bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human regulatory T cells: role in autoimmune disease and therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Brusko Todd M. , Putnam Amy L. , Bluestone Jeffrey A.
Published: July 2008

Summary The importance of regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) in the control of autoimmunity is now well established in a variety of experimental animal models. In addition, there are numerous studies suggesting that Treg deficits may be an underlying cause of human autoimmune diseases. The emergence of Tregs as an essential component of immune homeostasis provides a potential therapeutic opportunity for active immune regulation and long‐term tolerance induction. In this article, we summarize the core basic science and animal model studies of Tregs, review the status of multiple biologic and small molecule chemical compounds to promote Treg development in vivo, and discuss recent advances for the identification and expansion of polyclonal and antigen‐specific Tregs for adoptive immunotherapy. In summary, the review provides an in‐depth analysis and highlights the challenges and opportunities for immune intervention with Treg‐based therapeutics.
B‐lymphocyte contributions to human autoimmune disease
Authors: Yanaba Koichi , Bouaziz Jean‐David , Matsushita Takashi , Magro Cynthia M. , St.Clair E. William , Tedder Thomas F.
Published: July 2008

Summary: Autoimmunity results from abnormal B‐ and T‐cell recognition of self‐antigens, which leads to autoantibody production in many cases. Autoantibodies produced by B‐cell‐derived plasma cells provide diagnostic markers for autoimmunity but also contribute significantly to disease pathogenesis. As discussed in this review, the therapeutic benefit of depleting B cells in mice and humans has refocused attention on B cells and their role in autoimmunity beyond autoantibody production. B cells specifically serve as cellular adjuvants for CD4+ T‐cell activation, while regulatory B cells, including those that produce interleukin‐10 (B10 cells), function as negative regulators of inflammatory immune responses. The emerging picture is that B cells, autoantibodies, and T cells are all important components of abnormal immune responses that lead to tissue pathology unique to each autoimmune disease, with their relative contributions changing during disease progression. Autoimmune diseases where B‐cell functions are closely correlated with disease activity include systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. Understanding the overlapping roles of B cells as mediators of autoimmune disease will facilitate the development of more precisely directed therapies and combination therapies with broader clinical efficacy than current depletion strategies that remove all B cells.
A trend of increase in periodontal interleukin‐6 expression across patients with neither diabetes nor periodontal disease, patients with periodontal disease alone, and patients with both diseases
Authors: Cole C. M. , Sundararaj K. P. , Leite R. S. , Nareika A. , Slate E. H. , Sanders J. J. , Lopes‐Virella M. F. , Huang Y.
Published: July 2008

Background and Objective: Epidemiological studies have established that patients with diabetes have increased prevalence and severity of periodontal disease. However, the periodontal expression of inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in diabetic patients has not been well characterized. The objective of this study was to determine the difference in the periodontal expression of MMP‐1, MMP‐8, interleukin‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1β between diabetic and nondiabetic patients.

Material and Methods: Periodontal tissue specimens were collected from nine nondiabetic patients without periodontal disease (group 1), from 11 nondiabetic patients with periodontal disease (group 2) and from seven diabetic patients with periodontal disease (group 3). The expression of MMP‐1, MMP‐8, interleukin‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1β was quantified using real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results: The nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test showed that the difference in interleukin‐6 expression among the groups was statistically significant (p = 0.04). Furthermore, the generalized Kruskal–Wallis nonparametric linear‐by‐linear association test showed a statistically significant trend of increase in the expression of interleukin‐6 from group 1 to group 2 to group 3 (p = 0.02) and a suggestion of such a trend for MMP‐1 (p = 0.05). No increase in MMP‐8 expression was observed in patients in group 3 compared to patients in groups 1 and 2. Although the average expression levels of MMP‐1, interleukin‐1β and tumor necrosis factor‐α were increased from group 1 to group 3, the differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: A trend of increased interleukin‐6 expression in periodontal tissues was observed across patients with neither diabetes nor periodontal disease, patients with periodontal disease alone, and patients with both diseases.
Increased melatonin synthesis in pineal glands of rats in streptozotocin induced type 1 diabetes
Authors: Peschke Elmar , Wolgast Sabine , Bazwinsky Ivonne , Pönicke Klaus , Muhlbauer Eckhard
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  It is well‐documented that melatonin influences insulin secretion. The effects are mediated by specific, high‐affinity, pertussis‐toxin‐sensitive, G protein‐coupled membrane receptors (MT1 as well MT2), which are present in both the pancreatic tissue and islets of rats and humans, as well as in rat insulinoma cells (INS1). Via the Gi‐protein‐adenylatecyclase‐3′,5′‐cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and, possibly, the guanylatecyclase‐cGMP pathways, melatonin decreases insulin secretion, whereas, by activating the Gq‐protein‐phospholipase C‐IP3 pathway, it has the opposite effect. For further analysis of the interactions between melatonin and insulin, diabetic rats were investigated with respect to melatonin synthesis in the pineal gland and plasma insulin levels. In this context, recent investigations have proven that type 2 diabetic rats and humans display decreased melatonin levels, whereas type 1 diabetic IDDM rats or those with diabetes induced by streptozotocin (STZ) of the present study show increased plasma melatonin levels and elevated AA‐NAT‐mRNA. Furthermore, the mRNA of pineal insulin receptors and β1‐adrenoceptors, including the clock genes Per1 and Bmal1 and the clock‐controlled output gene Dbp, increases in both young and middle‐aged STZ rats. The results therefore indicate that the decreased insulin levels in STZ‐induced type 1 diabetes are associated with higher melatonin plasma levels. In good agreement with earlier investigations, it was shown that the elevated insulin levels observed in type 2 diabetes, are associated with decreased melatonin levels. The results thus prove that a melatonin–insulin antagonism exists. Astonishingly, notwithstanding the drastic metabolic disturbances in STZ‐diabetic rats, the diurnal rhythms of the parameters investigated are maintained.
Identification of Acidic Dileucine Signals in LRP9 that Interact with Both GGAs and AP‐1/AP‐2
Authors: Doray Balraj , Knisely Jane M. , Wartman Lukas , Bu Guojun , Kornfeld Stuart
Published: July 2008

