bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Association Between Individual Time Preferences and Health Maintenance Habits
Authors: Bradford W. David
Published: August 2009

Context. Encouraging healthy behaviors, including disease screening, exercise, and tobacco avoidance, has been a significant focus of clinical attention in recent decades. Little is known about the association between individual preferences with respect to time play and preventive health care use and healthy lifestyles. Objective. To determine whether rates of these health behaviors are associated with latent time preferences. Design. Interval regression analysis was used to impute individual level discount rates. The difference in means for the rates of health behaviors were assessed for high vs. low to moderate discounting groups using one-factor probit models. Participants. The 2004 wave of the Health and Retirement Survey included in a time preferences module (1,039 respondents aged 24 to 65 years). Main Outcome Measures. Rates of recent mammograms, breast exams, Pap smears, prostate exams, cholesterol testing, flu shots, and dental visits, and non-smoking status. Results. Respondents in the upper 20th percentile of the distribution have an average imputed annual discount rate of 0.335 (33.5%). High discount rate status is found to have a negative marginal association on the probability that respondents had recent mammogram use (—15.1%; P = 0.001), Pap smear use (—8.3%; P = 0.049), prostate examination use (—20.4%; P =0.003), dental visits (—24.8%; P = 0.001), cholesterol testing (—12.4%; P = 0.001), flu shot usage (—11.1%; P = 0.005), rates of vigorous exercise (—15.1%; P = 0.001), nonsmoking status (—10.4%; P= 0.001), and undertook all measured health habits (—7%; P = 0.001). Conclusions. Differences in underlying preferences for the present over the future may be a substantial barrier for people’s propensity to adopt healthy lifestyles.
Increasing the Detection and Response to Adherence Problems with Cardiovascular Medication in Primary Care through Computerized Drug Management Systems: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tamblyn Robyn , Reidel Kristen , Huang Allen , Taylor Laurel , Winslade Nancy , Bartlett Gillian , Grad Roland , Jacques André , Dawes Martin , Larochelle Pierre , Pinsonneault Alain
Published: August 2009

Background. Adherence with antihypertensive and lipid-lowering therapy is poor, resulting in an almost 2-fold increase in hospitalization. Treatment side effects, cost, and complexity are common reasons for nonadherence, and physicians are often unaware of these potentially modifiable problems. Objective. To determine if a cardiovascular medication tracking and nonadherence alert system, incorporated into a computerized health record system, would increase drug profile review by primary care physicians, increase the likelihood of therapy change, and improve adherence with antihypertensive and lipid-lowering drugs. Methods. There were 2293 primary care patients prescribed lipid-lowering or antihypertensive drugs who were randomized to the adherence tracking and alert system or active medication list alone to determine if the intervention increased drug profile review, changes in cardiovascular drug treatment, and refill adherence in the first 6 months. An intention to treat analysis was conducted using generalized estimating equations to account for clustering within physician. Results. Overall, medication adherence was below 80% for 36.3% of patients using lipid-lowering drugs and 40.8% of patients using antihypertensives at the start of the trial. There was a significant increase in drug profile review in the intervention compared to the control group (44.5% v. 35.5%; P < 0.001), a nonsignificant increase in drug discontinuations due to side effects (2.3% v. 2.0%; P = 0.61), and a reduction in therapy increases (28.5% v. 29.1%; P = 0.86). There was no significant change in refill adherence after 6 months of follow-up. Conclusion. An adherence tracking and alert system increases drug review but not therapy changes or adherence in prevalent users of cardiovascular drug treatment. Targeting incident users where adverse treatment effects are more common and combining adherence tracking and alert tools with motivational interventions provided by multidisciplinary primary care teams may improve the effectiveness of the intervention.
Modeling Housing Appreciation Dynamics in Disadvantaged Neighborhoods
Authors: Galster George , Tatian Peter
Published: August 2009

There is long-standing interest in predicting if and when less advantaged urban neighborhoods will experience upsurges in their housing prices, yet little research has investigated year-to-year neighborhood price dynamics. The authors advance knowledge in this realm by employing anually updated, readily available indicators created from the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act and assessor’s data from Washington, D.C., census tracts for 1995 to 2005 to estimate a hazard model of the year when consistent, substantial, and sustained housing price appreciation starts in disadvantaged neighborhoods, based on predictors measured one and two years in advance. The results suggest that proximity to stronger neighborhoods, a robust metropolitan housing market, and inflows of higher-status home buyers are key predictors of appreciation onset in disadvantaged neighborhoods, but replications and refinements are needed before firm generalizations about this process can be made.
Estonia after 1991
Authors: Raun Toivo U.
Published: August 2009

