bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treating Patients With Arthritis: The Impact of Individual, Couple, and Family Dynamics
Authors: Sperry Len
Published: June 2009

Arthritis is an increasingly common chronic medical condition that affects not only patients but their families. Because this condition has significant psychosocial impact, effective treatment requires an integration of psychosocial treatment—including individual, couples, and family counseling—with conventional medical treatment. Individual psychological dynamics as well as couple and family dynamics that influence the treatment process are described along with implications for family counseling. An illustrative case example is included.
Policy Aspects and Nursing Care of Families With Parents Who Are Sexual Minorities
Authors: Weber Scott
Published: June 2009

Families in which parents are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender are more diverse than they are similar. This article reviews current literature to identify fundamental issues facing families that include sexual minority parents and their children. The unique nursing needs of families with gay, lesbian, transgender, or bisexual parents are critically examined for direct relevance to family nursing practice. Nurses and other health care professionals can incorporate current knowledge of unique child developmental, parenting, and legal issues into their work with these families. Nursing assessment and policies that consider the unique needs of these families will be addressed.
Patterns of Parenting in Korean Mothers of Children With ADHD
Authors: Oh Won-Oak , Kendall Judy
Published: June 2009

The purpose of this study was to investigate patterns of parenting in Korean mothers of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and identify major threads that structured various patterns of parenting. Q-methodology, a technique for extracting subjective attitudes, was used for data collection and analysis. Participants were asked to sort statements on issues associated with parenting. Factor analysis was applied to identify patterns in the ranking of statements. Participants were 45 Korean mothers of children with ADHD. As a result, three patterns of parenting emerged: Praise—Fairness, Strict—Control, and Sensitive Response—Balanced. These patterns differed on two axes: external and internal control and positive and negative reinforcement. This study provides an opportunity to enhance our understanding of the parenting patterns of mothers of children with ADHD in Korea. The findings can function as a cornerstone for developing future models of parenting children with ADHD and parent—child interactions.
Ethnicity as a Moderator of Treatment Effects on Parent—Child Interaction for Children With ADHD
Authors: Jones Heather A. , Epstein Jeffery N. , Hinshaw Stephen P. , Owens Elizabeth B. , Chi Terry C. , Arnold L. Eugene , Hoza Betsy , Wells Karen C.
Published: June 2009

Objective: To examine ethnic differences in observed parenting and child behavior and the moderating effects of ethnicity on the relationship between treatment and parent and child behavior. Method: Observations of 508 children with ADHD (ages 7—9) and their caregivers, collected during the Multimodal Treatment Study of ADHD, were analyzed using univariate and mixed-model ANOVAs. Results: Although baseline parenting practices differed by ethnic group, ethnicity did not moderate the relationship between treatment and either parenting or child behavior. Conclusion: Consistent with data from normative samples, parents of children with ADHD differed by ethnicity in their utilization of certain parenting strategies. However, different ethnic groups did not differ on benefit received from treatments for ADHD, measured by parent and child behavior. Although ethnicity did not emerge as a moderator, ethnic minority family engagement in treatment may be increased by recognizing different parenting strategies and modifying interventions accordingly. (J. of Att. Dis. 2010; 13(6) 592-600)
Immunohistochemical Changes in the Mouse Striatum Induced by the Pyrethroid Insecticide Permethrin
Authors: Pittman Julian T. , Dodd Celia A. , Klein Bradley G.
Published: June 2009

Epidemiological studies have linked insecticide exposure and Parkinson's disease. In addition, some insecticides produce damage or physiological disruption within the dopaminergic nigrostriatal pathway of non-humans. This study employed immunohistochemical analysis in striatum of the C57BL/6 mouse to clarify tissue changes suggested by previous pharmacological studies of the pyrethroid insecticide permethrin. Dopamine transporter, tyrosine hydroxylase, and glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivities were examined in caudate-putamen to distinguish changes in amount of dopamine transporter immunoreactive protein from degeneration or other damage to dopaminergic neuropil. Weight-matched pairs of pesticide-treated and vehicle-control mice were dosed and sacrificed on the same days. Permethrin at 0.8, 1.5 and 3.0 mg/kg were the low doses and at 200 mg/kg the high dose. Brains from matched pairs of mice were processed on the same slides using the avidin-biotin technique. Four fields were morphometrically located in each of the serial sections of caudateputamen, digitally photographed, and immunopositive image pixels were counted and compared between members of matched pairs of permethrin-treated and vehicle-control mice. For low doses, only 3.0 mg/kg produced a significant decrease in dopamine transporter immunostaining. The high dose of permethrin did not produce a significant change in dopamine transporter or tyrosine hydroxylase immunostaining, but resulted in a significant increase in glial fibrillary acidic protein immunostaining. These data suggest that a low dose of permethrin can reduce the amount of dopamine transporter immunoreactive protein in the caudate-putamen. They also suggest that previously reported reductions in dopamine uptake of striatal synaptosomes of high-dose mice may be due to nondegenerative tissue damage within this region as opposed to reductions of dopamine transporter protein or death of nigrostriatal terminals. These data provide further evidence that insecticides can affect the primary neurodegenerative substrate of Parkinson's disease.
Toxicity of Excipients—A Food and Drug Administration Perspective
Authors: Osterberg Robert E. , See Norman A.
Published: June 2009

