bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A bacteria colony-based screen for optimal linker combinations in genetically encoded biosensors
Authors: Ibraheem Andreas , Yap Hongkin , Ding Yidan , Campbell Robert E
Published: November 2011

Background

Fluorescent protein (FP)-based biosensors based on the principle of intramolecular Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) enable the visualization of a variety of biochemical events in living cells. The construction of these biosensors requires the genetic insertion of a judiciously chosen molecular recognition element between two distinct hues of FP. When the molecular recognition element interacts with the analyte of interest and undergoes a conformational change, the ratiometric emission of the construct is altered due to a change in the FRET efficiency. The sensitivity of such biosensors is proportional to the change in ratiometric emission, and so there is a pressing need for methods to maximize the ratiometric change of existing biosensor constructs in order to increase the breadth of their utility.

Results

To accelerate the development and optimization of improved FRET-based biosensors, we have developed a method for function-based high-throughput screening of biosensor variants in colonies of Escherichia coli. We have demonstrated this technology by undertaking the optimization of a biosensor for detection of methylation of lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27). This effort involved the construction and screening of 3 distinct libraries: a domain library that included several engineered binding domains isolated by phage-display; a lower-resolution linker library; and a higher-resolution linker library.

Conclusion

Application of this library screening methodology led to the identification of an optimized H3K27-trimethylation biosensor that exhibited an emission ratio change (66%) that was 2.3 × improved relative to that of the initially constructed biosensor (29%).
Modified expression of alternative oxidase in transgenic tomato and petunia affects the level of tomato spotted wilt virus resistance
Authors: Ma Hao , Song Congfeng , Borth Wayne , Sether Diane , Melzer Michael , Hu John
Published: November 2011

Background

Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) has a very wide host range, and is transmitted in a persistent manner by several species of thrips. These characteristics make this virus difficult to control. We show here that the over-expression of the mitochondrial alternative oxidase (AOX) in tomato and petunia is related to TSWV resistance.

Results

The open reading frame and full-length sequence of the tomato AOX gene LeAox1au were cloned and introduced into tomato 'Healani' and petunia 'Sheer Madness' using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Highly expressed AOX transgenic tomato and petunia plants were selfed and transgenic R1 seedlings from 10 tomato lines and 12 petunia lines were used for bioassay. For each assayed line, 22 to 32 tomato R1 progeny in three replications and 39 to 128 petunia progeny in 13 replications were challenged with TSWV. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays showed that the TSWV levels in transgenic tomato line FKT4-1 was significantly lower than that of wild-type controls after challenge with TSWV. In addition, transgenic petunia line FKP10 showed significantly less lesion number and smaller lesion size than non-transgenic controls after inoculation by TSWV.

Conclusion

In all assayed transgenic tomato lines, a higher percentage of transgenic progeny had lower TSWV levels than non-transgenic plants after challenge with TSWV, and the significantly increased resistant levels of tomato and petunia lines identified in this study indicate that altered expression levels of AOX in tomato and petunia can affect the levels of TSWV resistance.
Prevalence of apical periodontitis and endodontic treatment in a Kosovar adult population
Authors: Kamberi Blerim , Hoxha Veton , Stavileci Miranda , Dragusha Edmond , Kuçi Astrit , Kqiku Lumnije
Published: November 2011

Background

Despite numerous studies on the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) and endodontic treatment in diverse geographical populations, there are currently no data on the prevalence of these conditions in populations of adults native to Kosovo. Therefore, little is known about how widespread these conditions are, and whether there is any correlation between root canal treatment and AP. The purpose of our research was to address this anomaly by investigating AP and endodontic treatment in an adult Kosovar population based on radiographic examination.

Methods

The sample used for this study consisted of randomly selected individuals referred to the University Dentistry Clinical Center of Kosovo in the years 2006-2007. Orthopantomographs of 193 patients were evaluated. The periapical status of all teeth (with the exception of third molars) was examined according to Ørstavik's Periapical Index. The quality of the root canal filling was rated as 'adequate' or 'inadequate' based on whether all canals were filled, the depth of fill relative to the radiographic apex and the quality of compaction (absence/presence of voids). Data were analyzed statistically using the Chi-square test and calculation of odds ratios.

Results

Out of 4131 examined teeth, the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) and endodontic treatment was 12.3% and 2.3%, respectively. Of 95 endodontically-treated teeth, 46.3% were associated with AP. The prevalence of AP increased with age. The prevalence in subjects aged over 60 years old (20.2%) was higher than in other age groups. A statistically significant difference was found for the frequency of endodontically-treated teeth associated with AP in the 40-49 year age group (P < 0.001). Of some concern was the discovery that only 30.5% of the endodontically-treated teeth examined met the criteria of an acceptable root canal filling. Inadequately root-filled teeth were associated with an increased AP risk.