The Golgi‐localized, gamma‐ear‐containing, ADP ribosylation factor‐binding family of monomeric clathrin adaptors (GGAs) is known to bind cargo molecules through short C‐terminal peptide motifs conforming to the sequence DXXLL (X = any amino acid), while the heterotetrameric adaptors AP‐1 and AP‐2 utilize a similar but discrete sorting motif of the sequence [D,E]XXXL[L,I]. While it has been established that a single cargo molecule may contain either or both types of these acidic cluster‐dileucine (AC‐LL) sorting signals, there are no examples of cargo with overlapping GGA and AP‐1/AP‐2‐binding motifs. In this study, we report that the cytosolic tail of low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein (LRP)9 contains a bifunctional GGA and AP‐1/AP‐2‐binding motif at its carboxy‐terminus (EDEPLL). We further demonstrate that the internal EDEVLL sequence of LRP9 also binds to GGAs in addition to AP‐2. Either AC‐LL motif of LRP9 is functional in endocytosis. These findings represent the first study characterizing the trafficking of LRP9 and also have implications for the identification of additional GGA cargo molecules.
Intermediate Organelles of the Plant Secretory Pathway: Identity and Function
Authors: Foresti Ombretta , Denecke Jürgen
Published: July 2008

The secretory pathway of eukaryotic cells comprises a network of organelles that connects three large membranes, the plasma membrane, the vacuole and the endoplasmic reticulum. The Golgi apparatus and the various post‐Golgi organelles that control vacuolar sorting, secretion and endocytosis can be regarded as intermediate organelles of the endocytic and biosynthetic routes. Many processes in the secretory pathway have evolved differently in plants and cannot be studied using yeast or mammalian cells as models. The best characterized organelles are the Golgi apparatus and the prevacuolar compartment, but recent work has shed light on the role of the trans Golgi network, which has to be regarded as a separate organelle in plants. In this study, we wish to highlight recent findings regarding the late secretory pathway and its crosstalk with the early secretory pathway as well as the endocytic route in plants. Recently published findings and suggested models are discussed within the context of known features of the equivalent pathway in other eukaryotes.
Chromatin Tethering of Incoming Foamy Virus by the Structural Gag Protein
Authors: Tobaly‐Tapiero Joelle , Bittoun Patricia , Lehmann‐Che Jacqueline , Delelis Olivier , Giron Marie‐Lou , De Thé Hugues , Saïb Ali
Published: July 2008

Retroviruses hijack cellular machineries to productively infect their hosts. During the early stages of viral replication, proviral integration relies on specific interactions between components of the preintegration complex and host chromatin‐bound proteins. Here, analyzing the fate of incoming primate foamy virus, we identify a short domain within the C‐terminus of the structural Gag protein that efficiently binds host chromosomes, by interacting with H2A/H2B core histones. While viral particle production, virus entry and intracellular trafficking are not affected by mutation of this domain, chromosomal attachment of incoming subviral complexes is abolished, precluding proviral integration. We thus highlight a new function of the structural foamy Gag protein as the main tether between incoming subviral complexes and host chromatin prior to integration.
Tooth abnormalities and soft tissue alterations in patients with G/BBB syndrome
Authors: Da Silva Dalben G , Richieri‐Costa A , De Assis Taveira LA
Published: July 2008

Objective:  The G/BBB syndrome is an X‐linked recessive disorder characterized by eye anomalies, laryngotracheoesophageal cleft, congenital heart disease, genitourinary anomalies and gastrointestinal disorders. Patients may also present cleft lip and palate, high‐arched palate and thin upper lip. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of tooth abnormalities and soft tissue changes in patients with G/BBB syndrome.

Design:  Cross‐sectional.

Subjects and methods:  Twenty‐one patients with G/BBB syndrome were analyzed as to the presence of tooth abnormalities and soft tissue alterations.

Main outcome measures:  The prevalence of tooth agenesis and supernumerary teeth was compared to patients without morphofunctional alterations, matched for gender and age.

