bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Wages Matter?: A Backward Bend in the 2004 California RN Labor Supply
Authors: Tellez Michelle , Spetz Joanne , Seago Jean Ann , Harrington Charlene M. , Kitchener Martin
Published: December 2009

Using data from the 2004 California Board of Registered Nursing Survey, a two-stage least-square equation was estimated to examine the effect of wages on hours worked by female registered nurses. Wages were found to have a nonlinear effect on hours worked, with a backward bending supply curve. Wages had a positive effect on the average hours worked per week up to $24.99 per hour and a negative effect between $30.00 and $100.00 per hour when compared with the wage category of $25.00 to $29.99. Results suggest that wages are important to secure the labor supply but do not increase aggregate supply beyond a wage threshold.
Acute Urinary Retention Due to Viral Coinfections (HIV, HBV, VZV)
Authors: Dinh Aurélien , Salomon Jérôme , Schoindre Yoland , Mathez Dominique , Denys Pierre , Durand Marie-Christine , Bernard Louis
Published: December 2009

We report a case of acute urinary retention with meningoradiculoneuritis resulting from coinfection with varicella-zoster virus (VZV), HIV, and hepatitis B virus (HBV). The case is discussed in the context of other neurological syndromes associated with VZV and HIV infections, and of other viral causes of acute retention of urine.
ONO 3403, a synthetic serine protease inhibitor, inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-α and nitric oxide production and protects mice from lethal endotoxic shock
Authors: Tumurkhuu Gantsetseg , Koide Naoki , Hiwasa Takaki , Ookoshi Motohiro , Dagvadorj Jargalsaikhan , Abu Shadat Mohammod Noman  , Iftakhar-E-Khuda Imtiaz , Naiki Yoshikazu , Komatsu Takayuki , Yoshida Tomoaki , Yokochi Takashi
Published: December 2009

ONO 3403, a new synthetic serine protease inhibitor, is a derivative of camostat mesilate and has a higher protease-inhibitory activity. The effect of ONO 3403 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 macrophage-like cells was examined. ONO 3403 significantly inhibited LPS-induced TNF-α production at a lower concentration than camostat mesilate. It also inhibited LPS-induced NO production. Their inhibition was responsible for the reduced mRNA expression of TNF-α and inducible NO synthase. In LPS-stimulated cells, ONO 3403 prevented the augmentation of MyD88 expression and inhibited the phosphorylation of IκB-α, stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) and IRF-3, and the production of interferon-β. ONO 3403 abolished the elevation of the extracellular serine protease activity in response to LPS. Further, it reduced the circulating TNF-α level, hepatic injury and mortality in mice receiving an injection of D-galactosamine and LPS. ONO 3403 was suggested to inhibit LPS-induced inflammatory responses via inactivation of MyD88-dependent and independent pathways.
Differential responses of epithelial Sertoli cells of the rat testis to Toll-like receptor 2 and 4 ligands: Implications for studies of testicular inflammation using bacterial lipopolysaccharides
Authors: Winnall Wendy R. , Muir Julie A. , Hedger Mark P.
Published: December 2009

The relative contribution of epithelial Sertoli cells in response to bacterial infection of the testis remains poorly characterised, since studies on inflammatory properties of these cells have invariably used unpurified lipopolysaccharide (LPS) preparations contaminated with bacterial lipopeptides. Consequently, isolated rat Sertoli cells were stimulated with either unextracted or phenol re-extracted LPS, and analysed for Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, TLR2 and inflammatory cytokine gene expression by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Expression of TLR4 and its co-receptor protein myeloid differentiation (MD) 2 in Sertoli cells and testicular macrophages were similar, but Sertoli cells displayed low basal or LPS-induced expression of the TLR4 accessory protein, CD14. In Sertoli cells, unextracted LPS produced cytokine responses which were considerably greater in magnitude and duration compared with their response to purified LPS. Sertoli cells also responded to the synthetic lipopeptide, Pam3Cys (a TLR2 ligand) with a similar pattern of prolonged gene expression. Sertoli cells were more than 10-fold less sensitive to purified LPS than macrophages, but expressed similar levels of interleukin (IL)-1α and IL-6, and much greater levels of the immunoregulatory cytokine activin A, when maximally stimulated. These data demonstrate that Sertoli cells display differential cytokine responses to bacterial stimuli, mediated by both TLR2 and TLR4, that are distinct from those of testicular macrophages.
Hotel Brand Strategy
Authors: O'Neill John W. , Mattila Anna S.
Published: December 2009

Few dispute the value that a brand brings to a hotel property, but questions remain regarding exactly how the brand creates guest loyalty and how it creates value. Over the past twenty-five years, a brand flag has become an essential element of arranging a hotel development deal. Because of this, researchers have examined how brands influence top- and bottom-line revenues and overall asset value. Moreover, the effect of the brand on customer satisfaction seems to be affected by the brand’s franchising strategy.
CCR6 ligands inhibit HIV by inducing APOBEC3G
Authors: Lafferty Mark K. , Sun Lingling , DeMasi Leon , Lu Wuyuan , Garzino-Demo Alfredo
Published: December 2009

