bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simvastatin and Atorvastatin Improve Neurological Outcome After Experimental Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Karki Kishor , Knight Robert A. , Han Yuxia , Yang Dongmei , Zhang Jianfeng , Ledbetter Karyn A. , Chopp Michael , Seyfried Donald M.
Published: July 2009

Background and Purpose—

This study investigates the effects of statin treatment on experimental intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) using behavioral, histological, and MRI measures of recovery.

Methods—

Primary ICH was induced in rats. Simvastatin (2 mg/kg), atorvastatin (2 mg/kg), or phosphate-buffered saline (n=6 per group) was given daily for 1 week. MRI studies were performed 2 to 3 days before ICH, and at 1 to 2 hours and 1, 2, 7, 14, and 28 days after ICH. The ICH evolution was assessed via hematoma volume measurements using susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) and tissue loss using T
2
maps and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) histology. Neurobehavioral tests were done before ICH and at various time points post-ICH. Additional histological measures were performed with doublecortin neuronal nuclei and bromodeoxyuridine stainings.

Results—

Initial ICH volumes determined by SWI were similar across all groups. Simvastatin significantly reduced hematoma volume at 4 weeks (
P
=0.002 versus control with acute volumes as baseline), whereas that for atorvastatin was marginal (
P
=0.09). MRI estimates of tissue loss (% of contralateral hemisphere) for treated rats were significantly lower (
P
=0.0003 and 0.001, respectively) than for control at 4 weeks. Similar results were obtained for H&E histology (
P
=0.0003 and 0.02, respectively). Tissue loss estimates between MRI and histology were well correlated (
R
2
=0.764,
P
<0.0001). Significant improvement in neurological function was seen 2 to 4 weeks post-ICH with increased neurogenesis observed.

Conclusions—

Simvastatin and atorvastatin significantly improved neurological recovery, decreased tissue loss, and increased neurogenesis when administered for 1 week after ICH.
High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A
2
Stability Before and After Stroke and Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Elkind Mitchell S.V. , Leon Vladimir , Moon Yeseon P. , Paik Myunghee C. , Sacco Ralph L.
Published: July 2009

Background and Purpose—

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A
2
(Lp-PLA
2
) are hypothesized to be biomarkers of systemic inflammation and risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke. Little is known, however, about the stability of these markers over time, and in particular, about the effects of acute vascular events on these marker levels.

Methods—

Serum samples were collected at 4 annual intervals in 52 stroke-free participants from the Northern Manhattan Study (NOMAS) and assayed for hsCRP and Lp-PLA
2
mass and activity levels using standard techniques. Log transformation of levels was performed as needed to stabilize the variance. Stability of marker levels over time was assessed using random effects models unadjusted and adjusted for demographics and other risk factors. In addition, samples from 37 initially stroke-free participants with stroke (n=17) or MI (n=20) were available for measurement before and after the vascular event (median 5 days, range 2 to 40 days). Levels before and after events were compared using nonparametric tests.

Results—

HsCRP and Lp-PLA
2
activity levels were stable over time, whereas Lp-PLA
2
mass levels decreased on average 5% per year (
P
=0.0015). Using accepted thresholds to define risk categories of Lp-PLA
2
mass, there was no significant change over time. HsCRP increased after stroke (from median 2.2 mg/L prestroke to 6.5 mg/L poststroke;
P
=0.0067) and MI (from median 2.5 mg/L pre-MI to 13.5 mg/L post-MI;
P
<0.0001). Lp-PLA
2
mass and activity levels both decreased significantly after stroke and MI (for Lp-PLA
2
mass, from median 210.0 ng/mL to 169.4 ng/mL poststroke,
P
=0.0348, and from median 233.0 ng/mL to 153.9 post-MI,
P
<0.0001).

Conclusion—

Lp-PLA
2
mass levels decrease modestly, whereas hsCRP and Lp-PLA
2
activity appear stable over time. Acutely after stroke and MI, hsCRP increases whereas Lp-PLA
2
mass and activity levels decrease. These changes imply that measurements made soon after stroke and MI are not reflective of prestroke levels and may be less reliable for long-term risk stratification.
Cold Chicago: Uncivil Modernity, Urban Form, and Performance in the Upstart City
Authors: Kruger Loren
Published: July 2009

Since the Haymarket massacre of 1886, Chicagoans have buried and resurrected the city's experiences in performances, politics, and built environments. From Sullivan to Gehry to Chris Ware, from socialist militancy to immigrants' rights, from 19th-century commemorations of the Paris Commune to 21st-century stagings of architectural and political conflicts, Chicago has generated drama in urban theory and practice as well as in theatre.
Out of Hand: YouTube Amateurs and Professionals
Authors: Salvato Nick
Published: July 2009

As part of a broader regulatory regime, YouTube helps to sustain a powerful model of sincerity, bodily stability, and self-control that has its roots in 19th- and early 20th-century theatre ideologies of amateur vs. professional. Some of YouTube's most popular videos are best understood through these conjoined rubrics, including Britney Spears fan Chris Crocker's “Leave Britney Alone!” video and actor Seth Green's parody of it.
Live from the Front: A Poetics of Slamming the “Truth”
Authors: Melo Carla
Published: July 2009