Results:  All patients had complete cleft lip and palate; 95.23% of patients presented tooth abnormalities, mainly hypoplastic alterations, with predominance of alterations of number, followed by alterations of structure, shape and position. The frequency of tooth agenesis and supernumerary teeth was significantly higher compared with the control group; 11 patients presented incisiform supernumerary teeth in the mandibular anterior region. Ankyloglossia was observed in 11 of 21 patients.

Conclusion:  The presence of mandibular anterior supernumerary teeth and ankyloglossia should be investigated in the clinical evaluation of patients with suspected diagnosis of the G/BBB syndrome.
Identification of quantitative trait loci for locomotor activation and anxiety using closely related inbred strains
Authors: Bailey J. S. , Grabowski‐Boase L. , Steffy B. M. , Wiltshire T. , Churchill G. A. , Tarantino L. M.
Published: July 2008

We carried out a quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping experiment in two phenotypically similar inbred mouse strains, C57BL/6J and C58/J, using the open‐field assay, a well‐established model of anxiety‐related behavior in rodents. This intercross was initially carried out as a control cross for an ethylnitrosurea mutagenesis mapping study. Surprisingly, although open‐field behavior is similar in the two strains, we identified significant QTL in their F2 progeny. Marker regression identified a locus on Chr 8 having associations with multiple open‐field measures and a significant interaction between loci on Chr 13 and 17. Together, the Chr 8 locus and the interaction effect form the core set of QTL controlling these behaviors with additional loci on Chr 1 and 6 present in a subset of the behaviors.
Systematic analysis of emotionality in consomic mouse strains established from C57BL/6J and wild‐derived MSM/Ms
Authors: Takahashi A. , Nishi A. , Ishii A. , Shiroishi T. , Koide T.
Published: July 2008

Consomic strains have recently attracted attention as an advantageous method to screen for genes related to developmental, physiological, and behavioral phenotypes. Recently, a new set of consomic strains was established from the Japanese wild‐derived mouse strain MSM/Ms and C57BL/6JJcl. By analyzing the entire consomic panel, we were able to identify a number of chromosomes associated with anxiety‐like behaviors in the open‐field (OF) test, a light–dark box and an elevated plus maze. Detailed observation of the OF behavior allowed us to identify chromosomes associated with those ethological traits, such as stretch attend, rearing, and jumping. Repeated OF test trials have different meanings for animals, and we found that some chromosomes responded to only the first or second trial, while others were consistent across both trials. By examining both male and female mice, sex‐dependent effects were found in several measurements. Principal component analysis of anxiety‐like behaviors extracted five factors: ‘general locomotor activity’, ‘thigmotaxis’, ‘risk assessment’, ‘open‐arm exploration’ and ‘autonomic emotionality’. We mapped chromosomes associated with these five factors of emotionality.
ARTIFACTS IN DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY
Authors: JIMÉNEZ DAVID A. , ARMBRUST LAURA J. , O'BRIEN ROBERT T. , BILLER DAVID S.
Published: July 2008

Digital radiography is becoming more prevalent in veterinary medicine, and with its increased use has come the recognition of a number of artifacts. Artifacts in digital radiography can decrease image quality and mask or mimic pathologic changes. They can be categorized according to the step during which they are created and include preexposure, exposure, postexposure, reading, and workstation artifacts. The recognition and understanding of artifacts in digital radiography facilitates their reduction and decreases misinterpretation. The purpose of this review is to name, describe the appearance, identify the cause, and provide methods of resolution of artifacts in digital radiography.
CONTRAST‐ENHANCED FLUID‐ATTENUATED INVERSION RECOVERY VS. CONTRAST‐ENHANCED SPIN ECHO T1‐WEIGHTED BRAIN IMAGING
Authors: FALZONE CRISTIAN , ROSSI FEDERICA , CALISTRI MAURIZIO , TRANQUILLO MASSIMO , BARONI MASSIMO
Published: July 2008

In humans, contrast‐enhanced fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging plays an important role in detecting brain disease. The aim of this study was to define the clinical utility of contrast‐enhanced FLAIR imaging by comparing the results with those with contrast‐enhanced spin echo T1‐weighted images (SE T1WI) in animals with different brain disorders. Forty‐one dogs and five cats with a clinical suspicion of brain disease and 30 normal animals (25 dogs and five cats) were evaluated using a 0.2 T permanent magnet. Before contrast medium injection, spin echo T1‐weighted, SE T1WI, and FLAIR sequences were acquired in three planes. SE T1WI and FLAIR images were also acquired after gadolinium injection. Sensitivity in detecting the number, location, margin, and enhancement pattern and rate were evaluated. No lesions were found in a normal animal. In affected animals, 48 lesions in 34 patients were detected in contrast‐enhanced SE T1WI whereas 81 lesions in 44 patients were detected in contrast‐enhanced FLAIR images. There was no difference in the characteristics of the margins or enhancement pattern of the detected lesions. The objective enhancement rate, the mean value between lesion‐to‐white matter ratio and lesion‐to‐gray matter ratio, although representing an overlap of T1 and T2 effects and not pure contrast medium shortening of T1 relaxation, was better in contrast‐enhanced FLAIR images. These results suggest a superiority of contrast‐enhanced FLAIR images as compared with contrast‐enhanced SE T1WI in detecting enhancing brain lesions.
EVALUATION OF FREE RADICAL FORMATION ASSOCIATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC ULTRASOUND
Authors: KARTAL MUSTAFA K. , KAYA MAHIR , KAVUTCU MUSTAFA , KARAGOZ IRFAN , ALKAN ZEKI
Published: July 2008

