bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defective organellar acidification as a cause of cystic fibrosis lung disease: reexamination of a recurring hypothesis
Authors: Haggie Peter M. , Verkman A. S.
Published: March 2009

The cellular mechanisms by which loss-of-function mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channel produce cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease remain uncertain. Defective organellar function has been proposed as an important determinant in the pathogenesis of CF lung disease. According to one hypothesis, reduced CFTR chloride conductance in organelles in CF impairs their acidification by preventing chloride entry into the organelle lumen, which is needed to balance the positive charge produced by proton entry. According to a different hypothesis, CFTR mutation hyperacidifies organelles by an indirect mechanism involving unregulated sodium efflux through epithelial sodium channels. There are reports of defective Golgi, endosomal and lysosomal acidification in CF epithelial cells, defective phagolysosomal acidification in CF alveolar macrophages, and organellar hyperacidification in CF respiratory epithelial cells. The common theme relating too high or low organellar pH to cellular dysfunction and CF pathogenesis is impaired functioning of organellar enzymes, such as those involved in ceramide metabolism and protein processing in epithelial cells and antimicrobial activity in alveolar macrophages. We review here the evidence for defective organellar acidification in CF. Significant technical and conceptual concerns are discussed regarding the validity of data showing too high/low organellar pH in CF cells, and rigorous measurements of organellar pH in CF cells are reviewed that fail to support defective organellar acidification in CF. Indeed, there is an expanding body of evidence supporting the involvement of non-CFTR chloride channels in organellar acidification. We conclude that biologically significant involvement of CFTR in organellar acidification is unlikely.
Mannheim Offsets of Ruled Surfaces
Authors: Orbay Keziban , Kasap Emin , Aydemir İsmail
Published: March 2009

In a recent works Liu and Wang (2008; 2007) study the Mannheim partner curves in the three dimensional space. In this paper, we extend the theory of the Mannheim curves to ruled surfaces and define two ruled surfaces which are offset in the sense of Mannheim. It is shown that, every developable ruled surface have a Mannheim offset if and only if an equation should be satisfied between the geodesic curvature and the arc‐length of spherical indicatrix of it. Moreover, we obtain that the Mannheim offset of developable ruled surface is constant distance from it. Finally, examples are also given.
New Delay‐Dependent Stability Criteria for Uncertain Neutral Systems with Mixed Time‐Varying Delays and Nonlinear Perturbations
Authors: Karimi Hamid Reza , Zapateiro Mauricio , Luo Ningsu
Published: March 2009

The problem of stability analysis for a class of neutral systems with mixed time‐varying neutral, discrete and distributed delays and nonlinear parameter perturbations is addressed. By introducing a novel Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional and combining the descriptor model transformation, the Leibniz‐Newton formula, some free‐weighting matrices, and a suitable change of variables, new sufficient conditions are established for the stability of the considered system, which are neutral‐delay‐dependent, discrete‐delay‐range‐dependent, and distributed‐delay‐dependent. The conditions are presented in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) and can be efficiently solved using convex programming techniques. Two numerical examples are given to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed method.
The Effect of Integration on Recall of Counterintuitive Stories
Authors: Harmon-Vukić  , Slone D. Jason
Published: March 2009

Research on the cognitive foundations of cultural transmission has recently demonstrated that concepts which minimally violate one domain-specific ontological category expectation, or "minimally counterintuitive" concepts (MCI), are better recalled, all else being equal, than "intuitive" concepts (INT), which do not violate domain-specific ontological expectations. In addition, memory for MCI concepts is better than memory for "maximally counterintuitive concepts" (MXCI), or concepts which violate more than one domain-specifi c ontological expectation. Thus, MCI items appear to enjoy a memory advantage, although these effects are heavily affected by context. The present experiment was designed to investigate the influence of integration on the MCI effect. Participants memorized a series of stories that were either intuitive (INT), minimally counterintuitive (MCI), or maximally counterintuitive (MXCI). In addition, the stories were either causally integrated or not. Cued recall results suggested that integration of a story is a significant factor influencing memory performance. We argue that these results are complimentary to the MCI hypothesis.
Mass Murder Goes to College
Authors: Fox James Alan , Savage Jenna
Published: March 2009

Notwithstanding the historical significance of the Columbine shooting, recent attention has shifted to college campuses following high-profile massacres at Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University. In this article, the authors compile and discuss the recommendations most often put forth by task force reports published in the wake of these episodes. Although some proposals can increase the security and well-being of the campus community, others may be inappropriate and even carry unacceptable negative consequences. The problem rests partly in the implicit assumption that effective strategies for secondary schools will seamlessly translate to a college environment. However, campus shootings are not just Columbine graduated to higher education, as differences in assailant motivation and setting warrant divergent strategies for prevention and response.
Cuban Social Policy
Authors: Domínguez María Isabel
Published: March 2009

