bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induction of autophagy in temozolomide treated malignant gliomas
Authors: Natsumeda Manabu , Aoki Hiroshi , Miyahara Hiroaki , Yajima Naoki , Uzuka Takeo , Toyoshima Yasuko , Kakita Akiyoshi , Takahashi Hitoshi , Fujii Yukihiko
Published: January 2011

Autophagy is a dynamic process of protein degradation. Induction of autophagy by temozolomide (TMZ) has been noted in glioma cell lines. Twenty‐eight specimens, obtained from 14 patients before and after TMZ treatment, were analyzed to investigate whether induction of autophagy could be detected in surgical specimens by immunohistochemical analysis. Macroautophagy was monitored by immunohistochemical analysis employing anti‐light chain 3 isoform B (LC3B) and anti‐lysosome‐associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1) antibodies; chaperone‐mediated autophagy was monitored by anti‐LAMP2A antibody immunostaining. Furthermore, detection of LC3B protein by Western blotting was performed on six specimens obtained from the preserved frozen tissues of three patients. All specimens showed dot‐like staining for each immunostain in the cytoplasm of glioma cells, indicating induction of autophagy. LC3B, LAMP1 and LAMP2A immunostains were semiquantitatively scored from 1 to 3 points. Combination of the three scores after TMZ treatment (6.4 ± 1.2) showed a significant increase (P = 0.020) compared to pre‐treatment scores (5.2 ± 1.5). Western blotting for LC3B showed increased LC3B‐I and LC3B‐II expression after TMZ treatment. The present study proved that autophagy monitoring by immunohistochemical staining of surgical specimens was feasible. These results suggest that autophagy is induced by TMZ.
Slow and steady. Reducing thrombotic events in renal transplant recipients treated with IVIg for antibody‐mediated rejection
Authors: HUANG LOUIS , KANELLIS JOHN , MULLEY WILLIAM
Published: January 2011

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy for antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) is increasing and is associated with a small but significant incidence of thrombosis. We determined thrombosis rates in patients treated with high‐dose IVIg for AMR before and after alteration of an infusion protocol. The newer protocol introduced routine administration of aspirin 300 mg, enoxaparin 1 mg/kg, intravenous hydration and a maximum infusion rate of 100 mg/kg per hour (previously 200 mg/kg per hour). Nine thromboses in 275 infusions occurred before the protocol alteration (event rate 3.3%). Two were arterial thromboses including an acute myocardial infarct and a renal transplant artery thrombosis, which resulted in infarction of 2/3 of the graft. Seven venous thromboses occurred, six in arteriovenous fistulae and one case with bilateral above knee deep venous thromboses. Significant associations with thromboses were seen with higher IVIg dose and male sex. In the 6 months since the introduction of the new infusion protocol, 74 infusions have been administered with no thrombotic events. There have been no significant bleeding or fluid overload side‐effects. Infusion times, however, have been doubled. A slower rate of infusion combined with antiplatelet and anticoagulation has thus far eliminated the small but significant IVIg‐related thrombosis rate previously observed in our patients treated for AMR without resulting in significant side‐effects. Further study is now required to define which elements of this protocol are essential.
Histopathological bronchial reconstruction of human bronchiolitis obliterans
Authors: Sugino Keishi , Hebisawa Akira , Uekusa Toshimasa , Hatanaka Kazuhito , Abe Hiroshi , Homma Sakae
Published: January 2011

To clarify the morphological mechanisms of airway obliteration in bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) associated with various causes, we conducted a retrospective study of 9 patients with a histological diagnosis of BO. The morphological characteristics were analyzed by histopathological bronchial reconstruction. BO was classified into two major morphologic subtypes: constrictive BO (CoB) and cellular/destructive BO (CDB). CoB is characterized by concentric narrowing of the airway lumen due to submucosal fibrosis. In contrast, in CDB the narrowing of the airway lumen is due to intraluminal, mural, and peribronchiolar infiltration of inflammatory cells as well as proliferation of granulation tissue. The histopathological diagnosis was CoB in 6 patients and CDB in 3 patients. Macroscopic bronchial reconstruction in CoB demonstrated that the beginnings of bronchial obliterations were in the 4th to 7th branches, numbering from each segmental bronchus and the lesions were distributed intermittently. Histopathologically, the localization of obliteration was mainly from small bronchi to membranous bronchioli with intermittent airway luminal obliteration in CoB, whereas the primary lesions in CDB revealed more continuous obliteration of the bronchiolar lumen than observed in CoB. In conclusion, this bronchial reconstruction study demonstrated marked morphological differences in the mechanisms of airway obliteration between two major morphologic subtypes of BO.
Low‐dose computed tomography versus plain abdominal radiography in the investigation of an acute abdomen
Authors: Nguyen Long K. , Wong Daniel D. , Fatovich Daniel M. , Yeung Justin M. , Persaud Jennifer , Wood Christopher J. , de Vos David , Mendelson Richard M.
Published: January 2011

Background:  To compare low‐dose abdominal computed tomography (LDCT) with plain abdominal radiography (AR) in the primary investigation of acute abdominal pain to determine if there is a difference in diagnostic yield, the number of additional investigations required and hospital length of stay (LOS).

