bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of social responsibility labelling and brand on willingness to pay for apparel
Authors: Hustvedt Gwendolyn , Bernard John C.
Published: April 2010

This study examined changes in consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for apparel products as labour‐related information and brand were added. Tobit analysis of auction bids from 121 university students for t‐shirts showed men, Hispanics and consumers who believe in social responsibility and fair trade had significantly higher WTP once labour‐related labelling was added. The amount and complexity of information did not matter, leaving substantial leeway to companies in crafting their message. Adding brand significantly increased WTP for two better‐known brands while not changing WTP for the social responsibility messages. Results suggested brands can benefit from stressing social responsibility‐related attributes of products.
Differential expression patterns of Puma and Hsp70 following proteasomal stress in the hippocampus are key determinants of neuronal vulnerability
Authors: Bonner Helena P. , Concannon Caoimhín G. , Bonner Caroline , Woods Ina , Ward Manus W. , Prehn Jochen H. M.
Published: May 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 606–616.

Proteasomal stress is believed to contribute to the pathology of ischemic brain injury and several neurodegenerative disorders, but can activate both cytoprotective and cell death‐inducing pathways. Here we have utilized the complex environment of organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSCs) to investigate the stress responses activated in different neuronal populations following proteasome inhibition. Incubation of OHSCs with the specific proteasome inhibitors, epoxomicin or bortezomib led to a selective injury of the CA1 pyramidal neurons although similarly increased levels of poly‐ubiquitinylated proteins were detected throughout all regions of the hippocampus. Micro‐dissection, quantitative PCR and immunohistochemical analyses of epoxomicin‐treated OHSCs identified a selective activation of cytoprotective genes in non‐vulnerable regions, and a selective activation of p53 target genes within the CA1. Genetic deletion of the pro‐apoptotic p53 target gene, p53‐upregulated modulator of apoptosis (puma), significantly reduced injury within the CA1 following proteasomal inhibition. Activation of cytoprotective genes by treatment with inducers of heat shock protein 70 inhibited the selective activation of p53 signaling within the CA1 and protected CA1 neurons from epoxomicin‐induced cell death. In summary, we demonstrate that the reciprocal activation of p53/p53‐upregulated modulator of apoptosis and heat shock protein 70 signalling determines the selective vulnerability of neurons to proteasome inhibition.
Dopamine D2receptor signaling modulates mutant ataxin‐1 S776 phosphorylation and aggregation
Authors: Hearst Scoty M. , Lopez Mariper E. , Shao Qingmei , Liu Yong , Vig Parminder J. S.
Published: May 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)114, 706–716.

Spinocerebellar ataxia 1 (SCA1) is a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disease associated with progressive ataxia resulting from the loss of cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) and neurons in the brainstem. In PCs of SCA1 transgenic mice, the disease causing ataxin‐1 protein mediates the formation of S100B containing cytoplasmic vacuoles and further self‐aggregates to form intranuclear inclusions. The exact function of the ataxin‐1 protein is not fully understood. However, the aggregation and neurotoxicity of the mutant ataxin‐1 protein is dependent on the phosphorylation at serine 776 (S776). Although protein kinase A (PKA) has been implicated as the S776 kinase, the mechanism of PKA/ataxin‐1 regulation in SCA1 is still not clear. We propose that a dopamine D2receptor (D2R)/S100B pathway may be involved in modulating PKA activity in PCs. Using a D2R/S100B HEK stable cell line transiently transfected with GFP‐ataxin‐1[82Q], we demonstrate that stimulation of the D2R/S100B pathway caused a reduction in mutant ataxin‐1 S776 phosphorylation and ataxin‐1 aggregation. Activation of PKA by forskolin resulted in an enhanced S776 phosphorylation and increased ataxin‐1 nuclear aggregation, which was suppressed by treatment with D2R agonist bromocriptine and PKA inhibitor H89. Furthermore, treating SCA1 transgenic PC slice cultures with forskolin induced neurodegenerative morphological abnormalities in PC dendrites consistent with those observedin vivo. Taken together our data support a mechanism where PKA dependent mutant ataxin‐1 phosphorylation and aggregation can be regulated by D2R/S100B signaling.
Storage of GABA in chromaffin granules and not in synaptic‐like microvesicles in rat adrenal medullary cells
Authors: Harada Keita , Matsuoka Hidetada , Nakamura Jun , Fukuda Mitsunori , Inoue Masumi
Published: May 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 617–626.

Neurons and certain kinds of endocrine cells, such as adrenal medullary (AM) cells, have large dense‐core vesicles (LDCVs) and synaptic vesicles or synaptic‐like microvesicles (SLMVs). These secretory vesicles differ in Ca2+ sensitivity and contain different signaling substances. We have recently reported that GABA functions as a paracrine factor in rat AM cells and modulates catecholamine secretion. The present experiment was undertaken to examine the subcellular localization of the GABA system including GABA itself in AM cells. Fractionation analysis with sucrose density gradient and immunocytochemistry indicated that vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT) was localized in LDCVs and not SLMVs in rat and bovine AM cells. In addition, significant amounts of GABA were detected in high density fractions, which contained LDCVs. When green fluorescence protein‐VGAT and green fluorescence protein‐vesicular ACh transporter were exogenously expressed in PC12 cells, the former and the latter were selectively targeted to LDCVs and SLMVs, respectively. We conclude that GABA is stored in chromaffin granules in rat and bovine AM cells through VGAT.
Age‐dependent cardiomyopathy in mitochondrial mutator mice is attenuated by overexpression of catalase targeted to mitochondria
Authors: Dai Dao‐Fu , Chen Tony , Wanagat Jonathan , Laflamme Michael , Marcinek David J. , Emond Mary J , Ngo Calvin P. , Prolla Tomas A. , Rabinovitch Peter S.
Published: April 2010