The logic that has guided the development model of the Cuban Revolution since its inception has always prioritized social development. Significant achievements in education, health, and social security have not, however, necessarily been the result of comprehensive and systematic social planning, and therefore development in the social sphere has not progressed evenly. To strengthen what has been achieved, social policy in Cuba must become more holistic. Women and children have been the central focus of social policy from the beginning, but recent changes in Cuba's demographic structure are requiring policy attention to the needs of the elderly. New social programs introduced since 2000 are aimed at improving the quality of life for these three groups.
Opening Paths to Renewed Popular Participation
Authors: Evenson Debra
Published: March 2009

Recent events and initiatives advance the dynamic of collective participation in decision making in Cuba. The necessity of such advancement has been voiced in many sectors in Cuba for more than a decade. Over time, the multiple spaces created for broad-based participation in the 1960s turned into formalisms under the weight of centralization and hierarchical decision-making structures. Since the 1990s, programs have emerged in diverse sectors to facilitate and cultivate experiences of collective participation, and initiatives by the government, the party, the press, and organizations have stimulated activities in that direction. Given the multiple spaces that exist for broad public participation in Cuba, these programs have the potential for the development of an expansive culture of debate.
Acute effects of olanzapine on behavioural expression including the behavioural satiety sequence in female rats
Authors: Cooper GD , Goudie AJ , Halford JCG
Published: March 2009

Olanzapine is a novel antipsychotic drug known to induce clinically significant weight gain. Although the cause of such weight gain is not fully known, drug-induced changes in appetite and food intake are likely to play a significant role together with other possible mechanisms enhancing weight and/or adiposity. We assessed acute drug effects on 1 hour intake and behavioural expression in female rats. Low doses of olanzapine (0.5 and 1 mg/kg) enhanced acute mash intake. Marked drug effects were seen on a number of behaviours following olanzapine over a range of doses. These effects included dose-related reductions in activity and exploratory behaviours and associated substantial dose-related increases in resting behaviour. Behavioural data were also used to plot drug effects over time, including behavioural satiety sequence (BSS) profiles, to evaluate whether olanzapine’s hyperphagic effects might be a consequence of altered satiety development. BSS profiles reflected enhanced eating behaviour at low doses (0.5 and 1 mg/kg) but showed dose-related increases in resting, indicative of drug-induced sedation, which meant that it was impossible to fully discern olanzapine’s effects on satiety. Acute olanzapine induces both hyperphagia and sedation, both of which may promote weight gain and adiposity, but which interact competitively.
Abuse liability and safety of oral lisdexamfetamine dimesylate in individuals with a history of stimulant abuse
Authors: Jasinski DR , Krishnan S
Published: March 2009

Abstract

Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) is the first prodrug stimulant and is indicated for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. A single-centre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, 6-period crossover study evaluated the abuse potential of single oral doses of 50, 100 (equivalent to 40 mg d-amphetamine), and 150 mg LDX, 40 mg d-amphetamine and 200 mg diethylpropion in 36 individuals with a history of stimulant abuse. On the primary abuse liability measure, maximum change of the Drug Rating Questionnaire-Subject Liking Scale compared with placebo, d-amphetamine and diethylpropion showed significant differences of 4.5 and 4.0 units, respectively ( P < 0.001 for both vs placebo). LDX, administered at 50, 100 and 150 mg, showed nonsignificant differences of 2.0 and 2.1 units, respectively, at the two lower doses but a significant ( P < 0.001 vs placebo) difference of 6.1 units at the highest dose. Subjects significantly favoured d-amphetamine 40 mg versus LDX 100 mg (2.4 units difference; P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in liking scores between d-amphetamine 40 mg and LDX 150 mg. Drug Rating Questionnaire-Subject Feel-Drug-Effect score was significantly lower for 100 mg LDX than for 40 mg d-amphetamine. There were no statistically significant differences between LDX and diethylpropion hydrochloride, a Schedule IV amphetamine-like stimulant, on abuse-related liking scores. Cardiovascular responses of LDX and d-amphetamine were similar at equivalent doses. In conclusion, at an equivalent amount of amphetamine base taken orally, LDX 100 mg had attenuated responses on measures of abuse liability compared with immediate-release d-amphetamine 40 mg. Abuse-related liking scores of LDX at a dose corresponding to a 50% higher amphetamine base (LDX 150 mg) were similar to d-amphetamine 40 mg.
Success of Nonoperative Management of Adductor Longus Tendon Ruptures in National Football League Athletes
Authors: Schlegel Theodore F. , Bushnell Brandon D. , Godfrey Jenna , Boublik Martin
Published: March 2009

Background

Acute complete ruptures of the proximal adductor longus tendon are rare but challenging injuries to treat. The limited literature supports operative treatment, but data from management of chronic groin pain in athletes indicate that anatomical attachment of the tendon to the pubis may not be required for high-level function.

Hypothesis

Nonoperative management of complete adductor rupture can provide equal results to surgical repair in terms of return to play in the National Football League.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Using the National Football League Injury Surveillance System, adductor tendon ruptures documented by magnetic resonance imaging were identified in 19 National Football League players from 1992 to 2004. The team physician for each respective player completed a survey with information about history, physical examination, magnetic resonance imaging findings, treatment, and outcomes. Statistics were analyzed with a Student unpaired t test.