We have identified a postentry CCR6-dependent mechanism of inhibition of HIV occurring at an early stage of infection mediated by the induction of the host restriction factor apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme-catalytic polypeptide-like 3G (APOBEC3G). We observed induction of APOBEC3G expression only in CCR6+ cells but not in cells treated with the G inhibitory (Gi) pathway inhibitor pertussis toxin. CCR6 is highly expressed on peripheral blood CD4+CCR5+ memory T cells and by 2 populations of CD4+ T cells within the gut, α4β7+ and T helper type 17, that have been implicated in cell-to-cell spread of HIV and enhanced restoration of CD4+ T cells within gut-associated lymphoid tissue, respectively. This novel CCR6-mediated mechanism of inhibition allows the identification of pathways that induce intrinsic immunity to HIV, which could be useful in devising novel therapeutics that selectively target CCR6+ cells.
Rituximab plus concurrent infusional EPOCH chemotherapy is highly effective in HIV-associated B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Sparano Joseph A. , Lee Jeannette Y. , Kaplan Lawrence D. , Levine Alexandra M. , Ramos Juan Carlos , Ambinder Richard F. , Wachsman William , Aboulafia David , Noy Ariela , Henry David H. , Von Roenn Jamie , Dezube Bruce J. , Remick Scot C. , Shah Manisha H. , Leichman Lawrence , Ratner Lee , Cesarman Ethel , Chadburn Amy , Mitsuyasu Ronald ,   for the AIDS Malignancy Consortium
Published: December 2009

Rituximab plus intravenous bolus chemotherapy is a standard treatment for immunocompetent patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Some studies have suggested that rituximab is associated with excessive toxicity in HIVassociated NHL, and that infusional chemotherapy may be more effective. We performed a randomized phase 2 trial of rituximab (375 mg/m2) given either concurrently before each infusional etoposide, vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and prednisone (EPOCH) chemotherapy cycle or sequentially (weekly for 6 weeks) after completion of all chemotherapy in HIV-associated NHL. EPOCH consisted of a 96-hour intravenous infusion of etoposide, doxorubicin, and vincristine plus oral prednisone followed by intravenous bolus cyclophosphamide given every 21 days for 4 to 6 cycles. In the concurrent arm, 35 of 48 evaluable patients (73%; 95% confidence interval, 58%-85%) had a complete response. In the sequential arm, 29 of 53 evaluable patients (55%; 95% confidence interval, 41%-68%) had a complete response. The primary efficacy endpoint was met for the concurrent arm only. Toxicity was comparable in the 2 arms, although patients with a baseline CD4 count less than 50/μL had a high infectious death rate in the concurrent arm. We conclude that concurrent rituximab plus infusional EPOCH is an effective regimen for HIV-associated lymphoma. This study is registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00049036.
Distinct roles for LFA-1 affinity regulation during T-cell adhesion, diapedesis, and interstitial migration in lymph nodes
Authors: Park Eun Jeong , Peixoto António , Imai Yoichi , Goodarzi Ahmad , Cheng Guiying , Carman Christopher V. , von Andrian Ulrich H. , Shimaoka Motomu
Published: December 2009

During the course of homing to lymph nodes (LNs), T cells undergo a multistep adhesion cascade that culminates in a lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1)–dependent firm adhesion to the luminal surface of high endothelial venules (HEVs). The importance of LFA-1 affinity regulation in supporting T-cell arrest on HEVs has been well established, however, its importance in the postadhesion phase, which involves intraluminal crawling and diapedesis to the extravascular space, remains elusive. Here we have shown that LFA-1 affinity needs to be appropriately regulated to support these essential steps in the homing cascade. Genetically engineered T cells that were unable to properly down-regulate LFA-1 affinity underwent enhanced, chemokine-independent arrest in HEVsbut showed perturbed intravascular crawling to transmigration sites and compromised diapedesis across HEVs. By contrast, the extravascular migration of T cells was insensitive to the affinity-enhancing LFA-1 mutation. These results highlight the requirement for balanced LFA-1 affinity regulation in intravascular and transvascular, but not extravascular, T-cell migration in LNs.
Murine mesenchymal progenitor cells from different tissues differentiated via mesenchymal microspheres into the mesodermal direction
Authors: Böhrnsen Florian , Lindner Ulrich , Meier Markus , Gadallah Abdelalim , Schlenke Peter , Lehnert Hendrik , Rohwedel Jürgen , Kramer Jan
Published: December 2009

Background

Because specific marker molecules for phenotypical identification of mesenchymal stem and progenitor cells are missing, the assessment of the in vitro-differentiation capacity is a prerequisite to characterize these cells. However, classical differentiation protocols are often cell-consuming and time intensive. Therefore, the establishment of novel strategies for differentiation is one topic of current efforts in stem cell biology. The goal of this study was to demonstrate the practicability of a new differentiation test using plastic adherent cell isolates from different tissues.

Results

We introduced the mesenchymal microsphere method as a feasible time- and cell saving screening method to analyse multilineage differentiation properties of adult progenitor cells in a three-dimensional system. For this purpose we isolated, characterized and analyzed new sources of adult murine mesenchymal progenitor cells from perirenal adipose tissue and mediastinal stromal tissue in comparison to bone marrow progenitor cells. The proliferation capacity of the cells was demonstrated by determination of the daily doubling index. Although the flow cytometry analysis of undifferentiated cells revealed differences in the expression of CD marker molecules, all isolates have the capacity for multilineage differentiation following the mesenchymal microsphere protocol as well as the classical "micro mass body" protocol for chondrogenic and the monolayer cultivation protocol for osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. Differentiation was characterized using histochemical and immunhistochemical staining as well as RT-PCR.

