bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alcohol and cardio-respiratory deaths in Chinese: a population-based case-control study of 32,462 older Hong Kong adults
Authors: Schooling C Mary , Lam Tai Hing , Ho Sai Yin , He Yao , Mak Kwok Hang , Leung Gabriel M
Published: February 2009

Background

In observational studies moderate alcohol use reduces cardio-respiratory mortality. However observational studies may be biased by many factors including residual confounding by unmeasured differences between moderate alcohol users and other groups or by changes in alcohol use with ill-health and aging. We used two different analytic strategies in an under-studied population, i.e. southern Chinese, to provide an assessment of the specific impact of moderate alcohol use on mortality from ischemic heart disease (IHD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD).

Methods

In a population-based case-control study of all adult deaths in Hong Kong Chinese in 1998, we used adjusted logistic regression to compare alcohol use in decedents aged ≥ 60 years from IHD (2270) and COPD (1441) with 10,320 living and 9043 dead controls (all non-alcohol related deaths). We also examined whether the association of alcohol use with death from IHD or COPD varied with sex or smoking status.

Results

Using living controls and adjusted for age, socio-economic status and lifestyle, occasional and moderate alcohol use were generally associated with lower mortality from IHD and COPD. However, using dead controls the protection of occasional and moderate alcohol use appeared to be limited to ever-smokers for IHD (odds ratio (OR) 0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.46 to 0.73 for moderate compared to never-use in ever-smokers, but OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.50 in never-smokers), and possibly to men for COPD. High alcohol use was associated with lower IHD mortality and possibly with lower COPD mortality.

Conclusion

High levels of alcohol use in an older Chinese population were associated with lower IHD mortality. Moderate alcohol use was less consistently protective against IHD mortality. Alcohol use was associated with lower COPD mortality particularly in men, either due to some yet to be clarified properties of alcohol or as the artefactual result of genetic selection into alcohol use in a Chinese population. Given the increasing use of alcohol in China with economic development, other designs and analytic strategies are needed to assess the impact of alcohol in this population, so that an evidence-based public health policy can be formulated.
Diversity and abundance of photosynthetic sponges in temperate Western Australia
Authors: Lemloh Marie-Louise , Fromont Jane , Brümmer Franz , Usher Kayley M
Published: February 2009

Background

Photosynthetic sponges are important components of reef ecosystems around the world, but are poorly understood. It is often assumed that temperate regions have low diversity and abundance of photosynthetic sponges, but to date no studies have investigated this question. The aim of this study was to compare the percentages of photosynthetic sponges in temperate Western Australia (WA) with previously published data on tropical regions, and to determine the abundance and diversity of these associations in a range of temperate environments.

Results

We sampled sponges on 5 m belt transects to determine the percentage of photosynthetic sponges and identified at least one representative of each group of symbionts using 16S rDNA sequencing together with microscopy techniques. Our results demonstrate that photosynthetic sponges are abundant in temperate WA, with an average of 63% of sponge individuals hosting high levels of photosynthetic symbionts and 11% with low to medium levels. These percentages of photosynthetic sponges are comparable to those found on tropical reefs and may have important implications for ecosystem function on temperate reefs in other areas of the world. A diverse range of symbionts sometimes occurred within a small geographic area, including the three "big" cyanobacterial clades, Oscillatoria spongeliae, "Candidatus Synechococcus spongiarum" and Synechocystis species, and it appears that these clades all occur in a wide range of sponges. Additionally, spongin-permeating red algae occurred in at least 7 sponge species. This study provides the first investigation of the molecular phylogeny of rhodophyte symbionts in sponges.

Conclusion

Photosynthetic sponges are abundant and diverse in temperate WA, with comparable percentages of photosynthetic to non-photosynthetic sponges to tropical zones. It appears that there are three common generalist clades of cyanobacterial symbionts of sponges which occur in a wide range of sponges in a wide range of environmental conditions.
The signal transduction pathway of PKC/NF-κB/c-fos may be involved in the influence of high glucose on the cardiomyocytes of neonatal rats
Authors: Min Wang , Bin Zhang Wen , Quan Zhou Bin , Hui Zhu Jun , Sheng Fu Guo
Published: February 2009

Background

High glucose could induce structure and function change in cardiomyocytes, PKC plays a core effect in the onset and progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy, but its underlying downstream signal transduction pathway is still not completely understood.

Objectives

To study the influence of high glucose on the structure, function and signal transduction pathway of PKC (Protein Kinase C)/NF-κB(Nuclear factor-κB)/c-fos in cultured cardiomyocytes.

Methods

Using cultured cardiomyocytes of neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats as a model, groups were divided into: control group (glucose: 5 mmol/L); high glucose group (glucose: 10 mmol/L, 15 mmol/L, 20 mmol/L, 25.5 mmol/L); equimolar mannital group (5 mmol/L glucose + 20.5 mmol/L maninital); high glucose(25.5 mmol/L) add PKC inhibitor (Ro-31-8220, 50 nmol/L); high glucose (25.5 mmol/L) add NF-κB inhibitor (BAY11-7082, 5 μmol/L). The cellular contracting frequency and volumes were measured and the expression of PKC-α, PKC-β2, p-PKC-α, p-PKC-β2, NF-κB, p-NF-κB, TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α) and c-fos were measured by western blot or RT-PCR.