Methods:  This randomized controlled trial was approved by the institutional review board, and informed consent was obtained. Patients presenting to the emergency department with an acute abdomen and who would normally be investigated with AR were randomized to either AR or LDCT. The estimated radiation dose of the LDCT protocol was 2–3 mSv compared to 1.1 mSv for AR. Pearson's chi‐square and the independent samples t‐test were used for the statistical analysis.

Results:  A total of 142 patients were eligible, and after exclusions and omitting those with incomplete data, 55 patients remained for analysis in the AR arm and 53 in the LDCT arm. A diagnosis could be obtained in 12 (21.8%) patients investigated with AR compared to 34 (64.2%) for LDCT (P < 0.001). Twenty‐eight (50.9%) patients in the AR group required further imaging during their admission compared to 14 (26.4%) in the LDCT group (P= 0.009). There was no difference in the median hospital LOS (3.84 days for AR versus 4.24 days for LDCT, P= 0.83).

Conclusion:  LDCT demonstrates a superior diagnostic yield over AR and reduces the number of subsequent imaging tests for a minimal cost in radiation exposure. However, there is no difference in the overall hospital LOS between the two imaging strategies.
Disaster coordination preparedness of soft‐target organisations
Authors: Uddin Shahadat , Hossain Liaquat
Published: January 2011

This paper introduces a network‐enabled model to examine the disaster coordination preparedness of soft‐target organisations (STOs). Little attention is devoted to this matter in recent research. This study places emphasis on such organisations and the proposed model tests hypotheses related to network relation and coordination preparedness. It analyses the data set entitled ‘Preparedness of large retail malls to prevent and respond to terrorist attack, 2004′, which contains 120 completed surveys of security directors of retail malls in the United States.1 The following questions form the basis of this study: ‘What do STOs need to be better prepared to respond to a disaster?’; ‘How does network relationship between STOs and emergency agencies affect the coordination preparedness of STOs for disaster recovery?’; and ‘Which centrality measure needs to be followed to measure network variables in order to analyse coordination preparedness?’ The results show that STOs with a high level of connectedness and strong ties to other emergency agencies are better prepared for disaster response.
Lysophospholipids improve skin moisturization by modulating of calcium‐dependent cell differentiation pathway
Authors: Yahagi S. , Koike M. , Okano Y. , Masaki H.
Published: January 2011

Synopsis

Recent studies have demonstrated that lysophospholipids (LPL) play critical roles in several biological signal transduction pathways to maintain the homoeostasis of cells, tissues and organs. Among them, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) has been identified as a lipid mediator that induces morphological improvement in the epidermis in mice. In this study, we examined the effects of LPL (soybean‐derived phospholipids modified with phospholipase A2 and C) compared with LPA. We initially examined the effects of LPA on normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) focusing on the expression of profilaggrin and serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) mRNAs. LPA enhanced the expression of profilaggrin and SPT mRNAs via the modulation of Ca2+ influx. Based on those results, the influence of LPL on NHEK was examined and was expanded to analyse the expression of two tight junction–related proteins, occludin and claudin‐1. LPL had similar effects to increase profilaggrin and SPT mRNA expression and also stimulated the expression of occludin and claudin‐1 at the mRNA and protein levels. In accordance with these results, LPL elicited significant improvements in surface water content in human skin. These findings indicate that LPL has the potential to strengthen the skin moisturizing capability by up‐regulating the expression of mRNAs encoding components important to skin barrier function and skin hydration.
Investigating the gap between citizens' sustainability attitudes and food purchasing behaviour: empirical evidence from Brazilian pork consumers
Authors: de Barcellos Marcia Dutra , Krystallis Athanasios , de Melo Saab Maria Stela , Kügler Jens Oliver , Grunert Klaus G.
Published: January 2011

Consumers worldwide are increasingly concerned with sustainable production and consumption. Recently, a comprehensive study ranked 17 countries in regard to their environmentally friendly behaviour among consumers. Brazil was one of the top countries in the list. Yet, several studies highlight significant differences between consumers' intentions to consume ethically, and their actual purchase behaviour: the so‐called ‘Attitude‐Behaviour Gap’. In developing countries, few studies have been conducted on this issue. The objective of this study is therefore to investigate the gap between citizens' sustainability‐related attitudes and food purchasing behaviour using empirical data from Brazil. To this end, Brazilian citizens' attitudes towards pig production systems were mapped through conjoint analysis and their coexistence with relevant pork product‐related purchasing behaviour of consumers was investigated through cluster analysis. The conjoint experiment was carried out with empirical data collected from 475 respondents surveyed in the South and Center‐West regions of Brazil. The results of the conjoint analysis were used for a subsequent cluster analysis in order to identify clusters of Brazilian citizens with diversified attitudes towards pig production systems, using socio‐demographics, attitudes towards sustainability‐related themes that are expected to influence the way they evaluate pig production systems, and consumption frequency of various pork products as clusters' background information. Three clusters were identified as ‘indifferent’, ‘environmental conscious’ and ‘sustainability‐oriented’ citizens. Although attitudes towards environment and nature had indeed an influence on citizens' specific attitudes towards pig farming at the cluster level, the relationship between ‘citizenship’ and consumption behaviour was found to be weak. This finding is similar to previous research conducted with European consumers: what people (in their role of citizens) think about pig production systems does not appear to significantly influence their pork consumption choices. Improvements in the integrated management of this chain would better meet consumers' sustainability‐related expectations towards pig production systems.
Intra‐household food distribution patterns and calorie inadequacy in South‐Western Nigeria
Authors: Akerele Dare
Published: January 2011