Conclusions

The prevalence of AP and the frequency of endodontically-treated teeth with AP in this Kosovar population are higher than those found in other countries. Inadequate root canal fillings were associated with an increased prevalence of AP.
Antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens and immunomodulatory effects and toxicity of geopropolis produced by the stingless bee Melipona fasciculata Smith
Authors: Liberio Silvana A , Pereira Antônio Luís A , Dutra Richard P , Reis Aramys S , Araújo Maria José AM , Mattar Nadia S , Silva Lucilene A , Ribeiro Maria Nilce S , Nascimento Flávia Raquel F , Guerra Rosane NM , Monteiro-Neto Valério
Published: November 2011

Background

Native bees of the tribe Meliponini produce a distinct kind of propolis called geopropolis. Although many pharmacological activities of propolis have already been demonstrated, little is known about geopropolis, particularly regarding its antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens. The present study aimed at investigating the antimicrobial activity ofM. fasciculatageopropolis against oral pathogens, its effects onS. mutansbiofilms, and the chemical contents of the extracts. A gel prepared with a geopropolis extract was also analyzed for its activity onS. mutansand its immunotoxicological potential.

Methods

Antimicrobial activities of three hydroalcoholic extracts (HAEs) of geopropolis, and hexane and chloroform fractions of one extract, were evaluated using the agar diffusion method and the broth dilution technique. Ethanol (70%, v/v) and chlorhexidine (0.12%, w/w) were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. Total phenol and flavonoid concentrations were assayed by spectrophotometry. Immunotoxicity was evaluated in mice by topical application in the oral cavity followed by quantification of biochemical and immunological parameters, and macro-microscopic analysis of animal organs.

Results

Two extracts, HAE-2 and HAE-3, showed inhibition zones ranging from 9 to 13 mm in diameter forS. mutansandC. albicans, but presented no activity againstL.acidophilus. The MBCs for HAE-2 and HAE-3 againstS. mutanswere 6.25 mg/mL and 12.5 mg/mL, respectively. HAE-2 was fractionated, and its chloroform fraction had an MBC of 14.57 mg/mL. HAE-2 also exhibited bactericidal effects onS. mutansbiofilms after 3 h of treatment. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in total phenol and flavonoid concentrations were observed among the samples. Signs toxic effects were not observed after application of the geopropolis-based gel, but an increase in the production of IL-4 and IL-10, anti-inflammatory cytokines, was detected.

Conclusions

In summary, geopropolis produced byM. fasciculatacan exert antimicrobial action againstS. mutansandC. albicans, with significant inhibitory activity againstS. mutansbiofilms. The extract with the highest flavonoid concentration, HAE-2, presented the highest antimicrobial activity. In addition, a geopropolis-based gel is not toxic in an animal model and displays anti-inflammatory effect.
Development of spatial density maps based on geoprocessing web services: application to tuberculosis incidence in Barcelona, Spain
Authors: Dominkovics Pau , Granell Carlos , Pérez-Navarro Antoni , Casals Martí , Orcau Àngels , Caylà Joan A
Published: November 2011

Background

Health professionals and authorities strive to cope with heterogeneous data, services, and statistical models to support decision making on public health. Sophisticated analysis and distributed processing capabilities over geocoded epidemiological data are seen as driving factors to speed up control and decision making in these health risk situations. In this context, recent Web technologies and standards-based web services deployed on geospatial information infrastructures have rapidly become an efficient way to access, share, process, and visualize geocoded health-related information.

Methods

Data used on this study is based on Tuberculosis (TB) cases registered in Barcelona city during 2009. Residential addresses are geocoded and loaded into a spatial database that acts as a backend database. The web-based application architecture and geoprocessing web services are designed according to the Representational State Transfer (REST) principles. These web processing services produce spatial density maps against the backend database.

Results

The results are focused on the use of the proposed web-based application to the analysis of TB cases in Barcelona. The application produces spatial density maps to ease the monitoring and decision making process by health professionals. We also include a discussion of how spatial density maps may be useful for health practitioners in such contexts.

Conclusions

In this paper, we developed web-based client application and a set of geoprocessing web services to support specific health-spatial requirements. Spatial density maps of TB incidence were generated to help health professionals in analysis and decision-making tasks. The combined use of geographic information tools, map viewers, and geoprocessing services leads to interesting possibilities in handling health data in a spatial manner. In particular, the use of spatial density maps has been effective to identify the most affected areas and its spatial impact. This study is an attempt to demonstrate how web processing services together with web-based mapping capabilities suit the needs of health practitioners in epidemiological analysis scenarios.
Ancient founder mutation is responsible for Imerslund-Gräsbeck Syndrome among diverse ethnicities
Authors: Beech Cameron M , Liyanarachchi Sandya , Shah Nidhi P , Sturm Amy C , Sadiq May F , de la Chapelle Albert , Tanner Stephan M
Published: November 2011

Background

Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome (IGS) was described just over 50 years ago by Olga Imerslund and Ralph Gräsbeck and colleagues. IGS is caused by specific malabsorption of cobalamin (Cbl) due to bi-allelic mutations in either the cubilin gene (CUBN) or the human amnionless homolog (AMN). Mutations in the two genes are commonly seen in founder populations or in societies with a high degree of consanguineous marriages. One particular mutation in AMN, c.208-2A>G, causing an out-of-frame loss of exon 4 in the mRNA, is responsible for some 15% of IGS cases globally. We present evidence that this founder mutation causes a substantial percentage of cases among diverse ethnicities and that the mutation is as old as human civilization.