Results

Cardiomyocytes cultured in high glucose level, but not iso-osmotic mannital, showed an increased pulsatile frequency and higher cellular volumes consistent with the increased glucose levels, and also higher expression of PKC-α, PKC-β2, p-PKC-α, p-PKC-β2, NF-κB, p-NF-κB, TNF-α and c-fos. The addition of Ro-31-8220 and BAY11-7082 could partly reverse these changes induced by high glucose level.

Conclusion

High glucose significantly increased the pulsatile frequency and cellular volumes of cultured cardiomyocytes via PKC/NF-κB/c-fos pathway, which might lead to diabetic cardiomyopathy.
A rare coexistence of adrenal cavernous hemangioma with extramedullar hemopoietic tissue: a case report and brief review of the literature
Authors: Arkadopoulos Nikolaos , Kyriazi Maria , Yiallourou Anneza I , Stafyla Vaia K , Theodosopoulos Theodosios , Dafnios Nikolaos , Smyrniotis Vassilis , Kondi-Pafiti Agathi
Published: February 2009

Background

Cavernous hemangiomas of the adrenal gland are rare, benign, non-functioning neoplastic tumors. To our knowledge, 55 cases have been reported in the literature to date.

Case presentation

We report the first case of a large, non-functioning adrenal cavernous hemangioma that was incidentally found during the preoperative staging workup of a 75 year old woman with left breast adenocarcinoma. Imaging with US, CT scan and MRI showed a heterogeneous 8 cm mass with non-specific radiological features that was located on the left adrenal gland. The mass was surgically excised and pathology revealed an adrenal hemangioma with areas of extramedullar hemopoiesis.

Conclusion

Although adrenal hemangiomas are rare and their preoperative diagnosis is difficult, they should always be included in the differential diagnosis of adrenal neoplasms.
Destabilization of the TAR hairpin leads to extension of the polyA hairpin and inhibition of HIV-1 polyadenylation
Authors: Vrolijk Martine M , Harwig Alex , Berkhout Ben , Das Atze T
Published: February 2009

Background

Two hairpin structures that are present at both the 5' and 3' end of the HIV-1 RNA genome have important functions in the viral life cycle. The TAR hairpin binds the viral Tat protein and is essential for Tat-mediated activation of transcription. The adjacent polyA hairpin encompasses the polyadenylation signal AAUAAA and is important for the regulation of polyadenylation. Specifically, this RNA structure represses polyadenylation at the 5' side, and enhancer elements on the 3' side overcome this suppression. We recently described that the replication of an HIV-1 variant that does not need TAR for transcription was severely impaired by destabilization of the TAR hairpin, even though a complete TAR deletion was acceptable.

Results

In this study, we show that the TAR-destabilizing mutations result in reduced 3' polyadenylation of the viral transcripts due to an extension of the adjacent polyA hairpin. Thus, although the TAR hairpin is not directly involved in polyadenylation, mutations in TAR can affect this process.

Conclusion

The stability of the HIV-1 TAR hairpin structure is important for the proper folding of the viral RNA transcripts. This study illustrates how mutations that are designed to study the function of a specific RNA structure can change the structural presentation of other RNA domains and thus affect viral replication in an indirect way.
Enzymatic transesterification of Jatropha oil
Authors: Kumari Annapurna , Mahapatra Paramita , Garlapati Vijay Kumar , Banerjee Rintu
Published: February 2009

Background

Transesterification of Jatropha oil was carried out in t-butanol solvent using immobilized lipase from Enterobacter aerogenes. The presence of t-butanol significantly reduced the negative effects caused by both methanol and glycerol. The effects of various reaction parameters on transesterification of Jatropha oil were studied.

Results

The maximum yield of biodiesel was 94% (of which 68% conversion was achieved with respect to methyl oleate) with an oil:methanol molar ratio of 1:4, 50 U of immobilized lipase/g of oil, and a t-butanol:oil volume ratio of 0.8:1 at 55°C after 48 h of reaction time. There was negligible loss in lipase activity even after repeated use for seven cycles.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge this is the first report on biodiesel synthesis using immobilized E. aerogenes lipase.
Complete heart block and severe aortic stenosis in a patient with rheumatoid arthtritis: a case report
Authors: Moyssakis Ioannis , Lionakis Nikolaos , Vlahodimitris Ioannis , Votteas Vassilios
Published: February 2009

Background

A 77-year-old male patient with a history of rheumatoid arthritis was admitted to our hospital for investigation of syncope and dyspnea on exertion class II according to NYHA class association.

Case presentation

The electrocardiogram revealed complete heart block whereas the echocardiogram showed severe aortic valve stenosis with a peak gradient = 80 mmHg. A permanent pacemaker was implanted in addition to aortic valve replacement. The coexistence of complete heart block and severe aortic stenosis with rheumatoid arthritis are presented.