Mitochondrial defects have been found in aging and several age‐related diseases. Mice with a homozygous mutation in the exonuclease encoding domain of mitochondrial DNA polymerase gamma (Polgm/m) are prone to age‐dependent accumulation of mitochondrial DNA mutations and have shown a broad spectrum of aging‐like phenotypes. However, the mechanism of cardiac phenotypes in relation to the role of mitochondrial DNA mutations and oxidative stress in this mouse model has not been fully addressed. We demonstrate age‐dependent cardiomyopathy in Polgm/m mice, which by 13–14 months of age displays marked cardiac hypertrophy and dilatation, impairment of systolic and diastolic function, and increased cardiac fibrosis. This age‐dependent cardiomyopathy is associated with increases in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions and protein oxidative damage, increased expression of apoptotic and senescence markers, as well as a decline in signaling for mitochondrial biogenesis. The relationship of these changes to mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) was tested by crossing Polgm/m mice with mice that overexpress mitochondrial targeted catalase (mCAT). All of the above phenotypes were partially rescued in Polgm/m/mCAT mice. These data indicate that accumulation of mitochondrial DNA damage with age can lead to cardiomyopathy and that this phenotype is partly mediated by mitochondrial oxidative stress.
Sustainable Rural Telehealth Innovation: A Public Health Case Study
Authors: Singh Rajendra , Mathiassen Lars , Stachura Max E. , Astapova Elena V.
Published: May 2010

Objective.To examine adoption of telehealth in a rural public health district and to explain how the innovation became sustainable.

Study Setting.Longitudinal, qualitative study (1988–2008) of the largest public health district in Georgia.

Study Design.Case study design provided deep insights into the innovation's social dynamics. Punctuated equilibrium theory helped present and make sense of the process. We identified antecedent conditions and outcomes, and we distinguished between episodes and encounters based on the disruptive effects of events.

Data Collection.Twenty‐five semistructured interviews with 19 decision makers and professionals, direct observations, published papers, grant proposals, technical specifications, and other written materials.

Principal Findings.Strong collaboration within the district, with local community, and with external partners energized the process. Well‐functioning outreach clinics made telehealth desirable. Local champions cultivated participation and generative capability, and overcame barriers through opportunistic exploitation of technological and financial options. Telehealth usage fluctuated between medical and administrative operations in response to internal needs and contextual dynamics. External agencies provided initial funding and supported later expansion.

Conclusions.Extensive internal and external collaboration, and a combination of technology push and opportunistic exploitation, can enable sustainable rural telehealth innovation.
Flavonoids exert distinct modulatory actions on cyclooxygenase 2 and NF‐κB in an intestinal epithelial cell line (IEC18)
Authors: López‐Posadas R , Ballester I , Mascaraque C , Suárez MD , Zarzuelo A , Martínez‐Augustin O , Sánchez de Medina F
Published: April 2010

Background and purpose: Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2) is involved in inflammatory bowel disease, but the effect of flavonoids at the intestinal epithelial level is unknown. We aimed to characterize the effect and structure‐activity relationship of nine selected flavonoids on COX‐2 expression in intestinal epithelial cell (IEC)18 cells. We also investigated the signal transduction pathway(s) responsible for the effects observed.

Experimental approach: Intestinal epithelial cell 18, a non‐tumour cell line with intestinal epithelial phenotype, was used. COX‐2 was measured by Western blot and the involvement of the NF‐κB pathway assessed by Western blot, pharmacological inhibition, luciferase reporter assays and nuclear translocation experiments.

Key results: The effect of flavonoids on COX‐2 expression depended on the experimental conditions tested [non‐stimulated and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated]. Flavonoids caused an increase in COX‐2 expression and NF‐κB‐dependent gene transcription under basal conditions. Conversely, under LPS stimulation flavonoids increased, decreased or did not affect COX‐2 levels depending on the specific type. Variable effects were observed on extracellular signal regulated kinase/p38/c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase phosphorylation and p50/65 nuclear translocation.

Conclusion and implications: The effect of flavonoids on COX‐2 expression depended on the balance of the interference with IκB‐α phosphorylation and other signalling targets, and therefore depends on the experimental conditions and on the type of flavonoids. This is expected to result in different effects in inflammatory conditions. In general, flavonoids may limit epithelial COX‐2 expression in inflammatory conditions while favouring it when inflammation is not present.
Resistance to endotoxic shock in mice lacking natriuretic peptide receptor‐A
Authors: Panayiotou Catherine M , Baliga Reshma , Stidwill Raymond , Taylor Valerie , Singer Mervyn , Hobbs Adrian J
Published: April 2010

Background and purpose:  Excessive production of nitric oxide (NO) by inducible NO synthase (iNOS) is thought to underlie the vascular dysfunction, systemic hypotension and organ failure that characterize endotoxic shock. Plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and C‐type natriuretic peptide (CNP) are raised in animal models and humans with endotoxic shock and correlate with the associated cardiovascular dysfunction. Since both NO and natriuretic peptides play important roles in cardiovascular homeostasis via activation of guanylate cyclase‐linked receptors, we used mice lacking natriuretic peptide receptor (NPR)‐A (NPR1) to establish if natriuretic peptides contribute to the cardiovascular dysfunction present in endotoxic shock.