Documentary performances usually take the stance of objectivity and critical distance. But sometimes this is not the case. Live from the Front is a performance of Jerry Quickley's embodied experience of the US-led invasion of Iraq. Quickley's account of “Shock and Awe” as a slam poet-turned-unembedded reporter for Pacifica Radio subverts the idea of documentary objectivity, opening up new ways to get at the “truth.”
Measurements and Simulations of Nadir-Viewing Radar Returns from the Melting Layer at X and W Bands
Authors: Liao Liang , Meneghini Robert , Tian Lin , Heymsfield Gerald M.
Published: July 2009

Simulated radar signatures within the melting layer in stratiform rain—namely, the radar bright band—are checked by means of comparisons with simultaneous measurements of the bright band made by the ER-2 Doppler radar (EDOP; X band) and Cloud Radar System (CRS; W band) airborne Doppler radars during the Cirrus Regional Study of Tropical Anvils and Cirrus Layers–Florida-Area Cirrus Experiment (CRYSTAL-FACE) campaign in 2002. A stratified-sphere model, allowing the fractional water content to vary along the radius of the particle, is used to compute the scattering properties of individual melting snowflakes. Using the effective dielectric constants computed by the conjugate gradient–fast Fourier transform numerical method for X and W bands and expressing the fractional water content of a melting particle as an exponential function in particle radius, it is found that at X band the simulated radar brightband profiles are in an excellent agreement with the measured profiles. It is also found that the simulated W-band profiles usually resemble the shapes of the measured brightband profiles even though persistent offsets between them are present. These offsets, however, can be explained by the attenuation caused by cloud water and water vapor at W band. This is confirmed by comparisons of the radar profiles made in the rain regions where the unattenuated W-band reflectivity profiles can be estimated through the X- and W-band Doppler velocity measurements. The brightband model described in this paper has the potential to be used effectively for both radar and radiometer algorithms relevant to the satellite-based Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission and Global Precipitation Measuring Mission.
Investigation of Optimum Liquid for Textile Washing using Artificially Soiled Fabrics
Authors: Gotoh Keiko
Published: July 2009

In order to obtain a criterion of liquid cleaning power, a textile washing test was carried out in water and various organic solvents. Cotton and polyester clothes soiled with particulate, oily and water-soluble contaminants were used. The soiled clothes were cleaned in various liquids with stirring and the detergency was evaluated from the change in the surface reflectance of the soiled cloth due to cleaning. The detergency was largely dependent on contaminant, cloth and liquid species, and showed good agreement with common and well-known knowledge about textile washing; the particulate contaminant was difficult to remove in any liquid. In contrast, the oily and water-soluble contaminants were readily removable in the organic solvents and water, respectively. By adding alkali and surfactant to water, the removal of any contaminant considerably increased. In comparison with the stirring, the ultrasonic washing was carried out with the aqueous solutions, but unexpectedly the detergency of most soiled clothes did not increase. For any artificially soiled clothes, a certain relation was successively found between the detergency and the relative dielectric constant.
Colonic GLP‐2 is not Sufficient to Promote Jejunal Adaptation in a PN‐Dependent Rat Model of Human Short Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Koopmann Matthew C. , Liu Xiaowen , Boehler Christopher J. , Murali Sangita G. , Holst Jens J. , Ney Denise M.
Published: July 2009

Background: Bowel resection may lead to short bowel syndrome (SBS), which often requires parenteral nutrition (PN) due to inadequate intestinal adaptation. The objective of this study was to determine the time course of adaptation and proglucagon system responses after bowel resection in a PN‐dependent rat model of SBS. Methods: Rats underwent jugular catheter placement and a 60% jejunoileal resection + cecectomy with jejunoileal anastomosis or transection control surgery. Rats were maintained exclusively with PN and killed at 4 hours to 12 days. A nonsurgical group served as baseline. Bowel growth and digestive capacity were assessed by mucosal mass, protein, DNA, histology, and sucrase activity. Plasma insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I) and bioactive glucagon‐like peptide 2 (GLP‐2) were measured by radioimmunoassay. Results: Jejunum cellularity changed significantly over time with resection but not transection, peaking at days 3‐4 and declining by day 12. Jejunum sucrase‐specific activity decreased significantly with time after resection and transection. Colon crypt depth increased over time with resection but not transection, peaking at days 7‐12. Plasma bioactive GLP‐2 and colon proglucagon levels peaked from days 4‐7 after resection and then approached baseline. Plasma IGF‐I increased with resection through day 12. Jejunum and colon GLP‐2 receptor RNAs peaked by day 1 and then declined below baseline. Conclusions: After bowel resection resulting in SBS in the rat, peak proglucagon, plasma GLP‐2, and GLP‐2 receptor levels are insufficient to promote jejunal adaptation. The colon adapts with resection, expresses proglucagon, and should be preserved when possible in massive intestinal resection.
Riboflavin Status in Acutely Ill Patients and Response to Dietary Supplements
Authors: Gariballa Salah , Forster Sarah , Powers Hilary
Published: July 2009

