bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
French-English Cross-Linguistic Comparison and Diagnostic Impact of the AD-8 Dementia Screening Questionnaire in a Geriatric Assessment Clinic
Authors: Koski Lisa , Xie Haiqun , Konsztowicz Susanna , Tetteh Roslyn
Published: April 2010

The AD-8 dementia screening questionnaire is a novel tool that allows clinicians to assess changes in cognitive function. This study examined psychometric properties of the test in French-speaking and English-speaking patients, and its impact on diagnostic practice in the geriatric assessment clinics of a university health centre. Data were extracted from the clinical database for all new patients screened for cognitive impairment 15 months before (historic control group) and 15 months after the introduction of the test (AD-8 group and concurrent control group). Analysis of differential item functioning revealed formal equivalence of the French- and English-language items, supporting the validity of the French version. Respondent type significantly influenced the total score on the AD-8. Concurrent validity with other cognitive screening tests was moderately high. Finally, among patients who did not present with pre-existing dementia, a higher proportion of dementia diagnoses was made in those administered the AD-8 relative to the concurrent control group. Implications for clinical use of the AD-8 are discussed.
Yamaguchi Fox-Pigeon Imitation Test: A Rapid Test for Dementia
Authors: Yamaguchi Haruyasu , Maki Yohko , Yamagami Tetsuya
Published: April 2010

Background/Aims: We herein propose a hand-gesture imitation test, consisting of a simple one-handed sign of a ‘fox’ and a complex two-handed sign of a ‘pigeon’, as a rapid, game-like test for detecting dementia/Alzheimer disease (AD) with low psychological burden. The test measures the visuomotor function, which deteriorates in the early stages of AD. Methods: We examined 88 demented subjects, 19 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 53 normal controls aged 65 years or over. The subjects were classified according to the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR). Results: The specificity of the test was 94%, and the sensitivity was 58% in CDR 0.5 (MCI), 77% in CDR 1 (mild dementia), 75% in CDR 2 (moderate dementia), and 90% in CDR 3 (severe dementia). The test could be conducted within 1 min and no subjects refused to be tested. Conclusion: This brief hand-gesture imitation test can sensitively evaluate visuomotor deficits in dementia/AD, while some subjects are unaware of their failure or even that their cognitive function is being tested. We herein describe the precise protocol for worldwide use.
Spine Surgery under General Anesthesia May Not Increase the Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Zuo Chaoshun , Zuo Zhiyi
Published: April 2010

Background:Volatile anesthetics cause Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-like neuropathology in animals. We determined whether spine surgery under general anesthesia and anesthetic choice contributed to AD development. Methods: We searched the Clinical Data Repository of the University of Virginia for patients receiving spine surgery from January 1, 1992 to March 1, 2004. Patients with newly-diagnosed AD after the surgery but before March 1, 2009 (a minimal 5-year follow-up time after the surgery) were identified. Results: Among 10,161 spine surgery patients, 26 patients had new-onset AD. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses of the data from these 26 patients and from 161 randomly selected spine surgery patients without new-onset AD suggest that increasing age is a risk factor for new-onset AD. Gender, anesthesia/surgery time, use of volatile anesthetics versus propofol (an intravenous anesthetic) and length of hospital stay were not different between patients with and without new-onset AD. Similar results were found with the case-control study. The frequency of new-onset AD in spine surgery patients was similar to that of patients who had never had a surgery. Conclusion: These results suggest that increasing age is a risk factor for AD in patients after spine surgery. Anesthesia/surgery may not be independent factors for AD development.
Insular Hypoperfusion Correlates with the Severity of Delusions in Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Matsuoka Teruyuki , Narumoto Jin , Shibata Keisuke , Okamura Aiko , Nakamura Kaeko , Okuyama Chio , Nishimura Tsunehiko , Fukui Kenji
Published: April 2010

Background: The aim of this study was to identify the brain regions associated with the severity of delusions in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using single-photon emission computed tomography. Methods: Thirty-five AD patients participated in this study. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify a linear correlation between the delusion subscale score of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in AD patients with delusions (n = 14). In addition, rCBF in patients with (n = 14) and without delusions (n = 21) was compared using a 2-sample t test. Results: The delusion subscale score of the NPI was negatively correlated with rCBF in the right anterior insula (uncorrected p < 0.01 at the voxel level and corrected p < 0.05 at the cluster level). Compared to patients without delusions, however, rCBF in the right anterior insula was not significantly decreased in patients with delusions. Conclusion: We suggest that right anterior insular dysfunction may exacerbate delusions, although it is not responsible for the onset of delusions.
Effect of Different Fluoride Concentrations of Experimental Dentifrices on Enamel Erosion and Abrasion
Authors: Moretto M.J. , Magalhães A.C. , Sassaki K.T. , Delbem A.C.B. , Martinhon C.C.R.
Published: April 2010