Unequal distribution of food within household is one major factor that promotes the lingering under‐nourishment among household members in Nigeria. Consequently, the study examines the relative food calorie distribution pattern and food calorie adequacy level among members of households in South‐Western Nigeria. Using a multistage sampling techniques, data was collected from 80 households (comprising of 321 members) through a well structured questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using nutrient estimation, calorie adequacy indices, t‐test and Ordinary Least Square Regression. Household appears to be nutritionally adequate but some members were under‐nourished. The male and female school‐age children were the most severely affected and would require additional 13.1% and 17.5% of their respective dietary (calorie) reference values. Adult male members are most favoured in terms of food calorie allocation relative to other members. Household income, gender cum age of household members and household farm production status, among others, are factors that would significantly influence relative distribution of food calorie. Encouragement of the school‐age meal subsidy programme, and development of strategies that would enhance agricultural production and efforts to raise the income or income generating potentials of households members are recommended to enhance equitable food distribution and improve nutritional status of the household members.
Effects of social demographic attributes, knowledge about credit cards and perceived lifestyle outcomes on credit card usage
Authors: Wickramasinghe Vathsala , Gurugamage Anurudh
Published: January 2011

The aim of this paper is to identify and assess the effects of credit card users' demographic and socio‐economic characteristics, knowledge about credit cards, and perceived lifestyle outcomes of the credit card usage on credit card usage practices. A sample of 177 individuals in Sri Lanka who possess Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit cards responded to the survey. The hypothesized relationships were examined by means of path analysis. The findings offer implications for research and practice.
Age‐related changes of glycine receptor at the rat hippocampus: from the embryo to the adult
Authors: Aroeira Rita I. , Ribeiro Joaquim A. , Sebastião Ana M. , Valente Cláudia A.
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 339–353.

Glycinergic inhibitory transmission has been described in spinal cord, but rather disregarded in the brain. The spatial‐temporal characterization of glycine receptors (GlyR) in the hippocampus over development is herein reported. GlyR expression increases from late embryonic stage (E18) to 7 days postnatal (P7) and decreases from P7 on. Quantitative real‐time PCR showed that GlyR subunit expression changes over neuronal maturation with a preponderance of α2 and α3, over α1 and β. In immature stages, GlyR delineate the cell body of neurons at the Dentate Gyrus and Cornus Ammonis 1 and 3 (CA1/CA3) and are composed of α2 and α3 subunits. At P7, synaptic GlyRα2β can already be observed in the dendritic areas of Dentate Gyrus and of CA1/CA3. In the mature hippocampus, synaptic GlyR decrease and, although a few synaptic GlyRα1β can still be detected in the dendritic layers, extrasynaptic α2/α3‐containing GlyR and somatic localized GlyRα3 are the most abundant. Our results point towards an important function of a slow tonic activation of extrasynaptic GlyR, over a fast phasic activation of synaptic GlyRα1β. We clearly show that GlyR are widely expressed in hippocampus and that their subcellular localization and subunit composition change over development.
Regulation of α‐synuclein expression in cultured cortical neurons
Authors: Clough Richard Lee , Dermentzaki Georgia , Haritou Maria , Petsakou Afroditi , Stefanis Leonidas
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 117, 275–285.

Alpha‐synuclein (SNCA) is a predominantly neuronal protein involved in the control of neurotransmitter release. The levels of SNCA expression are closely linked to the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease; however, the biochemical pathways and transcriptional elements that control SNCA expression are not well understood. We previously used the model system of neurotrophin‐mediated PC12 cell neuronal differentiation to examine these phenomena. Although these studies were informative, they were limited to the use of a cell line; therefore, in the current work, we have turned our attention to cultured primary rat cortical neurons. In these cultures, SNCA expression increased with time in culture, as the neurons mature. Luciferase assays based on transient transfections of fusion constructs encoding components of the transcriptional control region of SNCA identified various promoter areas that have a positive or negative effect on SNCA transcription. Intron 1, previously identified by us as an important regulatory region in the PC12 cell model, cooperates with regions 5′ to exon 1 to mediate gene transcription. Using selective pharmacological tools, we find that tyrosine kinase receptors and the phosphatidyl‐inositol 3 kinase signaling pathway are involved in mediating these effects. The exogenous application of the neurotrophin brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is sufficient on its own to promote the transcriptional activation of SNCA through this pathway, but a neutralizing antibody against BDNF failed to affect SNCA transcription in maturing cultures, suggesting that BDNF is not the main factor involved in maturation‐induced SNCA transcription in this model. Further in vivo studies are needed to establish the role of neurotrophin signaling in the control of SNCA transcription.
Cut‐off Frequencies Induced by the Length of Strain Gauges Measuring Impact Events
Authors: Othman R.
Published: January 2011

