bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of reported tobacco-specific media exposure on adult attitudes towards proposed policies to limit the portrayal of smoking in movies
Authors: Blake Kelly D , Viswanath K , Blendon Robert J , Vallone Donna
Published: December 2009

Objective

To assess the relative, independent contribution of reported tobacco-specific media exposure (pro-tobacco advertising, anti-tobacco advertising, and news coverage of tobacco issues) to US adults' support for policy efforts that aim to regulate the portrayal of smoking in movies.

Methods

Using the American Legacy Foundation's 2003 American Smoking and Health Survey (ASHES-2), multivariable logistic regression was used to model the predicted probability that US adults support movie-specific tobacco control policies, by reported exposure to tobacco-specific media messages, controlling for smoking status, education, income, race/ethnicity, age, sex, knowledge of the negative effects of tobacco and state.

Results

Across most outcome variables under study, findings reveal that reported exposure to tobacco-specific media messages is associated with adult attitudes towards movie-specific policy measures. Most exposure to tobacco information in the media (with the exception of pro-tobacco advertising on the internet) contributes independently to the prediction of adult support for movie-specific policies. The direction of effect follows an expected pattern, with reported exposure to anti-tobacco advertising and news coverage of tobacco predicting supportive attitudes towards movie policies, and reported exposure to pro-tobacco advertising lessening support for some movie policies, though the medium of delivery makes a difference.

Conclusion

Media campaigns to prevent tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke have had value beyond the intended impact of single-issue campaigns; exposure to anti-tobacco campaigns and public dialogue about the dangers of tobacco seem also to be associated with shaping perceptions of the social world related to norms about tobacco, and ideas about regulating the portrayal of smoking in movies.
The role of taxation in tobacco control and its potential economic impact in China
Authors: Hu Teh-wei , Mao Zhengzhong , Shi Jian , Chen Wendong
Published: December 2009

Objectives

To identify key economic issues involved in raising the tobacco tax and to recommend possible options for tobacco tax reform in China.

Methods

Estimated price elasticities of the demand for cigarettes, prevalence data and epidemiology are used to estimate the impact of a tobacco tax increase on cigarette consumption, government tax revenue, lives saved, employment and revenue loss in the cigarette industry and tobacco farming.

Results

The recent Chinese tax adjustment, if passed along to the retail price, would reduce the number of smokers by 630 000 saving 210 000 lives, at a price elasticity of −0.15. A tax increase of 1 RMB (or US$0.13) per pack of cigarettes would increase the Chinese government's tax revenue by 129 billion RMB (US 17.2 billion), decrease consumption by 3.0 billion packs of cigarettes, reduce the number of smokers by 3.42 million and save 1.14 million lives.

Conclusion

The empirical economic analysis and tax simulation results clearly indicate that increasing the tobacco tax in China is the most cost-effective instrument for tobacco control.
J-PARC AND THE PROSPECTS OF HADRON PHYSICS
Authors: IMAI KEN'ICHI
Published: December 2009

The high intensity proton accelerator complex, J-PARC, is now near the completion at Tokai Japan. We describe the J-PARC project and report its present status and the coming experiments with an emphasis on the nuclear and hadronic physics.
Resveratrol, an activator of SIRT1, upregulates sarcoplasmic calcium ATPase and improves cardiac function in diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Sulaiman M. , Matta M. J. , Sunderesan N. R. , Gupta M. P. , Periasamy M. , Gupta M.
Published: December 2009

Reduced sarcoplasmic calcium ATPase (SERCA2a) expression has been shown to play a significant role in the cardiac dysfunction in diabetic cardiomyopathy. The mechanism of SERCA2a repression is, however, not known. This study was designed to examine the effect of resveratrol (RSV), a potent activator of SIRT1, on cardiac function and SERCA2a expression in chronic type 1 diabetes. Adult male mice were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) and fed with either a regular diet or a diet enriched with RSV. STZ administration produced progressive decline in cardiac function, associated with markedly reduced SERCA2a and SIRT1 protein levels and increased collagen deposition; RSV treatment to these mice had a tremendous beneficial effect both in terms of improving SERCA2a expression and on cardiac function. In cultured cardiomyocytes, RSV restored SERCA2 promoter activity, which was otherwise highly repressed in high-glucose media. Protective effects of RSV were found to be dependent on its ability to activate Silent information regulator (SIRT) 1. In cardiomyocytes, overexpression of SIRT1 was found sufficient to activate SERCA2 promoter in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, pretreatment of cardiomyocytes with SIRT1 antagonist, splitomycin, blocked these beneficial effects of RSV. In addition, SIRT1 knockout (+/−) mice were also found to be more sensitive to STZ-induced decline in SERCA2a mRNA. The data demonstrate that, in chronic diabetes, 1) the enzymatic activity of cardiac SIRT1 is reduced, which contributes to reduced expression of SERCA2a and 2) through activation of SIRT1, RSV enhances expression of SERCA2a and improves cardiac function.
Phospholemman and β-adrenergic stimulation in the heart
Authors: Wang JuFang , Gao Erhe , Song Jianliang , Zhang Xue-Qian , Li Jifen , Koch Walter J. , Tucker Amy L. , Philipson Kenneth D. , Chan Tung O. , Feldman Arthur M. , Cheung Joseph Y.
Published: December 2009