It has been suggested that fluoride products are able to reduce erosive tooth wear. Thus, the purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of dentifrices with different fluoride concentrations as well as of a low-fluoridated dentifrice supplemented with trimetaphosphate (TMP) on enamel erosion and abrasion. One hundred twenty bovine enamel blocks were assigned to the following experimental dentifrices: placebo, 1,100 µg F/g, 500 µg F/g plus 3% TMP and 5,000 µg F/g. The groups of enamel blocks were additionally subdivided into conditions of erosion (ERO) and of erosion plus abrasion (ERO + ABR). For 7 days, the blocks were subjected to erosive challenges (immersion in Sprite® 4 times a day for 5 min each time) followed by a remineralizing period (immersion in artificial saliva between erosive challenges for 2 h). After each erosive challenge, the blocks were exposed to slurries of the dentifrices (10 ml/sample for 15 s). Sixty of the blocks were additionally abraded by brushing using an electric toothbrush (15 s). The alterations of the enamel were quantified using the Knoop hardness test and profilometry (measurements in micrometers). The data were analyzed using a 2-way ANOVA test followed by a Bonferroni correction (p < 0.05). In in vitro conditions, the 5,000 µg F/g and 500 µg F/g plus 3% TMP dentifrices had a greater protective effect when compared with the 1,100 µg F/g dentifrice, under both ERO and ERO + ABR conditions. The results suggest that dentifrices alone are not capable of completely inhibiting tooth wear.
Telomeres, Aging, and Plants: From Weeds to Methuselah – A Mini-Review
Authors: Watson J. Mathew , Riha Karel
Published: April 2010

The process of aging affects most, if not all, living creatures, from single celled yeast to multi-cellular mammals and plants. The DNA end-replication problem along with the tissue-limited expression of telomerase led to the telomere hypothesis of aging, where limits on cellular proliferation are genetically encoded in the lengths of a cell’s telomeres. Support for this hypothesis has been found in several organisms, from worms to mice to humans. While development, and therefore the process of aging, is quite different between plants and animals, telomere biology between these organisms is fundamentally the same. Do telomeres, then, also play the role of a molecular clock in plants? In this review, we explore the current knowledge of the relationship between telomeres and aging in plants in three specific cases: leaf senescence, aging of perennials and seed longevity.
Socioeconomic Position, Not Race, Is Linked to Death After Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Koch Colleen G. , Li Liang , Kaplan George A. , Wachterman Jared , Shishehbor Mehdi H. , Sabik Joseph , Blackstone Eugene H.
Published: April 2010

Background—

Health disparities have been associated with the prevalence of cardiovascular disease. In cardiac surgery, association has been found between race, sex, and poorer prognosis after surgery. However, there is a complex interplay between race, sex, and socioeconomic position (SEP). In our investigation we sought to identify which of these was the driver of risk-adjusted survival.

Methods and Results—

From January 1, 1995, and December 30, 2005, 23 330 patients (15 156 white men, 6932 white women, 678 black men, and 564 black women) underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting, valve, or combined coronary artery bypass grafting and valve procedures. Median follow-up was 5.8 years (25th and 75th percentiles: 3 and 8.6 years). Effect of race, sex, and SEP on all-cause mortality was examined with 2-phase Cox model and generalized propensity score technique. As expected, blacks and women had lower SEP as compared with whites and men for all 6 SEP indicators. Patients with lower SEP had more atherosclerotic disease burden, more comorbidity, and were more symptomatic. Lower SEP was associated with a risk-adjusted dose-dependent reduction in survival after surgery (men,
P
<0.0001; women,
P
=0.0079), but black race, once adjusted for SEP, was not.

Conclusions—

Our large investigation demonstrates that disparities in SEP are present and significantly affect health outcomes. Although race per se was not the driver for reduced survival, patients of low SEP were predominantly represented by blacks and women. Socioeconomically disadvantaged patients had significantly higher risk-adjusted mortality after surgery. Further investigation and targeted intervention should focus specifically on patients of low SEP, their health behaviors, and secondary prevention efforts.
Coronary Artery Calcium in Relation to Initiation and Continuation of Cardiovascular Preventive Medications
Authors: Nasir Khurram , McClelland Robyn L. , Blumenthal Roger S. , Goff David C. , Hoffmann Udo , Psaty Bruce M. , Greenland Philip , Kronmal Richard A. , Budoff Matthew J.
Published: April 2010

Background—

Whether measuring and reporting of coronary artery calcium scores (CACS) might lead to changes in cardiovascular risk management is not established. In this observational study, we examined whether high baseline CACS were associated with the initiation as well continuation of new lipid-lowering medication (LLM), blood pressure–lowering medication (BPLM), and regular aspirin (ASA) use in a multi-ethnic population-based cohort.

