bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term outcome of 89 low-grade brain-stem gliomas after interstitial radiation therapy
Authors: Mundinger Fritz , Braus Dieter F. , Krauss Joachim K. , Birg Walter
Published: May 2009

✓ Between 1974 and 1985, 89 patients suffering from histologically confirmed, nonresectable low-grade astrocytomas located in the brain stem were entered into a retrospective study. Iodine-125 (125I) was implanted in 29 patients and iridium-192 (192Ir) in 26 patients. Computerized tomography revealed that 78% of the tumors in these patients were located chiefly in the mesencephalic region, 70% were circumscribed, and 78% were contrast-enhanced. Thirty-four patients underwent biopsy without prior aggressive tumor-specific therapy such as chemotherapy or external beam irradiation. Among these, 70% of the tumors were located predominantly in the pons, 74% were diffuse, and 59% were hypodense or isodense after contrast enhancement. Long-term follow-up investigations indicated that life expectancy after interstitial radiation therapy with 125I implanted directly by catheter either permanently or temporarily showed a more favorable trend than that after treatment with 192Ir.

Interstitial radiation therapy with 125I appears to be an effective treatment for slowly proliferating, differentiated, well-delineated, nonresectable brain-stem gliomas. This technique makes it possible to achieve radio-surgical tumor control and, when carefully applied, represents the least traumatic treatment. Reduction of the tumor mass brings about improvement of the clinical symptoms. Further investigations on the biological behavior of brain-stem gliomas and prospective randomized long-term follow-up studies are necessary to evaluate the different kinds of treatment available for these patients.
Stereotactic rostral mesencephalotomy in cancer pain and deafferentation pain
Authors: Bosch D. Andries
Published: May 2009

✓ Stereotactic rostral mesencephalotomy was performed in two groups of patients to investigate the long-term results in regard to pain relief. A standardized technique of target localization with ventriculography was used. Group A consisted of 33 patients with otherwise intractable pain due to cancer. Group B consisted of seven patients with deafferentation pain. Long-term pain relief was good (57%) for Group A and nonexistent for Group B patients. It is concluded that stereotactic rostral mesencephalotomy is a valuable means for treating nociceptive cancer pain in lateral syndromes, but is of no value in neuropathic pain. Anatomical correlates for the results obtained are discussed and a hypothesis on the plasticity of the neo- and paleospinal afferent systems is formulated.
Neuromuscular hamartoma (benign “triton” tumor) of the brachial plexus
Authors: Awasthi Deepak , Kline David G. , Beckman Edwin N.
Published: May 2009

✓ Neuromuscular hamartoma (choristoma) or benign “triton” tumor is a very rare peripheral-nerve tumor composed of mature nerve fibers and well-differentiated striated muscle fibers. Only seven cases have been reported in the literature. A new case of this rare entity is described in a 36-year-old white woman with a recurrent left supraclavicular mass in the brachial plexus area. Unlike the previous cases, this patient had continued to have proliferation of her tumor since childhood, requiring total resection in adulthood. It is concluded that total resection of these tumors should be attempted at initial diagnosis. The histogenesis of these tumors remains unclear. They may represent proliferation of neuroectodermal-derived or limb mesodermal tissue in the elements of a peripheral nerve.
Monostotic fibrous dysplasia of the clivus
Authors: Levy Michael L. , Chen Thomas C. , Weiss Martin H.
Published: May 2009

✓ A case report of monostotic fibrous dysplasia of the clivus in a postadolescent woman is described. Although fibrous dysplasia of craniofacial structures is well documented, involvement of the clivus has not been reported. Diagnosis by clinical, radiographic, and histopathological features is detailed. Implications for the role of surgery and management are discussed.
Dorsal selective rhizotomy through a limited exposure of the cauda equina at L-1
Authors: Barolat Giancarlo
Published: May 2009

✓ The technique of the dorsal selective rhizotomy as originally developed by Professor Fasano and by the author is described. The rhizotomy is performed through a one-level laminectomy at L-1. Exposure of the conus medullaris and the cauda equina at this level is adequate to thoroughly assess the reflex electrical response to stimulation of the lumbosacral roots and to section the selected roots/rootlets. This approach, based on over 100 surgical procedures, obviates the need for an extensive laminectomy in a growing child without compromising the clinical results.
The Montreal Neurological Institute
Authors: Feindel William
Published: May 2009

✓ In this centenary year of Wilder Penfield, his contribution to the creation of the Montreal Neurological
Institute is reviewed. In the early 1930's, a confluence of favorable circumstances at McGill University and
the Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, made it possible for Wilder Penfield, with his partner William Cone,
to realize his dream of a combined neurological hospital and research institute. Endowed by the Rockefeller
Foundation and with initial and ongoing support from community and governments, the Montreal Neurological
Institute has continued its exponential growth over the past half-century as a world center for the study
and treatment of disorders of the brain and nerves.
Operative management of bilateral facet dislocation
Authors: Wolf Aizik , Levi Lion , Mirvis Stuart , Ragheb John , Huhn Stephen , Rigamonti Daniele , Robinson Walker L.
Published: May 2009

✓ Fifty-two patients with acute traumatic bilateral locked facets were treated at one trauma center during a 3½-year period (July, 1987, to December, 1990). The patients presented with complete motor quadriplegia (34 cases), incomplete myelopathy (13 cases), or intact long-tract function (five cases). The injuries occurred at C2–3 (one patient, with intact function), C4–5 (12 patients), C5–6 (16 patients), C6–7 (19 patients), and C7—T1 (four patients).