Phosphorylation at serine 68 of phospholemman (PLM) in response to β-adrenergic stimulation results in simultaneous inhibition of cardiac Na+/Ca2+exchanger NCX1 and relief of inhibition of Na+-K+-ATPase. The role of PLM in mediating β-adrenergic effects on in vivo cardiac function was investigated with congenic PLM-knockout (KO) mice. Echocardiography showed similar ejection fraction between wild-type (WT) and PLM-KO hearts. Cardiac catheterization demonstrated higher baseline contractility (+dP/d t) but similar relaxation (−dP/d t) in PLM-KO mice. In response to isoproterenol (Iso), maximal +dP/d t was similar but maximal −dP/d t was reduced in PLM-KO mice. Dose-response curves to Iso (0.5–25 ng) for WT and PLM-KO hearts were superimposable. Maximal +dP/d t was reached 1–2 min after Iso addition and declined with time in WT but not PLM-KO hearts. In isolated myocytes paced at 2 Hz. contraction and intracellular Ca2+concentration ([Ca2+]i) transient amplitudes and [Na+]ireached maximum 2–4 min after Iso addition, followed by decline in WT but not PLM-KO myocytes. Reducing pacing frequency to 0.5 Hz resulted in much smaller increases in [Na+]iand no decline in contraction and [Ca2+]itransient amplitudes with time in Iso-stimulated WT and PLM-KO myocytes. Although baseline Na+-K+-ATPase current was 41% higher in PLM-KO myocytes because of increased α1- but not α2-subunit activity, resting [Na+]iwas similar between quiescent WT and PLM-KO myocytes. Iso increased α1-subunit current ( Iα1) by 73% in WT but had no effect in PLM-KO myocytes. Iso did not affect α2-subunit current ( Iα2) in WT and PLM-KO myocytes. In both WT and NCX1-KO hearts, PLM coimmunoprecipitated with Na+-K+-ATPase α1- and α2-subunits, indicating that association of PLM with Na+-K+-ATPase did not require NCX1. We conclude that under stressful conditions in which [Na+]iwas high, β-adrenergic agonist-mediated phosphorylation of PLM resulted in time-dependent reduction in inotropy due to relief of inhibition of Na+-K+-ATPase.
Diabetic conditions promote binding of monocytes to vascular smooth muscle cells and their subsequent differentiation
Authors: Meng Li , Park Jehyun , Cai Qiangjun , Lanting Linda , Reddy Marpadga A. , Natarajan Rama
Published: December 2009

Diabetes is associated with significantly accelerated rates of atherosclerosis, key features of which include the presence of excessive macrophage-derived foam cells in the subendothelial space. We examined the hypothesis that enhanced monocyte-vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) interactions leading to subendothelial monocyte retention and differentiation to macrophages under diabetic conditions may be underlying mechanisms. Human aortic VSMCs (HVSMCs) treated with diabetic stimuli high glucose (HG) or S100B, a ligand of the receptor for advanced glycation end products, exhibited significantly increased binding of THP-1 monocytic cells. Diabetic stimuli increased the expression of the adhesive chemokine fractalkine (FKN) in HVSMCs. Pretreatment of HVSMCs with FKN or monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) neutralizing antibodies significantly inhibited monocyte-VSMC binding, whereas monocytes treated with FKN showed enhanced binding to VSMC. Mouse aortic VSMCs (MVSMCs) derived from type 2 diabetic db/ db mice exhibited significantly increased FKN levels and binding to mouse WEHI78/24 monocytic cells relative to nondiabetic control db/+ cells. The enhanced monocyte binding in db/ db cells was abolished by both FKN and MCP-1 antibodies. Endothelium-denuded aortas from db/ db mice and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice also exhibited enhanced FKN expression and monocyte binding, relative to respective controls. Coculture with HVSMCs increased CD36 expression in THP-1 cells, and this was significantly augmented by treatment of HVSMCs with S100B or HG. CD36 mRNA and protein levels were also significantly increased in WEHI78/24 cells after coincubation with db/ db MVSMCs relative to control MVSMCs. These results demonstrate that diabetic conditions may accelerate atherosclerosis by inducing key chemokines in the vasculature that promote VSMC-monocyte interactions, subendothelial monocyte retention, and differentiation.
Association of Scavenger Receptor Class B Type I Polymorphisms With Subclinical Atherosclerosis
Authors: Naj Adam C. , West Michael , Rich Stephen S. , Post Wendy , Kao W. H. Linda , Wasserman Bruce A. , Herrington David M. , Rodriguez Annabelle
Published: December 2009

Background—

Little is known about the association of scavenger receptor class B type I (
SCARB1
) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and subclinical atherosclerosis, particularly in subjects of different racial/ethnic backgrounds. We examined this relationship in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Methods and Results—

Forty-three
SCARB1
-tagging SNPs were genotyped. Baseline examinations included fasting lipids and subclinical atherosclerosis phenotypes (coronary artery calcification, common carotid intimal-medial artery thickness [CCIMT], and internal carotid intimal-medial artery thickness). Examining SNP associations with different subclinical atherosclerosis phenotypes across multiple racial/ethnic groups with adjustment for multiple covariates, we found that the C allele of SNP rs10846744 was associated with higher CCIMT in African American (
P
=0.03), Chinese (
P
=0.02), European American (
P
=0.05), and Hispanic participants (
P
=0.03) and was strongly associated in pooled analyses (
P
=0.0002). The results also showed that the association of this SNP with CCIMT was independent of lipids and other well-established cardiovascular risk factors. Stratifying by sex, there seemed to be a strong association of rs10846744 with CCIMT in women, but no genotype-sex interactions were observed.