The past two decades have witnessed a reassessment and broadening of conceptions of identity among both the ethnic Estonian and Russian populations in Estonia. In addition to a continuing focus on aspects of national distinctiveness, emphasizing their small numbers, language, culture, territorial homeland, and—as a new factor—the state, the Estonians have increasingly engaged with a wider range of identities (local, regional, and European). Among these, the regional level has been the most productive, enhancing Estonia’s already strong ties to Finland but also fostering closer connections to its other Nordic and Baltic neighbors. Although integration into NATO and integration into the European Union continue to receive strong approval, a European identity is still in the process of formation. For the Russian community, the fall of communism led to a full reevaluation of the bases of its identity. The major trend has seen a shift from a political consciousness (loyalty to the Soviet Union) to a greater emphasis on the Russian language and ethnicity. In spite of the general peacefulness of ethnic relations, any meaningful integration of the two major nationalities in Estonia remains incomplete, as graphically demonstrated in the Bronze Soldier affair in April 2007. Russians, especially younger ones, increasingly know the Estonian language, but views of history, especially regarding World War II, and attitudes toward Russia still differ markedly between the Estonian and Russian populations. The process of integration is further complicated by the neighboring and still powerful kin-state of the local Russian population.
“The Past Is Never Dead”
Authors: Jasiewicz Krzysztof
Published: August 2009

This article presents a summary of analyses addressing the changing patterns of voting behavior in post-communist Poland as a context for examination of the issue of the relationship between regions defined by history (eighteenth-century partitions, border shifts after WWII) and contemporary forms of voting behavior. In the 1990s, the dominant cleavage in Polish politics was the one between the post-Solidarity and post-communist camps, and the best predictor of voting behavior was one’s religiosity. In the first decade of the twenty-first century, this cleavage has been replaced by another, between the liberal, pro-European orientation and the more Euro-skeptic, populist attitudes. The empirical evidence seems to suggest that one end of the populist—liberal continuum is relatively well defined and represents the traditional system of values, which defines Polish national identity in terms of ethnic nationalism, strong attachment to Catholic dogmas, and denunciation of communism as a virtual negation of those values. The other end of this continuum is defined more by rejection of this nationalistic-Catholic “imagined community” than by any positive features. This article examines the relative role of identity-related factors (e.g., religiosity or region) and determinants based on one’s socioeconomic (class) position in shaping voting patterns in the 2007 elections to the Polish Sejm and Senate. The empirical data come from a postelection survey, the Polish General Election Study 2007.
Property Tax Exportation and Its Effects on Local Business Establishments: The Case of Massachusetts Municipalities
Authors: Wu Yonghong
Published: August 2009

This empirical study describes property tax exportation to business properties in Massachusetts and investigates its effects on the location of private establishments. The author uses panel econometric techniques on 351 incorporated municipalities from 2001 to 2006. The results suggest that the level and relative share of property tax levied on businesses have a negative impact on their establishments. The rise in the share of tax levy on businesses by 50 percentage points relative to their share of assessed value could result in 5 fewer business establishments and 60 fewer private goods-producing industry jobs. Preliminary analysis also indicates that such a tax-exporting policy may be desirable from a revenue perspective, but the substantial loss in business activity should be considered.
The Missing Dimension of Democracy
Authors: Vatter Adrian , Bernauer Julian
Published: August 2009

By compiling data on 12 politico-institutional variables for 25 member states of the European Union over the years 1997—2006, we were able to investigate the emerging patterns of democracy in the European Union. The study addresses the questions of how direct democracy can be incorporated into Lijphart’s (1999) typology of consensus and majoritarian democracy and how empirical democratic patterns are affected by this extension. For the western democracies, three dimensions of democracy were extracted using principal component analysis, with two resembling those found by Lijphart (1999) and a third one being shaped by the interplay between direct democracy and cabinet type. East European democracies tend to have a lower degree of interest group corporatism, weaker central banks, stronger judicial review and stronger direct democracy.
Visualizing English: a social semiotic history of a school subject
Authors: Bezemer Jeff , Kress Gunther
Published: August 2009

In this article, the authors provide an empirically based, social semiotic account of changes in textbook design between 1930 and the present day. They look at the multimodal design of textbooks rather than at image or any other mode in isolation. Their review of 23 textbooks for secondary education in English shows that profound changes have taken place not just in the use of image but equally in writing, typography and layout. Design is no longer exclusively organized by the principles of the organization of writing, but also, and increasingly so, by graphic, visual principles. They explore what these semiotic changes mean for the social organization of design and knowledge production, asking: What is `English', a subject that supposedly concerns itself with the modes of writing and speech? What has changed in the environment that is set up by the textbook makers for teachers and students to engage in?
Chaos or homogenization? The role of shop signs in transforming urban fabric in Beyoğlu, Istanbul
Authors: Ertep Hakan
Published: August 2009