Excipients are essential components of drug products. They are also potential toxicants. Examples of known excipient-induced toxicities include renal failure and death from diethylene glycol, osmotic diarrhea caused byingested mannitol, hypersensitivity reactions from lanolin, and cardiotoxicity induced by propylene glycol. Proposals to test or market new drug products in the United States should adequately address the safety of the proposed exposure to the excipients in those products. The specific safety data that may be needed will vary depending upon the clinical situation, including such factors as the duration, level, and route of exposure, but may include acute, repeat-dose, reproductive, and genetic toxicity data, carcinogenicity data, and specialized toxicology information, such as sensitization or local irritation data. Many guidances exist to aid in the development of pharmaceuticals, including the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) documents and various Food and Drug Administration/Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (FDA/CDER) pharmacology and toxicology guidances. The FDA/CDER has recently adopted a new guidance for industry, “Nonclinical Studies for Development of Pharmaceutical Excipients,” which focuses on issues associated with development of safety databases that will support clinical use of excipients in drug products. The new guidance document is introduced and discussed in this article.
Parkinsonism due to Manganism in a Welder
Authors: Sadek Ahmed H. , Rauch Ronald , Schulz Paul E.
Published: June 2009

A 33-year-old right-handed male presented complaining of a 2-year history of progressive cognitive slowing, rigidity, tremors, slowing of movements, and gait instability leading to falls. On examination, he had a Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) score of 29, slowed saccadic eye pursuit, hypomimia, cogwheel rigidity, a 3- to 4-Hz tremor, and a “cock-walk” gait. His symptoms and signs were similar to idiopathic Parkinson's disease; however, he was young, inattention and forgetfulness occurred early in the course of the disorder, levodopa was unhelpful, and his gait was atypical. His work up for secondary causes of parkinsonism was negative, except for increased signal intensity on T1-weighted magnetic resonance image (MRI) in the bilateral basal ganglia. Typical etiologies for that finding were ruled-out, which led to further inquiries into the patient's lifestyle. He was a welder, and discussion with his employer revealed that he used a steel-manganese alloy, he often worked in a confined ship's hold, and he did not use a respiratory mask. Because manganese toxicity can produce increased T1-weighted signal intensities in the basal ganglia, the authors tested his serum and urine manganese, and both were elevated. This patient emphasizes the importance of a careful occupational history in persons presenting with atypical manifestations of a neurodegenerative disorder. It also lends support to the hypothesis that welding can produce enough exposure to manganese to produce neurologic impairment.
A Toxicity Profile of Osteoprotegerin in the Cynomolgus Monkey
Authors: Smith Brenda B. , Cosenza Mary Ellen , Mancini Audrey , Dunstan Colin , Gregson Richard , Martin Steven W. , Smith Susan Y. , Davis Harold
Published: June 2009

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a novel secreted glycoprotein of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily that acts as an antiresorptive agent inhibiting osteoclast maturation. OPG acts by competitively inhibiting the association of the OPG ligand with the RANK receptor on osteoclasts and osteoclast precursors. This inhibition of osteoclasts can lead to excess accumulation of newly synthesized bone and cartilage in vivo. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential toxicity of a human recombinant form of OPG in the young cynomolgus monkey. OPG was administered by intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC) injection three times per week for either 4 or 13 weeks. There were no deaths during the study, no clinical signs related to treatment, no effect on body weight, appetence, or ophthalmology. No toxicologically relevant changes in routine laboratory investigations, organ weights, or gross or histopathological findings were observed. Serum ionized calcium and phosphorus were decreased at all dose levels. Evaluations were performed to monitor biochemical markers of bone resorption ( N-telopeptide [NTx], deoxypyridinoline [DPD]), bone formation (skeletal alkaline phosphatase [s ALP], osteocalcin [OC]), parathyroid hormone [PTH], and bone density of the proximal tibia and distal radius in vivo. Dose-related decreases in NTx and/or DPD were observed at each dose level, with up to a 90% decrease in NTx noted for animals treated IV or SC at 15 mg/kg. Similar decreases were observed for s ALP and OC. PTH was increased for animals treated at 5 and 15 mg/kg (IV or SC). Trabecular bone density was increased for the majority of males and females treated IV or SC at 15 mg/kg and males treated IV at 5 mg/kg. Microscopic examination of the sternebrae revealed corresponding increases in bone. Decreases in markers of bone turnover, and corresponding increases in bone density, were consistent with the pharmacological action of OPG as an osteoclast inhibitor. The no-observable-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of OPG was 15 mg/kg.
In Vitro Inhibition of Blood Cholinesterase Activities From Horse, Cow, and Rat by Tetrachlorvinphos
Authors: Karanth Subramanya , Pope Carey
Published: June 2009