Results

Fourteen players were treated nonoperatively, and 5 players were treated with surgical repair using suture anchors. In both groups, all players eventually returned to play in the National Football League. Mean time for return to play was 6.1 ± 3.1 weeks (range, 3-12 weeks) for the nonoperative group and 12.0 ± 2.5 weeks (range, 10-16 weeks) for the operative group (P = .001). One player in the operative group suffered the complication of a draining wound and heterotopic ossification. Players represented a variety of positions, and 12 of 19 (63%) had experienced prior symptoms or events.

Conclusion

Nonoperative treatment of proximal adductor tendon rupture results in a statistically significantly faster return to play than does operative treatment in athletes competing in the National Football League and avoids the risks associated with surgery while providing an equal likelihood of return to play at the professional level.
Single-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Brophy Robert H. , Pearle Andrew D.
Published: March 2009

Background

Conventional endoscopic single-bundle transtibial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction from the posterolateral tibial footprint to the anteromedial femoral footprint results in a vertical graft. A more oblique horizontal graft from the anteromedial tibial footprint to the posterolateral femoral footprint may offer a better alternative for all endoscopic ACL reconstruction.

Hypothesis

When compared with a conventional ACL single-bundle position, the horizontal graft ACL position has more obliquity and so undergoes a greater change in length during anterior translation and internal rotation.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

A computer navigation system was used to acquire kinematic data during a flexion-extension cycle and outline the anteromedial and posterolateral aspects of the tibial and femoral footprints on 5 fresh-frozen cadaveric knees. Three virtual graft positions were defined: conventional (posterolateral tibia—anteromedial femur), central, and horizontal (anteromedial tibia— posterolateral femur). After transection of the ACL, the obliquity, anisometry, absolute length change, and apparent strain were computed for each graft position during the Lachman test, the anterior drawer test, and internal rotation at 0° and 30° of flexion.

Results

The horizontal position was more oblique than the other positions (P < .05). There were no differences in anisometry. The horizontal position elongated more than the other positions during the Lachman test (P < .05) and more than the conventional position during the anterior drawer test (P = .009). During internal rotation at 30° flexion, the horizontal position elongated more than the other positions (P < .05). The central and horizontal positions had more apparent strain than that of the vertical position during the Lachman test and internal rotation (P < .05); no significant difference was found during the anterior drawer test.

Conclusion

In ACL-deficient cadaveric knees, the horizontal graft position has greater obliquity and so undergoes greater elongation without increased apparent strain when compared to the central graft position, in response to anterior translation and internal rotation maneuvers.

Clinical Relevance

Horizontal graft placement of a single-bundle ACL may result in greater control of translation and rotation.
Risk-averse Regionalism
Authors: Provo John
Published: March 2009

Looking for lessons for an emerging progressive regionalism, this article examines a stymied effort by a leading case of new regionalism to forge a regional consensus on affordable housing. It highlights a risk-averse streak in Portland, Oregon's regionalism, emerging when the region moved beyond implementation of state mandates in affordable housing. Such issues, with implications for social and economic equity, clearly engender controversy. Progressive action in these areas may require support from higher levels of government and a greater acceptance of conflict as a part of politics and governance, neither of which was on display in the Portland case.
Consequences of Part-Time Work on the Academic and Psychosocial Adaptation of Adolescents
Authors: Dumont Michelle , Leclerc Danielle , McKinnon Suzie
Published: March 2009

Part-time work is becoming a common fact of life for high school students. Furthermore, its short and intermediate term impacts on the academic and psychosocial adaptation of students between the middle and end of high school are fairly unknown. To compensate for this lack of information, students in Grades 9 and 11 were consulted and asked to complete standardized questionnaires. Longitudinal results (Grades 9 and 11) reveal that the most favourable pathway for academic adaptation was associated to the students whose number of hours devoted to a part-time job while attending school decreased between the middle (Grade 9) and the end of high school (Grade 11). Moreover, the students who do not work as well as those who work a lot, experience costs and benefits on both academic and psychosocial levels. The conclusion discusses the importance of reinforcing every student's protective factors to better cope with the school—work tandem.
Gender Still Matters and Impacts on Public Value and Innovation and the Public Reform Process
Authors: Maddock Su
Published: March 2009

At present, in England there is little alignment between innovative work and government accountability frameworks. Innovation rarely catches on if it is driven from the top or through a system's approach to change; its flow depends on networking and active relationships, which take time, are less predictable yet provide a much stronger anchor for sustainable institutional reform. In earlier stages of reform the divide was between those leaders who are actively driving change and those were more passive in their leadership role. Most public sector executives are now actively concerned with `public value' and transforming their organizations rather than merely making them more efficient.
Addressing RTI/STI and HIV/AIDS, and Gender Discrimination in Treatment in India
Authors: Buragohain Tarujyoti
Published: March 2009

