bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Toxic and Abortifacient Effects of Ponderosa Pine
Authors: Stegelmeier B. L. , Gardner D. R. , James L. F. , Panter K. E. , Molyneux R. J.
Published: January 2010

Ponderosa pine needles cause abortion and a poorly described toxicosis when eaten by cattle. In previous trials, the abortifacient compound of pine needles was identified as isocupressic acid. At abortifacient doses, isocupressic acid caused no other toxicosis. However, other pine needle fractions, similar in composition to several commercially available rosin products, caused no abortion but were very toxic. The purpose of this study was to describe the toxicoses of ponderosa pine, compare its toxicity with other rosin and related pine products, and identify the toxin. Four groups of three pregnant beef cows each were treated with either ponderosa pine tips, rosin gum, dehydroabietic acid, or ground alfalfa. The cows treated with pine tips aborted, had retained placentas with endometritis, and developed both renal and neurologic lesions. The cattle treated with rosin gum or dehydroabietic acid did not abort but developed similar signs and lesions of intoxication. Clinical signs of intoxication included anorexia, mild rumen acidosis, dyspnea, paresis progressing to paralysis, and death. Clinical biochemical results, suggestive of renal, hepatic, and muscular disease, included azotemia, hypercreatinemia, hyperphosphatemia, proteinuria, and marked elevations of various serum enzymes. Histologically, all poisoned animals had nephrosis, vacuolation of basal ganglia neuropil with patchy perivascular and myelinic edema, and skeletal myonecrosis. The alfalfa-treated controls were normal. These findings suggest that ponderosa pine needles and tips are both abortifacient and toxic. Because the lesions caused by pine tips, rosin gum, and dehydroabietic acid are similar, toxicosis is most likely due to the diterpene abietane acids, common in all three.
Characterization of Upper Respiratory Disease in Rats Following Neonatal Inoculation with a Rat-adapted Influenza Virus
Authors: Dye J. A. , Morgan K. T. , Neldon D. L. , Tepper J. S. , Burleson G. R. , Costa D. L.
Published: January 2010

Neonatal F344 rats were infected with a rat-adapted influenza virus (RAIV) to use as a potential model to study the combined effects of air pollutant exposure with early life respiratory viral infections. Initially, 6-day-old pups were intranasally inoculated with RAIV or medium alone, and nasal and lower respiratory tract (LRT) tissues were assessed histologically at 1, 3, 6, and 13 days postinoculation (DPI). Immunologic assessments included thymic lymphocyte quantification and anti-RAIV immunoglobulin production. Pups then received two inoculations (at 6 and 30 days of age), with histologic and immunologic assessment 6 and 13 days after the second inoculation and bronchoprovocation testing 5-8 weeks later. Following the single RAIV inoculation, IgM and IgG1 measurements increased at 6, 11, and 15 DPI, with IgG1 being greater at 11 and 15 DPI. Nasal lesions were evident as early as 1 DPI and primarily involved the anterior dorsal medial meatus and adjacent dorsal atrio- and nasoturbinates. Alterations included epithelial cell exfoliation and necrosis, mild erosions, suppurative and nonsuppurative inflammation, intraepithelial neutrophil accumulations, and intraluminal exudate. By 3 DPI, olfactory epithelial damage was multifocal or locally diffuse, with degeneration of sensory cells and variable inflammation. By 13 DPI, lesions were essentially repaired. Minimal changes were apparent in the LRT despite evidence of viral replication in the lungs 24 hours after inoculation (>3 log10 plaque-forming units/lung). Pups reinoculated with RAIV at 30 days of age did not develop significant histologic lesions, nor did they exhibit increased airway responsiveness when assessed as young adults. In spite of their immature immune status at the time of initial infection, 13 days after the second RAIV inoculation, IgG, increased substantially. Thus, neonatal RAIV infection resulted in acute nasal epithelial injury and inflammation, alterations that may allow subsequent evaluation of viral disease-air pollutant interactions.
Eosinophil Granulocytic Sarcoma in a New Zealand White Rabbit
Authors: Perkins S. E. , Murphy J. C. , Alroy J.
Published: January 2010

An 18-month-old New Zealand White rabbit developed a rapidly growing firm perianal mass. Within 2 months, the mass increased in size from 4.0 × 2.0 cm to 7.5 × 7.0 × 3.5 cm. Cut surfaces of the mass were white to yellow with foci of hemorrhage. Histopathologic examination revealed neoplastic granulocytes that invaded the dermis of the overlying skin, subcutaneous tissue, and the regional skeletal muscle. The tumor was comprised of myeloid cells with large eosinophilic cytoplasmic granules that had the histochemical and ultrastructural features of eosinophils. This is the first report of an eosinophil granulocytic sarcoma in lagomorphs.
Three Cases of Carcinoid in the Equine Nasal Cavity and Maxillary Sinuses: Histologic and Immunohistochemical Features
Authors: van Maanen C. , Klein W. R. , Dik K. J. , van den Ingh T. S. G. A. M.
Published: January 2010