The organophosphorus insecticide tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP) is commonly used as a feed-through larvicide in many livestock species, including cattle and horses. Cholinesterase (Ch E) activity in blood (generally plasma or whole blood) is often employed to assess organophosphorus insecticide intoxication in animals as well as humans. In many species, including horse and man, plasma contains predominantly butyrylcholinesterase whereas red blood cells in all species express exclusively acetylcholinesterase. To evalulate the comparative interaction of TCVP with blood Ch Es in different species, we compared the in vitro sensitivity of Ch E activity in plasma and erythrocytes from horse, cow, and rat. Horse plasma Ch E was most sensitive (IC50, 30 minutes, 30°C = 97 n M), whereas horse erythrocyte Ch E activity was least sensitive (IC50> 1 m M). In contrast, cow plasma Ch E showed lower sensitivity (IC50= 784 μM) to inhibition by TCVP than erythrocyte Ch E (IC50= 216 μM). Rat plasma and erythrocyte Ch E activities had relatively similar sensitivity to TCVP (IC50= 54 μM and 78 μM, respectively). The results suggest that plasma and erythrocyte Ch E from horse, cow, and rat show marked species- and blood fraction-dependent differences in sensitivity to TCVP. Knowledge of such differences in sensitivity of blood Ch E activities to TCVP may be important in the clinical interpretation of intoxication with this pesticide across species.
Parenting stress and psychological functioning among mothers of preschool children with autism and developmental delay
Authors: Estes Annette , Munson Jeffrey , Dawson Geraldine , Koehler Elizabeth , Zhou Xiao-Hua , Abbott Robert
Published: June 2009

Parents of children with developmental disabilities, particularly autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), are at risk for high levels of distress. The factors contributing to this are unclear. This study investigated how child characteristics influence maternal parenting stress and psychological distress. Participants consisted of mothers and developmental-age matched preschool-aged children with ASD ( N = 51) and developmental delay without autism (DD) ( N = 22). Evidence for higher levels of parenting stress and psychological distress was found in mothers in the ASD group compared to the DD group. Children's problem behavior was associated with increased parenting stress and psychological distress in mothers in the ASD and DD groups. This relationship was stronger in the DD group. Daily living skills were not related to parenting stress or psychological distress. Results suggest clinical services aiming to support parents should include a focus on reducing problem behaviors in children with developmental disabilities.
Death in Groups: Mortality Salience and the Interindividual-Intergroup Discontinuity Effect
Authors: McPherson Sterling , Joireman Jeff
Published: June 2009

Past research has shown that mortality salience (MS) increases aggression toward a worldview-threatening other. The present study evaluated whether MS would have a larger impact on aggression under group as opposed to individual interactions, and whether the tendency for groups to be more aggressive than individuals (i.e. interindividual-intergroup discontinuity effect) would be magnified under conditions of MS. Participants assigned to an individual or a three-person group condition wrote down thoughts about dental pain or mortality. Later, participants read a worldview-threatening essay from another individual or group at a rival university and subsequently allocated hot sauce for the others to consume. Results supported the primary hypotheses: those writing about death were more aggressive than those writing about dental pain; groups were more aggressive than individuals; those in the MS condition tended to show more aggression; and the discontinuity effect was more visible among those in the MS condition. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Understanding White Americans' Perceptions of Racism in Hurricane Katrina-Related Events
Authors: O'Brien Laurie T. , Blodorn Alison , Alsbrooks AnGelica , Dube Reesa , Adams Glenn , Nelson Jessica C.
Published: June 2009

The present research used a longitudinal design to examine perceptions of racism in Katrina-related events among a sample of White American college students returning to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. The results suggest that the meritocracy beliefs prevalent in White American culture led participants to conceptualize racism primarily in terms of individual racial prejudices rather than in terms of institutional practices that harm ethnic minorities. Furthermore, this individualistic conception of racism reduced the amount of racism that participants perceived in Katrina-related events. Finally, reduced perceptions of racism in Katrina-related events affected participants' feelings about their American identity—perceiving low levels of racism in Katrina-related events increased participants' private regard for Americans.
A Commitment Approach to Understanding Group Exit: When Will an Ex-Member Want to Rejoin a Former Group?
Authors: Ray Devin G. , Mackie Diane M.
Published: June 2009

A commitment framework based on Moreland and Levine's theory of socialization in groups (Levine & Moreland, 1994; Moreland & Levine, 1982, 2000) is applied to the previously neglected problem of group exit. Specifically, an ex-member's desire to rejoin a former group is predicted from two factors: (1) the ex-member's commitment to his or her former group; and (2) the ex-member's perception of his or her former group's commitment to him or her. This framework is tested using both recollections of real-life experiences and experimentally constructed groups. Results suggest that an ex-member's desire to rejoin a former group is determined most proximally by the ex-member's commitment to the former group, but that the ex-member's commitment can be affected by perceptions of the former group's commitment. These results suggest that Moreland and Levine's framework provides a viable theory-based starting point for more extensive study of group exit.
When is an offender not an offender?
Authors: Donohue Erin , Moore Dawn
Published: June 2009