Methods

Partial genotyping indicated a founder event but its presence in diverse peoples of Arabic, Turkish, Jewish, and Hispanic ancestry suggested that the mutation might be recurrent. We therefore studied the flanking sequence spanning 3.5 Mb to elucidate the origin of the haplotype and estimate the age of the mutation using a Bayesian inference method based on observed linkage disequilibrium.

Results

The mutation's distribution, the size of the shared haplotype, and estimates of growth rate and carrier frequency indicated that the mutation was a single prehistoric event. Dating back to the ancient Middle East around 11,600 BC, the mutation predates the advent of writing, farming, and the monotheistic religions of the region.

Conclusions

This mutation causes over 50% of the IGS cases among Arabic, Turkish, and Sephardic Jewish families, making it a primary target for genetic screening among diverse IGS cases originating from the Middle East. Thus, rare founder mutations may cause a substantial number of cases, even among diverse ethnicities not usually thought to be related.
Low frequency of human papillomavirus infection in conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma of Mexican patients
Authors: Peralta Raúl , Valdivia Alejandra , Estañol Perla , Villegas Vanessa , Pimienta Carolina , Treviño Eugenio , Marrero Daniel , Mendoza Monica , Jimenez Florinda , Villalvazo Leonardo , Tejeda Miriam , Salcedo Mauricio
Published: November 2011

Background

The relationship between Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection and conjunctiva cancer is controversial. HPV detection will provide more information about the role of this infectious agent in the biology of conjunctiva cancer. In the present study, DNA extracted and purified from 36 Conjunctival Squamous Cell Carcinomas (CSCC) was evaluated by PCR for HPV DNA sequences. The results were correlated with the clinical and histopathological variables.

Results

The results showed that HPV DNA was present in 8 CSCC samples (22%); HPV16 was the sole type detected. Significant association was found between HPV detection and the limbus tumor subtype (p = 0.03). All the samples were non-metastatic squamous cell carcinoma.

Conclusions

The HPV presence in CSCC from Mexican patients is not a common event.
Estimates of array and pool-construction variance for planning efficient DNA-pooling genome wide association studies
Authors: Earp Madalene A , Rahmani Maziar , Chew Kevin , Brooks-Wilson Angela
Published: November 2011

Background

Until recently, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been restricted to research groups with the budget necessary to genotype hundreds, if not thousands, of samples. Replacing individual genotyping with genotyping of DNA pools in Phase I of a GWAS has proven successful, and dramatically altered the financial feasibility of this approach. When conducting a pool-based GWAS, how well SNP allele frequency is estimated from a DNA pool will influence a study's power to detect associations. Here we address how to control the variance in allele frequency estimation when DNAs are pooled, and how to plan and conduct the most efficient well-powered pool-based GWAS.

Methods

By examining the variation in allele frequency estimation on SNP arrays between and within DNA pools we determine how array variance [var(earray)] and pool-construction variance [var(econstruction)] contribute to the total variance of allele frequency estimation. This information is useful in deciding whether replicate arrays or replicate pools are most useful in reducing variance. Our analysis is based on 27 DNA pools ranging in size from 74 to 446 individual samples, genotyped on a collective total of 128 Illumina beadarrays: 24 1M-Single, 32 1M-Duo, and 72 660-Quad.

Results

For all three Illumina SNP array types our estimates of var(earray) were similar, between 3-4 × 10-4 for normalized data. Var(econstruction) accounted for between 20-40% of pooling variance across 27 pools in normalized data.

Conclusions

We conclude that relative to var(earray), var(econstruction) is of less importance in reducing the variance in allele frequency estimation from DNA pools; however, our data suggests that on average it may be more important than previously thought. We have prepared a simple online tool, PoolingPlanner (available at http://www.kchew.ca/PoolingPlanner/), which calculates the effective sample size (ESS) of a DNA pool given a range of replicate array values. ESS can be used in a power calculator to perform pool-adjusted calculations. This allows one to quickly calculate the loss of power associated with a pooling experiment to make an informed decision on whether a pool-based GWAS is worth pursuing.
Gene expression and network-based analysis reveals a novel role for hsa-miR-9 and drug control over the p38 network in glioblastoma multiforme progression
Authors: Ben-Hamo Rotem , Efroni Sol
Published: November 2011

Background

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common, aggressive and malignant primary tumor of the brain and is associated with one of the worst 5-year survival rates among all human cancers. Identification of molecular interactions that associate with disease progression may be key in finding novel treatments.

Methods

Using five independent molecular and clinical datasets with a set of computational algorithms we were able to identify a gene-gene and gene-microRNA network that significantly stratifies patient prognosis. By combining gene expression microarray data with microRNA expression levels, copy number alterations, drug response and clinical data, combined with network knowledge, we were able to identify a single pathway at the core of glioblastoma.