Immediate traction (with increasing weight and serial x-ray studies) and/or induction of general anesthesia and muscle relaxation reduced the dislocation in 40 patients, but 12 needed prompt operative reduction as their injuries failed to reduce within 4 hours. Stabilization was indicated for all patients, but three did not undergo surgery: two elderly patients with complete injuries (one refused surgery and one died), and one patient with multiple injuries (fusion was achieved by halo-vest immobilization for 3 months). Of the 49 patients treated operatively, 23 (44.2%) underwent surgery on the day of injury and 26 on a delayed basis (mean 8.7 days postinjury). Surgical treatment included fusion of the posterior facet to a spinous process (44 cases), an anterior Caspar plate technique (three cases), and both procedures (two cases). Of these 49 patients, three (6.1%) with complete injuries died due to an adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Improvement of cord function, judged by functional grade change, was observed at discharge in 15 patients (31.9%) and in 15 (71.4%) of the 21 patients with a 1-year follow-up period. Of the 34 patients with complete myelopathy on admission, three are ambulatory after 1 year, and 13 others have gained function in at least one nerve root. It is concluded that prompt reduction (nonoperative or surgical) and internal stabilization facilitate recovery even in neurologically compromised patients, and that early operative intervention is a wiser option than conservative management. This report also documents a higher incidence of this injury without deficit (five of the 52 cases) than reported in other series.
Disabling cerebral transient ischemic attacks
Authors: McCormick Patrick W. , Tomecek Frank J. , McKinney Jean , Ausman James I.
Published: May 2009

✓ The surgical management of an emerging clinical entity, namely disabling transient cerebral ischemic attacks, is described. A series of 19 patients treated in a 2-year period (12 with anterior circulation dysfunction and seven with posterior insufficiency) met the following criteria: 1) stereotypical recurrent episodes of transient neurological dysfunction related to the anterior or posterior circulation distribution; 2) failure of maximum medical therapy to control the transient neurological dysfunction; 3) four-vessel cerebral angiography demonstrating an isolated vascular territory corresponding to patient symptoms; 4) inhalation xenon cerebral blood flow studies with at least three of eight probe-pairs showing significant asymmetries in the initial slope index, localizing an area of relative oligemia to the symptomatic hemisphere (anterior circulation only); and 5) severe restriction of lifestyle due to transient ischemic attacks (TIA's). Seventeen patients underwent surgical bypass therapy: deep sylvian superficial temporal artery (STA)-middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass in nine; surface STA-MCA bypass in three: STA-superior cerebellar artery bypass in three; STA-posterior cerebral artery bypass in one; and aorta-carotid artery bypass in one. There was one perioperative death and four perioperative strokes (two ipsilateral and two contralateral to the operated side). The average follow-up period was 14 months. Of the 16 surviving surgically treated patients, 13 (81%) have had an excellent to good outcome with complete resolution of TIA's and minimal neurological deficits. Three patients had a poor outcome with either a significant persistent neurological deficit or continued TIA's. The two patients not treated surgically continue to have vertebrobasilar insufficiency episodes while receiving oral anticoagulation medication. The overall mortality rate (5.5%) and stroke morbidity rate (22.2%) of surgical therapy for disabling TIA's are high in this neurologically unstable group of patients, but are associated with an 81 % excellent to good response.

Although the natural history of disabling TIA's is not known, these patients present with significant to total disability due to their symptoms. It is concluded that disabling TIA's respond to surgical revascularization and may represent an indication for cerebral revascularization surgery.
Obstructive hydrocephalus caused by an abnormal vein in the aqueduct
Authors: Watanabe Akira , Ishii Ryoji , Kamada Masaki , Suzuki Yasuo , Hirano Kazuhiro , Okamura Hironari
Published: May 2009

✓ A case is reported of aqueductal stenosis caused by an abnormal draining vein and demonstrated by computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt relieved the patient's progressive headaches.
Intradural extraosseous chordoma in the foramen magnum region
Authors: Katayama Yoichi , Tsubokawa Takashi , Hirasawa Takehiko , Takahata Tetsuya , Nemoto Norimichi
Published: May 2009

✓ Chordomas that are entirely extraosseous and intradural are extremely rare. The tumors described in the literature were observed mostly in the prepontine region. This is the first case reported of an intradural extraosseous chordoma occurring in the foramen magnum region. The tumor was totally excised. The distinction between an intradural extraosseous chordoma and a classic chordoma is important from a clinical viewpoint because of the potential for complete surgical excision and a more benign growth pattern.
Entry Generation by Analogy – Encoding New Words for Morphological Lexicons
Authors: Lindén Krister
Published: May 2009

Language software applications encounter new words, e.g., acronyms, technical terminology, loan words, names or compounds of such words. To add new words to a lexicon, we need to indicate their base form and inflectional paradigm. In this article, we evaluate a combination of corpus-based and lexicon-based methods for assigning the base form and inflectional paradigm to new words in Finnish, Swedish and English finite-state transducer lexicons. The methods have been implemented with the open-source Helsinki Finite-State Technology (Lindén & al., 2009). As an entry generator often produces numerous suggestions, it is important that the best suggestions be among the first few, otherwise it may become more efficient to create the entries by hand. By combining the probabilities calculated from corpus data and from lexical data, we get a more precise combined model. The combined method has 77-81 % precision and 89-97 % recall, i.e. the first correctly generated entry is on the average found as the first or second candidate for the test languages. A further study demonstrated that a native speaker could revise suggestions from the entry generator at a speed of 300-400 entries per hour.
Air Gasification of Agricultural Waste in a Fluidized Bed Gasifier: Hydrogen Production Performance
Authors: Wan Ab Karim Ghani W. A. , Moghadam Reza Alipour , Salleh M. A. Mohd , Alias A. B.
Published: May 2009