Three cases of carcinoid tumor in horses are described. The tumors originated from the maxillary sinuses and the retrobulbar region and caused exophthalmos. Histologically, they had a characteristic endocrine pattern and were argyrophilic with the Grimelius stain. All tumors contained reactivity for neuron-specific enolase and synaptophysin. Two of three tumors were reactive for both bovine and porcine chromogranin A. These immunohistochemical results confirm the neuroendocrine nature of these tumors. Neuroendocrine cells could not be detected in the nasal mucosa and maxillary sinuses of a normal horse; therefore, the origin of these carcinoid tumors remains obscure.
Myeloencephalitis Associated with a viridans group Streptococcus in a Colony of Japanese Macaques (Macaca fuscata)
Authors: Lair S. , Chapais B. , Higgins R. , Mirkovic R. , Martineau D.
Published: January 2010

Five weaned immature Japanese macaques ( Macaca fuscata), bred in captivity, showed nervous signs over a 12-month period. Hemorrhagic cerebral infarcts with vasculitis were detected in four necropsied animals. The distribution and nature of the lesions were consistent with bacterial embolism, and a Streptococcus isolate, biochemically similar to S. salivarius, was recovered from the cerebral lesions from three of the four necropsied macaques. Treatment with antibacterial agents (enrofloxacin) improved the clinical condition of the surviving affected animal. These observations strongly suggest that this Streptococcus spp., member of the viridans group, is responsible for this outbreak. Dental pulpitis, present in two of the four macaques, probably served as the entry for this bacterium.
Spleen Cell Population Changes and Hemolytic Anemia in F344 Rats with Large Granular Lymphocyte Leukemia
Authors: Stromberg P. C. , Kociba G. J. , Grants I. S. , Krakowka G. S. , Rinehart J. J. , Mezza L. E.
Published: January 2010

A spontaneous large granular lymphocyte leukemia from a F344 rat was transplanted to 36 syngeneic recipients to study the interactions among leukemia, T lymphocytes, and the development of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. Six rats were euthanatized at biweekly intervals, and spleen weight, total spleen cellularity, and differential spleen cell counts were correlated with hemograms and osmotic fragility. Sequential changes in splenic architecture were correlated with hematologic parameters. Monoclonal antibodies defining all T lymphocytes (W3/13), T helper-inducer cells (W3/25), and T suppressor cells (OX-8) were used to identify T cells in immunocytochemical techniques on spleen sections, as well as in fluorescence activated cell sorter analysis of spleen cell suspensions. The onset of hemolytic anemic at 7 weeks after transplantation coincided with the first detection of tumor cells in the spleen and peripheral blood. Tumor cells first accumulated in the marginal zones, and then they infiltrated the red pulp sinusoids. Although the leukemia caused dispersion of the splenic lymphoid tissue, there was no significant lymphopenia, and the relative number of helper (W3/25+) and suppressor (OX-8+) lymphocytes did not change. Because the induction of anemia was a relatively early event in splenic involvement, we concluded that anemia was unrelated to disruption of lymphoid architecture; furthermore, it does not appear to be caused by changes in the numbers of regulatory T lymphocytes.
Gender Work in a Feminized Profession
Authors: Irvine Leslie , Vermilya Jenny R.
Published: January 2010

Veterinary medicine has undergone dramatic, rapid feminization while in many ways remaining gendered masculine. With women constituting approximately half of its practitioners and nearly 80 percent of students, veterinary medicine is the most feminized of the comparable health professions. Nevertheless, the culture of veterinary medicine glorifies stereotypically masculine actions and attitudes. This article examines how women veterinarians understand the gender dynamics within the profession. Our analysis reveals that the discursive strategies available to women sustain and justify the status quo, and thus preserve hegemonic masculinity. Women use strategies previously used toward female tokens in nontraditional jobs, such as role encapsulation, and strategies previously used by male tokens in traditionally female jobs, such as distancing from the feminine. Through this discursive “gender work,” women help to maintain the institutionalized inequality and the masculine ethic of the profession. Veterinary medicine illustrates the importance of considering organizational context in studies of feminization.
Doing, Undoing, or Redoing Gender?
Authors: Connell Catherine
Published: January 2010

Drawing from the perspectives of transgender individuals, this article offers an empirical investigation of recent critiques of West and Zimmerman’s “doing gender” theory. This analysis uses 19 in-depth interviews with transpeople about their negotiation and management of gendered interactions at work to explore how their experiences potentially contribute to the doing, undoing, or redoing of gender in the workplace. I find that transpeople face unique challenges in making interactional sense of their sex, gender, and sex category and simultaneously engage in doing, undoing, and redoing gender in the process of managing these challenges. Consequently, I argue that their interactional gender accomplishments are not adequately captured under the rubric of “doing gender” and suggest instead that they be understood as “doing transgender.” This article outlines the process of and consequences of “doing transgender” and its potential implications for the experience of and transformation of gender inequality at work.
Social capital, research and development, and innovation: An empirical analysis of Spanish and Italian regions
Authors: Barrutia Jose M. , Echebarria Carmen
Published: January 2010