Conclusion

Further studies are necessary to assess whether a true association of the above conditions exist.
Identification of novel transcripts with differential dorso-ventral expression in Xenopus gastrula using serial analysis of gene expression
Authors: Faunes Fernando , Sánchez Natalia , Castellanos Javier , Vergara Ismael A , Melo Francisco , Larraín Juan
Published: February 2009

Background

Recent evidence from global studies of gene expression indicates that transcriptomes are more complex than expected. Xenopus has been typically used as a model organism to study early embryonic development, particularly dorso-ventral patterning. In order to identify novel transcripts involved in dorso-ventral patterning, we compared dorsal and ventral transcriptomes of Xenopus tropicalis at the gastrula stage using serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE).

Results

Of the experimental tags, 54.5% were confidently mapped to transcripts and 125 showed a significant difference in their frequency of occurrence between dorsal and ventral libraries. We selected 20 differentially expressed tags and assigned them to specific transcripts using bioinformatics and reverse SAGE. Five mapped to transcripts with known dorso-ventral expression and the frequency of appearance for these tags in each library is in agreement with the expression described by other methods. The other 15 tags mapped to transcripts with no previously described asymmetric expression along the dorso-ventral axis. The differential expression of ten of these novel transcripts was validated by in situ hybridization and/or RT-PCR. We can estimate that this SAGE experiment provides a list of at least 86 novel transcripts with differential expression along the dorso-ventral axis. Interestingly, the expression of some novel transcripts was independent of β-catenin.

Conclusions

Our SAGE analysis provides a list of novel transcripts with differential expression in the dorso-ventral axis and a large number of orphan tags that can be used to identify novel transcripts and to improve the current annotation of the X. tropicalis genome.
Post-Challenge Hyperglycemia in Older Adults Is Associated with Increased Cardiovascular Risk Profile
Authors: Crandall Jill P. , Shamoon Harry , Cohen Hillel W. , Reid Migdalia , Gajavelli Srikanth , Trandafirescu Georgeta , Tabatabaie Vafa , Barzilai Nir
Published: February 2009

Context: Post-challenge hyperglycemia (PCH) is common in older adults and is associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and total mortality. However, PCH is rarely recognized in clinical settings, and the glycemic exposure and CVD risk profile of elderly individuals with PCH has not been defined.

Objective: The aim of the study was to characterize metabolic and CVD risk profile of elderly subjects with PCH and to determine the effect of acute postprandial metabolic changes on vascular biomarkers.

Design: We conducted a cross-sectional study with a standard meal challenge protocol.

Participants: Older adults with normal glucose tolerance (n = 30) or PCH (fasting glucose <126 mg/dl and 2-h glucose ≥170 mg/dl; n = 28) participated in the study.

Main Outcome Measures: We assessed fasting and postprandial levels of glucose, insulin, lipids, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and adiponectin and endothelial function using reactive hyperemia peripheral arterial tonometry.

Results: Normal glucose tolerance and PCH subjects were matched for age, sex, body mass index, and ethnicity. Fasting glucose (102 ± 3 vs. 93 ± 2 mg/dl; P < 0.001) and glycosylated hemoglobin (5.7 vs. 5.4%; P = 0.01) were modestly higher in the PCH group, which was also more insulin resistant (homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, 7.0 ± 1.3 vs. 4.1 ± 0.6; P = 0.03). Fasting high sensitivity C-reactive protein was higher (2.6 ± 0.5 vs. 1.3 ± 0.2 mg/dl; P = 0.05), and adiponectin was lower (11.6 ± 1.6 vs. 14.0 ± 1.3 μg/ml; P = 0.03) in subjects with PCH. Peak and 6-h postprandial area under the curve glucose, insulin, and lipids were higher in PCH subjects, who also had higher fasting and postprandial levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. Reactive hyperemia peripheral arterial tonometry declined postprandially only in PCH.

Conclusions: Older adults with PCH experience significant fasting and postprandial metabolic dysregulation, which is accompanied by a proatherosclerotic and prothrombotic vascular profile.
Effects of Somatostatin Analogs on Glucose Homeostasis: A Metaanalysis of Acromegaly Studies
Authors: Mazziotti Gherardo , Floriani Irene , Bonadonna Stefania , Torri Valter , Chanson Philippe , Giustina Andrea
Published: February 2009

Background: Somatostatin analogs (SSA) may influence glucose metabolism, but the clinical relevance of this effect is uncertain because trials performed so far are limited in terms of number of patients and heterogeneity for length and type of follow-up.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to assess, via the metaanalysis of acromegaly studies, the clinical impact of SSA on glucose metabolism. The outcomes analyzed were fasting plasma glucose, fasting plasma insulin, hemoglobin A(1c), and plasma glucose concentrations during oral glucose tolerance test.

Study Selection: Eligibility criteria were: 1) duration of SSA treatment of at least 3 wk; 2) available numerical data for at least one of the four biochemical outcomes investigated; 3) measurement of the outcomes before and after SSA treatment; and 4) no selection of acromegalic patients for their responsivity to SSA. After revision, only 31 studies fulfilled eligibility criteria and were therefore selected for data extraction and analysis.