Despite the torrent of the punitive state, people in conflict with the law are made up as `clients' of criminal justice. This article looks curiously upon the figure of the client, positioning her as a translation of the offender who flags particular relationships of justice. While the client is nowhere to be found on the public face of punishment, she emerges in the most unlikely of places (prisons, courts) when looking at punishment's inner workings. The client, we argue, is born of the elision of managerial and consumerist discourses in order to recruit people in conflict with the law and justice workers into contemporary penal project. The subject positions of criminal justice actors (offenders and workers) are reframed such that they are all active agents in the practice of social service delivery. These translations reveal the fluidity of identities and relationships within the criminal justice system and teach us about the political strategies underlying differing argots of punishment.
Things are tough all over
Authors: Kupchik Aaron
Published: June 2009

Across the USA, schools have dramatically altered how they respond to school crime in recent decades, with a growing police presence and increased levels of punishments. Based on a cultural reproduction approach to understanding how students are socialized within schools, one would expect that these increasingly law-and-order-centered shifts would be disproportionately focused in schools with mostly racial and ethnic minorities and low-income youth, relative to schools with mostly white middle-class youth. To address this issue, I consider data from observations and interviews at four high schools with varying student demographics in two states. I find that although there certainly are discrepancies between schools that a cultural reproduction approach would lead one to predict, there are also substantial similarities. Students at all four schools are exposed to punitive, rule-based policies, though the effects of these similar policies are unequally distributed. Practices that were once reserved primarily for schools hosting poor students and students of color are now implemented in mostly white middle-class schools as well.
Interhemispheric Competition After Stroke: Brain Stimulation to Enhance Recovery of Function of the Affected Hand
Authors: Nowak Dennis A. , Grefkes Christian , Ameli Mitra , Fink Gereon R.
Published: June 2009

Background and purpose. Within the concept of interhemispheric competition, technical modulation of the excitability of motor areas in the contralesional and ipsilesional hemisphere has been applied in an attempt to enhance recovery of hand function following stroke. This review critically summarizes the data supporting the use of novel electrophysiological concepts in the rehabilitation of hand function after stroke. Summary of review. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are powerful tools to inhibit or facilitate cortical excitability. Modulation of cortical excitability may instantaneously induce plastic changes within the cortical network of sensorimotor areas, thereby improving motor function of the affected hand after stroke. No significant adverse effects have been noted when applying brain stimulation in stroke patients. To date, however, the clinical effects are small to moderate and short lived. Future work should elucidate whether repetitive administration of rTMS or tDCS over several days and the combination of these techniques with behavioral training (ie, physiotherapy) could result in an enhanced effectiveness. Conclusion. Brain stimulation is a safe and promising tool to induce plastic changes in the cortical sensorimotor network to improve motor behavior after stroke. However, several methodological issues remain to be answered to further improve the effectiveness of these new approaches.
Comparison of Bilateral and Unilateral Training for Upper Extremity Hemiparesis in Stroke
Authors: Stoykov Mary Ellen , Lewis Gwyn N. , Corcos Daniel M.
Published: June 2009

Background. Upper extremity hemiparesis is the most common poststroke disability. Longitudinal studies have indicated that 30% to 66% of stroke survivors do not have full arm function 6 months poststroke. One promising treatment approach is bilateral training. To date, no randomized, blinded study of efficacy comparing 2 groups (bilateral training vs unilateral training) using analogous tasks has been performed in chronic stroke survivors with moderate upper extremity impairment. Objective. To compare the effectiveness of bilateral training with unilateral training for individuals with moderate upper limb hemiparesis. The authors hypothesized that bilateral training would be superior to unilateral training in the proximal extremity but not the distal one. Methods. Twenty-four subjects participated in a randomized, single-blind training study. Subjects in the bilateral group (n = 12) practiced bilateral symmetrical activities, whereas the unilateral group (n = 12) performed the same activity with the affected arm only. The activities consisted of reaching-based tasks that were both rhythmic and discrete. The Motor Assessment Scale (MAS), Motor Status Scale (MSS), and muscle strength were used as outcome measures. Assessments were administered at baseline and posttraining by a rater blinded to group assignment. Results. Both groups had significant improvements on the MSS and measures of strength. The bilateral group had significantly greater improvement on the Upper Arm Function scale (a subscale of the MAS-Upper Limb Items). Conclusion. Both bilateral and unilateral training are efficacious for moderately impaired chronic stroke survivors. Bilateral training may be more advantageous for proximal arm function.
A Comparison Between Electromyography-Driven Robot and Passive Motion Device on Wrist Rehabilitation for Chronic Stroke
Authors: Hu Xiao Ling , Tong Kai-yu , Song Rong , Zheng Xiu Juan , Leung Wallace W. F.
Published: June 2009