Innovation theories have identified and explained the antecedents of innovation outcomes. Theories have moved on from explaining innovation outcomes in terms of individual research and development (R&D) efforts to include social capital. Although conceptual support for the relevance of social capital as an antecedent of innovation outcomes seems persuasive, measurement and quantitative evidence are scarce. We contribute to filling this gap by empirically testing the role of social capital as a driver of the relationship between R&D expenditure and innovation outcomes in the context of the Spanish and Italian regions. As there is no consensus on how to measure social capital, we use two different approaches: a rational choice-driven approach and a sociologically driven approach. The results of both approaches are controversial, in that they are different, unclear and almost in opposition, but this should not be interpreted as an argument for abandoning all efforts to quantify the role of social capital.
Development in peripheral regions: Case studies in Sweden
Authors: Nuur Cali , Laestadius Staffan
Published: January 2010

The rapid growth of the global economy has created new conditions in peripheral regions in old industrialized nations. Having earlier relied on traditional industry as the source of employment, many peripheral regions are today struggling to survive in a completely changed economic landscape, with new conditions for development. The dismantling of trade barriers, the accessibility of new markets for production, and faster and cheaper modes of communication and transportation — the underpinnings of concepts such as globalization and new economy — have combined to change the conditions for development. Based on two case studies, this article analyses the industrial dynamics and the role of policy in the transformation of peripheral regions in advanced nations. Through analysing the development of two Swedish municipalities — once home to vibrant forest-based industrial activities — it is shown that there are certain policy limitations in fundamentally transforming the development paths of peripheral regions.
Redevelopment, San Diego Style: The Limits of Public—Private Partnerships
Authors: Erie Steven P. , Kogan Vladimir , MacKenzie Scott A.
Published: January 2010

Fiscally strapped local governments have increasingly turned to public—private partnerships (P3s) for redevelopment assistance, empowering private actors to exercise functions typically performed by the public sector. While P3s can enhance project funding and completion, they create the possibility of agency loss, that is, public means—tax dollars, public powers, and other resources—being diverted toward private purposes. Using a principal— agent approach, the authors examine an ambitious and widely heralded P3 in San Diego to build a downtown ballpark and encourage private investment in surrounding neighborhoods. The authors identify a set of political, institutional, and partnership conditions exacerbating agency loss and thwarting redevelopment’s public mission.
Not Neo-Marxist, Not Post-Marxist, Not Marxian, Not Autonomist Marxism: Reflections on a Revolutionary (Marxist) Critical Pedagogy
Authors: McLaren Peter , Jaramillo Nathalia E.
Published: January 2010

For the past several decades, Marxism has had a checkered lineage in the field of educational theory. Drawing on the work of Teresa Ebert, José Carlos Mariátegui, and the Marxist humanist tradition, this article constructs a defense of Marxist theory as the centerpiece for a revitalized revolutionary critical pedagogy.
Oral History of McCreesh Place, Apartment Building for (Formerly) Homeless Men: Advancing the Warp and Balancing the Weave
Authors: Davis Christine S. , Delynko Kristi AnaMaria , Cook Jermayne
Published: January 2010

Colors of gold, blue, green, and brown—

Bold colors, timid colors, quiet colors, exotic colors— colors of the brave, and the weak.

Like

society’s discarded yarn, warp threads, tangled threads,

they spin and choke, beaten and wound, balanced and counterbalanced and framed by handouts and handsup,

until each voice clearly distinct and yet

clearly different

E-

merges to create a new voice.

A new voice.

A new story.

Our story.

The story of McCreesh Place.

Apartment building for (formerly) homeless men.
The Importance of Influenza Vaccination for Health Care Providers and Asthmatic Patients
Authors: Halaby Claudia , Cataletto Mary
Published: January 2010

Deaths from influenza total approximately 36000 per year in the United States, while hospitalizations exceed 200000 per annum. The number of complications, hospitalizations, and deaths related to influenza among asthmatic patients is disproportionately high. Vaccination against influenza is the most important way to prevent the infection, attenuate the illness, and combat the spread of the virus. Despite Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations, vaccination against influenza remains extremely low in the general population and in particular among asthmatic patients and health care providers. The emergence of a novel influenza A (H1N1) virus that maintains infectivity outside the traditional flu season and has rapidly spread worldwide may be an indication that the upcoming influenza season will be more challenging. In this article, the authors will review vaccination recommendations, common therapies against influenza, and the most important measures that can help limit the spread of the virus. They will also address motivations and barriers behind resistance to influenza vaccination.
A Focus on Asthma and Individual Health Plans
Authors: Zuniga Genny Carrillo , Kirk Sarah , Hernandez Thedora
Published: January 2010

A survey was conducted to assess asthma and the implementation of individual health plans for asthma (IHPA), also known as asthma action plans, in Texas schools. Most of the respondents (91.7%) were school nurses. Forty-four percent of respondents indicated that their school district maintained a written policy requiring implementation of IHPA for students with asthma, while 61.5% implemented IHPA for students with asthma. More than 93% of respondents from school districts with written policies indicated that IHPA were implemented for students with asthma. However, only 36.6% of respondents from school districts without written policies indicated that IHPA were implemented. More than 38% of respondents indicated that asthma education was not provided at their school. Texas schools should be encouraged to adopt written policies requiring implementation of IHPA for all students with asthma, and school nurses should be encouraged to implement asthma education in their schools.
Clearance of CMV viremia and survival after double umbilical cord blood transplantation in adults depends on reconstitution of thymopoiesis
Authors: Brown Julia A. , Stevenson Kristen , Kim Haesook T. , Cutler Corey , Ballen Karen , McDonough Sean , Reynolds Carol , Herrera Maria , Liney Deborah , Ho Vincent , Kao Grace , Armand Philippe , Koreth John , Alyea Edwin , McAfee Steve , Attar Eyal , Dey Bimalangshu , Spitzer Thomas , Soiffer Robert , Ritz Jerome , Antin Joseph H. , Boussiotis Vassiliki A.
Published: January 2010