In this article an attempt is made to demonstrate the level of awareness of Reproductive Tract Infection (RTI)/Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and the extent of discrimination in treatment seeking behaviour among men and women who have got symptoms of RTI/STI in India. The awareness about RTI among women is higher than that among men by 8 percentage points, but the level of awareness about STI among men is higher than that among women by 7 percentage points. The awareness about HIV/AIDS among men is higher than that among women by 18 percentage points. Among both men and women awareness about HIV/AIDS is substantially higher than that of RTI and STI. The level of education and work participation rates among men and women have a direct relationship with the level of awareness of HIV/AIDS. In India, about 30 per cent of women of age 15–44 years had symptoms of RTI/STI as against 12.3 per cent of men of age 20–54 years. However, only about 38 per cent of the women sought treatment as against 55 per cent of men.
A Study on Health Awareness in Chars of Assam
Authors: Barua Pranab , Hazarika Jiten
Published: March 2009

This article studies the situation of health awareness among the inhabitants of Chars (river islands) of Nalbari, Borpeta and Jorhat districts of Assam. The health awareness is measured by health expenditure. The findings reveal that all the variables—caste-residence compound status, educational attainment, economic consideration of the family, family structure and primary occupation of the families have desirable impact on health awareness. In particular, the inhabitants of Char areas of Nalbari and Borpeta districts are seen to be least health aware. Thus on the basis of the findings of this study, it can be stated that in spite of launching several schemes for the upliftment of Chars (like forming Char area development authority, forming a separate state ministry for Char development, and so forth), the people living in these Chars are still far more backward than the people living in other parts of Assam.
Ventilation Parameters and Thermal Comfort of Naturally and Mechanically Ventilated Offices
Authors: Daghigh R. , Adam N.M. , Sahari B.B.
Published: March 2009

This paper discusses thermal comfort for a postgraduate study office room in the Mechanical Engineering Department of University Putra Malaysia (UPM), which maybe either naturally ventilated or air-conditioned. Thermal comfort variables were assessed by survey of sensation of the indoor climate. Tracer gas analysis, based on the concentration decay method, was employed to determine air exchange rate, age of air, and air exchange effectiveness (AEE). When the air conditioner was working the study office had conditions within the comfort zone of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 55; and the occupants reported they were ``slightly cool.'' Objective data analysis showed that the office was thermally comfortable. Under naturally ventilated conditions objective results showed that the office was uncomfortable but a subjective study revealed that students found the conditions to be ``slightly warm.'' The neutral temperature showed a wider thermal comfort range for Malaysian students than that suggested by ASHRAE Standard 55-1992, which indicates that Malaysians are acclimatized to higher environmental temperatures. However, the result is in line with the current version of ASHRAE Standard 55-2004 that includes an adaptive comfort standard that allows warmer indoor temperatures for warmer climate zones.

The results of a ventilation study indicated air flow patterns in the occupied zones, which approximated to ``perfect mixing'' under both ventilation conditions. The measured air exchange rate also indicated that the provision of outside air for ventilation was adequate when the room was mechanically ventilated (air-conditioned). Results of over 50 survey responses to thermal comfort questions in the study room at UPM are given.
People with intellectual disabilities as bloggers
Authors: McClimens Alex , Gordon Frances
Published: March 2009

The concept of social capital, the socially constructed category of intellectual disability and the social practice of blogging may appear initially to be unconnected. In this study we report on an attempt to link the three as we examine the consequences of giving a group of people with intellectual disability supported access to the Internet and specifically to that section of cyberspace known as the `blogosphere'. Using the Social Capital Question Bank as a framework, we interrogate the data in an attempt to discover whether the qualities associated with successful inclusion within society might be available via the blogging community. Along the way we touch on issues related to policy, daily life and who or what counts as a friend.
Use of an Acellular Flowable Dermal Replacement Scaffold on Lower Extremity Sinus Tract Wounds
Authors: Brigido Stephen A. , Schwartz Edward , McCarroll Raymond , Hardin-Young Janet
Published: March 2009

A novel injectable human dermal matrix has been developed for the treatment of complex diabetic sinus tract wounds. Bioengineered grafts are commercially available that have been somewhat effective in treating chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers; however, these bioengineered grafts are only available in sheet form. These therapies are less effective in treating complex or irregularly shaped wounds that demonstrate tunnels or extensions into deep soft tissue. One acellular graft (GRAFTJACKET, Matrix, Wright Medical Technology, Arlington, Tennessee) that has been shown to effectively treat open wounds is also available in a micronized form (GRAFTJACKET Xpress Scaffold, Wright Medical Technology). This human dermal graft forms a flowable soft tissue scaffold that can be delivered via syringe into tunneling wounds. In this retrospective series, 12 patients with deep tunneling wounds were treated with GRAFTJACKET Xpress Scaffold and followed for 12 weeks. Complete wound healing was achieved in 10 of 12 patients within the 12-week evaluation. The average time to complete healing was 8.5 weeks, whereas the average time to depth healing was 7.8 weeks. The data from the study suggest that this injectable human dermal matrix has unique properties that allow it to facilitate healing of complex tunneling diabetic foot ulcers. The material is easy to prepare and inject into the wound, thereby preventing the necessity of extensive surgical exposure. The matrix supports neo-subcutaneous tissue formation and allows the body to rapidly repair these wounds.
Toward a stem cell gene therapy for breast cancer
Authors: Li ZongYi , Liu Ying , Tuve Sebastian , Xun Ye , Fan Xiaolong , Min Liang , Feng Qinghua , Kiviat Nancy , Kiem Hans-Peter , Disis Mary Leonora , Lieber André
Published: March 2009