Istiklal Street, more commonly known as `Beyoğlu', is one of the oldest and most prominent areas of the city of Istanbul. It is an area characterized by richness and profundity in terms of its history and cultural background. If asked, perhaps every resident of Istanbul would express fond memories of Beyoğlu in days gone by, particularly the older generation. Beyoğlu is also one of the most visited and attractive spots of Istanbul in terms of liveliness and nightlife, and can be compared to Piccadilly Circus in London, Times Square in New York, or Ginza in Tokyo. It has always been the business sector of Istanbul, rather than a residential area. Today, it is probably the most popular and exciting part of Istanbul with its shops, restaurants and bars as well as its museums and bookshops. Despite the visual disorder and chaos that such a centre of attraction tends to attract, one would expect Beyoğlu to reflect the area's richness and vibrancy in its outdoor signs and billboards. However, recent changes brought in by the local municipality seem to have dimmed and toned down the intrinsic character of this significant district. All shops and stores have been instructed to change their outdoor signs to wooden backgrounds with brass lettering — an attempt to bring back the old, nostalgic look of Istiklal Street in the 1950s and 1960s. However, with all the fascia-boards and signs now looking very much alike, has this standardization procedure actually served its purpose, or has it merely acted as an instrument of visual homogenization? The visual form of many city centres with their highly distinctive neon lights may seem to be rather disordered and chaotic but, on the other hand, does unification of visual identity act as an agent to subdue the very nature of urban fabric? This study is an attempt to investigate the role of outdoor shop signs and fascia-boards in relation to the visual and cultural identity of urban settings. It uses the Beyoğlu district as an example and examines views for and against this particular case.
Remote messaging: exploring graphic manifestations of human relationships to the terrain through site markers and cognitive mapping in Ladakh, India
Authors: Norwood Angela D.
Published: August 2009

This article explores the role of design in Ladakh, a remote region in northwestern India that was opened to tourism and trade only 35 years ago. The shift in the prevailing socio-economic structure is manifested within the region's forms of visual communication, spanning a continuum from photographic advertising to hand-painted wayfinding systems. One questions the cumulative effects these graphic artifacts have on local people's perception of the region and their identities integrated with it.

Workshops were conducted in which participants were introduced to the abstract visual language of maps then sketched their home villages. Content analysis of these externalized cognitive maps reveals a consistency of visual representation strategies across all participants. References to natural and man-made features reflect reverence for the land and an understanding of agrarian systems. Currently graphic design in Ladakh is in service to profit outside interests. The author seeks a role for design that values the local constituency as well.
Letters and cities: reading the urban environment with the help of perception theories
Authors: Silva Gouveia Anna Paula , Lena Farias Priscila , Souza Gatto Patrícia
Published: August 2009

When wandering around a city such as São Paulo, we are surrounded by letters, numbers and symbols. These elements form part of an environment full of signs in many shapes and sizes that compete for our attention. Our perception of these elements contributes towards our spatial guidance and sense of place. The idea of `reading' the city, or urban environment, was introduced by Kevin Lynch, for whom reading the urban structure follows on from recognizing or identifying its numerous visual elements, not necessarily verbal ones. Beginning with a brief bibliographic review of perception theories, this article combines concepts from environmental psychology with concerns brought up by the fields of information design and epigraphy studies, setting out the basis of a methodological proposal for the study of typography and lettering in the urban environment.
Feasibility Trial of Electroacupuncture for Aromatase Inhibitor—Related Arthralgia in Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Mao James J. , Bruner Deborah W. , Stricker Carrie , Farrar John T. , Xie Sharon X. , Bowman Marjorie A. , Pucci Donna , Xiaoyan Han  , DeMichele Angela
Published: August 2009

Background. Arthralgia affects postmenopausal women receiving aromatase inhibitors (AIs) for breast cancer. Given the existing evidence for electroacupuncture (EA) for treatment of osteoarthritis in the general population, this study aims to establish the feasibility of studying EA for treating AI-related arthralgia. Patients and Methods. Postmenopausal women with stage I-III breast cancer who reported AI-related arthral gia were enrolled in a single-arm feasibility trial. EA was provided twice a week for 2 weeks followed by 6 weekly treatments. The protocol was based on Chinese medicine diagnosis of “Bi” syndrome with electrostimulation of needles around the painful joint(s). Pain severity of the modified Brief Pain Inventory was used as the primary outcome. Joint stiffness, joint interference, and Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) were secondary outcomes. Paired t tests were used for analysis. Results. Twelve women were enrolled and all provided data for analysis. From baseline to the end of intervention, patients reported reduction in pain severity (from 5.3 to 1.9), stiffness (from 6.9 to 2.4), and joint symptom interference (from 4.7 to 0.8), all P < .001; 11/12 considered joint symptoms “very much better” based on the PGIC. Subjects also reported significant decrease in fatigue (from 4.4 to 1.9, P = .005) and anxiety (from 7.1 to 4.8, P = .01). No infection or development or worsening of lymphedema was observed. Conclusion. Preliminary data establish the feasibility of recruitment and acceptance as well as promising preliminary safety and effectiveness. A randomized controlled trial is warranted to establish the efficacy of EA for AI-related arthralgia in breast cancer survivors.
Potency of Andrographolide as an Antitumor Compound in BHC-Induced Liver Damage
Authors: Trivedi Neha P. , Rawal Upendra M. , Patel Beena P.
Published: August 2009

