bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of novel mass spectrometric methods for identifying HOCl‐induced modifications to proteins
Authors: Mouls Laetitia , Silajdzic Edina , Haroune Nicolas , Spickett Corinne M. , Pitt Andrew R.
Published: February 2009

Protein oxidation is thought to contribute to a number of inflammatory diseases, hence the development of sensitive and specific analytical techniques to detect oxidative PTMs (oxPTMs) in biological samples is highly desirable. Precursor ion scanning for fragment ions of oxidized amino acid residues was investigated as a label‐free MS approach to mapping specific oxPTMs in a complex mixture of proteins. Using HOCl‐oxidized lysozyme as a model system, it was found that the immonium ions of oxidized tyrosine and tryptophan formed in MS2 analysis could not be used as diagnostic ions, owing to the occurrence of isobaric fragment ions from unmodified peptides. Using a double quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometer, precursor ion scanning was combined with detection of MS3 fragment ions from the immonium ions and collisionally‐activated decomposition peptide sequencing to achieve selectivity for the oxPTMs. For chlorotyrosine, the immonium ion at 170.1 m/z fragmented to yield diagnostic ions at 153.1, 134.1, and 125.1 m/z, and the hydroxytyrosine immonium ion at 152.1 m/z gave diagnostic ions at 135.1 and 107.1 m/z. Selective MS3 fragment ions were also identified for 2‐hydroxytryptophan and 5‐hydroxytryptophan. The method was used successfully to map these oxPTMs in a mixture of nine proteins that had been treated with HOCl, thereby demonstrating its potential for application to complex biological samples.
Two‐dimensional proteome reference maps for the human pathogenic filamentous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Vödisch Martin , Albrecht Daniela , Leßing Franziska , Schmidt André D. , Winkler Robert , Guthke Reinhard , Brakhage Axel A. , Kniemeyer Olaf
Published: February 2009

The filamentous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus has become the most important airborne fungal pathogen causing life‐threatening infections in immunosuppressed patients. We established a 2‐D reference map for A. fumigatus. Using MALDI‐TOF‐MS/MS, we identified 381 spots representing 334 proteins. Proteins involved in cellular metabolism, protein synthesis, transport processes and cell cycle were most abundant. Furthermore, we established a protocol for the isolation of mitochondria of A. fumigatus and developed a mitochondrial proteome reference map. 147 proteins represented by 234 spots were identified.
NSOM‐ and AFM‐based nanotechnology elucidates nano‐structural and atomic‐force features of a Y. pestis V immunogen‐containing particle vaccine capable of eliciting robust response
Authors: Zeng Gucheng , Chen Jianbo , Zhong Liyun , Wang Richard , Jiang Lifang , Cai Jiye , Yan Lin , Huang Dan , Chen Crystal Y. , Chen Zheng W.
Published: February 2009

It is postulated that unique nanoscale proteomic features of immunogen on vaccine particles may determine immunogen‐packing density, stability, specificity, and pH‐sensitivity on the vaccine particle surface and thus impact the vaccine‐elicited immune responses. To test this presumption, we employed near‐filed scanning optical microscopy (NSOM)‐ and atomic force microscopy (AFM)‐based nanotechnology to study nano‐structural and single‐molecule force bases of Yersinia pestis (Y. pestis) V immunogen fused with protein anchor (V‐PA) loaded on gram positive enhancer matrix (GEM) vaccine particles. Surprisingly, the single‐molecule sensitive NSOM revealed that ∼90% of V‐PA immunogen molecules were packed as high‐density nanoclusters on GEM particle. AFM‐based single‐molecule force analyses indicated a highly stable and specific binding between V‐PA and GEM at the physiological pH. In contrast, this specific binding was mostly abrogated at the acidic pH equivalent to the biochemical pH in phagolysosomes of antigen‐presenting‐cells in which immunogen protein is processed for antigen presentation. Intranasal mucosal vaccination of mice with such immunogen loaded on vaccine particles elicited robust antigen‐specific immune response. This study indicated that high‐density, high‐stability, specific, and immunological pH‐responsive loading of immunogen nanoclusters on vaccine particles could readily be presented to the immune system for induction of strong antigen‐specific immune responses.
Identification of miR‐21 targets in breast cancer cells using a quantitative proteomic approach
Authors: Yang Yi , Chaerkady Raghothama , Beer Michael A. , Mendell Joshua T. , Pandey Akhilesh
Published: February 2009