Conclusions—

Variation in
SCARB1
at rs10846744 was significantly associated with CCIMT across racial/ethnic groups in Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.
Attitudes Toward Rural Landscape Change in England
Authors: Jung Jin Park  , Selman Paul
Published: December 2009

Rural landscapes in many parts of the world no longer exist solely for agricultural production and therefore face change to accommodate various socio-economic demands. Hence, there is a need to improve our understanding of public attitudes—in particular, their openness—toward such change. This article discusses predictors of openness to landscape change in rural areas based on the results of an online survey conducted to develop attitudinal measurement scales for landscape change and rural landscape in England. Landscape change in rural areas was not welcomed by the respondents mainly due to their high level of affirmative attitudes to rural landscapes. However, the study suggests that there is a possibility, especially among younger cohorts, that increasing levels of education will lead to greater openness to landscape change.
Individual and Group Racism and Problem Drinking Among African American Women
Authors: Kwate Naa Oyo A. , Meyer Ilan H. , Eniola Folake , Dennis Nicole
Published: December 2009

This study investigated whether perceived individual and group racism were associated with problematic drinking patterns among urban African American women. In this cross-sectional survey, 139 African American women aged 21 to 49 years who consumed alcohol at least once per month were recruited from and interviewed at varied community sites in Central Harlem, New York City. Drinking patterns were assessed with the CAGE, a commonly used four-item screening measure. Frequent heavy drinking was measured with a single item used in the Centers for Disease Control Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. The results showed that, controlling for household income and education level, individual racism was associated with drinking patterns suggestive of alcohol dependence but not frequent heavy drinking. Group racism was not associated with either outcome. The results replicate and extend findings in previous studies and contribute to building literature on the effects of racism on health-damaging behaviors.
Project MATCH
Authors: Swider Susan M. , Martin Molly , Lynas Carmen , Rothschild Steven
Published: December 2009

Purpose

Adequate training and support are critical for community health workers (promotoras de salud in Spanish) to work effectively. Current literature on promotora training is limited by a focus on promotoras’ knowledge and satisfaction immediately after training. The relevance of training to subsequent work performance and the need for ongoing training are rarely addressed. This article describes the training and evaluation components of a promotora intervention focused on diabetes self-management.

Training Methods

Project MATCH (the Mexican American Trial of Community Health Workers) is a clinical trial designed to test the effectiveness of an intensive, promotora-based intervention to improve disease self-management for Mexican Americans with diabetes. The MATCH investigators designed a multicomponent promotora training program that provided both initial and ongoing training. The investigators used multiple methods to determine promotoras’ knowledge levels, initial competency in intervention delivery, and changes in this competency over time.

Evaluation Methods and Results

The evaluation results show that although the initial training provided a solid knowledge and skills base for the promotoras, the ongoing training was critical in helping them deal with both intervention-related and personal challenges.

Conclusions

The experiences of the MATCH study suggest that in addition to strong initial training, promotora interventions benefit from ongoing training and evaluation to ensure success.
An Organizational Impression Management Perspective on the Formation of Corporate Reputations
Authors: Highhouse Scott , Brooks Margaret E. , Gregarus Gary
Published: December 2009

Researchers have only recently turned their attention to the study of corporate reputation.As is characteristic of many early areas of management inquiry, the field is decidedly multidisciplinary and disconnected. This article selectively reviews reputation research conducted mainly during the past decade. A framework is proposed that views reputation from the perspective of organizational impression management. Corporations are viewed as social actors, intent on enhancing their respectability and impressiveness in the eyes of constituents.
The First Anniversary: Stress, Well-Being, and Optimism in Older Widows
Authors: Minton Mary E. , Hertzog Melody , Barron Cecilia R. , French Jeffrey A. , Reiter-Palmon Roni
Published: December 2009

The first anniversary for older widows ( n = 47) has been explored during Months 11, 12, and 13. Concurrent correlations show that optimism inversely correlates with psychological (intrusion and avoidance) stress as measured with the Impact of Event Scale ( r = —.52 to —.66, p < .005) and positively correlates with well-being (physical: r = .36 to .46, p < .025; psychosocial: r = .58 to .72, p < .005; spiritual: r = .50 to .69, p < .005). Lagged correlation patterns suggest that higher levels of optimism at a given time are associated with higher life satisfaction and spiritual well-being at later times. Psychological stress is higher at Month 12 when compared to Month 13, t(43) = 2.54, p = .01, but not when compared to Month 11, t(43) = 1.49, p > .10. There are no significant differences in physiologic stress (salivary cortisol) or well-being during the first anniversary of spousal bereavement.
Guidelines for Selecting Alternatives to Overreliance on Paraprofessionals: Field-Testing in Inclusion-Oriented Schools
Authors: Giangreco Michael F. , Broer Stephen M. , Suter Jesse C.
Published: December 2009