Experimental approach:  Wild‐type (WT) and NPR‐A knockout (KO) mice were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and vascular dysfunction (in vitro and in vivo), production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and iNOS expression and activity were evaluated.

Key results:  LPS‐treated WT animals exhibited a marked fall in mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) whereas NPR‐A KO mice maintained MABP throughout. LPS administration caused a greater suppression of vascular responses to the thromboxane‐mimetic U46619, ANP, acetylcholine and the NO‐donor spermine‐NONOate in WT versus NPR‐A KO mice. This differential effect on vascular function was paralleled by reduced pro‐inflammatory cytokine production, iNOS expression and activity (plasma [NOx] and cyclic GMP).

Conclusions and implications:  These observations suggest that NPR‐A activation by natriuretic peptides facilitates iNOS expression and contributes to the vascular dysfunction characteristic of endotoxic shock. Pharmacological interventions that target the natriuretic peptide system may represent a novel approach to treat this life‐threatening condition.
Seizure tests distinguish intermittent fasting from the ketogenic diet
Authors: Hartman Adam L. , Zheng Xiangrong , Bergbower Emily , Kennedy Michiko , Hardwick J. Marie
Published: May 2010

Purpose: Calorie restriction can be anticonvulsant in animal models. The ketogenic diet was designed to mimic calorie restriction and has been assumed to work by the same mechanisms. We challenged this assumption by profiling the effects of these dietary regimens in mice subjected to a battery of acute seizure tests.

Methods: Juvenile male NIH Swiss mice received ketogenic diet or a normal diet fed in restricted quantities (continuously or intermittently) for ∼12 days, starting at 3–4 weeks of age. Seizures were induced by the 6 Hz test, kainic acid, maximal electroshock, or pentylenetetrazol.

Results: The ketogenic and calorie‐restricted diets often had opposite effects depending on the seizure test. The ketogenic diet protected from 6 Hz–induced seizures, whereas calorie restriction (daily and intermittent) increased seizure activity. Conversely, calorie restriction protected juvenile mice against seizures induced by kainic acid, whereas the ketogenic diet failed to protect. Intermittent caloric restriction worsened seizures induced by maximal electroshock but had no effect on those induced by pentylenetetrazol.

Discussion: In contrast to a longstanding hypothesis, calorie restriction and the ketogenic diet differ in their acute seizure test profiles, suggesting that they have different underlying anticonvulsant mechanisms. These findings highlight the importance of the 6 Hz test and its ability to reflect the benefits of ketosis and fat consumption.
MEG correlates of epileptic high gamma oscillations in invasive EEG
Authors: Rampp Stefan , Kaltenhäuser Martin , Weigel Daniel , Buchfelder Michael , Blümcke Ingmar , Dörfler Arndt , Stefan Hermann
Published: May 2010

In patients with pharmacoresistant focal epilepsy, we demonstrate that magnetoencephalography (MEG) detects spike‐locked and spike‐independent epileptic high gamma oscillations (HGOs) using combined MEG and invasive electroencephalography (iEEG) from subdural macroelectrodes. Six patients, who underwent presurgical workup for epilepsy surgery with preoperative simultaneous MEG and subdural iEEG recordings, were investigated. HGOs in iEEG were detected automatically and served as triggers for averaging and localization of simultaneous MEG data. iEEG‐HGOs were detected in all patients and MEG‐HGOs in five patients. HGOs were highly associated with epileptic networks and correctly identified seizure‐onset zones in five (MEG) and six patients (iEEG). Minimum‐norm source analysis of MEG data yielded concordant localizations. Noninvasive analysis of HGOs may allow investigation of epileptic networks independent of spikes and seizures. Determination of sensitivity and specificity, as well as development of MEG‐HGO analysis without the need of iEEG should be addressed in a larger study.
Patient‐reported outcome of pediatric epilepsy surgery: Social inclusion or exclusion as young adults?
Authors: Lach Lucyna M. , Elliott Irene , Giecko Tiffany , Olds Janet , Snyder Thomas , McCleary Lynn , Whiting Sharon , Lowe Alan , Nimigon Jodie , Smith Mary Lou
Published: May 2010

Purpose:  The purpose of this study was to examine the social relationships and participation in educational, vocational, and community life in young adults who had undergone epilepsy surgery during childhood or adolescence.

Methods:  This was a retrospective, cross‐sectional, case‐controlled, and multisite design study. Findings were compared between young adults who had undergone epilepsy surgery and were seizure‐free in the previous 12 months (n = 38), those who had undergone epilepsy surgery and were not seizure‐free (n = 33), and a group of individuals with epilepsy who had not undergone surgery (n = 31).

Results:  The surgical seizure‐free group had significantly better general social well‐being than the other two groups. Specifically, these participants were employed for more months over the past year, were less likely to report that epilepsy had affected their employment, and were more likely to belong to at least one community organization. However, these participants were not any more likely to be involved in a relationship than those in the other two groups. In addition, there were no group differences in the reported number of friends or the frequency of visits with friends, or in what participants described as their principal activity (i.e., student, employed or unemployed).