Abstract:  The finite length of strain gauges may induce filtering effects when measuring impact events. In this study, we are interested in quantifying these effects. Precisely, we determined the cut‐off frequencies of strain gauges cemented on visco‐elastic bars and measuring impact‐induced strain waves. This study shows that the cut‐off frequencies increase with the bar’s wave velocity and decrease with the bar’s diameter. The asymptotic value, corresponding to an infinite bar diameter, is reached rapidly (bar diameter ≈ 15 mm). Moreover, we showed that the mode cut‐off frequencies are more severe (lower) than the gauge length cut‐off frequencies for bar diameters greater than 8 mm.
Effects of Shear‐Transverse Coupling and Plasticity in the Formulation of an Elementary Ply Composites Damage Model, Part I: Model Formulation and Validation
Authors: O’Higgins R. M. , McCarthy C. T. , McCarthy M. A.
Published: January 2011

Abstract:  Continuum damage mechanics (CDM) models have been employed successfully in the literature to predict the response of laminated composite materials. Some sophisticated models can include the effects of non‐linear shear and transverse damage progression, plasticity and shear‐transverse damage coupling. However, these models require non‐standard test data for calibration that may not always be available to a modeller. In this two‐part study, we examine the effect of neglecting plasticity parameters, and also the effect of neglecting both plasticity and shear‐transverse coupling parameters in simplified CDM models for predicting monotonic tensile strength. In part I, we develop simplified versions of the CDM model and test their ability to accurately predict the failure response of angle‐ply laminates. In part II, we provide details of the experimental test series carried out to determine the input parameters for the models. It was found that neglecting plasticity requires some approximations in the damage development laws, but the resulting model can predict well the response of the angle‐ply laminates tested under monotonic loading to failure. Neglecting shear‐transverse coupling is acceptable for the some materials.
A Simple Method for Estimation of Residual Stresses by Depth‐Sensing Indentation
Authors: Sakharova N. A. , Prates P. A. , Oliveira M. C. , Fernandes J. V. , Antunes J. M.
Published: January 2011

Abstract:  The evaluation of residual stresses is an important aspect in many engineering applications, such as surfaces produced by mechanical or thermal treatment processes or even thin films deposited on substrates. Currently, there are several techniques for residual stress measurement. However, its application is limited by problems associated with the precision and simplicity of measurement, as well as their applicability to a wide variety of materials and situations. Indentation tests are widely used in determining the mechanical properties of materials, so it is very important to assess their sensitivity to the presence of residual stresses. In this context, recourse to numerical simulation of indentation testing proves to be an important tool to study the effect of residual stresses in the determination of hardness and modulus as well as the actual determination of residual stresses. This paper investigates the influence of the presence of equibiaxial residual stresses in the indentation test results. It proposes a methodology for reverse analysis to determine the sign and value of the equibiaxial residual stresses present in the surface of materials, from depth‐sensing indentation results. For applying this methodology, the elastic and plastic behaviour of the material must be previously determined.
STRATIFICATION AND BETWEEN‐GROUP INEQUALITY: A NEW INTERPRETATION
Authors: MONTI MARIA , SANTORO ALESSANDRO
Published: January 2011

Traditionally, the literature has seen stratification as linked closely to within‐group inequality. More recently, some papers have focused on measuring the impact of stratification on between‐group inequality. In this paper, we show that when two groups are involved, such an impact can be measured by a simple comparison of the two cumulative distribution functions. This approach allows an interpretation of stratification in terms of probabilities and paves the way for a neat and simple graphical illustration. We apply it to the analysis of between‐continent inequality.
Approach motivation and the expansion of self in close relationships
Authors: MATTINGLY BRENT A. , MCINTYRE KEVIN P. , LEWANDOWSKI GARY W.
Published: January 2011

The self‐expansion model posits that individuals are fundamentally motivated to expand their sense of self. It is proposed that approach—but not avoidance—motivation underlies self‐expansion and that approach‐motivated individuals should be especially interested in self‐expanding with a person who provides many novel resources, identities, and perspectives. In Studies 1, 2a, and 2b, correlational evidence that self‐expansion is associated with both relationship‐specific and global measures of approach motivation, but is unrelated to avoidance motivation, was found. In Study 3, experimental evidence that approach motivation increases sensitivity to self‐expansion opportunities, such that individuals high in approach motivation are especially attracted to targets who offer many expansion opportunities and unattracted to targets who offer few expansion opportunities was found. Taken together, these studies provide evidence that self‐expansion is rooted in approach motivation.
Parental confirmation as a mitigator of feeling caught and family satisfaction
Authors: SCHRODT PAUL , LEDBETTER ANDREW M.
Published: January 2011