Current approaches for treatment of late-stage breast cancer rarely result in a long-term cure. In part this is due to tumor stroma that prevents access of systemically or intratumorally applied therapeutics. We propose a stem cell gene therapy approach for controlled tumor stroma degradation that uses the pathophysiologic process of recruitment of inflammatory cells into the tumor. This approach involves genetic modification of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and their subsequent transplantation into tumor-bearing mice. We show that inducible, intratumoral expression of relaxin (Rlx) either by transplanting tumor cells that contained the Rlx gene or by transplantation of mouse HSCs transduced with an Rlx-expressing lentivirus vector delays tumor growth in a mouse model of breast cancer. The antitumor effect of Rlx was mediated through degradation of tumor stroma, which provided increased access of infiltrating antitumor immune cells to their target tumor cells. Furthermore, we have shown in a human/mouse chimeric model that genetically modified HSCs expressing a transgene can access the tumor site. Our findings are relevant for cancer gene therapy and immunotherapy.
Comparative expression pathway analysis of human and canine mammary tumors
Authors: Uva Paolo , Aurisicchio Luigi , Watters James , Loboda Andrey , Kulkarni Amit , Castle John , Palombo Fabio , Viti Valentina , Mesiti Giuseppe , Zappulli Valentina , Marconato Laura , Abramo Francesca , Ciliberto Gennaro , Lahm Armin , La Monica Nicola , de Rinaldis Emanuele
Published: March 2009

Background

Spontaneous tumors in dog have been demonstrated to share many features with their human counterparts, including relevant molecular targets, histological appearance, genetics, biological behavior and response to conventional treatments. Mammary tumors in dog therefore provide an attractive alternative to more classical mouse models, such as transgenics or xenografts, where the tumour is artificially induced. To assess the extent to which dog tumors represent clinically significant human phenotypes, we performed the first genome-wide comparative analysis of transcriptional changes occurring in mammary tumors of the two species, with particular focus on the molecular pathways involved.

Results

We analyzed human and dog gene expression data derived from both tumor and normal mammary samples. By analyzing the expression levels of about ten thousand dog/human orthologous genes we observed a significant overlap of genes deregulated in the mammary tumor samples, as compared to their normal counterparts. Pathway analysis of gene expression data revealed a great degree of similarity in the perturbation of many cancer-related pathways, including the 'PI3K/AKT', 'KRAS', 'PTEN', 'WNT-beta catenin' and 'MAPK cascade'. Moreover, we show that the transcriptional relationships between different gene signatures observed in human breast cancer are largely maintained in the canine model, suggesting a close interspecies similarity in the network of cancer signalling circuitries.

Conclusion

Our data confirm and further strengthen the value of the canine mammary cancer model and open up new perspectives for the evaluation of novel cancer therapeutics and the development of prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers to be used in clinical studies.
Methanol poisoning and long term sequelae – a six years follow-up after a large methanol outbreak
Authors: Paasma Raido , Hovda Knut Erik , Jacobsen Dag
Published: March 2009

Background

Mass poisonings with methanol are rare but occur regularly both in developed and in developing countries. Data from the poisoning episodes are often published, but follow-up-data is scarce. We therefore conducted a six year follow-up study after the large methanol outbreak in Estonia in September 2001.

Methods

Surviving victims from the outbreak were contacted and invited to an interview and a clinical evaluation by an ophthalmologist and a physician. The patients that failed to respond were searched for in the Estonian Register of Population and through their General Practitioner.

Results

During the outbreak in 2001, 86/111 hospitalized patients survived: 66 without sequelae (Group I) and 20 with sequelae (Group II). Six years later, 26/86 were dead, 33/86 could not be tracked down, and so only 27/86 of these were followed up and examined: 22/66 of the patients in Group I, and 5/20 in Group II were found and examined. From Group I, 8/22 were identified with new neurological impairment and 8/22 with new visual disturbances after discharge. From Group II, visual disturbances (n = 4) and neurological impairment (n = 3) were still present in all patients. Among the 26 dead, 19 were from Group I, and seven were from Group II. Alcohol intoxication was the most frequent cause of death (7/26).

