ear is missed frequently. With simple screening procedures, limited management, and appropriate otolaryngologic referral, acute and long-term morbidity can be averted for both critical and noncritical patients. The article provides an overview of blast mechanics and pathophysiology. It details various blast-related injuries to the external, middle, and inner ear. Standard of care assessment and management strategies are presented for acute and late otologic sequelae of the blast-injured patient.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2010;4:145-152)
If You Ask Them, Will They Come? Predictors of Quarantine Compliance During a Hypothetical Avian Influenza Pandemic: Results From a Statewide Survey
Authors: Bauerle Bass Sarah , Burt Ruzek Sheryl , Ward Lawrence , Gordon Thomas F. , Hanlon Alexandra , Hausman Alice J. , Hagen Michael
Published: June 2010

Background: An influenza pandemic, such as that of the H1N1 virus, raises questions about how to respond effectively to a lethal outbreak. Most plans have focused on minimizing impact by containing the virus through quarantine, but quarantine has not been used widely in the United States and little is known about what would be the public's response. The purpose of this study was to investigate factors that influence an individual's decision to comply with a hypothetical avian influenza quarantine order.

Methods: A total of 1204 adult Pennsylvania residents participated in a random digit dial telephone sample. The residents were interviewed regarding their attitudes about and knowledge of avian influenza and about compliance with quarantine orders, including staying at home or traveling to a government-designated facility.

Results: Analysis of variance showed differences among demographic groups in willingness to comply with quarantine orders, with women and individuals not presently employed more willing to stay at home or to travel to a government-designated facility if ordered. Those who did not regularly attend religious services were significantly less willing than those who did attend regularly to comply with any type of quarantine order. Regression analysis indicated that demographic variables, overall knowledge of avian influenza, attitudes about its severity, and the belief that the respondent and/or his or her significant other(s) may contract it were predictive.

Conclusions: The results of this study can provide health planners and policy makers with information for improving their efforts to conduct a quarantine successfully, including crafting messages and targeting information to certain groups of people to communicate risk about the epidemic.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2010;4:135-144)
Nucleotide Analogues as Probes for DNA and RNA Polymerases
Authors: Kuchta Robert D.
Published: June 2010

Nucleotide analogues represent a major class of anti‐cancer and anti‐viral drugs, and provide an extremely powerful tool for dissecting the mechanisms of DNA and RNA polymerases. While the basic assays themselves are relatively straightforward, a key issue is to appropriately design the studies to answer the mechanistic question of interest. This unit addresses the major issues involved in designing these studies, and some of the potential difficulties that arise in interpreting the data. Examples are given for the type of analogues typically used, the experimental approaches with different polymerases, and issues with data interpretation. Curr. Protoc. Chem Biol. 2:111‐124. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Site‐Specific Protein Bioconjugation via a Pyridoxal 5′‐Phosphate‐Mediated N‐Terminal Transamination Reaction
Authors: Witus Leah S. , Francis Matthew
Published: June 2010

The covalent attachment of chemical groups to proteins is a critically important tool for the study of protein function and the creation of protein‐based materials. Methods of site‐specific protein modification are necessary for the generation of well defined bioconjugates possessing a new functional group in a single position in the amino acid sequence. This article describes a pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate (PLP)–mediated transamination reaction that is specific for the N‐terminus of a protein. The reaction oxidizes the N‐terminal amine to a ketone or an aldehyde, which can form a stable oxime linkage with an alkoxyamine reagent of choice. Screening studies have identified the most reactive N‐terminal residues, facilitating the use of site‐directed mutagenesis to achieve high levels of conversion. Additionally, this reaction has been shown to be effective for a number of targets that are not easily accessed through heterologous expression, such as monoclonal antibodies. Curr. Protoc. Chem. Biol. 2:125‐134 © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Hyperphosphatasia with seizures, neurologic deficit, and characteristic facial features: Five new patients with Mabry syndrome
Authors: Thompson Miles D. , Nezarati Marjan M. , Gillessen‐Kaesbach Gabriele , Meinecke Peter , Mendoza Roberto , Mornet Etienne , Brun‐Heath Isabelle , Squarcioni Catherine Prost , Legeai‐Mallet Laurence , Munnich Arnold , Cole David E.C.
Published: June 2010

Persistent hyperphosphatasia associated with developmental delay and seizures was described in a single family by Mabry et al. 1970 (OMIM 239300), but the nosology of this condition has remained uncertain ever since. We report on five new patients (two siblings, one offspring of consanguineous parents, and two sporadic patients) that help delineate this distinctive disorder and provide evidence in favor of autosomal recessive inheritance. Common to all five new patients is facial dysmorphism, namely hypertelorism, a broad nasal bridge and a tented mouth. All patients have some degree of brachytelephalangy but the phalangeal shortening varies in position and degree. In all, there is a persistent elevation of alkaline phosphatase activity without any evidence for active bone or liver disease. The degree of hyperphosphatasia varies considerably (∼1.3–20 times the upper age‐adjusted reference limit) between patients, but is relatively constant over time. In the first family described by Mabry et al. 1970, at least one member was found to have intracellular inclusions on biopsy of some but not all tissues. This was confirmed in three of our patients, but the inclusions are not always observed and the intracellular storage material has not been identified. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of crosslinking on the characteristics of thermally expandable microspheres expanding at high temperature
Authors: Jonsson Magnus , Nordin Ove , Kron Anna Larsson , Malmström Eva
Published: June 2010