Background: Although a number of studies have reported riboflavin deficiency in free‐living older people, no data are available on riboflavin intake and status in older people during acute illness. Methods: To determine the riboflavin response to dietary supplements during acute illness, 297 hospitalized, acutely ill older patients are randomly assigned to receive a daily oral nutritional supplement containing 1.3 mg of riboflavin or a placebo for 6 weeks. Outcome measures are riboflavin intake and riboflavin biochemical status at baseline, 6 weeks, and 6 months using the erythrocyte glutathione reductase activation coefficient (EGRAC), a measure of riboflavin tissue saturation. EGRAC values are inversely proportional to riboflavin status. Results: Fifty‐six percent of patients (167/297) have suboptimal riboflavin status (EGRAC > 1.30). No significant correlation is found between EGRAC and either total energy or riboflavin intakes. Significant correlations are found between total energy intake and riboflavin intakes both in hospital and at home (r = 0.67, P < .0001 and r = 0.57, P < .0001, respectively). Smokers and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have lower riboflavin status (high EGRAC values) compared with nonsmokers and those without COPD. Riboflavin status improves significantly in the supplement group at 6 weeks compared with the placebo group, but status declines between 6 weeks and 6 months, after patients stop taking the supplements. Conclusions: A high proportion of acutely ill patients have suboptimal riboflavin status. Supplementation with a physiological amount of riboflavin in a mixed‐nutrient supplement significantly improves riboflavin status, but the effect is transient and status deteriorates again after patients stop taking the supplements.
Older adults’ interactive behaviors during collaboration on everyday problems: Linking process and outcome
Authors: Kimbler Kristopher J. , Margrett Jennifer A.
Published: July 2009

Adult collaborative cognition research suggests that working with a partner is generally beneficial to performance; however, little research has investigated the relation between the interactive behaviors and collaborative outcome. The present study examined four interactive behaviors exhibited by familiar (i.e., married spouses) and unfamiliar (i.e., other-sex strangers) older adult dyads during collaborative performance on an everyday problem-solving measure. Results indicated that (a) interactive behaviors were related to partner familiarity and whether dyads first attempted the problems individually or collaboratively, (b) the nature of the interactive behaviors differed over the course of task completion, and (c) interactive behaviors were linked to performance outcome.
From implicit to explicit representation in children’s response to pictorial humor
Authors: Puche-Navarro Rebeca
Published: July 2009

Two experiments examined pictorial humor as an unusual but legitimate way to approach the study of children’s representational activity and the transition from implicit to explicit knowledge. In both experiments, the participants were 3- and 4-year-old children. Experiment 1 studied the understanding of two pictorial jokes using two conditions, choice and verbal production. Experiment 2 compared the results of Experiment 1 with the comprehension that children had of two versions of three pictorial jokes presented in two different sessions. The results showed three levels of comprehension. Changes in level were analyzed. The data suggest a tendency to stay at the same level, although a few children either descended or ascended. These changes occur within a short period of time, and provide support for a particular conceptualization of cognitive development. Implications for illustrated mechanisms of change and representational redescriptions in young children are discussed.
Relational support from friends and wives' family relationships: The role of husbands' interference
Authors: Proulx Christine M. , Helms Heather M. , Milardo Robert M. , Payne C. Chris
Published: July 2009

Informed by Marks's three corners model, this study explored the moderating role of husbands' relational interference in the link between relational support from close friends and wives' marital and family relationship quality. Using data from 52 wives rearing school-aged children, results from a hierarchical regression analysis suggested that husbands' interference moderates the association between support from close friends and both wives' marital satisfaction and mother—child relationship quality. At low levels of interference from husbands, support from close friends is positively associated with wives' reports of marital satisfaction, and at high levels of spousal interference, support from close friends is positively associated with mother—child relationship quality. Theoretical implications for studying these processes as they co-occur across multiple close relationships are discussed.
Connections between parents' friendships and children's peer relationships
Authors: Romano Lydia J. , Hubbard Julie A. , McAuliffe Meghan D. , Morrow Michael T.
Published: July 2009

This study investigated connections between qualities of parents' own friendships and children's negative peer relationships (i.e., aggression and peer rejection). Participants were 57 dyads of second-grade children (29 girls and 28 boys; mean age = 7.6 years) and their parents. Data on child aggression were collected from teachers and peers, and child peer rejection was assessed using unlimited peer nominations. Parents reported on their own friendship network size, satisfaction, quality, and conflict. Results revealed that two aspects of parents' friendships, conflict and satisfaction, predicted children's peer rejection and aggression. Reasons for these linkages, and implications for intervention, are discussed.
Internationalization Process of Spanish Small Firms
Authors: Arranz Nieves , De Arroyabe J. Carlos Fdez.
Published: July 2009

The purpose of this article is to provide theoretical and empirical evidence to offer a more integrative vision of the internationalization process of SMEs. Traditionally the literature on the internationalization process has been based on two perspectives, the process theory and the international new ventures model. Combining both approaches and based on empirical data collected from 250 Spanish SMEs, the article explores two possible internationalization strategies (proactive and reactive), identifying the international transaction forms (market and cooperation agreements) and the obstacles and barriers that SMEs meet in internationalization. Our results suggest the complementariness of two theoretical perspectives to explain the internationalization process. Further, that strategic positioning of SMEs is the outcome of a 'learning cycle' that allows firms to overcome internal and external obstacles.When SMEs have a high commitment and control of their international activities, our results also show that firms tend to prefer alternative governance mechanisms such as cooperation. The implications of these results, both for managerial and public policy, are discussed as well as suggestions for future research.
Reliability and validity of Japanese version of the McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire assessed by application in palliative care wards
Authors: Tsujikawa M. , Yokoyama K. , Urakawa K. , Onishi K.
Published: July 2009

The McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire (MQOL), which consists of 16 items constructing physical, psychological, existential and support subscales and one item of overall quality of life (QOL), has been developed to assess QOL of terminal cancer patients. To examine if MQOL Japanese version (MQOL-J) is applicable, it was administered to 83 terminal cancer patients in palliative care wards several days after admission and then 7 to 10 days after the first interview. Cronbach’s α coefficient for four subscales was 0.584—0.860. Sixteen items were classified into four factors by factor analysis, similar to the original English version. The results indicated that psychological and existential domains of the MQOL-J significantly related to overall QOL. Existential and support domains as well as overall QOL were significantly improved between the first and second interviews, although performance status assessed by Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group worsened. It is suggested that MQOL-J can reflect perceived health status of terminal cancer patients.
“God Made Me Gay for a Reason”
Authors: Kubicek Katrina , McDavitt Bryce , Carpineto Julie , Weiss George , Iverson Ellen F. , Kipke Michele D.
Published: July 2009

Research investigating the role of religion in the lives of young men who have sex with men (YMSM) is limited. Given the unique developmental stage of emerging adults and the fact that most religions have restrictions on homosexual behavior, it is important to understand how YMSM integrate their sexual and religious/spiritual identities. Drawing upon a longitudinal, mixed methods study, we explore the role of religion and spirituality in the lives of a sample of YMSM. Presented are descriptions of messages about homosexuality from religious contexts and how these messages are internalized. The process used to resolve the conflict between these messages and their sexual identity is then described. Findings discuss how to help YMSM retain the more supportive and nurturing aspects of religion to integrate their sexual and religious identities for a functional support system.
Free Vibration Analysis of Sandwich Plates with a Uniformly Distributed Attached Mass, Flexible Core, and Different Boundary Conditions
Authors: Malekzadeh K. , Sayyidmousavi A.
Published: July 2009

The free vibration analysis of rectangular sandwich plates with a flexible core both with and without a uniformly distributed attached mass on the top facesheet is carried out using the finite element method (FEM) through ANSYS parametric design language, which is validated by several literatures through some numerical examples. The model uses the 8-node shell 99 element to model the composite laminates of the top and bottom facesheets of the sandwich plate and 20-node high-order solid 95 element in order to model the flexible PVC core. The validated finite element model is then used to study the parametric effects of geometry such as aspect ratio, length-to-thickness ratio, core thickness-to-plate thickness ratio, the size and the stiffness of the attached mass on the natural frequencies of the sandwich plate as well as the normal and shear stresses. The use of FEM also allows studying the effect of different boundary conditions for both the top and the bottom facesheets of sandwich plates with or without distributed attached mass. Numerical results that hitherto not reported in the literature have been presented in this article. The results presented in this investigation could be useful to acquire a better insight into the behavior of sandwich laminates carrying attached mass for engineering designers of sandwich structures. The results are presented and compared with the latest Numerical results found in literature.
Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein is an effector of Kit signaling
Authors: Mani Maheswaran , Venkatasubrahmanyam Shivkumar , Sanyal Mrinmoy , Levy Shoshana , Butte Atul , Weinberg Kenneth , Jahn Thomas
Published: July 2009

The pleiotropic receptor tyrosine kinase Kit can provide cytoskeletal signals that define cell shape, positioning, and migration, but the underlying mechanisms are less well understood. In this study, we provide evidence that Kit signals through Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP), the central hematopoietic actin nucleation-promoting factor and regulator of the cytoskeleton. Kit ligand (KL) stimulation resulted in transient tyrosine phosphorylation of WASP, as well as interacting proteins WASP-interacting protein and Arp2/3. KL-induced filopodia in bone marrow–derived mast cells (BMMCs) were significantly decreased in number and size in the absence of WASP. KL-dependent regulation of intracellular Ca2+ levels was aberrant in WASP-deficient BMMCs. When BMMCs were derived from WASP-heterozygous female mice using KL as a growth factor, the cultures eventually developed from a mixture of WASP-positive and -negative populations into a homogenous WASP-positive culture derived from the WASP-positive progenitors. Thus, WASP expression conferred a selective advantage to the development of Kit-dependent hematopoiesis consistent with the selective advantage of WASP-positive hematopoietic cells observed in WAS-heterozygous female humans. Finally, KL-mediated gene expression in wild-type and WASP-deficient BMMCs was compared and revealed that approximately 30% of all Kit-induced changes were WASP dependent. The results indicate that Kit signaling through WASP is necessary for normal Kit-mediated filopodia formation, cell survival, and gene expression, and provide new insight into the mechanism in which WASP exerts a strong selective pressure in hematopoiesis.
Impact of macrophage infiltration of skin lesions on survival after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: a clue to refractory graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Nishiwaki Satoshi , Terakura Seitaro , Ito Masafumi , Goto Tatsunori , Seto Aika , Watanabe Keisuke , Yanagisawa Mayumi , Imahashi Nobuhiko , Tsukamoto Shokichi , Shimba Makoto , Ozawa Yukiyasu , Miyamura Koichi
Published: July 2009