Results

This network, the p38 network, and an associated microRNA, hsa-miR-9, facilitate prognostic stratification. The microRNA hsa-miR-9 correlated with network behavior and presents binding affinities with network members in a manner that suggests control over network behavior. A similar control over network behavior is possible through a set of drugs. These drugs are part of the treatment regimen for a subpopulation of the patients that participated in the TCGA study and for which the study provides clinical information. Interestingly, the patients that were treated with these specific sets of drugs, all of which targeted against p38 network members, demonstrate highly significant stratification of prognosis.

Conclusions

Combined, these results call for attention to p38 network targeted treatment and present the p38 network-hsa-miR-9 control mechanism as critical in GBM progression.
Randomized Phase III Study of Surgery Alone or Surgery Plus Preoperative Cisplatin and Gemcitabine in Stages IB to IIIA Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Scagliotti Giorgio V. , Pastorino Ugo , Vansteenkiste Johan F. , Spaggiari Lorenzo , Facciolo Francesco , Orlowski Tadeusz M. , Maiorino Luigi , Hetzel Martin , Leschinger Monika , Visseren-Grul Carla , Torri Valter
Published: November 2011

Purpose

This study aimed to determine whether three preoperative cycles of gemcitabine plus cisplatin followed by radical surgery provides a reduction in the risk of progression compared with surgery alone in patients with stages IB to IIIA non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Patients and Methods

Patients with chemotherapy-naive NSCLC (stages IB, II, or IIIA) were randomly assigned to receive either three cycles of gemcitabine 1,250 mg/m2 days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks plus cisplatin 75 mg/m2 day 1 every 3 weeks followed by surgery, or surgery alone. Randomization was stratified by center and disease stage (IB/IIA v IIB/IIIA). The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS).

Results

The study was prematurely closed after the random assignment of 270 patients: 129 to chemotherapy plus surgery and 141 to surgery alone. Median age was 61.8 years and 83.3% were male. Slightly more patients in the surgery alone arm had disease stage IB/IIA (55.3% v 48.8%). The chemotherapy response rate was 35.4%. The hazard ratios for PFS and overall survival were 0.70 (95% CI, 0.50 to 0.97; P = .003) and 0.63 (95% CI, 0.43 to 0.92; P = .02), respectively, both in favor of chemotherapy plus surgery. A statistically significant impact of preoperative chemotherapy on outcomes was observed in the stage IIB/IIIA subgroup (3-year PFS rate: 36.1% v 55.4%; P = .002). The most common grade 3 or 4 chemotherapy-related adverse events were neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. No treatment-by-histology interaction effect was apparent.

Conclusion

Although the study was terminated early, preoperative gemcitabine plus cisplatin followed by radical surgery improved survival in patients with clinical stage IIB/IIIA NSCLC.
Genetic Disease in the Children of Danish Survivors of Childhood and Adolescent Cancer
Authors: Winther Jeanette F. , Olsen Jørgen H. , Wu Huiyun , Shyr Yu , Mulvihill John J. , Stovall Marilyn , Nielsen Annelise , Schmiegelow Marianne , Boice John D.
Published: November 2011

Purpose

Preconception radiation and chemotherapy have the potential to produce germ cell mutations leading to genetic disease in the next generation. Dose-response relationships were evaluated between cancer treatments and untoward pregnancy outcomes.

Patients and Methods

A case-cohort study was conducted involving 472 Danish survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer and their 1,037 pregnancies. Adverse outcomes included 159 congenital malformations, six chromosomal abnormalities, seven stillbirths, and nine neonatal deaths. Preconception radiation doses to the gonads, uterus, and pituitary gland and administered chemotherapy were quantified based on medical records and related to adverse outcomes using a generalized estimating equation model.

Results

No statistically significant associations were found between genetic disease in children and parental treatment with alkylating drugs or preconception radiation doses to the testes in male and ovaries in female cancer survivors. Specifically, the risk of genetic disease was similar among the children of irradiated survivors when compared with nonirradiated survivors (relative risk [RR], 1.02; 95% CI, 0.59 to 1.44; P = .94). A statistically significant association between abdomino-pelvic irradiation and malformations, stillbirths, and neonatal deaths was not seen in the children of female survivors overall (P = .07) or in the children of mothers receiving high uterine doses (mean, 13.5 Gy; max, 100 Gy; RR, 2.3; 95% CI, 0.95 to 5.56).

Conclusion

Mutagenic chemotherapy and radiotherapy doses to the gonads were not associated with genetic defects in children of cancer survivors. However, larger studies need to be conducted to further explore potential associations between high-dose pelvic irradiation and specific adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Overweight and Obesity Among Adults With Intellectual Disabilities Who Use Intellectual Disability/Developmental Disability Services in 20 U.S. States
Authors: Stancliffe Roger J , Lakin K. Charlie , Larson Sheryl , Engler Joshua , Bershadsky Julie , Taub Sarah , Fortune Jon , Ticha Renata
Published: November 2011