MicroRNA (miRNA) play essential roles in biological processes ranging from cellular proliferation to apoptosis. Recently, miRNA have also been implicated in a number of diseases including cancers. However, the targets of most miRNA remain unknown. The majority of reports describing identification of miRNA targets are based on computational approaches or detection of altered mRNA levels despite the fact that most miRNA are thought to regulate their targets primarily at the level of translational inhibition in animals. miR‐21 is a miRNA with oncogenic activity that is involved in various cancer‐related processes such as invasion and migration. Given the importance of miR‐21 in tumorigenesis, we employed a quantitative proteomic strategy to systematically identify potential targets of miR‐21. By knocking down the expression of endogenous miR‐21 in MCF‐7 breast cancer cells, we observed an increase in the abundance of 58 proteins, implying that they could be potential targets of miR‐21. Validation of 12 of these candidate targets in luciferase assays showed that 6 of them were likely direct targets of miR‐21. Importantly, the mRNA of the majority of the candidate targets tested did not show a concomitant increase in abundance. Overall, our results demonstrate that miR‐21 affects the expression of many of its targets through translational inhibition and highlights the utility of proteomic approaches for identifying miRNA targets.
Staphylococcus aureus ClpC ATPase is a late growth phase effector of metabolism and persistence
Authors: Chatterjee Indranil , Schmitt Sigrid , Batzilla Christoph F. , Engelmann Susanne , Keller Andreas , Ring Michael W. , Kautenburger Ralf , Ziebuhr Wilma , Hecker Michael , Preissner Klaus T. , Bischoff Markus , Proctor Richard A. , Beck Horst P. , Lenhof Hans‐Peter , Somerville Greg A. , Herrmann Mathias
Published: February 2009

Staphylococcus aureus Clp ATPases (molecular chaperones) alter normal physiological functions including an aconitase‐mediated effect on post‐stationary growth, acetate catabolism, and entry into death phase (Chatterjee et al., J. Bacteriol. 2005, 187, 4488–4496). In the present study, the global function of ClpC in physiology, metabolism, and late‐stationary phase survival was examined using DNA microarrays and 2‐D PAGE followed by MALDI‐TOF MS. The results suggest that ClpC is involved in regulating the expression of genes and/or proteins of gluconeogenesis, the pentose‐phosphate pathway, pyruvate metabolism, the electron transport chain, nucleotide metabolism, oxidative stress, metal ion homeostasis, stringent response, and programmed cell death. Thus, one major function of ClpC is balancing late growth phase carbon metabolism. Furthermore, these changes in carbon metabolism result in alterations of the intracellular concentration of free NADH, the amount of cell‐associated iron, and fatty acid metabolism. This study provides strong evidence for ClpC as a critical factor in staphylococcal energy metabolism, stress regulation, and late‐stationary phase survival; therefore, these data provide important insight into the adaptation of S. aureus toward a persister state in chronic infections.
Secretome analysis of differentially induced proteins in rice suspension‐cultured cells triggered by rice blast fungus and elicitor
Authors: Kim Sun Tae , Kang Young Hyun , Wang Yiming , Wu Jingni , Park Zee Yong , Rakwal Randeep , Agrawal Ganesh Kumar , Lee Sang Yeol , Kang Kyu Young
Published: February 2009

Secreted proteins were investigated in rice suspension‐cultured cells treated with rice blast fungus Magnaporthe grisea and its elicitor using biochemical and 2‐DE coupled with MS analyses followed by their in planta mRNA expression analysis. M. grisea and elicitor successfully interacted with suspension‐cultured cells and prepared secreted proteins from these cultures were essentially intracellular proteins free. Comparative 2‐D gel analyses identified 21 differential protein spots due to M. grisea and/or elicitor over control. MALDI‐TOF‐MS and μLC‐ESI‐MS/MS analyses of these protein spots revealed that most of assigned proteins were involved in defense such as nine chitinases, two germin A/oxalate oxidases, five domain unknown function 26 (DUF 26) secretory proteins, and β‐expansin. One chitin binding chitinase protein was isolated using chitin binding beads and strong enzymatic activity was identified in an in‐gel assay. Interestingly, their protein abundance correlated well at transcript levels in elicitor‐treated cultures as judged by semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR. Each identified differentially expressed protein group was compared at transcript levels in rice leaves inoculated with incompatible (KJ401) and compatible (KJ301) races of M. grisea. Time‐course profiling revealed their inductions were stronger and earlier in incompatible than compatible interactions. Identified secreted proteins and their expression correlation at transcript level in suspension‐cultured cells and also in planta suggest that suspension‐cultured cells can be useful to investigate the secretome of rice blast–pathogen interactions.
Evaluation of a type 1 diabetes serum cohort by SELDI‐TOF MS protein profiling
Authors: Albrethsen Jakob , Kaas Anne , Schönle Eugen , Swift Peter , Kocova Mirjana , Gammeltoft Steen , Hansen Lars , Mortensen Henrik Bindesbøl
Published: February 2009

Proteomics analysis of serum from patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) may lead to novel biomarkers for prediction of disease and for patient monitoring. However, the serum proteome is highly sensitive to sample processing and before proteomics biomarker research serum cohorts should preferably be examined for potential bias between sample groups.

SELDI‐TOF MS protein profiling was used for preliminary evaluation of a biological‐bank with 766 serum samples from 270 patients with T1D, collected at 18 different paediatric centers representing 15 countries in Europe and Japan over 2 years (2000–2002). Samples collected 1 (n = 270), 6 (n = 248), and 12 (n = 248) months after T1D diagnosis were grouped across centers and compared. The serum protein profiles varied with collection site and day of analysis; however, markers of sample processing were not systematically different between samples collected at different times after diagnosis. Three members of the apolipoprotein family increased with time in patient serum collected 1, 6, and 12 months after diagnosis (ANOVA, p<0.001). These results support the use of this serum cohort for further proteomic studies and illustrate the potential of high‐throughput MALDI/SELDI‐TOF MS protein profiling for evaluation of serum cohorts before proteomics biomarker research.
Direct insight into insulin aggregation by 2D NMR complemented by PFGSE NMR
Authors: Bocian Wojciech , Sitkowski Jerzy , Tarnowska Anna , Bednarek Elżbieta , Kawȩcki Robert , Koźmiński Wiktor , Kozerski Lech
Published: February 2009