We retrospectively reviewed 104 biopsy specimens of previously untreated skin acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) within 100 days after allogeneic stem cell transplantation, and analyzed the relationship between types of infiltrating cells and clinical outcomes. Counting the total number of CD8+ T cells, CD163+ macrophages, and CD1a+ dendritic cells in 4 fields under original magnification ×200, the infiltration of more than 200 cells of CD163+ macrophages (many macrophages [MM]) was the only significant predictor for refractory GHVD (odds ratio, 3.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.22-11.8; P = .02). In 46 patients given steroid treatments, MM was the only significant predictor for refractory acute GVHD (odds ratio, 5.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.19-21.3; P = .03). Overall survival of patients with MM was significantly lower than that of those with an infiltration of less than 200 cells of CD163+ macrophages. Macrophage infiltration of skin lesions could be a significant predictive factor for refractory GVHD and a poor prognosis.
Pulmonary hypertension in patients with combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema syndrome
Authors: Cottin V. , Le Pavec J. , Prévot G. , Mal H. , Humbert M. , Simonneau G. , Cordier J-F. ,   GERM“O”P
Published: July 2009

This study aims to describe the haemodynamic and survival characteristics of patients with pulmonary hypertension in the recently individualised syndrome of combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema.

A retrospective multicentre study was conducted in 40 patients (38 males; age 68±9 yrs; 39 smokers) with combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema, and pulmonary hypertension at right heart catheterisation.

Dyspnoea was functional class II in 15%, III in 55% and IV in 30%. 6-min walk distance was 244±126 m. Forced vital capacity was 86±18%, forced expiratory volume in 1 s 78±19%, and carbon monoxide diffusion transfer coefficient 28±16% of predicted. Room air arterial oxygen tension was 7.5±1.6 kPa (56±12 mmHg). Mean pulmonary artery pressure was 40±9 mmHg, cardiac index 2.5±0.7 L·min−1·m−2and pulmonary vascular resistance 521±205 dyn·s·cm−5. 1-yr survival was 60%. Higher pulmonary vascular resistance, higher heart rate, lower cardiac index and lower carbon monoxide diffusion transfer were associated with shorter survival.

Patients with combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema syndrome and pulmonary hypertension confirmed by right heart catheterisation have a dismal prognosis despite moderately altered lung volumes and flows and moderately severe haemodynamic parameters.
Lives on the line? Ethics and practicalities of duty of care in pandemics and disasters
Authors: Simonds A. K. , Sokol D. K.
Published: July 2009

Pandemics and acute emergencies raise pressing medical, ethical and organisational challenges. These include global governance, priority setting, triaging of patients, allocation of scarce resources and restricting individual liberty in the interests of public health. We will focus particularly on an issue of direct relevance to all respiratory team members,i.e.what is the duty of the healthcare worker to continue working in the face of personal risk, and draw lessons from guidelines, ethical considerations, past pandemics and evolving experience with H1N1 swine influenza.
Disrupted ciliated epithelium shows slower ciliary beat frequency and increased dyskinesia
Authors: Thomas B. , Rutman A. , O'Callaghan C.
Published: July 2009

Ciliary function studies for the diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) are usually performed on nasal brush biopsy samples. It is not uncommon to find disrupted epithelial strips of tissue in these samples, and occasionally throughout a sample. The aim of the present study was to determine if cilia on disrupted ciliated epithelial edges beat with a normal pattern and frequency similar to that of cilia on undisrupted edges.

Nasal brush biopsy samples from 42 children in whom the diagnosis of PCD was excluded were assessed. The epithelial strips were categorised into five groups: intact undisrupted ciliated epithelial edge, ciliated epithelial edge with minor projections, ciliated epithelial edge with major projections, an isolated ciliated cell on an epithelial edge and single unattached ciliated cells. Ciliary beat frequency and beat pattern of 50 samples from each group were determined using high speed digital video microscopy.

The cilia on epithelial edges with varying degrees of disruption showed significantly reduced beat frequency and significantly increased dyskinesia compared with those on intact, undisrupted ciliated epithelial edges.

Ideally, the assessment of ciliary beat pattern and frequency for PCD diagnosis should only be performed on undisrupted ciliated edges.
Toll-like receptor 7 function is reduced in adolescents with asthma
Authors: Roponen M. , Yerkovich S. T. , Hollams E. , Sly P. D. , Holt P. G. , Upham J. W.
Published: July 2009

Anti-viral innate immune responses may be impaired in asthma, although the mechanisms are not well understood. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 7 and 3 are particularly relevant for initiating responses to common respiratory viruses, as they recognise single-stranded viral RNA and double-stranded viral RNA, respectively. The aim of the present study was to investigate TLR7 and TLR3 function in 14-yr-old adolescents with asthma.

Blood mononuclear cells obtained from 17 atopic asthmatics, 29 atopic, non-asthmatics and 21 healthy, non-atopic individuals, were stimulated with the TLR7 agonist imiquimod and the TLR3 agonist poly I:C. Expression of anti-viral molecules was measured by real-time PCR. Concentrations of interferon-γ-inducible cytokine protein (IP)-10 and interleukin (IL)-6 were measured by ELISA.