Data Synthesis: SSA treatment was found to induce statistically significant decrease in fasting plasma insulin [effect size −0.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) from −0.58 to −0.32, P < 0.001], without any significant change of fasting plasma glucose (effect size +0.04, 95% CI from −0.07 to +0.15, P = 0.52) and hemoglobin A(1c) (effect size +0.11, 95% CI from −0.02 to +0.23, P = 0.09). Serum glucose values during the oral glucose tolerance test were shown to significantly change during SSA treatment (effect size +0.31, 95% CI from +0.17 to +0.45, P < 0.001), although with high inconsistency among trials.

Conclusions: Our data suggest that modifications of glucose homeostasis induced by SSA may have an overall minor clinical impact in acromegaly.
A common trafficking route for GLUT4 in cardiomyocytes in response to insulin, contraction and energy-status signalling
Authors: Fazakerley Daniel J. , Lawrence Scott P. , Lizunov Vladimir A. , Cushman Samuel W. , Holman Geoffrey D.
Published: February 2009

A new mouse model has been developed to study the localisation and trafficking of the glucose transporter GLUT4 in muscle. The mouse line has specific expression of a GFP and HA-epitope-tagged version of GLUT4 under the control of a muscle-specific promoter. The exofacial HA-tag has enabled fluorescent labelling of only the GLUT4 exposed at the external surface. A distinction between sarcolemma labelling and transverse-tubule labelling has also been possible because the former compartment is much more accessible to intact anti-HA antibody. By contrast, the Fab fragment of the anti-HA antibody could readily detect GLUT4 at the surface of both the sarcolemma and transverse tubules. Here, we have used this mouse model to examine the route taken by cardiomyocyte GLUT4 as it moves to the limiting external membrane surface of sarcolemma and transverse-tubules in response to insulin, contraction or activators of energy-status signalling, including hypoxia. HA-GLUT4-GFP is largely excluded from the sarcolemma and transverse-tubule membrane of cardiomyocytes under basal conditions, but is similarly trafficked to these membrane surfaces after stimulation with insulin, contraction or hypoxia. Internalisation of sarcolemma GLUT4 has been investigated by pulse-labelling surface GLUT4 with intact anti-HA antibody. At early stages of internalisation, HA-tagged GLUT4 colocalises with clathrin at puncta at the sarcolemma, indicating that in cells returning to a basal state, GLUT4 is removed from external membranes by a clathrin-mediated route. We also observed colocalisation of GLUT4 with clathrin under basal conditions. At later stages of internalisation and at steady state, anti-HA antibody labeled-GLUT4 originating from the sarcolemma was predominantly detected in a peri-nuclear compartment, indistinguishable among the specific initial stimuli. These results taken together imply a common pathway for internalisation of GLUT4, independent of the initial stimulus.
Improving access to psychological therapies: Phase IV prospective cohort study
Authors: Richards David A. , Suckling Rupert
Published: February 2009

Objectives. To determine the effects of implementing stepped care evidence‐based psychological treatments for anxiety and depression in routine practice using a collaborative care implementation model.

Design. Observational prospective cohort study/Phase IV field trial.

Methods. We collected data on depression and anxiety from a prospective cohort of 3,994 consecutive patients referred to the UK Improving Access to Psychological Therapies demonstration site in Doncaster for 12 months from August 2006 using PHQ‐9 and GAD‐7. We collected demographic and process information including the type and methods of treatments received. We calculated effect sizes, remission, and recovery rates for patients competing treatment and those who dropped out or were considered to be unsuitable.

Results. Two thousand seven hundred and ninety‐five patients received an assessment, out of which 2,017 received two or more appointments. Out of these, 869 had completed treatment by the census date, 743 remained in treatment, 319 had dropped out, and 85 had been found to be unsuitable. Pre–post treatment effect sizes for anxiety and depression in those patients completing treatment were 1.39 and 1.41, respectively, with post‐treatment relative risks of depression and anxiety 0.29 and 0.34. The combined remission and recovery rates were 76% for depression and 74% for anxiety. The mean number of treatment sessions was 5.15 in a mean time of 2 h and 45 min. On an average, patients received at least three of these contacts by telephone. Outcomes are comparable with benchmarked trials, reviews, and routine datasets.

Conclusions. Combining low‐intensity stepped care psychological treatment with a telephony‐based collaborative care organizational system can deliver good clinical outcomes in routine practice.
Staying quiet or getting out: Some ideological dilemmas faced by women who experience violence from male partners
Authors: Towns Alison J. , Adams Peter J.
Published: February 2009

Violence against women by men who are their intimate partners is now recognized internationally as a significant problem and one that impacts on social and community development and on the health of women and children. Women commonly report little of this violence. In this paper, we discuss the various socially constructed dilemmas for women that may silence them from talking of such violence. Billig et al. 's (1988) concept of ideological dilemmas emerged as a useful analytic device from which to analyse the discourses of 20 women who had experienced violence from their male partners. In particular, the influence of ideologies of patriarchy and of equity, and ideologies of individualism and collectivism were found to impact on some women's talk of such violence. This research contributes to the current debate on the psychosocial by describing the ways in which ideological dilemmas interweave across the social and the psychological.
Distinguishing truthful from invented accounts using reality monitoring criteria
Authors: Memon Amina , Fraser Joanne , Colwell Kevin , Odinot Geralda , Mastroberardino Serena
Published: February 2009

Purpose. Previous research has suggested that true and invented memories can be distinguished between using the reality monitoring criteria. Two different coding schemes were used to examine the correct classification of reports as truthful or deceptive on the basis of individual reality‐monitoring (RM) criteria.