Conclusions

We were able to show that the mesenchymal microsphere method is an efficient test system for chondro-, osteo- and adipogenic differentiation of adult progenitor cells. The advantage of this system in comparison to classical protocols is that approximately 7 times lower cell numbers are necessary. Since classical culture procedures are time intensive because high cell numbers have to be obtained, the new differentiation method may also save cells and time in future clinical applications using human mesenchymal stromal cells.
Factors associated with the desire for orthodontic treatment among Brazilian adolescents and their parents
Authors: Marques Leandro S , Pordeus Isabela A , Ramos-Jorge Maria L , Filogônio Cid A , Filogônio Cintia B , Pereira Luciano J , Paiva Saul M
Published: December 2009

Background

In the period of adolescence physical appearance takes on significant importance in the construction of personal identity, including one's relationship with one's own body. A variety of social, cultural, psychological and personal factors influences the self-perception of dental appearance and the decision to undergo orthodontic treatment. Adolescents who seek orthodontic treatment are concerned with improving their appearance and social acceptance. The aim of the present study was to determine factors associated to the desire for orthodontic treatment among Brazilian adolescents and their parents.

Methods

The sample consisted of 403 subjects aged 14 to 18 years, selected randomly from a population of 182,291 schoolchildren in the same age group. The outcome variable "desire for orthodontic treatment" was assessed through a questionnaire. Self-perception of dental aesthetics was assessed using the Oral Aesthetic Subjective Impact Scale (OASIS) and the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) was used for clinical assessment. Statistical analysis involved the chi-square test as well as both simple and multiple logistic regression analyses.

Results

The majority (78%) of the Brazilian adolescents desired orthodontic treatment and 69% of the parents reported that their children were not in orthodontic treatment due to the high costs involved. There was significant association (p ≤ 0.05) between the desire for orthodontic treatment and most types of malocclusion. However, there was no significant association between the desire for orthodontic treatment and the variables gender and age.

Conclusions

The following were considered factors associated to the desire for treatment: upper anterior crowding ≥ 2 mm and parents' perception of their child's need for treatment.
Pharmacology as a foreign language: A preliminary evaluation of podcasting as a supplementary learning tool for non-medical prescribing students
Authors: Meade Oonagh , Bowskill Dianne , Lymn Joanne S
Published: December 2009

Background

Nurses and other health professionals in the U.K. can gain similar prescribing rights to doctors by undertaking a non-medical prescribing course. Non-medical prescribing students must have a thorough understanding of the pharmacology of prescribing to ensure safe practice. Pharmacology education at this level is complicated by the variation in students' prior subject knowledge of, and anxiety about, the subject. The recent advances in technology, particularly the potential for mobile learning, provide increased opportunities for students to familiarise themselves with lecture materials and hence promote understanding. The objective of this study was therefore to evaluate both the subjective (student perception) and objective (student use and exam results) usefulness of podcasts of pharmacology lectures which were provided as an extra learning tool to two cohorts (n = 69) of non-medical prescribing students.

Methods

The podcasts were made available to students through the virtual learning environment WebCT. Use of podcasts by two successive cohorts of nurse prescribing students (n = 69) was tracked through WebCT. Survey data, which was collected from 44 of these students, investigated patterns of/reasons for podcast use and perceived usefulness of podcasts as a learning tool. Of these 69 students, 64 completed the pharmacology exam. In order to examine any impact of podcasts on student knowledge, their exam results were compared with those of two historical cohorts who did not have access to podcasts (n = 70).

Results

WebCT tracking showed that 91% of students accessed at least one podcast. 93% of students used the podcasts to revisit a lecture, 85% used podcasts for revision, and 61% used the podcasts when they had a specific question. Only 22% used the podcasts because they had missed a pharmacology session. Most students (81%) generally listened to the entire podcast rather than specific sections and most (73%) used them while referring to their lecture handouts. The majority of students found the podcasts helpful as a learning tool, as a revision aid and in promoting their understanding of the subject. Evaluation of the range of marks obtained, mode mark and mean mark suggested improved knowledge in students with access to podcasts compared to historical cohorts of students who did not have access to pharmacology podcasts.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that non-medical prescribing students utilised podcasts of pharmacology lectures, and have found the availability of these podcasts helpful for their learning. Exam results indicate that the availability of podcasts was also associated with improved exam performance.
Gamma Knife radiosurgery for vestibular schwannoma: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Arthurs Benjamin J , Lamoreaux Wayne T , Giddings Neil A , Fairbanks Robert K , Mackay Alexander R , Demakas John J , Cooke Barton S , Lee Christopher M
Published: December 2009

Vestibular schwannomas, also called acoustic neuromas, are benign tumors of the vestibulocochlear nerve. Patients with these tumours almost always present with signs of hearing loss, and many also experience tinnitus, vertigo, and equilibrium problems. Following diagnosis with contrast enhanced MRI, patients may choose to observe the tumour with subsequent scans or seek active treatment in the form of microsurgery, radiosurgery, or radiotherapy. Unfortunately, definitive guidelines for treating vestibular schwannomas are lacking, because of insufficient evidence comparing the outcomes of therapeutic modalities.