TLR7-induced myxovirus resistance protein A and 2′5′ oligoadenylate synthetase mRNA expression and protein levels of IP-10 were significantly lower in asthma subjects compared with healthy subjects (p = 0.041, p = 0.003 and p = 0.001 respectively). There was a significant negative correlation between total serum immunoglobulin E and IP-10 following TLR7 stimulation. However, TLR3-induced responses did not vary with asthma or atopy. IL-10 mRNA and IL-6 protein synthesis were similar in asthmatic and control subjects. In conclusion, TLR7 function is reduced in adolescents with asthma and this may contribute to susceptibility to respiratory viral infections.
Changes in the prevalence of asthma in adults since 1966: the Busselton health study
Authors: James A. L. , Knuiman M. W. , Divitini M. L. , Hui J. , Hunter M. , Palmer L. J. , Maier G. , Musk A. W.
Published: July 2009

Asthma prevalence has increased worldwide; although less so in developed countries recently. This study assessed changes in the prevalence of asthma and related symptoms in the Busselton community since 1966.

Cross-sectional respiratory health surveys of Busselton adults were conducted in 1966, 1969, 1972, 1975, 1981, 1990 and 2005–2007. Logistic regression models were used to estimate prevalence rates of asthma, respiratory symptoms, smoking, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and atopy and to make comparisons in 2005–2007 and previous survey years. Asthma was defined as ever having doctor-diagnosed asthma (DDA).

The prevalence of DDA was around 6% from 1966 to 1975, 8% in 1981 and rose to 19% in 2005–2007. From 1981 to 2005–2007, smoking prevalence declined and obesity and atopy increased but changes in these variables explained only a small part of the increase in DDA. Wheeze and cough/phlegm increased but AHR, breathlessness and doctor-diagnosed bronchitis remained relatively stable over the same period.

These observations indicate that the increase in DDA is partly explained by increased symptoms and atopy. The lack of changes in AHR and doctor-diagnosed bronchitis suggests that factors such as diagnostic transfer and increased awareness of asthma have also contributed to the rise in prevalence of DDA.
The scurs inheritance: new insights from the French Charolais breed
Authors: Capitan Aurélien , Grohs Cécile , Gautier Mathieu , Eggen André
Published: July 2009

Background

Polled animals are valued in cattle industry because the absence of horns has a significant economic impact. However, some cattle are neither polled nor horned but have so-called scurs on their heads, which are corneous growths loosely attached to the skull. A better understanding of the genetic determinism of the scurs phenotype would help to fine map the polled locus. To date, only one study has attempted to map the scurs locus in cattle. Here, we have investigated the inheritance of the scurs phenotype in the French Charolais breed and examined whether the previously proposed localisation of the scurs locus on bovine chromosome 19 could be confirmed or not.

Results

Our results indicate that the inheritance pattern of the scurs phenotype in the French Charolais breed is autosomal recessive with complete penetrance in both sexes, which is different from what is reported for other breeds. The frequency of the scurs allele (Sc) reaches 69.9% in the French Charolais population. Eleven microsatellite markers on bovine chromosome 19 were genotyped in 267 offspring (33 half-sib and full-sib families). Both non-parametric and parametric linkage analyses suggest that in the French Charolais population the scurs locus may not map to the previously identified region. A new analysis of an Angus-Hereford and Hereford-Hereford pedigree published in 1978 enabled us to calculate the frequency of the Sc allele in the Hereford breed (89.4%) and to study the penetrance of this allele in males heterozygous for both polled and scurs loci (40%). This led us to revise the inheritance pattern of the scurs phenotype proposed for the Hereford breed and to suggest that allele Sc is not fully but partially dominant in double heterozygous males while it is always recessive in females. Crossbreeding involving the Charolais breed and other breeds gave results similar to those reported in the Hereford breed.

Conclusion

Our results suggest the existence of unknown genetics factors modifying the expression of the scurs locus in double heterozygous Hereford and Angus males. The specific inheritance pattern of the scurs locus in the French Charolais breed represents an opportunity to map this gene and to identify the molecular mechanisms regulating the growth of horns in cattle.
An archived activation tagged population of Arabidopsis thalianato facilitate forward genetics approaches
Authors: Robinson Stephen J , Tang Lily H , Mooney Brent AG , McKay Sheldon J , Clarke Wayne E , Links Matthew G , Karcz Steven , Regan Sharon , Wu Yun-Yun , Gruber Margaret Y , Cui Dejun , Yu Min , Parkin Isobel AP
Published: July 2009

Background

Functional genomics tools provide researchers with the ability to apply high-throughput techniques to determine the function and interaction of a diverse range of genes. Mutagenised plant populations are one such resource that facilitate gene characterisation. They allow complex physiological responses to be correlated with the expression of single genes in planta, through either reverse genetics where target genes are mutagenised to assay the affect, or through forward genetics where populations of mutant lines are screened to identify those whose phenotype diverges from wild type for a particular trait. One limitation of these types of populations is the prevalence of gene redundancy within plant genomes, which can mask the affect of individual genes. Activation or enhancer populations, which not only provide knock-out but also dominant activation mutations, can facilitate the study of such genes.