The authors compare the prevalence of obesity for National Core Indicators (NCI) survey participants with intellectual disability and the general U.S. adult population. In general, adults with intellectual disability did not differ from the general population in prevalence of obesity. For obesity and overweight combined, prevalence was lower for males with intellectual disability than for the general population but similar for women. There was higher prevalence of obesity among women with intellectual disability, individuals with Down syndrome, and people with milder intellectual disability. Obesity prevalence differed by living arrangement, with institutional residents having the lowest prevalence and people living in their own home the highest. When level of intellectual disability was taken into account, these differences were reduced, but some remained significant, especially for individuals with milder disability.
Oleic acid is a key cytotoxic component of HAMLET-like complexes
Authors: Permyakov Sergei E. , Knyazeva Ekaterina L. , Khasanova Leysan M. , Fadeev Roman S. , Zhadan Andrei P. , Roche-Hakansson Hazeline , Håkansson Anders P. , Akatov Vladimir S. , Permyakov Eugene A.
Published: November 2011

HAMLET is a complex of α-lactalbumin (α-LA) with oleic acid (OA) that selectively kills tumor cells andStreptococcus pneumoniae. To assess the contribution of the proteinaceous component to cytotoxicity of HAMLET, OA complexes with proteins structurally and functionally distinct from α-LA were prepared. Similar to HAMLET, the OA complexes with bovine β-lactoglobulin (bLG) and pike parvalbumin (pPA) (bLG-OA-45 and pPA-OA-45, respectively) inducedS. pneumoniaeD39 cell death. The activation mechanisms ofS. pneumoniaedeath for these complexes were analogous to those for HAMLET, and the cytotoxicity of the complexes increased with OA content in the preparations. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration for HEp-2 cells linearly decreased with rise in OA content in the preparations, and OA concentration in the preparations causing HEp-2 cell death was close to the cytotoxicity of OA alone. Hence, the cytotoxic action of these complexes against HEp-2 cells is induced mostly by OA. Thermal stabilization of bLG upon association with OA implies that cytotoxicity of bLG-OA-45 complex cannot be ascribed to molten globule-like conformation of the protein component. Overall, the proteinaceous component of HAMLET-like complexes studied is not a prerequisite for their activity; the cytotoxicity of these complexes is mostly due to the action of OA.
Bullying among siblings
Authors: Wolke Dieter , Skew Alexandra J.
Published: November 2011

Background: Parents are often concerned about repeated conflicts between their daughters and sons. However, there is little empirical research of sibling bullying.

Objective: To conduct a review of existing studies of sibling bullying. Are there any associations between sibling bullying and peer bullying at school? What are the consequences of sibling bullying? Is there good justification why sibling bullying has been so neglected in research?

Method: Studies of sibling relationships were reviewed. Four quantitative studies were identified that report on both sibling and peer bullying.

Results: Sibling bullying is frequent with up to 50% involved in sibling bullying every month and between 16% and 20% involved in bullying several times a week. Experience of sibling bullying increases the risk of involvement in bullying in school. Both, bullying between siblings and school bullying make unique contributions to explaining behavioral and emotional problems. There is a clear dose-effect relationship of involvement of bullying at home and at school and behavioral or emotional problems. Those involved in both have up to 14 times increased odds of behavioral or emotional problems compared to those involved in only one context or not at all.

Conclusions: The empirical evidence is limited and studies are mostly cross-sectional studies. Nevertheless, the review suggests that for those victimized at home and at school behavioral and emotional problems are highly increased. Sibling relationships appear to be a training ground with implications for individual well-being. Strengthening families and parenting skills and increasing sibling support is likely to reduce bullying and increase well-being.
The nature and extent of college student hazing
Authors: Allan Elizabeth J. , Madden Mary
Published: November 2011

Background: This study explored the nature and extent of college student hazing in the USA. Hazing, a form of interpersonal violence, can jeopardize the health and safety of students.

Methods: Using a web-based survey, data were collected from 11,482 undergraduate students, aged 18–25 years, who attended one of 53 colleges and universities. Additionally, researchers interviewed 300 students and staff at 18 of the campuses.

Results: Results reveal hazing among USA college students is widespread and involves a range of student organizations and athletic teams. Alcohol consumption, humiliation, isolation, sleep-deprivation and sex acts are hazing practices common across student groups. Furthermore, there is a large gap between the number of students who report experience with hazing behaviors and those that label their experience as hazing.

Conclusions: To date, hazing prevention efforts in post-secondary education have focused largely on students in fraternities/sororities and intercollegiate athletes. Findings from this study can inform development of more comprehensive and research-based hazing prevention efforts that target a wider range of student groups. Further, data can serve as a baseline from which to measure changes in college student hazing over time.
Consequences of prenatal substance use
Authors: Sithisarn Thitinart , Granger Don T. , Bada Henrietta S.
Published: November 2011

Background: Prenatal substance use is a major public health problem and a social morbidity, with consequences on the drug user and the offspring.

Objective: This review focuses on the child and adolescent outcomes following in utero drug exposure.

Methods: Studies on the effects of specific substances, legal and illegal; i.e., tobacco or nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, opiates, and methamphetamine were evaluated and analyzed.