We present a contemporary case report, describing the finding of a vestibular schwannoma in a patient who presented with dizziness and a "clicking" sensation in the ear, but no hearing deficit. Audible clicking is a symptom that, to our knowledge, has not been associated with vestibular schwannoma in the literature. We discuss the diagnosis and patient's decision-making process, which led to treatment with Gamma Knife radiosurgery. Treatment resulted in an excellent radiographic response and complete hearing preservation. This case highlights an atypical presentation of vestibular schwannoma, associated with audible "clicks" and normal hearing. We also provide a concise review of the available literature on modern vestibular schwannoma treatment, which may be useful in guiding treatment decisions.
Cellular injury and neuroinflammation in children with chronic intractable epilepsy
Authors: Choi Jieun , Nordli Douglas R , Alden Tord D , DiPatri Arthur , Laux Linda , Kelley Kent , Rosenow Joshua , Schuele Stephan U , Rajaram Veena , Koh Sookyong
Published: December 2009

Objective

To elucidate the presence and potential involvement of brain inflammation and cell death in neurological morbidity and intractable seizures in childhood epilepsy, we quantified cell death, astrocyte proliferation, microglial activation and cytokine release in brain tissue from patients who underwent epilepsy surgery.

Methods

Cortical tissue was collected from thirteen patients with intractable epilepsy due to focal cortical dysplasia (6), encephalomalacia (5), Rasmussen's encephalitis (1) or mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (1). Sections were processed for immunohistochemistry using markers for neuron, astrocyte, microglia or cellular injury. Cytokine assay was performed on frozen cortices. Controls were autopsy brains from eight patients without history of neurological diseases.

Results

Marked activation of microglia and astrocytes and diffuse cell death were observed in epileptogenic tissue. Numerous fibrillary astrocytes and their processes covered the entire cortex and converged on to blood vessels, neurons and microglia. An overwhelming number of neurons and astrocytes showed DNA fragmentation and its magnitude significantly correlated with seizure frequency. Majority of our patients with abundant cell death in the cortex have mental retardation. IL-1beta, IL-8, IL-12p70 and MIP-1beta were significantly increased in the epileptogenic cortex; IL-6 and MCP-1 were significantly higher in patients with family history of epilepsy.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that active neuroinflammation and marked cellular injury occur in pediatric epilepsy and may play a common pathogenic role or consequences in childhood epilepsy of diverse etiologies. Our findings support the concept that immunomodulation targeting activated microglia and astrocytes may be a novel therapeutic strategy to reduce neurological morbidity and prevent intractable epilepsy.
Role of Asparagine-Linked Glycosylation in Cell Surface Expression and Function of the Human Adrenocorticotropin Receptor (Melanocortin 2 Receptor) in 293/FRT Cells
Authors: Roy Simon , Perron Benoît , Gallo-Payet Nicole
Published: December 2009

Asparagine-linked glycosylation (N-glycosylation) of G protein-coupled receptors may be necessary for functions ranging from agonist binding, folding, maturation, stability, and internalization. Human melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R) possesses putative N-glycosylation sites in its N-terminal extracellular domain; however, to date, the role of MC2R N-glycosylation has yet to be investigated. The objective of the present study is to examine whether N-glycosylation is essential or not for cell surface expression and cAMP production in native and MC2R accessory protein (MRAPα, -β, or -dCT)-expressing cells using 293/FRT transfected with Myc-MC2R. Western blot analyses performed with or without endoglycosidase H, peptide:N-glycosidase F or tunicamycin treatments and site-directed mutagenesis revealed that MC2R was glycosylated in the N-terminal domain at its two putative N-glycosylation sites (Asn12-Asn13-Thr14 and Asn17-Asn18-Ser19). In the absence of human MRAP coexpression, N-glycosylation of at least one of the two sites was necessary for MC2R cell surface expression. However, when MRAP was present, cell surface expression of MC2R mutants was either rescued entirely with the N17-18Q (QQNN) and N12-13Q (NNQQ) mutants or partially with the unglycosylated N12-13, 17-18Q (QQQQ) mutant. Functional and expression analyses revealed a discrepancy between wild-type (WT) and QQQQ cell surface receptor levels and maximal cAMP production with a 4-fold increase in EC50 values. Taken together, these results indicate that the absence of MC2R N-glycosylation abrogates to a large extent MC2R cell surface expression in the absence of MRAPs, whereas when MC2R is N-glycosylated, it can be expressed at the plasma membrane without MRAP assistance.
Plasma Transcortin Influences Endocrine and Behavioral Stress Responses in Mice
Authors: Richard Elodie M. , Helbling Jean-Christophe , Tridon Claudine , Desmedt Aline , Minni Amandine M. , Cador Martine , Pourtau Line , Konsman Jan-Pieter , Mormède Pierre , Moisan Marie-Pierre
Published: December 2009