This study tested parental confirmation as a mitigator of the inverse association between young adults' feelings of being caught and family satisfaction. Participants included 567 young adult children from intact and divorced families. Results indicated that mother's confirmation mitigated the inverse association between feeling caught and family satisfaction for young adults from divorced families. Family satisfaction was lowest in divorced families when young adults felt caught and their fathers were disconfirming, though young adults in intact families reported even less satisfaction in such a communicative context. Importantly, mother confirmation was more predictive of family satisfaction in divorced families than in intact families, whereas father confirmation was more predictive of family satisfaction than mother confirmation for young adults in intact families.
Prospective Randomized Clinical Study of Arterial Pumps Used for Routine on Pump Coronary Bypass Grafting
Authors: Keyser Andreas , Hilker Michael K. , Diez Claudius , Philipp Alois , Foltan Maik , Schmid Christof
Published: January 2011

In a number of studies, centrifugal blood pumps—in comparison with roller pumps—have been shown to attenuate trauma to blood components. Nevertheless, the impact of these results on the postoperative course needs to be discussed controversially. In a prospective randomized study, 240 consecutive adult patients underwent elective myocardial revascularization with cardiopulmonary bypass employing five different pumps (Roller, Avecor, Sarns, Rotaflow, Bio‐Medicus). We analyzed clinical course, blood loss, damage of blood components, and impairment of the hemostatic system. The study population was homogenous with respect to age, gender, myocardial function, and operative data. No differences were found with respect to time of ventilation, duration of intensive care stay, hospitalization, and laboratory data. The choice of arterial pump during standard extracorporeal bypass for elective coronary artery bypass grafting is no matter of concern.
On the Local Sensitivity Analysis of the Inoperability Input‐Output Model
Authors: Percoco Marco
Published: January 2011

Natural and man‐made disasters are currently a source of major concern for contemporary societies. In order to understand their economic impacts, the inoperability input‐output model has recently gained recognition among scholars. In a recent paper, Percoco (2006) has proposed an extension of the model to map the technologically most important sectors through so‐called fields of influence. In the present note we aim to show that this importance measure also has a clear connection with local sensitivity analysis theory.
Public Concern with Farm‐Animal Welfare: Religion, Politics, and Human Disadvantage in the Food Sector*
Authors: Deemer Danielle R. , Lobao Linda M.
Published: January 2011

Abstract

The welfare of farm animals has become a continuing source of controversy as states seek greater regulation over the livestock industry. However, empirical studies addressing the determinants of public concern for farm‐animal welfare are limited. Religion and politics, two institutional bases of attitudes, are rarely explored. Nor have sociologists responded systematically to the popular charge that people concerned with animal welfare care less about human well‐being. This study builds from sociology's stratification literature to address new questions about farm‐animal welfare. Using a range of animal‐welfare attitudes and samples drawn from a statewide and a national population in 2007, we find support for the religious and political bases of farm‐animal‐welfare attitudes. Frequent church attendance is related to less concern with animal welfare. However, we also find that religious beliefs can be a source of support for animal welfare. Political orientation as reflected by desire for more economic equality and greater tolerance of outgroups is also related to concern for farm‐animal welfare. Formal political partisanship and denomination have weaker effects. Concern with farm‐animal welfare is consistently related to greater concern with human welfare in the food sector.
Securin and Separase Modulate Membrane Traffic by Affecting Endosomal Acidification
Authors: Bacac Marina , Fusco Carlo , Planche Anne , Santodomingo Jaime , Demaurex Nicolas , Leemann‐Zakaryan Ruzanna , Provero Paolo , Stamenkovic Ivan
Published: January 2011

Securin and separase play a key role in sister chromatid separation during anaphase. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that in addition to regulating chromosome segregation, securin and separase display functions implicated in membrane traffic in Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila. Here we show that in mammalian cells both securin and separase associate with membranes and that depletion of either protein causes robust swelling of the trans‐Golgi network (TGN) along with the appearance of large endocytic vesicles in the perinuclear region. These changes are accompanied by diminished constitutive protein secretion as well as impaired receptor recycling and degradation. Unexpectedly, cells depleted of securin or separase display defective acidification of early endosomes and increased membrane recruitment of vacuolar (V‐) ATPase complexes, mimicking the effect of the specific V‐ATPase inhibitor Bafilomycin A1. Taken together, our findings identify a new functional role of securin and separase in the modulation of membrane traffic and protein secretion that implicates regulation of V‐ATPase assembly and function.
Regulation of Fusion Pore Closure and Compound Exocytosis in Neuroendocrine PC12 Cells by SCAMP1
Authors: Zhang Jie , Castle David
Published: January 2011

During exocytosis, neuroendocrine cells can achieve partial release of stored secretory products from dense core vesicles (DCVs) by coupling endocytosis directly at fusion sites and without full discharge. The physiological role of partial secretion is of substantial interest. Much is known about SNARE‐mediated initiation of exocytosis and dynamin‐mediated completion of endocytosis, but little is known about coupling events. We have used real‐time microscopy to examine the role of secretory carrier membrane protein SCAMP1 in exo‐endocytic coupling in PC12 cells. While reduced SCAMP1 expression is known to impede dilation of newly opened fusion pores during onset of DCV exocytosis, we now show that SCAMP1 deficiency also inhibits closure of fusion pores after they have opened. Inhibition causes accumulation of fusion figures at the plasma membrane. Closure is recovered by restoring expression and accelerated slightly by overexpression. Interestingly, inhibited pore closure resulting from loss of SCAMP1 appears to increase secondary fusion of DCVs to already‐fused DCVs (compound exocytosis). Unexpectedly, reinternalization of expanded DCV membranes following compound exocytosis appears to proceed normally in SCAMP1‐deficient cells. SCAMP1's apparent dual role in facilitating dilation and closure of fusion pores implicates its function in exo‐endocytic coupling and in the regulation of partial secretion. Secondarily, SCAMP1 may serve to limit the extent of compound exocytosis.
Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and Gly71Arg mutation of UGT1A1 gene: a Chinese case–control study followed by systematic review of existing evidence
Authors: Long Jun , Zhang Shaofang , Fang Xiaoyan , Luo Yuyuan , Liu Jiebo
Published: January 2011