This 5-year multisite mixed-methods evaluation study chronicles the field-testing of the planning process Guidelines for Selecting Alternatives to Overreliance on Paraprofessionals in 26 schools (Grades K—12) in six states. Evaluation of the utilization and outcomes of the guidelines process was based on data from 472 study participants. Findings highlight (a) reasons why schools decided to utilize the process; (b) self-assessment ratings, selected priorities, and actions pursued by the schools; (c) consumer feedback; and (d) the impact of the guidelines process in the schools. Primary areas of impact included changes in special educator caseloads and paraprofessional utilization, extension of inclusive opportunities, and improvement in classroom collaboration and practices. Implications for schools and future research are discussed.
Antimicrobial Properties of Light-activated Polyurethane Containing Indocyanine Green
Authors: Perni Stefano , Pratten Jonathan , Wilson Michael , Piccirillo Clara , Parkin Ivan P. , Prokopovich Polina
Published: December 2009

The aim of this study was to produce novel antimicrobial polymers containing the light-activated antimicrobial agent indocyanine green (ICG). The novel materials were prepared by swelling polyurethane in acetone containing water and ICG, followed by solvent evaporation. The uptake of ICG was dependent upon the ratio of acetone to water. Only at a ratio of 99 parts acetone to 1 part water was there any substantial colouration of the samples. When exposed to laser light from the near infrared spectrum (808 nm), polyurethane-containing ICG exhibited antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria; a 2 log10 reduction was achieved against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Staphylococcus epidermidis after 15 min exposure, corresponding to an energy dose of 31.83 J delivered at an energy density of 31.83 J/cm2. Under the same conditions, Gram-negative bacteria ( Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) appeared to be less susceptible, the viable count being reduced by 0.5 log10. Some of the physical properties of the resulting material were also investigated and it was found that the elasticity (Young’s modulus) was reduced by approximately 60%. Furthermore, when the ICG-containing polymer was stretched, the breaking point occurred when the elongation was 6.7 times the initial value, while ICG-free polyurethane samples did not break following a 7-fold elongation. The contact angles for water droplets revealed that the ICG-containing polymer was more hydrophobic than untreated polyurethane. The results of this study show that ICG can be embedded in polyurethane to produce materials which when irradiated with near-infrared light can exert a bactericidal effect particularly against MRSA and S. epidermidis. Such materials may be useful for preparing intravenous catheters, which are often colonized by such organisms.
Ectopic Bone Formation from Mandibular Osteoblasts Cultured in a Novel Human Serum-derived Albumin Scaffold
Authors: Gallego Lorena , Junquera Luis , Meana Álvaro , Álvarez-Viejo Mariá , Fresno Manuel
Published: December 2009

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ectopic bone formation using a novel serum-derived albumin scaffold and cultured human mandibular osteoblasts in nude mice. Osteoblasts were cultured with 10% human serum and plated in a novel spongy noncalcified protein scaffold prepared with plasmatic albumin crossed with a glutaraldehyde type agent. Hematoxylin-eosin staining revealed a bone-like extracellular matrix and in vitro mineralization was confirmed by von Kossa staining. Histological and immunohistochemical evaluation showed progression of mineralization in vivo. These results suggest the clinical feasibility of alveolar cells and albumin scaffold as a good alternative for bone regeneration.
The Response of Macrophages to a Cu-Al-Ni Shape Memory Alloy
Authors: Čolić Miodrag , Tomić Sergej , Rudolf Rebeka , Anžel Ivan , Lojen Gorazd
Published: December 2009

Cu—Al—Ni shape memory alloys (SMAs) have been investigated as materials for medical devices, but little is known about their biocompatibility. The aim of this work was to study the response of rat peritoneal macrophages (PMØ) to a Cu—Al—Ni SMA in vitro, by measuring the functional activity of mitochondria, necrosis, apoptosis, and production of proinflammatory cytokines. Rapidly solidified (RS) thin ribbons were used for the tests. The control alloy was a permanent mold casting of the same composition, but without the shape memory effect. Our results showed that the control alloy was severely cytotoxic, whereas RS ribbons induced neither necrosis nor apoptosis of PMØ. These findings correlated with the data that RS ribbons are significantly more resistant to corrosion compared to the control alloy, as judged by the lesser release of Cu and Ni in the conditioning medium. However, the ribbons generated intracellular reactive oxygen species and upregulated the production of IL-6 by PMØ. These effects were almost completely abolished by conditioning the RS ribbons for 5 weeks. In conclusion, RS significantly improves the corrosion stability and biocompatibility of Cu—Al—Ni SMA. The biocompatibility of this functional material could be additionally enhanced by conditioning the ribbons in cell culture medium.
Membership Claims and Requests: Conversation-Level Newcomer Socialization Strategies in Online Groups
Authors: Burke Moira , Kraut Robert , Joyce Elisabeth
Published: December 2009