Relevance. The present investigation relates to the influence of andrographolide, an active compound of Andrographis paniculata Nees. It reverses an experimental liver carcinogenic condition of mice to normal and might be a potential therapeutic/preventive agent for human liver cancer. Objective. A. paniculata (Kalmegh) is extensively used in the Indian traditional system of medicine as a hepatoprotective and hepatostimulative agent and has been reported to have protective effect against different hepatotoxins. Materials and methods. Histomorphological, ultrastructural, and biochemical studies were performed for the effect of the andrographolide on control mice, mice treated with hexachlorocyclohexane (BHC) only and BHC + andrographolide. Enzymes for liver function tests were analyzed by spectrophotometric method. Results. The BHC experimental model forms an irreversible liver tumor in male mice. The histological and ultrastructural changes observed in andrographolide supplementation emphasize the recovery of the damaged liver. This recovery was also reflected in the neoplastic nodule formation. The activity of phosphorylase and glucose-6-phosphatase in the liver of the andrographolide-supplemented group suggests improved glycogenolysis in liver. Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, serum glutamate oxalate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase showed a significant decrease in andrographolide-supplemented animals as compared with BHC-treated animals, suggesting regenerative effects elicited by andrographolide. Conclusion. The study indicates that the regenerative capability elicited by andrographolide is possibly due to its ability to reactivate liver function enzymes that catalyze the reaction of several biochemical and synthetic processes and that it may be useful for severe liver damage conditions.
The Effects of Repeated Rehabilitation “Tune-Ups” on Functional Recovery After Focal Ischemia in Rats
Authors: Clarke Jared , Mala Hana , Windle Victoria , Chernenko Garry , Corbett Dale
Published: August 2009

Background. For most stroke survivors, rehabilitation therapy is the only treatment option available. The beneficial effects of early rehabilitation on neuroplasticity and functional recovery have been modeled in experimental stroke using a combination of enriched environment and rehabilitation. However, the impact of a secondary intervention, such as a periodic return to therapy, remains unclear. Objective. This study examines whether a return to enriched rehabilitation (ie, “tune-up”) can further promote functional recovery or produce beneficial changes in brain plasticity in the chronic phase of stroke recovery. Methods. Rats were exposed to focal ischemia (endothelin-1 applied to forelimb sensorimotor cortex and dorsolateral striatum) and allowed to recover either in standard housing or in a combination of enriched environment and rehabilitative reaching for 9 weeks. Animals were then exposed to rotating periods of standard housing (5 weeks) and intensive “tune-up” therapy consisting of various sensorimotor/cognitive activities (2 weeks). Functional recovery was assessed using the Montoya staircase, beam-traversing, and cylinder tests, and Golgi—Cox analysis was used to examine dendritic complexity in the contralesional forelimb motor cortex. Results. Although early enriched rehabilitation significantly improved sensorimotor function in both the beam and staircase tests, “tune-up” therapy had no effect on recovery. Golgi—Cox analysis revealed no effect of treatment on dendritic complexity. Conclusions. This study reaffirms the benefits of early rehabilitation for functional recovery after stroke. However, “tune-up” therapy provided no benefit in ischemic animals regardless of earlier rehabilitation experience. It is possible that alternative approaches in the chronic phase may prove more effective.
Naming, shaming and criminal justice: Mass-mediated humiliation as entertainment and punishment
Authors: Kohm Steven A.
Published: August 2009

Shame has long been a dubious tool of criminal justice and has been carried on by state authorities in a variety of ways through the ages. However, since the latter part of the 20th century, humiliation has become amplified through the mass media in the name of crime control and entertainment. This article situates mass-mediated humiliation within broader trends in criminal justice and popular culture. While the enactment of humiliation via popular culture works powerfully within prevailing cultural beliefs about crime and criminality, there also exists a subversive possibility that threatens to disrupt the forces that attempt to invoke shame for purposes of profit or social control. The popular American tabloid news magazine, Dateline NBC: To Catch a Predator, is used as an example to highlight the ambiguous cultural place of shame.
Altered innate immune response in farmers and smokers
Authors: Sahlander Karin , Larsson Kjell , Palmberg Lena
Published: August 2009