Recently, hydrogen production from biomass has become an attractive technology for power generation. The main objective pursued in this work is to investigate the hydrogen production potential from agricultural wastes (coconut coir and palm kernel shell) by applying the air gasification technique. An experimental study was conducted using a bench-scale fluidized bed gasifier with 60 mm diameter and 425 mm height. During the experiments, the fuel properties and the effects of operating parameters such as gasification temperatures (700 to 900°C), fluidization ratio (2 to 3.33 m/s), static bed height (10 to 30 mm) and equivalence ratio (0.16 to 0.46) were studied. It was concluded that substantial amounts of hydrogen gas (up to 67 mol%) could be produced utilizing agricultural residues such as coconut and palm kernel shell by applying this fluidization technique. For both samples, the rise of temperature till 900°C favored further hydrocarbon reactions and allowed an increase of almost 67 mol% in the release of hydrogen. However, other parameters such as fluidizing velocity and feed load showed only minor effects on hydrogen yield. In conclusion, agricultural waste can be assumed as an alternative renewable energy source to the fossil fuels, and the environmental pollution originating from the disposal of agricultural residues can be partially reduced.
Mitochondria and Energetic Depression in Cell Pathophysiology
Authors: Seppet Enn , Gruno Marju , Peetsalu Ants , Gizatullina Zemfira , Nguyen Huu Phuc , Vielhaber Stefan , Wussling Manfred H.P. , Trumbeckaite Sonata , Arandarcikaite Odeta , Jerzembeck Doreen , Sonnabend Maria , Jegorov Katharina , Zierz Stephan , Striggow Frank , Gellerich Frank N.
Published: May 2009

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of almost all diseases. Acquired or inherited mutations of the mitochondrial genome DNA may give rise to mitochondrial diseases. Another class of disorders, in which mitochondrial impairments are initiated by extramitochondrial factors, includes neurodegenerative diseases and syndromes resulting from typical pathological processes, such as hypoxia/ischemia, inflammation, intoxications, and carcinogenesis. Both classes of diseases lead to cellular energetic depression (CED), which is characterized by decreased cytosolic phosphorylation potential that suppresses the cell’s ability to do work and control the intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis and its redox state. If progressing, CED leads to cell death, whose type is linked to the functional status of the mitochondria. In the case of limited deterioration, when some amounts of ATP can still be generated due to oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), mitochondria launch the apoptotic cell death program by release of cytochrome c. Following pronounced CED, cytoplasmic ATP levels fall below the thresholds required for processing the ATP-dependent apoptotic cascade and the cell dies from necrosis. Both types of death can be grouped together as a mitochondrial cell death (MCD). However, there exist multiple adaptive reactions aimed at protecting cells against CED. In this context, a metabolic shift characterized by suppression of OXPHOS combined with activation of aerobic glycolysis as the main pathway for ATP synthesis (Warburg effect) is of central importance. Whereas this type of adaptation is sufficiently effective to avoid CED and to control the cellular redox state, thereby ensuring the cell survival, it also favors the avoidance of apoptotic cell death. This scenario may underlie uncontrolled cellular proliferation and growth, eventually resulting in carcinogenesis.
A Novel Method for the Preparation of Retinoic Acid-Loaded Nanoparticles
Authors: Errico Cesare , Gazzarri Matteo , Chiellini Federica
Published: May 2009

The goal of present work was to investigate the use of bioerodible polymeric nanoparticles as carriers of retinoic acid (RA), which is known to induce differentiation of several cell lines into neurons. A novel method, named “Colloidal-Coating”, has been developed for the preparation of nanoparticles based on a copolymer of maleic anhydride and butyl vinyl ether (VAM41) loaded with RA. Nanoparticles with an average diameter size of 70 nm and good morphology were prepared. The activity of the encapsulated RA was evaluated on SK-N-SH human neuroblastoma cells, which are known to undergo inhibition of proliferation and neuronal differentiation upon treatment with RA. The activity of RA was not affected by the encapsulation and purification processes.
Transcriptomic-based bioassays for the detection of type A trichothecenes
Authors: Lancova K. , Bowens P. , Stroka J. , Gmuender H. , Ellinger T. , Naegeli H.
Published: May 2009

The type A trichothecenes T-2 toxin (T-2) and HT-2 toxin (HT-2) are hazardousFusariumproducts that contaminate many field crops growing in cold to temperate regions across the world. Toxicity studies in laboratory and farm animals have been used to derive a temporary tolerable daily intake (t-TDI) for the sum of T-2 and HT-2 of no more than 60 ng/kg body weight. To protect the consumers, it is now necessary to screen a large number of food samples for the presence of these poisonous fungal metabolites. Towards that goal, we discovered that the transcriptional apparatus of a human carcinoma cell line (MCF7) provides a sensitive biological sensor of type A trichothecenes. In fact, exposure of this easy-to-culture cell line to T-2 or HT-2 results in the regulation of >2,000 different transcripts with expression changes ranging from >5,000-fold gene inductions to >40-fold gene repressions. These transcriptional responses have been exploited to develop practical microchip and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays for the detection of type A trichothecenes at parts per billion levels.
El riesgo de inundaciones y la vulnerabilidad en áreas urbanas. Análisis de casos en España
Authors: Arranz Lozano Mercedes
Published: May 2009