The aggregation of Zn(II)‐bound and zinc‐free human insulin was studied in solution using the Hβ∼CH3 crosspeaks of threonine residues in 2D COSY, TOCSY, and NOESY NMR spectra which allow viewing of the oligomers in equilibrium. This is complemented by PFGSE measurements of the translational diffusion coefficient, Di, used for monitoring the changes in equilibrium composition of aggregates on dilution of both insulins in physiological medium. The back calculation of the dilution isotherm allows establishing the association constants for oligomeric equilibria in solution and discussion of the models of association. Proteins 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Traditional Chinese medicine: balancing the gut ecosystem
Authors: Li Houkai , Zhou Mingmei , Zhao Aihua , Jia Wei
Published: February 2009

Gut microflora has become a topic of interest in life sciences in the context of global systems biology, in which human biological system is viewed as ‘superorganisms’ involving an internal ecosystem of diverse microbiome. We conceive that multi‐pathway modulations of the human gut microbial system exerted by traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) to restore the balance of the gut ecology may account for a large portion of their effectiveness in host during treatment. Such a concept is evidenced by series of studies which have revealed an interactive relationship between gut microflora and TCM, involving the two important aspects: gut microflora‐dependent drug metabolism in TCM and gut microflora‐targeted modulation of physiological conditions, both of which highlight the significance of gut microflora involvement in the future TCM investigation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reprogramming Retinal Pigment Epithelium to Differentiate Toward Retinal Neurons with Sox2
Authors: Ma Wenxin , Yan Run-Tao , Li Xiumei , Wang Shu-Zhen
Published: February 2009

Guiding non-neural, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) to produce retinal neurons may offer a source of developing neurons for cell-replacement. Sox2 plays important roles in maintaining neural progenitor/stem cell properties and in converting fibroblasts into pluripotent stem cells. This study tests the possibility of using Sox2 to reprogram RPE to differentiate toward retinal neurons in vivo and in vitro. Expression of Sox2 in the chick retina was detected in progenitor cells, in cells at a discrete location in the layers of amacrine and ganglion cells, and in Műller glia. Overexpression of Sox2 in the developing eye resulted in hypopigmentation of the RPE. In the affected regions, expression of retinal ganglion cell markers became apparent in the RPE layer. In RPE cell culture, Sox2 promoted the expression of retinal ganglion and amacrine markers, and suppressed the expression of genes associated with RPE properties. Mechanistic investigation using the developing retina revealed a coexpression of Sox2 and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), a growth factor commonly used in stem cell culture and capable of inducing RPE-to-retina transdifferentiation (or reprogramming) during early development. Similar patterns of changes in Sox2 expression and in bFGF expression were observed in atrophic retina and in injured retina. In RPE cell culture, Sox2 and bFGF mutually enhanced one another's expression. Upregulation of bFGF expression by Sox2 also occurred in the retina. These results suggest that Sox2 can initiate a reprogramming of RPE cells to differentiate toward retinal neurons and may engage bFGF during the process.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Insights into Mesenchymal Stem Cell Aging: Involvement of Antioxidant Defense and Actin Cytoskeleton
Authors: Kasper Grit , Mao Lei , Geissler Sven , Draycheva Albena , Trippens Jessica , Kühnisch Jirko , Tschirschmann Miriam , Kaspar Katharina , Perka Carsten , Duda Georg N. , Klose Joachim
Published: February 2009

Progenitor cells such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have elicited great hopes for therapeutic augmentation of physiological regeneration processes, e.g., for bone fracture healing. However, regeneration potential decreases with age, which raises questions about the efficiency of autologous approaches in elderly patients. To elucidate the mechanisms and cellular consequences of aging, the functional and proteomic changes in MSCs derived from young and old Sprague–Dawley rats were studied concurrently. We demonstrate not only that MSC concentration in bone marrow declines with age but also that their function is altered, especially their migratory capacity and susceptibility toward senescence. High-resolution two-dimensional electrophoresis of the MSC proteome, under conditions of in vitro self-renewal as well as osteogenic stimulation, identified several age-dependent proteins, including members of the calponin protein family as well as galectin-3. Functional annotation clustering revealed that age-affected molecular functions are associated with cytoskeleton organization and antioxidant defense. These proteome screening results are supported by lower actin turnover and diminished antioxidant power in aged MSCs, respectively. Thus, we postulate two main reasons for the compromised cellular function of aged MSCs: (a) declined responsiveness to biological and mechanical signals due to a less dynamic actin cytoskeleton and (b) increased oxidative stress exposure favoring macromolecular damage and senescence. These results, along with the observed similar differentiation potentials, imply that MSC-based therapeutic approaches for the elderly should focus on attracting the cells to the site of injury and oxidative stress protection, rather than merely stimulating differentiation.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Possible relationship between the stress‐induced synaptic response and metaplasticity in the hippocampal CA1 field of freely moving rats
Authors: Hirata Riki , Matsumoto Machiko , Judo Chika , Yamaguchi Taku , Izumi Takeshi , Yoshioka Mitsuhiro , Togashi Hiroko
Published: February 2009