Method. Drawing upon the RM framework the present experiment examined transcripts of verbal accounts of eyewitnesses to a staged event or made up details about the incident. The statements were elicited during a face‐to‐face cognitive interview (CI) and were analysed by coders trained in the identification of criteria indicative of self‐experienced and invented accounts (referred to here as Version 1) and a similar coding method (referred to here as Version 2).

Results. A distinction was made between ‘external memories’ (affective, perceptual, and contextual details) and ‘internal’ memories (cognitive operations). For Version 1, the results indicated a higher number of contextual and external details in the descriptions of experienced events and as is commonly found in the deception literature, truthful accounts were longer. For Version 2, temporal and auditory details were more frequent in true accounts. Contrary to prediction, there were also more references to cognitive operations in true accounts.

Conclusions. Any forensic application of RM should consider how external factors (characteristics of the event, motivation to deceive, and questioning style) influence the presence of RM criteria.
Some like it specific: The difference between treatment goals of anxious and depressed patients
Authors: Holtforth Martin Grosse , Wyss Tamara , Schulte Dietmar , Trachsel Manuel , Michalak Johannes
Published: February 2009

Objectives.While clinical diagnoses are the primary criteria for differential indication in psychotherapy, treatment‐goal themes may provide additional information on diagnosis‐specific and extra‐diagnostic aspects of treatment motivation. It is hypothesized that the goals of anxiety patients focus on symptom relief, while the goals of depression patients are thematically more heterogeneous. Additionally, it is hypothesized that patients with various specific anxiety disorders can be differentiated on their treatment‐goal themes.

Design.To obtain a sufficiently large number of diagnostically non‐comorbid patients, a sample of 328 patients with non‐comorbid anxiety and depression patients was merged from two subsamples: 255 outpatients from a university‐based clinic in Germany and 73 outpatients from a comparable clinic in German‐speaking Switzerland.

Methods.The treatment‐goal themes of the 328 outpatients were coded using the Bern inventory of treatment goals.

Results.Patients with non‐comorbid diagnoses of depression or anxiety differed as hypothesized. Anxiety patients' treatment goals predominantly focused on symptom relief, while depression patients' treatment goals were thematically more heterogeneous. In addition, patients with various specific anxiety disorders differed in their treatment‐goal themes.

Conclusions.Implications for clinical assessment and treatment planning are discussed.
Spatial Variation in Osteonal Bone Properties Relative to Tissue and Animal Age
Authors: Gourion-Arsiquaud Samuel , Burket Jayme C , Havill Lorena M , DiCarlo Edward , Doty Stephen B , Mendelsohn Richard , van der Meulen Marjolein CH , Boskey Adele L
Published: February 2009

Little is known about osteonal bone mineral and matrix properties, although these properties are of major importance for the understanding of bone alterations related to age and bone diseases such as osteoporosis. During aging, bone undergoes modifications that compromise their structural integrity as shown clinically by the increase of fracture incidence with age. Based on Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis from baboons between 0 and 32 yr of age, consistent systematic variations in bone properties as a function of tissue age are reported within osteons. The patterns observed were independent of animal age and positively correlated with bone tissue elastic behavior measured by nano-indentation. As long as tissue age is expressed as a percentage of the entire osteon radius, osteonal analyses can be used to characterize disease changes independent of the size of the osteon. These mineral and matrix analyses can be used to explain bone fragility. The mineral content (mineral-to-matrix ratio) was correlated with the animal age in both old (interstitial) and newly formed bone tissue, showing for the first time that age-related changes in BMC can be explain by an alteration in the mineralization process itself and not only by an imbalance in the remodeling process.
Advanced Vertebral Fracture Among Newly Diagnosed Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Results of the Canadian Steroid-Associated Osteoporosis in the Pediatric Population (STOPP) Research Program
Authors: Halton Jacqueline , Gaboury Isabelle , Grant Ronald , Alos Nathalie , Cummings Elizabeth A , Matzinger Maryann , Shenouda Nazih , Lentle Brian , Abish Sharon , Atkinson Stephanie , Cairney Elizabeth , Dix David , Israels Sara , Stephure David , Wilson Beverly , Hay John , Moher David , Rauch Frank , Siminoski Kerry , Ward Leanne M
Published: February 2009