Results

We have developed a population of almost 50,000 activation tagged A. thaliana lines that have been archived as individual lines to the T3 generation. The population is an excellent tool for both reverse and forward genetic screens and has been used successfully to identify a number of novel mutants. Insertion site sequences have been generated and mapped for 15,507 lines to enable further application of the population, while providing a clear distribution of T-DNA insertions across the genome. The population is being screened for a number of biochemical and developmental phenotypes, provisional data identifying novel alleles and genes controlling steps in proanthocyanidin biosynthesis and trichome development is presented.

Conclusion

This publicly available population provides an additional tool for plant researcher's to assist with determining gene function for the many as yet uncharacterised genes annotated within the Arabidopsis genome sequence http://aafc-aac.usask.ca/FST. The presence of enhancer elements on the inserted T-DNA molecule allows both knock-out and dominant activation phenotypes to be identified for traits of interest.
Impact of supplementary private health insurance on stomach cancer care in Korea: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Shin Dong Wook , Jung Kee-Taig , Kim Sung , Bae Jae-Moon , Kim Young-Woo , Ryu Keun Won , Lee Jun Ho , Noh Jae-Hyung , Sohn Tae-Sung , Yun Young Ho
Published: July 2009

Background

Korea achieved universal health insurance coverage in only 12 years; however, insufficient government funding has resulted in high out-of-pocket payments and, in turn, a demand for supplementary private health insurance (PHI). Supplementary PHI provides a fixed amount of benefits in the event of critical illness (e.g., cancer or stroke), surgery, or hospitalization. In this study, we tried to identify factors that influence the decision to purchase supplementary PHI and investigate the impacts of PHI on various aspects of cancer care.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study of 391 patients with gastric cancer, we collected data on demographic and clinical variables, coverage by PHI at the time of diagnosis, and patients' cancer care experiences from surgery databases and patient questionnaires. Two separate multivariate logistic regression models were used 1) to determine whether various sociodemographic and clinical variables influence the purchase of supplementary PHI, and 2) to determine if there is a difference in various outcome measures between individuals with and without PHI.

Results

We studied 187 subjects (49.6%) who were covered under PHI at the time of diagnosis. Subjects who purchased PHI tended to be younger (aOR = 5.01, 95% C.I. = 2.05 – 12.24), and more educated (aOR = 2.67, 95% C.I. = 1.04 – 6.86). Supplementary PHI coverage was significantly associated with financial independence (aOR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.19 – 3.61), but not with other aspects of cancer care, such as access to healthcare, quality of care, communication and patient autonomy.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that supplementary PHI neither serves as a safety net for vulnerable patients nor improves cancer care experience, except for maintaining the financial independence of beneficiaries.
Photodynamic therapy inhibits p-glycoprotein mediated multidrug resistance via JNK activation in human hepatocellular carcinoma using the photosensitizer pheophorbide a
Authors: Tang Patrick Ming-Kuen , Zhang Dong-Mei , Xuan Ngoc-Ha Bui , Tsui Stephen Kwok-Wing , Waye Mary Miu-Yee , Kong Siu-Kai , Fong Wing-Ping , Fung Kwok-Pui
Published: July 2009

Background

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is frequently observed after prolonged treatment in human hepatoma with conventional anti-tumor drugs, and photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a recently suggested alternative to overcome MDR. The therapeutic potential of PDT was evaluated in a multidrug resistance (MDR) human hepatoma cell line R-HepG2 with photosensitizer pheophorbide a (Pa).

Results

Our results demonstrated that intracellular accumulation of Pa was not reduced by the overexpression of P-glycoprotein. Pa-based PDT (Pa-PDT) significantly inhibited the growth of R-HepG2 cells with an IC50 value of 0.6 μM. Mechanistic study demonstrated that genomic DNA fragmentation and phosphatidylserine externalization occurred where increase of intracellular singlet oxygen level triggers the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) and leads to activation of intrinsic apoptotic caspases cascade during the Pa-PDT treatment. The cytotoxicity of Pa-PDT, accumulation of sub-G1 population, and depolarization of mitochondrial membrane could be inhibited by JNK inhibitor in the Pa-PDT treated cells. Interestingly, the Pa-PDT induced JNK activation showed inhibitory effect on MDR by the down-regulation of P-glycoprotein in R-HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, significant reduction of tumor size was obtained in Pa-PDT treated R-HepG2-bearing nude mice with no significant damages in liver and heart.

Conclusion

In summary, our findings provided the first evidence that PDT could inhibit the MDR activity by down-regulating the expression of P-glycoprotein via JNK activation using pheophorbide a as the photosensitizer, and our work proved that Pa-PDT inhibited the growth of MDR hepatoma cells by mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis induction.
Improved Efficacy of a Gene Optimised Adenovirus-based Vaccine for Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus
Authors: Williams Amanda J , O'Brien Lyn M , Phillpotts Robert J , Perkins Stuart D
Published: July 2009

Background

Optimisation of genes has been shown to be beneficial for expression of proteins in a range of applications. Optimisation has increased protein expression levels through improved codon usage of the genes and an increase in levels of messenger RNA. We have applied this to an adenovirus (ad)-based vaccine encoding structural proteins (E3-E2-6K) of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV).

Results

Following administration of this vaccine to Balb/c mice, an approximately ten-fold increase in antibody response was elicited and increased protective efficacy compared to an ad-based vaccine containing non-optimised genes was observed after challenge.