Early socialization experiences have a long-term impact on newcomers’ satisfaction, performance, and intention to stay in a group. We know that newcomers proactively shape their own socialization, but we know little about the behavioral tactics they employ, or how the words they choose affect their acceptance by the group. The present article highlights three common conversational strategies of newcomers to online groups: (a) group-based membership claims, in which newcomers describe initial participation in the group; (b) identity-based membership claims, in which they describe their similarity to the group’s focal social category; and (c) information requests, in which they ask for help. Using machine learning to identify these conversational strategies automatically in 12,000 newcomers’ messages to approximately 100 online groups, we find that they are correlated with increased group responsiveness. We follow this analysis with two controlled field experiments to demonstrate that when individuals attest to previous group participation and make specific requests for information, community responsiveness increases, but claims of shared identity with the group have no impact.
Acute T-cell leukemias remain dependent on Notch signaling despite PTEN and INK4A/ARF loss
Authors: Medyouf Hind , Gao Xiuhua , Armstrong Florence , Gusscott Samuel , Liu Qing , Gedman Amanda Larson , Matherly Larry H. , Schultz Kirk R. , Pflumio Francoise , You Mingjian James , Weng Andrew P.
Published: December 2009

NOTCH1 is activated by mutation in more than 50% of human T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias (T-ALLs) and inhibition of Notch signaling causes cell-cycle/growth arrest, providing rationale for NOTCH1 as a therapeutic target. The tumor suppressor phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is also mutated or lost in up to 20% of cases. It was recently observed among human T-ALL cell lines that PTEN loss correlated with resistance to Notch inhibition, raising concern that patients with PTEN-negative disease may fail Notch inhibitor therapy. As these studies were limited to established cell lines, we addressed this issue using a genetically defined mouse retroviral transduction/bone marrow transplantation model and observed primary murine leukemias to remain dependent on NOTCH1 signaling despite Pten loss, with or without additional deletion of p16Ink4a/p19Arf. We also examined 13 primary human T-ALL samples obtained at diagnosis and found no correlation between PTEN status and resistance to Notch inhibition. Furthermore, we noted in the mouse model that Pten loss accelerated disease onset and produced multiclonal tumors, suggesting NOTCH1 activation and Pten loss may collaborate in leukemia induction. Thus, in contrast to previous findings with established cell lines, these results indicate PTEN loss does not relieve primary T-ALL cells of their “addiction” to Notch signaling.
Alterations in the antigen processing-presenting machinery of transformed plasma cells are associated with reduced recognition by CD8+ T cells and characterize the progression of MGUS to multiple myeloma
Authors: Racanelli Vito , Leone Patrizia , Frassanito Maria Antonia , Brunetti Claudia , Perosa Federico , Ferrone Soldano , Dammacco Franco
Published: December 2009

We hypothesized that progression of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) to multiple myeloma (MM) reflects the escape of transformed plasma cells from T-cell recognition because of impaired antigen processing-presenting machinery (APM). We studied plasma cells and CD8+ T cells from bone marrow of 20 MGUS patients, 20 MM patients, and 10 control patients. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry revealed significantly different patterns of APM component expression in plasma cells from the 3 groups. Compared with control patients, MM samples had lower expression of proteasome subunits and peptide transporters and greater expression of chaperones, considering both percentages of stained cells and molecular equivalents of soluble fluorochrome. MGUS samples had intermediate percentages of stained cells but molecular equivalents of soluble fluorochrome similar to control patients. Real-time polymerase chain reaction documented that APM changes occurred at the transcriptional level. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that MGUS CD8+ T cells lysed autologous transformed plasma cells more than MM CD8+ T cells did. MGUS progression correlated directly with calnexin, calreticulin, and tapasin and indirectly with δ, LMP2, and LMP10 expression levels; MM disease status did not correlate with APM levels. APM changes may allow transformed plasma cells to elude immunesurveillance in the MGUS-MM pathogenetic sequence.
Two routes to leukemic transformation after a JAK2 mutation–positive myeloproliferative neoplasm
Authors: Beer Philip A. , Delhommeau François , LeCouédic Jean-Pierre , Dawson Mark A. , Chen Edwin , Bareford David , Kušec Rajko , McMullin Mary Frances , Harrison Claire N. , Vannucchi Alessandro M. , Vainchenker William , Green Anthony R.
Published: December 2009

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) may follow a JAK2-positive myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), although the mechanisms of disease evolution, often involving loss of mutant JAK2, remain obscure. We studied 16 patients with JAK2-mutant (7 of 16) or JAK2 wild-type (9 of 16) AML after a JAK2-mutant MPN. Primary myelofibrosis or myelofibrotic transformation preceded all 7 JAK2-mutant but only 1 of 9 JAK2 wild-type AMLs (P = .001), implying that JAK2-mutant AML is preceded by mutation(s) that give rise to a “myelofibrosis” phenotype. Loss of the JAK2 mutation by mitotic recombination, gene conversion, or deletion was excluded in all wild-type AMLs. A search for additional mutations identified alterations of RUNX1, WT1, TP53, CBL, NRAS, and TET2, without significant differences between JAK2-mutant and wild-type leukemias. In 4 patients, mutations in TP53, CBL, or TET2 were present in JAK2 wild-type leukemic blasts but absent from the JAK2-mutant MPN. By contrast in a chronic-phase patient, clones harboring mutations in JAK2 or MPL represented the progeny of a shared TET2-mutant ancestral clone. These results indicate that different pathogenetic mechanisms underlie transformation to JAK2 wild-type and JAK2-mutant AML, show that TET2 mutations may be present in a clone distinct from that harboring a JAK2 mutation, and emphasize the clonal heterogeneity of the MPNs.
Proteomic identification of differentially expressed and phosphorylated proteins in epidermis involved in larval-pupal metamorphosis of Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Fu Qiang , Liu Peng-Cheng , Wang Jin-Xing , Song Qi-Sheng , Zhao Xiao-Fan
Published: December 2009

Background

Metamorphosis is an important process in the life cycle of holometabolous insects and is regulated by insect hormones. During metamorphosis, the epidermis goes through a significant transformation at the biochemical and molecular levels.