Methods and Results—

The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) is a prospective cohort study of 6814 participants free of clinical cardiovascular disease at entry who underwent CAC testing at baseline examination (examination 1). Information on LLM, BPLM, and regular ASA usage was also obtained at baseline and at exams 2 and 3 (average of 1.6 and 3.2 years after baseline, respectively). In this study, we examined (1) initiation of these medications at examination 2 among participants not taking these medications at baseline; and (2) continuation of medication use to examination 3 among participants already on medication at baseline. Among MESA participants, initiation of LLM, BPLM, and ASA was greater in those with higher CACS. After taking into account age, sex, race, MESA site, LDL cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, body mass index, smoking status, hypertension, systolic blood pressure, and socioeconomic status (income, education, and health insurance), the risk ratios for medication initiation comparing those with CACS >400 versus CACS=0 were 1.53 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08, 2.15) for LLM, 1.55 (95% CI, 1.10 to 2.17) for BPLM, and 1.32 (95% CI, 1.03 to 1.69) for ASA initiation, respectively. The risk ratios for medication continuation among those with CAC >400 versus CACS=0 were 1.10 (95% CI, 1.01 to 1.20) for LLM, 1.05 (95% CI, 1.02 to 1.08) for BPLM, and 1.14 (95% CI, 1.04 to 1.25) for ASA initiation, respectively.

Conclusions—

CACS >400 was associated with a higher likelihood of initiation and continuation of LLM, BPLM, and ASA. The association was weaker for continuation than for initiation of these preventive therapies.
Love in a Confucian Climate: The Perils of Intimacy in Eighteenth-Century China
Authors: Theiss Janet
Published: April 2010

This article explores what an eighteenth-century case of adultery in an elite family tells us about the status of Confucian marriage and challenges to it in the mid-Qing. The case illustrates the problematic nature of conjugal love in this period, which puts emotions in conflict with ritual propriety, the marital relationship in conflict with the interests of the patriline, and subjective desires in conflict with social duties. The case also offers insights into the emotional world of the period, providing intimate details of the emotional texture of three interwoven marital or quasi-marital relationships. Each represents a deviation from the ideal of Confucian marriage and presents a different configuration of self, sentiment and ritual propriety. Together they offer a rich picture of the intimate realm of family life and the forces that worked to destabilize it.
Transboundary Environmental Impact Assessment in the Case of the Baltic Sea Gas Pipeline
Authors: Koivurova Timo , Pölönen Ismo
Published: April 2010

The article examines the transboundary environmental impact assessment (EIA) procedure that was applied to the Baltic Sea Gas Pipeline (BSGP). The BSGP is not only the longest offshore pipeline ever planned, but also the transboundary EIA procedure that was applied to it was the most challenging transboundary EIA procedure ever conducted. The procedure involved five origin and nine affected states, that is, all the coastal states of the Baltic Sea. The article examines how the transboundary EIA was organized in this challenging case. It is useful to show how the national EIA system of Finland was integrated into the functioning of the overall transboundary EIA procedure in order to show the complexity involved in organising such large-scale transboundary EIAs. The article ends with an evaluation of whether the responsible officials were able to organise the transboundary EIA in this case in a quality manner and with conclusions as to what can be learned of this procedure for future largescale transboundary EIAs.
Elasticity in the ‘rules’ of the game: Exploring organizational expedience
Authors: McLean Parks Judi , Li Ma  , Gallagher Daniel G
Published: April 2010

The primary objectives of this article are twofold. Our first objective is to introduce the construct of ‘organizational expedience’. We differentiate organizational expedience from a wide range of related constructs in the literature, such as counterproductive work behavior, deviance, pro-social rule-breaking, organizational retaliation behavior, and propensity to withhold effort. Our second goal is to provide a conceptual framework that proposes that role stressors (i.e. ambiguity, conflict, and overload) are antecedents of organizational expedience, which in turn predicts other worker behaviors such as voice, creativity, and cynicism. Details of the mechanisms underlying these relationships are presented as mediators including tension, task conflict, and emotional exhaustion. In addition, behavioral integrity and psychological ownership are discussed as potential moderators of the specified relationships. Based upon our conceptual framework, a series of propositions are provided as a platform for future research on organizational expedience.
The Antimicrobial Peptide DEFB1 Is Associated with Caries
Authors: Ozturk A. , Famili P. , Vieira A.R.
Published: April 2010

Genetics is an important component in the determination of individual susceptibility to caries and periodontal diseases. Since beta defensin 1 (DEFB1) localizes in the oral cavity, we tested if variation in DEFB1 is associated with caries and periodontitis. We analyzed 3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in DEFB1 in DNA samples from unrelated individuals. Carrying a copy of the variant allele of the DEFB1 marker rs11362 (G-20A) increased the DMFT and DMFS scores more than five-fold. Also, carrying a copy of the variant allele of the DEFB1 marker rs179946 (G-52A) correlated with low DMFT scores. We found a high-caries-experience haplotype (GCA), which increased DMFT scores two-fold, and a low- caries-experience haplotype (ACG), which decreased DMFT scores two-fold, in the DEFB1 promoter. No association between DEFB1 genetic markers and periodontal disease was found. Our results suggest that functional polymorphisms of DEFB1 are potential markers for caries.
Collaborative Writing Features
Authors: Yong Mei Fung
Published: April 2010