Umbilical cord blood grafts are increasingly used as sources of hematopoietic stem cells in adults. Data regarding the outcome of this approach in adults are consistent with delayed and insufficient immune reconstitution resulting in high infection-related morbidity and mortality. Using cytomegalovirus (CMV)–specific immunity as a paradigm, we evaluated the status, mechanism, and clinical implications of immune reconstitution in adults with hematologic malignancies undergoing unrelated double unit cord blood transplantation. Our data indicate that CD8+ T cells capable of secreting interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in a CMV-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISpot) assay are detectable at 8 weeks after transplantation, before reconstitution of thymopoiesis, but fail to clear CMV viremia. Clearance of CMV viremia occurs later and depends on the recovery of CD4+CD45RA+ T cells, reconstitution of thymopoiesis, and attainment of T-cell receptor rearrangement excision circle (TREC) levels of 2000 or more copies/μg DNA. In addition, overall survival was significantly higher in patients who displayed thymic regeneration and attainment of TREC levels of 2000 or more copies/μg DNA (P = .005). These results indicate that reconstitution of thymopoiesis is critical for long-term clinical outcome in adult recipients of umbilical cord blood transplant. The trial was prospectively registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00133367).
Low physiologic oxygen tensions reduce proliferation and differentiation of human multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Holzwarth Christina , Vaegler Martin , Gieseke Friederike , Pfister Stefan M , Handgretinger Rupert , Kerst Gunter , Müller Ingo
Published: January 2010

Background

Human multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) can be isolated from various tissues including bone marrow. Here, MSC participate as bone lining cells in the formation of the hematopoietic stem cell niche. In this compartment, the oxygen tension is low and oxygen partial pressure is estimated to range from 1% to 7%. We analyzed the effect of low oxygen tensions on human MSC cultured with platelet-lysate supplemented media and assessed proliferation, morphology, chromosomal stability, immunophenotype and plasticity.

Results

After transferring MSC from atmospheric oxygen levels of 21% to 1%, HIF-1α expression was induced, indicating efficient oxygen reduction. Simultaneously, MSC exhibited a significantly different morphology with shorter extensions and broader cell bodies. MSC did not proliferate as rapidly as under 21% oxygen and accumulated in G1 phase. The immunophenotype, however, was unaffected. Hypoxic stress as well as free oxygen radicals may affect chromosomal stability. However, no chromosomal abnormalities in human MSC under either culture condition were detected using high-resolution matrix-based comparative genomic hybridization. Reduced oxygen tension severely impaired adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation of human MSC. Elevation of oxygen from 1% to 3% restored osteogenic differentiation.

Conclusion

Physiologic oxygen tension during in vitro culture of human MSC slows down cell cycle progression and differentiation. Under physiological conditions this may keep a proportion of MSC in a resting state. Further studies are needed to analyze these aspects of MSC in tissue regeneration.
Characterization of the astacin family of metalloproteases in C. elegans
Authors: Park Ja-On , Pan Jie , Möhrlen Frank , Schupp Marcus-Oliver , Johnsen Robert , Baillie David L , Zapf Richard , Moerman Donald G , Hutter Harald
Published: January 2010

Background

Astacins are a large family of zinc metalloproteases found in bacteria and animals. They have diverse roles ranging from digestion of food to processing of extracellular matrix components. The C. elegans genome contains an unusually large number of astacins, of which the majority have not been functionally characterized yet.

Results

We analyzed the expression pattern of previously uncharacterized members of the astacin family to try and obtain clues to potential functions. Prominent sites of expression for many members of this family are the hypodermis, the alimentary system and several specialized cells including sensory sheath and sockets cells, which are located at openings in the body wall. We isolated mutants affecting representative members of the various subfamilies. Mutants in nas-5, nas-21 and nas-39 (the BMP-1/Tolloid homologue) are viable and have no apparent phenotypic defects. Mutants in nas-6 and nas-6; nas-7 double mutants are slow growing and have defects in the grinder of the pharynx, a cuticular structure important for food processing.

Conclusions

Expression data and phenotypic characterization of selected family members suggest a diversity of functions for members of the astacin family in nematodes. In part this might be due to extracellular structures unique to nematodes.
Relationship between operon preference and functional properties of persistent genes in bacterial genomes
Authors: Bratlie Marit S , Johansen Jostein , Drabløs Finn
Published: January 2010

Background

Genes in bacteria may be organised into operons, leading to strict co-expression of the genes that participate in the same operon. However, comparisons between different bacterial genomes have shown that much of the operon structure is dynamic on an evolutionary time scale. This indicates that there are opposing effects influencing the tendency for operon formation, and these effects may be reflected in properties like evolutionary rate, complex formation, metabolic pathways and gene fusion.