El riesgo de lluvias torrenciales-inundaciones es el más perjudicial en España por las consecuencias que ha dejado históricamente. Algunos ejemplos lo corroboran, como la tragedia en Biescas en el año 1996 o la ocurrida en la ciudad de Santa Cruz de Tenerife en 2002. La vulnerabilidad ante este riesgo, en los espacios urbanos y turísticos, sigue siendo muy elevada a pesar de existir medidas de prevención derivadas del sistema de Protección Civil. En el presente artículo se pretende analizar, a través de casos concretos, por qué se vuelven a repetir accidentes con pérdidas muy cuantiosas en vidas humanas y enseres materiales por este riesgo, sobre todo en áreas urbanas, donde, en algunas ocasiones, determinados elementos contribuyen a reforzar las consecuencias negativas de las inundaciones.
Ecología del Paisaje. Un marco para el estudio integrado de la dinámica territorial y su incidencia en la vida silvestre
Authors: Gurrutxaga San Vicente Mikel , Lozano Valencia Pedro J.
Published: May 2009

Se realiza una revisión sobre las bases conceptuales y los objetivos de la Ecología del Paisaje, disciplina científica que presenta un importante componente geográfico. Como punto de partida asume que la heterogeneidad espacio-temporal del paisaje, resultante de la interacción dinámica de las sociedades humanas con el medio, controla diversos movimientos y flujos de organismos, materia y energía. Uno de los principales objetos de estudio de dicha disciplina son las relaciones existentes entre los cambios estructurales del paisaje y la dinámica de poblaciones y comunidades silvestres, configurándose como un aspecto de gran aplicabilidad en las políticas de conservación de la biodiversidad y de planificación territorial con base ecológica. En relación a esta temática, se describe el carácter transdisciplinar de la Ecología del Paisaje.
Geografía, literatura e ideología en la segunda mitad del siglo XX: las “Guías de España” de Ediciones Destino
Authors: Arroyo Ilera Fernando
Published: May 2009

La editorial catalana Destino publicó, entre 1943 y 1977 una colección de dieciséis guías de diversas regiones y ciudades de España que comprenden la práctica totalidad del país y constituyen un importante legado editorial, literario y geográfico de la época. Este tipo de publicaciones, intermedias entre los libros de viaje y las guías turísticas propiamente dichas, no cuentan con la atención que merecen, dada la calidad de su edición, con un importante acompañamiento gráfico y la notable importancia de la mayoría de los autores (Pla, Baroja, Pemán, Ridruejo, Fuster, Martinez Barbeito, Dolores Medio, etc.). Además, el tiempo de su publicación, casi coincidente con el que duró el franquismo, convierte a esta colección en un documento de indudable valor para le Geografía cultural.
Effect of the delay in olive processing after harvesting on some physicochemical and nutritional parameters of olive oil from the Racimilla variety
Authors: Benito M. , Oria R. , Sánchez-Gimeno A. C.
Published: May 2009

The aim of this work was to study how the delay time between harvesting and processing affects the physicochemical and nutritional parameters of Racimilla olive (Olea europaea L.) oil. The physicochemical parameters (titratable acidity, peroxide value, coefficients of specific extinction and pigments content) changed remarkably. The nutritional parameters such as fatty acids profile, total phenols and vitamin E also suffered a change with the delay in processing. Physicochemical and nutritional parameter modifications were detrimental to olive oil quality. In conclusion, a delay in processing after harvesting is not efficient to preserve the physicochemical and nutritional quality of the olive oil from the Racimilla variety.
Antioxidant Properties of Pecan Nut [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) C. Koch] Shell Infusion
Authors: Pinheiro do Prado Ana Cristina , Monalise Aragão Analu , Fett Roseane , Block Jane Mara
Published: May 2009

The nutritional composition of Pecan nut [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) C. Koch] shells and the total phenolic and condensed tannin contents of Pecan nut shell infusion were determined and the antioxidant activity of the infusion was evaluated through ABTS, DPPH and β-carotene/linoleic acid systems. The shell presented high fiber content (48% ± 0.06), the total phenolic content ranged from 116 to 167 mg GAE/g and the condensed tannin content was between 35 and 48 mg CE/g. The antioxidant activity varied from 1112 and 1763 μmol TEAC/g in the ABTS system. In the DPPH method, the antioxidant activity was from 305 to 488 mg TEAC/g (30 minutes reaction) and from 482 to 683 mg TEAC/g (24 h reaction). The oxidation inhibition percentage obtained in the β-carotene/linoleic acid system varied from 70 to 96%. The results indicated the high phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Pecan nut shell infusion.
The effect of dietary fat on the fatty acid composition and cholesterol content of Hy-line and Warren hen eggs
Authors: González-Muñoz M. J. , Bastida S. , Jiménez O. , Lorenzo de C. , Vergara G. , Sánchez-Muniz F. J.
Published: May 2009