Aim:  To determine whether the UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 gene (UGT1A1) Gly71Arg (211G>A) mutation is associated with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

Methods:  The study consisted of two parts. The case–control study included 112 hyperbilirubinemic infants and 105 control subjects from the Fifth People’s Hospital of Shenzhen. Polymerase chain reaction, restriction fragment length polymorphisms and agarose gel electrophoresis techniques were used to detect the UGT1A1 211G>A mutation. Meta‐analyses was performed to assess the association between neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and UGT1A1 211G>A.

Results:  Our case–control study revealed that the likelihood of developing neonatal hyperbilirubinemia was 2.65 times higher in the infants with the A allele in the UGT1A1 211G>A than in the infants with the G allele (95% CI, 1.60–4.39). Meta‐analyses (including data from our study) revealed that UGT1A1 211G>A is associated with an increased risk of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia [ odds ratio (OR), 2.37; 95% CI, 2.05–2.74]. In the subgroup analyses based on ethnicity, significantly elevated risks were found in Asian populations (OR, 2.45; 95% CI, 2.10–2.84), but no significant associations were present in Caucasian populations (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 0.87–2.75).

Conclusion:  The UGT1A1 211G>A mutation is associated with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in Asians, but not in Caucasians.
Proteome analysis of whole and water‐soluble proteins in masseter and semitendinosus muscles of Holstein cows
Authors: OE Mika , OHNISHI‐KAMEYAMA Mayumi , NAKAJIMA Ikuyo , MUROYA Susumu , SHIBATA Masahiro , OJIMA Koichi , KUSHIBIKI Shiro , CHIKUNI Koichi
Published: January 2011

To assess both quantitative and qualitative differences between the slow‐ and fast‐type muscles, masseter (slow) and semitendinosus (fast) from four Holstein cows were analyzed by two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D DIGE) and mass spectrometry. The proteome analysis identified 27 spots as 20 proteins in the whole protein fraction extracted with 8 mol/L urea solution, and 16 spots were identified as 11 proteins in the water‐soluble protein fraction. Two slow‐type myofibrillar proteins (myosin light chain‐1 slow‐b and myosin light chain‐2 slow), and aconitase‐2 mitochondria were present at higher levels in the masseter muscle (P < 0.05). Four fast‐type myofibrillar proteins (myosin light chain‐1 fast, myosin light chain‐2 fast, myosin light chain‐3 fast and tropomyosin‐1), and three enzymes of glycolytic pathway (enolase‐3, aldolase‐A and triosephosphate isomerase), were present at higher levels in the semitendinosus muscle (P < 0.05). Our proteome analysis showed that the composition of sarcoplasmic proteins as well as myofibrillar proteins was clearly different between slow‐ and fast‐type muscles.
Comparison of the peripheral blood leukocyte population between Japanese Black and Holstein calves
Authors: OHTSUKA Hiromichi , ONO Maiko , SARUYAMA Yumi , MUKAI Machiko , KOHIRUIMAKI Masayuki , KAWAMURA Seiichi
Published: January 2011

Japanese black (JB) calves have greater susceptibility to infectious diseases compared to Holstein (Hol) calves. In order to clarify the differences in cellular immune status between JB and Hol calves, the leukocyte population and lymphocyte proliferative ability were analyzed. In total 200 healthy calves, 1 day to 14 weeks of age, were examined: 105 JB and 95 Hol calves. Lower numbers in peripheral blood and percentage in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of CD3+TcR1‐N12+ T cells and major histocompatibility complex class‐II+CD14‐ B cells were observed in the JB compared to the Hol. The percentage of TcR1‐N12+CD25+ T cell in the JB was significantly lower than that of the Hol at 4–6, and 8–10 weeks. Interleukin (IL)‐2 sensitivity in the JB was lower than that in the Hol, and significant differences were observed in age groups of 6–8 weeks and 10–14 weeks. These findings indicated that the lower numbers of γδ T cells and B cells in the JB compared to the Hol might be associated with the specificity of the immune systems in JB calves.
Identification and utilization of genes associated with beef qualities
Authors: MANNEN Hideyuki
Published: January 2011