Free‐radical suspension polymerization was used to synthesize thermally expandable microspheres (TEMS); in this process, a poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐methacrylonitrile) shell encapsulated isooctane. Different amounts of dimethacrylate, diacrylate, or divinyl ether functional crosslinker were added to investigate the effects on the crosslinking density of the polymer and the expansion properties of the TEMS. The optimum amount of crosslinker was found to be approximately 0.05–0.1 mol %. However, a significantly better expansion could be obtained with 1,4‐butanediol dimethacrylate as a crosslinker, compared to 1,4‐butanediol divinyl ether or 1,4‐butanediol diacrylate. From monitoring the conversion of monofunctional analogues by gas chromatography, we suggest that the differences in expansion obtained with different crosslinkers, originated from the difference in the reactivity of the radicals in the system toward the vinyl functionalities of the crosslinkers. This regulated the incorporation of the crosslinker into the polymer and, thereby, the mechanical properties of the microsphere shell. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Effect of modified layered silicates on the confined crystalline morphology and thermomechanical properties of poly(ethylene oxide) nanocomposites
Authors: Abraham T. N. , Siengchin S. , Ratna Debdatta , Karger‐Kocsis J.
Published: June 2010

In this work, poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)/organoclay nanocomposites with three different types of nanoclays (Cloisite 30B, Somasif JAD400, and Somasif JAD230) were prepared by melt mixing with a laboratory kneader followed by compression molding. The nanocomposites were characterized by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Their crystallization behavior on a hot stage was investigated with polarized optical microscopy. The size and regularity of the spherulites of the PEO matrix were altered significantly by the incorporation of Cloisite 30B, but there was not as much variation with the other two clays. The dynamic viscoelastic behavior of the PEO/organoclay nanocomposites was assessed with a strain‐controlled parallel‐plate rheometer. The effects of clay modification on the thermomechanical and rheological properties were addressed. The reinforcing effect of the organoclay was determined with dynamic mechanical analysis and tensile testing. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Viscoelastic properties and morphological characteristics of polymer‐modified bitumen blends
Authors: Vasiljevic‐Shikaleska Aneta , Popovska‐Pavlovska Frederika , Cimmino Sossio , Duraccio Donatella , Silvestre Clara
Published: June 2010

The state of dispersion, the viscoelastic properties and the mechanical properties (such as Young's modulus, ductibility, penetration, and Fraas breaking point) of polymer‐modified bitumen are investigated. Bitumen was modified with low‐density polyethylene from processed bags (PEbags) and styrene‐butadiene random block copolymer (SBR). The blends were characterized by optical microscopy, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), and other conventional methods. Photomicrographs indicated that different morphologies were obtained; PEbags gave dispersions with almost spherical polymer particles; whereas in the case of SBR, fibrillar domains were observed. DMTA measurements indicated significant changes of the storage and loss moduli of modified bitumen; depending on the polymer content in the bitumen matrix, these values were three to four times higher compared with neat bitumen. Blends with SBR showed a significantly increased resistance to cracking at low temperatures due to decrease of the glass transition temperature from −14 to −34°C. Contrary, PEbags gave better results at higher temperatures where as a result of the increased resistance to permanent deformation the softening point of modified bitumen was shifted from 52 to 73°C. It was also investigated the influence of mixtures of PEbags/SBR on the properties of bitumen as function of the composition and ratio between PEbags and SBR. It was found that the best improvement in deformation resistance, permanent deformation, and cracking of bitumen was achieved with the addition of PEbags/SBR mixture as the rubber increased the bitumen properties at low temperatures and the polyolefin at high temperatures. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Development of environmentally friendly high‐density polyethylene and turmeric spent composites: Physicomechanical, thermal, and morphological studies
Authors: Syed Murtuza Ali , Ramaraj B. , Akhtar Sania , Syed Akheel Ahmed
Published: June 2010

High‐density polyethylene (HDPE)/turmeric spent (TS) composites were prepared by the extrusion of an HDPE resin with 5, 10, 15, or 20 wt % TS. HDPE granules and TS master‐batch flakes were compounded on a corotating and intermeshing twin‐screw extruder. The extrudate strands were cut into pellets and injection‐molded to make test specimens. These specimens were tested for physicomechanical properties such as the tensile, flexural, and impact strengths, surface hardness, abrasion resistance, density, and water absorption and thermal characteristics such as the heat distortion temperature (HDT) and melt flow index (MFI). Test results revealed that the incorporation of TS affected the tensile, flexural, and Izod impact strengths of the HDPE/TS composites to some extent, whereas the tensile modulus increased from 606.9 to 752.0 N/mm2 and the HDT increased from 61 to 65°C. Furthermore, the addition of TS yielded only marginal variations in the surface hardness, abrasion resistance, density, water absorption, and MFI values of the composites. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010