Vertebral compression is a serious complication of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The prevalence and pattern of vertebral fractures, as well as their relationship to BMD and other clinical indices, have not been systematically studied. We evaluated spine health in 186 newly diagnosed children (median age, 5.3 yr; 108 boys) with ALL (precursor B cell: N = 167; T cell: N = 19) who were enrolled in a national bone health research program. Patients were assessed within 30 days of diagnosis by lateral thoraco-lumbar spine radiograph, bone age (also used for metacarpal morphometry), and BMD. Vertebral morphometry was carried out by the Genant semiquantitative method. Twenty-nine patients (16%) had a total of 75 grade 1 or higher prevalent vertebral compression fractures (53 thoracic, 71%; 22 lumbar). Grade 1 fractures as the worst grade were present in 14 children (48%), 9 patients (31%) had grade 2 fractures, and 6 children (21%) had grade 3 fractures. The distribution of spine fracture was bimodal, with most occurring in the midthoracic and thoraco-lumbar regions. Children with grade 1 or higher vertebral compression had reduced lumbar spine (LS) areal BMD Z-scores compared with those without (mean ± SD, −2.1 ± 1.5 versus −1.1 ± 1.2; p < 0.001). LS BMD Z-score, second metacarpal percent cortical area Z-score, and back pain were associated with increased odds for fracture. For every 1 SD reduction in LS BMD Z-score, the odds for fracture increased by 80% (95% CI: 10–193%); the presence of back pain had an OR of 4.7 (95% CI: 1.5–14.5). These results show that vertebral compression is an under-recognized complication of newly diagnosed ALL. Whether the fractures will resolve through bone growth during or after leukemia chemotherapy remains to be determined.
Rehabilitation of Women With Physical Disabilities in India: A Huge Gap
Authors: Halder Santoshi
Published: February 2009

The study aimed to determine various constraints faced by women with physical disabilities and their vocational rehabilitation in India. It revealed that the majority of these women belong to a lower income group. Their financial constraints hinder their treatment and education, and compel them to focus on vocational courses that will provide them with employment. It was found that there is a deficit in general coordination and a huge gap between the demands of the job market and the type of vocational courses done by the women, mainly because the vocational courses offered by the special institutes are outdated. The article concludes by stressing that successful rehabilitation of these women requires overall coordination, ranging from removing various constraints in the education system, modernisation of the vocational services according to capability as well as interest, and providing suitable vocational courses.
Prototypenorientierte Genuszuweisung vom Althochdeutschen zum Neuhochdeutschen und Vorschläge für eine Didaktisierung (mit Exkurs zum Gotischen)
Authors: Frey Evelyn
Published: February 2009

The system of gender represents one of the greatest problems for learners of German as a foreign language, because it seems to be arbitrary as far as suffixless simple words are concerned. Leiss (1997) showed that the system of gender once was semantically motivated and was available in a complete Indoeuropean paradigm. In Old High German this system is still available in numerous lemmata with double- and triple-gender, but first tendencies of dissolving are recognizable. Following this idea it can be shown that predictability for a certain gender increases, if phonological markers are considered in addition to the semantic ones. The amount of coda consonants and their quality seem to be particularly relevant for fixing the masculine, feminine or neuter gender. In New High German too a huge amount of semantical characteristics exists which allows to predict the gender; but it can be shown that in a lot of cases the rate of predictability increases in a significant way when semantical charactaristics are combined with those phonological marks which are relevant already in Old High German. Nevertheless a small amount of words (especially feminines) remains which is arbitrary. The final didactical proposal for teaching German as a foreign language are based on these results.
Die mentale Verarbeitung von Verben in idiomatischen Konstruktionen
Authors: Rabanus Stefan , Smolka Eva , Streb Judith , Rösler Frank
Published: February 2009

This study investigated whether verbs in figurative language activate different types of associations than do verbs in literal language. In a sentence-priming experiment, we compared idiomatic sentences and literal sentences that comprised the same verb. The German perfect tense is of particular interest here, since the verb (i.e. the past participle) is always cast in sentence-final position. This allowed us to examine associations with the verb immediately after its presentation. We compared response times for associations with the literal meaning of the verb, with the figurative meaning of the phrase, or for unassociated nouns. Even though the idiomatic sentences were highly predictable, our results showed that not only associations with the figurative meaning but also associations with the literal verb meaning were activated. This contrasts with the configuration hypothesis (Cacciari/Tabossi 1988) assuming that literal associations should not be activated in idiomatically biased sentences. We argue that the literal verb meaning is essential in both figurative and non-figurative language and present a model that integrates our findings.
Zum Quellenwert des althochdeutschen Tatian für die Syntaxforschung. Überlegungen auf der Basis von Wortstellungsphänomenen
Authors: Fleischer Jürg , Hinterhölzl Roland , Solf Michael
Published: February 2009

This paper is about the potential value of the Old High German Tatian manuscript as a source for research on word order. The Tatian (dated before 850), being one of the largest records of Old High German, is often viewed as a slavish translation of the Latin text, displaying many features of an interlinear translation. However, it has long been noted that deviations from the Latin word order can provide valuable evidence for genuine Old High German syntactic structures. Research until now has shown that such deviations display features known from New High German grammar. In this paper, it is argued that deviations from the Latin word order going against New High German can also be found in significant numbers. Taking into account the totality of deviations, it is argued that they allow to reconstruct a genuine Old High German system in which word order is largely determined by information structural parameters.
History of ASTM Involvement in High-Temperature, High-Shear Oil Viscosity Research
Authors: Smith MF
Published: February 2009