The fatty acid composition of adipose tissue in beef has been recognized as an important trait because of its relationship with beef quality, including favorable beef flavor and tenderness. Over the last decade, we have tried to identify the genes responsible for the fatty acid composition in cattle, and have found the following. (i) Genetic polymorphism of stearoyl‐CoA desaturase (SCD) is one of the responsible genes associated with fatty acid composition. The average effects of gene substitution of the SCD type A gene on the monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) percentage and the melting point of intramuscular fat were approximately +1.0% and −1.0°C, respectively. (ii) Intron polymorphism of sterol regulatory element binding protein–1 (SREBP‐1) also affected MUFA. (iii) No effect of SCD or SREBP‐1 genotypes on any representative carcass traits of Japanese Black in the field population was observed. (iv) Additional genetic markers adipocytes fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) and liver X receptor α also affected the fatty acid composition. (v) SCD and FABP4 significantly affected fatty acid composition in Holstein steers. These findings will bring new insight into the fat‐related carcass traits of beef cattle and will thus contribute to the beef industry.
The Use of Monoamine Pharmacological Agents in the Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction: Evidence in the Literature
Authors: Moll Jennifer L. , Brown Candace S.
Published: January 2011

Introduction

The monoamine neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine play an important role in many medical and psychological conditions, including sexual responsiveness and behavior. Pharmacological agents that modulate monoamines may help alleviate sexual dysfunction.

Aims

To provide an overview of pharmacological agents that modulate monoamines and their use in the treatment of sexual dysfunction.

Methods

EMBASE and PubMed search for articles published between 1950 and 2010 using key words “sexual dysfunction,”“monoamines,”“monoaminergic receptors,” and “generic names for pharmacological agents.”

Main Outcome Measures

To assess the literature evaluating the efficacy of monoamine pharmacologic agents used in the treatment of sexual dysfunction.

Results

The literature primarily cites the use of monoaminergic agents to treat sexual side effects from serotonergic reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), with bupropion, buspirone and ropinirole providing the most convincing evidence. Controlled trials have shown that bupropion improves overall sexual dysfunction, but not frequency of sexual activity in depressed and nondepressed patients. Nefazodone and apomorphine have been used to treat sexual dysfunction, but their use is limited by significant side effect and safety profiles. New research on pharmacologic agents with subtype selectivity at dopaminergic and serotonergic receptors and those that possess dual mechanisms of action are being investigated.

Conclusions

There has been tremendous progress over the past 50 years in understanding the role of monoamines in sexual function and the effect of pharmacologic agents which stimulate or antagonize monoaminergic receptors on sexual dysfunction. Nevertheless, large, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies evaluating the efficacy of currently available agents in populations without comorbid disorders are limited, preventing adequate interpretation of data. Continued research on sexual function and specific receptor subtypes will result in the development of more selective pharmacologic agents with the goal of increasing efficacy without the dose-limiting side effects of nonselective agents.
Multidisciplinary cancer care in Australia: A national audit highlights gaps in care and medico‐legal risk for clinicians
Authors: WILCOXON Heidi , LUXFORD Karen , SAUNDERS Christobel , PETERSON Janice , ZORBAS Helen ,   on behalf of National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre's Multidisciplinary Care Audit Steering Committee
Published: January 2011

Aim:  Multidisciplinary care (MDC) is accepted as best practice in cancer treatment planning and care. Despite recognition of the importance of a team approach, limited data are available about the extent to which MDC has been implemented in Australia. The aim of the audit was to investigate the implementation of MDC for five main cancer types across Australia in line with best practice.

Methods:  A sample of 155 hospitals was surveyed to investigate the status of MDC for cancer treatment planning in Australia across five cancer types (breast, gynecological, lung, prostate and colorectal). The survey investigated team structure, meetings, patient consent, documentation of team recommendations and communication with the patient.

Results:  Two‐thirds of hospitals surveyed did not have a multidisciplinary team. Of those with such a team; in one‐third patients were not informed their case would be discussed by the team, in half patient consent was not sought for all cases discussed by the team, in one‐quarter the team's recommended treatment plan was not noted in the patient record. Less than 1% of teams reported routine attendance by the tumour‐specific minimum core team.

Conclusion:  MDC is not being implemented in line with best practice or applied consistently across Australia. This audit has highlighted gaps in care delivery, despite national recommendations about MDC. Areas being neglected can affect the quality of care provided and may put clinicians at medico‐legal risk. Recommendations to improve uptake and effectiveness of MDC are provided.
Factors associated with Australian and New Zealand oncologists' future work preferences
Authors: DEAR Rachel F , TATTERSALL Martin HN , MCGEECHAN Kevin , VAUGHAN Michelle
Published: January 2011

Aim:  To understand the factors associated with oncologists' work preferences to help future workforce planning.

Methods:  In May 2008 a questionnaire was emailed to members of the Medical Oncology Group of Australia, Fellowship of Radiation Oncologists and the New Zealand Association of Cancer Specialists. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to determine if gender, age, specialist status or specialty were associated with the intention to work full time or part time or consider weekend or evening work, and with the level of satisfaction with current working hours.