Pig farmers and cigarette smokers are continuously exposed to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) have an increased prevalence of respiratory disorders, such as chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary decease (COPD). We hypothesized that markers of innate immunity, T-helper (Th) cell cytokine profile and acute responses to pro-inflammatory stimuli differ between smokers and farmers, who are exposed to organic material on a daily basis and healthy non-exposed subjects. Eleven non-smoking pig farmers, 12 non-farming smokers and 12 controls underwent bronchial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge and exposure in a pig barn during 3 h on separate days. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), TLR4 and CD14 on blood monocytes and neutrophils and intracellular cytokine profile of Th cells were assessed before and 7 h after exposures. The same outcomes were analysed on peripheral blood and purified neutrophils from farmers and controls after stimulation ex vivo with dust from a pig barn and LPS. Circulating neutrophils and IL-13 and IL-4 producing Th cells were increased in smokers and farmers and TLR2 expression on blood monocytes was decreased in farmers compared with controls and smokers. After in vivo exposure, altered TLR expression was only observed in controls and the ex vivo stimulations showed an attenuated response in farmers compared to the control group. The inflammatory systemic response to pro-inflammatory stimuli is altered in farmers and smokers probably because of adaptive mechanisms arising from chronic exposure to organic material. This increased proportion of Th2 cells and reduced TLR2 expression may have health-related implications and may be related to the increased prevalence of respiratory disorders observed in these groups.
Review: A review of the use of zonisamide in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Bermejo Pedro Emilio , Anciones Buenaventura
Published: August 2009

Although zonisamide was previously only used to treat epilepsy, recently more applications have been forthcoming. Due to a good side effect profile, a lower frequency of interactions and a more comfortable posology, there are several studies regarding its uses in other pathologies such as migraine, neuropathic pain, essential tremor and various psychiatric diseases. A multicentered, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted in Japan suggested that zonisamide, as an add-on treatment, has efficacy in treating motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease. In addition, other studies support the utility of zonisamide in other symptoms of this disease. The therapeutic doses of zonisamide for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease are considerably lower than those for the treatment of epilepsy. This antiepileptic drug has been used in Japan for more than 15 years and so it is expected that it will be safe and well tolerated in patients with Parkinson’s disease. However, the pharmacological mechanisms of the antiparkinsonian actions of zonisamide remain unclear and more basic investigation is warranted. The aim of this paper is to review the structure, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics and antiparkinsonian action of zonisamide.
Cardiovascular Risk in Preschool Children
Authors: Yin Larry , Wills Hope , Clarke Noreen , Shacks Janice , Bottrell Christine , Poulsen Marie K.
Published: August 2009

The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk in a primarily Latino/ Hispanic preschool population of low socioeconomic status. Preschool health screenings were conducted as part of a publicly funded demonstration project designed to provide consultation, education, services, and support to children living in underserved communities. Cross-sectional analysis was restricted to 2- to 5-year-olds with recorded values for age, gender, ethnicity, height, weight, triceps skinfold, resting heart rate, and blood pressure, resulting in 608 subjects. Most of the study population was of Latino/Hispanic descent. The prevalence of overweight and obesity rivaled adult data, with almost 50% of preschoolers aged 2 to 5 years being overweight or obese. Prevalence of overweight/obesity did not vary by age or gender. The Latino/Hispanic population had a significantly greater prevalence of overweight and obesity (P = .003, P = .02), but severe obesity (body mass index ≥ 99th percentile) did not vary by ethnicity. Obesity and severe obesity were independent risk factors for systolic blood pressure in the hypertensive range (relative risk [RR] = 2.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.73-3.45, P < .0001; RR = 2.53, 95% CI = 1.46-4.38; P = .001, respectively). The risk of cardiovascular disease is high in the preschool population studied, especially in the severely obese. Adverse risk was identified in obese children as early as 2 years old. Economically disadvantaged children, particularly of Latino/ Hispanic descent, may be at higher risk. This is an important consideration given population projections by 2050. These findings support the need for earlier intervention as the preschool years may be a more feasible and effective period for intervention.
Parent Perceptions of Children's Weight Status, Nutrition, and Activity Levels
Authors: Chiang Evelyn S. , Molin Ashley J. , Byrd Sandra P. , Crawford Yashica J.
Published: August 2009

Although national statistics indicate about a third of children aged 6 to 11 years are overweight or obese, previous studies have revealed that parents often fail to accurately perceive a child's problematic weight status. In this study, data were collected on 407 parent-child dyads to determine the accuracy of parent perceptions of child weight status across the upper elementary school years. Parents also reported on their perceptions of the healthfulness of the child's daily diet and the amount of physical activity engaged in by the child. Findings indicated that parents underestimate the child's weight status while overwhelmingly perceiving that the child is physically active and consuming a healthy diet. Specifically, 76% of parents of overweight children viewed the child as healthy weight rather than overweight, and about 90% of parents of obese children viewed the child as healthy weight or only slightly overweight. Accordingly, it is proposed that parents may need more information on recognizing healthy and unhealthy weight statuses and, when children are identified as overweight or obese, encouraged to promote greater physical activity and a healthier diet in children.
Cow's Milk Allergy in a Preterm Infant A Case Presentation
Authors: Becker Patricia J.
Published: August 2009