Our objective was to evaluate kidney antioxidant status in rats subjected to an ultrasound examination. Thirty rats were divided into five groups for injection of saline (S) or anesthetic (A), and application of ultrasound using different modes, B mode, pulsed wave Doppler, and continuous wave Doppler, under anesthesia. Ultrasound was performed on days 1, 3, and 5 relative to the initiation of the experiment. Rats were then scarified on day 6. The kidney tissue thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured. Both TBARS level and SOD activity increased, 21% and 38%, respectively, due to anesthesia (P<0.04 for both). SOD activity increased further by a factor of 1.2 in response to ultrasound examination (P<0.05), whereas TBARS level was not affected by Doppler and continuous wave Doppler compared to anesthesia. Increases in the level of TBARS (P<0.03) and SOD activity (P<0.01) were greatest when B‐mode ultrasound was employed. These substances did not increase further when continuous wave Doppler was employed. The peak‐negative acoustic pressure (9.16 vs. 9.74 MPa) and frequency (3.57 vs. 6.95 MHz) for B mode and pulsed wave Doppler were greater than those for continuous wave Doppler (0.22 MPa and 1.96 MHz). The estimated mechanical indexes were 4.87, 3.70, and 0.15 for B mode, pulsed wave Doppler, and continuous wave Doppler, respectively. In conclusion, anesthesia may cause tissue damage as reflected by elevated lipid peroxidation and free radical formation and ultrasound examination may amplify tissue damage through mechanical effects caused by ultrasound absorption.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy outcomes: Re‐audit in 2005
Authors: Fu Kenneth Kam‐Fung , Lo Alex Hak‐Keung , Kan Chi‐Fai , Chan Sammy Kwok‐Keung
Published: July 2008

Aim:  To evaluate the outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for upper urinary tract stones in 2005 in our hospital and to compare with the results obtained in 2000.

Methods:  The present study reviewed the outcomes of standardized PCNL, a one‐stage procedure under sedo‐analgesia, for upper urinary tract stones in 2000 and 2005 in Queen Elizabeth Hospital. In 2000, 74 PCNL were carried out using holmium laser, Swiss lithoclast or electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) for stone fragmentation. Thirty to 40% of staghorn stones and 80–100% of complicated renal and upper ureteric stones achieved stone‐free clearance after single‐session PCNL. In 2005, 82 PCNL were performed after the introduction of three strategies, namely: multiple tract access, flexible nephroscopic exploration and the new‐generation ultrasonic lithotripter. The outcomes were evaluated and compared to those in 2000 according to the different categories of stones.

Results:  The results in 2005 were improved in terms of increased overall stone‐free rates (20% in single session and 5% after the final session), retreatment rate reduction (15%), and raised efficiency quotient (21.5), while the overall complication rate remained low (13.9%) compared to that in 2000. In 2005, in particular, the single‐session stone‐free rates of staghorn stones and renal pelvis stones were significantly improved to 70–80% (30–40% in 2000) and 100%, respectively (50–60% in 2000). Single‐session stone‐free rates for other stones remained at 90–100%.

Conclusion:  Our outcomes improvement could be attributed to the maturation of the PCNL technique, use of multiple tract access, use of flexible nephroscopy, and ultrasonic lithotripsy.
Mixed acinar‐endocrine carcinomas of the pancreas: Case report and literature review
Authors: Shi Chenye , Jin Dayong , Lou Wenhui
Published: July 2008

Acinar cell carcinoma (ACC) of the pancreas is a rare primary tumour of the pancreas with poor prognosis. ACC represent less than 1% of all exocrine tumours of the pancreas. There are no established criteria to differentiate acinar cell carcinomas from non‐functioning neuroendocrine tumours or other malignant exocrine tumours by conventional histological examination. In recent years, some researchers have reported an unusual neoplasm called mixed acinar‐endocrine carcinoma of the pancreas (MAEC) since this entity was first reported in 1982. Until now, there have been less than 20 cases of MAEC reported in the English literature. We report here a case of mixed acinar‐endocrine carcinoma diagnosed and treated in our department and it is the first case of mixed acinar‐endocrine carcinoma ever reported in China.
Ecological Differences in Weight, Length, and Weight for Length of Mexican American Children in the WIC Program
Authors: Reifsnider Elizabeth , Ritsema Melanie
Published: July 2008

PURPOSE. Examine factors common in the environments of children who obtain services from a WIC program to determine if differences in ecological/environmental factors can be found in the children who differ in weight,length,and weight for length.