Discussion:  There are a number of benefits to social functioning associated with having had epilepsy surgery and being seizure‐free in the past year. Further research is recommended to increase our understanding of the mechanisms involved in the social and personal challenges that these individuals face.
THE CONTRIBUTION OF SUB‐SAHARAN AFRICAN STRAINS TO THE PHYLOGENY OF CYANOBACTERIA: FOCUSING ON THE NOSTOCACEAE (NOSTOCALES, CYANOBACTERIA)1
Authors: Thomazeau Solène , Houdan‐Fourmont Aude , Couté Alain , Duval Charlotte , Couloux Arnaud , Rousseau Florence , Bernard Cécile
Published: May 2010

To date, phylogenies have been based on known gene sequences accessible at GenBank, and the absence of many cyanobacterial lineages from collections and sequence databases has hampered their classification. Investigating new biotopes to isolate more genera and species is one way to enrich strain collections and subsequently enhance gene sequence databases. A polyphasic approach is another way of improving our understanding of the details of cyanobacterial classification. In this work, we have studied phylogenetic relationships in strains isolated from freshwater bodies in Senegal and Burkina Faso to complement existing morphological and genetic databases. By comparing 16S rDNA sequences of African strains to those of other cyanobacteria lineages, we placed them in the cyanobacterial phylogeny and confirmed their genus membership. We then focused on the Nostocaceae family by concatenated analysis of four genes (16S rDNA,hetR,nifH, andrpoC1 genes) to characterize relationships amongAnabaenamorphospecies, in particular,Anabaena sphaericavar.tenuisG. S. West. Using a polyphasic approach to the Nostocaceae family, we demonstrate thatA. sphaericavar.tenuisis more closely related toCylindrospermospsis/Raphidiopsisthan to other planktonicAnabaena/Aphanizomenon.On the basis of phylogeny and morphological data, we propose that these three significantly different clusters should be assigned to three genera.
A Six‐Month Assessment of Oral Health‐Related Quality of Life of Complete Denture Wearers Using Denture Adhesive: A Pilot Study
Authors: Nicolas Emmanuel , Veyrune Jean‐luc , Lassauzay Claire
Published: April 2010

Purpose: Edentulism and conventional complete denture treatment have been shown to have a negative impact on oral health quality of life (OHQoL). The use of an adhesive agent can provide an alternative to implant‐supported prostheses. The objective of this study was to show that new complete dentures using a denture adhesive (DA) improve oral health‐related quality of life.

Materials and Methods: The oral health QoL of 143 patients was assessed after 3 months of wearing new complete dentures. Fourteen participants presented a low geriatric oral health assessment index (GOHAI) score and were included in this study and asked to use a DA. Oral health QoL and masticatory parameters were assessed at the beginning of the study, then at 3 and 6 months.

Results: Significant improvements were observed in the scores obtained for each field of GOHAI (function, pain, discomfort, psychosocial); however, even after use of the DA, no statistically significant change in masticatory parameters was found.

Conclusions: These results show that using a DA may improve subjects’ ability to manage conventional dentures and enhance their oral quality of life. A larger, prospective, multicenter study is subsequently needed to confirm these results.
Effect of Transection of the Caudal Menisco‐Tibial Ligament on Medial Femorotibial Contact Mechanics
Authors: Pozzi Antonio , Kim Stanley E. , Lewis Daniel D.
Published: April 2010

Objective:To evaluate the effect of transection of the medial caudal menisco‐tibial ligament on contact mechanics in a canine cadaveric model of cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture and tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO).

Study Design:Ex vivo biomechanical study.

Sample Population:Unpaired pelvic limbs (n=8) from 28–35 kg dogs.

Methods:Cadaveric pelvic limbs with CCL‐deficient stifles stabilized with TPLO were axially loaded using a material testing machine with 30% body weight and a stifle angle of 135°. Medial compartment femorotibial contact force and area, peak and mean contact pressure, and peak pressure location were measured with pressure sensors. A paired t‐test was used for comparison;P<.05 was considered significant.

Results:Transection of the caudal menisco‐tibial ligament resulted in a significant decrease in contact area, from 145 ± 24 to 71 ± 25 mm2(P<.001) and a significant increase in peak pressure magnitude from 2.9 ± 0.4 to 4.1 ± 0.5 MPa (P<.001). Transection of the caudal menisco‐tibial ligament caused a significant increase in load in the caudal portion of the medial compartment (P<.001).

Conclusions:Our results suggest that transecting the caudal menisco‐tibial ligament eliminates the load bearing function of the medial meniscus and results in significant changes in medial femorotibial contact mechanics.

Clinical Relevance:The abnormal cartilage contact stresses after transection of the caudal menisco‐tibial ligament may have a negative impact on the cartilage homeostasis and predispose to further degeneration of the medial compartment after TPLO.
Tibial Plateau Leveling and Medial Opening Crescentic Osteotomy for Treatment of Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Dogs with Tibia Vara
Authors: Fitzpatrick Noel , Johnson Jacqueline , Hayashi Kei , Girling Sarah , Yeadon Russell
Published: April 2010

Objective:To report clinical application of a tibial plateau leveling and medial opening crescentic osteotomy (TPLMOCO) by a single blade cut to ameliorate lameness in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture (CCLR) and concurrent tibia vara.