Results

We have used multi-species protein-protein comparisons to generate a high-quality set of genes that are persistent in bacterial genomes (i.e. they have close to universal distribution). We have analysed these genes with respect to operon participation and important functional properties, including evolutionary rate and protein-protein interactions.

Conclusions

Genes for ribosomal proteins show a very slow rate of evolution. This is consistent with a strong tendency for the genes to participate in operons and for their proteins to be involved in essential and well defined complexes. Persistent genes for non-ribosomal proteins can be separated into two classes according to tendency to participate in operons. Those with a strong tendency for operon participation make proteins with fewer interaction partners that seem to participate in relatively static complexes and possibly linear pathways. Genes with a weak tendency for operon participation tend to produce proteins with more interaction partners, but possibly in more dynamic complexes and convergent pathways. Genes that are not regulated through operons are therefore more evolutionary constrained than the corresponding operon-associated genes and will on average evolve more slowly.
Heat-shock responsive genes identified and validated in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) liver, head kidney and skeletal muscle using genomic techniques
Authors: Hori Tiago S , Gamperl A Kurt , Afonso Luis OB , Johnson Stewart C , Hubert Sophie , Kimball Jennifer , Bowman Sharen , Rise Matthew L
Published: January 2010

Background

Daily and seasonal changes in temperature are challenges that fish within aquaculture settings cannot completely avoid, and are known to elicit complex organismal and cellular stress responses. We conducted a large-scale gene discovery and transcript expression study in order to better understand the genes that are potentially involved in the physiological and cellular aspects of stress caused by heat-shock. We used suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) cDNA library construction and characterization to identify transcripts that were dysregulated by heat-shock in liver, skeletal muscle and head kidney of Atlantic cod. These tissues were selected due to their roles in metabolic regulation, locomotion and growth, and immune function, respectively. Fish were exposed for 3 hours to an 8°C elevation in temperature, and then allowed to recover for 24 hours at the original temperature (i.e. 10°C). Tissue samples obtained before heat-shock (BHS), at the cessation of heat-shock (CS), and 3, 12, and 24 hours after the cessation of heat-shock (ACS), were used for reciprocal SSH library construction and quantitative reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) analysis of gene expression using samples from a group that was transferred but not heat-shocked (CT) as controls.

Results

We sequenced and characterized 4394 ESTs (1524 from liver, 1451 from head kidney and 1419 from skeletal muscle) from three "forward subtracted" libraries (enriched for genes up-regulated by heat-shock) and 1586 from the liver "reverse subtracted" library (enriched for genes down-regulated by heat-shock), for a total of 5980 ESTs. Several cDNAs encoding putative chaperones belonging to the heat-shock protein (HSP) family were found in these libraries, and "protein folding" was among the gene ontology (GO) terms with the highest proportion in the libraries. QPCR analysis of HSP90α and HSP70-1 (synonym: HSPA1A) mRNA expression showed significant up-regulation in all three tissues studied. These transcripts were more than 100-fold up-regulated in liver following heat-shock. We also identified HSP47, GRP78 and GRP94-like transcripts, which were significantly up-regulated in all 3 tissues studied. Toll-like receptor 22 (TLR22) transcript, found in the liver reverse SSH library, was shown by QPCR to be significantly down-regulated in the head kidney after heat-shock.

Conclusion

Chaperones are an important part of the cellular response to stress, and genes identified in this work may play important roles in resistance to thermal-stress. Moreover, the transcript for one key immune response gene (TLR22) was down-regulated by heat-shock, and this down-regulation may be a component of heat-induced immunosuppression.
The antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of methanolic extracts from Njavara rice bran
Authors: Rao Akiri SVC , Reddy Sareddy G , Babu Phanithi P , Reddy Attipalli R
Published: January 2010

Background

Free radical-induced oxidative stress is the root cause for many human diseases. Naturally occurring antioxidant supplements from plants are vital to counter the oxidative damage in cells. The main objective of the present study was to characterize the antioxidant and antiproliferative potential of rice bran extracted from an important Indian rice variety, Njavara and to compare the same with two commercially available basmati rice varieties: Vasumathi, Yamini and a non medicinal variety, Jyothi.

Methods

Methanolic extracts of rice bran from four varieties; Vasumathi, Yamini, Jyothi and Njavara were used to study their total phenolic and flavonoid contents, in vitro antioxidant activities including total antioxidant activity, scavenging of nitric oxide and 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, reducing power and cytotoxic activity in C6 glioma cells. Correlation coefficient and regression analysis were done by using Sigmastat version 3.1 and Stata statistical package respectively.

Results

Rice bran methanolic extract from Njavara showed the highest antioxidant and cell cytotoxic properties compared to the other three rice varieties. IC50 values for scavenging DPPH and nitric oxide were in the range of 30.85-87.72 μg/ml and 52.25-107.18 μg/ml respectively. Total antioxidant activity and reducing power were increased with increasing amounts of the extract. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were in the range of 3.2-12.4 mg gallic acid-equivalent (GAE)/g bran and 1.68-8.5 mg quercetin-equivalent (QEE)/g bran respectively. IC50 values of cytotoxic assay (MTT assay) were 17.53-57.78 μg/ml. Correlation coefficient and regression analysis of phenolic content with DPPH and NO scavenging, MTT (-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay, total antioxidant assay and reducing power showed a highly significant correlation coefficient values (96-99%) and regression values (91-98%).