DESIGN AND METHODS. Cross‐sectional study of 300 children,100 each who were stunted,normal weight for length,or overweight. Instruments used were NCATS,ARSMA II,24‐hr diet recall,and Baecke Activity Questionnaire.

RESULTS. Significant differences were present in children's diet,parents’ BMI,parents’ generation in United States,parents’ activity levels,and maternal–child relationship.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Encourage parents to adopt family approaches to encourage normal body size in children.
Multiple GUS expression patterns of a single Arabidopsis gene
Authors: Dündar Ekrem
Published: July 2008

Ten independent transposant lines with gene or enhancer traps (ET) inserted into the same gene (At2g01170) were identified in Arabidopsis thaliana. Transposon insertions were confirmed for each line. Only three of five ET lines and only one of the five gene trap (GT) lines displayed uidA (GUS) staining. The GUS (β‐glucuronidase) expression patterns of the ET lines were different in all three lines. In the GT line, the GUS expression was restricted to the vascular tissue under all conditions examined. The variation in ET GUS expression suggests that each ET was controlled by different enhancer elements or the different elements of the trapped locus may give rise to different GUS expression patterns. Of five GT lines, three have the GUS gene in the same orientation as the At2g01170 open reading frame, yet only one yielded GUS staining. Regardless of the insertion construct, only those transposants with an insertion at the 3′ end of the gene yielded GUS staining. Some transposants displayed a longer root phenotype in the presence of kanamycin that was also observed in 3′ insertion sites in At2g01170. Taken together, these data show that insertions in the 5′ end of the gene disrupted expression and emphasise the complexity encountered with ET and GT constructs to characterise the expression patterns of genes of interest based solely on GUS expression patterns.
Stable chaos in the 55Cnc exoplanetary system?
Authors: Gayon J. , Marzari F. , Scholl H.
Published: July 2008

The five planets discovered around the main-sequence star 55Cnc may represent a case of stable chaos. By using both the Frequency Map Analysis and MEGNO, we find that about 15 per cent of the systems that can be build from the nominal orbital elements of the system are highly chaotic. However, in spite of the fast diffusion rate in the phase space, the planetary system is not destabilized over 400 Myr and close encounters between the planets are avoided.
High-resolution simulations of galaxy mergers: resolving globular cluster formation
Authors: Bournaud F. , Duc P.-A. , Emsellem E.
Published: July 2008

Massive star clusters observed in galaxy mergers are often suggested to be progenitors of globular clusters. To study this hypothesis, we performed the highest resolution simulation of a gas-rich galaxy merger so far. The formation of massive star clusters of 105 to 107 M⊙, triggered by the galaxy interaction, is directly resolved in this model. We show that these clusters are tightly bound structures with little net rotation, due to evolve into compact long-lived stellar systems. Massive clusters formed in galaxy mergers are thus robust candidates for progenitors of long-lived globular clusters. The simulated cluster mass spectrum is consistent with theory and observations. Tidal dwarf galaxies of 108–9 M⊙ can form at the same time, and appear to be part of a different class of objects, being more extended and rotating.
ANALYSIS OF GROWTH MODELS FOR BATCH KEFIR GRAIN BIOMASS PRODUCTION IN RC1 REACTION SYSTEM
Authors: TRAMŠEK MARKO , GORŠEK ANDREJA
Published: July 2008

This work describes the statistical analysis of three mathematical models, modified for describing the kefir grain biomass growth curve. Experimental data of time‐dependent kefir grain mass increase were used. The propagation was performed in RC1 batch reaction system under optimal bioprocess parameters (temperature, rotational frequency of stirrer, glucose mass concentration) using traditional cultivation in fresh, high‐temperature, pasteurized whole fat cow's milk. We compared values of biological parameters obtained by applying the nonlinear regression of experimental data in logistic, Gompertz and Richards models. The most statistically appropriate model was determined using the seven statistical indicators. We established that the kefir grain biomass growth curve during batch propagation under optimal bioprocess conditions can be most successfully described using the Gompertz growth model.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Kefir grains can be used not only for traditional, large‐scale kefir fermentation but also for bread, ethanol and volatile aroma compound production. When they are produced commercially, it is critically important for optimization, monitoring and controlling of their batch production to develop mathematical models that provide an accurate description of the kefir grain biomass growth curve. Furthermore, these models represent an important tool in any predictive kefir grain biomass growth curve modeling. Their incorporation into the early laboratory development stage can significantly reduce costs associated with the design of industrial kefir grain biomass production plants.

Presented results cannot be specified as general for all kinds of batch kefir grain biomass propagations. In spite of all that, the experimental and statistical procedure given in this article can be used to find the statistically best growth model for describing the batch kefir grain biomass growth curve under different experimental and propagation setups.
Promoting Healthy Vision in Students: Progress and Challenges in Policy, Programs, and Research
Authors: Ethan Danna , Basch Charles E.
Published: July 2008

Background:  An estimated 1 in 5 American children has a vision problem. Children living in poor urban environments have twice the normal rate of vision problems. Uncorrected vision problems can worsen over time and result in permanent vision loss. Early detection and treatment of vision problems is therefore essential in optimizing children’s health and development. Federal‐, state‐, and school‐based prevention efforts continue to evolve to identify and serve children with vision problems.