The present study analyzed the effect of dietary fat and strain on the fatty acid and cholesterol contents of eggs over a 20 month-period. Hy-line and Warren hens received three consecutive 7% lipid diets in which the basal constituents of the diet supplied 3% of the fats while the remaining 4% was composed of fats, oils or oleins added to progressively increase polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels, while decreasing dietary levels of both saturated fatty acids (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). In general, the percentages of most fatty acids in egg lipids were affected by changes in dietary lipids but not by the strain. Data suggest the existence of a dietary threshold for elaidic acid to appear in eggs. Mufa decreased and total PUFA increased throughout the study. The cholesterol egg content was higher at the animal fat plus soybean oil than at the animal fat or the olein plus soybean oil blend. Overall, results showed that changes in dietary lipids influenced fatty acid composition and hence atherogenic and thrombogenic indexes much more than the strain.
Optimization of olive-fruit paste production using a methodological proposal based on a sensory and objective color analysis
Authors: Escudero-Gilete María Luisa , Meléndez-Martínez A. J. , Heredia F. J. , Vicario Isabel M.
Published: May 2009

This paper deals with the optimization of the conditions to formulate paste based on olive fruits. The processing stages included: washing, blending, oil addition and preservation. Pair-comparisons and ranking tests were carried out by both a trained panel and a consumer panel to single out the preferred sample at each stage. The sensory attributes considered were taste, visual texture, texture in the mouth and overall preference. The results of the sensory analyses were processed statistically by means of ANOVA and the Friedman test to select the most appropriate processing conditions: washing for 30 minutes three times, blending at 2000 r.p.m, and the addition of 10 mL of oil. Several pasteurization conditions were assayed (62.5, 75, 85 and 95 °C for 15 minutes). No significant color differences (p < 0.05) were found for the objective color measurement (CIELAB) of the pastes submitted to the different pasteurization conditions. Based on the results of the preference test, the pasteurization conditions selected were heating at 85 °C for 15 minutes
Deporte entre rejas. ¿Algo más que control social?
Authors: Martos García Daniel , Devís Devís José , Sparkes Andrew C.
Published: May 2009

Las actividades deportivas forman parte del paisaje de las prisiones. Sin embargo, escasea el conocimiento sobre el papel que desempeñan en la vida cotidiana de las cárceles. Por ello realizamos un estudio etnográfico, principalmente en el polideportivo de una prisión española, dirigido a comprender los significados que el ejercicio físico y el deporte tenían para los presos, funcionarios, educadores y monitores. Los resultados indican que la reinserción mediante estas prácticas es una ilusión, a pesar de ser la finalidad oficial de la reclusión. Aun así, les asignan diversos beneficios, especialmente los presos y presas. Entre ellos se encuentra el potencial educativo ligado al autocontrol y, sobre todo, el entretenimiento y la compensación para ocupar el tiempo, huir del hastío y sobrellevar los problemas del encierro. El artículo concluye que el ejercicio y el deporte pueden tener un papel de “evasión” simbólica y liberación personal, aunque los presos viven atenazados por un contexto en el que prima el orden y el control por encima de todo.
Por un giro analítico en Sociología
Authors: Aguiar Fernando , De Francisco Andrés , Noguera José Antonio
Published: May 2009

En los últimos años un importante grupo de científicos sociales ha sentido la necesidad de promover un giro analítico en sociología. Esa necesidad se ha debido al hecho de que algunas corrientes sociológicas muy influyentes se han deslizado por la pendiente del irracionalismo, la imprecisión conceptual, la vaguedad teórica y la esterilidad científica y explicativa. El giro analítico supondría, pues, sentar la sociología de nuevo sobre una base sólida. La sociología española no ha sido ajena ni al deterioro de la sociología como disciplina científica ni al giro analítico. Por tal motivo el presente artículo quiere contribuir al debate actual mediante la disección, primero, del estado actual de la sociología y estableciendo después las bases de lo que es la sociología analítica, para finalizar defendiéndola frente a algunas confusiones y acusaciones habituales.
Comentario a "Por un giro analítico en Sociología"
Authors: Giner Salvador
Published: May 2009

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Higiene Sociológica
Authors: Ovejero Lucas Félix
Published: May 2009

No disponible.
Comentarios al texto de F. Aguiar, A. de Francisco y José A. Noguera sobre "El giro analítico en Sociología"
Authors: Pérez Yruela Manuel
Published: May 2009

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Réplica de los autores
Authors: Aguiar Fernando , De Francisco Andrés , Noguera José Antonio
Published: May 2009

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Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Apoptosis in Transformed Bovine Brain Endothelial Cells and Human Dermal Microvessel Endothelial Cells: The Role of JNK
Authors: Karahashi Hisae , Michelsen Kathrin S. , Arditi Moshe
Published: May 2009

Stimulation of transformed bovine brain endothelial cells (TBBEC) with LPS leads to apoptosis while human microvessel endothelial cells (HMEC) need the presence of cycloheximide (CHX) with LPS to induce apoptosis. To investigate the molecular mechanism of LPS-induced apoptosis in HMEC or TBBEC, we analyzed the involvement of MAPK and PI3K in TBBEC and HMEC. LPS-induced apoptosis in TBBEC was hallmarked by the activation of caspase 3, caspase 6, and caspase 8 after the stimulation of LPS, followed by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage and lactate dehydrogenase release. We also observed DNA cleavage determined by TUNEL staining in TBBEC treated with LPS. Herbimycin A, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and SP600125, a JNK inhibitor, suppressed the activation of caspases and lactate dehydrogenase release. Moreover, a PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) suppressed activation of caspases and combined treatment with both SP600125 and LY294002 completely inhibited the activation of caspases. These results suggest that the JNK signaling pathway through the tyrosine kinase and PI3K pathways is involved in the induction of apoptosis in LPS-treated TBBEC. On the other hand, we observed sustained JNK activation in HMEC treated with LPS and CHX, and neither ERK1/2 nor AKT were activated. The addition of SP600125 suppressed phosphorylation of JNK and the activation of caspase 3 in HMEC treated with LPS and CHX. These results suggest that JNK plays an important role in the induction of apoptosis in endothelial cells.
Suppression of NF-κB by Cyclosporin A and Tacrolimus (FK506) via Induction of the C/EBP Family: Implication for Unfolded Protein Response
Authors: Du Shuqi , Hiramatsu Nobuhiko , Hayakawa Kunihiro , Kasai Ayumi , Okamura Maro , Huang Tao , Yao Jian , Takeda Masayuki , Araki Isao , Sawada Norifumi , Paton Adrienne W. , Paton James C. , Kitamura Masanori
Published: May 2009