Conclusion

The results of the present study show that the crude methanolic extract from Njavara rice bran contains significantly high polyphenolic compounds with superior antioxidant activity as evidenced by scavenging of free radicals including DPPH and NO. Njavara extracts also showed highest reducing power activity, anti-proliferative property in C6 glioma cells. In conclusion, it is conceivable that the Njavara rice variety could be exploited as one of the potential sources for plant - based pharmaceutical products.
Effect of exenatide on heart rate and blood pressure in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized pilot study
Authors: Gill Anne , Hoogwerf Byron J , Burger Jude , Bruce Simon , MacConell Leigh , Yan Ping , Braun Daniel , Giaconia Joseph , Malone James
Published: January 2010

Background

Cardiovascular effects of glucose-lowering agents are of increasing interest. Our aim was to assess the effects of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist exenatide on heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, subjects with T2DM on metformin and/or a thiazolidinedione were randomized to receive exenatide (5 μg for 4 weeks followed by 10 μg) or placebo BID for 12 weeks. Heart rate and BP were assessed with 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring. The primary measure was change from baseline in mean 24-hour HR.

Results

Fifty-four subjects (28 exenatide, 26 placebo) were randomized and comprised the intent-to-treat population. Baseline values (exenatide and placebo) were (mean ± SE) 74.4 ± 2.1 and 74.5 ± 1.9 beats/minute for HR, 126.4 ± 3.2 and 119.9 ± 2.8 mm Hg for systolic BP (SBP), and 75.2 ± 2.1 and 70.5 ± 2.0 mm Hg for diastolic BP (DBP). At 12 weeks, no significant change from baseline in 24-hour HR was observed with exenatide or placebo (LS mean ± SE, 2.1 ± 1.4 versus -0.7 ± 1.4 beats/minute, respectively; between treatments, p = 0.16). Exenatide therapy was associated with trends toward lower 24-hour, daytime, and nighttime SBP; changes in DBP were similar between groups. No changes in daytime or nighttime rate pressure product were observed. With exenatide, body weight decreased from baseline by -1.8 ± 0.4 kg (p < 0.0001; treatment difference -1.5 ± 0.6 kg, p < 0.05). The most frequently reported adverse event with exenatide was mild to moderate nausea.

Conclusions

Exenatide demonstrated no clinically meaningful effects on HR over 12 weeks of treatment in subjects with T2DM. The observed trends toward lower SBP with exenatide warrant future investigation.

Trial registration

NCT00516074
Boosting high-intensity focused ultrasound-induced anti-tumor immunity using a sparse-scan strategy that can more effectively promote dendritic cell maturation
Authors: Liu Fang , Hu Zhenlin , Qiu Lei , Hui Chun , Li Chao , Zhong Pei , Zhang Junping
Published: January 2010

Background

The conventional treatment protocol in high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy utilizes a dense-scan strategy to produce closely packed thermal lesions aiming at eradicating as much tumor mass as possible. However, this strategy is not most effective in terms of inducing a systemic anti-tumor immunity so that it cannot provide efficient micro-metastatic control and long-term tumor resistance. We have previously provided evidence that HIFU may enhance systemic anti-tumor immunity by in situ activation of dendritic cells (DCs) inside HIFU-treated tumor tissue. The present study was conducted to test the feasibility of a sparse-scan strategy to boost HIFU-induced anti-tumor immune response by more effectively promoting DC maturation.

Methods

An experimental HIFU system was set up to perform tumor ablation experiments in subcutaneous implanted MC-38 and B16 tumor with dense- or sparse-scan strategy to produce closely-packed or separated thermal lesions. DCs infiltration into HIFU-treated tumor tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. DCs maturation was evaluated by IL-12/IL-10 production and CD80/CD86 expression after co-culture with tumor cells treated with different HIFU. HIFU-induced anti-tumor immune response was evaluated by detecting growth-retarding effects on distant re-challenged tumor and tumor-specific IFN-γ-secreting cells in HIFU-treated mice.

Results

HIFU exposure raised temperature up to 80 degrees centigrade at beam focus within 4 s in experimental tumors and led to formation of a well-defined thermal lesion. The infiltrated DCs were recruited to the periphery of lesion, where the peak temperature was only 55 degrees centigrade during HIFU exposure. Tumor cells heated to 55 degrees centigrade in 4-s HIFU exposure were more effective to stimulate co-cultured DCs to mature. Sparse-scan HIFU, which can reserve 55 degrees-heated tumor cells surrounding the separated lesions, elicited an enhanced anti-tumor immune response than dense-scan HIFU, while their suppressive effects on the treated primary tumor were maintained at the same level. Flow cytometry analysis showed that sparse-scan HIFU was more effective than dense-scan HIFU in enhancing DC infiltration into tumor tissues and promoting their maturation in situ.