Background. The effect of using robots to improve motor recovery has received increased attention, even though the most effective protocol remains a topic of study. Objective . The objective was to compare the training effects of treatments on the wrist joint of subjects with chronic stroke with an interactive rehabilitation robot and a robot with continuous passive motion. Methods. This study was a single-blinded randomized controlled trial with a 3-month follow-up. Twenty-seven hemiplegic subjects with chronic stroke were randomly assigned to receive 20-session wrist training with a continuous electromyography (EMG)-driven robot (interactive group, n = 15) and a passive motion device (passive group, n = 12), completed within 7 consecutive weeks. Training effects were evaluated with clinical scores by pretraining and posttraining tests (Fugl-Meyer Assessment [FMA] and Modified Ashworth Score [MAS]) and with session-by-session EMG parameters (EMG activation level and co-contraction index). Results. Significant improvements in FMA scores (shoulder/elbow and wrist/hand) were found in the interactive group ( P < .05). Significant decreases in the MAS were observed in the wrist and elbow joints for the interactive group and in the wrist joint for the passive group ( P < .05). These MAS changes were associated with the decrease in EMG activation level of the flexor carpi radialis and the biceps brachii for the interactive group ( P < .05). The muscle coordination on wrist and elbow joints was improved in the interactive groups in the EMG co-contraction indexes across the training sessions ( P < .05). Conclusions. The interactive treatment improved muscle coordination and reduced spasticity after the training for both the wrist and elbow joints, which persisted for 3 months. The passive mode training mainly reduced the spasticity in the wrist flexor.
Grip Force Control in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Iyengar Veena , Santos Marcio J. , Ko Michael , Aruin Alexander S.
Published: June 2009

Background. Appropriate regulation of grip force is essential in performance of various activities of daily living such as drinking, eating, buttoning a shirt, and so on. The extent to which individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) are able to regulate grip forces while performing elements of the activities of daily living is largely unknown. Objective. To investigate how individuals with MS control grip force during performance of functional tasks. Methods. This study evaluated the grip force control in selected individuals with MS (n = 9) and healthy control subjects (n = 9) while they performed the task of lifting and placing an instrumented object on a shelf and the task of lifting the object and bringing it close to the mouth to mimic drinking. The grip forces, object acceleration, force ratio, and time lag were recorded and analyzed. Results. The individuals with MS used significantly larger peak grip force and force ratio than control subjects while performing both tasks and for both hands. In addition, the time lag between the peaks of grip and load forces was significantly longer in individuals with MS. Conclusion. The application of excessive grip force could predispose individuals with MS to additional fatigue and musculoskeletal overuse trauma. Rehabilitation protocols for the MS population may need to account for increased levels of grip force applied during the performance of functional tasks.
Control of allergic rhinitis and asthma test – a formal approach to the development of a measuring tool
Authors: Nogueira-Silva Luis , Martins Sonia V , Cruz-Correia Ricardo , Azevedo Luis F , Morais-Almeida Mario , Bugalho-Almeida António , Vaz Marianela , Costa-Pereira Altamiro , Fonseca Joao A
Published: June 2009

Background

The concurrent management of allergic rhinitis and asthma (ARA) has been recommended by Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines. However, a tool capable of assessing simultaneously the control of upper and lower airways diseases is lacking.

Aim

To describe the studies conducted to design the control of ARA test (CARAT) questionnaire.

Methods

We performed a literature review to generate a list of potentially important items for the assessment of control of ARA. A formal consensus development process, that used an innovative web-based application, was designed – 111 experts in ARA and 60 patients participated. At the final consensus meeting, 25 primary and secondary care physicians formulated the questions and response options. A qualitative feasibility study (n = 31 patients) was conducted to evaluate the comprehensibility of the questionnaire while testing two different designs.

Results

Thirty-four potentially important items were identified. All the steps of the consensus process were completed in 2.5 months. The opinions of experts and patients lead to the formulation of 17 questions. At the feasibility study the instructions and wording problems were corrected and a semi-tabular format was chosen.

Conclusion

A tool to measure the control of allergic rhinitis and asthma was developed using a comprehensive set of methodological steps ensuring the design quality and the face and content validity. Additional validation studies to assess the psychometric properties of the questionnaire have started.
Nuclear accumulation and activation of p53 in embryonic stem cells after DNA damage
Authors: Solozobova Valeriya , Rolletschek Alexandra , Blattner Christine
Published: June 2009

Background

P53 is a key tumor suppressor protein. In response to DNA damage, p53 accumulates to high levels in differentiated cells and activates target genes that initiate cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Since stem cells provide the proliferative cell pool within organisms, an efficient DNA damage response is crucial.

Results

In proliferating embryonic stem cells, p53 is localized predominantly in the cytoplasm. DNA damage-induced nuclear accumulation of p53 in embryonic stem cells activates transcription of the target genes mdm2, p21, puma and noxa. We observed bi-phasic kinetics for nuclear accumulation of p53 after ionizing radiation. During the first wave of nuclear accumulation, p53 levels were increased and the p53 target genes mdm2, p21 and puma were transcribed. Transcription of noxa correlated with the second wave of nuclear accumulation. Transcriptional activation of p53 target genes resulted in an increased amount of proteins with the exception of p21. While p21 transcripts were efficiently translated in 3T3 cells, we failed to see an increase in p21 protein levels after IR in embryonal stem cells.