Results: In general, manifestations of prenatal exposure to legal and illegal substances include varying deficits in birth anthropometric measurements, mild-to-moderate transient neurobehavioral alterations in infancy and long-term behavioral problems noted from early childhood to adolescence. Severity of expression of behavioral problems is influenced by environmental factors. Further, behavioral alterations following in utero drug exposure often exist with mental health co-morbidities.

Conclusion: Because of the long-term consequences of prenatal drug exposure on child and adolescent mental health, health providers need to promote substance use prevention, screen for exposure effects and provide or refer affected youths for intervention services. Preventive measures and treatment should consider other factors that may further increase the risk of psychopathology in the exposed children.
Educational impact of peer-intervention on the knowledge and attitudes about HIV/AIDS in adolescents in Panama
Authors: Aramburú María G. , Estripeaut Dora , Rowley Stella , Smoot Sharene , Chamorro Fermina , Bayard Vicente
Published: November 2011

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices about HIV/AIDS of high school students in Panama City, Panama and the impact of a peer-to-peer intervention project.

Methods: There were 659 participants in two public and two private schools, one of each got the intervention and the other serving as control. A questionnaire was used as a pretest and post-test to measure the effects of the intervention. The intervention consisted of 12 weekly sessions led by professionally trained peers using four different modalities: theater, group dynamics, videos, and discussions.

Results: The difference in the knowledge scores of the questionnaire resulted in an improvement in both the private (ES=0.63) and the public (ES=0.52) schools with the intervention. Another important finding was that the idea of abstinence as disease prevention for high school students rose from 7% to 60% (public school) and from 27% to 62% (private school) in response to an open-ended question.

Conclusions: There were other significant positive findings that demonstrate the efficacy of this peer-to-peer model educating high school students about lowering the risks of contracting HIV/AIDS. This model could also be used to prevent or mitigate other risky behaviors.
Tobacco brand preference among Mexican adolescents
Authors: West Joshua H. , Hall P. Cougar , Page Randy M. , Trinidad Dennis R. , Lindsay Gordon B.
Published: November 2011

Introduction: Advertising plays a major role in smoking behavior and forming brand preferences. Additionally, the most advertised tobacco brands have also been the most preferred. Maintaining brand loyalty in Latin America remains a priority for the tobacco industry.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore tobacco brand preference trends from 2003 to 2006, and explore marketing and advertising factors that might be associated with these trends.

Study group: Data for this study came from Mexican adolescents residing in cities that participated in the Global Youth Tobacco Survey in both 2003 and 2006 and reported smoking either Marlboro or Camel cigarettes in the past 30 days.

Methods: Respondents reported the brand name of their preferred cigarette during the past 30 days. Multivariate regression analysis was used to determine differences by brand preference and exposure to tobacco marketing and advertising, which was assessed using six items.

Results: In 2003, most adolescents preferred Marlboro. By 2006, older boys preferred Camel cigarettes to Marlboro, while girls’ preference for Camel was similar to their preference for Marlboro. Adolescents that preferred Camel cigarettes in 2003 also reported greater exposure to tobacco marketing and advertising.

Conclusion: Findings indicate that there are ongoing shifts in youth brand preference in Mexico, and that these shifts might be related to marketing and advertising practices. There is an ongoing need for monitoring marketing and advertising practices in an effort to protect adolescents from tobacco company exploits.
Gaudí's reluctant attitude towards the inverted catenary
Authors: Tomlow Jos
Published: November 2011

The hanging model that Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) developed for the Colònia Güell church design has been the subject of considerable research and its importance as an experiment for the design of Sagrada Família has been noted. Critical opinions and assessments, however, include a misunderstanding of the physical laws and geometry involved in the hanging model process and the legend that Gaudí was obsessed with designing stone structures via hanging models, thus rejecting other approaches. Such opinions were countered by Gaudí himself, who talked of the problems involved in interpreting hanging models. The renown of the hanging model has also invoked scepticism on the part of civil engineers, art historians and architects as to the theoretical profundity of Gaudí's design methodology. This paper offers a state-of-the-art survey of this topic, based both on specialist literature sources and on discussions conducted with leading experts since 1976. It can be concluded that Gaudí was aware of the theoretical impact of the hanging model, within its historic parameters, and his attitude may inspire current construction design.
Influence of the intermediate principal stress on the stress–strain–strength behaviour of a completely decomposed granite soil
Authors: KUMRUZZAMAN M. , YIN J.-H.
Published: November 2011

The most widely encountered soil type in Hong Kong is completely decomposed granite (CDG). In this paper, the influence of the intermediate principal stress through b-values on the stress–strain–strength behaviour of a recompacted CDG soil is investigated by using a true triaxial test system with a new loading device. The experimental results show that the deviator stress decreases as the b-value increases from 0 to about 0·8, and the deviator stress is then increased slightly for b = 0·8 and b = 1·0. The development of a shear band appears, having caused failure for b-values in the range 0·2–0·8.
Seismic modulus growth of lime-stabilised soil during curing
Authors: TOOHEY N.M. , MOONEY M.A.
Published: November 2011