Hippocampal long‐term potentiation (LTP) is suppressed not only by stress paradigms but also by low frequency stimulation (LFS) prior to LTP‐inducing high frequency stimulation (HFS; tetanus), termed metaplasticity. These synaptic responses are dependent on N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors, leading to speculations about the possible relationship between metaplasticity and stress‐induced LTP impairment. However, the functional significance of metaplasticity has been unclear. The present study elucidated the electrophysiological and neurochemical profiles of metaplasticity in the hippocampal CA1 field, with a focus on the synaptic response induced by the emotional stress, contextual fear conditioning (CFC). The population spike amplitude in the CA1 field was decreased during exposure to CFC, and LTP induction was suppressed after CFC in conscious rats. The synaptic response induced by CFC was mimicked by LFS, i.e., LFS impaired the synaptic transmission and subsequent LTP. Plasma corticosterone levels were increased by both CFC and LFS. Extracellular levels of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), but not glutamate, in the hippocampus increased during exposure to CFC or LFS. Furthermore, electrical stimulation of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), which caused decreases in freezing behavior during exposure to CFC, counteracted the LTP impairment induced by LFS. These findings suggest that metaplasticity in the rat hippocampal CA1 field is related to the neural basis of stress experience‐dependent fear memory, and that hippocampal synaptic response associated stress‐related processes is under mPFC regulation. Synapse 63:549‐556, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tetranuclear and One‐dimensional Cobalt Complexes with 5‐tert‐Butyl Isophthalic Acid and Chelating Neutral Ligands
Authors: Du Zhong‐Xiang , Wang Li‐Ya , Hou Hong‐Wei
Published: February 2009

Two new CoII coordination polymers [Co4(tbip)4(bipy)4(H2O)4] (1) and [Co(tbip)(phen)(H2O)]·H2O (2) (H2tbip = 5‐tert‐butyl isophthalic acid, bipy = 2,2′‐bipyridine, phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline) have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compound 1 is a tbip‐bridged tetranuclear cobalt(II) complex, which is further linked by hydrogen bonds to form a supramolecular network. Compound 2 shows a tbip‐bridged linear chain structure, which is extended by hydrogen bonds to generate a double chain. Magnetic measurements show that there are weak ferromagnetic interactions between the adjacent CoII ions in 1.
Synthesis and Structure Determination of AgScP2Se6, AgErP2Se6 and AgTmP2Se6
Authors: Pfitzner Arno , Seidlmayer Stefan
Published: February 2009

AgScP2Se6, AgErP2Se6 and AgTmP2Se6 were obtained by high temperature reaction of stoichiometric amounts of the elements in evacuated silica ampoules. They crystallize in the space group P1c, Z = 2 with the lattice constants a = 6.463(1) Å,c = 13.349(1) Å (AgScP2Se6), a = 6.578(1) Å, c = 13.410(2) Å (AgErP2Se6), and a = 6.567(1) Å, c = 13.422(1) Å (AgTmP2Se6). The crystal structures of AgScP2Se6 and AgErP2Se6 were refined from merohedrally twinned crystals. No twinning was observed for AgTmP2Se6. The crystal structures are isotypic and can be described as a variant of the CdI2 structure type. Thus, selenium atoms are hexagonally close packed. The octahedral voids of every second layer are occupied by Ag, M3+ (M = Sc, Er, Tm), and P2 dumbbells in an ordered fashion. The crystal structures are isotypic to AgScP2S6 and AgInP2S6.
Lithium Therapy and Hyperparathyroidism: An Evidence‐Based Assessment
Authors: Saunders Brian D. , Saunders Erika F. H. , Gauger Paul G.
Published: February 2009

Background

Prolonged therapeutic exposure to lithium compounds can have adverse consequences on calcium homeostasis. A unique form of hyperparathyroidism appears to be causally linked to chronic lithium exposure. We provide a comprehensive review of relevant literature using a structured, evidence‐based approach.

Methods

Published data were identified from systematic electronic literature searches. References are assigned a level of evidence according to a validated classification schema.

Results

Level III and V evidence supports an etiologic link between sustained lithium therapy and both hypercalcemia and hyperparathormonemia (grade C recommendation). Level V evidence supports the use of preoperative parathyroid imaging if a focused exploration is planned (grade C recommendation). Level V evidence supports the use of intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring to guide appropriate surgical therapy (grade C recommendation). There is conflicting and equally weighted level V evidence supporting a routine preoperative plan of bilateral neck exploration versus selective unilateral exploration (no recommendation). There may be a role for calcimimetic drug therapy as an alternate, nonsurgical means of controlling lithium‐associated hyperparathyroidism (grade C recommendation).