Methods:  Review of current literature on (1) major vision problems among children, (2) unique problems faced by low‐income children with poor vision, and (3) the rise in health policy and program efforts to support the goal of healthy vision for each child. The preliminary relationship established between vision and academic performance is also discussed.

Results:  Low‐income children have a disproportionate amount of vision problems and face several barriers to acquiring vision care. Varied actions among states include legislation requiring screening and follow‐up before entry into elementary school.

Conclusions:  States and schools can take concrete steps to increase the number of children identified and treated for vision problems. Health policy and programs should also address common barriers to children receiving and wearing their glasses at home and in the classroom. Further research is necessary to assess the relationship between children’s vision and educational outcomes. To the extent that vision is associated with academic success, policies and programs can be shaped to address the achievement gap that exists among our nation’s youth and to support the goal of healthy vision for each child.
Directly Observed Physical Activity Levels in Preschool Children
Authors: Pate Russell R. , McIver Kerry , Dowda Marsha , Brown William H. , Addy Cheryl
Published: July 2008

Background:  Millions of young children attend preschools and other structured child development programs, but little is known about their physical activity levels while in those settings. The purpose of this study was to describe the physical activity levels and demographic and school‐related correlates of physical activity in children attending preschools, using a direct observation measurement system.

Methods:  The Observational System for Recording Physical Activity in Children‐Preschool Version was used to measure physical activity levels and related factors in four hundred ninety‐three 3‐ to 5‐year‐old children in 24 preschools. A minimum of six hundred 30‐second observation intervals were recorded for each child. Physical (height/weight) and demographic data also were collected.

Results:  Children engaged in moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during less than 3% of the observation intervals and were sedentary during more than 80% of the observation intervals. Boys were more likely than girls to engage in MVPA (p = .01), and 3‐year‐old boys were more active than 4‐ and 5‐year‐old boys (p = .01). The preschool that a child attended explained 27% of the variance in activity levels.

Conclusions:  The study indicates that young children are physically inactive during most of their time in preschool. The preschool that a child attended was a stronger predictor of physical activity level than any other factor examined. Additional research is needed to identify the characteristics of preschools in which children are more active.
CXCR4, Inhibitors and Mechanisms of Action
Authors: Liang Xiangyang
Published: July 2008

In this review, the author discusses recent advances in anti‐HIV inhibitors, targeting CXCR4, including natural and modified chemokines, peptides and organic compounds, their mechanisms of action, and the molecular process of virus invasion of immune cells. Peptides with strong anti‐HIV activity exhibit several common features, such as electrostatic charges, cyclization, β‐turns and dimerization induced by a sulphide bond. Organic compounds, such as cyclams, display a unique metal‐mediated mechanism in the binding process to its target CXCR4. Understanding of their mechanisms of action may be useful for the design of more effective drugs. Consecutive interactions of viral glycoprotein gp120 with CD4 and the co‐receptor, CXCR4 or another co‐receptor CCR5 on the cell surface leads to virus invasion into host cells. The molecular details of the binding between HIV glycoproteins and the co‐receptors also provide a basis for anti‐HIV therapy.
Intellectual Property Protection for Plant Varieties in Jordan
Authors: Malkawi Bashar H. , Haloush Haitham A.
Published: July 2008

The protection of plant varieties is an aspect of intellectual property rights. In Jordan, while some attention has been paid to traditional rights such as copyright, trademark and patent, until recently, virtually no attention has been paid to intellectual property rights with respect to plant varieties. This article reviews the development of intellectual property rights in Jordan for new plant varieties. This article then examines the Law on Protecting New Varieties of Plants. Particularly, the examination is based on comparison with the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants and the Agreement on Trade‐Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights to determine the extent to which the Jordanian law meets the rules of these international treaties. To conclude, the article finds that while the Law on Protecting New Varieties of Plants is a landmark in the development of intellectual protection in Jordan, there are certain issues that need to be addressed. To help improve the existing protection for new plant varieties, the article suggests certain actions that can be taken.
To what extent are pesticides removed from surface water during coagulation–flocculation?
Authors: Thuy Pham Thi , Moons K. , Van Dijk J. C. , Viet Anh Nguyen , Van der Bruggen B.
Published: July 2008