Conclusion

All sequelae were still present six years after the initial poisoning suggesting that these were irreversible damages. On follow-up, apparently new neurological and visual complications were identified in 36% and 36%, respectively. 35% of the patients initially discharged with sequelae and 29% discharged without were dead six years later; 27% of them from alcohol intoxication.
Avian influenza virus (H5N1); effects of physico-chemical factors on its survival
Authors: Shahid Muhammad Akbar , Abubakar Muhammad , Hameed Sajid , Hassan Shamsul
Published: March 2009

Present study was performed to determine the effects of physical and chemical agents on infective potential of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 (local strain) virus recently isolated in Pakistan during 2006 outbreak. H5N1 virus having titer 108.3 ELD50/ml was mixed with sterilized peptone water to get final dilution of 4HA units and then exposed to physical (temperature, pH and ultraviolet light) and chemical (formalin, phenol crystals, iodine crystals, CID 20, virkon®-S, zeptin 10%, KEPCIDE 300, KEPCIDE 400, lifebuoy, surf excel and caustic soda) agents. Harvested amnio-allantoic fluid (AAF) from embryonated chicken eggs inoculated with H5N1 treated virus (0.2 ml/egg) was subjected to haemagglutination (HA) and haemagglutination inhibition (HI) tests. H5N1 virus lost infectivity after 30 min at 56°C, after 1 day at 28°C but remained viable for more than 100 days at 4°C. Acidic pH (1, 3) and basic pH (11, 13) were virucidal after 6 h contact time; however virus retained infectivity at pH 5 (18 h), 7 and 9 (more than 24 h). UV light was proved ineffectual in inactivating virus completely even after 60 min. Soap (lifebuoy®), detergent (surf excel®) and alkali (caustic soda) destroyed infectivity after 5 min at 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3% dilution. All commercially available disinfectants inactivated virus at recommended concentrations. Results of present study would be helpful in implementing bio-security measures at farms/hatcheries levels in the wake of avian influenza virus (AIV) outbreak.
Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Impairs Neuropathic Pain through Pleiotropic Effects
Authors: Echeverry Stefania , Shi Xiang Qun , Haw Alexandra , Liu g , Zhang Zhongwei , Zhang Ji
Published: March 2009

Background

Understanding the underlying mechanisms of neuropathic pain caused by damage to the peripheral nervous system remains challenging and could lead to significantly improved therapies. Disturbance of homeostasis not only occurs at the site of injury but also extends to the spinal cord and brain involving various types of cells. Emerging data implicate neuroimmune interaction in the initiation and maintenance of chronic pain hypersensitivity.

Results

In this study, we sought to investigate the effects of TGF-β1, a potent anti-inflammatory cytokine, in alleviating nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain in rats. By using a well established neuropathic pain animal model (partial ligation of the sciatic nerve), we demonstrated that intrathecal infusion of recombinant TGF-β1 significantly attenuated nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain. TGF-β1 treatment not only prevents development of neuropathic pain following nerve injury, but also reverses previously established neuropathic pain conditions. The biological outcomes of TGF-β1 in this context are attributed to its pleiotropic effects. It inhibits peripheral nerve injury-induced spinal microgliosis, spinal microglial and astrocytic activation, and exhibits a powerful neuroprotective effect by preventing the induction of ATF3+ neurons following nerve ligation, consequently reducing the expression of chemokine MCP-1 in damaged neurons. TGF-β1 treatment also suppresses nerve injury-induced inflammatory response in the spinal cord, as revealed by a reduction in cytokine expression.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed that TGF-β1 is effective in the treatment of neuropathic by targeting both neurons and glial cells. We suggest that therapeutic agents such as TGF-β1 having multipotent effects on different types of cells could work in synergy to regain homeostasis in local spinal cord microenvironments, therefore contributing to attenuate neuropathic pain.
Non-linear myofilament elasticity in frog intact muscle fibres
Authors: Edman K. A. P.
Published: March 2009

The aim of the present investigation was to elucidate the elastic properties of the myofilaments during tetanic activity in striated muscle. The study was carried out on intact single muscle fibres from the anterior tibialis muscle of Rana temporaria (2.0–2.5°C). The instantaneous stiffness was measured as the change in force that occurred in response to a high-frequency (2–4 kHz) length oscillation while the fibre was released to shorten against a pre-set constant load that ranged between 40 and 70% of maximum tetanic force in different experiments. Measurements of fibre stiffness were carried out, at a given load, both at 2.20 μm sarcomere length (S2.20), i.e. at full overlap between the thick and thin filaments, and at 2.60 μm sarcomere length(S2.60). The fact that the load on the fibre was constant during the stiffness measurements at the two sarcomere lengths implies that the stiffness of elastic elements, acting in series with the myofilaments, was constant at the two sarcomere lengths. The fibre stiffness was consistently lower at the extended sarcomere length, the S2.60/S2.20 ratio ranging from 0.83 to 0.97 at the different loads investigated. Based on the S2.60/S2.20 ratio, the compliance of the free portions of the thick and thin filaments could be calculated. The myofilament stiffness was found to increase progressively as the load was raised from 40 to 70% of maximum tetanic force. At 2.20 μm sarcomere length and at 40% of maximum load on the fibre, the calculated myofilament stiffness was approximately 2.5 times the maximum cross-bridge stiffness.
Energetic costs of detoxification systems in herbivores feeding on chemically defended host plants: a correlational study in the grain aphid,Sitobion avenae
Authors: Castañeda Luis E. , Figueroa Christian C. , Fuentes-Contreras Eduardo , Niemeyer Hermann M. , Nespolo Roberto F.
Published: March 2009