Study Design:Case series.

Animals:Bullmastiff‐type dogs (n=4; 5 stifles).

Methods:Dogs were evaluated clinically and radiographically and records retrospectively reviewed. Pins were driven through both cortices of the proximal and distal tibia and a multidirectional jig attached medially. Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy was performed with torsional realignment of the calcaneo‐patellar axis. A rigid connecting bar applied to the pins laterally before distraction of the medial jig allowed medial opening of the osteotomy while maintaining contact on the lateral aspect of the osteotomy. A 3.5 mm plate was applied.

Results:Meniscal and articular cartilage pathology was identified in the medial joint compartment in 4 stifles, and in both medial and lateral compartments in 1 stifle. Postoperatively, subjectively assessed lameness resolved in 4/5 limbs and improved in 1 limb. All osteotomies healed uneventfully, with superficial wound infection being the only complication in 1 dog.

Conclusions:TPLMOCO is a potential treatment methodology for dogs with CCLR and tibia vara with or without tibial torsion. Clinical lameness was successfully ameliorated. Intraoperative assessment and correction of sagittal and rotational malalignment was sufficient to achieve satisfactory clinical outcome in these 4 dogs.

Clinical Relevance:TPLMOCO offers a potential treatment option and warrants further investigation for use in selected cases.
Thermal Imaging of Normal and Cranial Cruciate Ligament‐Deficient Stifles in Dogs
Authors: Infernuso Tomas , Loughin Catherine A. , Marino Dominic J. , Umbaugh Scott E. , Solt Patrick S.
Published: April 2010

Objective:To investigate the capability of thermography for differentiation between normal stifles and those with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture in dogs, initially with a full hair coat and 1 hour after clipping the hair coat.

Study Design:Prospective study.

Animals:Labrador Retrievers (n=6) with normal stifle joints (controls) and adult dogs (n=10) with CCL rupture.

Methods:Thermography was performed before, and 60 minutes after, clipping the hair coat from the pelvic limb. Stifle images were classified as normal or abnormal, then subclassified as clipped and unclipped hair coat. CCL deficiency was confirmed at surgery and thermographic images subsequently classified as abnormal before analysis with image processing software.

Results:Using image recognition analysis, differentiation between normal and CCL‐deficient stifles in both clipped and unclipped dogs was 85% successful on cranial images, medial, caudal, and lateral images were between 75% and 85% successful. Although there were significant increases in skin temperature after clipping in both groups (P<.0002–.0001), there were no significant temperature differences between normal and CCL‐deficient stifles when the entire stifle was examined.

Conclusion:Thermography was successful in differentiating naturally occurring CCL‐deficient stifles in dogs, with a success rate of 75–85%. Clipping is not necessary for successful thermographic evaluation of the canine stifle.

Clinical Relevance:Thermography may be a useful imaging modality for diagnosis of CCL deficiency in dogs when CCL rupture is suspected but stifle laxity is not evident.
Human immunodeficiency virus test‐seeking blood donors in a large blood bank in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Goncalez Thelma , Sabino Ester , Sales Nanci , Chen Yea‐Hung , Chamone Dalton , Busch Michael , Murphy Edward , Custer Brian , McFarland Willi
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND: Persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behaviors are excluded from donation to reduce the risk of transfusion‐transmitted infection. Persons donating to be tested for HIV may therefore deny risk behaviors.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A random sample of donors completed a survey on motivations, knowledge, and attitudes on the screening process. Donors were considered test seekers if they agreed with two statements “I think that blood donation is a good, fast, and anonymous way to get my blood tested” and “I donate to get my test results.” This study was conducted from June to November 2006 at the largest blood bank in São Paulo, Brazil.

RESULTS: Of 3061 participants, 208 (7%) were test seekers. They tended to be male and had a lower educational level. They were more likely to have incorrect knowledge about blood safety (e.g., not knowing that a unit can test antibody negative and still transmit infection, 50% vs. 42%, p = 0.02), express dissatisfaction with screening questions (e.g., feeling that important questions were not asked, 14% vs. 5%, p < 0.01), and concur that donors do not answer questions truthfully (e.g., donors have more sexual partners than they admit, 29% vs. 18%, p < 0.01). Test seekers were more likely to believe that it is acceptable to donate blood to get tested for HIV (41% vs. 10%, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: Test‐seeking motivation, coupled with low knowledge of window period risk, is counter to improving blood safety and to donor prevention needs. Donor education needs to be improved along with availability of appropriate HIV counseling and testing.
Impact of the May 12, 2008, earthquake on blood donations across five Chinese blood centers
Authors: Liu Jing , Huang Yi , Wang Jingxing , Bi Xinhong , Li Julin , Lu Yunlai , Wen Xiuqiong , Yao Fuzhu , Dong Xiangdong , He Weilan , Huang Mei , Ma Hongli , Mei Heili , King Melissa , Wright David J. , Ness Paul M. , Shan Hua ,   for the REDS II International China Study
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND: On May 12, 2008, a severe earthquake struck China's Sichuan Province. The nationwide outpouring of charity resulted in a surge of subsequent blood donations. The quantity and quality of these donations were examined in comparison with routine donations.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Whole blood and apheresis donations from five geographically different blood centers collected within 1 week postearthquake were compared with those collected during the rest of the year. Regional differences, demographic characteristics, first‐time and repeat donor status, and infectious disease screening markers associated with these donations were compared by earthquake status using chi‐square statistics. Poisson regression analysis examined the number of daily donations by earthquake status after adjusting for center, day of week, and seasonal variations.