Conclusion

In embryonic stem cells where (anti-proliferative) p53 activity is not necessary, or even unfavorable, p53 is retained in the cytoplasm and prevented from activating its target genes. However, if its activity is beneficial or required, p53 is allowed to accumulate in the nucleus and activates its target genes, even in embryonic stem cells.
The DEAD-box protein MEL-46 is required in the germ line of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Minasaki Ryuji , Puoti Alessandro , Streit Adrian
Published: June 2009

Background

In the hermaphrodite of the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans, the first germ cells differentiate as sperm. Later the germ line switches to the production of oocytes. This process requires the activity of a genetic regulatory network that includes among others thefem,fogandmoggenes. The function of some of these genes is germline specific while others also act in somatic tissues. DEAD box proteins have been shown to be involved in the control of gene expression at different steps such as transcription and pre-mRNA processing.

Results

We show that theCaenorhabditis elegansgenemel-46(maternaleffectlethal) encodes a DEAD box protein that is related to the mammalian DDX20/Gemin3/DP103 genes.mel-46is expressed throughout development and mutations inmel-46display defects at multiple developmental stages. Here we focus on the role ofmel-46in the hermaphrodite germ line.mel-46(yt5)mutant hermaphrodites are partially penetrant sterile and fully penetrant maternal effect lethal. The germ line of mutants shows variable defects in oogenesis. Further,mel-46(yt5)suppresses the complete feminization caused by mutations infog-2andfem-3, two genes that are at the top and the center, respectively, of the genetic germline sex determining cascade, but notfog-1that is at the bottom of this cascade.

Conclusion

TheC. elegansgenemel-46encodes a DEAD box protein that is required maternally for early embryogenesis and zygotically for postembryonic development. In the germ line, it is required for proper oogenesis. Although it interacts genetically with genes of the germline sex determination machinery its primary function appears to be in oocyte differentiation rather than sex determination.
Discovery and mapping of single feature polymorphisms in wheat using Affymetrix arrays
Authors: Bernardo Amy N , Bradbury Peter J , Ma Hongxiang , Hu Shengwa , Bowden Robert L , Buckler Edward S , Bai Guihua
Published: June 2009

Background

Wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) is a staple food crop worldwide. The wheat genome has not yet been sequenced due to its huge genome size (~17,000 Mb) and high levels of repetitive sequences; the whole genome sequence may not be expected in the near future. Available linkage maps have low marker density due to limitation in available markers; therefore new technologies that detect genome-wide polymorphisms are still needed to discover a large number of new markers for construction of high-resolution maps. A high-resolution map is a critical tool for gene isolation, molecular breeding and genomic research. Single feature polymorphism (SFP) is a new microarray-based type of marker that is detected by hybridization of DNA or cRNA to oligonucleotide probes. This study was conducted to explore the feasibility of using the Affymetrix GeneChip to discover and map SFPs in the large hexaploid wheat genome.

Results

Six wheat varieties of diverse origins (Ning 7840, Clark, Jagger, Encruzilhada, Chinese Spring, and Opata 85) were analyzed for significant probe by variety interactions and 396 probe sets with SFPs were identified. A subset of 164 unigenes was sequenced and 54% showed polymorphism within probes. Microarray analysis of 71 recombinant inbred lines from the cross Ning 7840/Clark identified 955 SFPs and 877 of them were mapped together with 269 simple sequence repeat markers. The SFPs were randomly distributed within a chromosome but were unevenly distributed among different genomes. The B genome had the most SFPs, and the D genome had the least. Map positions of a selected set of SFPs were validated by mapping single nucleotide polymorphism using SNaPshot and comparing with expressed sequence tags mapping data.

Conclusion

The Affymetrix array is a cost-effective platform for SFP discovery and SFP mapping in wheat. The new high-density map constructed in this study will be a useful tool for genetic and genomic research in wheat.
Improved long-term expression from helper virus-free HSV-1 vectors packaged using combinations of mutated HSV-1 proteins that include the UL13 protein kinase and specific components of the VP16 transcriptional complex
Authors: Liu Meng , Wang Xiaodan , Geller Alfred I
Published: June 2009

Background

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1) gene expression is thought to shut off recombinant gene expression from HSV-1 vectors; however, in a helper virus-free HSV-1 vector system, a number of promoters support only short-term expression. These results raise the paradox that recombinant gene expression remains short-term even in the absence of almost all (~99%) of the HSV-1 genome, HSV-1 genes, and HSV-1 gene expression. To resolve this paradox, we hypothesized that specific proteins in the HSV-1 virus particle shut off recombinant gene expression. In two earlier studies, we examined the effects on recombinant gene expression of packaging vectors using specific mutated HSV-1 proteins. We found that vectors packaged using mutated UL13 (a protein kinase), or VP16, or UL46 and/or UL47 (components of the VP16 transcriptional complex) supported improved long-term expression, and vectors packaged using mutated UL46 and/or UL47 also supported improved gene transfer (numbers of cells at 4 days). These results suggested the hypothesis that specific proteins in the HSV-1 particle act by multiple pathways to reduce recombinant gene expression. To test this hypothesis, we examined combinations of mutated proteins that included both UL13 and specific components of the VP16 transcriptional complex.