Results

To identify proteins and phosphoproteins involved in this process, we separated and compared epidermal protein profiles between feeding larvae and metamorphically committed larvae using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and Pro-Q Diamond Phosphoprotein Staining. Sixty-one spots showing differential expression and/or phosphorylation were analyzed by mass spectrometry and eighteen proteins were proved related to larval-pupal transformation. Eight of them were further examined at the mRNA level by Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and two of them were examined at the protein level by Western blot. Calponin was highly expressed in the metamorphic epidermis and phosphorylated by protein kinase C.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the expression and phosphorylation of these proteins may play important roles in coordinating the biochemical processes involved in larval-pupal metamorphosis.
Quantitative TaqMan® real-time PCR assays for gene expression normalisation in feline tissues
Authors: Kessler Yvonne , Helfer-Hungerbuehler A Katrin , Cattori Valentino , Meli Marina L , Zellweger Bigna , Ossent Pete , Riond Barbara , Reusch Claudia E , Lutz Hans , Hofmann-Lehmann Regina
Published: December 2009

Background

Gene expression analysis is an important tool in contemporary research, with real-time PCR as the method of choice for quantifying transcription levels. Co-analysis of suitable reference genes is crucial for accurate expression normalisation. Reference gene expression may vary, e.g., among species or tissues; thus, candidate genes must be tested prior to use in expression studies. The domestic cat is an important study subject in both medical research and veterinary medicine. The aim of the present study was to develop TaqMan®real-time PCR assays for eight potential reference genes and to test their applicability for feline samples, including blood, lymphoid, endocrine, and gastrointestinal tissues from healthy cats, and neoplastic tissues from FeLV-infected cats.

Results

RNA extraction from tissues was optimised for minimal genomic DNA (gDNA) contamination without use of a DNase treatment. Real-time PCR assays were established and optimised for v-abl Abelson murine leukaemia viral oncogene homolog (ABL), β-actin (ACTB), β-2-microglobulin (B2M), β-glucuronidase (GUSB), hydroxymethyl-bilane synthase (HMBS), hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT), ribosomal protein S7 (RPS7), and tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein, zeta polypeptide (YWHAZ). The presence of pseudogenes was confirmed for four of the eight investigated genes (ACTB, HPRT, RPS7, and YWHAZ). The assays were tested together with previously developed TaqMan®assays for feline glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and the universal 18S rRNA gene. Significant differences were found among the expression levels of the ten candidate reference genes, with a ~106-fold expression difference between the most abundant (18S rRNA) and the least abundant genes (ABL, GUSB, and HMBS). The expression stability determined by the geNorm and NormFinder programs differed significantly. Using the ANOVA-based NormFinder program, RPS7 was the most stable gene in the tissues studied, followed by ACTB and ABL; B2M, HPRT, and the 18S rRNA genes were the least stable ones.

Conclusion

The reference gene expression stability varied considerably among the feline tissues investigated. No tested gene was optimal for normalisation in all tissues. For the majority of the tissues, two to three reference genes were necessary for accurate normalisation. The present study yields essential information on the correct choice of feline reference genes depending on the tissues analysed.
Aurora-A overexpression enhances cell-aggregation of Ha-rastransformants through the MEK/ERK signaling pathway
Authors: Tseng Ya-Shih , Lee Jenq-Chang , Huang Chi-Ying F , Liu Hsiao-Sheng
Published: December 2009

Background

Overexpression of Aurora-A and mutant Ras (RasV12) together has been detected in human bladder cancer tissue. However, it is not clear whether this phenomenon is a general event or not. Although crosstalk between Aurora-A and Ras signaling pathways has been reported, the role of these two genes acting together in tumorigenesis remains unclear.

Methods

Real-time PCR and sequence analysis were utilized to identify Ha- and Ki-ras mutation (Gly -> Val). Immunohistochemistry staining was used to measure the level of Aurora-A expression in bladder and colon cancer specimens. To reveal the effect of overexpression of the above two genes on cellular responses, mouse NIH3T3 fibroblast derived cell lines over-expressing either RasV12and wild-type Aurora-A (designated WT) or RasV12 and kinase-inactivated Aurora-A (KD) were established. MTT and focus formation assays were conducted to measure proliferation rate and focus formation capability of the cells. Small interfering RNA, pharmacological inhibitors and dominant negative genes were used to dissect the signaling pathways involved.

Results

Overexpression of wild-type Aurora-A and mutation of RasV12 were detected in human bladder and colon cancer tissues. Wild-type Aurora-A induces focus formation and aggregation of the RasV12 transformants. Aurora-A activates Ral A and the phosphorylation of AKT as well as enhances the phosphorylation of MEK, ERK of WT cells. Finally, the Ras/MEK/ERK signaling pathway is responsible for Aurora-A induced aggregation of the RasV12 transformants.