Glucocorticoids are released after hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis stimulation by stress and act both in the periphery and in the brain to bring about adaptive responses that are essential for life. Dysregulation of the stress response can precipitate psychiatric diseases, in particular depression. Recent genetic studies have suggested that the glucocorticoid carrier transcortin, also called corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG), may have an important role in stress response. We have investigated the effect of partial or total transcortin deficiency using transcortin knockout mice on hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning and regulation as well as on behaviors linked to anxiety and depression traits in animals. We show that CBG deficiency in mice results in markedly reduced total circulating corticosterone at rest and in response to stress. Interestingly, free corticosterone concentrations are normal at rest but present a reduced surge after stress in transcortin-deficient mice. No differences were detected between transcortin-deficient mice for anxiety-related traits. However, transcortin-deficient mice display increased immobility in the forced-swimming test and markedly enhanced learned helplessness after prolonged uncontrollable stress. The latter is associated with an approximately 30% decrease in circulating levels of free corticosterone as well as reduced Egr-1 mRNA expression in hippocampus in CBG-deficient mice. Additionally, transcortin-deficient mice show no sensitization to cocaine-induced locomotor responses, a well described corticosterone-dependent test. Thus, transcortin deficiency leads to insufficient glucocorticoid signaling and altered behavioral responses after stress. These findings uncover the critical role of plasma transcortin in providing an adequate endocrine and behavioral response to stress.
The Effect of Branched Chain Amino Acids on Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial Function in Young and Elderly Adults
Authors: Tatpati Laura L. , Irving Brian A. , Tom Andrea , Bigelow Maureen L. , Klaus Katherine , Short Kevin R. , Nair K. Sreekumaran
Published: December 2009

Context: A reduction in maximal mitochondrial ATP production rate (MAPR) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) abundance occurs with age in association with muscle weakness and reduced endurance in elderly people. Branched chain amino acids (BCAA) have been extensively used to improve physical performance.

Objective: The objective was to determine whether an 8-h infusion of BCAA enhances MAPR equally in healthy young and elderly adults.

Methods: Using a crossover study design, we compared the effect BCAA vs. saline infusion in 12 young (23.0 ± 0.8 yr) and 12 elderly (70.7 ± 1.1 yr) participants matched for sex and body mass index. Skeletal muscle MAPR and mtDNA abundance were measured in muscle biopsy samples obtained before and at the end of the 8-h infusion.

Results: In young participants, MAPR with the substrates glutamate plus malate (supplying electrons to complex I) and succinate plus rotenone (complex II) increased in response to BCAA infusion, relative to a decline in MAPR in response to the saline infusion. In contrast, MAPR was unaffected by BCAA infusion in the elderly participants. Moreover, mtDNA abundance was lower in the elderly compared with the young participants but was unaffected by the BCAA infusion. Insulin and C-peptide concentrations declined over time during the saline infusion, but these declines were prevented by the BCAA infusion.

Conclusions: BCAA increased skeletal muscle MAPR in the young participants in comparison with saline, but this effect was not seen in the elderly participants indicating, that unlike in the young, BCAA does not increase muscle mitochondrial function in the elderly.
Dissecting the regulatory switches of development: lessons from enhancer evolution in Drosophila
Authors: Borok Matthew J. , Tran Diana A. , Ho Margaret C. W. , Drewell Robert A.
Published: December 2009

Cis-regulatory modules are non-protein-coding regions of DNA essential for the control of gene expression. One class of regulatory modules is embryonic enhancers, which drive gene expression during development as a result of transcription factor protein binding at the enhancer sequences. Recent comparative studies have begun to investigate the evolution of the sequence architecture within enhancers. These analyses are illuminating the way that developmental biologists think about enhancers by revealing their molecular mechanism of function.
Lineage-specific effects of Notch/Numb signaling in post-embryonic development of the Drosophila brain
Authors: Lin Suewei , Lai Sen-Lin , Yu Huang-Hsiang , Chihara Takahiro , Luo Liqun , Lee Tzumin
Published: December 2009

Numb can antagonize Notch signaling to diversify the fates of sister cells. We report here that paired sister cells acquire different fates in all three Drosophila neuronal lineages that make diverse types of antennal lobe projection neurons (PNs). Only one in each pair of postmitotic neurons survives into the adult stage in both anterodorsal (ad) and ventral (v) PN lineages. Notably, Notch signaling specifies the PN fate in the vPN lineage but promotes programmed cell death in the missing siblings in the adPN lineage. In addition, Notch/Numb-mediated binary sibling fates underlie the production of PNs and local interneurons from common precursors in the lAL lineage. Furthermore, Numb is needed in the lateral but not adPN or vPN lineages to prevent the appearance of ectopic neuroblasts and to ensure proper self-renewal of neural progenitors. These lineage-specific outputs of Notch/Numb signaling show that a universal mechanism of binary fate decision can be utilized to govern diverse neural sibling differentiations.
IgG Antibodies against Deamidated Gliadin Peptides for Diagnosis of Celiac Disease in Patients with IgA Deficiency
Authors: Villalta Danilo , Tonutti Elio , Prause Christian , Koletzko Sibylle , Uhlig H Holm , Vermeersch Pieter , Bossuyt Xavier , Stern Martin , Laass Martin W , Ellis Julia H , Ciclitira Paul J , Richter Thomas , Daehnrich Cornelia , Schlumberger Wolfgang , Mothes Thomas
Published: December 2009

Background: Assays for IgG antibodies against deamidated gliadin (IgG-anti-dGli) are comparable in performance with tests detecting IgA antibodies against tissue transglutaminase (IgA-anti-tTG) in diagnosing celiac disease (CD). IgA-anti-tTG are absent in IgA deficiency, a condition often associated with CD. In IgA deficiency, IgG-anti-tTG, which have a lower overall diagnostic accuracy, are routinely measured. We examined whether IgG-anti-dGli would be useful for diagnosing CD in patients with IgA deficiency.