Results

A HSV-1 vector containing a neuronal-specific promoter was packaged using specific combinations of mutated proteins, and the resulting vector stocks were tested in the rat striatum. For supporting long-term expression, the preferred combination of mutated HSV-1 proteins was mutated UL13, UL46, and UL47. Vectors packaged using this combination of mutated proteins supported a higher efficiency of gene transfer and high levels expression for 3 months, the longest time examined.

Conclusion

Vector particles containing this combination of mutated HSV-1 proteins improve recombinant gene expression. Implications of these results for strategies to further improve long-term expression are discussed. Moreover, long-term expression will benefit specific gene therapy applications.
Gluten sensitivity enteropathy in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis
Authors: Shakeri Ramin , Zamani Farhad , Sotoudehmanesh Rasoul , Amiri Afsaneh , Mohamadnejad Mehdi , Davatchi Fereydoun , Karakani Ali Mohammadi , Malekzadeh Reza , Shahram Farhad
Published: June 2009

Background

Gluten sensitive enteropathy (GSE) is an autoimmune enteropathy triggered by the ingestion of gluten-containing grains in susceptible individuals. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) may be the sole manifestation of GSE. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of gluten sensitivity enteropathy (GSE) in a large group of patients with RAS and assess the efficacy of gluten free diet (GFD) on the improvement of aphthous lesions in those who were diagnosed with GSE.

Methods

Two hundred and forty seven patients with RAS were included. The patients had at least three aphthous attacks per year. Patients were screened by IgA anti-endomysial antibody (EMA), IgA anti tissue transglutaminase (TTG) and serum IgA level. Those with a positive serology underwent endoscopic biopsies of the duodenal mucosa and patients with negative serology were excluded. The diagnosis of GSE was based on a positive serological test and abnormal duodenal histology. For patients with GSE, gluten free diet was recommended.

Results

Six out of 247 RAS patients had positive TTG test alone, and one had positive EMA and TTG. All 7 patients with positive serologic tests underwent duodenal biopsies. Histological findings were compatible with GSE in all of them (Marsh I in four patients, Marsh II in two patients and Marsh IIIB in one another.). The mean age of GSE patients was 27.42 ± 10.56 (range, 13 to 40) years old. They were suffering from RAS for an average duration of 4.5 years. All of the 7 GSE patients had not responded to the routine anti-aphthae medications, including topical corticosteroids, tetracycline and colchicine. Four patients who adhered to a strict gluten-free diet showed noticeable improvement in their aphthous lesions over a period of 6 months.

Conclusion

A significant minority (e.g. 2.83%) of RAS patients have GSE. This could be compared with the 0.9% prevalence of GSE in the general population of Iran. This study suggests that evaluation for celiac disease is appropriate in patients with RAS. Additionally, the unresponsiveness to conventional anti-aphthae treatment could be an additional risk indicator.
Conjugative IncFI plasmids carrying CTX-M-15 among Escherichia coliESBL producing isolates at a University hospital in Germany
Authors: Mshana Stephen E , Imirzalioglu Can , Hossain Hamid , Hain Torsten , Domann Eugen , Chakraborty Trinad
Published: June 2009

Background

Multi-drug-resistant, extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae, constitute an emerging public-health concern. Little data on the molecular epidemiology of ESBL producing Escherichia coli is available in Germany. Here we describe the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of ESBL producing-Escherichia coli isolates at a German University hospital.

Methods

We analysed 63 non-duplicate clinical ESBL isolates obtained over an 8-month period using PCR and sequence-based ESBL allele typing, plasmid replicon typing, phylogenetic group typing. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) based genotyping and plasmid profiling was performed, as well as confirmatory DNA-based hybridization assays.

Results

Examination of the 63 Escherichia coli isolates revealed an almost equal distribution among the E. coli phylogenetic groups A, B1, B2 and D. High prevalence (36/63) of the CTX-M-15 gene was observed and an analysis of PFGE-based patterns revealed the presence of this CTX-M allele in multiple clones. Resistance to cefotaxime was a transferable trait and a commonly occurring 145.5 kb conjugative IncFI plasmid was detected in 65% of E. coli carrying the CTX-M-15 allele. The rate of transferable antibiotic resistances for GM, SXT, TET, GM-SXT-TET, SXT-TET and GM-TET was 33%, 61%, 61%, 27%, 44% and 11%, respectively. The remaining strains did not have a common IncFI plasmid but harboured transferable IncFI plasmids with sizes that ranged from 97 to 242.5 kb.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate the presence of IncFI plasmids within the prevailing E. coli population in a hospital setting and suggest that the dissemination of CTX-M-15 allele is associated to lateral transfer of these well-adapted, conjugative IncFI plasmids among various E. coli genotypes.
Modulation of macrophage cytokine profiles during solid tumor progression: susceptibility to Candida albicansinfection
Authors: Camargo Marcela R , Venturini James , Vilani-Moreno Fátima R , Arruda Maria Sueli P
Published: June 2009

Background

In order to attain a better understanding of the interactions between opportunist fungi and their hosts, we investigated the cytokine profile associated with the inflammatory response toCandida albicansinfection in mice with solid Ehrlich tumors of different degrees.