The occurrence of pesticides in drinking water sources is of concern for drinking water production companies as well as for the end users. However, it is still unclear which pesticides are removed, and to what extent, in widely used treatment methods such as coagulation–flocculation. Pesticides possibly interact with colloidal particles by adsorption on the flocs during coagulation–flocculation. In this study, removal of four pesticides (aldrin, dieldrin, atrazine, bentazon) was observed during jar test experiments in distilled and surface water (Dijle river, Belgium), using aluminium sulphate as a coagulant in different amounts ranging from no coagulant to high doses (300 mg/L). Without aiming at an accurate description of the removal process, the purpose of this study was to evaluate how much of the pesticides can be removed by changing the concentration, the dosage, the water matrix and the properties of the pesticides. The results show that the removal is usually low. The efficiency was worse when the matrix was distilled water than for Dijle river water, which is consistent with the idea that the removal of micropollutants only occurs through adsorption on the available organic material, and not on inorganic coagulants. Sorption on the natural material available in the Dijle river water seemed to be the main mechanism controlling the removal of micropollutants with coagulation/flocculation, rather than the amount of coagulant added. The hydrophobicity of the compounds was found to be a major factor in determining the removal efficiency with coagulation–flocculation; the most hydrophobic compound had the highest removal efficiency. Nevertheless, the removal was below 50% under all the tested circumstances. The results of this study prove that pesticide removal in conventional water treatment plants depends on physico‐chemical interactions, but is insufficient even with extreme doses of alum.
Integrative socio‐economic planning of measures in the context of the water framework directive
Authors: Stemplewski J. , Krull D. , Wermter P. , Nafo I. I. , Palm N. , Lange C.
Published: July 2008

The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) constitutes a milestone for the protection of aquatic ecosystems. With respect to the challenging objectives of the WFD and the connected financial burdens, which may possibly exceed the capabilities of some regions, it is essential to establish a targeted and integrated view of the economic aspects, which are applicable within the implementation process of the WFD. This is necessary to provide for a sustainable and acceptable implementation of the WFD with regard to the affected parties. However up to now there are many undefined legal concepts and few specific procedural developments, which often do not correspond to the required interdisciplinary and practical approach but are based on complex scientific methods. Hence the purpose of the present article should consist in providing an approach for the integration of the different economic aspects of the WFD in the establishment of the programme of measures and for the concretisation of the river basin specific environmental objectives to be reached.
The Methamphetamine Home: Psychological Impact on Preschoolers in Rural Tennessee
Authors: Asanbe Comfort B. , Hall Charlene , Bolden Charles D.
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT: 
Context:

A growing number of children reside with methamphetamine‐abusing parents in homes where the illicit drug is produced. Yet, the effects of a methamphetamine environment on psychological child outcome are still unknown. Purpose: To examine whether preschoolers who lived in methamphetamine‐producing homes are at increased risk for developing psychological problems. Methods: The participants were 58 white children between the ages of 4 and 5 years; 31 with a history of living in methamphetamine‐producing homes and 27 children who live in non‐methamphetamine producing homes in rural Tennessee. The groups were similar in age, gender, and socioeconomic background. The groups were compared for behavioral and emotional adjustment using the behavior assessment system for children‐parent rating scale‐preschool (BASC‐PRS‐P) form. Biological or custodian parents completed a rating on their preschoolers that provided information about the children's pattern of behavior and feelings. Findings: Preschoolers from the methamphetamine‐producing homes showed more externalizing problems than their peers, but were comparable on internalizing problems. On specific behaviors, the data indicate that preschoolers in the methamphetamine group showed higher aggression symptoms than their peers from non‐methamphetamine‐producing homes. Conclusions: These findings, if replicated, point to the need for mental health screening when a child is removed from a methamphetamine‐producing home.
Urban‐Rural Differences in Motivation to Control Prejudice Toward People With HIV/AIDS: The Impact of Perceived Identifiability in the Community
Authors: Bunn Janice Yanushka , Solomon Sondra E. , Varni Susan E. , Miller Carol T. , Forehand Rex L. , Ashikaga Takamaru
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT: 
Context:

HIV/AIDS is occurring with increasing frequency in rural areas of the United States, and people living with HIV/AIDS in rural communities report higher levels of perceived stigma than their more urban counterparts. The extent to which stigmatized individuals perceive stigma could be influenced, in part, by prevailing community attitudes. Differences between rural and more metropolitan community members' attitudes toward people with HIV/AIDS, however, have rarely been examined. Purpose: This study investigated motivation to control prejudice toward people with HIV/AIDS among non‐infected residents of metropolitan, micropolitan, and rural areas of rural New England. Methods: A total of 2,444 individuals were identified through a random digit dialing sampling scheme, and completed a telephone interview to determine attitudes and concerns about a variety of health issues. Internal or external motivation to control prejudice was examined using a general linear mixed model approach, with independent variables including age, gender, community size, and perceived indentifiability within one's community. Findings: Results showed that community size, by itself, was not related to motivation to control prejudice. However, there was a significant interaction between community size and community residents' perceptions about the extent to which people in their communities know who they are. Conclusion: Our results indicate that residents of rural areas, in general, may not show a higher level of bias toward people with HIV/AIDS. The interaction between community size and perceived identifiability, however, suggests that motivation to control prejudice, and potentially the subsequent expression of that prejudice, is more complex than originally thought.
How Does Degree of Rurality Impact the Provision of Surgical Services at Rural Hospitals?
Authors: Doty Brit , Zuckerman Randall , Finlayson Samuel , Jenkins Paul , Rieb Nathaniel , Heneghan Steven
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT: 