As part of a research study on collaborative writing, this paper discusses defining and facilitating features that occur during face-to-face collaboration, based on the literature and research. The defining features are mutual interaction, negotiations, conflict, and shared expertise. Facilitating features include affective factors, use of L1, backtracking and humour. Excerpts are selected from the findings of one collaborative writing group in an ESL academic writing class to illustrate the features. The features that occur or emerge during collaborative writing reveal that students are capable of constructing knowledge and developing writing and social skills through interactions with their peers. However, affective conflict may sometimes hinder successful collaboration if not handled appropriately.
All they need is love? Placing romantic stress in the context of other stressors: A 17-nation study
Authors: Seiffge-Krenke Inge , Bosma Harke , Chau Cecilia , Çok Figen , Gillespie Cecilia , Loncaric Darko , Molinar Roberta , Cunha Magdalena , Veisson Marika , Rohail Iffat
Published: April 2010

The present study focuses on romantic stress and coping styles in the context of identity and future-related stressors in 8,654 adolescents with a mean age of M = 15.3; SD = 1.84. The adolescents from 17 countries were grouped into seven regions, i.e., Mid-Europe, Northern Europe, Eastern Europe, Southern Europe, South Africa, South America, and the Middle East. Future-related stressors were perceived as being more stressful than romantic stressors by all adolescents, irrespective of the region in which they lived. Identity-related stressors were of greater concern to adolescents from South Africa, South America, and the Middle East. Romantic stress was much higher in adolescents from Mid-Europe and Southern Europe compared to adolescents from other regions. Roughly 80% of all adolescents employed adaptive coping styles in that they negotiated with the romantic partner, sought support from friends and others, and shared an overall positive outlook. Adolescents from Mid-, Northern, and Eastern Europe were the most active in negotiating and support-seeking when dealing with romantic stressors.
Influences of Family-Systems Intervention Practices on Parent-Child Interactions and Child Development
Authors: Trivette Carol M. , Dunst Carl J. , Hamby Deborah W.
Published: April 2010

The extent to which the influences of family-systems intervention practices could be traced to variations in parent—child interactions and child development was investigated by meta-analytic structural equation modeling (MASEM). MASEM is a procedure for producing a weighted pooled correlation matrix and fitting a structural equation model to the patterns of relationships in the data. The main practices constituting the focus of analysis were capacity-building help-giving practices, social supports and resources, family needs (concerns and priorities), and family strengths. Eight studies were included in the meta-analysis. The participants were 910 infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with and without developmental delays or disabilities and their parents or other primary caregivers involved in different kinds of help-giving programs. Results showed that capacity-building help-giving and family-systems intervention practices had direct effects on both parent self-efficacy beliefs and well-being and indirect effects on parent—child interactions and child development mediated by self-efficacy beliefs and parent well-being. Implications for practice and further research are discussed.
Study on clinical and biochemical toxicity biomarkers in a zinc-lead mine workers
Authors: Malekirad Ali Akbar , Oryan Shahrbanoo , Fani Ali , Babapor Vahab , Hashemi Mehrdad , Baeeri Maryam , Bayrami Zahra , Abdollahi Mohammad
Published: April 2010

The aim of this study was to determine oxidative stress status as well as blood lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) levels and clinical markers in workers of a Zn-Pb mine. A comparative cross-sectional analysis was performed in 67 mine workers who have been in contact with Zn and Pb in comparison to a control group containing 67 healthy subjects with the same age and sex. Lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, myleoperoxidase, DNA damage, total antioxidant capacity, Zn, and Pb levels were measured in blood of workers and controls. Clinical examination was accomplished to record any abnormal sign or symptoms. Comparing with controls, the workers showed higher blood levels of superoxide dismutase, myleoperoxidase, glutathione reductase, lipid peroxidation, Pb, and Zn. Workers showed lower DNA-damage as compared with controls. Workers showed clinical symptoms such as memory impairment, less of concentration, insomnia, headache, claudication, epigasteric, inappetence, agitation, tremor, decreasing of reflection of deep tendon, conduction deafness of ear, and fatigue. The workers had extra normal levels of Pb (0.9—3 µg/dL) and showed oxidative stress. Taken together, the results indicate that exposure to combination of Pb and Zn in mine elevates total antioxidant capacity of body in a reflex to overcome to oxidative stress. Especially, in the present case, it seems that toxic effect of Pb has been greater than positive effects of Zn, but the combination exposure has resulted in not such a critical toxicity situation.
Maternal Alcohol Consumption During Pregnancy and Infant Social, Mental, and Motor Development
Authors: Williams Brown Carole , Carmichael Olson Heather , Croninger Robert G.
Published: April 2010

Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy is a significant social problem associated with developmental difficulties in young children. Child developmental and behavioral characteristics were examined from the 9-month data point of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Studies—Birth Cohort, a prospective nationally representative study. Several findings indicate linear patterns between the amount of prenatal alcohol dosage and sensory regulation, mental, and motor development outcomes. Undesirable social engagement and child interaction were found to be statistically significant at the prenatal alcohol level of one to three drinks per week. Children exposed to four or more drinks per week showed statistically significant and clinically passive behavior on three sensory regulation variables.
Economies of Emotion, Familiarity, Fantasy, and Desire: Emotional Labor in Ho Chi Minh City’s Sex Industry
Authors: Kay Hoang Kimberly
Published: April 2010