Herbivorous insects have developed mechanisms to cope with plant barriers,including enzymatic systems to detoxify plant allelochemicals. Detoxification systems may be induced when insects are feeding on plants with increasing levels of allelochemicals. Increases in enzymatic activity have been related to energetic costs, and therefore less energy may be allocated to fitness-related traits. In this study, we explored the induction and energetic costs of detoxifying hydroxamic acids (Hx; a wheat allelochemical) in the grain aphid, Sitobion avenae. Aphids were reared on three wheat cultivars with different levels of Hx (0.26±0.08, 2.09±0.6 and 5.91±1.18 mmol kg–1 fresh mass). We performed a nested ANOVA to test the effect of Hx (main factor) and intrahost variation (nested factor) on body mass, standard metabolic rate (SMR) and the enzymatic activity of cytochrome P450s monooxygenases (P450s), glutathione S-transferases (GSTs)and esterases (ESTs). We found non-significant effects of Hx levels(P>0.5 for all tests), but there was significant intrahost variation (P<0.05 for all tests). In addition, we found a negative correlation between SMR and ESTs (P=0.003) and no correlation between SMR and GSTs or P450s (P=n.s after a Bonferroni correction). Multiple regression between SMR (dependent variable) and enzymatic activities(predictor variables) was significant (P=0.007), but detoxification enzymes only explained about 5% of the variation of SMR. Finally, we found a non-significant path coefficient between `metabolism' and `detoxifying capacity' (P>0.05). These results suggest that increased enzymatic activities do not entail increased metabolic rate. Therefore, low energetic costs in aphids would facilitate the use of different hosts and promote a wider ecological niche.
Quantitative analysis of sex-pheromone coding in the antennal lobe of the moth Agrotis ipsilon: a tool to study network plasticity
Authors: Jarriault David , Gadenne Christophe , Rospars Jean-Pierre , Anton Sylvia
Published: March 2009

To find a mating partner, moths rely on pheromone communication. Released in very low amounts, female sex pheromones are used by males to identify and localize females. Depending on the physiological state (i.e. age, reproductive state), the olfactory system of the males of the noctuid moth Agrotis ipsilon is `switched on or off'. To understand the neural basis of this behavioural plasticity, we performed a detailed characterization of the qualitative, quantitative and temporal aspects of pheromone coding in the primary centre of integration of pheromonal information, the macroglomerular complex (MGC) of the antennal lobe. MGC neurons were intracellularly recorded and stained in sexually mature virgin males. When stimulating antennae of males with the three main components of the female pheromone blend, most of the neurons showed a biphasic excitatory–inhibitory response. Although they showed different preferences, 80% of the neurons responded at least to the main pheromone component (Z-7-dodecenyl acetate). Six stained neurons responding to this component had their dendrites in the largest MGC glomerulus. Changes in the stimulus intensity and duration affected the excitatory phase but not the inhibitory phase properties. The stimulus intensity was shown to be encoded in the firing frequency, the number of spikes and the latency of the excitatory phase, whereas the stimulus duration only changed its duration. We conclude that the inhibitory input provided by local interneurons following the excitatory phase might not contribute directly to the encoding of stimulus characteristics. The data presented will serve as a basis for comparison with those of immature and mated males.
A multifactorial test of the effects of carotenoid access, food intake and parasite load on the production of ornamental feathers and bill coloration in American goldfinches
Authors: Hill Geoffrey E. , Hood Wendy R. , Huggins Kristal
Published: March 2009

It has been well established that carotenoid and melanin pigmentation are often condition-dependent traits in vertebrates. Expression of carotenoid coloration in birds has been shown to reflect pigment intake, food access and parasite load; however, the relative importance of and the potential interactions among these factors have not been previously considered. Moreover, carotenoid and melanin pigmentation have been proposed to signal fundamentally different aspects of individual condition but few data exist to test this idea. We simultaneously manipulated three environmental conditions under which American goldfinches (Cardeulis tristis) grew colorful feathers and developed carotenoid pigmentation of their bills. Male goldfinches were held with either high or low carotenoid supplementation,pulsed or continuous antimicrobial drug treatment, or restricted or unlimited access to food. Carotenoid supplementation had an overriding effect on yellow feather coloration. Males given more lutein and zeaxanthin grew yellow feathers with hue shifted toward orange and with higher yellow chroma than males supplemented with fewer carotenoids. Parasites and food access did not significantly affect yellow feather coloration, and there were only minor interaction effects for the three treatments. By contrast, bill coloration was significantly affected by all three treatments. Carotenoid supplementation had a significant effect on yellow chroma of bills, drug treatment and food access both had a significant effect on bill hue, and food access had a significant effect on the yellow brightness of bills. Neither the size nor blackness of the black caps of male goldfinches was affected by any treatment. These results indicate that pigment intake, food access and parasite load can have complex and variable effects on color displays, and that feather and bill coloration signal different aspects of male condition.
Endogenous signaling pathways and chemical communication between sperm and egg
Authors: Krug Patrick J. , Riffell Jeffrey A. , Zimmer Richard K.
Published: March 2009