Methods

Groups of eight animals were inoculated intraperitoneally with 5 × 106C. albicans7, 14 or 21 days after tumor implantation. After 24 or 72 hours, the animals were euthanized and intraperitoneal lavage fluid was collected. Peritoneal macrophages were cultivated and the levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-12, IL-10 and IL-4 released into the supernatants were measured by ELISA. Kidney, liver and spleen samples were evaluated for fungal dissemination. Tumor-free animals and animals that had only been subjected toC. albicansinfection were used as control groups.

Results

Our results demonstrated that the mice produced more IFN-γ and TNF-α and less IL-10, and also exhibited fungal clearance, at the beginning of tumor evolution. With the tumor progression, this picture changed: IL-10 production increased and IFN-γ and TNF-α release decreased; furthermore, there was extensive fungal dissemination.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that solid tumors can affect the production of macrophage cytokines and, in consequence, affect host resistance to opportunistic infections.
A functional polymorphism in the SPINK5 gene is associated with asthma in a Chinese Han Population
Authors: Liu Qiji , Xia Yu , Zhang Wenjing , Li Jisheng , Wang Pin , Li Huaichen , Wei Chunhua , Gong Yaoqin
Published: June 2009

Background

Mutation in SPINK5 causes Netherton syndrome, a rare recessive skin disease that is accompanied by severe atopic manifestations including atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma, high serum IgE and hypereosinophilia. Recently, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the SPINK5 was shown to be significantly associated with atopy, atopic dermatitis, asthma, and total serum IgE. In order to determine the role of the SPINK5 in the development of asthma, a case-control study including 669 asthma patients and 711 healthy controls in Han Chinese was conducted.

Methods

Using PCR-RFLP assay, we genotyped one promoter SNP, -206G>A, and four nonsynonymous SNPs, 1103A>G (Asn368Ser), 1156G>A (Asp386Asn), 1258G>A (Glu420Lys), and 2475G>T (Glu825Asp). Also, we analyzed the functional significance of -206G>A using the luciferase reporter assay and electrophoresis mobility shift assay.

Results

we found that the G allele at SNP -206G>A was associated with increased asthma susceptibility in our study population (p = 0.002, odds ratio 1.34, 95% confidence interval 1.11–1.60). There was no significant association between any of four nonsynonymous SNPs and asthma. The A allele at -206G>A has a significantly higher transcriptional activity than the G allele. Electrophoresis mobility shift assay also showed a significantly higher binding efficiency of nuclear protein to the A allele compared with the G allele.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that the -206G>A polymorphism in the SPINK5 is associated with asthma susceptibility in a Chinese Han population.
Psychometric properties of a single-item scale to assess sleep quality among individuals with fibromyalgia
Authors: Cappelleri Joseph C , Bushmakin Andrew G , McDermott Anne M , Sadosky Alesia B , Petrie Charles D , Martin Susan
Published: June 2009

Background

Sleep disturbances are a common and bothersome symptom of fibromyalgia (FM). This study reports psychometric properties of a single-item scale to assess sleep quality among individuals with FM.

Methods

Analyses were based on data from two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of pregabalin (studies 1056 and 1077). In a daily diary, patients reported the quality of their sleep on a numeric rating scale ranging from 0 ("best possible sleep") to 10 ("worst possible sleep"). Test re-test reliability of the Sleep Quality Scale was evaluated by computing intraclass correlation coefficients. Pearson correlation coefficients were computed between baseline Sleep Quality scores and baseline pain diary and Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Sleep scores. Responsiveness to treatment was evaluated by standardized effect sizes computed as the difference between least squares mean changes in Sleep Quality scores in the pregabalin and placebo groups divided by the standard deviation of Sleep Quality scores across all patients at baseline.

Results

Studies 1056 and 1077 included 748 and 745 patients, respectively. Most patients were female (study 1056: 94.4%; study 1077: 94.5%) and white (study 1056: 90.2%; study 1077: 91.0%). Mean ages were 48.8 years (study 1056) and 50.1 years (study 1077). Test re-test reliability coefficients of the Sleep Quality Scale were 0.91 and 0.90 in the 1056 and 1077 studies, respectively. Pearson correlation coefficients between baseline Sleep Quality scores and baseline pain diary scores were 0.64 (p < 0.001) and 0.58 (p < 0.001) in the 1056 and 1077 studies, respectively. Correlations between the Sleep Quality Scale and the MOS Sleep subscales were statistically significant (p < 0.01), except for the MOS Snoring subscale. Across both studies, standardized effect sizes were generally moderate (0.46 to 0.52) for the 300 mg group and moderate (0.59) or moderate-to-large (0.70) for the 450 mg group. In study 1056, the effect size for the 600 mg group was moderate-to-large (0.73). In study 1077, the effect size for the 600 mg group was large (0.82).

Conclusion

These results provide evidence of the reproducibility, convergent validity, and responsiveness to treatment of the Sleep Quality Scale and provide a foundation for its further use and evaluation in FM patients.