Conclusion

Optimizing scan strategy is a feasible way to boost HIFU-induced anti-tumor immunity by more effectively promoting DC maturation.
A prospective study of the effect of delivery type on neonatal weight gain pattern in exclusively breastfed neonates born in Shiraz, Iran
Authors: Saki Azadeh , Eshraghian Mohammad R , Mohammad Kazem , Foroushani Abbas Rahimi , Bordbar Mohammad R
Published: January 2010

Background

In this exploratory study, the contribution of delivery type to the weight gain pattern for full-term infants with exclusive breastfeeding in the first month of infancy was determined. In addition, breastfeeding success among cesarean section (C-section) delivery mothers based on their neonate's weight gain at the end of the first month of infancy was evaluated.

Methods

A cohort of 92 neonates born in Shiraz, from July 10 to August 10, 2007 was followed longitudinally. The data were collected during the first month postpartum at three occasions: 3 to 7 days postpartum, 10-21 days postpartum and 24-31 days postpartum.

Results

Among 92 mothers in this study, 35 (38%) were delivered by C-section. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) showed that delivery type (p < 0.01), receipt of advice about breastfeeding (p = 0.03) and neonate's age (p < 0.01) significantly affected weight gain. GEE estimated the values of the parameters under study and the testing contribution of each factor to weight gain, leading to the conclusion that gender, parities and maternal education did not contribute to weight gain. The neonate's weight gain pattern for C-section deliveries lies below that of normal vaginal deliveries until 25 days postpartum, when weight gain for C-section deliveries became higher than that for normal vaginal deliveries.

Conclusions

Type of delivery contributes strongly to the weight gain pattern in the first month of infancy. In spite of greater weight loss among C-section birth neonates in the first days of life, at the end of the first month neonates showed a similar weight gain. Consequently, mothers with C-section delivery can successfully exclusively breastfeed.
Comparative distribution of human and avian type sialic acid influenza receptors in the pig
Authors: Nelli Rahul K , Kuchipudi Suresh V , White Gavin A , Perez Belinda Baquero , Dunham Stephen P , Chang Kin-Chow
Published: January 2010

Background

A major determinant of influenza infection is the presence of virus receptors on susceptible host cells to which the viral haemagglutinin is able to bind. Avian viruses preferentially bind to sialic acid α2,3-galactose (SAα2,3-Gal) linked receptors, whereas human strains bind to sialic acid α2,6-galactose (SAα2,6-Gal) linked receptors. To date, there has been no detailed account published on the distribution of SA receptors in the pig, a model host that is susceptible to avian and human influenza subtypes, thus with potential for virus reassortment. We examined the relative expression and spatial distribution of SAα2,3-GalG(1-3)GalNAc and SAα2,6-Gal receptors in the major organs from normal post-weaned pigs by binding with lectins Maackia amurensis agglutinins (MAA II) and Sambucus nigra agglutinin (SNA) respectively.

Results

Both SAα2,3-Gal and SAα2,6-Gal receptors were extensively detected in the major porcine organs examined (trachea, lung, liver, kidney, spleen, heart, skeletal muscle, cerebrum, small intestine and colon). Furthermore, distribution of both SA receptors in the pig respiratory tract closely resembled the published data of the human tract. Similar expression patterns of SA receptors between pig and human in other major organs were found, with exception of the intestinal tract. Unlike the limited reports on the scarcity of influenza receptors in human intestines, we found increasing presence of SAα2,3-Gal and SAα2,6-Gal receptors from duodenum to colon in the pig.

Conclusions

The extensive presence of SAα2,3-Gal and SAα2,6-Gal receptors in the major organs examined suggests that each major organ may be permissive to influenza virus entry or infection. The high similarity of SA expression patterns between pig and human, in particular in the respiratory tract, suggests that pigs are not more likely to be potential hosts for virus reassortment than humans. Our finding of relative abundance of SA receptors in the pig intestines highlights a need for clarification on the presence of SA receptors in the human intestinal tract.
Molecular-based tumour subtypes of canine mammary carcinomas assessed by immunohistochemistry
Authors: Sassi Francesco , Benazzi Cinzia , Castellani Gastone , Sarli Giuseppe
Published: January 2010

Background

Human breast cancer is classified by gene expression profile into subtypes consisting of two hormone (oestrogen and/or progesterone) receptor-positive types (luminal-like A and luminal-like B) and three hormone receptor-negative types [human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-expressing, basal-like, and unclassified ("normal-like")]. Immunohistochemical surrogate panels are also proposed to potentially identify the molecular-based groups. The present study aimed to apply an immunohistochemical panel (anti-ER, -PR, -ERB-B2, -CK 5/6 and -CK14) in a series of canine malignant mammary tumours to verify the molecular-based classification, its correlation with invasion and grade, and its use as a prognostic aid in veterinary practice.

Results

Thirty-five tumours with luminal pattern (ER+ and PR+) were subgrouped into 13 A type and 22 B type, if ERB-B2 positive or negative. Most luminal-like A and basal-like tumours were grade 1 carcinomas, while the percentage of luminal B tumours was higher in grades 2 and 3 (Pearson Chi-square P = 0.009). No difference in the percentage of molecular subtypes was found between simple and complex/mixed carcinomas (Pearson Chi-square P = 0.47). No significant results were obtained by survival analysis, even if basal-like tumours had a more favourable prognosis than luminal-like lesions.