This paper presents a study conducted to characterise seismic modulus growth in lime-stabilised soil (LSS) throughout 28-day curing using free-free resonance testing. The motivation for this study is to explore the prediction of 28-day modulus and strength from seismic modulus data collected during early curing, and in general to investigate the efficacy of seismic testing as a method of quality assessment for LSS. Measured E and G growth ranged from 250% to 900% during curing for the three soils. Modulus values and growth in modulus were significantly influenced by mineralogy and soil processing. The growth in seismic modulus for each soil exhibited a power law relationship with curing time. The 28-day modulus was estimated within 8% error for two soils using early curing modulus data, that is, through 7 days. Seismic modulus was found to correlate linearly with unconfined compressive strength (qu) throughout curing. The proportionality of E and qu remained constant during curing for each soil beyond day 3. The study shows that early curing seismic data – that is, through 7, 8 or 9 days – is capable of providing a good estimate of 28-day E and qu if the variability is reasonable (here, range/mean < 0·5).
False Discovery Rate Estimation for Stability Selection: Application to Genome-Wide Association Studies
Authors: Ahmed Ismaïl , Hartikainen Anna-Liisa , Järvelin Marjo-Riitta , Richardson Sylvia
Published: November 2011

Stability Selection, which combines penalized regression with subsampling, is a promising algorithm to perform variable selection in ultra high dimension. This work is motivated by its evaluation in the context of genome-wide association studies (GWAS). One critical aspect for its use lies in the choice of a decision rule that accounts for the massive number of comparisons realised. The current decision rule relies on the control of the Family Wise Error Rate (FWER) by means of an upper bound derived theoretically. Alternatively, we propose to set the detection threshold according to the more liberal false discovery rate (FDR) criterion. The procedure we propose for its estimation relies on permutations. This procedure is evaluated by simulations according to several scenarios mimicking various correlation structures of genetic data and is compared to the original FWER upper bound. The proposed procedure is shown to be less conservative, and able to pick up more true signals than the FWER upper bound. Finally, the proposed methodology is illustrated on a GWAS analysis of a lipid phenotype (high-density lipoproteins, HDL) in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort.
Parasitic infections of digestive tract of dogs in territory of Branicevo District
Authors: Djuric Boban , Ilic Tamara , Trailovic Dragisa , Kulisic Zoran , Dimitrijevic Sanda
Published: November 2011

This paper presents the results of two-year investigations of parasitic
infections of the digestive tract of dogs originating from the territories of
eight municipalities of Branicevo District. Investigations were performed on
345 dogs of different breeds and age categories, originating from rural and
urban environments. The investigations encompassed dogs bred in decent
hygiene conditions, as well as dogs living in unhygienic conditions. Some of
the dogs covered by these analyses were dewormed, but the bulk of the sampled
material originated from dogs that were not treated with antihelminthics.
Eight species of parasites of the digestive tract were diagnosed in the
examined dogs from the territory of the Branicevo District: Toxocara canis,
Ancylostoma caninum, Uncinaria stenocephala, Trichuris vulpis, coccidiae,
Dipylidium caninum, Taenia spp. and Alaria alata. Today, it is still
necessary to keep dogs in rural environments and isolated areas, since these
animals are used to guard real estate and cattle. For quite some time now,
there has also been wide-spread interest in keeping dogs in urban areas as
well. It is evident on the grounds of data from big towns that the number of
dogs in urban environments has been increasing constantly all over the world.
However, the conditions for naturally maintaining dogs in towns have become
increasingly more difficult and complicated. The amount of free space and the
number of yards are constantly being reduced, so that dog owners are
compelled to keep their pets in apartments. These altered living and diet
conditions have resulted in more complex and varied health problems of dogs.
Antioxidative defense
Authors: Stevanovic Jelka , Borozan Suncica , Jovic Slavoljub , Ignjatovic Igor
Published: November 2011

Free radicals occur constantly during metabolism and take part in numerous
physiological processes, such as: intra-cellular and inter-cellular
signalization, gene expression, removal of damaged or senescent cells, and
control of the tone of blood vessels. However, there is an increased quantity
of free radicals in situations of so-called oxidative stress, when they cause
serious damage to cellular membranes (peroxidation of their lipids, damage of
membrane proteins, and similar), to interior cellular protein molecules, as
well as DNA molecules and carbohydrates. This is precisely why the organism
has developed numerous mechanisms for removing free radicals and/or
preventing their production. Some of these are enzyme-related and include
superoxide-dismutase, catalase, glutathione-peroxidase, and others. Other,
non-enzyme mechanisms, imply antioxidative activities of vitamins E and C,
provitamin A, coenzyme Q, reduced glutation, and others. Since free radicals
can leave the cell that has produced them and become dispersed throughout the
body, in addition to antioxidative defense that functions within cellular
structures, antioxidant extra-cellular defense has also been developed. This
is comprised by: transferrin, lactoferrin, haptoglobin, hemopexin,
ceruloplasmin, albumins, extra-cellular isoform SOD, extracellular
glutathione-peroxidase, glucose, bilirubin, urates, and many other molecules.
Anesthetic induction with guaifenesin and propofol in adult horses
Authors: Brosnan Robert J. , Steffey Eugene P. , Escobar André , Palazoglu Mine , Fiehn Oliver
Published: November 2011

Objective—To evaluate whether guaifenesin can prevent adverse anesthetic induction events caused by propofol and whether a guaifenesin-propofol induction combination has brief cardiovascular effects commensurate with rapid drug washout.