Results:  In total, 205 medical and radiation oncologists and trainees responded. Overall 77 (38%) oncologists intended to work part time. There was strong evidence (P < 0.0001) that women were more likely than men to want to work part time (OR 4.18, 95% CI, 2.12–8.22). Overall 52% of oncologists were not prepared to work on weekends. Women were less willing to consider working on weekends than men (P = 0.02, OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.26–0.89). A total of 58% of oncologists felt they were working more than their ideal working hours. There was evidence (P < 0.0001) that this was independently associated with oncology specialty; medical oncologists had twice the odds of feeling dissatisfied with their working hours compared with radiation oncologists (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.20–3.94).

Conclusion:  Female gender was the most important factor associated with wanting to work part time. This should be considered when planning the oncology workforce, particularly because an increasing number of oncologists are women.
“Money, Materials, and Manpower”: Ghanaian In-Service Teacher Education and the Political Economy of Failure, 1961–1971
Authors: Zimmerman Jonathan
Published: January 2011

In October 1961 Basil H. G. Chaplin sent an excited letter to A. J. Dowuona-Hammond, Ghana's Minister of Education. Just four years earlier, the nation had won its independence from England. Now, Chaplin wrote, it stood on the cusp of a second great upheaval: “a complete revolution in Science teaching.” As chair of Ghana's Science Education Research Unit, Chaplin had conducted a study of 2,000 Ghanaian children and forty-two teachers over three years. Ghanaians learned best via activities and observation rather than from rote memorization, Chaplin reported, just like students in the West did. “Ghanaian children differ in no way from their British or American counterparts in their initial ability to understand how things work when using their hands and their eyes,” Chaplin told Dowuona-Hammond. “Different cultural backgrounds do not affect ability to interpret their own simple experience.” Too often, Chaplin admitted, Ghanaian teachers snuffed out students' natural curiosity with a rigid diet of lectures and textbook exercises. But the Ministry could change all of that, he insisted, by reforming the curriculum and re-educating the teachers. “It is wholly practical” Chaplin underlined, enclosing his proposed scheme. “Teachers need only a short course of training.”
School Desegregation and Civil Society: The Unification of Alabama's Black and White Parent-Teacher Associations, 1954–1971
Authors: Woyshner Christine
Published: January 2011

In early September 1956, Martha Rutledge—the president of the all-white Alabama State Parent-Teacher Association—released a statement to the press intended to clarify the organization's position on the Brown v. Board of Education decision and the desegregation of schools in her state:

As president of the Alabama Congress, I am a firm believer in the Southern way of life. The entire organization of the Alabama congress is made up of people who believe in the Southern way of life. There is no organization anywhere that practices segregation more than the Alabama P-TA or an organization that will work toward maintaining segregation in our schools with any more force.
The epigenetic landscape of addiction
Authors: Maze Ian , Nestler Eric J.
Published: January 2011

Drug‐induced alterations in gene expression throughout the reward circuitry of the brain are likely components of the persistence of the drug‐addicted state. Recent studies examining the molecular mechanisms controlling drug‐induced transcriptional, behavioral, and synaptic plasticity have indicated a direct role for chromatin remodeling in the regulation and stability of drug‐mediated neuronal gene programs, and the subsequent promulgation of addictive behaviors. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of chromatin phenomena—or epigenetics, by one definition—that contribute to drug addiction, with the hope that such mechanistic insights may aid in the development of novel therapeutics for future treatments of addiction.
Individual vulnerability to addiction
Authors: Swendsen Joel , Le Moal Michel
Published: January 2011

The process of addiction is often studied in the neurosciences as a function of the quantity or type of substance consumed, with the ultimate goal of counteracting these effects by other pharmacological means. However, epidemiology and clinical research have extensively demonstrated that most individuals who use drugs do not develop dependence. Numerous factors may explain an individual's propensity to addiction. This review discusses these paradigms and summarizes research on individual differences that encompass cultural and sociodemographic factors, psychiatric or psychological vulnerability, and biological or genetic propensity to addiction. Although these different factors often interact in the expression of vulnerable phenotypes, it is possible to alter or control specific sources of vulnerability. For these reasons, integrating individual vulnerability to addiction across different research disciplines is likely to provide the greatest advances for intervention and prevention efforts.
Preclinical studies of alcohol binge drinking
Authors: Crabbe John C. , Harris R. Adron , Koob George F.
Published: January 2011

Binge drinking is prevalent and has serious biomedical consequences. In children, adolescents, and young adults, it is a prominent risk factor for later development of alcohol‐use disorders. Many preclinical models have been employed to study the genetic risks for and biomedical consequences of alcohol drinking. However, these models historically did not result in blood‐alcohol concentrations (BACs) exceeding 80 mg%; this relatively modest level is the threshold that currently defines a binge session, according to the NIAAA and CDC. Nevertheless, in alcohol‐dependent rodents, binge drinking has been well documented. Key neurobiological substrates localized to brain reward and stress systems have been identified. Studies of newer models of binge drinking without dependence are reviewed here. In these models, rodents, non‐human primates, and flies will drink enough to reach high BACs. They often display observable signs of intoxication. The neurobiological consequences of these episodes of binge drinking without dependence are reviewed, and preliminary evidence for roles for GABA, glutamate, opioid peptides, and corticotropin releasing factor are discussed, as is the need for more work to identify the antecedents and consequences of binge drinking in both animal models and humans.