ASTM involvement in high-temperature, high-shear (HTHS) viscosity research began in December 1977, as a direct result of a request by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). The essence of the SAE request was to develop an HTHS viscosity measurement that correlates with engine performance, either in bearing wear or piston ring wear. The ASTM project began as a task force effort and later grew into a section activity. Initial efforts consisted of defining objectives and developing plans for the cooperative research required. A questionnaire to develop inputs on important issues was sent to engine manufacturers, oil companies, and oil additive companies. The response to the questionnaire provided guidance for the HTHS viscosity program. After considerable debate, the task force changed its objective to focus on the development of an HTHS viscometer. To accomplish this, the task force created three subgroups to channel the efforts in the most efficient manner. The viscometer development groups have accomplished their objectives; three ASTM methods have been written and approved.
Relating High-Temperature, High-Shear-Rate Viscosity to Engine Operation
Authors: Spearot JA
Published: February 2009

The argument over which values of oil viscosity best correlate with measures of engine operation has gone on for many years. Over a decade ago (1977), the membership of the Engine Oil Subcommittee of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Fuels and Lubricants Committee (now the Fuels and Lubricants Division) agreed that there were enough data to justify asking the appropriate ASTM subcommittee (D02.07) to develop methods for determining values of high-temperature, high-shear-rate (HTHS) oil viscosity and to relate them to engine operation. In 1984, an ASTM task force finished reviewing the available literature and composed a report that summarized the effects of viscosity on bearing oil film thickness, engine wear, engine friction, and fuel economy (ASTM DS-62). This paper reviews the findings of that report and updates them in light of recent studies. The case for incorporating HTHS viscosity specifications into the Engine Oil Viscosity Classification, SAE J300, is presently stronger than ever. Suggestions are offered on how this incorporation might be accomplished and on what future directions ASTM research on HTHS viscosity should take.
The Future of a High-Temperature, High-Shear Engine Oil Viscosity Classification in SAE J300
Authors: Stambaugh RL
Published: February 2009

Negotiations to include high-temperature, high-shear viscosity limits in Engine Oil Viscosity Classification SAE J300 have been in progress for twelve years, with vigorous activity since late 1984. Every effort is being made to define a system that will maintain continuity with the current J300. Although agreement with the concept in principle has been reached, consensus on the choice of limits has remained elusive. Because resolution of the technical details and highly emotional issues surrounding limits for some of the viscosity grades appears to remain well beyond reach, it seems unlikely that any full-scale classification system will appear in the near future. However, it is likely that limits for specific viscosity grades of major interest to engine manufacturers will soon be added to SAE J300.
Neuroimaging and Physiological Evidence for Involvement of Glutamatergic Transmission in Regulation of the Striatal Dopaminergic System
Authors: Tokunaga Masaki , Seneca Nicholas , Shin Ryong-Moon , Maeda Jun , Obayashi Shigeru , Okauchi Takashi , Nagai Yuji , Zhang Ming-Rong , Nakao Ryuji , Ito Hiroshi , Innis Robert B. , Halldin Christer , Suzuki Kazutoshi , Higuchi Makoto , Suhara Tetsuya
Published: February 2009

Aberrant neurotransmissions via glutamate and dopamine receptors have been the focus of biomedical research on the molecular basis of psychiatric disorders, but the mode of their interaction is yet to be uncovered. In this study, we demonstrated the pharmacological reversal of methamphetamine-stimulated dopaminergic overflow by suppression of group I metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor in living primates and rodents.In vivo positron emission tomography (PET) was conducted on cynomolgus monkeys and rats using a full agonistic tracer for dopamine D2/3receptor, [11C]MNPA [(R)-2-11CH3O-N-n-propylnorapomorphine], and fluctuation of kinetic data resulting from anesthesia was avoided by scanning awake subjects. Excessive release of dopamine induced by methamphetamine and abolishment of this alteration by treatment with an antagonist of group I mGlu receptors, 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine (MPEP), were measured in both species as decreased binding potential because of increased dopamine and its recovery to baseline levels, respectively. Counteraction of MPEP to the methamphetamine-induced dopamine spillover was also supported neurochemically by microdialysis of unanesthetized rat striatum. Moreover, patch-clamp electrophysiological assays using acute brain slices prepared from rats indicated that direct targets of MPEP mechanistically involved in the effects of methamphetamine are present locally within the striatum. Because MPEP alone did not markedly alter the baseline dopaminergic neurotransmission according to our PET and electrophysiological data, the present findings collectively extend the insights on dopamine–glutamate cross talk from extrastriatal localization of responsible mGlu receptors to intrastriatal synergy and support therapeutic interventions in case of disordered striatal dopaminergic status using group I mGlu receptor antagonists assessable byin vivoimaging techniques.
Following One's Heart: Cardiac Rhythms Gate Central Initiation of Sympathetic Reflexes
Authors: Gray Marcus A. , Rylander Karin , Harrison Neil A. , Wallin B. Gunnar , Critchley Hugo D.
Published: February 2009