Conclusions

Evidence‐based recommendations support screening of patients on chronic lithium therapy for hypercalcemia. Appropriate surgical therapy may consist of either a bilateral or a unilateral approach when performed by an experienced endocrine surgeon. Focused approaches should be guided by preoperative imaging and intraoperative hormone monitoring. Calcimimetic therapy is a potential alternative to parathyroidectomy.
The Search for a Politically Reflective Clinical‐Community Approach
Authors: Llorens Manuel
Published: February 2009

The following paper explores how working in Venezuela, a country that has gone through 20 years of economic and political problems, has highlighted the gap between clinical and community approaches in dealing with the sufferings of our consultants. Our efforts to develop theoretical and practical tools that can address the historical and political dimensions of people's lives are reviewed. These efforts illustrate how the community paradigm can help expand clinical perspectives, thus allowing a practise which can address the needs of people who have neither the time nor the economic means to engage in a traditional therapeutic relationship. The shift in perspective, the revision of our “therapeutic” stance and the use of de‐naturalisation and problematization are illustrated.
Ecotones in vegetation ecology: methodologies and definitions revisited
Authors: Hufkens Koen , Scheunders Paul , Ceulemans Reinhart
Published: February 2009

In this review paper, we highlight some of the trends and issues that have dominated ecotone research over the decade of 1996–2006. The terms and definitions of ecotone research in vegetation ecology are reviewed. We summarize the most important techniques and highlight the discrepancies between the definitions and their scientific application in vegetation ecology. We see a need for semantic uniformity with regard to the term and the definition of “the ecotone”, as the variable and the non‐exclusive use of terms and definitions can be a source of confusion when interpreting and comparing different studies. To avoid further confusion, a unique definition of the term “ecotone” should be agreed upon, based upon a set of general characteristics. We therefore adapted and extended the definition from Holland et al. (Ecotones: the role of landscape boundaries in the management and restoration of changing environments, 1991) to “A multi‐dimensional environmentally stochastic interaction zone between ecological systems with characteristics defined in space and time, and by the strength of the interaction”. We also advocate that (1) a shift in focus from one‐dimensional to two‐dimensional techniques in ecotone characterization is desirable and (2) more research into novel techniques, including multi‐dimensional data and time series, is needed in view of local and global ecotone changes.
Brief report: Performing on the stage, the field, or both? Australian adolescent extracurricular activity participation and self‐concept
Authors: Blomfield Corey J. , Barber Bonnie L.
Published: February 2009

The relationship between Australian adolescents' participation in extracurricular activities and their self‐concepts was investigated. A total of 1489 adolescents (56% female; mean age 13.8 years) completed measures of social self‐concept, academic self‐concept, and general self‐worth, and reported on their extracurricular activity participation. In general, participation in any type of extracurricular activity was associated with a higher social and academic self‐concept, and general self‐worth, compared to no participation. Adolescents who participated in both sports and non‐sports also reported a more positive social self‐concept and general self‐worth, compared to those who only participated in one of the activity types. This research provides support for extracurricular activities as a context facilitative of positive self‐concept, and demonstrates the importance of a mixed participation profile for an adolescent's self‐concept.
HPV genotyping from invasive cervical cancer in Chile
Authors: Roa Juan Carlos , Garcia Patricia , Gomez Jorge , Fernández Wanda , Gaete Fancy , Espinoza Arturo , Lepetic Alejandro , Suarez Eugenio
Published: February 2009

Objective

To determine the prevalence rates of the different HPV types in cervical cancer lesions in Chile to facilitate the development of prophylactic human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines effective for that country.

Method

Biopsy samples of 312 cervical cancer lesions were assessed for HPV type by reverse‐line blotting assay.

Results

HPV DNA was found in 94.2% of the lesions, 67.2% harboring 1 viral type and the remainder harboring more than 1 type. HPV‐16 was the most frequent type in single infections (50.5%), followed by HPV‐18 (7.8%), HPV‐31 (2.4%), and HPV‐45 (2.0%). HPV‐16 was also present in 98.7% of dual and multiple infections, its most frequent association being with HPV‐18.

Conclusions

HPV types 16, 18, 31, and 45, alone or combined with other types, were observed in the biopsy samples of up to 80.5% of cervical cancer lesions.
Uterine cavity shape and the best site for embryo transfer
Authors: Sun Yingpu , Fang Lanlan , Su Yingchun , Guo Yihong
Published: February 2009

Objective

To determine the best site for embryo placement in uterine cavities of varying shapes.

Method

In this prospective investigation, 638 embryo transfers were allocated to two groups: for group 1 (n = 558) embryos were transferred into uterine cavities of normal shape; for group 2 (n = 80) embryos were transferred into uterine cavities of abnormal shape. The uterine cavity was divided into 3 equal regions: upper, middle, and lower. Pregnancy outcomes for placements in each region were compared within and between the 2 groups.

Results

No significant differences were found in rates of pregnancy or implantation among the 3 regions in group 1. In contrast, the implantation rate in group 2 was highest when embryos were placed in the middle region of the uterine cavity: 28.8% compared with 6.8% and 8.3% for the upper and lower regions, respectively (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

For the normal uterine cavity, pregnancy outcomes do not depend on embryo placement. However, for uterine anomalies, embryo placement in the middle region of the uterine cavity gave the best outcome.
Analgesia and anesthesia for assisted reproductive technologies
Authors: Vlahos Nikos F. , Giannakikou Iosifina , Vlachos Athanasios , Vitoratos Nikolaos
Published: February 2009

Background

Oocyte retrieval for in vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most common minor surgical procedures.