Immunosuppressive agents cyclosporin A (CsA) and tacrolimus (FK506) inhibit cytokine production by activated lymphocytes through interfering with calcineurin. However, little is known about their effects on the function of nonlymphoid cells. We found that, in renal tubular cells, induction of MCP-1 by inflammatory cytokines was blunted by CsA and FK506. This suppression was correlated with induction of unfolded protein response (UPR) evidenced by endogenous and exogenous indicators. The induction of UPR by these agents was reversible and observed generally in other nonimmune cells. Furthermore, administration with CsA in reporter mice caused rapid, systemic induction of UPR in vivo. In TNF-α-treated cells, suppression of MCP-1 by CsA or FK506 was associated with blunted responses of NF-κB, the crucial regulator of MCP-1. The suppression of NF-κB was reproduced by other inducers of UPR including AB5 subtilase cytotoxin, tunicamycin, thapsigargin, and A23187. CsA and FK506, as well as other UPR inducers, caused up-regulation of C/EBP family members, especially C/EBPβ and CHOP (C/EBP homologous protein), and overexpression of either C/EBPβ or CHOP significantly attenuated TNF-α-triggered NF-κB activation. Furthermore, down-regulation of C/EBPβ by small interfering RNA substantially reversed the suppressive effect of CsA on TNF-α-induced MCP-1 expression. These results suggested that CsA and FK506 confer insensitiveness to TNF-α on resident cells through UPR-dependent induction of the C/EBP family members.
Granulysin Induces Cathepsin B Release from Lysosomes of Target Tumor Cells to Attack Mitochondria through Processing of Bid Leading to Necroptosis
Authors: Zhang Honglian , Zhong Chao , Shi Lei , Guo Yuming , Fan Zusen
Published: May 2009

Granulysin is a killer effector molecule localized in cytolytic granules of human NK and CTL cells. Granulysin exhibits broad antimicrobial activity and potent cytotoxic action against tumor cells. However, the molecular mechanism of granulysin-induced tumor lysis is poorly understood. In this study, we found that granulysin causes a novel cell death termed necroptosis. Granulysin can target lysosomes of target tumor cells and induce partial release of lysosomal contents into the cytosol. Relocalized lysosomal cathepsin B can process Bid to active tBid to cause cytochrome c and apoptosis-activating factor release from mitochondria. Cathepsin B silencing and Bid or Bax/Bak deficiency resists granulysin-induced cytochrome c and apoptosis-activating factor release and is less susceptible to cytolysis against target tumor cells.
Myeloid-Specific Deletion of Tumor Suppressor PTEN Augments Neutrophil Transendothelial Migration during Inflammation
Authors: Sarraj Bara , Massberg Steffen , Li Yitang , Kasorn Anongnard , Subramanian Kulandayan , Loison Fabien , Silberstein Leslie E. , von Andrian Ulrich , Luo Hongbo R.
Published: May 2009

Phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3) is a second messenger that is involved in a number of cell activities including cell growth, proliferation, and motility. PIP3 is produced by PI3K and regulated by PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10) and SHIP lipid phosphatases. Evidence from our experiments shows that enhanced PIP3 production results in elevated neutrophil recruitment under inflammatory conditions. However, the mechanism of this elevation is not well understood. We used intravital video microscopy to investigate neutrophil recruitment in the cremaster venules of wild-type and PTEN knockout (KO) mice. Neutrophil transmigration was augmented in PTEN KO mice 4 h after TNF-α intrascrotal injection. PTEN KO neutrophils also showed significantly enhanced transmigration 2 h after MIP-2 intrascrotal injection, an effect that dramatically decreased when PI3K or Src kinase inhibitor treatments preceded MIP-2 stimulation. Similarly, fMLP superfusion of the cremaster muscle lead to enhanced emigration in PTEN KO mice. The observed elevation in neutrophil emigration was likely caused by increased speed of crawling, crossing the venular wall, and migrating through the muscular tissue in PTEN KO mice because the effect of PTEN depletion on neutrophil rolling or adhesion was minimal. Interestingly, chemoattractant-induced release of gelatinase and elastase was also elevated in PTEN null neutrophils, providing a potential mechanism for the enhanced neutrophil migration in the PTEN KO mice. Collectively, these results demonstrate that PTEN deletion in neutrophils enhances their invasivity and recruitment to inflamed sites more likely by raising the cell physical capability to cross the vascular and tissue barriers.
De Novo Ceramide Synthesis Is Required for N-Linked Glycosylation in Plasma Cells
Authors: Goldfinger Meidan , Laviad Elad L. , Hadar Rivka , Shmuel Miri , Dagan Arie , Park Hyejung , Merrill Alfred H. , Ringel Israel , Futerman Anthony H. , Tirosh Boaz
Published: May 2009