This article examines the contemporary sex industry in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, a country that has undergone rapid economic restructuring over the past 20 years. Drawing on seven months of ethnographic field research between June 2006 and August 2007, I analyze and compare the relationships between sex workers and their clients in three different sectors of HCMC’s sex industry. The low-end sector caters to local Vietnamese men; the mid-tier sector services overseas white men; and the high-end sector provides services to overseas Vietnamese ( Viet Kieu) men. I incorporate Arlie Hochschild’s theory of emotional labor to illustrate how women in the low-end sector engage in forms of repressive emotional labor while women in the mid-tier and high-end sectors engage in different expressive forms of emotional labor. The patterning of emotional labor in these relationships illuminates the broader structural conditions that shape the range of choices sex workers have in relation to their clients.
Putting Hypersexuality to Work: Black Women and Illicit Eroticism in Pornography
Authors: Miller-Young Mireille
Published: April 2010

This article focuses on the labor marginalization of black female performers within the pornography industry. Their representations and experiences as sex workers are shaped by a racialized and gendered sexual commerce where stereotypes, structural inequalities, and social biases are the norm. Black women are devalued as hyperaccessible and superdisposable in an industry that simultaneously invests in and ghettoizes fantasies about black sexuality. In light of feminist arguments against the victimization of women by pornography, I have attempted to show that black sex workers, while facing multiple axes of discrimination and harm, also employ hypersexuality and illicit eroticism to achieve mobility, erotic autonomy, and self-care.
The Hollywood shtetl
Authors: Tavory Iddo
Published: April 2010

■ This article analyzes the relation between the development of religious institutions and neighborhood formation in the main Jewish Orthodox neighborhood of Los Angeles. The Melrose-La Brea neighborhood, an ethnically Jewish area since the 1930s, was transformed by religious place entrepreneurs from the East Coast in the 1970s. The emerging Orthodox community, however, was not principally populated by converting secular Jews. Instead, by developing prestigious institutions, religious place entrepreneurs made it into a viable destination for Orthodox Jews across the United States. Contrary to ‘supply side’ models developed in the sociology of religion, I then argue that institutional ‘supply’ may be successful without producing local ‘religious demand’. Moving from a market metaphor to examine the role of far reaching networks, I contend that the success of religious place entrepreneurs in this case emerged from the relation between institutional development, the production of neighborhood identity, and population movements within an ethnic geography.
Transfer functions in dynamic generalized linear models
Authors: Alves Mariane B , Gamerman Dani , Ferreira Marco AR
Published: April 2010

In a time series analysis it is sometimes necessary to assume that the effect of a regressor does not have only immediate impact on the mean response, but that its effects somehow propagate to future times. We adopt, in this work, transfer functions to model such impacts, represented by structural blocks present in dynamic generalized linear models. All the inference is carried under the Bayesian paradigm. Two sources of difficulties emerge for the analytical derivation of posterior distributions: non-Gaussian nature of the response, associated to non-conjugate priors and also non-linearity of the predictor on auto regressive parameters present in transfer functions. The purpose of this work is to produce full Bayesian inference on dynamic generalized linear models with transfer functions, using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods to build samples of the posterior joint distribution of the parameters involved in such models. Several transfer structures are specified, associated to Poisson, Binomial, Gamma and inverse Gaussian responses. Simulated data are analyzed under the resulting models in order to assess their performance. Finally, two applications to real data concerning environmental sciences are made under different model formulations.
Novel Approach for Attaining Cotton Fabric with Multi-Functional Properties
Authors: Ibrahim N.A. , Refaie R. , Ahmed A.F.
Published: April 2010

A novel approach for imparting multi-functional properties, i.e., anti-crease, self-cleaning, UV-protecting as well as anti-bacterial properties onto cotton fabric is described. The multi-functional finished cotton fabric was obtained by pretreatment with the reactant resin, as a crosslinker, along with citric acid or PEG-400, as an additive in presence of MgCl2·6H 2O as a catalyst followed by drying, subsequent loading of TiO 2-nanoparticles and finally curing. Factors affecting the extent of crosslinking as well as deposition and/or fixation of nano-structured titania cluster onto/into treated fabric samples are studied. The modified cotton samples showed an excellent improvement in their functional properties along with a high durability to wash. The possible mechanisms for deposition/fixation of TiO2-nanoparticles onto and/or within the fabric or the finish/fabric matrix as well as its positive impact on fabric resiliency, self-cleaning, UV-protecting, and anti-bacterial functionality are discussed. Surface morphology and surface elemental composition, especially Ti-content, on the loaded films were studied by SEM and EDS, respectively.
Nutritional Interventions and Therapies in Autism
Authors: Geraghty Maureen E. , Bates-Wall Jody , Ratliff-Schaub Karen , Lane Alison E.
Published: April 2010