Central nervous processing of environmental stimuli requires integration of sensory information with ongoing autonomic control of cardiovascular function. Rhythmic feedback of cardiac and baroreceptor activity contributes dynamically to homeostatic autonomic control. We examined how the processing of brief somatosensory stimuli is altered across the cardiac cycle to evoke differential changes in bodily state. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging of brain and noninvasive beat-to-beat cardiovascular monitoring, we show that stimuli presented before and during early cardiac systole elicited differential changes in neural activity within amygdala, anterior insula and pons, and engendered different effects on blood pressure. Stimulation delivered during early systole inhibited blood pressure increases. Individual differences in heart rate variability predicted magnitude of differential cardiac timing responses within periaqueductal gray, amygdala and insula. Our findings highlight integration of somatosensory and phasic baroreceptor information at cortical, limbic and brainstem levels, with relevance to mechanisms underlying pain control, hypertension and anxiety.
Sensitization of Cutaneous Nociceptors after Nerve Transection and Regeneration: Possible Role of Target-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Signaling
Authors: Jankowski Michael P. , Lawson Jeffrey J. , McIlwrath Sabrina L. , Rau Kristofer K. , Anderson Collene E. , Albers Kathryn M. , Koerber H. Richard
Published: February 2009

Damage to peripheral nerves is known to contribute to chronic pain states, including mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia and allodynia. It is unknown whether the establishment of these states is attributable to peripheral changes, central modifications, or both. In this study, we used several different approaches to assess the changes in myelinated (A) and unmyelinated (C) cutaneous nociceptors after transection and regeneration of the saphenous nerve. Anex vivorecording preparation was used to examine response characteristics and neurochemical phenotype of different types of functionally defined neurons. We found that myelinated nociceptors had significantly lower mechanical and thermal thresholds after regeneration, whereas C-polymodal nociceptors (CPMs) had lower heat thresholds. There was a significant increase in the percentage of mechanically insensitive C-fibers that responded to heat (CHs) after regeneration. Immunocytochemical analysis of identified afferents revealed that most CPMs were isolectin B4 (IB4) positive and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) negative, whereas CHs were always TRPV1 positive and IB4 negative in naive animals (Lawson et al., 2008). However, after regeneration, some identified CPMs and CHs stained positively for both markers, which was apparently attributable to an increase in the total number of IB4-positive neurons. Real-time PCR analysis of L2/L3 DRGs and hairy hindpaw skin at various times after saphenous nerve axotomy suggested multiple changes in neurotrophic factor signaling that correlated with either denervation or reinnervation of the cutaneous target. These changes may underlie the functional alterations observed after nerve regeneration and may explain how nerve damage leads to chronic pain conditions.
Interaction of Cellular and Network Mechanisms in Spatiotemporal Pattern Formation in Neuronal Networks
Authors: Bogaard Andrew , Parent Jack , Zochowski Michal , Booth Victoria
Published: February 2009

Spatiotemporal patterning of neuronal activity is considered to be an important feature of cognitive processing in the brain as well as pathological brain states, such as seizures. Here, we investigate complex interactions between intrinsic properties of neurons and network structure in the generation of network spatiotemporal patterning in the context of seizure-like synchrony. We show that membrane excitability properties have differential effects on network activity patterning for different network topologies. We consider excitatory networks consisting of neurons with excitability properties varying between type I and type II that exhibit significantly different spike frequency responses to external current stimulation, especially at firing threshold. We find that networks with type II-like neurons show higher synchronization and bursting capacity across a range of network topologies than corresponding networks with type I-like neurons. These differences in activity patterning are persistent across different network sizes, connectivity strengths, magnitudes of random external input, and the addition of inhibitory interneurons to the network, making them highly likely to be relevant to brain function. Furthermore, we show that heterogeneous networks of mixed cell types show emergent dynamical patterns even for very low mixing ratios. Specifically, the addition of a small percentage of type II-like cells into a network of type I-like cells can markedly change the patterning of network activity. These findings suggest that cellular as well as network mechanisms can go hand in hand, leading to the generation of seizure-like discharges, suggesting that a single ictogenic mechanism alone may not be responsible for seizure generation.
Synaptic Overflow of Dopamine in the Nucleus Accumbens Arises from Neuronal Activity in the Ventral Tegmental Area
Authors: Sombers Leslie A. , Beyene Manna , Carelli Regina M. , Mark Wightman R.
Published: February 2009

Dopamine concentrations fluctuate on a subsecond time scale in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of awake rats. These transients occur in resting animals, are more frequent following administration of drugs of abuse, and become time–locked to cues predicting reward. Despite their importance in various behaviors, the origin of these signals has not been demonstrated. Here we show that dopamine transients are evoked by neural activity in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a brain region containing dopaminergic cell bodies. The frequency of naturally occurring dopamine transients in a resting, awake animal was reduced by a local VTA microinfusion of either lidocaine or (±)2-amino,5-phosphopentanoic acid (AP-5), an NMDA receptor antagonist that attenuates phasic firing. When dopamine increases were pharmacologically evoked by noncontingent administration of cocaine, intra-VTA infusion of lidocaine or AP-5 significantly diminished this effect. Dopamine transients acquired in response to a cue during intracranial self-stimulation were also attenuated by intra-VTA microinfusion of AP-5, and this was accompanied by an increase in latency to lever press. The results from these three distinct experiments directly demonstrate, for the first time, how neuronal firing of dopamine neurons originating in the VTA translates into synaptic overflow in a key terminal region, the NAc shell.