Methods: We studied 34 IgA-deficient CD patients, 185 IgA-competent newly diagnosed children with CD, 316 children without CD, 400 adult blood donors, and 6 control IgA-deficient individuals without CD. Anti-dGli and anti-tTG were measured by ELISA, and endomysium antibodies (EmA) were measured by immunofluorescence on monkey esophagus (IgA as well as IgG class for all antibodies). We calculated diagnostic sensitivity (percentage of patients above cutoff with 95% CIs) according to age-specific cutoffs for 95% diagnostic specificity and according to cutoffs proposed by the manufacturer of the assays.

Results: No IgA-deficient CD patients were positive for any IgA-based antibody assay. Diagnostic sensitivity of IgG-anti-tTG was 91.2% (95% CI 76.3%–97.7%) according to age-specific cutoffs and 82.4% (66.1%–92.0%) according to manufacturer cutoffs. The diagnostic sensitivity of IgG-EmA was 75.8% (58.8%–87.4%) and the sensitivity of IgG-anti-dGli was 88.2% (72.8%–95.9%) according to both cutoffs.

Conclusions: IgG-anti-dGli and IgG-anti-tTG have comparable diagnostic sensitivities for IgA-deficient celiac patients. IgG-anti-dGli may be useful for diagnosing CD in IgA-deficient patients.
Automated Detection of Inaccurate and Imprecise Transitions in Peptide Quantification by Multiple Reaction Monitoring Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Abbatiello Susan E , Mani D R , Keshishian Hasmik , Carr Steven A
Published: December 2009

Background: Multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (MRM-MS) of peptides with stable isotope–labeled internal standards (SISs) is increasingly being used to develop quantitative assays for proteins in complex biological matrices. These assays can be highly precise and quantitative, but the frequent occurrence of interferences requires that MRM-MS data be manually reviewed, a time-intensive process subject to human error. We developed an algorithm that identifies inaccurate transition data based on the presence of interfering signal or inconsistent recovery among replicate samples.

Methods: The algorithm objectively evaluates MRM-MS data with 2 orthogonal approaches. First, it compares the relative product ion intensities of the analyte peptide to those of the SIS peptide and uses a t-test to determine if they are significantly different. A CV is then calculated from the ratio of the analyte peak area to the SIS peak area from the sample replicates.

Results: The algorithm identified problematic transitions and achieved accuracies of 94%–100%, with a sensitivity and specificity of 83%–100% for correct identification of errant transitions. The algorithm was robust when challenged with multiple types of interferences and problematic transitions.

Conclusions: This algorithm for automated detection of inaccurate and imprecise transitions (AuDIT) in MRM-MS data reduces the time required for manual and subjective inspection of data, improves the overall accuracy of data analysis, and is easily implemented into the standard data-analysis work flow. AuDIT currently works with results exported from MRM-MS data-processing software packages and may be implemented as an analysis tool within such software.
Non-diabetic metabolic syndrome and obesity do not affect serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities but do affect oxidative stress and inflammation
Authors: Tabur Suzan , Torun Ayse Nur , Sabuncu Tevfik , Turan Mehmet Nuri , Celik Hakim , Ocak Ali Rıza , Aksoy Nurten
Published: December 2009

Objective

Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), which has PON and arylesterase activities, is a high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-bound antioxidant enzyme that inhibits atherosclerosis. Diabetes has been shown to have an impact on oxidative stress. The effect of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on oxidative stress and PON-1 has been shown before, and PON-1 has been found to be related with accelerated atherogenesis. This study aimed to determine the oxidative state and PON and arylesterase activities in non-diabetic MetS and non-MetS obese patients.

Design

Thirty obese patients (3 M and 27 F) without MetS, 40 non-diabetic obese patients (3 M and 37 F) with MetS, and 30 controls (2 M and 28 F) were enrolled.

Methods

A 75 g glucose tolerance test was performed. PON-1, PON, arylesterase, total antioxidant status (TAS), high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and metabolic parameters were analyzed.

Results

PON and arylesterase activities were similar between the groups, while TAS was low in both MetS and obese groups compared to controls (P<0.01 and P<0.05 respectively). CRP was higher in the MetS group compared with the obese and control groups (P<0.01 and P<0.001 respectively). In both the obese and MetS groups, CRP showed a positive correlation with body mass index (BMI). TAS was negatively correlated with BMI, waist circumference, triglyceride levels, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures (P<0.001).