Plasma cells (PCs) are terminally differentiated B lymphocytes responsible for the synthesis and secretion of Igs. The differentiation of B cells into PCs involves a remarkable expansion of both lipid and protein components of the endoplasmic reticulum. Despite their importance in many signal transduction pathways, the role of ceramides, and of complex sphingolipids that are derived from ceramide, in PC differentiation has never been directly studied. To assess their putative role in PC differentiation, we blocked ceramide synthesis with fumonisin B1, a specific inhibitor of ceramide synthase. Under fumonisin B1 treatment, N-linked glycosylation was severely impaired in LPS-activated, but not in naive, B cells. We also show that ceramide synthesis is strongly induced by XBP-1 (X box-binding protein-1). In the absence of ceramide synthesis, ER expansion was dramatically diminished. Our results underscore ceramide biosynthesis as a key metabolic pathway in the process of PC differentiation and reveal a previously unknown functional link between sphingolipids and N-linked glycosylation in PCs.
Human Milk-Derived B Cells: A Highly Activated Switched Memory Cell Population Primed to Secrete Antibodies
Authors: Tuaillon Edouard , Valea Diane , Becquart Pierre , Al Tabaa Yassine , Meda Nicolas , Bollore Karine , Van de Perre Philippe , Vendrell Jean-Pierre
Published: May 2009

While secretory Abs have been extensively explored in human breast milk, the existence, features, and functions of B lymphocytes remain largely unexplored in this compartment. We analyzed breast milk and blood lymphocytes from 21 lactating women, including 12 HIV-1-infected mothers. Breast milk B cells displayed a phenotype of class-switched memory B cells, with few IgD+ memory and naive B cells. We observed that breast milk B lymphocytes bore a unique profile of adhesion molecules (CD44+, CD62L−, α4β7+/−, α4β1+). Higher percentages of activated B cells (CD38+), large-sized B cells, plasmablasts, and plasma cells (CD19+, CD20low/−, CD27high, CD138+) were found as compared with blood. This indicates that a significant proportion of breast milk B cells underwent terminal plasma cell differentiation. We also observed a higher frequency of cells secreting Ig spontaneously in breast milk. Among these cells, IgG-secreting cells predominated over IgA-secreting cells as measured by Ig ELISPOT assays. Specific Ab-secreting cells were investigated following polyclonal activation using the CD40L ligation. Finally, the detection of anti-HIV-1-secreting cells demonstrates the existence of B cells specific to HIV-1 Ag in breast milk from HIV-1-infected women. Breast milk B cells display a phenotype strikingly different from blood, are primed to secrete Abs, and have a mucosal homing profile similar to B cells located in gut-associated lymphoid tissue.
Hypercostimulation through 4-1BB Distorts Homeostasis of Immune Cells
Authors: Lee Seung-Woo , Salek-Ardakani Shahram , Mittler Robert S. , Croft Michael
Published: May 2009

The deleterious side effects associated with a recent clinical trial with anti-CD28 superagonist Abs have questioned the use of reagents to costimulatory molecules in human therapy. We now show that sustained signaling from an agonist Ab to 4-1BB, a member of the TNFR superfamily, results in detrimental effects on immune cell homeostasis. Repeated anti-4-1BB treatment during the reconstitution of hematopoietic cells in irradiated mice engrafted with bone marrow, or in mice infected with vaccinia virus, induced abnormal apoptosis of premature and immature B cells in the bone marrow, and led to peripheral B cell depletion. Inhibition of B cell development was indirect and due to costimulation of CD8 T cells and dependent on IFN-γ. Moreover, anti-4-1BB also suppressed the development of NK and NKT cells, but in this case independently of T cells and IFN-γ. The altered NK cell homeostasis resulted from activation-induced cell death triggered by anti-4-1BB. These results show that hypercostimulation elicits strong T cell immunity, but it can simultaneously distort immune homeostasis, suggesting that careful attention to activity, dose, and periodicity of treatment will be needed in any immunotherapeutic strategy with agonist Abs to costimulatory molecules.
Interaction of the Hepatitis B Core Antigen and the Innate Immune System
Authors: Lee Byung O. , Tucker Amy , Frelin Lars , Sallberg Matti , Jones Joyce , Peters Cory , Hughes Janice , Whitacre David , Darsow Bryan , Peterson Darrell L. , Milich David R.
Published: May 2009

Previous studies demonstrated that the primary APCs for the hepatitis B core Ag (HBcAg) were B cells and not dendritic cells (DC). We now report that splenic B1a and B1b cells more efficiently present soluble HBcAg to naive CD4+ T cells than splenic B2 cells. This was demonstrated by direct HBcAg-biotin-binding studies and by HBcAg-specific T cell activation in vitro in cultures of naive HBcAg-specific T cells and resting B cell subpopulations. The inability of DC to function as APCs for exogenous HBcAg relates to lack of uptake of HBcAg, not to processing or presentation, because HBcAg/anti-HBc immune complexes can be efficiently presented by DC. Furthermore, HBcAg-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell priming with DNA encoding HBcAg does not require B cell APCs. TLR activation, another innate immune response, was also examined. Full-length (HBcAg183), truncated (HBcAg149), and the nonparticulate HBeAg were screened for TLR stimulation via NF-κB activation in HEK293 cells expressing human TLRs. None of the HBc/HBeAgs activated human TLRs. Therefore, the HBc/HBeAg proteins are not ligands for human TLRs. However, the ssRNA contained within HBcAg183 does function as a TLR-7 ligand, as demonstrated at the T and B cell levels in TLR-7 knockout mice. Bacterial, yeast, and mammalian ssRNA encapsidated within HBcAg183 all function as TLR-7 ligands. These studies indicate that innate immune mechanisms bridge to and enhance the adaptive immune response to HBcAg and have important implications for the use of hepadnavirus core proteins as vaccine carrier platforms.
Miltefosine Promotes IFN-γ-Dominated Anti-Leishmanial Immune Response
Authors: Wadhone Pallavi , Maiti Moitrayee , Agarwal Reena , Kamat Vanita , Martin Sunil , Saha Bhaskar
Published: May 2009