RESULTS: The number of daily donations across five blood centers increased from 685 on a typical day to 1151 in the postearthquake week. The surge was observed in both sexes and across different education levels, age, and ethnicity groups and three blood centers and was significant after adjusting for confounding covariates. The influx of first‐time donors (89.5%) was higher than that of repeat donors (34%). There was a significant change in the overall screening reactive marker rates excluding alanine aminotransferase (2.06% vs. 1.72%% vs. 4.96%). However, when the individual screening test was analyzed separately, no significant differences were found.

CONCLUSION: Timely donations in response to a disaster are crucial to ensure emergency blood transfusion. The dramatically increased postearthquake donations suggest that Chinese blood centers are capable of handling emergency blood needs. Measures to maintain blood safety should be taken in times of emergency.
Noninvasive pH measurement to monitor changes during suboptimal storage of platelet concentrates
Authors: Krause Michael , Doescher Andrea , Zimmermann Beate , Müller Thomas H.
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND: Noninvasive pH measurement of platelet concentrates (PCs) was evaluated as a tool for the quality control of PC storage by simulating worst‐case conditions.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: PCs from pooling four buffy coats in 70% PAS‐3M were both stored in bags wrapped to impair gas permeability and agitated or not until Day 9 of storage. pH values measured both in samples (electrode, blood gas analyzer) and noninvasively by fluorimetry (BCSI pH1000, Blood Cell Storage, Inc.) were compared groupwise and to changes in platelet (PLT) size and biochemical variables.

RESULTS: The noninvasive pH measurements agreed well with the results from each of the two reference methods (R2 > 0.9) in a wide range of pH values between 6.4 and 7.5. Changes of the pH of PCs (n = 64) by all interventions (agitation or resting plus occlusion by 0, 25, 50, or 100%; n = 8/group) were subtle but already significant after 20 to 24 hours of treatment in comparison to the controls. A steady state after Day 6 and reductions up to a mean pH of approximately 6.5 were observed. The extent of manipulation determined both the absolute pH differences to the controls and the interindividual variation of pH changes. Termination of the agitation significantly enhanced pH reduction by surface blockade. Significant changes were also observed for the mean PLT volume, β‐thromboglobulin, and soluble P‐selectin.

CONCLUSION: Noninvasive pH measurement in PCs using this technique reliably detects pH changes of 0.1 or more. Storage of PLTs in buffered additive solution requires profound impairment of gas exchange to trigger a substantial decline in pH.
Rotablation in the Drug Eluting Era: Immediate and Long‐Term Results from a Single Center Experience
Authors: MEZILIS NICK , DARDAS PETROS , NINIOS VLASIS , TSIKADERIS DIMITRIOS
Published: April 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate the immediate and long‐term outcome of patients who were treated with rotational atherectomy (RA) to facilitate the delivery of drug eluting stents (DES) in heavily calcified lesions. We analyzed 150 consecutive patients who underwent RA and subsequently DES implantation in our institution. The patients had heavily calcified coronary artery lesions requiring plaque modification prior to conventional angioplasty and stent implantation. Rotational atherectomy was performed using the standard Boston Scientific Rotablator® system. A 2‐burr stepped approach was selected in most of the cases. Following successful modification of the plaque, the angioplasty was performed with a balloon at low pressure to avoid dissection and a DES was implanted. The mean follow up period was 3 years (max. 78 months). Follow‐up data included all cause death, stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), recurrent angina, re‐hospitalization, target lesion revascularization (TLR), target vessel revascularization (TVR), and long‐term duration of dual antiplatelet therapy. The rate of recurrent angina and MI during follow up was low (3.3%) and the overall major adverse cardiac events (MACE) rate was 11.3%. No MACE occurred during hospitalization. There was no relationship between discontinuation of clopidogrel and occurrence of death or MI. The combined approach of RA‐DES has a favorable effect when dealing with heavily calcified lesions in both the angiographic and clinical outcomes. No safety concerns are observed up to 6 years. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:249–253)
Synthesis and Photocatalytic Activity of Highly Ordered TiO2 and SrTiO3/TiO2 Nanotube Arrays on Ti Substrates
Authors: Zhang Xuming , Huo Kaifu , Hu Liangsheng , Wu Zhengwei , Chu Paul K.
Published: April 2010

Highly ordered TiO2 nanotube arrays (TiO2‐NTAs) are produced by electrochemical anodization of a Ti foil in ammonium fluoride (NH4F)–ethylene glycol solution. Photocatalytic (PC) investigations indicate that the length of the NTAs plays an important role in their photoactivity. The PC activity increases initially with the NT length and then decreases and the optimum length that yields the highest PC is 6.2 μm for TiO2‐NTAs. The TiO2‐NTAs are further converted to heterojunction strontium titanate (SrTiO3)/TiO2‐NTAs by a hydrothermal reaction in Sr(OH)2 solution. As the hydrothermal reaction proceeds, more TiO2 is converted into SrTiO3 and the thickness of the SrTiO3 layer increases. The SrTiO3/TiO2‐NTAs exhibit variable PC activities that depend on the hydrothermal reaction time, and the SrTiO3/TiO2‐NTAs hydrothermally treated for 1 h or less have enhanced PC properties. The advantage of combining TiO2 and SrTiO3 stems from the difference in the flatband potential, thereby improving the separation of the photogenerated electron–hole pairs and consequently the PC activity.
Highly Transparent Pure Alumina Fabricated by High‐Pressure Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Grasso Salvatore , Kim Byung‐Nam , Hu Chunfeng , Maizza Giovanni , Sakka Yoshio
Published: May 2010