Conclusions

Oxidative stress is altered in non-diabetic MetS and non-MetS obese patients, but PON and arylesterase activities seem not to be affected. This result may be due to the absence of diabetes, the most severe form of altered carbohydrate metabolism.
A model for deficit irrigation analysis of crops
Authors: Adekalu K. , Okunade D.
Published: December 2009

Scarcity and high cost of water is the most important limiting factor for crop production in irrigated agriculture. Deficit irrigation can be implemented to optimize the use of available water resources and put more land on productive use. A model was developed to determine the savings in water and the economic benefit derived from deficit irrigation. The model was tested using yield-water use data of maize, tomato, okra and cowpea grown under irrigated condition in Nigeria. Cowpea is the main source of plant protein in the local diet and okra one of the major vegetable crops planted in Nigeria. The results indicated that some water reduction is possible without affecting yields. The optimum water reduction is 4, 8, 12 and 18% for maize, tomato, okra and cowpea, respectively. Maximum allowable water reduction increased with increase in the benefit-cost ratio of each tested crop. The maximum allowable water reduction is 9, 13, 21 and 32%, with a corresponding increase in cultivated area by 10, 16, 23 and 50% for maize, tomato, okra and cowpea, respectively, at a benefit-cost ratio of 1.5. The model, in most of the years showed that the optimum moisture reduction level increased with increasing seasonal rainfall. Increasing rooting depth or soil water holding capacity also increased the relative maximum yield for water reduction levels up to 40–50%. The developed model would be useful in determining the effect of soil, water, and crop variables on deficit irrigation of crops in different agro-ecological zones with appropriate crop and soil data input, and proper irrigation scheduling.
Application of electronic tongue to soya drink discrimination
Authors: Kovács Zoltán , Szöllősi Dániel , Fekete András
Published: December 2009

The objective of the research was to compare the taste attributes of different commercial soya drinks. Furthermore, the task was to determine the effect of different ingredients and processing technologies on the taste attributes of the product. Based on the results of electronic tongue measurements the instrument is able to determine the effect of the applied technology and to distinguish soya juice samples according to sensory preferences. Canonical discriminant analysis showed that the groups of two measurements of the same products were overlapping. Therefore, the electronic tongue measurements are supposed to be of acceptable repeatability. The canonical discriminant analysis showed that the taste attributes of soya juice made of hulled soybeans was beneficial for the taste attributes relative to that of the juice made of not-hulled soybeans. Three main groups could be observed from the analyzed six commercial soya drink samples based on canonical discriminant analysis. There is a group of top market brands having definite taste improver additives and another one containing three products having low amount of additives. However, the group of samples made of soybean and rice is located between the above-mentioned two groups in the discriminant score plot.
Investigation of vibratory shear-enhanced processing system
Authors: Hodúr Cecilia , Kertész Szabolcs , Csanádi József , Szabó Gábor , László Zsuzsanna
Published: December 2009

In this study the performance of a vibratory shear-enhanced processing system (VSEP) for the concentration of cheese whey was assessed and compared with a classical, cross-flow, plate and frame membrane configuration system (3DTA) with the same membrane (i.e. a C30F UF regenerated cellulose UF membrane with a 30 kDa molecular weight cutoff). The temperature and pressure dependences of the permeate flux, the permeate flux reduction ratio, the resistances and the rejection values were investigated. Comparison of the two systems revealed a definite advantage for the VSEP system equipped with the same membrane and operated at the same pressure and temperature. The VSEP system yielded a permeate protein retention of 99.7% vs. 74.5% for the 3DTA system, together with a higher average flux: 54 L m
−2
h
−1
vs. 44.2 L m
−2
h
−1
. The flux reduction ratio (
J/J0
) was 0.60 vs. 0.42, and the total resistances 2.87*10
+13
m
−1
vs. 4.54*10
+13
m
−1
for the VSEP and 3DTA system, respectively.
Uro-mechanics: Technical solutions in the development of a new urological catheter
Authors: Dani Árpád , Szendrő Péter
Published: December 2009

The authors developed and constructed a new type of urological catheter, named “short catheter”. Experiments were performed with the new catheter and the valves developed for the catheter. Based on the results, one can conclude that the material Sh°60 seems to be suitable for constructing valve for short catheter. It meets the basic requirements made for the valve: less than 100 water cm pressure it is able to discharge 300 ml urine within 2 minutes. However, the valves made of material Sh°40 are better for the circumferential ribs and concerning elasticity. Because of the theoretical considerations and the conducted experiments, the form and the structure of the prototype short catheter was constructed. This prototype meets the requirements for the catheter and it is eligible to be the subject of further experiments. The experiments will focus on the determination of the flow rate through the whole catheter. In vivo experiments are planned with the new catheter.
Editorial: How to Review Scientific Manuscripts and Clinical Case Reports for Journal of Oral Implantology
Authors: Rutkowski James L. , Cairone Joseph V.
Published: December 2009

Peer review is a vital component of the publication process for the Journal of Oral Implantology (JOI), as with any scientific or professional journal. The ability to write constructive critical reviews, therefore, is a valued skill of benefit to authors, editors, and the journal. The purpose of this article is to discuss techniques for crafting useful reviews. A review should address both broad issues of wording and perception. A review should include specific issues of what to look for in each section of research papers and clinical case reports. While the article is written with JOI in mind, most guidelines expressed therein are applicable to reviewing for any journal.
Atividade física de escolares: análise segundo o modelo teórico de promoção da saúde de Pender
Authors: Guedes Nirla Gomes , Moreira Rafaella Pessoa , Cavalcante Tahissa Frota , Araujo Thelma Leite de , Ximenes Lorena Barbosa
Published: December 2009