For the infant born prematurely, it is the immaturity of organ systems, such as the pulmonary system, the immune system, and gastrointestinal tract, that is most problematic. Apnea of prematurity, respiratory distress syndrome, uncoordinated suck, swallow, breathe sequence, immature protection of the airway during feeding, and an immature gut are the sequelae that must be overcome to support extrauterine growth. In some infants, as is the case in the patient presented here, other issues influenced by familial trait can also occur, making supporting growth even more of a challenge. In this case, an infant born at 31 weeks gestational age, with a history of several first-degree relatives with cow's milk allergy (CMA), is presented. CMA, respiratory distress with oral feeds, and dysphagia diagnosed by modified barium swallow study are discussed here. Eliminating food allergens from the maternal diet, the use of an amino acid—based infant formula for fortification of human milk to support growth goals, and the modification of thin liquid consistency of human milk to prevent aspiration were required in the treatment of the patient.
Legislative Brief
Authors: Yu Suzanne
Published: August 2009

Eating disorders are a widespread problem that is often overlooked. Almost 11 million suffer from anorexia or bulimia, and approximately 25 million more suffer from binge-eating disorder. Eating disorders are a complex and devastating condition that have serious consequences to a person's health, productivity, and relationships. If left untreated, an eating disorder can lead to death. The US government has done very little to help individuals suffering from eating disorders. Before 2008, the only federal eating disorder bill that has ever passed into law was a congressional resolution in the Senate in 1989 designating a National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. H.R. 26, The Eating Disorders Awareness, Prevention, and Education Act of 2009, was reintroduced for the sixth time in the 2009-2010 congressional session by Representative Judy Biggert on February 6, 2009. This legislative brief details the history of eating disorders, the purpose and history of the bill, and the potential impact that this bill will have on maternal and child health.
EvoRSR: an integrated system for exploring evolution of RNA structural robustness
Authors: Shu Wenjie , Ni Ming , Bo Xiaochen , Zheng Zhiqiang , Wang Shengqi
Published: August 2009

Background

Robustness, maintaining a constant phenotype despite perturbations, is a fundamental property of biological systems that is incorporated at various levels of biological complexity. Although robustness has been frequently observed in nature, its evolutionary origin remains unknown. Current hypotheses suggest that robustness originated as a direct consequence of natural selection, as an intrinsic property of adaptations, or as a congruent correlate of environment robustness. To elucidate the evolutionary origins of robustness, a convenient computational package is strongly needed.

Results

In this study, we developed the open-source integrated system EvoRSR (Evolution of RNA Structural Robustness) to explore the evolution of robustness based on biologically important landscapes induced by RNA folding. EvoRSR is object-oriented, modular, and freely available at http://biotech.bmi.ac.cn/EvoRSR under the GNU/GPL license. We present an overview of EvoRSR package and illustrate its features with the miRNA gene cel-mir-357.

Conclusion

EvoRSR is a novel and flexible package for exploring the evolution of robustness. Accordingly, EvoRSR can be used for future studies to investigate the evolution and origin of robustness and to address other common questions about robustness. While the current EvoRSR environment is a versatile analysis framework, future versions can include features to enhance evolutionary studies of robustness.
Integrating microarray analysis and the soybean genome to understand the soybeans iron deficiency response
Authors: O'Rourke Jamie A , Nelson Rex T , Grant David , Schmutz Jeremy , Grimwood Jane , Cannon Steven , Vance Carroll P , Graham Michelle A , Shoemaker Randy C
Published: August 2009

Background

Soybeans grown in the upper Midwestern United States often suffer from iron deficiency chlorosis, which results in yield loss at the end of the season. To better understand the effect of iron availability on soybean yield, we identified genes in two near isogenic lines with changes in expression patterns when plants were grown in iron sufficient and iron deficient conditions.

Results

Transcriptional profiles of soybean (Glycine max, L. Merr) near isogenic lines Clark (PI548553, iron efficient) and IsoClark (PI547430, iron inefficient) grown under Fe-sufficient and Fe-limited conditions were analyzed and compared using the Affymetrix® GeneChip® Soybean Genome Array. There were 835 candidate genes in the Clark (PI548553) genotype and 200 candidate genes in the IsoClark (PI547430) genotype putatively involved in soybean's iron stress response. Of these candidate genes, fifty-eight genes in the Clark genotype were identified with a genetic location within known iron efficiency QTL and 21 in the IsoClark genotype. The arrays also identified 170 single feature polymorphisms (SFPs) specific to either Clark or IsoClark. A sliding window analysis of the microarray data and the 7X genome assembly coupled with an iterative model of the data showed the candidate genes are clustered in the genome. An analysis of 5' untranslated regions in the promoter of candidate genes identified 11 conserved motifs in 248 differentially expressed genes, all from the Clark genotype, representing 129 clusters identified earlier, confirming the cluster analysis results.