Objectives

To give an update on anesthesia practices used currently in the United States and Europe in assisted reproductive technology, and discuss the safety or the potential risks for oocyte and embryo quality.

Search strategy

Electronic search of MEDLINE for literature published between 1972 and 2008.

Selection criteria

Relevant studies on the types of anesthesia used for oocyte retrieval and the impact on oocyte and embryo quality.

Data collection and analysis

Relevant studies were reviewed by the authors and the ones of significant scientific merit, based on methodology, were included.

Main results

Types of anesthesia that may be used for transvaginal follicular aspiration and oocyte retrieval include: general anesthesia, neuraxial anesthesia, conscious sedation, injection of local anesthetic agents into the cervix or the vaginal wall, or any combination of the above. Conscious sedation is most commonly used in IVF because it is relatively safe and does not require the presence of an anesthesiologist when opioids or benzodiazepines are used. Propofol is the preferred anesthetic agent, but should be used by specially trained personnel.

Conclusion

Conscious sedation is the most popular method of anesthesia used in IVF. Presently, a combination of propofol, fentanyl, and midazolam is used frequently. It is easy to administer in cooperative and motivated patients and is safe in healthy individuals; it has a relatively low risk for adverse effects on oocyte and embryo quality and pregnancy rates.
Corporate voluntary action: A valuable but incomplete solution to climate change and energy security challenges
Authors: Southworth Katie
Published: February 2009

In recent decades, regulators and policymakers have grappled with the emergence of two global phenomena: globalization of the world marketplace and global climate change caused by increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. While the scale of each is staggering, the interests behind them are by and large considered to lie on opposing fronts in the battle between economic development and environmental protection. Although corporations fueled by fossil fuel dependent industries are thought to be largely responsible for both the recent global expansion of the market and increased GHG emissions, they have been operating in the absence of uniform regulations and mandatory controls. This paper looks at voluntary corporate GHG emissions reporting and reduction measures as in the context of what some critics describe as a moral vacuum, and reaches the conclusion that voluntary measures are a useful, but insufficient, mechanism for addressing the related problems of climate change and energy security.
Fermentation products of inulin-type fructans reduce proliferation and induce apoptosis in human colon tumour cells of different stages of carcinogenesis
Authors: Munjal Umang , Glei Michael , Pool-Zobel Beatrice Louise , Scharlau Daniel
Published: February 2009

Epidemiological evidence suggests that the intake of prebiotic dietary fibres, for example, inulin, protects against colorectal cancer. However, little is known about cellular responses to complex fermentation samples. Therefore, we prepared a fermentation supernatant fraction of inulin and studied biological properties in human colon cell lines, LT97 and HT29 (representing early and late stages of colon cancer). Inulin enriched with oligofructose (Synergy 1) was incubated under anaerobic conditions with faecal inocula and the supernatant fraction was characterised for content of SCFA and secondary bile acid deoxycholic acid (DCA). A Synergy fermentation supernatant fraction (SFS) and a synthetic fermentation mixture (SFM) mimicking the SFS in SCFA and DCA content were used in the concentration range of 1·25–20 % (v/v) for 24–72 h. The effects on cell growth were determined by quantifying DNA. Effects on apoptosis were analysed by measuring poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage using Western blotting. Compared with the faecal blank, produced without the addition of inulin, the SFS resulted in an almost 2·5-fold increase of SCFA and 3·4-fold decrease of DCA. In comparison with HT29 cells, LT97 cells responded more sensitively to the growth-inhibitory activities. Additionally, a significant increase in PARP cleavage was observed in LT97 cells after incubation with the SFS, demonstrating induction of apoptosis. The present results indicate growth-inhibiting and apoptosis-inducing effects of fermentation supernatant fractions of inulin. Moreover, since early adenoma cells were found to be more sensitive, this may have important implications for chemoprevention when translated to the in vivo situation, because survival of early transformed cells could be reduced.
PATHS NOT TAKEN IN THE BRITISH REFORMATIONS
Authors: RYRIE ALEC
Published: February 2009

Traditional historiographies of the Reformation, seeing it as a unified, directed transition from Catholicism to Protestantism, seem increasingly untenable. This article looks in detail at three individuals from the British Reformation whose careers did not fit this pattern: a Scotsman, John Eldar, and two Englishmen, John Proctor and John Redman. Enthusiasts for Henry VIII's Reformation, they found themselves alarmed, but disempowered and compromised, in the face of Edward VI's more radical religious changes. Redman died in 1551, but Proctor and Eldar both celebrated Mary I's Catholic restoration, while not entirely forgetting their Henrician sympathies. The article argues that these men represent a distinctive religious strand in Reformation Britain. Such ‘latter-day Henricians’ valued Henry VIII's distinctive Reformation: anti-papal, anti-heretical, sacramental, Erasmian, and Biblicist. The vicissitudes of religious politics in both England and Scotland in the 1540s and 1550s left no space for such beliefs, although the article suggests that traces of Henricianism can be seen in Elizabeth I herself. It also argues that the impotence of the latter-day Henricians under Edward VI is a symptom of the paralysing weakness of all English religious conservatives in the reign, a predicament from which they were rescued only by Mary's restoration.
THE POLITICAL THOUGHT OF ROBERT PERSONS'S CONFERENCE IN CONTINENTAL CONTEXT
Authors: TUTINO STEFANIA
Published: February 2009