Part 1 in this series (“Nutritional Intake and Therapies in Autism”) addressed the nutrient intake of children with autism and the myriad factors likely to affect dietary intake and nutritional status. These included medical/nutritional factors (gastrointestinal symptoms/ issues, food allergies, metabolic abnormalities and/or preexisting nutrient deficiencies, and nutrition-related medication side effects) and behavioral/contextual factor subcategories (problem eating behaviors, sensory processing difficulties, and family factors). Part 2 of this 2-part series covers nutrition interventions used in autism, with emphasis on safety and efficacy as delineated by an evidence-based approach. Nutrition intervention topics will be introduced as to the scientific rationale or purported mechanism of the intervention, safety, efficacy, untoward effects, and interactions with nutrients, medications, or other dietary supplements. Broad topics of discussion include nutrition assessment of the child with autism, dietary supplements/herbs used in autism (multivitamins, probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B6—maganesium, melatonin, methylator pathway nutrients), and special diets, including a gluten-free, casein-free diet and the specific carbohydrate diet. Finally, behavioral/contextual interventions are discussed, and suggestions for future research to support clinical practice are proposed.
Atrioventricular Canal Defect, Pulmonary Artery Sling, and Aortic Arch Anomaly in a Patient With Down Syndrome
Authors: Rosenblatt Melissa , Pasquale Jennifer , Kurer Cheryl
Published: April 2010

There is a high prevalence of congenital heart disease in patients with Down syndrome. Atrioventricular (AV) canal defects, ventricular septal defects, and a patent ductus arteriosus are most commonly seen. The authors present a patient with a unique constellation of findings, including an AV canal defect, pulmonary artery sling, and an aberrant right subclavian artery diagnosed on a screening echocardiogram. Additional imaging modalities confirmed this atypical concurrence of congenital heart defects and also proved the accuracy of echocardiography in diagnosing rare combinations of congenital heart disease.
Age-related molecular genetic changes of murine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Wilson Amber , Shehadeh Lina A , Yu Hong , Webster Keith A
Published: April 2010

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are pluripotent cells, present in the bone marrow and other tissues that can differentiate into cells of all germ layers and may be involved in tissue maintenance and repair in adult organisms. Because of their plasticity and accessibility these cells are also prime candidates for regenerative medicine. The contribution of stem cell aging to organismal aging is under debate and one theory is that reparative processes deteriorate as a consequence of stem cell aging and/or decrease in number. Age has been linked with changes in osteogenic and adipogenic potential of MSCs.

Results

Here we report on changes in global gene expression of cultured MSCs isolated from the bone marrow of mice at ages 2, 8, and 26-months. Microarray analyses revealed significant changes in the expression of more than 8000 genes with stage-specific changes of multiple differentiation, cell cycle and growth factor genes. Key markers of adipogenesis including lipoprotein lipase, FABP4, and Itm2a displayed age-dependent declines. Expression of the master cell cycle regulators p53 and p21 and growth factors HGF and VEGF also declined significantly at 26 months. These changes were evident despite multiple cell divisions in vitro after bone marrow isolation.

Conclusions

The results suggest that MSCs are subject to molecular genetic changes during aging that are conserved during passage in culture. These changes may affect the physiological functions and the potential of autologous MSCs for stem cell therapy.
Evaluation design of a systematic, selective, internet-based, Chlamydiascreening implementation in the Netherlands, 2008-2010: implications of first results for the analysis
Authors: van den Broek Ingrid VF , Hoebe Christian JPA , van Bergen Jan EAM , Brouwers Elfi EHG , de Feijter Eva M , Fennema Johannes SA , Götz Hannelore M , Koekenbier Rik H , van Ravesteijn Sander M , Op de Coul Eline LM
Published: April 2010

Background

A selective, systematic, Internet-based, Chlamydia Screening Implementation for 16 to 29-year-old residents started in three regions in the Netherlands in April 2008: in the cities of Amsterdam and Rotterdam and a more rural region, South Limburg. This paper describes the evaluation design and discusses the implications of the findings from the first screening round for the analysis. The evaluation aims to determine the effects of screening on the population prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis after multiple screening rounds.

Methods

A phased implementation or 'stepped wedge design' was applied by grouping neighbourhoods (hereafter: clusters) into three random, risk-stratified blocks (A, B and C) to allow for impact analyses over time and comparison of prevalences before and after one or two screening rounds. Repeated simulation of pre- and postscreening Chlamydia prevalences was used to predict the minimum detectable decline in prevalence. Real participation and positivity rates per region, block, and risk stratum (high, medium, and low community risk) from the 1st year of screening were used to substantiate predictions.

Results

The results of the 1st year show an overall participation rate of 16% of 261,025 invitees and a positivity rate of 4.2%, with significant differences between regions and blocks. Prediction by simulation methods adjusted with the first-round results indicate that the effect of screening (minimal detectable difference in prevalence) may reach significance levels only if at least a 15% decrease in the Chlamydia positivity rate in the cities and a 25% decrease in the rural region after screening can be reached, and pre- and postscreening differences between blocks need to be larger.