Animals—8 healthy adult horses.

Procedures—Guaifenesin was administered IV for 3 minutes followed by IV injection of a bolus of propofol (2 mg/kg). Additional propofol was administered if purposeful movement was detected. Anesthesia was maintained for 2 hours with isoflurane or sevoflurane at 1.2 times the minimum alveolar concentration with controlled normocapnic ventilation. Normotension was maintained via a dobutamine infusion. Plasma concentrations of propofol and guaifenesin were measured every 30 minutes.

Results—Mean ± SD guaifenesin and propofol doses inducing anesthesia in half of the horses were 73 ± 18 mg/kg and 2.2 ± 0.3 mg/kg, respectively. No adverse anesthetic induction events were observed. By 70 minutes, there was no significant temporal change in the dobutamine infusion rate required to maintain normotension for horses anesthetized with isoflurane or sevoflurane. Mean plasma guaifenesin concentrations were 122 ± 30μM, 101 ± 33μM, 93 ± 28μM, and 80 ± 24μM at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after anesthetic induction, respectively. All plasma propofol concentrations were below the limit of quantitation.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Guaifenesin prevented adverse anesthetic induction events caused by propofol. Guaifenesin (90 mg/kg) followed by propofol (3 mg/kg) should be sufficient to immobilize > 99% of calm healthy adult horses. Anesthetic drug washout was rapid, and there was no change in inotrope requirements after anesthesia for 70 minutes.
Effect of twice-daily oral administration of hydrocortisone on the bile acids composition of gallbladder bile in dogs
Authors: Kook Peter H. , Schellenberg Stefan , Rentsch Katharina M. , Reusch Claudia E. , Glaus Tony M.
Published: November 2011

Objective—To investigate the effects of twice-daily oral administration of hydrocortisone on the bile acids composition of gallbladder bile in dogs.

Animals—6 placebo-treated control dogs and 6 hydrocortisone-treated dogs.

Procedures—Dogs received hydrocortisone (median dose, 8.5 mg/kg) or a gelatin capsule (control group) orally every 12 hours for 84 days. Gallbladder bile samples were obtained via percutaneous ultrasound-guided cholecystocentesis from each dog before (day 0 [baseline]), during (days 28, 56, and 84), and after (days 28p, 56p, and 84p) treatment for differentiated quantification of unconjugated bile acids and taurine-conjugated and glycine-conjugated bile acids via high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.

Results—Treatment with hydrocortisone for 84 days resulted in significant and reversible increases in the concentrations of unconjugated bile acids (ie, cholic, chenodeoxycholic, and deoxycholic acids) and a significant and reversible decrease in the concentration of total taurine-conjugated bile acids, compared with baseline or control group values. Treatment with hydrocortisone had no effect on bile concentrations of glycine-conjugated bile acids.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In dogs, hydrocortisone administration caused reversible shifts toward higher concentrations of the more hydrophobic unconjugated bile acids (chenodeoxycholic acid and deoxycholic acid) and toward lower concentrations of the amphipathic taurine-conjugated bile acids in gallbladder bile. These data suggest that similar bile acids changes could cause major alterations in gallbladder structure or function over time in hypercortisolemic dogs.
Effects of furosemide and the combination of furosemide and the labeled dosage of pimobendan on the circulating renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in clinically normal dogs
Authors: Lantis Andrea C. , Atkins Clarke E. , DeFrancesco Teresa C. , Keene Bruce W. , Werre Stephen R.
Published: November 2011

Objective—To evaluate the effect of administration of the labeled dosage of pimobendan to dogs with furosemide-induced activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS).

Animals—12 healthy hound-type dogs.

Procedures—Dogs were allocated into 2 groups (6 dogs/group). One group received furosemide (2 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h) for 10 days (days 1 to 10). The second group received a combination of furosemide (2 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h) and pimobendan (0.25 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h) for 10 days (days 1 to 10). To determine the effect of the medications on the RAAS, 2 urine samples/d were obtained for determination of the urinary aldosterone-to-creatinine ratio (A:C) on days 0 (baseline), 5, and 10.

Results—Mean ± SD urinary A:C increased significantly after administration of furosemide (baseline, 0.37 ± 0.14 μg/g; day 5, 0.89 ± 0.23 μg/g) or the combination of furosemide and pimobendan (baseline, 0.36 ± 0.22 μg/g; day 5, 0.88 ± 0.55 μg/g). Mean urinary A:C on day 10 was 0.95 ± 0.63 μg/g for furosemide alone and 0.85 ± 0.21 μg/g for the combination of furosemide and pimobendan.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Furosemide-induced RAAS activation appeared to plateau by day 5. Administration of pimobendan at a standard dosage did not enhance or suppress furosemide-induced RAAS activation. These results in clinically normal dogs suggested that furosemide, administered with or without pimobendan, should be accompanied by RAAS-suppressive treatment.