Estudo com objetivo de descrever hábitos de atividade física presentes no cotidiano de escolares e analisar a prática de atividade física e seus determinantes, a partir do primeiro componente do modelo teórico de promoção da saúde de Pender. Estudo transversal, realizado em 2004 e 2005, com 79 escolares de escola pública de Fortaleza. Coleta de dados em entrevista e exame físico. Os dados foram analisados com base no modelo teórico citado. A maioria dos escolares tinha prática ativa de atividades físicas (60). Os adolescentes, proporcionalmente, foram mais ativos (80,4%). Os sedentários tiveram prevalência maior de sobrepeso e obesidade (21,1%). Grande parte dos escolares desenvolvia atividades físicas ao ar livre, que não requeriam estrutura física e boas condições econômicas. Os resultados mostraram ser possível trabalhar a relação entre o primeiro componente do modelo teórico de promoção da saúde de Pender e o cotidiano dos escolares referentes às práticas de atividades físicas.
A História da Alimentação: balizas historiográficas
Authors: Meneses Ulpiano T.Bezerra de , Carneiro Henrique
Published: December 2009

Os M. pretenderam traçar um quadro da História da Alimentação, não como um novo ramo epistemológico da disciplina, mas como um campo em desenvolvimento de práticas e atividades especializadas, incluindo pesquisa, formação, publicações, associações, encontros acadêmicos, etc. Um breve relato das condições em que tal campo se assentou faz-se preceder de um panorama dos estudos de alimentação e temas correia tos, em geral, segundo cinco abardagens Ia biológica, a econômica, a social, a cultural e a filosófica!, assim como da identificação das contribuições mais relevantes da Antropologia, Arqueologia, Sociologia e Geografia. A fim de comentar a multiforme e volumosa bibliografia histórica, foi ela organizada segundo critérios morfológicos. A seguir, alguns tópicos importantes mereceram tratamento à parte: a fome, o alimento e o domínio religioso, as descobertas européias e a difusão mundial de alimentos, gosto e gastronomia. O artigo se encerra com um rápido balanço crítico da historiografia brasileira sobre o tema.
Gender and incidence of functional disability in the elderly: a systematic review
Authors: Rodrigues Maria Aparecida Pinheiro , Facchini Luiz Augusto , Thumé Elaine , Maia Fátima
Published: December 2009

This systematic review aimed to assess the effect of gender on the incidence of functional disability in the elderly. The search for publications in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ProQuest electronic databases from January 1990 to March 2008 identified 879 publications, from which 21 cohort studies were selected that evaluated gender as an independent variable and incidence of functional disability in elderly as the outcome. Review of the studies found that after adjusting for socioeconomic, health, and social relations indicators, incidence of functional disability was similar between genders. The main risk factors for functional disability in the elderly, regardless of gender, were: lack of schooling, living in rental housing, chronic diseases, arthritis, diabetes, visual impairment, body mass index above 25, poor self-perceived health, cognitive impairment, depression, slow gait, sedentary lifestyle, tiredness while performing daily activities, and limited diversity in social relations.
Armazenamento de ameixas 'Laetitia' em atmosfera modificada
Authors: Steffens Cristiano André , Amarante Cassandro Vidal Talamini do , Alves Erlani de Oliveira , Tanaka Hélio , Brackmann Auri , Both Vanderlei
Published: December 2009

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da atmosfera modificada (AM) na manutenção da qualidade físico-química de ameixas da cultivar 'Laetitia'. Os tratamentos avaliados foram: armazenamento refrigerado (AR; 21,0kPa O2 + 0,03kPa CO2), AM [polietileno de baixa densidade (PEBD, 40µm) sem perfuração], AM com adição de 10kPa de CO2 e AM com quatro perfurações de 2,0mm de diâmetro. Os tratamentos AM, AM com perfurações e AM com adição de CO2 proporcionaram as pressões parciais médias de 1,9kPa O2 + 15,2kPa CO2, 8,1kPa O2 + 9,6kPa CO2 e 4,1kPa O2 + 16,0kPa CO2, respectivamente. Ameixas armazenadas em AR apresentaram menores valores de firmeza de polpa e força para ruptura da casca, bem como coloração da epiderme mais vermelha e maior incidência de rachaduras na saída da câmara. A força para penetração da polpa e a resistência do fruto à compressão, na saída da câmara, foram maiores nos frutos armazenados em AM com perfuração, não havendo diferenças entre as condições de AM após quatro dias em condição ambiente. A acidez titulável foi mais elevada em todas as condições de AM, na saída da câmara. A incidência de podridões foi menor nos frutos armazenados em AM com perfurações. A taxa respiratória foi mais elevada nos frutos armazenados em AM na saída da câmara, mas não após quatro dias em condição ambiente. A incidência de degenerescência da polpa foi elevada em todos os tratamentos, porém menor em AR e AM com perfurações.