Conclusion

These analyses have identified the first genes with expression patterns that are affected by iron stress and are located within QTL specific to iron deficiency stress. The genetic location and promoter motif analysis results support the hypothesis that the differentially expressed genes are co-regulated. The combined results of all analyses lead us to postulate iron inefficiency in soybean is a result of a mutation in a transcription factor(s), which controls the expression of genes required in inducing an iron stress response.
The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 5, 6-dichloro-1-beta-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole induces nongenotoxic, DNA replication-independent apoptosis of normal and leukemic cells, regardless of their p53 status
Authors: Turinetto Valentina , Porcedda Paola , Orlando Luca , De Marchi Mario , Amoroso Antonio , Giachino Claudia
Published: August 2009

Background

Current chemotherapy of human cancers focuses on the DNA damage pathway to induce a p53-mediated cellular response leading to either G1 arrest or apoptosis. However, genotoxic treatments may induce mutations and translocations that result in secondary malignancies or recurrent disease. In addition, about 50% of human cancers are associated with mutations in the p53 gene. Nongenotoxic activation of apoptosis by targeting specific molecular pathways thus provides an attractive therapeutic approach.

Methods

Normal and leukemic cells were evaluated for their sensitivity to 5, 6-dichloro-1-beta-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole (DRB) through cell viability and caspase activation tests. The apoptotic pathway induced by DRB was analysed by immunfluorescence and immunoblot analysis. H2AX phosphorylation and cell cycle analysis were performed to study the dependance of apoptosis on DNA damage and DNA replication, respectively. To investigate the role of p53 in DRB-induced apoptosis, specific p53 inhibitors were used. Statistical analysis on cell survival was performed with the test of independence.

Results

Here we report that DRB, an inhibitor of the transcriptional cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) 7 and 9, triggers DNA replication-independent apoptosis in normal and leukemic human cells regardless of their p53 status and without inducing DNA damage. Our data indicate that (i) in p53-competent cells, apoptosis induced by DRB relies on a cytosolic accumulation of p53 and subsequent Bax activation, (ii) in the absence of p53, it may rely on p73, and (iii) it is independent of ATM and NBS1 proteins. Notably, even apoptosis-resistant leukemic cells such as Raji were sensitive to DRB.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that DRB represents a potentially useful cancer chemotherapeutic strategy that employs both the p53-dependent and -independent apoptotic pathways without inducing genotoxic stress, thereby decreasing the risk of secondary malignancies.
Yeast artificial chromosomes employed for random assembly of biosynthetic pathways and production of diverse compounds in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Naesby Michael , Nielsen Søren VS , Nielsen Curt AF , Green Trine , Tange Thomas Ø , Simón Ernesto , Knechtle Philipp , Hansson Anders , Schwab Markus S , Titiz Olca , Folly Christophe , Archila Roberto E , Maver Milena , van Sint Fiet Stephan , Boussemghoune Thiamo , Janes Michael , Kumar A S Sathish , Sonkar Shailendra P , Mitra Partha P , Benjamin V Ajai Kumar , Korrapati Nimitha , Suman Inala , Hansen Esben H , Thybo Tanja , Goldsmith Neil , Sorensen Alexandra Santana
Published: August 2009

Background

Natural products are an important source of drugs and other commercially interesting compounds, however their isolation and production is often difficult. Metabolic engineering, mainly in bacteria and yeast, has sought to circumvent some of the associated problems but also this approach is impeded by technical limitations. Here we describe a novel strategy for production of diverse natural products, comprising the expression of an unprecedented large number of biosynthetic genes in a heterologous host.

Results

As an example, genes from different sources, representing enzymes of a seven step flavonoid pathway, were individually cloned into yeast expression cassettes, which were then randomly combined on Yeast Artificial Chromosomes and used, in a single transformation of yeast, to create a variety of flavonoid producing pathways. Randomly picked clones were analysed, and approximately half of them showed production of the flavanone naringenin, and a third of them produced the flavonol kaempferol in various amounts. This reflected the assembly of 5–7 step multi-species pathways converting the yeast metabolites phenylalanine and/or tyrosine into flavonoids, normally only produced by plants. Other flavonoids were also produced that were either direct intermediates or derivatives thereof. Feeding natural and unnatural, halogenated precursors to these recombinant clones demonstrated the potential to further diversify the type of molecules that can be produced with this technology.