Conclusions

With the current participation rates, the minimal detectable decline of Chlamydia prevalence may reach our defined significance levels at the regional level after the second screening round, but will probably not be significant between blocks of the stepped wedge design. Evaluation will also include other aspects and prediction models to obtain rational advice about future Chlamydia screening in the Netherlands.
STAMP alters the growth of transformed and ovarian cancer cells
Authors: He Yuanzheng , Blackford John A , Kohn Elise C , Simons S Stoney
Published: April 2010

Background

Steroid receptors play major roles in the development, differentiation, and homeostasis of normal and malignant tissue. STAMP is a novel coregulator that not only enhances the ability of p160 coactivator family members TIF2 and SRC-1 to increase gene induction by many of the classical steroid receptors but also modulates the potency (or EC50) of agonists and the partial agonist activity of antisteroids. These modulatory activities of STAMP are not limited to gene induction but are also observed for receptor-mediated gene repression. However, a physiological role for STAMP remains unclear.

Methods

The growth rate of HEK293 cells stably transfected with STAMP plasmid and overexpressing STAMP protein is found to be decreased. We therefore asked whether different STAMP levels might also contribute to the abnormal growth rates of cancer cells. Panels of different stage human cancers were screened for altered levels of STAMP mRNA. Those cancers with the greatest apparent changes in STAMP mRNA were pursued in cultured cancer cell lines.

Results

Higher levels of STAMP are shown to have the physiologically relevant function of reducing the growth of HEK293 cells but, unexpectedly, in a steroid-independent manner. STAMP expression was examined in eight human cancer panels. More extensive studies of ovarian cancers suggested the presence of higher levels of STAMP mRNA. Lowering STAMP mRNA levels with siRNAs alters the proliferation of several ovarian cancer tissue culture lines in a cell line-specific manner. This cell line-specific effect of STAMP is not unique and is also seen for the conventional effects of STAMP on glucocorticoid receptor-regulated gene transactivation.

Conclusions

This study indicates that a physiological function of STAMP in several settings is to modify cell growth rates in a manner that can be independent of steroid hormones. Studies with eleven tissue culture cell lines of ovarian cancer revealed a cell line-dependent effect of reduced STAMP mRNA on cell growth rates. This cell-line dependency is also seen for STAMP effects on glucocorticoid receptor-mediated transactivation. These preliminary findings suggest that further studies of STAMP in ovarian cancer may yield insight into ovarian cancer proliferation and may be useful in the development of biomarker panels.
Growth delay of human bladder cancer cells by Prostate Stem Cell Antigen downregulation is associated with activation of immune signaling pathways
Authors: Marra Emanuele , Uva Paolo , Viti Valentina , Simonelli Valeria , Dogliotti Eugenia , De Rinaldis Emanuele , Lahm Armin , La Monica Nicola , Nicosia Alfredo , Ciliberto Gennaro , Palombo Fabio
Published: April 2010

Background

Prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchored protein expressed not only in prostate but also in pancreas and bladder cancer as shown by immunohistochemistry and mRNA analysis. It has been targeted by monoclonal antibodies in preclinical animal models and more recently in a clinical trial in prostate cancer patients. The biological role played in tumor growth is presently unknown. In this report we have characterized the contribution of PSCA expression to tumor growth.

Methods

A bladder cell line was engineered to express a doxycycline (dox) regulated shRNA against PSCA. To shed light on the PSCA biological role in tumor growth, microarray analysis was carried out as a function of PSCA expression. Expression of gene set of interest was further analyzed by qPCR

Results

Down regulation of the PSCA expression was associated with reduced cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Mice bearing subcutaneous tumors showed a reduced tumor growth upon treatment with dox, which effectively induced shRNA against PSCA as revealed by GFP expression. Pathway analysis of deregulated genes suggests a statistical significant association between PSCA downregulation and activation of genes downstream of the IFNα/β receptor.

Conclusions

These experiments established for the first time a correlation between the level of PSCA expression and tumor growth and suggest a role of PSCA in counteracting the natural immune response.
The lethal giant larvaetumour suppressor mutation requires dMyc oncoprotein to promote clonal malignancy
Authors: Froldi Francesca , Ziosi Marcello , Garoia Flavio , Pession Andrea , Grzeschik Nicola A , Bellosta Paola , Strand Dennis , Richardson Helena E , Pession Annalisa , Grifoni Daniela
Published: April 2010

Background

Neoplastic overgrowth depends on the cooperation of several mutations ultimately leading to major rearrangements in cellular behaviour. Precancerous cells are often removed by cell death from normal tissues in the early steps of the tumourigenic process, but the molecules responsible for such a fundamental safeguard process remain in part elusive. With the aim to investigate the molecular crosstalk occurring between precancerous and normal cells in vivo, we took advantage of the clonal analysis methods that are available in Drosophila for studying the phenotypes due to lethal giant larvae (lgl) neoplastic mutation induced in different backgrounds and tissues.