Highly transparent pure alumina with an average grain size of 200 nm was fabricated by means of high‐pressure spark plasma sintering. The alumina sintered either at 950° or at 1000°C for 10 min under an applied pressure of 500 MPa had an in‐line transmission of about 64% for a wavelength of 645 nm. The application of high pressure allowed to obtain highly transparent full dense alumina at low temperatures with no considerable grain growth.
Engaging a Plurilingual Scientific Community: Multiple Languages for International Academic Publications
Authors: Hamel Rainer Enrique
Published: April 2010

Fran Rothstein is contributing editor of the AAA Commission on World Anthropologies column in Anthropology News.
The immunohistochemical expression of BNIP3 protein in non‐small‐cell lung cancer: a tissue microarray study
Authors: ÜBERALL IVO , KOLEK VÍTĚZSLAV , KLEIN JIR̆Í , KREJČÍ Veronika , ŠŤASTNÁ JITKA , RADOVÁ LENKA , ŠKarda Josef , FRIDMAN EDDIE
Published: May 2010

Überall I, Kolek V, Klein J, Krejčí V, Šťastná J, Radová L, Škarda J, Fridman E. The immunohistochemical expression of BNIP3 protein in non‐small‐cell lung cancer: a tissue microarray study. APMIS 2010; 118: 565–70.

Drug resistance is one of the reasons for chemotherapy failure in non‐small‐cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). One of the major mechanisms of drug resistance is the inhibition of chemotherapy‐induced apoptosis. Therefore, the study of novel cell death pathways could possibly enable us to overcome resistance to apoptosis in NSCLC. One of the non‐caspase types of cell death is autophagy. BNIP3 protein, a Bcl‐2 family member, highly expressed in some tumours, plays a key role in the induction of autophagy. In the present study, we investigated the immunohistochemical expression and subcellular localization of BNIP3 in a series of early‐ and late‐stage non‐small‐cell lung carcinomas and normal bronchial tissues, and correlated this expression with the occurrence of metastasis and survival. BNIP3 was strongly expressed in the nucleus of cancer cells in 16/79 (20.3%) cases. This BNIP3 positivity did not correlate with histological grade, stage, histology type, metastatic potential, or expression of BNIP3 according to median values. No significant correlation was observed between the expression of BNIP3 and the overall survival of NSCLC patients (p = 0.55). Nor did we find any significant correlation between BNIP3 expression and the occurrence of site‐specific metastasis (p = 0.85).
REVIEW ARTICLE: Research on Blastocyst Implantation Essential Factors (BIEFs)
Authors: Yoshinaga Koji
Published: May 2010

Citation Yoshinaga K. Research on Blastocyst Implantation Essential Factors (BIEFs). Am J Reprod Immunol 2010

Blastocyst implantation is a process of interaction between embryo and the uterus. To understand this process, this review tries to summarize what blastocyst implantation essential factors (BIEFs) play what roles, as well as where in the uterus and at what stage of implantation process. Addition of more new data to this kind of compilation of information will help the development of diagnosis and treatment of infertility caused by implantation failure. The major, important cells of the endometrial cells that interact with invading blastocyst (trophoblast) are luminal epithelial cells, stromal cells (decidual cells) and resident immune cells. BIEFs regulate these cells to successfully maintain pregnancy.
Congenital cytomegalovirus infection: the impact of cerebral cortical malformations
Authors: Engman M‐L , Lewensohn‐Fuchs I , Mosskin M , Malm G
Published: May 2010

Aim:  Cytomegalovirus has been suggested to have a teratogenous influence during the migration of neural cells from the ventricular zones to the cortex during the gestational period. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of congenital cytomegalovirus infections in a cohort of children with neurological disability and cerebral cortical malformations recognized by neuroimaging.

Methods:  Twenty‐six children with neurological disability and cerebral cortical malformations were investigated retrospectively for congenital cytomegalovirus infection by analysing the dried blood spot samples for cytomegalovirus deoxynucleic acid using qualitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results:  CMV DNA in the dried blood spot samples was found in four out of 26 children. Two of these four had severe disabilities with mental retardation, autism, spastic cerebral palsy, epilepsy and deafness. A third child had epilepsy and unilateral cerebral palsy, while the fourth had a mild motor coordination dysfunction and hearing deficit.