Conclusion

The technology has many potential uses but is particularly suited for generating high numbers of structurally diverse compounds, some of which may not be amenable to chemical synthesis, thus greatly facilitating access to a huge chemical space in the search for new commercially interesting compounds
Intrinsic expression of host genes and intronic miRNAs in prostate carcinoma cells
Authors: Sikand Kavleen , Slane Stephen D , Shukla Girish C
Published: August 2009

Background

Recent data show aberrant and altered expression of regulatory noncoding micro (mi) RNAs in prostate cancer (PCa). A large number of miRNAs are encoded in organized intronic clusters within many protein coding genes. While expression profiling studies of miRNAs are common place, little is known about the host gene and their resident miRNAs coordinated expression in PCa cells. Furthermore, whether expression of a subset of miRNAs is distinct in androgen-responsive and androgen-independent cells is not clear. Here we have examined the expression of mature miRNAs of miR 17–92, miR 106b-25 and miR 23b-24 clusters along with their host genes C13orf25, MCM7 and AMPO respectively in PCa cell lines.

Results

The expression profiling of miRNAs and host genes was performed in androgen-sensitive MDA PCa 2b and LNCaP as well as in androgen-refractory PC-3 and DU 145 cell culture models of PCa. No significant correlation between the miRNA expression and the intrinsic hormone-responsive property of PCa cells was observed. Androgen-sensitive MDA PCa 2b cells exhibited the highest level of expression of most miRNAs studied in this report. We found significant expression variations between host genes and their resident miRNAs. The expressions of C13orf25 and miR 17–92 cluster as well as MCM7 and miR 106b-25 cluster did not reveal statistically significant correlation, thus suggesting that host genes and resident miRNAs may be expressed independent of each other.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that miRNA expression profiles may not predict intrinsic hormone-sensitive environment of PCa cells. More importantly, our data indicate the possibility of additional novel mechanisms for intronic miRNA processing in PCa cells.
Tumor biology and cancer therapy – an evolving relationship
Authors: Seufferlein Thomas , Ahn Johann , Krndija Denis , Lother Ulrike , Adler Guido , von Wichert Götz
Published: August 2009

The aim of palliative chemotherapy is to increase survival whilst maintaining maximum quality of life for the individual concerned. Although we are still continuing to explore the optimum use of traditional chemotherapy agents, the introduction of targeted therapies has significantly broadened the therapeutic options. Interestingly, the results from current trials put the underlying biological concept often into a new, less favorable perspective. Recent data suggested that altered pathways underlie cancer, and not just altered genes. Thus, an effective therapeutic agent will sometimes have to target downstream parts of a signaling pathway or physiological effects rather than individual genes. In addition, over the past few years increasing evidence has suggested that solid tumors represent a very heterogeneous group of cells with different susceptibility to cancer therapy. Thus, since therapeutic concepts and pathophysiological understanding are continuously evolving a combination of current concepts in tumor therapy and tumor biology is needed. This review aims to present current problems of cancer therapy by highlighting exemplary results from recent clinical trials with colorectal and pancreatic cancer patients and to discuss the current understanding of the underlying reasons.
Psychosocial correlates of eating behavior in children and adolescents: a review
Authors: McClain Arianna D , Chappuis Courtney , Nguyen-Rodriguez Selena T , Yaroch Amy L , Spruijt-Metz Donna
Published: August 2009

Background

Understanding the correlates of dietary intake is necessary in order to effectively promote healthy dietary behavior among children and adolescents. A literature review was conducted on the correlates of the following categories of dietary intake in children and adolescents: Fruit, Juice and Vegetable Consumption, Fat in Diet, Total Energy Intake, Sugar Snacking, Sweetened Beverage Consumption, Dietary Fiber, Other Healthy Dietary Consumption, and Other Less Healthy Dietary Consumption in children and adolescents.

Methods

Cross-sectional and prospective studies were identified from PubMed, PsycINFO and PsycArticles by using a combination of search terms. Quantitative research examining determinants of dietary intake among children and adolescents aged 3–18 years were included. The selection and review process yielded information on country, study design, population, instrument used for measuring intake, and quality of research study.

Results

Seventy-seven articles were included. Many potential correlates have been studied among children and adolescents. However, for many hypothesized correlates substantial evidence is lacking due to a dearth of research. The correlates best supported by the literature are: perceived modeling, dietary intentions, norms, liking and preferences. Perceived modeling and dietary intentions have the most consistent and positive associations with eating behavior. Norms, liking, and preferences were also consistently and positively related to eating behavior in children and adolescents. Availability, knowledge, outcome expectations, self-efficacy and social support did not show consistent relationships across dietary outcomes.

Conclusion

This review examined the correlates of various dietary intake; Fruit, Juice and Vegetable Consumption, Fat in Diet, Total Energy Intake, Sugar Snacking, Sweetened Beverage Consumption, Dietary Fiber, Other Healthy Dietary Consumption, and Other Less Healthy Dietary Consumption in cross-sectional and prospective studies for children and adolescents. The correlates most consistently supported by evidence were perceived modeling, dietary intentions, norms, liking and preferences. More prospective studies on the psychosocial determinants of eating behavior using broader theoretical perspectives should be examined in future research.