Conclusion

Wild-type-Aurora-A enhances focus formation and aggregation of the RasV12 transformants and the latter occurs through modulating the Ras/MEK/ERK signaling pathway.
Clinical profile, outcomes and improvement in symptoms and productivity in rhinitic patients in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Saleem Taimur , Khalid Umair , Sherwani Ubaid Ur Rehman , Ghaffar Shehzad
Published: December 2009

Background

Rhinitis can cause a heavy toll on patients because of its bothersome effects on productivity. This retrospective study was conducted to explore the clinical profile, outcomes and improvement in the symptoms and productivity resulting from treatment of allergic rhinitis in Pakistan.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective file review of all allergic rhinitis patients who presented to the Ear, Nose, Throat Consulting Clinic from January, 2006 to June, 2008 using a structured proforma especially designed for this purpose. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS v. 16.0.

Results

The charts of 169 patients were reviewed. The mean age of the patients was 35.2 ± 9.1 years. Sixty percent patients were male. Ninety eight patients (58%) reported allergy symptoms to be present at both home and work. One hundred and two patients (60.4%) had symptoms severe enough to cause absence from work or academic activities. Up to seventy one percent patients were spending between 1000 - 3000 Pakistani Rupees (1 US$= 83.3 Pakistani rupees) on the treatment of allergic rhinitis per year. One hundred and fifty one patients (89.3%) reported an improvement in rhinitic symptoms and productivity while 18 patients (10.7%) didn't. This improvement was significantly associated with satisfaction with treatment (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Allergic rhinitis, a ubiquitous disease, was seen to cause a strain on patients in the form of recurrent treatment-related expenses as well as absenteeism from work or other daily activities. Symptoms and productivity improved significantly after treatment.
Building resilience: A preliminary exploration of women's perceptions of the use of acupuncture as an adjunct to In Vitro Fertilisation
Authors: de Lacey Sheryl , Smith Caroline A , Paterson Charlotte
Published: December 2009

Background

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is now an accepted and effective treatment for infertility, however IVF is acknowledged as contributing to, rather than lessening, the overall psychosocial effects of infertility. Psychological and counselling interventions have previously been widely recommended in parallel with infertility treatments but whilst in many jurisdictions counselling is recommended or mandatory, it may not be widely used. Acupuncture is increasingly used as an adjunct to IVF, in this preliminary study we sought to investigate the experience of infertile women who had used acupuncture to improve their fertility.

Methods

A sample of 20 women was drawn from a cohort of women who had attended for a minimum of four acupuncture sessions in the practices of two acupuncturists in South Australia. Eight women were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Six had sought acupuncture during IVF treatment and two had begun acupuncture to enhance their fertility and had later progressed to IVF. Descriptive content analysis was employed to analyse the data.

Results

Four major categories of perceptions about acupuncture in relation to reproductive health were identified: (a) Awareness of, and perceived benefits of acupuncture; (b) perceptions of the body and the impact of acupuncture upon it; (c) perceptions of stress and the impact of acupuncture on resilience; and (d) perceptions of the intersection of medical treatment and acupuncture.

Conclusion

This preliminary exploration, whilst confined to a small sample of women, confirms that acupuncture is indeed perceived by infertile women to have an impact to their health. All findings outlined here are reported cautiously because they are limited by the size of the sample. They suggest that further studies of acupuncture as an adjunct to IVF should systematically explore the issues of wellbeing, anxiety, personal and social resilience and women's identity in relation to sexuality and reproduction.
An analysis of farmers' perception of the new cooperative medical system in Liaoning Province, China
Authors: Pan Xilong , Zhang Ying , Xu Li , Huang Ju , Zhao Qianqian
Published: December 2009

Background

Since 2003, the number of pilot areas of the New Rural Cooperative Medical System (NRCMS) has increased in rural China. And the major efforts have been concentrated on the enrollment of prospective members. In this study, we examined the satisfaction of the rural residents with the NRCMS as well as factors affecting their attitudes towards the NRCMS.

Methods

The data for this study were collected from a survey involving twenty counties in Liaoning Province. Interviews and focus groups were conducted between 10th January and 20th August 2008. A total of 2,780 people aged 18-72 were randomly selected and interviewed. Data were evaluated by nonparametric tests and ordinal regression models.

Results

71.6% of the study subjects were satisfied with the NRCMS. Single factor analysis showed that attitudes towards the NRCMS were influenced by gender, age, marital status, and self-rated health status. In the ordinal regression analysis, gender, age, and self-rated health status affect satisfaction (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

We found that a considerable proportion of farmers were satisfied with the NRCMS. Gender, age, and self-rated health status had significant effects on farmers' attitudes towards the NRCMS. The Chinese Central Government attempted to adopt active measures in the future to continuously improve the NRCMS, including initiating educational programs, building new medical facilities and increasing financial investment.
Evaluation of the Palutop+4 malaria rapid diagnostic test in a non-endemic setting
Authors: van Dijk David PJ , Gillet Philippe , Vlieghe Erika , Cnops Lieselotte , van Esbroeck Marjan , Jacobs Jan
Published: December 2009

Background

Palutop+4 (All. Diag, Strasbourg, France), a four-band malaria rapid diagnostic test (malaria RDT) targeting the histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP-2), Plasmodium vivax- specific parasite lactate dehydrogenase (Pv-pLDH) and pan Plasmodium-specific pLDH (pan-pLDH) was evaluated in a non-endemic setting on stored whole blood samples from international travellers suspected of malaria.