Conclusion:  In our study, the number of congenital cytomegalovirus infections in children with cerebral cortical malformations was higher (4/26) than expected with reference to the birth prevalence (0.2–0.5%) of congenital cytomegalovirus infection in Sweden. We thus conclude that congenital cytomegalovirus infection should be considered in children with cortical malformations of unknown origin.
Dietary exposure to low doses of bisphenol A: Effects on reproduction and development in two generations of C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Kobayashi Kenichi , Ohtani Katsumi , Kubota Hisayo , Miyagawa Muneyuki
Published: May 2010

The present study was conducted to examine the effects of low‐dose exposure to bisphenol A on reproduction and development in two generations of mice. Pregnant female C57BL/6J mice (F0) were fed a diet containing low doses of bisphenol A (0, 0.33, 3.3, or 33 ppm) from gestational day 6 through postnatal day 22, and the weanlings (F1 and F2) from each F0 and F1 dam group, respectively, were also fed these same concentrations of bisphenol A ad libitum until sacrifice. There were no treatment‐related changes in body weight, body weight gain, food consumption, gestation length, or the number of live births on postnatal day 1 in F0 dams between the control group and bisphenol A groups. Sex ratio and viability were similar in all F1 pups. No treatment‐related changes were observed in body weight, food consumption, developmental parameters, anogenital distance, or weight of any of the organs (liver, kidney, heart, spleen, thymus, testis, ovary, or uterus) in F1 and F2 adults in either sex. The epididymis weight was slightly higher with 0.33 and 3.3 ppm in F1 males, but this slight increase was neither dose dependent nor seen across generations. There were no treatment‐related effects of bisphenol A on cauda epididymal sperm count or sperm motility in F1 or F2 males. These findings indicate that dietary exposure to bisphenol A between 0.33 and 33 ppm does not adversely affect reproduction or development as assessed in two generations of mice.
Low lying larynx
Authors: Govindaraju Revadi , Rajagopalan Raman , Omar Rahmat , Mukari Shahizon Azura Mohamed
Published: May 2010

We report a rare case of laryngotracheal anomaly and its possible etiology and mode of presentation. A teenager presented with voice change and a neck lump. Investigations revealed a laryngeal anomaly in which the larynx was hyperdescended. It was accompanied by low lying thyroid gland and hyoid bone together with an absence of a cervical segment of the esophagus and trachea. The anomaly only became noticeable secondary to pubertal changes in the thyroid cartilage of the teenager. An embryological defect during the formation of the laryngotracheal tube and esophagus is a possible explanation of this anomaly. The present case probably represents the third reported of its kind.
Cerebro‐costo‐mandibular syndrome: Prognosis and proposal for classification
Authors: Nagasawa Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Yutaka , Kohno Yoshinori
Published: May 2010

Cerebro‐costo‐mandibular syndrome (CCMS) is a very rare syndrome characterized by micrognathia and posterior rib gap, with a poor prognosis. To date, only 75 cases have been reported worldwide. The overall survival rate for patients with this disorder has not been reported, and a classification of the patients on the basis of the prognosis is not yet available. The present study analyzed the figures and prognoses of past patients and documented a new case of CCMS. Formerly published case reports and personal communications were used to reveal the prognosis and classification of CCMS. The occurrence ratios of rib gap defects and of missing ribs were examined. Patients were divided into the following three groups according to their life span: lethal type, where the patients died before 1 month; severe type, where the patients lived for 1–12 months; and mild type, where they survived for more than 1 year. A comparison was made of the number of rib gaps, missing ribs, and the rib gap ratio (defined as the number of rib gaps divided by the number of all existing ribs) among these three groups. A significant difference in the number of rib defects between the lethal type and other types was noted. Short life span of severe type patients, compared to mild type, was attributed to their subjection to severe respiratory infection. CCMS can be classified into three categories – lethal, severe, and mild – according to the severity of the symptoms and prognosis.
Cytoskeleton‐modulating effectors of enteropathogenic and enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli: Tir, EspFU and actin pedestal assembly
Authors: Campellone Kenneth G.
Published: May 2010

A variety of microbes manipulate the cytoskeleton of mammalian cells to promote their internalization, motility and/or spread. Among such bacteria, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli are closely related pathogens that adhere to human intestinal cells and reorganize the underlying actin cytoskeleton into ‘pedestals’. The assembly of pedestals is likely to be an important step in colonization, and is triggered by the E. coli virulence factors translocated intimin receptor and E. coli secreted protein F in prophage U, which modulate multiple host signaling cascades that lead to actin polymerization. In recent years, these bacterial effectors have been exploited as powerful experimental tools for investigating actin cytoskeletal and membrane dynamics, and several studies have significantly advanced our understanding of the regulation of actin assembly in mammalian cells and the potential role of pedestal formation in pathogenesis.
Cytoskeleton‐modulating effectors of enteropathogenic and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli: role of EspL2 in adherence and an alternative pathway for modulating cytoskeleton through Annexin A2 function
Authors: Tobe Toru
Published: May 2010

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) are attaching/effacing pathogens that possess a type III secretion system and deliver a variety of effectors into host cells for successful infection. EHEC produces at least 20 effector families with various functions. Reorganization of the cellular cytoskeleton at the adherent site is a hallmark of these pathogens. EspL2 of EHEC is a novel effector class that can modulate the cellular cytoskeleton. By interacting with and activating Annexin A2, EspL2 contributes to the formation of a condensed microcolony and may adhere to host cells in a translocated intimin receptor‐independent manner. The interaction of EspL2 with Annexin A2 increases F‐actin bundling activity and strengthens the membrane–cytoskeleton linkage, resulting in the condensation of actin fibers and the induction of a pseudopod‐like structure. Membrane microdomains, namely the lipid raft, which is rich in Annexin A2, may be a platform by which EHEC/EPEC infection modulates cellular signaling and the cytoskeleton.