This article seeks to explain some political and theoretical layers of Robert Persons's Conference about the next succession (1595). By examining a Latin manuscript version of the text which appeared in Rome in 1596 and by analysing the context in which this Latin version was composed and the aims which it was intended to fulfil, this article elucidates the political and religious implications of Persons's text, not only in the context of English or British debates over the succession to Elizabeth, but also in a European-wide scenario. Such an approach, I argue, can allow historians of early modern England to gain a deeper and wider understanding of English Catholicism and of its relevance in European political and religious history.
THE ANTI-CORN LAW LEAGUE AND BRITISH ANTI-SLAVERY IN TRANSATLANTIC PERSPECTIVE, 1838–1846
Authors: MORGAN SIMON
Published: February 2009

This article reassesses relations between the free-trade and anti-slavery movements in the mid-nineteenth century. It places well-known controversies over the removal of preferential import duties on free-grown sugar into the context of a broader and more complex relationship, in which the Anti-Corn Law League borrowed many of the tactics pioneered by the abolitionists, while also attempting to assume anti-slavery's mantle of moral reform. In particular, the article situates the campaigns in a transatlantic context complicated by the domestic agendas of American anti-slavery groups and southern cotton growers, both of whom tried to take advantage of the British free-trade movement for their own ends. Finally, it is argued that the apparent success of the League in forcing the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846 not only contributed to the decline of anti-slavery as an effective extra-parliamentary movement, but also ensured that other moral reform campaigns such as the peace movement were forced to adopt the language and tactics of free-trade liberalism to survive, generating a lasting legacy that came to fruition with the emergence of the Gladstonian Liberal Party.
BRITISH PLANS FOR THE PARTITION OF PALESTINE, 1929–1938
Authors: SINANOGLOU PENNY
Published: February 2009

The 1937 Peel Commission proposal for the partition of British mandatory Palestine has generally been framed as the precursor to the United Nations partition plan of 1947. This article demonstrates the importance of tracing the roots of the 1937 Peel Commission plan back to conversations taking place in the Colonial Office and government of Palestine as early as 1929. A close analysis of dialogues over territorial division and of preliminary partition plans, particularly those drawn up by L. G. Archer Cust and D. G. Harris, leads to the conclusion that Britain's focus on the ideal of representative government played a primary role in the development of partition proposals. This article argues that inter-ethnic violence played a much smaller role in the development of partition proposals than has previously been thought. Instead, partition was proposed as a solution to the political implications of non-representative government in Palestine, a topic constantly in the spotlight thanks to the League of Nations.
PSYCHOLOGY AND REASONING IN THE ANGLO-GERMAN NAVAL AGREEMENT, 1935–1939
Authors: HOERBER THOMAS
Published: February 2009

This article will analyse the psychology and reasoning in the Anglo-German naval agreement and it will hence ask the following questions. First, how did preceding naval agreements influence the conclusion of the Anglo-German naval agreement. Secondly, what were the reasons for Germany to conclude it? Thirdly, what were the reasons for Britain to conclude it? Fourthly, how does it fit into the larger strategy of arms limitations? And, finally, what part did the Anglo-German naval agreement play in the overall strategy of Germany and Britain in the interwar years? In order to come to a conclusion about the reasons behind the agreement it is the thesis of this article that it is essential to include later changes and additions to the agreement. This part has been neglected in previous analyses. Particularly the reasons behind the termination shed light upon the motives for initially concluding the Anglo-German naval agreement. For the British side this article will argue that the Anglo-German naval agreements fit into this general policy line of trying to limit naval armament through international agreements and that they actually fitted into the overall British policy of bringing Germany back into the circle of European powers as an equal partner. For Hitler's Germany, it will be shown that the Anglo-German naval agreement was the abortive step toward an eternal alliance between the two Arian races.
Bio-Hegemony: The Political Economy of Agricultural Biotechnology in Argentina
Authors: NEWELL PETER
Published: February 2009

This paper examines relations between the state and capital in Argentina with respect to agricultural biotechnology. Argentina is one of the world's leading exporters of genetically modified (GM) crops and is a key player in the global politics of biotechnology. Whereas in other parts of the world, including other countries in Latin America, active civil societies and some governments have rejected the technology, Argentina has adopted it as a central accumulation strategy. The desirability of this strategy has been secured in material, institutional and discursive arenas of power, producing a particular expression of ‘bio-hegemony’. Looking at the role of business in the political economy of agricultural biotechnology is revealing both of the extent and forms of corporate power and contributes to an understanding of hegemony in practice.
Historical cohort studies and the early origins of disease hypothesis: making sense of the evidence
Authors: Wells Jonathan C. K.
Published: February 2009