Leishmania donovani, a protozoan parasite, resides and replicates as amastigotes within macrophages. The parasite inflicts the disease visceral leishmaniasis by suppressing host cell function. Neither a therapeutic vaccine nor an effective anti-leishmanial drug to reverse the immunosuppression is available. Although miltefosine (hexadecylphosphocholine or HPC) is a promising orally bioavailable anti-leishmanial drug, its efficacy is seriously compromised by contra-indications in pregnant women. Further rational redesigning of the drug requires studies on its mechanism of action, which is unknown at present. Because miltefosine is proposed to have immunomodulatory functions, we examined whether miltefosine exerts its anti-leishmanial functions by activating macrophages. We observed that miltefosine’s anti-leishmanial function was significantly compromised in IFN-γ-deficient macrophages suggesting the importance of endogenous IFN-γ in miltefosine-induced anti-leishmanial functions of macrophages. Miltefosine induced IFN-γ, neutralization of which reduced the anti-leishmanial functions of macrophages. IFN-γ responsiveness is reduced in L. donovani-infected macrophages but is significantly restored by miltefosine, as it enhances IFN-γ receptors and IFN-γ induced STAT-1 phosphorylation but reduced activation of SHP-1, the phosphatase implicated in the down-regulation of STAT-1 phosphorylation. Miltefosine induced protein kinase C-dependent and PI3K-dependent p38MAP kinase phosphorylation and anti-leishmanial function. Miltefosine promotes p38MAP kinase-dependent anti-leishmanial functions and IL-12-dependent Th1 response. Leishmania donovani-infected macrophages induced Th2 response but miltefosine treatment reversed the response to Th1-type. Thus, our data define for the first time the mechanistic basis of host cell-dependent anti-leishmanial function of miltefosine.
MHC Class I Dk Locus and Ly49G2+ NK Cells Confer H-2k Resistance to Murine Cytomegalovirus
Authors: Xie Xuefang , Stadnisky Michael D. , Brown Michael G.
Published: May 2009

Essential NK cell-mediated murine CMV (MCMV) resistance is under histocompatibility-2k (H-2k) control in MA/My mice. We generated a panel of intra-H2k recombinant strains from congenic C57L.M-H2k/b (MCMV resistant) mice for precise genetic mapping of the critical interval. Recombination breakpoint sites were precisely mapped and MCMV resistance/susceptibility traits were determined for each of the new lines to identify the MHC locus. Strains C57L.M-H2k(R7) (MCMV resistant) and C57L.M-H2k(R2) (MCMV susceptible) are especially informative; we found that allelic variation in a 0.3-megabase interval in the class I D locus confers substantial difference in MCMV control phenotypes. When NK cell subsets responding to MCMV were examined, we found that Ly49G2+ NK cells rapidly expand and selectively acquire an enhanced capacity for cytolytic functions only in C57L.M-H2k(R7). We further show that depletion of Ly49G2+ NK cells before infection abrogated MCMV resistance in C57L.M-H2k(R7). We conclude that the MHC class I D locus prompts expansion and activation of Ly49G2+ NK cells that are needed in H-2k MCMV resistance.
The Binding of Factor H to a Complex of Physiological Polyanions and C3b on Cells Is Impaired in Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Authors: Ferreira Viviana P. , Herbert Andrew P. , Cortés Claudio , McKee Kristi A. , Blaum Bärbel S. , Esswein Stefan T. , Uhrín Dušan , Barlow Paul N. , Pangburn Michael K. , Kavanagh David
Published: May 2009

Factor H (fH) is essential for complement homeostasis in fluid-phase and on surfaces. Its two C-terminal domains (CCP 19–20) anchor fH to self-surfaces where it prevents C3b amplification in a process requiring its N-terminal four domains. In atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), mutations clustering toward the C terminus of fH may disrupt interactions with surface-associated C3b or polyanions and thereby diminish the ability of fH to regulate complement. To test this, we compared a recombinant protein encompassing CCP 19–20 with 16 mutants. The mutations had only very limited and localized effects on protein structure. Although we found four aHUS-linked fH mutations that decreased binding to C3b and/or to heparin (a model compound for cell surface polyanionic carbohydrates), we identified five aHUS-associated mutants with increased affinity for either or both ligands. Strikingly, these variable affinities for the individual ligands did not correlate with the extent to which all the aHUS-associated mutants were found to be impaired in a more physiological assay that measured their ability to inhibit cell surface complement functions of full-length fH. Taken together, our data suggest that disruption of a complex fH-self-surface recognition process, involving a balance of affinities for protein and physiological carbohydrate ligands, predisposes to aHUS.