Red abalone (Haliotis rufescens) sperm detect a waterborne chemical cue released by conspecific eggs, and change their swimming behavior to increase the likelihood of fertilization success. Previously, we isolated the natural sperm attractant by bioassay-guided fractionation and high-performance liquid chromatography, and chemically identified it as the free-amino acid l-tryptophan (l-Trp). In the present study, levels of this ecologically meaningful compound were quantified in various abalone tissues, and in freshly spawned eggs. Tryptophan was the least abundant of 19 dissolved free amino acids (DFAAs) in ovary, testis, foot muscle, gill, stomach and hemolymph. As a proportion of the DFAA pool,however, Trp concentrations were significantly elevated in eggs (three- to seven-times higher) relative to all other sampled tissues. Natural rates of Trp release from eggs also were measured and correlated with fertility. Fertilization success peaked during an initial 30 min period (post-spawn), but decreased to nil over the next 50 min. Closely paralleling these events, Trp accumulated in seawater around freshly spawned eggs for the first 45 min(post-spawn) before decaying rapidly from solution. Older eggs stopped releasing Trp approximately when they became infertile, revealing a critical link between gamete physiology and chemical signaling. This apparent negative feedback loop did not arise from tryptophan oxidation, uptake by bacteria in seawater, or a degrading enzyme released by eggs. As a metabolic precursor critical to development of the larval nervous system, Trp could be an honest indicator of egg fitness for prospective sperm suitors. Our results suggest that endogenous signaling pathways have been co-opted for external communication between gametes, as an adaptation to increase reproductive success by promoting sperm navigation towards fertile eggs.
Effect of stem preheating on the fatigue behaviour of bone cement around hip prostheses
Authors: Bialoblocka-Juszczyk E , Baleani M , Cristofolini L , Viceconti M
Published: March 2009

Tensile fatigue behaviour of bone cement specimens obtained from cement mantles moulded in vitro, simulating the surgical scenario, was investigated. The effect of stem preheating, before its insertion into the cement dough, on specimen fatigue life was studied. A commercial bone cement was selected for this study. Bone cement mixing was conducted in air, following the manufacturer's instructions, and injected simulating the clinical practice. Two conditions were considered: stem maintained at the surgical room temperature (23 °C), and stem preheated to 45 °C. Four repetitions of the whole procedure were performed for each condition obtaining a total of 32 specimens. All specimens underwent fatigue testing (stress ratio, 0; maximum tensile stress, 15 MPa) until failure. Both two-parameter and three-parameter Weibull distributions were initially used to analyse the fatigue life data set. However, the two-parameter distribution was chosen for both groups on the basis of the coefficient of determination used to test the goodness of fit. Stem preheating seems to have a negligible effect on fatigue behaviour of the studied bone cement in the low range of fatigue lives (up to 104). However, above this number of cycles, stem preheating seems to reduce the probability of failure. These findings are discussed in the text.
Halogen-bonded and Hydrogen-bonded Network Structures in Crystals of 1-Propyl- and 1-Butyl-4,5-dibromo-3-methylimidazolium Bromides
Authors: Mukai Tomohiro , Nishikawa Keiko
Published: March 2009

Bromine substitutions in the 4 and 5 positions of 1-propyl- and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium ions provide characteristic layer organizations in the crystals through halogen bonding and hydrogen bonding. The network structures strongly affect the alkyl-chain conformations.
Jennerian Vaccination and the Creation of a National Public Health Agenda in Japan, 1850–1900
Authors: Jannetta Ann
Published: March 2009

Vaccination played a leading role in transforming the social and political status of medicine in Japanese society in the second half of the nineteenth century. The process began well before the Meiji Restoration of 1868 created a centralized government under the Japanese emperor. At the beginning of the century, medicine was a private business. There was no oversight from an interested government, and there were no medical societies or journals in which to debate and formulate opinion about medical practice. Medical knowledge was transmitted privately through personal lineage structures whose members jealously guarded their medical techniques. For almost a half century before live vaccine could be imported, knowledge of vaccination was limited to a small group of Japanese physicians who could read Dutch. This special knowledge created a medical elite whose members managed the transmission of vaccination after the vaccine arrived, and dominated the new medical and public health bureaucracies created by the Meiji state. By the end of the century, a rigorous vaccination program was in place, smallpox mortality had fallen, and Japan's Western-oriented physicians were in control of a national public health bureaucracy that could monitor the vaccination status of individuals in households throughout Japan.