Conclusion

This study, in which the utility of optimising genes encoding the structural proteins of VEEV is demonstrated for the first time, informs us that including optimised genes in gene-based vaccines for VEEV is essential to obtain maximum immunogenicity and protective efficacy.
Urbanicity of place of birth and symptoms of psychosis,
depression and anxiety in Uganda
Authors: Lundberg Patric , Cantor-Graae Elizabeth , Rukundo Godfrey , Ashaba Schola , Östergren Per-Olof
Published: July 2009

Background

The mechanism underlying the association between urban birth/upbringing
and increased schizophrenia risk is unknown. This study explored whether
an urban effect might be present in a low-income country setting, where
the ‘urban’ environment may have radically different components, for
example urban architecture, pollution levels or social cohesion.

Aims

To investigate the potential association of urbanicity of place of birth
and symptoms of psychosis, depression and anxiety in Uganda.

Method

Ugandans aged 18–30 years (n = 646) were interviewed
using the Peters et al Delusions Inventory (PDI–21), the
Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSCL–25) and psychoticism items from the
Symptoms Checklist 90-items version (SCL–90) in Mbarara and Kampala
districts and asked about their birthplace.

Results

Urban birth (but not semi-urban) was associated with more lifetime
psychotic experiences, especially grandiosity, and more symptoms of
psychosis, depression and anxiety during the past week.

Conclusions

The urban risk factor for schizophrenia may be universally present across
different levels of human development, albeit the nature of the mechanism
remains elusive.
Early-life origins of schizotypal traits in adulthood
Authors: Lahti Jari , Räikkönen Katri , Sovio Ulla , Miettunen Jouko , Hartikainen Anna-Liisa , Pouta Anneli , Taanila Anja , Joukamaa Matti , Järvelin Marjo-Riitta , Veijola Juha
Published: July 2009

Background

Although schizotypal traits, such as anhedonia and aberrant perceptions, may increase the risk for schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, little is known about early-life characteristics that predict more pronounced schizotypal traits.

Aims

To examine whether birth size or several other early-life factors that have been previously linked with schizophrenia predict schizotypal traits in adulthood.

Method

Participants of the Northern Finland 1966 Birth Cohort Study (n= 4976) completed a questionnaire on positive and negative schizotypal traits at the age of 31 years.

Results

Lower placental weight, lower birth weight and smaller head circumference at 12 months predicted elevated positive schizotypal traits in women after adjusting for several confounders (P<0.02). Moreover, higher gestational age, lower childhood family socioeconomic status, undesirability of pregnancy, winter/autumn birth, higher birth order and maternal smoking during pregnancy predicted some augmented schizotypal traits in women, some in men and some in both genders.

Conclusions

The results point to similarities in the aetiology of schitzotypal traits and schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.
Levels of anxiety and depression as predictors of mortality: the
HUNT study
Authors: Mykletun Arnstein , Bjerkeset Ottar , øverland Simon , Prince Martin , Dewey Michael , Stewart Robert
Published: July 2009

Background

Depression is reported to be associated with increased mortality,
although underlying mechanisms are uncertain. Associations between
anxiety and mortality are also uncertain.

Aims

To investigate associations between individual and combined
anxiety/depression symptom loads (using the Hospital Anxiety and
Depression Scale (HADS)) and mortality over a 3–6 year period.

Method

We utilised a unique link between a large population survey (HUNT–2,
n = 61 349) and a comprehensive mortality
database.

Results

Case-level depression was associated with increased mortality (hazard
ratio (HR) = 1.52, 95% CI 1.35–1.72) comparable with that of smoking (HR
= 1.59, 95% CI 1.44–1.75), and which was only partly explained by somatic
symptoms/conditions. Anxiety comorbid with depression lowered mortality
compared with depression alone (anxiety depression interaction
P = 0.017). The association between anxiety symptom
load and mortality was U-shaped.

Conclusions

Depression as a risk factor for mortality was comparable in strength to
smoking. Comorbid anxiety reduced mortality compared with depression
alone. The relationship between anxiety symptoms and mortality was more
complex with a U-shape and highest mortality in those with the lowest
anxiety symptom loads.
Measuring the benefits of treatment for psychosis: validity and responsiveness of the EQ–5D
Authors: Barton Garry R. , Hodgekins Jo , Mugford Miranda , Jones Peter B. , Croudace Tim , Fowler David
Published: July 2009

Background

The UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has recommended that cost-effectiveness analysis includes the EQ–5D; however, this is often not implemented in the area of mental health.

Aims

To assess the appropriateness of using the EQ–5D to measure improvements in mental health.

Method

Seventy-seven participants with psychosis were rated according to the EQ–5D and seven measures of mental health at both pre- and post-intervention. To assess construct validity we compared the (pre-intervention) mean EQ–5D scores for those with milder and more severe scores, according to each of the seven measures. To assess responsiveness we estimated the mean EQ–5D change score for those who improved (post-intervention), according to each of the measures.

Results

The mean EQ–5D score was more favourable for both those with milder scores (mean difference: 0.044 to 0.301) and for those who improved post-intervention (mean change: 0.029 to 0.117).

Conclusions

This suggests the EQ–5D should be considered for use in future cost-effectiveness studies in the area of mental health.