Context:
Rural residents frequently have decreased access to surgical services. Consequences of this situation include increased travel time and financial costs for patients. There are also economic implications for hospitals as they may lose revenue when patients leave the area in order to obtain surgical services. Rural communities vary in size and distance from more populated centers. Since rural hospitals are located in varying types of rural communities, they likely differ with regard to the provision of surgical care. Purpose: To describe the differences between hospitals located in smaller versus larger rural areas regarding the provision of surgical care. Methods: A 12‐item survey instrument based on one previously used in a pilot study was mailed to a national random sample of rural hospital administrators (n = 233). Rural location was determined using rural‐urban commuting area codes. Findings: One hundred and eleven surveys were received, yielding a 48% response rate. Hospitals in larger rural areas had an average of 9 surgeons compared to 1 at hospitals in smaller rural areas. More administrators at hospitals located in larger rural areas viewed the ability to provide surgical care as very important to the financial viability of their hospital. Conclusions: Among rural hospitals located in communities of varying sizes there are significant differences in how surgical services are delivered and the financial importance of providing surgical care. Administrators at hospitals located in larger rural areas, more than in smaller ones, report financial reliance on their ability to offer surgical care and have significantly more resources available to do so.
Consequences of injuries on survival and reproduction of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) along the west coast of Florida
Authors: Wells Randall S. , Allen Jason B. , Hofmann Suzanne , Bassos‐Hull Kim , Fauquier Deborah A. , Barros Nélio B. , DeLynn Ruth E. , Sutton Gretchen , Socha Victoria , Scott Michael D.
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Accurate identification of human‐induced injuries that lead to death or interfere with reproduction is important for marine mammal management, as deaths exceeding established limits can lead to restrictions on fisheries or vessel operations. The fates of cetaceans last seen swimming with attached gear, particularly in pelagic fisheries, or with vessel strike lacerations, have been difficult to predict. Survival and reproduction data from long‐term research on resident common bottlenose dolphins near Sarasota, Florida were examined relative to consequences of fishing gear ingestion, line entanglements, vessel strikes, and amputations of unknown origins. Fishing hooks embedded in the throat, goosebeak, or esophagus, or line wrapped around the goosebeak, generally lead to death. Multiple, constrictive line wraps around fin insertions can lead to amputation, blood loss, impaired mobility, or infection. Dolphins with ingested gear or severe entanglements may swim away with the gear, but likely die later. Propeller injuries involving only soft tissue were often survivable. Some dolphins survived amputations of the distal ends of fins, and continued to reproduce. As a precautionary approach, dolphins with ingested gear or severe constrictive entanglements should be considered mortalities, but extrapolations of findings from coastal bottlenose dolphins to other cetaceans and different gear must be done with caution.
Urban (Homo)Sexualities: Ordinary Cities and Ordinary Sexualities
Authors: Brown Gavin
Published: July 2008

This article appraises the current state of research on urban sexualities and suggests some underexamined areas of research that might productively be explored further. This review primarily focuses on studies of gay space and urban homosexualities, as this remains the largest body of work on urban sexualities within geography. I argue that this work has got caught in a trap of concentrating on the production of gay identities and spaces within small areas of a relatively small set of cities, against which all other spaces are implicitly assessed. Drawing on recent post‐colonial debates within urban geography, this article argues that it is time for sexual geographers to expand their horizons and move beyond this hierarchy of metropolitan gay centres, to study a broader range of sexualities and spaces in ‘ordinary cities’ assessed on their own terms. To this end, the article considers work on gay domestic spaces in suburban Australia, and the interaction of local homosexualities with transnational ‘gay’ identity in Chengdu, China. This work offers productive examples of studying gay space across the whole city and attending to urban homosexualities outside of the world cities of the Global North.
RASSF1A, BLU, NORE1A, PTEN and MGMT Expression and Promoter Methylation in Gliomas and Glioma Cell Lines and Evidence of Deregulated Expression of de novo DNMTs
Authors: Lorente Aiala , Mueller Wolf , Urdangarín Edurne , Lázcoz Paula , Lass Ulrike , Von Deimling Andreas , Castresana Javier S.
Published: July 2008

Methylation of CpG islands in gene promoters can lead to gene silencing. Together with deletion or mutation, it may cause a loss of function of tumor suppressor genes. RASSF1A (3p21.3), NORE1A (1q32.1) and BLU (3p21.3) have been shown to be downregulated by methylation in cancer, and PTEN (10q23.3) and MGMT (10q26.1) are located in areas commonly deleted in astrocytomas. MGMT methylation predicts a better response and a longer overall survival in patients with glioblastomas treated with temozolomide. We analyzed 53 astrocytoma samples and 10 high‐grade glioma cell lines. Gene expression was assessed by RT‐PCR. Bisulfite sequencing, MSP and a melting curve analysis‐based real‐time PCR were performed to detect promoter methylation. Treatments with 5′‐aza‐2′‐deoxicitidine were applied to restore gene expression in cell lines. Ninety‐two percent of tumor samples were methylated for RASSF1A, 30%–57% for BLU and 47% for MGMT, suggesting promoter methylation of these genes to be a common event in glioma tumorigenesis. Only 4% of the tumors revealed a methylated promoter for NORE1A. No association between methylation and loss of expression could be established for PTEN. We identified de novo DNMTs overexpression in a subset of tumors which may explain the methylation phenotype of individual gliomas.