Conclusion

The panel of antibodies identified only three tumour groups (luminal-like A and B, and basal-like) in the dog. Even though canine mammary tumours may be a model of human breast cancer, the existence of the same carcinoma molecular subtypes in women awaits confirmation. Canine mammary carcinomas show high molecular heterogeneity, which would benefit from a classification based on molecular differences. Stage and grade showed independent associations with survival in the multivariate regression, while molecular subtype grouping and histological type did not show associations. This suggests that caution should be used when applying this classification to the dog, in which invasion and grade supply the most important prognostic information.
Comparison of T2 and FLAIR imaging for target delineation in high grade gliomas
Authors: Stall Bronwyn , Zach Leor , Ning Holly , Ondos John , Arora Barbara , Shankavaram Uma , Miller Robert W , Citrin Deborah , Camphausen Kevin
Published: January 2010

Background

FLAIR and T2 weighted MRIs are used based on institutional preference to delineate high grade gliomas and surrounding edema for radiation treatment planning. Although these sequences have inherent physical differences there is limited data on the clinical and dosimetric impact of using either or both sequences.

Methods

40 patients with high grade gliomas consecutively treated between 2002 and 2008 of which 32 had pretreatment MRIs with T1, T2 and FLAIR available for review were selected for this study. These MRIs were fused with the treatment planning CT. Normal structures, clinical tumor volume (CTV) and planning tumor volume (PTV) were then defined on the T2 and FLAIR sequences. A Venn diagram analysis was performed for each pair of tumor volumes as well as a fractional component analysis to assess the contribution of each sequence to the union volume. For each patient the tumor volumes were compared in terms of total volume in cubic centimeters as well as anatomic location using a discordance index. The overlap of the tumor volumes with critical structures was calculated as a measure of predicted toxicity. For patients with MRI documented failures, the tumor volumes obtained using the different sequences were compared with the recurrent gross tumor volume (rGTV).

Results

The FLAIR CTVs and PTVs were significantly larger than the T2 CTVs and PTVs (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0001 respectively). Based on the discordance index, the abnormality identified using the different sequences also differed in location. Fractional component analysis showed that the intersection of the tumor volumes as defined on both T2 and FLAIR defined the majority of the union volume contributing 63.6% to the CTV union and 82.1% to the PTV union. T2 alone uniquely identified 12.9% and 5.2% of the CTV and PTV unions respectively while FLAIR alone uniquely identified 25.7% and 12% of the CTV and PTV unions respectively. There was no difference in predicted toxicity to normal structures using T2 or FLAIR. At the time of analysis, 26 failures had occurred of which 19 patients had MRIs documenting the recurrence. The rGTV correlated best with the FLAIR CTV but the percentage overlap was not significantly different from that with T2. There was no statistical difference in the percentage overlap with the rGTV and the PTVs generated using either T2 or FLAIR.

Conclusions

Although both T2 and FLAIR MRI sequences are used to define high grade glial neoplasm and surrounding edema, our results show that the volumes generated using these techniques are different and not interchangeable. These differences have bearing on the use of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and highly conformal treatment as well as on future clinical trials where the bias of using one technique over the other may influence the study outcome.
Association of adipocyte genes with ASP expression: a microarray analysis of subcutaneous and omental adipose tissue in morbidly obese subjects
Authors: MacLaren Robin E , Cui Wei , Lu HuiLing , Simard Serge , Cianflone Katherine
Published: January 2010

Background

Prevalence of obesity is increasing to pandemic proportions. However, obese subjects differ in insulin resistance, adipokine production and co-morbidities. Based on fasting plasma analysis, obese subjects were grouped as Low Acylation Stimulating protein (ASP) and Triglyceride (TG) (LAT) vs High ASP and TG (HAT). Subcutaneous (SC) and omental (OM) adipose tissues (n = 21) were analysed by microarray, and biologic pathways in lipid metabolism and inflammation were specifically examined.

Methods

LAT and HAT groups were matched in age, obesity, insulin, and glucose, and had similar expression of insulin-related genes (InsR, IRS-1). ASP related genes tended to be increased in the HAT group and were correlated (factor B, adipsin, complement C3, p < 0.01 each). Differences between LAT and HAT group were almost exclusively in SC tissue, with little difference in OM tissue. Increased C5L2 (p < 0.01), an ASP receptor, in HAT suggests a compensatory ASP pathway, associated with increased TG storage.

Results

HAT adipose tissue demonstrated increased lipid related genes for storage (CD36, DGAT1, DGAT2, SCD1, FASN, and LPL), lipolysis (HSL, CES1, perilipin), fatty acid binding proteins (FABP1, FABP3) and adipocyte differentiation markers (CEBPα, CEBPβ, PPARγ). By contrast, oxidation related genes were decreased (AMPK, UCP1, CPT1, FABP7). HAT subjects had increased anti-inflammatory genes TGFB1, TIMP1, TIMP3, and TIMP4 while proinflammatory PIG7 and MMP2 were also significantly increased; all genes, p < 0.025.

Conclusion

Taken together, the profile of C5L2 receptor, ASP gene expression and metabolic factors in adipose tissue from morbidly obese HAT subjects suggests a compensatory response associated with the increased plasma ASP and TG.