Methods

Microscopy corrected by PCR was the reference method. Samples include those infected by Plasmodium falciparum (n = 323), Plasmodium vivax (n = 97), Plasmodium ovale (n = 73) and Plasmodium malariae (n = 25) and 95 malaria negative samples.

Results

The sensitivities for the diagnosis of P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae and P. ovale were 85.1%, 66.0%, 32.0% and 5.5%. Sensitivities increased at higher parasite densities and reached 90.0% for P. falciparum >100/μl and 83.8% for P. vivax > 500/μl. Fourteen P. falciparum samples reacted with the Pv-pLDH line, one P. vivax sample with the HRP-2 line, and respectively two and four P. ovale and P. malariae samples reacted with the HRP-2 line. Two negative samples gave a signal with the HRP-2 line. Faint and weak line intensities were observed for 129/289 (44.6%) HRP-2 lines in P. falciparum samples, for 50/64 (78.1%) Pv-pLDH lines in P. vivax samples and for 9/13 (69.2%) pan-pLDH lines in P. ovale and P. malariae samples combined. Inter-observer reliabilities for positive and negative readings were excellent for the HRP-2 and Pv-pLDH lines (overall agreement > 92.0% and kappa-values for each pair of readers ≥ 0.88), and good for the pan-pLDH line (85.5% overall agreement and kappa-values ≥ 0.74).

Conclusions

Palutop+4 performed moderately for the detection of P. falciparum and P. vivax, but sensitivities were lower than those of three-band malaria RDTs.
Imprint cytology of osteosarcoma of the jaw: a case report
Authors: Cabral Luiz Antonio Guimarães , Werkman Cristina , Brandão Adriana Aigotti Haberbeck , Almeida Janete Dias
Published: December 2009

Introduction

Osteosarcomas are highly malignant bone-forming neoplasms that account for about 20% of all sarcomas. In light of their aggressive behavior, early diagnosis is crucial for determining adequate treatment. Dental professionals may be the first to detect jaw osteosarcomas in their initial stages. The aim of this case report is to draw attention to the possibility of diagnosing this tumor based on clinical, radiographical and cytological characteristics before confirmation by histology.

Case presentation

A 24-year-old Afro-Brazilian man presented with swelling and pain on the left side of the mandible in the region of the third molar (tooth 38). Radiography showed a poorly delimited intraosseous lesion with radiolucent and radiopaque areas. The cytological aspects were consistent with the diagnosis of osteosarcoma, which was confirmed by biopsy.

Conclusion

Imprint cytology was found to be a reliable, rapid and easy complementary examination. An early diagnosis of osteosarcoma of the jaw is fundamental to the early determination of an adequate treatment.
Pamidronate therapy for hypercalcemia and congenital mesoblastic nephroma: a case report
Authors: Soheilipour Fahimeh , Ashrafi Amineh Mahmood , Hashemipour Mahin , Salahi Kojoor Ali Asghar , Davarpanah Jazi Amir Hosein
Published: December 2009

Hypercalcemia can causes life threatening complications. We report an infant with severe hypercalcemia due to congenital mesoblastic nephroma. Hypercalcemia was corrected before nephrectomy by pamidronate. According to our knowledge this is a rare case with severe neoplasm induced hypercalcemia among neonates who treated by bisphosphonates. The aim of this report is to define new approach to neoplasm induced neonatal hypercalcemia.
Induction of Thyroid Gene Expression and Radioiodine Uptake in Thyroid Cancer Cells by Targeting Major Signaling Pathways
Authors: Hou Peng , Bojdani Ermal , Xing Mingzhao
Published: December 2009

Context: Radioiodine ablation is commonly used to treat thyroid cancer, but a major challenge is often the loss of radioiodine avidity of the cancer caused by aberrant silencing of iodide-handling genes.

Objectives: This study was conducted to test the therapeutic potential of targeting the aberrantly activated MAPK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways and histone deacetylase to restore radioiodine avidity in thyroid cancer cells.

Experimental Design: We tested the effects of specific inhibitors targeting these pathways/molecules that had established clinical applicability, including the MAPK kinase inhibitor RDEA119, mTOR inhibitor temsirolimus, Akt inhibitor perifosine, and histone deacetylase inhibitor SAHA, individually or in combinations, on the expression of iodide-handling genes and radioiodide uptake in a large panel of thyroid cancer cell lines.

Results: The expression of a large number of iodide-handling genes could be restored, particularly the sodium/iodide symporter, TSH receptor, and thyroperoxidase, by treating cells with these inhibitors. The effect was particularly robust and synergistic when combinations of inhibitors containing SAHA were used. Robust expression of sodium/iodide symporter in the cell membrane, which plays the most important role in iodide uptake in thyroid cells, was confirmed by immunofluorescent microscopy. Radioiodide uptake by cells was correspondingly induced under these conditions. Thyroid gene expression and radioiodide uptake could both be further enhanced by TSH.

Conclusions: Targeting major signaling pathways could restore thyroid gene expression and radioiodide uptake in thyroid cancer cells. Further studies are warranted to test this therapeutic potential in restoring radioiodine avidity of thyroid cancer cells for effective ablation treatment.