Results

We observed that lgl mutant cells growing in wild-type imaginal wing discs show poor viability and are eliminated by Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK)-dependent cell death. Furthermore, they express very low levels of dMyc oncoprotein compared with those found in the surrounding normal tissue. Evidence that this is a cause of lgl mutant cells elimination was obtained by increasing dMyc levels in lgl mutant clones: their overgrowth potential was indeed re-established, with mutant cells overwhelming the neighbouring tissue and forming tumourous masses displaying several cancer hallmarks. Moreover, when lgl mutant clones were induced in backgrounds of slow-dividing cells, they upregulated dMyc, lost apical-basal cell polarity and were able to overgrow. Those phenotypes were abolished by reducing dMyc levels in the mutant clones, thereby confirming its key role in lgl-induced tumourigenesis. Furthermore, we show that the eiger-dependent Intrinsic Tumour Suppressor pathway plays only a minor role in eliminating lgl mutant cells in the wing pouch; lgl
-/- clonal death in this region is instead driven mainly by dMyc-induced Cell Competition.

Conclusions

Our results provide the first evidence that dMyc oncoprotein is required in lgl tumour suppressor mutant tissue to promote invasive overgrowth in larval and adult epithelial tissues. Moreover, we show that dMyc abundance inside versus outside the mutant clones plays a key role in driving neoplastic overgrowth.
Gait changes precede overt arthritis and strongly correlate with symptoms and histopathological events in pristane-induced arthritis
Authors: Hoffmann Markus H , Hopf Rudolf , Niederreiter Birgit , Redl Heinz , Smolen Josef S , Steiner Günter
Published: April 2010

Introduction

Pristane-induced arthritis (PIA) in the rat has been described as an animal model of inflammatory arthritis which exhibits features similar to rheumatoid arthritis in humans, such as a chronic, destructive, and symmetrical involvement of peripheral joints. However, so far little is known about the earliest inflammatory events and their influence on locomotor behaviour during the course of PIA. To investigate this issue a detailed analysis of the pathologic changes occurring during the prodromal and early stages of PIA was performed.

Methods

Arthritis was induced in DA.rats by injection of 150 μl 2,6,10,4-tetramethyl-pentadecane (pristane) at the base of the tail and changes in locomotor behaviour of the affected paws were monitored using the CatWalk quantitative gait analysis system. The pathologic events occurring in the joints of pristane-injected animals were studied before onset, at onset, and during acute phase of arthritis by histological methods.

Results

Gait analysis revealed that changes in locomotion such as reduced paw print areas and stance phase time are already apparent before the onset of clinically discernible arthritis symptoms (erythema, paw swelling) and correlate with PIA scores. In agreement with these findings, inflammatory tenosynovitis could be observed by histology already before the onset of erythema and swelling of the respective paws. In the most heavily affected rats also irregularities in step sequence patterns occurred A kinetic analysis of clinical and histological findings demonstrated that gait changes precede the pathological changes occurring during the acute phase of pristane-induced arthritis.

Conclusions

Gait analysis allows for pinpointing the initial inflammatory changes in experimental arthritis models such as pristane-induced arthritis. Analysis of early clinically relevant symptoms in arthritis models may facilitate the search for novel therapeutics to interfere with pain, inflammation and joint destruction in patients suffering from inflammatory arthritis.
The urate-lowering efficacy and safety of febuxostat in the treatment of the hyperuricemia of gout: the CONFIRMS trial
Authors: Becker Michael A , Schumacher H Ralph , Espinoza Luis R , Wells Alvin F , MacDonald Patricia , Lloyd Eric , Lademacher Christopher
Published: April 2010

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to compare urate-lowering (UL) efficacy and safety of daily febuxostat and allopurinol in subjects with gout and serum urate (sUA) ≥ 8.0 mg/dL in a six-month trial.

Methods

Subjects (n = 2,269) were randomized to febuxostat 40 mg or 80 mg, or allopurinol 300 mg (200 mg in moderate renal impairment). Endpoints included the proportion of all subjects with sUA <6.0 mg/dL and the proportion of subjects with mild/moderate renal impairment and sUA <6.0 mg/dL. Safety assessments included blinded adjudication of each cardiovascular (CV) adverse event (AE) and death.

Results

Comorbidities included: renal impairment (65%); obesity (64%); hyperlipidemia (42%); and hypertension (53%). In febuxostat 40 mg, febuxostat 80 mg, and allopurinol groups, primary endpoint was achieved in 45%, 67%, and 42%, respectively. Febuxostat 40 mg UL was statistically non-inferior to allopurinol, but febuxostat 80 mg was superior to both (P < 0.001). Achievement of target sUA in subjects with renal impairment was also superior with febuxostat 80 mg (72%; P < 0.001) compared with febuxostat 40 mg (50%) or allopurinol (42%), but febuxostat 40 mg showed greater efficacy than allopurinol (P = 0.021). Rates of AEs did not differ across treatment groups. Adjudicated (APTC) CV event rates were 0.0% for febuxostat 40 mg and 0.4% for both febuxostat 80 mg and allopurinol. One death occurred in each febuxostat group and three in the allopurinol group.

Conclusions

Urate-lowering efficacy of febuxostat 80 mg exceeded that of febuxostat 40 mg and allopurinol (300/200 mg), which were comparable. In subjects with mild/moderate renal impairment, both febuxostat doses were more efficacious than allopurinol and equally safe. At the doses tested, safety of febuxostat and allopurinol was comparable.

Clinical Trial Registration

NCT00430248