The hypothesis that early-life growth patterns contribute to non-communicable diseases initially emerged from historical cohort studies, consistently associating low birth weight and infant weight gain with later disease risk. Cohort studies offer crucial life-course data on disease aetiology, but also suffer from important limitations, including the difficulty of adjusting for confounding factors and the challenge of interpreting data on early growth. Prospective randomised trials of infant diet appear to provide evidence in direct contradiction to cohort studies, associating faster early growth with disease risk. The present article attempts to resolve this contradiction on two grounds. First, insufficient attention has been directed to inconsistency of outcomes between cohort studies and prospective trials. Cohort studies can assess actual mortality, whereas prospective trials investigate proxies for disease risk. These proxies are often aspects of phenotype that reflect the ‘normalisation’ of metabolism in response to growth, and not all those displaying normalisation in adolescence and early adulthood may go on to develop disease. Second, a distinction is made between ‘metabolic capacity’, defined as organ development that occurs in early life, and ‘metabolic load’, which is imposed by subsequent growth. Disease risk is predicted to be greatest when there is extreme disparity between metabolic capacity and metabolic load. Whereas cohort studies link disease risk with poor metabolic capacity, prospective trials link it with increased metabolic load. Infancy is a developmental period in which nutrition can affect both metabolic capacity and metabolic load; this factor accounts for reported associations of both slow and fast infant growth with greater disease risk.
Food policy and dietary change
Authors: Levy L. B.
Published: February 2009

There are a range of government food policies at national and international level. Overall, their aims are diverse but all will have an impact on women and thus impact on the developmental origins of adult disease through their role as mothers of future generations. The present paper describes the approach of the Food Standards Agency to help consumers choose, cook and eat healthy safe food by influencing individuals, products and the food environment. Examples of activity at the national, local and international level are used to demonstrate this approach.
The Philosopher's Vocation: The Voegelinian Paradigm
Authors: Sandoz Ellis
Published: February 2009

The philosopher is first and foremost a human being whose humanity must be served by his academic profession if it is not to be irremediably pretentious, farcical, and corrupt. This is the Voegelinian paradigm. The present essay argues that anybody who is seriously interested in understanding Eric Voegelin as he understood himself is obliged to come to grips with the issues evoked by the perspectives this statement suggests. It is further argued that several general consequences follow: (a) underlining the loving tension toward divine Reality in open existence as central; (b) abandoning doctrinal fixation of separating faith and reason as supernatural and natural, respectively; (c) discarding as egophany the arrogant pretense of autonomous reason as its originator in self-sufficient human speculators; and (d) constantly remembering that devotion to the discipline and conventions of inquiry and of society must ever defer to devotion to the truth of existence.
Yves R. Simon: A Philosopher's Quest for Science and Prudence
Authors: Nicgorski Walter
Published: February 2009

This essay treats the inspiration and nature of Yves Simon's philosophical life. His embrace of that life was importantly shaped by his engagement with the republican tradition in France, his passionate opposition to the fascist threat to France, and his later attachment to the aspirations of American democracy. However, his early philosophical interests took direction and inspiration from his encounter with Jacques Maritain who drew him to Thomism. His devotion to the truth was fierce, and he confronted honestly the threats to this defining quality of philosophical life from the pressures of social conformity and from the discouragement of seeing the inadequacies and disagreements in the history of philosophy. He came, as especially evident in his most influential book, Philosophy of Democratic Government, to esteem highly the virtue of prudence, seeking to protect it from both philosophy and social science.
Vulnerability: Too Vague and Too Broad?
Authors: SCHROEDER DORIS , GEFENAS EUGENIJUS
Published: February 2009

Imagine you are walking down a city street. It is windy and raining. Amidst the bustle you see a young woman. She sits under a railway bridge, hardly protected from the rain and holds a woolen hat containing a small number of coins. You can see that she trembles from the cold. Or imagine seeing an old woman walking in the street at dusk, clutching her bag with one hand and a walking stick with the other. A group of male youths walk behind her without overtaking, drunk and in the mood for mischief. It doesn't need an academic to say what vulnerability is. We can all see it, much more often than we care to.
Gender and Vulnerable Populations in Benefit Sharing: An Exploration of Conceptual and Contextual Points
Authors: ALVAREZ-CASTILLO FATIMA , COOK LUCAS JULIE , CORDILLERA CASTILLO ROSA
Published: February 2009

Vulnerable populations have been defined as those who face a significant probability of incurring an identifiable harm while substantially lacking ability and/or means to protect themselves. Vulnerabilities within population groups can be differentiated by factors that determine the different probabilities of incurring identifiable harms (risks) people face and the means available to them to protect themselves (their protective capacity). Among these factors is gender.
Vulnerability: Sex Workers in Nairobi's Majengo Slum
Authors: ANDANDA PAMELA
Published: February 2009

Researchers from the Universities of Oxford, Nairobi, and Manitoba are collaborating on a project to develop an HIV vaccine based on the immunological protection mechanisms found in commercial sex workers from the Majengo slum in Nairobi. This group consists of educationally and economically disadvantaged women who resort to commercial sex work for a living. A clinic was established in the slum to study sexually transmitted diseases, which now includes HIV/AIDS. The clinic serves as a research facility for the collaborating researchers who have been using the women's blood, cervical, vaginal, and saliva samples for the ongoing studies. The clinic runs two HIV-integrated activities: HIV research and HIV care and treatment. For HIV negative participants, samples are collected and used for research and care after they give informed consent.
CQ Sources/Bibliography
Authors: Anton Bette
Published: February 2009

These CQ Sources were compiled by Bette Anton.